Zapata, Dog of the Beach

Zapata, Dog of the Beach

Oh, my name is Zapata. I am not named after a shoe or because I love to chew on shoes, which I do, but because of the famous Mexican revolutionary and freedom fighter, Emiliano Zapata. He said, “It’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees,” which I agree with, especially since I have four of the two. I’ll tell you how I got my name, but first let me tell you what my life is like now. The present is so sweet, and we dogs appreciate it much more than humans who like to live in the future or the past. The past is like a tail that follows you and only serves to scare away flies, and the future, what will be will be.

I live in Samara, a beautiful little town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. I meet many tourists there, from Canada, Switzerland and the United States, among other countries, who come to study at our Spanish School. They have lessons in the morning and have free time in the afternoon to lounge on the beach, eat at one of our delicious restaurants, shop at our quaint shops, paint, ride horses, or travel to other wonderful places in Costa Rica. I myself have not left Samara, but I hear wonderful stories of trips to Monte Verde and the cloud forests, and to the Arano Volcano, where there are zip lines, hot pools for bathing and rafting. One day I hope to travel to my beautiful country with my owner, who is the proud manager of a Spanish restaurant in Samara. It is one of many charming restaurants, but more exotic than others. People usually come to our establishment if it’s raining and they want to get off the beach. We have a great wine that I heard, and I can recommend the Paella and the bones

I met my friend from the United States when he was lying on the sidewalk outside the restaurant taking a nap in the afternoon heat. The gringos do not seem to notice the heat and walk under the midday sun like rabid dogs or English, of which there are some of the latter in Samara. There is little water to fill their plates in England or so I hear so they come here where our water plates are full and our rivers cascade into the sea. They often complain that they can’t drive their four-wheeled monsters through the fast-flowing rivers along the coast. They should be happy to lap up the clean, fresh water, but back to my story. The gringa lady saw me and immediately fell in love with me, which is not unusual for the great Zapata. He was lying on the sidewalk, very relaxed, and she thought he was sick. He tried to get me some tacos and water, which I gratefully accepted. I didn’t tell him the truth, the truth. I think she wanted to take me home, but she was afraid to move. I’m good at playing possum.

The next day I saw her again while she was taking one of her paintings to an art gallery. It was a painting of the beach and it wasn’t bad, except that it contained a cat, a despicable creature. How could she prefer the cat (cat) to the dog? But she kept prodding me by asking her husband, in her strange language that I have learned a little about thanks to the touriststo look at me He didn’t seem very impressed, but I loved the attention from him, especially the treats. That afternoon I saw her and her husband drinking an Imperial on the beach and admiring the horses that came from the fields in the afternoon to enjoy the Pacific. She seemed very surprised to see free animals on the beach. She wondered why, but she hoped she had never found out. I would have to fight for my freedom, if I were ever in danger, just like my namesake, Emiliano. They didn’t see me, but I followed them down the beach where I saw them feeding my friend, Migo. He’s a lanky black hound who lives in a beach restaurant and is even better fed than I am. Tourists on the beach love it. They miss their dogs at home, I’m sure.

Another morning I saw her waving wildly at a friend she knew from home. This was very surprising to her as she did not know that her friend would be in Samara. I guess she doesn’t have many friends, or the world is much bigger than Samara. I see my friends from the city all the time. Another day, her husband took a surfing lesson. He wasn’t very good, but he tried very hard. Many tourists do not know that it takes him a long time to learn to ride the waves. I would like to try it too, but my owner won’t let me, a little freedom that is denied me. But I like to swim in the waves, and tourists do too However, the ocean has many moods and one should swim when not angry.

The couple befriended the family at the beach who had given them surfing lessons and bought them a large fish. They took him back up the hill to his house on top of the mountain to cook. I would have eaten it raw, but humans like to grill fish. I was hoping to get some. Later the family offered them a puppy from a litter that had just been born. I tried to meet her dog with the beautiful black hair, but she would have nothing to do with me, saying that he was a beach bum. That may be true, but how could he resist my thick white fur and brown lion’s mane? Many people say that I look like a chow dog, and I certainly like chow. Like Emiliano, I am very attracted to ladies, and they to me. But, “Comrades, you can’t win them all”, or as the gringos would say, “You can’t win them all”.

After several weeks, I saw my gringo friend on the beach one night drinking an Imperial and looking very sad. I heard her say that it was his last night in Samara. He said that he would miss the beautiful beach and the friendly people. He also said that people here care about the environment and have resisted the efforts of large companies that pollute the landscape to build in Costa Rica. We also use renewable energy, which I think means we bury our bones to use later. This made me happy, but a little scared. I expected our beach to always be the same. We are often called the greenest and happiest country. We have plenty to eat and we still have plenty of trees to lie down under.

