Peace, love, yoga! Happy Holidays - see you in 2016!

Courtesy Google Images

Holiday Gift Watch: Stylish protection!

Young yogis can keep their mats clean, dry, and portable with this cargo style mat bag. Front pocket and full zip front. Roomy enough for 5 mm thick mat. Also available in Citron Storm Grey.

(Gaiam Yoga Mat Bag in Deep Plum Surf. $19.99 at Target.com)

 

Make holiday wishes come true!

Courtesy UncommonGoods

World peace. Family. A new puppy – p-l-e-a-s-e!

Support your kiddo’s power of wishful thinking and thoughts of gratitude with this fun, cool-looking novelty gift.

Each handblown glass ball comes with 52 strips of paper for you to pause weekly to record a thought of hope or thankfulness. Tuck messages through tiny hole near base for safe keeping and creative display.

 (Wishing Ball, $32.00 at uncommongoods.com)

Holiday Gift Watch: Blend in with camo-cool kids yoga mat

Little warriors will love this kid-sized camo yoga mat.

 

Grippy, no-slip surface ensures you’ll stay put during asana practice.

 

Comfortable, 3mm cushioning keeps young yogis comfortable and relaxed during savasana. Ideal for ages 5-8

 

 

(Kids Camo Yoga Mat (3mm), $17.98 at Gaiam.com)

 

One for the Christmas Tree (Pose)!

c/o Zazzle.com

Add yoga spirit to the focal point of your holiday home.

Artistic, ceramic piece comes with string of gold thread to make it easy to display.

(Yoga Heart Ornament, $20.00 at zazzle.com/heartandsoles)

Book this! Library yoga is catching on.

 

Courtesy Boston Globe via Google Images

With all of the hip yoga studios to try a kids class, beginning this January, Boston tots can hit the books and their yoga mats at Boston Public Library.

Free yoga classes for kids ages 8 – 11 will be offered at the Mattapan branch on the second Tuesday of the month.

Given that many library spaces are under-utilized, adhere to a “please whisper” ambiance and serve as community enrichment hubs, it’s understandable why such environments are increasingly offering yoga programming.

One for the books!

Holiday Gift Watch: Lounge with presence

Courtesy Rie + Ryn

The perfect gift for young yogis who want to wear what they practice.

Designed and sold by music and movement-inspired apparel company. Tops and bottoms come in XS sizes.

(Off the Shoulder Sweatshirt, $99.00 at rieaneryn.com)

 

Protect your pucker! Crafting fun with health benefits

Courtesy UncommonGoods.com

Keep young ones’ lips from chapping while developing an organic product from scratch, together!

Using included natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, spearmint essential oil, sunflower oil and beeswax, this make-your-own lip balm project is ideal for gift-giving or for a rainy day.

(DIY Lip Balm Kit, $40 at uncommongoods.com)

Habla yoga? Brooklyn kids' studio offers bi-lingual classes

Courtesy Monkey Do! Yoga

Yoga is permeating America almost as quickly as is the Spanish language.

To help kids tackle both, a Spanish-infused class called, Yoga Para You!, is included in the lineup at Monkey Do! Yoga, a kids and family yoga studio, which opened this month in Brooklyn, New York.

“It’s a wonderful draw – the idea of learning a language with physical movement through it. A lot of kids can better integrate the words when moving around,” says Marni Sandler, RYT and owner of the new studio, which offers yoga and creative movement classes for all children.

For 30-something year-old Sandler, the idea for the bi-lingual class occurred to her while she was traveling in Mexico post-college.

“I’d joined a gym class there and it proved to be the best way for me to learn Spanish. It stuck with me more. I wanted to bring this format in for the kids,” says Sandler, who took action on her long-standing dream of opening a kids’ yoga studio earlier this year, while on maternity leave.

The weekly bilingual classes aimed at kids’ ages 5 and up will be taught by a Spanish-speaking yoga teacher, with a background in social work.

“She works with girls in urban programs. I’m happy to have her on board,” says Sandler.
 

My latest guest post for MindBodyGreen.com

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22827/5-kid-friendly-yoga-poses-to-help-children-cultivate-patience.html

Holiday Gift Watch: Pop the cork! Eco-friendly yoga gear honors nature

Courtesy Yoloha

For earth loving young yogis, this line of cork yoga mats and props can sustain bodies and Mother Nature at once!

