A taste of CrossFit

I have been intrigued by CrossFit for a while now, I wasn't 100% sure of what it would involve, but the curiosity in me only grew when I saw an advert on Facebook for a local CrossFit gym who were looking for 10 people to take part in a series of taster challenges over the course of January. Before I knew what I was doing, I had filled in the application form and was sat with my fingers crossed hoping to get the opportunity. 

CrossFit is high intensity workouts that are constantly varied to ensure that the body cannot and will not get used to the routine. After all tossing up the routine is essential when it comes to fitness, the last thing you want is for your body to get used to what you do. You don't want your body expecting what's to come day in and out, and routines can get a little bit exhausting if they aren't switched up from time to time.

I first heard about CrossFit through the Reebok CrossFit Championships that were organised by RPM Ltd. It looked fantastic and saw 500 elite athletes competing at nigh high impact events across Europe, with the Berlin final being broadcast live on Eurosport! 

In all honesty I wasn't sure what to expect when I pulled up at the new gym, I sat there in my car for a little while pondering how I felt about what I was about to do. Would I be able to keep up with everybody else? Should I just turn around and go home?  Thankfully the group was entirely made up of newbies so the reality was not as daunting as I had worried it might be.

That first session was incredible. To say it was hard work didn't do the work out justice but they had me doing things that I had longed to do, but had never had the guts to try in my usual gym through fear of having no clue what I was doing. I did my first ever box jumps on a 16" box, it might sound like nothing, but I was so proud of myself. As I looked around the room I noticed that no one else was jumping, they were standing up and standing down. I did bar bell squats and very quickly worked the weight up to 32.2kg (over 5 stone!) which beat my personal best.

The following weeks got harder, and unfortunately I managed to injure myself through a set of deadlifts. It felt like something tore in my abdomen, and for the next few weeks I had to take a break from training. The injury resulted in muscle spasms, something that I have never experienced before and I couldn't help thinking that it was worse than labour. I ended up at the doctors just to rule out any serious injuries and she confirmed that it was a strained muscle, and that I absolutely had to rest it to ensure that it healed up properly. 

That meant I couldn't return to finish the CrossFit sessions which I was pretty disappointed about. I love that I at least got to experience the nature of this sport and can completely see why it is so popular. Although I won't be carrying this training on long term, I will most certainly be taking aspects of this sport and applying it into my ongoing training routine. 

Once upon a time before BBG

It might come as a surprise to some of you to discover that I haven't always had the confidence instilled in me today. I haven't always had the courage to try new things, put myself out there, or the inclination to meet new people. For a long time I liked to blend into the background afraid of the spotlight ever shining my way. 

I thought way to hard about the way I looked, how the world would perceive me. I spent so much time getting ready because I never felt like I was enough, I would wash my hair, dry my hair and straighten my hair before allowing myself to leave the house. Pony tails were a big 'no no' as I felt they made my face look odd and drew attention to my nose. My hair was worn down and straight, day in and day out. It was my way of making me feel like I was acceptable now to face the world.

If people whispered I would automatically assume that it was something to do with me. Was there something on my back? Had I got food on my face? I never felt part of a group although I would never let on. You see along with my insecurities I was also very proud. I felt that by drawing attention to any of those things, I was just making a rod for my own back, because if people knew about my insecurities, if they truly knew these things were a issue in my heart and in my mind, they ultimately had the power to destroy me.

I could never get my head around people sharing their insecurities, people saying 'I'm to fat' out loud for the world to hear. I could never bring myself to say them out loud. Never. I didn't want to draw that negative attention to myself, I didn't want people to know that I felt that way. 

Looking back on it all now, no one really would have had a clue. I was a fantastic magician and anything I did feel was buried so deep within me that no one would ever know. No one knew that I was to scared to show the 'real me', that I was afraid no one would like me, that I wished I had a bigger chest or wished I could change my body, to be skinnier and prettier, that I felt like an outsider or that I really wasn't happy in my skin. 

When I write it all down i'm aware I sound like a manic depressive but it wasn't like that. These thoughts would pop into my mind, but I shrugged them off, they didn't consume me. Although I wasn't confident I was strong willed and never without a smile. In fact to anyone reading this who knows me in real life, I imagine these revelations are not something they would have ever thought ran through my mind. I was far from quiet around people I knew, but put me in a class at school with people I didn't really know, you would get an entirely different person. I would sit there and not say a word unless I was spoken to, and even then it was short and sweet. 

