Fit for the Holidays Update: The return to pilates class was a success. Well, kind of. For one thing, I could barely sit up to get out of bed this morning, but at least I know I worked something. As I had thought, my classmates had missed me and were worried that I had ditched them for another gym. I got to fill them in on the past six weeks of my life, and my instructor, Marcia, informed me that this would be the last pilates class she would be teaching. She has decided to move to California and will no longer be leading us in the fight against flabby abs every Saturday morning. What is even worse for a pilates-aholic like me, is that Gold’s Gym is planning on canceling pilates all together after she leaves. I was devastated to hear this because it just so happens to be the only group class that I am motivated to attend. After class, I added my signature to a petition that had been created by one of my mat mates…so we’ll see how that goes. Word on the street is that they might replace it with a class called ‘Guns & Buns’ – how lame is that?!

With the upcoming holidays, the ‘art of giving’ is alive and I, for one, love it! I know we should appreciate and cherish our loved ones every day of the year, but during the next week I usually take it to the next level. Now, by nature, I am a giver. I look for presents for the people in my life year round – hoping to find that special something that fits their personality months in advance of when I need to give it to them. Actually, I think I have had my future Mother-in-Law’s gift under our bed since last May.

Not only do I like to think about giving to those close to me, but I also try to remember those who have helped me out in some way the past year. I always send some homemade treats down to the production team at my office, because they always get me out of jams on the job. So I spent the morning making almond bark pretzels for them and packaging them up to send down to the production facility tomorrow.

Tasty treats as far as the eye can see!

For me it’s not just about the gift, but the packaging the gift comes in. Wrapping presents is one of my favorite things about Christmas. I have loved it since I was young. My mom would box up all of our family’s gifts and write the recipient’s name on the corner (as well as tape down all the sides to deter me from snooping), and I would gladly wrap them all in one sitting. From the sparkly paper, to the luxurious ribbon and glittery name tags. In my book there is nothing better than a perfectly packaged present.

That reminds me, I think I may have one or two more things to wrap tomorrow.

Are you still needing to do a little gift wrapping yourself? Here are some nifty gifty ideas!

Now you know what to do with those burnt out bulbs!

Fa La La: Re-use some sheet music for your Glee-loving friends

Love this idea! Add some bling to your gift by attaching a beautiful bauble or vintage broach.

Buy ornaments on sale after Christmas to tie on to next year's pretty packages.

HAPPY WRAPPING!