Good morning,
I just wanted to quickly clarify something I wrote last night. I did not by ANY stretch of the word, finish MY book….I finished reading a book from the library. I highly recommend it. When the day comes that I actually finish writing my book you all will be the first to know. That day will not be today…or tomorrow…but maybe in three months, according to my editor yesterday. As of now, my book is set to be published in 2012 so we have some time.
Caitlin’s book, on the other hand, will be coming out very soon and you can pre-order it here! So proud of her!
This morning I tried a new spin on overnight oats.
That, my friends, would be Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona. I’m thrilled and counting down the hours. But first, a little backstory:
When I was eighteen, my mom surprised me with a trip to Miraval as a combination eighteenth birthday and high school graduation present. We spent the most amazing three days in the desert and still talk about it (quite often actually) to this day. It still remains one of the most beautiful and most special places I’ve ever been, and since my eighteenth year, I’ve been searching for a way and an excuse to get back out there. What can I say? I have trouble letting things go.
So, after seven years, I finally got back in touch with Miravel and wrote them a looong letter about how special the place was to my mom and I and what a great experience it was. I told them about my history (culinary) and all about the blog and the future book. Places like that get so much email though and I never really expected to hear back from them. However, the next day they emailed me and told me they would love to have me back out and, this time, blog about my experience.
I started yelling and jumping in the air. Dexter got worried.
I’m flying out there a week from today and can’t wait to share my experience with you. If a place has stuck with me for this long, you know it must be legit. I know there’s tons of spas and resorts out there but this one just seems to have something really special. The best part? I’ll be taking part in Miravel’s Creative and Mindful Cooking workshop, which is taught by the Miravel chefs and is all about healthy cooking techniques.
The only downside to all of this is that for the first time in my life, I’ll be going on vacation all by myself. I’ve thought long and hard about this though and I’m pretty much okay with it. It’s very “Eat Pray Love” of me and after everything that has happened in the past year, it might be good for me to just slow down and be quiet for awhile. Plus, I’ll be really busy cooking, taking photographs and blogging. I can’t wait!!!
Kamaile
July 14, 2010 at 8:16 amVery cool! Your “accidentally” vegan overnight oats look great!
Jessica @ How Sweet
July 14, 2010 at 8:19 amI think it will be FUN to be on vaca by yourself! I’m sure you will have a great time!
Becki @ HikeBikeEat
July 14, 2010 at 8:20 amSolo vacations are amazing! You don’t have to do any activities that you don’t want just to keep others happy, and you’ll discover so much about yourself! I had a solo vacation in Big Bear and it was life changing!
jenna
July 14, 2010 at 8:20 amOH MY GOSH!!! How amazing!! it will be such a great experience for you and to be going alone sounds pretty great!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
July 14, 2010 at 8:23 amHahaha I thought you meant finish YOUR book–I was like ‘wow she really loves the ending huh?’ I did an internship at one of Miravel’s competitors. Actually I think the owner of that company owned Miravel for awhile–perhaps when you were there. Can’t wait to read about your trip there!
Juliene
July 14, 2010 at 8:24 amIt is so ironic that today you write about Miravel when Ruelala.com(discount clothing, trips, household items, etc) has some packages for the spa and resort. The pictures are amazing and I am sure you will have another great trip. Can’t wait to read all about it!
crunchy granola gal
July 14, 2010 at 8:25 amMiravel sounds awesome! What a great opportunity! Total rockstar move right there, writing to them and getting them to send you there. Congrats and have fun!
Emily Eats and Exercises
July 14, 2010 at 8:25 amGood for you for asking for what you want – you just never know! Look forward to hearing about your trip and your cooking adventures there.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
July 14, 2010 at 8:27 amOh, that is so exciting! Don’t worry about going by yourself. From what I’ve read here it seems like you’re a fairly personable gal, haha. I’m sure you will do just fine!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers
July 14, 2010 at 8:30 amNow THAT is an awesome adventure. Before I even got to the part where you said, I immediately though it was very Eat, Pray, Love of you!!!
Marilou @ Mostly Healthy
July 14, 2010 at 8:30 amHow exciting!
You know what? I think I’d like to take a mini-vacation all by myself. Recenter. Relax. Do what I really want.
Can’t wait to hear about this one!
allison @ livingoneday
July 14, 2010 at 8:31 amthats wonderful!!! it looks like a gorgeous resort! cant wait to hear all about it!
