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Oh, Hello December 1^st – we see you creeping around the corner. The kick-off to fa-la-la-la-everything is officially here and even though it’s the most wonderful time of year, it’s also the busiest. We’re bringing you a five-week blog series full of holiday stuff(ing) to help take the edge off. From reminders to recipes and everything in between, check back each Friday for the latest and greatest holiday round-ups.

1. wine for the hostHappy American Thanksgiving weekend! Dress up that bottle of wine you’re gifting to your host/hostess with one of these cute printable wine bottle gift tags.
PS. consider this your unofficial reminder to pick up that bottle of wine!

2. vegan recipe round-up We love this vegan holiday recipe round-up courtesy of one of our favourite bloggers, Oh She Glows.

3. time to get your holiday cardsIt’s time to put pen to paper (what a novel idea in a digital world) and bring back the somewhat lost art of post. I mean – who doesn’t love getting a little holiday snail mail? We're  loving these and these!

Does post make you postal? Share one of these or check out Kate Spade for Paperless post to send a next level digital card.

4. the countdown is onThe countdown to the holidays is officially on. Whether you're a chocoholic, tea lover or a wino – here are 25 creative spins on the classic Advent calendar that’s sure to get even the grinchiest folks excited for the holidays. Oh and here’s one more for good measure (We couldn’t resist!).

5. get secret santa-ingGet your Secret Santa gift exchange off the ground with Elfster.com. Thank Goodness for the Internet. [image source]

We can tell it’s the holidays because we’re knee deep in flour (the Vancouver equivalent to a white Christmas). Our Carlsbad store keyleader, Maiah, took to her kitchen determined to infuse some classic Christmas flavour and baking into her vegan diet. These cookies are quick to whip up and are the perfect combination of sugar and spice. Chai cookies for all! #yum

vegan chai cookies

prep: 10 min
bake: 12-15 min
cool: 5 min

ingredients:

• 2 sticks non-dairy margarine or butter (such as Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease several cookie sheets with nonstick spray.
Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
Add in flour, vanilla, spices and salt; mix well.
Roll dough into desired sized balls (I like to do 1 or 2 tablespoons.)
Space out the cookies evenly on cookie sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
Let cool for five minutes, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
Recipe yields a few dozen (depending on how much batter you eat!)

While these cookies will appeal to all (vegan or not) you can substitute for regular dairy butter for an equally delicious treat. What family holiday recipe screams Christmas in your household?

1. ezlinks.com
If my dad could be anywhere, he’d be on a golf green so an EZlinks giftcard is the perfect present for him. EZlinks is a website that lets him choose a course, date and tee off time at tons of different clubs all around the world (and at a great rate too). – Allessia

2. spin pins
Spin Pins for all! Affordable and the best hair tool ever! I own a truckload and will be putting these in every girl’s stocking. – Ali

3. printstagr.am
I love this idea of taking people’s instagram photos and turning them into a book. It’s a unique gift idea!  – Kristina

4. gym essentials kit
The answer is in the name. It’s simply essential. This little guy has not only taken me to and from the gym but to Paris and London too. It’s the perfect companion for trips short and long.  – Tiffany

5. strengths finder 2.0
For people in my family who are in the early career stage, I get Strengths Finder 2.0. It's been my most powerful career development tool yet and I want to pass that on to others. (The Alchemist is also a standby book that I give to anyone that doesn't have it.)– Carolyn

6. cooking lessons for two
I’ve organized with my partner’s favourite restaurant to run a private cooking class, to show us how they make their sinuous, silky pasta. Equal parts romantic and practical. – Michael

Have a list you’re checking twice? What are some of the best gifts your giving this year?

Either the holiday bug has bitten us or someone has spiked our apple cider. From peppermint lattes to festive (and questionable) Christmas sweaters, our spirits are shining brighter than Rudolph’s nose on even the foggiest of nights. Balancing celebrations with an active lifestyle can sometimes be a challenge. Before we slip into our sparkly party attire, we’re going to be repping Santa hats (and other holiday accessories) at some of the most festive fun-runs this year

balancing fun and run

Holiday fun-runs are a great way to get out into the community, be merry and hold ourselves accountable to sweating it out. These events are a simple 5K run and make for a great catch-up sweat date with a friend. Spread cheer, bring joy to the world (and your local community) and get excited for costume prizes.

holiday runs on our radar

Source: Santa Shuffle Vancouver 2010

santa shuffle
We missed the santa shuffle one this year – bah humbug! but we’re keen on keeping its spirit lifted. This annual run happens in cities all across Canada and consists of a 5K fun run and a 1K “Elf Walk”.

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Source: Arthritis Foundation

jingle bell run
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way… literally. On top of coordinating holiday themed costumes, each participant in the jingle bell run ties bells to their laces making the 5K race a carol of its own. The Arthritis Foundation hosts this event annually in cities all across the USA from November 5^th until December 31^st.

