wellness
Coming soon at Miraval Arizona
Saturday, February 4th, 2012 | Adventure, Challenge Course, Destination Spas, Miraval Spa, Nutrition, Relaxation, healthy living, mindfulness, spa, wellness | No Comments
Miraval, a destination spa located in Tucson, AZ near the Santa Catalina Mountains is getting close to unveiling their new Life in Balance Spa this May. And I am so excited and really can’t wait to experience it. With a focus on sustainability, balance and mindfulness, I have no doubt that the new Life in Balance Spa will exceed expectations and continue to be a place for serenity and rejuvenation.
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
New Year, New Chapter, New Journey – Are you ready?
Saturday, December 31st, 2011 | Abundance, Adventure, Canyon Ranch, Cooking Schools, Destination Spas, Gratitude and Inspiration, Healing, Manifesting, Meditation, Miraval Spa, Nutrition, Prosperity, Rancho la Puerta, Red Mountain Spa, Weight Loss, fitness, gratitude, healthy living, joy, well-being, wellness | No Comments
Many of us are contemplating what we’d like to bring in to our lives as we enter 2012 as well as what we’d like to let go. I for one am working on letting go of the fears that hold me back and the disappointments, frustrations and things I can’t change. I’m focused on what I can change, choices that will get me from where I am to where I want to be and a focus on taking action rather than over thinking. And, first and foremost, I’m grateful for my family and friends. These are just some thoughts that come to mind as the dawn of 2012 approaches.
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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Photography by Donna Adinolfi. Copyright 2010.
Top 7 Favorite Gift Ideas from Mindful Adventures!
Thursday, December 15th, 2011 | Abundance, Adventure, California Wineries, Canyon Ranch, Destination Spas, Gratitude and Inspiration, Healing, Meditation, Miraval Spa, Nutrition, Peace, Rancho la Puerta, Red Mountain Spa, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, gratitude, healthy living, joy, well-being, wellness | No Comments
‘Tis the season and as much as I think about buying gifts earlier, I never do. So join me for a few minutes and review the latest Mindful Gift Giving ideas from Mindful Adventures for anyone else on your shopping list. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays!
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
Spa Week and Joy Bauer present the Fast Track to Health Giveaway
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 | California Spas, Nutrition, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
Every so often an opportunity comes along and you have two choices – either take action to pursue it or let it go and never know the outcome. That’s what this post is about. One of the goals at Mindful Adventures is to share wellness, travel and spa information and encourage a healthy lifestyle, especially if there’s an opportunity to win a health-focused getaway.
A couple of months ago (June), Spa Week and Jillian Michaels (celebrity fitness expert), partnered to give one winner a wellness retreat at the famous Golden Door Spa in Escondido, CA.
Because of the success of this last effort another opportunity is being presented and I hope you’ll consider taking action as this health-focused giveaway can be life changing in so many ways. For instance, obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one third of adults are obese. Resources such as fitness centers, nutritionists and personal trainers are key to conquering this growing epidemic, however aren’t always an affordable option. And that is why Spa Week has partnered with Joy Bauer, the TODAY show’s resident nutritionist and diet expert, to kick-start a new, healthy lifestyle for one deserving winner by entering the Fast Track to Health Giveaway.
“Millions of people tune in to watch Joy Bauer on the Today show and The Biggest Loser to get inspired and motivate their own fitness goals, so it is extremely rewarding to host such a life-changing giveaway on SpaWeek.com,” said Spa Week Media Group CEO and President Cheryl Reid.
Take Action:
Now through September 11th, visitors to SpaWeek.com can enter for a chance to win a seven day, six night stay for two at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA to delve into the rigorous fitness and weight loss regime. This powerful weight-loss journey offers daily fitness and exercise activities, healthy low calorie meals, relaxing spa services, educational lectures and a private cooking class with the resort’s on-site executive chef. One important key to sustaining weight loss and continuing on the path of wellness will be to stay on track upon returning home, so the winner will also receive a take-home package including Joy’s bestselling book, Food Cures, a personalized nutritional plan designed by Joy, and $175 in SpaWeek Gift Cards.
Good luck!
Resources:
SpaWeek
Biggest Loser Resort
Photo credit: Biggest Loser Resort, Malibu, CA
Book Review Revisited: Mind Over Fat Matters by Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez
Friday, June 10th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
It’s nearly summer and I thought this would be a great time to revisit one of my favorite books on healthier living, Mind Over Fat Matters:: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management
The original review is included below so this is more of a refresher of the original tips Dr. Rodriguez shared for adding fitness to your day despite the warmer temperatures. Whether you’re already engaged in a consistent fitness routine or looking for more ways to add movement to your day, these tips may motivate you to take more steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
Back to Basics.
According to Dr. Rodriquez, “going back to step one and establishing realistic expectations and obtainable workouts is key. Not only does having a solid understanding of how exercise effects weight loss empower you to make better decisions, you’ll also see better (and faster) results. A solid understanding of how to exercise properly goes a long way in getting your desired results. The objective is to move at a pace that gets your heart rate up where you experience heavy breathing, but not to the point of pain. As always, exercise should be enjoyable or you’ll never be able to make it part of your daily routine!”
