Sport – Page 2 – The Review Studio

Sonic Spa Pro from Sonic Dental

beauty, Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Jewellery, Sport, Sustainable, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Not many of us have dentures anymore but plenty of people, including myself have retainers after orthodontic work or mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding at night. Don’t forget the sports mouth guards too and each of them cost a bomb as they have to be specially made. All of these dental appliances need cleaning and despite best efforts, an electric toothbrush doesn’t always get them clean.

I wear a mouth guard at night to protect my teeth from grinding. The appliance, shown in these photos, is made of a type of tough plastic and has to be custom made. It costs over £140 so you want to make them last as long as possible. The Sonic Spa Pro is designed for dentures and dental appliances to be able to get them clean where brushing alone can’t. I was sent a Sonic Spa Pro to test and as my mouth guard hasn’t been sonically cleaned before, I was so keen to get the stubborn limescale marks off of it without using harmful products.

The Sonic Spa Pro is not a very big appliance and certainly not complicated to use. The white ‘dome’ actually looks a bit like a big tooth! The box comes with the power cord and some cleaning tablets which dissolve in the water. There’s nothing else needed. Inside the sonic machine, there is a tank which you fill with water, drop in the cleaning tablet and then the dental appliance and then close the lid. The handy instructions on the top give you a quick reference of how to use it as you’re unlikely to keep instruction manuals for something you don’t usually use very often. The button on the top is held down for 2 seconds to give a 3 minute sonic clean, or hold it down a second time for a 5 minute clean. It’s that simple!

You can walk away from the Sonic Spa Pro and leave it working. There’s a tiny ringing sounds that emits from it, presumably the sonic waves doing their magic, then once it’s finished you can open and see what kind of clean you’ve attained! The Sonic Spa Pro also cleans jewellery and some stationery items like brass nail nibs (great if you’re an artist or calligrapher) and small metal items. The Sonic Spa Pro uses UV as well as sonic to clean so there are actually lots of items which could be cleaned. The included tablets are for dental appliances only though, and they are designed to leave a minty taste to your appliances whilst also killing 99.9% of odours and bacteria.

Once the appliance has been cleaned, fish it out of the water and either dry it or let it dry. In my case, once I had dried the mouth guard I could see it needed another clean so this time I did a deep clean. We live in an extremely hard water area so the calcium build up is enormous and because the appliance is custom made, the nooks and crannies of teeth make it impossible to get clean with just an electric toothbrush.

When I removed it for the second time and dried off the mouth guard, I could see that a lot of the calcium deposits were less caked on. There were still traces there, like little grains of sand in some of the deeper pockets but it was a lot less. This was the first time I had properly sonic cleaned it though so I thought it might take a few tries. You can see in the before and after photos that there is an improvement though!

Next time I clean using the Sonic Spa Pro I’ll make sure to use warmer water and let the appliance soak a bit longer after the deep clean to allow for the cleaning tablet to work deeper. I haven’t had a chance to try the Sonic Spa Pro on any other jewellery or household items, but now that I’ve seen an improvement, I’m seriously looking at what I have around the house that needs some sonic treatment…

Currently available for £69.95 at: https://uk.sonicdental.co/products/the-sonic-spa?shpxid=80ecc2ff-7d1e-4e8d-a4e5-4e69c2a06f3c

Fabsil Universal Protector

camping, Family Life, Father's Day, Home, Home & Garden, National Walking Month, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Fabsil are well known for their outdoor care products, and the Universal Protector is perfect for tents, marquees and gazebos. Did you know it can also be used on outdoor furniture too, such as parasols, and materials such as suede, leather and sheepskin. The possibilities are endless!

We tried the 400ml aerosol spray on furniture covers that are a couple of years old now. The 400ml size was easy to use liberally on the covers which extends to a large table, two sofas and several chairs. It’s important to get the covers clean first though, so after a wet winter, it takes some effort to clean the covers and then water proof them!

An alternative use for the Fabsil Universal Protector is on shoes and outerwear. For smarter shoes, Fabsil Universal Protector works wonders because it’s clear and doesn’t change the colour of suede or leather, it just dries naturally. If you have a new pair of shoes and don’t want them to get splash stains or to penetrate too much water, Universal Protector really helps. It doesn’t make shoes waterproof as such, but they are splash proof and prevent water seeping in and staining or changing the texture.

Fabsil Universal Protector is one of those products you buy for one use but then end up using it on everything. Best keep one spare in the shoe cupboard for your next pair of favourite boots!

Available from £9.25 at: https://www.fabsil.com/products/universal-protector

Edifier Comfo Run Bluetooth Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Another brilliant gift idea for Father’s Day is the Edifier Comfo Run Bluetooth headset. Wireless so that they just connect to your phone, these sports headphones are great for running or cardio work because of the design of the earbuds and how they attach. They’re open ear so they don’t have to sit inside your ear but because of their special sports design, they don’t fall off when running either!

Just 15 minute of charge (using the cable provided) gives 5 hours of listening time, and as they’re sports headphones, they also double up as a pedometer too. The can be used for gaming or work with the in-built double microphone and are dust and splash proof – perfect for taking on holiday and working out, being by the pool or listening to a podcast.

Unlike headphones for music and some gaming machines, the Edifer Comfo Run headphones are very lightweight. They’re great for running, but a they’re not inside your ear canal, they also work for cycling because they allow you to hear what’s going on around you too. The sound quality is really good and the controls (+,- and on/off) are easy to use when you’re trying to run, cycle or keep up with another sport. Like all Edifier headphones, they connect really easily to the Bluetooth on your phone using the ‘Search’ on your phone or device.

The design makes them slightly different to get used to because the ring goes behind your head, then each ear piece is over your ear with the headphone speaker sitting outside your ear canal. If you’re not used to this and instead have over the head or earbuds but they’re designed that way so that they don’t fall off! Anyone who doesn’t like something in their ear especially for prolonged amounts of time will prefer these because they sit outside the ear. However, the charging point is on the headpiece which doesn’t always stay in place if you move the headphones around, so charging them on moving transport can be tricky.

You don’t want too many bells and whistles with sports headphones, just easy to use, don’t slide off and they quality is really good. There’s not much to adjust on these, either technically or physically so not much can go wrong, and hopefully thanks to the design, they won’t fall off easily so you won’t lost them either!

Available from £79.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Comfo-Run-Conduction-Headphones-Black/dp/B0CRYF3Y5K

My Little Sudocrem

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

It’s that time of year again, when we start to think about the summer beauty products we need. Probably best not to rely on what’s left of last year and instead start anew with some beautiful, yet practical summer products.

