Life savers updated

I have updated my life savers (originally posted last November), thinking of newcomers specially.

Many things are done a lot faster (and easier) in the US than in my home country. My guess, partially because of Americans driven spirit, or lack of time to dedicate to things that shouldn't take much time. Anyway, integrating myself to this lifestyle did make my day-to-day routine less time consuming, creating room for more me time (gracias!)

Moving help

• White Fence for all home services price comparison and purchase.

• If moving to another house or other state, try quoting what is best in your region using these: Moving, Unpakt or 123Movers
• Housecleaning or home repairs: Handy

Household products
• Multi surface disinfecting wipes (aka Lysol wipes, but any other brand does the job): it is self explanatory. Just keep in mind it also kills cold and flu viruses. Trust me, you will end up using it more often than you can imagine. I find it superefficient on bathroom/ kitchen sinks - swipe and shine!

• Instant stain remover pens (aka Tide To Go or Clorox pen): if you are known for keeping you head over the clouds, carry one in your purse too. Accident happens, and you don't wanna wait for that coffee stain to dry up! I always keep one handy when hosting a party, your guests will appreciate fast and efficient help to save their attire from wine or tomato sauce slip.

Findings

• Zocdoc is an amazin app! Think of Yelp but designed to health services... Great, huh? You can filter doctors by specialty, location, have access to reviews, calendars AND book an appointment on a click. This is gold, ladies!
• Instacart for online grocery shop. Delivery rates and prices are better than FreshDirect, just saying.
• Restaurant delivery: Caviar or GrubHub
• This is super right now: Airbrush tan at your home! Make your appointment at SPF (safe personalized faux) Tanning
• Dying to try v-steaming? I haven't tried yet, but here is the place to go: Total Serenity Spa

Out and about

• Uber!! Can't get enough of this app. Cars and drivers are totally clean and nice, they pick you up wherever you are and don't need cash... and UberX is super cheap. Totally saved me many times!

City
• Call 911 for any emergency
• Call 311 or *FIX for street department (in case you wanna report a pothole or cave-in).
• Check Philadelphia school district to find schools nearby and assign your kids.
• For information on school and university closings: tune KYW radio 1060, call the hotline 215-400-INFO, or check and subscribe to FOX 29 school alerts online.

Thank me later.!!!

Peace

Run like an expat !

What do you think about running? Do you find it energizing as I do? Actually, I wasn’t a runner before I moved to Philadelphia. I used to run around the park in Milan but I only started to run seriously here in the US. It may be because Philly boasts of a great number of running trails or simply because it is an easy and a low-cost work out option. But the most curious thing is that Philly is a running city!

There are run races in every season, of every distance and accessible for everyone. If you are not familiar with the races at all, you may want to know that: 

usually the races are distance races of 5k, 10k, half-marathon or marathon 

there always is a registration and a registration fee

you always run for the cause. In fact, most races are charity runs.

Whether you are an experienced runner or you have just bought your first runner's shoes, here is a list of Philly's most famous races:

The Color Run

Famous in all world, it is also known as “the happiest 5K on the planet”.  It was my first run ever and guys, it was a huge fun. You don’t have to be a runner as no particular physical preparation is necessary. All you need is a willingness to wake up on a Sunday morning and have fun with your friends tossing colors at each other (a little alert here:after the run, you will find colors in the most hidden parts of your body). If you want to do something different from a Sunday brunch or if you are starting your career as a runner, you will definitely enjoy the Color Run. So check it out and get ready for the next one on 25 April!

And, something for expat moms: the run is also child-friendly! 

More info at The Color Run website! 

The Graffiti Run 

It is another colorful 5K with the very similar concept of having fun while you are running. Color explosions of powder wait for you at the green, red, orange, pink zone and finally at the finish line. Again, the purpose is to have blast with friends and so everyone is welcome. Save the date if you are interested because the next Graffiti Run will take place on Sunday, May 18 in Philadelphia/Camden Waterfront.

More info at The Graffiti Run website

Rocky Balboa Run

How should a race held in Philadelphia be called if not after his legendary movie hero? Every year in November, thousands of runners and walkers join the famous Rocky Run. You have two options here: 5K or 10K. Registration is required and the price range is $45 to $65.

More info at the Rocky Balboa Run website

The Broad Street Run

This run is the Philadelphia’s special run. First of all, it is not measured in kilometers but in miles. It is, in fact a 10-mile run along Broad Street passing some most important landmarks of the city. Second, it is the largest 10-mile race in the US. The Broad Street Run, named also Blue Cross Broad Street Run due to its sponsor, is held in May. 

If you want to participate, you will have to be selected in the lottery starting as early as in February. Don't lose hope if you are not selected, though. There are also other charity bibs you may purchase until they all are sold.

More info at the Broad Street Run website!

The Philly 10K

This run was established by Philadelphia Runner, popular running stores in Philadelphia. After its debut last year, the next Philly 10k is coming up on 30 August, 2015. It is a road race through the heart of Philadelphia with the starting point on East Passyunk. You may admire the Philly's most beautiful neighborhoods while enjoying the run! This is what I call combining business with pleasure.

More info coming soon!

Half-marathons 

For all seriously running expat wives, there is a bunch of half-marathon races held in Philadelphia. Here are the most famous one: The Love Run (March), Odyssey Half Marathon (June 14), Rock’n’Roll Marathon Series (October 31). Ok, I am not that far with my work out yet. But if YOU are, you can share some running hints with me...

So girls, are you ready for some expat wives run ?

8 Brazilian habits I lost when I moved to America

Culture habits and relationship dynamics are very particular to every country. Although moving abroad does not change us to the core, it does shape our behavior. Here I share with you few things that have slowly transformed me ever since I moved from Brazil: