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Wind down summer with this sweet and spicy grilled chicken recipe—perfect for al fresco dining before the cooler temperatures send us indoors. Pair it with a fruity and refreshing peach margarita that will add some fun to your outdoor gathering.

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Recipes for Al Fresco Dining

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<p class="has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color">Do you have a favorite Miraval meal, dessert, snack, or cocktail that you wish you could recreate at home? Now you can! Miraval Chefs provide tools and recipes for creating a life in balance through culinary inspiration, education, and discovery. Submit a recipe request below!</p>
<p class="has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color">Receive Miraval recipes by following us on social or sign-up for our newsletter. Our most popular recipes requests will be featured monthly on social and the Miraval blog.</p>


Submit Recipe Request

<p>Wind down summer with this sweet and spicy grilled chicken recipe—perfect for al fresco dining before the cooler temperatures send us indoors. Pair it with a fruity and refreshing peach margarita that will add some fun to your outdoor gathering.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-6161" title="" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AdobeStock_374462978-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<h2>Spice-Rubbed Chicken Breast With Fresh Fruit Salsa</h2>
<p><strong>Serves:</strong> 6</p>
<h3>Fresh Fruit Salsa</h3>
<ul>
<li>1 cup diced strawberries</li>
<li>1 ½ cup diced pineapple</li>
<li>1 cup diced papaya</li>
<li>¼ cup (or one whole kiwifruit, diced (optional)</li>
<li>1 teaspoon finely shredded fresh mint</li>
<li>1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro</li>
<li>½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice</li>
<li>1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion</li>
<li>½ teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper</li>
</ul>
<h3>Chicken Breasts</h3>
<ul>
<li>6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)</li>
<li>1 tablespoon smoked paprika</li>
<li>1 teaspoon. ground cumin</li>
<li>1 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li>Pinch cayenne pepper</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Combine salsa ingredients in a large bowl, mix well, and cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving.</li>
<li>Heat a grill or a grill-pan to medium.</li>
<li>With a meat pounder or heavy rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.</li>
<li>Stir together smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne.</li>
<li>Spray both sides of chicken with nonstick cooking spray, then season both sides with spices, patting so the spices stick.</li>
<li>Grill chicken over medium, turning once, until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 3 minutes per side, depending on chicken’s size and thickness.</li>
<li>Let chicken breasts rest for a few minutes, then cut into angled slices.</li>
<li>Arrange the sliced chicken on each plate and mound salsa next to it, with some salsa covering chicken.</li>
<li>Serve immediately.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Peach Margarita Cocktail</h3>
<p>Here’s a fun cocktail from Miraval Arizona&#8217;s Chef Kyle, who has been getting creative with the beautiful peaches from our garden:</p>
<p>Yields 1.5 drinks</p>
<ul>
<li>1 ounce blanco Tequila</li>
<li>1 ounce Repesado Tequila</li>
<li>¼ ounce Ancho Reyes Chile ancho liquor</li>
<li>1  orange</li>
<li>1  lemon</li>
<li>2 ounces fresh peaches</li>
<li>¼ ounce honey simple syrup</li>
<li>2-3 dashes old fashion bitters</li>
</ul>
<p>Directions:</p>
<ol>
<li>In a shaker bottle, muddle peaches with simple syrup and fresh juice from orange and lemon. Add in all liquors and a few dashes of bitters.</li>
<li>Add ice to the shaker and shake your heart out. Pour over fresh ice in a cocktail glass and garnish with more peaches OR with corn shoots to give it that afternoon glow.</li>
</ol>


From Miraval Arizona’s Kitchens

Inspired by the complimentary snacks available at Miraval Berkshires' The Roost, these mini muffins are perfect for grab 'n' go breakfast and snacks this summer. Get your kids in the kitchen with this fun and delicious recipe you can make together!

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Quinoa and Almond Butter Mini Muffins 

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<p>Inspired by the complimentary snacks available at Miraval Berkshires&#8217; The Roost, these mini muffins are perfect for grab &#8216;n&#8217; go breakfast and snacks this summer. Get your kids in the kitchen with this fun and delicious recipe you can make together!</p>
<p>We substitute with almond butter and apple sauce to add richness and incorporate cooked quinoa for texture. Fun tip: If you like bananas, exchange ripe bananas for the apple sauce. If you like chocolate, substitute chocolate chips for the blueberries or have both. Make some today and let them become a favorite in your house.</p>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 30 min<br />
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 15 minutes<br />
<strong>Servings:</strong> 12 mini muffins<br />
<strong>Tools:</strong> Stand mixer and mini muffin tin</p>
<h2>Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>½ cup almond butter</li>
<li>½ cup applesauce, unsweetened</li>
<li>2 tbsp coconut oil, melted</li>
<li>¼ cup raw honey</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1½ tsp baking powder</li>
<li>½ tsp baking soda</li>
<li>¼ tsp salt</li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1 cup gluten-free flour</li>
<li>½ cup cooked quinoa</li>
<li>½ cup orange zest</li>
<li>½ cup of your choice of blueberries, chocolate chips, craisins, nuts, etc.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Directions:</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li>Preheat your oven to 400°F and gently spray your mini muffin tray with a non-stick spray of choice.</li>
<li>In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine almond butter, applesauce, coconut oil, and honey with a whisk on low speed to combine for one minute. Add eggs one at a time with the vanilla extract.</li>
<li>Add the dry ingredients with orange zest and briefly combine.</li>
<li>Fold in the blueberries and quinoa with a rubber spatula.</li>
<li>With a piping bag, ice cream scoop, or spoon, fill muffins tins and immediately bake for 10-12 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and allow muffins to cool on a wire rack.</li>
<li>Serve and enjoy.</li>
</ol>


Recipe created at Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa

Last month, I spent a whole morning with Mabel and Maisie, two Sicilian donkeys who came to Miraval Berkshires from ...

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7 Lessons from a Donkey

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inquire about planning a Mindful Group Retreat