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Source: Toronto Santa Speedo Run

santa speedo run
Toronto and Boston take dashing through the snow to a whole other level. December 10^th marks this year’s annual runs that are equal parts fun to participate in and to watch. Hundreds of runners take to the city streets in just their favourite festive speedo, Santa hat and beard to boot. Now, we’re big fans of chafe-resistance so in the absence of fabric, might we suggest Bodyglide?

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Between office parties and cookie exchanges, any other holiday fun-runs you’re planning to hit up?

Are you frantically trying to get your house together for a holiday party before your friends arrive in an hour?

We get it. Three weeks ago, you serenely sent invites to all of your nearest and dearest for a cozy night of merriment and cheer. Now, the night is here and you’re frazzled, running around vacuuming/blowdrying/cheeseplating before the first chime of your doorbell – and then, to top it off, you realize that you haven’t put together any music. Not to worry, friends; we know how busy you are, so we’ve taken the liberty of putting together a playlist of our holiday favourites for you.

uber-festive holiday playlist

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
This woman knew Christmas – heck, she backcombed her hair in the shape of a wreath for the entirety of her career. That’s what I call commitment!

U2 – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Call me biased but I have this strange notion that spending the holidays in Ireland would be incredibly festive. Perhaps it has something to do with the large number of pubs…

Boney M – Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord
I like to put this track on, throw on my best sequined sweater and eat sausage rolls with friends. This may sound weird…but I dare you to try it and disagree.

The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
One of the best holidays I ever had was spent in a Santa-themed bikini in the tropics, hanging ornaments on a palm tree. Enjoy this surf-flavoured holiday song that comes with subliminal Vitamin D.

Burl Ives – A Holly Jolly Christmas
Burl Ives IS Christmas. End of story.

Wham! – Last Christmas
If the sight of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley prancing around a ski lodge doesn’t make you feel happy, I’m afraid I don’t know how to help you get festive.

Nat ‘King’ Cole – The Christmas Song
The classic feel-good song of the holidays. This version is my favourite because Nat ‘King’ Cole’s voice is smoother than double-crème brie. (Are you noticing a pattern here?)

Kanye West – Christmas In Harlem
In the past, I have struggled to enjoy newer Christmas carols because they just don’t seem, well, Christmas-y. This has changed now that I’ve heard Kanye, Alicia Keys and Jim Jones talking about hot chocolate being “dericious.”

Bobby Helms – Jingle Bell Rock
If the thought of the AM radio dial is what helps you get in the mood, then look no further; Bobby Helms is just what the doctor ordered.

Paul McCartney – A Wonderful Christmas Time
You work on the appies and sugar cookies, leave it to Sir Paul to ensure everyone’s simply having a wonderful Christmas time.

The Eagles – Please Come Home For Christmas
The Eagles may be famous as the “Boys Of Summer,” but they prove their multi-season resilience with this modern holiday gem.

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You
This epic masterpiece never gets old, kind of like crochet tops and daisy dukes.

Dean Martin – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
If Frank Sinatra is “The Chairman of the Board,” then Dean Martin is “The Chairman of Always Having A Drink In His Hand & Having His Celebrity Roasts Re-Run A Billion Times.” That being said, his brand of swagger really sets the holiday mood.

Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
The holidays can bring out the highest and lowest of emotions. If you are down in the dumps (as opposed to Down Dog), let Elvis commiserate with you.

Vince Guaraldi – Skating
This is my favourite song from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ the album that accompanies the classic TV special about the beloved animated beagle, Snoopy. Coincidentally, this is also a very tranquil song to pass out to after one-too-many eggnogs.

Nothing says, "peace and joy," like a roaring fire on local cable…so if you’re feeling stressed, take a moment, breathe deeply and turn on the Yule log. We swear it works every time.

With the holiday season upon us we’re busy making ‘snowgis’ and popping up shops in Canadian cities that have been craving some lululemon love. Our pop up shops have visions of Scuba Hoodies, Wunder Unders and complimentary yoga classes dancing in their heads.

holiday pop up shops 2011

Lethbridge, AB
Park Place Mall
Unit P07
501 1st Avenue South
website | facebook

Regina, SK
2102-11th Avenue
Unit 102C
website | facebook

Thunder Bay, ON
297 Park Avenue
website | facebook

Waterloo, ON
75 King Street South
Unit 27
website | facebook

St. John’s, NL
177-179 Duckworth Street
website | facebook

…So spring to your car and email your friends, its time in this city will soon come to an end. Don’t stay in Savasana, come on be a mover, these shops will go faster than snow in Vancouver.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we’ve got the four “F’s” to be thankful for: friends, family, food and a four-day work week. This year, fight the food coma and be thankful for

poses for digestion:

child’s pose (also known as downward facing turkey)

Okay, that was a joke, though the pose does kind of resemble a roasted turkey. Child’s pose is not only great for taking a breather between yoga poses (or between courses) but forward bending creates heat in the abdomen and helps to get those digestive juices flowing.

marichyasana III (seated twist)

Here’s one good reason to break out a game of Twister after Thanksgiving dinner. Twisting wrings out the internal organs and helps to move things along. Marichyasana III pose is known to massage abdominal organs like your liver and kidneys. Start in a seated position with both legs extended out. Bend one knee and twist the torso towards the bent leg. Hold for as long as you like and repeat on the other side.

apanasana (upward pose)

Look to your left then right and make sure no one else is around (this pose is a relieving one, if you know what we mean.) Lying on your back, bring both knees into the chest and give yourself a big hug. Rock your knees from side to side to help massage abdominal organs and get digestion going. Hold the pose for as long as you like.

