There's no denying it -- the holidays are upon us. As usual, I feel as though they snuck up while I wasn't looking. This year I've found some amazing items - from items whose proceeds contribute to a cause to wonderful clothes to goodies to pamper your body as well as your soul. Everything that I recommend here is something that I own, use, and love. I don't endorse anything that I don't absolutely love. That means that I haven't been paid to recommend the items here. They've made the list because I adore them and know that they will enhance your life in some way. As I write this the words to My Favorite Things are running through my head...
- For anyone who wants to get moving -- If you're desiring to move a bit more this year (or know someone who does), I highly recommend Nia. Nia is a mix of Martial Arts, Dance Arts, and Healing Arts that will not only work out your body (you'll sweat even though you don't feel like you're exercising) but it'll work your mind, emotions and spirit. I feel in love with Nia a few months ago and I practice multiple times per week (in addition to my daily yoga practice, of course!). I can't speak highly enough of this wonderful technique. The music is amazing and the creators -- Debbie and Carlos Rosas -- are inspiring. It can be difficult to find a class near you, as there aren't a lot of Nia teachers out there, but the Nia Web site offers some wonderful DVDs. I only have one word of caution for you -- the Nia online store isn't the greatest. Often items are on backorder and the customer service is far from friendly and attentive (unfortunately, I have firsthand experience with this). Typically the DVDs are in stock, but buyer beware in regards to the other items in the store.
- For anyone with stiff, aching joints and/or muscles -- if you suffer from stiff muscles and joints, I highly recommend Kink-Ease MSM Salve. I've always used China Gel on my sore muscles but I was so impressed by Kink-Ease that I've switched. If you've overdone it during your yoga practice or if your muscles and joints have taken a beating, try Kink-Ease for rapid relief. I was a bit skeptical when I first tried it but it lived up to its billing and it's become a staple for me.
- For the tee-totalers -- if you're looking for high quality teas and an amazing selection of flavors, check out Amanzi Tea. I met the owner of the Greenville, SC store a year or so ago, and I order from them constantly. Their selction of Black, White, Oolong, Green, Rooibos, herbal, and Yerba Mate teas are unparalleled. They're recently redesigned their Web site, so it's easy to find the right tea for you.
- For the positive thinkers -- I've always been an optimistic person, so it's no wonder that I absolutely adore the blisscals from Creating Bliss. Blisscals are positive messages that are sure to uplift you and make you smile. You can either purchase reusable static cling blisscals or outside apply decals. Creating Bliss is currently running a special -- if you buy 3 Blisscals, you get 1 free. Whenever I spy my Blisscal (I have some on my mirrors at home as well as my windows), I smile. If you need a positivity infusion, check out Creating Bliss.
- For those who want to support worthy causes -- I always like buying things where the proceeds go to worthy causes. If you'd like to shop and do good at the same time I highly recommend Warriors in Pink (which supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure) and Starter Kit for Change (which raises environmental awareness and donates proceeds to Action Against Hunger). You're sure to find goodies here that are perfect for anyone on your holiday shopping list (even those who are hard to buy for). Warriors in Pink offers great t-shirts, scarves, hats, keychains and the like and Starter Kit for Change offers a fabulous bag (which is handmade) made from recyclyed materials, a seedling for planting, a journal and pencil, Soduku booklet, gratitude cards and fair trade hot chocolate. These sites offer fabulous inexpensive gifts that pay it forward!
- For raw foodies -- although I'm not a raw foodist, I do try to add a fair amount of raw foods to my diet. By chance I found an amazing company that delivers delicious raw food snacks right to your door. The Cleanse's monthly raw food subscription (scroll down the page to the Monthly Raw Food Subscription section )comes in either a $44 or $75 dollar amount and can be shipped on either the first or the middle of the month. The food is amazing and I enjoy every bite. You can request favorites via email. I love the decadent macaroons! The packages also include yummy treats like Nori crackers, flax crackers, pizza crusts, cookies, and granola.
- For Artisan Soap lovers -- Sarva Soaps offers a fabulous selection of premium handcrafted natural vegetable soaps using essential oils, clay, botanicals, herbs, and rare exotic butters. The pictures on the site are divine but they don't come close to how amazing the soaps feel and smell. They're heaven! Sarva offers a festive collection of holiday soaps that are sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit. The variety is staggering, so be prepared to make some hard decisions. Of course you can't go wrong since all of these soaps are fantastic. You also get free shipping on all orders over $50. This is a splurge that I highly recommend!
