ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP:
Better yet - do you have extra time on your hands & looking for a volunteer project? Since this blog is a labor of love & RARELY does anyone share a donation (even though MANY have said how much it's helped them), I could REALLY use help updating info. Spanish speakers ESPECIALLY welcome since my VicLish can be somewhat limited at times!!

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I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
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Thursday, July 24, 2008

ORGANIC FERIA - FOODS (VEGETABLES, FRUITS & MORE) & DELIVERY IN COSTA RICA

ORGANIC FERIA - FOODS & DELIVERY IN COSTA RICA
VEGETABLES, FRUITS & MORE

ESCAZU (CENTRO) ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET
WHEN: Wednesdays from 8-11am
http://BuenaTierraOrganicMarket.blogspot.com / BuenaTierra.organica@gmail.com
Organizers Honey (she organizes the Montezuma, Malpais/Santa Teresa/Playa Carmen, Tambor ones on Saturdays) / Fiona (BuenaTierra@hotmail.es) / and Laura (LauraBarra@hotmail.com) with Buena Tierra Organic Produce bring you the Centro Escazu ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET!!! They have THE BIGGEST & MOST BEAUTIFUL, LUSCIOUS-LOOKING organic veges and fruit I’ve EVER seen!!! When I’ve been there, I found most veges were around 400-c each (like bokchoy, herbs, various lettuces, cucumber) to 800-c+ and WORTH IT (these were better than most pumped up veges I've ever seen!) and they’re Certified Organic! Carola sells exquisite goat and cow yogurts and cheeses made in her farm in Coronado. Maria Fernanda delights us with her body and face soaps, creams, essential oils all made from organic herbs. Ena and Jaguar bake uncomparable bromate free brown bread flavored with organic herbs, seeds and nuts. Otto and his wife Melanie offer excellent biodegradable, ecological cleaning products. They even now have chocolate!!! Come support this AWESOME endevour (especially if you want to see it succeed!!), love your body & make some new friends with other like-minded people!!
LOCATION: Escazu Centro - Behind the playground/basketball court next to the Biblioteca de las Damas Voluntarias Library - across the street from the Red Cross - 50 mts North of the Cemetery.

Laura with the ESCAZU (CENTRO) ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET is now offering a ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY! Request an order form from her at buenatierra@hotmail.es Send your order in BY Monday morning for delivery on Wed. Delivery is currently only in the West end of the Central Valley)!! The delivery fee is 1,000-c within Esaczu & 1,500-c in the Santa Ana/Rohrmoser area (inquire for Cuidad Colon and other areas).
THIS DELIVERY SERVICE HAS BEEN CANCELED SINCE THEY ARE OPENING THEIR OWN MARKET IN JANUARY UP IN ESCAZU CENTRO!!


The largest ORGANIC FERIA:
San Jose - PASO ANCHO -
HOURS: Sat. 6am-till they run out (which can be VERY early!!)
There are about a 20 vendors. Note it’s hard to park & crazy!
LOCATION: 400 mtrs from catholic church/iglesia.


AROUND & ABOUT IN COSTA RICA
Honey - the organizer of the Escazu Organic Feria also does the:
PUNTARENAS AREA:
Tambor - Sat. 8am-noon
Montezuma - 10am-noon
Mal Pais - 3pm-sunset



DELIVERY

NATURA STYLE ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE
(http://NaturaStyle.com / 235-7654 / 8-886-0092 sylvia.escalante@naturastyle.com )

They have the broadest selection of products from Organic fruits/veges, baked goods, snacks, vitamins, herbs, meats, plants – even organic dirt +++. They carry MANY other "healthy" things - not just fruits & veges!!)
Order BY Thurs. for delivery Sat. (tell Sylvia that "Vallarta Vicki" referred you!)

I used to use them when I did, I was overall pretty happy (except in rainy season when MOST veges/fruits aren't that pretty/plentiful anyways!!). I find their website VERY EASY for me!

