Amanda Smith

I am a huge advocate for adopting rescue dogs. I wanted to create a list for rescues and vets in the US. My goal is to find locations in all 50 states. Please check back as I add more to the list. I will say as I was creating the sections, I was singing the state song that I learned in 5th or 6th grade music class lol I cannot sing on key if my life depended on it. I can whistle better than I can sing!

Did you know that several prisons offer dog training programs for rescue dogs? It is a great way to rescue dogs from shelters as well as boost the morale of the prisoners. The majority of the programs have the dog stay with the inmates 24/7 and they have a wonderful schedule that is followed. Most dogs love having a routine so this is amazing for them AND once they go through the program, the dogs are available for adoption! #adoptdontshop

If you are looking to either move to another country or adopt a rescue animal from another country, check out these tips and tricks!

Here is a list of the places that I want to travel in Costa Rica in 2026. Some of these will be spread out, while others might be grouped together. I will continue to add to this list as I think of more awesome places to visit!

Welcome to Costa Rica! I have traveled to all of these areas, and some of the recommendations are on my bucket list (I have specified those in my notes). Check back for updates on the list. 🥰 I am an affiliate, and on some items, I do make a commission.

This is a combination of places that I have personally been to as well as my partner. If the stores are zone specific, I have added a note as to which zone. I have a wide variety of interests, so the specialty store section is a bit eclectic.

This list is designed for those visiting Costa Rica and find themselves in need of medical assistance. I will be focusing on private care as that is what would be available for tourist visas. I will be updating this list as I find new recommendations.

Are you looking to give a dog or cat a furever home? Check out these pawsome rescues in Costa Rica! Some of them also have connections for legally flying animals to the United States and Canada. If you are unable to adopt and would still like to help, you should also find a section for donating and/or sharing the page. I know each of these rescue shelters would greatly appreciate it! I am also including veterinarians.

I have traveled to 30 out of the 50 states in the United States of America. I finally had my first international trip in 2021 at the age of 40. I actually had to get a passport to where I could travel to Costa Rica. My partner and family had already traveled down, which meant that I was flying down solo. I was in Costa Rica for 2 weeks and absolutely fell in love with the culture, food, and the amazing views. As a photographer, I took a LOT of pictures and videos. Please join me on this amazing journey that led me to consider relocating to Costa Rica.

Over the years I have discovered these TV shows as well as movies that either spotlight Costa Rica or are in fact fully about Costa Rica. I wanted to share some of my favorite finds. Some are shocking, some are romantic, and some are just downright gorgeous!

Since moving to Costa Rica, I have found that I am making so many more items from scratch! It is so amazing, and they taste oh so yummy. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! I will be updating this list as I go on my baking and cooking journey here in Costa Rica.

Living in Costa Rica, it can be challenging to find certain items locally. If you are moving down, these are some of the kitchen items that I use on a regular basis. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

I have traveled to several areas in Costa Rica, and wanted to share my recommendations for the most common questions on what to pack. Please know that Costa Rica has a LOT of microclimates. You could be in an area that's 90 degrees, while other areas can get down to 40 degrees. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

I wanted to create a list of what items rescues are constantly in need of donation wise. Some are general items that the majority of pet owners would have on hand, while others are what rescues and foster families tend to have on hand. Rescuing dogs and cats has been an eye opener for me. Finding animals in such a rough state, it really does help to have these items on hand.

These items are ones that work really well with my adorable rescue dog, Remi. We have toys, items for the vehicle, food and water products, and how to clean up pet fur. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

What I love most about these products is that they can be used for both dogs and cats. I personally own several of the items listed here and they are a gamechanger for my rescue dog Remington aka Remi. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

If you are on the hunt for some awesome products for your hair, lips, restless legs, body oil, and more, these are the recommendations that I have for you! I am still adding to the list as I test the products out. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

I am on a skincare journey and trying out different brands.These are some of my absolute favorites that I highly recommend. Please know, I am an affiliate marketer and do make a small commission on each purchase.

My partner and I travel a lot, and sometimes, not away at the same time. By having Bluetooth toys, we are able to have some fun sexy vibes even when we are in different countries! 😈 Enjoy! I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

I am considering doing some DIY jewelry and am currently in research mode. These are some of the amazing finds that I have come across so far. I will continue to add to each section as I come across more options that I love! I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

One of my favorite book series is by Julia Quinn, known as the Bridgerton books. I remember purchasing these as they were released and I still have the originals. Granted the originals are still in storage in Missouri; however, I do still own them. This series also makes me remember the older days when having a physical book in your hands was normal (way before digital was even thought of). Needless to say, I also used to be quite the pen pal myself! I remember writing letters to family and friends (old and new) from all over. Sometimes, I really do miss the old days when this was the norm.

I am currently in a major research mode for a trip to Egypt. I will be adding to the list as I come across new places to visit!

Any time you travel, whether it be by car or plane, these are some of my top recommendations. I either own these, or know people that have them and they are now on my wish list. 😁 I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

My highest recommendations for your vehicles and emergency roadside kit. You never know what is going to happen, and I'm a firm believer in being prepared. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

I absolutely LOVE my RAD E-Bike! These are the items that I have purchased, and man, am I glad that I did! RAD is an amazing company, and their customer support is top-notch! I have a mixture of items from RAD as well as Amazon, mainly due to availability as well as pricing. I am an affiliate and do make a commission on sales generated.

I wanted to create a list of the movies that my family watches almost every year for Christmas. Being in Costa Rica and away from my immediate family does make me sad at times. By continuing some traditions, it helps me quite a lot!