Prime Day clean beauty and wellness steals

Prime Day 2023 Clean Beauty and Wellness steals

I don’t know if I’m getting cheaper in my old age or whether I’ve done a better job of scavenging, but I’ve found you some really worthwhile deals for Prime Day 2023. I always recommend buying local, from small shops, and directly from the brands (where you can often take advantage of great loyalty programs), but – let’s be honest – mama can’t pass up a deal. This Prime Day clean beauty and wellness steals list is as much for me as it is for you. Sometimes I buy consumer electronics and camera equipment on Prime Day, but this year […]

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Reasons to fall in love with Mexico City

View of Mexico City from the Castillo de Chapultepec

There’s a newness every morning in Mexico City, as store owners wash their sidewalks and prepare storefronts, the sun peeks over the horizon into the cool blue sky, and vendors take their bikes and carts to the streets to sell tamales, coffee, and more, filling neighborhoods with sounds and smells like urban birds singing. Opportunities to experience this unique and beautiful culture are served up, rolling by, on street corners and peeking out of unexpected places – yours for the taking. The beginning of my Mexico City love affair My senior year of college, with and insatiable sense of curiosity […]

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Prime Day 2022: There’s still time for these beauty finds!

Jane Iredale for Prime Day

I’m not a big bargain hunter because I don’t love shopping and I detest digging to find a deal, but I DO know what I like, and I hardly ever pay retail. So on Prime Day 2022, I shopped with a mission. For me, Prime Day may as well be called Jane Iredale Day because Jane’s entire line goes on sale and this girl stocks up! The entire brand is excellent and was ahead of its time in clean beauty, but they hands-down offer my favorite lip products. More on that later. Occasionally I buy a hard drive (this year), […]

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It’s hard to imagine a woman like you

I know it's hard to imagine a woman like you - on Pura Vida Sometimes

The last year has been difficult across the board, for men, women, children, and everyone in between. As the pandemic continues, our challenges have become compounded by what is largely recognized as a women’s recession. Today, on International Women’s Day, I’d like to recognize all the women that are keeping families, business, economies, and nation states running smoothly.

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Letter to My Daughter: Yep, This Year Sucks

Letter to My Daughter: Yep, this year sucks, on Pura Vida Sometimes - header

Dear Warrior Princess, 2020 has been a memorable year, in mostly the worst ways. It’s hard enough for adults, but kiddos like you are really getting the short end of the stick. I agree – this year sucks – but I’m here with you, and better days will come. We had a great spring break – a low-tech week of friends, projects, relaxation, and focused fun. But it never ended. You didn’t go back to school, I didn’t go back to “work,” nothing went back to normal. The function of our home office was really tested for the first time […]

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Lymphedema myths debunked

Lymphedema myths debunked - Pura Vida Sometimes

The World Health Organization estimates that more 250 million people worldwide suffer from Lymphedema, yet most people know surprisingly little about the disease, and advice isn’t always good. I don’t define myself by this condition – it’s not a critical part of my identity – but on March 6, World Lymphedema Day, I try to join the effort to raise awareness and understanding for my LE brothers and sisters. I suffer from Stage 3 Lymphedema – it’s uncurable at this point but is treatable. After multiple studies, the jury’s out on whether my case is primary (hereditary) or secondary (caused […]

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The future: studies confirm it’s Latina

The Future: Studies confirm it's Latina on Pura Vida Sometimes

I could tell you about the potential of the LatinX community based on personal experience and obvious bias, but you don’t have to take it from me. Indeed, actual studies confirm: the future is Latina. Over the summer, I attended #WeAllGrow, a professional summit for Latina changemakers – creatives, creators, and entrepreneurs from all over the United States and Latin America. Over the course of four days, 500 women gained expertise, resources, and an amazing network. But the magic of the event was in the sisterhood, designed to inspire and empower high-potential Latinas. Really, it was the first time I […]

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Dora’s natural heroism in a complicated world

Dora’s natural heroism in a complicated world - Pura Vida Sometimes

Dora and the Lost City of Gold and a surprising interview with legendary Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez When Dora the Explorer debuted nearly 20 years ago, the show was hit with kids and celebrated by adults. Dora, a bilingual preschooler, solved mysteries and engaged directly with her audience. Like the children who admired her, she has grown up. The world has changed and the mysteries to be solved are more complicated, but in Dora and The Lost City of Gold, out this Friday, Dora stays true to roots – something executive producer and actor Eugenio Derbez says makes her our […]

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How to find cute shoes for wide Lymphie feet

Cute shoes for Lymphie feet - Pura Vida Sometimes

When I was first diagnosed with Lymphedema a few years ago now, I reluctantly said adieu to some really amazing pointy-toed, strappy, cute-as-hell shoes. But I didn’t give up. No, not me – not ever. And I wasn’t about to trade in my heels for my nana‘s beige orthotics. After trial, error, and a lot of money invested, I wanted to share with my community some quick and dirty rules on how to find cute shoes for wide Lymphie feet. As context, I’m not afraid to show my compression – I’m becoming bolder by the day, but I also don’t […]

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