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Farin Doran

Pura Vida “Pure Life” with the Doran’s in Costa Rica

Filed Under: Homeschooling & Traveling // February 22, 2023

This trip has been on my bucket list since before kids. I heard people talk about monkeys, waterfalls and adventures and I was 100% in. So when this opportunity came when we had recently decided to homeschool the kids, we thought “why not now, why not us” and we booked it in 10 minutes. I have found that the best trips and experiences are those that you jump into, go in because of a gut feeling and figure it out on the way. 

So for those reading this and thinking you have to plan trips months in advance…. unless it is Disney and you are trying to get a seat at the princess table with Cinderella… you can literally book a trip in a couple weeks and have a great time. We booked Costa Rica and left 30 days later. It can be done! We had the absolute best trip and I am going to give you all the details so you too can do it!

First, we booked with JetBlue because it was cheaper and it actually ended up being an amazing experience. The plane had TV’s so the kids were excited and happy for the entire ride. When planning our trip, we figured out a couple things that we wanted to do and we made sure those things happens on our trip. We knew we wanted to be at the beach, see monkeys and sloths, see the jungle, see waterfalls and zip line. If you can narrow down the things you know you REALLY want to do and see, you can make it all work. 

Day 1: 

Pool at Hotel Vista las Islas

We flew into San Jose (SJO) airport and took the shuttle over to the Toyota Rent a Car. You want to rent something with four wheeled drive. This is one area I would spare no expense and just do it. The Costa Rican roads were totally unpredictable. One minute they were paved and the next you were driving up a road that looked like no one else in the world had passed over it. 

We drove straight to Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry. You can get in line for the ferry when you get there and then drive right on. We booked a night in the most amazing boutique hotel Hotel Vista las Islas. The pool had the most amazing views and this hotel was exactly what I had been imagining when I thought of coming to Costa Rica. Looking back, I would have booked a couple nights there and really soaked in that great hotel. 

Days 2-6:

Our children buying toys to give away to others!

We drove to Santa Teresa and stayed in the Blue Surf Sanctuary. This was a super cute town that had the beach, surfer and laid back feels. 

The kids actually enrolled in a surf camp and had the best instructor, Toro. This was super convenient for us. The hotel had a pool, an outdoor community kitchen area, the most beautiful little bungalows and Toro came directly to the hotel to pick up the kids and walk them down to the beach which was less than a three minute walk, to do their surf lessons. 

The kids had an amazing time! Highly, highly, highly recommend both the hotel and the surf camp. The surf camp was in the morning, so in the afternoon we had all the free time to explore and go on adventures. 

Things we did in Santa Teresa:

  1. Visited Montezuma Waterfalls. We drove to the top, hiked to the top two waterfalls then made our way down to the bottom where the biggest one is. When you use the man-made steps to hike up and down, there is someone who will give you a wrist band and you pay about $2. There you have the opportunity to jump off into the falls and swim. Then we went to Butterfly Brewing Co. & Imago Brew Pub (which is right outside of the Montezuma falls) and had the best sandwiches, beer, fresh pina colada and the kids had passion fruit soda which is made there at the brewery. 
  2. We went to lunch at a little restaurant in Manzanillo called Atardecer Dorado. It was off the beaten path, no one spoke english, but it was a restaurant that was a stones throw away from the ocean, the best view, the best guacamole, margaritas and by far the cheapest meal we had in Costa Rica. Grab lunch then go to the little store right next to the restaurant and grab a Trits dessert (trust me, you will thank me later) and walk down to the beach and relax and have dessert. 
  3. Have dinner or lunch at any of the awesome restaurants on the beach. There are many to choose from and the sunsets on the beach are epic. 
Family at Montezuma Waterfalls
Pina Colada from Butterfly Brewing Co. & Imago Brew Pub
Beach in front of Atardecer Dorado in Manzanillo with Trits

Day 7: 

Family Mud Bath at Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Springs

We drove our longest drive of the trip to Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Springs in Liberia. This hotel offered free breakfast and free access to all of their waterfalls and hot springs on site. This was super worth it to stay here. The hotel also had a pool, animals, great staff and was very comfortable. 

