And, as if a new spa isn’t enough to ‘wow’ me this year, Miraval is also releasing their new cookbook, Mindful Eating.  The cookbook, also debuting in May 2012, is a long awaited tool for my healthy kitchen and for those of you that have been asking Miraval about a cookbook and awaiting this release, now is the time to pre-order Mindful Eating

If you’re looking for more information and insight on Miraval or another health-focused spa, feel free to ask a question in the comment section of this post or e-mail me for personal feedback.

As always, enjoy your journey!

Photo Credit: Donna Adinolfi  / Copyright 2010-2012

And,  I also believe that 2012 will be another year of reinventing and redefining who we are.  Our ‘to do’ lists will be different, however I believe we have a common goal of being the best we can be.  Have you started your creation list for 2012?  Each year I find there’s a bit of a ‘rollover’ from the previous year and then a few new goals.  I’m finding a greater sense of urgency to accomplish these goals the older I get and it sometimes feels like a 2×4 is hitting me to move toward the direction of these dreams vs getting stuck in just thinking about them.  It’s so empowering to reach even the smallest of goals and so with that said, here are a few plans I’m getting ready to work on for this new chapter, new year and what I hope will be an amazing journey moving forward.

1 Planning: This is an annual tradition – the purchase of a new day planner.  A place where I can enter as much as possible for the new year.  Birthdays, anniversaries, special dates, appointments and goal setting.  If it’s written down, I find the odds are in my favor.   I still have a book called, “Write it Down and Make it Happen,” and it works.

2. Vision Board: A must have moving forward.  If you have one, you can easily refresh yours with new photos and new words, phrases and/or symbols.  If you don’t have one, consider creating one that you can view every day.  It works and I’m excited to see how the new one will unfold.

3. H2O: Yes, every year I make an effort to drink more water and I have to say that 2011 worked out okay, however I must refocus on this one.   If this isn’t on your list, think about it.  Are you getting enough water to stay hydrated and healthy?  I picked up a water carafe to help me out – always keeping water on my desk ensures I’ll stay with this.  For more on the benefits of water, perhaps some things that you haven’t thought about, check out this article.

4. Spa Cooking at Home: Let’s face out, going out to dinner is fun, great for socializing (outside the four walls) and it’s relaxing, however this year I intend on cooking at home more.   Since part of my business is working with destination spas, I know how simple, healthy and enjoyable ’spa cooking’ can be and it’s really about cooking healthy – fresh veggies, organic products where possible and portion control.  With that said, I’m going through my Spa Cook Books and staying in more…and will hopefully shed a few pounds.  Check back here from time to time for some healthy spa meals, photos of my efforts and notes on how they turn out.  And with the help of my new KitchenAid blender, healthy spa-like smoothies are on the menu!

Here is one Spa cookbook to consider from Canyon Ranch, a destination spa:
Canyon Ranch: Nourish: Indulgently Healthy Cuisine

And, if you’re a fan of Miraval Arizona, their much awaited Mindful Eating Cookbook will be available in May 2012.

5.  Journal: This is always on my list.  I have a Gratitude Journal and another journal for ideas, and day to day entries.  I keep both the Gratitude journal and the Idea Journal by my bed.   Begin yours by entering what you’re thankful for each day – it could be one, two, five or more things.  A sunny day, connecting with an old friend, drinking your water, anything and everything you’re grateful for.  A Gratitude Journal is about awareness – reflecting on what we’re thankful for keeps us in a positive mindset and that is what will help us move forward.   Your journal can be a notebook, however if you’d like something special, consider this one Gratitude: A Daily Journal

If you’re looking for a journal that will help guide you to rediscovering yourself, this may be another to consider Soul Catcher: A Journal to Help You Become Who You Really Are

These are just a few of my personal thoughts, plans, ideas for 2012.  What is on your list?  Perhaps one of these will inspire you to Plan to Cook More at Home, Begin your Gratitude Journal, Create a Vision Board and Drink your Water.  And, a carry over for me from 2011 is to write my book…looking forward to taking the first step to chapter one.  (And, yes, exercise and moving more are always on the list!)

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step.” – Lao Tzu
What step will you take today to begin this new journey in your life?

May 2012 be a year of good health, joyful living, new adventures and much prosperity!  Believe in yourself, continue to have faith and trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.  Happy New Year from Mindful Adventures.

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The links for the above are also on the home page.

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Photography by Donna Adinolfi.  Copyright 2010.

1.  Shop locally
Now that I live in Michigan I’ve been paying more attention to what I can send from this area.  Michigan is one of the largest producers of cherries and for that reason, I like Cherry Republic, located in Traverse City, otherwise known as ‘The Cherry Capital’ of the world.  Cherries are also healthy and one of my favorites is the Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries – double dose of goodness.   And, I must not leave off another Ann Arbor, MI institution – Zingerman’s!  There’s still time to send out some delicious treats and you’ll love the choices – so many to consider.  Both of these Michigan options are offering flat rate shipping.

