Refreshing and Infectious

“Pura vida!,” The most commonly used phrase in Costa Rica, literally means “Pure life,” but the saying goes beyond its simple translation: it symbolizes the idea of simply enjoying life and being happy.

As the Urban Dictionary states, it’s a synonym of “hakuna matata” and reflects the relaxed, blissfully simplistic lifestyle of Costa Ricans. Everything is organic and natural – even the personalities of the wait staff are warm, friendly and unassuming.

My husband and I recently went there on our honeymoon and were truly amazed by the country. From the lush vegetation and breathtaking volcano views to the easy-in, easy-out hospital care provided, we were incredibly happy with our vacation selection. But one thing that stood out the most was the people. They completely make you feel at ease by treating you as a new “amigo.” One hot springs bar even had an honors system for how many drinks you had – can you imagine that working in America? No way, Josué! (Name of our favorite waiter at our hotel.) =)

Our trip back to the states felt like an unexpected cold shower after a nice, soothing Jacuzzi. Our harsh jolt into reality started with snippety airline workers, pushy passengers and gum-chewing, eye-rolling coffee baristas who acted like it was pure torture to pour coffee. I could have let it get to me. I could have dreaded going back to work and returning to my bed with no origami animal towels or rose petal-filled pathways…but, I didn’t. Read more…

So, I didn't update for a while...stick a pin in it.

I haven’t updated my blog in months. And you know what? It feels amazing.

Heavy, dark dread used to seep through my veins when I missed a week or two of blog updates. The feeling was reminiscent of coming in past curfew and stepping on a creaky wooden staircase.

Now, I don’t feel the least bit dirty or guilty because I’ve learned to love my blog for who she is… Read more…

I am a sucker for themes. Even at UCF football games, my painted-black toenails receive an accessorized garnish of a delicate golden sword.

You don’t have to be a Ghostbuster to realize Halloween is my friend.

Some of my own favorite homemade costumes in the past have included:

-          Team America outfits (complete with the soundtrack blaring from car en route to party)

-           Dirty Martini drink with a olive hat that you could actually sip cocktails out of with a giant pixie stick straw (my best friend, the Cosmopolitan drink, had an equally cute outfit, complete with a cherry-on-top hat).

-          Rainbow Brite, with my old school colorful shoe-lace ribbon clip

-          I tried to pull of a cute Transformer costume last year, but didn’t have the time to prepare. Can’t win ‘em all, I guess.

Making creative, crowd-stopping costumes is an art; but thinking of them is a science.

I thought I’d put my creative costume brainstorming powers to good use and share some fun ideas for this year’s Halloween festivities. Consider this my good deed, since I am not giving away candy to Trick-or-Treaters this year. My motives are purely altruistic and have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I am sick of seeing the same “sexy [insert nursery rhyme character here]”’s flouncing about every single year. =) Read more…

They say to write what you know.

Well, I know about energy, passion, and brainstorming.

I also am one of the few people that recognized what they loved to do at an early age, with my first published literary masterpiece* printed in the 4^th grade.

*By masterpiece, I mean a compilation of my schoolwork that my teacher loved so much that she found a printer to sponsor a beautiful rendition of my compiled essays.

However, there is a double-edged sword in having a profession where you love what you do every single day. Read more…

Below, you will find a quick cheat-sheet of powerful events for you creative social butterflies in Orlando. Please make sure to let me know if I missed anything important!

Under 30 Rock Star Business Series (Webinar, but hosted by some of my favorite local rock stars, so I am including anyway!) http://ow.ly/nANO
Sept. 14 at 7 pm
As a young business person, entrepreneur or job seeker – the competition has never been more fierce. Unemployment is high, funding is tight and the market is ripe for change. We want to show you how to make that change in your own life by helping you create and establish a personal and professional brand!

Each week will have a different theme and instructor. Collectively this group has been using Social Media and Online Tools to create a huge network that includes: More than 25,000 engaged Twitter followers; a community with over 600 active members; TV Coverage on FOX News, ABC and the Daily Buzz; syndication on a nationally distributed Radio Show; magazine features in Smart Business Magazine, Read more…