My Little Sudocrem 22 gram pots are great for summer, family, taking to work and even better for taking on holiday! The hand-held pots are filled with Sudocrem but their size makes them so much easier to carry around and to use. Not only for children, I use my Sudocrem as a hand cream when I’m sitting at my desk, or after a bath or shower on any skin area but particularly on hands and feet when they’re dry. You can rub it into knees and elbows too and with a bit of work, any area of skin to create a barrier as well as deep hydration.

If you’ve never used Sudocrem before, let me explain. Sudocrem includes zinc oxide which helps reduce the loss of moisture from the skin. It’s incredibly rich, not like a face cream, but this richness which eventually works into the skin will create a barrier to reduce fluid loss but also create a barrier. Great for the child who loves to amble through the long grass or bracken. Sudocrem also contains benzol alcohol, which has local anaesthetic and antiseptic properties so if you are out in nature, it allows for the odd scrape or irritant to touch the skin. It’s also packed with Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin to both soften and soothe skin, which is great for outdoor life, children and even in the kitchen.

The small 22 gram pot might not sound like much, but as it’s so rich and so powerful, it’s the perfect size for a small area of skin because it goes a long way. Just a tiny dab on the back of the hands needs real effort to work in but when it does, it covers both hands and leaves them smooth and mega hydrated.

I’ve currently got my office using the My Little Sudocrem pots as we are in our busiest time of the year for paperwork. The dry fingers and chapped thumbs from using so much paper is much soothed by Sudocrem, and even a super dry face enjoys a little hydration, although I use it sparingly as it leaves a bit of a film on softer or more delicate skin!

There are other Sudocrem items available online, but the My Little Sudocrem pots are all-rounders in the summer when virtually anyone can use them from day to day.From £5.95 each at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOSARA-PHARMA-My-Little-Sudocrem/dp/B07MXR26G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BISM2WA5U3J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Hp2noYSexjFvxATmJJ5Oxo4NcP2ZtCRH7KtFl-goMRlSYm4MvY0Rs-cKYa5GBQDfRK9o0YXHQlL8okbLJX_Pcjh6GT0O0yOz7POfdx1E-8yrs_sfoWji1BwRAp7J_GpqdPjFY4d5Iae3RyHxLYuFMlxBfufoPxLKky_y3-lfWf2vat1FvIS6qgfeR2mDdFaP7zdt-L_f6zIHrsjTIcp7RbTiEimreILQdVdRy8BOhjkpNkQaLhGm1qzLLj0E95ZIPdeKZPRqwYm8g7C12qRx0DDiuhWv8e1YJmKiSz3SO40.j4p4X5gH_-WvHSOQ-xA77BZjesaxN3jG02f4Y8ZC2cQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+little+sudocrem&qid=1715275193&s=drugstore&sprefix=my+little+sudocrem%2Cdrugstore%2C157&sr=1-1

AA 2024-25 Walking Guides

Birthday Gifts, Books, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, National Walking Month, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Summer

Disclaimer: We received these books for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

May is National Walking Month and is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore our beautiful countryside. If you’re new to walking or just on holiday, then a guide book is a great way to discover the best routes in the area. The AA have recently launched a new series of walking books covering some of the most beautiful areas of England, each featuring 50 walks to suit all abilities. The walks are numbered and it is easy to see their locations on the handy map at the start of the book. As well as being numbered they are also colour coded according to the difficulty of the walk – easy (green), intermediate(orange) and hard (red).

Each walk has information about the distance, time, gradient, type of surface and accessibility, landscape, dog friendliness, parking, and public toilets as well as the OS map that covers the area. They also give useful information about the area, a little of the history of the area and things to look out for. There is a map of each walk with the route clearly highlighted making it easy to follow the written instructions. As the guide is meant to be taken out on a walk with you it fits perfectly in a map pocket or rucksack, making it easily accessible when walking.

There are two books covering Yorkshire and there is a great selection of walks in them, some we already know like Malham, Pen-y-Ghent and Grassington and lots for us to discover over the coming months.

Whether you want to explore country lanes, the coast or the fells these handy guides offer plenty of walks for novices and experienced walkers alike.

The new 50 Walks In guides are £13.99 and feature Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.

Available from Amazon and all leading bookstores.

Überlube

beauty, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, health, Sport, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We don’t normally review things like lubricants but when I saw that Überlube can be used for many other uses, I was intrigued! The award winning silicone personal lubricant can be used in sport and for beauty thanks to the added Vitamin E and smooth texture.

Firstly, it can be used as an alternative to moisturiser, but not to moisturise skin, more to keep the moisture in. In the literature we were sent with Überlube it describes how some users find it a great alternative to prescribed medications for dry skin, although it doesn’t work the same way as moisturiser. This could be a bonus if you’re allergic to some prescribed skin medication but might not be as effective, so it’s worth trying it on dry skin first.

I didn’t know that hair salons and photographers use silicone preps such as Überlube for getting shiny, glossy hair. Überlube works as a relaxant to frizzy hair and smooths down stray strands. Think of the classic low bun with pulled back, wet-look hair and you will find it is achieved with silicone lubricant. It also protects hair from chlorine in the pool but it can be difficult to wash out of your hair because it’s not water based. Try a small amount first to see how easy it is to remove, or if you’re going on holiday, dare I say, try it whilst you’re staying at a hotel!

Überlube is also great for sports. As a runner, I often get chafing when running especially in the summer, so applying Überlube first can make a huge difference. As it’s not water based, it doesn’t absorb or evaporate as easily so keeps the skin free from friction. Again, as there’s no water involved it can be used for swimming or under a wetsuit and the water won’t wash it away.

Überlube is made with cruelty free products and contains no alcohols, no gluten, no glycerine, no scent and no flavourings. It’s paraben free and all vegan so everyone can use it, no matter what use!

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.superdrug.com/health/sexual-health/lube-gel-jelly-oils/uberlube-silicone-lubricant-112ml/p/mp-00057217

SJCam C200 Pro Action Camera

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Summer, Tech

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

What’s better than taking up a new action hobby or sport in 2024? Making a movie of it! Father’s Day has cranked up a notch this year with the high definition SJCam C200 Pro Action Camera.

This camera is absolutely tiny! At less than 7 centimetres tall, it fits inside your pocket, let alone in your hand luggage to go on holiday, or even to take on days out. The 20 MP quality can record in 4K at 30 fps and has an impressive average of 120 minutes battery time. The field of vision is 135 degrees and records in jpeg with features such as time lapse, slow-mo and can even be used as a webcam.

