Stocking Stuffers for Runners {+ Awesome Giveaway}

"Are we doing stockings this year?" Mark asked.

I was putting the finishing touches on the mantle, my favorite thing to decorate for the holidays. There was a reindeer basket overflowing with fragrant potpurri and a string of frosted cranberries that ran along the length. Two silver snowflakes held knitted stockings and, from the arm of a snowman, hung a third stocking. They were empty — for now — a fact confirmed by a curious Miles.

"Yes. Of course we are," I said as I toyed with the cranberries.

I should admit that, for me, stocking stuffers are easy. I buy Mark copious amounts of Reese's trees and a sample size cologne. Miles gets a Tootsie Roll bank (family tradition) and an ornament. All it takes is one trip to Target.

For Mark, it means another round of presents — not that either of us mind, though maybe I shouldn't speak for him. I like to receive gifts, he likes to give them and all it really takes is a trip to my favorite running store. As I told him this year, he wouldn't even have to browse — he just had to talk to my favorite girls and they could do it for him.

But for those looking to get stocking stuffers for their favorite runners, here are my top picks.

Note: I don't want to see any eye rolling — below will be one of the raddest Healthy Strides giveaways ever. 

Pro Compression socks. Where fashion meets function, these socks are a staple in my running wardrobe. I wear the trainers for everyday runs and workouts, and the marathon socks come out for long runs and recovery. When it's cold, the tall socks double as a way to keep my lower extremities warm and my feet dry. And they are cute.

So, so, so cute.

Remember that you can save 40 percent on marathon socks and sleeves with the code BLG14. And the trainers are such a good — deal $25 for two pairs, which means the recipient will be doubly as happy or you can keep one for yourself. I won't tell.

Nuun. Even though training might be winding down for a lot of people, Nuun is never out of season. I drink my favorite (non-caffeinated) flavors year-round, whether I'm running on the treadmill, teaching a class or just trying to keep myself hydrated. And, at the office, I'm drinking Nuun All-Day. It has zero sugar, less than 8 calories per tab, and an all-natural blend of 17 vitamins and minerals. It comes in 4 flavors: Grapefruit Orange, Tangerine Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Grape Raspberry. A tube of Nuun — or four — will easily fit in a stocking.

NAAWK. Tell me this: Have you ever actually used an entire tube of lip balm before losing it? Yeah. Me neither. If I don't lose it, someone either takes it or it gets washed in my pants. It's why I bought six — yes, six — tubes of my favorite lip balm, NAAWK, before the season started. I keep one in my car, one in my purse, one in my desk and one in my gym bag. I also have spares around the house for when Mark's "lips hurt real bad." (Name that movie quote!) Why NAAWK? "NAAWK is a lifestyle driven brand that meets the needs of an active, outdoor enthusiast. NAAWK sun care products are specifically designed with this environment in mind, offering the best skin and sun care products available," the website reads. And, for me, I just think they are awesome.

Road ID. Safety — there's no better gift than that. A Road ID bracelet is a $20 insurance policy in the event that something happens when your runner is out on the road. Pick out a new style or give a gift card and you'll give yourself peace of mind.

Now ... for the details on the giveaway.

• There will be three winners.
• Winner No. 1 will receive a pair of Pro Compression marathon socks or sleeves and a $30 gift card to Road ID.
• Winner No. 2 will receive a mixed four-pack of Nuun All-Day and a $20 Road ID gift card.
• Winner No. 3 will receive a gift pack from NAAWK, including continuous spray sun screen, travel-size hand and body lotion, zinc stick and lip balm; and a $20 Road ID gift card. 
• Winners will be selected by a random generator. The first name selected will receive the Pro Compression prize, the second name will receive the Nuun and the third will receive the Naawk. 
• Pro Compression, Nuun and NAAWK are providing prizes for this giveaway, and the Road ID gifts were ordered by me with referral credits. I was not compensated for this post. 

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Gifts for the Active Person {A Three Things Thursday post}

Oh, how a girl can dream.

