Transformational Breath

Greetings from Baja, Mexico where we have been enjoying another blissful winter season. Milagro Retreats chose not to host our annual Women's Yoga and Surf Retreat here this year and instead we are immersed in the local Holistic/Surf Community.

We have sent out many E-letters in the past few months designed around amazing offerings by us and affiliates of Milagro Retreats. However, it has been quite some time since a personal E-letter has circulated with Recipes and updates about Milagro Retreats.

With LOVE and GRATITUDE, we thank you for helping to make 2005 our most inspring year yet. We sincerely look forward to connecting with you in the New Year!

Willy and I are preparing to assist at the Transformational Breath Seminar in San Jose this week. This profound workshop still has limited space, and we encourage you to join us if you feel moved by Spirit to explore your full potential.

The next opportunity to participate in this work will be the Transformational Breath Foundation Personal Breath Seminar and an Introduction to the Living Foods Lifestyle, March 26-31st, 2006 at Kalani Oceanside Retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii.

2006 at Milagro Retreats

I am a busy bee, planning our 2006 schedule and creating Fresh Recipes for the first Mialgro Retreats Cookbook.

Our 2006 schedule is filled with opportunities to attune with Mother Nature on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Following our Costa Rica adventure, I will be Catering for a group on a sailboat in French Polynesia.

Then our Spring/Summer Season begins in Tofino, B.C. Our beautiful partnership with Surf Sister Surf School, will bring a handful of Yoga and Surf Weekends to choose from. Dates and registration will be available on our web site soon.

Although autumn is still in the distant future, we are excited to be offering more Yoga and Surf Retreats in Baja, Mexico and Costa Rica. Details to be posted soon.

Vancouver Island Vacation Rental

The Home Base of Milagro Retreats is now available for Private Bookings. Enjoy secluded luxury country living at its finest. Your own private 10 acre Retreat with all the amenities you could wish for including a Hot Tub, Infared Sauna, Propane Fireplace, Yoga Studio and Gourmet Kitchen with gas stove. An open-concept living area, makes entertaining a breeze. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home comfortably sleeps 6 with 2 high density foam day beds. We have created a hypo-allergenic environment with hard wood, cork floors and heated slate tile in the kitchen. This paradise is centrally located at the base of Bald Mountain. Forest Trails and a winding hill climb take you to your own 360 degree view of Lake Cowichan. Swim in the Lake, lounge in the Hammock-filled gazebo, read or write a book on the day-bed and prepare a garden fresh meal…all in a day at Meades Creek Retreat.

Tomato Basil Salad

Our primary food philosophy at Milagro Retreats is to buy locally. So these next couple recipes are Baja inspired. Perhaps save these for when the ingredients is readily available in your area

Ensalada de Queso, Tomate y Albacar
Serves 4

2 Heirloom Tomatoes
¼ kilo queso fresco (baby mozzarella or similar fresh cheese may be substituted)
8 basil leaves
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp organic balsamic vinegar
sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

1)Slice tomatoes and cheese in ¼ inch thick medallions
2)Layer tomato, basil then cheese and drizzle with oil and vinegar. Garnish with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

***This salad makes a great snack, or starter for any meal!!

Raw Pies

These delicious pies can be created with whatever fruit is freshly available. In Baja, Mexico where the fruit and dates are abundant, I serve these as a Retreat staple to introduce sugar free dessert alternatives.

Crust for 1 pie
1 cup almonds, soaked 8-12 hours
1 cup fresh grated coconut (or dried, soaked for minimum 3 hours)
1 cup pitted dated soaked 3-8 hours

1) strain ingredients, reserving the date liquid
2) grind almonds and add coconut and dates with enough liquid to emulsify
3) press mixture into a lightly greased pie plate and dehydrate for 6-8 hours (or on lowest setting in the oven until dried)

Fruit Filling

4 cups fresh fruit …… I suggest a combination of pineapple and banana or mango and banana. Use your imagination!
Juice of 2 limes
Juice of 1 orange
1 Tbsp Psyllium husk
3-5 drops of Stevia (optional)
½ cup toasted coconut and fresh fruit for garnish

1)Blend all ingredients and pour into dehydrated pie crust. Allow to set for 1 hour.
2)Garnish with fresh fruit and toasted coconut.

****This pie can also be served frozen

The Full Moon in Cancer

With the first full moon of the year in Cancer at 1:48am this past Saturday, January 14th it feels like the appropriate time to reach out to everyone with a gentle reminder to find a reason to celebrate the love in our lives.
In this moment, I am grateful for so many things in my life…..
• The opportunity to commune with beautiful souls
• The smell of the Fresh Basil Fields with the light offshore winds during the morning surf sessions
• The sound of the Whales singing as I dive deep into Mother Ocean
• The abundant locally grown organic produce

'Cancer rules emotional healing of all kinds and this is the Full Moon to make an effort to bring love back to all your relationships; especially between family members. Love is everywhere, in every particle, in every wave. It is the glue that binds us to our planet and all existent life upon it. ' Lisa Dale Miller

In This Issue:

Early Registration Savings for our Costa Rica Yoga and Surf Retreat with Shiva Rea and James Bailey

We are extending our Early Registration discount for our Yoga and Surf Retreat in Costa Rica with Shiva Rea and James Bailey until January 30th. This Family Friendly Retreat is open to all levels and our chosen location in Nosara, is home to the most consistent waves in the country. A special welcome gift and Airport Transfers from Nosara Airport to the Harbor Reef Hotel have been added to this package at N/C

Register for this Retreat