<p>Horses might be the highlight at Miraval’s Meadowview Acres Farm, but the donkeys will steal your heart.</p>
<p>People are often surprised to hear that donkeys are equines, too. They came from the rocky, dry climes of Northern Africa and lived alongside humans, bearing their burdens and building trade routes and civilizations together since ancient times.</p>
<p>I am in awe of horses, but donkeys make me feel like I’m part of the pack. Horses strike me as regal and royal, aloof in their majesty, while donkeys—smaller in scale and physically affectionate—feel like old huggable buddies.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5366" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/C420DB79-91F8-4C25-902A-E0D555756A9A-960x1024.jpeg" alt="person giving a donkey a hug" width="382" height="407" /><br />
Everything at Miraval Resorts’ Animal Connections program is about relationships and how we can apply these learnings to various aspects of our lives— particularly in how we work and function together as a society and in the workplace.  From re-entering the conference circuit to how we collaborate as a team in hybrid office settings, this is a great opportunity to level set and use some solid equine sense. Miraval offers a Journey with Intention called Leadership Fulfillment, where guests can find inspiration and actionable communication tools grounded in mindfulness. You can share these learnings with your colleagues or experience them together in a team-bonding retreat.</p>
<p>Last month, I spent a whole morning with Mabel and Maisie, two Sicilian donkeys who came to <a href="http://www.miravalberkshires.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miraval Berkshires</a> from a Long Ear rescue farm called <em>Save Your Ass</em>. I walked away from the Donkey Discovery workshop with the sweet smell of hay in my hair and a few valuable lessons learned from these affectionate, mindful, and playful creatures.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5370" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/79A9758-E1-1_new-1024x683.jpg" alt="exterior view of red barn and path" width="1024" height="683" /></p>
<h2>7 Lessons from Donkeys to Improve Your Work Relationships</h2>
<h3>1. Respect personal space</h3>
<p>We all know how it feels when a close talker invades our space. We don’t like being crowded, and neither do donkeys.</p>
<p>While a donkey and a horse are both prey animals (meaning larger animals hunt them), they have strikingly different defense mechanisms. The horse flees while the donkey fights. Just like humans, their survival style affects their interactions.</p>
<p>Donkeys don’t like being snuck up on—and really, who does? They have a blind spot directly behind them and poor vision directly in front of their faces. I didn’t want to test out Mabel’s famously powerful defensive kick and knew to gently announce my presence with touch and steer clear of her rear.</p>
<p>“It’s best to approach donkeys by their shoulder (rather than from behind or directly head-on) to give ample clues of where you are and to show that you are not a threat,” says Miraval Animal Connections Specialist Jen Leahey.</p>
<p>Being by anyone’s side is far more respectful than up in their face. Most humans would concur.</p>
<h3>2. Be a good listener &amp; intentional speaker.</h3>
<p>Donkeys have huge listening ears and loud, powerful voices that let them communicate over great distances. I was surprised when, 30 minutes into the program, I hadn’t heard more than a few soft grunts and breathy snuffles.</p>
<p>“Donkeys use their voices selectively,” Jen told me. “They’re very intentional about expressing themselves verbally or physically. People think of donkeys as braying and kicking, but they offer a lot of clues to their thoughts and feelings first.”</p>
<p>As someone who is constantly listening to people talk over each other during awkward video calls, I had to think about that for a minute. Just because we can use words powerfully doesn’t mean we can’t be more selective about how we use our power.</p>
<p>If Mabel could speak, I’m pretty sure she would tell me to stop making so much noise.</p>
<h3>3. Accept that there is more than one way to lead.</h3>
<p>There’s a classic cartoon of a human arduously pulling a leash attached to a bracing donkey.</p>
<p>“That shows an overwhelmed and threatened animal,” says Jen. “We humans call it stubbornness because it’s not the response we want. But the donkey is communicating as a form of self-preservation.”</p>
<p>We tend to align with the kind of leadership horses seek—someone who says, “Go this way now.” It’s how horse herds stay safe, teams win games, and companies make money. But donkeys don’t care about trophies or treasure. They are practical creatures who crave security. To lead Mabel around the pen (the task at hand), I had to ask what the moment required.</p>
<p>What kind of a leader did Mabel need?</p>
<p>One who had her best interests in mind and could communicate on her level. The same move will not always serve us all the time—not in the round pen or at the conference table.</p>
<p>Yanking harder on a leash won’t work, but if we take the time to learn how any being responds to pressure—in Mabel’s case, by leaning against it instead of into it—we can change how we ask anyone to move. We can request collaboration instead of demanding action.</p>
<p>Donkeys have minds of their own, and so do most people. Mabel helped me suspend my attachment to ideas of a right or wrong way to do something. Without the hard edges of agenda, we all move more smoothly. This is key to leadership in any setting, especially for fostering empathetic leadership and being able to reach and amplify a diverse range of ideas and voices.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.miravalberkshires.com"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5069" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/DigitalAd_BlogAds_728x902.jpg" alt="miraval berkshires banner" width="971" height="120" /></a></p>
<h3>4. Establish trust and find a point of balance.</h3>
<p>So, how <em>do</em> you get a resolute donkey to move around a pen?</p>
<p>The answer lies in establishing trust and finding a point of balance together.</p>
<p>When going up a mountain path, pack donkeys lean into each other as they ascend to ease the journey.  Finding a point of balance between them helps each of them carry their load. It doesn’t even matter if the donkeys or their burdens are different sizes. They lean into each other for comfort, stability, and support.</p>
<p>Donkeys respond to pressure, so when you pull on them, they counter that movement by leaning against the pressure and pulling back the other way. It’s less logical and more instinctive. You have to feel your way through.</p>
<p>Mabel reminded me of when my youngest son was a toddler. When he wanted me to move with him in a particular direction, he would point, utter something unintelligible, and lean hard against me. It meant he wanted to move in the opposite direction of his nudge.</p>
<p>When I put my hand on Mabel, I pushed against her, and she leaned back into me. It took a minute to reorient myself to this mode of navigation (the toddler mentioned above is now a teenager and has no problem saying exactly what he wants).</p>
<p>I found myself reaching back to more intuitive times.</p>
<p>I found myself leading by leaning.</p>
<p>I learned what Mabel already knows: we become more agile and nimble when we carry each other.</p>
<h3>5. Break down big goals into small steps.</h3>
<p>When we started the class, I faced what seemed like an impossible task: walking Mabel all the way around the pen. How many times have we felt that way when being assigned a new work project?</p>
<p>“Maybe,” Jen said, “Mabel isn’t so sure she wants to do that. What if you just try to reach this post as a first step?” she suggested and pointed to a spot five feet away.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5365" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3728-768x1024.jpeg" alt="a donkey sniffing the grass" width="308" height="410" /></p>
<p>I shrugged my shoulders and let the moment unfold. Mabel and I nudged and bumped each other in a less-than-straight path and made it to the first post. Then the second. She felt ok with it, and so did I. Eventually, we got into a little rhythmic donkey dance, a slow sachet.</p>
<p>Both beast and guest were much less overwhelmed.</p>
<p>How often do we ask too much of our partners and coworkers? When do we weigh down our teams with big-picture demands instead of presenting them with landmarks, touchstones, and achievable targets along the way?</p>
<p>A signpost, bale of hay, or shady spot in the grass make nice places to rest; they sustain us until we’re ready for the next step of any journey.</p>
<h3>6. Take your time.</h3>
<p>Patience is the donkey’s superpower. They’re willing to wait and thoroughly think through any move they make. Unilateral decisions will not fly in this partnership: a conversation must unfold before a hoof is raised.</p>
<p>Can this be enough, Mabel seemed to ask me, to just be present and in her presence? Could we pause and explore our connection in the moment?</p>
<p>A donkey has evolved to think more about where it puts its feet—and will avoid confrontation whenever possible—but if cornered, it will stand and fight before running. Horses are fast and built to run in herds to escape predators, but if donkeys used that tactic in the mountains, they would have run themselves off cliffs and out of existence as a species.</p>
<p>Faster isn’t always better.</p>
<p>“Donkeys cannot,” says Jen, “be rushed into doing something they don’t want to do. They need time to assess, think critically, then find a better way forward.”</p>
<p>How often do we rush through experiences, to-do lists, or meals just to tick them off? How often do we flee an uncomfortable situation we don’t want to face?</p>
<p>Mabel taught me that it’s ok to suspend the timeline and embrace her measured pace.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5364" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/79A8720-E1-1024x683.jpg" alt="two donkeys" width="1024" height="683" /></p>
<h3>7. Our bonds make us better.</h3>
<p>Donkeys develop super strong ties with their companions. It’s called pair-bonding. They typically graze close together, often touching noses. They fall asleep with their heads draped over each other like puppies.</p>
<p>If you move one, the other will follow. If separated, they become agitated; they might breathe more heavily, pace, paw the ground, or bray to locate their friend. Their separation distress can become so great that they might refuse to eat, which can lead to hyperlipemia, a potentially fatal condition.</p>
<p>Donkey reunions might be the most joyous occasions ever witnessed. The depth of emotion and devotion these creatures have for their companions is staggering. It makes sense that historically and culturally, the donkey has been a steadfast and faithful companion for religious figures like Jesus and Mohammed and to famous fictional characters ranging from Sancho Panza to Shrek.</p>
<p>Spiritually, donkeys are linked to wisdom and humility, and it’s no surprise that people have chosen donkeys as their cohorts—for practical journeys or personal quests, from the commonplace to the quixotic. They are willing partners if we earn their trust, and they can help us connect to abstract concepts in concrete ways, which is an invaluable skill set to promote and nurture in a team setting.</p>
<p>These mountain animals are incredibly well-balanced, sure-footed foundational creatures. They hold a place for us to notice the world without judgment and to accept each other as we are.</p>
<p>Mabel made me pause and rethink how I relate to others, especially my teammates and colleagues. I scratched her back, and she expanded my heart. The workplace (and world) would be a better place if we all took a pause, connected with our inner donkeys, and applied the lessons above to our relationships.</p>
<p>Each time I visit Meadowview Acres Farm, I discover new ways to bond and respond, to find a new pace and a path forward.</p>
<p>Learn more about Miraval Berkshires Equine Programs and the <a href="https://login.miravalresorts.com/start-your-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leadership Fulfillment Journey with Intention</a>.</p>
<p>Araxe Hajian is a senior writer who covers wellness stories and specialist offerings at Miraval Resorts &amp; Spas. She was associate editor and writer at <em>Life in Balance </em>Magazine, storyteller at the social platform MindMeet, and author of numerous articles and Miraval Resorts’ coffee-table book<em> Miraval Mindful by Design.</em></p>


A Morning with Mabel at Miraval Berkshires, By Araxe Hajian

Create this popular sweet treat from Miraval Berkshires to cure your sweet tooth! This twist on traditional Snickers is a healthy and vegan alternative with natural ingredients.