As my story is coming to an end, I will tell you how I got my name. Once, when I was a younger dog and living in the city, I freed several of my friends who had been rounded up by the dogcatcher and thrown into a truck with a cage in the back. There was also a beautiful baby dressed in all white fur with a diamond necklace in the cage. When I saw her I fell madly in love, but how was I to know that she belonged to a Great Dane that belonged to the mayor. I just knew I had to rescue her from her, which I did by jumping up and pulling on the ends of the rope that bound the cage doors. The dogs burst out of captivity barking: “Zapata, Zapata to the rescue.”

I followed her to her house where she gave me a sniff but said it belonged to someone else. Still, my reputation was built and she stays with me to this day. I have made many conquests based on that lucky day that I also earned my name. Now I decided that I should use my powers to cheer up my gringo friend. I rounded up my friends, a bunch of strays, with a few haughty chihuahuas in the group, and led them down the beach to their bench. He jumped to his feet, crying, “There he is, my sick sidewalk dog leading a pack of dogs. I’m glad he’s feeling better, but I hope they don’t attack us!”

I was very surprised to hear her say this, but proudly led my friends down the beach in full parade formation for her enjoyment, stopping only to bow in front of her and wag my tail. She exclaimed with delight, “He is the leader of the pack and he has come to say goodbye.” Yes, she had recognized my greatness and my appreciation for the gringos had grown by leaps and bounds. While the red sun sank below the waves crowned with white, and the coconut palms swayed gently in the breeze, I, the great Zapata, said goodbye to the nice gringa lady. Even though she called me Sam, I’m sure she’ll never forget me.

A brief recap of the key points in Part I of Business Suicide Strategy #8 involving risk reversal and collateral includes the following: We discuss how this strategy can dramatically change your business profits. Unfortunately, many companies are afraid to offer risk reversal strategies because they don’t understand its importance: that is, that the benefit of any product or service is obtained after the sale is made. If you reduce or eliminate this risk, the natural consequence is that people will be more inclined to buy. We compare and contrast two hypothetical approaches to how a businessperson might handle the sale of a puppy to a parent.

Now let’s study 7 Nordstrom store merchandise return policies. Nordstrom, a high-end retailer, really understands the value of offering ‘risk reversal strategies’. Nordstrom’s online return policy reads: “Nordstrom’s Commitment to Customers:”

1. “Our commitment to an extraordinary shopping experience” (Nordstrom uses this slogan as its motto). While we can enjoy shopping, any time a business separates a customer from their money, it implies a trust factor between the merchant and the customer.

2. “Even if you’re making an exchange or a return, we make it easy for you.”

Here Nordstrom is giving the customer permission to return the purchase. While Nordstrom would certainly prefer that you make an exchange rather than request a refund, they have already given you permission to return the item.

I am amazed at the number of stores that only offer an exchange for other products in their store. By such a policy, the business is telling the prospect or customer that money spent with us will not be returned under any circumstances. This is not a good policy because the customer cannot experience the product without fearing that they are taking a huge risk depending on the price. If you refuse to give anything other than store credit, your business will lose sales as a result. Ask yourself, can your business in these economic times afford to take such risk?

3. “A prepaid RETURN LABEL is included with every order. Only the minimum return postage fee will be deducted from your return. And exchanges are completely free – by mail, phone or in-store.”

Nordstrom includes a prepaid return label; one less hassle the customer has to deal with when doing business with Nordstrom. Take a good look at this language. The client is automatically reassured.

4. “Exchange postage is always free! Fill out the exchange portion of your RETURN LABEL and mail your exchange. We’ll ship the in-stock items right away, charge your credit card, and credit the return once we’ve received at our facility. Unfortunately, we are unable to refund original shipping charges. Don’t worry, insurance is covered when the label provided is used.”

The consumer is informed in advance that exchange postage is always free. How many companies do you know that offer such a convenient policy? Nordstrom apologizes for having to charge you for returned items, but remember that if you return the item to the store, there is no charge. In addition, Nordstrom automatically provides insurance for returned items.

5. “Skip the exchange portion of the RETURN LABEL and simply call us at 1-800-933-3365. We’ll ship your in-stock items right away, charge your credit card, and credit the return once we’ve received it in the mail.” our Unfortunately, we can’t refund original shipping costs EASY MERCHANDISE RETURNS” if you ordered the wrong size, no problem, we’ll immediately ship your in-stock items free of charge.

Now Nordstrom has taken away the fear of how to handle “What if the garment does not fit you?” Now what? The easier the business is to do business with, the more sales that business will generate.

6. “Ship your item(s) using the prepaid RETURN LABEL. We will simply deduct a flat fee of $6.00 from your order refund for return postage. Simply drop off your package in a secure location where you normally receive your mail or drop it off at any mailbox or post office in the U.S. Be sure to use the address on our RETURN LABEL: 7700 18th St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. If you don’t use the prepaid label, the $6.00 fee will not be deducted from your return at our facilities.”

