Love is not what you do.
 
Love is what you are.

-Sadhguru
 
Chef Reina and Me at La Saison 
 
Captured by Mike Larson
It's really quite spectacular to have the Sun rise everyday. 
The Earth would die if the Sun stopped kissing her, wrote Hafiz. 
 
And it's even wilder that we have a moon!
A moon that has such a powerful relationship with our Earth, that when they dance, the tides do as well. 
 
I love our Solar system. And I love to share- which I do this month below. 
 
It was last October that I had the idea to re-open our corner shop with a pre order pop up menu. It's timely how just around the half way point of pretty much anything ‘is it worth it’ chimes in. 
 
The idea for our monthly pre order menu was to take you, the reader on a monthly journey through the seasons and for locals to have a bit of meal prep ready for the weekend and perhaps week ahead! 
A handful of you are regulars which is enough to be my current why. 
Supporting small is super special, sacred actually. 
 
Our April at La Saison Menu is 100% plant based meaning no dairy or meat inspired by women who make me better. Eating plant based has always made me feel whole. And strong women who support each other to become stronger define me.
 
I met Chef Reina serendipitously last month. After ‘knowing her’ for about 90 minutes and having a sample bite of her food, I invited her to La Saison for a day of cooking.  She shared so many wonderful recipes including her outrageously delicious Meatless Lasagna and Sisig- a not fried, ‘fried rice’ dish that I am obsessed with. 
 
Here is our April at La Saison Menu:
 
Hannah’s Trail Mix
Goji Berries, Gooseberries, Mulberries, Cranberries, Dark Chocolate covered Espresso Beans, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds, Pepitas, Oh my!
 
Caroline's Miso Caesar Salad
House made ‘Parmesan’ with Mushroom ‘Lardons’
 
Chef Reina's Meatless (Bolognese) Lasagna (You will eat this cold straight out of the fridge with a fork left in the container ‘for later’
You are going to want more, trust me- so order up!
 
Sisig with Lina's (A.MAZ.ING) Green Sauce
This is the not fried, fried rice with the most refreshing tomatillo based sauce I practically drink it's so good.  

PB&J Chia Seed Pudding (Yup!)
Reminds me of a better version of Smucker's Goober;) 
 
And a gift to you, for my birthday month…
 
April 8th is the first Solar Eclipse of 2024 and its huge.
Eclipses are corridors for change and occur every six months more or less. 
Say what? Yup, we are asked to reevaluate the patterns that are either helping us to perform at our best or hindering our potential at the halfway mark. Gosh, whatever designed this ‘game of life’ sure is intelligent and disciplined!  
 
The last Solar Eclipse was in October 2023 which is when I started these pre order menus mentioned above.
 
With this particular Solar Eclipse the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Chiron and the North Node (whoa) are meeting up for a grand gathering of actors on the stage of your life’s play all dressed up in Aries costumes. Aries is bold, courageous, naive and yet somehow prepared to take the reigns with a real lust for life, no one's holding me back, I am on a mission to find what light's my fire vibe. You with me?
 
It's time to tap in, trust your messages and be your truest you yet!
Originality is about to take flight folks. 
 
If you know your sun and rising sign, read for both and report back if this resonates- you know I love to hear from you. And if you are interested in more guidance- check out my practice through the link here
 
Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024, through the signs:
 
Aries: A chapter is coming to a close and this is the beginning of your next chapter, a new you. Permission to focus on yourself versus others during this time. Map out your future action plan, get clear with what it is you are passionate about and explore where past pain may be informing future fear and address it head on. Use this fire to motivate actionable steps towards the you that you most desire to be.
 
Taurus: This eclipse highlights a quieter more internalized part of you.
Take this time to acknowledge all that you have accomplished and how far you have come- pat yourself on the back! You have done things your way and it may have not always made sense to others. Pay attention to mental loops and stories that have been played repeatedly and no longer are true. Trust that you know what works for your mind, your body and your work routine.
 
