DeziStyle

Tag: Rio de Janeiro

Happy 2 Year Anniversary: Top 10 Inspiring Moments Recap

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My baby’s growing up! It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since the DeziStyle blog was born. Long before DeziStyle was a twinkle in my eye, I had already been traveling the world, hosting, modeling, writing and doing my best to share all that I had learned and acquired with others through any medium. I’ve been known to be somewhat of a travel guru amongst family and friends for quite some time so it feels wonderful to also have had the opportunity to welcome the questions, comments and discussions of this extended online family through DeziStyle over these last two years. To be candid, the blog began purely as an altruistic passion project that sprouted into something much deeper and more meaningful as time went on. It’s safe to say that this blog has come to play a significant role in my life and really pave the way for me to express myself, my lifestyle, the way I travel and most importantly, inspire others to be courageous and live life adventurously.

Admittedly I am still learning and evolving as I go, fully aware that I will always have more room for growth but I must say, I am proud of all that has been accomplished thus far. Travel blogging (or any blogging for that matter) is a time consuming, multidimensional undertaking that requires much dedication, enthusiasm, creativity, and even business acumen, because let’s face it, if you weren’t trying to get readers to your blog, you might as well have just written in your diary. At times it can be a thankless job, and until you reach a certain level, an unpaid one, too. But that’s not why I do it. Hearing stories of how you inspired someone’s trip, helped them travel more efficiently or changed their perspective is one of the sweetest rewards a blogger can a receive. For the past two years, as DeziStyle has burgeoned from it’s humble beginnings, its the readers and the community of people who share in this addictive culture of wanderlust that have truly made this experience one worth working for.

There have been so many great trips and unforgettable moments in 24 months (and 115 posts) that it’s hard to choose which stand out over the others but lo and behold, I have narrowed it down to my top ten moments and posts, as any good blogger would do. These destinations or experiences have lent a hand in shaping the person I am and have inspired some of my favorite blogs to date. So here’s to yet another venturesome year of trips, tips and unprecedented fun. Thank you so much for taking the time to come along on this journey. Our goal is simply to help more people realize how incredible this planet is and encourage them to experience more of it. You can help by sharing our posts with your friends and subscribing to the site so new articles are sent directly to your inbox (no spam mail, pinky swear). I look forward to bringing you the best of what the world has to offer as we embark on our third year as your one-stop-shop for adventure, culture and unique experiences. Cheers!

10. How to go to Catalina Island Completely for Free

Catalina is undoubtedly a popular destination for West Coasters looking to get away for a weekend. It just so happens that if you’re smart (like following DeziStyle) and do a little bit of planning in advance, you could actually take a trip virtually for free! It’s ah-ha moments like these that make you wonder…what else have I been missing out on this whole time?!

9. 8 Un-Douchey Places You’ll Want to go on Your Next Girls Night Out in L.A.

There may be thousands of restaurants and bars in Los Angeles, but for ambiance, location, menu and some good quality girl time, you’ve gotta know where to go. Fortunately for you ladies, I did the dirty work and assembled a pretty solid list of some of the best spots in town to enjoy your evening out – minus the douchery. For anyone who’s been to LA or lives in the beast, you know just how daunting a task that very well may be…and, you’re welcome.

8. The Most Efficient 10 Minute Workout for Life on the Go!

Travel and fitness. They may not seem like they go hand in hand, but when travel is a regular part of your lifestyle, its absolutely necessary to have a plan. No matter where you are, no matter how far from a gym you may be, there are some simple exercises that can be done anywhere to improve your mental and physical health in just a matter of moments. These are my favorite go to calisthenics that are guaranteed to get your heart rate up and your body fat down!

7. Nine Reasons You Will Want to Spend the Day in Half Moon Bay

The Riviera Maya is a fabulous location, you don’t need me to tell you that. However, you may appreciate some advice on just how to spend your afternoon in a little nook of the ‘Maya called Half Moon Bay. I love discovering unsuspecting hidden gems along my travels. It’s a good reminder to always consider taking the roads less traveled. You never know what you’re going to find.

6. 15 Weekend Getaways from LA for the Roadtrip Junkie.

There are quite a few posts dedicated to Los Angeles. You might say it’s because that’s my home, and you would be right. But, L.A. is also the perfect jump off hub for travels near or far. I’ve lived in this eccentric city for over a decade now and I’ve yet to discover all the adventures that lie just beyond. With so much to see and so little time, I’ve compiled my favorite road trip destinations from LA into a comprehensive list. Prepare to extend your bucket list.

5. The Best Ways to Experience Belize in your Bikini

Belize is one of those semi-obscure places that does not get the attention it rightfully deserves. For being such a small chunk of paradise, there’s much to do so long as you’ve got a bikini to throw on and a thirst for some excellent excursions (and perhaps a piña colada or two).

