My husband had back surgery following his baseball career, so I’ve learned a lot from him about the importance of getting on the floor and stretching daily. In our dating years, we’d hit the gym together for a few hours everyday. These days, that’s just not possible anymore with a house to take care of, his weekly travels and with the little one tugging at us. I try to sneak in some AB exercises and he sneaks in his stretches wherever we can. I have to admit, I find myself not exactly loving the way the floor feels against my back along with my lack of variety in stretches/exercises. I was pretty excited to find G2 Lifestyles, who specializes in self-guiding Trainermats and core balls. Their mats are 100% recyclable and use TPE, a durable alternative to rubber or PVC. TPE is completely non–toxic, odorless and harmless to both the environment and human body. G2 Lifestyles also has an integrated policy that all waste materials used during the manufacturing process are to be completely recyclable and reusable.

I had so many aches and pains while pregnant with my daughter. I never really knew what was safe for me to do while pregnant, other than popping in some pregnancy Pilate’s DVDs, and honestly, they bored me. G2 Lifestyles Maternity Trainermat is something I wish I had. It provides the cushioned surface for your body, but also breaks down stretches by Trimesters so that you know what’s safe and effective all while going at your own pace. If you aren’t familiar with the poses on the mat, you can head over to their site and watch instructional videos that explain all the poses.

G2 Lifestyles Pilate’s Trainermat offers illustrated three-step instructions for 10 moves, such as The Hundred, The Open Leg Rocker and The Swimmer, classic Pilate’s moves that allow you to work at your own pace versus trying to pay attention to an instructor. I love that suggestions for the number of repetitions are offered as well on the mats.

The cushioned mat is made of fully recyclable materials, is bacteria resistant, non-slip (great for those Downward Dogs) and washable. The moves are physician certified and again have instructional videos to help guide you through the moves if you aren’t as familiar with them. What’s great about these is that you can roll them up, put the strap around them and take them on trips. No more popping in DVDs or stressing your brain trying to think of different moves in order to get your stretches or workouts in. Simply open the mat and kill two birds with one stone. G2 Lifestyles makes stretching/exercising easy and fun.

Head over to G2 Lifestyles and see all of Trainermats and core balls. Hardest decision will be deciding which items are best for you. They’re currently working on the Children’s Yoga Mat, I know my daughter will be getting one of those!

Special thank you to G2 Lifestyles for providing samples for review.

Ever since my daughter received her yoga book, poster and coloring book, she’s been obsessed with yoga. Only problem was that she didn’t really have the tools she needed. I found Lazy Lizards Yoga, who creates the most adorable eco-friendly kid sized yoga mats and DVDs. The adorable mats come with twelve different yoga poses right on the mat, so that your little one can practice their yoga all by themselves once they’re familiar with each pose. The DVD from Lazy Lizard walks you through each of the twelve poses and then you can either stop, if your little one is too tired, or keep going for more advanced moves.

My daughter absolutely loves this! She carries her mat with her everywhere and asked to take it to school to show her friends. I’ve found her rolling it out and doing the tree all by herself, which was so stinkin cute. The DVD was easy to follow and not only showed other kids doing the poses, but described what they should be doing to ensure they have the proper technique. I was so proud of her and with how well she did. Lazy Lizard Yoga makes yoga fun for kids and helps boost confidence as they do poses. Hearing “Mom, I DID IT!!” is such a heartwarming thing for a parent.

Sarah: Being a yoga person myself, I understand the benefits that yoga can bring.  Starting my daughter out early seemed like a really great idea.  I wasn’t sure how she would respond although I already knew she’d be excited about the mat.  It matches mommy’s!   I popped in the DVD and she just went wild.  She actually paid attention and followed directions.  My daughter has the attention span of a gnat so I was quite surprised by her dedication.  I was even more amazed when she busted out the difficult Flamingo pose.  She had a great time, got in some quality stretching, and practiced following directions.  We’re adding this to her morning routine.

Buy it! Head over to Lazy Lizard Yoga to purchase a DVD and mat for your little one. Or if you’re one of the lucky readers in Colorado, sign up for one of Karen’s yoga classes for your child. Click here to learn more about her classes and where they’re offered.

Giveaway: Lazy Lizard Yoga is offering a a Grape Lazy Lizard Yoga Mat & DVD for one lucky reader! Comment on this blog post to enter.

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Contest ends June 17, 2010  at Midnight PDT.  Winners will be chosen by Random.org and emailed.  If they do not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen

Special thank you to Lazy Lizard Yoga for providing samples for review purposes.

The name Serena and Lily is immediately associated with class. Everything they create and distribute is crafted with the highest of quality. What once started out as a children’s bedding line, created from the baby boutique owner/business woman and textile designer/artist duo, has evolved to include children’s furnishings and some of the most highly coveted accessories for moms. We love that they also help organizations support underprivileged and at-risk women and children. We’ve hand-picked two items from their boutique to feature for our ITKM readers.

Erin - My choice was Serena and Lily’s Prague Market Sling. I’m one of those moms that gets confused by all the bells and whistles of the slings on the market. When I have to unfold a seven page brochure on how to wear something, typically it goes into the back of the closet. Not only is this sling absolutely gorgeous, it’s simplified design immediately caught my attention. It comes in three sizes and has three color options to choose from. I need to mention that the interior fabric of the sling has to be one of the softest materials I’ve ever touched. It’s soft brushed 100% organic jersey cotton. Every wash your sling goes through, only makes it that much more comfortable and soft. The recommended weight limit on this sling is 25 lbs, which means if you have a skinny toddler like I do, you can still use it when they’re two. This currently holds my heart as the best sling option on the market.

Sarah - Having a 2 going on 3 year old running circles around my legs, I chose the Splat Mat.  The splat mat holds many purposes for me.  Living in arguably the hottest place in the country, our patio floor heats up to an unearthly temperature.  My daughter still likes to do her art projects out there though, no matter what time of year it is.  This mat is a perfect place to rest her sensitive tootsies for her messy art projects.  Another life-saving (and carpet-saving) purpose is for messy foods.  My daughter is at an age where she likes to do everything her way and by herself.  This includes eating, no matter how risky it seems to me.  But now, I can just lay down the mat and she has a “picnic” on the floor.  She wants cereal with milk? No problem.  Puddings, yogurts, and applesauce?  Got it covered.  Wants all beverages in adult cups? No worries!  The best part is that the Splat Mat isn’t an eyesore! With three stylish designs, this non-toxic, wipeable mat is a Must Have.

Stay up to date on the latest sales and new items by joining Serena and Lily’s Facebook Group here or follow them on Twitter here.