Check out their products in English at http://naturastyle.com/en/productos.asp

Vegetables & Fruits (organic & not but it’s indicated. Some hard to find & unique things).
Dairy Products like goat milk/products (including goat cheese with herbs, pasteurized OR raw goat’s milk & yogurt, goats ricotta cheese, goat’s raw soft cheese & flavored goats yogurt; heavy cream; pasteurized mozzarella cheese; buttermilk, organic infertile eggs, pasteurized, sesame seed OR raw butter, sour cream or milk.
Cereals - by Bioland & Nutresol –Amaranth, barley powder, granola, oatmeal, wheat germ or bran & whole oats.
Grains, Beans & Seeds – Amaranth, barley grain, black or red beans; brown rice (non-organic [booooh]); millet; wheat berries; soy & mung beans, chan, flax, sesame & sunflower seeds.
Dry Fruits & Nuts - Almond (non-organic); dehydrated banana; cashew nut; dehydrated prunes; raisins; walnuts (non-organic [booooh]).
Flours & Misc. - Soy OR whole wheat flour; Agar algae gelatin; ground coconut (non-organic); wheat gluten
Misc. – Corn tortillas (with or without cheese); Pastas - like carrot or spinach; pineapple empanada
Bakery goods like breads (sold by the piece) - Brown breads with goodies added like figs, orange, spice OR banana; chocolate, oatmeal or ginger cookies (all organic!!) ; banana cake (though I didn’t taste much of a banana taste) OR fruit cake
Salts & Sugars - Organic pure brown sugar; sea salt; organic sugar candy/tapa dulce
Honeys & Jams - Honey – plain, with ginseng OR lecitin; black berry, guava, mango/tomato, mango/ orange OR tomato/organic organic marmalade; molasses, peanut butter; strawberry jam
Oils – Coconut or sesame
Sauces, Vinegars & Pickles - Brown rice; hot pickled peppers; salad dressing; soy sauce, tomato sauce
Soy Products - Soy milk – plain or with carob; soy protein
Snacks - Bars – Amaranth, cereal (traditional or organic), chocolate bar –with peanuts OR vanilla (non-organic), original or with coconut, ginger, guarana or mint organic, crunch chocolate, oat, sesame (MY FAV!!) OR sunflower (Katrina’s fav!). Cookies with whole oats (regular OR with orange), sweetened with carob OR soy. Crackers – Sodiet (soda?) OR wheat bran. Rice cakes. Sesame seed nachitos; sesame seed sticks.
Organic Meats - Chicken – organs, thighs OR breasts; calamari; congrio fish; pinki shrimp; sailfish; sea bass; small shrimp
Wine - Setsobua – Cabernet/sauvignon, shiraz or white Mezza luna.
Teas & Coffees - Teas – Basil, organic black tea, juanilama, lemon grass, linden, mixed – juanilama & lemon grass OR digestive. Organic Coffee (grain or ground). Corn drink coffee substitute.
Algae - Long strip kelp or nori/laver/porphyra seaweed.
Supplements & Medicines - Algae capsules; aloe capsules; bee pollen; brewers yeast; EM (some powerful stuff!! “efficient micro-organisms); flax fiber; ginseng syrup OR capsules; lecithin capsules, Noni extract; Pro-B; royal jelly capsules; spirulina capsules; aloe gel.
Personal Care (I’m not going to list everything here but they have crystal OR natural deodorant; organic soaps; cleansing creams; creams; shampoos & rinses; clay masks (we did that the other day – REALLY tightens up those pours!!!) & body soap; hydrating cream; facial cream; organic sun block (8-85 & 45 AND for kids) & tanning oils.
PLANTS (all organic so you could even grow your own!!!):
Herbs (organic) - Aloe; basil, celery; lemon grass; mint; oregano; parsley; peppermint; rosemary; sage; tarragon; thyme.
Plants (organic) - Bougainvillea; croton; guava; lemon; mandarin (more like real lemons); mango; noni; orange; plantain herb; rose; rue; violet; weeping fig; wormwood;
Even earthworms; Compost; organic soil!
Remember this is NOT dealing directly with A farm - they are a delivery service so OF COURSE it's going to be more expensive on many things (though I’ve been shocked at their MUCH LOWER prices on many things you can find in the market) as they get all the products together for you so you're not having to run all over town & back, searching, etc. You're paying for the convenience (WELL worth it to me!!! The delivery fee is just 1,2000 colon).

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

WONDERFUL Organic Feria/Farmers Market Wednesdays in Escazu Centro!!

ESCAZU (CENTRO) ORGANIC and NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET

WHEN: Wednesdays from 8-11am (but a large % of the things are gone BY 9ish so get there EARLY to get the best choices/things).
http://BuenaTierraOrganicMarket.blogspot.com / BuenaTierra.organica@gmail.com

Organizers Honey (she organizes the Montezuma, Malpais/Santa Teresa/Playa Carmen, Tambor ones on Saturdays) / Fiona (BuenaTierra@hotmail.es) / and Laura (LauraBarra@hotmail.com) with Buena Tierra Organic Produce bring you the Centro Escazu ORGANIC and NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET!!!

They have THE BIGGEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL, LUSCIOUS-LOOKING organic veges and fruit I’ve EVER seen!!! When I’ve been there, I found most veges were around 400-500-c each (like bokchoy, herbs, various lettuces, cucumber) to 800-c+ and WORTH IT (these were better than most pumped up veges I've ever seen!) and they’re Certified Organic!!