Nordstorm takes the guesswork out of what shipping and handling charges will be by using one flat rate for all returns. What a powerful strategy to take the guesswork out of future shipping and handling charges. And Nordstrom even apologizes for its $6.00 policy but explains why the charge is necessary. When was the last time a store apologized for a charge they incurred doing business with them?

7. “In Store – FREE Just bring the packing slip and the credit card used when ordering to any of our stores. Click here to find your nearest Nordstrom store.”

Here, Nordstrom puts no time limits on the return date, and by doing so, Nordstrom builds exceptional customer loyalty. Nordstrom allows you to return merchandise to any store and provides a store locator link to find the store closest to you. In doing so, Nordstrom is valuing your time and doing everything possible to make the shopping experience a pleasant one, and indeed, a memorable one.

The company that reverses risk automatically gains a competitive advantage and wins more business. This competitive advantage is very significant when it comes to attracting new customers or clients to your business. In fact, the longer you extend your warranty or return policy, the fewer returns you’ll have over the course of your business. Such customer service builds brand loyalty.

Nordstrom differentiates itself from 98% of retail stores by offering a return policy so lenient that its shoppers spend more money and enjoy the shopping experience. There will always be some customers who take advantage of Nordstrom’s policy.

This is absolutely critical to the success of your business. The longer you extend the return policy, the less pressure the buyer will feel to act quickly and return the item, so you don’t instill any sense of urgency in the customer, which is exactly what your business wants if you have a good product. The longer the customer uses the product, the more likely they are to keep the product.

I wake up with “Koko died, Koko died, Koko died”. My husband tells me this with tears in his eyes. Our beloved and handsome 10-year-old Maine Coon, Kokopelli, has died… too young. Kokopelli, Koko Pop, Koko Lo-mo-po, Popster, Big Dude and Koko Smelly (when he was a baby he often had diarrhea). I’m assuming he died of cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart defect often found in Maine Coons. As a woman of a certain age, I have lost many pets in my life. I can still name most of them… Corkie, our first dog, then we had a series of Siamese cats, then came a chihuahua named Putsem, a derivation of the Czech words meaning come here. Then I had Fat Cat, Weenie, Scaredy Cat, Frisky and Maggie, and of course Koko. I still have Bocce, a Main Coon and Koko and Bella Blue’s brother, a Siamese mix. Even in my twilight years, I will have pets, but I will have a plan for them. I certainly don’t want them to end up in a shelter. So, here are some thoughts:

The cycle of life… As you can see, I have a long history of having pets. So, one would think that after a while one would get a little “tougher” in dealing with the death of a pet. But, for me, it has become more difficult. Maybe it’s because I no longer have all the other things you go through in life taking up space in my emotions. No crying kids, no demanding bosses, no nagging money problems. Or is it because I see myself now, as a woman of a certain age, perhaps a cat’s life away from my own journey to heaven? A friend of mine is a desperate counselor. When I asked him why, as we get older, it becomes more difficult for him to lose a pet. He gave two reasons. The first was that as we get older, we become more emotional. And second, as we move into the world of work and/or parenting, we go from spending 2-3 hours of split time with our pets and then when we retire to being 24/7 with our pets.

Guilt… There is one case in my life, regarding my pets, that I still feel very bad about. It has to do with my two cats Fat Cat and Weenie. I was divorcing my first husband and had accepted a new job in another city. I was moving from a house to an apartment. I didn’t have two cents to rub together. In my new job I would be traveling a lot. So what did this mean for me and my cats? I didn’t have the deposit to pay the apartment complex for the cats nor did I have anyone to take care of them when I was away. So, I convinced my future ex-husband to take them. I never saw them again and I didn’t ask about them. I was too busy with my new life. I have a feeling he… doesn’t matter.

I have learned CPR for animals… Yes, there is such a thing. My husband tried to resuscitate Koko but he apparently died sometime during the night. I found this video on YouTube.com on how to perform CPR on his cat. It’s basically the same for dog lovers. It only lasts one minute and 17 seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCj0VEjGYxc. It can help you save your pet’s life.

This post is probably a disappointment for you. Is for me. But it’s just one more step in my grieving process. I ordered his cremation urn and made a trampoline to celebrate his life. Koko had a beautiful life and she gave us so much joy and love. The loss of my big boy will leave a void in my life for a long time…

The State of Texas has been cracking down more than ever against those accused of child sexual abuse, child pornography, indecency with a child, sexual performance, solicitation of a minor, and all types of sexual assault crimes, commonly known as rape. . A guilty plea to a sex crime in Texas has many far-reaching ramifications, including but not limited to:

* A defendant will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life for many types of sex crimes, including indecency with a child by touching and sexual assault on a child. There is no differentiation under sex offender registration laws in Texas (at this time) between forcible rape, incest, and a consensual statutory rape scenario, such as a 20-year-old defendant with a 14-year-old girlfriend.

