My Favorite Things 2022! Gift Guide!
Hey friends! Everyone has different traditions around gifting this time of year and I'd love to hear about yours. I've heard about name drawing, price caps, re-gifting, no gifting, gifting experiences and making donations. For me, my family isn't huge on gifts and we tend to go the more practical route. We also have friends that go all out with gifts as a way to show love and support. I thought I'd check in with you this holiday season and share some of my favorite things lately and provide some inspiration for gifting or for yourself! Plus, a recipe that we make weekly in my home, and my ultimate gift suggestion!
A few, but not many, are linked with affiliate links where I receive a tiny percentage of your purchase at no extra cost to you. Some are direct links to company websites, and some are Amazon affiliate links. If you plan to shop Amazon anyway, using my links to click through even if you buy other items will support my business!
Book Worms
The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban, Whole30 CEO: I just read this book and it's soooo helpful! She teaches us how to set boundaries that are clear and kind that will set us all free from resentment, burnout and anxiety!
We Heal Together by Michelle Johnson: Michelle Johnson’s has been someone I've looked up to in the Yoga space for her inclusive resources on holding space for all. She has written several books and I've had the pleasure of taking diversity workshops from her both in Portland and online. This book acknowledges the trauma we have been through in recent years as well as the troubles that continue to plague our current world, and helps us to lean into our communities to heal. She provides practices, prompts and rituals.
Health & Wellness
Sole Water: This year has been all about redefining hydration to me. Turns out it’s not enough to simply drink water, in fact, that could actually be making things worse. Re-mineralizing our water has many health benefits including increased energy, less frequent urination, better taste and of course ensuring we get enough trace minerals and nutrients. Best with water filtered with a quality filter (ah-hem, not the fridge filter or brita), but that’s a talk for another day. Mineral repletion has been the missing link for more than a handful of people in my life lately so give it a try! The box of salt crystals will last for-ev-ah as you’ll be dissolving one in a mason jar and using teaspoons of it in your water bottle. Once you try this please let me know how you’re enjoying sleeping through the night with little to no bathroom breaks and how your workouts have improved, so that I may add you to my growing tally of positively affected by sole!
LMNT Electrolytes for on the go: While I prefer Sole, an easy and on the go single serve electrolyte I use is LMNT. They are clean (no sketchy ingredients like those found in Nuun or Liquid IQ) and include magnesium and potassium for added mineral value. I like the citrus and watermelon, but they also have unflavored if you're not into flavor. Buy a box with my link and receive a free sample pack with your order! Why do these cost more than other electrolytes? Because you get what you pay for. Those others have much less of the 'good stuff' because they have fillers and sketchy ingredients. You will feel the difference!
Further Food Gelatin: I've been making homemade gummies weekly and not only is grass fed gelatin an excellent way to support the gut lining and add protein into a treat, it also helps to support hair and nails. Jaden loves his 'jello' and mom and dad snack on it too! Below is my recipe, which is super adaptable- use any juice of combo of juices you've got on hand! (Use my discount code MANDEE15 to purchase the gelatin and optional elderberry syrup ! I trust the sourcing of this brand)
Gelatin Gummies
1.5 cup organic tart cherry juice, or pomegranate juice (I like Lakewood or Knudsen brands)
4 tbsp Further Food Gelatin
Optional add in 2 tbsp Further Food Elderberry syrup , for immune & flavor boost
Warm the juice in a saucepan and whisk in the gelatin until it dissolves, remove immediately from heat and pour into either molds or a glass baking pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and remove from molds or cut into pieces. Store in fridge up to 2 weeks. Easy!
PS- Use any kind of juice you like! Another variation I love is 1 cup OJ, 1/2 cup Mango or Pineapple juice, 4 tbsp gelatin and mix in some vitamin c powder and/or orange flavored LMNT!
Life Hacks
Mini vacuum dedicated to live in your car or desk: Well, this changed my life. I got this for my car recently and the fung shui affects are insane. They say when you have a tidy home or space that your mind and body reap energetic benefits and it's totally true. When I can quicky vacuum messes as I go in my car I feel soooo much better! (And Jaden loves to vroom vroom the vacuum) I also saw this one that is even smaller that would be good to store at your desk!
Insulated mug : Coffee and tea will get cold before you finish it, that's just how it goes. I have the easiest remedy. Use your insulated coffee mug every morning and enjoy that hot cupa until it's gone!
p a c t - Planet Forward Fashion: 100% organic cotton clothing that is certified sustainable, carbon neutral and fair trade. Plus, I have loved everything that we've bought for the entire family (including Jaden!) Our linens are also among the happy and long lasting purchases. They even have organic cotton yoga pants! Use the link above to receive a discount with your purchase.
Exercise/Wellness Equipment
(Because I’m your Pilates teacher)
Soft Foam Roller: If you're still using a hard roller, please don't let another day pass before you upgrade to the soft roller! New research shows that soft releases better into soft, like muscle into roller. Plus, it feels way better!
Acupressure Mat: This was gifted to me a few years ago and it's like free acupuncture- really helps relax the fascia just by laying on it. I have even used the pillow like a footrest! Using this mat is said to relieve back pain, reduce cellulite, and free you from the cycle of tension, stress and insomnia.
Mini Stability Ball: Most of you have this, but if you don't, you're really missing out on what we can do in our Pilates classes! Subbing with something else really isn't the same, and at $11 it really is worth it. Plus, it can double like a pillow while traveling and deflates for easy packing.
Need to add something else to your home workout set-up? I've created a list of my favorite props on my website. Use the affiliate links at my site to support my small business!
THE ULTIMATE, BEST GIFT IDEA I HAVE!
(and I'm not biased at all, promise)
Gift a subscription to my classes or On Demand Library! You can gift any amount. Contact me for help with this, more info or questions!
The gift of Santosha Pilates helps support a local, woman owned business. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Nothing peaked your interest here? That's ok! Would you mind leaving me a google review before you go? It would mean the world to me!
