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Costa Rica 2012!

This trip was a little different for me because I was not going with my family like in the years past, but I was going with Jimi's family. I didn't have to plan anything, I didn't have to worry about anything and I didn't have to keep track of anything. That was nice, all I had to do was relax and have fun and I am so appreciative for that!

We flew into Liberia, Costa Rica and about 3.5 hours later (customs, immigration, baggage claim, lost surf board, car rental, 1.5 hour drive) we arrived to a house on the beach stocked with food, beer and drinks. Talk about a dream house, you must check out these picture of Casa Ohana!!! The views were perfect, the pool was calling our names and the house was big enough for everyone to have their own little space in heaven. We were finally in Playa Negra, Guanacate, Costa Rica!

My Aunt Mary who manages the property and live in Costa Rica was there moments after we arrived and it was so good to see her and spend a whole week with her as Jimi's family welcomed her to all of our dinners and events which I am also very grateful for.

Throughout the trip we swam in the ocean almost everyday, did some surfing, did some walking on the beach, laid out by the pool, played in the pool, ate lots of good food, drank lots of good beer and rum drinks, napped (siestas!!!), read our books, watched the waves, had so many great conversations, went shopping, relaxed in some rocking chairs, stared out into the horizon, star gazed, received one hour messages, went zip lining, and went on a sunset sail and snorkel.

What a great trip. It was hard to come for me this time around more then others, but the trip was so amazing there is nothing really that could have ruined it for me.

Thank you to the Spoto's, the Kittinger's, and my Aunt Mary for an amazing trip!

If you are interested in visiting Costa Rica, check out my Aunt Mary's vacation rentals on the beach in Playa Negra, Guanacaste (an infamous surf break of Costa Rica) from Beach Grass Rentals.

Enjoy!

Father's Day!

For those of you who do not know my Dad...we are twins. We look a lot a like, just ask my Mom. You cannot really know our family without knowing my Dad, because he is the guy that completely embraced being the only boy (even our dogs are girls). He is always right in there with three giggly girls at the dinner table making sure the laughter doesn't stop. No way it could be any different. He is the perfect guy for the job.

I feel lucky to have some amazing kindred spirits. You will find these people are the ones closest to me: my immediate family, Jimi and a few amazing pets. My Dad is definitely one of those people.
For some reason it has always been extremely easy with my Dad. There is a connection that I only feel comes from being born from that mold of thought. Dad is great to talk to and I know I am so lucky to be his daughter and that I get to know such an amazing person that a lot of people will never get to see. There are so many perfect little moments with him that makes you think he just gets better with age. And I love that!

Here's to so many more perfect moments. Happy Father's Day to my Dad! Love you.

Fun Things for Costa Rica

I am in Costa Rica right now and here are some fun things I love to bring with me when coming here.

1. Bathing suits...it is so hot at this time of year there that all you want to do is be in the water. Whether it is the pool or the ocean, that is where you will find me.

2. 3 or 4 good books....this one I always underestimate. Last time I finished my book on the plane! So this time I am stocking up so I have plenty reading material. Thankfully vacations are good for knocking a few good books off of the reading list. Here are some of the books I brought with me:

3. Fun sandals. I have my faithful rainbows and a pair from Target that is a current style with a little brass flair.

4. My iPod loaded with plenty of favorite books on tape and newly uploaded music to enjoy on and off the plane.

5. Last, but not least, some great cover ups that I can wear at the beach or to the pool. Fun right colors are in right now so I am making sure that all my suits and coverups have those great colors in them. So very festive!

Costa Rica Lovin'

Its Friday! And tomorrow I will be in one of my favorite places...Costa Rica.

For me it is a mix of Mexico and Hawaii, two more of my favorite place! ;) It has the tropical, natural beauty that Hawaii has with the Central American culture and life you feel when in Mexico. This is a winning combination with one more thing added. This is something that only Costa Rica can provide, and that is PURA VIDA.