Less of the technical details though and more about what fun you can have with the camera! The small size makes it easy to adapt to different environments and because it’s waterproof and has a touch screen, you can use it for all sorts of activities. On holiday, it can be used at the beach or by the pool, or you can attach it to one of the enclosed mounts and put on a bike or take on a hike with you. Inside the box is a waterproof case, back clip, frame mount, base mount, curved and flat mount and other accessories including a cleaning cloth, adhesive stickers and USB cable. Everything you need. In case you were worries about how much room this takes up as a box, everything packs into a box which is smaller than the size of a brick!

The SJCam C200 Pro has a built-in stabiliser, giving you anti-shake video thanks to gyro technology and it has automatic face recognition so that you can focus on the action, and not just randomly filmed footage. This makes sense when you realise this is a camera that you don’t look through the view finder, it’s very much a ‘stick it up and go’ type camera where you rely on the settings and view the content later. The controls are all from the 1.3” touch screen which is easy to use, but it’s not obvious by looking at the camera that it’s also waterproof to 30 metres (98 foot). It’s excellent for all adventures, but imagine taking it on a high-speed boat ride? Or even surfing or sailing?

You can share all the footage via Wifi too, so anyone with a phone or device can see a copy of what you’ve captured. I prefer to remove the SD card from the device though and put the card in a computer to transfer the data faster. I wish I could say I was an expert at editing film, but with the right software, you can have some expert level editing going on with really high quality movies from the SJCam C200 Pro.

There are more features to the SJCam C200 Pro but they’re all a bit high tech for a beginner like me. What I will say though, is that taking this camera out and playing with it has really encouraged me to try out some different sports that I wouldn’t normally, just to see how good it can look on camera. It’s also made me explore my video editing software on my Mac so that I can start to use the video I do have and learn how to use the more advanced features of SJCam S200 Pro. So if you’re looking for a project this summer, or want motivation to get into a new sport and keep your hand in photography, this is an excellent way of discovering a world I hadn’t even thought of.

Even better, if you want to get your teenager off their phone and outside more, you could do worse than buy them an SJCam C200 Pro and tell them to go out and explore, just to get the camera working for them. For less than £130, you never know what Kelly Slater or Bode Miller it might inspire.

Available from £129 at: https://shop.sjcam.com/product/cameras/action-cameras/c200-pro

SJCAM C300 Action Camera

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Mother's Day, Sport, Tech, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

In this digital age it seems everyone is documenting their lives on social media and for those who enjoy the great outdoors then an action camera is an essential for recording all those adventurous activities. Designed to be mounted, whether that’s on the handlebars of a mountain bike, a helmet when climbing, skiing or canoeing or on a chest mount for hiking and trail running, they are great for capturing the action in places where you need to have your wits about you and your hands free. They also tend to be more robust and waterproof meaning they will survive your adventures and capture the action no matter what the conditions!

We’ve been trying out the SJCAM C300 Action Camera over the last couple of weeks and have been really impressed with it. The key features are

Waterproof up to 30m with waterproof case
4K resolution and 20MP lens
Remote control bracelet to easily control recordings and taking photos
Immersive first-person view with the clip to position on your chest
Adopts extra-large aperture to increase light intake by 40% to for low light shooting
1.3” Dual touch colour screen and 154° wide-angle lens to take pictures from the best angle
App control

Included with the camera are two batteries and a selection of mounts including one that claims to be waterproof to a 30m depth! I’m not a fan of water so I won’t be putting this to the test but I’m sure lots of people will find this a great feature. There is also a USB cable, instructions and a cleaning cloth.

The camera can be paired with either of the batteries, the smaller 1000mAh battery gives a compact size that will fit into the waterproof mount but only has a single display. The larger battery at 2800mAh gives much longer recording times and a second display on the rear of the camera but does not fit into the waterproof mount. Instead, it does offer a standard ¼” tripod mount which allows me to use some of my other camera mounts.

Controlling the camera is easy, there is just a single button on the body which doubles as the power control and the shutter button, other settings are accessed using the 1.3” touch screens. They worked well but I certainly wouldn’t want to use anything smaller! Swipe from the top gives options such as playback or switching display whilst video settings are changed by tapping an icon at the bottom of the screen. A swipe from the left switches quickly from video to photo, a feature that I use quite a lot – it allows me to grab a quick picture without swapping cameras.

Another option for controlling the camera is to connect your phone to its WiFi and use the SJCAM app. This allows quick access to all the image and camera settings plus you can take control from a distance. The app also allows images and videos to be transferred to your phone although I prefer to connect to my PC with a USB cable and transfer files that way.

I don’t tend to carry video cameras in my hand, preferring a tripod or other mount but I did take some handheld video and was very impressed with how easy it was to frame the shot using the dual screens and also how steady the video was using the gyroscopic stabilisation. It definitely worked well and smoothed out the jerkiness you get when holding a video camera.

A much more realistic test came when I mounted the camera in its waterproof case to my bike (I purchased a go-pro mount for my Garmin GPS mount). I’m not a fan of wearing a camera on a helmet but video shot from my bike in the past has always been very unstable. After a two hour ride, I was very pleased with the results, the video was crisp with good colour and most importantly smooth. My only gripe is that the default video clip length is just 3 minutes which makes transferring and editing the video a bit of a pain. This is a setting that can be changed to a more reasonable 10 minutes.

This weekend I’ve been working in the garden so thought I’d try out one of the other modes, timelapse video. I setup the camera using one of the mounts strapped to a fence post and then got to work. Over the day I moved the camera a few times and looking back at the footage I’m really happy with the results, I’m much more likely to use a timelapse that condenses hours into a few minutes than try editing a day long video down into something more interesting.

When you are not using the camera for adventurous activities it can also be used as a dash cam to record when you are driving, this will be great for all those scenic routes but is also invaluable in the unfortunate event of an accident.

There are also a couple of other modes that I haven’t had chance to try yet such as slow motion video, starry night and even a fishing mode!

I’m very happy with the camera and its performance and I’m looking forward to taking it on lots of adventures this summer!

RRP £129.99

Puma and Modibodi Period and Leak-Proof Underwear

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, REUSABLE, Sport, Sustainable, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Things have changed a lot with period underwear recently. Have you seen the huge range of products at Modibodi and especially their range with Puma sportwear?

The new Puma X Modibodi Seam-free range is designed to eliminate the need for tampons and sanitary towels. The extra-absorbent lining is the equivalent to 3 tampons in this size (the one featured is moderate-heavy absorbency)

The Puma Active Seam-free collection is now VAT-free in the UK. With the combination of not having to pay for tampons and sanitary towels and the ability to wash the Puma X Modibodi underwear, the collection saves you a lot of money every month. It might seem like a novel idea to have the whole garment as leak-proof but it’s more practical than you think. These period pants are made of a recycled fabric with re-enforced areas that are super absorbent and don’t require a sanitary towel, or if you prefer, you can use a tampon and be completely sure that there will be no leakage. To help the environment, all the material used is recycled too!

