Prepare yourself to brave the great outdoors and save money with MyVoucherCodes.
In this, the third of our six part video series we see our intrepid voucher hunter running through the scary woods, but will she make it?
This week’s video features deals from Halfords, Clarks and The National Trust.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without delicious, high-fat grub – and this year is no exception. In fact, with Heston and Delia waving the flag for Team Waitrose at the moment, it’s safe to say our arteries are going to be filled with thick, gloopy eggnog before long – so what can you do to stay healthy? The answer: get a bike!
There are many ways to get fit, but cycling is by far the easiest method. Squat thrusting on the bus or tube looks a bit mental, after all, but cycling to work is an absolute doddle. Heck, you can even cycle to Waitrose for one of Heston’s horrifying Christmas puddings, and savour the taste of bat droppings – or whatever happens to be in this year’s terrifying edition.
Whatever the case, there’s a plethora of fantastic bargain bikes out there, and we’ve rounded up the very best of them. These bikes not only offer great value for money, but also make perfect presents for the food lover in your life…
Diamond Back Viper 2013 BMX Bike
Diamondback have really upped the ante of late, creating some of the most impressive BMX Bikes on the market today. The Diamond Back Viper 2013 is not only more attractive than its predecessor, but is also lighter thanks to its redesigned frame. Packing a new DB logo saddle and much-improved Unicrown forks, this is a high-spec bit of kit for an inexpensive price tag.
Order yours for £169.99 at Evans Cycles.
Trax TR.1 Rigid Mountain Bike
You can’t beat a mountain bike for durability, simplicity, and comfort – and this one doesn’t buck the trend. The Trax TR.1 Rigid 19″ Mountain Bike features a steel frame, which is perfect for everyday usage. Boasting 18-speed gears, as well as front and rear V-brakes for improved braking, the Trax TR.1 is perfect for beginners, or those looking for an enjoyable cycling experience.
Order yours for £69.99 at Halfords.
Trax TFS.1 Mens Full Suspension Mountain Bike
With its beautifully garish colour scheme, the Trax TFS.1 is definitely one for younger cyclists, or teenagers who fancy performing death-defying tricks. Boasting front and rear V-brakes, 18-speed gears and full suspension, this bike has been specifically designed for hitting the trails, offering a highly controlled and comfortable ride. Put simply, the Trax TFS.1 makes light work of hills and allows for fast acceleration. Excellent value for money.
Order yours for £89.99 at Halfords.
Avanti Spice 20″ Kid’s Bike
Looking for the perfect bike for your children? With its beautiful design and fantastic build quality, the Avanti Spice might just be the ticket. With just a single break, your child can enjoy cycling without having to worry about breaking. The lightweight alloy frames also make getting started and manoeuvring an absolute breeze. The perfect first bike.
Order yours for £94.99 at Rutland Cycling.
Viking Vitesse 2012 – Ladies Hybrid Bike
Combining the best of British and Dutch design, the Viking Vitesse is perfect partner for daily commuting, or just a quick journey to the shops. Don’t let its quaint design fool you though; the Viking Vitesse is a capable bit of kit. Featuring a low step frame, full chainguard with front basket, modern alloy rims and powerful alloy V brakes, this is the perfect bike for working woman.
Order yours for £154.99 at Rutland Cycling.
Thinking about getting your loved one a bicycle for Christmas this year? Remember to check out myvouchercodes.co.uk for all of the latest discounts…
Featured image – www.jbgrafix.com
It’s been quite a summer of sport, and it’s not even over yet! As Olympic fever hits the UK, join me as I take a look at the top 5 sporty gadgets.
Universally everyone seems to love a gadget, but not everybody likes sport.
So while on the surface it may seem like they are not exactly perfect bedfellows, they actually go together pretty well if you think about it. The very best gadgets tend to derive from a problem, or in turn a solution that can be made better. Sport in all its glorious guises is therefore ripe for exploitation as the demands of the athlete differ greatly.
