¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo desde Puerto Vallarta!🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Puerto Vallarta!

 ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo desde Puerto Vallarta!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Puerto Vallarta!

Jon and Terry on a Day Trip

We wish joy and peace for family and friends this Christmas and New Year.

Jon and I spend one or two days each week together, sharing new adventures. This week we visited San Pancho for the first time in many years. We met friends, Phil and Leslie, at a beach restaurant for good conversation, delicious lunches, sunshine, and warmth. See more HERE.

Terry L Turrell, Author

𝗜𝘀 𝗟𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲?🌊 Discover Our Improved Property for Sale in This Peaceful Beach Town🌴

In the Heart of the Riviera Nayarit

Playa Lo de Marcos, Waiting for Sunset

Are you dreaming of life in a tranquil, authentic Mexican beach town? If so, you may fall in love with Lo de Marcos—just as we did. And now, our improved property in this charming Riviera Nayarit community is officially for sale!

Lo de Marcos Plaza with Arch, Garden, and Gazebo

Lo de Marcos is a small, welcoming town known for its pristine beaches and relaxed pace of life. Tucked between palm-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, it offers an authentic taste of Mexico—far from the crowds of the bigger tourist destinations.

Lo De Marcos Plaza is One of the Prettiest I've Seen!

Jon and Sophie Resting in the Plaza Garden

Here’s an AI-generated description I felt captured it beautifully:

Why Lo de Marcos Stands Out

• Authentic Vibe: A traditional Mexican town with colorful buildings, a central plaza, and a warm local community.
• Peaceful & Uncrowded: Home to stunning beaches—Los Venados, Las Minitas, and El Atracadero—perfect for swimming, surfing, and soaking in sunsets.
• Walkable: Easy to explore on foot; golf carts and bikes are popular for getting around.
• Local Amenities: Filled with eateries, organic markets, artisans, and charming accommodations.
• Ideal Location: Situated in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of San Pancho and south of Guayabitos, within easy reach of Puerto Vallarta.

Transportation Includes Golf Carts, Horses, and Motos

Main Street Ends at an Arched Beach Access

From the Heart of the Town to the Beach

The downtown plaza is the true gathering spot—complete with a central gazebo, a colorful decorative arch, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s surrounded by restaurants, shops, and small hotels, offering the perfect blend of local charm and convenience.

Just a short stroll from the plaza, the beachfront comes alive with open-air restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, cold drinks, and incredible ocean views. Several beachfront restaurants line the shore, offering fresh seafood, cold drinks, and the simple pleasure of eating with your toes in the sand. It’s the kind of place where you can linger for hours, watching the waves and enjoying an easygoing coastal meal.

Olivia's Restaurant on the Beach is One of Our Favorites

Olivia's Coconut Shrimp is My Favorite Dish

The Riviera Nayarit tourism website describes Lo de Marcos as “a true Mexican town… with many fine sandy beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and enjoying exceptional Pacific Ocean sunsets.” One quick Google search will reward you with a slideshow of incredible photos—palm trees, mountains, and uncrowded beaches that stretch peacefully along the shoreline.

One of the Uncrowded Beaches in Lo de Marcos

Some call Lo de Marcos paradise on earth. It’s a restful contrast to the livelier energy of Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. You’ll find bungalows, villas, RV parks, small hotels, and an abundance of beachfront seafood restaurants—all served with a relaxed smile.

Lo de Marcos is located about 32 miles (52 km) from the Puerto Vallarta airport. Transportation options and additional visitor information can be found on the Riviera Nayarit website:
https://rivieranayarit.com.mx/destinations/lo-de-marcos/

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Our Property for Sale in Lo de Marcos

Jon Contracted a Nicely Built Wall and Key-lock Gate

During Jon’s six months living in Lo de Marcos, he purchased a piece of land and made significant improvements. It is now fully prepared and ready for its next owner—whether for RV living or building a dream home.