Lindsay
July 14, 2010 at 8:36 amThat sounds so awesome!! I actually secretly yearn to take a solo vacation! Can’t wait to read about it.
Exercise and Eat
July 14, 2010 at 8:36 amEnjoy your stay at the resort!
marisa (vinyasa mama)
July 14, 2010 at 8:39 amwow! that is amazing! how awesome that your blog has turned into a tool to be able to review places as awesome as miralel! congratulations!!!
Anna
July 14, 2010 at 8:42 amWAHOOO!!!! Coming from a current Tucsonan, Tucson is excited for your arrival :). Miraval is absolutely incredible. My mom and I went there after my finals last year…it was a tough year 😉 lol. My friend and I both go to the University of Arizona here in Tucson and we both LOOOVEE your blog!! Have for a very long time now. If you happen to have any bit of time outside of the resort, we’d love to have a bloggy meet-up!!
Kelly
July 14, 2010 at 8:43 amMiraval sounds like heaven! I can’t wait to read all about it. 🙂
Sara
July 14, 2010 at 8:46 amI think it’s great that you’re taking the vacation by yourself…you are going to have SO much fun..and so much time to relax!
Btw…I LOVVVVE that author of the book you just finished! I just read his book called “The Double Bind”, it was AMAZING! you should check it out!
Candice
July 14, 2010 at 8:48 amGirl – don’t even think twice about going by yourself…you are going to have an amazing time!! This is such a great opportunity, and I think you’re going to have an incredible experience! And I haven’t even been there:)
I would absolutely love to do something like this, and it’s right up your alley!
Can’t wait to hear about it!
Therese
July 14, 2010 at 8:50 amWhat a great opportunity! You’re going to have so much fun! I’ve travelled on my own before and it’s the best experience!
S @ extremebalance.net/blog
July 14, 2010 at 8:55 amI travel alone lots, and I always go in with the mindset that “it’s all about attitude”: being comfortable with it myself was the first big step about it not being awkward. Have fun!
Christie {Honoring Health}
July 14, 2010 at 8:58 amThat sounds so exciting. I have always wanted to go on vacation alone. At least for a weekend to just kind of be with myself and see what happens. I am sure you are going to have an amazing time!
Laine
July 14, 2010 at 9:01 amI’ve been on vacation a few times by myself. It’s very fun.
But they didn’t invite your mom, too??
Sarah
July 14, 2010 at 9:03 amLooks like a beautiful vacation, even by yourself. I hope you soak up every gorgeous moment!
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete
July 14, 2010 at 9:03 amOh wow! What an experience! You will have great time just being by yourself. Maybe the quiet time will help you come back recharged and renewed!
Krista (kristastes)
July 14, 2010 at 9:04 amWow that spa looks awesome!!!!!!!! I think it would be nice to be on vacation for some alone time. I can’t wait until Eat Pray Love comes out in the theater, I loved the book. I may need to re-read it since I forget some parts!
Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine
July 14, 2010 at 9:06 amThat place looks amazing, I hope you have a relaxing time. 🙂
Anna
July 14, 2010 at 9:15 amHow exciting… can´t wait to read all about it!
Michelle @ NewLeafEats
July 14, 2010 at 9:16 amSo exciting for you!
I don’t know that I’d be able to handle going on vacation all by myself.
Dorothy
July 14, 2010 at 9:22 amSounds like SO much fun. A solo vacation…. why not?
I like the idea of just sending out an email to see what happens… I’m going to try to think if there’s anything I could use this for….
Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
July 14, 2010 at 9:24 amI’m so jealous!! I’ve never been to a spa, but have always thought I’d love it. Especially one that involves cooking! If I do ever go, I have a feeling I’ll be going alone, too…it’s be a hard sell to my fiance!
MyThy as in "Mighty"
July 14, 2010 at 9:26 amDoh! I feel like an idiot! I thought you finished YOUR book! Oops! Still looking fwd to it!
Fun for a single-vacay! I’ve never been on a vacay alone but I’ve always wanted to do a road trip by myself. Don’t get me wrong, I loved doing them many times w/ DF, but sometimes you just wanna sing at the top of your lungs ya know? =P
Have you been to the local Avanti Day Spa in Santa Rosa? http://www.avantispa.net/
I just sent future MIL a gift cert for her bday and wanted to try it myself when we visit said in-laws.
