It is officially the holidays! It took me quite a while to plan this but starting today to Christmas Eve, I will be posting everyday. Quick disclaimer: I am not by any means inflicting the holiday I celebrate on anybody. I embrace all holidays and I love learning about them! "Blogmas" just sounded better than "Blogidays".

Like I said before, I will be posting everyday until Christmas Eve. It is a special treat for you all. It is also a way for you all to get to know more about me. My website has been mostly yoga and lifestyle. I will start to post more personal thoughts, D.I.Y.s, quote reflections, and maybe even my favorite recipes! I cannot wait to start! I hope you like it. Please me sure you comment and share so I can get to know you and get the word out. If you would like instant updates on when the posts come one, follow me on Twitter! I will also be posting on there to ask you all questions. Be sure to check that out and you might have a chance to be featured on my blog!

In this post, I will have all the links to my Blogmas posts. Come back tomorrow to see the first post in the series. I hope you all are just as excited as I am. Also, comment below if there are things you want me to talk about!

Day 1 - 50 Facts About Me 
Day 2 - November Favorites 
Day 3 - How to be a Great Yoga Teacher
Day 4 - Getting Real About Mindfulness
Day 5 - Why I Never Publicize Who My Best Friend Is 
Day 6 - Yoga Inspiration #1 
Day 7 - How I Relax 
Day 8 - Yoga Diary 
Day 9 - Getting Comfortable with Inversions 
Day 10 - Yoga Inspiration #2 
Day 11 - Tomato Veggie Casserole 
Day 12 - December Yogi Surprise Box Review 
Day 13 - DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Day 14 - Stocking Stuffers 
Day 15 - Yoga Inspiration #3 
Day 16 - Celebrities Who Do Yoga 
Day 17 - Chai  Tea Latte Recipe
Day 18 - Yoga Mat Spray 
Day 19 - Getting Sentimental 
Day 20 - Everyday Purse Kit 
Day 21 - Costa Rica Packing List Part 1 
Day 22 - Costa Rica Packing List Part 2
Day 23 - Yinspiration #4
Day 24 - My Instayear 2014

Hypothetical situation: You are a new student. You walk into a new studio, and you have a vision of what you think yoga is going to be like. Same setting - there are mirrors, hard wood floors, mood lighting. Same teacher - talks softly, very kind, probably toting an overused yoga mat. Same style - you know, it flows, there's probably some downward dogs and child poses thrown in there. Chances are, your yoga class isn't like this. Why? Because each teacher is different and each class is different.

Arriving
Show up 10 to 15 minutes early to class. Fifteen if you have never been to this studio before. It helps you get acquainted with the studio's specific procedures. This gives you time to talk to other students, introduce yourself to the teacher, get your props, and prep for the class. One of my biggest pet peeve is going to class that has already started and having a few stragglers come in. Be respectful to your fellow yogis and the teacher and show up early.

Checking in
Figure out how you check in. I used to go to a gym where they knew who I was and I just walked right upstairs to the fitness room. I have also seen hotel style where you walk up to the front desk and sign in. At university, there was just a clipboard on the bench and you just signed in. Where I go to now, everyone had a key card they sign in with but if you are new, you signed yourself in on a computer. Every place is different.

Introduce Yourself
This is also a good time to introduce yourself to the teacher. Often times, I tell people who have never gone to yoga to introduce themselves and let the teacher know that it is your first time or you are a beginner. This is especially important so they can keep an eye on your alignment and your practice. The last thing you want to do is walk out of the studio with an injury! Speaking of injuries, if you are a beginner or not, it is always important to let the teacher know about them. They will give you modifications.

My story: I crashed my bike and hit my my hand on a desk corner in the same week which caused pain in my left wrist. I have been naturally treating it so I knew I could go to yoga class. Even with this, I let the teachers know I have a mild injury - I could not bear any weight on my left side. They gave me modifications like going into dolphin pose instead of downward dog.

