There's no place like Chicago

It is certainly getting chillier out in the city and it’s time to switch the summer dresses for boots, scarves and blazers for the fall season.  That doesn’t mean you need to stay under a heated blanket and spend your weekends hibernating with movie marathons just yet.  There are plenty of great festivals and parks to venture out to during the fall season, so don’t allow yourself to be lame and complain about the weather—because it’s beautiful out!  

The cutest park I’ve seen in Chicago has got to be Oz Park located in Lincoln Park. Close to the Armitage Purple/Brown Line stop, The Scarecrow greets guests from the southwest corner. 

If he only had a brain!

Make a day out of packing a picnic and strolling in the park. Find Dorthy with her ruby red slippers. 

Yes, that's Toto's paw next to Dorthy!

I won’t ruin the entire experience providing photos of each of the characters—spend a fall afternoon visiting Oz Park yourself!

Costa Rica

As you all know, just weeks ago I was packing for my beach getaway to Costa Rica.  We stayed in the Northwestern part of the country in a province called “Guanacaste.”  We had the most amazing time imaginable!

Here are a few things that made a trip to Costa Rica more unique than your typical getaway:

  

      Black sandy beaches:  The sand is originated by volcanic lava as opposed to white sand which originates from coral.  The grain size and color of the sand vary, even on the same stretch of beach.  Lava, erupting onto a shallow sea floor or flowing into the sea from land, may cool so rapidly that it shatters into sand and rubble. The result is the production of huge amounts of fragmented volcanic debris.  Costa Rica has over 200 volcanic formations.

Black Sandy Beaches

          Fun heights and amazing jungle views:  The rainforest was stories high—you couldn’t even see the bottom of these tall lush trees.  We found fun ways to explore it!

It's the journey not the destination

Just hanging out!

Monkeying around :)

   Natural Mud Baths and Mineral Springs:  Who needs a spa date when nature becomes your health resort?  We spent a few minutes in a natural sauna, submerged ourselves in mud baths for exfoliation, and then took a dip in 3 different mineral pools to cleanse our pores.  We ended with a shower in a waterfall to cleanse.

Amazing Life Moment

  

      Craters:  Not many people can say they have hiked through a hot and steamy crater.  Some of the mud holes were close to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

As they say in Costa Rica, "Pura Vida"!

Training for my first 5K race!

My apologies for not adhering to my start-of-the-week post to lessen some of the Monday blues, but yesterday was Labor Day and I doubted there were blues in sight!  

One always feels more beautiful when they are healthy and physically fit.  I’m really not great at adhering to a regular gym routine—my workout preference includes hiking, biking, swimming, or any other sort of nature activity.  For the cold winter months, I prefer fun indoor classes like Zumba or Yoga. 

In order to push myself to stick to a workout, I’ve signed up for my first ever 5K on October 21!  I’m excited to participate in the Chicago Monster Dash and dress in a “toys” theme with a group of friends.  I’m now forced to stick to a running routine, so I’m not straggling behind during the race.  It is energizing me to not dare skip a workout.  It will be very exciting when I cross that finish line!  On top of the exercise, I’ve been hydrating more frequently and eating healthier, because it helps my runs.  

I found this routine that I’ve been trying to stick to, in order to train with ease:

Please send along any first 5k tips you may have!  Wish me luck!!

Packing for my beach getaway!

I'm sooo excited to be heading to Costa Rica later this week!!! The country has been on my bucket list for years ever since I was in grade school and learned about the tropical beaches, biodiversity, and gorgeous landscapes. 

Because the weather will be 90s at coolest all week (not that it's been that much cooler in Chicago lately), packing for a beach getaway should be easy and quite simple.  Here's what I'm throwing in my bag:

Passport & Travel Docs:  Most important of all and the most commonly forgotten item!

Swimsuits:  I intend to spend countless hours on the beach and by the pool.

Light sundresses:  Coolness and comfort are key to a beach wardrobe.

Sun Glasses: A super cheap pair that I won't have to worry about scratching or loosing down a volcano.

Skin Stuff:  Ultraviolet rays from the sun are much more intense as you move closer to the Equator.  I'm not leaving without plenty of sunscreen, aloe lotion and lip balm!

Flippy Floppies:  & sandals....because Life is Better in Flip Flops, plus one pair of sneakers for a day of a TBD adventure (hiking/zip-lining/off-roading!).  

 As they say in Costa Rica "Pura Vida."  One thing to know about the Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, is their free spirit and love for life. You will often hear the people greet or salute friends with the phrase "Pura Vida" which translates to Pure Life or "Pura Vida Mae", which translates to Pure Life Dude (usually said among friends or good acquaintances). 

I have a feeling I am going to love this country! Pura Vida readers!