All white is not just for brides. I love white; pure, fresh, crisp, clean, cool. Always a colour that’s in style.
Josep-Maria Badia featured women in white recently on his inspirational, fashion blog and I was honoured to be included!
Do you wear all white? If so, I would like to post a collection of white outfits in June and feature women in white. Please leave a comment and I’ll be in touch.
Two simple Spanish words; words to greet, words to say when we part, an expression of enjoying life and being happy. What do they mean? Directly translated PURE LIFE but this phrase in Costa Rica has a much richer and profound meaning that is difficult to translate. There are many interpretations like; enjoy life, life is good, this is the life, take it easy.
It wasn’t till I came to Costa Rica that this term is so much more meaningful! The Costa Rican people are friendly, helpful and happy. Even with much poverty, I am amazed at their positive attitude! I’m sure warm weather and a beautiful country contributes to their pleasant disposition. I know I felt happy being there and I can’t help echoing – Pura vida!!!
Health and beauty go hand in hand. “Our health is our wealth” is an old adage my mother recited often.
My mother was a wonderful inspiration. She was an elegant woman, always fashionable, and meticulous with her appearance; every hair in place and never a run in her stockings. She wore little white gloves like Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
I learned much more than good manners and style from her. She taught me that beauty starts within—by being loving and compassionate, and caring for people, animals, and the world God made. What we eat is more important than what lotions and make-up we apply. Having a healthy heart and lungs is more important than clothes and shoes. She taught me to brush my teeth before putting on lipstick, in other words–grooming and cleanliness is essential to health.
This was her signature pose; slight angle, hand on hip, one foot in front of the other and looking to the side (instead of in the camera). Guess I got that pose from her because I use it a lot!
1958
We had several matching dresses that my mom had specially made for us. Unfortunately, I’m not sure any pictures exist. My mom had the same red velvet dress (as in the picture below) in a more elegant style with a lower neckline.
1960 – I was 8 years old
When I was a little girl, I always told my mom that she was the best mom I ever had! She would smile (knowing she was the ONLY mom I ever had). I continued to say that through the years, even till she passed away. This is my 12th Mother’s Day without my mom. I thank God for the blessing of having my loving mother and I treasure the memories!
What a joy it was to wear my mom’s DVF wrap dress for a day last November (it belongs to my daughter now) I remember my mom wearing this dress and she always looked so stylish.
Seattle – November 2012
My mom had the best hugs; never rushed and I could always feel the love!! A mother’s love is like no other!!
What words of wisdom did your mom teach you?
While visiting Costa Rica I got to see two gorgeous beaches (there are almost 300 beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica.
Tamarindo and Playa Avellanas have beautiful beaches with soft, pale gold sand, palm trees, and warm water to wade in (I don’t swim). There is plenty of wildlife; Howler monkeys, tropical birds and iguanas (I fed them papaya and even saw one crossing the street!).
This beach babe is NOT dinner!! Lola the surfin’ pig, loves to get in the water with the tourists or hang out with the guys! She was having an afternoon beauty nap when we arrived, but I heard she’s quite an attraction and lives a life of leisure! Every pig should be so happy!!
Pura Vida!!
I’m not a sun worshiper, in fact I walked along the beach of Tamarindo, Costa Rica with a parasol. The sun drains me in the heat of the day and I don’t want to bake in the sun. I prefer walking along the beach in the late afternoon and especially at sunset.
I bought my sundress in Canada but it was perfect for the beach and walking around town.
Relaxing in the shade drinking a papaya smoothie–just what the doctor ordered.
Sipping fresh coconut juice with a straw is refreshing and healthy! I had one every morning, freshly picked from a coconut tree. The variety of exotic fruits and tropical veggies makes Costa Rica a paradise for vegans!!
I love walking and taking in the sights. Chatting with locals and other tourists is interesting and enjoyable.
The stone spheres of Costa Rica have always intrigued me. They range from tiny stones you can hold in your hand to enormous rocks that weighing 15 tons!
Tamarindo has luxurious shopping areas and lovely things to buy. There are open air restaurants with live bands playing. I was amazed how much it has changed since the last time I was here.
PURA VIDA!!
The drive to Tamarindo (a tropical beach town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica) was fascinating! Scenery was spectacular and even though it’s about a four hour drive from San Jose, it was enjoyable. The roads are good (several tolls on the way) and we found a perfect spot to take a break.
Caldera has a lovely restaurant, situated at the exact place when travelers need a stretch and refreshments! We sat outside on the patio with a view of the Pacific Ocean, enjoying a delicious plate of fresh fruit; papaya, mango, bananas, oranges and pineapple.
I wore a tomato orange tank top with a white blouse (to keep the sun off) and my denim capris.
From the magnificent mountains in the distance, ocean within a stone’s throw, surrounded by lush plants and brilliant flowers, and six iguanas wandering around close-by; a splendid way to relax and enjoy a mid-afternoon lunch.
Wild iguanas basked in the sun. I fed them some papaya and they loved it as much as I did. They are vegans, too!!!
There’s just something so wondrous about seeing this beauty in 3D.
Pura vida!!
Costa Rica, that is!
Anyone who has ever traveled to Costa Rica knows what a beautiful country it is. From the majestic mountains, tropical rain forests, rolling hills and valleys to the beautiful beaches on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the views are breath-taking! Add the abundance of the variety of flora and fauna, and you have ingredients for Paradise!
Ready to board the plane in Toronto, I felt peachy in my new outfit.
Flying from Toronto to San Jose, we made one stop in San Salvador for a coffee break.
Being a pacifist, I like the fact that Costa Rica has not had an army since 1948. People are friendly, helpful and happy.
Have you ever been to Costa Rica?