And this is something that big companies have come to realise, sport sells. With Millions being spent every year on sporting equipment, it is only natural that gadgets take a big chunk of this. With athletes like Usain Bolt officially endorsing selected technology, the sporty gadget is definitely here to stay.
But what are the crème de la crème? Check out these beauties.
The Nike+ Fuelband
The Nike+ Fuelband is a revolutionary device which tracks your activities through a sport-tested accelerometer. Worn in your wrist, the device translates your moves into NikeFuel. The device can track running, walking, dancing, basketball, and plenty of other activities. The clever gadget also records your activity and syncs it using the Nike+ website, giving you precision exercise data.
Twilight Supernova
The Twilight Supernova is a professional-quality golf ball that lets you play the ever popular game in poor light conditions. This little number actually features built-in impact-activated LEDs, and will stay lit up for as long as 8 minutes – more than enough time to find it in the rough. Impress your golf buddies with this must have accessory.
Samsung bracelet cell phone
The Samsung bracelet cell phone is an amazing bit of kit. With its hard and robust body that can resist pretty much any accident, this cell phone is slim and has an OLED touch screen. When the athlete sweats while jogging, this phone has the facility to provide constant airflow so that all sweat is evaporated in no time to keep the screen sticky free.
Skatecycle
The Skatecycle has arrived. Fresh from making waves across the pond, this cool piece of kit is the world’s first self-propelled hubless skate. Just slot your feet into the space where the hubs should be and carve down a hill (like a snowboarder), or weave along the flat. The clever set up lets you propel yourself along indefinitely, without ever taking your feet off the plates.
BeerPongMax Table
And finally, something a bit fun! Beer Pong is fast becoming the most popular drinking game amongst fun-lovers. Crafted in sturdy aluminium, this pro-standard table folds down into a supremely portable briefcase. The BeerPongMax Table will provide hours of fun, as you and your mates create your very own tournament. Who knows maybe one day it might even be an Olympic sport?
For all things sporty this summer make sure you visit MyVoucherCodes for all the best discounts.
The sportswear trend has been warming up in the wings for a few years in the build up to 2012. Now, with the London Olympics in full swing, the Spring/Summer collections have been inundated with ‘sporty’ designer styles. The trend itself evolved from tomboy and military styles and has now taken on a sleek new approach of its own – think neon brights in classic cuts with an athletic twist. The trouble is, as beautiful as this fresh take on the sports theme is on the catwalk, the clothes themselves don’t really respond well to actual exercise.
The secret to great sportswear is functionality and the secret to great style is confidence. Looking stylish whilst working up a sweat is a tricky task but it is, nonetheless, an achievable feet even on a budget. If you want to get in touch with your inner Jessica Ennis you need to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, right? And while heeled high-tops and asymmetric crop tops might earn you style points they certainly won’t be winning you any gold medals.
Practicality is the name of the game when it comes to fashionable workout wear. Make sure that it fits you correctly and that you can move well in what you’re wearing. The second rule of thumb is selecting the correct fabrics. Some fabrics are designed to keep you cool by drawing sweat away from your body whilst other insulating fabrics do the opposite. Consider what activity you’ll be doing. Will you want to keep hot or stay cool? For example, if you’re doing a cardio workout breathable fabrics are preferable as they won’t leave you feeling sticky or uncomfortable.
Wearing the right type of clothing whilst doing sport can make a real difference to how you perform and looking fashionable at the same time can only be a good thing. Fortunately, it isn’t just high end designers who are on track with the sporty trend. High street retailers like Next and H&M have recently launched Sportswear sub brands offering style savvy sportswear at reasonable prices. Better still these collections have been designed with actual sporting activity in mind. Dressing for your keep fit activity should be just as enjoyable as the exorcise itself so take the opportunity to express a little personality. The new sports collection from H&M is a great place to start with a selection of vibrant block colours to have you feeling energetic and on trend.
