WHAT’S HOT DECEMBER 2024

Uncaged by Katia Vlachos is a compelling memoir that explores the journey of breaking free from societal and familial expectations. Raised in a traditional Greek household, Vlachos adhered to the conventional path of academic success, a promising career, and a picture-perfect marriage. Despite these achievements, she felt confined by the “good girl” narrative, struggling with deep-seated beliefs that prioritised others’ needs over her own. Through a series of transformative experiences— riding away on a lover’s Harley, navigating a painful divorce, and grieving her father’s death—Vlachos finds her way to self-discovery. Her raw and honest storytelling provides insights into overcoming emotional baggage, embracing authenticity, and pursuing one’s true calling. Uncaged serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to reinvent themselves and find genuine meaning in life..

Available from amazon.co.uk.

Shannon Kaiser’s Guidance from Gaia Oracle is a beautifully crafted 52-card deck paired with a full-colour, 176-page guidebook designed to help users connect with the wisdom of Mother Earth through animal spirit guides. Each card, adorned with lush, intricate artwork, provides a unique message from a Guide of Gaia, an affirmation for clarity, and practical guidance for stress relief. Categorised into the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and spirit—this oracle deck offers insights that aim to balance and realign one’s inner world with the natural environment. By tapping into Gaia’s ancient wisdom, users can explore personal growth, enhance their well-being, and strengthen their connection to nature. This set is an excellent tool for those seeking spiritual guidance and harmony in their daily lives.

Available from www.simonandschuster.com at $24.00.

Kate Codrington’s The Perimenopause Journal is a transformative, undated, 52-week guide designed to support women navigating the challenging yet empowering journey of perimenopause. This beautifully illustrated journal encourages self-reflection and helps users develop a personalised self-care plan through practical prompts and monthly reflections. Codrington introduces the concept of ‘inner seasons,’ promoting self-compassion and helping women understand their fluctuating energy levels. The journal includes meditation guides, energy tracking with moon phases, and thoughtful enquiries aimed at easing symptoms and embracing this phase of life with confidence. Unlike traditional, often prescriptive menopause guides, this journal offers a feminist approach that prioritises selfnourishment and growth. It’s a perfect gift for those seeking to transform their experience into a time of blossoming and creative exploration.

Available from amazon.co.uk at £16.99.

The Shadow II Men’s and Dawn II Women’s Printed Ski Jackets from Mountain Warehouse offer a perfect blend of style, durability, and functionality, making them essential for winter sports enthusiasts. Both jackets are crafted from tough, snowproof fabric treated with a durable water-repellent coating, providing excellent protection against moisture. Designed to withstand extreme temperatures as low as -30°C, these jackets have been rigorously thermal-tested to ensure optimal performance on the slopes.

For warmth, the jackets feature padded insulation and a soft fleece lining, providing exceptional heat retention without added bulk. The adjustable cuffs, hood, and hem allow for a custom fit, while the integrated snowskirt prevents snow from seeping in during tumbles. With multiple secure pockets, these jackets offer practical storage for your essentials. Both come with a reassuring 2-year warranty, underlining their quality and durability.

Available for £89.99 each, the Shadow II and Dawn II jackets are reliable, stylish choices for ski season.

Rediscover calm with AcuPips, the UK’s first expert-led ear seed company offering an innovative approach to stress relief rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Founded by Zoë, a seasoned acupuncturist with over a decade of clinical experience, AcuPips harnesses the power of auricular therapy. The tiny seeds are placed on specific ear points, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes to address ailments like anxiety, migraines, and menopause symptoms. What sets AcuPips apart is the ongoing support and personalised ear maps provided with every kit, ensuring a safe and effective home treatment experience. This blend of aesthetics and clinical expertise makes AcuPips a trustworthy choice for those looking to take charge of their well-being in a holistic way.

Available from: acupips.com

Experience ultimate comfort with BAM’s Horizon Reflect Pants, designed for effortless movement and versatility. These harem-style yoga pants feature a supportive, doublethickness waistband that sits comfortably on your hips, ensuring a secure fit during any activity. The loose, relaxed fit tapers elegantly at the ankles, offering a flowing feel that complements your natural movements. Crafted from BAM’s classic jersey fabric, these pants are exceptionally breathable and soft, making them perfect for yoga sessions, lounging, or casual outings. Functional side pockets provide handy storage for essentials, while the gathered cuffs keep the pants in place during stretches and poses. Available in striking shades like Black and Ocean Teal, these pants are a must-have staple for any activewear wardrobe, combining style, comfort, and performance seamlessly.

