Holiday Gift Guide :: for the dogs who grin when they're excited, wag their tails just to make you smile, and always sigh extra loud when they don't get a walk

There were times she totally deserved the real thing.
Give her something to chew instead.

Treat your puppy to a soft place to lie down.
They've got to have fanny fatigue sometimes, too! (here's a cheaper option!)

Does there really have to be a good reason for more chew toys?
Rubber & rope ... classic.

Sign your pup up for BarkBox, a monthly delivery of treats & toys.

Give her the gift of no neck pain.
Sometimes, just looking at all that bending is exhausting.

Buy a camera that straps to her neck for endless entertainment & new perspective.

Homemade gifts aren't just for Mom anymore. Your furry babes will love it, too!
Here's an easy recipe to kick off your new baking obsession.

Hands down the best animal gift ever.
Don't tell Dell or Amore, but they're definitely getting one.

A toy that flashes on every bounce.
Perfect because even if the sun sets earlier, playtime must go on!

Check out the full 2015 Holiday Gift Guide here.

---

P.S. Affiliate links were used throughout this post. Thanks for supporting The Great Vibes Guide & Em through the holidays! Xx.

Subscribe to The Newsletter.

Subscribe to The Newsletter.

P.S.S. Did you know you get a free 5 Tips to Great Vibes Guide & grocery store printable when you sign up for The Newsletter? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

How To :: 3 Easy Tips for Working Out During the Holidays (bonus free printable!)

Sometimes working out sucks.

Contrary to popular belief, however, working out isn't meant to make you cringe in fear or push it off until the latest hour of the day. It's supposed to be enjoyable, fun, and something you look forward to during your week. It can be challenging & intense, don't get me wrong. But it's not supposed to be terrifying.

If you've ever had a difficult time planning a schedule or sticking to one, you're not alone! Think back to your New Year's Resolutions. Was exercising more on that list? Maybe you've stuck with it somewhat or maybe you haven't. No worries. It might be the end of the year when the mad rush of crazy schedules is at it's peak, but that doesn't mean you can't find your new favorite workout. Last year, I fell in love with Barre3 in an attempt to procrastinate studying for finals and decrease my stress levels. I've been doing it three times a week ever since!

Exercising has been known to elevate the mood thanks to a flood of endorphins. It helps you sleep better at night. Exercise makes you feel confident and sexy in your body, because you're getting in touch with your power and strength. It's been known to boost memory retention and can help fight off illness. This last point has one major caveat: too much exercise can lead to intense fatigue and a suppressed immune system - rest days are important, so take them! I aim for and recommend at least 2 days of rest a week. Exercise, when done right, gives you more energy and simply makes you happier.

Read on for 3 simple tips for working out during the holidays ...

During the holiday season working out still kind of sucks & almost seems impossible. Here's how to do it:

1. Ink it in.

Just like you schedule appointments, book workouts into your calendar with ink (or swear never to delete them off Google Calendar). When it's written down with a specific date and time, it becomes as important as the working lunch or client consult. At the beginning of the week, pen in the specific dates, times, & types of workouts you'll be doing over the next seven days. For example: Monday at 6:15; in the gym for an hour.

2. Make it fun.

Like I said above, workouts aren't meant to make you hide in fear. They can be intense, work your muscles to the core, and leave you sore the next day, but if you're crying at the thought of your next session or don't enjoy the burn while you're doing it, maybe your workout isn't the best it could be for you right now. What we're drawn to changes over time, and what works for some might not work for others. If you normally do crossfit but now really want a calmer pace, take up some yoga or barre. If you're looking for more cardio in addition to your Vinyasa classes, try a meditative run (see the download below). Make it something that works for YOU, not your best friend or brother.

3. Be kind to yourself.

It's a really freaking busy time of the year. If you're someone who normally exercises regularly and now you're struggling to fit it into your schedule, try not to think all or none. If 60 minute workouts (just as a comparison, not a 'best length' recommendation) don't fit into your calendar, and you only have time for 10 minutes, then a 10 minutes workout is great! You'll still get the energy needed to power through the endless list of holiday to-do's and parties. Ten minutes a day will have you ready to rock those pretty holiday outfits you can't wait to put on. In the printable below, you'll find a 10 minute yoga flow & tools for a meditative run that can easily be applied to walking.

If you don't have time to fit exercising into your schedule, don't beat yourself up. Life is far more than sweating out toxins. You've still got it regardless, so flaunt that hot body of yours with a bright smile and cheery vibe.

Happy happy, everyone. And for those celebrating, Happy Hanukkah! Xx.

---

To celebrate the holiday season with movement, I made you this free printable :: click the image to download & print!

Like what you see? It's part of the new, free 7 page Healthy Holidays Guide.

Want a copy? Get it delivered to your inbox on Friday, December 11th when you fill out the form below.

Put me on the list!

Healthy Holidays Guide Release

---

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

Holiday Gift Guide :: for the host & hostess who throw the best parties and always make you feel like you're a part of the family

A timeless wood and marble cutting board.
Perfect for all the stinky cheese & yummy crackers.

A basket with a wonderful story.
Give it just as is or with yummy treats like cheese or chocolate.

Personalized stationary and calling cards for notes & reminders.
Especially lovely if this is a newly married couple.

For a little quirk & holiday entertainment, bring a game
the whole gang can enjoy. Gotta love a oiuja board.

Along with a bottle of wine, bring these fantastic wooden bottle stoppers.

Speaking of wine, how about this awesome opener?
It uncorks a bottle of wine in three seconds. (or you can go for a classic).

Perhaps my very favorite host/hostess gift is a loaf of bread (or muffins or crescent rolls).
With nut butter, jam or jelly, and a little container of ground coffee,
it makes for a dreamy, lazy morning & breakfast post-entertaining. So thoughtful.

A candle makes for a perfect, inexpensive gift.
I bet this scent is incredibly nostalgic.

A great book for their coffee table.
This one is the best conversation starter I've found so far.

Check out the 2015 Gift Guide so far ...

---

P.S. Affiliate links were used throughout this post. Thanks for supporting The Great Vibes Guide & Em through the holidays! Xx.

Subscribe to The Newsletter.

Subscribe to The Newsletter.

P.S.S. Did you know you get a free 5 Tips to Great Vibes Guide & grocery store printable when you sign up for The Newsletter? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?