October Monthly Challenge:
Support a Cause

This month Glen Ivy Spa challenges you to find a cause that inspires YOU and offer them support. We at Glen Ivy have long known that people who work to help improve the lives of others will in turn enhance their own.  Whether in the form of offering time, energy, skills, or financial donation is up to you.

To do our part, Glen Ivy Hot Springs will be offering “Chair Massage for a Cause” throughout the month. Proceeds will be divided among four local organizations we admire, a different one each week profiled on our Blog. That’s not all, we will also be doing Q&A with Glen Ivy staff members who have set an example of service in their communities and abroad.

How do I participate?

Let us know you participated in this month’s challenge by answering our One Question Poll. Want to inspire others? Share how you participated with a comment on the Blog or on Facebook.

Need some help getting started? There is an endless list of community organizations and charities that are worthy of our efforts, and selecting one may be daunting, so we have put together some guidelines to help you get started.

There are a few ways to approach this, so read on and try the one that fits you best:

• Think of something that you are passionate about or has touched your life, it could be anything from art to the zoo.
• Decide what you have to offer… Time, money, knowledge or skill? Who might benefit from this?
• So many ways to give…volunteer time to a group in your community, donate clothing or food to a local shelter.
• Buddy up. Check with friends to see if they are involved in an organization that could use your help.
• Making a financial contribution? Check with your employer if they offer matching donations.
• Have a special talent? Donate your services to the organization or as a silent auction item.
• Do it as a family.  Involve your children and grandchildren in learning about the world’s needs and the charities that serve them. The children will never forget what they’ve learned, and you’ll start them down the path to a lifetime of giving.

We all know it happens. People move, our lives get busy and we lose touch with those we were close to. Staying in touch with your friends isn’t always an easy task, until now. Taking a little time out of your month, or week, to spend with your friends not only has its health benefits, but it will help you live a more balanced life while strengthening some of the most important relationships—friendships.

Check out some easy ways to spend time with your favorite pals:

• Have a Dinner Date—Whether you meet up at your favorite restaurant or have a nice homemade dinner, there’s no better way to reconnect than by enjoying some great conversation over great food.

• Start a Book Club—If you and your friends all enjoy a good read, bond over a book! Book clubs are a great way to get together and share your thoughts about your favorite books! Check out Oprah’s tips and resources on how to start your own club!  

• Game Night—Love a little healthy competition? Grab that Monopoly board (or Pictionary if that’s more your style) and let the games begin! A game night wouldn’t be complete without some delicious munchies so make it a pot-luck game night and have everyone bring a dish!

• Plan a Spa Day—Head to Glen Ivy! Therapeutic waters, spa treatments, delicious food, and hours of relaxation. What more could you ask for!? Make the day even better and rent a cabana with your friends and enjoy a day being pampered!

So mark it on the calendar and invite your friends. Whether you’re reconnecting with a long last friend or keeping close with your best bud, take some time and enjoy each other’s company!

This month’s camaraderie theme was reflected in the many touching entries we received about friendships, siblings, mom and daughters, and marriages. From starting a new friendship to honoring a wonderful mother, and in the case of this contest’s winner, thanking a humble husband who is also a great best friend. Congratulations to Lorianne who will enjoy a a VIP day in the Date Palm Cabana at Glen Ivy Hot Springs! Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and voted!

They’re there for you through thick and thin, always make you laugh, and provide comfort and companionship, but did you know that your friends actually make you healthier? Many studies over the years have found that people generally live longer, happier, healthier lives if they have a strong network of support from friends and family. They can be lifesavers (literally!)

With a strong network of friends and family, you’re more likely to experience:

-A reduced the risk of heart disease
-A faster healing process from illnesses
-Lower blood pressure
-Less negative emotions and illnesses (they help boost your immune system!)
-A slower aging process
-A prolonged life
-More motivation and energy

So make your network of support your priority and enjoy a powerful weapon to living a healthy and happy life: friendship.

by Chef Bill Wavrin

Yield: approx. 45 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup oat bran
• ¼ cup wheat bran
• ¼ cup whole wheat
• ½ cup almonds
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon dried ginger powder
• 2 cups orange juice
• ¼ cup agave nectar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon canola oil

Method:

Per heat oven to 300 degrees!!

Step #1: In a bowl add the first [8] ingredients and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl mix the remaining ingredients to combine. Pour the wet into the dry and mix together.

Step #2: Place on a sheet pan and bake in the pre-heated oven [30-40] minutes. Be careful the sides don’t burn. Turn the granola occasionally to ensure even toasting. When the granola is dry and toasty remove to cool. When cool the granola should be dry and never moist. Place in a sealable container. Will last 1 month in a sealable container.