I recently received a holiday catalog from one of my favorite running brands, and I excitedly flipped through the pages. Bright jackets and warm tights! Shoes with traction and sassy hoodies. My enthusiasm was quickly burst when I realized that I could get these items to wear now, meaning that I'd size up to accommodate the belly, and use it for one season; or I could get my normal size, hoping I get back to it, and let it sit in the closet for a year.

So how do you get a gift for the active person in your life without buying clothes?

There's the ever-popular Fitbit, a Garmin or a personal training session with me. To me, though, those scream to the one receiving that they need to hit the gym. "Hey, I know you said you wanted to go to the gym but you are still sitting on the couch. I just want you to know I noticed with this gift." Or, "You did a great job with your first race but you haven't ran a step since then. I think you should. Like now. Get your shoes."

But you can promote health, wellness and an active lifestyle without being obvious. The suggestions below work for the cardio queen, the person contemplating the gym life and the one who isn't interested. They're best given to a BRF/BFF but I would love these from anyone — even my husband (but we've been married more than 5 years so it's allowed).

1. Gym bag niceties. My flat iron is one of four places at any given time — my car, my gym bag, the kitchen counter or the bathroom. Taking it to the gym twice a week and then home again can make it difficult to track. I have more than once thought it would be nice to have a second set of hair care tools and items to keep in my Apera bag.

• Travel hair dryer. A hair dryer is the bulkiest of tools, and a travel version would be best for the gym bag where space is at a premium. This Revlon Ion model still has a lot of voltage for being small, making drying easier.
• Flat iron. I love this Eva NYC model. I mean, how can you go wrong with a purple leopard flat iron?
• Travel size styling products. Aveda is my favorite for a multitude of reasons — company mission, aroma and how well they work — and travel size versions would be such a treat after a hard workout. The volumizing spray is one of my go-to products, especially when my hair is longer, and hairspray is a must.
• Dry shampoo. Even with all the tools in the bag, there isn't always time for a full routine. Dry shampoo is a God send.

2. Hydrate. I don't know about you but my skin is already dry and cracking. Even though I'm good about putting on lotion at work, more attention is necessary — from the inside out.

• Good skin starts with a good water-drinking habit. Help your friend along by getting a useful bottle but stylish enough that it feels like a gift. This Artland Glass Flip Infuser reminds me of the cucumber water that my salon offers but without the hassle of making an appointment. This cold infusion bottle is similar but more affordable.
• Even the most well-intentioned person won't have time to make infused water every day, so why not include something that makes water taste better? Nuun All Day has been a staple at my desk since I got pregnant, and I love the Grape Raspberry flavor. It has less than 8 calories and a host of vitamins to help you feel healthy, energized and focused.
• It's impossible to get through a Midwest winter without a good lotion. My favorite is Aveda's hand relief cream. It's thick but not greasy and the scent is pleasing without being overpowering.

3. To and fro outfit. While the following item do assume that someone is going to the gym, they are also good for anytime. After all, it's cold and the chilly temperatures scream for warmth and comfort.

• Boots. I like to get to the gym ready to workout but in the winter, there's nothing worse than stomping through slush and getting my sneakers soaking wet. It's not just uncomfortable but it can be a safety hazard. If you are going to a group exercise class in a studio, your shoes will track in water, salt and dirt, which will make the floor unattractive and slick. A nice pair of boots will get you into the studio with warm feet and keep the floor dry. Waterproof are best but I err on the side of fashion, selecting boots like these Sonoma life + style ones that are fur lined.
• Studio sweater. It's hard to lose the chill when you come in from the outdoors and walk into a cold studio. I often wear a sweatshirt, sweater and/or scarf while I set up equipment for a class — and even during a warmup. I like to choose pieces that look good in the gym and out. This Sonoma life + style cowl sweatshirt is incredibly cute and would pair well with leggings when you hit Starbucks after class. I also like open front cardigans (like this one) because size isn't as much of an issue.
• Layering pants. I am not lying when I tell you that I wore pajama pants into the Y because I didn't want to expose any bare skin, and I was wearing capris for class. A comfy pair of sweat pants that can go over leggings might have been a better option. The Fila Sport fleece lounge pants would be perfect. Wear them to the gym or on the couch. And, for the runners, I sometimes wear tights and pants on the coldest days. I usually steal Mark's adidas pants but a pair of wind pants would be good, too.