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Vegan Snickers Bar

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<p>Create this popular sweet treat from Miraval Berkshires to cure your sweet tooth! This twist on traditional Snickers is a healthy and vegan alternative with natural ingredients.</p>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 1 hour<br />
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 15 minutes<br />
<strong>Servings:</strong> 12<br />
<strong>Tools:</strong> Small sheet pan (1/4 size) | Mixing bowl | Food Processor</p>
<h2>Dough Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>1 cup almond flour</li>
<li>1/3 cup coconut oil</li>
<li>1/2 tsp sea salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 cup maple syrup</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp ground flax seed</li>
</ul>
<h2>Caramel Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>12 Medjool dates, pitted</li>
<li>1/3 cup coconut oil</li>
<li>1/2 cup maple syrup</li>
<li>1/3 cup natural peanut butter</li>
<li>1 pinch of sea salt</li>
</ul>
<h2>Toppings:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Chopped peanuts to cover</li>
<li>2/3 cup dark chocolate</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Mix dough ingredients together in a bowl to form a dough.</li>
<li>Press into a quarter sheet pan (spray with nonstick spray) and bake for 15 minutes at 325°F.</li>
<li>Allow cooling completely before finishing.</li>
<li>Process caramel ingredients in a food processor to make a caramel. (Work in batches to achieve the smoothest caramel)</li>
<li>Spread a third of the caramel mixture along the bottom of the baked crust.</li>
<li>Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top of this and then spread the remaining caramel over.</li>
<li>Cover with melted chocolate and freeze before cutting into 1” by 1.5” rectangular pieces (or whatever size you prefer)</li>
</ul>


Golden milk is a traditional drink with roots in Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that ...

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Golden Milk

<p>Golden milk is a traditional drink with roots in Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. In its simplest form, it’s a blend of hot milk and ground turmeric – perfect over ice or as a hot cozy beverage before bed.</p>
<p><strong>Servings:</strong> 8 cups; Calories Per Serving: 130; Gluten-Free &amp; Dairy-Free</p>
<h2>Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>8 cups almond milk</li>
<li>1 ¾ teaspoon turmeric</li>
<li>1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li>¼ teaspoon cayenne</li>
<li>1 ¾ teaspoon ginger</li>
<li>1 ¾ teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>½ vanilla bean</li>
<li>1 teaspoon cloves</li>
<li>½ cup honey</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bring all ingredients to a simmer, then strain.</li>
<li>Let cool and serve.</li>
</ul>
<p>Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. It helps to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine, a natural substance that dramatically enhances the absorption of curcumin.<br />
The potential benefits of golden milk include: reducing inflammation, preventing cell damage, improving mood, supporting healthy brain function, and more!</p>


Recipe created at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

Try this vegetarian spin on Shepherd’s Pie, the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.  This hearty winter dish will warm your belly with mushrooms and lentils replacing the traditional beef or lamb component.

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Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

<p>Try this vegetarian spin on Shepherd’s Pie, the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.</p>
<p>This hearty winter dish will warm your belly with mushrooms and lentils replacing the traditional beef or lamb component.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.miravalberkshires.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miraval Berkshires</a>’ Chef Justin Taylor created this recipe with intention and love by giving us a healthy yet filling option that tastes delicious.</p>
<p>Get inspired and substitute the root vegetable of your choice or experiment with other options like butternut squash. Share your additions and creations in the comments below.</p>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 1 hour | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8</p>
<p><strong>Tools:</strong> Potato ricer or masher. One oven-proof Le Creuset or dutch oven. One small pot for the lentils. One medium-sized pot for the mashed potato.</p>
<h2>Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>2.5 lb. russet potatoes</li>
<li>1 c. whole milk</li>
<li>¼ lb. butter, unsalted</li>
<li>½ c. aged cheddar, shredded</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>1 c. puy lentils</li>
<li>One ea. bouquet garni (small bundle thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and celery leaf)</li>
<li>2 tbsp. corn starch</li>
<li>2 lb. mixed wild mushrooms (maitake, shiitake, cremini, oyster)</li>
<li>3 tbsp olive oil.</li>
<li>Two ea. earrots, peeled, and large dice</li>
<li>One ea. parsnip, peeled, and large dice</li>
<li>One ea. yellow onion, thinly sliced</li>
<li>Two ea. garlic cloves, thinly sliced</li>
<li>2 tbsp. tomato paste</li>
<li>2 c. dry red wine</li>
<li>3 c. vegetable stock</li>
<li>2 tbsp. chopped rosemary</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Begin by making mash potatoes by peeling and large dice the potatoes. Cover with water and simmer until tender. While simmering, heat the milk to scold. When potatoes are tender, strain thoroughly through a colander, mash them, and stir in the milk and butter—season with salt and pepper to taste.</li>
<li>While potatoes are simmering, prepare the lentils. Rinse the lentils before cooking, then cover with 4 cups of water, add the bouquet garni and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then strain and set aside.</li>
<li>Heat the olive oil and sauté the mushrooms in a medium-size oven-proof dutch oven. Once browned, remove from the pan and repeat with the carrots and parsnips in the same pan. Once browned, add the onions and garlic and sauté together for one minute. Return the mushrooms to the same pan and add the tomato paste. Sauté together for one minute.</li>
<li>Add the red wine and reduce it by half. Add the lentils and vegetable stock and bring to a simmer—season with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>While coming up to a simmer, combine the cornstarch with ½ cup of water to form a slurry. (It should look like heavy cream).</li>
<li>Add this slurry to the lentil and mushroom mix, combine, and bring to a simmer.</li>
<li>Shut off the heat, sprinkle the mushroom mix with rosemary, and cover the mixture evenly in the mash potatoes.</li>
<li>Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy.</li>
</ul>


Setting intentions for health doesn’t have to mean ditching dessert. Let’s aim for healthy plates and happy palates. I know it’s possible, because our guest-favorite dessert, Miraval’s Chocolate Avocado Cookies, lets you do both.

