Active and adventure travel gift guide

Active and adventure travel gift guide

by | Dec 4, 2019 | gift guide, travel

One thing I have been trying to do more of sharing my active travel and adventures here on the blog.  I love to take adventure of all the local outdoor activities when I am in a new place, rather then over indulge on food and drink.  For each new destination, I have had to acquire new pieces of kit and now have a living room that overflows with stuff.  To help you not over buy, I have listed gift items that are useful on the road and at home.  Anything marked with a * i have received a complimentary sample of and enjoyed testing out.  The rest are suggestions that I have yet to try.

Paramo Expedition Towel– It is perfect for your gym bag or hand luggage. Made from Parameta® S fabric, this towel provides a luxurious feel with unique water-management properties to give a low bulk, rapid drying towel, ideal for expedition and general travel use.  It can even be recycled by Paramo if you don’t want it any more.

Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles-  Do you love sporty trekking and are often on the go? The Micro Vario Carbon, equipped with lots of details, supports you uphill and downhill and helps you save energy. In addition to the anatomically formed AERGON Thermo Long Grip and the super simple Speed Lock 2 Adjustment System comes the newly developed ELD External Locking Device, which ensures more stability and safety on the mountain thanks to its special construction. The pole can be folded together to a pack size of 40 cm at the push of a button and can be stored in any backpack. Weighing in at just 240 g, it is a real all-rounder.  You might not have a use for this at home but perhaps you can lend them to a friend?

Kathmandu Small Departure RFIDtech wallet–  Protect yourself from digital theft with this space saving Departure Wallet. With a few precisely designed sleeves and slots, including two safe RFIDtech pockets, you’ll be able to easily keep all your essential travel documents organised.  When you are not travelling, you can also store leftover currency and spare SIM cards.

Furoshiki slip on shoes– these Vibram shoes are super comfortable for exploring cities on foot yet stylish enough to wear almost anywhere. Without laces to try, they make airport security a piece of cake. They do have a zero heel drop so you will probably need to get used to wearing them at first.  Another bonus?  They pack down small so won’t take up too much room in your suitcase.  You can also use them as slippers at your Air BNB.

Osprey Transporter zip bag*- I have been testing out the 30L rollover top bag in teal. It is a little more slick than the traditional backpack I normally use. It has a laptop sleeve, lots of internal organisation and side zips for a water bottle or snacks (which I always have on hand). The material is also water resistant, which is handy in London! Chest and hip straps mean you can travel, hike or run with it too.

Oatein snacks*- I highly recommend their Millionaire squares. Indulgent, portable and filling too which is why I will pack them on my next trip out of town. Did you know the Millionaires are also vegan, contain zero sugar, and are palm oil- and gluten-free?

Miss Plume Bowling Bag–  Part of a lightweight and stylish range, this bag adds some sparkle to your carry-on.  With a 14L bag capacity, you have room for overnight necessities or gym kit for your weekly personal training session.

Hydro Flask coffee flasks*- These are very versatile for hot or cold drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, beer, wine, whiskey). The lid doesn’t leak (bonus) and you will be saving the environment too.  I used mine at Love Trails Festival this summer as I don’t drink but I do enjoy JD and coke.  There are a few different sizes available, depending on how much coffee you normally drink.

1000 Mile compression socks*– These socks are great for helping maintain your leg circulation when flying (I need to wear these because I have a history of blood clots) and to aid in recovery after long days of walking around town. The bright colours makes me smile too. You won’t loose these in your suit case.

Sherpa Amdo crew sweater–  A portion of each Sherpa Adventure Gear sale supports children in Nepal so why not get a new jumper this Christmas?  Featuring a unique design inspired by the Dhaka textiles, the Kopan Crew Sweater in Peetho White feels super soft against your skin thanks to the blend of extra fine merino wool, alpaca wool and synthetic fibres. Naturally odour resistant and moisture wicking, the Kopan keeps you cool and stays fresh throughout the day. Pair with jeans for the office or layer up under a waterproof for those outdoor adventures.  Merino will help keep the your body temp in check and the smell at bay.


Salomon Supercross trail running shoes*– Great for running trails, pounding pavements and treading on snow. GTX means your feet stay dry. There are lots of colours available, quicklace for ease, and a protective toe cap to avoid injury.

Kathmandu Trailhead rain jacket–  Available in both men’s and women’s, everyone can be prepared to ignore bad weather with the Trailhead Rain Jacket.  This coat is always a good idea to have in your travel bag.  This jacket was engineered for easy hikes, with pack-friendly chest pocket and a fit that moves with you as you explore your environment. An inner zip lets you adapt to changing temps by attaching the Trailhead fleece, which you can buy separately.

This list has me excited about all the places I will go in 2020.  What is a travel essential you can’t live without that I forgot to put on this list?

PT Mollie Self care and well-being gift guide

PT Mollie Self care and well-being gift guide

by | Dec 3, 2019 | gift guide, holistic, relax, self care, yoga

This year, as I was injured, I tried to focus a lot on self-care, which is something I don’t usually prioritize when I am physically able. As I couldn’t run to release my stress and frustration, so I had to come up with other ways to keep myself occupied. I read a lot of books, we adopted a sassy dog, I practiced more yoga at the local gym I work at (but not as much as I should of) and watched a lot of Grey’s Anatomy.

Here are some gift suggestions for people in your life who could use more work-life balance, aren’t in to high impact exercise, or just need some encouragement to be happy.  Anything with a * I was given to review and I think is pretty great.  Other items were suggested to me but I have not tested them out.  Is there anything else I should add to the list?