I was sent a black pair to try, which is ideal for in the gym or running. The Puma X Modibodi collection was created out of a need to not have bulky underwear for doing sport, going to the gym or for athletics so it makes sense that they are designed with heavy use in mind. This pair of Active Bikini Briefs are a size Large (roughly size 14-16) and made of very stretchy material so you can wear them for sports easily. They’re also seam-free, which makes them so inconspicuous under Lycra or shorts! The seams are re-enforced as well so that there is a lot of movement.

I particularly like that in this seam-free edition, the absorbent material at the front comes up really high so that you can be sure there is no leakage and the material is really soft too. There’s actually loads of movement in the stretchiness of the material so you can move about easily, or as I lift weights, this is great for not riding up, or down when you’re bending. They create a nice shape under sportswear too.

I don’t know why this idea hasn’t been used a lot in the past because it’s really handy having this underwear spare in your gym bag, or being able to wear them at the gym and not have to worry about leaking. It takes a bit of getting used to not having a towel or tampon there but it’s really just the same as any other underwear, and you can wear it as a non-VPL pair of knickers at any time, not just on your period!

The Puma Active Seam-free collection is available in bright pink or light pink too, so you can match them to whatever outfit you’re wearing whether that’s at work or in the gym.

Usual price £21, on sale now at £18.90: https://www.modibodi.co.uk/products/puma-x-modibodi-seamfree-active-bikini-moderate-heavy-onyx-grey

Delph and LotilHigh Protection Sun Lotion

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, health, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Get ready for summer! Yes, I know it’s raining today but spring is the time of year when you either have your holiday booked, or are booking in and getting essentials together for the big trip away. Judging by the rain out there today, I think most of us are planning on some sun overseas this year so Delph Sun Lotions are definitely going to be needed.

The range we were sent included two sun lotions, one at SPF30 and one at SPF50+ and an after sun lotion, all in handy 150ml tubes. Delph pride themselves on being of the highest quality, so much so that their products are available on prescription on the NHS for those with sensitive skin and other skin issues thanks to their 4-star rating from Diffy & Robson. Delph is also used by the Ministry of Defence, so you can imagine the types of scenarios Delph sun lotion comes in handy! Additionally, each of the sun lotions (SPF30 and SPF50) are “very water resistant” so you can swim in both the sea and swimming pools whilst still getting a high level of protection.

Each of the SPF30 and SPF50 sun lotions can be applied directly to the face, in generous amounts (approximately ½ a teaspoon amount just for the face alone) and then a teaspoon to each arm, more for each leg and 2 teaspoons amount to the back and chest. The lotion must dry before going into water and be reapplied every 1-2 hours especially after swimming or towelling. Remember, using the recommended dosage gives the highest possible protection from the sun.

The Delph After Sun is designed to provide deep moisturisation and contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for their anti-inflammatory properties. The Vitamin E helps prevent peeling and prolongs the life of your tan too.

We were also sent the Lotil Lip Care stick with SPF30. This is a great addition to the range to protect your lips along with your face. It also moisturises your face whilst you’re out in the sun, keeping them soft especially against beach weather.

Each of the Delph Sun Lotions are Dermatologically Tested, and have a very light fragrance to them. There are elements of the scent that remind me of ‘holiday’, presumably because of the sun protection ingredients and there is a very light citrus smell too. The lotions blended into my skin very easily though, so it’s easy to apply to wriggling children who don’t want to have to wait before they get into the pool or the sea! The After Sun is also almost fragrance free and very light, making it easy to absorb.

I can’t wait for the summer and the holidays to begin so that I can finally test the Delph range on some proper sun!

Delph Sun Lotion SPF50+ 150ml from £4.69:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-sun-lotion-spf50-150ml

Delph Sun Lotion SPF30 150ml from £5.09:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-sun-lotion-spf30-150ml

Delph After Sun Lotion 150ml from £1.49:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/delph-after-sun-lotion-150ml

Lotil Original Lip Care Balm from £1.49:

https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/lotil-original-lip-care-balm-4g

Puma Golf Double Canopy Umbrella

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Winter

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Ideal Christmas gifts rarely exist but Puma’s double canopy golf umbrella is very close! Not only is it a staple for any golfer, beginner or advanced, but golf umbrellas are excellent for everyday use, or just keeping handy in the car. Families love them too for days out when more than just one person needs covering or as a brilliant sunshield in the summer.

The Puma double canopy golf umbrella is heavy duty for even the toughest of weather out on the course, and the double canopy not only acts to keep you dry but adds extra structure so that it doesn’t turn inside out. If you’re using this for sports, it also makes the umbrella more durable with extra layers so it won’t fall apart after a few winters. The handle has a foam moulded hand grip to make it easier to hold for long periods and it’s also sturdier compared to everyday umbrellas. It’s opened by a push button at the handle too – much easier when it’s starting to rain!

The Puma double canopy golf umbrella has minimal branding and is available in black with bright white features and made of 100% polyester. Its suitable for golf players or any outdoor sport or spectating and even comes with a chic cover for storage. I’m keeping this one in the car for when I’m caught in a downpour and don’t want to leave!

Available from £44.99 at:

Puma Golf Double Canopy Umbrella

Buff Knitted Neckwarmer

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, secret santa, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

It’s incredibly cold at the moment, but that doesn’t stop us getting out on the fells and going for a brisk walk, we just need to wrap up warmer and my Buff Evo Dahlia neck warmer has been invaluable this weekend. I always think a Buff is an essential piece of outdoor gear as they are so versatile, I not only use mine as a neck warmer, but it can be a hat and balaclava too and is just what you need to keep you warm on a chilly day.

The cotton knitted neck warmer is so comfortable to wear, it’s a good length, so there’s plenty of fabric to bunch around your neck or pull over your face to protect you from the elements and it’s lovely and warm too. It was bitterly cold up on the top of the fells and I have been very glad of it this weekend, the wind was icy and with my hood up and my mouth covered, I could enjoy the walk despite the cold weather .

The neck warmer is 28cm long with enough material to bunch up on my neck, or it can be pulled up over my ears to keep them warm. It is easy to pull over my head and is made in a single tube so there are no seams to irritate. Once you warm up you can just slip it in a pocket.

It’s the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys walking, cycling or even walking the dog and is available in 8 different colours.

RRP £28.95

PUMA x Modibodi Active Period Underwear

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, health, Home, REUSABLE, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Sustainable, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The revolution in period products started a few years ago when we saw more and more period items in the shops that gave women and girls more flexible options. One of the newer inventions are the period pants – the ability to wear underwear without having to worry about sanitary pads to protect clothes. Modibodi came up with period pants designed specifically for sport, and along with PUMA, they’ve brought out a new range of Active Period Underwear.