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Chocolate Avocado Cookies

<p>Setting intentions for health doesn’t have to mean ditching dessert. Let’s aim for healthy plates <em>and</em> happy palates. I know it’s possible, because our guest-favorite dessert, Miraval’s Chocolate Avocado Cookies, lets you do both.</p>
<p>Try your hand at our simple recipe to make this four-ingredient treat at home.<br />
Full of omega-3s and vitamin E, avocado replaces butter to radically slash the calorie count, increase protein and fiber levels, and lend a healthy dose of B vitamins, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Avocados are high in fat, but unlike butter, they’re full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, maintain HDL (good) cholesterol, and help decrease belly fat.</p>
<p>Cocoa powder provides tons of benefits, especially if your powder is at least 72% cocoa. Flavanol-rich cocoa improves the level of nitric oxide in your blood, which relaxes and dilates your arteries and blood vessels and improves blood flow. It contains iron, zinc, and selenium—minerals that help your body function and balance your immune system. It’s also rich in magnesium (which helps regulate muscle contraction and nerve function) and inflammation-reducing theobromine.</p>
<p>Plus, it tastes delicious, makes you feel full, and might even boost your mood.<br />
I made these with my kids over the holidays, and everyone from the eat-everything teens to the gluten-free, dairy-free vegans in the room came back for seconds (and thirds). Thanks to their easy prep, clean-up, and crowd-pleasing perks, we will be making these again!<br />
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<h2>Ingredients</h2>
<ul>
<li>300g Avocado, ripe (two large avocados, with pits and skin removed)</li>
<li>1 ½ c. Sugar in the raw or other turbinado sugar</li>
<li>1 ½ c. Cocoa powder</li>
<li>1 ½ tsp Baking soda</li>
<li>Dairy Free dark chocolate chips (optional)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 325.</li>
<li>In a food processor blend avocado and sugar in the raw until it makes a smooth paste.</li>
<li>Transfer to a mixer with the paddle attachment and mix in cocoa powder and baking soda until it comes together.</li>
<li>Using ½ oz. scoop portion cookies onto parchment paper. Add one chocolate chunk to the top of each cookie.</li>
<li>Bake until cookies are firm but moist for about 8-10 minutes.</li>
</ul>


Chocolate Avocado Cookies – Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Soft and tender, lightly spiced sweet potato cake made extra delicious and comforting.

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Sweet Potato Toffee Cake

<p>Soft and tender, lightly spiced sweet potato cake made extra delicious and comforting.</p>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 30 minutes<br />
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 30 minutes<br />
<strong>Servings:</strong> 12 minis or one 9&#8243;<br />
<strong>Tools:</strong> Stand mixer with paddle or mixing bowls, mixing spoon, blender or immersion blender, 3&#8243; silicone baking mold, 9&#8243; cake pan, saucepot.</p>
<p><em>*If Einkorn 65% extraction is not available, a combination of 1/4 whole wheat flour and 3/4 all-purpose flour will work.</em></p>
<h2>Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>2 C chopped dates</li>
<li>2 C sweet potato (diced &amp; boiled)</li>
<li>2 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>2 1/2 C white wine</li>
<li>1 C butter</li>
<li>2 C raw sugar</li>
<li>1 vanilla bean</li>
<li>3 C einkorn flour 65% extraction*</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 tbsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp nutmeg</li>
<li>1/2 tsp anise</li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Combine chopped dates, boiled sweet potatoes, spices, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Bring White Wine to a boil and pour over ingredients. Allow to steep 1 hour.</li>
<li>Mix Cream butter and sugar until light and airy. Incorporate eggs, and mix until completely absorbed into the butter mixture.</li>
<li>Blend the cooled sweet potato and wine mixture using an immersion blender or stand blender. Small pieces of sweet potato are ok.</li>
<li>Sift dry ingredients together.</li>
<li>Add one-third of the dry mixture to the cream butter, eggs, and sugar. Follow with 1/2 of the sweet potato mixture, Continue this pattern for the remaining ingredients.</li>
<li>Scoop into 3&#8243; silicone baking mold, or papered muffin tin, and bake for 20 minutes for mini cakes and 30-40 minutes for standard 9&#8243; cake.</li>
</ul>


Recipe created at Miraval Austin Resort & Spa

In the craziness of our everyday lives, we think of fun as a frivolous afterthought—that is, if we think of it at all. It’s nice when it happens, but when it comes to our priorities, it’s often at the bottom of our list.

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The Power of Fun

<p>In the craziness of our everyday lives, we think of fun as a frivolous afterthought—that is, if we think of it at all. It’s nice when it happens, but when it comes to our priorities, it’s often at the bottom of our list.</p>
<p>I personally became interested in fun as a result of my previous book, <a href="http://screenlifebalance.com/"><em>How to Break Up With Your Phone</em>.</a> I found that once I started spending less time on my phone, I ended up with more free time—which was theoretically great, except for one thing: I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it.</p>
<p>I decided to sign up for an adult guitar class, and before long, it was a highlight of my week. When I was in class, I felt happy and energized, buoyed by exuberance and lightness that I didn’t often feel when I was sitting alone at my desk. What’s more, the feeling lingered for days.</p>
<p>At first, I thought that my ebullience must be the result of the guitar-playing itself. But while I did enjoy learning a new skill, that wasn’t it. And then, I put my finger on it: the reason I felt so happy was that I was having <em>fun</em>.</p>
<p>But not &#8220;fun&#8221; in the cheapened sense with which we often use the term. (We often use “fun” to describe <em>any</em> activity that doesn&#8217;t qualify as work—even if it isn&#8217;t ultimately satisfying or enjoyable.)  Instead &#8220;True Fun,” as I decided to call it, is the magical feeling we get when we experience the confluence of playfulness, connection and flow.</p>
<p>The more I learned about fun—or, more specifically, about the benefits of playfulness, connection, and flow—the more passionate about fun I became. I realized that having fun didn’t just make me <em>feel </em>good; by lowering my stress levels and bringing me closer with other people, it was good for my health as well. I became convinced that, far from being frivolous, fun is actually the secret to a happy and healthy life.</p>
<p>In my new book, <a href="http://howtohavefun.com/"><em>The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again</em>,</a> I make the case for why fun is essential and lay out a step-by-step plan for how to have more of it.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3778" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/51UhtAZ9mcL._SX328_BO1204203200_.jpg" alt="The power of fun book cover" width="227" height="344" /></p>
<p>Here are some tips to help you get started.</p>
<ol>
<li>Make a distinction between &#8220;True Fun&#8221; and &#8220;Fake Fun.&#8221; True Fun is an active and engaged state that makes us feel fully alive. &#8220;Fake Fun,&#8221; on the other hand, refers to activities and products that are marketed to us as &#8220;fun,&#8221; but that do not actually result in playful, connected flow, and that, while initially enjoyable, often leave us feeling empty or as if we’ve wasted our time—for example: binge-watching Netflix till your eyes glaze over, or spending hours mindlessly scrolling through your phone. (You can think of fake fun as being like junk food.) Your goal is to cut back on fake fun so that you have more time for the real thing.Miraval Mode can help: the more boundaries you have with your devices, the more present in your everyday life you will be, and the easier it will be for you to recognize opportunities for connection, experience connection, and slip into flow.</li>
<li>Do a &#8220;Fun Audit.&#8221; You can do this on your own, but it will be more rewarding—and fun!—if you recruit some friends or family members to do it with you. I refer to these groups as “fun squads,” and they can be a great way to hold yourself accountable.Regardless of whether you’re doing this on your own or with other people, start by taking the Fun Personality Quiz (available at HowtoHaveFun.com) to see which of the four fun personality types you are.Next, call to mind three experiences in your life that you would describe as having been truly fun — moments in which you felt joyfully alive. Write these down in a journal or a notebook, and don’t feel bad if it takes a while. Many people have gotten so overwhelmed by the responsibilities of adult life that they have trouble remembering what it’s like to lose themselves in fun.</li>
<li>Once you’ve recorded three memories, ask yourself: what were you doing? Who were you with? And where were you? These are examples of your &#8220;fun magnets&#8221;—that is, activities, people and settings that typically generate fun for you.</li>
<li>Make room on your schedule for one (or more!) of your fun magnets. These could be bigger events that you look forward to, such as a weekend away with a particular group of friends. Or they could also be smaller things, such as a weekly class or coffee date, that are easier to work into your schedule on a regular basis.</li>
<li>Next, identify your fun factors. These are the <em>characteristics</em> that made your fun magnets fun. Examples of fun factors include music, physicality, nature, spontaneity, intellectual stimulation, and competition.</li>
<li>Try something new. Use your fun factors to come up with something new to try. For example, if physicality is one of your fun factors, why not sign up for a dance class, or try a new sport? Don&#8217;t be afraid if you&#8217;re not immediately good at it; perfection isn&#8217;t the point. (In fact, in many cases, the sillier it is, the better!)</li>
<li>Make space for fun. You may need to create space—either in your schedule or in your head—to make room for fun. Start by reclaiming some of the time you&#8217;re currently spending on fake fun—for example, by reducing the number of hours you spend on social media.</li>
<li>Keep at it! Once you&#8217;ve figured out some of your fun magnets, make a point to always have at least one on your schedule—the goal is to always have something fun to look forward to.</li>
</ol>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3709" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Social_CatherinePrice_Headshot-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Catherine Price, Miraval's Digital well ness Ambassador" width="343" height="343" /></p>
<p><em>Catherine Price is Miraval’s Digital Wellness Ambassador, founder of Screen/Life Balance®, and author of books including </em><a href="http://screenlifebalance.com/"><em>How to Break Up With Your Phone</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://howtohavefun.com/"><em>The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again</em></a><em>. She helps people scroll less and live more. Guests can learn more about her work—and get her books, plus more resources and practical tips—at </em><a href="http://screenlifebalance.com/"><em>ScreenLifeBalance.com</em></a><em> (and @_catherineprice on Instagram, where she does her best to use social media for good!).</em></p>


