Tag Archives: Holidays

Escape the City

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Happy #ThursdayFriday! Last weekend’s Bank Holiday got me thinking about countryside breaks. I do love London on a Bank Holiday, but with another bank holiday weekend at the end of the month, my thoughts are now turning to a weekend’s escape to the country…

So, today’s #5aday blog features 5 beautiful countryside retreats in glorious surroundings… all within 2 hours of London.

  1. Barnsley House - Stylish contemporary country-house retreat in the Cotswolds with stunning feature gardens. Screen shot 2013-05-09 at 07.29.36
  2. Cowley Manor - Mix of Cotswolds’ stately home grandeur with chic interior design of a city boutique hotel. Screen shot 2013-05-09 at 07.32.16
  3. Fawsley Hall - Beautiful hotel in gorgeous Northamptonshire surroundings. Relax in award-winning Grayshott Spa. Screen shot 2013-05-09 at 07.34.03
  4. The Royal Oak – Opt for one of the cute cottages & enjoy delicious food at this lovely pub in East Lavant, Sussex. Screen shot 2013-05-09 at 07.35.04
  5. Whatley Manor – Grand Cotswold retreat with Swiss influence. More traditional than trendy. Sensational spa. Screen shot 2013-05-09 at 07.38.42

Relax and be pampered at one of these 5 stunning countryside retreats but which one offers the best escapism in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #1 Barnsley House - A hidden gem in the Cotswolds. Utterly charming. G x

Screen shot 2013-05-09 at 07.30.00

The ingredients for happiness…

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Welcome back to #GTime. Today’s #SundayTimes has been inspired by my recent trip to Lyon for a race in the beautiful Beaujolais hills. It is dedicated to the Boston Marathon, today’s London Marathon & my great school friend Tori & new friends Ronnie & Gary.

Lyon

We spent last weekend together in Lyon, all with a common passion for running. While I was there to run a mere 30km, Tori & Gary opted for the 65km. Ronnie would have joined them had she not been pregnant, so took on the role of fabulous supporter & coach on the side-lines. Running brings people together from all over the world – communities, friends & lovers. So, while we were enjoying a delicious meal on Sunday evening to celebrate Tori’s birthday, we were terribly shaken when news reached us about the Boston Marathon.

It was incredible this morning to see London’s response to last week’s attacks, with crowds deeper than ever before. This more than anything sums up what running is about. Whether taking part as a runner, supporter or volunteer, everyone shares that common bond of respect & community.

The timing of my trip to France could not have been more perfect. As I embark on a new career path, it was a time to reflect on what’s important in life & what makes us truly happy… Today’s #5aday focuses on 5 things which I believe are the ingredients to happiness: Life, Love, Laughter, Loyalty & Lyon.

  1. Life – When tragedy strikes, it’s a reminder how we must live life to the full, thankful for the freedom & opportunities we have.
  2. Love – Whether it’s the love of family & friends, a special someone or running, this vital ingredient keeps us passionate & driven.
  3. Laughter – We certainly laughed lots last weekend. It was a special time with old friends & new & I will cherish the memories forever.
  4. Loyalty – Whatever happens, loyalty is an important value giving us purpose & fulfilment. Always remain loyal & true to yourself.
  5. Lyon – A beautiful place to spend 4 days with inspirational friends, challenging running & inspiring conversation. Serendipity…

Lyon in this case is a metaphor for a moment in time, & one I will remember forever, thanks to fabulous friends & a new tattoo… :)

So, here’s to life, love, laughter, loyalty & Lyon… My thoughts remain with those affected by the Boston tragedy & to all those inspirational people with incredible stories, involved in today’s London Marathon.

G x

Ski in Style

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Evening! It’s #SaturdayShopping time… With London Fashion Week comes talk of A/W13 trends to watch out for but what about looking hot this winter?

In preparation for skiing in a few weeks, tonight’s #5aday features gear to make you stand out on the slopes & ensure you ski in style.

  1. Gucci Goggles in Silver - With double lenses & special technology to stop fogging. Very regardez-moi @ £125.Gucci Goggles
  2. Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot - Non-slip, warm & waterproof can be stylish with these boots @ £155.           Sorrel boots
  3. Giro Sheer White Helmet - You can’t take safety lightly on the slopes, so protect yourself in this @ £159.99. Ski Helmet
  4. The North Face Women’s Free Thinker GTX Pant - These bright yellow trousers will help you in the bumps @ £319.99. North Face Ski Trousers
  5. The North Face Women’s Chaletta Down Jacket - Warm, windproof, waterproof AND highly wearable in blue @ £329.99.North Face Ski Jacket

5 essentials to ensure you look hot while on the slopes and during apres-ski but which will slalom its way into tonight’s #GTopSpot?

Tonight’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #5 The North Face Women’s Chaletta Down Jacket - Stay warm & look cool.

G x

Ski Sunday

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Evening! Welcome to #SundayTimes & today’s #5aday #SkiSunday. In a month I head off to the Swiss Alps for skiing in Verbier & Crans Montana.

Switzerland

I’ve written a few skiing related posts before, so today’s #5aday revisits some of these to give you inspiration if planning a ski break.

