Aurorae Has Your Last Minutes Gift Needs

If you are like me you probably still have people on your list to buy gifts for. Thankfully with two day shipping on Amazon and the wide range of selection from Aurorae the options are vast. The Aurrorae Spa line has options for all of yogi friends as well as options that will make anyone happy.

I've never met a woman who did not love candles, scented candles preferably. For that matter all the men I know always comment on how nice my candles make my house smell. The Aurorae Spa line has candle in a variety of options.   

The soy pledge candles come in 6.8 ounce, 26 ounces, or tea candles that burn 6-7 hours. I think the tea candles would be a perfect gift as they would turn any bath time in to a relaxing meditative time. While the larger 26 ounce candles are wonderful for scenting the whole house, as I need to do often since I have a lot of dogs. 

For this holiday season I ended up with my own 6.8 ounce pledge candle. These are the perfect size for meditations and even room scenting. I love that they are soy, which makes them renewable and free from the carcinogens that can be found in other candles. It helps you to breath easier knowing that the lovely scent in your space isn't toxic. 

They come in fifteen scents and are designed to help you focus on a state of mind. What a scent makes us think if is all very personal so I recommend you use your own experience when choosing which scent to guide your intents with. The scents are gentle and soothing, I love that they are strong enough to give you the desired effect, but not overpowering. It only takes about five minutes for the scent to fill your space as well which is a great time, as that is usually about how long it takes me settle in and push away the world. I also really like the tin they come in. In addition to it being recyclable you don't have to worry about shattering as I have had happen with glass candle jars. 

If you are looking for something truly unique I also had the great pleasure of try the Yoga Mat Flip Flops! Seriously how cool is that? It is a dreamy comfortable feeling for your feet as you might imagine, probably more so than you imagine. These are the most comfortable flip flops I have ever worn, and being from Florida I have logged many hours in flip flops. 

They are made from yoga mats, and extra thick so you get all the same support and comfort that you get from your mat. There is also a vegan friendly strap that is lined with comfort in mind. You get the same eco friendly, toxin free safety that you get with the Aurorae mats too. And let me mention again they are comfortable, the extra thick foot bed is so cushy.

Please hurry though so you can get your last minute gifts shipped in time! As an aside I will personally be giving pledge candles to the hostess of the New Years party I am attending too, so make sure you order extra candles because they make lovely thank you gifts for all the hostesses and people who make your holiday season special.

Aurorae sells the best reviewed yoga mats, yoga apparel, and yoga and meditation accessories online. You can browse their yoga mats, yoga bags, yoga apparel and other yoga accessories here.

You can connect with them on all your favorite social media sites as well. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Aurorae Northern Lights Yoga Mat

Some people can be harder to shop for than others but Aurorae has something special for the yoga enthusiast that promises happy smiles when unwrapped. You know I have been practicing yoga for many years, and as such, I may have a few mats, all from Aurorae.

There is something beautiful about giving a new mat for the holidays. This is the time of year we often think of new beginning and everything seems possible. A new yoga mat is also a strong symbol to me for new possibilities. A mat speaks to me and the Northern Lights collection has designs that will speak to you and your gift recipients.

The beauty and meaning of the designs made it really hard for me to settle on just one. Let's be honest, I will probably get more than one when it is all said and done. As a creative one who stays up late plotting books, the Midnight Moon spoke to my soul. I often do plot while stretching so it seemed like it had been made just for me.

Now aside from the aesthetics and beauty, there are sound reasons that makes these mats the perfect gift. The first thing I noticed was that it was long enough. I am five seven and often I find mats can be a little on the short side. However this mat was not. I had all of the room I needed for floor work.

Most of the time I have a very mellow routine but I also like to throw in something a little more intense on occasion and I am happy to say that this mat was slip proof for me and it gripped the floor nicely even when I was moving around like a wild woman.

If your yogi has eco leaning tendencies like me, they will be pleased to know that this mat is made using eco friendly materials, is biodegradable, and free of toxins. It is truly more than just a pretty face.