Friends would describe me as loud and the teachers would tell my parents how quiet I was.

It has taken me years to truly feel happy in the skin I am in. I no longer look at other women and think 'Wow. I wish I had her legs, her tummy or her arms'. I look in the mirror and there is no one else I would want to be. I have accepted that I am who I am. I am the very best version of me that I can be. It's taken me a long time to reach this mind set but through working on myself I have found that sanctuary.

Today my hair is mainly up in a pony tail, I don't care how it makes my face look. I usually rock out of bed late and a pony tail is the quickest way to a half decent hair style that I can muster before I have to fly out of the door. I usually head straight to the gym from the school run, so having my hair out of my face is the only real option. I rarely straighten my hair these days, I get out of the shower, blow dry it, and 9 times out of 10 put it back in a pony tail. I haven't even had a hair cut or colour since June last year, and I am closer to my natural hair colour than I have been in over 10 years. 

Today my new found confidence has over spilled into my everyday life. I am no longer scared to drive on motorways, or do things completely on my own. I don't need someone to hold my hand and I love a new challenge. 

Any anxiety I once felt has been completely blown away.

Today I look for adventure in everything that I do, I no longer hide away in the corner. I meet new people all of the time, and I make friends so much more easily than I used to. I no longer feel like an outsider looking in, and I have an incredible group of friends who I know would have my back through anything and everything. 

Im not afraid to stand out anymore. Im not afraid to shine. Im not afraid to show who I really am. Not everyone is going to like me, and do you know what? That is absolutely fine. I can't change that but I would rather be hated for being myself then accepted or tolerated because of who I choose to represent. 

My mind set was changed slowly and over time, as I began following Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide, exercising regularly, seeing my body change and slowly but surely learning to love myself. The journey has not just changed my body but it has reset my mind set. I now no longer care what people think about me, I don't care about rocking to the super market after an intense work out at the gym, I don't care if anyone see's me rocking my worst outfit combined with my uggs or if my hair is drenched with sweat. 

I don't care.

It wasn't a quick fix, it didn't happen over night, but over time I have finally got to my happy place.

Life is far to short to care all of the time, and for the first time in my entire life I feel content with just being me. It wasn't about changing myself for other people, I made changes so that I was happy with myself. Being happy on the inside has radiated through my body and reflects out to for the world to see, today I smile more, and I laugh more.

Now if someone asks 'Who does she think she is!?' I have no problem standing up, looking them straight in the eyes and saying 'this is ME!'. 

New Year, Same Me

January is the month we make resolutions and promises to ourselves. It's the start of a new year, and it's the opportunity to better ourselves and to grow. For many people health and fitness is the top of the priority list, whether it's just to clean up old eating habits and push aside the takeaways, or to make those tentative first steps to get into shape. 

January is the month that we make those resolutions and promises to ourselves.

As we step further away from 2015 and prepare for another year, I think it is important to set goals so that we can try to excel ourselves and grow. I have thought long and hard about my own goals that I would like to achieve this year and they look something like this:

- Sort my skin out, Christmas has brought out swarms of spots!

- Start #TheKaylaMovement on the 11th January 2016

- Not to miss a work out

- To be stronger and fitter than 2015

- To meet and work out with many more BBG ladies!

- To step further out of my comfort zone

- Start a new class

- Push myself

I have already taken on some new challenges in 2016, just last week I joined a Cross Fit taster session that spans over the next few weeks. This alone is something that a year ago I would never have done, going along to a session where I knew nobody would have scared the living daylights out of me. Not knowing about the exercises or what is expected from me, would have put me off even giving it a go. I wouldn't have even considered it, and I would have written it off before even saying 'Wait one minute Laura, give it a go!'.

I actually saw the advert on Facebook, and instead of just scrolling past it I clicked through. I read it, and didn't think twice about filling out my details. It was something that I really wanted to try, and I crossed my fingers hoping I got the opportunity. They were searching for 10 newbies to take part in the sessions throughout January and I didn't for a moment expect to hear back from them, but I was lucky enough to be chosen to go along and take part in a training session that is completely different to anything I have ever done before.

