Old friends are like a favorite pair of slippers – familiar, comfortable and they feel like home. We just spent 9 fantastic days reconnecting with our friends David and Karen Shelton at the Discovery Beach House.
Together with Peter and Louise we barbecued, took sunset walks on the beach, laughed and reminisced about the fun we've all shared over the past 3 decades. At night our husbands played music with Ben Jammin' at La Hacienda and Dos Locos; mine on flute, Karen's on bass, and Louise's sang a tune. We gals did what we've always done best when our men play music – we danced with abandon and joy. It felt like we were in our 20s again.
Another one of my favorite memories will be watching how our CA friends and our CR friends slipped into their new friendships with seamless ease. Wherever you go you attract the same kind of people. We love you all and feel lucky to have you in our lives!
Meanwhile speaking of new friendships, Sandi Cohen and Mark Kannett are featured in our Guest Video Spotlight in this issue. They're David and Karen's neighbors from northern CA and joined them on this trip. They were kind enough to share their impressions. Thanks Sandi and Mark!
Next, I'm in the midst of creating a series of short videos about the many unique details at our Discovery Beach House. When we began building our home in 2004 it took on a life of its own and evolved into a reflection of our travel experiences. This one is the story behind the Easter Island Moai statues by the pool. Let me know if there are any other details you'd like to know about in the Comment box at the bottom.
You've asked for more recipes, so we're going to keep them coming. Chef Desiree has cooked for many of our parties as well as for many of our guests. I can personally recommend her delicious Chicken Satay recipe featured below.
Finally, in our last issue our Health and Wellness Concierge, Evelina, introduced you to DEI (pronounced "day"), a holistic diagnostic tool. This go round she goes into it in a little more in depth. It's certainly something to consider doing while you're here if you've been under a lot of stress. We had recent guests who came down for a private retreat and 7 days of massages and holistic therapies. All I can say is they had grins a kilometer wide and looked very relaxed the day they left.
Paradise Awaits!
P.S. A warm PURA VIDA welcome to each new reader since our last issue and a huge GRACIAS to all of our faithful readers - you make this fun!
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WHAT'S COOKIN' IN PARADISE?:
Chicken Satay
By Chef Desiree Brassert
The vote is still out for the favorite recipe from the Clark family Costa Rican Christmas dinner. Stay tuned for the winner in the next issue.
Meanwhile, here's a big favorite party food recipe. It's perfect for late afternoon grilling by the sea at the Discovery Beach House. Children are big fans of this "meat on a stick" idea. The peanut sauce also wins their hearts provided that they have no nut allergies (very important to ask your guests beforehand).
For the chicken:
2 lbs of chicken thigh fillets (these make a huge difference as breast fillets tend to dry out quickly on the grill)
4 tablespoons of honey
1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons of turmeric (the yellowing agent in curry powder)
2 tablespoons of ground coriander
1/4 cup sesame oil
Allow the trimmed thigh meat to marinate in this mixture for 4 to 8 hours. Thread the marinated meat on bamboo skewers and cook on the grill under a low flame to avoid burning. Serve with peanut sauce or store bought sweet chili sauce from Thailand.
For the peanut sauce (makes approximately 3 cups):
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
2 cups of water
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 can of coconut milk
2 tablespoons of Thai red curry sauce
1/2 cup of soy sauce
Juice from 1 lime
Bring all ingredients to a boil then simmer for about 15 minutes to reduce until a thick and creamy sauce emerges.
YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONCIERGE:
Diagnostic Energy Integration (DEI) Part 2
by Evelina Bolognini, Founder of Holis Wellness Center www.spaholis.com
What Is DEI?
In the last issue we discussed DEI (pronounced day) in general, a type of kinesiology created by Alsa Noemi Am from Argentina. DEI includes different types of healing methods that address the whole being from different perspectives.
How Does DEI Work?
Your body functions in different ways:
• Structural – Muscles, joints and bones create movement and support.
• Chemical - Includes internal chemical balance ( hormones, neurotransmitters, ph, etc.) and external influences including food, environmental chemicals, lotions, detergents, etc.
• Emotional - How you process emotional stress
To address discomfort and restore health we need to take all three aspects into consideration.
For example, if a patient comes to me for recurring painful migraines and sleep apnea (temporary stoppage of breathing), a DEI diagnosis might reveal dysfunctional liver and gall bladder issues. A long term repressed anger and resentment toward someone could be the emotional cause. Repressed emotional stress could provoke restriction of movement in the diaphragm (structural) causing blood circulation problems and breathing difficulty therefore creating pressure in the skull area. A subconscious effort to control anger and resentment could also lead the patient to become an “evening social drinker” to a point that could aggravate his liver (chemical).
To treat the different causes of his migraine we would discuss and face the repressed anger. As a consequence, drinking could become unnecessary. I might choose Craniosacral therapy to directly address his diaphragm restriction. To further support the healing process he may take a specific blend of Bach Flower Remedy drops. In a follow up session his migraine could be nearly gone with his vitality and mood visibly enhanced.
Many people report significant relief and resolution of issues through DEI and it's available right here in Manuel Antonio. Just ask your Concierge to book a session or two for you at the Discovery Beach House.
Brought to you by the vacation rental home specialist who provides a serene and private nature reserve experience in Costa Rica in a beachfront luxury villa setting where guests feel relaxed, relief from their stress-filled lives and pampered with 6-Star Customized Service.
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