It’s the season of giving and here at Mindful Adventures we’re also embracing ‘last minute’ shopping. So if you’re also being mindful of the gifts you choose for your friends and family then my hope is that you’ll be inspired by our thoughtful list of products, services and experiences. Perhaps they’ll make a difference in the lives you touch and maybe you’ll choose one for yourself to help create lasting peace, joy and a healthier lifestyle!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy our Mindful Holiday Gift Guide.
Desert Lotus Altars®
I’m drawn to anything having to do with the Lotus so it’s no surprise that Desert Lotus Altars® would make this year’s list of Mindful Gifts. Artist Pamela Becker is one of the most talented artists I know and her work inspires and uplifts me and this work was chosen in hopes it would do the same for you. These also make a great gift for the yogi in your life.
Inspired by the red rocks of Sedona and the calming waters of Oak Creek, artist Pamela Becker of Big Vision Art + Design gives life to these ever-popular creations which bloom in endless color combinations and sizes. Copper, silver and gold sculpted glyphs frame the sublime lotus, reflecting our journey on the path of life. These come in different colors and sizes.
To order, visit: www.desertlotusaltars.com/
More to see at Big Vision Art + Design
The Path Planner:
New Year’s Resolutions Planner to Achieve Any Goal, Master Productivity & Focus
Each year I thoughtfully seek out a planner for the new year. This time I wanted something with more options to help me focus and stay on track to make 2018 a more productive year for my work-life goals. After considering a few options I came upon The Path Planner. There’s a calendar planner with layouts to help with yearly, monthly and weekly goals and an undated daily planner. It also comes with five bonuses including a mini notebook for daily to-do lists, 14 coloring mandalas, a printable vision board, and a life-mission set up guide. And it’s one of the more affordable options, too.
Radiant Again and Forever by Prudence Hall, M.D.
This is ‘the’ one book that I wish was available several years ago as it would have helped with my personal journey through menopause so I’m grateful for the recent release of Radiant Again and Forever by Prudence Hall, M.D. This guide is for every women and every doctor! Dr. Hall presents case studies and I believe you’ll also feel comforted, inspired and empowered as you go through the ones you’re drawn to read. There were so many references that hit home for me that it put much more in perspective. Dr. Hall says, “true health is supported by three pillars: your physical body, the power of your mind with its thoughts and emotions, and your connection to your authentic self and your true life’s purpose.” She further explains that when each of these is addressed, we become full of life, leaving any deadness behind.
There are many topics in ‘Radiant Again and Forever’ that you’ll connect with including Weight Loss, Perimenopause and PMS Blues, The Path of Fulfillment, The Journey Out of Menopause and more. My copy is full of sticky notes reminding me of the wisdom, suggestions and action items presented by Dr. Hall. This truly is a blueprint for living our best life. You’ll identify with the case studies and find peace in reading them. My favorite part of Dr. Hall’s book is the Takeaway and her Prescription at the end of each chapter.
Available for $14.28 on Amazon.
Kniepp Bath Bars in Lavender and Almond Blossom
“Nature is the best pharmacy.” – Sebastian Kneipp
We chose Kneipp for our wellness product because their philosophy is based on the five basic principles of water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance. And……they smell great!
Each of our annual Mindful Holiday Gift Guides must include a body product and this year we’ve included these products from Kneipp. Do you love lavender as much as I do? You’ll enjoy this body bar and a number of other lavender products. I love the relaxing scent of this bar and that it’s also vegan and free from paraffin, preservatives and silicone oils. The Almond Blossom is also a sweet scented bar and great for sensitive skin, too. These make a great stocking stuffer at an affordable price and there are a number of other products available for wellness-focused gifts (and as of publication they’re offering 40% off!).
Visit Kneipp for more products and these lovely bath bars!
I was approached by Nateeva® a few months ago and knew it could be a great fit for our Annual Holiday Guide, and I was right. What I didn’t know was how much I would like this product and company.
According to Hope Freeman, co-founder of Nateeva® and creative director, “Nateeva® is about letting your senses take you on an exotic journey to places you’ve visited – or wished to travel to.”
Hope created Nateeva® to recapture the wonderful essence of her travels, to let women – and soon men – around the world imagine as if every day were a moment in Paradise.
What I loved: Each scent was unique, changed over time and lasted into the night – all notes were delightful and this was the first time I noticed the subtle changes and lingering scent, without being an overpowering Eau de Parfum. Subtle, sweet & sensuous. The essence of Elder Flower brings us to the Eau de Parfum for Bahamas, which also features Neroli Absolute, Essence of Orange Flower, Linden Blossoms, White Woods and Skin Musk. Jamaica was uplifting with luscious Lignum Vitae Flower, which also features Mandarin, Plumeria Blossoms, Vanilla Crystals, Sheer Vetiver and White Musk. St. Thomas was another personal favorite with Frangipani flower and accented with notes of Rose Absolute and Orange Flower Absolute and balanced by a base of creamy Vanilla and sultry Musk. Aruba, Dominican Republic and St. Martin round out the current island Eau de Parfum selections and body lotions for each of these three will be available in Spring 2018.
Nateeva Fund: Their fund combines two causes – the caring for animals and loyalty to the exotic destinations. More about the Nateeva Fund.