We made sure to visit each waterfall on site and do the hot springs as soon was we got there. We highly recommend participating in the mud bath at the hot springs. It was messy but great! 

Day 8: 

We did the La Leona Waterfall tour with Offi, make sure to download WhatsApp or text him directly at 506-8899-8149. You can message him before you come and set up a day and time for your tour. This was a highlight of our trip. The tour was amazing, Offi is incredible. Everyone helped with our little one who was six and made her feel comfortable and safe. The guides were every bit of amazing. Not to mention the waterfall and the water holes on the way are breathtaking. 

After the waterfall tour, we had dinner/lunch at Soda Donda Yara. Again, no English but we did our best to understand each other and it was the best meal! Anytime you see a “SODA” that is a local Costa Rican restaurant, usually a small, mom and pop open air restaurants that serves only traditional Costa Rican food.

Day 9 – 12:

Our Santos Skoolie AirBnB

We took a drive to our next home for a couple days, at an amazing Airbnb in Tierras Morenas near Lake Arenal. This was magical! This Airbnb was everything we could have ever dreamed of. It was a renovated school bus that had the most amazing view and the most epic sunset. 

We fell in love with this place. Not to mention that the owners are just as sweet and amazing. They were so welcoming, showed us around the incredible, efficient bus, even set us up to tour the farm that their family owns that was next door. And had the opportunity to see how and where the yogurt is made that they make. Check out everything from Tisú Farm!

Things we did around Lake Arenal:

  1. We went to the Finca La Amistad and did the “From Seedling to Chocolate Bar” Combined Tour. We were able to make our own chocolate and it was so good. Definitely a learning experience. We were actually here for Thanksgiving, so we practiced gratitude as family over some fresh chocolate. It was perfect! 
  2. We went to the most incredible hike of multiple waterfalls at Viento Fresco Waterfall. This area was basically untouched and we were alone to enjoy each one and get incredible pictures. The hike was strenuous and we had a lot of positive “you can do it’s” in there but wow it was amazing. We then went to an amazing pizza place close by called Restaurante y Pizzería Donde Jossy. It quaint, very small town, no english speaking, but incredible service and food. 
  3. We did a sloth walking tour at Ranas Bijaguas. We had the best tour guide and the best experience. We would have never been able to find the sloths without him. He had an amazing eye for all animals and it made the whole experience. 
Family at Finca La Amistad doing the “From Seedling to Chocolate Bar” Combined Tour
Our daughter at Viento Fresco Waterfall

Day 12 +:

This is where the trip gets crazy. We drove to Volcano Lodge in La Fortuna right near the Arenal Volcano in hopes to do zip lining and see epic views of the volcano. The hotel we stayed in was awesome, the pool was incredible, the hot springs were awesome and the food was great. However, we checked the weather and saw that it was going to rain for the next three days of our trip. We asked some locals to confirm this information and then quickly made a 10-second decision to change our plans. 

We jumped in the car and headed to Jaco, found a great Airbnb on the beach at Hotel Jaco and we were able to avoid the rain for the couple days. The Airbnb had a great pool, beautiful beach views, awesome food and drinks in the hotel lobby and super friendly staff. 

Things we did in Jaco:

  1. We had an incredible meal at Restaurante Vista Hermosa. High recommend coming here for a sunset view and dinner on the beach. 
  2. We went zip lining and ATV riding at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park. This was a highlight of our trip. The staff was incredible, they took great care of our littles. Our daughter was only six years old and going upside down on the zip line. The staff made her feel super comfortable and encouraged both kids to be brave. The ATV part was absolutely worth it. They took us to a waterfall with a natural slide. That was so much fun for the whole family! 
Our daughter age six upside down zip lining at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park
Family ATV riding at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park

We ended the trip driving back to a hotel outside of the airport where we ordered uber eats, watched movies and got ready to head out. 

