Red Mountain Spa
If you’re a CPA, consider a SPA! The Antidote to Stress.
Thursday, April 15th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Red Mountain Spa, healthy living | No Comments
You’ve made it to April 15 and now it’s time to take some time for you. Relax and Rejuvenate!
You deserve a relaxing getaway and time to just unwind and put tax season behind you. There are so many options for either a few nights or a longer stay. Release the stress with an invigorating fitness class, an adventurous hike or a much-awaited game of golf.
And then spend time at the spa and experience something like the Red Mountain Revitalizer (at Red Mountain Spa in St. George, UT). This 75-minute service will allow you to drift away and experience total relaxation. It includes a scalp massage, hair cleanse and condition, followed by a facial cleansing, full-body exfoliation and massage. Total indulgence that is well deserved. Afterall, it’s time to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body.
See more top destination spas for your journey and take some time now for you!
Top 5 Green Veggies and Herbs for St. Patrick’s Day
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | Canyon Ranch, Destination Spas, Golden Door Escondido, Rancho la Puerta, Red Mountain Spa, healthy living | No Comments
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Maybe you’re having corned beef and cabbage tonight for your traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal and maybe you’re thinking about doing something ‘green’ to honor St. Pat. Below is a list of Top 5 Green Veggies and herbs that are readily available, nutritious and easy to use. And, I’ve also included links to some amazing recipes from the top destination spas in the U.S., such as Canyon Ranch, Golden Door, Red Mountain Spa and Rancho la Puerta. Enjoy your day and here’s to the Irish (and healthful eating made simple)!
1. Green Beans/String Beans
Fresh is always best and always available. Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrition noting vitamins A, C and K to name a few. Steam or eat them raw. They’re crunchy and yummy and can be used as a side, a salad or as a main dish when you add an Irish favorite, like potatoes.
2. Spinach
Popeye’s favorite and mine, too. Packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K and manganese and other cardioprotective nutrients. One of the dark, leafy vegetables that’s so important for healthy eating. Steam or saute in a little olive oil and garlic or enjoy in a salad.
3. Avocado
The ‘good’ fat you may want to include. Monounsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid, may help lower your cholesterol. Filled with nutrients like vitamin K, fiber, potassium and more. Enjoy in a sandwich, in a salad or with your favorite Mexico-inspired meal (and there are low fat and healthy versions of guacamole you can make on your own).
4. Peppermint
Ah, soothing mint! It may help with digestion and is a source of vitamins C and A. It’s refreshing, cooling and soothing. Use for mint tea, on a bowl of fresh fruit or with some cold water and ice as a refreshing drink.
5. Basil
So fragrant and flavorful! A nutritious herb with anti-bacterial properties as well as vitamins A, K and calcium. Known to be used in many Italian dishes, such as pesto and Insalata Caprese (yes, a personal favorite), which consists of fresh tomato, mozzarella (part-skim preferred) and fresh basil with a drizzle of good olive oil.
I hope you’ll enjoy more of these veggies in your diet and maybe visit one of the destination spas noted for their recipes above as a way to kick-off a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy! 
Top 10 *Really Last Minute* Ideas for Valentine’s Day!
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 | Adventure, Canyon Ranch, Miraval Spa, Red Mountain Spa | 4 Comments
For many, Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year. We lavish our loved ones with gifts of chocolate, lingerie, jewelry, or a romantic dinner. And there may also be a weekend getaway involved or a romantic couples massage. All continue to be sought after and certainly any gal (or guy) looks forward to the the 14th of February.
Below is Mindful Adventures Top 10 list for ‘Really Last Minute’ ideas forValentine’s Day…some travel, some spa, diamonds, dinner and love, always love! And, they’re useful for any other special day where you want to show your loved one how much you care. (** Move way down for a bonus idea!)
