Give yourself the Gift of a Stress Free Christmas – the Food Edit. How to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen on Christmas Day.
Christmas for me is all about enjoying time together as a family, so if I can do as much planning for our Christmas festivities, the better. As a busy mum, running a business, managing the swim taxi service including National Swim Championships just days before Christmas, it’s important to me that I don’t have a mountain of “foodie jobs” to do in the kitchen on Christmas Day itself.
Garden Trading Company
Having spent a fabulous day with Chef Ben Palmer, a quarter finalist in BBC TV’s MasterChef: The Professionals in 2011, at Glazebrook House several years ago, I learned some wonderful tips, while enjoying a delicious Christmas meal and a glorious day with friends. A memory I will treasure and which totally changed how I prepare for not only the festivities but also my day to day food organisation.
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
Dr Seuss
We all have little things that appear, meaning Christmas isn’t far away. For me, Mary Berry’s book, Christmas Collection full of ideas for entertaining your family and friends throughout the Winter and festive season and complete with timings. It’s a much loved book and well used!
I can wholeheartedly recommend. With timings including a cooking itinerary, Mary has everything covered!
Festive Mulled Wine
The most delicious mulled wine, a recipe by Ben Palmer.
Perfect if you’ve been outside in the cold or not!
Ingredients
2 oranges * I lemon * 1 lime * 200g caster sugar * 6 whole cloves * 2 cardamon pods * 1 cinnamon stick * 3 fresh bay leaves *10-12 gratings of whole nutmeg * I vanilla pod (halved lengthways) * 2 star anise * 2 bottles red wine
Method:
Peel large sections of peel from your fruit.
Put the sugar in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add peel and juice of oranges. Add the spice and vanilla pod and add enough wine to cover the sugar.
Simmer until the sugar has dissolved, bring to the boil. Boil for 5 minutes until a thick syrup. Turn the heat down to low and add the rest of the wine. Gently heat and serve.
Christmas Traditions.
Every family has a little tradition on Christmas Day don’t they? If we are at home, we love to walk on the beach (after popping the turkey in the oven of course!) We prefer to have canapés with a glass of fizz in front of the fire opening presents, rather than a starter. Then a little later, we sit down for our roast turkey and all the trimmings.
I love living by the coast in Devon, so a walk along the beach on Christmas Morning is the perfect way to celebrate. Everyone has their own preferences to enjoy over the festivities. A selection of our favourite tipples over the festive period. **BeDrinkAware.
Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut offers a bright fruitiness, a seductive palate and an elegant maturity, revealing aromas of pear, citrus and brioche.
Villa Maria: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Sourced from vineyards across the Marlborough region, this intense Sauvignon Blanc is alive with a myriad of flavours dominated by gooseberry, passionfruit, fresh citrus and herbaceous aromas.
A sensational choice for your winter dinner party or special occasion, the ‘Catena Alta’ Historic Rows malbec 2017 from the legendary Catena label is our best malbec for 2021. has gorgeous, rich, blueberry and cassis flavours, a hint of spice and a long, satisfying, plummy finish: a level of sophistication and elegance that is often only found in wines twice the price. A great wine for a winter dinner party.
The scent of Christmas – The White Company
Look After Your Guests Who Are Driving or Who Don’t Drink.
Finally there are some delicious drinks on the market for those who don’t wish to drink Alcohol. Hurrah! If you’ve not tried No 1 Living Drinks yet, then this is your message to do just that! In my opinion, they are the best wellness and alcohol free products on the market.
No.1 Living Brewery – Citrus Hops is refreshingly light, with a subtle earthiness of bitter hops blended with a citrus burst of lemon, our Citrus Hops is completely alcohol-free! Delicious sipped straight from the bottle, or served over ice with a twist of lemon or orange.
This premium range of drinks covers all the bases – no sugar, low calorie, vegan, gluten free and no alcohol…. but above it is a flavoursome to unwind your mind morning, noon or night. Serve with crushed ice in a fancy glass!
I feel so much better welcoming guests when I know we can have all angles covered and our guests will be able to enjoy If you’d like to try No I Living Drinks, which incidentally is founded by Jonny Wilkinson, former England Rugby legend, you’ll be able to receive a 15% discount when you use the code “womanonamission15” at the checkout. You won’t regret it.
I’m looking for a delicious champagne alternative so if you can help me, please do get in touch.