Ayurveda Inspired Artisanal Chocolate by Elements Truffles
Rose Bar with Cardamom Infusion
I was first introduced to the Rose Bar with Cardamom Infusion at a wellness event and thought it would make a great addition to our Mindful Holiday Gift Guide and it’s also a mindful treat to savor in the middle of the afternoon. The Rose Bar is infused with cardamom and garnished with lovely rose petals. No refined sugar, preservatives, emulsifiers, and non-GMO. It’s also packed with minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Cardamom also has essential electrolytes and helps balance all three Ayurvedic Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Ingredients: Organic Raw Cacao Butter (Peruvian Criollo), Raw Honey, Organic Raw Cacao Powder, Rose Geranium Essential Oil, Cardamom Essential Oil, Organic Rose Petals, Himalayan Sea Salt.
When you visit their site, read more about Alak Vasa, Founder of Elements Truffles.
Visit: Elements Truffles for this option and more.
Dina’s Organic Foods
Holiday snacking and gifting is guilt-free this season with the launch of Dina’s Organic Foods from Chef and Entrepreneur Dina Lauro. Known as the Founder of Chunkie Dunkies, Lauro adds Dina’s Organic Foods to her line of healthy desserts and snacks. Available in three flavors – Carrot Cake Bar, Mint Chocolate Bar and Pumpkin Walnut Bar – the bars are not only new, they are 100-percent-certified organic. And, they’re out just in time to make our Mindful Holiday Gift Guide!
For holiday gifting or keeping for yourself, Dina’s Organic Foods are available on www.chunkiedunkies.com and at several resorts including The Breakers, Hilton West Palm, Marriott Boca Raton and Hippocrates Health Institute. They’re also available in stores around the country.
Become Your Own Life Coach For Emotional Freedom: 30-Days of Inspiration by Norma Nicholson
Take a look around where you live and reach out to small businesses focused on wellness and inspired living. You may just find a few gems in your area like Norma, the author of this little book. I met Norma a number of years ago and we found we had a lot in common so when I found out she had written this book I thought it would be another good item for the Mindful Holiday Gift Guide. I found it to be helpful in empowering myself and letting go of the thoughts that don’t serve me. Perhaps it will resonate with you or someone you know this holiday season. Norma’s introduction says: It’s not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it. Something to think about.
Norma’s 30-day book is filled with insight, inspiration and empowering words. She suggests reading this book each month for one year to help create a different self-image of yourself.
Available for $10 and directly from the author. Contact Norma at 248-684-7987 or via email: norma@nicholsonappraisalservice.com
Experiential Giving:
Do you know someone looking to make some changes in their life? Then perhaps a spa getaway in a sunny climate would be helpful in the New Year. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is offering several New Year inspired services including The New Year’s Resolutions Prequel Plan – Kick start your New Year’s resolutions by already achieving goals by the holidays, and a new year and new you by 2018. Carillon’s expert personal trainers hold the highest degrees, accolades and certifications in the industry, and their mission is to ensure that you achieve your personal goals. Not only will you learn technique and find your optimal strength, but you will also be emotionally and spiritually supported during your transition to a fitter and more vibrant life. (Ten 50-Minute Sessions for $800)
Click here for more New Year’s inspired services from Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Wellness Travel Retreats: Perhaps you’re thinking about a retreat to explore and rediscover yourself in the New Year. Whether it’s a Winter Retreat or one that you’d like later in the year, these offer programming for healthy living and are designed to help you get on track with the tools you need to continue the path to wellness. This is a gift that will inspire wellness for years to come.
Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ or Lenox, MA:
The healing power and energy of the Sonoran Desert and the beauty of the Berkshires offer a respite to those seeking programs to nourish, challenge and pamper themselves. Consider hiking, biking, nutritious dining, workshops and consultations by wellness and medical experts and a full-service spa for relaxation and renewal.
Special rates with Mindful Adventures for select dates through 2017 & 2018 (800-532-5590)
Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
An abundance of fitness classes, hiking opportunities, cooking classes, lectures and plenty of options for pampering in their health centers. Meals are nourishing and vegetarian and simply delicious. The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and they’re very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.
Special gift w/a 7-night stay when you reserve your stay with MindfulAdventures.com (800-532-5590)
Vera Via, Carlsbad, CA
Vera Via offers one of the most unique wellness retreats. Their program helps guests accomplish specific goals including weight reduction, overcoming stressors, personal fitness and programs for long lasting health and well-being. I love that you meet with their experts and create an individualized plan that helps you realize success during your stay with continued progress when you’re back home. Treating the ‘whole’ person leads to long lasting results.
Holiday Promo: Special offer if you reserve your stay by 12/31/2017 and stay by February 2018.
Reserve your stay with MindfulAdventures.com (800-532-5590)
Looking for more ideas? Our Transforming Wellness Resort list also includes Red Mountain Resort, Mii amo, Lake Austin Spa Resort and more.
Check our Top 10 Spa & Wellness Retreats
Thank you for going through our 2017 Mindful Holiday Gift Guide: Travel, Spa & Wellness
Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings!
Best wishes for a New Year filled with Joy, Prosperity & many Mindful Adventures!
– Donna xx
To keep up with the latest spa and wellness news from Donna Adinolfi at Mindful Adventures, please follow her on Instagram and Twitter @DonnaSpaGal and on Facebook @MindfulAdventures
Visit: www.MindfulAdventures.com
Luxury Wellness Retreats for your Well-being