After dinner, fight the urge to hit Savasana, that’s the turkey’s natural sedative trying to take advantage and it won’t help your digestion. Be happy, be merry, and eat, then be glad your yoga pants have enough stretch to accommodate the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

want more?

• don’t forget to breathe: Pranayama away the pecan pie
• bring a healthy and blissful treat to the table
• do yoga with Ingrid

Beet, Carrot, Apple and Ginger Juice photo (okay, not quite a smoothie) from Goop.com

smoothie shortlist

Here are some great, easy, healthy, and fast smoothie recipes:

• 5 Holiday Smoothie Recipes from The Healthy Happy Life. Includes a Sweet Apple Pie smoothie that is healthy - and vegan!
• Winter Smoothies from thekitchn.com. Smoothie recipes using common winter ingredients around your kitchen, like oranges.
• Holiday Cranberry Smoothie from Greenlemonade.com
• Green Monster Movement: Easy to make green smoothies by Angela from Oh She Glows.
• Smoothie Bowl: Ever heard of SIAB? FitSugar explains this acronym.
• Almond Banana Smoothie from Epicurious
• Detox smoothies from Goop.com (scroll down for smoothie action).
• Get Your Greens Smoothie from Whole Foods. Only three ingredients!
• Paradise Found Smoothie from Whole Foods. Try adding some silken tofu for a punch of protein.
• Stay Young Smoothie from marthastewart.com is loaded with long-term health boosters.
• NY Times Smoothie [video]: Mark Bittman makes smoothies and goes over some dos and don'ts of smoothie making.

whitney's proteinacinno

I'm a vegetarian, so finding protein is sometimes a challenge. I came up with the Proteinnacinno to get my day started off right. This recipe is delicious, makes me happy, and is without question better for me than just a cup of coffee for breakfast.

proteinacinno recipe

• 1 Scoop Chocolate Designer Whey Protein Powder (or any chocolate protein, I hear Vega is good for Vegans)
• 1 1/2 Shot of Espresso (brewed on the stove is the best), or a packet of Starbucks Via
• 1 tbsp of almond butter (I prefer raw)
• 4 ounces or so of water
• 1 tsp. of unsweetened organic cocoa powder
• 6 or so ice cubes depending on if you want a frappuccino or an iced latte version
• *Optional 1 tbsp of coconut milk creamer

A little bit of coffee, a little bit of protein and a lot of deliciousness in one cup. Sip and enjoy!

According to myfitnesspal, the iPhone app I use to measure my daily calorie intake, this recipe is about 215-235 calories, 23 grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugar.

What's your favourite smoothie recipe?

Where will you be travelling this summer?

Summer is approaching and everyone has traveling goals, can't wait to soak up the sun, or hop on a plane to see the world. The question is, “what will you be packing?” To us, the answer is a no brainer -- pack your favourite lululemon pieces! Easy to pack, wears well during the day and then you can hit the streets of Venice, Italy or Venice Beach, California for a dusk run to enjoy the view!

Throughout the years we have received emails, postcards and now Facebook pictures and Twitpics of our guests traveling around the world in lululemon pieces.

This month during your travels, share your experience, your destination, your travel stories, people you meet along the way and show us how far lululemon travels through a snap shot of you somewhere in the world.

Join June’s Travelling lululemon photo challenge this month and share your group shots with us.

how do I send you my photo for this challenge?

You can upload your photo to our monthly challenge photo pool on flickr, send it to onlinecommunity@lululemon.com and we’ll add it for you (we won’t publish your email address), @reply us on Twitter, or post it on our Facebook wall!

what will you do with my photo?

We’ll be featuring some of our favourite entries on the lululemon blog. If you don’t want your name or entry to be public, let us know.

Sweat hard, and travel harder!

Dance, sing, floss and travel.

Bev and Any, our talented graphic designers at the SSC in Vancouver, created two different Father's Day cards for you to download, print and give to your dad.

Instructions to get crafty:

1. Right click and choose "save as" on card one or card two (big file alert! Each card is about 6MB)
2. Print your card in colour
3. Cut along the dotted line
4. Flip and fold from top to bottom, left to right
5. Fill in the blanks (thoughtfully, of course)
6. Give the card to your dad this Sunday, June 21st!