Peace Exchange this week!!!

The Alluem Kids classes are cancelled this week, but not to worry - the Peace Exchange is on! Last year we exchanged with India. This year we'll be exchanging with Africa!

Join us for two wonderful events during the holiday break:

4-8 yr olds: Wednesday, December 28th - 3:45-4:45pm

9-12 yr olds: Friday, December 3oth - 7:30-8:45pm

Register online - workshops tab! Click here!

Click on photo to enlarge.

Peace Exchange Flashback

So excited for this year's Peace Exchange with kids in Africa! Enjoy this video from last year's exchange with kids in India! Join us this week if you can! Sign up online - workshops tab!

"Create Peace Project is an arts-for-peace-education non-profit organization. Through our work with people of all ages, our mission is to foster self-awareness, strengthen communities, and spread peace through creativity on a global scale. We achieve this by facilitating collaborative arts workshops and promoting positive peace practices through our arts-for-peace projects."

To learn how you can get your school involved in the Peace Exchange, click here:

www.createpeaceproject.org

Melt Your Heart

Melt your heart and enjoy the holidays!!!

12 Days of Giving - Day 12 - YOGA!

Last year the on the 12th Day of Giving, YOGA was the featured gift that gives back! Well here it is again!!!! It hasn't stopped giving back! So many benefits for your body, mind and soul! The list is endless! This year, give someone you love the gift of yoga! There are lots of options for gift cards at Alluem Yoga!

1 - Alluem Kids 8 Week Winter Session - $96 (1/23-3/20)
2 - Baby & Me 6 Week Session - $78 (1/27-3/2)
3 - 6 Week Beginner's Series - $78 (2/5-3/11)
4 - Yoga: The Workshop - $35 (1/7)
5 - Candlelight Restorative Workshop - $30 (2/10)
6 - New Student Special - 3 classes for $30
7 - 5 Class Package - $70
8 - 10 Class Package - $130
9 - 20 Class Package - $240
10 - Unlimited Monthly - $120
11 - Drop in Class - $15

SO MANY OPTIONS! And the good news for you last minute shoppers...you can purchase right online and print out your own gift card! Click here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=7159

12 Days of Giving - Day 11 - Gaiam

If you practice yoga, you've probably had a Gaiam mat or at least sat next to someone in class who has one. Gaiam has partnered up with a Fair Trade company called ONE WORLD through which they've discovered HOPE. Gina and Greg Hope's idea for HOPE Fair Fashion in Action is simply a small company based on very big thinking ranging from jewelry to clothing to home decor. Each piece celebrates the interconnection of the global community. And with a partner like Gaiam, HOPE is building markets for fair trade products and creating a safe, comfortable place to earn a living in dignity.

To learn more about HOPE, visit: www.life.gaiam.com/article/hope-springs-thailand-fair-trade-fashion-action

To shop HOPE: www.gaiam.com/category/fair-trade/top-rated.do

12 Days of Giving - Day 10 - SoapBox

Much like our friends at Toms, SoapBox is doing a one for one project that is saving lives. SoapBox works to save children suffering from pneumonia, rotavirus and cholera due to unsanitary living conditions. They've reached out to several US cities, as well as several international aid organizations.

"When you buy a bar of our soap, we send a companion bar to a child in need. Our aid soap doesn’t look or smell like the soap that you buy. The bars of soap we donate are a mission-specific formula which is different than the bar we sell to retail customers. This is because the soap we send around the world has to be formulated for all types of temperatures, humidity levels, storage conditions, and water properties. Our mission-specific soap formula is specially designed to be gentle on all skin types (similar to baby soap), particularly for people who may have never used soap before. Despite the differences between our retail bar and our relief bar, the relief bar is still made with all natural ingredients, is glycerin based, and is of the same high quality as the bars we sell online and in stores."

Visit: www.soapboxsoaps.com

12 Days of Giving - Day 9 - Somaly Mam

January is Yoga Freedom Month! The mission of Yoga Freedom Project is to unite the yoga community around the issue of sex trafficking through education, awareness, and fundraising for organizations we believe in. Why not start supporting now!? This holiday, shop the Empowerment Store through the Somaly Mam Foundation to help put an end to slavery. Beautiful jewelry and scarves made by survivors of modern day slavery undergoing rehabilitation.

Stop by the studio to learn more about Somaly Mam's story. Her book is now available at the front desk for a $15 donation to the Somaly Mam Foundation. Read this book, learn about Somaly's brave fight against the powerful and corrupt forces that steal the lives of young girls around the world...then share her story with a friend. A book discussion and donation based yoga class will be held at Alluem Yoga on January 28th from 1:00-3:00pm!

The 12 Days of Giving - Day 8 - PeopleTowels

Choose to reuse! I love this company...

"People Towels are the newest concept in sustainability, and the latest in eco-chic fashion. An on-the-go, sustainable alternative to paper towels in public facilities, these reusable personal hand towels are made of a patent-pending fabric that’s 100% certified organic Fair Trade cotton. The light-weight fabric is absorbent, yet dries quickly. PeopleTowels are printed with eco-friendly dyes, and come in a variety of designs to appeal to different tastes and styles."