Also, if you don't like being touched, you should tell your teacher. Half of the classes I have been to, the teachers will adjust your body to correct your form or even do body work while you are laying in savasana, corpse pose. If this is something you cannot handle, let them know. They can talk you through the correct adjustments rather than physically help you.

What's the best place in the room?
There is no "perfect spot". It also depends on your needs. Most places have mirrors. I have seen all sides with mirrors, I have seen one wall with a mirror. Are you easily distracted? You probably don't want to be close to a mirror if you think you will check yourself or others out all the time. Also, the back is also a pretty distracting place because you can see others. If you can easily focus, you can go there too. Everyone has their own preferred space. Just pick a spot and move if you must!

Do I need props?
Many places provide yoga props. Talk to a fellow yogi or the teacher on what props you will need for class. Some teachers do not believe in props. Others love it. I have been to a variety of classes that need blocks and a strap, this is the most common. One time I went to a class we needed two blocks, a strap, two sandbags, an eye pillow, a bolster, AND a chair. Whew! Needless to say, it was an amazing class.

Class
Be attentive. Listen to what the teacher is saying and watch what they are doing. I have had teachers the strictly told us the poses in Sanskrit with no English translation. Look around if you are lost. Ask questions! If something doesn't feel right in your body, don't do it. Yoga should not be painful. Most importantly, breathe. Relax and breathe.

Namaste
Each teacher ends class differently. Go with the flow. Never ever ever leave during savasana, corpse pose. I strongly believe that it is one of the most important poses in yoga as it relaxes your body and you are able to reflect and meditate on your practice. Be respectful to the teacher and your friends and don't start packing up until the teacher has closed the class. Be polite and say thank you to the teacher.


Congratulations! You finished a yoga class!
I hope this is especially helpful for those of you who have never been to a class before. Overall, going to class is all about being respectful and listening - to your body and the teacher.


peace,love,&light,





Courtesy of Tumblr (yoga mat image). Picture is floating around on Tumblr, the original poster has deactivated their account so I cannot credit them properly. If this is your image, please let me know so I can credit you.

Woohoo! You have no idea how excited I am to receive my November Yogi Surprise Box. For those who you who are unfamiliar with the Yogi Surprise - Yogi Surprise is a monthly subscription box that compliments a yoga lifestyle that include full size products that values health, connection, and joy for $44.95 per month (this includes shipping). The kind people at Yogi Surprise is giving all my readers 20% off for the life of your membership when you use the code: VIBRANT. I absolutely love this subscription box. Consider me subscribed for a long long time. I am in LOVE!

Why I love this box:

• GMO Free! - free of all genetically modified organisms. 
• Vegetarian - all products are vegetarian friendly and completely cruelty free. 
• Full size products - I love trying new things and all of the products have been yogi approved! (:

This month's theme is GIFTS OF GRATITUDE. The items in the box is "inspired by wellness and joy to help you acknowledge all the beauty and bliss in your life". Love it! Everything about this box encompasses this theme beautiful. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is a great box to encompass giving thanks and practicing gratitude.

What is in my November box?

• Lush Nuts in Coconut Lavender -  Look a vegan item! Score! Lavender used to freak me out when it is put in food but I oddly like it. And guess what?! Non-GMO! Whoohoo! I will try this soon.    Retail:$5
• Hurraw! Vata Lip Balm - I think this was the first thing I saw in my box. I have been eying these lip balms for almost a year now and I was so excited to finally get one. I have to be honest, the flavor I received is not my absolute favorite. The flavor I received is almond cardamom rose. It smells very strong of almond. Other than the smell, I love the consistency and it keeps my lips very moisturized.  Retail: $6

• Valentina's Home-Brewed Natural Body Mist in Sunny Outlook - This product was most surprising to me. This is definitely a full size item - it is 4 ounces! It's huge! It smells so delicious and it smells like sunshine. It says on the directions that you can spritz yourself with this spray when you wake up in the morning, before going to bed, or even as a room freshener. You know I will be using this a ton. Retail: $8