*A Defendant, once sentenced to prison time, will not be eligible for parole consideration until he or she has served one-half of the prison sentence, calculated according to Texas prison standards.

* A Defendant placed on deferred adjudication parole may have his or her parole extended for up to 20 years.

* If a Defendant commits a sex crime and is convicted after a prior deferred adjudication, direct parole, or prison sentence for a sex crime, the Defendant will receive an automatic life sentence.

These Texas laws, among many others, must be considered by a Defendant contemplating a guilty plea or facing trial. It is very important that the Defendant retain a competent criminal defense attorney who is well versed in sex offender laws. as well as divorce and child custody considerations, as these issues frequently go hand-in-hand with a charge of sexual assault or injury to a child.

Pet land hermit crabs are becoming increasingly popular with people looking for something other than the typical cat, dog, rabbit, or guinea pig. In fact, they make excellent pets, and there are several reasons for their growing popularity. So if you’re looking to join an elite group of people who keep these little critters as pets, keep reading as you might find this interesting!

cheap to buy

These land animals are classified as exotic pets, though you certainly won’t pay exotic animal prices for one. For just four dollars you can have your own exotic pet. However, it’s probably best to buy more than one crab, as they are social creatures and don’t much like being alone.

cheap to set up

These ground trackers are also cheap to maintain because they don’t require a lot of expense in terms of their environment. All you need is a tank or an aquarium. If you start with a 10 gallon tank, it will be enough for two of the little ones. You will also need some sand, known as a substrate for the crabs to burrow into. Your little crawling buddy will also appreciate having something to climb and hide in. A piece of bark or an old pot is ideal. They will also require a selection of shells that they can call “home”. The only difficult thing when caring for your crawling crustacean pet is learning how to control the temperature of the tank, as it needs to be kept between 72-82°F. However, if you have the tank in a warm room this could be controlled naturally. Otherwise, you will have to buy a small heater. Even so, these are not particularly expensive. To control the humidity, since it should also be between 70-80%, you can buy a natural sponge at any reputable pet store; simply wet it and place it in the tank. This should keep humidity levels high.

cheap to feed

Unlike other exotic pets, these little critters don’t need rare food items shipped from the four corners of the earth to maintain their well-being. On the contrary, this type of crab is one of the least picky eaters I know of, as they are classified as foragers in the wild. The best way to feed them is a balanced diet of crab food and regular “people food.” I mean meat or fish and two vegetables, followed by a fruit dessert! His crab sidekick is even partial to chocolate and peanut butter (albeit the latter two in moderation). When you have your main meal of the day, remember to serve a small portion of the same for your new found friends. Just remember not to overdose on junk food!

Pet land hermit crabs can provide the owner with fun on many levels. Since they are social creatures, they will interact with you when they get to know and trust you. Its longevity, if properly cared for, can be up to 15 years! This means you are buying a companion that will last. They really don’t require much care and don’t take up a lot of space, making them the perfect tracking companion for today’s busy family.

One of the most important focal points in every room is the rug. You can turn the place into a warm and welcoming part of the home. You’ll enhance the soft feel of your feet touching the rug and appreciate the overall appeal it presents.

It’s safe to say that a rug can give you all the markings of a true home, but only as long as you care for it properly. Here are some smart tips to help you on that quest:

Use a lint roller; Sometimes you may feel that despite your best vacuuming efforts, the carpet still has crumbs and hair on it. This is because these particles are often left untouched by the vacuum, due to the fibers. One solution is to simply use a lint roller. Roll it into the areas with hair and crumbs, and it will do its job well enough without you having to worry about a thing.

Use a pet hair squeegee – One of the hardest things to deal with on carpet is pet hair. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or anything else that is furry and loses hair everywhere, you know the difficulties. What you can use is a squeegee. It’s also weird, but it works pretty well.

Clean stains with your iron: One of the methods to remove stains is to use the heat of the iron. The first step is to vacuum the stained area and remove any hard particles that are there. Then, apply a vinegar and water solution to the stain. Wait five minutes for the mixture to settle. Then take a towel and apply a hot iron. This will cause the stain to transfer to the towel, like an upside-down water tattoo.

Forget rubbing stains – what you should do is always blot and never rub. Blotting means applying gentle pressure to the stain with a cloth or paper towel. This way the stain won’t set, which is exactly what happens when you rub it. Work from the outside of the stained area towards its center.

Baking soda works wonders – You can incorporate baking soda into your carpet cleaning efforts along with a bit of essential oil. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to a box of baking soda. Then sprinkle it all over the carpet and leave it like that for a few hours. The odor-absorbing qualities of baking soda will kick in. When you vacuum the area later, all that will remain is the freshness of the essential oil. You can also use baking soda to mask any pet incidents. Apply a generous amount to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot. This is a great way to further train a small puppy.