The PUMA x Modibodi Period and Leak-Proof Underwear we were sent (called Active Cheeky Briefs!) are already graded 2/4 for absorbency which is around 10ml or the equivalent of 2 tampons. That’s quite a lot for just a pair of pants! They’re made of recyclable material and are machine washable and I especially like that shape because they’re not big and bulky but have a slimmer fit to them, which is exactly what I want from a brief. The material used is stretchy and silky too, so you won’t get a VPL. The waist is elasticated and there were no problems overall with the fit.

When using them, I didn’t find any leakage. All the new reusable sanitary pads and knickers seem to be extra absorbent compared to the disposable towels and tampons of old. When at the gym, I forgot that I was wearing these and even out for a run there was no problem with movement or stretching and no chafing either! They’re very versatile, so it got me thinking that these PUMA x Modibodi pants would be great for travelling on long journeys where you weren’t sure about facilities and didn’t want to be uncomfortable. I can imagine wearing them on planes and trains to feel more secure.

These are a brilliant idea and I feel like they’re a lifestyle change, away from the need to carry so much with you for each period but are so discreet you don’t need to worry about them. If you’re hesitant, wear them with a sanitary pad first to prevent leaks, and eventually you’ll see how much more absorbent they are, especially with all the different designs Modibodi are coming up with!

Available online from £15 (in the sale) at Modibodi

Creative Outlier Free Pro Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Tech

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Christmas is fast approaching and I’ve been having a think what to buy my husband. He’s quite active and enjoys cycling, swimming and walking so the Outlier Free Pro headphones from Creative are perfect for him.

The bone conduction headphones with Bluetooth 5.3 are also waterproof, meaning they are great in the rain and can also be used when swimming. Being able to listen to one of his playlists or podcasts is bound to make his morning swim a lot more interesting. With an IP rating of IPX8, you just need to make sure the microphone is sealed with the included plug and you can swim in freshwater up to a depth of 1.5m for up to 40 minutes. They’re not suitable for salt water so don’t pack them if you’re off to the beach! Obviously, you don’t take your phone swimming, so the headphones have 8GB storage for you to store MP3 files to listen to whilst in the pool. Understandably the sound quality isn’t as good when you are in the water but it’s pretty good and much better than having no music at all!

The headphones are also great for cycling, it’s quite scary the number of cyclists you see wearing headphones or earbuds, they simply can’t hear approaching cars and it’s an accident waiting to happen. The advantage of these headphones is they sit on the bone at the front of your ear and as the noise is transferred through the bone into your inner ear you are able to listen to music but also hear what’s going on around you.

The headphones have the following features

– Bluetooth 5.3

– IPX8 Waterproof

– 8GB Memory Storage

– Up to 10 hours playtime

– Multipoint Connectivity

Weighing in at just 32g they sit comfortably on my head, I’ve used them for several hours at a time and find them much more comfortable than standard headphones or earbuds.

Allow 2 hours for a full charge via a USB-A Magnetic Clip-on Charging Cable which should give 10 hours of playback. The sound quality is really good, it’s not quite the same as a traditional pair of headphones but fantastic for being able to listen to my playlists and podcasts whilst staying aware of my surroundings. I know my husband is going to enjoy being able to listen to music and answer calls whilst on his cycle commute and I’ll be happy knowing he is still aware and able to hear the traffic around him.

These headphones are perfect for those with active lifestyles, offering a whole new way to tune into your favourite music whilst exercising on land or in the water.

RRP £119.99

Weleda Arnica

beauty, cruelty-free, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Sport, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I have been fan of natural beauty brand Weleda for years and their Skin Food is one of my favourite beauty products as it has a multitude of uses. Weleda harness the vitality of nature and all their products work in harmony with your body’s own restorative abilities, so it’s no surprise to discover that they have a range containing Arnica – a herbal remedy for bruises, aches and pains which is prized for its ability to ease muscle tension and aid recovery from over-exertion.

With a number of long walks and bike rides planned over the summer, it was the perfect opportunity to try them for myself and once I started using them I was left wondering how I have managed to overlook the Arnica range, when I have been purchasing Weleda products for years?

There are few things in life more relaxing than a long hot bath, especially after a long bike ride or walk when my legs are aching. The Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak (£16.25) was a welcome addition to my post exercise bath and the wonderful blend of arnica, flowers, birch leaves and rosemary and lavender essential oils helped not only my muscles to relax but my mind too. I came out of the bath feeling relaxed and using it before bed definitely helps me sleep better.

As a keen cyclist I couldn’t wait to use the massage oil (£18.95) on my aching legs after a gruelling 50 mile ride. After a hot bath it was just the thing to soothe all my aches and pains away. The pump dispenser made it easy to dispense just the right amount of oil and I found I only needed a small amount to massage my weary legs. It glides onto skin nicely and as soon as I applied it, I could feel the warming and soothing ingredients getting to work. My skin felt nourished and it helped my tired muscles relax. The lavender fragrance isn’t overpowering, just nice and calming.

The Weleda Sport Arnica Energising Shower Gel (£8.25) is perfect to pop in your gym bag for a refreshing post exercise shower. With an invigorating organic rosemary and lavender scent it revitalises both body and mind, whilst the arnica gets to work on tired muscles. It’s also one of the very few sports shower gels available that is also 100% certified natural.

When I’m cycling, I always end up with bruises on my legs where the pedals have caught them so the Arnica Cooling Gel (£8.95) has come in very handy. The tube is small enough to fit in my bike bag giving instant relief to my legs.

It’s important to relax and unwind after any sporting activity and these are just the products you need to aid recovery. Available from Weleda here

Panda Optics Conquer Cycling Glasses

Birthday Gifts, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Uncategorized, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If the Tour de France has inspired you to take up cycling, then a pair of decent cycling glasses are a must. Whilst you might only think they shield your eyes from the sun, the best cycling glasses and sunglasses will do much more than that, protecting your eyes from not only the elements but insects and grit too.

Like all cycling equipment, glasses need to be durable and comfortable to wear all day and let’s face it I want them to look cool too! I recently spent 10 days cycling in Somerset and Panda Optics Conquer Pink cycling glasses certainly ticked all these boxes for me.

Unisex and versatile, the glasses are a trendy wraparound style which offer maximum protection from sun and wind, whilst maintaining a more fashionable look than traditional wraparound sunglasses. With a semi-rimless frame and cylindrical lenses, the style is based on Panda’s bestselling “Cobalt” ski goggles.