Cross Fit is high intensity workouts that are constantly varied to ensure that the body cannot and will not get used to the routine. After all routine is the enemy when it comes to fitness, your bodies get used to what you do, and routines can became boring and mundane. 

In all honesty though when I pulled up at the new gym, I sat there in my car for a little while. Would I fit in? Would I be able to keep up with everybody else? Should I just turn around and go home? As soon as those thoughts entered my mind, I got out of the car and walked towards the building. The gym is a boxed room, it looks like a real man's gym and not somewhere I ever envisioned myself feeling at home. I walked in and met some of the other newbies, some of who weren't regulars in the gym and were taking the initiative to try something new. 

The session was incredible. Bloody hard work but they had me doing things that I had longed to do, but didn't want to try in my usual gym through fear of having no clue what I was doing. I did my first ever box jumps on a 16" box, it might sound like nothing, but I was so proud of myself. As I looked around the room I noticed that no one else was jumping, they were standing up and standing down. I did bar bell squats and very quickly worked the weight up to 32.2kg (over 5 stone!) which beat my personal best.

The end of the session saw us working through a circuit with 8 minutes on the clock. The name of the game was to get as many rounds in as possible. When the clock called time, everyone collapsed on the floor, and I stood there catching my breath, but I wasn't ruined. I could have carried on, and it was then for the very first time, I realised how much my stamina has improved over this past year. Once upon a time I wouldn't have been able to do that, and it was while I was jumping on the box that one of the ladies called out to me 'HOW ARE YOU DOING THAT!?', but I hadn't thought twice. I guess it just goes to show that when your persistent with something, you do grow and develop.

The last session was on Thursday evening, and it focused mainly on arms. There were pull ups, reverse pull ups and Kettle Bell Snatches to name a few. This session officially kicked my bum and 4 days later my arms, chest, shoulders and back are still burning, the thought of going back and inflicting more pain tomorrow not only makes me shiver, but excites me. This after all is the only way that I am going to get stronger, and this burn means that it's working.

Towards the end of 2015 I slacked, I was still working out but my food routine was shaken up and I was just an eating machine. This meant that I lost definition and put on a few lbs. I am now ready to get this show on the road and surpass where I was in the Summer. Yes I blipped, but I am taking my fitness by the horns and really pushing myself. In turn Christmas didn't help, I only took 2 days off, but those 2 days have brought some beautiful spots to the surface. Spots that won't go away, spots that are leaving dry peely skin in their wake.

I am hoping that now my diet is back on track, that normality is resuming following the Christmas period that I can start to really push myself. 

I have already told myself that 2016 is going to be an incredible year, so I decided to spontaneously book a trip to New York with some of the BBG Girlies for November. You know meeting girls on Instagram and jetting off to New York is just totally normal in 2016!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and I hope 2016 is treating you guys well. What are your resolutions for the New Year?

Christmas 2015

Christmas was here in the very blink of an eye, the weeks had gone by so very quickly and your excitement had simply grown beyond anything I have ever seen before. This year you couldn't stop talking about Santa Clause, you knew that on Christmas Eve he would be flying through the skies on his way to bring all of the good boys and girls gifts to open on Christmas morning. 

All you had asked for was a racing car like Mummy's. A blue Mini Cooper that you would be able to drive yourself. When Father Christmas asked what you wanted, you replied with exactly this, and he promised you that he would do his very best. This in turn made you beam for ear to ear, and you came away even more excited for the big day.

We cuddled up on the sofa on that magical night before Christmas to watch the Snowman while you opened up your Christmas Eve box and found an abundance of treats waiting for you. The magic of the night sparkled in your eyes and echoed across your face. A true innocence witnessing such wonder in the ordinary world wrapped around us, it was enough to make even the Grinch get into the Christmas spirit.

I put you to bed early on Christmas Eve explaining that the sooner you drifted off to sleep, the sooner Santa would arrive. The sooner you would wake up and see the treats that Santa had delivered in the night. Of course being four years old, being as excited as you were.. Sleep didn't come easily. At 10pm you were still wide awake fighting off sleep in the hope of catching a glimpse of the man in red himself.

