Category Archives: Lifestyle

Step into the light

Posted in food, Lifestyle by
Dani holds a glass of champagne with Pegasus reflection in mirror, at the Brasserie of Light in London

Absolutely no secret I love eating. Food makes me very happy. And i love a pretty place.A glass or two of champagne.

I had been to the Brasserie of Light before for drinks and a light snack at the bar. It was so good that it’s been in my hit list for a full meal. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.

With theatre booked for 7pm, we decided to have a very late lunch (or very early dinner if you prefer). Underwhelmed with the pre/post theatre menus in the area, we decided to broaden the search area and go a bit early. Then the Brasserie of Light came to mind straight away.

Not widely available for booking, we got lucky, given the last-ish minute decision, dinner wouldn’t have been possible (tip: book early), but it seems the stars aligned.

It is located within Selfridges in Oxford Street and is so pretty – all art-deco style with its (literally) shining piece de resistance: Damien Hirst’s 24ft crystal encrusted Pegasus statue with its 30ft wingspan soaring over us with its majestic hooves lifted, as if flying into the light. There are some little ones dotted around other areas, but the main dining room really is where fabulousness is at.

Watch the video

We started with a chilled glass of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label while we chose.

Tuna carpaccio starter dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Tuna carpaccio
Scallops starter dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Scallops

For starter Dan went for the tuna carpaccio, with mooli, spiced avocado purée, sesame seeds and citrus ponzu. He cannot fault it.

I went for the roasted sea scallops with creamed truffle polenta, parsnip crisps and salad mâche. Not gonna lie, I feel this dish was constructed for me. It ticked all my flavour boxes.

Black cod main course dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Black cod
Monkfish and prawn curry main course starter dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Monkfish and prawn curry

I really wanted the duck main but sadly they were out of it. Enter the miso black cod with pickled fennel and miso sauce, which filled the duck’s spot with no gaps. Cannot go wrong with black cod. Also ordered a side of the truffle mash. DIVINE.

I am intolerant to raw fennel, but it came on the side. As it was pickled, I had a go at my own peril and it was too good. I ate it all but as it was pickled it didn’t make me unwell. Score.

Dan had the monkfish and prawn Keralan curry with sweet potato, coriander, coconut and jasmine rice. He loved it.

We shared a bottle of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, te Muna, Craggy Range, 2021 over our courses.

Orbit dessert dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London

Now, I don’t often have desserts, especially chocolate ones, but the Orbit the table next to us had was so damn pretty that we had to order one to share. It’s a very indulgent dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel ice cream, milk foam, honeycomb and popping candy.

Love the theatricals and it was real party in my mouth, with amazing flavours I adore. The milk foam, although delicious, was a bit too rich for me in the quantity.

We washed it down with another glass of Veuve while they brought the lovely surprise at the end as we celebrated our anniversary (we don’t have a date for it, but it’s loosely around that time, so we celebrate another cycle of sheer toleration love).

Now, I am usually suspicious of pretty venues as had bad experiences in other good looking, poor tasting and pocket bleeding venues but this wasn’t the case, much on the contrary.

Service was impeccable throughout, so added to the whole experience.

Tip #2: toilets are shared with Selfridges so on a Saturday evening the queues were brutal. I found another one in another floor and got lost on my way back, naturally. Dan had better luck.

Main downside: having to go through the Shoe Galleries after a few drinks. I did not buy on that day but a week later I was back for the shoes. Damn. Do not say I didn’t warn you.

A brown paper bag containing a brown paper shoebox with a red ribbon
written by Dani

A brilliantly explosive experience: The Gunpowder plot

Posted in experiences, Lifestyle by

How about you spend two hours in vaults under London’s Tower Bridge to help foil the explosive plot of 5th November 1605?

Sounds amazing, right? That’s exactly what The GunPowder Plot brings you.

You get plunged bang in the middle of Guy Fawkes’ conspiracy, interacting with the most amazing live actors and virtual reality to help save the Houses of Parliament from exploding.

I do love immersive experiences and I must say The Gunpowder Plot is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Before I go on I;ll highlight I highly recommend this one.

Let’s start with the setting – extremely elaborate across 3 floors at the Vaults by the Tower of London and London Bridge, the venue really drags you into the story line.

The whole journey takes place at a space styled very realistically, made to look and smell as if you are there. Extra points for the great special effects.

A male actor wearing a black cape crouches by a small door on the floor.
Image courtesy from The Gunpowder Plot.

The actors are fantastic and their interaction with the crowd very natural and extremely engaging to get you to complete your mission in an action packed quest.

Plus you really feel comfortable to interact with them as much or as little as you wish throughout the experience.

Tom Felton stars (virtually) as Guy Fawkes.

