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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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This is How We Shop

by tacogirl 05/10/2018
written by tacogirl 05/10/2018
Swim Up Pool Bar Belize

For as long as I can remember we have been doing stuff swaps on Ambergris Caye, so I feel qualified to say hands down Coco’s Loco Beach Bar was the best setup ever. Tricia had a tent beside the Caribbean sea, and most the clothes were sorted by size and either nicely folded or hung-up. It was unlike the days of Pedro’s Hotel when first I convinced owner Peter to let us do stuff swaps. He said, “right, just chuck it all on the pool table.” 😀

This sip and swap venue was perfect as the popular beachfront bar is Sargasso and smell free due to the seawall. Remember to add this odorless place with a view on your vacation to do list, they do weekly gaming days and you will always fun a fun local crowd. They also have great food made by Island Tung a food cart conveniently set up near the picnic tables.

The weather was gorgeous perfect for seaside shopping. The first person I saw as soon as we arrived was my friend Judyann which was perfect since we have swapped together many times. We know each other’s taste and are not offended if something we suggest to each other is not good for whatever reason. Which is perfect as this time she immediately got me one of the brand new dresses she had put in the swap when she saw me. I thought it was super cute, but when I asked her why she did not keep it, she said it was one of 3 she had bought in Mexico and it did not fit across the back. I hung onto it but was mulling it over thinking I would likely have the same issue. Literally, at that same moment, my other friend Robbie commented on what a lovely dress it was and how she needed stuff like that for work – I instantly handed it over.

Another funny thing about the swap was I ended up taking a dress back that I had swapped years ago which my friend Carole had taken. There was nothing wrong with it, at the time I just decided to let it go so I could attract something new. Carole also does good swaps occasionally at her salon when she does an annual fundraiser.

Tricia also turned this one into a good cause, everyone who brought stuff for tickets per piece and earned the right to shop. If people did not have anything to swap they could shop at the low price of $2 a piece and all proceeds went to the church (as far as I know) The leftover clothing was going to the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church store.

That morning I had been rifling through my closet to find as much as I could to swap, and it ended up being great therapy as I decided it was finally time to let go of most of my red and white clothing. This was very symbolic because in June 2018 I made a hard decision and left the San Pedro Red Cross. I still wish things had been different, but I am trusting everything happens for a reason and that the goal of truly being able to help the San Mateo Community will come another way. Sometimes finding peace comes in the most interesting ways, this time I am so glad it was through lightening my load and retail therapy.

I scored largely. A great Adidas water shirt (I love sun protection), three dresses (one going back), a dressy sun visor, an unauthorized Jimmy Page biography for my friend Jack, and best of all, three smaller graduating sized dry bags.

Long live free shopping on Ambergris Caye 😀

Coco's Loco North Ambergris CayeCoco's Loco North Ambergris Caye

Coco's Loco North Ambergris CayeCoco's Loco North Ambergris Caye

Belize Beach BarBelize Beach Bar

Coco's Loco North Ambergris CayeCoco's Loco North Ambergris Caye

Directions to Coco's Loco North Ambergris Caye

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tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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4 comments

Iris Stone 06/10/2018 - 3:43 pm

Hi! How do you find out when and where these are happening?

Reply
tacogirl 07/10/2018 - 6:39 am

They are a random island occurrence Iris. Your best bet is to make friends with the people that host them occasionally and ask for one, or you could easily do it if you have a group of friends. I have done many swaps at my apartment over the years. CG Esthec Salon also does them when she does a fundraiser event.

Reply
Michelle 05/10/2018 - 6:11 pm

Love this! Such a cool idea

Reply
tacogirl 07/10/2018 - 6:50 am

Such a great way to shop Michelle. I used to do this with my friends when I lived in Canada too.

Reply

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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