- For belt wearers or anyone with a cool sense of style -- I admit that I wasn't much of a belt wearer until I stumbled across the unique customer designer belts from The Urge to Adorn. Now I wear belts all the time! The worst part about this fabulous online store is deciding which belt to choose. They offer a fantastic selection including Asian art; buddhas, saints and queens; vintage label; western; flower; romance; patter; insect; and animal kingdom designs. I decided on a Lotus Flower belt, but I'm sure I'll be buying more in the future. I just love the designs. These belts add flare to any outfit.
- For the cosmetic buff -- I love natural products and I've gotten a lot more particular about what I put on my face and in my hair. After a lot of trial and error, I've found some amazing companies that offer fantastic natural products. Daybreak Lavender offers some wonderful natural skin care (they also sell soaps, bath and body care, and aromatherapy items) with my favorite being the Rhassoul Duo Daily Complexion Polish Soap Skin Care System. I've been using this product for months and my skins glows. I've even bought it for family members and so far everyone loves it. For hair care, I turn to Carol's Daughter. I heard about this line years ago but didn't try it until I stumbled upon it in Sephora. I'm so glad that I did. I love the products (who wouldn't love Mimosa Hair Honey?!?!), which smell and feel fabulous. In addition to the hair care items that I love so much, Carol's Daugher also offers bath and body products, skincare, and products for hands and feet (the Manicure in a Jar is my favorite, especially in the winter time). I love the natural fragrance of these products and they make my hair feel fabulous! As for natural makeup, my new favorite is MyChelle. I love the cream foundation stick, the blush stick, concealer and the Apple Brightening Serum. This company offers more than makeup -- they offer fabulous skincare and bodycare as well. I love everything that I've bought and tried from them and I look forward to trying more.
- For writers -- I am a big fan of Yoga Lifestyle, as they offer a wide variety of high quality and unusual yoga items. My favorite find from them this year are their Buddha Writer Hand Painted Pens. These pens are the perfect gift for all of the yoga-lovers on your list. I love mine and I use it every day. Makes me smile every time!
- For the meditator -- When I meditate I use a wooden bench, which I love. Every since I found the meditation cushion from Comfort Zone Yoga, my bench has competition. This folded cushion's genius design props up my hips while at the same time cushions my knees, ankles and feet. I can sit for long periods of time in total comfort without my legs falling asleep. The cushion can also be unfolded to lie flat and used as a bolster. This great find is only $44 including shipping. I love it so much that I'm considering buying another one for when I travel.
- For the stressed, too-busy woman -- I know that I have a lot of stressed-out women on my holiday list. My wonderful friend Maryam Webster has written a book with dozens of helpful exercises and techniques to combat stress and recharge the woman's soul. The book is an easy read and everyone on my holiday list is getting a copy. The book is aptly titled Everyday Bliss for Busy Women: Energy Balancing Secrets for Complete Health and Vitality. I love this book and I can speak first hand of the effectiveness of the techniques inside. This book is a treasure that any woman on your holiday gift list would be grateful for.
- For the spiritual seeker -- My favorite read of the moment is I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. The book is substantial and it's packed with wisdom. It's a book that I come back to time and time again and that I highly recommend.
- For the goddess -- Fertile Goddess offers yoga clothes with a goddessly twist. The tops feature goddesses such as Lasksmi, Ceres, Athena, and Kuan Shin Yin (just to name a few) and each article of clothing has an inspiring message hidden inside. The clothes don't just look good, but they feel good. The Flow Pant and the Long and Lean Pant have become staples in my collection. I wear them all the time because they are comfortable and flattering. I even splurged on the notecards which offer beautiful goddess artwork and goddessly inspirational messages. Fertile Goddess customer service is awesome and it's obvious that the company is run by some very cool people. The Web site is easy to navigate and offers excellent pictures and descriptions of the clothing. I can't say enough good things about the products and this new company. If you want to honor the goddess in you and the goddesses in your life, check out Fertile Goddess.