Honestly, this whole trip was amazing. We would do this whole itinerary over again in a heart beat. 

Our family tips to your family:

  1. The people are absolutely incredible. You do not need to know Spanish to understand their hospitality and generosity. They are extremely grateful people and we adored everyone we met. 
  2. Eat anywhere off the beaten path. The food is usually cheaper and it is always so good. 
  3. Download Google Maps for offline use.
  4. Be prepared to drive on roads that are not paved. Some of the roads were a bit challenging including loose rocks and river crossings. We think you would need a 4X4 vehicle. 
  5. Stay in Airbnb’s or authentic lodging, get to know the culture, go out to different places, different foods, and meet new people. 

Reach out with any questions or tag @farindoran on Facebook or Instagram if you go to any of these places. Would love to hear if this helped you or where you went! 

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Episode 81: Living with Gratitude with Farin Doran

Filed Under: Podcast // January 11, 2023

I live everyday with gratitude and I know how powerful it can become to those who practice it as well. Listen in as I share a story with you about how I saw the impact of practicing gratitude first hand with my oldest. After you listen to this episode it will make you want to practice gratitude daily! If you want to be like my family, grab a copy of the Live Inspired Gratitude Journal by ME and start ASAP!

Listen to the Inspire Her Podcast Here!

Make sure you follow me everywhere:

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Want to be featured on the next podcast or know someone you think would be great? Fill out the Inspire Her Podcast Application Form.

Stay tuned for the next podcast!

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Episode 80: GUILTfree in 2023 with Farin Doran

Filed Under: Podcast // January 4, 2023

I am leaving 2022 behind me and looking straight towards a GUILTfree 2023! Listen in as I tell you exactly what I am going to do to make sure that I am no longer being held down by guilt in anything that I do!

Listen to the Inspire Her Podcast Here

The two books that I mention on today’s podcast are:

  1. The Miracle Equation: You Are Only Two Decisions Away From Everything You Want by Hal Elrod
  2. Live Inspired Gratitude Journal by Farin Doran

Make sure you follow me everywhere:

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Want to be featured on the next podcast or know someone you think would be great? Fill out the Inspire Her Podcast Application Form.

Stay tuned for the next podcast!

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Turkey Chili

Filed Under: Food // December 29, 2022

Are you looking for a hearty, healthy lunch or dinner you can enjoy all week long? This full-flavored recipe includes crumbles of cheese and a hint of red wine, it just gets better with every serving. It’s also super-easy to make, is gluten free and high in fiber. This one-pot recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is a great way to use your meal-prepped ground turkey breast.

Serves: 8 (approx. 1 cup each) Prep Time: 20 min. | Cooking Time: 30 min.

Ingreidents:

  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil, melted
  • 3⁄4 cup chopped onion (approx. 1 medium)
  • 3⁄4 cup chopped green bell pepper (approx. 1 medium)
  • 3⁄4 cup chopped red bell pepper (approx. 1 medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 lb. cooked 93% lean ground turkey breast
  • 2 cans (15-oz. each) kidney beans, drained, rinsed
  • 2 cans (15-oz. each) organic diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
  • 2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional) and chopped fresh cilantro (garnish)
  • 8 tsp. crumbled goat cheese

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring occasionally,for 5 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  3. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
  4. Add turkey, beans, tomatoes (with liquid), wine, chili powder, salt, and red pepper (if desired). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  5. Evenly divide between eight serving bowls; top each with cilantro and 1 tsp. cheese.

Notes:

  • You can substitute pinto beans for kidney beans.
  • This is an ideal recipe post-Thanksgiving to use up leftover turkey, but I make it year-round using ground turkey. After all, how can you resist anything made with red wine?

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COMING SOON: Sure Thing With Megan Davies!

