Stocking Stuffer Ideas

I personally love the tradition and the element of surprise of stuffing stockings. It’s probably my favorite part of shopping for the holidays. I try to find items that aren’t overly expensive so I can give more! Below are a few ideas (and some traditions of mine) to inspire you while stuffing your stockings.

1. Smith’sRosebud Salve Balm: I know this isn’t the most organic choice but this has been a long time favorite lip balm of mine and I love that now it comes in a tube.

 2. CrystalVolcano Kid: This is the perfect item for any kid- big or small. I love a gift that’s also a science project!

3. Bare Minerals Well Rested: This keeps you looking amazing and well rested even if you are not! I absolutely love it!

4. Green and Black’sDark Chocolate: Organic, Fair Trade and no genetically modified ingredients. You simply can’t go wrong!

5.  Cuties: My mom always put these in our stockings and I have continued the tradition with my family. It’s a nice healthy alternative that’s perfectly in season.

6. NewYear’s Eve Nail Polish: What girl wouldn’t love a new nail polish? This is a great natural brand and this color is perfect for any festivity!

7. TDM DVDs,Socks or Gift Certificates: There is no better gift than the gift of health, so give your loved ones some TDM treasures!

7 Reasons to Do it Dailey

Of course, I am a bit biased but I really believe that doing The Dailey Method regularly has so many benefits. Sometimes, it is nice to remember WHY we are doing the things we are doing so here is a list of reasons to do it Dailey!

1. You deserve it! With the chaos of daily life, you deserve an hour (or 45 minutes if interval is what you choose) dedicated completely to yourself. Time in the studio is your time to let go of everything else in your life and just focus completely on YOU.

2. Your posture will be better all throughout the day. With all the focus we put on neutral spine and overall alignment, you are bound to take these practices with you into your day and walk stronger, taller and more aligned.

3. The Dailey Method uses what is called "eccentric" contraction. This is the hardest type of contraction for your body to sustain and it's a muscle changer! With every repetition you are creating longer leaner muscles and density in your muscles that ramps up your metabolism turning your body into a calorie burning machine!

4. Your Dailey Method practice makes proper alignment a part of the way you move in everything you do. Whether its running, cycling, skiing or just moving about in your every day activities, the strength, flexibility and body awareness you gain at The Dailey Method will help you do the things you love longer.

5. Balance baby. Our stressful and often sedentary lifestyles can lead to imbalances that affect the way we stand, move and perform in all of our daily activities. Through your Dailey Method practice you will learn to strengthen what is weaker, stretch what is tighter, and create a body that moves powerfully and fluidly- the way our bodies were meant to move.  

6. Your core and your seat will thank you for it. In class there is a large emphasis on pulling in the deepest layer of your abdominal wall (transverse abdominus) and building your strength from the inside out. This helps flatten your abdominal wall. We also put a lot of focus on the base of the seat, not only in seat work, but all throughout class to help to create that signature Dailey Method high lifted seated.

7. It will make you happier and less stressed! Yay! Studies have shown that exercise affects the hormone levels in your body and increases your 'happy' hormones while decreasing your stress hormones.

So there you have it, one reason for each day of the week J.

Here’s to doing it Dailey!

-- Jill

December Word of the Month: Believe

The word of the month for December is BELIEVE. Yes, I know it’s a little Polar Express, but I feel with the joy, anticipation, and stress that the Holiday season brings it’s a great word for reflection. 

Overall, my focus this month will be to believe in the good in myself and in others and to trust that through this process I will be able to open doors and create possibilities that may otherwise not be there.

In relation to class, I am going to believe in the power of my body, which is so smart. I am stronger than I think and each day I can achieve better alignment, get deeper in a position or hold a pose a little longer. 

For my kids I will try to instill the belief in the magic of the season. This doesn’t necessarily mean in Santa Claus (although I do hope I have another year or two with this for my youngest, Damian) but in love, generosity, hope and the importance of family and friends-which is what this season is truly about. I know that children believe what they see us do, not what they hear us say, so I will try to instill this through my own practice.

This month, I will believe that I am doing my best each day and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. To trust and let go and see what will happen.

What will you believe in?

-- Jill