Well, Continental has come through with nonstop service at normal hours for those of you traveling from the east coast to Tucson - land of Canyon Ranch and Miraval!  (www.spa-vacation-experts.com)

Nonstop service on Continental Airlines for the morning flight at 905a begins on September 5 and runs through Feb. 13 - I’m not sure of why they end on 2/13, however this schedule is a good reason to travel within those dates for stress-free air travel.   The flight arrives in Tucson at 1246p leaving you the rest of the day, so kudos for the schedule.

The return flight leaves Tucson at 1230P and arrives in Newark at 646PM.   (Also from 9/5 - 2/13).

Fares are currently averaging $278.80 roundtrip/nonrefundable. (www.continental.com)

(Maybe if they see how many from New Jersey are going to Tucson they’ll consider extending it throughout the year - it’s service that is much needed year round!)

Some of you may be familiar with a wonderful site called Daily Om - each weekday I receive the Daily Om and it’s always something uplifting, something needed for the day - something that may cause one to say ‘Aha!’  I wanted to share this with you and hope you’ll enjoy it.  You can sign up for your own Daily Om and perhaps recognize how it can assist you in your days and your life.  Visit them at: www.dailyom.com

Be enlightened each day! - Donna  

June 19, 2007
Women’s Support
Becoming Our Own Role Models

As women embrace the fullness of who they are as individuals, they may find themselves supporting other women, helping others to reach the level of inner comfort and outer freedom that they themselves have found. Among those who are less sure of themselves and their place in the world, it may be more common to criticize other women than to seek their help. But there are things that a woman can only learn from another woman, as there are things about being a man that can only be learned from other men. We all recognize that we have much to learn from each other regardless of gender, but sometimes we could use a supportive role model that gives us a more precise example of what and who we can become.

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women. It is only natural that the pendulum swings out of balance for a while so that we may have the experience of what we do not want. It is up to women to bring the pendulum back into balance and bring back the sacred sisterhood we yearn for at our core.

If we envision a world where women support each other and help each other find their place in an ever-changing world, then we can become the change we want to see. Jealousy, envy, criticism, and judgment are refuges for the insecure. As we help others to become self-assured, we create a world in which all people help each other, regardless of gender. Only women can make the change in how women are seen and understood, not just by other women but by the world at large. The way we speak about each other to other women and to the men in our lives informs everyone to treat us with the respect that all women, and all people, deserve.

Congratulations to all of you have recently graduated high school and college and to those of you getting ready!   What an amazing time of life. 

Below is an excerpt from a recent Dear Donna Column on Healthy Gift Ideas - I hope you’ll find it useful for the graduate in your life.  Enjoy!

Healthy Lifestyle Gift Ideas
by Donna Mantone-Adinolfi, Columnist

Are you looking to do something different this year for everyone on your gift list?  Perhaps something that will have long lasting benefits for your recipients?  Take a look at the Top 15 List of healthy living gifts.  Why 15?  You’ve seen your share of top ten lists, so we’ve gone a little further to give you a few more ideas to help make this a year of memorable and healthy gift giving. 

- A Day at the Spa:  Whether you’re seeking a gift for your favorite guy, gal or graduate, this is a gift that will keep on giving.  With the number of spas across the country you’re sure to find a local favorite or one close to wherever your recipient lives.  Consider a full day package or a massage or even a mother/daughter or gentlemen’s package.  The combinations are endless and you can find something to fit any budget.  

- A week or weekend at a destination spa.  A few days away at a destination spa can kick start a healthier lifestyle and you can focus on healthy eating, fitness, hiking, and other classes for your body, mind and spirit.  A few destination spas to look into include Miraval, Canyon Ranch, Rancho la Puerta, Green Valley Spa and Red Mountain Spa.    Take a look at a sample schedule: http://www.redmountainspa.com/……;submit=Go

- Walking/fitness shoes:  Okay, so you may not know what size to get so the next best thing is to purchase a gift certificate for a sporting goods store.  Look into:  www.dickssportinggoods.com and www.walkerswarehouse.com 
   

-  A bicycle:  Get out there!  A bicycle offers an opportunity to get outside and get great exercise.  This may even be one of those gifts you get yourself this year.  There is a large range of options for a new bicycle from the affordable Huffy brand from $59 and up to the Jeep brand from $175 and up and others including Kettler.    

Note:  You may also want to include a listing of the Rails to Trails sites as these are safe places to go biking or hiking and a way to support the environment.  For more information, go to: www.railstotrails.com.

