Our kids just learned more in 48 hours of travel than they ever would have at school. Part of it was because we were completely and totally unplugged from the internet and cell services for two whole days. Part of it was because we had a front row seat to some of the best birdwatching in the world while we are our home cooked meals in the middle of the rainforest. Part of it was because we woke up every morning to tromp…
Homemade Costa Rican pineapple juice (jugo de piña) is so healthy and delicious- all you need is a pineapple and a blender! Table of contents Recipe About This Recipe Substitutions Variations…
The perfect summer is a Gaylord Rockies summer getaway- luxury meets relaxation. Poolside cocktails, family fun and gorgeous Rocky Mountain views. What are you waiting for? Note- this is a summer…
In my book, YMCA is a little slice of heaven in Colorado- and you'll find out why in this summer family travel guide. I've been going almost every year since I…
Between breathtaking views on the drive to the beach, crystal clear warm water, monkeys playing near the entrance, and a completely serene environment, Playa Nacascolo is perfect for families with young…
This three-ingredient Costa Rican jugo de mango (mango juice) recipe only requires two large mangos, water, and a bit of sugar. Naturally vegan and loaded with vitamins and minerals, this refreshing mango…
Nothing says “summer” quite like a fresh popsicle! With its famously sunny climate and abundant tropical fruits, Costa Rica is a veritable popsicle paradise. Popsicles, or Paletas as they are known…
For this recipe, I wanted to create a breakfast-friendly rendition of a Costa Rican paleta de mora, or blackberry popsicle. It can be hard to fit time in for eating a…
I am obsessed with batido de mora en leche. Every single time I go to a restaurant in Costa Rica- even if it's not on the menu, I ask for this…
Nothing says “summer” quite like a fresh popsicle, and sunny Costa Rica is officially a popsicle paradise! Popsicles, or Paletas as they are known in Costa Rica, are a year-round favorite…
In an earlier post, I talked about my deep and abiding love for homemade blackberry juice, so you can probably guess as to my feelings about blackberry paletas! I’m a little…
Soup is a Mexican version of a well-loved Costa Rican sopa de ayote- which has become increasingly famous as a super healthy Blue Zones recipe. This soup uses butternut squash (an ingredient…
Ask any Costa Rican what food they most love to eat and most will rank ceviche in their top 5. There are many kinds of ceviche, and Costa Rica is definitely…
Sometimes I just want a quick treat for the kids on a hot summer day - and that's how my Guava Ginger Paleta recipe was born. When I came across guava juice-and…
Walking into my husband’s childhood home to reunite with his extended family we were hit with the smell of olla carne cooking on the gas stove in the kitchen. In all…
Al final de mi primer día de regreso al trabajo después de tener a mi hija mayor, fui a buscarla donde la niñera. Entré en la habitación de arriba y mi hija…
After my first day back at work after having my oldest baby, I went to pick her up at a nanny share. I walked into the upstairs room and my 8-month-old daughter…
One of our favorite recipes here at Casa Pura Vida is Sopa Azteca - it tastes like home for my husband, I LOVE anything with melted cheese, and the girls have…
This traditional Costa Rican black bean soup recipe is a delicious, healthy, and simple vegetarian/vegan meal that everyone loves! Just black beans, veggies and water- too easy and too delicious! Table…
For some reason, every single person that tries my guacamole immediately falls in love with it. And people- this is the most unfussy, unpretentious, EASY guacamole recipe you will ever find.…
These mango habanero wings are delicious- a perfect combination of sweet and spicy- not to mention easy. Mango is a staple in the Costa Rican diet, and I love love love…
I have to have a huge disclaimer here- while this is the Carne Asada recipe that we use when we make meat in Costa Rica, I would be doing you a…
This recipe is a very popular recipe in the Central Valley of Costa Rica as part of a casado. If you visit small restaurants or roadside buffets (called sodas in Costa…
This Paleo sausage and potato foil packet recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and doesn't even use a pan! With smoked sausage, sweet potato and red apples, this recipe is…
I am not going to lie people- the last 11 miles up to the summit of Mount Evans is a pretty intense drive- I'd dare say harrowing. There are literally huge…
Today I'm sharing this big list of animated series available in Spanish- this is a comprehensive list as of April, 2020. I've also got a small list at the end of…
Popsicles are the quintessential summer food- and in Costa Rica, it's paleta season year-round! You can always find popsicles sold in grocery stores, pulperias and on the beach. But I love…
Since having my children, I will be the first to admit that I haven't been hiking as much as I would like. It's a lot of work to hike with a…
This post has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyMazolaMarinade This easy grilled Tandoori chicken recipe combines a marinade of greek yogurt, lemon juice…
Full transparency here- this is my all-time favorite of all the Costa Rican fruit drinks ever. Literally any chance I have to drink this juice, I take it. Just call me…
This shredded beef (carne mechada) is generally prepared in a pressure cooker, although I will include slow cooker instructions here too. This recipe is a staple in Costa Rica because it…
If you have been reading about the best way to raise bilingual kids, you have probably come across the one parent one language (OPOL) method. Some people call it one person…