Guest post by Catherine Price is Miraval’s Digital Wellness Ambassador, founder of Screen/Life Balance

This month's recipe Lemon-Glazed Blueberry Scones is featured in Miraval's Sweet & Savory Cookbook

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Lemon-Glazed Blueberry Scones

<p><strong>Serves:</strong> 16 scones<br />
<strong>Serving Size:</strong> 1 scone calories: 130 total fat: 3 g carbs: 24 g dietary fiber: 1 g protein: 2 g</p>
<h2>Scones</h2>
<ul>
<li>2 c. all-purpose flour</li>
<li>½ c. sugar</li>
<li>1 Tbsp. baking powder</li>
<li>2 oz. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces</li>
<li>½ c. nonfat milk</li>
<li>1 whole egg</li>
<li>1½ tsp. lemon zest</li>
<li>1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries</li>
</ul>
<h2>Glaze</h2>
<ul>
<li>½ c. powdered sugar</li>
<li>1 Tbsp. lemon juice</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Heat the oven to 350°F. Sift the flour, sugar, and baking powder into a medium-size bowl. Cut in the butter, using a pastry knife or by pinching with your fingers, until the butter and dry ingredients form small crumbs.</li>
<li>Mix the milk, egg, and zest together and then add to the dry ingredients along with the blueberries. Using your hands, mix until you form a soft dough (being careful not to crush the blueberries in this process).</li>
<li>Line a baking sheet with kitchen parchment and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Shape the dough into a 7-inch round and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake until it is lightly golden brown and springs back slightly when pressed in the center, about 25 minutes. Let cool and cut into 16 wedges.</li>
<li>Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl until smooth. Once the scones have cooled, glaze them by taking a spoon and quickly drizzling the glaze over the scones.</li>
</ul>


As the weather gets colder, warm up with Miraval Berkshires vegan Miso Mushroom Soup. Choose your favorite mushrooms and realize that meat is not always needed in a flavorful and delicious soup.

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Miso Mushroom Soup

<p>As the weather gets colder, warm up with Miraval Berkshires vegan Miso Mushroom Soup. Choose your favorite mushrooms and realize that meat is not always needed in a flavorful and delicious soup.</p>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 15 minutes<br />
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 1-hour<br />
<strong>Servings:</strong> 8<br />
<strong>Tools:</strong> Hi-speed blender and a large pot</p>
<h2>Broth Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>1.5 gal. cold water</li>
<li>2 c. dried shiitake</li>
<li>1/2 ea. kombu (2.5 &#8221; inch sq)</li>
<li>1/4 c. red miso paste</li>
<li>.75 c. white miso paste</li>
</ul>
<h2>Additional Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>1lb. Tonkotsu Noodles (Store brought are fine)</li>
<li>10 oz. Mixed roasted mushrooms.</li>
<li>5 oz. scallions, thinly sliced</li>
<li>5 oz. scallions, thinly sliced</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Combine everything except the miso in a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer for one hour.</li>
<li>Begin by making the broth</li>
<li>Avoid boiling.</li>
<li>Remove the kombu and puree the mushrooms with the liquid.</li>
<li>Finish by stirring in the miso and adjusting the salt to taste if necessary.</li>
</ul>
<h2>For the actual soup:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Heat the house-made broth.</li>
<li>While heating, quickly saute your favorite mushroom blend.</li>
<li>One broth is simmering add your noodles and briefly cook for 2-3 min until soft.</li>
<li>Arrange noodles nicely in multiple bowls and garnish with the mushrooms, scallions, and pea shoots.</li>
<li>Pour remaining broth around and enjoy.</li>
</ul>


Recipe created at Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa

This recipe is a wonderful vegan alternative to a typical latte. It has many nutritional benefits with the antioxidants in green tea and honey ...

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Matcha & Almond Milk Latte

<p>This recipe is a wonderful vegan alternative to a typical latte. It has many nutritional benefits with the antioxidants in green tea and honey and is comforting on a cold Berkshire day. It&#8217;s the perfect drink to prepare for someone you care about and just what I would like to sit down and enjoy with my partner while watching the snow come down.</p>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 5 minutes<br />
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 10 min<br />
<strong>Servings:</strong> 2<br />
<strong>Tools:</strong> Small pot, whisk, and hand blender</p>
<h2>Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>2 tsp. matcha powder</li>
<li>1 tbsp. hot water</li>
<li>1/4 tsp. grated ginger</li>
<li>1/8 tsp. nutmeg</li>
<li>2 cups almond milk</li>
<li>1.5 tsp. honey</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>&lt;li&#8221;&gt;Combine every ingredient in a small pot, except the matcha and water, and bring to a simmer.</p>
<li>While coming up to heat, whisk together the matcha and water in a small bowl.</li>
<li>Pour hot milk over matcha and froth with a small hand blender or latte wand. 4. Pour in cups and enjoy.</li>
</ul>


When the world needed it most, mental wellbeing became Miraval Resorts’ primary focus in 2021. Our renewed commitment to ...

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Miraval Resorts Partnership with NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Health

<p>When the world needed it most, mental wellbeing became Miraval Resorts’ primary focus in 2021. Our renewed commitment to elevating mental wellness includes the ongoing development of tools guests can use to re-center their minds and souls, ground them in nature, and boost their spirits.</p>
<p>We are proud to partner with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit, grassroots organization providing no-cost advocacy, education, and support to anyone affected by mental illness. Together, the Miraval Resorts and NAMI teams have launched a series of events and programs that aim to highlight the intersection of mindfulness and mental wellbeing, an essential juncture in today’s world.</p>
<p>“Throughout its 25-year history, the Miraval brand has helped countless guests re-center their minds and souls, create balance in their lives, and elevate their spirits,” says Susan Santiago, head of Miraval operations at Hyatt. “We are all experiencing unpredictable, unprecedented events that can make us feel uncertain and out of balance. Our new NAMI partnership strengthens our mission of helping people restore that balance. Together we can help people build resilience and foster peace of mind in any situation.”</p>
<p>This year, our newly created series of 12 complimentary <a href="https://www.miravalresorts.com/video-library/">Sensory Journey videos</a> (Listen and watch below) feature autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) techniques. Our Mantras &amp; Meditations collection offers guided meditations created and narrated by award-winning Miraval Resorts specialists.</p>
<p>Miraval’s continued commitment to supporting NAMI throughout 2022 has included direct support and additional philanthropic initiatives to increase mental wellbeing awareness and widen access to helpful resources.</p>
<p>Read more about our new Thought Leader series on <em>Well Defined</em> &#8211; <a href="https://welldefined.com/miraval-launches-thought-leader-series-to-empower-both-guests-and-staff/">Miraval Launches Thought Leader Series to Empower Both Guests and Staff </a></p>
<p>“We are delighted to work with the Miraval brand, a pioneer in the wellness space that has long championed mindfulness and its role in fostering a positive outlook,” said NAMI Chief Development Officer Katrina Gay. “We’re excited to tap into the many knowledgeable experts and wealth of resources at Miraval Resorts as we continue our mission to advocate for and support all individuals and families affected by mental illness.”</p>
<p>As we approach the holidays, we wish all our readers a season of joy. As we celebrate our festive moments, we hope you can join us in supporting the essential work of organizations like NAMI, who strive tirelessly to educate the public and elevate awareness of mental wellbeing and mindfulness.</p>
<p>For more information about NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, please visit <a href="http://www.nami.org">www.nami.org</a>.</p>
<h2>Sensory Journeys</h2>
<p>As part of our mission to share mental wellbeing resources with the world, Miraval in partnership with NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, has created a new video series that feature meditations, mantras, and soundscapes for serenity.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536503881">Miraval Berkshires Soundscape For Environment</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536498516">Miraval Austin Soundscape For Breath</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536501409">Miraval Arizona Soundscape For Resilience</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536500300">Miraval Berkshires Meditation For Environment</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536511608">Miraval Austin Meditation For Breath</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536507765">Miraval Arizona Meditation For Resilience</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536502607">Miraval Berkshires Soundscape For Community</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536506401">Miraval Austin Soundscape For Appreciation</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536505097">Miraval Arizona Soundscape For Body</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536499360">Miraval Berkshires Meditation For Community</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536509909">Miraval Austin Meditation For Appreciation</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://vimeo.com/536512401">Miraval Arizona Meditation For Body</a></strong></p>