“My secret to Christmas this year, as it is every year, is my to-do list. I’m always in charge if preparing the lunch – I like to think of it as simply a big roast dinner”
Mary berry
Christmas Day Preparation.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I prep as much as possible including writing a menu plan, a shopping list for fresh products and equally what I can organise in advance that don’t have any time restraints. The week before the big day, I potter, (ha in-between swimming taxi and other life events, much like everyone else!) doing little jobs in the kitchen, whilst I’m preparing every day meals, so that Christmas Day is kept stress free and smooth!
Vegetables
Crunchy Roast Potatoes
Like Mary Berry, I’ve always thought of Christmas lunch as if I’m planning a roast – the pressure is immediately removed!
Whenever I prepare a Sunday roast, I always peel double the amount of potatoes required and use this method With my roast potatoes, so I always have some in the freezer. Christmas is no exception!
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how to cook roast potatoes, however I’m sharing how I save time and to help you have a stress free Christmas Day so here goes!
Peel and cut your potatoes into a size similar to the image on the left. Parboil them for approximately 5-7 minutes, drain and shake in a colander to fluff the edges. Pop them onto kitchen roll and dab dry.
Tip onto a roasting tin and season with salt and pepper and a sprinkle of plain flour, now put into the freezer overnight. When frozen, pop them into a freezer bag, (Remember to date!)
On Christmas Day, take the potatoes out of the freezer and cook as you would normally. Heating 3-4 tablespoons of goose fat, add the frozen potatoes, coat and season. Cook for about an hour, depending on size, turning from time to time, until golden and crisp.
4 large parsnips (about 500g), peeled and cut into 5cm strips
3tbsp of sunflower oil
25g of semolina
1tbsp of paprika
1tbsp of chopped fresh thyme
Method
Cook the parsnips in boiling water for four minutes. Drain and leave to cool
Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C fan/Gas 7. Add a tablespoon of oil to a roasting tin and place in the oven for five minutes to get hot.
Add the remaining oil to a bowl. Season the parsnips with salt and black pepper and toss in the oil to coat.
Mix together the semolina, paprika and thyme in a small bowl. Add to the parsnips and mix well to coat them in the mixture.
(At this point, I do exactly as I do with the potatoes, pop in the freezer until the big day.)
Place the parsnips in one layer in the tin with the hot oil and roast for about 20 minutes, turning over halfway through the cooking time, until golden and crisp.
Sprouts!
Love them or loathe them, they have to feature don’t they?!
These should be cooked at the very last minute but can be prepared a day ahead and kept in a freezer bag in the fridge.
Cook in boiling water for 5-6 minutes, and season with salt and pepper and a dash of butter.
If you’d like to go for a little more glamour, stir fry sliced sprouts with bacon lardons, and or chestnuts.
Honey Roasted Carrots
A great side dish to any roast, or with Christmas dinner, these thyme-speckled honey roasted carrots are cooked to enhance their natural sweetness. This recipe from Justine at the Good Food Guide is simple yet full of flavour.
1 kg/2lb 4oz small carrots such as Chantenay or baby carrots
2 tbsps olive
3 tbsp clear honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C/ 180C Fan/Gas 6. Trim the carrots and peel, if you prefer. Cut any particularly large carrots in half lengthways.
Place on a large baking tray and pour over the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, toss well and roast for 15–25 minutes, or until almost tender and lightly browned. (The time will depend on how thick the carrots are.) Whisk the honey and lemon juice together.
Take the tin out of the oven and drizzle over the honey and lemon mixture. Pick the thyme leaves off the sprigs and scatter over. Toss lightly and return to the oven for a further 8–10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and glossy.
Neptune always brings a special touch to Christmas
“Christmas is about sharing our homes with the people who matter to us the most. And a little planning goes a long way in making every room sparkle, cosset and glow.
From the thoughtful touches to the most memorable moments, we’re all set to help you make your home a place of celebration, comfort and joy this season.”
Neptune
Lemon and Cranberry Possets
This is an absolutely delicious desert at any time, but is special for Christmas too. Light and super easy to make. Make in advance to serve on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Ingredients
Makes 6-8
1 1/2 pints double cream
9oz caster sugar
Juice of 3 lemons
handful of cranberries
Method
Boil cream and sugar for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice.
Put Cranberries in the bottom of your pretty individual serving glasses. ( 6-8)
Pour mixture over the top. Refrigerate until set. Serve chilled.
Chocolate Roulade
A firm Mary Berry favourite in our house for any celebrations and especially at Christmas. This is perfectly light dessert and a lovely alternative to the Christmas Pudding.
