Saturday, 30 March 2013

Be Prepared - WATER GOING OUT in Costa Rica - HINTS

Costa Rica is such a "GIFT" to us to remind us of the "Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do THIS SECOND" quote since it's not unusual for the Water and/or Electricity TO go off SUDDENLY for HOURS with NO notice (heck - you never know when the next big earthquake is going to hit here!).

I think one of the KEY WORDS about living in Costa Rica with more EASE and less "Victimhood" is -

BE PREPARED!!!!!!!


WATER GOING OUT

BATHROOM:
When I had the guest house I learned to be prepared at ALL times so I had a BIG 5 gallon bottle (of tap water) PLUS a 1 or 2 liter bottle that I kept under the bathroom sink (or I'd pull it out to next to the toilet in times of need/use) for whatever purpose I needed it for. 

If the water went out - I'd pull out the 5 gallon bottle and put it next to the toilet and I bring in a smaller/medium pot with a handle to use for scooping water out for the "when it's Brown - flush it down" times (vs the "When it's Yellow - be Mellow" [do you get that concept??  I've had many friends not hear of that before - meaning - if it's just pee/urine - to show your love for Mother Earth by not flushing every time - but when it's "brown" - poop - flush [it down]).

I have it if I need a quick wash of the bod.

I put the 1-2 liter bottles on the sink for brushing my teeth, face and hands.



KITCHEN:
In the Kitchen I had one of those 3 gallon bottles I'd put on the counter by the sink and put a big container in the sink to soak dirty dishes, etc. to wash later. 

I always had 2  5 gallon bottles for "just in case" - one had good drinkable water (and I changed that every few months - just in case) and one that had tap water that I used for whatever I needed.


I also had bottles of hand anti-bacterial gel I'd pull out and put by the sinks for those times!!!

Having things ready for sudden outages/emergencies sure helped me keep calm when it happened (and it DID QUITE a few times!!  ESPECIALLY during Dry Season when we had some variation of Water Rationing/Droughts going on) as I was PREPARED - EVEN the day I had a workshop with over 40 attendees for 4 hours!!



What do YOU DO to be Prepared for loss of Electricity or Water -
or to Show YOUR Love for Mother Earth???

Please "Share" your hints/thoughts/experiences on what does/does not work for you in the Comments below AND email me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com so I can add it to this article!!

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Friday, 29 March 2013

Vicki Skinner's Costa Rica Information & Photo Sites • PET & HOUSE SITTING Services • Tourism & FACEBOOK MARKETING • SAN JUAN DEL SUR, Nicaragua Info & Assistance+++ - April 2013


The bottom line is I am a CONNECTOR and Information Gatherer and Sharer!!!
Below is a list of just SOME of my various Information Blogs  •  Things I Do/am involved in/Sharing Information  •  Photo Sites  •  Message Boards. 
MANY are a work in progress but some info is still better than no info at all - si?!?!!


Vicki's Site/Blog of 
Lists•Info•Finds on Costa Rica

Those that know me know I LOVE gathering and sharin' information and making Lists of info for those living in or traveling around Costa Rica!! I've been compiling them for ease in finding them!!
This is by NO means "THE guide".  I've just started making DETAILED lists based on information people have asked me about and/or I've found/collected (I'm a "Details Kinda Gal!!"  Just telling me you like something is of little use often in Costa Rica since finding out details can be QUITE challenging and sadly not enough people share or share details we can use).

It’s a VERY HELPFUL site on where to find things (often with English-speaking contacts), what’s happening, SPECIALS, news, thoughts, experiences+++!!
The focus is on actual DETAILS – to bring more EASE into YOUR Life!!

This blog gets
OVER 30,000+ Page Views a Month and is
OFTEN at the 1st or 2nd page of MANY Google Searches! 

Have anything to SUBMIT?  
Events, finds, YOUR experiences/stories, news, etc. to add?

 I'm now accepting Information Ads
E- me for more details or to share information!!

