March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is leading this day.  Women represent 26 percent of new AIDS cases. Most women are infected with HIV through heterosexual contact and injection drug use.  Women of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African-American women ages 25-34.

This vegetarian pie can go straight from the freezer to the oven. It is perfect to have on hand for a busy family on the go!

1. Turbinado sugar – Dust this coarse sugar on pastries or baked goods to make them sparkle.

2. Israeli Couscous – These big chewy grains are substantial enough for soups and stews.

3.  Capers – Capers give a salty, savory kick to a variety of dishes. Add a spoonful to deviled eggs, pastas, salads and tuna.

4.  Quinoa – Simply simmer in water and this grain cooks up fluffy with a slight nutty flavor.  Quinoa is a great source of protein.

5.  Mirin – Sometimes confused with rice vinegar, mirin is a sweet rice wine integral to Japanese cooking. It adds a mild sweetness and sheen to stir-fries.

Every single year, people vow to loose those extra pounds and get in shape. For whatever reason, they have high goals and aspirations about starting a fitness/exercise program. Perhaps they want to get in shape for a wedding or want to look good in a swim suit. Here are some tips to staying committed and focused on your newfound exercise regimen.

1.                  Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon.

2.                  Don’t overdo your regimen. Do enough to prove that you are capable but not enough to wear yourself out.

3.                  Become more active. Pick three ways you can become more active. Write them down and visualize yourself accomplishing them. Then, go out and do them!  Track your progress.

Join thousands of animals for fun in the sun on Saturday, May 1 from 7:30am to noon at Crown Point Shores for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s 16^th Annual Walk for the Animals. The pledge walk will feature a pancake breakfast and a vendor village, complete with a number of animal-related informational booths.  More than 3,000 local animal loves and their pets are expected to join together for this fun-filled, dog themed event to help raise money for the animals in need! Register to walk or pledge your support online at www.sdhumane.org/walk.

There still might be a chill in the air, but the calendar is already hinting spring. It is time to tackle some spring cleaning, without using nasty chemicals and generating needless waste.  Here’s how:

1.                  Kitchen floors: Whether you have linoleum or ceramic tile in the kitchen, vinegar is all you need to get floors clean. Use a sturdy mop, natural sponge or old washrag to scrub and mop. Vinegar and a tooth brush also clean up grout nicely.

2.                  Kitchen sinks:  Make your own sink scrub using one part vinegar, four parts baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Scrub the paste on with a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse.

3.                  Carpets: Before vacuuming, shake baking soda over the carpeting; it will help to absorb odors.  For spot cleaning, try that natural wonder vinegar.  Spray it on, scrub out the spot with a washrag and don’t worry about the vinegar smell, it goes away quickly.

March 14 – Daylight Savings Time Begins

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

March 20 – Spring Begins

March 28 – Palm Sunday

Spice of Life is a team of very dedicated, talented professionals who consistently and cooperatively work together to create successful events that exude the heart and passion that is discovered in its production. Spice of Life’s team is devoted to touching people’s lives-- one event at a time.