Olympic fever is well and truly upon us so why not show your support for team GB and get on board with the Stella McCartney collection for Adidas. Most of the collection is surprisingly affordable with pieces that are bound to make you the envy of the park on your morning jog. Fashion pack favourite Sweaty Betty is a great brand to look to for showcasing your own individual style. Their website also offers a great reference point for advice on what to wear for different activities. If you’re looking for something less pricy then Next is great place to start. Their sportswear collection NX Sport Performance has some fantastic pieces available in funky animal print with an on trend metallic sheen. They have also recently launched a collection with Davina McCall all of which is form fitting and functional with some great detailing to add a personal touch.
Whether you’re splurging or saving optimum comfort is always a priority when it comes to sporting attire. The ultimate goal for well-played sportswear is to be happy and confident in what you’re wearing. If you achieve this your personal style will flow through helping you to feel better and perform better when you exercise.
For great discounts on sporty fashion remember to check out MyVoucherCodes for the latest offers!
Olympic fever is at an all-time high here at What’s Hot – and if you’re anything like us, you’ll almost certainly want to get involved in the celebration!
The Great Britain athletes have surpassed all expectations with some brilliant performances that will be remembered for many years to come, and the whole country is experiencing a wave of positivity that you can’t help but be infected by. But if you don’t fancy joining Team GB (maybe not fit enough?) or can’t see yourself sporting a set of suave Wiggins-esque sideburns for that matter, there are a number of alternative ways you can take part in the London Games.
And the good news? You don’t even have to leave your living room, as these fantastic Olympic video games demonstrate…
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Mario is famed for his exceptional jumping abilities, and Sonic for his breakneck speeds. So with that in mind, it’s little wonder the dynamic duo’s latest sports game is so darn enjoyable. Packing nine unique mini games, each with a delightfully British twist (Wenlock and Mandeville appear frequently), Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic is arguably the most fun and accessible take on the Olympics so far. And with sporting events as diverse as badminton, football and equestrian (as well as golden oldies including athletics, aquatics and table tennis), this latest instalment is sure to get the whole family into the Olympic spirit.
London 2012: The Official Video Game
A far cry from the primary coloured shenanigans of Mario and Sonic’s Olympic tie-in, London 2012: The Official Video Game is a far more simulative experience, and one that’s clearly aimed at older gamers. Of course, that’s not to say that it’s a downright stuffy affair. Far from it, in fact. With Kinect support and an impressive 45 events to compete in (all of which are fully-commentated and hosted in their respective, real-world arenas), London 2012: The Official Video Game is the most authentic Olympic title to date.
Summer Stars 2012
Don’t let the lack of an Olympic license put you off. While everything about Summer Stars 2012 screams “Olympic cash cow!” there is a surprising amount of fun to be had here – especially if you’re playing with Kinect. Boasting nineteen assorted events, from classic track and field events to more eclectic fencing and mountain biking events, Summer Stars is the most varied Olympic experience on the market.
Kinect Sports: Season Two
While it has little to do with the Olympics, few games encourage you to get as sporty as Kinect Sports: Season Two. Helmed by British developer Rare, Kinect Sports: Season Two shows Kinect at its very best – when optimised for fun, family-orientated mini-games. Much like Wii Sports Resort (featured below), Kinect Sports: Season Two is an immaculately polished title – so much to say that, even with six events to choose from, you’ll never feel short changed. A must-have for Kinect owners and sports fans alike, then.
Wii Sports Resort
The daddy of all motion-controlled sports games, Wii Sports Resort remains as fresh today as it was when it was first released – thanks in part to the game’s exceptional Wii Motion Plus controls, which replicate player actions with unparalleled accuracy. Boasting a plethora of deceptively deep activities (including archery, wakeboarding, cycling and golf to name a few), Wii Sports Resort comes highly recommended, and is the perfect accompaniment for an Olympic gaming-inspired get-together.
Remember to check MyVoucherCodes for all the latest and best gaming discounts.
We are gripped in the middle of Wimbledon fever and even the drizzly weather wont keep us down! Many of us have been queuing for hours in the hope of seeing some tennis action and huddling under umbrellas on the bank to watch the big screen – now that’s dedication! However, it’s not all about the tennis for some of us, it’s also about Wimbledon fashion – So how can we get the look?
