by Mollie Millington | Dec 2, 2019 | fitness, gift guide, outdoors, product review
This year, I have put together four gift guides to help you sort out what to give others and what to ask for yourself. Today’s list is for anyone who enjoys keeping fit and/or being outdoors. My other guides include self care and well-being, active and adventure travel and fun sweatshirts. Please keep in mind, any product with a * I was given to review and feel it is an excellent product to recommend. Others were suggested to me but sound like something I would find useful. Hopefully this gives you a little inspiration on what you might want to ask Santa for this year.
Chrome Industries merino cobra hoodie 2.0– You know I love merino. Put it in hoodie form and you have a winner. Run, walk, hike, ski anything is possible with this warm layer from Chrome Industries that will help regulate your body temperature and is resistant to becoming stinky. It is straight cut to allow for freedom of movement no matter what activity you are doing, along with a high collar and zipper back pocket.
KEEN Innate x Sherpa hiking boot– Tackle the outdoors in these limited edition hiking boots. With both brands sharing an affinity to take action, give back and create a better future for communities in a meaningful and immediate way, values are woven into the soul of this unique collaboration, with €15 being donated from the sale of every shoe to charity Room to Read®. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. These boot have some pretty cool design features, such as a distinctive endless knot embossed into the upper and subtle signature Nepalese flag detail to the heel loop, which pays homage to the Sherpa climbers and unsung heroes of the Himalayas. Constructed in premium, environmentally preferred Better Leather from a Leather Working Group (LWG) tannery, a PFC free Durable Water Repellent system and featuring Eco Odor Control, the KEEN Innate x Sherpa Adventure Gear looks good, feels good and does good. A PU midsole provides lightweight durability whilst KEEN’s trusted S3 technology and stability shank deliver reliable suspension and support when negotiating varied terrains. A KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane gives all seasons protection, with an EVA footbed providing step in comfort and superb arch support. Ready to explore any destination, a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN outsole offers rugged traction, with KEEN’s secure fit lace system with robust aluminium eyelets ensuring a precise and supportive feel. Think of all the hills and mountains you can explore in these!
On Cloud hoodie*– I got this hoodie in the spring and have been living in it ever since. The cut is boxy and therefore offers loads of room when I want to snuggle in front of a campfire or am cooling down after a long run. A cowl neck with asymmetrical zipper is a unique design choice which I use to keep me warm or to release some heat. There are also other design details, such as thumb holes, zippered pockets, rear vents, and a very unique color called beluga (the marine biologist in me loves this!). This hoodie is a must for rest days.
Zone 3 Aspire wetsuit– I wanted to get into open water swimming this winter but seem to have chickened out so far. A good wetsuit can make all the difference when you are swimming outside. The Aspire is one of the highest rated wetsuits of the last decade. With a new integrated one-piece shoulder and chest panel design, flexibility is increased as is distance per stroke. The Aspire features new aerodrome buoyancy panels on the legs and hips to allow for 30% more buoyancy than standard neoprene. It is designed for a fast, smooth and natural feel swim with different areas ranging from 4-5mm.
Canyon Pathlite fitness bike (I tried this bike but was not given one to keep)- Don’t let the name confuse you. Canyon calls their hybrid bikes a fitness range. In June, I was able to try this bike out in Richmond Park and and enjoyable the relaxes posturing and ease of riding on varied terrain. These bike have an adjustable air suspension, Shimano gears, comfortable hand grips and disc brakes. Cycling is one of the best cardio and endurance workouts you can get, and Canyon’s fitness bikes (there is a road bike version too) offer a great workout wherever you are, whether that’s on the road or off the beaten track. With Canyon, you can leave the ordinary behind and ride your workout.
Darn Tough socks* – See above (and many previous blog posts) about how I love merino wool. These socks have been added to my winter rotation, as I was given thicker hiking socks rather than something from their fitness range. James received a few pairs for cycling and he is enjoying them on his chilly morning commutes. The bonus is that this is an American company based in New England. They have 100’s of different styles and colors, all of which will keep you warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Mammut Broad Peak light jacket– What can I say? I want everyone to stay warm this Christmas! This jacket offers perfect insulation. The Broad Peak Light Jacket features an extremely soft, lightweight, wind- and water-repellent Pertex® Quantum material, which is complemented by a down and feather filling. This makes the jacket not only weather-resistant but also warm. It packs down small (into a side pocket) so you can store it away if you need to when on the mountain. It also means it won’t take up more room in your flat.