I enthusiastically recommend this beautiful mat as a thoughtful gift for the yogi on your list. In fact, I recommend you browse all of the wonderful things available from Aurorae and make sure you keep your eyes peeled next week when I will tell you about stocking stuffers and smaller gifts from Aurorae.

Aurorae sells the best reviewed yoga mats, yoga apparel, and yoga and meditation accessories online. You can browse their yoga mats, yoga bags, yoga apparel and other yoga accessories here.

You can connect with them on all your favorite social media sites as well. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Aurorae Resistance Bands Set Review Plus Giveaway

I have told you before that I practice yoga. I get several benefits; everything from flexibility to peace of mind. I read that if you add resistance bands to your routine, you would also get the added benefit of strengthening your muscles, which at my age is much needed for bone health.

I know you have heard me talk about Aurorae before, I have several of their products in my yoga bag and at home. I love the mats ad burn their candles for relaxation. It seemed a natural place for me to look for adding any yoga tools. I am super glad I looked there because they had just what I needed.


The Aurorae Resistance Bands Set is really something special. It comes with everything you need to add these bands in several different ways. I was so impressed by how complete the set was for the price. It really is a super bargain!

What you will get is: padded handles that are so comfy and durable, even the clips used to hold them to the bands seem very high quality and sturdy and a door anchor and an ankle strap so that you can use these to work all of your muscle groups. There is a guide book that has pictures and tells you which exercise is going to work what group as well. I liked that; it made it easy to plan what to do. There is even a cute zippered carrying case that holds all of the bits and parts and it is small enough to toss in your purse, well my purse anyways.

Of course it also comes with the bands, there are five of them that vary in resistance from 2-30 pounds depending on how you are using the bands. I started with the easiest and, of course, my show off husband started with the hardest, but we were both able to get a good workout with them. After looking closely at everything and using the set for several weeks, both me and my husband feel great about being able to recommend them as durable and reliable way to add strength training to your current routine.

Talk about adding a new level to already challenging poses!

You can purchase your own set on Amazon and be sure to check out all of the great products available on the Aurorae website, every single this I have used by them has exceeded my expectations. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Hurry on back though because it is giveaway time! One lucky reader will receive a Aurorae Resistance Bands Set just like the one I reviewed! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Open to US residents, 18 years and older. Winner has 48 hours to reply before another is drawn. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail.

Beckons Organic Yoga Clothing

If you have been with us for a while, you may have noticed that I am making little life tweaks here and there. Cutting out certain foods in my diet, adding others in, and changes to my beauty routine are the ones I have mentioned most on here. Well, recently, I decided that a little yoga would do me good and I have stared diving into the yoga world. With me in this yoga journey is my boyfriend who is also making life tweaks beside me.

As you may know, you can't do yoga without some nifty yoga gear! Well, maybe you can, but it never hurts right?! Beckons Organic Yoga Clothing offered me the chance to try out some of their clothing and the timing could not have been better! My boyfriend got a pair of the Strength Men's Yoga Pants in black. They are made of 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex and feature pockets, which I really like. They fit true to size and we ordered a size up (medium) for a baggier fit. He really likes them and wears them all the time, not only for yoga.

I also got a pair of pants. After browsing the site for a while, I finally chose the Love Boot Cut Leggings for Yoga in black. I wear a size 9 jean and ordered these in a large (10-12) so I did order a size up. The fit is perfect and they are so incredibly comfortable. These are also made of 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex. The spandex gives them a lovely stretch and I have unlimited range of motion in these pants, which is important when you get to some of the more "stretchy" yoga moves.

I also picked myself up a shirt from their new collection. The Yin Yang Graphic T-Shirt features an awesome piece by Zane Prater on it. I chose the grey option and ordered a size Extra-Large (14-16). I always order my shirts big because I have broad shoulders which I can thank my father for. I love the fit. It isn't too tight to be constricting but not too loose to get in the way. It's just perfect. Also, this great shirt is made from 100% organic cotton!

