Who or what were your life jackets during the pandemic? I had three: My greyhound Asha My husband Todd Paco Ojeda’s Coffee & Headlines Paco Ojeda’s Coffee & Headlines Translates local Puerto Vallarta news into English — incredibly important for understanding what was happening with COVID in Mexico and Puerto Vallarta. For business owners like Todd and me, this was critical: when could we open, what rules did we need to follow, and how could we keep everyone safe? We had to cl

Reflections on loss, life, and how to shine fully while you’re here. FIRSTS… The first time an orchid re-flowered for me. I had left it outside, barely watered it, and thought it was gone. Sometimes being left alone is all you need to bloom again. March 2021 This is my birthday month. I’ve been thinking a lot about life and death lately. LEAVING A few weeks ago, a friend passed — Jerry. He was a talented artist, singer, composer, and musician from the small Illinois town wher

The night I arrived in Vallarta, I almost turned back. Almost. In May 2016 we vacationed in Puerto Vallarta — my first time. Four days in, we knew we belonged there. Six months later, we left snowy Chicago with two greyhounds, a stuffed car, and a dream that felt bigger than logic. Arrival: December 12, 2016 At 5pm we rolled into Vallarta — the air warm, the mountains glowing, the ocean shimmering like a welcome. It felt like the opening scene of a movie… right until the plot

I thought I was caring for my aging greyhound during the pandemic… but she was the one quietly teaching me how to live. Asha is my 14-year-old greyhound, somehow creeping toward 15 with the grace of a little old lady in pearls and the grit of a weathered marathoner. Her steep health decline arrived at the same time as two things I never saw coming: a global pandemic, and the sudden passing of our other greyhound, Kai, who was 13. You never know how your beloved fur babies wil

Moving to a foreign country felt like stepping onto a set with no script… here’s what I learned to survive and thrive. On the fourth day of our May 2016 vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Todd and I looked at each other and knew: we were moving here. Six months later, we packed up our life in Chicago and landed in Vallarta. I was prepared for the logistics of moving. But what I wasn’t prepared for… was living in a foreign country. That’s a whole other adventure. Here’s what I learn

The snowy streets of Chicago behind us, two excited greyhounds in the backseat, and a six-month plan finally coming to life… The first day in Puerto Vallarta felt surreal. Empty house. Ocean breeze. Unknown streets. And yet, somehow, everything whispered: This is home. Todd, our two greyhounds, and I loaded up the car, our luggage strapped to the roof, and began the adventure of a lifetime. Six months of planning, and one epic road trip later, we arrived at our new home. Apr

A story about rediscovering joy, finding my voice, and giving myself permission to shine — one note at a time. Are you treating yourself with extra kindness these days?I truly hope so. If there’s one thing the pandemic taught me, it’s this: Treat yourself special — not just sometimes, but always. And that realization led to the best birthday gift ever. A Little Pandemic Magic March 29 — my birthday. Normally, Todd and I don’t exchange birthday gifts. But that year? I really  

Curious about connecting with loved ones who’ve passed? Or maybe just looking to live more in tune with your intuition? Nothing Is Random Three days before 9/11, I landed at JFK Airport. My now ex-husband and I were headed to our new apartment on Manhattan’s East Side. I was set to begin acting school at the Neighborhood Playhouse that November. About a month later, I wandered into Barnes & Noble and randomly picked up Trust Your Vibes  by Sonia Choquette. She’s an intuitive

I almost didn’t write this. “I’ll be embarrassed. I’ll be ridiculed.” Those were the voices of ego—and I’m done listening to them. Growing up, I was fed the fairy tale: to be beautiful as a woman, you need to be very skinny and have big boobs. In high school, I weighed 108 pounds and worried constantly about gaining weight. I may have been anorexic—though back then it wasn’t called that. It was just “wanting to look like a supermodel.” My boobs didn’t grow much, and that left

Who loves fashion? Me too! One of the most unique trips I've had was to Cuba in 2003 where I found this $20 USD hand crocheted dress. This gorgeous dress sat in a dark closet for years in cold Chicago – patiently waiting to make an appearance – usually only when I went somewhere warm for vacation. It doesn't have to sit in the darkness any longer! Vallarta Wear... perfect for a night out to listen to music, walking around town, out to lunch \ dinner, or to a play. Cute Mex

Rain on the roof, candlelight, and seafood that melts in your mouth… Sometimes slowing down is the most delicious kind of romance. Are you a foodie? Not me—give me a green juice, popcorn, and a salted caramel homemade ice cream, and I’m on Cloud 9. But then Puerto Vallarta happened. You cannot  live in Vallarta without becoming a love-craved food obsessor. The city is packed with insanely amazing restaurants: from mouth-watering street tacos to peaceful breakfasts by the ocea

This is the perfect outfit  whether you’re a business owner at a meeting, an elegant tourist strolling the beach, or just running errands around town. It's comfy (always a necessity), simple, elegant, and you can change the look with fun accessories. Found this soft cotton top & super comfy stretchy skirt at AOB in the Romantic Zone  of Puerto Vallarta. Soft ✅ Comfy ✅ Smart ✅ Don’t forget the flip flops —and just like that, you’re officially Vallartacized!   Find your inner