"PeopleTowels is born of the belief that we can all find new ways to personally incorporate sustainability and conservation into our daily lives. PeopleTowels is an idea borrowed from the Japanese, who have been using reusable, personal hand towels for decades."

And now you can kick the holiday season off with double good gifts - give a gift with a built in donation to a worthy cause. Choose from the "Plant a Tree Gift Set" benefitting Trees for Future, the "Breast Cancer Fund Gift Set" benefitting the Breast Cancer Fund, or the "Pet Lover Gift Set" benefitting the Humane Society.

12 Days of Giving - Day 7 - Kohl's

That's more like it...I'm always excited to see which book and plush set Kohl's is going to pick for their Kohl's Cares® program. This year it's Nancy Tillman's charmingly written and beautifully illustrated series of books. The one seen below is from the "The Spirit of Christmas" collection. It's a sweet rendering of the excitement and magical moments during the holidays. This story shows that the most touching part of the Christmas season is spending time with those we love. Paired with the lion plush, this Kohl's Cares collection is sure to be a family favorite.

100% of the net profit from the sale of this item will support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. Visit the Kohl's Cares® site to learn more: www.kohls.com

12 Days of Giving - Day 6 - Booda Baby

I love a onsie that makes a statement...look closely and you'll see that this one reads:

"I will make a difference."

"For every t-shirt or onsie you buy and for every t-shirt or onsie a child wears, Booda Brand promises the gift of a book through the incredible organization, Room to Read. A book that will inspire a child in need who wants to learn beyond the borders of his or her mind. Booda Brand truly believes that education is the key to breaking the continuous cycle of poverty. As such we have founded a unique business model called One for You, One for Humanity based on the idea of reciprocity."

I'm loving the Booda Brand site right now...they even give you some great suggestions on inspiration picture books! Great for the classroom (or yoga studio!!). Click here:

www.boodabrand.com/book.htm

12 Days of Giving - Day 5 - FEED Bags

There are sooo many new FEED Products this holiday season! How can you resist???

One of my favorite bags that I've been using these days is the FEED Love Bag.

Each FEED Love Bag will provide 25 meals in areas with high rates of HIV/AIDS patients through the UN World Food Programme (WFP). AND it's great for toting around all those kid's yoga props!

And speaking of kids, check out the adorable FEED Our Small World Bodysuit and Pants.

Each bodysuit and pants set purchased will generate funding to help UNICEF provide 150 children with essential Vitamin A supplements - a nutrient proven to be particularly crucial to the health of a growing child. Sadly, millions of children do not have access to basic health care and nutritional supplementation, including Vitamin A. For these children, this one nutrient can make a big difference.

12 Days of Giving - Day 4 - Beats

I've always been a fan of (PRODUCT)RED...afterall, I was born on World AIDS Day.

Beats by Dr. Dre headphones from Monster were engineered to let music lovers hear their favorite tracks exactly how the artists intended them to be heard. These headphones are the first Beats to be added to the (PRODUCT)RED collection. A portion of the profits from this (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition will go straight to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa...and all the kids love them.

SOLO HD (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition are available at Apple stores, www.apple.com, and www.dell.com.

12 Days of Giving - Day 3 - TOMS!

We can't say enough about Toms at Alluem! We love their shoes! We love their sunglasses! We love their mission! For every pair of shoes purchased, founder Blake Mycoskie donates a pair to a child who would otherwise be barefoot. And now for every purchase of sunglasses you make, someone in need will get the gift of sight. Visit www.toms.com.

Remembering Alluem Kids "One Day Without Shoes"!

12 Days of Giving - Day 2 - Serrv

Serve - it's what we do as human beings. We help each other, as Gina says, however you can,

when you can. Introducing Serrv - a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

For more than 60 years, SERRV has worked to eradicate poverty through our direct connections with low-income artisans and farmers. SERRV originally stood for "Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation" but their mission has expanded greatly since the beginning.

There is sooo much available through SERRV - jewlery, handbags, scarves, home decor, dishware!!! All Fair Trade and handmade!!! Visit www.serrv.org.

Here are just a few of my favorite items:

Tree of Life Wall Art

Children of the World Garland

And for the college kid in your life...

The Study Break Gift Basket

Haitian coffee, Singing Rooster Mountain Bleu, and new Snickerdoodle cookie mix from The Women's Bean Project are nestled in a tray with the Twilight Mug from Prescraft in Cameroon and the Discreet Notebook Set from Mahaguthi in Nepal.