It’s very easy to make, can be made 24 hours ahead or can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.
Serves 8-10
Ingredients
175g (6oz) plain chocolate
175g (6oz) caster sugar
6 eggs, separated.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted.
300ml (1/2 pint) double cream
icing sugar
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C / Fan 160C / Gas 4Lightly grease a 33x23cm swill roll tin and line with non-stick baking parchment, pushing it into the corners.
Break the chocolate into small pieces into a bowl and stand the bowl over a pan of hot water, the bowl must not touch the water or the chocolate may overheat. Place the pan over a low heat until the chocolate has melted. Allow to cool.
Measure the sugar and egg yolks into a large bowl and whisk on a high speed until light and creamy. Add the cooled chocolate and stir until evenly blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir a large spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Mix gently, fold in the remaining egg white and the sieved cocoa powder. Spread evenly in the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until firm.
Remove the cake from the oven, leave in the tin, cover with a dry tea towel and leave until cold.
Whip the cream until it just holds its shape and dust a large piece of greaseproof paper with sifted icing sugar. Turn out the roulade and peel of the greaseproof paper. Spread with the cream. Roll up very tightly like a Swiss roll using the paper to help. Don’t worry if the roulade cracks, a good one should! Dust with more sifted icing sugar to serve.
(If you’re planning to freeze, omit the final icing sugar until you’re ready to serve.)
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”
Edna ferber
Garden Trading Company
“Christmas is a together-y sort of holiday.”
Winnie the pooh
Remember the most important thing about this time of year is spending time with your loved ones and not stressing about the gravy! Be kind to yourself! Have a glass of something special, relax and enjoy your day.
Let me know in the comments what your best preparation for Christmas is and what you might try from this Blog.
Creating a routine each morning that works for you, which in turn helps you boost your productivity, makes all the difference to your day.
However, it is tempting to stay under the duvet as the mornings are that much darker! The consequences of tapping that snooze button once or maybe three times, are that an already busy hour becomes even more chaotic.
How have your mornings been going this week..?
Let’s start slow before we make any adjustments..
What does your routine look like at the moment?
How would you like it to look in comparison?
Grab a cuppa and 5 minutes to scribble anything that comes into your mind in your journal.
It helps to have a clear vison of the now and the wish..
I know it sounds crazy but writing it down brings a clearer idea of what you are striving to achieve.
Do you wake up every morning full of vigour, ready to tackle the day with all of your energy, youthfulness and vitality?
No? Well, if it helps, you’re not alone. Promise!
Many of us virtually sleepwalk through the morning in a serious mental and physical fog, desperately plying ourselves with coffee in an attempt to wake up!
If this sounds like you, you might think you’re just not a morning person, and there’s nothing you can do about it. This isn’t the case.
While it’s true we all have varying predispositions to being either a “night owl” or a “morning person” it is possible to boost your morning energy, with a few simple strategies.
Going to a room that’s inviting and calm to sleep really does have a positive impact on a productive day.
Get A Good Nights Sleep.
Obvious I know, a good nights sleep increases productivity to function at our best and most of us need around 8 hours of sleep each night. If this sounds too good to be true, here are a few tips:
Establish a routine.
What does your routine look like at the moment?
Go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
Your body loves routine, and sleeping similar hours each day helps adjust your circadian rhythms, so that you naturally fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
Vigorous exercise or mentally stressful activities in the last hour or two before bedtime, can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep.
Chill out and relax before you go to bed. Watching Squid Game in bed isn’t the answer to relaxed sleeping, sorry!
The body responds to light and it is much easier to sleep in a completely dark room. Light can actually interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a neurotransmitter which helps us sleep. Keep electronics and low lighting from alarm clocks to a minimum, especially your mobile phone. In an ideal world, it should be left outside your bedroom.
Start your morning right with a healthy, feel good breakfast.
Eat A Healthy Breakfast.
One of the main causes of low energy in the morning is low blood sugar due to the overnight fast and in addition to skipping breakfast.
We know this don’t we but eating a balanced breakfast, with a source of protein, whole grain carbohydrates, and fruits or vegetables prevents that mid morning slump and reaching for the biscuit barrell.
Avoiding sugary, highly processed carbs each morning, which trigger rapid peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels, means that those dips in energy will be gone and your productivity on point!
Avoid Excessive Caffeine And Alcohol.
