In Costa Rica we are fairly fortunate to be able to rely on the land and the green space that surrounds us. It doesn’t take the best green thumb to make a garden grow here. Combined with the number of sunny days a year, where solar can be implemented for energy sources at home and ample down pour where you can collect rain water, relying on natural resources becomes second nature to those of us who live here. And if you are taking any of these last steps towards your own self sufficiency, way to go! You are definitely ahead of the curve.

We can also look into smaller detail at our daily habits to help ourselves in the long run.  Offsetting our carbon travel footprint, one may decide to take up the hobby of tree planting. Waste management also definitely comes under the microscope. Looking at the incoming plastics from purchases and an effort to minimize single use plastics we can look at ways of using reusable containers wherever possible by buying in bulk, bringing our own take out containers when eating out, and choosing to buy local where big packaging is often forgone. IN the home, we can help Mother Earth out by using biodegradable cleaning solvents. Most people don’t realize cleaning detergents oftentimes are sent back into nature polluting streams and rivers nearby. Best to use natural from the get go as to be most symbiotic with the environment. The extra cost for these last products are surely well worth the health benefits they reap. And for those experts whom have gone the extra mile, where up-cycling clothes is not just a fashion statement it’s a way to reduce your impact, hats off, as often time clothing is the item most likely to find its self on its way to the garbage. 

There are many ways to help this worldwide issue of what it will take for us to be sustainable and seems to be the only thing we know for sure is it is going to take every individuals effort to help achieve it.

Pro-Tip!

Regrow Heady Edibles like Pineapple 

• Twist the crown of leaves off the top of the pineapple. Make sure the base, the very tip of the area where the leaves join together, stays intact. New roots will be sprouting from this, and without it the plant won’t grow. 
• Strip off some of the lower leaves and any pineapple to expose the core stem. This helps the stem sprout roots once it is planted.
• Let it dry a week. 
• Then place the crown in a bowl of water in a sunny spot. Roots will begin to grow within days and it will be ready for transplant when you see several roots growing out.

They say it takes about two years for a pineapple to come to fruition. What do you say, worth the wait? Or can’t wait to try!

The post Small Steps Towards Sustainability appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

Refer to our past editions if you need clues. 

Download and print empty worksheet to complete: How Good IS Your Tico Talk Crossword Puzzle

*** DOWNLOAD ANSWER SHEET SOLUTIONS: ANSWER-How Good IS Your Tico Talk Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

DOWN

The post Tico Talk Crossword #1 appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

See you next time! Nos vemos la próxima!

The post Tico Talk – Common Phrases appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

The post Insects of Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1½-2 cups  shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Heat water until hot, but not boiling.
2. Put shredded coconut in blender or Vitamix and add the hot water. If all the water will not fit, this can be done in batches. 
3. Blend on high for several minutes until thick and creamy.
4. First, pour through a mesh strainer to remove most of the coconut solids. Then squeeze through a towel or several thicknesses of cheesecloth to remove remaining pieces of coconut.
5. If you had to split the water into batches put all the coconut that you strained out back in the blender, add the remaining water, and repeat.
6. Drink immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after making for best flavor and texture. Since there are no preservatives or fillers, the “cream” of the coconut milk may separate on the top if stored in the fridge. Just shake or stir before using. Best kept in a large mason jar, swing top jars, or other air-tight container.

Pro-tip! 

Use a coconut demoting tool or cut with a pairing knife small sections to get the coconut meat to separate from the shell.

The post Cooking on the Coast: How to Make Coconut Milk appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

The post Mudras: Hand Gestures appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

We hope you enjoy our guide!

1^st – Root Chakra: Muladhara

Mantra: I am confident. I am full of energy.

• Represents: Basic trust, safety, security, stability, foundation
• Problems: colon issues, lower back pain, varicose veins, emotional issues surrounding money and security, scattered energy, anxiety, fear
• Foods to eat: beets, parsnips, rutabaga, apples, pomegranates, protein
• Sound: LAM

2^nd – Sacral Chakra: Svadhishthana

Mantra: I constantly have new ideas to create the life I want.

• Represents: Sexuality, creative & sexual energy
• Problems: infertility, hip pain, sexual dysfunction, emotional imbalances or isolation, creative blocks
• Foods to eat: seeds, nuts, oranges, carrots, pumpkins
• Sound: VAM

3^rd – Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura

Mantra: I am organized. I can accomplish my dreams.

• Represents: Wisdom, power, self-esteem, pleasure, will-power & personal responsibility
• Problems: gas, bloating, liver issues, stomach ulcers, eating disorders, lack of self-confidence, procrastination, control issues, manipulation
• Foods to eat: yellow peppers, yellow lentils, yellow squash, oats, spelt
• Sound: RAM

4^th – Heart Chakra: Anahata

Mantra: I am Loved. I am Loving.