4. 22 Unique Activities You Don’t Want to Miss While You’re in Costa Rica

So nice, I went there twice. I’ll be honest, the first time I went I dealt with a number or unfortunate experiences throughout that trip that left me feeling less than enthused when I was set to return for a girls trip. I’m grateful to have had that opportunity to re-experience such a beautiful country and really gain a true appreciation for it. Costa Rica is chock full of activities, nature and plenty of stunning sunsets; you need not look far.

3. Dune Bashing in Dubai & The Miracle Gardens

I’m a bit stunned when people express their uneasiness or apathy for visiting Dubai. It happens to be a remarkable place to experience world class accommodations, clubs, restaurants, and all around unique experiences. During my last visit I tried dune bashing for my first time. Imagine surfing on sand…in a car. The Miracle Gardens stirred up a little less adrenaline but were impressive nonetheless. Dubai is constantly outdoing itself and teeming with new happenings which is why this Emirate is #3 on my list.

2. 22 Things to do With Your BFF in Rio de Janeiro

Carnival! One of the biggest parties in the world happens right in Rio de Janeiro and the city literally explodes with events, blocos and people from around the world. No need to worry if you don’t plan on visiting during Carnival, the Rio bucket list is long, my friend.

1. Travel Diary: Backpacking the Eastern Sierra Nevada Wilderness

The #1 most inspiring moment for me personally, was this 5 day thru-hike I did with my brother and my husband in Inyo National Forest this July. If you read the story already, you know what an uphill battle it was (literally). Trekking through backcountry was such a raw, visceral side of travel and how we experience nature in its truest form. Within the mountains, I felt transported to a place that seemed much further than the mere 300 or so miles away from home. Perhaps that’s what fueled my motivation to climb higher and push further, both mentally and physically. This was the kind of trip that changes you in ways you weren’t expecting and isn’t that what we tend to seek most in our travels? …to be effected?

This blog is dedicated to my husband Richie for pushing me to take that initial leap and share my voice and passion for travel with others –and for helping me create a beautiful illustration of it with his artistic eye and photography skills. Thank you for being the bestest travel buddy ever!

September 7, 2016
22 Things to do With Your BFF in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

“This article is dedicated to my best friend and travel partner, Antonella. Thank you for always making life so exciting!”

Brazil is a place like no other. The sticky heat, the lush jungles, the sexy, vibrant culture and sprawling beaches; it’s a destination that can inspire poetry and fill your heart. I am a bit ashamed to admit that the apprehension other’s had about my journey to Brazil with a handful of girls started to weigh on my mind, hence why I opted out of bringing my DSLR camera and used only my iPhone to take photos. However, the moment we arrived to our beautiful beachside condo, all those insecurities vanished.

We were greeted by a beautiful Brazilian woman at our new home and given a run down of all the do’s and don’t of the city. She then proceeded to escort us around the local neighborhood, showing us where to shop, dine and hang out. I highly recommend having a local agent sort out what you need or wish to do while in Rio. Although it’s not necessary, it ended up saving us a lot of time, negotiating and hassle of planning each thing along the way, allowing us to just go with the flow and make a call when we needed advice or arranging.

Hopefully you’ll have plenty of time to both explore and relax when you visit Rio. The beaches can be magnetizing but there is much to experience around the city, too. This was by far one of the most fun and well orchestrated girls trips I’ve ever been on; well worth the time it took to plan and arrange visas for. I’d definitely be up for going back to write part 2 of this article…Their visas are good for 10 years, after all. 😉

1. Copacabana Beach. This is first on the list because it’s one of the most well known destinations on the planet. The beaches are dotted with colorful umbrellas shading relaxed beach goers and a steady stream of bicyclists and joggers on their designated paths. Whether you’re laying out or strolling the coast, there’s much to see. There’s also no shortage of beachside vendors waiting to sell you a much needed frosty beverage or delicious snack on a hot summer day.

2. Go to Sugarloaf Mountain! The views are spectacular. You really get a sense of your surroundings and the beautiful landscape of Rio de Janeiro. Plus, the cable cars add a little sense of adventure to it!

If you squint, you can see Christ the Redeemer in the background.

3. Try Açai. You’ll notice there’s always people walking around eating a cup of purple stuff with a myriad of toppings. All you need to know is, it’s nutritious and delicious.

4. The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico is definitely worth an afternoon stroll. Obviously this is more of a leisurely activity but the scenery is quite impressive and lush. It’s a great way to learn more about Brazil’s botanical history or just get some fresh air.