Scientific research has found that even if it feels awkward at first, in-person interactions with loved ones is hugely beneficial for both our mental and our physical wellbeing.

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Renewal and Reconnection

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<p>With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to celebrating in person with the people we love. But after so much time apart, many people feel out of practice when it comes to real-life interactions. The idea of finally getting to gather with loved ones can sound simultaneously exciting—and also anxiety-provoking.</p>
<p>Scientific research has found that even if it feels awkward at first, in-person interactions with loved ones is hugely beneficial for both our mental <em>and </em>our physical wellbeing.[1] Indeed, one landmark study found that a lack of social connection can be worse for our health than other better-known risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking.[2]</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3708" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/JamesBaigrie_MiravalBerkshires_detail_5709-1024x683.jpg" alt="berries on a branch" width="839" height="559" /></p>
<p>Here are some suggestions for how to make your holidays as fun and restorative as possible.</p>
<p>First, embrace the core message of Miraval Mode, which is that if we want to fully experience our lives—and connect with other people—we need to commit to being with them in the moment and avoiding distractions when we’re together. This means putting our devices away so that our attention isn’t hijacked by notifications; real connection can only happen when we are both physically <em>and </em>emotionally present.</p>
<p>The challenge, of course, is that many of us use our phones as the technological equivalent of security blankets and turn to our screens to soothe our social anxiety. To make this separation easier, consider telling your guests ahead of time that you will be making a point of putting away your own devices while you’re with them, and gently asking them to do the same. You can even set out a basket near your door for people to put their phones in.</p>
<p>Next, provide your guests with an alternative. The fact that we often use our phones to alleviate our social anxiety means that if you ask your guests to keep their phones away, they’re likely to feel pretty uncomfortable unless you give them something else to do or talk about instead.</p>
<p>One idea is to provide conversation prompts. For example, if I am hosting a gathering where people don’t all know each other, I like to put out nametags and ask people to write their name <em>and </em>their answer to a simple question, such as “What’s your favorite thing about fall?” or “What’s your favorite holiday?” It may sound silly, but even just this small bit of personal information can spark conversation—and help your guests feel less awkward.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3705" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blog_HolidayConversations_CP-878x1024.jpg" alt="list of holiday conversation starters" width="878" height="1024" /></p>
<p>If they <em>do </em>know each other, you can still ask them to answer a simple prompt. For holidays in particular, I like to make cards with conversation prompts and tuck one under each person’s glass or plate—for example, “If you could relive one particular year of your life, which would it be?” Or, “What was your go-to outfit when you were a teenager?” Or, “What’s a moment in your life that you would describe as having been truly fun?”</p>
<p>Then, as the meal is served, we go around the table answering our questions. At first this might seem forced, but once people get started, you may be surprised to see the directions the conversation takes. (This can also be a great way to get different generations to interact in new ways.)</p>
<p>Another idea is to make a set of cards with just one word on each card, such as “love,” “kindness,” “gratitude,” “fun,” and “joy.” Have someone pick one of the prompts, and then go around the table, with each person speaking briefly about what the word means to them or makes them think of this particular day or week.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for a way to connect loved ones who you are <em>not </em>seeing in person, why not skip social media updates and start a “delight” text chain instead? I came up with this idea while I was researching my new book, <a href="http://howtohavefun.com/"><em>The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again</em></a>, based on a book I read called (appropriately enough), <em>The Book of Delights</em>, and have found it to be a surprisingly effective method for boosting my spirits and connecting me with friends<em>.</em></p>
<p>It’s simple: as you go about your daily life, make a point to notice things that bring you a moment of delight. They don’t have to be big or profound—for example, my recent delights include a tree with brilliant foliage, a little bird that landed on my café table, and a car I saw that had fake eyelashes affixed to its headlights. Whenever I see a delight, I make a point to label it as such: I raise a finger in the air and I say, out loud, “Delight!”</p>
<p>You can keep your delights to yourself or, if you’d like, create a “delight” text chain with a group of friends: take a photo of something that delights you and text it to the group with the caption, “Delight!” It’s a simple way to harness the <em>positive </em>power of our devices and use them as tools for genuine connection.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3709" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Social_CatherinePrice_Headshot-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Catherine Price Miraval's digital wellness ambassador" width="437" height="437" /></p>
<p><em>Catherine Price is Miraval’s Digital Wellness Ambassador, founder of Screen/Life Balance®, and author of books including </em><a href="http://screenlifebalance.com/"><em>How to Break Up With Your Phone</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://howtohavefun.com/"><em>The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again</em></a><em>. She helps people scroll less and live more. Guests can learn more about her work—and get her books, plus more resources and practical tips—at </em><a href="http://screenlifebalance.com/"><em>ScreenLifeBalance.com</em></a> <em>(and @_catherineprice on Instagram, where she does her best to use social media for good!).</em></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator" />
<p>[1] See, for example, <a href="http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/">http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/</a> and  <a href="https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/dqm/restraint-seclusion/human-connection.pdf">https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/dqm/restraint-seclusion/human-connection.pdf</a> and</p>
<p>[2] http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/</p>


It’s that time again to start planning your Thanksgiving menu. We all have family favorite recipes and tried and true ways to wow our guests, but this may be the year you want to do things with a twist! If so, try Miraval’s Sonoran-inspired dish. You and your guests will enjoy the spice and flare that the Southwest brings to thanksgiving with this wonderful recipe.

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Green Chile Posole

<p>We all have family favorite recipes and tried and true ways to wow our guests, but this may be the year you want to do things with a twist! If so, try Miraval’s Sonoran-inspired dish. You and your guests will enjoy the spice and flare that the Southwest brings to thanksgiving with this wonderful recipe.</p>
<p><strong>Serves: </strong>6 cups<br />
Calories: 190; Total Fat: 5g; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fibre: 7g; Protein: 13g</p>
<h2>Ingredients:</h2>
<ul>
<li>2 Tbsp. Miraval Oil Blend or vegetable oil</li>
<li>1 c. chopped yellow onions</li>
<li>½ c. chopped celery</li>
<li>¼ c. chopped garlic</li>
<li>1 c. chopped poblano pepper</li>
<li>1 lb. lean boneless pork loin, cut into ¾” cubes</li>
<li>1½ c. chopped fresh tomatillo, or canned</li>
<li>1 c. canned hominy, rinsed well and drained</li>
<li>¼ c. chopped fresh cilantro</li>
<li>4 tsp. chili powder</li>
<li>4 tsp. ground cumin</li>
<li>1 tsp. kosher salt</li>
<li>½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li>6 c. Chicken Stock or canned low-sodium, nonfat chicken broth</li>
<li>¼ c. thinly sliced red cabbage, garnish</li>
<li>3 tsp. crumbled Cotija, feta, or parmesan cheese, garnish</li>
<li>1¼ tsp. finely grated fresh lime zest, garnish</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Heat a large saucepan over high heat. Add 1 Tbsp. of the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of pan. Lower the heat to medium-high, add the onions, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the celery, stir, and cook for 45 seconds. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 45 seconds. Add the pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.</li>
<li>Add the remaining 1 Tbsp. of oil and stir well. Add the pork and cook, stirring to sear on all sides, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatillo, hominy, 2 Tbsp. of the cilantro, the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir well and cook for 1 minute. Add the stock, stirring to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat and bring to a high simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the meat is tender and cooked through, 40 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp. cilantro. Divide the stew among 12 serving bowls (half cup per serving). Garnish each portion with 1 tsp. of the cabbage, ¼ tsp. of the cheese, and 1/8 tsp. of the lime zest; and serve immediately.</li>
</ul>


It’s that time again to start planning your Thanksgiving menu.