- For the funky yogi -- There's nothing new about organic cotton yoga clothes, right? WRONG! The ladies over at Shining Shakti hand dye their yoga clothes to give them a one-of-a-kind look. Any time I wear a Shining Shakti piece, I get compliments. The colors are bold and beautiful and the pants fit amazingly well. They flatter while lending a fun air. If funky, groovy prints aren't your thing, they also offer au naturale pants for the purist. And who can resist the cool names of their collections -- Inner Spiral, Pantsplosion!, and So Blendy? I'm a huge fan of Shining Shakti and these pants have become a new addiction for me. They're so unusual and different from the average yoga pant that I just can't help but add more to my collection.
- For the body care conscious -- It can be hard to find natural, organic body care items but my friend Anna has a whole line of scrubs and soaks that are truly divine. Anna is trained as a holistic health counselor, is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. When you open a jar of Anna's bath soak or her body scubs her expertise is immediately apparent. I've never been able to find more pure products than the ones that Anna creates. The best part is that Anna will craft custom soaks/scrubs to meet your individual needs. You choose the herbs, scents, and oils, and Anna will send you a personalized body care creation that is like heaven in a jar. I use her products (Goddess of Yoga Bath Soak is my bathtime favorite!) all the time and I am continually amazed at how fabulous they are. Anna has spoiled me for life -- I've never buy store-bought bath salts and scrubs again! There is truly nothing like them sold in stores. If you're ready for a whole new body care experience, check out Anna's Web site.
- For those who appreciate sacred offerings -- Dharma Boutique offers a fine selection of one-of-a-kind items hand-picked by owner, Kirtanist, adventurer, and world-traveler Adam Bauer. All items are fair trade and unique.
Well, there you have it -- all of my favorite finds from the past year. Happy shopping! I hope you and yours enjoy these recommendations as much as I have.
And in honor of my teacher, Krishnamacharya, I would like to offer up one more gift idea for students/devotees of the Krishnamacharya lineage. Masters in Focus is a limited edition photographic book that compiles rare images of the 5 greatest yogis of our time. Krishnamacharya is one of the featured yogis. The timing is perfect, as today would be Krishnamacharya's 120th birthday.
Namaste!
,
Hi Grace --
I have to answer that question with an enthusiastic YES! Yoga, meditation, and pranayama will absolutely, positively help with stress.
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 10, 2009 at 06:59 PM
I want to learn Yoga especially nowadays that i am undergo with stress. Do you think guys it will help?
-Grace
Posted by: Send Flowers Philippines | January 09, 2009 at 09:27 PM
nice site.
by:vicinity
Posted by: gift to philippines | December 27, 2008 at 12:21 PM
cooling detoxifying and cleansing through food links.
Posted by: Angel Seeker | December 22, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Linda, if I get a yoga talk show, you can be my co-host. You can be the Gayle to my Oprah????
Posted by: Diane Cesa | December 12, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Very interesting article. Thank you.
Posted by: Dejan | December 08, 2008 at 09:36 PM
hey, if you get a yoga talk show, can I be on it? I need some PR. really.
Posted by: Linda | December 08, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Kristine and Total Cleanse -- You are too funny! If I ever get my own yoga talk show, I will GIVE the goodies away. Until then, recommendations will have to do. Sorry 'bout that!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | December 08, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Kate you are more than welcome. I absolutely love Nia and I was happy to mention it in the blog. That's great that you've been a teacher for 12 years. I feel like Nia is so underappreciated! I think it's wonderful that you're sharing Nia with your part of the world. Joy to you!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | December 08, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Linda -- I just love that you're a funky ageless hippy chick and I know you're going to love the pants. I'm going to buy more colors myself. I love them!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | December 08, 2008 at 04:20 PM
since I'm a funky ageless hippie chick, I ordered some Shining Shakti pants....
Posted by: Linda | December 07, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Dang! It's just like Oprah!
Posted by: total cleanse | December 07, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Dang! It's just like Oprah!
Posted by: total cleanse | December 07, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Dang! It's just like Oprah! Except we don't actually get the stuff. Oh well....
Posted by: Kristine | December 06, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Thank you for mentioning Nia! I have been teaching for 12 years....back in the day when nobody knew what Nia was. Being a yoga teacher as well, I can say the depth, beauty, and emotional/physical healing from dancing from the inside out is joyful. Joy to you this holiday season~
Posted by: kate | December 06, 2008 at 10:31 AM