I can’t believe I’m writing the December issue. Is it just me, or where did this year go? Nonetheless, I’m excited for this month and the holiday season—bring on the baked goods! Our theme this month is REFLECTION, and taking time to look back at 2011 with wisdom and experience. Ask yourself, what have I learned? How have I grown? What am I going to change moving into 2012? We can’t stay stagnant and keep plugging along with the status quo. No, we need to make an effort to change our personal environment—and one thing is for sure, your attitude will be the deciding factor in your quality of life, the environment you occupy, and the amount of happiness you bring to your life, regardless of external factors. I can honestly say that I’m blessed, and every day I make an effort to find joy in that day, and with the people who surround me. I challenge you with a task this month—limit your complaints and speak words of encouragement, for yourself and others.
Craigslist and secondhand stores are great places to pick up some used furniture, but if you are heart-set on the new, read up on the latest craze and healthier option of sustainable furniture in “Couches Have Carbon Footprints Too” by Aimee Welch. With each holiday season comes a king-size serving of stress. Keep the focus on what is important, commit to less, and meditate—these are some of the tips from Dr. David Simon, co-founder of the Chopra Center, in “7 Tips for a Relaxing Season.” Not done shopping? Check out our “Green Gifts under $50.”
A grass skirt, a key lime pie and a million-dollar renovation—what do these things have in common? Hula’s Modern Tiki restaurant. What started out a sandwich joint in the 1960s has turned into an adaptive reuse icon on Central Avenue. Read how owner Dana Mule turned this hexagonal uniqueness into a Polynesian paradise in “Paradise Repurposed,” by Kristin Glocksien.
Blown glass, beehives and license plates are just some of the materials used by our local artists to make cool stuff. See their work at local art galleries and in our “Eco-Artist” article in PLAY. Going north? Well, you have two choices—one, the restaurant NoRTH | Arcadia, a FOX Restaurant concept located in Phoenix, featuring Chef Christopher Curtiss, or head up to the northern country for some low-impact travel—a hotel, yurt…whatever your preference, we’ve got all the information for you. As always, we have some scrumptious recipes from local restaurants to excite the taste buds. Call out to our readers— if you have a special recipe to share, send it right away to submissions@greenlivingaz.com and you might be chosen for our FACEBOOK reader highlight. Don’t forget to take a picture!
Our original WEB stories this month are about a NET ZERO home, 2011 sustainability initiatives from University of Phoenix, more recipes from local chefs and Luxury Green Gifts – ever seen a $35,000 “green” bed? Yep, we found it. Check out our Facebook and Twitter feed for the release.
Happy holidays, be safe and be well,
Tishin
Editor-in-Chief