Property Highlights — LOT TURRELL

• Fully Enclosed Lot
• Water, Underground Water Storage Tank, Electricity & Septic Installed
• Ready-to-Build
• Large Mango Tree providing shade and delicious fruit
• Easy Highway Access
• Secure On-Site Storage: A converted shipping container sits inside the walled enclosure

Installing the Underground Water Storage Tank (Cistern)

Lo de Marcos is a Small Walkable Town on the Beach

This is an excellent opportunity in a growing area of Lo de Marcos. Please see more photos and contact our realtor, Rod Rosile, HERE. 

Price: $108,000 USD or $2,000,000 MXN pesos
Realtor: Rod Rosile, Sayulita Investment Realty
Listing: Lote Turrell SIR110625
Website Link: https://investsayulita.com/property-details/?id=998&tid=145

Jon and Terry at Jardin Serein in Lo de Marcos

Another Favorite Restaurant, April 2025

Living in Mexico Lessons Learned

Healthy Living in Mexico Book #3

FREE with Kindle Unlimited Membership

Terry L Turrell, Author

Happy Autumn from Puerto Vallarta 🌻 Reflections on Caring for Jon, Sophie, Max, and Myself

 My November Newsletter is Live!

Marigolds Planted for Dia de Los Muertos
By the Vallarta Garden Club on the Isla Cuale

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮!

It’s been a busy three months caring for Jon, Max, and Sophie—while also reminding myself how important it is to care for my own well-being. November was National Family Caregiver Month, but I’ve decided to make self-care an everyday practice.

I'm Volunteering for Weeding and Planting In the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone

Lately, that’s meant spending time gardening with the Vallarta Garden Club, enjoying Zumba with Efren on the Isla Cuale, getting a massage every two weeks, and taking long walks through the Romantic Zone. Part of my self-care also includes gently easing Jon into life here in Puerto Vallarta, which helps bring me a lot of peace of mind.

In late October, I helped Jon move the motorhome from Lo de Marcos to an RV park in Puerto Vallarta. Shortly after, I found him a perfect studio apartment in Colonia 5 de Diciembre and moved him in right away. We also sold the Minnie Winnie just a few days ago—what a relief for both of us! The new owners are already out enjoying road trips with her.

Jon Looks Rested After a Month in Puerto Vallarta

Continue reading at the newsletter link here: https://mailchi.mp/4b1188e313b0/november-2025-jon-moved.

I invite you to SIGN UP for my "Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Newsletter," published monthly. To make sure you get my newsletters, please sign up and add my email address to your contacts or mark this email as ‘Not Spam’.

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Terry L Turrell, Author

𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝟲𝟭 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝟳𝟬 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟳) 💙💙#𝟭𝟬𝟬𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗢𝗳𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 in Puerto Vallarta

𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝟲𝟭 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝟳𝟬 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 in Puerto Vallarta 

(𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟳 of 100 Days of Blue)

Day 61: Puerto Vallarta View From Barcelona Tapas

My Birthday Dinner in July, Early Rainy Season

It’s hard to believe I’m already sharing Part 7 of my #100DaysOfBlue journey. What better place to experience Days 61 through 70 than in beautiful Puerto Vallarta?

Blue💙 Blue Water🌊 Blue Mind🤗Calm, Tranquility, Positive State of Mind🙏🏽

Day 62: A Memory of July 11, 2024, Over a Year Ago

"Today is a good day. This week has been a rollercoaster. Watching the sunset over the ocean is so calming. Viewing the deep blue color of the sea during a two-hour seafood dinner with my best friend promotes a blue mind condition. Life is good.💙"

This photo holds more than just a view. It holds a memory, a feeling, and a breath of peace during a chaotic time. Over a year ago, I shared these words without realizing how often I’d come back to them. The blue water became more than a visual comfort. It was a space where I could let go, even for a moment, of the stress and emotional weight of caregiving.

