welcome to the first annual yoga deals gifting guide... because it's the thought that counts, so don't break your piggy bank during the 2009 holiday season. (also be sure to check out more finds on yogadork!)
shakti mat - take focus to the next level with a meditation mat with mini massagers built in to trigger pressure (or torture..) points ($59)
you are here - thicht nhat khan guide to discovering the present moment ($14)
local love
yoga passbook - more than 300 free classes for 2010 at local studios in some major cities ($75)
yoga for a year - check out local studios, they usually have an annual option for unlimited yoga, usually at a discounted rate! (nyc: the kula yoga project in nyc is $1680/year)
diy kits
kombucha brooklyn - the yogi's equivalent to a home beer brew system, but cooler because it's from brooklyn, home of the hipsters ($25)
sugaring kit - not only because of a personal love of shobha, but because it works (& who wants to be hairy on the mat?)... home hair removal has never been so sweet ($30)
stocking stuffers
therapeutic eye pillow - lavender & chamomile in the comfort of a pillow to melt away stress ($7)
organic cleansing mat spray - a subtle way of letting your buddies know it's time for some mat maintenance ($5)
shambhala sun- subscribe to be a beautiful buddha ($19)
despite the sporadic downpours in nyc, solstice sunday was still jam-packed with yoga. my day began with the 8am session for solstice in times square which was surprisingly crowded - just going to show that although yogis are sweet people, they don't melt in rain, instead they rally! it was really amazing to take in all of the energy of times square & fellow yogis into my asana practice - a true wake up call- no caffeine needed. (check out this youtube video that i found.)
rachel's wickedly delicious sponsored the event so there were some free (but flimsy) mats already in place when we got there & then each participant (i believe up to the first 1,500 received) a goodie bag in a reusuable tote, large enough to fit some yoga mats, packed with product freebies & plenty of coupons.
after the solstice, i headed over to the very cozy new home of levitate yoga on 49th & 8th for an afternoon of sampler classes (45 minutes) that ranged from a basics to acro to restorative - really something for everyone. in addition there was a mini wellness fair in the studio's main space that was filled with interesting little companies like clean plates, jurlique, & shobha. the sun-drenched classrooms & open communal space are sure to be the midtown's new escape for yogis & those seeking wellness treatments.
all in all a terrific sunday, so great that i passed out at 7pm that night!
deal: if you practice at levitate in july, you get august free - check in with the loverlies at levitate for more deets.
much like the carbon footprint, these days asana-lovers everywhere are now struggling to lighten their yoga footprint - as in the grimy one on the mat. i know i have touched upon sauchat, the principle of cleanliness, in the past when it comes to mats, but let's take a moment to focus on the real culprits here - shall we? dirty feet.
step 1 - acknowledge that open-toe/flip flop season is in full swing & it's up to you to prevent permanent mat stains.
step 2 - inspect your soles; sitting in badakonasana, just take a look down - craddle & lift up one foot & then the other, observe the color, then ask yourself, 'is this the correct shade?' let me help you out here, no matter what your skin tone, the soles of your feet & the palms of your hands should always be at least slightly lighter than the dorsal side (e.g., back of the hand, tops of the feet).
step 3 - wash away those worries,accept what you see, (hey, it happens to all of us - i have dirty feet too - its inevitable, i live in nyc & i enjoy wearing sandals) & be proactive. if you have time before class or you are at home, have a little cleansing sessions in the sink/tub (so what if others see you, no need to be embarrassed about keeping clean! you may actually inspire others...). otherwise, if you are in a rush & just barely made it to class by the skin of your teeth, carry some handy helpers with you instead - great for feet & other waterless bird baths you may be in need of.
here are some of my faves:
shobha freshening cloths - a handy canister of unscented cloths (so you won't be the one wearing perfume to class) formulated by a company obsessed with sanitary practices (check out their no double-dip waxing policy - it'll make you think twice...)
sweet spot on-the-go wipettes in basil grapefruit - conveniently packed in single-use pouches to keep your load light & enjoy a gentle refreshing fragrance (won't overpower) - great if you suffer from stinky feet.
momspit in fig & green tea - no, just no. there is no saliva involved, but this foaming anti-bacterial hand sanitizer is great for cleansing the tootsies as well - i like to lather up & then towel off with a tissue.
cleanwell - if you're not into foaming 'spit' you may want to test out a lemony spritz of this eco-friendly, bio-degradable germ killer.
moral of the story, check your feet before you check into class!
whether you are taking your asana outside this extended holiday weekend or attending a friendly gathering at the beach, bbq or both, one thing i hope no one is without - is sunscreen!
here are some of my fave picks of natural options that are great for even sensitive skin:
soleo organics sunscreen - this aussie brand is all-natural, organically produced - so no need to worry about dangerous chemicals or synthetic perservatives! ($30.00 for 2.6 oz)
little twig 30 spf+ mineral sunscreen - organically formulated for the kiddies, this sunscreen is great for all ages! it's also paraben & mineral oil free, so it absorbs quickly & safely into the skin without any greasiness. ($20.99 for 2.9 oz)
shobha, the hair removal company with a cult-following in nyc, is now becoming more accessible to the masses, even beyond the b-n-t commuters (bridge & tunnel)! shobha now offers it's all-natural, professional grade sugaring gel for home use, in a super cute kit for just $30! so delicious you can lick off any remaining sugaring gel, because yes, it is completely edible!
they also have some great aftercare products to help fight ingrown hairs onceyou finally rid yourself of the extra fur - my personal favorites are the exfoliating cloth & ingrown relief lotion.
as a yogi of about 6 years, i am constantly striving toward yogic bliss, but at the same time looking how to explore new options without having to break the bank doing it. i realize each time i talk to a friend, co-worker or random stranger i have suggestions about yoga, healthy living, etc. so i thought it was only natural to start posting my findings so i can share with more people!
i am also an insured and registered yoga teacher (ryt 200) in core strength vinyasa yoga & have completed a 72-hour course in musculo-skeletal anatomy & kinesiology (for yoga teachers). i have experience teaching adults, as well as elementary school and middle school students.
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the hot yoga or for layering, each tank provides 3 yoga classes for children in nyc schools ($25)
sockdreams.com ($8-$18 ) 
($24-$40)