Glen Ivy Spa was selected as the 1st place favorite in three categories: Favorite Day Spa, Favorite Mineral Springs Spa, & Favorite Affordable Spa

The finalists for our “Win a Cabana” contest have been chosen! From mothers to husbands (even Mark Wahlberg and Audrey Hepburn!), we enjoyed reading about who you would spend a cabana day with! Now it’s up to YOU to choose who will be spending a day lounging in our Date Palm Cabana! Voting ends Sunday, September 12 at 10:00 pm so make sure you cast your vote!  Enjoy our finalists’ entries and thank you to everyone who participated!

#1- Lasting Memories: Spending a day with my baby sister, Linda, would be like getting two for one. Since our Mother passes two years ago, spending time together keeps the memories of her alive. We reminisce and share hilarious and touching stories that we’ll later share with her favorite people–our children. Our time together has helped us realize how many of our Mom’s quirky personality traits, wonderful qualities and family traditions we have adopted as our own. Our Mom, like so many other great women of her time, was a progressive Mother. There was never a doubt that our Dad and us girls were the most important thing in her life. I’m sure my sister and I will create a lasting memory the we can share with our children.–Gerri

#2-A Long-Awaited Anniversary: I have been in the ER seven times over the past 12 weeks and admitted to the hospital four times. My husband has been my partner, caretaker and unrelenting support. I know it has been trying on him and he would LOVE a day at Glen Ivy. Due to the above, my husband and I had to cancel our fifth year anniversary cruise to the Caribbean. This would truly be a treat and would help me say “thank you” to the man I love who takes such good care of me. He is so deserving of this day. He is so humble and patient he would never ask for it so it would be a nice surprise.–Lorianne

#3- A Day With Mom: I would spend it with my mother. My mother passed away 12 years ago while I was pregnant with my first child. I feel there is so much of my life she missed and she never got to meet her two grandchildren or see me purchase my first home. I have not had the opportunity to share my life with her. I would love to spend the day reflecting on my memories of my mother, her words of wisdom, her advise and counsel. I would spend the day getting to know myself better and searching for signs and resemblances of my mother in me. I truly miss having her in my life. Whenever I see the Birds of Paradise (her favorite flower), I know her spirit is with me and that all things are good.–Latrice

#4- Beginning a Friendship: If I could spend one day at Glenn Ivy in one of the cabanas with one person it would have to be my co-worker, Miranda. I moved here from Minnesota a year ago and have been busy trying to make ends meet. All of my family and friends are so far away, and while my husband is great, I need some girl time. I would love to become better friends with Miranda but our job makes it hard to do so. She also desperately needs the time to relax.  She is a single mom who is underpaid and overworked. Despite all the hardships, she always manages to smile and get a whole room laughing with her. It normally takes me a long time decide whether I want to be friends with someone, because I know that a good friendship takes time and energy. Oddly, I have felt an instant connection with Miranda and just know that we are meant to be friends forever.  Given the time to relax and have some fun our friendship can start to blossom.–Nichole

#5- A Deserving Friend: I would pick my friend Gina who is an amazing woman who deserves such a chance. This year has been quite difficult for her, she lost her father and stepfather within a few months of each other. For years she has spent much of her time taking care of her father and also supporting her mother and family when her stepfather was ill. She takes on the burden of the world and doesn’t complain, but one can see the pain is deep. In many ways she has been my light when I lost my job and living through the fear of almost losing a family member this year. She has been there unconditionally for the people around her and deserves a chance to take care of herself. It would give her a glimpse of happiness when this year has been filled with such darkened tragedies. –Nancy

Welcome to the September Challenge:
Celebrating Camaraderie

For 150 years camaraderie has been a core element of the Glen Ivy Experience… a special place for friends and family to gather, laugh and share, relax and renew… and above all, embrace the joy in life. This month our challenge focuses on the ways friendship can enrich our lives, benefiting our overall health and well being.

How do I participate?
Each week we will be introducing a new way to explore and strengthen the friendships in your life, starting with a contest where your story could Win a Day in a Cabaña at the Hot Springs for you and a friend. Be sure to sign up for our Monthly Challenge newsletter or check back throughout the month as we post articles on the Health Benefits of Friendship, a fun “Are Your Friendships Real” Quiz, a checklist to determine if You are a Good Friend, Tips on how to be a good “Secret Sister,” and more!

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook where we will be “friending” the Glen Ivy community all month long.

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