We’ve reached a point where it’s necessary to pencil in regular time for ourselves , as you would an appointment. Whether it means booking that yoga class, blocking time off for a bike ride, or setting an alarm to just step back, take a few breaths and re-group. Something as simple as just putting your feet up can be so difficult with our busy lives.
So I took full advantage this time and booked myself a much-needed getaway to Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa in Miami. I heard the good word from two wonderful friends who I trust from both a food and lifestyle perspective. Many thanks to Lisa Borden and Jaime Slavin for all the great advice, which got my butt on a plane to experience the perfect personal weekend retreat. Not only did I desperately need to put up my feet, but I needed some “me” time. Time to see the ocean, be in warm weather and just do a some self nurturing.
Life has taken a toll on me mentally, emotionally and physically with everything happening all at once including my greatest accomplishment so far – my new Food Studio & Lifestyle Shop . Now don’t get me wrong, all these things are good things – but I hadn’t had the chance to stop. All I needed was a few days to get back on track.
I have to say Canyon Ranch had it all. Here is a little taste of my getaway:
The meals were customized to my liking, they offer several fitness classes a day from yoga to boot camp classes to keep your body moving. Most importantly, you can book yourself some “spa treatment time” for the full experience. I definitely took full advantage! At Canyon Ranch, they are committed to supporting healthy lifestyle and will do whatever it takes to make sure their guests are happy.
My lunch salad creation, was made for me exactly as requested!
Fresh juices on demand. My Carrot Ginger delight!
Physical activity is a requirement for me to relax (as crazy as that may sound), and why not with some Rock Wall Climbing!
Something I don’t get to do very often.
My final thoughts. Be good to yourself you deserve it! Your body and mind require some YOU time every once in a while. Find some place or time that makes you happy and allows you to fully rejuvenate.
Here are some helpful tips to relax today! You may know them all, but this time actually do them. They make all the difference in the world.
- Take more yoga classes or body work classes
- Take time to deep breath throughout the day
- Journal, journal, journal. Get your thoughts out on paper!
- Put your legs up the wall before bed – this is totally restorative!
- Meditate first thing in the morning or before bed or just listen to calming music
- Close your eyes and create positive thoughts and visions for your life
- Block off time to do things that you love or even make an appointment that is self nurturing
- Book yourself a mini vacation or Local Urban Retreat (if you can’t get away)
We could all use a little more of these practices in our daily life.
What’s your favourite way to relax and rejuvenate?
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Yield: 24 Servings
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Ready In: 25 mins
Coconut sugar is sometimes rare to find, but it makes for a tasty, low glycemic sweetener that packs in a lot of flavour. It can be used interchangeably with brown sugar. Adding (maple and coconut sugar) provides a nice sweet flavour while making these cookies tender and chewy!
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3. Mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Mix sugars, maple syrup, apple sauce, oil and vanilla together in a medium bowl. Add the flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in the oats, followed by raisins.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes.
6. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the cookie sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Let cool for about 5-8 minutes on cookie sheets then carefully scoop up onto a wire rack.