You slept in later than I had expected on Christmas morning, but once you were awake I couldn't keep you upstairs. You found your stocking and shrieked with excitement as you bounded around the room in your rather gorgeous new Joules Pyjamas, and with that you were leading me downstairs to the lounge where the Christmas Tree was standing tall and proud over all of the gifts that now lay beneath.

With eyes shining like glass and a smile as wide as the moon, you asked if you could open a present. We found one out for you and the gift opening commenced, it became apparent that this year you wouldn't need weeks or even months to open them as you have in recent years, we would quite easily open them within a few hours at the rate you were going.

Once the gifts under the tree had been exhausted I turned to you. 'Leo, did you get your racing car?' your head lowered and the happy expression that had once illuminated your face went dark. There was no racing car in sight, and you looked incredibly disappointed, we seized the opportunity to go and cook up some breakfast in an attempt to put that smile back where it belonged.

I recall sitting at the kitchen table, and I had already spotted a shiny red racing car in the corner of the room.. I tried to call you over so that you could discover it for yourself, but your stubborn head had come out to play. You even started to whine, until suddenly the penny dropped and out of the corner of your eye... You saw the car that was sat waiting for you!

Of course you had to go outside to play right away. There was absolutely no messing around to be done here, not when there was such a beautiful new racing car to be broken in. You spent most of the morning whizzing around and getting used to the controls. and in fairness you handled it very well. Your face when you slipped it in the fastest mode might have been the highlight of my day, as your face spoke a 1000 words in that split second you leaped forward.

The rest of the day was spent playing with new toys and sorting them all into your room. I had just installed a brand new bed into your room, a ladder bed. It had been something you had wanted for a long time, and the timing seemed perfect. It meant that your crowded room was completely de-cluttered, all of your toys had a home and you had so much floor space to now enjoy.

With everything upstairs it was time to sit down for Christmas dinner, you had been really looking forward to it, but at the very last minute decided that you would rather have a ham sandwich (a Christmas Sandwich as you called it...). So while the rest of the family tucked into a tasty Turkey with all the trimmings, you enjoyed your sandwich. You did enjoy pulling crackers with Granddad though and the table was full of laughter throughout the meal.

After lunch you took me out for a drive in your racing car, you placed a protective arm around me and chauffeured me like the superstar that you are.

It was a beautiful Christmas and watching you enjoy the magic of the season was the most amazing feeling yet.

Here's to another amazing year, whatever this year may bring.

Firing up my run with Phoebe Thomas

It's been 18 months since my fitness mission began, sometimes I like to sit and look back on old photos from before I decided to make this change, and it is only then that the true magnitude of what I have achieved in that time frame sinks in. Fitness and exercise has become such a massive part of my life, and in ways that I could never have envisioned. 

Did I think that when I started out that I would now enjoy what I am doing? Did I think for a second that it would become second nature? Did I think that I would be where I am today? My honest answer is no, no I didn't foresee any of this. 

At the end of November I was invited along to the Transition Zone gym in Parsons Green, London to take part in a 20 minute run with the very motivational Phoebe Thomas. Phoebe is a British Actress, Journalist and Advanced Personal Trainer and Running Coach.

Phoebe shared her top tips for training and running in winter, the top one being having the right kit. I couldn't agree more with this because if you are dressed correctly from head to foot, you are equipped to deal with everything no matter the weather. I think it is important to dress in light clothing that you can remove if you need to, as Phoebe said, there is nothing worse than going out in jumpers and coats, as when you warm up you will end up carrying all your sweaty clothing around. It will ultimately slow you down.

My training kit for the Winter season:

- Nike Air Max 2015 Running Shoes

- Ilu Signiture Compression Leggings - They are lovely and thick and absolutely perfect for training in the outdoors at this time of year. They are supportive and look fantastic.

- Ilu Modern Mesh Top - I wear this with a sports bra underneath. It's an additional light layer that helps keep me warm while embracing the elements.

- Asics Fujitrail Pack Running Jacket - Absolutely perfect for running in unpredictable weather conditions such as the British Winter. The Raglan sleeves promote an increased freedom of movement while the jackets balaclava snap-up hood offers secure coverage if the skies suddenly open, or you want to keep the chill off your head. An adjustable drawcord at the bottom hem allows for a more secure, close to comfort fit.