Ultimate Performance reflective gloves and hat- “Safety first” is one of my motto’s. It is incredibly frustrating when I see runners and cyclists out in the dark, dressed in black and with headphones on. Come on people! Ask for these matching reflective hat and gloves and stay safe while you train this winter. The back of the gloves are covered with an ultra-reflective and multi-colour print that reflects light, keeping you visible to others so you won’t be missed. The breathable fabric is abrasion resistant and doesn’t bobble, with high moisture diffusion and drying ability to keep you dry and comfortable during wear. The gloves even have touch pad index fingers, allowing you to keep your gloves on when using your phone and the silicon grip pattern on the palms and fingers provide a non-slip surface so that you can hold your devices with confidence.
SmellWell odor eliminator pouches– These i found on the Vibram website. Living in England, my shoes are often wet. Add some bacteria in there and you can smell my shoes a mile away! These pouches claim to remove the odor so I would love to see these in my stocking. Plus, the available patterns are a hoot.
SOS ear buds– These wireless ear buds are rechargeable and much more affordable that AirPods. Running without wires can be freeing so why not give these a try? They offer a super deep bass sound experience; single multi-function button to answer/end/reject a call, music play/pause/skip and last number redial; can support 3D Game Mode, low latency to 60ms; have a microphone. In addition, they are compatible with Bluetooth, are waterproof, and noise cancelling. Small and light-weight, you can keep these handy no matter where you are.
Smith Optics Ruckus sunglasses*- Smith Optics knows what they are doing when it comes to eye wear (hence the name). I have had a few pairs of Smiths and love what they offer. The Chroma Pop makes my view of the world more vibrant. Larger lenses provide excellent eye protection, not just from the sun, but from sand, wind, and dirt too. Each set comes with two set of lenses so you are prepared for the changing conditions. The raised brow design increases peripheral vision in the riding position, and top bar venting and two-position nose pads provide proper fit to help minimize fogging and maximize comfort. If having a clear view of what is in front of you while out exploring, ask Santa for a pair of these.
Two Bare Feet bamboo skateboard- Did you know that Two Bare Feet not only make SUP boards, but they also make skateboards and scooters? What not bring back your childhood memories of skating down the street by treating yourself to this bamboo longboard “The Deacon”? Forty inches long with clear spray on grip tape, you will certainly turn heads as you glide by. It comes with orange wheels but Two Bare Feet offers a range of colors if you dare to be different.
Those are just a few ideas from me. What is on your Christmas list this year? Were you naughty or nice?
by thinkmarsh | Feb 12, 2019 | gift guide
So far, February has been all about my 40th birthday. It wasn’t until yesterday that I remembered Valentine’s Day is this week. My husband isn’t really into all of the V-day hype but we do get each other cards and have a nice meal in. If you are still looking for ideas on what to get your loved one, check out my Amazon storefront for last minute gift ideas (all available with Prime shipping!). There is something for everybody with over 30 items to choose from.
Let me know in the comments below what you think the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is if you don’t see it below.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 12, 2019 | gift guide
So far, February has been all about my 40th birthday. It wasn’t until yesterday that I remembered Valentine’s Day is this week. My husband isn’t really into all of the V-day hype but we do get each other cards and have a nice meal in. If you are still looking for ideas on what to get your loved one, check out my Amazon storefront for last minute gift ideas (all available with Prime shipping!). There is something for everybody with over 30 items to choose from.
Let me know in the comments below what you think the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is if you don’t see it below.
by thinkmarsh | Dec 17, 2018 | gift guide, product review, running, travel
I am so excited I found some time to share with you some of my favorite kit from this year. A few pieces (marked with *) I was gifted to try out, while others I discovered on my own. This year, the items selected fall into travel, active, and/or eco-friendly categories. Hope you discover a few new things to put under your Christmas tree.