You can really tell that all of the clothes are made with care and I love all of the little details that are included. For example, on the back of my pants, there is a small little Beckons symbol and on the shirt's tag there is a Chinese proverb that says, "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a songbird will come." I think that small details like this really make a brand stick out and really push them ahead of the competition. Plus, the quality of everything is superb!

All in all, we really love the three pieces we received from Beckons! Everything fits wonderfully and is super comfortable; perfect for yoga! Be sure to check out the Beckons' website and see all of the wonderful options that they offer. Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!


Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Affirmats

With the New Year, comes new resolutions. I decided this year to set a simple goal: be more active. Instead of setting fitness or weight loss goals, I figured a blanket statement like that would be easy to keep with and maybe generate some desirable results as well. Since I have always enjoyed yoga, I set out for new yoga mats and found Affirmats. 

Affirmats offers yoga mats that have little affirmations written on them. The two I received say. "I am wonderfully made" (blue) and "I radiate love" (purple). These little sayings help you not only get through your yoga session, but also through the day. Everyone needs a pick-me-up every once in a while and you can get yours while doing your daily yoga! 

These mats are 25 x 69 inches and 5 millimeters thick. They are also free of phthalates, latex, and heavy metals. Made of a Jute/ECO-PVC blend they are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic, and slip resistant. As well as all of these great things, Affirmats are also super comfortable and very stylish! My boyfriend and I are very happy with our Affirmats!

No matter what your New Year's resolution is, if you do yoga, or want to start, Affirmats offer awesome mats that help you be more positive. Be sure to visit the Affirmats website to see all of the great mats they offer. Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Organic Cotton Bootcut Pants From Gaiam

Yoga is more than a way to get exercise for me, while I do get exercise while doing yoga. I really love that it is also a way to clear my head. I just feel more relaxed for having done it and I notice when I haven’t done any yoga in a while. It really is a state of mind. It’s all about relaxing.

In fact all things yoga are relaxing, even the clothes. Some workout clothes can be tight and the exact opposite of relaxing but yoga clothes, they are extremely relaxing.  I have been known to throw on yoga pants even when I have no intention at all of doing yoga. Lets face it they are comfy.

I also happen to be typing to you today in the comfort of a new pair of yoga pants I just received from Gaiam. The Organic Cotton Bootcut Pant is what I am wearing to be exact. These pants are the kind of comfortable that you can live in. As an added bonus they are also cut in a way that is flattering - even on me!

The cut actually adds length to your legs, while the relaxed leg allows for a full range of movement. They are made from 94% organic cotton, 6% spandex right here in the USA. The quality is visible in the seams as well which have great stiching that will last with you no matter which way you choose  to stretch.

I love the ease of care too since these can be tossed in both the washer and dryer. I am all about no fuss when it comes to care  for my clothes because lets face it there are more important things to do with your time than hand wash delicates.

In addition to these great yoga pants Gaiam also has more wonderfully relaxing yoga attire, mats, blocks, straps, accessories, mat bags, and videos. And that is just in the yoga section! If yoga isn't your favorite they also offer home goods, clothes, items to help with wellness and overall fitness. They even have a special section for men.

You can purchase your own pair of Organic Cotton Bootcut Pants on Gaiam. And while you are shopping please take some time to browse the Gaiam site and see what fitness goodies they have that meet your needs. You can also connect with them on facebook.

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Holiday Gift Guide - For Her/Him - Aurorea Yoga

You may recall from past posts that one of my favorite ways to relax is yoga. There isn’t much that is as calming for me and my easily frazzled nerves. I’ve been through a lot this year medically and yoga has helped me stay centered and recover my strength. When I practice, be it at home or  away, it’s important that I have not only a cute outfit, but also a mat that is as functional as it is fabulous.


Aurorea Yoga has always been a favorite shop for me to visit online. I've spent a fair amount of time browsing and daydreaming about working-out with their  fantastic products. Imagine how excited I was to get the chance to try their Aurorae "Synergy" Yoga Mat-Towel. This mat is unlike any I have ever seen before. I was totally excited to get to use it and super impressed with its performance.

