5 Things I Have Started Doing Since London Lockdown

This is a weird time and I mentioned that I am trying to keep both Sparkles and Shoes and my social media positive so instead of complaining or being annoyed about all of the things I can not do during this time, I wanted to share some new things I have started doing since I have been at home: 

1 | Started Gardening: With my new flat this was on my list but when work sent around a discount code for indoor plants at the same time we received two mini lavender trees as a housewarming gift it took off from there. Over the past few weeks this has expanded into lavender and mint outside along with the trees being repotted into this Arianna Wooden Planter Bench by George Oliver.  And inside I have done two orders from Patch Plants and am now a proud own to Devil’s Ivy, Fiddle Leaf Fig,  Anthuriums, and String of nickels some of which you saw in our first apartment tour post.  UK friends, if you are in the market you can get a free plant with your first order. 

2 | Using My Beauty Samples:  Before we moved I cleaned out a ton and brought them into work for my coworkers but still kept quite a few I wanted to try.  While I am home and have the time, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity. I will be sure to report back on my thoughts in a few weeks on what I would purchase versus what I would skip!

2 | Video Calls with Family and Friends Abroad:  Despite living in England for more than two years,  Easter 2020 was the first time we did a family video call with 17 people dialling in from a multitude of cities and time zones. It has been fun to connect with everyone in this way and the same with friends who I usually only text – it’s nice to see their faces (and apartments).

4 | Cooking at Home:  I have tried various meal prep boxes over the years (you may remember my partnership with Hello Fresh) but the options here in London are different as is the availability due to COVID-19 but we have been quite happy with a service here called Guosto.  We currently get four meals a week that we have been making on week nights and have been enjoying cooking up new dishes like Korean Beef Bibimbap With Smashed Cucumber and Joe’s Super Green Chicken & Spinach Orzo.  Again, if you are in the UK and want 10% off your first box you can use this link! 

5 | Exploring my Neighbourhood: I had plans to visit restaurants, bars, boutiques, and coffee shops when we moved into our new neighbourhood at the start of March but now long walks are letting me get to know the streets as well as some hidden gems with parks, canals, and gorgeous old buildings.  More than half of our walks are 10+ miles which takes us into Central London and beyond – it is odd seeing this city so empty, take a look at a few of the shots: 

 Empty 2012 Olympic Park in Stratford, London

 Empty Parliament Square in Westminster

London Eye on the South Bank (as restrictions begin to ease)

Overall this is quite an unusual time but as I mentioned I am trying to stay positive and we are hanging in there, day by day, and looking forward to the world going back to normal, hopefully some time soon! 

Have you started doing anything new since lockdown?