Many of us feel dependent on the caffeine in tea or coffee, to get us through the morning. It does indeed provide a temporary boost, although this boost isn’t always as effective as you’d first think. Excessive caffeine can impair your ability to relax and it can interfere with your usual sleep patterns too. Alcohol on the other hand, tends to disturb your sleep cycle, leading to frequent waking, a poor night’s sleep overall and maybe even adding to that foggy head in the morning!
I’ve been loving these non alcoholic drinks which I’ve been switching for a glass of fizz – they are super yummy and low in sugar too.
Exercise In The Morning
One of the best ways to boost your morning energy, and ability to concentrate, is to get some exercise first thing in the morning. It was one of the many reasons I ran my fitness camps in the mornings at 6am and 9am.
Exercise helps improve your circulation, strength and flexibility, as well as your mood.
Exercising before work also gives you more energy on the job, while boosting your creativity.
As an added bonus, many studies have shown that people who exercise in the morning are the most consistent at staying with their exercise plan.
Waiting to exercise in the afternoon or evening, problems or scheduling conflicts often occur and prevent you from getting your workout in. (I know I’m guilty of this!)
Going for a morning walk, jog, swim session, or working out in your own home ensures that no matter what else happens that day, you’ve already had a chance to exercise. No excuses, hehe!
On a side note if my workout gear is all ready to go, prepped the night before, there is another little nudge to getting it done! Especially if you have arrange to workout with a friend.
Start your morning at the day ready to be productive
Creating A Morning Ritual Helps With Productivity
Try getting into the habit of starting your day with a relaxing ritual. Bare with me, especially if your morning this morning started with the alarm not going off and everyone charging out of the door clutching shoes and toast..!
Start slow but aim high – little by little introduce the above tips and it’ll happen! Promise!
I love to set my alarm that little bit earlier and head out for a walk in the Devon lanes, meditate or stretch. I know that might sound a little strange but I am SO much more productive for doing so.
Taking time out to simply be thankful for the day ahead, listening to uplifting music will help you to feel more in control of your day and set you up to deal with whatever life throws at you.
Remember, dreary, sleepy, foggy mornings don’t have to be the norm… With a little planning and preparation, you can start your day full of energy, enthusiasm and vitality!
Let’s make those little adjustments to a calmer and more efficient life without adding more!
A simple, hearty tray bake perfect for busy family meals.
When life feels full and you’re craving something comforting yet effortless, this super simple family recipe might just be your new go-to. A roast chicken tray bake that’s big on flavour, low on fuss, and loved by everyone around the table. This little mission is all about slowing down, simplifying mealtimes, and making dinner something to look forward to — not stress over.
Super Simple Roast Chicken Tray Bake
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 2 (double for a family of four!)
Ingredients:
2 red onions (320g), sliced into rings
1 large red pepper, deseeded and chopped into 3cm chunks
300g potatoes, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks (I use Charlotte potatoes)
2 tbsp rapeseed oil
4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin and fat removed
1 lime, zested and juiced
3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
200g long stem broccoli, cut into lengths (or tender stem broccoli in season)
“We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner … and just by having fun together.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf “of all things that matter most
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / gas 6.
Toss the onion, pepper, potatoes, and oil in a non-stick roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes.
Rub the chicken with lime zest, garlic, paprika, and thyme.
Remove the vegetables from the oven, stir, and nestle the chicken thighs among them. Cover the thighs with some onions and roast for 40 minutes.
Mix 200ml boiling water with bouillon powder.
Remove the tray from the oven, add the broccoli, and pour over the hot stock and lime juice. Cover with foil and roast 10 more minutes until the broccoli is just tender.
This dish is perfect for lunches, midweek suppers, or even leftovers the next day. Super simple family recipes make life so much easier, and I hope you enjoy this one as much as we do.
This recipe is great for lunches, midweek suppers and is even better the next day – should there be any left!
Let me know in the comments below or join the conversation over on Instagram — I’d love to hear how yours turns out.
If you’d like more super simple family meals and inspiration for stress-free cooking, you’ll find plenty more ideas in my Recipe Collection — it’s full of easy, delicious dishes for busy days.
I’m delighted to introduce to you a brand new Campaign “Hold My Hand” to raise awareness for Blood Cancer.
I’m working with one of the leading Ambassadors for Tropic Skincare, Carol Massey, to bring you a real treat whilst raising money for the blood cancer charity DKMS.
Why?
As a former oncology nurse, I know the power of touch which can often say so much more than words in times of difficulty and sadness. .