2. Tea
Do you enjoy tea?  This is another favorite gift because tea is more than a beverage to me, it’s ceremonial and all about mindfulness.  Think about the old Tea Houses and Afternoon Tea.  Nothing is rushed.  It’s a time to be in the moment and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea with friends or on your own for a few moments of solitude.   Check out Tea Forte for some last minute ideas and consider one of my favorite books Tea Here Now.

3.  Nourishing & Natural Body Products
Most of you enjoy chemical-free, natural products and one of my favorites for this is Burt’s Bees.   Their Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub is great for this season as well as the Bee Pampered Spa Set.   There are great gift ideas for everyone and they’re affordable and so well received.

4.  Uplifting Books
Another favorite gift is a Day Book.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving year round because each day there’s an uplifting message and when I find one I like for myself I often gift it to friends, family or colleagues.   One of my personal favorites is by Mark Nepo titled The Book of Awakening.

And, if you or a loved one is going through a difficult time due to the loss of a loved one, or other personal loss, this one came into my life and helped me and I feel compelled to share with others, especially at this time of year.  It’s by Susan Barbara Apollon and is titled Touched by the Extraordinary and her second book, Book 2: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope

5. Wine & Dine with a different twist
These are some of my favorite vino finds.  Some can be ordered online and others can be found at your favorite wine store.  In addition to giving the gift of wine, consider making it more of an event – include a note to enjoy a wine-pairing dinner that you prepare at home, or perhaps a private wine tasting with your friends. These aren’t new ideas, however perhaps they’ll spark another idea for a last minute gift with more meaning and an opportunity to get out more and enjoy the moment with your friends and family.  Okay, the list… Tres Sabores Vineyard – I love their Red Zinfandel; Husch Vineyards – check out the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; and Cline’s Cashmere – this one has a limited supply available for both the ‘09 and 2010.    And how about an added link for some wine pairings for that special wine & dine gift at your house!

6. Gifts that Give Back
The best gift is the one that keeps on giving.  These are few to consider:  Rails to Trails Conservancy, Feeding America, Bread for the World, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

7. Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Well, this one is on my list every year – it’s the gift of spa.   A gift card to their favorite day spa to enjoy a relaxing massage or revitalizing facial, or perhaps a year of Yoga or Pilates.  There are so many options to give the gift that enhances their health and rejuvenates their body, mind and spirit.   Another favorite is a destination spa – an opportunity to immerse into a week or so of activities, healthy meals, hiking, fitness and services that uplift, rejuvenate and inspire.  If you’re looking for more insight on a destination spa like Miraval Arizona, Canyon Ranch, Red Mountain Spa, Rancho la Puerta or other last minute ideas, e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com.

There you have it – a short list with some ideas to get you going or help you finish up your holiday shopping.  Thank you for stopping by. – DMA

There are several activities to choose from and one that I like is the Canoe & Hike – you get to enjoy a two-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail and then canoe.  They split the group in two so half hike while half canoe and then switch off at the Appalachian Trail Hut by Goose Pond.  This is only offered until October and then starts up again in May.  And it’s included in your stay!  There are several offerings for kayaking as well including group kayaking, pool kayaking and private lessons and tours.

Let’s get to that Special Offer from Mindful Adventures – if you can travel between 9/18 – 22 for either 3- or 4- nights you’ll save quite a bit, but you have to contact me directly by 9/6 or sooner.   Simply e-mail me and I’ll send you the rest of the details.  September is a great time to experience Canyon Ranch.   Space is limited.
E-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com.

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See you in September!

Miraval offers more than a spa experience as you’ll see on Oprah and if a friend is unable to go on an adventure with you then consider a solo-adventure, my favorite way of experiencing Miraval.

Enjoy!

The March issue of TravelWorld International Magazine is focused on Adventure travel and is full of beautiful photography and amazing stories and I’m happy to share this issue with you.

Enjoy the issue and consider reading Rejuvenation Vacation at Rancho la Puerta beginning on page 62 where you’ll get a full account of my latest adventure to this 70-year old destination spa located about 2 hours from San Diego.  It’s where the spa lifestyle began and continues to be a leader for those interested in fitness and healthy living.

As always, thank you for stopping by and may all your travels be an inspiring Mindful Adventure!  -DMA

So, just a few of my favorite things from the Ranch.

First on the list has to do with fitness.  So many options and there isn’t a way to do it all in a week, so you do what you can and for me it’s usually about doing something different.  Per a previous post I mentioned my injury which kept me from some activities, however I loved Release & Mobilize with Denise.  She’s one of my favorite instructors at the Ranch and this something that I continue to do at home.   Using tennis balls on specific trigger points you can experience a deep release and that’s why it’s a favorite of mine.  The description says that the goal is to decrease tightness and muscle spasms to create greater mobility and that is exactly what happens.  I felt great when I left that class and continue to feel that release every morning when I do this at home.

Second on my list is the food.   A vegetarian menu that is creative, colorful and nourishing.  The granola is the best I’ve ever had so of course I brought some home with me.  Fish is served about six times during the week and if you are a vegetarian you can choose an alternative entree if you don’t fish.