12 Days of Giving - Day 1 - Krochet Kids International

From the 15 days of Gratitude, to the 12 Days of Giving!!! Here it comes again - the list of gifts that give back!! Check in daily to see how you can help others in need while you shop your heart out this season! Krochet Kids International was started by a couple of high school friends who wanted to create cool headgear for their winter sporting events. Crocheting is not the normal hobby for young guys, but nonetheless it caught on and peers loved thier hats! They taught friends and family how to crochet up through college, when they began to want even more. They wanted to be able to reach others...maybe even people in developing countries. After a trip to Uganda, where they taught women how to crochet as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty. Thus formed the non-profit Krochet Kids International.Krochet Kids has continued to grow and evolve in ways they never imagined. Today, over 100 people go to the compound in Northern Uganda everyday to work and to rewrite their stories for the better. The products created abroad have been well received here at home and the cooperation of our staff in America and artists in Northern Uganda has created a sustainable cycle of employment and empowerment. Buy a hat! Change a Life!

The best part about this program...the label. Every hat carries with it the signature of the woman who crocheted it on the label. You can visit the website (or use your handy dandy QR scanner on your iPhone) to learn more about the woman who made your hat and see how you are directly impacting her and her family. And then...you can send her a message. Maybe a simple thank you, maybe a message of hope and gratitude. The women see every message and they appreciate each one.

Winter Session Registration is OPEN!

Registration for Winter Session is open!

8 Week Session with Karen starts in January!

Alluem Tweens (ages 10-12):

Sundays: 11:15am-12:15pm

or Mondays: 3:45-4:45pm

Alluem Kids (ages 7-9):

Sundays: 12:30-1:30pm

or Thursdays: 3:45-4:45pm

or Tuesdays: 3:45-4:45pm (NO CLASS 1/31)

Alluem Little Kids (ages 4-6):

Sundays: 10:00-11:00am

or Wednesdays: 3:45-4:45pm

$96 per 8 week session

Register online - www.alluemyoga.com - workshops tab

All fees and packages are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Any classes not used in the duration assigned are forfeit. Students may make-up missed classes in another class of their age group only.

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 15 - Gratitude

When we take the time to find gratitude in the every day things in our lives, we are feeding the soul. When we stop taking life for granted, we are strengthening our hearts. When we pause to breathe and love ourselves and all around us, we are increasing our quality of life.

I'm so proud of all of the Alluem Kids who took part in the gratitude challenge!!! I loved reading all their lists:

Family, friends, education, beds, pets, homes, siblings, the army, the president, electricity, shoes, clothes, food, water, health...and even homework. Oh, yeah...and yoga!

Thanks, kids!! Keep on finding gratitude!!!

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 14 - Savasana

Savasana. Need I say more?

Benefits of Savasana (deep relaxation) from MyYogaOnline.com:

- relaxes central nervous system/calms mind - helps relieve stress - relaxes body - decreases beta brain waves and shifts to slower brain waves - reduces insomnia/improves sleep - reduces headache and fatigue - helps relieve depression

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 13 - Kids Helping Haiti

This week some of the Alluem Kids classes have been working on their own pieces of art for this weekend's auction. The kids know about the disaster in Haiti and know that the people are still in need. By creating a piece of art work from the heart, they will be making a BIG difference.

I'm so grateful for these kids.

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 12 - Creative Souls

This was a great day.

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 11 - Believing in Yourself

Haitian American visual artist Nadine LaFond graced our studio today...what an amazing afternoon of art and yoga!! Gina began by leading us through some asana, opening our creative chakras and then Nadine led us through what she calls a Channeling Art Workshop. She helped students connect with and record personal journeys through the use of symbolism.
Nadine brought some pieces of her artwork to inspire the participants. The one that struck me was the piece shown here. Inscribed on the bottom is the Haitian phrase "Map Couri", meaning run away or escape. That is rethought with "Map Kembe" meaning stand strong. I believe this is a symbol of inner strength and determination. This is holding your head high and believing in yourself even in the face of doubt. So beautiful.

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 10 - Music

"A Home In Haiti" CDs from Floating Records just hit Alluem!

For only $10 you can have this rockin' playlist of music to kick back and be inspired by! And to top it off you're helping make a difference in the life of someone in need. So grateful for music and this project. A Home In Haiti features 11 songs by Floating Records best artists, highlighting the finest local music in Marin County and beyond. From country-rock Americana from Calafia, to alternative rock from Acacia Collective, to the surf-guitar twang of Treble Makers, A Home in Haiti is a modern musical roadmap. Also with new unreleased tracks from local favorites Fiver Brown and The Good Sinners, and Tracy Blackman, A Home In Haiti is a treat for the ears and good for the soul. 100% of all proceeds from the CD are going to build a new children’s community center in Jacmel, Haiti, still recovering from the January 2010 earthquake. Our good friend Lisa Rueff, and her Collective Hearts Yoga’s “Collective Hearts for Haiti” project, are working tirelessly to make this dream a reality for the children of Jacmel. We are pleased and proud to be working with them on this effort.

To preview the music, visit: http://www.floatingrecords.com/fr_ahomeinhaiti.com

100% of the proceeds go to Off the Mat into the World.

15 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 9 - Birthdays!!

Happy Birthday to me! Spent my day celebrating with some of my favorite Alluem Kids!

We mixed, baked and decorated a Whopper Cake at Storytime Yoga! Then celebrated with the 7-9 year olds with a fun-filled class!! So grateful for joyful birthdays!