Firstly, the must seen colour (or non-colour) to be wearing is white, white and even more white! Floaty skirts and dresses are perfect for evening garden parties and visors, hot pants and vest tops are essential for the sporty girl. A flash of colour works well to break up the white and make certain parts of your body stand out. Check out these tennis beauties:
Maria Sharapova looks fab in this little Nike number. She’s gone for the all in one dress with a shock of lemon yellow on the straps, which gives this outfit a summary citrus feel. She’s also sporting the visor, which seems to be the ‘must have’ accessory this year.
Serena Williams stands out with her purple sweatbands, making her look fashionable and not the least bit sweaty! She too wears a little white Nike dress, except she wears hers over the top of some tiny purple hot-pants, cute!
Ana Ivanovic looks on trend in her adidas white dress and matching visor. The red logo and stripe down the side add a fiery streak to her game.
Heather Watson keeps things clean and classic in her simple white K-Swiss dress teamed with black sweatbands and hot pants.
Obviously we aren’t going to rush out and buy a tiny white dress and sweatbands, unless of course we’re actually playing tennis! Instead, we should be inspired by Wimbledon fashion, recreating a sporty, yet feminine look fit for the high-street! Try wearing some skinny jeans and a white polo finished off with a blazer and visor for a sporty preppy image. Let me know how you will get the Wimbledon look!
*images from Google Images
Italy have become the focus of many emotive reactions this week since winning against England in the quarter finals of the Euro 2012 tournament. It was an intense game with so many chances that led to echoes of, ‘I would have scored that’ in pubs and living rooms across the country. The disappointing, but arguably expected, result put England in a very depressed state both on and off the pitch. There were riots in local towns whilst the tired footballers moped home to their wives; losing the brave and confident faces they’d maintained throughout the game. The Italians on the other hand were jumping for joy, literally. Has someone reminded them who they are up against next yet?
Italy is world renowned for its fashion and food, is it a bit too early to add football to the list?
Italy has the Milan Fashion Show every year that rivals the London Fashion week, they can beat us over 120 minutes but does their food really beat Great British grub? It’s a difficult argument not to support. The majority of restaurants found in shopping centres and along the high streets are Italian, selling famous pizza and pasta dishes. Italian restaurant chains have been in England for an age now and are becoming increasingly popular with continuous competition between the likes of restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Zizis, Pizza Express, Strada, Ask, and the list goes on…
Pizza hut especially is the perfect place to go to escape from summer holiday nightmares and bored children. Like most families, you probably get restaurant vouchers and coupons through the door, particularly for pizza hut. However they often they go straight to the recycling due to a lack of time in being able to treat ourselves and go out. So why not actually make use of them this summer, with offers from buy one get one free to savings of 50%, you might as well make the most of the deals, they won’t last forever. The latest (and myvouchercodes exclusive) offer that’s currently running is ‘all children eat free‘ which is absolutely fantastic for those summer holiday days where you have just ran out of ‘creative games’, the magazine has been read, the colouring pencils have all snapped, the football has burst and the children are monotonously moaning. Like the size of the pizzas, the menu at pizza hut is beastly, and offers a massive range of delicious food for your little ones. If a main course isn’t enough, they also offer a choice of desserts; however don’t expect anything other than the unlimited ice cream machine to be sent in to overdrive and putting a smile on anyone’s face. It may even put a smile on the glum-faced Roy Hodgson.
If you’re planning a hiking, adventure or extreme sports holiday, then it’s absolutely vital that you invest in good quality outdoor clothing to make your trip as enjoyable as as comfortable as possible.
Fabric
Cotton is a comfortable fabric than can keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather. But it may not always been suitable for strenuous adventure trips. It absorbs and retains moisture and can chafe against the skin. Cotton also takes a long time to dry.
