With online shopping, boutiques, and malls the choice of companies to buy from are endless. The quality of the product and service can be a bit hit and miss, though. Not just from company to company, but sometimes even within a company. Every now and then, though, you find a good one. One worth being faithful to. A company that not only appreciates their customers but doesn’t mind taking the time to spoil and invest in them…..before they’ve even bought anything.

That’s basically how my first experience with Gaiam has been. As I told you the other day, I’m finally making an exercise routine I can stick with. Yoga is something I’ve dabbled in and read about off and on since before Lil was born. Recently, though, I’ve jumped all the way in. I’m doing it.

Sunday evening was my first session. As suggested by a lovely friend from high school soccer, I checked out Gaiam on Hulu. Then I browsed their website to see what all they had to offer. By my second session on the living room carpet, I realized why they used the yoga mats. With and without my socks, my feet and toes had no grip on the floor to hold my poses. I decided I needed a mat.

Just in the knick of time, a fabulous family friend came to the rescue. One who just so happens to work at Gaiam. What luck, right? She offered to send me one of her spare mats, which was super nice of her. What started out as a generous offer, though turned me into a loyal customer. My friend talked to a coworker and before I knew it, a care package was on its way to Kentucky.

That’s right, some sweet lady made me {and Lilie Jo} her project for the day.  She gathered up all kinds of goodies and overnighted a package to us. I could not be more grateful or surprised by their generosity. Gaiam wins. I’ll be sure not to purchase any more of my yoga necessities anywhere else. They’ve won over my pocketbook and my heart. Not to mention, the products truly are wonderful.

Lilie Jo and I each received our own standard thickness yoga mat along with one thick one which will be good for harder surfaces. Yes, count that again: THREE yoga mats. Ms. Generosity also sent us two organic cotton Gaiam tote bags that fold up, two yoga mat bags and two water bottles {which I was already a fan of}. She also threw in a couple of foam activities for Lil. Too much.

We hurried upstairs and changed to try the new mats out with one of Gaiam’s family yoga sessions on Hulu. I cannot thank Gaiam enough for their generosity. I’m on a search for a name and address to personally send her a thank you.

I also want to pass along some good old fashioned word-of-mouth advertising.

Please go check out the Gaiam website. Its full of great information and products. If you’re into fitness, green living, personal growth, health and/or wellness check them out. Some of my favorites to add to the cart are this gorgeous fair trade necklace made from wood, these really cool yoga socks because I always have cold feet, this comfy looking every-day tank, or this ballet wrap skirt, which I’m totally digging for work or everyday where.

Have you ever had your own wonderful experience with a brand? Tell me about the company and why you made the decision to stick with them?