• Golden Earth Chakra Wellness Oil in Energy - I was most excited about this item in the box because Yogi Surprise released a sneak peak on their Facebook that this will be in it. Random fact about me: I love essential oils and I love learning about chakras. So this is perfect for me! This smells so delicious. This Energy oil "carries an emphasis on creativity, grace, sensuality and procreation".  Retail:$26

• Schmidt's Natural Deodorant - I saw this in Whole Foods the other day. Good thing I didn't get it because I got it in my box! I currently use a deodorant similar to this but a different brand. I love this kind of deodorant so I am excited to try this. I am also not super fond of the smell. I received Cedarwood + Juniper. I can't even explain the smell but I will definitely give it a try. Retail: $10

• Sencha Naturals Green Tea Mints in Tropical Mango -  Seriously, the second I saw this in my box, I opened it and ate one. I. am. obsessed. I have ate three in the past hour already. I really need to pace myself. Also mango is my favorite flavor. I am so happy they included this in my box. I didn't know I wanted this. I am so happy it is now in my life. Fun fact: "In three mints, you're getting one-cup worth of green tea antioxidants, adding wonderful health benefits to an already great taste". Favorite item in the box! Retail: $10

• Earthling Organics: Cacao Rawnola Bar -  Raw & vegan! Wowee! I have not ate this yet but you know it will be packed in my lunch for work. This bar is packed with nutrients.   Suggest Retail: $3/bar

• Valentina's Home Brewed Psychic Detox Bath Salts -  I have been super into baths lately because it helps me destress and relax. I own other products by this brand but not these salts. I can't wait to try them!    Retail:$6
• BONUS: Jo-Sha Yoga Mat Cleaning Wipes -  This was a bonus item because we were supposed to receive beautiful Tiger Eye mala beads. However, they didn't make it in time since they are handmade in India by a Fair-Trade program. I have these already but I am happy to try more. I actually bought these for my trip to Costa Rica so I can easily clean my mat.    Retail:$12 for 20 wipes

I am so thrilled about what I received in this month's box. I will be back next month to share December's box. Click here to learn more about Yogi Surprise subscription box. Use code VIBRANT to save 20% off for the life of your membership (aka forever!).






**All products mentioned are included in the Yogi Surprise monthly subscription box. I pay for my own membership. Post contains referral links. This is not a sponsored post. All reviews and opinions are my own. **

Guess what!? I have yet another amazing guest post brought to you by my dear yogi friend, Chante. This is for the previous yoga challenge she co-hosted with me for #posebypose. She is the handstand master! So it was just so fitting for her to teach us how to get into the popular inversion. 

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 Hey guys! For this #PoseByPose challenge I decided to breakdown handstands because it is a pose that I personally love, and I wanted to share it with you guys. Handstands took me awhile to do, and even up to this point of my practice there is still a lot I need to work on. While it is almost impossible (at least for me) to learn how to do a handstand in 6 days, it is important to incorporate these six prep poses into your practice!


 Day 1: Dolphin pose and dolphin plank.
 These poses combined are really great for building up core strength and shoulder strength. You may notice that your calves feel extremely tight! To relieve tension off of them, bend your knees and go onto your tiptoes. Once in dolphin pose you could lift up one leg at a time, or do any fun variations you can think of.

Day 2: Headstand
For day 2, we worked on our headstands. This pose is great for experimenting with your balance while you’re upside down, and it is also great for building core muscle.  For this pose, put your forearms on the ground and link your fingers together. Cradle your head inside your palms and extend your legs out. With control, send one leg up and then the other. Straighten out and boom, you have a headstand! If you’re a little wobbly with this pose either go by a wall or have a lot of pillows around you.  If you accidentally fall, try to tuck quickly into a summersault.


Day 3: Headstand Pikes
While headstand pikes are a little challenging, they are a great way to build up core strength and play around with your balance.  For this pose, get into a headstand.  As you lower your legs, slowly inhale and bring your legs down and tilt your whole back (as you can see in the picture).  Tilting your back will help you stay balanced as you lower those legs down. To straighten up, exhale and as you exhale raise your legs until you are aligned straight.  If you’re a bit wobbly I suggest either going by a wall and leaving some space between you and the wall, or going into boat pose and alternate between boat pose and lowering your body down but keeping your shoulders up!