Yoga Matters natural linen eye pillow*- I had never used an eye pillow before I received this in a goody bag. It is actually heavier than I thought it would be, yet somehow relaxing when placed over my eyes.  It is filled with lavender-scented linseed and has a removable linen outer cover in case you get eye make-up on it.  You can even place over your hands to ground you in savasana, making it very versatile in its use.  It is handy to carry with you wherever you go. I will be bringing mine along to my next sports massage.

Run Up 2 Christmas event– This might actually be a gift for yourself, but why not join my Run Up 2 Christmas team as we aim to run 50Km together in December?  All proceeds go to Mind Charity and you will receive a medal at the end of the month.  Get your friends and colleagues to sign up to for added motivation to keep moving this month.

Run Things Run Club (RTRC) membership*- This virtual run club is a supportive and friendly space online and across social media which can help hold you accountable on the days you don’t want to run.  They are also the folks behind RU2C above. Whether it is your work schedule or location that prevents you from joining a local run club, this is a fantastic alternative.  It is a one-off payment for a lifetime membership, emails, and access to a private Facebook group.

Barrecore on demand and Barrecore accessory pack- London’s original boutique barre collective and the workout synonymous with the lithe bodies of Jourdan Dunn, Pippa Middleton and Claudia Schiffer are now available for you to do at home (if running isn’t your thing). The brand has an ON Demand online workout membership for which you will need a few accessorizes. At just £25 per month, the online-workout programme is the chance to stream The Barrecore Method from any device and in any location, to create lasting change in your body in just a few weeks. The accessory pack (£39, shown here) contains everything you’d need to keep your barre-training going, no matter the time or location.

Sea Soul box set-  Sea Soul Blessings are mindfulness tools that awaken the ‘blue mind’ benefits of being in or around water. The simple daily practice of drawing a card each day to evoke the sea can be as rejuvenating as a trip to the beach.  In Wallace J Nicholls’ bestselling book, “Blue Mind”, Nicholls explains that spending time in and around water has the power to calm us when we’re anxious and overwhelmed. It also boosts our focus and sense of wellbeing, lowers stress and anxiety, builds resilience. I know the moment I enter warm water (not the 10 degree C kind), I can feel the tension in my body melt away. Just like sea swimming, the cards clear the mind, encourage reflection, help us to release tension, and boost wellbeing. Regular use helps to shift unhelpful thoughts, develop greater self compassion and move towards positive life changes – while also building a sense of connection to the world around us.  Sea Soul Blessing also donate to environmental projects from every sale, protecting the natural world for future generations.  A great gift to help ground someone you love.

Dook soap making workshop– Sure, smelly soap makes a great gift (and this product is exceptional!), but why not go a bit further and gift a soap making experience?  My friend, Helen, founded Dook and puts a lot of thought into her products to make them luxurious and eco-friendly.  She recently added a shampoo bar to her range (bye bye plastic bottles!).  If you live Edinburgh or want a weekend away, book in for this unique learning opportunity.

Body and Soul gift box- This is perfect for someone who needs to be pampered in a more traditional way.  The gift box includes bath salts, a face mask and jade face roller – perfect for that much needed me-time while enjoying the candle to create a calming atmosphere. A Body and Soul journal and pen also provide support for well being and self-development over time.

Voucher for Wellness appointments (female) or Wellness appointment (male)- How often do we stop and take time to access our health?  This in-depth private GP appointment can help your loved one establish a baseline level of health and if any action is needed in terms of nutrition, exercise, or stress reduction.  There are several different levels of appointment service that may include a thorough consultation and examination with an experienced doctor, a resting electrocardiogram, extensive blood testing, and a follow-up consultation or a written report summarizing the medical as well as giving recommendations for future care.  Blood tests may include a full haematology profile, infection and inflammation markers, full cholesterol screen, kidney function screen, iron profile, glucose level, vitamin D level, thyroid function screen and more depending on what you are worried about.  I have worked with the Walk-In Clinic in the past, and have been impressed with what they have to offer.  There is always enough time to sit and chat with GP, you are never rushed, which is why I love this practice.  Their clinic also offers a travel vaccination clinic* and marathon medicals.*

Function360 vouchers*- If your friend or family member is a weekend warrior and lives in London, why not treat them to a gift voucher to Function360? Located near Moorgate Station, the team does it all, from prehab to post-hab, sports massage, dry needling, physiotherapy and more.  New clients also get 15% off their first appointment with my code #F360MM15.  I have been going there for several years now and have absolutely seen an improvement in my body mechanics and use #challenge52 to find us on social media.

52 Weekend Challenges: Cultivating health and happiness– You might not have seen that I wrote a book which came out in January of this year.  Available as an e-book or in print on your local Amazon website (it is free for those with Kindle Unlimited in UK).  It is a great way to spend a year gently exploring different aspects of life just outside your comfort zone.  There is a private Facebook group too.  Message me to join!

Gratitude and resilience journals by Awesome Inc– My friend, Nicky, has built a pretty cool business up over the years using her skills in graphic design.  Her products offer readers ways to build a healthier and happier life.  Who doesn’t want that?  There is a range for kids, adults, and case studies of schools incorporating her products into their curriculum with amazing results.  Simply writing down three things a day you are grateful for can have a large impact on your mindset.

Float session at Floatworks*–  This experience makes a great gift as the price tag might deter some folks from giving it a try.  For 60 minutes, you float in a salty bath in an enclosed pod to let your mind drift away without any distractions from the outside world.  It may take a few sessions for the full relaxation effect but the long-term benefits of better sleep and less anxiety are worth it.  (I will be writing up a full review of my experience later this month).  This is a great gift idea for the person who has seen and done it all as it is pretty new on the health scene.

What are you asking Santa for this year to improve your health and wellbeing?