Carola sells exquisite goat and cow yogurts and cheeses made in her farm in Coronado. Maria Fernanda delights us with her body and face soaps, creams, essential oils all made from organic herbs. Ena and Jaguar bake uncomparable bromate free brown bread flavored with organic herbs, seeds and nuts. Otto and his wife Melanie offer excellent biodegradable, ecological cleaning products. They even now have chocolate!!!

Come support this AWESOME endevour (especially if you want to see it succeed!!), love your body and make some new friends with other like-minded people!!

NOTE:  You can also PRE-ORDER what you desire and it's ready for you when you get there or you can pick it up later in the day/the next day at their restaurant (Buena Tierra) - or have it DELIVERED!!!

DELIVERY•EXPRESS:
Laura is now offering a Delivery Service! Request an order form from her at BuenaTierra@hotmail.es and send your order in BY Monday morning!!   The delivery fee is 1,000-c within Escazu and 1,500-c in the Santa Ana/Rohrmoser area.   (I need to update this)

DIRECTIONS:
 Escazu Centro - Behind the playground/basketball court next to the Biblioteca de las Damas Voluntarias Library - across the street from the Red Cross - 50 mts North of the Cemetery.



Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Better Quality BEDDING and SHEETS in Costa Rica (where to find)

Most of the bedding I've found in Costa Rica doesn't seem to even have a "thread count' on it so Goddess only knows what it is and it often is quite rough and scratchy and often the elastic on the bottom sheet doesn't last long (that's been MY experience). Costa Rica is REALLY lacking in GOOD QUALITY bedding/sheets for sheet snobs like myself (my bed (a complete memory foam bed with NO coils [coils in a bed are REALLY BAD for anyone with High Blood Pressure, Pain and/or Arthritis!!!!]) is my SANCTUARY and I use soft/sensuous sheets of 600+ thread counts and have the MOST LUSCIOUS blanket I've EVER found (from Orotex below)!! I sleep so little so when I do, I want it to be a MAGICAL experience!!!

Finding special/cool sheets - hahahahhahaha!!!

Below is a list of some places where I've found bedding of at least 200 count (again - finding thread count listed on sheets in CR is RARE so we start with what we have to!!).


The BEST QUALITY in bedding for the BEST PRICE I get them online at: http://Overstock.com/18451/static.html?CID=134045&fp=f&TRACK=emailcusts & have people bring them to me! Shipping of your WHOLE order within the U.S. is just $1!! They also have AMAZING prices for Memory Foam Toppers which are shipped quite tightly and I’ve had people bring me king size ones in their suitcase! I just ordered some 330 Thread Count Solid Sateen Sheet Set for just $23!!



HOME and DRESS CLUB
NOW LOCATED IN PAVAS (2-290-8631 / 2-291-8633) / HomeAndDressClub@gmail.com)
They are an outlet for Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Calvin Kline, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Hotel Collection+ and often have sales of 20-60% Off!!!
DIRECTIONS: 100 East of La Artistica, carretera a Pavas, contiguo a Fiesta Centro.
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm.


TROPICAL BED and BATH
(2-282-8653 / 2-282-8712 / http://TropicalBedAndBath.com / info@tropicalbed.com)
They have all types of thread counts (their website indicates 200-650 count!!), and for extra deep and extra-extra deep mattresses. Katrina said they had some REALLY NICE QUALITY sheets!!
DIRECTIONS: Santa Ana – Their ad shows it’s off the Pista at the Santa Ana/Airport exit. Turn Right towards Pozos. At the street where the MATRA heavy duty trucks/equipment rental/sales is (across from Bosques de Lindora), turn Right and back a bit is a little office space in Bodega Los Higuerones – Local #3.
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 to 7pm and Sun. 10am-5pm


LINO’S Y BLANCOS
(2-228-8085 / MichelleG@racsa.co.cr)
Decent quality bedding at pretty good prices.
OWNER: Michelle Giustiniani Reyes.
DIRECTIONS: Guachipelin - Plaza Mundo, Locales 2y3
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-6:30pm


BEDS, BATH and MORE
(2-223-9553 / http://BedsBathAndMore.com / info@BedsBathAndMore.com)
Wally and Todd with Hotel Bula Bula in Plaza Grande (near Tamarindo / http://HotelBulaBula.com [old buds from my San Francisco days]) SWEAR by this store!! I went and didn’t find anything I wanted to buy but it could be. They do have some sheets up to 400 count but we noticed some from KMart.
DIRECTIONS: San Jose - Paseo Colon in the plaza where Quiznos is (Costado Sur?), diagonal a Toyota Purdy Motors.
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-6pm Sun. 10am-5pm


SILVER THREADS Fine Linen and Towels - The store is no longer but you can still get these high end/high quality European sheets (hence HIGH $$$) privately from the owner. Email me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com for the direct contact.


