Here’s a winning combination: family and fitness. I try to link the two whenever possible – such as exercising our horses with granddaughter Jessie. And walking 4 to 6 miles on a Saturday with my grandson Jake has become somewhat of a ritual. How many 8^th graders actually look forward to spending Saturday mornings with Nana? It wasn’t long ago that Jake could care less about walking, let alone hiking. Since we acquired a home in the mountains, where we are not lacking for scenic wooded trails and streams, Jake actually sets the pace on challenging hikes that he was neither capable of nor interested in just a few years ago.

Recently our family was invited to watch a friend’s daughter in a softball tournament held 5 miles from our house. You should have seen the delight in my faithful canine companion Sherman’s eyes when he saw the leash that signaled a Mommy-Doggy walk. I waved to my kids as they drove by with the chairs and ice chests in their cars. (If you’re wondering, yes, we did ride on the way home!)

Engaging in fun fitness activities with family is double-dipping in the most fulfilling and healthy way.

Until next time,

Roxanne Housley

Outdoor living is one of the highlights of residing in Tucson – the sunsets are spectacular, the weather outstanding, the views incredible. Consequently, grilling and eating outdoors is equally as special – and we find ourselves enjoying grilled delights, such as veggies, chicken, fish, and even fruit, about 75% of the year. Except, of course, when the temperature hits triple digits and we retreat to the comfort of air-conditioning! Only then is it safe to turn on the oven.

One of my favorite dishes comes from the Canyon Ranch kitchen – Chicken Stuffed with Carmelized Garlic. I love garlic and put it in everything I cook. (I wouldn’t make it as a Twilight groupie, as vampires would stay far away from me!) It’s easy to prepare and makes your house smell like the best restaurant in town. I serve it to family, company and even the grandkids love it.

I have to confess that I did deviate from the recipe a bit last time I made it: I had to add just a little bit of salt on the finished product; and I couldn’t bring myself to crush the tomatoes for the accompanying Chunky Tomato Sauce by hand, as the recipe states. I used canned crushed tomatoes instead and saved my manicure. Shhh! Don’t tell Chef Scott!

Click here for these yummy and nutritious recipes. Then put on your sunglasses, spray yourself with a mister bottle and pretend you’re outside! Bon appétit!

Until next time,

Roxanne Housley

When you’re traveling, what do you look for in a hotel? Comfy feather beds and pillows? Proximity to great shopping and restaurants? A full-service business center?

Well, if you’re like me, you look for a place with great workout facilities. I’ve been known to change hotels if the one where I’m scheduled to stay doesn’t have a fitness center or access to a local club. Yes, it’s the Canyon Ranch way. But it’s also the Roxanne Housley way, because I gotta tell you, if I don’t get my workout in on the road, I don’t feel good otherwise. I’m more productive, happier, sleep better and have more energy.

When possible, I prefer outdoor exercise – walking, running, hiking, horseback riding, golf – and am not above lacing up the tennis shoes and walking my way through busy New York or a Chicago suburb. But sometimes weather (especially summer temps in Arizona) derail my best outdoor intentions, so I retreat inside where it is comfortable and practical.

Exercise is great for the body and clears the mind. Make the time.

Until next time,

Roxanne Housley

It’s mind-boggling that I even have the time to write this blog.

As VP of Sales and Marketing at Canyon Ranch, my day is consumed with meetings, phone calls, approvals, discussions, travel, etc., to help promote our Brand, educate our public and entice guests to vacation here. When I’m not doing that, I am mother, wife, grandmother, friend, community advocate, chef, cheerleader and exercise zealot. Cramming all of those activities into one day is much like trying to squeeze a size 6 foot into the half-size smaller, last gorgeous pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes that go perfect with your new outfit. It may look great and work for awhile, but after a few minutes you’ll likely fall flat on your face.

Most of you working mothers – and fathers – can empathize with the attempt to shoehorn everything we need and want to do into one day, or even one week. If my 26 years at Canyon Ranch has taught me anything, it is the importance of keeping my perspective as I try to maintain balance in my life. Join me on this journey.

Until next time,

Roxanne Housley