food – Happier Than A Billionaire

BUILDING UP AN APPETITE COMING SOON!

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:19-04:00 November 7th, 2014|Categories: Cooking Show|Tags: building up an appetite, cooking show, food|

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: One Plantain— 25 cents (free if the tree is in your yard)

Our cooking show will be coming out this November on our YouTube Channel, Happier With Less !

It was not an easy endeavor, and since my husband is like a bull in a china shop, there has been an endless flow of broken camera gear and electronics.

So very excited and hope you enjoy this preview. (Jersey accents were kept to a minimum for creative purposes.)

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IT’S BETTER THAN CHILI’S

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:27-04:00 February 1st, 2013|Categories: food|Tags: costa rica food, food, infinity pool, restaurant, the club at mar vista|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Bacon cheeseburger, french fries, ocean view, with a side dip in an infinity pool—$8

Last night our internet was down. Rob and I got restless so it was the perfect time to grab our camera and check out a new restaurant that recently opened nearby. I like supporting new businesses because I know firsthand just how difficult running one can be. I remember when my book went on sale and I wondered if anyone would ever purchase it. I’m so grateful readers found me that I want to spread acts of kindness and help someone else out as often as I can.

The Club at Mar Vista is perched high on a hill with panoramic views of the ocean. Rob was anxious to catch the sunset so he raced up the hill so fast I’m pretty sure something important fell off our car. Lately, a lot of things are falling off our car. One day I’m going to fall off this car.

To our surprise, the owner of the restaurant turned out to be our friend, Bryan Campbell. He also happens to be the owner of the popular Café Mocha. I go there often, not just because of the coffee but because he makes the best brownies in Costa Rica. I knew he was starting another business, but he wanted to keep it under wraps until he was ready to open. I can see why. This is not your ordinary place. This restaurant has an infinity pool that spans the entire establishment with an underwater lighting system that makes it irresistible to jump right in. (more…)

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A MOUTH FULL OF AIR FRESHENER

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:28-04:00 October 28th, 2012|Categories: food|Tags: cereal, food, froot loops|

Cost Of Living Update: Weird Raccoon Cereal—$2

Since the 6.6 earthquake (the second big one in two months), I’ve had the craving for Froot Loops. It’s a happy cereal that reminds me of Saturday morning cartoons and feety pajamas. It’s the perfect comfort food for when the ground just won’t stop shaking.

Of course, my budget prohibits me from actually buying Froot Loops. I purchase what looks like the cereal, only instead of a jolly Toucan Sam on the cover this one had a juggling raccoon. Of course, I think to myself. Whenever anyone imagines an early morning meal, festive garbage-rummaging raccoons always come to mind.

My husband is the first one to try it and says, “It tastes like a mouth full of air freshener.” I can’t tell you how delighted I am about this. As a proud New Jerseyan, our state has the highest concentrations of artificial flavoring factories in the world. Just thinking about it gives me goose bumps.

I pour myself a bowl and turn on some cartoons. When I’m done eating, my breath—and the entire room— smells like a can of Febreeze. You have to hand it to that juggling raccoon, he definitely knows how to impress on a budget.

Don’t miss out on the podcast interview with Emily Chase Smith. It was a lot of fun and I discuss a little more about my life here in Costa Rica.

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A NOT SO SPECIAL SURPRISE

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 24th, 2012|Categories: Cost of Living|Tags: dinner, food, restaurant|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Cost to fix timing belt on car (got rid of the girly noise) and repair horn (which now sounds like a girly moped beep) -$400

Our friends are here from Pennsylvania and they want to treat us to dinner. We take them to a place we normally go—in the LOW season. Rob orders the specials, waving his hands in the air like he’s conducting a symphony. “We’ll have two orders of the coconut shrimp appetizers.” He convinces our friend to forgo the reasonably priced chicken and rice dish to splurge on the fresh lobster.

Everything is great until the waiter brings over the check. Those delicious shrimp appetizers cost $20 each. And the lobster dinner…it was $40.

So when ordering the specials, make sure you ask the price first. But even with that surprise, it was a memorable evening as we watched the sun set while two people made-out in the ocean in front of us.

They didn’t spend a dime and, apparently, had just as good a time.

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THE LORD OF THE BAGELS

By Nadine Hays Pisani| 2018-04-15T18:19:35-04:00 December 7th, 2011|Categories: food|Tags: bagels, food, groceries|

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Half a dozen bagels- $5.25

I’ve found them…bagels. No it can’t be, I say to myself. But the closer I get, I quickly realize all my Costa Rican dreams have come true.

I grab them and huddle in a corner. Myyy Preciousss, I repeat over and over again as others reach over me for coffee filters. I’m lost in a carbohydrate trance.

Rob takes them out of my hands. “These are hard as a rock, are you sure you want them? You might need a trip to the dentist after eating one. I’m going to put them back. Let’s get the five dollar can of whipped cream instead.”

We never bought the bagels, but I know where they are. Yesss, my precious is waiting for me, but let me find a good dentist first.

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BUILDING UP AN APPETITE COMING SOON!

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: One Plantain— 25 cents (free if the tree is in your yard)

IT’S BETTER THAN CHILI’S

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Bacon cheeseburger, french fries, ocean view, with a side dip in an infinity pool—$8

A MOUTH FULL OF AIR FRESHENER

A NOT SO SPECIAL SURPRISE

THE LORD OF THE BAGELS

Join us in Costa Rica