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored nor does it contain affiliate links. Just me to you (and me to my husband), sharing ideas.

A yogi's Christmas poem

The folks over at YogaDownload shared this with me, and I couldn't help but pass it along ..

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the home,

Not a yogi was stirring, not even an OM.

The yoga mats were rolled by the chimney with care,

In hopes there would be 20 minutes to spare.

The children were nagging, not going to bed,

While visions of Wanderlust danced in my head.

With mama in her yoga pants and I in mine too,

We were deeply in need of our inner guru. 

When up on the roof there arose such a blast,

You’d think Shiva Rea was giving a free class.

And what to my wondering third eye should I see,

But Santa himself, breathing in ujjayi.

His hands placed in mudra, he looked so serene,

Sitting in lotus, right under the tree.

“Santa!” I exclaimed, “how can this be?”

“I came to align your chakras,” said he.

He rose up to standing (and his pants were see-through,

He must have bought them last year at lulu).

We rolled out our Mandukas and lit our inner flame,

And he whistled and shouted each yoga pose name.

“Now up dog, now down dog, now to chaturanga!

On cobra, on cat/cow, on parsva bakasana!”

The prana was flowing, my worries were gone,

My mantra, “I am grateful,” carried me on.

Santa, it seemed, was a wonderful mentor,

The yoga was helping me come back to center.

“Your practice need never be out of your sight,

YogaDownload is with you, all day or all night.”

And I heard him exclaim as he drove off in his sleigh,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all Namaste!”

Holiday weekend: From the phone

This just in:

Miles still will not happily sit on Santa's lap.

But he will hold hands and smile with his friend, Leo.

I got to cuddle a baby and hang out with Kim while riding the Santa Train.

Christmas dinner prep has begun! Meatballs for meatball lasagna. Yum. My mother-in-law had her hip replaced, and cooking duties for the holiday have been passed on to me. Since I only get the holiday off, I'm doing as much advance work as possible.

My neighbor is either very generous and thoughtful or trying to kill me. She delivered her annual plate of Christmas cookies last night. These cookies, which appear to be just traditional sugar, are the best things ever. 

How was your weekend?

Holly and jolly

The clock read 5:03 when I bounded out of bed Christmas morning. While my early-morning workouts were more than likely responsible for the inability to sleep, I would be lying to say I wasn't looking forward to Christmas a little more this year.

Miles is older and aware of who Santa, excitedly saying "Hanta" at the mere glimpse and occasionally following up with a "Ho, ho, hooo." I was sure he would be able to open presents and even more certain that he would like what was inside him. His visions of baby would no longer dance in a cellphone but realized once reunited with his cousin.

Though it became apparent that Santa's role escaped Miles and his favorite Christmas present was a MegaBlocks truck that my brother gave him ... last year ... I can say that this was my favorite holiday to date. Except for the year I got the pink corduroy overalls.

So indulge me as I share some of my favorite snapshots of the day. I hope your holidays were merry and bright.

Naughty or nice

He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!

Dangit, Santa! Way to ruin all the fun. It's no fun to be only good, and I certainly don't want to be only bad.

Of course, I don't think you have to be only nice or naughty. Sometimes you can be both. Sort of like the Brussels sprout dish that I brought to Christmas dinner.

My friend had waxed on poetically about a Brussels sprout gratin he had made for his Thanksgiving meal. It had a board of artisan cheeses, heavy cream and the delightful vegetable people love to hate. It seemed a bit odd that he was so enamored with the dish - Brussels sprouts and cheese. Really? And then I realized that I am guilty of eating Green Giants Brussels sprouts in a processed cheese sauce and loving it.