The non-traditional material provides a non-slip surface when wet (with sweat!) and is a 100% natural, renewable and recyclable material. Trees need not be cut down to harvest cork, rather, “The bark is stripped by hand,” according to the manufacturer’s website.

This company believes in giving back, too. For every giving cork yoga mat ordered, Yoloha donates a mat to a child in need through the Holistic Life Foundation.

A cause for celebration!

(Yoloha Yoga Cork Mats, $99 and up at yolohayoga.com)
 

 

 

Holiday Gift Watch: Dream Bright!

Courtesy UncommonGoods

Let little ones keep their hopes and wishes close with this colorful dream catcher kit.

Using embroidery floss, feathers, beads, and more, little dreamers can create their own inspirational and artful token to hang beside their beds or at their bedroom entry. For ages 5 and up.

(Dream Catcher Kit, $40 at uncommongoods.com)

Holiday Gift Watch: Positively charged up!

Courtesy PB Teen

Juice up your cell in cheerful style!

Thread your charger through the underside of these adorable phone holders.

In Smiley Smirk, Watermelon and Rainbow styles. 100% polyresin.

(PB Teen MayBaby Phone Holders, $35/each at pbteen.com)

Spread the love and warmth!

Baby it’s cold outside!

These plush and cozy cotton knit mittens, lined with super soft Sherpa Fleece, will keep fingers toasty as temperatures drop.
Check out your palms for an affectionate style detail. 

Cuff blocks wintry air from getting in. Comes in grey/pinkalicious and blue/Caspian blue colors.

(Snow Salutation Mittens, $34/pair at ivivva.com)

Positive vibes! 2nd Annual National Kids Yoga Conference a Hit

Courtesy YoKid

It was a meeting of the hearts and minds in kids yoga at last month's 2nd Annual National Kids Yoga 

“We had a great response from people and a great conference,” says Michele Kelsey Mitchell, executive director of YoKid, which produced the November 13^th – 15^th 2015 event held at George Washington University (GWU), in Washington, D.C. The non-profit provides instruction in yoga for kids and teens.

Courtesy YoKid

With 335 participants –some educators, some mental health professionals and others who are kids’ yoga instructors, “People came from...

Holiday Gift Watch! The yogi's meow! Mindful feline makes great plush pet



Courtesy AziamGirlz

Little yogis can turn to this soft, adorable and wise companion for cuddle sessions or a chuckle.

Paws Velcro together and hind legs are sewn in lotus meditation pose. Comes wearing monk robe.

(Dharma Kitty, $19.95 at www.aziamgirlz.com)

5 Reasons You Should Be Doing Yoga With Your Kid

My latest for The New York Post...

 

http://nypost.com/2015/12/01/5-reasons-you-should-be-doing-yoga-with-your-kid/

 



 

Holiday Gift Watch: A pouf of their own! Snatch this crocheted yoga cushion for mindful kids

Courtesy Etsy.com

Plop down and relax a while.

 

The Mini Pouf is the perfect height for toddlers and kids to use for pranyama, imagining, or just chilling.

Crocheted of cotton yarn and filled with Styrofoam pellets, this little ottoman comes in lavender, green, blue and multi colors.

Additional tones can be custom-ordered.

(spellitwithPEAS MINI POUF. $59.66 at etsy.com)



Get in gear for Cyber Monday!

 

Courtesy ivivva

Did Black Friday prove too stressful for your young yogi to navigate? Well,  there’s still time to take advantage of online steals and deals.

Courtesy ivivva

ivivva’s Limited Edition Knitwear collection is in style and in time for the season’s temperature drop.

Courtesy ivivva

(Warm Me Up Dress, $82, Legwarmers, $32, and Earwarmers, $28 available at ivivva.com)

Happy Turkey!!

Born to teach. From childhood cancer survivor to kids yoga studio owner

Ashley Goldberg

 After being diagnosed with a form of bone cancer in her femur at age 7, and a recurrence at age 12, Ashley Goldberg, owner of Born Yoga studio in Birmingham, Michigan, chose to live life on the bright side.

"I've always had a positive attitude. I thought, I'm sick, but I'm going to be okay. There was never a question that I wouldn't make it," says Goldberg, now 31.