Take advantage of the great outdoors.
“Summer is the perfect time to make exercise a part of your daily routine,” says Rodriguez. “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, giving you more time to enjoy Mother Nature. Remember, there is no better fat burner than an active lifestyle.”
Find a way to fit fitness in.
“Think about it this way,” suggests Rodriguez. “If you had a doctor’s appointment, you would make sure nothing interfered with that time. Your exercise time should be given the same priority. If anyone asks to see you during your exercise time, decline and reschedule. Creating healthy habits only increases your chance of slimming down.”
More from Mindful Adventures:
So what are some activities you like to do during the summer? Tennis, swimming, hiking, kayaking, perhaps yoga on the beach or by a lake may be of interest. Make a list of what you like to do and get started, change it up and take that first step if it’s been a while. Schedule time each day to focus on your health – plan your healthy menu, include activity and enjoy relaxation. As we all know, there’s no time like the present. Forget about what you didn’t do yesterday and what you might do tomorrow, it all starts with now!
Mind Over Fat Matters:: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management
Oprah and Miraval – Together again
Thursday, April 21st, 2011 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Miraval Spa, wellness | No Comments
Are you busy this afternoon? Can you spare an hour? If so, treat yourself to the Oprah show (4p EST and check your local listings) and get a taste of Miraval Arizona as today’s show is dedicated to “25 Years of Oprah and Gayle’s All-Time Best Adventures” and what a fun hour it will be.
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!
Rancho la Puerta in TravelWorld International Magazine
Saturday, March 19th, 2011 | Adventure, Cooking Schools, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
Seeing one of my published articles in the latest issue of a travel magazine is like opening a present at Christmas. There’s an excitement that builds as you await the release of your latest work. What will the layout look like? Did I choose the best photos for the piece?
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
More Celebrity-inspired ideas for your next Spa Adventure!
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 | Beauty, California Spas, Relaxation, Skincare, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
The Academy Awards may be over, however here are more celebrity-inspired spa ideas to look your best everyday.
For instance, to protect your skin, SkinCeutical’s Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50® is one to consider ($30 retail). And, Jennifer Lopez is a fan of the line and uses the paraben-free mattifying fluid to protect her skin from damaging UV rays.
Glee’s Naya Rivera is a fan of Skin 2 Skin Care products (as is Ryan Seacrest) and two that are staples of Hollywood makeup artists include their Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum ($65 retail), which promotes collagen growth and the Revitalizing Eye Gel ($42 retail). The serum promotes collagen production while the eye gel reduces puffiness and brightens dark circles with the help of anti-oxidants.
For my California readers and fans of Spa Montage Beverly Hills, consider the Ultimate Pre-Red Carpet Spa Experience (now through March for $1050*). This package includes four treatments and products to take home to continue your camera ready experience. You’ll enjoy an anti-aging facial using oxygen serums to firm and contour, body sculpting therapy to target tummies and thighs, a beautiful back and arms facial to get glowing skin in those low cut dresses and an Elements of Earth Wrap to draw out impurities.
* It’s recommended to book treatments over the course of two to three days.
Thank you to the International SPA Association for the latest data and information on these products.
To your journey!
Ahh! A Lesson in Breathing. Tune in to the Dr. Oz show for more.
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 | Adventure, Meditation, Miraval Spa, Nutrition, fitness, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
Breath in. Breath out. Are you using breath work as part of your wellness? Both Dr. Weil and Dr. Nicolai will be on the Dr. Oz show today and they’ll discuss Integrative Wellness and a breathing technique to reduce stress. Tune in to the show and you may be able to ‘tune in’ to some other ideas to improve your own health.
The Dr. Weil Integrative Wellness Program, under the direction of Dr. Jim Nicolai, is fairly new at Miraval Arizona. It really is about our body-mind connection and taking responsibility for our health and it’s so empowering when you take the step toward optimum health.
I’ll be watching. Check your local listings.
Fit Soul Fit Body. Listen to Mark Allen and Brant Secunda and find out how!
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You know the saying “when the student is ready, the teacher appears” and that is exactly what this interview is about. You may very well be the student as well with Mark Allen and Brant Secunda as your teachers. Fit Soul Fit Body – 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You is filled with the insight and tips to keep you fit for a lifetime because it is a lifelong process!
Listen to my podcast from my recent interview with Brant Secunda, a shaman, healer and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico and Mark Allen, a six-time Ironman World Champion, also known as “The World’s Fittest Man” by Outside Magazine and “The Greatest Triathlete of All Time” by Triathlete magazine as we discuss more about Fit Soul Fit Body.
We discussed overexercising, Seasonal Affective Disorder, giving ourselves permission to “go within and find the light inside ourselves,” the benefits of a spiritual process called Nerika and more.
Interview with Brant Secunda and Mark Allen
** Recording volume differs from computer to computer – You may need to turn up your volume.
You won’t want to miss what Brant and Mark have to say.
For more information: Visit www.fitsoul-fitbody.com and return here often as I’ll be including some of the tips and keys that both Mark and Brant present in their book.
Personally, I found Fit Soul-Fit Body to be very insightful and recommend it as a go-to holistic guide for your own personal well-being.
Enjoy your journey!
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