1. A Destination Spa: Yes, this is number one because there’s so much wrapped into a place such as this.
Heart Healthy dining, Heart pumping Fitness, an intimate Couples Massage, and so many other activities you can do together. Some destination spas offer sessions to enhance and deepen your relationship and intimacy. And, the best part of this heart-felt gift is that it can be given on Valentine’s Day and taken when you’re both available to travel, either way, it’s sure to be a gift that will last long after February 14th.
Here are a few to consider:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ
Red Mountain Resort & Spa in St. George, Utah
Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ
2. Wine or an evening at a Wine Bar - There are so many great wines available from around the world and an evening at a Wine Bar where you can enjoy a ‘Flight’ of wines is so much fun and romantic as well. Anything two people can do together can be romantic! One of my personal favorites is Cline’s Cashmere and I love it because it’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre and is so smooth and luxurious. It offers a long finish and you can pick up the lingering flavors of cherries and chocolate. Cline Cellars also sponsors Breast Cancer Network of Strength.
3. FlexFlops – For those of you not in the know yet about this fabulous item, here’s the skinny. They’re compact footwear! Whether you’re going for a pedicure and want to use your own flip-flops, or you’re traveling to your favorite wellness spa and don’t want to walk barefoot going through airport security (yes, practical as well), or just want a cute gift (for Valentine’s Day), this is something that will be appreciated. It’s one of those Aha! gifts. They also come with a matching pouch and different designs are available.
4. Dark Chocolate – Yes, well, chocolate is always going to be on any Top 10 gift list I do due to the health benefits. Dark chocolate, with higher cocoa levels, is best due to the phytochemicals so it’s heart healthy! If you’re going to give chocolate (or buy for yourself), make it dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is so luscious, silky and smooth when it melts in your mouth and you’re doing something good for yourself…even one piece of dark chocolate a day can be beneficial. A couple that I like include Bissinger and Ghiradelli Chocolates. (Check back here soon for more Dark Chocolate ideas!)
5. Golf and Spa – These just go together. And this list isn’t just about what to give the guy in your life, it’s about what to give your gal and with Golf and Spa, you’ll both be happy (see, this can go either way…who is the golfer, perhaps both of you!) . This part of the list could get rather long with all of the locations I’d love to include, so here are just a couple (more to come soon on this topic).
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is offering golfers a chance to improve their game (and who isn’t looking for golf-improvement). This event is being held March 27th – 28th, 2010. It’s a two-day golf program an includes room accommodations, golf school and lunch. It’s being led by Jeff Johnson, the Director of Instruction, PGA Tour mental coach and author of Zen Golf and Dr. Joe Parent.
And for an east coast option, consider the Kiawah Resort at Kiawah Island in South Carolina (a few miles from Charleston, SC). Nothing could be finer, than going to Carolina! And, if you’re considering something for Valentine’s weekend, there are a few packages to consider including The Beach and Breakfast Romance Package ($289 per night) includes luxury accommodations, rose petal turndown service, and breakfast for two. If you’d like to travel later, than consider giving on Valetine’s weekend and enjoying later. This resort is one of our country’s top resorts and has five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course (soon to be host of the 2012 PGA championships) and a top-rated spa (par for the course!). 
6. Romantic Dinner for Two - Amore! And, Ristorante Cafe Cortina in Farmington Hills, Michigan says it best. This is by far one of the best Italian restaurants in the country (not only my opinion, also in LA CUCINA ITALIANA magazine and Food Network’s Best of…Pasta). The Risotto I enjoyed (devoured) was amazing…the best I ever had. An intimate dinner at Cafe Cortina is like dining in Rome, Italy and they get 5 stars from me (Thanks to Adrian, the owner, and his team!)! If you’re not in Michigan, take a look at their online market (not the same, but an option until you’re in Michigan!). And, when you can get to Michigan, this is a must-do dining event. Bellisimo!
7. “I Love You” stones - If you’re looking for something unique, this is a great idea. I came across them while looking at Red Envelope (cool gifts that are unique and personal) and I think they’re great. Who wouldn’t love finding this in their pocket or under the pillow. One side says “I love you” and the other side has a saying such as, “…for always getting my jokes,” “…for being so giving,” “…for your honesty,” and more. As of this writing, they’re not available for delivery until March 19, 2010, however I just had to include them. They’re great for a birthday or anniversary as well.