The glasses arrived packaged in a sturdy purple box with three different lenses – Mirrored blue category 3, Amber category 2 and Clear category 0, along with a microfibre cleaning cloth and microfibre pouch.

When I put them on, they fitted nicely and the arms didn’t dig into my head or ears. The rubber nose grip is comfortable and they didn’t slide down my nose, even when I was sweating a lot on the hill climbs.

I did initially struggle to get the lenses out as I didn’t want to use too much pressure. The YouTube video on their website was really helpful and showed me where to hold them to get the lenses out. Just make sure you carry the microfibre cloth with you, as you do need to hold the lenses to remove them which results in lots of fingerprints!!

Whilst my husband wasn’t a fan of the pink frame, they did fit him nicely too and if like him you’re not a fan of pink the glasses are also available with blue, grey and green frames.

At £79 they’re excellent value for money and a great addition to my cycling gear. They are available from the Panda Optics website here. with free delivery with orders over £50

Creative Outlier Free Pro Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Tech

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I’m a great fan of the noise cancellation technology that you get with earbuds and headphones but there is one massive, and potentially dangerous, problem – you can’t hear what is going on around you. Whilst it isn’t a problem if you’re sitting in your living room or on public transport listening to music, wearing them out and about can be a problem.

I am a cyclist and a real issue on cycle paths is riding up behind pedestrians who are listening to music and completely unaware of your arrival, not even hearing your bell. Even worse is the cyclist who wears noise cancelling headphones – they’re just asking for trouble!

Bone conduction headphones are one option – they’re not new but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to try a pair and I was keen to see what they are like, especially when I discovered the Outlier Free Pro headphones from Creative Labs are waterproof and had the potential to make my twice weekly morning swim just that little bit more interesting.

The headphones have the following features

– Bluetooth 5.3

– IPX8 Waterproof

– 8GB Memory Storage

– Up to 10 hours playtime

– Multipoint Connectivity

Rather than sitting in or over your ear, these headphones sit on the bone at the front of your ear and the noise is transferred through the bone into your inner ear, leaving you able to hear other sounds at the same time.

Weighing in at just 32g and with adjustable transducers they sit comfortably on my head, I have worn them for several hours at a time and not had a problem with discomfort. A full charge takes 2 hours using a USB-A Magnetic Clip-on Charging Cable and should give 10 hours of playback. I haven’t managed to get quite that long, but I do tend to have the volume turned up which will affect battery performance. Sound quality is really good, not quite the same as a traditional pair of headphones but certainly good enough for my ears! When out and about I tend to listen to podcasts and the radio rather than music and for this they are perfect. It’s great to be able to listen to the radio whilst on my cycle commute and still hear the traffic!

These headphones are waterproof, and with an IP rating of IPX8, are suitable for swimming (as long as the microphone is sealed with the included plug) in freshwater up to a depth of 1.5m for up to 40 minutes. Unfortunately they’re not suitable for salt water, so no swimming in the sea when wearing them. Now you probably don’t want to take your phone with you whilst swimming, so they have 8GB storage for you to store MP3 files to listen to whilst in the pool. It seemed really odd keeping my headphones on when I got in the pool but after a couple of minutes I got used to them and it made my 30 minute swim a lot more stimulating as I kept pace with the music. It is worth noting that the headphones should only be used for 40 minutes at a time which is fine for me but perhaps not for more serious swimmers. The sound isn’t high quality when you are in the water but it’s certainly a lot better than not having any music to listen to.

Another advantage of them being waterproof is I can wear them when I’m out on my bike knowing it won’t damage the headphones.

I’m really impressed with these headphones, they have exceeded my expectations and whilst I’ll keep my standard headphones for music listening these open up a whole new way to listen whilst out and about.

RRP £159.99 but currently on offer at £89.99 on the Creative website here

Darn Tough Socks

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Sport, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Walkers, hikers, runners, athletes and casual sock fans are discovering Darn Tough socks… but if you’re any of the above you probably know something about the Vermont, USA based company already.

Darn Tough socks are made from merino wool to be, well, darn tough. Their main selling point apart from being so hard wearing is that they are seam free so don’t rub and wear away over time, and if you’re a walker, that’s a big problem. They have additional features which make them so durable too. The shin areas typically have extra cushioning for wearing under boots (if they’re longer socks) thanks to the way the socks are woven. There’s added measures to prevent boot bite too. The extended toe box allows for wear and tear inside boots and shoes with a flex zone over the front of the foot so that you can rest assured that there isn’t the wear there from laced up shoes.

The heels are particularly well engineered to allow for lots of walking. Some of the snow socks (of which there are lot more new styles) have added weight to them for extra durability. There’s some new running socks this coming season which are shorter but allow for the same durability, but with the added bonus of being so pretty as well! If you look at the catalogue online, you’ll see that there’s a massive range of socks for men, women and children, but also a complete kaleidoscope of patterns. This hiking/trekking pair of women’s socks have a bear design on them! There’s plenty of other socks to choose from, not only for different activities but in different colours and even landscape designs on them. It makes them much easier to pair up after washing too!

The bonus of all Darn Tough socks is that no matter how they wear out, there is a lifetime guarantee on each pair that means they will replace your socks, no questions asked, whenever a hole appears or they wear down. What better promise of quality is that?

Available in the UK at: https://www.cdalimited.com/darn-tough/

Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Flask

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Everyone has a water bottle nowadays and knows to stay away from plastic which typically isn’t easy to recycle, nor is it very good for your health, especially if left to heat up. Hydro Flask produce a whole range of flasks and food storage items which keep your drinks and food cold, or hot, for longer.

Using stainless steel and their TempShield double wall technology, flasks such as this 32oz (946ml) water flask can keep your drinks cooler, or hotter for longer. The inner workings of the flask include a vacuum insulation between the layers of the stainless steel, ensuring the drink doesn’t transfer heat to the outside of the bottle. Hydro Flask 32oz keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours.

Think of all the ways that this is practical – not just for camping or days out where there is no hot water, but keeping water at least warm to heat up a baby’s feed, or cold drinks when you’re on the go for long distance exercise. For taking in your daily water allowance, this flask only needs to be filled up once a day on average with nearly 1 litre capacity. It also looks good with the powder coating colour and black and steel lid.

The wide mouth of this flask allows you to drink as you walk or run, but Hydro Flask also have alternative lids which suit all sorts of needs. There’s the Flex Chug Cap – ideal for when running or walking because it narrows the mouth of the 32oz flask so that you don’t spill it as easily (no guarantees that you won’t though, especially if you’re running!) and comes with the same flex strap for easy carry. The Flex Chug Cap is also BPA and toxin free and can be put in the dishwasher like all the other flasks.