Hydroflask True Pint* – This item falls into the eco-friendly category. The True Pint holds beer, coffee and even soup. Fantastic vacuum insulation means your drink stays the temp it needs to and so do you hands. Great for camping and festivals.
Venus Gillette Precision Bikini Trimmer*-This small battery-operated electric razor keeps your bikini line tidy from all angles. It includes a 5mm plastic comb to ensure uniform hair length too. I think it would work on trimming hair on the back of your neck too but my husband won’t let me try it out on him. The perfect size for your travel bag.
B-twin hydration bladder cleaner*- Lots of runners and cyclists have water bladders but don’t take the time to clean them properly after use. This is a great gift because it isn’t something the athlete in your life would buy for themselves, but they will definitely use it.
Salomon Agile 6*– A great little backpack to hold a lightweight jacket, book, sunscreen, and whatever else you will need for a day exploring a new city. It includes two 500ml soft flasks in case you decide to run instead of walk. This bag’s capacity is only seven liters so your kids can use it too.
SKINS Compression calf tights*– Wear these calf tights on the plane or under your trousers if your legs ache from too much walking on your holiday. You can also wear them when out on a run or for recovery. I wore mine during my five day desert ultra back in October. There is a large range of colors available.
Rite in the Rain notebook -This is a travel essential for keeping track of what happens each day you are away from home. It doesn’t matter if it gets wet, which makes it all the better for outdoor adventures. I brought one with me when I climbed Kilimanjaro and to Jordan because I knew there wouldn’t be electricity or wifi. I had to go old school with a pen and paper. My preferred nnotebook style is A5 with a spiral spine but there are many to choose from.
Smith Overtake bike helmet*- With their MIPS system and Koroyd(R) honeycomb insulation, this will protect your brain during a collision, which is the point of a helmet (think about how much money and time you have invested in your brain!). There is still maximum ventilation and excellent aerodynamics in the design. Nothing is compromised.
Wonderbag slow cooker*- This portable slow cooker was developed to help women in developing countries cook without tending a fire. It saves them time as not as much fire wood needs to be collected. It is also better for their health because they are not inhaling smoke while tending a fire. I think it is perfect for camping, tailgating, and hosting dinner parties as it retains heat for up to 8 hours. Full review will be up later this week.
Bamboo straws from Bare Vida – Plastic straws are a hot topic right now, so why not start carrying your own reusable straw? I have one made from bamboo and another from stainless steel. I keep one in my lunch box and one in my purse so I am always prepared for my next beverage.
Sarah Marie Design Studio sweatshirt – At the start of 2018, I really embraced Track Tuesdays with Advent Running. I felt stronger and faster. Therefore, the ‘Well Rounded’ sweatshirt is perfect for me (as is the Kinda wanna run… holiday one). Size small please 🙂
Margaret Dabbs foot cleansing wipes and foot hygiene creme*- I was sent some lovely foot wipes and lotions to help my feet prepare and recover from my desert ultra. These are a nice treat for those who spend a lot of time on their feet but aren’t necessarily into pedicures. The wipes are perfect for travelling to climates where you will want to wear sandals or flip flops too.
On Cloud lightweight running hat– A lightweight and ventilated cap to help keep your head cool and dry in sunshine or in the rain. The perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone.
Icebreaker merino wool base layers– As my regular readers know, I live in merino socks year-round and have a heavy rotation of tops for the winter. Both the 150 Zone long sleeve crewe top and BODYFITZONE (TM)150 Zone leggings are designed to help you regulate your body temperature so you are not too hot or too cold no matter what you are doing. Icebreaker garments are also biodegradable when buried in a landfill, making them a eco-friendly gift choice.
Black Diamond Creek 22L rucksack– A super stylish way to carry everything you need for work and the gym while day commuting. It has a waterproof shell and holds a 15″ laptop. Lots of internal organization options too so you can easily find what you need.
Stolen Goat gym towel with sharks on it. I found this over on VeloVixen and love it! Santa Jaws, anyone?
Leki Hot Shots ski poles– How crazy is this? These ski poles hold your favourite drink inside the pole, up to 200ml. They even have their own funnel to help you pour. Please remember to drink responsibly when participating in sport.