  1. Powder or Party or both? What are your priorities when planning your ski holiday? Read ‘Powder or Party?’ for 5 resort suggestions.
  2. If you answered both to #1 then Verbier is ideal. Read ‘Best of Verbier’ for 5 of the best places to ski & party in Verbier.
  3. If you’re interested in going somewhere with a difference then check out these 5 picture perfect ski resorts (from Gstaad to Kicking Horse).
  4. To maximise your skiing fun & fitness, read these 5 steps for all you need to get into shape to hit the slopes.
  5. Read my final ski-inspired post – an interview with Bramble Ski’s director Colin Mayo, on the business of skiing.

All this talk of skiing is teasing me, especially as the snow is so amazing at the moment. Bring on March – only 28 sleeps to go!

Enjoy the rest of your evening & Kung Hei Fat Choy! All the best for the Chinese New Year. May the year of the snake be a prosperous one.

G x

O Flower of Scotland

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Evening & welcome to #SundayTimes.

On Friday, it was Burns Day, where Scots around the world celebrated Robert Burns’ birthday by toasting the haggis. And on Friday, appropriately Andy Murray beat Roger Federer to progress to the Australian Open final. After an incredible first set this morning, unfortunately Murray was beaten by Djovokic. But there’s definitely so much more to come from Andy in 2013 and so much to be proud of.

Yellowcraig Beach

It’s times like this, that remind me why I’m so proud of my Scottish roots, so tonight’s #SundayTimes #5aday is 5 stunning Scottish places to visit, that hold significant memories for me from growing up.

  1. East Lothian – Where I grew up in a small village called Pencaitland. Lots of stunning beach walks (Yellowcraig pictured above) & pretty villages & towns.
  2. Edinburgh – The place of my education – both at school & in life. Read my previous #GTime about Edinburgh here.
  3. Campbeltown – Where we spent our summers visiting grandparents & now where my parents live. Read my previous #GTime about Campbeltown here.
  4. Glasgow – I enjoyed many nights out here in my younger days & one particularly memorable one with Fit Chick Tori involving the fire brigade!
  5. St Andrews – Memories from school lacrosse matches against St Leonards, visiting uni friends & working at the 2000 British Open & the 2004 Dunhill Links Championship.

5 stunning Scottish settings and reasons to visit Scotland this year. Also 2013, is the Year of Natural Scotland. Find out more from Visit Scotland’s website here.

Next weekend is the start of the 6 Nations Rugby and the Calcutta Cup will be taking place around the corner from me in Twickenham. So, good luck Scotland you brave hearts! G x

O flower of Scotland

When will we see your like again

That fought and died for

Your wee bit hill and glen

And stood against him

Proud Edward’s army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

The hills are bare now

And autumn leaves lie thick and still

O’er land that is lost now

Which those so dearly held

And stood against him

Proud Edward’s army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

Those days are passed now

And in the past they must remain

But we can still rise now

And be the nation again

That stood against him

Proud Edward’s army

And sent him homeward

Tae think again

The Flower of Scotland, written by Roy Williamson of The Corries

Perfect Ski Bum

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Welcome to #WellbeingWednesday. In just over a month I will be hitting the slopes for the 1st time this ski season (subject to snow!)…

Apparently the best bodies for skiing are decathletes, with all the aspects of their training & disciplines making the perfect athlete. You may not be an Olympic decathlete but if you’re tackling the slopes this winter you’ll need to be in good all-round shape…

Today’s #WellbeingWednesday #5aday features all we need to get us into shape & ready to take full advantage of the slopes this winter.

  1. Undertake 2 or 3 running/cycling sessions a week, to ensure you can sustain short bursts of exertion repeatedly & at high altitudes.
  2. Lower body workout drills e.g. bum kicks, jogging & hopping with high knees, side strides & bunny hops x 2 sets of each over 20-30m.
  3. Upper body workout e.g. sit-ups, back arches, back extensions, reverse curl, bench dips, push-ups & twisted curls x 2/3 sets of 20/30.
  4. Work on mobility of upper & lower body with joint rotations e.g. arm swings, shoulder circles, hip circles & twists, squats & lunges.
  5. Improve coordination & agility through agility ladder drills. Take a look at this short demo for some guidance.

5 steps to maximising your skiing fitness this winter, ensuring you will ski better & longer each day, as well as minimising injuries. G x

Home away from Home

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Evening. Hope you’ve been enjoying the lovely weekend’s weather. Tonight’s #SundayHome #GTime theme is ‘Home away from Home’…

I’ve just booked to go ‘Home’ to Scotland with friends in November. We’re flying into Glasgow & then driving to Campbeltown, Argyll. Campbeltown is on the tip of stunning Kintyre & it’s where my parents live in a handsome Georgian house overlooking Campbeltown loch.

Today’s #5aday features 5 reasons to visit Kintyre & Campbeltown – from the stunning scenery to the rich history of whisky distilling.

