CURRENTLY LOVING | MAY 2025

It’s that time again! I love pulling together my Currently Loving posts – these little snapshots are all about the things bringing a smile to my face right now. From reliable hiking gear to everyday comforts (and even a wildcard or two), my lists are a mix of the practical and the fun.

And in case it needs saying… While the things I share here are making my life a little brighter, they’re definitely not what life is all about. The best adventures and memories come from the people you meet and the experiences you have, not what’s in your gear cupboard. But you know, stuff is still nice!

As always, these are just my personal picks – nothing to be taken too seriously, no serious advice given, just a celebration of the little joys that make the journey of life more enjoyable.

This time around there’s clothing, trainers, first aid supplies, a beloved snack, and even a play. Let me tell you all about them.

Currently Loving | May 2025

01 FatFace Carmel Jeans

I’ll be honest with you. Shopping for clothes, especially for jeans, is not my idea of fun. With wider legs than average, finding a style that’s flattering and comfortable has always been a struggle. A few years ago, I discovered the wonderfully stretchy and long-lasting Alpkit Sequence jeans (featured in my Currently Loving post back in October 2022). I have worn and worn (and worn) them to the point they are now a teeny bit holey… And, sadly for me, Alpkit have discontinued this style.

After a lot of searching, I found these in FatFace. Baggy wide-leg jeans are having their moment in the fashion spotlight, so I decided to give these a go – and I’m so glad I did. These are the Carmel straight leg jeans, and they are soft, seriously comfy, and somehow manage to look good. I generally pair them with either my go-to Forum Bold trainers (Currently Loving November 2023) or the Kantai Trail Shoes I’ve included a little further down this list, for a casual look.

At £55, I’d say they’re mid-range in price (and the same cost as my old Alpkit ones), but the quality and fit make them worth that price, I reckon. I hope they last as long as my previous pair!

02 Mountain Warehouse Cotton Tees

Sometimes, simplicity wins. In fact, for me, it always does! These cotton tees from Mountain Warehouse (Ocean Drive, Never Lost and Wave Feather) have become my everyday essentials – nothing flashy, just good, reliable tees with a touch of charm thanks to the little designs on the front.

I originally picked up the green one with the feather on it on a bit of a whim one Saturday, and ended up liking it so much that I went back for two more (don’t you just love it when that happens?). What’s great is that they’re versatile enough to pair with pretty much anything, and in this case, especially the jeans I’ve already mentioned. Interestingly, two are from the women’s section and one from the men’s, proving that basics have no boundaries. And the best part? They’re nicely priced at just £12.99 each, making the decision to get a few an easy one.  

03 Adidas Kantai Trail Shoes

While shopping for clothes doesn’t generally fill me with joy, shopping for shoes absolutely does. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… I have a trainer problem. This time I’m featuring a pair that came into my life thanks to my work with adidas in their blogger community (read my latest post in that series) – which makes them even sweeter in my eyes.

These retro beauties are the adidas Kantai Trail Shoes, and they are a bit of nostalgia wrapped up in modern functionality. As soon as I laced them up, I was transported back to my teenage years; they remind me so much of the trainers I used to wear back then. I think I’m getting old! They are lightweight and very comfortable, and complete the casual jean and baggy tee outfit that seems to have started off this currently loving post.

I chose them for casual wear, as they are perfect for city strolls or running errands, but I can’t ignore their potential for adventures. With their trail-ready grippy sole, they’re great for woodland walks and countryside bimbles when the mood takes me. I wouldn’t hike long distances in them as a rule, but they’re like a cool friend who’s just as happy relaxing as tackling a surprise hike!

04 Support Socks by Ultimate Performance

Foot pain has been a bit of an uninvited guest in my life lately. Maybe it’s plantar fasciitis, maybe just a reminder that age isn’t kind to feet. Either way (or something else entirely), I’m paying attention to the niggle and trying to do the right things to repair and strengthen my feet. My old compression socks had waved the white flag (elastic, RIP), so I treated myself to these ankle-height support socks from Ultimate Performance, and they are just right.

I don’t wear these when doing exercise, but they are my go-to for recovery. After a long hike or a work day on my feet, putting these on feels like giving my feet and ankles a well-earned hug. They’re not overly tight, which makes them easy to get on, but still snug enough to offer that strong, supportive squeeze. The difference they’re making is noticeable, and it’s such a relief to have something that genuinely helps ease the discomfort.

05 Dried Mango

Dried mango, in my humble opinion, is the undisputed champion of dried fruits. It’s been a go-to hiking snack for a very long time, offering a perfect mix of natural sweetness and chewy goodness to keep energy levels up on the trail. I’ve now discovered that Grape Tree sells the good organic stuff in massive bags. I mean, why settle for tiny portions (at high prices) when you can have an endless stash?

Since my discovery, my mango consumption has skyrocketed (and I’m not mad about that!). Whether I’m packing for a hike, need some afternoon sweetness at work, or am just craving a fruity treat at home, it’s always within arm’s reach. Honestly, if you’re not already on the dried mango bandwagon, you’re missing out. The best thing? It’s just as satisfying as it is practical, thanks to it being dried – win-win.