Avoid denim trousers of any variety and buy hiking trousers in a lightweight but warm material from a specialist store. During hiking trips it is best to wear layers. Lightweight and durable synthetic fabrics make the best base layer (the clothing next to the skin). Cover this with an insulating layer of fleece or pile fabric that traps air in between fibers. The air provides the insulation and is more efficient and lighter than four bulky woolly jumpers! An outer layer has to be waterproof as well as warm, so go for quality and check for waterproof zips and seams.
When hiking through tropical rain forests or temperate forests in summer you will need insect proof fabrics. Foliage in rain forests can be both abrasive and poisonous to the touch, so clothing should cover the whole length of your arms and legs. Tighten all cuffs and wrap tape around the cuff ends to stop insects crawling into the sleeve. Pull socks over trouser bottoms and use some tape to tighten the top of the sock to the trouser leg. Northern forests in summer have more mosquitoes than tropical rain forests, so you need to cover your head with a tight-fitting hood.
If you don’t have any experience in the terrain or climate of your holiday, don’t wear shorts during the day. Make sure children and young people on family vacations are covered up properly in daytime, even if they protest about it!
Footwear
Get the best quality boots you can afford, especially on family vacations that include a lot of hiking. Cheaper models only increase the chances of blisters. Hiking boots need a good ankle support to avoid twisting during potential stumbles on rocks or craggy edges and also should have padding, as this will keep your feet more comfortable. Long rubber or waterproof boots will be necessary in rainforests to avoid snake and insect bites. Locals also wear similar boots to work, however don’t copy local customs by wearing sandals in the rain forest, as that’s the quickest route to getting severe insect and snake bites.
Socks are just as important and have to fit correctly on the feet. The best option is to choose gender specific socks – men’s and women’s feet are shaped differently and also socks can be designed for left and right feet. Avoid cotton socks because this fabric absorbs too much moisture, so get socks in a wicking fabric that draws moisture away from the skin.
Gloves
Waterproof gloves in a breathable fabric are essential if you’re clinging to rocks or hammering screws into ice. Also make sure you buy gender specific gloves. Use a thinner waterproof fabric if you are trekking through warm or tropical locations. The gloves should have a long gauntlet and fit snugly around the wrist.
AUTHOR BIO
Julia Green writes regularly on adventure trips for a range of travel websites and blogs. Her main interest is hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
*Image from Google Images
Can’t wait until your next ski holiday, or perhaps you don’t have the time to take a week long ski holiday this season? Perhaps you want to experience something new?
Why not book a weekend ski break to Bulgaria with Balkan Holidays.
As anyone who has ever experienced the thrill will already know, skiing is an incredible experience. There is something so infectious about delighting in the thrills and spills of the slopes, and the sense of achievement and exhilaration just cannot be matched. Skiing can be a fun activity for all levels of competence it, and can really push away the stresses of everyday life. The warm weather may finally have arrived, but now is the time to book your winter break.
Skiing and snowboarding will always be a popular holiday choice. It is all very well just lazing about on a sun kissed beach somewhere exotic, but sometimes it is nice to push yourself to do something a little different. And Bulgaria certainly fits the bill.
Bulgaria may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to ski breaks, but Bulgaria is the ideal choice for an action packed and fun filled short getaway. With slopes to suit all abilities and prices to suit all budgets, the cost of a skiing in Bulgaria compares very favourably when compared to other countries. The clean air and gob-smacking scenery are worth the visit alone.
Balkan Holidays, the independent specialist Tour Operator with 47 years of experience in planning and arranging memorable holidays offer a great choice of 3 or 4 night ski weekends in Bulgaria. But which resort is best for you? With a wide range of accommodation the resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo continue to prove popular choices for skiers and snowboarders, thanks to the excellent facilities; including wide and groomed pistes and unbeatably priced après ski.
Bansko is the newest and most modern of the Bulgarian ski resorts, situated at the base of the Pirin Mountains. Bansko offers breath taking alpine scenery and excellent skiing, with 65km of marked ski run available, combined with the traditional spirit of a small town. Deservedly featured as the ‘Best New European Ski Resort’, Bansko takes the winter experience to a new high, offering great value from money on a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Pamporovo has a unique claim to fame; this bright, modern ski resort high in the Rhodope mountains is the sunniest mountain resort in Europe. Pamporovo boasts on average no less than 270 sunny days a year and in the winter provides an ideal combination, plenty of snow and sparkling sunshine to show off the resort at its best. Pamporovo holidays are particularly suited for both beginners and intermediates; however Pamporovo’s Giant Slalom run will ensure that any experts are more than happy.
