LIVING LA VIDA MAS RICA: Vol. 3

Author

dalia barrios
May 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hi Rica Gang!

Welcome to The Rica Life Club Newsletter— your weekly hit of all things wellness, cultura, and feel-good energy. Think of this as your lil reminder to move your body, eat something delicious, and live life con pasión y alegría. From workouts to recipes to inspo from our amazing comunidad, I’m here to help you vivir la vida más rica every single day.

Let’s get into it, baby!

—Dalia

 

AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY 💫 

I’m leaning into the power of being prepared. Every little step I take, whether it’s planning my week, moving my body, or showing up for myself, is helping me live la vida mas rica. I’m creating a strong foundation with clarity, confidence, y felicidad. I don’t need to have it all figured out, I just need to keep showing up and trust that what I do today is setting me up for something amazing mañana.

THIS WEEK AT SOULCYCLE 🏖️ 

I’m celebrating my birthday this Saturday at SoulCycle at 9:30am! After class, we’re skipping brunch at Simmzy’s and heading straight to Manhattan Beach! Meet us on the right side of the pier. Everyone’s welcome! Bring your own snacks and drinks. Can’t wait to see you there!

 

RICA RECIPE: SPICY AVOCADO PROTEIN DIP 🥑

You’re going to want to bring this to dip to your next carne asada or beach day! High in protein, full of sabor, and super easy to make.

💚 You’ll need:

  • ½ cup cottage cheese

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • 2 serrano peppers (adjust to your spice level)

  • 1 tomatillo

  • 1 lime (juice only)

  • 1 garlic clove

  • Handful of cilantro

  • Salt to taste

    ✨ Blend it all up until smooth + creamy
    ✨ Taste and adjust salt/lime/serranos
    ✨ Serve with veggies, chips, or on tacos — bomb in a breakfast burrito too 👀

What's your name and where are you reppin' from?

Hi my name is Joanna Cantu but all my good friends know me by “JoJo” ☺️ born & raised in Lennox, CA!

Any delicious restaurants, coffee shops, or bars in your hood we should try?

Omg yess best burger and onion rings definitely come from Jim’s Burger on 111th in Lennox and the best pan dulce from Sofias Bakery.

What does living la vida más rica mean to you?

To enjoy all the little things in life and not to dwell on what you can’t control but enjoy what’s right in front of you. Embrace the journey and love every freakin minute of it!

What’s your favorite way to move your body?

On the bici w/ the best La Perreo Queen Dalia. I also do enjoy running it helps me clear my head and it’s the best thereoy out there!

A song that instantly boosts your mood:

This is how we do it - Montell Jordan

A cultural tradition, meal, or saying that makes you feel connected to your roots:

My Abuelita’s sweet enchiladas & her Albondigas always make me feel at home. Whenever my Abuelita makes one of our favorites we all get together and play loteria and grub. Familia means everything to me.

What's one thing you’re proud of lately—big or small?

This self love journey I’ve been on w/  learning to be comfortable with my whole self mind, body and soul.  I’ve been prioritizing my well being, practicing kindness and compassion toward myself, and understanding it’s okay to have bad days and allowing myself forgiveness when I mess up. It’s been a heck of a rollercoaster but Ive loved every minute of it. I’ve learned so much about myself and just recently I’ve done a weigh in and I’ve dropped 83 pounds Wooo woo!!! I’m so proud of myself and I’m so in love with who I am and who I am becoming  and the journey that it’s taking me on.

How do you prioritize your mental health?

Working out, taking PTO days from work and spa’ing it up, practicing daily gratitude and definitely Saturday bad bunny brunches!!

Any advice for someone just starting their wellness journey?

Be patient and kind with yourself through out the journey. It’s a marathon and not a sprint. Listen to your body rest days are okay. Lastly and the biggest one build a wellness familia and surround yourself with people that are going to cheer you on and uplift you not tear you down.

Anything you wanna manifest or shout out this month?

I love myself & the life that I am creating. I will have no regrets and will continue to look forward because if I look back I will fall off the bike.

If Rica Life Club had a group trip anywhere in the world, where are we going?

Puerto Rico babyyyy!

THINKING ABOUT THERAPY?

Last year, I started therapy and real talk, it was the best thing I ever did for myself. It helped me process so much, let go of things I didn’t even realize I was carrying, and just feel so much lighter mentally and emotionally. Finding the right person really mattered to me, so I used latinxtherapy.com because I knew I wanted to work with a Latina therapist who really gets it. That connection made all the difference.

And listen, as a stubborn Taurus, I used to think I had to handle everything on my own, but I’ve learned that I don’t. We’re not meant to do it all by ourselves. It’s so important to use the tools that are out there, the ones that help us grow, heal, and step into the best version of who we’re meant to be. If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, this is your sign—hazlo!! Don’t overthink it. Just like we care for our bodies, our minds deserve that same kind of love. Therapy is self-care, it’s strength, and it’s 100% part of living la vida más rica.

RICA FAVES OF THE MONTH 😍 

▶ Podcast on repeat: The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Body Reset: How Woman Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, & Energy

▶ Shop my Amazon Storefront: I found the best way to organize my bikinis this summer! 👙