by Mollie Millington | Feb 1, 2022 | affiliate, fashion, gift guide, outdoors, product review
Can you believe it is already February? Your Christmas decorations may be packed away by now but it is time to do a bit of shopping again. While I understand that some people may think Valentine’s Day is a marketing ploy to sell flowers, wine and chocolates, I love a day that gives me an excuse show people that I love them. There is nothing like choosing the perfect item that makes your bestie smile! The list below includes gifts for people who love the outdoors, whether that is while running, hiking, camping, swimming, or relaxing. I chose items that are under £40 to keep it affordable too. These Valentine’s Day ideas are for men, women, friends, and family. Some of these I have tried myself (*gifted PR product) and others I like the looks of. If you have any other Valentine’s Day gift ideas, please leave a comment below.
For those who run commute: Nuasan Active Body Wipes* are my workplace essential. I can freshen up my face if my mask gets too hot or do a quick wipe down after a run (£13.26).
For the chocoholic: 80Noir Ultra dark chocolate was designed for your recovery and wellbeing. With a UK-based female-founder, this small business is one you should support (spices start at £2.00, chocolate at £5.50).
For al fresco lovers: The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle* has been on my wish list for a while. Perfect to avoid glass on the trial and to keep your wine at the perfect temperature (£35.00). The wine tumbler* can be used on the go, at work, and around the campfire too (£24.00). (Wine sadly not included)
For dog walkers and campers: SealSkinz has an amazing waterproof LED beanie* that is perfect for early morning dog walks and year-round camping. No more searching in the tent for a head torch. The built-in light has 240 hours of battery life and visibility of up to 500m (£35.00).
For those who live far away: Monty & Ridge letterbox gifts are the perfect care package for the adventurer in your life. With over a dozen themed-boxes to choose from, you can’t go wrong (from £17.95).
For those who lift: Grass-fed and additive free, the Organic Protein Company’s Strawberry, Elderberry, and Beetroot bag* is a fun pink whey protein powder to try this Valentine’s Day. It tastes good too! (£24.00).
For the impossible to buy for: Sport Pursuit offers short-term deals on all the outdoor kit you didn’t know you needed. Clothes, trainers, SUP boards, sleeping bags, protein bars, and more from the brands you know and love. They don’t offer gift vouchers but have a look for the perfect gift anyways.
For those looking for health and happiness: My book, 52 Weekend Challenges, is available on Kindle or as a printed paperback. Each week there is a small goal to achieve to help you step outside your comfort zone to find something you love. Available on your local Amazon site (£15.85).
For those who can’t sleep/need to relax: R3ST 500mg CBD spray* from R3 CBD is something I have been using since the 2020 Running Show South. I spray it under my tongue after I brush my teeth to help me relax a bit before bed. CBD also helps some athletes with recovery (£24.99).
For those who work for the NHS: Donate to Duty To Care in their name. Duty to Care provides free wellbeing services to anyone with a NHS email address. From counselling, to yoga, to physiotherapy, to personal training with me, I am so grateful that Duty to Care is helping those who need it most.
For those who are environmentally conscious: dewerstone Chunky Knitted Beanie hat will keep you up on the bobble hat trend while doing good for the planet. dewerstone takes part in 1% for the Planet where 1% of their annual revenue goes directly to non-profit environmental action groups. Plus their products are Climate Neutral Certified and for every product they manufacture, they plant a tree (£19.95).
For those who want to run faster: Superfeet carbon insoles make the idea of using carbon technology to improve your performance without a hefty price tag (£40).
For those who always have cold feet: Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers look like small sleeping bag shoes, don’t they? Filled with recycled PrimaLoft Luxe synthetic insulation that comes from post-consumer waste, this material retains twice the loft of down when wet, breathes, has no allergens and retains warmth when wet. Available through specialist outdoor retailer, Trekitt (£36).
For those who cold water swim: Zone3 Neoprene Heat-Tec Warmth Swim Socks have a titanium lining on top of being 3.5mm thick. There are no more excuses to avoid open water swimming in the winter (£39.00).
For those with a ponytail: MAAREE Secret Pocket scrunchie two-pack in red and pink have clever little zip pocket to stash your locker key (£12).
For those who don’t wear sunglasses: On Cloud Lightweight unisex cap with laser-cut ventilation is lightweight, breathable, and comes in several different colors (£32).
For those who like to pack light: Paramo neck warmer is multi-functional and comes in a variety of colours. It will keep you warm or cool due to the Parameta G (R) fabric, depending on what you need, because it is fast drying and moisture wicking (£20.00).
For those who love pink: Designed By Sport Pink Amnesia leggings will make you smile each time you put them on. Featuring both thigh and waistband pockets, these high-waisted leggings are also squat proof (£39.99).