Rubbing alcohol to the rescue: Did you just drop some nail polish on the carpet? While it may seem pointless, many experts recommend rubbing alcohol. It’s a great solution to treat the stain, and it’s harmless to the carpet. First, remove as much of the nail polish as you can, then rub a cloth or paper towel with the isopropyl alcohol. It will soon dissolve and be absorbed by the towel. Repeat this process as many times as you need.

All of these tips work wonders when you use them to clean your carpet. Try them today and you will know this to be true.

Many of us feel the need to please and communicate with our furry family members, and one way to do this is to keep our pets in mind when organizing and decorating our homes. When designing an animal-friendly home, Feng Shui principles can create an environment that benefits you and your pet. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy in which basic concepts of energy, balance, and connectedness are used to create an environment that supports your unique intentions.

Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) is associated with five elements (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood), and each element with its colors, scents, and shapes can be used to create environments according to our intentions. There are some basic Feng Shui concepts that we can use to raise a new puppy or to provide a comfortable and safe environment for our older friends. We need to use space as a tool, while remaining mindful that the colors we choose for bedding, the shapes we use for dinner plates, and even the flooring and fabric choices in our homes must be intentionally chosen to suit. the needs of our pets. while contributing to the warmth and loving atmosphere of our homes. Implementing new and exciting items in a way that improves or corrects unfavorable conditions in your living space is often simple and inexpensive.

A new puppy in the home brings renewed energy, love, and excitement with all the possibilities life has to offer. They are our “yang” energies, full of life, energy and fun. However, for a dog, being in a new environment can bring fear and insecurities. Our pups need stability, grounding, and security. Adding some “yin” to the environment will help balance your energies, especially at bedtime.

According to Feng Shui principles, the Earth element gives one a sense of belonging, permanence, and a feeling of connection. When looking for bedding or blankets for a new puppy, trust the Earth element by incorporating earth tone colors (brown, yellow, terracotta, sand tones, gray) with a square pattern. In all your decisions, keep in mind the way dogs see color. Humans see a full spectrum of colors, while studies show that the dog’s world is made up of yellows, blues, and grays. Like a human with red-green color blindness, they cannot tell the difference between red and green. When a human perceives a red object, it appears yellow to the dog.

Wrapping up your new family member is another way to give them a sense of security or a “cave” feeling. Whether you’re creating or not, place your bedding in a corner away from doors and with as little activity and draft as possible. There are wonderful “dens” on the market that replicate nature. These study environments provide a sense of warmth, security, and privacy, while integrating nature’s source of life.

Our older friends need the same consideration when it comes to home design and planning. There are wonderful products on the market that offer orthopedic beds for sore joints. Just like a new puppy, our older friends can sometimes have “accidents” and choosing bedding with fabrics that prevent moisture, bacteria, and stains from building up in the fibers allows for a more enjoyable experience for both humans and for the pets. Crypton fabric washes like a dream and offers design freedom with little worry about wear and tear.

Failing eyesight can be a problem with our elderly dogs, and “pathfinding” principles (used by hospitals and nursing homes) can be used. Our pets can’t read letters, but they understand the difference between a hard surface (wood floor) and a soft surface (carpet). By adding simple elements, we can make it easier and less stressful for our pets to find their familiar path to their food, beds, or a comfortable spot on our laps or at our feet. Using runners or rugs that lead to eating and disposal areas helps pets find their way, with less stress and more precision. Remember to use non-slip mats under your rugs or runners. This can reduce an animal’s stress and anxiety, ensuring a sure footing (or claw). Rearranging furniture should be considered very carefully with an older dog, as it can cause stress and confusion in an animal that knows exactly where things used to be.

You can also take advantage of your dog’s more developed sense of smell, to make him feel more comfortable in your home. Dogs have about 25 times more olfactory receptors (smells) than humans. Knowing the characteristics of each scent, and its properties, allows us to use them consciously where they are most needed. As human beings, we respond to the pleasant and calming scent of lavender, and we know the energetic sensation of smelling peppermint. This is the same for dogs. To help “find his way” around your home, use a scent that will call your dog to the action you want him to take. For example, using a scent where your dog’s food and water bowl is located, such as peppermint or spearmint, can guide him in the right direction when it’s time to eat. You may want to use a different scent that draws them toward your disposal area or out the door, such as an earthy or woody scent.

Part of creating a healthy, happy and balanced home for your pet is removing as many toxins from their environment as possible. Be aware of the volatile organic chemical (VOC) in paints. When using paints in your remodel, look for those with zero VOCs. Paint gives off gases (that terrible paint smell we’ve experienced) and continues to expend toxins for up to 18 months after application, affecting breathing. Keep your environment healthy by being aware of these and other toxins in cleaning, hygiene and beauty products.