To be continued in a future blog……..
 

© Copyright 2006 Dear Donna and Donna M. Mantone-Adinolfi -  All rights  reserved.
 

Have you been thinking about going on a spa vacation?  Do you like to hike?  Are you interested in Native American culture?  Do you want to be surrounded by the most beautiful and inspiring surroundings and the best nature has to offer?  Do you want to be pampered with a relaxing massage?  How about delicious cuisine?

Look at your schedule and see if you’re available Oct. 18 - 22*.  This is a Top 10 Destination Spa so feel free to go on your own adventure or share it with a friend.  

Call me directly at 1-800-532-5590 for details on a special rate and added spa bonus.  

This is one adventure you will cherish!

Your adventure includes:

Deluxe Accommodations - Healthy Gourmet Cuisine (Three meals daily) - Daily Guided Morning Hikes and Walks - Unlimited  Fitness Classes including Yoga, Pilates, Chi Ball, and more - Cooking Demonstrations & Nutrition Classes - Healthy Living Classes & Events - Full Use of Resort Facilities including: Indoor & Outdoor (seasonal) Pools, Whirlpools, Walking Trails, Strength Training, Tennis Court and Cybex Cardio Equipment.

October is a great time to enjoy a Red Mountain Adventure!  We hope you’ll join us.  Call me directly at 1-800-532-5590 with any questions and to reserve your place.   Click on Red Mountain Spa on this site for more information on Red Mountain Spa and some great photos! 

*More nights can be added before or after these specific dates. 

You’ve read my posts about finding your ‘authentic self’ and making lifestyle changes and these are reasons I do what I do with my articles and column and working with clients to find a destination spa that fits their needs and desires. And, with summer here, it’s also a time to discover, have fun, let your inner child go and enjoy the freedom that this season offers.

Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah is one location that I like because I can create my own adventure. I can do all the wonderful things the resort offers, however one amazing adventure is going to Zion and Bryce Canyon. Have you been to this part of the U.S.? Colorful spires, arches and mazes make Bryce Canyon a unique destination.

Zion is the other national park in the area and it is an ancient Hebrew word meaning a place of refuge or sanctuary. Majestic cliffs and soaring waterfalls make this a must-see for any summer vacation. Hiking is amazing and the beauty of this area needs to be seen to truly understand the dramatic impact it could have on your life - it’s what memories are made of.

Enjoy your summer adventure and consider staying at Red Mountain Spa for the ultimate experience!

Do you know what it is?  Do you know what it does?  It isn’t a drink, it isn’t a funky dance -  it’s an innovative fitness opportunity and Canyon Ranch offers it.

Developed by dancer Juliu Horvath, Gyrontonic is an innovative exercise method which is based on key principles of yoga, ballet, swimming, tai chi and gymnastics and performed on an apparatus which is built around the human body in a unique and three dimensional way.

Several destination spas are offering this program including Canyon Ranch in Tucson.  They currently offer this as a one-on-one session or you can take it with a friend in the duo session.  For more information about this amazing and innovative practice, visit:

http://www.gyrotonic.com/

Discovering your authentic self is possible through a destination spa vacation.

My intention is to help you find the destination spa that’s best for you.  Whether it’s Canyon Ranch, Miraval, Red Mountain Spa, Rancho la Puerta, Green Valley Spa or another - the benefit is long lasting.   Through classes, activities, fitness, healthy eating, meditation and self-reflection change is possible.  You’ll have tools available to chip away the layers that have compounded over the years and truly find your true self, your authentic self - the person you know you are and just need to reconnect with. 

Canyon Ranch, Red Mountain Spa, Miraval, etc. offer an experience like no other vacation.  Maybe this summer is the time to take time for you - your own ’summer camp’ and now is the time.  After all, if not now, then when.  One of my favorite sayings is “If I only knew then what I know now!”  And I do - I wish I would have gone to a destination spa after college or before getting married.  And that’s what I can bring to you - information on what is possible so you can make the healthy choices now for a healthier you.  

Take this time for you.  I look forward to helping you with your decision. 

If you’re still considering a trip to Miraval this summer now’s the time to secure your dates.  Summer dates are extremely limited, however if you’re flexible you can spend a few days at famed Miraval and find out for yourself why it’s such a great place.   Are you ready to live an authentic life?  Give me a call or shoot me an e-mail and we can see what’s possible for your spa adventure at Miraval!