Borovets truly has got the lot and is firmly established as one of Bulgaria most popular ski resorts. At a height of 1,300 metres Borovets is a lively resort full of bars and cafes and these along with the many clubs make après-ski a real attraction. Quite rightly, skiing is its prime concern and Borovets is justly popular with all grades of skiers, with a setting that’s near perfect right at the foot of Mount Moussala (2925 metres), the highest peak on the Balkan region. Borovets is easily accessible only 72 kilometres away from Sofia and just 126 kilometres away from Plovdiv. With a well-developed lift network Borovets can carry up to 15,600 tourists per hour and provides quick access to its ski runs. If you haven’t discovered this premier ski resort yet, you’re in for a treat!
Book your next winter weekend ski break wih just a £70 deposit, plus take advantage of some great early booking rates at Balkan Holidays. And remember to check MyVoucherCodes for all the latest and best travel discounts.
Image taken from www.gapyear.com
With the English Premier League celebrating 20 years, it has been truly fitting that this season has been one of the most exciting and spectacular campaigns ever. And it’s not even over; who knows what last match dramas remain to be played out.
The 2 Manchester Clubs look destined to be only separated by goal difference come end of play on Sunday. Not since Arsenal claimed the old top flight trophy in 1989 has a season potentially come down to such slight margins. Certainly Manchester City has the advantage, and surely will go on to claim their first title since 1968. But with this crazy rollercoaster season, nothing can be guaranteed!
Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle will battle it out for the remaining Champions League places in the knowledge that Chelsea could cause heartache by winning the European cup on 19th May, and claiming the last qualifying place. In patches all 3 teams have played some fantastic football, but Arsenal crucially has control of their own fate which should make the difference. Newcastle have surprised everyone this season, and still to be in contention on the last day is a magnificent achievement for the magpies.
At the other end of the league table Bolton will be looking to mount a great escape from what seems to be certain relegation, following the departure of Wolves and Blackburn to the Championship. But QPR had better look out, as they are next in line if Bolton do manage to get a season saving result at the weekend.
However the last few games play out, season 2011/12 will be one to look back on for years to come.
Here are a few people and moments that have defined football over the last 9 months.
The 8-2 demolition of Arsenal by Manchester United was one to remember, but the result of the season came on 1st October as the 2 Manchester clubs clashed at Old Trafford. With both sides hitting top form early on, much was expected from the game. Nobody could have predicted a 6-1 victory to Manchester City though. Simply a once in a generation result that everyone will remember, for good or bad reasons.
The race issue has unfortunately reared its ugly head this season, with several high profile instances bringing shame on the game. The feud between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez spilling over following the latter’s ban for racial abuse was one of the seasons more unsavoury moments.
Wonder strikes have been fairly common this season, but for me it has to be Peter Crouch’s goal for Stoke in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City. Simply magnificent from a resurgent player who could still get an England call up for the European Championships.
Talking of the Euro’s, for much of the season the whole weight of the football community was on Tottenham’s manager Harry Redknapp after the sudden departure of England manager Fabio Capello. Unfortunately the constant speculation may well have well undermined Tottenham’s title prospects which seemed to falter at around the same time.
There was only ever really one candidate for player of the season, RVP. Robin Van Persie has scored 30 league goals with a game remaining to play in what has been a real mixed bag of a season for Arsenal. But can they keep hold of him in the summer?
And I have not even mentioned Carlos Tevez, Paul Scholes, Andre Villas-Boas or Fabrice Muamba to name but a few. Bring on season 2012/13…..
Claim Up to £25 in Free Bets when Opening an Account at William Hill Sport, valid until 31st July 2012 from MyVoucherCodes