Imagine the networking trip of your dreams: A surprise retreat for 70 top influential women who are business leaders and executives.

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Behind the Scenes at Marie Claire’s Power Trip: Off the Grid Event

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3689" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blog_StarterCollage_MarieClaire-2-1024x512.jpg" alt="marie claire power trip collage " width="1024" height="512" /><br />
Imagine the networking trip of your dreams: A surprise retreat for 70 top influential women who are business leaders and executives.</p>
<p>The location? An award-winning wellness resort in the Berkshires.</p>
<p>The itinerary?  Inspirational keynote speakers, teambuilding activities geared toward reconnection, and luxurious spa services that soothe the soul.</p>
<p>Ready to pack your bags yet?</p>
<p>Marie Claire’s 5th Annual Power Trip: Off the Grid manifested magic at Miraval Berkshires.  Take look at some of the standout moments from this remarkable 36-hour getaway filled with newly forged friendships, gratitude, creativity, inspiration, and self-care for the mind, body, and soul.</p>
<h2>Day 1: Team building &#8211; Forge a Fire</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Learn how to prepare and bring the gift of fire to life using only primitive techniques, no matches here! As we practice this ancient art form, we will focus on the things we are most grateful for and connect with a new community of friends to enjoy the warm glow of the season that you help create.</em></p>
<h2>Day 1: Keynote interview with surprise guest Alicia Keys.</h2>
<figure><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3682" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/alicia-keys-1-1024x629.jpg" alt="two people speaking to a group of people" width="1024" height="629" /><figcaption>Photo credit @Alli Holloway @marieclaire</figcaption></figure>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3690" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blog_MarieClaire_BrookeShields_HeaderQuote2-1024x427.jpg" alt="Alicia Keys " width="1024" height="427" /></p>
<h2>Day 1:  Floating Meditation</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Experience the calming benefits of induced meditation while you are gently elevated above the floor in a silk hammock and rocked to the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls. Release your mind’s stress, tension, or worry while you “float” weightlessly in the air. </em></p>
<h2>Day 1: Mindful Mandalas</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Mandalas are circular geometric patterns created as a means for meditation through repetition of and devotion to a task, representing universal connectedness. While they look intricate, mandalas are something everyone can make. This class guides you through the basic steps of designing your own mandala.</em></p>
<h2>Day 1: Create Your Own Apothocary</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Transport your senses through a symphony of aromas to delight your sensibilities and spirit by making a custom aromatherapy rollerball. By using certified pure therapeutic grade oils, you can discover nature’s remedies for body, mind, and spirit. Sample a selection of various essential oils and learn about their healing properties while formulating your personal aromatherapy blend to take home in a handy, portable applicator.</em></p>
<h2>Day 1: Keynote Panel &#8220;Building Upon Success&#8221;</h2>
<p>Moderator: Elizabeth Holmes: <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author</p>
<p>Speaker: Maya Watson:  Head of Global Marketing, Clubhouse</p>
<p>Speaker: Bailey Richardson: Community Substack</p>
<p>Speaker: Caryn SeidmanBecker: Chairman &amp; CEO CLEAR</p>
<h2>Day 1: Dinner &amp; Musical Performance by Nancy Wilson</h2>
<p>at Harvest Barn Restaurant</p>
<h2>Day 1: Fireside Chat with Katie Aselton Filmmaker / Actress</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3676" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/marie22.jpg" alt="indoor long table dining table setting " width="633" height="834" /></p>
<h2>Day 1: Life in Balance Spa Slumber Party</h2>
<h2>Day 2: Sunrise Yoga at the Harvest Barn</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Profoundly impact the rest of your day by starting your morning in the serenity of sitting meditation.</em></p>
<h2>Day 2: Beauty of Imperfection</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: This workshop is inspired by the traditional Japanese art form of Kintsugi, meaning to join with gold. Participants will reassemble the shattered pieces of broken pottery and highlight the places of repair with richly colored gold lacquer. The process of repairing a vessel examines our relationship with fracture and imperfections, both real and symbolic, with compassionate reflection and a renewed perspective on what it means to be whole. Instead of disguising, discarding, or replacing the cracks in art or life, we can render the traces of imperfection with beauty and strength.</em></p>
<h2>Day 2: Capture Your Aura</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Unseen by the naked eye, your body, mind, and spirit resonate as energy and color. Learn how your unique energy field can be shown using the Aura Camera 6000 and what the colors of the aura mean. Aura photos will then be taken and developed as 4&#215;6 prints to take home.</em></p>
<h2>Day 2: Keynote Panel &#8220;Finding Your Forward&#8221;</h2>
<p>Moderator: Michelle Miller: Co-Host CBS Saturday Morning, National Correspondent CBS News</p>
<p>Speaker: Catherine St-Laurent:  Co-Founder Acora Partners</p>
<p>Speaker: Payal Kadakia:  Founder Classpass</p>
<p>Speaker: Carly Cushnie: designer and creative director</p>
<h2>Day 2: Keynote interview with surprise guest Brooke Shields</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3675" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/brooke.jpg" alt="two people sitting on chairs holding microphones" width="736" height="898" /><br />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3692" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blog_MarieClaire_BrookeShields_HeaderQuote-1-1024x427.jpg" alt="Brooke Shields" width="1024" height="427" /></p>
<h2>Day 2: Sound Bath with Rudra Bach</h2>
<p><em>Activity Description: Experience a gentle sound immersion with healing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls. The bowls create beautiful and peaceful tones that allow your mind, body, and spirit to harmonize energy.</em></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3673" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/healing.png" alt="people sitting in a circle on a rug with candles in the middle " width="507" height="730" /></p>
<p>Photo credit: Photo credit @Alli Holloway @marieclaire</p>
<p>Read more about Marie Claire&#8217;s Power Trip: Off the Grid event at Miraval Berkshires</p>
<p><a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a38192259/alicia-keys-power-trip-off-the-grid-2021/">https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a38192259/alicia-keys-power-trip-off-the-grid-2021/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a38199654/brooke-shields-power-trip-off-the-grid-2021/">https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a38199654/brooke-shields-power-trip-off-the-grid-2021/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/power-trip-find-your-forward/">https://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/power-trip-find-your-forward/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/power-trip-2021-building-on-success-panel/">https://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/power-trip-2021-building-on-success-panel/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/hearts-nancy-wilson-reflects-on-power-trip-and-finding-empowerment-from-her-mother/">https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/hearts-nancy-wilson-reflects-on-power-trip-and-finding-empowerment-from-her-mother/</a></p>

Unless you are living in a non-Covid-induced bubble, you have experienced conflict. Were you ...