Day 4: Downward Dog Pushups
So for day 4 of breaking up handstands we did downward dog push ups. While there are some variations to this exercise I love to do downward dog pushups by first going into downward dog and then going into plank and then a push up!  This exercise is wonderful for gaining arm strength which is important for getting into handstands. I challenged the #posebypose folks to do five of these!

 
Day 5: Handstand Jumps
Handstand jumps are a great way to play around with balance and learn how to get into a handstand.  Start off with your hands to the ground. Before you kick up, really engage your shoulders and start to tighten your core. As you kick up bring one leg back up and straight and the other leg bent (as seen in picture above). The great thing about handstand jumps is it is possible to get a little bit of hang time. I would recommend doing this without a wall because when we practice with a wall we tend to over kick because we know that a wall is there to catch us.  If you are practicing handstand jumps without a wall and you accidentally over kick, bend one arm and go into a cart wheel. This is a great prep pose to get into a handstand. I would suggest getting used to this before going to full on handstand!

Day 6: Handstand
Using what we learned from Day 5, ground your hands and engage those shoulders and core.  Kick up as you would do in a handstand jump and see if you can get some hang time. If you feel stable, you can take the bent leg and slowly bring it up and eventually bring both legs together. To avoid having a banana back really try to breathe into your core and bring length into your spine. Push away from the ground, having your gaze slightly ahead of you so you head is not just dangling.
 
Thank you for participating for the whole #posebypose challenge. You guys are amazing! All of you guys bring such positive energy and come with such determination. I am so happy to be able to share my practice with all of you guys.


Chante is a 19 year old college student, studying Biochemistry at Michigan State University.  She practices healthy living by following a yogi and vegan lifestyle.  You can check out her blog: http://sunny-yogi.tumblr.com

You all know how much I love subscription boxes. I subscribed to a few before but ended up canceling because I did not like them. Yogi Surprise is the first one I absolutely love! I heard about Graze from a friend. After looking more into it, I decided to try it out. If you click the Graze links within this post, or use the code KARELU8JP, you will be able to get your first and fifth box for free! This is awesome if you want to try it out. (That is what I did!)

What is Graze?
Graze is a unique subscription box. It includes four healthy snacks in each box.



How it works:

1. Choose your box. They have two options: the NibbleBox & the Calorie CounterBox.
   In the NibbleBox, you have the freedom to choose a wide variety of goodies. The Calorie CounterBox offers you a variety of goodies that are between 50-150 calories. You pick what your needs are.
2. Choose how often you want to receive your box. I have mine set for every two weeks. You can also set it for every week or multiple times a week.
3. Choose where you want it shipped. I get mine shipped to my home but others choose to have it shipped to their work. How fun is that? I could only imagine how exciting it is to have a box sitting at your desk when you get to work.

Why I already love Graze:

• No commitments!  You can cancel your subscription anytime. You can also pause the box so you do not receive it the next scheduled time.
• Choose your snacks (kind of). You all know I am vegan, so I turned off all non-vegan items. That means I will only receive vegan snacks to my door. 
• You know exactly what is in each product. You can view all the ingredients and nutrition facts before you receive them.
• Each time, the products you receive is a surprise! I know you said that you can pick your snacks. How it works is you have a profile and you can trash products if you never want to receive it. Otherwise, you can get the snack anytime during your subscription! You also rate the products you receive. So if you really love something, you are more likely to get that item again in the future! 
• The packaging is so dang cute! 
• FREE SHIPPING! Sometimes when I online shop and I have to pay for shipping, I don't end up buying. Making the decision to Graze was easy... 
• Great customer service. I left a comment saying that even though I am vegan, I eat honey and I wish that they had that option in the dietary restrictions section. I quickly received an email back giving me a link to all of their products that contain honey so I can change it to "TRY" instead of "TRASH". Also, I could tell can tell that a real life person emailed me and not a robot. [Below is an example of what I see in my dashboard. I am able to see what they sent me. See how LOVE is clicked under "honeycomb flapjack"? That's because I rated it already and I would love receive the yumminess regularly. See how TRY is clicked under "fruity mango chutney"? That is because I haven't tried it yet. I love this system!] 