• Represents: Love, healing, self-love & governs our relationships
• Problems: heart and lung problems, asthma, allergies, fear of intimacy, depression, lack of self-discipline
• Foods to eat: broccoli, kale, chard, all other leafy greens
• Sound: YAM

5^th – Throat Chakra: Vishuddha

Mantra: I express myself freely.

• Represents: Communication, the ability to speak & communicate clearly & effectively
• Problems: thyroid disease, frequent sore throat, difficulty expressing feelings, shyness, withdrawn, arrogance
• Foods to eat: blueberries, figs, kelp
• Sound: HAM

6^th – Third Eye: Ajna

Mantra: I am Calm. I can solve my problems.

• Represents: Awareness, intuition, foresight & is driven by openness & imagination
• Problems: depression, poor eyesight, hormonal imbalances, poor intuition, lack of direction or clarity
• Foods to eat: purple potatoes, blackberries, plums, purple grapes
• Sound: OM

7^th – Crown Chakra: Sahasrara

Mantra: I am at Peace.

• Represents: Spirituality, states of higher consciousness & divine connection
• Problems: issues with sleep/wake cycle, feeling disconnected from your body or others, difficulty meditating, spiritual discomfort, cynicism, closed mindedness, disregard for what is sacred
• Solutions: fresh air, sunlight, nature
• Sound: Silence

The post Aligning Chakras appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

As well we have ample natural attractions to be discovered and the wildlife is abundant! Here are a few animals and mammals you may easily spot while visiting our coast.

Scarlet Macaws

You know you have reached the beach when you hear the squawk of this brilliantly beautiful bird. Normally flying in pairs, this noisy duo tends to hang out in the almond trees.

Whales

Easily spotted from the coast, the majestic Humpback Whales grace us with their annual presence, migrating either from Alaska or Antarctica they some to mate off the coast of Costa Ballena. The southern hemisphere whales can be seen from August to December, and those from the northern hemisphere mate from December to April.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Nesting has now started as of mid-July, and will happen until the first week of December. You can go with the Reserva Playa Tortuga to release newly hatched baby turtles into the Ocean at Playa Tortuga. It’s a unique experience that you must try once in your life.

Tapirs & Big Cats

Roam where the wild things are. More and more, these mammals are spotted with the aid of a guide in Corcovado National Park. Osa Peninsula is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Hiking trails and day trips are a great way to explore untouched nature.

White Faced Monkeys

Do you hear or see leaves rustling above? Chances are there is a troop of monkeys eating away above you. Look up, can you spot them? Also called capuchin, these small primates are widely recognized as the most intelligent New World monkey.

The post Coastal Treasures in Costa Ballena appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

First and foremost, thank you to our community and especially to our clients for their continued support through these unprecedented times. We were not sure if we would be able to continue to print. Truthfully, we thought we wouldn’t. Upon receiving multiple outreaches, we realized, we must! As a show of hope and stability. Some things will not change despite it all, and those built with solid foundations will go on. As Sun Tzu famously said, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” We feel it is our pleasure to share this next edition which is a reflection of our values, our commitment to our community and as a demonstration of resilience. These times have pushed us all to question, what do we value? And such is our present edition, a reflection of our values.

Many centuries ago, a deep thinker stated “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” Socrates not only knew that it was the enjoyment of the little things that count, but effectively came to realize one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. And this line of thinking brings us towards gratitude, which can elevate us and help us push further in those times of need. Everything you thought you couldn’t handle, you can. Furthermore, you can dig deeper and keep on going. The greatest magic comes when you have no choice but to trust in your own self, your own power. The relationship with yourself although the most complicated, is the one that needs to be nurtured. During this pandemic many have been forced to sit with themselves for the first time. They have come to find, this time, you can’t avoid, distract or walk away from your own self. You have to deal with every boredom, every bad feeling, every flaw you may find. And it is through that journey that we will find our true selves and acceptance – that is when we find our power. Merging the shadow of the self with the light that we are is the alchemy that’s allows us to emerge from these experiences as one powerhouse of a well rounded individual.

Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end, said Robin Sharma. So be gentle with yourself. Everyone has good days and bad. Start over as many times as needed. These are beyond historical times, yet here we are, still standing. So, one day or day one – it is your choice what you do with your time and where you decide to put your value.

Yours truly,

Nikki Whelan

No one saves us but ourselves.

No one can and no one will.

We ourselves must walk the path.

— Buddha

COVER FEATURE: CASA RAMON

TRAVEL & LEISURE

LIFESTYLE & DESIGN

The post 7 years already – where has time flown? appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

HERBS OF COSTA RICA

• Anise
• Sweet Basil
• Indigo
• Wild Senna
• Aloe Vera
• Mugwort
• Bitter Ash
• Ginger
• Chamomile
• Peppermint
• Jackass Bitters
• Oregano
• Wandering Jew
• Rosemary
• Lemon Grass
• Thyme

Check out our infographic field guide above to help you identify Costa Rica’s tastiest herbs!

The post Herbs of Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.