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Naming, Framing & Taming Conflict

<p><em>Guest post by Phyllis Braxton, CEO &amp; Founder of <a href="https://pinkconsultingllc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PINK Consulting, LLC</a> &amp; <a href="https://login.miravalresorts.com/authentic-circle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miraval Authentic Circle Member</a> </em></p>
<p>Unless you are living in a non-Covid-induced bubble, you have experienced conflict. Were you effective at facilitating or resolving it? Maybe your primary caretakers and educators taught you how to make friends, but were you taught how to end those not-so-friendly relationships or encounters?</p>
<h2>Take a moment to reflect:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Do you have a definition of conflict?</li>
<li>Do you know the different dimensions of conflict?</li>
<li>Do you know your core conflict style and how to adapt to other techniques in times of emotional upset?</li>
</ul>
<p>No worries, blame, or shame here. I am willing to bet that most of us never received formal training on how to engage in conflictual situations in a way that is healthy for <strong><em>us</em></strong>.</p>
<p>Do yourself a favor. Take a few minutes and think of a conflict that still resonates. Then, try walking that situation through the information I provide in this article.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3655" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blog_Phyllis_Conflict_HeaderQuote-2-1024x427.jpg" alt="pink cacti flower" width="1024" height="427" /></p>
<h2>Naming Conflict</h2>
<p>Many conflict models<strong>*</strong> suggest that we leave the emotions out of it. Dr. Mitch Hammer writes that unless you acknowledge the underlying feelings, you have no chance of resolving the conflict. In my over 25 years of facilitating difficult conversations across cultural differences worldwide, I strongly concur.</p>
<p>So, what is conflict?</p>
<p>First, let’s quickly name what it is not. Basic communication skills can clear up communication misunderstanding, misperceptions, differences in goals, differences in values and needs, and misinterpretation of behaviors. These are not necessarily conflictual issues. However, if one party has emotional upset, a different set of communication and emotional intelligence prowess is warranted.</p>
<p>I’d like to offer that conflict must have two characteristics: incompatible goals and emotional upset.</p>
<p>Let me give you an example. My husband is more organized than I am—by a mile. When I sold my house, got married, and moved in with him, he expected I would only pack and move what I was keeping. My and my daughter’s belongings from a four-bedroom home with three-and-a-half baths, a shoe closet, formal dining and living room were supposed to fit in his already-furnished house. When I failed at meeting his expectation, there was emotional upset. We have incompatible goals and emotional upset. We were, indeed, in conflict.</p>
<h2>Framing Conflict</h2>
<p>Now that you know how to identify conflict, let’s name its dimensions. According to the work of Michelle LeBaron, conflict can have three dimensions: material, relational, and symbolic.</p>
<p><em>Material conflict</em> is about the stuff, things, rules, laws, resources. If it is solely material, you can resolve it simply, perhaps not easily.</p>
<p><em>Relational conflict</em> is about the nature of the relationship and how much relational glue is present. Relational conflict is about the allowance for grace in how the material conflict is communicated—the tone, energy, language, what’s not said.</p>
<p><em>Symbolic conflict</em> is about the meaning that is made, given the nature of the relationship and how the material conflict is communicated.</p>
<p>Complicated stuff, right? I only learned this in my late twenties. I know now that knowledge was a gift.</p>
<p>For example, when my only child, Ivy, decided not to go to college, the rule/law in our house was for her to take out the trash. Taking out the trash is the subject of the conflict. If I get home from work and the garbage has been taken out, there is no conflict. However, if I get home and the house smells like trash, we have a material conflict.</p>
<p>Now, when I ask Ivy to take out the trash, and she smacks her lips and rolls her eyes, we are in relational conflict because of the nature of our relationship and how she communicated with me. Given that Ivy had a pattern of not taking out the trash, this behavior communicated, for better or worse, an impact. The impact of her behavior led me to associate a meaning with her not taking out the trash— that she was disrespectful, entitled, privileged, spoiled, and lazy. The dimension your conflict is in will demand a unique and different approach to resolving it.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3656" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blog_Phyllis_Conflict_BodyGraphic-1-878x1024.jpg" alt="Taming Conflict info. Resolving conflict in different dimensions requires an intentional cognitive and behavioral approach." width="878" height="1024" /></p>
<p>The ability to recognize and appropriately respond to cultural differences in conflict style is critically important in effectively managing and resolving conflicts. The practical “four-quadrant intercultural conflict style model” developed by Dr. Mitchell Hammer provides a rich framework for increasing competence in cross-cultural conflict resolution.</p>
<p>This model identifies two core, culturally-learned approaches:</p>
<ul>
<li>Direct or indirect strategies for resolving disagreements</li>
<li>Emotionally expressive or restrained methods for dealing with conflict.</li>
</ul>
<p>Combining these approaches results in four cross-cultural conflict styles: Discussion, Engagement, Accommodation, and Dynamic.</p>
<p>The Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) Inventory, developed by Dr. Hammer, is the premier assessment tool for identifying fundamental approaches for resolving conflict across cultural and ethnic differences. The ICS Inventory, based on the four-quadrant intercultural conflict style model, is a self-scoring, easy-to-use, statistically valid, and reliable instrument that can be used for individual, group, and organizational level assessments. Knowing your style will significantly increase awareness regarding different conflict styles and how to manage across cultural differences.</p>
<h2>5 Tips to engage in a healthy conversation &amp; understand conflict:</h2>
<ol>
<li>Check for the two characteristics of conflict.</li>
<li>Map the dimensions of your conflict.</li>
<li>Be intentional in planning your communication, energy, and approach to resolving it: material, relational, symbolic.</li>
<li>Intercultural Conflict Style – know who’s going to show up in times of disagreement and emotional upset.</li>
<li>Get clear in your role, your goal, and what you need to keep your soul.</li>
</ol>
<p>Now, you’re grounded and ready to respond. It is simple yet not easy to change.</p>
<p>And that’s the good news.</p>
<p>We are iterative beings, and we can change. You can invest in the tools you need to be the change you want to see in the world and your relationships.</p>
<p><em>* I use the research of Dr. Mitch Hammer and Michelle LeBaron to support my approach, thinking, and explanations of why we do what we do in times of emotional upset.</em></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3660" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Digital_Social_IGFeed_Nov2_2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Phyllis Braxton CEO and founder of Pink Consulting LLC" width="370" height="370" /></p>
<p>Phyllis Braxton-Frierson is the CEO and Founder of <a href="https://pinkconsultingllc.com/">PINK Consulting, LLC</a> and The PINK Brand, and a Miraval Authentic Circle Member. She has been in the DEI field for nearly 25 years. Phyllis was an adjunct professor teaching graduate-level courses in diversity, received her master’s degree all at the University of Minnesota, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga.</p>


Engaging healthy conversations

This vegan queso is smooth, creamy, spicy, and savory! It is the perfect appetizer for dipping chips or vegetables into!

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Vegan Queso

<p>This vegan queso is smooth, creamy, spicy, and savory! It is the perfect appetizer for dipping chips or vegetables into!</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3631" src="https://blog.miravalresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211009-_DSC9891-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="vegan queso with chips" width="2560" height="1441" /></p>
<h2>Ingredients</h2>
<ul>
<li>2 cups butternut squash</li>
<li>1 ½ cups hulled hempseeds</li>
<li>¼ cup garlic</li>
<li>1 tbsp salt</li>
<li>2 tbsp rice vinegar</li>
<li>1 tbsp white miso</li>
<li>1 tbsp nutritional yeast</li>
<li>1 tsp cumin</li>
<li>1 tsp chili powder</li>
<li>¼ tsp white pepper</li>
<li>½ diced jalapeno</li>
<li>½ tsp smoked paprika</li>
<li>¾ cup almond milk</li>
</ul>
<h2>Directions:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Step 1: Blend all ingredients in a vitamix or blender until smooth.</li>
<li>Step 2: Heat gently in saucepan until warmed through about 180F.</li>
<li>Step 3: Serve and enjoy!</li>
</ul>


For many of us, the holidays mean travel and sleeping in unfamiliar rooms and beds. Those unfamiliar surroundings can make getting a good night’s sleep challenging. Try these tips to improve your sleep when you’re away from home.