Courtesy Born Free Yoga

Surviving chemo, hair loss, and the pain of surgeries, Goldberg got in to yoga early on and learned how to use her breath as a healing tool.

"I used my breath, breathing, and deep relaxation to...

Holiday Gift Watch: Mindful jewelry accents beauty from inside out

Wearable inspiration!
 
Why don an ordinary bracelet, when this bracelet line from Ashley Bridget provides style with a purpose.
 
“Breathe” reminds you to align yourself quickly in day-to-day life, and “Loved” comforts your soul. Other styles include “Balance,” “Energy,” “Freedom,” “Mindful,” “Namaste,” and “Peace.”
 

The silver plated chains and charms fit kids and adults with fully adjustable, lobster claw clasp and lengthening chain.

(Mindfulness Bracelet Line. $49.00/each at ashleybridget.com)

Holiday Gift Watch: Mantra stickers focus your mind during practice

Courtesy MyMatMyMantra.com

Sweatty or not, here’s a fun and creative way to remember to “breathe,” “be brave,” “love” and other favorite mantras that self-resonate.

My Mat My Mantra’s line of yoga mat stick-ons inspire yogis to remain present during and after class.

Courtesy MyMatMyMantra.com

Founded in 2013 by two yoga-practitioners and friends, the meaningful spots also feature Sanskrit symbols.

Designed to withstand hot and cold temperatures and perspiration, customers can create their own mantra in sticker or magnet form at the company’s website.

($5.95 and up at mymatmymantra.com)

The circus is coming to Kripalu?



Courtesy Google Images

Yes, kids ages 7 and up can experience yoga’s playful side at Kripalu’s CircusYoga Retreat!

Now in its 15h year, the popular blend of interactive yoga, circus arts and transformational play returns to the Massachusetts-based center for yoga and health.

The multi-generational retreat will include:

*Mandala Yoga and collaborative group play

*Flying Partner Yoga and partner acrobatics

*Basic circus skills: juggling, devil sticks, spinning plates and more

*Clowning and physical comedy

*Balancing in yoga on a tightwire

*Creative movement and dance

Children in the program must be accompanied by an adult or guardian who is also registered for this program.

CircusYoga Retreat

November 27 – 29, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Tuition: $135.00

Room & Meals pricing based on choice of accommodations

To register, call: 866.200.5203

 

 

Holiday Gift Watch: Peaceful dreams! A sparkling holiday gift for young yogis

Courtesy Pottery Barn Teen

Off to sleep or as you wake, these plush pillows from Pottery Barn Teen add shimmer and calming vibes to your room. The 14” diameter cushions are made of pure cotton canvas with sequin embellishment. In Pool, Magenta, Purple, Gold and Silver colors.

 

(Sparkle Peace Pillow, $39 at Pbteen.com)



Make your mark! Girls workshops offer mind-body fitness boost



The Write Fit founder, Naomi Panzer

Naomi Panzer is on a mission. The mom of two from Short Hills, New Jersey started her nonprofit, The Write Fit, five years ago to empower girls ages 9 and up to love themselves from the inside out.

Panzer leads empowerment classes at area yoga studios and neutral event spaces, which are designed to foster...

Footwear brand a shoe-in for kiddos on-the-go

Whether on the go or off to yoga class, this colorful, eco-friendly line of kids footwear by PLAE, packs comfort with a cool factor.

 Specially engineered bottom follows contour of a child’s foot. ‘Pull tab’ makes it easy for little hands and fingers to slip on.  Upper materials are made of recycled material, like milk jugs!

($49.95 and up. US Kids sizes 3 to 8 at goplae.com)

 

Kids Yoga Daily's latest for Yoga Journal!

Kids Yoga Daily's latest for Yoga Journal...

http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/yoga-and-imagination-poses-for-kids/

Wear your heart under your sleeve! Affirmation cuffs are trending.

Courtesy MantraBand

Young yogis will enjoy wearing their truths out and about.

Mix and match MantraBand bejeweled bracelets for a reminder of the love, peace, strength, and happiness you carry and the journey you’re on within.

Made of hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, nickel and lead free stainless steel. Fully adjustable to most wrist sizes. Comes in silver, yellow gold or rose cold styles.
 

Courtesy MantraBand

($25.00 - $35.00/each at mantraband.com)

Live kids yoga bash heads to Big Apple!