We were lucky enough to preview some of the gorgeous new lines from LIJA on the night. LIJA is known for designing collections where technical performance apparel meets modern, innovative style, so make sure to have a look at the Fall 2015 Look Book.

The reflective 360 degree elements throughout offer increased visibility in low-light conditions, which helps me to be seen when out running at night.

I haven't done much running in the 18 month time frame, I have focused more on cross training and strength, but running is something that I would love to see myself completing more of in 2016. I do feel that I have dramatically improved my over all fitness over the course of 2015, and it would be great to start making the most of this. Phoebe was fantastic and over the course of the evening she took out two running groups of many different fitness levels into the cold November evening. 

I have to admit that I was a little worried about falling behind everyone, but I surprised myself. We completed a series of different running activities over different time frames to demonstrate different running paces. I thought that I might need picking up off the floor at the end of the session but I was pleased to see that my stamina was better than I had given myself credit for.

We had been kitted out with some really fantastic running gear before we headed out, they included SOLE Footbeds that I am really looking forward to trying out. I have been suffering with a sprained ankle over recent weeks and haven't made it out for a run just yet. There were a number of goodies (some that we even used on the run) from Nathan. The Bandolier Vest and strobe light really helped light us up against the dark London back drop. 

Upon arriving back at the Transition Zone, I got to experience my very first Power Plate session. I have heard about Power Plates over the years, and i'll be honest. My preconceived opinion on them wasn't glowing, I thought they were gimmicky and it had never interested me in working them into my fitness regime. Until now that is.

Power Plate is so much more than a vibrating platform, it adds a new and challenging dimension to your workout. It does this by stimulating your muscles to contract multiple times per second, Power Plate delivers a total fitness solution in half the time frame of your usual work out. The sessions that take place at Transition Zone aim to work you to the max, and they combine a variety of training methods that include boxing, skipping, free weights and kettlebells. 

What can you expect to see from adding Power Plate to your work out?

Expect to see significant improvements in your over all strength, flexibility, muscle tone and inch loss. You’ll notice an increase in your aerobic capacity and fitness levels, decrease blood pressure and burn plenty of calories.

What did I think?

Actually hearing about the Power Plate technology and how it can aid your workout I was really intrigued to give it a go for myself. We tried a number of different movements on the available Power Plates and by the end of play I was a convert. I would love to give them a thorough try, and I have been invited back to Transition Zone to enjoy a full session, something that I will definitely be trying to do in the New Year.

The Recovery Cafe

Following a fantastic evening of activity and a great bunch of people, we took the time to un-wind at the Recovery Cafe on site at the Transition Zone. The Recover Cafe is just fantastic and I loved the idea of being able to work out, and then relax on site with a healthy protein snack, bottle of water or a shake. My own gym doesn't seem to embrace this concept and instead of healthy treats, we can purchase Mars Bars.. It's not ideal.

The diverse and exciting range on offer at the Recovery Cafe ranges from Hot Cacao Hits, Chia Pots, Energy Balls, Protein Power Balls and nutritious juices. 

My idea of heaven!

A big thank you to the team over at Action PR, Transition Zone, Phoebe Thomas and everyone who made the night.so fantastic and informative. I had a great time and feel inspired to get out and running. 

Disclaimer: I was invited along to the event and provided with a generous goodie bag. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

For Him - Christmas Guide 2015

Men, men, men. 

What do you buy the man who has everything this Christmas? I struggle each year, and I am sure that I am not alone trying to accomplish the perfect gift, so let's take a look at the items that have made my gifts for 'him' in 2015.

Stockings and treats

Now you might be under the impression that chocolate and bubbles are the way to a woman's heart, and not your mans, but the reality is quite different. Chocolate and bubbles mean quality time, you and him. Maybe a film on the box, indulgence and grown up time. It seems like such a simple choice but one that you really shouldn't over look... How about a Toblerone, the ultimate man's bar, a bottle of Mionetto Prosecco or for something a little different and delicious, how about The Adnams Selection Prosecco Spumante and a festive screening of Die Hard!?