I decided that I would make my own version, minus some of the fat and adding some of my mystery box goodies from The Laughing Cow. When I shared what seemed like a great idea with my mother-in-law, I was informed that she did not eat Brussels sprouts. Not even with cheese. But I could bring a dessert.

I whined for a bit and threatened to bring a box of Oreos until I realized it wouldn't be very nice. And I wanted to be good, good for goodness sake. So I'd make dessert ... and my Brussels sprouts gratin.

Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, center cut bacon and a cheese sauce of milk, Laughing Cow French Onion and Swiss cheese, the gratin is a dish that is just as good as it looks. The smokiness of the bacon and the flavor of the French Onion wedges complement the fresh, bright flavor of the Brussels sprouts. It seems decadent and a bit naughty but with a punch of good stuff like minerals and fiber.

Leaving room for something that's definitely naughty.

Lightened Up Brussels Sprouts Gratin

2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
Kosher salt
6 pieces center cut bacon
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk of choice (I used half almond, half 2%)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 wedges The Laughing Cow French Onion
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese

In boiling salted water, cook Brussels sprouts in 1-pound batches for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and roughly chop.

Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, cook bacon until just barely crisp. Remove from pan; drain. In the same skillet, add flour, whisking to combine with bacon grease. Allow to cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until combined. Continue to whisk occasionally as the mixture begins to thicken. Add in garlic powder, salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat and add The Laughing Cow wedges and Swiss cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese is melted and well combined.

In a 9-by-13 baking dish, toss together the Brussels sprouts, bacon and cheese sauce. Bake for 15 minutes in a 400-degree oven or until the sauce is bubbly.

Jolly old, St. ... err, Denali

Somebody sneaked into our house last night.

No worries - he was welcome. It was St. Nicholas, after all.

The Feast of St. Nicholas honors the life and deeds of Bishop Nicholas, who was revered as a gift-giver and protector of children. Growing up in a German-Catholic household in a German-Catholic area, the stories and celebration of St. Nicholas were commonplace. It was never anything extravagant - a few pieces of candy, an ornament and maybe a small gift - but it was something we looked forward to early in the Advent season.

I know Miles has no idea what is going on but I wanted to begin the tradition now and allow it to grow in the coming years. In his stocking was a book and a pair of holiday jammies to wear on Christmas Eve. (A Facebook friend posted that her kids pick several toys on St. Nick "eve" to donate to charity, which I think is an awesome idea and very much in the spirit of the man.)

Of course, I was not surprised to find that Miles gave no attention to his gifts. He was far more interested in Denali's KONG.

So much for my traditions.

What does surprise me is how much this child eats. At 17 months, I swear this kid puts away food like a high school football player.

Take yesterday morning. I made him his standard scrambled egg with broccoli and cheese. He had two graham crackers while I was cooking the egg and a quarter of a banana. A half-hour, 45 minutes later, he was asking for another cracker. I compromised with a fruit and grain bar.

We had some running around to do, and I am so grateful I had the foresight to stuff a string cheese in my purse. The stick was consumed as we weaved through the aisles at Walmart.

And if that wasn't enough, he saw me eating an apple in the car and insisted on having it.

Lunches vary for Miles but daycare is very good about giving him well-rounded meals. This week, I know he had meatloaf and rutabaga - one of which ended up on the floor. Want to guess which? Snacks are often fruit and crackers. The fruit sometimes ends up on the floor, sometimes it doesn't. The crackers ... well, they are always eaten.

Miles eats whatever we have for dinner. Last night, we went to my in-laws and my MIL made tuna casserole and broccoli. Both devoured by Miles.

Happily.

I am sharing Miles' eats as par of Brittany's Munchkin Meals and because I'll be accepting donations to feed my future Olympian. OK. Just kidding on the second part. Be sure to check out the other Munchkin Meals.