The second attachment for the Hydro Flask 32oz is the Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap. It fits all Wide Mouth Hydro Flask bottles and comes with two straws which can be cut down to size. It’s also insulated and like all the flasks and their lids, it’s leakproof when closed. It’s not for hot liquids though, but I’m not sure there is any hot drink you use a straw for nowadays anyway? The Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap is also BPA free.

The Hydro Flask 32oz comes in a range of colours, including this green, called Dew, but other colours include white, black, Gojo (red) and Lupine (lilac). There’s a 100% customer satisfaction warrantee on each flask meaning there’s a limited lifetime warrantee against manufacturer defects.

Hydro Flask are quite possibly the future in insulated flasks, especially in the wake of anti-plastic.

Available for £41.40 on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG6HYFJG?maas=maas_adg_9FBBDF957F63467F00CA4C4BB590066C_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Treat yourself this summer to a new Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack, made with waterproof material and a laptop compartment, is it for urban, or rural?

Available in various colours including dark blue, black and the green which we were sent to try, the Stockholm Backpack holds 28 litres and has a front pocket for valuables, closing with a zip. The back pocket is padded for a laptop whilst the straps, no matter what you’re using the backpack for, are more comfortable for long wears because they’re padded.

The top of the Stockholm Backpack is a roll top and buckle – no zip here, so you can stuff it full of clothes or gadgets and the roll top is waterproof, like the rest of the polyester material which makes up the whole bag. The straps also have a cross-strap to hold them in place and distribute the weight across your shoulders, and the whole bag is wider than a normal backpack to add more volume and to even the load. The length of the bag is bigger than usual too so if you’re taking a lot with you camping, or travelling with more than usual this is for you. Anyone who is that big taller might find this a useful bag too as the dimensions mean it holds a lot more but is also more comfortable for wider shoulders and frame.

The base of the bag is re-enforced with a waterproof material which looks and feels like leather (but isn’t) to make it more hard wearing especially if it’s put down on the ground or used for travelling. Empty, it flattens down to almost nothing thanks to its square design, and the material is incredibly durable so is bound to last a long time. It’s easy to clean as well as there aren’t many components and it’s made of only a few materials which can all be machine washed.

Although pricy at £65, it is Helly Hansen so you know it’s well made, will last and is designed and made for the outdoor life. It works just as well for commuting though as it’s the size of a laptop (or bigger) and hold a computer safely with the added compartment. It’s a great bag for cyclists who are going into work with laptop, change of clothes and lunch all thrown in, and the slightly bigger size makes it easier to carry more. Thankfully the waterproof material and buckle roll top will save your work clothes for the British weather too!

RRP £65.00: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/stockholm-backpack-67187

TOG24 Glasson Womens Waterproof Jacket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Sport, Summer, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

National Walking Month is coming to a close now and we have certainly covered some miles. We normally go out walking a couple of times a week but at the start of the month we challenged ourselves to go out for a walk every day in May and the miles have been quickly totting up. I have really enjoyed exploring our local area and walking along the public footpaths that cross the fields as well as doing a few higher level walks on the fells. We have seen plenty of wildlife too, my favourite was seeing a beautiful barn owl fly around the fields one evening and we have also spotted deer and hares.

Living in the North West we are used to wet weather and a walk in the rain is certainly a lot better with the right gear so I was pleased to receive the TOG24 Glasson Women’s Waterproof jacket – especially as my current waterproof coat has seen better days and tends to leak. It’s bad enough walking in the rain but it it’s a million times worse if the rain gets through your coat leaving you wet and cold.

Available in either navy or faded pink in sizes 8-18, the coat is made from a 100% waterproof, breathable fabric with a DWR coating to repel water. The coat is also windproof so will keep me warm and dry no matter what the weather throws at me.

I normally wear size 14 clothes, but I do like to go up a size for waterproof coats as I like to be able to move about easily and on colder days have room for a fleece or jumper. The size 16 coat fitted me perfectly – the elasticated waist toggles meant I could easily adjust the fit, pulling in the waist for a smooth fit when wearing thinner layers and loosening them when I am wearing more layers.

Designed with two-way zips and magnetic fasteners (which are a dream to fasten) the coat has two roomy angled pockets that fasten with the same magnetic fasteners. This is the first time I have come across a coat with this type of fastener, and I really love it, they are so easy to open, especially if you have cold and wet hands and they fasten easily with a satisfying snap. It also has a zipped internal pocket which is perfect for keeping my phone safe.

The coat is a very flattering shape and I love the longer length with the fishtail hem. I was really pleased with the length of the arms, I am 6’ tall with long arms and find sleeve lengths in women’s waterproofs do tend to be too short. I was therefore pleasantly surprised when I put the jacket on and found the sleeves were just the right length. Another feature of waterproof coats that I look at are the hood, it needs to fit nicely on my head and stay up when the weather is bad. The hood on the Glasson coat was an excellent fit and with the zip fully up stayed in place nicely. The peak helped prevent the hood from flopping in my face and is deep enough to keep rain off my face and glasses. There is also enough room to wear a woolly hat when it gets colder and still be able to put the hood up.

The lovely, longer-length Glasson coat performed brilliantly when we tested it with the hosepipe (it’s not rained here recently so we had to create our own weather conditions!) This was way more intense than any rain shower I’ve ever been in and although the coat was absolutely soaked, I stayed nice and dry. I am really pleased with this coat, it is comfortable to wear and looks great too. It’s also smart enough for work so whilst the coat is on sale I’m thinking of buying the faded pink version to keep me warm and dry on my daily commute.

RRP £130 but currently on sale at £80

Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, health, Sport, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

May is National Walking Month and a brilliant time to start walking as a new hobby with the spring flowers out and summer just about to begin. What clothing do you need though? Apart from the obvious walking gear, it’s prudent to have a good quality sports bra and the Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra is just that.

This is the first padded sports bra Anita have ever launched. It’s padded but not wired so it’s an easier fit but I particularly like how modest it is with not showing much cleavage, and there is minimum movement. It’s a very, very firm hold so your shape doesn’t change much no matter the exercise. The design is very appealing too with three colours available. The design sent to me was the snakeskin pattern, and along with the modesty and hold, it works perfectly as a sports bra either under a top or if you are in the gym, you could wear this alone especially in the summer.

Speaking of bras in summer, the Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra has exclusively designed air-permeable Delta Pad foam cups which acts as coolants to the chest and allow your skin to breathe and keep a constant, cooler temperature. The sealed seams in the straps mean they don’t chaff as you move, especially with more vigorous sports and they help create a perfect fit. The bras are sold in individual sizes too (as opposed to small/medium/large) to give a better overall fit which makes them more effective at minimising movement too.

