Blog | ahouseofsparrows

Living in Costa Rica: 3 month update

As I look back on these past few months, I can't believe that our family has moved to Costa Rica only 90 days ago. That's it?! It se

A House of Sparrows

Jan 15, 201810 min read

8 Reasons why you should travel to Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias, a city full of color, romance and a vibrant culture all nestled behind its historic walls. Its a city that pleasantly s

A House of Sparrows

Jan 13, 20189 min read

My resolutions for 2018

Self-reflection is a powerful tool that keeps me happy and mentally healthy. Its important for me to look within myself and to my past in or

Crystal Norris

Jan 2, 20186 min read

My 2018 travel plans

2017 was a busy year for our family full of career changes, a move to Costa Rica and several trips all over the world. We made many memories

Crystal Norris

Dec 28, 20176 min read

12 traditional Christmas recipes from around the world

Christmas dinner is one of my favorite meals of the year. A beautiful mixture of carbs, butter, pecans, brown sugar, wine and dozens of othe

Crystal Norris

Dec 22, 20174 min read

Our expat family's must-see destinations in Costa Rica

We've already been living in Costa Rica for two months now and Costa Rica is starting to feel more like home. Now that we have gotten us

Crystal Norris

Dec 19, 20174 min read

15 Photos to inspire you to visit Cartagena

Some cities surprisingly grow on me when I least expect it, and Cartagena was one of them. Cartagena was bursting with color, charm and it h

A House of Sparrows

Dec 17, 20171 min read

Trip to the hanging bridges of Arenal

During our trip to Arenal, there was no way we were going to miss out on seeing incredible views while dangling hundreds of feet up in the a

Crystal Norris

Dec 8, 20173 min read

10 books that will make you want to travel

I always say there isn't anything better than a good book, but if that book involves travel, it does get much, much better. Reading trav

Crystal Norris

Dec 2, 20176 min read

La Fortuna: Touring one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls

Waterfalls are hiding behind every corner in Costa Rica and during our trip to Arenal we visited the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. Its an

A House of Sparrows

Dec 2, 20174 min read

Celebrating our anniversary at the Arenal Volcano

Last week, Ryan and I celebrated our five year wedding anniversary so we decided to travel to Arenal Volcano to celebrate! It is one of the

A House of Sparrows

Nov 27, 20175 min read

Driving from San Jose to Quepos/Manuel Antonio & Dominical

Do you have plans on driving to Quepos or Dominical from San Jose,Costa Rica? Check out my tips and must see destinations during your drive!

A House of Sparrows

Nov 24, 20175 min read

20 Christmas gifts for the world traveler

Looking for a Christmas gift for someone who loves to travel? I've put together my go-to products that are perfect for the jet-setter in

A House of Sparrows

Nov 16, 20176 min read

Creepy crawlies of Costa Rica

Ryan and I are at war. Every night the battle begins as dozen of army ants descend from the ceiling. With our shoes in hand, we slap away in

A House of Sparrows

Oct 27, 20173 min read

Recap: One week in Costa Rica

Its been 7 days since we officially became an expat family living in Costa Rica. This past week has been the start of a learning curve as we

A House of Sparrows

Oct 22, 20175 min read

Tips on flying your pets to Costa Rica

When we were planning our move to Costa Rica, one of the most stressful components was how we were going to bring our pets with us. It took

A House of Sparrows

Oct 18, 20175 min read

20 songs for your American road trip

Are you planning an American road trip? There is only one thing that will make your adventure even better, a perfect playlist. Check out the

Crystal Norris

Oct 9, 20172 min read

Traditional German red cabbage

One huge perk of having in-laws that are from another culture is I have been able to learn a whole new cuisine. German food is hearty, simpl

A House of Sparrows

Sep 21, 20172 min read

Zip lining in Costa Rica

As long as I can remember, zip lining in Costa Rica has been on my bucket list. And I finally scratched it off my list during one of our fam

Crystal Norris

Sep 14, 20174 min read

First step in moving to Costa Rica

Our move to Costa Rica is getting more real every day and we are taking it one step closer by dipping our toes in the water and flying to Do

A House of Sparrows

Sep 7, 20174 min read