And another of my favorite things about the Ranch is the garden.  I love walking through the garden and taking photos of the flowers, herbs and anything that catches my eye.  It’s fragrant, colorful and nourishes my soul.  I feel so healthy when I’m at the Ranch and know that I’m doing good things for my body, mind and soul.

My hope is that more people will experience Rancho la Puerta and other destination spas to improve their well-being and live a healthier and more enriching life.   We all need to rejuvenate and reconnect to nature from time to time and this is one of the best ways to do just that.

Enjoy your journey!

One of the destination spas that I enjoy sharing with others is Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico.  You’ve seen some other recent posts here based on my latest adventure to the Ranch and I’m so grateful to have spent time at La Cocina que Canta.  This is the Cooking School and Culinary Center at the Ranch and offers a sensory experience, which is nothing short of amazing.

For many, this could also be a life changing experience.   I lost my husband due to complications of diabetes and although I did my best at the time with cooking healthy, this could have been (and I’d like to say would have been), a stronger catalyst for both of us to experience together.   I wouldn’t call him a foodie, however we loved watching the Food Network and participating in a workshop with someone like Rick Bayless would have been memorable.

Getting back to the present and another Mindful Adventure brings me to my La Cucina experience.  Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen was our visiting teacher and everything from the moment we gathered for our short ride to La Cucina to the organic garden tour to the main event of cooking and enjoying the fruits of our labor was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hope to enjoy often.

Our group (full at 16) that day had such a great time together and when I close my eyes I can smell the fragrant garden and just taste the sweetness of the just-picked tomatoes and herbs.  I learned a lot that day, including how to properly chop chives (thank you Chef!).

This quote comes to mind:

“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help in its work.  The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.  Our food should be our medicine.  Our medicine should be our food.  But to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness.”  – Hippocrates

I’d also like to mention how beautiful La Cucina is as the colorful hand-painted tiles and murals, the wrought iron gate and fireplaces set the mood for the class and the teaching kitchen is something that I think any of us would love to have in our own home.

Enjoy your journey!

Lavinia Rodriguez, PH.D.

Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez is a clinical psychologist, an expert in weight management and the author of Mind Over Fat Matters: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management. She has a lot of helpful information to offer anyone looking to make healthy changes and it all starts with our brain.  Mind Over Fat Matters is full of great insight, starting with Chapter 1 -  Friend or Foe: The Psychology of Your Brain and it continues to offer useful information with short chapters, tidbits and notes so you can also use the book as ‘your journal’ to success.   Lao Tzu said it best, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step!”   My goal is to give you another tool to take that step.  Baby steps!  That’s what we’re talking about here.

Take a few minutes and listen to my interview with Dr. Rodriguez.   Timely information and helpful insight to get you started or move you along on your personal journey.

Podcast interview with Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez

And, getting back to summer, Dr. Rodriguez offers some tips on why now is the perfect time to start pursuing your summer weight loss goals and I’ve included a couple below, however the larger nugget here is the amazing interview I recently had with Dr. Rodriguez about her book and also about life management.  I invite you to listen to our podcast using the link above or below.

The Interview with Dr. Rodriguez

Summer Tips from Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez

1.Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors:  “Summer is the perfect time to really make exercise a part of your daily routine,” Rodriguez points out.  “For one thing, the weather is warm, so outdoor exercise is much more fun – especially in the milder mornings and evenings.  Also, the days are longer and sunnier, so you’re probably in a better mood than you would be in the depths of winter.  Lastly, there’s a much smaller chance that you’ll be knocked out of commission by a sore throat or runny nose.  Remember, there is no better fat burner than an active lifestyle!”

2. Lose Weight Like you Brush Your Teeth:  “Losing weight ought to be like brushing your teeth,” she explains.  “You don’t get preoccupied by what the toothpaste and floss are actually doing to your teeth.  You just trust that if you perform healthy behaviors, you’ll get the desired results.  It’s the same with losing weight – if you focus on the behaviors of eating well and being active, the body will take care of the rest.”

Here’s the Big News –
This summer, and for the first time I’ve ever seen, the Golden Door Spa is offering two weeks (choose either August 1 – 8 or  August 15 – 22) for a Two-for-One rate.  So instead of $7495 per person, the rate is $3747.50 (plus tax) per person for the Sunday-Sunday, 7-night stay.  And all of the services and amenities are included.   Several massages during the week, skin care, hair consultation, herbal wraps and so much more.

Personalize your stay to transform your life.
If you want to focus on fitness, you can work with one of the top fitness trainers in the country.  The food is amazing, and Chef Dean Rucker is a genius with his spa-cuisine.  Hiking in the morning, classes during the day, lectures in the evening and a nurturing environment that promotes healing and relaxation.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Golden Door Spa, the original in Escondido, CA – here’s your opportunity.
Who will you re-discover beyond the Golden Door?

Space is limited (remember, 40 guests is the maximum for this one of a kind destination spa).

If you’d like more insight on the Golden Door Spa experience, feel free to e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com or go to www.goldendoor.com and let them know you saw this on MindfulAdventures.com