Gemini: What is your current relationship with your peers? Who makes you feel the best and why? Surround yourself with people who want to not only see you succeed but support you in the process. You don’t have to choose between family and career or passion and desire. Focus on how you can be a part of your community, contributing all of the gifts that come so naturally to you and that you love to share, all while sustaining your energy and not needing anything more. Solve this equation and you will have it all.
 
Cancer: You are returning home. Not to your physical home, more so to who you want to be remembered as when you no longer inhabit the shell you carry. Your physical home will of course shift in this process. Allow it to be so. Something is calling you to reach higher towards a new chapter in career. It may not be a traditional career, it may be the career after the career. Either way, it has the potential to be your legacy.
 
Leo: Summer cannot come soon enough. Traveling is on your heart and you may be feeling like you have ants in the pants! This next chapter will be full of opportunities to explore new places, initiating new conversations and overall learning. Hold onto your ‘anything is possible’, ‘leap of faith’ mentality and tap into the creative realm, the non logical-intuitive space of your soul that is inspired by your inner 8 year old- what would they say? And if they aren't the best reference, look to your 88 year old self and ask the same question. 
 
Virgo: A fresh financial start is on the way. No matter where you stand, a change will occur. Pay attention to loans, settlements or even an investment that starts to move in the right direction. A rebalancing of giving and receiving is also in order. Let go of past money stories. Your resources are being activated. Trust the process and stay responsible.
 
Libra: You are the frequency of Love.
You deserve the very best and the very best is right around the corner when you assert what you are willing to tolerate and what no longer will stand in your way. You love relationships and helping others is synonymous with you. You are up leveling. And although uncomfortable, you really are being asked to assert your boundaries. After all, you are seeking balance in all of your relationships. High vibe-  invite only to the party- need my beauty rest in order to be the Queen I am-  will do just fine. 
Extend the love you give to others to yourself with actionable stops. 
Just by being you, you radiate love and most paths we walk are two way streets. We need you as much as you need you. 
Protect your power. 
 
Scorpio: Take a bow and be proud of what you have accomplished.
Embrace the new direction you are embarking on.
While you may be reluctant with what you are being presented with, if it’s a whole body YES, trust it. This eclipse will reboot your workout regimen, overall daily routines and work life. You are being infused with confidence and empowerment simultaneously. Everything is on it's way.
Stay present on the journey- there are no skipping steps. 
Be the best example of you, for YOU.
 
Sagittarius: You are pure life force, the world needs your adventurous, free flowing, no shits- all love vibes. This eclipse will be activating all your pleasure centers along with creative sparks. Allow your muse to come out and play. Fly your freedom flag high. Play, Dance, Tap into your inner child and beam the light of unwavering faith. It’s a dance this year between work and play. It doesn’t have to be a 50/50 equation. It’s a feeling inside your body. Gosh, we are all so lucky to have you in alignment! Shine bright Sag babes.
 
Capricorn: Home is your sanctuary, and this eclipse will be asking whether your living situation is right for you. Family matters are also likely to surface if they have not already done so. Choose peace and set clear boundaries if need be so that you can reach the mountain top you have been climbing for so long. You are so close. Look at your environment and people in it. What heavy load could you leave at the next base camp?
 
Aquarius: If you have felt stuck between multiple options, clarity is the chariot that is on its way! This eclipse could also open the way for new adventures. Gather your friends and hit the road. Be sure to have a journal handy as downloads will for sure be accessible. Full permission to live out what you thought could only stay in your imagination. 
 
Pisces: Pay attention to moments of insight that may spark genius ideas for a side hustle that turns profitable in a flash. Let old fears around materialism go. You spread your goodness to others the more you have. You deserve it all and what you have is not going anywhere. Release the fear around ‘things’ and embrace what it is you love to have! This year holds codes that support us to magnetize so let’s ditch any old stories that hold you back. And if you love to give to others, make an offering to yourself each time you extend the olive branch. 
 
And as for me, I am on a mission to spread my sparkles of joy through food while sharing the wisdom of our Solar system.
 
Too many things have been ruined by one and I think Astrology is this way for many. It would be silly to think that the Sun and Moon don't matter or influence us. 
 
Until next time, question the answers and turn up your light.
It's time to rise and shine,
Natalie
Natalie Niksa
 
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