For the last few months we have all been spending a lot more time staying at and working from home, which has definitely been challenging. As someone who works from home a lot normally I thought I wouldn’t find it as difficult as some but of course having to stay away from friends and family has been hard. As lock down is now starting to ease slightly I wanted to consider the little things that have lifted me up throughout lockdown. This inspired my self initiated series of “lock down favourites” illustrations which I wanted to share with you.

Beauty Favourites

I have found that it can be very tempting when you are at home all day and might only see the person/people you live with, to not get dressed and go make up free 24/7 (don’t get me wrong the freedom to not bother is great). But I have found it has really helped me feel like myself to just get ready for the day a bit even if its only some light make up and a nicer top to go with my leggings.

It’s been nice to have a bit of extra time to invest into self care, I am hoping this is something I can continue to fit into my routine even when things do “go back to normal”. I have definitely sacrificed things like my skin care routine and working out in the past when things have got busy and it has definitely taught me to prioritise these things as they make a big difference to me.

What are the beauty products you feel you couldn’t live without? I would love to hear your recommendations in the comments.

TV and Film Favourites

I am sure we have all been watching a LOT more films and series recently, I definitely feel like I have run out of things to watch on Netflix now. I thought it might be nice to share some of the TV and Film that I have been enjoying whist in lock down. This illustration was inspired by Killing Eve, which if you haven’t already seen it has just aired it’s 3rd series on BBC. If you have seen it you may recognise some of these items. I couldn’t recommend the series enough, the acting is seriously unbelievable, Jodie Comer, Sandra Oh, Fiona Shaw and Kim Bodnia are just too talented! And series 3 was the perfect mix of dark humour, action and emotion. (A couple of episodes were definitely very emotional so make sure you have tissues!)
We have also been enjoying some other great BBC series like The Nest - which was really tense and dramatic, Glow Up which has been a bit of escapism and really fun and I know we are late to the party but we finished Line of Duty. Which is amazing - definitely worth watching if you haven’t already! I also finished Little Fires Everywhere on Amazon Prime which is a fantastic series - Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon have an amazing dynamic.

We have also watched Emma, which we thought was a really refreshing take on the story and the costume and sets are just dreamy! We finally got round to watching Midsomer as well which is a visual feast, very weird and creepy but also aesthetically beautiful which is a mesmerising combination. And of course I couldn’t forget Little Women - which we really enjoyed!

What have been your favourite TV series and Films during lock down? I would love to hear your recommendations.

Favourite Recipes

I have always enjoyed cooking and find it quite therapeutic to cook at the end of the day. Which is just as well really because since lockdown we have very few other choices. As we live in a small village there isn’t really an option of somewhere delivering a take away to us. We are lucky to have a bakery and a fish and chip shop in the village but if you’re not in the mood for either of those then you’re really out of options. I thought I would share with you one of my recent favourite recipes.

Easy Vegetable Gnocchi

Cherry Tomatoes (125g)
Cheddar Cheese (40g)
1 Garlic Clove
A Handful of Basil Leaves
Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper

You’ll need

A Courgette
Black Olives (60g)
Gnocchi (350g)
A Can of Tomato Paste
Dried Oregano

To Make your Gnocchi

Boil a kettle, heat a large non stick pan with vegetable oil
Cut your courgettes finely, then add them to the pan with a pinch of salt and cook for 3 mins
Chop your cherry tomatoes in half and crush your garlic
Add the tomatoes, garlic and dried oregano to the pan and cook for 3 mins
Meanwhile add gnocchi to a pan of boiled water and cook for 3 mins or until they float to the top of the pot
Then add your tomato paste, Black olives and pepper to your vegetables and cook for a minute or 2
You can then chop your basil and grate your cheese of choice
Finally add your gnocchi to the vegetable pan and mix everything through until the gnocchi is coated
And to finish top with your cheese and basil

I would love to hear what you have been enjoying cooking! Please leave any recommendations in the comments below.