Of course if your going to sit down to watch a film over the Christmas break, then you might want to arm yourselves with more than one bar of chocolate. We all know that the men in our lives will most likely inhale the snacks within a few seconds flat, so be prepared and really surprise him. Bonne Maman have a delicious selection of cakes and treats that will really spoil him over the festive season.

Be Practical...

Sometimes the man who has everything, literally has... well everything. Maybe they need some things for the office? Bits and pieces that they actually require, over things that will just get pushed to one corner and forgotten about. You could always ask them if they need something in particular or just hunt out some attractive options for them:

Leitz have a lovely selection of office necessities that would make lovely gifts for the man in your life. Be it for work or play, there is something for everyone. I particularly like the Complete Laptop Smart Traveler Bag. The quality bag is lightweight and won't look out of place in a business setting. It boats smart zip fastening, matt metal buckles and genuine padded leather handles.

Leitz Complete Laptop Smart Traveler Bag: £ 66.83 on Amazon.

Leitz Complete Privacy Slim Folio Case for iPad Air 2 - £43.25

Leitz A4 75 mm Active Style Lever Arch File - £7.74

Leitz NeXXt Series Style Metal Office Stapler - 18.27

Leitz NeXXT Style Metal Stapler - £19.98

Leitz A4 Complete Hard Cover Ruled Notebook - £16.44

A little pampering...

Whether they admit it or not, these men of ours like to feel pampered. If you are stuck for ideas look no further than items that are going to make them look and feel wonderful! 

If your other half is sporting a beard to be proud of, then this wooden beard comb from The Old Street Barber will make a great stocking filler. It's made from pear wood and is the perfect for companion to help him keep his beard tame, especially when used with one of our fantastic beard oils. If you really wanted to treat him, then the Argan Beard oil is a great choice. The luxurious oil is perfect for all beard types whether they are long or short. It tames and conditions leaving his beard with a beautiful fragrance. 

The Real Shaving Co offer a complete 1-2-3 shaving process that is sure to put a smile on his face. First you PREPARE your face for the razor, then you SHAVE, then you MAINTAIN the good work.

Bob’s your uncle, your skin feels top notch! 

While we are thinking beards, let's talk keeping them under control. Shavers are gadgets that every man wants and needs, and investing in a upgrade for them will show them just how thoughtful you are. The Braun Series 9 shaver is a superior addition to every male, boasting intelligent SyncroSonic™ technology that delivers 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute which helps provide a thorough shave and comforts the skin. 

Available at Amazon for £219.99

Now you have thought about the three main aspects, keeping them fed, watered and looking good, you may be wondering what else you could do for them? It' no secret that men are ultimately big kids, and they demonstrate this by playing video games (or at least many of them). I know you might be thinking 'Well I don't want to encourage that!'... but have you thought outside the box? What if you got them their very own gaming chair? Think about them being in their man cave... You could actually get on with something for you, really ladies this is a Christmas gift for you!

The i-eX Bean Bag Gaming Chair from bean bag bazaar might just be the greatest gift you could give him this Christmas. It would help him keep his man cave in check, and provide him somewhere comfortable to sit as he steps into those virtual reality realms of his...

It has been engineered with a high back and bucket seat to create the ultimate gaming positioning, and is made from high quality faux leather with the i-eX® logo proudly stitched into the fabric and finished with stylish silver piping, the outer shell of this bean bag chair is strong, durable and sporty.

Unlike other bean bags the cover of this gaming chair has a panel of foam fixed into the back and seat to create added structure and comfort, giving the feeling of a racing car seat.

The i-eX Bean Bag Gaming Chair retails at £99.00 from bean bag bazaar but is currently on offer at £74.99!

Of course if you are thinking along these lines, then your mind is clearly thinking tech and appreciating the fact that you know it would be a well received gift. Have you cast your mind to the possibility of TabletTV yet?

TabletTV enables you to watch and record free over-the-air live TV on your tablet wherever there is a Freeview signal. The tuner receives all Freeview channels that are available over the air through a TV aerial and transmits them wirelessly to his tablet.