5. Go Hang Gliding! This is for the bold and adventurous! It’s quite a rush, but after the launch it’s smooth sailing. Glide through the air and get a birds-eye view of the incredible coastline and land right on the beach below. You know you’ve got yourself a badass bestie if she’s willing to do this with you!

6. Join a Samba School for the day! It’s fun, fast paced and one hell of a workout. There’s a reason why this was the only picture I snapped during the whole experience.

7. March in the Carnival Parade! This only happens once a year so you’d have to plan ahead of time and be comfortable with wearing semi-ridiculous costumes but, it’s all part of the experience. It can be really helpful to hire a local to set everything up for you prior to your trip. The costumes and tickets were even delivered to our condo, which was extremely helpful. It may seem like a very involved process to become part of a samba school, take the class, wear these elaborate costumes while dancing around enthusiastically for hours on end, and, it is. But it’s also one of the most exhilarating experiences to be surrounded by the buzzing energy of hundreds of thousands of people in and around Sambadrome, chanting and dancing. If all that sounds like too much, just grab a ticket and watch from the stands. You definitely get a better view of the parade than when you’re marching in the thick of it. Another option is marching in the parade one night and watching the second. Up to you, but worth the effort if you ever find yourself going to Rio in February.

8. Make Your Own Cachaça Drink. Cachaça (“ka-sha-sa”), the national spirit of Brazil made from sugar cane juice. Put your own unique twist on it by adding different fruits or mixers.

For one cocktail

2oz. cachaça

1 lime

sugar syrup(optional)

Club soda

1 sugar cube

Cut the lime into segments and muddle it inside a tumbler. Once muddled, add it to your glass and pour a shot of cachaça and sugar syrup over the lime and then add ice, preferably crushed. Mix it the with a spoon and add more ice. Add a lime wheel and sugar cube to garnish the drink and use to sweeten it, if necessary. *For a healthier (and more tart) alternative, forgo the sugar syrup and use club soda.

9. Go See Christ the Redeemer. It’s a cultural icon and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. If you’re doing it right, it’ll take an entire afternoon to make the trip up to the top. There are plenty of picturesque waterfalls and lookout points along the way and the views from the art deco statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the entire city of Rio de Janeiro are pretty incredible.

10. Experience a Sunrise. If you’re experiencing a sunrise in Rio you’re either extremely healthy or you know where the best discos are. Never in my life have I witnessed a more breathtaking, awe-inspiring sunrise. I will always remember it as such a spiritual experience to share with my best friend.

*These photos were not enhanced

11. Eat a Caramel Stuffed Churro. It’s everything you want and more, I promise.

12. Eat fresh seafood or go to a Brazilian steakhouse. We happened to do both. You know what they say, when in Rio…

13. Ipanema Beach. It didn’t take us long to figure out that Ipanema was a bit more hip than Copacabana. Both are beautiful beaches but if you’re looking for a younger, sexier vibe, Ipanema is the spot to be. Plus, you get sweet photo ops like this.

14. Drink fresh coconuts. There’s not much more of a satisfying moment than when you get that first big gulp of cool, fresh coconut water on a sweltering day in Rio. It’s important to stay hydrated in the heat and watching them hack them open with machetes is always entertaining!

15. Shop in Saara. Located in Old Downtown Rio de Janeiro, Saara offers the adventurous traveler a more authentic shopping experience. 1,200 retailers and stores make up the 11 block stretch of outdoor mall. *This is not for the timid traveler.

16. Stop for coffee. There are so many pleasant places to stop and enjoy a delicious cup of world famous Brazilian brew. No, really. For over 150 years, Brazil has produced more than a third of the entire world’s coffee supply, making it the world’s largest producer. They’re doing something right.

17. Catch a tan. The people watching is incredible and you can purchase fresh fruit drinks right in the sand. There’s not much more a girl can want.

18. Go for a run or rent bikes. There are designated lanes for bikers, making it easy to cruise along the beach from Copacabana to Ipanema, not to mention the scenery ain’t so shabby.

19. Treat yourselves to some fun desserts. You can never go wrong with chocolate but, are you brave enough to try queijo(cheese) ice cream?

20. Build a sandcastle. Ok, maybe it won’t be as good as these but getting dirty and building something with your hands has proven health benefits, I guarantee it.

21. Go for a hike. Enjoy nature at its finest. Check out these 5 hikes in Rio by Halfway Anywhere.

22. Have FUN, DANCE, DRINK, MAKE FRIENDS! Don’t be shy! Rio is full of warm, passionate people who know how to have a good time. There is always something going on, so don’t hesitate to ask around, converse with the locals and follow your intuition. You never know who you’ll meet!

Did I miss something? Add your favorite things to do in Rio de Janeiro in the comments!

Common Portuguese phrases and sayings in Brazil

March 2, 2016