DECOR FRANCE
(2-288-1512 /
Slightly flawed Queen and King size, 400 thread count sheets for 21,500 and 27,250-c. Hazel (thanx Krysia)
DIRECTIONS: Escazu - Plaza Tabriz - 600 mts south of MultiPlaza
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm


ROYAL PALM INTERIORS
Ojochal - (2-786-5118 ext. 3 / RoyalPalmInteriors@gmail.com)
Import BAMBOO SHEETS. They are incredibly soft and have an extra deep fitted sheet to accommodate mattresses up to 15” deep. Everyone who has purchased LOVES them!!!
CONTACT: Shelagh Duncan
LOCATION: Ojochl is 30k south of Dominical
HOURS: Tues-Sat 10-5.


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Another option is to buy things online/on the internet/web & have friends/family bring them to you. You can have them shipped to you & though the item could be cheap, they often are in oversized boxes hence there will often be a fee for such oversized boxes.

For this type of option go to:
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/11/bedding-sheets-comforters-where-to-find.html


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TICO STANDARD BEDDING
(under 250/300 count [more like 100-200 or not numbered and ROUGH])

OROTEX
(2-222-4627 / orotex@racsa.co.cr)
The bedding and bath department and the nice showroom featuring their higher quality fabrics is now located across the street (white building with like a terra cotta trim) of MY FAVORITE fabric store. They're starting to carry some numbered tc sheets (I don't think I've found them over 350tc yet though), they have towels for pretty good prices, a few decorative bathroom things as well as off and on they have some curtains that I LOVE for GREAT prices!! Of course it’s not the high quality I’m used to but the towels I bought here are better than most I’ve found in Costa Rica. The MOST SENSUOUS blanket I have EVER felt I found at Orotex for under $35 for a King!! DELICIOUS!!! Francisco is one of my main buds there (he speaks some English). Gustavo Jop and a few other family members up front speak GOOD English.
DIRECTIONS: San Jose - Calles 38-40 Ave. 4 (about 1/2 block South/East of ARCR)
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8am-12:30pm and 1:30-6pm (note that USUALLY they do NOT re-open at 1:30pm so don't rush in!!)

HiperMas

Aliss - Lower thread count but some cooler styles

Cemaco

PriceSmart has some 200-ish thread count sheets but mainly in white.

CHEAPO CHEAPO CHEAPO!!!
PEQUEÑO MUNDO (http://PequenoMundo.com / 2- 2801200-main office in Curridabat)
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP - LOW quality, chachkis – like a dime-store. GOOD for some things like hammers & screw drivers, things like end tables/stands (I have bought a LOT of tose here), kitchen things, sets of dishes for $20. They also have REALLY LOW quality clothes (though I have found some cool silk things there before), towels, sheets+ – all cramed into a small space.
For more about Pequeno Mundo see my post at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/08/PequenoMundoCR.html




If you know of ANY stores that carry some good quality sheets &/or cool bedspreads/comforters, etc. - PLEASE e- me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

GOOD SHOPPING!!!


Vicki
.

Monday, July 7, 2008

ROLLER SKATING - ROLLER RINKS in Costa Rica

Salon de Patines - Music Skating Rink
(2-224-6821 / Jason.Music@gmail.com / JasonDMusic@yahoo.com)

FREE LESSONS on Mon. (during normal season)!
Wed. - Special Music Request - YOU get to choose the music!
They have a store that sells all sorts of skate things (including street skates) and a small soda for snacks! The rink can be rented privately for parties and meetings! Kids are welcome though they prefer it be more in the morning/when they're not so busy and you're keeping an eye on them.

This is a "family environment" so no alcohol is sold here!

This family-owned business (the Music’s) has been around in Costa Rica since 1960 (and I believe their grandpa ran a rink in Kentucky even!!). Jason speaks GOOD English (tell him Vicki sent you!!).

HOURS: Regular Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-10pm, Sat.- 1-3:30, 4-6:30, 7-10pm. Sun. + 10-12:30pm, 1-3:30, 4-6:30, 7-10pm 10am for kids ages. When kids are on break: Daily 10am-12:30pm & 1-3:30pm, 4-6:30 & 7-10pm daily.

COST: $4 (includes skates - $3 if you have your own skates). When you leave they also give you 2x1 ticket for the following week.

DIRECTIONS: San Pedro - 50 mts east of the roundabout Fuente de Hispanidad and the San Pedro Mall or 2 blocks West of the University of Costa Rica.

This is THE skating rink of Costa Rica.