Another way to bring Feng Shui to dogs of any age is to use the properties of the Water element. The Water element of Feng Shui, represented in blue and black, increases digestion, allowing more time to relax. This makes a perfect color combination for food bowls and dining rooms, for example. Providing a food bowl for your dog that is black or blue will allow your pet to slow down the eating process, especially helpful if your dog has a tendency to swallow his food. Combine these colors with the square shape of the Earth element to further aid in slower digestion. Avoid round food bowls (the Metal element) as this will make your pet eat more as the circles will not allow our eyes to rest in one place but your pet will continually search around and around for food. Keep in mind that food and water bowls should be elevated to make eating and drinking easier, especially for older animals. It is recommended that food and water bowls be placed about six inches below the height of the pet’s withers (top of front shoulder). For small dogs, subtract four inches. You can also find square, raised food and water bowls for your pets that are aesthetically pleasing to complement your existing decor.

Dogs also use other cues like texture, brightness, and position to adapt to their surroundings. Experiment with various textures throughout your home and you may find more ways to make your furry friend comfortable.

By planning for your dog’s habits and personality, and applying the appropriate Feng Shui elements, you can achieve balance in the life of your pet and for everyone who shares your space. Using Feng Shui principles and elements in your animal-friendly design can empower the spirit and the environment not only for you, but for your furry companion as well.

When you talk about Puerto Vallarta, you are talking about more than 40 miles of coastline along Banderas Bay. Some interesting beaches are just a few minutes from the bay, such as Sayulita in the north or Yelapa in the south.

So the diversity is enormous and each place has its charm, but taking everything into consideration, there are still some beaches that are better than others and knowing that the traveler has limited time and needs information, here is our Top 10 of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta:

1. Yelapa

Like a “pure beach” Yelapa is definitely the best. Tucked away in a small, remote bay, to get to Yelapa you’ll have to take a “panga” (water taxi) from the Muelle de Los Muertos, for a 45-minute trip by sea. There are no roads to this beautiful little town, which keeps it away from the noise of civilization and tourists. Whoever visits Yelapa simply falls in love with the “magic” of the place. No cars, very few phones, just the beach between the sea and the jungle, and a few palapas scattered on the sand to enjoy nature and feel alive…

2. Stills

Near the north end of the bay Of flags And just a 40-minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Destiladeras is a favorite with locals. It is a large, open beach with almost no restaurants or businesses, perfect for a day of picnics in the sand, a soccer game or for surf its great waves. On Saturdays and Sundays there are a lot of people in Destiladeras, but that is not a big problem since the beach is so big that you will only have to walk for a while to find a secluded place where you can have some privacy. Here you will feel how the people of Vallarta enjoy the beach.

3. The Dead

It is the liveliest beach in Puerto Vallarta, right in the heart of Vallarta Old Town, just south of the Cuale River. This is where you’ll find more beachside restaurants and bars, with plenty of palapas where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a cold drink. Daisy flower while you rest your feet in the sand. It’s also the easiest to reach, creating a good mix of locals and tourists that you can’t find anywhere else.

4. Sayulita

50 minute drive north of Downtown Puerto VallartaSayulita is the beach of good vibes and bohemian attitude. Surfers love this beach and its campsites, which create a lively nightlife in the bars and cafes of the small town. Here you will get an idea of ​​what Puerto Vallarta was like about 40 years ago. There are restaurants along the beach and plenty of stalls for surf lessons and massages. Great to take your dog with you as no one will complain here as it is the quietest beach in the region.

5. Mismaloya

The most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta, and the one that put it in the international spotlight. In 1964, John Huston chose it as the location for the filming of his movie. “Night of the Iguanas” starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. Houston had just married a young woman named Elizabeth Taylor who also made the trip. Nothing was the same for Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya. After the filming, the airlines opened new routes to Puerto Vallarta and the large hotel chains began the change that has been taking place in Vallarta ever since. However, Mismaloya still maintains that atmosphere that captivated Houston, very Mexican, very welcoming, with the jungle and palapas completing the picture. But if you want to get a better idea of ​​what Mismaloya was like when Huston cast it in his movie, you should visit our next beach…

6. Quimix

Quimixto is another hidden beach south of Puerto Vallarta. With no more than 200 families living there, you will not find a tourist atmosphere and you will be able to breathe the authentic Mexico. Accessible only by boat, adding to the tropical experience, Quimixto has a lot to offer; simply relaxing on the beach is a must, but afterwards, diving or having a to ride a horse to a waterfall deep in the jungle are excellent options. If you want to go back in time and discover a place from another era, this is your One day trip.

7. The Anchor

Situated in Punta Mita, the northern end of Banderas Bay, is a wide, sandy beach with some excellent palapa restaurants. It is the only public beach left in Punta Mita, since access to all the others has been closed by large resorts and real estate developments. The four Seasons is the reference when talking about Punta Mita, so you can get an idea of ​​the beauty of the beach. It is very frequented by locals and has protected bathing areas and it is also the best place to take a water taxi to the Marietas Islands, which are a biosphere reserve protected by UNESCO, ideal for diving, snorkeling and observing the great humpback whales.