What is on your Christmas list this year? Let me know in the comments below and I will put in a good word for you with Santa.
Thanks to Hydroflask, Venus, Decathlon, Salomon, Skins Compression, Smith, Wonderbag, and Margaret Dabbs for gifting me the items above. All opinions are honest and my own. This post also includes affiliate links, which costs the buyer nothing but helps run this website.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 17, 2018 | gift guide, product review, running, travel
I am so excited I found some time to share with you some of my favorite kit from this year. A few pieces (marked with *) I was gifted to try out, while others I discovered on my own. This year, the items selected fall into travel, active, and/or eco-friendly categories. Hope you discover a few new things to put under your Christmas tree.
Hydroflask True Pint* – This item falls into the eco-friendly category. The True Pint holds beer, coffee and even soup. Fantastic vacuum insulation means your drink stays the temp it needs to and so do you hands. Great for camping and festivals.
Venus Gillette Precision Bikini Trimmer*-This small battery-operated electric razor keeps your bikini line tidy from all angles. It includes a 5mm plastic comb to ensure uniform hair length too. I think it would work on trimming hair on the back of your neck too but my husband won’t let me try it out on him. The perfect size for your travel bag.
B-twin hydration bladder cleaner*- Lots of runners and cyclists have water bladders but don’t take the time to clean them properly after use. This is a great gift because it isn’t something the athlete in your life would buy for themselves, but they will definitely use it.
Salomon Agile 6*– A great little backpack to hold a lightweight jacket, book, sunscreen, and whatever else you will need for a day exploring a new city. It includes two 500ml soft flasks in case you decide to run instead of walk. This bag’s capacity is only seven liters so your kids can use it too.
SKINS Compression calf tights*– Wear these calf tights on the plane or under your trousers if your legs ache from too much walking on your holiday. You can also wear them when out on a run or for recovery. I wore mine during my five day desert ultra back in October. There is a large range of colors available.
Rite in the Rain notebook -This is a travel essential for keeping track of what happens each day you are away from home. It doesn’t matter if it gets wet, which makes it all the better for outdoor adventures. I brought one with me when I climbed Kilimanjaro and to Jordan because I knew there wouldn’t be electricity or wifi. I had to go old school with a pen and paper. My preferred nnotebook style is A5 with a spiral spine but there are many to choose from.
Smith Overtake bike helmet*- With their MIPS system and Koroyd(R) honeycomb insulation, this will protect your brain during a collision, which is the point of a helmet (think about how much money and time you have invested in your brain!). There is still maximum ventilation and excellent aerodynamics in the design. Nothing is compromised.
Wonderbag slow cooker*- This portable slow cooker was developed to help women in developing countries cook without tending a fire. It saves them time as not as much fire wood needs to be collected. It is also better for their health because they are not inhaling smoke while tending a fire. I think it is perfect for camping, tailgating, and hosting dinner parties as it retains heat for up to 8 hours. Full review will be up later this week.
Bamboo straws from Bare Vida – Plastic straws are a hot topic right now, so why not start carrying your own reusable straw? I have one made from bamboo and another from stainless steel. I keep one in my lunch box and one in my purse so I am always prepared for my next beverage.
Sarah Marie Design Studio sweatshirt – At the start of 2018, I really embraced Track Tuesdays with Advent Running. I felt stronger and faster. Therefore, the ‘Well Rounded’ sweatshirt is perfect for me (as is the Kinda wanna run… holiday one). Size small please 🙂
Margaret Dabbs foot cleansing wipes and foot hygiene creme*- I was sent some lovely foot wipes and lotions to help my feet prepare and recover from my desert ultra. These are a nice treat for those who spend a lot of time on their feet but aren’t necessarily into pedicures. The wipes are perfect for travelling to climates where you will want to wear sandals or flip flops too.
On Cloud lightweight running hat– A lightweight and ventilated cap to help keep your head cool and dry in sunshine or in the rain. The perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone.
Icebreaker merino wool base layers– As my regular readers know, I live in merino socks year-round and have a heavy rotation of tops for the winter. Both the 150 Zone long sleeve crewe top and BODYFITZONE (TM)150 Zone leggings are designed to help you regulate your body temperature so you are not too hot or too cold no matter what you are doing. Icebreaker garments are also biodegradable when buried in a landfill, making them a eco-friendly gift choice.