Filed Under: Fitness // November 18, 2022

Would you go all-in with your fitness and nutrition if you knew results were a Sure Thing? This December, Super Trainer Megan Davies is going to help you do just that!

Her new program, Sure Thing, is not just about working out and eating better. It is about putting it all together in a way that is so effective, and so powerful — you will be blown away by your results. Sure Thing is a complete solution with everything you need in one place to start feeling healthy, strong, and confident right from day one. Megan leaves nothing to chance, so when you team up with her, there is no doubt that your results will be a Sure Thing.

Watch the Sure Thing Promo

What Is Sure Thing?

This comprehensive eight-week program helps you go all-in on your commitment to yourself. You will work out five days a week for 30–45 minutes a day. It starts with a science-based approach to fitness called “TYPE TRAINING™.”

Megan alternates weekly between endurance and power-based strength training plus cardio conditioning to target both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers. TYPE TRAINING is an inclusive training protocol for a healthy, strong, balanced body. With TYPE TRAINING, your body is always challenged but never overtrained, so you can get incredibly fit, fast. And with a new approach every week, it can help you bust through plateaus. Another benefit? There is so much variety, you will never get bored.

Your Sure Thing workouts are supported by a targeted supplement strategy to ensure you get the most out of every session — and your results. To complete your solution, Sure Thing includes simple and straightforward nutrition guidance to take the guesswork out of what to eat and help keep you on track — Megan wants you focused, not floundering. Effective workouts, strategic supplements, and simple nutrition. There has never been a program more ready to help you lock in the lifestyle change you need.

Watch the Sure Thing Interview with Megan Davies

What Equipment Do I Need for Sure Thing?

You will need light, medium, and heavy dumbbells, and strength slides

Who Is Sure Thing For?

Message me today to get access to the sample workout

Anyone who wants a complete, approachable solution for every stage of their fitness journey. Sure Thing tells you exactly what workout to do, which supplements to take, and how to plan your meals. The workouts are challenging, but accessible to people of all fitness levels. When in doubt, follow the modifier. Love to lift weights and ready to take it to the next level? Megan’s Type Training covers all the bases. If you are a fan of Megan’s down-to-earth, empowering training style (she is like your best friend who is also a total badass), then Sure Thing is definitely for you.

Check out all of these amazing transformations that have already taken place!

Who Is Megan Davies?

Super Trainer Megan Davies is an NSCA certified personal trainer and creator of #mbf Muscle Burns Fat and #mbfa Muscle Burns Fat Advanced. After appearing on Beachbody’s fitness reality show, “THE 20s,” Megan was chosen as the next Super Trainer to create her first program, Clean Week. Her straightforward workout style and motivating, upbeat personality will help turn your health and fitness goals into reality.

When Can I Access Sure Thing?

Sure Thing will be available in December 2022.


Let’s Do It Together!

When Sure Thing launches, I will be hosting an EXCLUSIVE group where you will get motivation, recipes, prizes, and get to be apart of the VIP launch group! Fill out the application below to join in!

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Episode 79: Grace, Grit & Gratitude with Farin Doran

Filed Under: Podcast // November 2, 2022

I am so excited to launch this podcast because it is the perfect lead in to the Grace, Grit & Gratitude course which I am launching on November, 7, 2022! We have all been through somethings over the past few years and when I look back at where I was and where I am today, it all breaks down on focusing on these three things… grace, grit & gratitude!

Listen to the Inspire Her Podcast Here

Get more information about the Grace, Grit & Gratitude course today!

Grace, Grit & Gratitude Course Information

Make sure you follow me everywhere:

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Want to be featured on the next podcast or know someone you think would be great? Fill out the Inspire Her Podcast Application Form.

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It’s Time to Create a Healthy Obsession

Filed Under: Coach Life, Fitness // October 30, 2022

Healthy Obsession is the newest program from BODi Super trainer, Autumn Calabrese. Healthy Obsession is a fresh take on the popular BODi program, 80 Day Obsession.

