Holiday Gift Guide

And just like that, it's December 1st! Can you believe it? Time literally flies by! It's insane! I know I say that all the time. But I truly don't know how to make it slow down!

I thought it might be fun to compile all of my favorites into a blog post. (Not that you're looking to buy for me; and in that case, I would have most likely included things that I didn't already have LOL) But things that I've come to love as I have dove deeper into the yoga world. Hugger Mugger is truly becoming one of my favorite brands! Specifically for their patterns. They have such fun beautiful patterns in just about everything. Having pretty things motivates me to practice more! So... If you're looking for the perfect gift (or gifts) for the yogi in your life, look no further!

one - Hugger Mugger Batik mat bag  $34.95; I may or may not already have this. (actually, I do) Hugger Mugger has become my new favorite simply based off of their ADORABLE patterns. Seriously, I'm in love! This bag is perfect for carrying your yoga mat to and from class. I especially love the zipper compartments to carry things like my wallet, keys and or phone when I'm on the go because I HATE lugging around tons of bags!

two - Elisabeth Ashlie elastic ties  $4/3 hair ties; Although these aren't what she is known for, these ties are the cutest things ever! They won't cause damage to your hair like the normal ones do. In fact; I like a looser pony tail holder these days. These come in so many fun patterns; they're great! *also check out her jewelry while you're at it. She makes some spectacular things and she is local too! Right here in the Chicagoland area!

three - Hugger Mugger Cotton D-Ring Strap (10 in) $11.95; (typically on sale for $8.99); If you seriously loathe using the strap, or you get frustrated with how short they are you have g o t to try this 10-inch strap. Especially if you're curvy; you'll notice these longer straps working 10 times better for you.

four - Hibiscus Headband  (Beautiful Boundaries Etsy Shop) $8.40;  what yogi couldn't use a headband? This shop has the CUTEST ones I've seen in quite some time. The patterns are absolutely gorgeous and she has all kinds of various shapes and sizes! She recently had a by 2 get 1 free sale. If you happen to check her out while this sale is going on, I encourage you to take advantage of it! You won't be disappointed!

five - The Original Super Block $29.99; Get ready for a whole lotta block! This thing is freaking AMAZING! Seriously, I can't even describe it! You can use it for so many things other than just a block! I recently attended a hot yoga class where they did not have bolsters. Using two of these and a blanket, I created my own and made myself a thousand times more comfortable than I would have been with nothing. This is probably my favorite yoga prop at the moment!

six - The Yamas & Niyamas $8.00 - $15 respectively; THIS BOOK! This book will change your life! We read this in training, and while we went rather fast through it; it still changed my life! It will open you to your core and you will become so much more of a happier; more open person. I will warn you though; the process is lengthy and it sucks! It's raw and it's emotional, so be ready for that. I'm actually taking 2016 to restart the book, and complete each exercise in the book instead of one per chapter!

seven - Hugger Mugger Meditation Cushion (also available in patterned; because why not) $46.95 solid and $56.95 for patterned; meditation cushions are the new yoga mat! Have you not heard this yet? lol Seriously though, if I can't get in an asana practice, I will at least take the time to meditate. I can do this so much better with a pretty cushion! I'm a sucker for Hugger Mugger's patterns! (clearly) so while this is a little hefty on the price tag, I promise, it's totally worth it!

7 Essentials For The New Yoga Student!

The above is an image I created for my Shabby-Savvy Maven blog. I've since quit blogging under that name, but you may still find some of the things I wrote interesting. This was my take on a "beauty and DIY" blog. But, it didn't take off; and I didn't have near as much passion as I do here!

I went ahead and compiled a list of my 7 essentials for any new yoga student. Whether it be for at home practice or to bring with you to your yoga practices;

1.       Strap – I am still in search of the PERFECT strap that works just as the ones in my actual yoga studio do. I find the ones that I’m finding are too thin for me or are too short. I’m sure it is that I am not looking in the right place. I found mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. My next strap will be from the Yoga Accessories website. These seem super similar to the ones I have in class.

2.       Blocks – You can find these cheapest probably at Five Below. They work the same and are also structured the same. I’ve seen these range at other stores from $10-$20 depending on the size and brand.
 

3.       LIP BALM – I particularly am in love with my Rosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm, but I also always keep a Burt’s Bees on me. I've always got Burt's Bees on me! It's an obsession!
 

4.       Yoga Bag – Or gym bag I suppose. My absolute FAVORITE is this bag from Thirty-One. I actually have it in this print too! When I ordered mine, I embroidered “Here for Savasana” on the front. (It gets me a lot of laughs!) My yoga mat fits perfectly on the back of the bag. There’s a spot for my stinky shoes… AND when I’m wearing earrings, or even traveling with them, there are even holes for you to pin them to! I am SO in love with this bag! I'm not sure that it is still available. My advice to you is to find a yoga bag that you LOVE!
 

5.       Hair ties – DUH!!! (trust me, you'll thank me later!)
 

6.       Yoga Mat –  You can find these cheapest (and sometimes cutest) at Five Below. I feel the quality is more or less the same as what you'd find at Target, WalMart or even some Yoga Accessories at a fraction of the price. Most of the time the print are even prettier! But if you would rather get an “official” sport store yoga mat, that’s fine too… Expect to pay between $30 and $200 depending on where you go and what kind of mat you get. My suggestion would be to hit up your local Marshall's or TJ Maxx if you're looking at investing in a "pro" mat.
If you go around January (or the time when gym and work out gear tend to be 'in season') you'll find lots of Manduka and Jade mats for a fraction of the cost. Last January, I got my purple Jade mat for $49.99 (as opposed to the $80 retail cost). Just do your research and be on the look out at all times for good deals!
 

7.       Water bottle – You don’t always realize how intense yoga can be vs. working out at the gym. You can sweat just as much, and need to replenish your body just as if you were working out on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. You’re just working your muscles in different ways. Most yoga studios offer water complimentary, BUT some require you to bring your own bottle.

And there you have it… my 7 essentials for any yoga beginner!

Please, don't be afraid to integrate these things into your classes or home practice! In fact, I'd love to hear how you're doing just that. Shoot me an email or leave me a comment below!

Namaste,

M