http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/lifestyle/living-well/ Adventure Woman Blog: 2012
The Official Blog of AdventureWoman.com


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Adventure Woman Loves Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail


Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail

“Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told.”

By Cheryl Strayed

 
Cheryl Strayed’s (Torch, Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar) memoir Wild recalls a three month adventure she tackled seventeen years ago on the Pacific Coast Trail hiking from the Mohave Desert through California, Oregon to Washington. While Strayed encounters challenges, mishaps and disconcerting moments on the trail the real adventure is found in her emotional revelations along the way and the slow discovery of her previously lost self.

Strayed became inspired to take the journey after reading the back cover of a book while waiting in line at an outdoors store. The author takes-on the trip as a personal pilgrimage and as a far-reaching goal when she is at a desperately low point in her life. Grieving the death of her mother, having split from her husband and using recreational drugs, she plans to hike her way through her confusion. However, her homework of the rigors of the PCT is poor and she is as physically unprepared for the hike as she is emotionally bewildered.

Not long into the trek she learns the highs and lows of serious hiking and is witness the frailties and strengths of her own body. Strayed walks with persistent hunger, bloody feet, an aching back (from too heavy a backpack) and fits of extreme loneliness. But slowly her blurred existence starts coming into focus as she begins appreciating the beauty of the trail and the pieces of her shattered life.

This is a sometimes dark, and often raw memoir that is uplifting in a soul-searching (and not saccharine) sort of way. It’s a rewarding read for any lost adventurer who wants to find their way home again. This is a memoir about the inner and outer challenges of life’s journey – and it makes for a gripping adventure.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Adventure Woman Loves Train Travel!

Trains, planes or automobiles? Each mode of transportation has so much to offer than its hard to pick just one. But, if I had to pick -- I would choose the train any day. Not only is it a wonderful way to see the beautiful USA (or any country) by also a relaxing and soothing experience.

I took the Amtark from Portland, Oregon to Chicago, Illinois and I had the best time. All of the meals are included when you get a sleeper car (I had one for two nights) and as awkward as it initially seems, the Amtrak policy of sitting guests together over Breakfast, lunch and dinner is a fantastic way to meet people. I had a few fabulous conversations with the friendliest strangers. It was simply an unforgettable adventurous experience.

Next time you're traveling consider the train. Its a romantic and historic way to travel and the next stranger you meet might be your lifelong friend. Choo Choo! All aboard!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Adventure Woman Loves the Royal Palms Resort!

Step back into old world Phoenician luxury and glamour at the impeccable Royal Palms. This hotel is a special and unforgettable treat and retreat. Unlike many of the newer hotels in the Phoenix-area, the Royal Palms has a warm, cozy and personal feeling to it. Perhaps it is because the resort started out as a private residence first and later evolved into a fabulous destination hotel. The mansion was originally built in 1929, as the winter home of New Yorkers Delos and Florence Willard Cooke, and was transformed into the Royal Palms Inn in 1949.
For more information see our review at AdventureWoman.com

Friday, January 27, 2012

Adventure Woman Loves the Cubs!

The Chicago Cubs are arguably the most lovable team in baseball. No, we all know they don't have the best record, but perhaps that's why they mean so much to us. With the Cubs Convention just finishing two weeks ago, Cubs fever is back in the air with that 'hope springs eternal' belief that this could be our year. Perhaps it is that Midwest confidence in the possible, when history has shown its not always probable, that keeps us cheering for the Cubs.

March 4th is the start of Spring Training for the Cubs. Spring Training is held in the warm weather of Mesa, Arizona. Click here for the full spring schedule. Regardless, of the Cubs' record, no one can deny they are a winning team.

Their charitable contributions are impressive and their commitment to the community undeniable. At the Convention the Cubs management only upped their commitment to philanthropic and charitable involvement for 2012. And for that alone, the Cubs are big winners.

As the Cubs enter the 2012 season lets hope (once again) that they are winners on (as well as off) the field.

Go Cubbies!

Adventure Woman

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Adventure Woman Loves the Scottsdale Horse Show!

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

February 16 – 26, 2012

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is one of the most regal events in Arizona (or in the USA for that matter). This premiere horse show dates back to 1955, when it first began at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Over the years the show has grown from 50 horses to over 2000, and has acquired a legendary reputation for attracting the crème de la crème in the Arab horse world. Today the Arabian Horse Show is held at Westworld in Scottsdale and attracts trainers, breeders, and the owners from all 50 states and over a dozen countries.


The horse show is well-worth the visit - the only other Arab horse show this grand is in Dubai. If you're in the area, make the effort to visit one of the most spectacular events in the Southwest. For more information visit AdventureWoman.com


If you, let us know! Submit@AdventureWoman.com

Monday, January 9, 2012

Fabulously Fit at Adventure Woman

Fabulous and Fit!

This month we're featuring two amazing women who are mothers and super fit. Natalie Cline and Jonna Silvey have a great work ethic, disciplined diets and it shows. The two Moms of beautiful young daughters combine healthy eating with regular workouts and lots of consistency (and determination). Its really not a diet by a lifestyle choice.

Read both of their interviews in Adventure Woman University.

January is "Create Your Destiny" month and there is no better way to achieve your fitness goals than to discipline yourself with regular exercise and healthy eating. Start taking care of yourself and your family with healthy (and rewarding) habits.

For more motivation and inspiration visit Adventure Woman.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Adventure Woman New Year Affirmations!

Happy New Year!

Everyone at Adventure Woman wishes you a fabulous and adventurous 2012. We are excited to begin a new year and hit the ground running with enthusiasm and motivation.
We've created a dozen affirmations to keep you on track and inspired this year. We're focusing on one affirmation each month.

Below is our month by month break-down of Adventure Affirmations.

1. January - Create Your Destiny
2. February - Love Yourself
3. March - Be Passionate
4. April - Discipline Your Life
5. May - Focus on the Positive
6. June - Expand Boundaries
7. July - Take Risks
8. August - Dream Big
9. September - Trust Yourself
10. October - Seize Opportunities
11. November - Build Your Best Self
12. December - Pursue Adventure

Visit our Adventure Woman blog for more on our affirmations and make this year your BEST year.

Decide what you want + Determine how you can get it + Discipline Yourself to Do it = Creating Your Destiny.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Good Bye to the Holidays and 2011

Austin, Texas proved to be a wonderful place to spend the holidays. There is so much good cheer, great shopping delicious restaurants and cozy cafes that its hard to spend a minutes bored or unhappy. Christmas Eve was spent at the wonderful Barton Creek Resort (what a fantastic Christmas shop) and Christmas Day Brunch at the Four Seasons. Everything was spectacularly beautiful (except the guy who wore old jeans and a scrappy tee-shirt saying, 'I am a Pick-up Artist.' You have to wonder why - oh why - someone would wear such a get-up to Christmas Brunch. Ugh!) I mean show a little respect... really.

Well, it is sad to see 2011 go. It was an eventful and exciting year and it appears 2012 only has more fabuluosity and adventurousity in store for all of us. Buckle your seat-belts!!

So let be thankful for our 2011 blessings and a big cheers to 2012!