WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS Deskercise

We know we're not alone when we say that we've been so busy here at JMC! And this means, a lot of time spent at our desks with our heads forward, necks stiff and our backs in need of a good stretch. While most of us (hint, hint) get our blood moving on Workout Wednesdays, the rest of the days we remain staring at the computer screen in sure need of standing up. Or better yet, a couple of quick exercise moves that can be done around the office.

So we looked far and wide for great tips and here's the ones we think we can handle:

• Try doing jumping jacks for a minute every hour.
• Not a jumping jacks fan? Run in place instead for a minute every hour.
• Still sitting? Tap your feet quickly whenever you feel sluggish. The quick spurt of movement will keep you alert (and bug your office mate).
• Once you're done with feet taps, try doing leg lifts (both straight up and out) holding for 15 seconds on each side at least two times each leg an hour.
• Stretch your arms over your head and lean side to side slowly focusing on keeping your torso strong and the stretch.
• Strengthen your arms (and keep the aching down) by doing arm circles while still sitting.
• Try some ab rotations by holding your arms together (think I Dream of Jeannie) rotating your torso side to side. Do this for 30 seconds a couple times a day.

A DAY IN THE LIFE Tree Trimming

Rumi Joon and I just wanted to share a little holiday spirit with you after our weekend in Pennsylvania. When we're out there for QVC, we stay at the home of friends. Because we're out there so often, this has become our second home and so, we all gathered around the tree as one big "family" to decorate the tree! Well, Rumi was Chief Elf in charge of this project, but we all tried to help her.

Hoping you had a wonderful weekend with your little elves (or big elves)!

JOSIE'S PICKS Little Creatures

Having a 5-year-old, I'm always on the hunt for toys and fun things that will inspire Rumi's imagination and make her playtime whimsical and interesting. As a family, we really make our focus about creativity through interaction and games rather than teaching her to turn to the TV for entertainment. Yes, she's seen me on QVC a few times in her life, but this is a girl who'd rather run around than stay still under the spell of the tube.

Handmade, these gifts are simple, charming and make for perfect gifts for that little creature of yours. And a little tip, if you do buy the animal set, why not purchase the book The Mitten that they were inspired by? Enjoy!

1. Rustic Patriot Girl Bunny Slippers 2. Frieda's Tierchen Fox Mask 3. Mud Hollow Felt Animals 4. Colette Bream Animal Tails 5. Hi Tree Giant Sequoias 6. Hydra Heart Vegan Shearling Hat

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Dancing

Recently, Refinery29 picked my brain about my favorite way to stay fit and while you might expect that I have a go-to class or something more interesting, I actually am just a fan of shaking my groove thing. You know, dancing! Any kind of dancing (as you may remember I signed myself up for some little-known dance show a few years ago. You may have heard of it. . .)

But, it's true. To move to the music surrounded by friends is not only a great night out, it's also an amazing way to stay in shape and to burn a few of those gingerbread calories (I don't know about you, but those seasonal baked goods are piling up in our office)! And best of all? While you're getting your heart rate up to the beat, you'll probably forget that you're even exercising. But you are. Check it out (average 150 lb. person/60 min):

Ballroom: 378 Calories
Disco: 394 Calories
Salsa: 321 Calories
Swing:  306 Calories
Hip Hop: 465 Calories
General: 306 Calories

A DAY IN THE LIFE Visiting Terrain

If you haven't heard about Terrain, Anthropologie's home store/nursery/lovely oasis of curiosities and wonderful things in Glen Mills, PA, then let me introduce you! I had the opportunity to peruse and marvel about for the afternoon this past weekend and I was thoroughly in love with all of the wonderful goodies. Check out their website if you're still in need of some holiday gifts. May I suggest this book for the gourmand in your family? Or what about this cozy repurposed wool blanket? So many choices!

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Play

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I know, I know. . . the last thing you want to do after you've filled your belly with delicious food is to run around. But I urge you, I ask you, I kindly remind you that a few hours after you eat, your heart and your muscles will thank you if you just get up and play. Where there is cold weather, perhaps a little indoor yoga and stretching with family? If in a milder climate, how about a brisk walk or a quick game of backyard tag? Yes, I know it's ever-so-tempting to snooze on the couch, but in the spirit of being with your loved ones and of loving by encouraging good health. . .play!

Happy eating and happy playing! May the holiday be wonderful for you and your family.

And if I haven't told you lately, THANK YOU for being on this journey with me. A little message for you.

JOSIE LOVES La Buena Vida

After perusing around Roost, we've found so many other wonderful journals by equally talented writers and photographers. La Buena Vida, the vibrant blog of Brooklyn photographer Nicole Franzen, is a joy to read and so vivid that you'll feel the warmth emitting from her posts. A vegtarian, she also offers up scrumptious recipes that, even around this time of year, will satisfy both the meat-eater and veggie alike.

In short, we're sure you'll be as enchanted as we are. Happy browsing!

A DAY IN THE LIFE: Elves' Faire

Rumi and I dressed up in our elf princess best this weekend to join the many families at her school for the Annual Elves' Faire, a winter festival starring Father Winter, a Jack Frost Bake Shoppe, this giant bird's nest and of course, many elves (a.k.a. the happy kids running about). It's a tradition we look forward to!

What are your holiday traditions?

WINNER Goodbye Winter Skin

How could we resist this face when selecting our winner of the Goodbye Winter Skin Giveaway? Actually, Katherine gave us some great tips for getting through the cold and we thought that Schmoopie and his sweater just added to her great entry. Congrats!

How does she do it? To survive winter Katherine:

• Begins the day with a cup of hot water and lemon to replenish her body and get her blood flowing. 
• Puts on some sunscreen (and sweaters for her and the pup) and heads out for a brisk walk with Schmoopie to get some fresh air and start the day truly awake!
• Drinks room temperature or hot water throughout the day to stay hydrated and warm.
• Eats seasonally to keep her body in balance.
• Treats her hair to a weekly mask for extra moisture.
• Keeps active with yoga (which can be done in the warmth of the indoors).

Wonderful tips and truly a great routine to survive the season. As for Schmoopie, send us more photos Katherine! What a doll.

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Stretching

We get it. It's cold outside, your bed is warm and that dream about vacationing on a fantastic island makes you want to close your eyes again to see if you can return to swaying in a hammock. We don't blame you. But if you're going to skip out on a workout (or two), please, please, take a few minutes to stretch before you face the day.

Not only will you

• improve your muscle strength
• help your posture
• increase flexibility
• help prevent injury

But it will also get your circulation going so that you are actually more alert and awake! And since it requires no equipment, you can do it wherever you are, even if you're on the road like I am. In the long run, those few minutes will turn into a healthier you.

Speaking of stretching, we also challenge you to stretch your limits a bit throughout the day, even if not in the physical sense. Perhaps try a new food, sip a new tea, take the scenic way home or learn about something you wouldn't normally be drawn to (staffers around here recommend This American Life or Radiolab just for stretching your mind).

How do you break out of your comfort zone? Any good stretches you recommend?