Bienvenidos a Costa Rica

Monday, January 24, 2011

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Day 12

I am finally able to sit down with decent pictures and write about my adventures here in this beautifull country. Costa Rica is nothing short of amazing. The people are warm, the lush jungles and green all around are breathtaking and the remote, quiet beaches are to die for. It doesn't hurt that Michael's family here has been so welcoming and I can definitely now see why this is such a popular destination for tourists worldwide.

Our homebase is in Herredia which is near the capital of San José where we spent the first days roaming around the mercados (markets) that sell everything from handmade jewelry, leather goods, and pottery to produce and meats. The fruit here is ridiculous so I think I'll have to do a post on just that alone.

From the capital we've taken a few trips to beaches and Volcanos and have yet to see more. Up next, zip lining, the rain forest and of course more beach!

Leaving the Desert

Thursday, January 13, 2011

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This is my last post before I leave for Costa Rica. I'm going to try to post from there in my skimpy summer outfits all depending on internet access but it's uncertain. I'm hoping, if anything, I'll be able to use my blog as a travel journal of my adventures of la pura vida.

Giveaway Time :: Win a $25 Gift Certificate to any of 200+ CSN Stores!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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Who wants to win?! I've teamed up with CSN Stores to give away a $25 Gift Certificate good for use at any of their online stores.

CSN has over 200 stores that sell everything from modern dining room furniture & chic home accessories to toys and amazing cookware from a variety of designer brands in every price range.

{Check out a couple of my favorite items from allmodern.com from designers Thomas Paul, Dwell Studio, Kartell. Cuteness!}

Here are the details:
To enter follow my blog here! and comment on this post below. Don't forget to leave me your email info so I can contact you!

Contest ends February 16th when a winner will be chosen at random.

What you win:
The winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate good to use at any of the 200+ CSN online stores

Good Luck!

Akiko's Closet: Wild Thing

Saturday, January 8, 2011

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I've been dying to buy a cheetah print jacket so when I found this little number at Buffalo Exchange I was super excited. While waiting for my trade I also found out that Buffalo was started here in Tucson! What a surprise, really, because I didn't think anything cool came out of Tucson except for Eegees (which doesn't count because it's only IN Tucson). I'm starting to think it may be not so bad to live here for a bit as long as I can keep finding awesome clothing at Buffalo and get my weekly dose of Eegees.

Nevertheless, I have to admit the sunsets here are amazing and will make for great lighting...

Jacket: Thrifted from Buffalo Exchange
Blouse: Mom's closet
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Bought online
Headband & Ring: Forever 21

A NYE Engagement Party

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

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My little sister got engaged this Christmas and seeing as her new fiance lives across the pond, we decided it was imperative to throw them an engagement party on the fly. Since New Year's Eve seemed oh so fittingly perfect, we spent 2 days running around town getting ready for the surprise fete. A little spray paint, glitter, and cookie dough later we were ready to party. I would say it turned out pretty well as the lovely couple was surprised and New Year's eve was a smash.

For the party we took elements of traditional New Year's Eve decor such as silver and black and added in the cherry blossom as a theme since she loves them. I spray painted branches from the back yard and silk hydrangea flowers from the 99cent store. We also bought several silver vases and floral pieces from Michael's that were on Christmas clearance. My dessert table included these lovely cookies made by my other sister, Guinness cupcakes, and cotton candy sprinkled with black sugar. Our drink of the night was a lychee martini with lychee fruit and black sugar and of course champagne!

More pics to come!