  1. Beaches for surfing/walking/running – from Machrihanish to Westport (one of The Independent’s 50 best beaches).
  2. Eating – on the drive down, you must visit the original Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, 10 miles before historic Inverary.
  3. Golf – Machrihanish Golf Club on the Atlantic coast has been voted as having ‘the best first hole in the world’.
  4. Gigha – the southern most Hebridean Island, 3 miles west of the Kintyre peninsula. Explore the island by bike.
  5. Whisky – Campbeltown had 37 distilleries in the 19th century. Now there are 3 with Springbank the best known.

5 reasons to visit beautiful Kintyre & there are many, many more including award-winning Mull of Kintyre cheese!

Today’s #SundayHome #GTopSpot goes to Campbeltown & Kintyre. In the words of Paul McCartney… “My desire is always to be here.” G x

Paul McCartney’s ‘Mull of Kintyre’

Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the sea
my desire is always to be here
Oh, Mull of Kintyre

Far have I travelled and much have I seen
Darkest of mountains with valleys of green
Past painted deserts the sun sets on fire
as he carries me home to the Mull of Kintyre

Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the sea
my desire is always to be here
Oh, Mull of Kintyre

Sweep through the heather like deer in the glen
Carry me back to the days I knew then
Nights when we sang like a heavenly choir
of the life and the times of the Mull of Kintyre

Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the sea
my desire is always to be here
Oh, Mull of Kintyre

Smiles in the sunshine and tears in the rain
Still take me back where my memories remain
Flickering embers go higher and higher
as they carry me back to the Mull of Kintyre

Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the sea
my desire is always to be here
Oh, Mull of Kintyre

Mull of Kintyre, oh mist rolling in from the sea
my desire is always to be here
Oh, Mull of Kintyre

Faking it

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Evening! Ahead of my hols, I’m renaming tonight’s #TuesdayTreats  #TuesdayTreatments. Here’s my 5 essential pre-holiday beauty treatments.

  1. Fake it – Get a headstart with a natural bronzed glow from Dove Summer Glow – On offer at mo from Boots @ £2.84!
  2. Waxing – A visit to Strip, St Paul’s for a quick, pain-free wax treatment. See my previous wax review here.
  3. Cut & blow dry – A bouncy blow dry from Aveda Salon Vertigo in St Margarets. Check out my review of St Margarets here.
  4. Lashes – Say goodbye to mascara when on holiday with an eyelash tint by Strip, St Paul’s or NouveauLash extensions. You won’t look back!
  5. Mani & Pedi – I’ve featured before my fave long-lasting polish CND World Shellac – My holiday colour is Wildfire.

5 beauty #TuesdayTreats #Treatments to ensure I’m ready to hit the beach with a glow, all smooth & polished! 3 more sleeps to go…

The last #GTime before my holiday is this Thursday… then I’ll be taking 2 weeks #GTimeOut! G x

Beach Ready

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Welcome to #WellbeingWednesday! In 4 weeks, I will be on holiday & the countdown is now on to get bikini ready for the beach… 

So to help, today’s #WellbeingWednesday shares 5 steps (Part 1) of an intensive 4 week plan focused on burning fat & getting rid of cellulite!

  1. Week 1 – Fat burning through interval training. Run 3 times this week, changing the speed & intensity up & down every 4/5 minutes.
  2. Interval training is most effective first thing in the morning (if poss) as this kick-starts your metabolism for the rest of the day meaning more calories burned!
  3. Week 2 – Banish cellulite. Combine Week 1 interval training sessions with 15 mins of lower body deep stretches (longer than 30 secs).
  4. I’d recommend a yoga or pilates class as well to really ensure you’re getting the most from your deep stretching this week.
  5. It’s obvious but make sure to drink lots of water & eat a balanced diet. Cut back on alcohol & you’ll see the benefits on the beach!

5 steps to focus on for the next 2 weeks. Part 2 of the 4 week plan will be revealed in the next #WellbeingWednesday #GTime in 2 weeks’ time.

Remember #GTime is now every other day, so see you back here at 6pm on #ShoeFriday for the next post. Have a lovely evening! G x

Stretch Yourself

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Hello & welcome back to #WellbeingWednesday… with all this wonderful weather it’s time to plan a summer load of healthy activities!

Today I’m featuring 5 summer sports which I’m looking forward to dabbling in this summer. Hope this provides some inspiration!

  1. Horse-riding – Some friends & I are soon to go riding in the beautiful surrounds of Windsor Park. Tally ho!
  2. Tennis – After a game at Putney Tennis Club recently I’m inspired to have a few more friendlies this summer.
  3. Golf – I have all the gear (& no idea) & must dust off my clubs this summer & head to Duke’s Meadow in Chiswick.
  4. Surfing– I’m in throes of booking a holiday to Ericeira, Portugal to try my hand at surfing & kite-surfing.
  5. Cycling – I’ve been persuaded to take part in a 40km @iamspecialized @cycletta in Wiltshire at end of June!

5 sports (other than running) to ensure I’m at the peak of fitness this summer but which will stand atop the podium in today’s #GTopSpot?

My #WellbeingWednesday #GTopSpot goes to #4 Surfing/kite-surfing in Ericeira, Portugal for taking me completely out of my comfort zone!

Hope this inspires you to get out there & do something out of your comfort zone this summer while promoting your fitness & wellbeing! G x