What makes it extra special is that it has a wonderful microfiber towel as the top, which is bonded to the Aurorea eco-safe/friendly 5mm yoga mat. It’s 72” which is just right for me to move on and plenty long enough to stretch out on as well. And I swear  you seriously have not felt anything so lush on your feet as far as yoga mats go. Plus, when you get down for floor work you will certainly appreciate the lushness of the mat.

I had been contemplating a towel to lay over my old mat because I sweat a lot and the mat can get slippy, but I had done some asking around and found that, that method can result in a bunched up towel which only serves as a distraction. With this mat you get all of the benefits of a yoga towel but with none of the slipping or bunching, which means you can have a distraction free, and most importantly slip free session.

I also like that they have Aurorae's Golden Sun Focal Icon on the front end of the mat to help with concentration. It’s details like that and the beautiful durable outside stitching that make this mat stand out as a real quality mat. Plus, after you have sweated on your lovely mat it is super easy to clean - machine washable! You know I appreciate something that is low maintenance like that.

I have a feeling this is the start of a long relaxing partnership between me and my Aurorea "Synergy" Yoga Mat-Towel. Are  you ready for a new mat, or perhaps you are unhappy with your current mat? I highly recommend this mat, seriously I have tried several and this is hands down my favorite mat.

In addition to the mat I also received a fabulous candle. The pledge candles, which would make a perfect stocking stuffer, are a collection of meditation candles. They are designed to help you focus on a particular state of mind. I received the Harmony Lavender Soy which is a lovely extremely relaxing scent. These candles have a great burn time of around 30/35 hours and are non-toxic and smokeless. They even come in a recyclable tin. In addition to the Harmony/Lavender they also come in: Compassion/Vanilla, Healing/Eucalyptus, Patience/Rose (we could all use that), Love/Chocolate, and Creativity/Cinnamon. 

Visit the Aurorea site and browse  around, this mat comes in several lovely shades and while you are there check out the other  great yoga products they offer, like the awesome candles I told you about. You can also connect with Aurorea on Facebook and twitter to stay up to date with their newest products and special offers.

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. 

Barefoot Yoga Review and Giveaway

I try not to miss a day when it comes to my ‘me moments.’ I usually pick yoga or a long walk as my way to unwind and shake off the day. Dragging out my yoga mat everyday has certainly worn it ragged and of course the occasional dog that likes to run in and join me doesn’t help.

I know where you can go for one stop shopping when your yoga mat gets a bit worse for the wear, you need a fabulous new outfit, or any number of other yoga inspired accessories - Barefoot Yoga. They have it all and they have high quality items as reasonable prices.

To replace my yoga mat I picked the Barefoot Hybrid Eco Mat. First I just love that it is made in more eco conscious way than most yoga mats. The mesh scrim is made from 100% sustainable recycled polyester.  It has no phthalates or heavy metals and the way they make them is completely non-toxic and latex free!

Now that you know how it’s made it will make you feel good in spirit, I want to let you know it will also feel good to hands and feet! When you step onto your beautiful new mat you will notice it feels great under your feet and the surface prevented me for having any slips. They come in a lovely array of colors to choose from and two thicknesses for your comfort.

While you are browsing Barefoot Yoga take a look at the silk eye pillows. I don’t often get too much time to just lay down and relax and I had no idea just how much it could relax me until I was trying out my silk eye pillow. You can bet I will be adding this to my day at least every other day from now on.

These are 100% silk, soft, cooling pillows, which are filled with flax and lavender. The way the pillow contours to your eyes and scent that gently emanates relaxed me totally and completely. They come with slip covers in either solid colors, like mine, or sari designs. I love that they are refillable and can be washed by hand when need be.

I have some great news too! Barefoot Yoga has generously offered one lucky reader the chance to win their own silk eye pillow! This giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older. Please use the rafflecopter below to enter. Keep an eye on your email as winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is drawn.