Stefanie
July 14, 2010 at 9:26 amFrom a PHX bound girl, Tucson is where everyone escapes to during summer as it is bit cooler….a bit! Gina from Fitnessista used to live there so make sure you hit her up for places and things to see!
I assume the place is “taking care of ya”…what is better than a vacation, then a FREE vacation!
Enjoy!
Sandy
July 14, 2010 at 9:31 amGood move on their part, I’m already looking at the special event schedule to see if I want to go out this winter.
leslie
July 14, 2010 at 9:32 ami think everyone should travel by themselves at some point in their life. one of my favorite trips i ever took was by my lonesome – you’ll enjoy the time, i’m sure! and you’re certainly independent enough to handle yourself alone. 🙂
Julie
July 14, 2010 at 9:40 amI’m jealous! I think it would be relaxing and refreshing to take a vacation by yourself! Plus, it’s easier to make plans and figure out what to do and when if there’s no one else to consider! The only thing I don’t like about traveling alone is eating out. For some reason I feel weird about going into restaurants by myself.
Kelsey (Nourishing Noshes)
July 14, 2010 at 9:43 amCongrats! This might just be what you need: a nice relaxing vacation all by yourself 🙂 Sometimes alone time can be incredibly therapeutic. Have fun and I can’t wait to read your blogs about it!
Alyssa @ bride to be fit
July 14, 2010 at 9:43 amHow exciting! I dream of traveling by myself after reading that book…. I can’t wait to read about your trip!!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
July 14, 2010 at 9:43 amMiraval looks fabulous. I’ve read about that resort many times and always dreamt of going there – I’m very jealous! I’m sure you will have an amazing time, despite gong solo. I was in Tuscany by myself for a couple of days and had such a great time (I also call it my Eat Pray Love moment) 🙂
Annie-Rose
July 14, 2010 at 9:46 amMiraval is amazing!
I’ve been there several times with my mom, and she’s gone alone too. It’s definitely a place where being alone is okay and actually quite common. Each time I’m there, I meet at least 2 or 3 people who are alone. There’s a table for dinner you can sign up for that’s communal, meant for people who want to meet other people at the resort – so you don’t have to eat by yourself at every meal. Everyone is so friendly in the activities that you end up talking and bonding with a bunch of different people.
The Culinary experience sounds so awesome – I’ve gone to their cooking demos before and come out with some incredible recipes – all healthy, fresh, and delicious.
Have the best time – I’m so jealous!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami)
July 14, 2010 at 9:49 amYayyyyy! You’ll have a great time. . . . I made your PB Steal Cut Oats this morning — again . . . 😀
Suzanne de Cornelia
July 14, 2010 at 9:59 amSOOOO fabulous! That place is the classic luxury resort spa. To derive the maximum rebalancing experience it’s good to have ‘alone time’ away to think. And you won’t really be alone much with a class. It’s like you’re a younger Tea Leoni or Meg Ryan in a movie! So cool!!
Nadine
July 14, 2010 at 10:01 amHi Jenna,
It would be great if you could post a bit about the process of writing your book. 2012 sounds like it’s really far away, what has to happend between now and then? Curious minds would love to know! Can’t wait to hear about Miraval.
Melissa@Vegan CacaoBee
July 14, 2010 at 10:03 amSounds like a great time! I am in Tucson, so if you need anything, let me know.
Jessica
July 14, 2010 at 10:04 amThat sounds awesome! Have a great time!
Maura
July 14, 2010 at 10:06 amWow, that sounds like a blast. I’ve always wanted to go on vacation by myself so I think it’s pretty cool that you are going! Have a blast & I cannot wait to read the recaps!
Nichole
July 14, 2010 at 10:15 amI’m more relaxed just by hearing about this trip! Fabulous, enjoy and safe travels.
MMiller
July 14, 2010 at 10:25 amFirst of all…so excited for you! Can’t wait to read all about it! And second…2012??? You are killing me! I thought it was 2011! And was trying to be patient for that!
jenna
July 14, 2010 at 10:30 amyeah, you and me both, sister. 2012 was a recent push-back….but I have about 3 more months of editing and then the book goes into production mode and it takes about a year to get everything (cover design, binding, recipe testing, media stuff) done. I was bummed at first but since this is my first book, I want everything to be PERFECT and I guess perfection takes time…
Camille
July 14, 2010 at 10:49 amI pre-ordered Caitlin’s book yesterday… can’t wait!
