The holidays are here no question.  I went to Whole Foods yesterday and finally figured out a way to save money on grocery bills.  Firstly I always carry my shoppers guide to the Dirty Dozen and lowest in pesticide list which you can download on www.foodnews.org.  Then I have a look around the produce section and look for all the veggies which are on sale and locally grown so you don't have to buy organic.  Check your list against the sale items. Mold your recipes around the sale locally grown items.   WhaaaLAAA now you not only saved money but bought veggies and fruits which are healthy and low in pesticides and not necessarily organic.  This is a great tip it saved me about $50 on my grocery bill. 
   Fa La La La La...the holidays also bring food temptation.  To me that's watching everything that comes into my reach and could put those unhealthy pounds back into my possession.  If it winds up in my possession again  then I feel uncomfortable and all the effort I made all year just disappears in one sitting.  Moderation is the best thing to remember. I remember how I used to feel and how good I feel now.   Take a walk even if it's a small one.  Keep moving.  When you eat your food, remember your meditation and don't rush.  Savor the meditation and enjoy your food.  Appreciate good friends and family.  If you are alone this year enjoy the pleasure of your own company.  Treat yourself well.  "Pay attention and there will be no tension. " (Dadi Janki)
     The recipe section should be nearly finished by the first of the year .  By the way, it has been brought to my attention that some new vegetarians do not understand the difference between vegetarian and vegan.  Vegetarian do not eat meat, poultry, fish or seafood.  Vegans choose to eat a more strict diet and do not consume any animal products or byproducts.  Therefore, until I revamp the recipe section butter can replace Earth Balance soy spread if you are vegetarian.  Sugar can replace agave if you are vegetarian.  If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.   Most products can be purchased in your local grocery store and does not have to be purchased in a health food store.  I personally lean to a vegan diet.   The choice is yours.  Have a wonderful holiday season until next week.
Peace,
Donna
    
    

TIP of the Week
If you are using stainless steel pans, make sure they are 18/10.
To create a non stick like surface on stainless steel mix olive oil and kosher salt.  Dissolve the salt into the oil.  It's like cooking in a nonstick pan.
To clean your stainless pans use Bon Ami  or Bar Keepers friend
both of which are green cleaners.
No need for non-stick and stainless is much healthier.

     That's how it all started.  We began planning a vegetarian dinner for the Super Boys of the Coral Gables Fire Department.  We had 13 wonderful guys with large appetites.
   We served stuffed shells, salad, toasted parmesan bread and chocolate tofu mousse.  It was a great experience even if we didn't meditate.  Next time guys, we will meditate in between bites, including the paramedics.  No joke,  you all deserve a Very Big Thank You for a job well done by all of you 365 days of the year.  This was just a small way to say thanks.  One of the Super Boys told me that in 20 plus years only 3 people had done this for them.  I asked him why he thought that was.  He believes that is because when things so catastrophic happen to someone they don't want to remember them.  They want to forget the incident.
Also, thanks Tim for the flowers you hand picked and arranged.  Special thanks to Don the photographer.  A BIG OM SHANTI to all of you.  (Om Shanti means I am Peace).
     It's all about love and service.  The Super Boys have a love  for humankind and a passion to serve in time of crisis.  The planning committee has that same love for a special type of hunger which feeds the soul.  Then they take that hunger and serve.  When you put all of them together in one room it's a great vibe.