Available from: www.bambooclothing.co.uk at £48.00

Step into adventure with the KEEN 450 Dirt, a revolutionary hiking shoe featuring KEEN.CURVE® technology. This innovative design delivers a fluid, propulsive stride that enhances your hiking experience, making each step feel effortless. The shoe’s abrasionresistant upper ensures durability against rugged terrains, while the KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides superior grip on any surface. The contoured fit offers excellent support, hugging your foot comfortably for maximum stability. The high-rebound cushioning in the midsole absorbs impact, reducing fatigue on long hikes, and the PFAS-free water repellency keeps your feet dry in all conditions. Available in a variety of autumnal colours, the KEEN 450 Dirt is perfect for trail enthusiasts seeking performance and comfort in every stride.

Available from www.keenfootwear.co.uk | RRP £145-£155

Elevate your daily commute with Chrome’s District Collection, designed for the urban explorer. Made with 100% recycled materials, this eco-conscious range includes sleek sling bags, convertible tote-backpacks, and functional daypacks. Each piece features smart organisational pockets, a dedicated laptop sleeve, and plush knit shoulder straps for all-day comfort. The Highline, a standout from this collection, offers 20 litres of capacity with additional pockets for essentials like water bottles and sunglasses. Its compact sibling, the Camden, is perfect for lighter loads but retains all the signature Chrome durability and style. Whether you’re cycling through the city or heading for a weekend getaway, the District Collection’s robust design ensures you carry your essentials in style.

Available from www.chromeindustries.com | RRP from £90-£100

These offer a fast-acting, convenient energy boost, ideal for managing diabetes or tackling fatigue. These compact, pocket-sized products deliver a measured dose of glucose, the body’s preferred energy source, quickly raising blood sugar levels. The chews, enriched with Vitamin B, help combat tiredness and are perfect for athletes or busy individuals. Available in delicious flavours like Blueberry Burst, Juicy Raspberry, and Tangy Orange, they’re free from artificial ingredients and vegan-friendly. The Glucose Shots provide 15g of glucose in an easy-to-take liquid form, making them a reliable option for hypoglycemia

Available from: zoozdrinks.com
Price: £1.95 per 250ml can

Treat your hands to luxury with Green People’s Soothing Hand Essentials Collection. This trio of 30ml hand creams combines nature’s finest organic ingredients, offering hydration and a sensory experience like no other. The set includes Ginger & Clove for an invigorating spice, Mandarin & Ho Wood for a refreshing citrus twist, and Rose & Geranium for a romantic, floral indulgence. Perfect for gifting or personal use, this collection not only moisturises but also envelops your hands in elegant, uplifting fragrances. Free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, it’s a mindful choice for those who care about natural skincare.

Available from: greenpeople.co.uk
Price: £25.00

Transform your skin overnight with Elizabeth Grant’s Night Wonder Concentrate (£54). A powerhouse treatment, it uses a unique blend of glycolic acid, Torricelumn™, and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate and clarify your skin. This gentle yet effective formula targets large pores, smooths fine lines, and tackles blemishes without causing irritation, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. The addition of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid ensures deep hydration while calming your complexion, leaving your skin clearer and more radiant. Gradually incorporating this into your routine three times a week delivers visible results and a nourished, balanced skin barrier.

Available from: ElizabethGrantUK.com
Price: £54

Say goodbye to hormone imbalances and hello to sustained energy with the Hormone Balance Blend (£35) from Sixways. Formulated by nutritionists, this all-natural, decaf coffee blend is designed to support hormonal regulation while providing lasting energy throughout the day. With ingredients like Inositol, beneficial for PCOS, this blend supports gut health, mood, and energy levels—perfect for those dealing with hormonal imbalances. Simply mix with hot water and milk for a delicious and convenient daily ritual that supports your wellness from within.

Available from: sixways.co
Price: £35