In 2016, Eliza tackled first pregnancy and then motherhood, with the arrival of her first baby, fondly known as HB (Hungry Bear). Normally known for her love of obstacle races and boxing, these have had to be replaced with more gentle activities such as pregnancy yoga, meditation and walking. She also used her year to experiment in the kitchen and stock up on sleep. Whilst the lead-up to pregnancy can’t be described as stress-free, affirmations and positive thinking really made a difference and that’s something she will continue to practise in the new year. Now HB has arrived, Eliza is keen to get back into her fitness but without overdoing it.
This is my first Christmas with a baby! As a result, I’ve thought more about Christmas presents for him, rather than myself, especially as I’m still getting used to my ‘new’ body and discovering that the things I’d normally want fit differently.
So this year, my Christmas wishlist incorporates a lot around getting back to a level of fitness I’m happy with and also incorporating things that make it easier to exercise AND look after a baby.
I’m a big fan of the baby carriers (mainly because HB sleeps well in them) so I tend to walk everywhere so I’m looking for a comfy, durable rucksack which can act as a nappy bag. I can find that a shoulder bag leaves me feeling a little lopsided and it’s frustrating when it falls off (often at the most inopportune moments); a rucksack is kinder to my back and shoulders and, I hope, leave me looking less like a bag lady.
I love the Fjallraven Kanken rucksack (ok, so I’m a sucker for cute little Nordic foxes) as it’s light and comes in lots of gorgeous colours. It’s also the perfect size to squeeze in a handful of nappies, wipes and an emergency change of clothes. Plus my wallet and phone!
The hardest bit is choosing the colour… I love Warm Yellow but Graphite is ‘sensible’, yet Air Blue is fun and Frost Green is unusual.
Fjallraven Classic Kanken Rucksack costs £65 and comes in too many different colours.
If only this came with buttons up the side so I can breast-feed whilst wearing it more easily! I’m always a fan of motivational garments and ‘winging it’ is exactly how I’d describe motherhood.
The Winging It Sweatshirt by The Family Store costs £45 and comes in several different colours.
3. BuddyBox
The BuddyBox, full of at least 5 products to inspire, boost your mood and soothe your soul, is a subscription service for anyone who could benefit from a little love. As a first-time mum who is also rather sleep-deprived, I am guilty of focusing too much on being a mum and wife, rather than looking after myself. I get a lot of support from my family and friends, don’t get me wrong, but it’s always cheery to get a box full of surprises in the post.
The BuddyBox costs £21.50 per box and is available as a one-off or as a subscription.
I’ve tried out my fair share of water bottles but never a metal one. Hydration is all the rage nowadays and you’ve got to do it in style, right? I love the sleek design of these water bottles and the fact they can slide into the edges of sports bags easily. Of course, I’d get one in Healthy Living London colours. But should that be Bikini Pink or Smokey Quartz?
S’well Water Bottles cost from £35 for the 500ml size.
5. Fab by Fabienne Gold Star Boxing Gloves
I have missed boxing SO much since falling pregnant and I can’t wait to get back into it. But it will be many months I think before my body is completely up for the more hardcore boxing sessions I enjoyed last year. Good news is that Studio One in Islington are starting a Mittology class which is more around technique and agility rather than strength. And I need gloves to box in style, of course!
The Fab Gold Star Boxing Gloves cost £69 and are available from Fashercise.
6. Zaina X Bella Tank by Bella Kinesis
Black with a splash of crazy colour is what this workout tank is all about. I love the items from Bella Kinesis as they’re made for real women, plus for every garment bought you fund a business education for a woman in rural India.
The Zaina X Bella Tank costs £34 and is available from the Bella Kinesis website.
7. Secret Yoga Tights by Live! UK
These yoga leggings have a pattern which reminds me of candy floss and fairy dreams. I love the wide waistband and I’m sure these will make me ‘yoga’ better…
Secret Yoga Tights cost £90.
8. Enchanted Forest Colouring In Book
I have no idea when I’d get round to this but having tried colouring in once earlier this year, I really found it calming. And fun. And goodness knows where the time went but suddenly HOURS had passed. Oh, and if anyone’s thinking of getting me this, can you also hook me up with some good felt tip pens please.
The Enchanted Forest Paperback Colouring In Book costs £7.95
9. Air-cleaning Spider Plant
Most plants, or so I’ve read, can help purify household air, although some are better than others. However, whilst I’d love to get one which is all singing and dancing in terms of air pollutant clearance, I also know that I’m severely lacking in the green finger department. The spider plant is known to help purify against formaldehyde (found in things such as face tissues, paper bags, paper towels, synthetic fabrics) and xylene (vehicle exhausts) and is safe to have around pets.
Available from various garden centres across the UK from £5.
[…] EVERYWHERE in the summer of 2016 and I was rather smitten by them. I even included them in my Christmas Wish List. I liked the fact they looked so simple, came in great colours (54!) and seemed pretty durable. I […]