A SAMPLE OF SOME OF THE MOST SEARCHED•FAVORITE ENTRIES:
Where to Unlock or fix your Cell and iPhonesEnglish-Speaking Taxi Drivers
Owning•Driving a Car vs Taking Taxi's in Costa Rica
Why I LOVE ESCAZU
The VIP and iMax Movie Theatre (LOTS of pictures and the schedule)
Electronics Repair  •  Appliance Repair
Where to Purchase Appliances
THINGS for Sale and PLACES for Sale or Rent
Household and Restaurant Kitchen Goodies

Health • Healing • Medical • Beauty Enhancement
Dental and Medical Tourism (see below) and
Holistic Dentist and other Specialists I’ve researched for OVER 5 years
Massage Therapists in Costa Rica
Blood Labs•Tests  •  Chiropractors  •  Pharmacies
Menopause - How to Deal with Aging in Costa Rica using Alternative Therapy • BioIdentical / BHRT Therapy / Hormone Replacement Therapy • Hormonal Optimization
AA and Recovery Options in Costa Rica  -  AAInCostaRica.com 
Semi-Permanent Eyeliner MicroPigmentation•“tattoos” for JUST $100!!
Eyelash Extensions, Semi-Permanent “Makeup” – Eyebrows and Lips!

Natural • Health Related Products!
100% Cotton Mattresses and other Natural Bedding Supplies

Association•Group Announcements
LOTS of postings of Events happening around Costa Rica as well as monthly meeting announcements for theProfessional Women's Group, Newcomers womens group, Women's Club, Democrats Abroad, Little Theatre Group and LOTS MORE!!
Activity Announcements LOTS of postings of Activity•Event happenings around Costa Rica - in general though also many geared towards the
Self Empowerment  •  Metaphysical  •  Spiritual  •  Woo-Woo Communities



DENTAL and MEDICAL TOURISM
I've researched Dental, Holistic and Medical Tourism in Costa Rica for OVER 5 years and am VERY SELECTIVE who I connect you with!  There are certain treatments you do NOT want to see the "cheapest" or just trust some Joe Schmo that you met on the internet as some of these doctors/dentists have their own people "working" the message boards and some put LOTS of $$$ into ads to get them higher in google searches and many I would NOT go to if someone paid for the EXTENSIVE dental work I need!!!  ESPECIALLY for Dental Implants, Crowns, Root Canals and Holistic Dental work (can you believe that dentists in Costa Rica are told that warnings about amalgamite removal being dangerous are BOGUS??  Be VERY CAREFUL with who removes your silver filings!!)
I help coordinate every step from having an English-Speaking Driver pick you up at the airport, accommodations, Transfers to appointments, Tour Coordination - whatEVER your needs are!!!

Turtles+!
Along with the BEST MICROBIOLOGIST / CLINICAL CHEMIST / BIO-CHEMIST in Costa Rica!! and where to get Compounds - THE COMPOUNDING PHARMACY for Costa Rica!!
Message Boards and Forums
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/03/message-boards-forums-on-costa-rica.html

Legal Red English-Speaking
TAXI DRIVERS
(currently predominately in the Escazu area but expanding - with YOUR help!!
Please share any LEGAL RED taxi you'd like to add)

MASSAGE THERAPIST GUIDE
(know any massage therapists to add and/or that want to make a SPECIAL OFFER??!)



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TOURISM • FACEBOOK MARKETING
and NEW BUSINESS SET UP
TourismFacebookMarketing.com
Tourist Season is almost over and Costa Rica WILL be seeing LOTS LESS tourists numbers going down (ALL over the world)!  How will YOU handle it - just keep saying "Oh, it always goes down after Easter" and bury your head in the sane?  Will that bring you to your knees•be in Denial or perhaps you'll just “visualize” them coming? 
OR
will you be PRO-Active?  Step-UP to the plate?!?!
Jump on board before it’s too late???
  Facebook is one of THE BEST ways to promote your business and Facebook IS THE place for FREE Marketing and Promotions!

I’m quite the Facebook Networker and have a VERY UNIQUE • Creative • Outside of the Box • MUCH more Detailed way of looking at Facebook•Marketing - so let me assist you in getting your point across and helping people find out about you, what you have to offer and your area!