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Disclosure: I was given the products I reviewed. No other compensation was received. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize shipment.

Prana

If you’ve been with me for a while you know how much I enjoy yoga. It is more than a form of exercise to me it is part of my "me time," a deep part of how I unwind, and the only thing that stills my mind. For all of that relaxation to occur, you need a totally relaxing environment and that includes what you are wearing.

There is nothing more distracting than an ill-fitting yoga outfit tugging at you at the wrong moment. Well maybe when my dogs come running and jump on me is a bit more distracting, but any distraction can pull you from the moment.

Prana offers a wonderful selection of clothes that are perfect for allowing you to slip and sink totally into your "me moment" without a single tug. My last few sessions I have been wearing the Peacock Boho Paisley Sabin Racer Top. I love the design, I have always been a big fan of paisley. It also has a built in shelf bra and a lovely bit of stitching in the center of the bust section. It is so soft and fits so nicely. I really love that it is made from recycled and virgin polyester - and it had a touch of spandex to give that perfect lay. I also love that is can be washed on gentle!

Aside from the lovely, comfortable fabric there were a few small touches that made it extra special.  There was no annoying tag inside the neck - always a win. The tag that was pinned to the shirt was made from 100% post consumer waste and printed with soy based ink. Also there was a little stretchy ribbon used to connect the tag to the pin which made a perfect hair tie!

I also have a very cool bag from Prana - Natural Blossom Satchel. Isn’t it just adorable? It's a beautiful, big and sturdy tote, that would be perfect for many uses. I have used it most for trips to the lake to carry my books, camera and snack along. It also has a little pocket for holding your cards or smaller items you don’t want to get lost at the bottom of the bigger compartment. I think it is fantastic that it is also a responsible bag being made from hemp and vegetable dyed print! Besides all the features it is just so cute. I love the design and bright colors.

Prana carries a wide range of products to fit an active and conscientious lifestyle. Take some time to browse their site and see what they carry that fits your needs. While you are there, take some time to learn about this fantastic company and their story of using sustainable practices and supporting the causes that speak to their principles.

Disclosure: I was given the products I reviewed. No other compensation was received. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.

Yoga Paws

I consider myself to be fairly new to exercise and healthy living - new, but enthusiastic. My favorite form of exercise is yoga and it also happens to be my favorite way to relax. I try to fit it in at least every other day and I really notice when I have to skip it!

If you are a yoga enthusiast I’m sure you know what I mean. Sometimes you just can't get away from the office for lunch or maybe you are on a vacation and your hotel doesn't have a gym. It can be equally as frustrating to find yourself in a remote and serene location that is perfect for meditative poses, but you have no mat.

Yoga Paws solves all of those issues with their ingenious design. I can’t even begin to convey how very excited I was when I heard about them! Yoga mats that you wear! They are so compact you can toss them in your purse, leave a set in your desk drawer, and fit them in even the most over-packed luggage.

They are so effortless to use - you just slide them on your hands and feet and you are ready to practice yoga anywhere. Anytime you find yourself alone with a moment to relax, as long as you have your Yoga Paws, you are all set.

They also happen to look neat, and come in a nice selection of colors. Another thing to love about them is that they are made from an eco-friendly natural rubber material, free from latex, PVC and chlorides. They also have a sweat absorbent liner, and are easy to clean with cool water and soap.


There is also a nice breathable storage bag to carry them in. I find it handy for use when tossing them in my luggage after use so that they stay separate from my clothes until I get a chance to wash them. I no longer have a reason not to practice my poses at least every other day, and for that I am grateful.

I hope you will take a moment to look around the Yoga Paws website and fall in love with the idea of such a portable, innovative yoga mat.

Yoga Paws has generously offered one lucky My Empty Nest Reader their own set of Elite Yoga Paws! Please use the rafflecopter below to enter. Open to US Residents 18 and older. Winner will have 48 hours to respond by email before another winner is chosen.

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Disclosure: I was given the products I reviewed; no other compensation was received. My opinions are my own and may differ from yours. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize shipment.