8. Colomitos

Another southern beach with access only by boat. It is usually mentioned in the same talk as Yelapa and Quimixto, but each has its own personality. To get to Colomitos, you must first go to Boca de Tomatlan25 minutes south of the center of Puerto Vallarta and from there begins an interesting walk of another half hour through the jungle, which will take you to this beautiful little cove, unknown to most, and where peace and silence meet. everywhere. the place.

9. Bucerias

Beautiful town just 25 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta with a wide beach and an unassuming attitude. In the winter season it is filled with expats from the USA and Canada that have made it their winter home and the place becomes very lively during the afternoons. The beach is very quiet and perfect for children and is a good idea for a day at the beach that is not too tiring or long.

10. Peninsula

This may be a range, but it’s the one I used to go to with my girl and dog. It is in the heart of the hotel zone, so its best asset is that it is very central and you do not have to plan much to have a good time. It is the beach of two of the most exclusive condominium developments in the city, Peninsula Y grand venetian, so that alone says a lot. have the pitillal river in the middle, which brings fresh water and sometimes opens a stretch of beach between the sea and the river, where your dog will go crazy running and playing. There is a small cozy restaurant by the river, with typical Mexican music and cold beers that make my Sundays perfect and I highly recommend it.

This article covers the first, and possibly the most fun, step in my 10 Step Layman’s Plan for Retirement Planning. Here we begin to describe our dream retirement. Let’s look at six aspects of retirement life to help us paint this picture.

Location – Where do you want to live?

The first possibility is that you are happy right where you are; Why move? If this is the case, move on to the next aspect. If not, then read on.

CNBC News says these are the top places in the US for Baby Boomers:

• Loveland/Fort Collins, Colo.
• Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Rehoboth Beach, Del.
• Portland, Oregon
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Sarasota, Fla.
• Ann Arbor, MI
• Tucson, Arizona
• Montpelier, Vermont
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Atlanta Georgia
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Northampton, Massachusetts
• San Diego, California

If you are looking for an international location, the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons recommends:

• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City
• Languedoc-Roussillon, France
• Boquete, Panama
• Cascais, Portugal
• Marche, Italy

Home – Which home would you prefer?

If you plan to stay in your home in retirement, it’s always a great option. If you prefer to move, let’s consider some options.

A single-family residence provides additional space and privacy. However, there is more maintenance and cost. The care required to keep a large home in good repair can become more difficult in later years. If possible, consider single-story homes, as well as properties that are easily accessible by wheelchairs; you may not need this now, but you may in later years.

Condominiums and townhomes are a great alternative. Less cost, less care, and you can still have great community facilities like pools and hot spas. Just beware of association fees, as they can be considerable and are usually not tax deductible.

Yet another alternative is an apartment. The popularity of apartments varies by region, but they can be a great alternative if you want to live in a desirable area and don’t need a garden patio.

What about retirement communities? They are a great option if you want to be close to other retirees, want to be close to retiree-oriented amenities (doctors, entertainment, etc.), have access to assistance with everyday tasks (shopping, cleaning, etc.), and have fun playing golf, card games and other concerted activities. These communities may offer home, condo, and apartment living options.

Activities – What fun things do you want to do in retirement?

If you play sports, such as biking, golf, tennis, or enjoy going to the gym, and plan to continue doing so in your retirement, chances are you’ll retire healthier and happier in retirement. Many of these activities may cost you a little to participate in, but the health benefits far outweigh the costs.

What about hobbies? Here are some hobbies you might want to pick up again (try two or more!):

• Dancing: it is also good for health
• Painting – can be very relaxing; who cares if you’re not a picasso
• Gardening: maybe grow your own food?
• Model building – cars, boats, planes
• Internet blog – share your thoughts and experiences with the world
• Photography – with the new digital cameras it is much easier and more fun
• Volunteer: How about helping an animal shelter or charity fundraiser?

Another activity that can fit into your plans is to join the many clubs that cater to common interests. Here are some:

• the rotary club
• card game groups
• book clubs
• sports team fans
• form your own

Finally, there is nothing like lying down in a comfortable chair with a good book. It seems like every time I go on vacation, one of my favorite things to do is sit by the pool or under a palm tree and get carried away by a great page-turner. For many of you book lovers, this is an activity you can do almost anywhere and it doesn’t cost a fortune!

Travel – Do you want to see the world?

What does traveling mean to you? Here are some initial ideas to help you decide on the type of trip you’d like to take:

• Cruises to exciting ports – many exotic places to see
• Motorhome in the United States: it’s like taking your home with you
• Rail – Take the train. You can sleep, eat and enjoy the sites on the way to your destinations
• Open Top: Get a convertible and visit the bed and breakfasts
• National Parks – Think Yosemite, Yellowstone, or any of the other 386 parks in the US.

Family and friends – Who are the people you want to be with?