Black Diamond Creek 22L rucksack– A super stylish way to carry everything you need for work and the gym while day commuting. It has a waterproof shell and holds a 15″ laptop. Lots of internal organization options too so you can easily find what you need.
Stolen Goat gym towel with sharks on it. I found this over on VeloVixen and love it! Santa Jaws, anyone?
Leki Hot Shots ski poles– How crazy is this? These ski poles hold your favourite drink inside the pole, up to 200ml. They even have their own funnel to help you pour. Please remember to drink responsibly when participating in sport.
What is on your Christmas list this year? Let me know in the comments below and I will put in a good word for you with Santa.
Thanks to Hydroflask, Venus, Decathlon, Salomon, Skins Compression, Smith, Wonderbag, and Margaret Dabbs for gifting me the items above. All opinions are honest and my own. This post also includes affiliate links, which costs the buyer nothing but helps run this website.
by thinkmarsh | Apr 8, 2016 | beauty, eating, gift guide, product review
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| Lean Greens |
One of the fun bits about being a blogger is trying out products before a big marketing launch. Samples might come to me from goody bags, via other bloggers who are not a good fit for the brand, or from the brand finding me on social media. I will only share products that fit in with health and happiness (along with my skin allergy) so here are a few I recently tried and think you should too:
Lean Greens– The health benefits of algae and other superfoods are all over the news lately. Lean Greens takes veg and makes it into a handy portable drink. The smell is very similar to my Energy Bits but it tastes good (remember to swallow Energy Bits rather than chew). The first ingredient listed for Lean Green is malodextrin (aka sugar, which probably helps with the taste) but I don’t know how much sugar there is per serving. I use it as a meal replacement on the Tube if I am running late for work. All you need is a protein shaker and water. And the Lean Greens of course!
Sass Intimate lotion– I finally was able to try the lotion after a bikini wax (not that I needed one as Florida was too cold and rainy to swim). I used the Sportive Recovery Serum and Perfect Skin Concentrate lotions to help prevent ingrown hairs and to reduce irritation after running and shaving. Neither irritated my skin (which is sensitive due to allergies). I did not try any of these internally (nor will I). Nature knows best when it comes to lady bits. If you regularly wax and exercise, you would really benefit by trying Sass out on your thighs on bikini line.
The Protein Works Bircher Breakfast– Very easy to use if you can plan ahead. Simply add water, milk, or nut milk to this pot and leave for a few hours. I added milk and left in the fridge overnight. It was a very fast and filling breakfast. A small spoon is included in the container too. I wish the pot itself wasn’t plastic but I don’t think cardboard would last overnight with the added liquid. Super handy for camping, early training sessions and life on the go.
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| Goodies from The Protein Works |
The Protein Works Diet Protein Truffles– OMG. I think the flavour of the mint chocolate truffles is delicious. My husband doesn’t have as big a sweet tooth as I do and said it was pretty good for a protein snack. The size is perfect and with 10.7g of protein, it is pretty filling. I can’t wait to try the other flavours.
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 soap– What amazing smells! I washed my hair and body with the hemp lavender scent after my marathon. It lathered well but left my hair feeling a little dry. Usually I use conditioner and leave in conditioner, so it felt very different to me. It gave my hair great body though.
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| Dr. Bronner’s 18 in 1 soap |
Supergrain Protein Pot- Similar to the Bircher Breakfast, this superfood pot simply requires hot water. The nutritious ingredients include white hemp, ancient grains, and sunflower protein. It was ready in only a few minutes and tasted like warm brownie mix. It is lactose- and dairy- free too.
Green People quinoa and calendula shower gel– Another great goody bag find! The smell is subtle, yet refreshing and it feels soft when applied to my hands and skin. The winter wind along with frequent hand washing makes my skin so dry this time of year. This shower gel is a nice treat.
What are you favourite finds lately that makes living healthy and happy a bit easier?
All of these items were sent to me as samples in return for a review. All opinions are honest and my own. What can I say? I love to eat!
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