I hope you enjoyed this review on my new favorite food subscription box. I can't wait to try out new products. If I get enough requests, I might do full box reviews on the products I receive each month. Feel free to use the coupon code below to receive your 1st and 5th box for free!









**All products mentioned are included in the Graze box. I pay for my own membership. Post contains referral links. This is not a sponsored post. All reviews and opinions are my own. **

I am so excited to share with you all my favorites from this month! I did this on my old blog and I missed it so much that I decided to bring it back on my new blog. Yes, this is not truly yoga related but it is Karel related and it is called "Yoga with Karel". So here are my favorites for this month!


Andalou Naturals (1000 Roses Eye Revive Contour Gel) - October has been a stressful month for me and it was starting to show around my eyes. I picked up this eye gel at my local health food store. It claims to visibly reduce find lines, puffiness, and under-eye circles." I have been using this product for more than two weeks and I love it. I put it on right before bed during my nightly routine.


Kindle Fire HD - I've had my Kindle Fire HD for nearly two years now (so the link is probably to the newer version). I have been using this a lot lately. It is super light, easy to carry in a purse. The graphics are great, making it fun to play Sims Freeplay. It also can carry many books and PDF that I like to read on a daily basis.

Aura Cacia's Pillow Potion - As I mentioned before, I have been exposed to a great deal of stress lately, which I promise I have been managing. Part of my stress was because I was not getting enough sleep. I would lay in bed for hours and hours before I could fall asleep. I found this spray at my local health food store. I would do a couple spritz on my pillow before I go to bed. I find that I fall asleep much quicker and I have relaxing and sleep throughout the night.

Teavana Arbor Tea Tumbler - This was a Christmas present from last year, I believe, from a dear friend who knew I liked tea! Part of my new nightly routine to help me sleep is to drink herbal tea, usually peppermint or a rooibos. I bring a cup of tea upstairs, along with a tea rest, and this tumbler full of hot water. This lets me get two brews out of my tea without having to go back downstairs! Yeah, I'm a bit lazy but this tumbler is perfect for an entire cup of tea.


I finally got myself a yoga strap! I bought this one at my yoga studio but you can find them at any outdoors-y store. It helps a lot in my practice to get a much deeper stretch when I can't reach my foot.

Zoe and Alfie! - This one isn't a product but they are my new favorite Youtubers. Their channels are Zoella and Pointlessblog. I actually found them because I watched their Sims series, which made me want the Sims real bad. Then I just started watching their videos and their vlogs. I love their personality. Zoe is inspiring and she is my age so I can kind of relate to her. Alfie is just super funny. I find myself watching his videos when I am having a particularly bad day. Also, they both makes me wish I was surrounded by people with awesome accents.

The Sims Freeplay - Yes, this one is linked to Zoe and Alfie. I decided that I didn't really want to pay for the Sims. I used to have Sims Freeplay on my phone but deleted it thinking I wouldn't want to play anymore. Well, I did. So I started over and I downloaded it on my Kindle instead (since it is a much larger screen).

Awaken Spray by Buddha Nose - I love the smell of this spray! I received this spray in my monthly subscription of Yogi Surprise. This was in the October box. It has a wide array of uses like a yoga mat cleaner or deodorant. I have been using it as a hand sanitizer. It doesn't leave that slimy feeling on your hands and it smells so dang good!

So there you have it, my October Favorites. What are some of your favorite products? Mention them in the comments below! I am always looking to try new things and new products. Thanks for visiting Yoga With Karel! (:






Courtesy of: Game Revolution for Sims Image
Zoe & Alfie Image
This post contains affiliate links.
I am not sponsored or getting to paid to endorse any of the items mentioned above. I bought and used all these items myself and they are truly my favorites for this month. Thank you!