Here are some samples of pages I'm working on:
facebook.com/CasaLaurinCostaRica
facebook.com/SanJuanDelSurNI
facebook.com/BigWaveDavesSJDS
facebook.com/NicaAdventuresTravel



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LOVING YOUR PET • HOUSE SITTING
LovingYourPetHouseSitting.com

Taking loving/conscious care of your Pets and Home
(and giving LOTS of Pet Massages and even a bath if they let me!)
Loving Your Pet House Sitting is especially for owners that treat their pet like family – want them to receive a LOT of love and attention while they’re away like 2-10 Doggie/Kitty Massages a DAY, a warm Bath the day before you arrive, Daily Skype calls (so you can see/talk to your baby), even get to Sleep with me if they need to!



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CRNIBorderCrossing.com

I've been to SJDS (for my visa runs) for over 4 years now and this is my new FAV AREA!!  In January '13 I went for a 1-2 night Visa Run and stayed for 6 WEEKS!!  LOVED IT and I'm SERIOUSLY considering living in SJDS part-time - in between my House and Pet Sitting gigs as I've been MEGA missing the water energy that this sweet little (just 6 blocks by 7 blocks!!) Seaside Village is!!!


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ISLA OMETEPE
IslaOmetepeNI.com


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Crossing the Border Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
CRNIBorderCrossing.com

A Step-By-Step Guide to help make your Border Run between Costa Rica and Nicaragua easier (site in transition)



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I WILL SET UP YOUR VACATION PROPERTY
IWillSetUpYourVacationProperty.com

Do you have a vacation rental Condo or Villa - or a Hotel?  Are you new to this - or - could you use some help making sure it's up to the rental markets standards?  Are you sending good/clear responses?  Do you have a contract that protects you?  Are you listed in the key places and know other places to promote yourself?  How's your Facebook Page (CRUCIAL)?   I've been in marketing/promotions/p.r. for over 30 years and tourism for over 20 years  I think outside the box!!!



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VICKI'S NEW ADVENTURES
YourCostaRicaConnector.com

I've closed my guest house and am now focusing on creating a site doing what I've been doing for ages (gathering and sharing information and connecting people) - in a nutshell -
Consulting with and Connecting People with various needs around Costa Rica from Relocation, Finding the Best Dentists, Travel Consulting, Shopping+++ and my LISTS!!

Bookmark it and keep checking back as this is an UNLIMITED page and I’ll push it to it’s limits!!!!
My intention with it is in time to put most of what I can help Connect people with on it!!
It will include everything from Where to Find Things, How to Do things and LOTS more information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



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COOL and MORE UNIQUE THINGS FOR SALE
(for me, friends) 



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RESTAURANT GUIDE
ESCAZU/WEST CENTRAL VALLEY and SPECIALTY

(hasn't been updated in AGES but it gives you some good bones for places to eat starting off with being - currently predominately geared towards the Escazu area with some specialty foods places around the Central Valley!)



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PHOTOS AROUND ESCAZU
CostaRicaEscazu.com
(check out my Photo Sites with THOUSANDS of pictures and soon expand with detailed info on various businesses and restaurants+!!)

SAN RAFAEL:

CENTRO:

SAN ANTONIO:
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GRACIAS COSTA RICA

Gracias Costa Rica is a program I've starting to encourage tourists and non-nationals alike to gift back to the people of Costa Rica via NON-monetary donations, etc.  Check out this site to get some ideas of what all is needed by the less fortunate in Costa Rica.  Have things to get rid of??  Looking to Volunteer?  
We can help hook you up/connect you!



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Costa Rica CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY 
MESSAGE BOARD

This board is for people interested in topics RELATED SPECIFICALLY to COSTA RICA- Walking More Gently here, Self Empowerment, Healthy/Conscious Living, Growing, Remembering our TRUE Selves, safe place to Ask Questions ("consciousness" to me also includes day-to-day living questions/finds). Share your Resources (we're ALL IMPORTANT to each other), Organic Eating/Growing, Sustainable Living, Holistic Things, Raw Foods, Healthy Eating, Socializing with other Like-Minded Spirits, Spirituality, Cultural Activities and Events, Classes/Workshops, Questions and/or Experiences about Living in/Moving to CR, Tourism, Foundation/Charity/Volunteering, Gardening, Exploring CR and nearby together/separately, Share healthy recipes (using local ingredients), Culture, Sharing CR related Photos, Gay/Humanitarian Issues, WooWoos activities–again–please keep it ON COURSE/related to COSTA RICA ONLY. 

PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS ON CRCC:  We REALLY ENCOURAGE you to promote your business here once a month (unless you have some new news to add) as we'd rather support people here than have to look on the internet to find some flake!!!


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Costa Rica POSITIVES
groups.yahoo.com/group/CostaRicaPositives

Living in Costa Rica - TOOOOO often these days we hear LOTS of negatives.  I've started this message board for people to share some of their POSITIVE experiences and contacts - but alas - so far it hasn't taken off
(though I own how I haven't contributed much lately nor promoted it much - but SOON!!!!)


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BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

I've been 10 times to Bocas THOUGH it's been a few years since I've been but at least you have some of the basics to get you started


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List of People / Business that have been
REALLY HELPFUL TO ME•I WANT TO 
SUPPORT•SEE THRIVE in Costa Rica!!



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Moving FROM Costa Rica?  
SEEKING OPTIONS TO MOVE TO?

Thinking of leaving Costa Rica and looking for an interesting spot to land in the States?  Check out some info I've started gathering with a bunch of pics of the Venice/Sarasota - West/Central Florida area that IF I ever went back, I'd return to in a HEART BEAT (Sarasota has become THE Cultural Capital of Florida, has a NICE size VERY Spiritually Evolved/Self Empowerment community, has AMAZING BEACHES with sand like powdered sugar [once again Siesta Key Beach was voted one of the top 10 in the U.S.])


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BORED?  LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO??

VOLUNTEER TO HELP EXPAND THIS BOARDS!!!
Do you speak GOOD Spanish and English? Have some time on your hands and want to help out?? Volunteer to help update many of the lists/gather info!!



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PLEASE SHARE

Have things/anyone to add/share/your experiences? Do you have a blog?
Let me know so I can add you to our list plus PLEASE add us to yours!
Email me the DETAILS at  
 LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com




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Vicki Skinner
(aka "THE Sarong Goddess")
8-378-6679-Costa Rica   •   1-941-312-7569-U.S. #   •   Skype - VallartaVicki
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


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Please "SHARE" this with everyone that you know that could use some of this information!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/04/VickisListOfListPages.html
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CLEAN UP the BEACH when you leave!! QUIT Littering this BEAUTIFUL LAND!! SHOW YOUR RESPECT for Mother Earth!!!


Yup - this pretty much sums up MY sentiments EXACTLY!!!! 
(though sadly not enough people will pick up after themselves!!  I don't get how people/a country can say they're ALL about the "environment" - yet have some of THE DIRTIEST rivers/streets than I've seen!!!!  When you do that, how much love are you REALLY showing Mother Earth eh???)
THANX for creating this News.co.cr

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April 18 - TALK • Questions - the Keys to Success with Naomi Colb


facebook.com/events/360275174089392

Are you quietly, struggling alone.... 
when the resources and support from your colleagues, friends and family are only a question away?

Learn some simple practices to free yourself to ask and hear a genuine YES!

Join your host NAOMI COLB for an enjoyable and informative evening discovering what keeps us from asking.

Note this is an Introduction to a 
Weekend Transformational Workshop -
"The Freedom to Ask"that Naomi will be giving on a Saturday and Sunday in May from 10am-6pm!!!  
Learn details at the intro talks!

LANGUAGE:
Facilitated in both English and Spanish.



WHEN•CUANDO:
Choose from either
Thursday - April 18  -  6-7pm
Sunday  - April 21  -  5-6pm
Thursday - April 25  -  6-7pm
OR
Sunday  - April 28  -  5-6pm


WHERE•DONDE:
San Jose, Costa Rica - Downtown
Tin Jo Restaurant - Bamboo Room 
(entrance to the left of their main entrance or inside Tin Jo)
PRICE:
No Charge • FREE • GRATIS


RSVP•CONFIRM:
MsNaomiC@gmail.com
(tell her Vicki with the blog Connected you!!)