Retirement happiness isn’t just based on your location, activities, and travel. It’s also about the people around you. So think about who these people are. Here are some common ones:

• Wife
• grandchildren
• Kids
• Fathers
• Brothers
• another family
• Friends

What work? Did you think retirement meant not working? Think again.

Many people look forward to retirement to start that new business they always dreamed of but knew would not be able to support them financially. Here are some examples:

• Photographer: It’s time to take that hobby and turn it into a business
• Travel Advisor – Check with your tax advisor, but you may be able to take free vacations
• Little Shop – Flowers, model trains, antiques, etc. Again, turn your hobby into a business
• Web Store – There are tons of web opportunities out there including being an online consultant, designing websites for others, and doing research on the internet.

Running a business in retirement is a great way to add extra income and keep your mind sharp!

Well that’s it; We hope this information has helped you create his ideal retirement. Be sure to write this information down, as it will be used in later steps of the Layman’s 10-Step Plan for Retirement Planning.

Some electricity providers offer some alternative ways for Texas energy consumers with low or no credit to activate their electric service without paying the equivalent of 1 month’s rent for many of these Texas electricity customers. You will hear three different options when it comes to low or no deposit electric service. These options are postpaid, no guaranteed deposit, and prepaid electricity service. Postpaid energy service is what most people have. You are simply billed for the electricity service you used the previous month and pay that amount. The problem is that if you have bad credit, most electric companies in Texas will want a deposit.

Postpaid electricity service is the ideal situation because you are billed for your use after you have used it and pay on the designated due date. This gives you time to read your bill and study how much energy you have used. Then you can pay your bill online or by mail and maybe work to use less next month. Postpaid electric service plans are usually cheaper than prepaid electric service. Many postpaid plans available are fixed rates. These rates have been locked in for a 6-month, 1-year, or 2-year electricity price. By signing up for a flat rate, you know exactly what you’ll be charged for electric service each month because the price doesn’t change. The problem with trying to get a fixed rate on a postpaid service is that most providers will need a deposit if you have no credit or just bad credit. Many consumers have to skip this option because the deposit amount is way beyond what they can afford.

There is another Texas electricity service option called prepaid electricity. This type of service requires the Texas electricity provider to come to your home or apartment facility and set up their own meter. This electricity meter allows you to prepay for electric service in advance. The main problem with prepaid electricity service in Texas is that many customers have complained that their electricity service was cut off prematurely because they were a little behind on their prepaid service. The Texas government requires Texas electric companies to give the energy consumer fair warning before disconnecting their electric service, but many consumers have complained that this is not the case. The PUCT is supposed to fine power companies that break the rules, but many consumers do not present the proper evidence to show the state that the Texas power company is not following consumer protection laws. It is up to the aggrieved consumer to call the Public Utility Commission of Texas and explain what the Texas power company has done to them so that the state can take appropriate action.

The final Texas electricity service option for low-income or no credit customers is the no deposit guaranteed option. For those Texas energy consumers who have had their credit affected by some late payments or a credit card that was canceled, there is still an option for them. The no deposit guaranteed option requires the Texas energy consumer to have a valid credit card. As long as a valid credit card is available, there is a second chance for someone who needs to turn on Texas electric service right away without having to worry about how they will get $200-$1000 for a deposit. The way the no deposit plan works is that the consumer pays a slightly higher electricity service rate for the first 3 months they are with the Texas no deposit electric company. After the customer has paid on time for the first 3 months, the electric company will proactively reduce the price of energy to the lowest available electric rate they offer in Texas. This gives the customer with no credit or bad credit a second chance to re-establish themselves as a responsible customer who pays their bill on time. Instead of penalizing the customer for his past mistakes, this company rewards the customer as long as he pays his bill on time for the first 3 months.

When choosing between postpaid, prepaid, and no deposit guaranteed electricity service in Texas, there are just a few things to consider. The decision is a no-brainer for most people with no or bad credit because most people want as little headache as possible with their energy company while still having the opportunity to subscribe to affordable energy service. . Prepaid electricity is not the right option for most people because the rate is usually much higher than other electric companies and the history of these energy companies shutting off electric service prematurely is quite high. Postpaid electricity service is not an option for most customers with bad credit risk because they would have to put down a very large deposit just to have electricity turned on in their name. Texas Electricity No Deposit Guaranteed becomes the best option for someone looking to sign up and apply for electric service on their behalf and avoid the high deposit scenario altogether. Electric service is activated quickly and no more headaches associated with buying from an electricity provider that won’t charge a deposit. Texas Electricity service without a deposit is considered postpaid electricity but with no deposit required. For most customers with bad credit or no credit in Texas, this represents the best possible option until their credit improves. Since a valid credit card is required, some customers with bad credit who don’t have a credit card must sign up for a prepaid electric service plan because there are no other options, so this if the customer’s credit is bad, they don’t have a credit card. credit and cannot afford to pay a deposit.