One of the many things we felt a huge sense of loss with during the Pandemic. We know how nurturing it is to feel the power of touch. A simple gesture which can show so many emotions from empathy, friendship and love. A simple but powerful gesture to show you care and understand.
What is the “Hold My Hand” Campaign?
The Perfect Touch Collection, from Tropic Skincare, is a beautiful collection of 3 products that will nourish, strengthen and repair your hands, perfect for hand holding!
The Hold My Hand campaign is a collaboration between Tropic Skincare Ambassador Carol Massey and myself.
For every Perfect Touch Collection sold, £5 will be donated to the Mission5o for DKMS, the blood cancer charity. (Please using the special QR code or link featured in this blog)
BY ORDERING THIS VERY SPECIAL COLLECTION, YOU’LL BE SUPPORTING THE BLOOD CANCER CHARITY DKMS, THANK YOU.
The Perfect Touch Collection is presented in a beautiful gift box and features three products:
The iconic Superfood Hand Therapy which conditions and brightens your skin,
The nail block to shape, buff and smooth nails
and
Oh so pretty Nail Nectar will nourish and strengthen your nails.
All that’s left for you to do is apply some polish and you’ve got a five-star at-home manicure!
Please use the QR Code below or click here to order your Collection.
Who is The Perfect Touch Collection for:
Everyone!
Someone who needs a little pick me up.
Nurture your hands especially if you are a keen gardener or busy with DIY this spring, this Collection is a super way to keep your hands nourished and soft. .
This collection makes the perfect gift for YOU and for any of your friends; birthdays, anniversaries and just because!
At times of worry and stress, especially when you or your loved one is going through a tough time, all we want to do is help.
Sometimes a listening ear and the touch of a hand are gestures that really makes all the difference.
Please add £2.00 per collection ordered for postage contribution. Please note, for £5 from each collection sold to be donated to DKMS, collection must be ordered via me or by using the links in the blog. Remember to order between April 1st and May 31st 2023.
If you’d like to collect your order from me and join us on a very special coffee morning, watch this space!
Thank you as ever from the bottom of my heart for your support with my Mission to raise as much awareness as I can for this incredible charity DKMS
Love
Stay in touch by following me on Instagram I’d love to see your Perfect Collection and hands using the hashtag #holdmyhandfordkms
Comfort and safety are key issues when planning a hike of any distance, here are the 10 key items you’ll always see in my rucksack when hiking.
“What do I need to bring with me?” A question I’m always asked when friends join me on my hiking Missions. I hope by sharing what I take with me, helps make your hiking missions all that more enjoyable and comfortable.
RuckSack
It’s no lie that for each hike (so far!) I’ve had to borrow my husbands rucksack. Not ideal admittedly. A comfortable rucksack is a must when out walking and ideally one that is the correct fit for you.
I love the look and style of The Tempest 20 Women’s day pack (left) Not only is it women specific but it features a continuous-wrap harness, hipbelt and injection-melded AirScape backpanel that moves as you move down the trail.
Together with attachments for trekking poles, bike helmets and more, it’s light and has an emergency whistle. The Tempest is made with high-quality bluesign-approved recycled high-tenacity nylon and holds 5-8kgs.
Like any running event, before a hike or in fact any walk, I lay out my kit the night before. I’ve been known to check and triple check that I have everything I need. When you’re out on Dartmoor or hiking along the coast path, you want to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as it possibly can. A check list helps a peaceful nights sleep and keep any early morning stresses to a minimum!
Mini First Aid Kit
As the saying goes, “once a nurse, always a nurse!” It may not surprise you that a first aid kit features quite high on my list of 10 key items you’ll always find in my rucksack! You never know when a trip, blister or even a cut finger can happen and it really is better to be save than sorry.
My First Aid Kit always includes a crepe bandage, a woven bandage, Paracetamol, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, gauze swabs, dressings and assorted plasters. You can make up your own or the Ordnance Survey crew has created a brilliant one specially for walkers.
An item I haven’t added but need to, is an emergency thermal blanket Windproof, waterproof, highly visible and radar reflective. Super light, very small to carry yet should a member of your party fall, can be a lifesaver as you wait for a rescue.
Under the first aid kit heading, I always keep suncream, bug spray and lip balm handy in my rucksack, regardless of season. Living in Devon, the weather can be very unpredictable on Dartmoor and the Coast Path alike.
Water
Another obvious addition to my all important kit list is to make sure you have enough water.. As a former personal trainer and lifestyle and wellbeing coach, it’s something I would always chat with my clients about. Being well hydrated whilst exercising and going about your daily life is a key element to good health and well-being. When we’re dehydrated, we feel more tired and everything is that much harder, including concentration. So please make sure you keep your fluids up.