06 Wrist Warmers from Vertura

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, and these ‘thermal power’ wrist warmers from Vertura are proof of that. I picked them up at the National Outdoor Expo, after chatting to Ronnie about her new women-owned UK company aiming to improve women’s comfort in high and cold places. And even though I haven’t had the chance to use them much yet, I already know they’re a gem of a find.

These wrist warmers are soft, warm, and oh-so-cosy. They’re made from a warm and breathable fleece fabric which moves sweat away from your skin, and which makes them soft on the inside and is nice and stretchy. Designed to prevent that annoying cold gap between your sleeves and gloves, they’re much nicer to wear than any mid-layer with a thumb hole.

They’re exactly what I want when there’s a little chill in the air, but still want to use my fingers. Whether it’s hiking on a frosty morning or just keeping my hands toasty while writing up my adventures, they’re a lovely bit of kit. Plus, they’re super lightweight, so they’re easy to tuck into a pocket or pack. Simple, practical, and wonderfully effective.

07 Manuka Honey for Healing

This one’s definitely a bit of a curveball for a currently loving list, but it deserves its spot in the lineup. After my accident at Center Parcs in early April, I ended up with a stubborn wound that just wouldn’t seem to heal. Cue some research and a leap of faith – I decided to give manuka honey dressings a try. And let me tell you, they’ve been amazing.

I got a pack of these Actilite net dressings, and they really did make a huge difference (in my opinion!). Yes, there’s a bit of a sting when applying them, but it’s worth it for the results. Clinically anti-bacterial and all-natural, they’ve been soothing and effective in helping my wound finally heal. I won’t pretend to give medical advice, but in my experience, they’ve worked wonders. I will be keeping these in my first aid kit from now on.

And while I’m talking first aid, I also recommend the Hypafix adhesive dressing also pictured. The nurses at Center Parcs used Hypafix to secure the non-adherent dressing pads over my various grazes, and it’s great. It comes on a long roll, so you cut strips to the length you need. Much better than micropore tape, and kinder to skin than fabric plaster dressing.  

08 Montane Tucana Hiking Pants

As part of Montane’s role as official kit providers for the Ordnance Survey Champions this year, I was lucky enough to receive a full hiking outfit – and the Tucana Hiking Pants quickly became my favourite part of that. These walking trousers are the perfect hybrid of leggings and trekking trousers, and I’m definitely currently loving them.

The pull-on design with an elasticated waistband means no annoying zips, buttons, or frills. They have two zipped pockets (big enough for my phone), and strike the right balance between functionality and minimalism. I’ve been wearing them on hiking adventures for the last year or so, and they’ve proven their worth for travel too. They pack down tiny, making them ideal for throwing into a backpack or suitcase. Honestly, they’ve checked all the boxes for me; comfortable, practical, and versatile.

At £100, they are much more expensive than the jeans I started this list with, but as a good quality and hard-wearing bit of technical clothing, I think they’re worth that. Mine are the blue ones. Would recommend.

09 Fancy Watering Can

After far too long struggling with a very broken plastic watering can, I finally upgraded to a fancy metal one. This French Grey and Copper beauty from Garden Selections blends functionality with style. Yes, I know including a watering can in my currently loving list might be a bit weird, but I’ve always told you my lists are eclectic!

The generous nine-litre capacity means fewer refills, while the removable rose delivers a gentle, even flow. It’s helping me keep my strawberry plants thriving, nurture my cherry blossom sapling, and tend to the new additions I brought home earlier in the season.

One of the best features is the double handle design; a fold-down handle on top and a side handle for controlled pouring. This makes it easy to carry, tilt, and water precisely, whether I’m refreshing flowerbeds or reaching awkward spots. The metal construction feels sturdy and reliable, and I’m really hoping this one will last for years (and years).

10 Comedy About Spies

I know it’s not my usual hiking or travel gear, and I wasn’t able to include it in the photo for obvious reasons, but I couldn’t resist sneaking this one onto the list (pun intended). Over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, we made a little trip to London to see Comedy About Spies in the West End, and it was absolutely brilliant. The show is by Mischief Theatre, the same talented team behind The Play That Goes Wrong, which we loved so much that booking this one was a no-brainer.

It turned into the perfect excuse for a short getaway – a chance to soak in some city sights, relax, and enjoy some much-needed laughs. The show didn’t disappoint; witty, fast-paced, and wonderfully absurd, it’s everything I’d hoped Mischief Theatre would provide. It had me grinning from start to finish and was the perfect example of when a bit of comedy is exactly the tonic you need. A different kind of adventure, but one I’m already eager to repeat. So much so, I’ve already booked tickets to their upcoming Christmas special!

As always, it’s been such fun pulling together these little snapshots of joy – a mix of the practical, the sentimental, and the somewhat quirky. Whether it’s gear that’s making hikes smoother, snacks keeping me fuelled, or unexpected finds that bring a smile, it’s all about celebrating the little things that brighten everyday life.

I’d love to hear what’s been putting a spring in your step lately, so do share your own Currently Loving bits and bobs in the box below.

Read all my Currently Loving posts.

Disclosure: This is not an advertorial or sponsored post. The adidas trainers and Montane trousers were gifted, but I have not been asked to include them in this or any other post.

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