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ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR
NAOMI COLB  

Naomi is a Tour Guide for Personal Growth and Transformation and LifeStyle Coach
EvolveQuest.com
veoh.com/watch/v15571224dnZZFNDA
FACEBOOK:
Join Naomi's inspiring Facebook page where she shares many thoughts, ideas, solutions - facebook.com/MsNaomiColb
LinkedIn:
 cr.linkedin.com/in/NaomiColb


She likes to ask her clients:
"Can I ask you a question?
If you had all the money and time in the world and you could not be injured, killed or shamed .......what would you be doing with your day?"

Colb has traveled a long and winding road to the present.
You can read a bit about her personal journey through many entries in the "Notes" section on her Facebook Profile page - especially the "Transparency - Upping the Ante"
Note:  facebook.com/notes/naomi-colb/transparency-upping-the-ante-on-25-things/134757910633

As a Coach, she is passionate about supporting people to design their lives with dedication to self-care, professional fulfillment and time for FUN!!
Upcoach.com.au/our-coaches
EvolveQuest.com/tag/about-naomi-colb

Colb is also the author of the eBook
"Hip Surgery:  How to Recover Rapidly"
lulu.com/shop/naomi-colb/hip-surgery-how-to-recover-rapidly/ebook/product-5545275.html;jsessionid=E997F29ABF135C995658F449E4D4B48F

EvolveQuest.com/interview-about-the-sales-process
EvolveQuest.com/serve-dont-sell

(Google her to find a BUNCH of other things she's done!)

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TESTIMONIALS:
Brendan Evans Moorehead - Entrepreneur (Marketing, Real Estate, Green)
Naomi is the ultimate prophet of possibility. In 1999 I attended one of her "Freedom to Ask" workshops and experienced a fundamental shift in my perception of possibility and my feelings of "permission" to ask for what I want, resulting in a immediate improvement the next week in my fundraising performance at the California League of Conservation Voters, where I was working at the time. 

Perhaps the most valuable skill of a life coach or business consultant is the ability to faciliate an expansion in the client's belief system around what is possible and how to create it with a focus on bottom line measurable results. Naomi has this talent in spades.

Dr Beth Halbert - Owner - Dr. Beth's Compassionate Parenting
Thank you Naomi for all the inspiration, support, encouragement, and walk your talk coaching you have given me over the years. It has been a blessing to work with you and be your friend. I appreciate the specific feedback you have given me to continually remember to stand in my greatness so that I can be of better service to the world. Your commitment to transformation, love, and peace is a marvel. You Rock!!!

Cat Maida  -  C.E.O. at AMPS California
Naomi provided support for transforming the issues that were standing in the way of achieving my goals and helping me uncover my true potential. With her creative, outside of the box and inspirational pearls of wisdom, she provided the luxury of a confidant and co-creator. If you’re ready to do the work, Naomi will be the bridge to your personal and professional accelerated growth.... be prepared to take off like a rocket!



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DIRECTIONS
(Thanx to Tin Jo for the use of this great space)

TIN JO ASIAN RESTAURANT(2-221-7605 / 2-257-3622 / TinJo.com/new/?lang=en [English]  •  facebook.com/TinJoRestaurant)
 San Jose-Downtown - Calle 11 between Avenidas 6 and 8 
(Calle 11 is 1 block east of the new ChinaTown gate on Avenida 2nd/Segundo so maybe go check that out while you're there!!)150 meters Detras de la Iglesia La Soledad - Al frente del Teatro Lucho Barahona (de la Casa del Tornillo, 100 Oeste/West, 125 Norte/North)

COMING FROM THE WEST SIDE:
Go straight up Avenida 10 until you pass Feraguilar (ceramic tile place) on your left. Turn left at the next corner (Calle 11), and Tin Jo is a block and a half up on the left side. 

PARKING DIRECTIONS:
On-street parking is not permitted during the day, there are several parking lots in the immediate vicinity. The parking garage Parqueo Musical on Avenida 6 gives
FREE PARKING to GUESTS that have DINED at Tin Jo
so make sure to bring your Parking Ticket and give it to the Host up front to give it a Validation Stamp (note that especially if there's a large group meeting/gathering - this garage WILL fill up FAST!!!). There is also a parking lot on Calle 11 - 50 meters past/North of the restaurant (on your left). 
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PLEASE "SHARE" this with anyone you know that could use some assistance with Personal Transformation (can't we ALL?!!?!?!)!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/03/ClassKeysToSuccessNaomiColb.html
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