- Watch and record live television absolutely FREE

- Play back recorded shows anywhere, anytime

 - No cable, satellite, or internet required for viewing

- No buffering, wait times, or authentication

- Can also be connected to your existing household aerial

TabletTV can be purchased on Amazon for £64.99

2015 has been the year of the selfie stick, and I am sure we can all say that at one point or another, we have given one a go. I myself first discovered the selfie stick towards the back end of last year on a trip to London. In this time frame the selfie stick has come on in leaps and bounds, and now Rollei have suprised us the the ePano Selfie - a motorized panoramic head for smartphones.

the Rollei ePano Selfie is lightweight and robust, perfect for those who like myself might be a little bit clumsy at times. It has been designed for Samsung and IOS users in mind and links up to the Bluetooth operating systems while holding the phone in place with an adjustable clamp. It comes equipped with a remote control that enables you to modify the set up remotely. If you want to adjust where the camera is pointing, just touch a button and redirect it. The unit can achieve a complete 360 degree rotation, so the world really is just at the touch of a button.

Priced at just £37.50 on Amazon, the ePano Selfie would make a superb tech gift to a budding photographer this Christmas. 

Christmas is a time for celebration and enjoying time with loved ones. Who here doesn't just love a spot of karaoke and a powerful speaker to enjoy your music through? The Intempo Tailgate Music Speaker can provide you all of this and much more.

Features:

- Up to 3 hours play time

- Bluetooth function to connect to enabled devices (phone, tablet, etc.)

- Usb and aux inputs for mp3 players etc.

- Adjustable EQ to adjust the sound just as you like it

- Extendable handle and wheels – easily wheeled round so no heavy lifting

- Microphone so you can sing along to your favourite tunes

- Input so it can be used with instruments – portable guitar amp

- (TF/ SD) Memory card slot

- Echo Function

Just think of the fun that the entire family could have with this after a few to many glasses of champagne on Christmas day! I took ours along to a recent fitness meet, and it provided the music to everyone taking part. It did me proud and the Bluetooth function was superb, the volume of the speakers was great and we were able to have Kayla Itsines Spotify list blasting out during the work out. This would make a great gift for the avid karaoke singer or someone like me who likes to use it for working out and playing music remotely through a Bluetooth speaker. 

The Intempo Tailgate Speaker retails at £149.99.

If you have got to the end of this gift guide and you are still scratching your head, here is one final idea that will hopefully put you on the right path. How about taking him shopping? Put the budget you have aside for him, and take him out to find exactly what he wants. London Designer Outlet is a great place to visit, with over 50 shopping outlets, and a great selection of places to eat while you’re there.

The festive fun is in full swing over at LDO right now, where things are cooling down by the ice rink, and everyone is enjoying the traditional vintage funfair and festive street food market.

Not forgetting...

-          LDO, London guarantees its shoppers a white Christmas. A snow cannon will be granting all a white Christmas on the hour until 24^th December

Post your Christmas wish list in the special Santa’s Post Box next to LDO’s giant Christmas tree for the chance to win a Christmas shopping spree worth £200, plus four runners up will each win a £50 voucher to spend at LDO. All you have to do is fill out the competition form (available from Guest Services near M&S Outlet) and pop it in Santa’s post box. Winners will be picked and notified by 21st December*

*Terms and conditions apply.

-           The rink and funfair are open daily until – 3^rd Jan, 11 – 9 pm (last skate at 8pm)

-          Fun fair includes: Helter Skelter, Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Santa toy rides, Santa tea cups, Santa’s penguins

-          Festive street food market (until 20^th Dec) open Thursday – Sunday, midday – 10 pm

Keep an eye out for more information on the activities by following London Designer Outlet on Facebook or Twitter, or by checking the LDO website which showcases upcoming events: www.londondesigneroutlet.com.

I am very pleased to be able to bring you the opportunity for one reader to win a £75 voucher valid at Frankie & Benny's LDO! All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is use the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The terms and conditions are as follows:

-          The prize is for a £75 meal voucher at Frankie & Benny’s at London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park  

-          The voucher has a validity of three months

-          You must be resident in the UK to enter and over 18 years of age

-          There will be ONE winner and the prize is as specified

-          There is no cash alternative

-          Transfers/ travel costs are not provided

Disclaimer: I was sent the above products for the purpose of this gift guide. Prices correct at time of publishing. All views and opinions expressed are my own.