If you’re in the big city, head over to Yogapalooza Live!

This music, movement and kids yoga concert will feature kid/family recording artist, Bari Koral. Sing, dance & play with a full band, hula-hoop performances, multi-media stage show, free yoga mats from Gaiam to use and take home, free mandala drawings, goodies and snacks.

Some of the nation’s top yoga teachers we be on hand to engage, assist and inspire your children! All ages. Beginners welcome.

Yogapalooza Live!
Saturday, November 21^st, 11 a.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.).

Gramercy Theatre, NYC

23^rd street between Park and Lexington Avenues

All tickets, $18.00, plus applicable fees. All tickets general admission.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Gramercy Theatre Box Office.

 

Happy holidays! Spread yoga cheer with themed greeting cards and stamps

Share your peaceful, loving spirit with family, friends and fellow yogis this season. Perfect for kids’ yoga teachers, friends and family yogis, too!

Ahimsa Holiday Reindeer, $1.18/card at

http://www.zazzle.com/ahimsa_holiday_reindeer_postcard-239619741610084359

 

Moose Practicing Yoga Card, $3.50/card

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/holiday-cards/christmas-cards/yoga-teacher-instructor/merry-christmuse-moose-practicing-850071

Yoga Holiday Card, Meditation, $5.00/card

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211988162/yoga-holiday-card-meditation-snowman?ref=related-0

Tropical Christmas Yoga Stamps, $27.10/sheet of 20
http://www.zazzle.com/tropical_christmas_yoga_stamps-172789201768278736
 

 

Sharing good secrets. One young girl turns loss in to legacy

Kaley Young

At age 19, Kaley Young from Long Island, New York survived the tragic death of her 47-year old mother, Beth.

Breast cancer claimed her young life, but not before instilling a lifetime of precious pearls of wisdom in Kaley, her two siblings, and droves of dedicated students of the Hot Pilates Secret class she'd created and taught for years.


 Beth's classes were given inside a studio, in complete darkness, and incorporated music, a bit of vinyasa yoga, Pilates and meditation.

"Being there was a complete...

Follow the frog! Mind your mantra with uplifting desktop collectibles.

They’re hip. They hop. Used as a paperweight or décor, these peaceful amphibians will spread positive  vibes throughout your room and spirit.

Includes rock phrases:

“Breathe deeply.”
“Do what you love.”
“Create balance.”
“Find peace.”
“Seek harmony.”
“Be tranquil.”

(Inspirational Yoga Frog Figures, Set of 6. $56.00 at BuddhaGroove.com)

Teaching kids gratitude. One studio's hands-on approach

Gratitude Tree at Shine Kids Yoga

When thinking about how to focus her little yogis on gratitude this November, Shine Yoga Kids studio owner, Amy Hough decided to construct a “Gratitude Tree."

“It started with bare branches. As the leaves fall outside the studio, I invited children, parents and my yoga teachers to hang leaves that represent things that they’re grateful for each time they attend class,” says Hough.

The written responses have been endearing. 

“Kids are thankful for their family, friends, pets, doctors, hospitals, and teachers. I encouraged them to think on a larger scale – for air, nature, trees, your heart – things we may take for granted day to day,” says Hough.

Amy Hough and yogi student

The ongoing activity has sparked discussion and focused students on cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

“I think embracing gratitude is something that can change your mood. If something negative happens – like your mom isn’t letting you stay up late to watch a TV show, you can find reasons to be grateful in such situations, such as, your mommy loves you and you’ll have a good night’s sleep,” says Hough.

 

With Thanksgiving upon us, “My goal in having this tree is that we all notice how much we have to be grateful for in our lives,” says Hough. “By the end of the month, I’ll reveal a picture of the bare tree we started with and how full with love and appreciation it is when we finish. I’ll probably take the leaves and make a permanent mural for the studio as a symbol.”

 

One for the snack drawer! Yogurt drops pack nourishing bursts of flavor

Whether chewed or melting in your mouth, Happy Family Brand's HappyTimes Mixed Fruit Yogis deliver big on taste, with a burst of fruit flavors, including strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and mango.

The organic, yogurt-covered, freeze-dried bites contain Vitamin D and probiotics for digestive health.

Happy noshing!

(1.5 oz box, $6.59 or 6-Pack, $33.04 at shophappyfamilybrands.com)