My husband’s early Parkinson’s dementia was beginning to change our lives in ways that were hard to explain. The ocean felt steady when nothing else did. It was deep, calming, and quietly powerful.

This journey through #100DaysOfBlue isn’t just about beauty. It’s about reflection, healing, and honoring both the peaceful and the difficult moments. 💙

Day 63: Puerto Vallarta's Playa Los Muertos

It was supposed to storm again that afternoon, so I took the dogs for a walk down the Malecón earlier in the day. Brunch instead of dinner felt like the right call.

Most of the restaurants were either too busy or hadn’t opened yet. We circled back to Daiquiri Dick’s, and I’m glad we did. Huevos rancheros and fresh orange juice with a view of the ocean were exactly what I needed. 💙

Daiquiri Dick’s Huevos Rancheros are Delicious!

Day 64: Dancing on the Beach Video

Watching the Fun Next to the Ocean Waves

I was sitting at a beachside restaurant bar with Max and Sophie, taking in the ocean view. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon deepened my Blue Mind calm. When a group started dancing on the sand beside the rolling waves, it brought an easy smile to my face.

Day 65: Pool Day Video

Blue Pool Jet on My Feet was Relaxing

Blue Mind at the Beautiful Residences Sky Bar

Day 67 of Blue Water: Santorini Puzzle Time

Working on My Santorini Puzzle was Relaxing—

Especially with a Blue Water Video on the Screen

You may remember that on Day 43 of my 100 Days of Blue Water, I was in Santorini, Greece. (See more in Days 41–50 of 100 Days of Blue Water, Part 5: The Mediterranean to the Gulf of Mexico 💦). The deep blue sea view from the Santorini cable car was unforgettable. The only souvenir I brought home from that Virgin Voyage was a Santorini jigsaw puzzle—a perfect reminder of the many Blue Water days I experienced on that trip.

That’s the True Blue!

Day 68 of Blue in the Marina Vallarta

Lunch and View at El Faro Marina Vallarta Restaurant

After a gathering at the Living Room Bookstore on August 1, I had lunch at El Faro in Marina Vallarta, a high-end international restaurant located inside a lighthouse. From the panoramic 360-degree views, I could see all at once what makes Puerto Vallarta so stunning—this is truly the place where the sea meets the mountains.

Gorgeous Blue Water View of the Bay of Banderas

Day 70 of Blue Water

A Quiet Day on Los Muertos Beach, Puerto Vallarta

I walked with the dogs along the beach and stopped for fish and chips for dinner at the Sea Monkey on the Puerto Vallarta Malecón. I forgot to take a photo! Let's just say, there were no leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Our First Day on the Beach—

Since Max's eye surgery 2 Months Before 

That day was Max’s first time on the beach since his eye surgery before I adopted him. I didn’t want him getting sand in the healing eye, so until then, we’d enjoyed the ocean views from a distance. His eye actually looked pretty good at the time. But four months—and a lot of treatment and love later, he was blind in that eye. The inflammation kept worsening, and his vet eventually recommended removing it. He’s now healing well. The stitches are out, he’s no longer uncomfortable, and once his shaved eyebrow grows back, he’ll be as handsome as ever.

The Sea Turns Gray on August Afternoons

As It Reflects the Gathering Clouds

The fishermen, white egret, and pelicans were sure the fish were in close. The pelicans were the only ones I saw catch anything.

What a mellow scene.

If you would like to view the first fifty days of Blue Water photos, including many memories of past adventures with Jon, here are the links:

Part 1: Days 1 through 10 of Blue 💦 100 Days of Blue Begins: Where I Find My Blue Mind. Memories of Happy Times with Jon.