Pura Vida, or pure life, is the care free saying to mean "full of life," that is used as a greeting or as satisfaction. A good explanation is that we are only here on this earth for a short period of time, so spread some cheer and be happy. You can definitely feel this when you are down there, and if you have been there before you know what I am talking about. They have a very relaxed lifestyle there. Everyone is outside on their porches hanging out with family, you see it everywhere. If they are not at work that is what they are doing.

I am excited for the change of scenery and the to get away for longer than a weekend. As much as I love weekend trips. Will post pictures on my return!

Playa Negra, Costa Rica, 2009 (Photo credit: Maddie Dierkes)

More Fun Quotes!

I have found a few more quotes that speak to me and what I want my jewelry and design to reflect. I think this is important to research and find the ones that speak to you and your art/design/business as a whole. Quotes are great for inspiration, reflection and reminder.

The ones I am concentrating on today are more about wildest, mad dreams, rather than having mad ideas. Even though mad ideas are the basis for bigger dreams. This is about concurring the dreams that are larger than you, larger than life and the ones that you are almost afraid of going to find. These are the best kinds of dreams, because they challenge us and bring out the best in us. These are the kinds of dreams that make the world a better place. These are the kinds of dreams that let you stand out from the rest, that make you, you.

If you want them bad enough, you will make them happen! (Photo: Pinterest)

Mad Dreams (Photo: Pinterest)

Go find out! Follow your dreams. (Photo: Pinterest)

The pups of my life!

I am lucky to have a lot of dogs in my life! A had the fortunate job of house sitting for 6 and half years for a lot of my friends, and with that I made friends in their dogs. Even though I don't house sit anymore they are all characters that I am so happy to have met. From the happy-go-lucky Hunter (Golden Retriever), to the always protective and man of the house Adam (Rottweiler), to my very own intuitive Darla (Poodle/Terrier mix). These dogs changed my life forever.

Adam taught me that dog stereotypes, such as the whole "bully breed" stereotype, are ridiculous, and that no matter the breed, the owner is what makes the difference in a dog's behavior. He had some of the best owners a dog can have. Yes, Adam was protective, but in the sweetest way possible; sleeping on the ground next to the bed every night, standing strong next to you, teaching Ronnie (Mastiff mix) what he knows best, and being ever so patient with Rusty's (Maltese mix) energetic self.

Hunter taught me to stop and smell the flowers, literally! On walks we had to stop and smell every plant. :) He also taught me that dogs know who you are. He knew he was safe with me, even though I was not his Mom. He knew I would love him and care for him while she was gone. There was a loyalty and trust that came with that, that you do not get to see all the time with dogs that are not yours.

Darla. Tears come to my eyes when I think of her, still. Sweet, yet sassy. She was so perceptive to what was going on around her. She felt your emotion and she wore her own emotions on her sleeve. She was a stray before a rescue found her, and our family adopted her. She was only a year old when we got her, and she had already been through so much. I miss her most when I am upset or sick, because she would be right there to snuggle and console you. Always Nurse Darla.

Now, I have two more very special dogs in my life. One I have known for almost 7 years now and another that came into my life about 8 months ago. Little Sophie (Poodle Maltese mix), who my family adopted after Darla passed away last September, is just a little ball of sunshine. She is sweet, scrappy and has so much energy! She has taught me how sweet dogs can be. And then there is Ozzie, 7 years ago in September, I met him as a puppy. We have never lived close, but I was ever so happy to see him when I got to. I got to watch him grow up into a handsome, happy dog. He came to us in March, after Jimi's sister had two kids. Ozzie is a Border Collie, his first instinct is to keep everyone in line, to herd everything that moves. He is constantly trying to herd our cats and he has taken up weekly sheep herding with his Grammy, Cathy. He is always so happy, and excited about everything, like everything is his favorite thing. I have been trying over the past couple of months to take a lesson from him, to just be happy, or try to stay positive about every situation. Life can be simple sometimes, it doesn't always have to be so complicated, take a note from some of your favorite dogs and enjoy the things you love to do as often as you can.