Yes, you heard that right – get ready to sculpt your core, lift your booty and get your ultimate sweat on in just 3 weeks.

For 5 days per week, 50 – 60 minutes per day, Autumn will take you through a different workout (Total Body Core, Booty, Cardio Fusion, AAA, or Legs) all inspired by her hit program, 80 Day Obsession.

After Week 3, there will then be a Functional Recovery Week. This is a lighter week of two workouts to ease the intensity and prepare you for what program you’re tackling next.

We will start Healthy Obsession together on November 7th, meaning this 3-week commitment to (or obsession with) our health will help us get the right habits in place before the holiday season! We will pair the workout program with a nutrition program that works for you: Portion Fix, 2B Mindset or Gut Protocol.

  • 60 minutes a day, 5 days per week, 3 weeks straight
  • Followed by a week of functional recovery with 2 additional workouts
  • Workouts alternate between Total Body Core, Booty, Cardio Core, AAA and Legs
  • Autumn will suggest 3 additional 45-minute bike rides you can choose to substitute for the Cardio Core day if you want to
  • You’ll need resistance loops, sliders, light, medium and heavy dumbells, and a BODi subscription
  • Can be paired with any of the Beachbody Nutrition programs: Gut Health Protocol, Ultimate Portion Fix, or 2B Mindset

Transform in just 4 weeks…


Let’s Do It Together!

When Healthy Obsession launches, I will be hosting an EXCLUSIVE group where you will get motivation, recipes, prizes, and get to be apart of the VIP launch group!

I did this when the original 80 Day Obsession came out and it was amazing! Read all about it -> Are you Ready to Get Obsessed?

Fill out the application below to join in!

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Pura Vida “Pure Life” with the Doran’s in Costa Rica

Episode 81: Living with Gratitude with Farin Doran

Episode 80: GUILTfree in 2023 with Farin Doran

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I paced around the dealership trying to talk mysel I paced around the dealership trying to talk myself out of buying a new car. 

I’m pretty sure the salesman thought I was crazy and was about to cancel his steak dinner for the night because I looked like I couldn’t handle it 😆

I’m not really materialistic….
I have no problem going to the good will (heck, I grew up on it) 😐
I don’t care about brand new shiny things…

BUT - 
My husband, very sternly but super sweet, said “Farin, you can walk out right now… but you deserve this. You work hard for this. You deserve to have something you really want.” 💕

Soooooo I signed on the dotted line, bought it all myself and for the FIRST TIME ever I have a brand new, never owned before car from the year we are in 😆
(legit, I said to my husband when we pulled out “oh my gawd, I have never had a car from the year we are in.”
—- sounds silly to say but it’s true!

I tell y’all this because when I was working odd hours, I was trying to be a stay at home, I was overweight, I was struggling in multiple aspects…. I would have never thought that I could do this. 

I would have never thought that I could have built TWO businesses and be in a place where I am able to live how I want, where I want and drive what I want. 

I almost let fear and “what ifs” keep me from going for my goals - but I didnt. 

I went for it.

If plan A didn’t work, I tried other letters. 
If I felt discouraged, I listened to entrepreneur podcasts. 🎙 
If it felt hard, I remembered there are much harder things. 

I will always be found in the dollar section of target like I won the lottery….
I will still look for fun things at the good will…
You still will never see me with a Dooney and Burke bag…

But I will take this new car for me and that I earned it, working hard for ME. 🥰

For my ladies who have watched this journey and have wanted to do something for YOU….

DO IT. LEAP, my friends.
You are capable of so much! 💕

#youweremadeformore #volkswagon #tiguan #vwtiguan #homeschoolmom #momprenuer #momlifeunfiltered #newcars #newcarwhodis #momride #momwheels #wahmlife
I legit thought we would always be in public schoo I legit thought we would always be in public school…
But I wanted more for the kids…
And we made a decision that matched our family’s goals and values… 

It may not be forever…
But it’s for now..
And we love it. 