Part 2: 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 🌊🌊 (Days 11 to 20) More Happy Memories with Jon

Part 3: Days 21 through 30 💦💦💦 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞💦💦💦 Happy Memories with Jon Continue

Part 4: Days 31 through 40 🌊 New Memories of Traveling Alone: Puerto Vallarta to Athens to Turkey

Part 5: Days 41–50 of 100 Days of Blue Water, Part 5: The Mediterranean to the Gulf of Mexico 💦

Part 6: Days 51 through 60 of Blue Water (Part 6)🌊🌊Happy to be Home in Puerto Vallarta

Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. It is peace. It is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes from being in or near the water, and it has a positive impact on our mental health.

100 Days of Blue is a campaign inspired by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, encouraging people to spend time near, in, on, or under water for its positive impact on well-being. To carry on his legacy, many people are posting one blue water photo or video a day for 100 days, often with the hashtag #100daysofblue.

Thank you for reading my blog articles and following along on my journey! 🌟📚

I’ve written eight books about my life and travels in Mexico, and you can view or download them on Amazon by clicking the book covers to the right and above. 📘📙📗

Terry L Turrell, Author

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Free with a Kindle Unlimited Membership

𝟭𝟬 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 🌎Ecological Footprint Lesson 102 · Updated Dec 28, 2025

 Ditch Plastic Packaging

Lots of Alternatives!

1. Bar Soap in Talavera Soap Dishes

Reducing plastic use is not only good for the environment—it can also be surprisingly satisfying and fun. One of my most recent changes was eliminating plastic liquid hand soap bottles altogether, including both pump bottles and large refill containers. That’s a lot of plastic over the course of a year. My solution was simple and enjoyable: I bought beautiful Talavera soap dishes from local Mexican shops and switched to bar soap for handwashing at the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Fill Talavera Pump Dispensers 

With "Platos" Dishwashing Detergent

I now fill my Talavera pump dispensers with dishwashing detergent—my new Platos liquid soap. Guests who prefer liquid soap can use this option, and it works beautifully: it creates just enough suds, cleans well, and rinses easily. Keeping it in a decorative dispenser also makes dishwashing detergent readily available for scrubbing pots. I’m especially pleased that "Platos" brand dishwashing soap is plastic-free and biodegradable, and I share more about it below.

2. Toothpaste Tablets in a Plastic-Free Container

I wish I had discovered toothpaste tablets sooner! Muyme ships 90 tablets in a completely plastic-free can, available through Amazon México, making it easy to eliminate traditional toothpaste tubes from daily life. According to Google, globally around 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away each year, with some estimates as high as 20 billion annually due to their mixed plastic and foil layers that can’t be recycled. In the U.S. alone, more than 400 million tubes end up in landfills every year, where they can take centuries to decompose. 

These tablets feel like a small but meaningful step toward reducing plastic waste—and they’re practical and delightful to use. I love the fresh flavor, the simplicity, and the compact size that makes them perfect for travel.

3. I've Switched to Compostable Zipper Bags!

Available at La Comer Stores

4. My First Bamboo Toothbrush Ordered from La Comer

Others Available from Amazon—What Do You Like?

Plastic toothbrushes can take up to 500 years to break down. They don’t fully decompose—instead, they fragment into microplastics that can pollute ecosystems and waterways for centuries.

Globally, roughly 23 billion toothbrushes are discarded annually, according to National Geographic and other sources. Since most of these are not recyclable, they likely end up in a landfill or are incinerated. Each one of us can make a positive environmental impact with this small change.

5. I Purchased More Pyrex Dishes to Eliminate Plastic Wrap

And Replace Styrofoam Restaurant To-Go Containers

Yes, I bring my Pyrex bowls to the meat market for chicken, beef, and pork—and to restaurants so I can pack up half my meal to take home. It’s a simple habit that helps the environment and saves me money. I also use these bowls for freezer storage instead of plastic freezer bags, which cuts down on waste and makes reheating frozen meals much easier.

6. Nutrisa Frozen Yogurt in Waxed Paper Carton

No Plastic, Not Even in the Lid!