That is, indeed, very Eat, Pray, Love of you! That book was so inspiring, it made me want to go and have solo adventures. You know that there is a movie version coming out in a few weeks with Julia Roberts!? It looks really good!
kath
July 14, 2010 at 11:12 amHoly cussword Jenna!! You are so smart and I am so jealous. Whatever happened to “Kath and jenna do xx together!!” 🙂
jenna
July 14, 2010 at 11:18 amYou know, I just watched our “Kath and Jenna do Chicago” video the other night….so funny! I miss you!!!
Brianne DeCesare
July 14, 2010 at 11:15 amCompletely unrelated, but look at this Kombucha article I saw on yahoo today!
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Fermented-tea-kombucha-apf-340175706.html?x=0
OK Chick
July 14, 2010 at 11:18 amBy the picture of this place, I’d be ok with vacationing by myself. You can read some good books.
Maren @ Simply Maren
July 14, 2010 at 11:20 amCongratulations, it’s always so refreshing when things just “work out”!
Jennifer
July 14, 2010 at 11:28 amIs the brown liquid the almond milk/flaxseed combination? Sorry, I’m just trying to figure it out! It looked like peanut butter at first glance 🙂
jenna
July 14, 2010 at 11:30 amthat’s almond butter! 🙂
Jess
July 14, 2010 at 11:31 amI am jealous!! I used to live in Tucson and I miss it!! It is so beautiful and peaceful out there! You will have an amazing time- sometimes solo vacations are the best because it is all about you. Which we all need sometimes.
Also, I picked up some of that chocolate peanut butter… holy crap its amazing!!
The Wife of a Dairyman
July 14, 2010 at 11:34 amWoo Hoo! That place looks fabulous!! Have a great trip and I can’t wait to hear and see about it 🙂
Rachel @ Suburban Yogini
July 14, 2010 at 11:39 amVacationing alone can be awesome. You’ll love it 🙂
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies
July 14, 2010 at 11:45 amAhh – how exciting, and wonderful! It looks gorgeouuus!
Kim
July 14, 2010 at 11:47 amI just got back on Friday from Tucson, AZ. I was out there on a mission trip and absolutely loved it. The area is so beautiful and the people so friendly. I would recommend going up to Mount Lemmon if you get a chance, the sights are beautiful. I know it’s going to be weird going on a trip by yourself, but I know you will make the most of this adventure in your life. Can’t wait to read about your trip…
Alycia @ Fit n Fresh
July 14, 2010 at 11:51 amWow that’s so awesome for you! I hope you have a great time (:
Vanessa (The Weekly Yogi)
July 14, 2010 at 12:41 pmSometimes, solo adventures can be fun because we are in complete charge of our own itinerary. With that said, have fun!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
July 14, 2010 at 12:53 pmThat’s so fun that you get to go to a place you love. Enjoy. I honestly would love a mini break by myself.
Tammy (Defining Wellness)
July 14, 2010 at 1:16 pmWhat a bold move! Good for you, Jenna. I think that’s just so awesome, and you certainly deserve it. Arizona is a magical place — I went to Tucson when I was a teen and have never been anywhere like it. I love that it’s hot but not humid. Have a wonderful time — can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Mama Pea
July 14, 2010 at 1:36 pmI am sorry if I am the moron who set off that “You finished your book?!” discussion. It was late. I was tired. A glass of wine may have been involved. My apologies.
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com
July 14, 2010 at 1:36 pmWow, that sounds so cool! Can’t wait to see updates about it!
LetsdoBreakfastAtTiffanys
July 14, 2010 at 1:46 pmMy step Mother was a pilates instructor at Miraval. It is definitely a great place to have a solo experience.
Kristine
July 14, 2010 at 1:56 pmwow that trip sounds like so much fun. I love arizona! Why can’t your boyfriend join you?
Emily @ The Front Burner Blog
July 14, 2010 at 2:15 pmThat is awesome! Can I come with you? I just graduated from culinary school in May and am focused on healthy cooking now. Perhaps they want TWO culinary bloggers? 🙂
Jackie (Peaces of Earth)
July 14, 2010 at 2:18 pmHow AWESOME!!! Have so much fun, I’ll be here living vicariously through you. 🙂
sarah
July 14, 2010 at 2:47 pmsounds awesome! have fun! i have to admit that i have gone on vacation alone a bunch of times- va beach x 2, clearwater, carolina beach, myrtle beach- and i sometimes feel a little bummed about it. but i live in ohio and most of my friends are married + kids or our schedules just don’t mesh enough to go together so i go alone. i need the ocean and trips away for my sanity. “eat pray love” has made me feel much better about it, too! i’d prefer company, of course, but nothing is sadder than staying in town just because i’m not brave enough to go alone!