I tried the bra for a weight lifting session, which also happened to be my first ever Anita bra! If you’re not familiar with weight lifting, then there is a lot of jumping with heavy weights so there’s a potential for a lot of movement. Thankfully, the super control of the Anita Air Control Padded Sports Bra meant that there was very limited movement! The bra fits very firmly, although I did find that stretching the straps to the back for the first few times was difficult. However, it is fastened with 4 rows of hook and eye fasteners so there’s extra support there. The wide back strap also makes it more comfortable and the breathable material meant I had no problem with sweat! The straps are adjustable too, so if you need that extra bit of comfort, or are walking all day and start to feel tired, it’s easy to change the fitting to suit your needs, especially if you’re carrying something heavy on your back.

The designs are lovely and very versatile, I’m glad I had the chance to try a whole new brand of sports bra, and I’m so happy with the way they work for me!

Available from £50 (currently in the sale but otherwise priced at £67) at: https://boobydoo.co.uk/anita-air-control-padded-sports-bra/

My Little Sudocrem 22g Travel Pot

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Cycling weather is upon us and if you need to take provisions, any cyclist knows there’s not much that can be carried on a bike when you go out and about. There’s also not much you can buy in shops or rely on the local amenities so something like the My Little Sudocrem for minor ailments is ideal. Sudocrem is also excellent for chaffing especially on really long rides!

The My Little Sudocrem tubs are petite circular screw top pods which weight only 22grams. Durable and able to be kept in pockets or tucked into the smallest of rucksacks or handbags, they pack a punch with the full benefits of Sudocrem, just delivered in smaller vessels so that you can transport them anywhere. Cyclists will love My Little Sudocrem because of the size, and because it’s so handy to prevent, or relieve chaffing. If you’ve never had little children around or ever used Sudocrem, then I can tell you it’s a dream for so many purposes. As a rich, scentless cream it can be used on almost anything on the skin, from grazes to allergies or even just to keep you skin soft. I use it as a body moisturiser for the summer months when my legs are dry and I’m wearing skirts and dresses, and on my face for outdoor sports when my visage is chapped, such as out cycling or on the water.

The My Little Sudocrem is also brilliant for taking on holiday, or keeping in your car for when out with the children or after outdoor sports. There’s something very soothing and medicinal about a cold cream on your face after a day out in the wind, rain or sun and Sudocrem has the soothing effect like an aftersun cream, only with a thicker, richer moisturising effect. Also great for the playground when the children have grazes on the swings, there’s a whole host of uses for My Little Sudocrem this summer.

Three available for £8.99 at Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Sudocrem-Barrier-Multipurpose-Family/dp/B088RJF58C/ref=asc_df_B088RJF58C/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=435764429196&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6858848114809714868&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-931863630238&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=101204935637&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=435764429196&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6858848114809714868&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-931863630238

Enertor Socks and Insoles

Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Him, health, Sport

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Walking is such a good form of exercise, not only is it free but it is also good for wellbeing too. May is National Walking Month so we’ve been going for a walk every day and it’s been a great opportunity to try out some new gear.

Decent socks are crucial if you want to keep your feet comfortable and blister free when out walking, they provide a buffer between your foot and shoe, preventing rubbing and chafing. It’s worth buying a pair of dedicated walking or running socks rather than just grabbing a pair out of the drawer as they have been specially designed to increase ventilation, wick moisture and offer support to your feet in all the right places.

The Energy Run socks from Enertor contain advanced Nilit® Innergy energy return fibre, EnergyKnit™ band and NanoGLIDE® anti-blister technology. The socks are made in Italy and are really comfortable to wear. They fit nice and snugly and the double layer of fabric around the ankle helps to prevent rubbing and blisters. I have worn them for a 10 mile walk and they were comfortable and not too hot in my shoes.

The socks cost £13.99 and are available in small, medium, large and extra large (size 2.5 to 15) so you will easily find a pair to fit your feet.

Enetor also sent me a pair of their Shock Absorbing Insoles which I have tried in both my walking shoes and fell running shoes. The insoles have shock absorbing PX1® technology which Enetor claim has up to 89% more shock absorption than their competitors. This helps to spread the load on your feet helping to reduce the impact on your feet, knees and hips.

I hadn’t tried an insole before but now I have been using them for a couple of weeks I am finding them very comfortable. I soon got used to them after starting with shorter walks and runs and I find them especially good for fell running where my foot gets thrown about on the uneven ground. They really do help cushion the feet and whilst I am only a casual fell runner, my times have started to improve which I have put down to the insoles – they are used and recommended by Usain Bolt so watch out for me sprinting on the fells!!!

£39.99 available in sizes 3-14

Both products are available from the Enertor website here

CCS Footcare Products

beauty, health, Sport

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

You may recall that I set myself a challenge for National Walking Month and planned to do a walk every day. We’re almost 2 weeks in now and I’ve managed to fit in a walk every day, they haven’t all been long walks, but it has been great to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. Walking is fantastic for both physical and mental health but it can take a toll on our feet so it is very important to care for them so that you can enjoy many miles of pain free walking.

I’m certainly guilty of not looking after my feet as well as I should and since my feet have been wrapped up in socks and boots all winter, they have become quite dry with hard skin on the heels and soles of my feet. A parcel of footcare products from CCS and National Walking Month was just the motivation I needed to give my feet some much needed TLC.

The Foot Care Cream is a rich cream that simply melts into my feet and doesn’t leave them feeling greasy or sticky. It feels lovely and hydrating and leaves my feet feeling soft and refreshed. It is great as an overnight treatment too – apply before bed, put a pair of cotton socks and you will wake to beautifully soft feet. I have been using this twice a day for the last 2 weeks and I am so impressed with the results, the dry skin has gone and my feet are lovely and soft again.

RRP £7.99

The Warming Foot Cream is an interesting product, it’s not as rich as the Foot Care Cream and easily melts into my skin. It has a lovely citrus fragrance and once you have rubbed it in you feel your feet begin to warm up. It doesn’t feel unpleasant or tingly, just a gradual warmth spreading over your feet. It’s lovely to use after a long walk and I think it will be brilliant in winter when I always suffer from cold feet. It’s a lovely product and is a real treat for my feet.

RRP £11.99

The Cracked Heel Repair foot balm is specially formulated for very dry feet with cracked heels and hard skin. It contains Cabamide (25%) and Lactic Acid which exfoliates, softens, moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier. I have been using it twice a day and I started to see an improvement in the hard skin on my heels in about 3 days

RRP £8

Now that my feet have been well and truly pampered they will be good for many more miles this month – Happy hiking!!

The products are available from Boots, Amazon and Superdrug