We arrived in Sámara, Costa Rica from Brooklyn, New York after traveling seven hours (five flying and two driving) yet it felt like went about 7 decades back in time. Thanks to my sunset and beach bonfire Instagrams my friends are all convinced I’m having the time of my life. Yet nothing is simple in our new simplified life. I can’t even begin to capture in photo the absurdities I’ve encountered. The following musings begins to sum up some of the frustrating, strange, and funny experiences I’ve had in small town Costa Rica.

Over at Wellrounded I contributed my knowledge of fashion and activism for a really cute piece that is hard to ignore. Start the conversation with some of these fashion statement pieces. 

Are you ready for take off? Tray tables locked, seats up, belts fastened and your toddler quietly, pleasantly sitting in his seat not kicking the person in front of him.

That whole “getting there is half the fun” was clearly not about getting there with a toddler. I highly recommend pursuing your travel goals with children, but it will take a little more prep work to have “a quarter of the fun” getting there.

To get you all there and back with as few meltdowns as possible, consider these five tips

The 80s were full of fanny packs and they were the kiss of death to your popularity. I am still scarred from that today and feel I have to justify my love and support of this underused accessory. Also note, I surround myself with cool, beautiful things so this adoration for the underrated bag is whole-hearted. 

Here I round up some favorites, but the market is totally underserved. Designers get to work!!!!! 

Over at Wellrounded I contributed my knowledge of essential oils during and after pregnancy for some holistic care during a time when you are not supposed to take anything but need everything!