8. Diamonds are (still) a Girls Best Friend! – There had to be something with Diamonds included here and this is a simple and beautiful piece of jewelry (and affordable). It’s also from Red Envelope and it’s the Diamond Heart Necklace. It’s a sterling silver heart pendant and is channel-set with 33 full-cut diamonds. 
9. Dinner at Home! – With temperatures as cold as they’ve been and record high amounts of
snow in the mid-Atlantic, perhaps dinner at home is sounding even better for this Valentine’s Day. Spend less time on making dinner and more time enjoying it by getting most of the ingredients delivered. Check out Al Dente pasta options and their Wine and Connoisseur basket. It includes 3 bags of Al Dente pasta, 2 jars of Sauce and more. Add your favorite bottle of wine (see # 3 above for an idea), a loaf of Italian bread, and a your favorite music (perhaps Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza).
10. Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart Concert – Their music is beautiful, inspiring, full of hope and touches your heart in so many ways. There’s a feeling you get when you listen to Celtic Woman sing and going to one of their concerts is truly awe-inspiring as their melodic songs touch your soul and open your spirit to feel more love. It’s how I can best describe how their music touches me. They’re currently touring the United States and there are many opportunities to experience their music. Listen!
Final notes: I hope you find something helpful on Mindful Adventures Experiential List of Valentine’s Day ideas for your significant other, family member or for yourself. Share your love and Happy Valentine’s Day!
You found it!
11. A couples massage (or solo massage) – There’s still time to get an appointment for Saturday, Feb. 14 at many day spas (as well as resorts). Check with your favorite spa and if you don’t have one, find one and take time to relax and rejuvenate. If you’re in southeastern Virginia, check out JonBre’ European Spa; if you’re in New York City, check out the spa at Mandarin Oriental Spa; if you’re in Utah, check out Golden Door at Dakota Mountain Lodge and if you’re in Sedona, AZ, check out Mii Amo Spa (at Enchanment Resort). These are just a few from east to west. For an extensive list, visit ISPA (International Spa Association).
Reality Shows are out. Adventure is in at Red Mountain Spa!
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 | Destination Spas, Red Mountain Spa | No Comments
Old Thought: Watching Reality Shows
New Thought: Interactive and Experiential Adventures
Welcome to 2010 and taking control of your life.
Seriously, I often wonder why is there such a following with reality shows when you can co-create and ‘be’ in your own life and enjoy interactive adventures. Red Mountain Resort & Spa is one place that offers opportunities with this new thought. Afterall, we are the actors in our own movie as well as the producer and director.
If you’re tired of watching others ‘live their life’ then perhaps it’s time to consider what may be holding you back from living yours. Maybe you’re stuck in your current reality? Are you looking for other tools to help you move forward because your current way of thinking is holding you back? An Albert Einstein quote comes to mind, he said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” So, even he realized that we ‘create’ our reality.
One of the experiential programs that is noteworthy is the ‘Emotional Fitness’ event, led by Andrea Hanson, coming up Feb. 10 – 14 (other dates throughout 2010 as well). Andrea Hanson is a Certified Energy Health Practitioner and a Certified Kundalini Yoga Therapist. Her program offers a “multi-cultural emotional fitness approach to healing” and an opportunity to end patterns of negative thinking, emotions and behaviors that affect your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual self so you can create a life of emotional peace.
In addition to three meals daily, hiking, healthy living classes, the ‘Emotional Fitness’ program* also includes: Nine Experiential Learning Sessions including Understanding of the Body’s Energy System, Energy Therapy, Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Practice; 75-minute Private Energy Therapy Session (with Andrea), a Telephone Session with Andrea after Returning Home, and a Take Home Strategy Plan and Resource Packet including Andrea’s Meditation CD.
Here’s to your own reality show! Enjoy your life’s adventure.
*Additional fee for Special events.



