Costa Rica is NOT for the traveler of faint heart. That being said, there is something for everyone. Costa Rica is not Sandals Jamaica. It is NOT the place to kick back on the white sands with a drink in hand, looking out onto clear waters. If you're on the Pacific Ocean side, it is in fact a place to relax on the gray sand while looking out on the tumultuous gray waters. This rare beach day will be sandwiched between your adventurous days in the mountains doing adventurous activities. You also may have an Imperial (the official beer of Costa Rica).

Honestly, that sounds like a great day to me, and I know it is for a fact because I lived it for five days. I went on a waterfall tour during my time in Costa Rica with a lovely lady from New Orleans and she said that when she was researching vacation destinations, she saw that Costa Rica was the place to get down and dirty - and all out adventurous. She couldn't have been more right.

I was relieved to be out of the chill of the Northeast and to be wearing sporty tanks, shorts, and either trails shoes or Tevas every day. It really inspired me to kick start my health in the New Year, since our trip was from December 26 - 31. I got out of my rut. Their "Pura Vida" way of life is an invitation to explore the unknown and challenge yourself. No wonder everyone there is so happy, they dedicate their lives to breaking the ordinary.

The Food

Really, this is what you're all wondering about. If you like fresh food and basic ingredients - plantains, rice, beans, meat, eggs, and tortillas - then you're in luck. With the overcomplicated and contaminated food in the US and all the fake promises of "health" foods, it was relieving to eat this simple food. We also tried some of the more adventurous food - chicharron pork skin and meat and yucca fries with hot sauce. Paired with their local alcohol "Guara" and lime juice, this was honestly the best meal of the trip - and in a WHILE. This meal was made in a little restaurant surrounded by farms (the supply chain). It was made by an old Costa Rican woman out back - how more authentic can you get?

The Adventure

The defining thing about Costa Rica - and South America and Central America in general - are their huge mountain roads. The drives up and down the mountains to the zip lining and the waterfall tour were the scariest rides of my life. It was scary driving up to Monteverde - quite literally a city on a hill - because I was concerned about driving in the darkness on the way down. However that did not take away from the thrilling zip lining experience! There were about 20 different stops on the tour over the cloud forest. The last stop was "superman style", so I just flew face down, belly facing the abyss of trees.

I was so proud of my parents during the waterfall tour. We had to hike down a steep hill to the first waterfall, then walk through the river, on the side of rocks, avoid slippery slopes, and even hike to all ten waterfalls. At the last waterfall, my nearly 60-year-old father jumped ten feet off of a cliff into a pool. We ascended the final hike to the top of the mountain and my parents were beaming at the top with pride.

See my adventure on YouTube:

Emily-Anne, holding up a sign for "Active Minds Eating Disorder Awareness + Body Positivity Week" (Feb 24-27).

picture from westophate.org

Click here to read, watch, get involved, or donate!

Now, what about Emily-Anne? She's currently attending Barnard College at Columbia University majoring in Urban Studies. Self-esteem building is no new idea for Emily-Anne. She interned at Seventeen Magazine and worked with a health editor to make body peace videos about the Seventeen Magazine staff. She also interned at the Chew. Between her busy life at school and organizing WSH, she took time to catch up with me and ask some questions!

What keeps you going on a day when you're stressed?

"I try to take things one task a time. When I'm really busy, I prioritize. I have giant sticky notes and write own all the things that I need to do, and I have another giant sticky note, and write down what order it needs to get done. It keeps me sane. It's nice to see it visually."

How does it feel making a difference?

It feels really good to give back. By doing things to serve other people... it helps give you a sense of purpose. It feels really rewarding to do something to make a difference in someone else's life. On days when I feel like there's a lot to do, I can look back and realize I did something to help someone else, and it makes me want to continue. Like if you give a compliment to someone else, you feel good about yourself."

Inspirational words for people trying to make a difference?

"There's this quote that I really love:

'You don't have to be brave to start, but you have to start to be brave'

- Big Ziglar

My biggest advice for people that want to make a difference is just start. I didn't have all the answers, I just believed I could do something... I just started and learned along the way and that mentality just stayed with me all the way. You just have to try and it will all come together."

What's next after school?

"I'm a sophomore, I'll be doing four years, and my hope is to work full-time at WeStopHate after I graduate, working on the mission and growing the business when I graduate."

She also had some advice for either college freshmen, like myself, or even highschoolers. "I learned so much freshmen year. Where I am today and where I was last year is two difference people. You'll have plenty of time, don't worry."

As I was spending my last week in the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaii, I was obviously in and out of the water. Wet, beachy hair can be some girls' worst nightmare, especially if beachy waves just don't happen for your hair. I share your pain, beachy waves just translates to frizzy locks for me. It's the struggle between wanting to dip in the beautiful aqua waters and go out after but not wanting to look like a wet dog. Here's two easy hairstyles that don't require any blow-drying so you can go from the beach and dinner in a reasonable amount of time.

1. The Queen's Crown

Don't fret, this look isn't as stuffy as it sounds. It's really simple. First, put your hair in a high ponytail. Then, either take a hair donut or the sock you use to make your sock bun, and bring it all the way to the root of your pony tail. Next, Try to spill your hair evenly over the donut, and secure that bun shape with another hair elastic. Braid the remaining hair and wrap it around your bun. Viola, your queen's crown! This is one of my new favorite looks. 

2. The Princess's Tiara

Here is my video of my April Favorites. Includes Rimmel makeup products, Od Navy clothes, some books and songs, some beauty products and more! Enjoy!