First let me say that I have just started this week, and I am going for moderation, not abstinence. All the same, I wanted to remove the temptation, so currently have had no alcohol in my house for over a week, and I am totally fine with it. It has actually removed some of the stress. I live way out in the country and am a newly single mom with two young kids, a busy career, and a packed schedule so a quick trip to the store in desperation is that much harder for me.

Just this week, I picked up a nice NY strip at the grocery store and was headed for the red wine when I passed these beautiful fresh flowers, and decided that instead of 3 bottles of wine, I would buy myself three dozen roses - orange, medium pink and dark pink. They are gorgeous! And the steak was the best I've ever cooked too...

I also have been drinking tea in the evening (and during the day) and have found it to be really satisfying. I am addicted to Jasmine Green Tea that I sweeten with a packet of Stevia - oddly enough, my palate detects a hint of concord grape, so maybe on some level my brain thinks it is getting wine!!!

We did have some beer in the fridge at work (DO, in fact) and I was really craving one at the end of a hard day this week, but decided I was just thirsty, and fixed myself a nice cold fizzy lemon instead: glass of seltzer, packet of Stevia and a packet of True Lemon crystals. It totally did the trick.

All this stuff works great for me, day-to-day. My real problem is with social events. Just got the CD, god I hope it helps.