I’ve written before about reducing our plastic usage, but it’s been a while. My earlier post, "ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT Lesson 101: 10 Ways We Reduced Ours When We Retired in Mexico", was published on March 9, 2017, shortly after we moved to Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico.

Even eight years ago, we were already making changes: buying milk and juices in waxed paper cartons and trying to cut back on plastic containers. I even made my own yogurt at home for a while, but we ate it too fast, and I eventually tired of the long process.

7. Our Juice and Milk Cartons 8 Years Ago

The Cartons Have Changed But Still Eco-Friendly

🌱 I Want to Reduce Plastic Usage — More. 🌊

One small change I’ve made recently: I stopped buying yogurt in plastic containers. Instead, I discovered Nutrisa Frozen Yogurt, which comes in two delicious flavors, Mora (Blackberry) and Taro. To my surprise, Taro has become my favorite! It pairs beautifully with bananas, mangos, pineapple, and even cooked cinnamon apples with cranberries. 😋

Fruit Smoothie from Ingredients Packaged in Paper

For breakfast, I’ve been adding two small scoops of Nutrisa to a bowl of fruit, granola, and chopped walnuts. It’s creamy, refreshing, and so satisfying. Nutrisa claims it contains live cultures, so I feel like it’s a healthy alternative to regular or Greek yogurt, plus, it blends perfectly into smoothies.💚

8. Purchase Drinks and Food in Glass Containers

I say, "No plastico por favor." With a little extra effort, I have found all the drinks and food I need in glass or cans. I even found almond butter packaged in glass jars from Amazon Mexico.

Recently, I watched the documentary “A Plastic Ocean.” It opened my eyes. Seeing the heartbreaking impact of plastic on our oceans, wildlife, and ultimately our own bodies has motivated me to make a difference—one small, mindful choice at a time.

♻️ Going Beyond Yogurt: My Next Plastic-Free Goal

My next goal was to eliminate buying dishwashing and laundry detergent in plastic bottles. I discovered a Mexican company called Desplastifícate, which translates to “Deplasticize.”

I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical about their products. But after trying them, I’ve realized their soaps are worth every peso!

9. “Platos”: The Name of the Dishwashing Soap

Available on Amazon México, Platos proudly promotes a simple mission: “Go plastic-free with our scented dish soap. Unlike liquid or powder cleaners, it won’t pollute water.” 

I can vouch for that claim! The scent is light, refreshing, and best of all, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. 🌸

10. Ropa: The Name of their Laundry Detergent

👕 “Ropa” — My New Favorite Laundry Soap

I especially love the “Ropa” laundry detergent by Desplastifícate! I used it for two weeks before writing this article to make sure it wouldn’t cause any skin irritation like most detergents do—and it didn’t. 🌿

At first, I didn’t believe their claim of “No rinsing required.” I’ve always had to run my laundry through an extra rinse with my low-water washer when using other soaps, but not with Ropa!

Not only does it eliminate the need for those huge plastic bottles of detergent, it also saves water, electricity, and wear-and-tear on clothing. It’s a win all around. Next time, I’ll be ordering the four-pack from Amazon! 🧺

🌎 Every Small Change Counts

Reducing plastic has become more than a goal for me—it’s a mindful practice that connects my daily choices to the health of our planet. Each time I find a new way to replace plastic with something reusable or biodegradable, I feel a little lighter and more hopeful about the future.

Have you found creative ways to reduce plastic in your daily life? ♻️
I’ll be adding more ideas to this article in the coming weeks, and I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments. Together, we can inspire each other—because every small change truly counts. 💚

💚 Thank You for Reading

Thank you for reading my articles and following along on this journey. Writing about these small, meaningful lifestyle changes keeps me accountable and connected to others who care about our planet.

For more lessons I’ve learned along the way, please take a look at my Healthy Living in Mexico books, where I share stories, insights, and practical tips from my life here in Mexico. 🌴📘

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Terry L Turrell, Author