Rebecca
July 14, 2010 at 4:11 pmThat’s so awesome! Your life is so cool!! Glad you get to visit a place that you love so much!
Janna (Janna's Keeping it Real)
July 14, 2010 at 5:26 pmthat is SO amazing! CONGRATS!
diana@mymarblerye
July 14, 2010 at 5:40 pmyou are doing what I don’t have the balls to do: go on a trip by myself. Can’t wait for your adventures…this will only make you a stronger woman!
Bekah
July 14, 2010 at 5:46 pmJenna! I couldn’t help but get excited to hear that you’re coming to Miraval! I’m from Tucson, and just got back last friday from being gone for six months at school at the C.I.A. in NY, and I LOVE being home. (alas, only for three weeks though.)
If you’re feeling ambitious and not-so-blog-tired I know there are fellow tucsonan bloggies (noticed from above) that would love to meet you, including myself. If you just want to chill by yourself (in true eat pray love fashion), no worries, but feel free to e-mail me for food recommendations, good coffee joints, and the like. Growing up here, I like to think I know the good spots! 😉
The first chef I ever worked for back in high school used to work at Miraval, and that was kind of how I decided to go to culinary school in the first place , so I think that’s awesome you’re doing a mini workshop there. I know Oprah approves! hehe.
Amanda
July 14, 2010 at 6:00 pmThats so awesome!!! You will have a blast!!!
Ann
July 14, 2010 at 6:33 pmThat is totally awesome Jenna. The resort looks great and I can’t wait to read about it. I am actually moving to Tucson in less than 2 weeks!
Pure2raw twins
July 14, 2010 at 6:39 pmThe resort sounds amazing! Cannot wait to read about your time there.
Megan
July 14, 2010 at 7:16 pmHey Jenna, I’m another long-time reader living in Tucson and I would love to meet you and participate in a bloggy meetup if you decide to do one while you’re here! Either way, I’m sure you’ll have a great time!
Amber K
July 14, 2010 at 7:37 pmWow! That is super exciting. I don’t know if I would want to go on vacation by myself. Personally, I think everything is more fun with my husband or a friend. Because hanging out with them is just…fun! But it could be fun!
Heather
July 14, 2010 at 8:38 pmThat place looks awesome, you’ll have such a relaxing trip! And the cooking part will be a blast!
Kate
July 15, 2010 at 5:15 amWhy don’t you earn money the old fashioned way and pay your own way to the spa?! Your continuous habit of begging for favors and pleading for people to take pity on you is shameful. What makes you feel entitled to a complimentary luxurious spa vacation? We can all see your lifestyle everyday and certainly you don’t have much of a work ethic and do not understand anything about hardship. One of these days (when your looks fade) you will realize how empty these sorts of indulgences are when you are handed them freely. Why don’t you spend your days doing charity work? Perhaps then you can see how selfish you are being freeloading off of everyone for free goodies. Shallow you are!
Brittney
July 15, 2010 at 5:36 amThat’s awesome! I want to see lots of pictures! I’ve never been to AZ, but really want to go.
I’m reading Eat, Pray, Love right now and it does make you think a lot going out on a limb and doing a trip by yourself. It’s something I never really considered, but probably should!
Have a great trip!!
Rebecca Hoover
July 15, 2010 at 5:38 amI’m with Megan, I feel like a star’s coming to town (ugh, how goofy) but if you decide to do any bloggy meet ups, I’m in. Hope the monsoons come in by the time you get here, it’s my favorite time of year.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
July 15, 2010 at 10:35 amOh my gosh, you are SO lucky! I would pretty much do anything for a holiday at Miraval – it’s like my dream trip! I hope you have a great time and I can’t wait to read all about it! 🙂
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
July 15, 2010 at 11:35 amWhat exciting fun news! I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time by yourself and find it EXTRA relaxing!
Francisco Blaum
March 3, 2012 at 9:07 amAmazing post! I had been actually looking for information about k9 training but came across this post and discovered it really interesting and very helpful. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing here.