[sponsored post] French-inspired whimsy to spruce up your V-Day

I’ve never been a fan of Valentine’s Day. There I said it. Regardless of whether or not I was in a relationship, I always hated the idea of applying so much pressure to one day alone. This, in effect, can only lead to one thing in the end: sheer disappointment. Either the guy doesn’t deliver in the romantic department or conveniently “forgets” about the holiday altogether or you find yourselves crammed in a restaurant with dozens of other bored couples only to be chased away by waiters just looking to turn tables.

One thing I always tried to keep in mind as a single lady is that it’s a day like any other. Sure, there will be the Facebook messages of love from couples who seemingly need an audience to profess their love. And you may pass a few girls in the office with bouquets of roses and teddy bears, but you know what? We create our own happy. I remember back in high school when I would send flowers to my friends in class; the single girls who also didn’t have a significant other on that day. This eventually progressed to going out and celebrating with the girls over a few captain and cokes many years later. But in the end, Valentine’s Day is always what we make of it.

I was contacted recently by a company interested in targeting the fabulous demographic of singles out there this Valentine’s Day. Started by two young men from France, Ode à la Rose is a different kind of flower delivery service. Their beautiful and authentic Parisian style fresh rose bouquets are not only affordable, but they also use only the highest quality roses ensuring long-lasting freshness. Flowers are hand-delivered the same day they are ordered in a signature gift box that is whimsical, romantic, and fun, and with a slogan that reads “Aren’t you the lucky one?” As if that’s not precious enough, a photo of the bouquet is taken before it leaves the workshop and emailed to the sender with the exact time of delivery. Isn’t that just the cutest thing? I envision a Santa’s workshop with adorable French men running around, but hey, that’s just my fantasy.

Ode à La Rose is offering a special 10% discount on all their products to My Pixie Blog readers this Valentine’s Day. To obtain the promo code, you’ll need to “like” them on Facebook.

This Valentine’s Day, why not treat yourself–or a special friend of yours–to a beautiful bouquet that will conjure up images of cobblestone streets, sidewalk bistros, baguettes, and glasses of red wine. Imagine. The streets of Paris delivered right on your doorstep in New York.

I guess I am a hopeless romantic after all.

This post was sponsored by Ode à la Rose.

Find a New B.F.F. with Gaiam TV: A Fitness Buddy at your Fingertips

It’s now been just over a week since I quit smoking so this week’s sponsor couldn’t have come at a better time. I needed something to fill the void and keep my mind preoccupied when all I wanted was to reach for another ciggy. Also I’m determined to work on a full mind/body transformation for 2012. It’s my unofficial resolution.

I have had a blast getting acquainted with a handful of the more than 2,000 video clips at GaiamTV.com. Considered the Netflix for the health- and wellness-minded consumer, this collection of videos brings a virtual yoga studio right into your living room. I have been an avid Bikram yoga girl for many moons, but due to overcrowding at my studio this time of year, I try to avoid it like the plague. With Gaiam TV I was able to search from a wide assortment of yoga, Pilates, and cardio classes with some of the top professionals in the industry, including Rodney Yee, Seane Corn, Jillian Michaels, Mari Winsor, and Kathryn Budig.

Gaiam TV = 1. Hot, sweaty, overcrowded Bikram class = 0.

The site is also extremely user-friendly and fun to navigate. I kept stumbling upon one video after another that I wanted to try, and the nice thing is that I was able to add them to a playlist to view later. Programming is fully customizable for anyone interested in weight loss, total body sculpture, and increased energy, and users can further narrow down their options based on level, style, instructor, and workout time. Reviews are available for many of the videos, which helped me select PM DeStressor in the Yoga Now series with Rodney Yee after a hectic day in the office. This 12-minute light yoga practice hit the spot and was easy enough to fit in before pouring myself a tall glass of wine and preparing my dinner.

With Gaiam TV, users receive instant access 24/7, and they have the option of streaming to their computers, iPads, and smartphones.

This streaming video subscription also offers hard-to-find independent films, family-friendly movies, interesting documentaries (I’ve already bookmarked a few which I intend to watch later), and numerous meditation videos from Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama. Can you tell I’m slightly excited about this service?

Gaiam TV is now offering a Free 10-day Trial! Gaiam TV’s $9.95 per month subscription fee allows subscribers to stream unlimited content. The subscription to Gaiam TV is no strings attached; there is no commitment and members can cancel at anytime.

I received a complimentary trial to GaiamTV.com in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. This post was sponsored by Gaiam.

For Sandy


Several years ago when my beagle Linus was still alive and living with my parents in upstate NY, we would go on nice long walks around the neighborhood together. He’d stop to sniff around or do his business (always in someone’s yard) and I’d look at the many new houses and developments that kept popping up in the area. Though my parents have lived there approximately 15 years, they hadn’t really met anyone who lived on their street. It was a neighborhood of strangers. No one welcomed them with gift baskets of homemade treats when they moved in (does anyone do that anymore?) and there wasn’t anyone to to call on to bring in the newspapers if a trip took them to faraway places.

So I was shocked when a kind woman called out from her driveway as Linus and I walked past one day.

“I’m sorry… He gets distracted and likes to sniff around,” I smiled.

“Oh, I know… I have a lab here that does the same. Max!”

A beautiful black lab came out from behind the hedges. Tails wagged and Linus and Max became fast friends.

“My name is Sandy.” Her eyes sparkled as she reached out to shake my hand. “Been livin’ here 12 years and I’ve never met a neighbor.”

She instantly became a favorite. She invited me over to swim in her pool and I eventually met her boyfriend and daughter. On summer nights, we’d sit in her gazebo and listen to an orchestra of crickets. My visits were usually brief, but always sweet. Sandy was good peoples and I was happy to see her whenever I stopped by my parent’s house.

A few years ago, my father called to tell me Sandy had died of cancer and he read her obituary to me over the phone. My heart sank for her beautiful family and I mourned the loss of her free spirit.

Cancer isn’t a stranger in my family. We’ve had a few scares over the years and both my grandparents died from cancer-related illnesses. In a time of merry-making, tree decorating, indulging, and gift-giving, I think it’s important to stop and remember those who are sadly no longer with us. Please take a minute to watch the video. The message is an important one: imagine a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Thanks, Sandy, for your friendship and I wish you a happy Hanukkah. If you see Linus, please give him a big kiss and tell my Oma and Opa that I love and miss them both dearly.

This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.