For those who love fun socks: Thought’s Heck Athlete socks are made from bamboo and come in a little gift bag. Patterns range from runners, to bicycles, to pugs, to robots, to polar bears. There is something for everyone (£7.99).
For those who need more support when train: Crossfly Men’s Performance Underwear can help men by offering additional support where they need it. The unique design of 3D breathable, fast-drying panels and a 7″ inseam plus anti-microbial fabric means you will be returning your cotton pants for good (£24.99).
For those who like to have their phone handy: Ultimate Performance Ridgeway phone holder arm band is a low-tech and comfortable solution for carrying a phone while on the move (£15.99).
I had a few other ideas I wanted to list, but they cost more than £40. Let me know if you would be interested in more gift guides here on the blog. There are already a few, which you can find here. Hope this list gave you a few more Valentine’s day gift ideas.
*Thanks to the brands for sending complimentary samples. All opinions are honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links which doesn’t cost you anything additional. I receive a small fee for each purchase to help cover the costs of running this website.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 30, 2022 | exercise, quickie
Be sure to check back next week for a 100th quickie workout giveaway!
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 1 min- hop-hop-squat, 1 min-running with high knees, 1 min- jumping jacks/star jumps
1 min- Stand in doorway and press hands into door frame, trying to create a letter T. Keep pushing for the entire minute.
1 min- Wall sit
1 min- Calf raises
1 min- Bicep curls with bottles of water or exercise band
1 min- Shoulder shrugs
1 min- Ballet plies-you can place 1 hand on the back of a sturdy chair to help with your balance
1 min- Still holding on to the chair, have feet hip-width apart. Rise up to your toes. Drop hips into a seated position while staying on your toes. Then drop your heels and stand up straight. Repeat
1 min- Push/Press ups against the wall
1 min each side- Side plank
1 min- In push/press up position, bring knee to outside of elbow on the same side
1 min- Crunches
by Mollie Millington | Jan 23, 2022 | exercise, quickie
We will be having a giveaway for Quickie Workout #100. Be sure to check back on Sundays for all the details.
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 1 min skip rope (or hop if you don’t have a rope), 1 min prisoner squats, 1 min walking lunges
1 min- Push/Press ups
1 min- Mountain climbers
1 min- Push/Press ups
1 min- Reverse lunges
1 min- Low pulsing squat
1 min- Plank
1 min each side- Clams
1 min- Overhead triceps extensions
1 min- Frontal raise
1 min- Shoulder shrugs
1 min- Calf raises
by Mollie Millington | Jan 16, 2022 | exercise, quickie
Most of today’s workout is on the mat and/or laying down. You should still give it 100%!
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 1 min walking lunges, 1 min inchworm, 1 min squats
1 min- Chest press while laying down (use exercise bands or water bottles for resistance)
1 min- Laying triceps extensions
1 min- Reverse curls
1 min- Push/Press ups
1 min- Hip raises
1 min- Plank with feet stepping in and out
1 min- Spiderman crunch- hold in press up position (on toes) and alternating bring knee to elbow on the same side
1 min- Clams
1 min- Supermans
30 sec each side- Start on all 4’s. Lift leg out to the side keeping the knee bent at 90 degrees. Return to original position then repeat
1 min- Toe touches
by Mollie Millington | Jan 9, 2022 | exercise, quickie
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 3-5 minutes running/jogging (until you begin to break a sweat)
15 press ups
30 mountain climbers
15 leg lifts
30 sec side plank (both sides please)
15 jumping jacks/star jumps
30 squats (hold a weight if this is easy)
15 jumps up in the air as high as you can
30 lateral raises
15 squat thrusts
30 walking lunges forward
15 punches forward (cross/jab)
30 walking lunges backwards
by Mollie Millington | Jan 2, 2022 | exercise, quickie
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 1 min jog, 1 min skipping, 1 min running with high knees
1 min- Prisoner squats
1 min- Speed bag in the air while hopping back on forth on feet
1 min- Burpees
1 min- Plyometric lunges
1 min- Bicycle abdominal exercise
1 min- Dumbbell swings
1 min- Hop-hop squat
30 sec- Run in place with quick steps
1 min- Star jumps
1 min- Burpees (because they are so much fun!)
by Mollie Millington | Dec 26, 2021 | exercise, quickie
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 1 min skipping rope, 1 min speed skate jumps, 1 min leaping forward on both legs
1 min- Running in place with high knees
1 min- Squat thrusts
1 min- Tricep dips
30 sec each side- Side plank
1 min- Dead lift
1 min- Pilates scissors
1 min each side- Raise right knee to the side and bring right elbow to knee. Keep all weight on left foot and just tap right toe to the ground. Work those abs!
1 min- Press ups
1 min- Bent over row
1 min- Good mornings
1 min- Alternating lunges
by Mollie Millington | Dec 19, 2021 | exercise, quickie
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 10 walking lunges, 10 squat jumps. Repeat 4 more times
1 min- Push/Press ups (against wall, on knees, or on toes)
1 min- Bicep curls while standing on 1 leg
1 min- Hop, squat then 4 punches forward while staying low in the squat
30 sec- Leap forward on 2 feet. Don’t stop!
1 min- Tricep extensions over head while standing on the other foot
1 min- Sit on floor with legs out in V-shape. Reach opposite hand to opposite foot to work abdominals
1 min- Leg lifts
1 min- Frontal raises while alternating reverse lunges
1 min each leg- 1-legged squats
1 min- Jumping jacks/Star jumps
1 min- Around the World lunges
1 min- Inchworm
by Mollie Millington | Dec 16, 2021 | ski, sponsored post, travel
During my childhood, I was lucky enough to spend many winter weekends skiing at a small private club in Upstate New York. As I grew up, I was lucky enough to be able to explore the slopes in New England, the Rocky Mountains, and most recently, the Swiss Alps. My husband and I even got engaged on the way home from a ski trip to British Columbia. It has been a few years since we have been to Verbier, but I am always looking for the next opportunity to follow the snow. Fingers crossed we get to to Copper Mountain in Colorado, USA in January as planned.
No matter where in the world I am going to ski, I will always have to pack my gear ahead of time as the mountains are unfortunately not on my doorstep. I have found that having the right equipment on hand makes my time on the slopes much more enjoyable.
Here are my suggestions on what to have to survive the elements:
1.
Merino base layers and socks– Merino wool helps keep regulate body temperatures by wicking moisture away from your body and doesn’t smell even when you sweat. Cotton will keep wet fabric near your skin and that will get cold quick.
The Ski Thermo Compression socks from CEP combine comfort and performance in a range of Nordic designs.
2. Waterproof trousers– I love these Salomon PROOF LIGHT trousers. These have high breathability with a standard fit, giving you plenty of room to manoeuvre on the slopes. Intermediate to high warmth with 20K/20K fabric and Primaloft Eco 40g insulation means you can stay out on the slopes all day without worrying about being wet or cold. Believe me, no one likes a wet bum from sitting on the chair lift when it is dumping powder.
3.
Sunscreen– The snow can reflect the sun and the cold wind can make your cheeks turn red too. Keep your skin fresh by
applying high-performance sunscreen from Pelotan before you head out in the morning. (Although having a ‘ski google tan’ when you arrive back at the office is priceless).
4. Helmet– It is important to play it safe these days. When selecting a helmet, be sure to get one that observes the CSN EN 1077 European Standard. Also, find one that has enough ventilation holes for you if you tend to overheat when you exercise. If you are travelling with your helmet, try to keep it on you to avoid it being damaged during transit.
5.
Sunglasses– If you are lucky and it is sunny when you are on holiday, you need to protect your eyes. dewerstone have very affordable
polarized sunglasses, such as the Bantham which is made of wood and acetate. What else is cool is that these are plant-based, certified as Climate Neutral, every pair sold plants one tree, and dewerstone gives 1% of their total sales to environmental non-profits.
6.
Gloves– This is another piece of kit that you want to be waterproof. Consider it an investment into your long-term happiness out on the slopes all day. It also needs to be breathable so your hands don’t sweat. I recently received a #gifted pair for
SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves for winter dog walks and paddleboarding. I don’t see why these gloves wouldn’t work on the slopes as well.
7.
Something cozy for by the fire– After getting first tracks, my favorite part of the day is
après ski. Relaxing with friends around a fire, surrounded by gorgeous views, is not a bad way to end the day. If I am in
The North Face ThermoBall Tent Mules from Ellis Brigham, I am even happier as my feet are toasty warm and not at risk of getting wet from melted snow on the floor.
These are just a few suggestions from my personal experience out in winter conditions around the world. What can I say? I like to be warm and dry. What essentials would you suggest to someone going to ski or snowboard for the first time? Let me know in the comments below.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 12, 2021 | exercise, quickie
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial with me. Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime. Don’t forget to breathe! Please email me if you want tips on how to make the quickies easier or more challenging (mollie@ptmollie.com).
Warm up- 1 min jogging, 1 min mountain climbers, 1 min burpees
1 min- Plank
1 min- Deadlift holding water bottles or light weights
1 min- Reverse fly holding water bottles or light weights
30 sec each side- Teapot ab exercise
1 min- Side lunge with an overhead press when returning to center
1 min- Push/Press ups
1 min- Mountain climbers
1 min- Pec fly
1 min each leg- While standing, bend right knee to 90 degrees and raise out to the side within a comfortable range of motion. Return to center
1 min- Bicep curl
1 min- Shoulder shrugs
1 min- Wall sit
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