I’m a lover of the Chilly bottles, which not only keep your water cooler for longer (24 hours) They are reusable, so avoids the use of single use bottles, a win for me and the environment!
Snacks
Did I mention that my list was in no particular order ? Snacks are an important part of a hike! Homemade cookies or flapjacks always go down a treat. Essentially take with you something that’s of high protein, tasty and will replenish essential nutrients. You may want to consider snacks that don’t melt!
Walking can be seen as an activity that doesn’t burn many calories in comparison to other outdoor adventures. Don’t underestimate those inclines and calories burned whilst out in the great outdoors!
Money
I’d recommend taking actual cash and a card with you. I know this seems glaringly obvious but since our Lockdown days when cash became almost obsolete, some cafes and ferries have gone back to using cash only. I keep a little emergency fund of coins, notes and a card in my rucksack to I’m not caught out. Which brings me neatly onto the next on my list of 10 key items you’ll always see in my rucksack.
The Technical kit
It’s sounds very obvious but having not only a phone but a portable charger with me is crucial. When planning hikes, you have an idea of roughy how long you’ll be outside for, however not everything always goes to plan.
A hike may take longer than anticipated meaning your phone battery might not last the stretch. Without any means of communication, you won’t be in a strong position to request help or to let your loved ones know how you are. If you rely on the wallet application on your phone, you could also be in a tricky situation of being stuck without money too.
Having a phone with me, not only gives me piece of mind but also, allows me to take photographs to capture the precious moments. There are quite often seals and dolphins along the coast in the summer and if you follow me on instagram, you’ll know I’m a sucker for a sunrise and a sunset!
Essential Accessories
Never underestimate the power of a hat and a buff! (Some people call them neck tubes or snoods.) Whatever the season, these two accessories can be absolute winning pieces of kit. They provide you with extra protection from the elements and are small enough to pop back into your rucksack should you not need them.
Covering your head with a hood or hat is an easy way to conserve your body heat and stay warmer. In addition, covering your head with a light coloured cap in the summer, will keep you cool and help to discourage heatstroke and effects from the sun.
“Hiking and happiness go hand in hand (or foot in boot).”
Unknown Author
Spare Clothes
The weather in Devon, especially on Dartmoor, can be very unpredictable. On the Virtual marathon coastal hike last October, we literally had every season in one day. From driving rain, a big chilly wind and warm hot sunshine.
Base layers, waterproof trousers and wind proof jackets are essential pieces of kit to stay warm and dry. The key thing about base layers, is that the are thin and will keep you well insulated. When they aren’t required, they are small enough to roll up and put into your rucksack without taking up to much space and adding unnecessary weight and bulk.
“You need special shoes for hiking—and a bit of a special soul as well.”
terri guillemets
Socks
A top tip my Father in law shared with me, as I was preparing for my first ever marathon walk, was to take a spare pair of socks with me. “Change into a lovely fresh pair of socks half way into your walk. You and your feet will feel like new”
That advice has never left me and it’s a tip I now lovingly pass on. Socks from Bam are my absolute go to socks. I especially love their Technical walking socks for my walks and hikes. You’ll always find me in them and always with a spare pair for half way. Thanks John!
Map
I’m an old fashioned girl and personally feel that you can’t beat an old fashioned map! You never know when technology may fail you. A map will always be there should your phone or charger stop working. Ordnance Survey not only have a super range of maps but they also have a brilliant app.
Their maps and short walking guides are just what you need to be able to explore your area safely, plan your routes and know where your next refreshment stop may be!
Currently, I print off my route and laminate to attach to my rucksack, so I can check my distance and progress as I go along. A better option would be to use a lightweight case which is just the thing you need to keep your paper maps safe, clean and dry when you are out in all weathers.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
Beverly sills
A Smile!
Last but no means least and very cheesy I know but come rain or shine, it really is a joy to be able to walk in our beautiful countryside. You’ll always see a smile on my face. I’ve always been a lover of walking and hiking but added walking into my daily routine during Lockdown. It became one of my one positive actions a day and I’ve not looked back.
I feel very lucky to be living in such a lovely part of the world with Dartmoor and the South West Coast path on my doorstep, so that’s why a smile will always be on my “10 items you always see in my rucksack” list!
Have I missed anything? What would you add on your list?
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
Peel large sections of peel from your fruit. 