#homeschool #homeschoolmom #worldschooling #homeschoollife #travelgram #travelmom #homeschoollifestyle #momlife #momsohard #homeschoolfamily #roadschooling #homeschoolfamilylife
This. 💕 Share the love, friends! #inspiratio This. 💕

Share the love, friends! 

#inspirationdaily #beagoodhuman #beagoodperson #homeschoolmoms #lifeadvice #lifegoals❤️ #motivationday #worldchangers #changetheworldwithme #rippleeffect
Marry the guy that books you surprise spa days 💕 🧖🏼‍♀️ 

Your children will one day see the way you are treated….. and they will learn not only how to treat their spouse one day, but how they DESERVE to be treated themselves 🥰

@earthlingdayspa 

#earthlingdayspa #spadays #marriagegoals💍 #lifeadvice #marriageadvice #thingstodoincharleston #chstoday #chsspa #treatyoubetter #marriedlifebelike #husbandgoals #ihavethebesthusband
This is your sign to take the trip. Book the flig This is your sign to take the trip. 
Book the flight. 
See.
Explore.
Go! ✈️ 

#usvi #usvirginislands #stthomas #stcroix #stjohn #homeschool #worldschooling #travelfamily #travelgram #travelblogger #homeschoolmom #momlife #homeschoolfamily
We heard of this amazing program to help with the We heard of this amazing program to help with the fostering of dogs…

We thought that’s what we would do but we ended up adopting this guy 💕

Thank you @saintcroixanimalwelfarecenter  for all you do in rescuing pups and helping them to find their forever homes. 🐶 

#stcroixanimalwelfarecenter #stcroix #stcroixusvi #pawsfromparadise #adoptdontshop #dogadoption #dogsofinstagram #dogmom #dogadoptions #islanddog #usvi #homeschoolmom
8 years ago yesterday, I became a momma to a littl 8 years ago yesterday, I became a momma to a little girl. (Heyyyy where are all my girl moms??? 🙋🏼‍♀️💕)

My first child was a boy and so I had no idea the feeling I would get with a little girl... While pregnant I didn’t care what I was having...
As long as this little person was healthy, I was happy.

But then SHE came into my world.
She looks at me in a different way than anyone else.
She wants to wear what I wear...
She wants to do what I do...
The PERSON that I am MATTERS to her...

The PERSON that I am may ultimately be who she becomes...

So every single day, I don’t just want to be a better human for me, but for HER!

Why would I not provide my little girl with the absolute BEST role model she could have???

If I don’t want her to grow up to be overweight...
Guess what????
I CAN NOT be overweight myself 😮

If I want her to love herself...
Guess what???
I HAVE to love myself. ❤️

If I want to her to grow up happy and doing her passions...
You guessed it..
I have to be doing MY PASSIONS myself. 🌟

For a WHOLE month, I was overweight, didn’t love myself and was not living my passion...🤦🏼‍♀️

And then I remembered that this little girl was watching me, and I got my shit together and made a CHANGE. 🙌🏼

I’ll do anything for my kids...
And I’ll start with giving them the BEST person to look up to... ❤️

Who’s with me?? 🙋🏼‍♀️

Happy Birthday to my little bestie! 💕

I’ll spend the rest of my life being the best version of myself so you always have the BEST of me.

#mommyandmefashion #momanddaughtergoals #birthdaygirls #mominspiration #mompreneur #momlifebestlife #workoutmotivationquotes #workoutmotivations #homeschoolmoms
It’s probably crazy… But this has been our bi It’s probably crazy… 
But this has been our birthday tradition.. 
and because they love it, I’ll keep doing it 💕

What is your birthday tradition?

#birthdaytradition #birthdaygirl #birthdaygifts #birthdaygifts #scavengerhunt #trampoline #birthdayideas #birthdaygiftideas #birthdayparty #happybirthday #birthdaycelebration @walmart #walmartfinds
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