Now, the virtual reality parts… Oh the VR parts. EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD. Of course no spoilers but damn, it was good. Every single bit of it. It really elevated the experience.

Visitors sit in swing chairs wearing VR headsheats
Image courtesy from The Gunpowder Plot.

You really feel you are in London 1605 helping save the city and its people from a dreadful fate. And I love the mix of very old – the story, the set, the styling – and new – all the tech used across the show and how it blends seamlessly together.

I also loved the historical “corrections’ to the experience storyline and clarifications at the very end. Gives you a full view of the real plot and actors, relating it to the experience you’ve just been through.

Halfway and at the end you have a change to grab a beverage or two. In the interval pub, the Duck and Drake, where you “plan” your next moves, you can grab a drink and take some pictures, while photography/filming is forbidden through the experience, of course.

At the first (and last) bar, you can order (and pre-order) from a list of thematic cocktails (I had the Toffee Apple and my partner the Dark and Smoky) and also food, making this experience even more complete. A real day out!

Also worth nothing is the fantastic creative team behind the experience, which include Olivier nominee writer Danny Robins with multi-BAFTA award-nominated games performance director Hannah Price.

Video courtesy from The Gunpowder Plot.

Check out the exciting trailer and visit The Gunpowder Plot website to find out more and book tickets, which are from £40 per person for standard tickets (VIP also offered) and they are currently booking until the 31 March 2023.

But hurry, when writing this I could see lots of dates well in 2023 are already sold out, which comes to no surprise give the quality of this experience.

A couple things to mind before you book: agers are 12+ and you have to go down stairs, crouch through a relatively small space so not suitable for those with limited mobility, unfortunately. Check their site and FAQs for more info.

This post is about an experience I attended as an invitation, with no obligation to post. Opinions are, as usual, honest and my own.

Enter the Upside Down at Stranger Things – The Experience

Posted in Lifestyle by
Dani faces the wall on Joyce's sitting room at the #StrangerThingsExperience
What a realistic set up
Dani is capture by Vecna at the #StrangerThingsExperience
Got caught. Ouch!

Fancy yourself as an 80s child? Geek out on arcade video games? Long for leg warmers? Cannot help but dance to those synth-y tunes? None of those (of all of those) but LOVE Netflix’s Stranger Things? Homebodies, you’re in for a treat.

At Stranger Things – The Experience in London, (and also Atlanta and SanFran), you can be part of a brand new story line developed by the show’s creators, especially for this immersive adventure.

You, yes, YOU, can help the gang to once again, save Hawkins. And get yourself a fantastic day out to boot.

Scene at the #StrangerThingsExperience
Picture courtesy of Stranger Things – The Experience

Take it to the lab for an interactive quest with actors performing various roles guiding the audience through the experience. Live acting is combined with the show cast’s virtual participation (Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max and Will, amongst other very recognisable characters) to make the experience closer to the series.

The lab offered a fun story line, really cool special effects and a good level audience participation. The production is really fantastic and very well put together, with elements of surprise. It lasts just under an hour and it’s packed full of action – a lot of fun.

Recording is not permitted within the lab!

The Mixed Tape area is then a free-roaming areas – spend as much as you wish listening to 80s tunes and explore some of the series hangouts. Plus grab that chance to take as many pictures and videos as you’d like.

Arcade at the #StrangerThingsExperience
Picture courtesy of Stranger Things – The Experience

Head to Scoops Ahoy and Surfer Boy Pizza for some snacks, The Upside for yummy themed cocktails, the Arcade for some retro video games and to the video rental shop, Rink-O-Mania or the Hellfire Club areas for exclusive merchandise. I’ll warn you, the merch is great!

There are also many photo opportunities: be part of Joyce’s sitting room (so realistic), phone booths and a close encounter with Vecna to mention a few!

Dani and Dan sit on Joyce's sofa, with the alphabet and lights behind them at the #StrangerThingsExperience
Lights def trying to tell me something…
Dani sits on Joyce's sofa, watching TV at the #StrangerThingsExperience
Just chilling
Dani and Dan stand in front of the Surfer Boy Pizza van at the #StrangerThingsExperience
Surfer Boy Pizza van

Prices for the experience are from £41 for adults and £31 for youths (13+), and will vary according to the time and day of the week. Group bundles are available.

You can also get VIP tickets (from £64/adult) which gets you a lanyard for queue jump, a drink from The Upside and a special gift – we got the cutest Dustin bluetooth mini speaker in a branded tote bag.

Bag, VIP lanyard and the cutest bluetooth speaker, exclusive to the VIP experience

We attended a Saturday, with VIP tickets and the value was £99/adult. General admission was £62. Overall, we thought the extra £27 for VIP was worth it for us as alcoholic drinks are £12.

Overall, I feel the price is fair for what you get.

Stranger Things – The Experience has great review all around, so I am just adding to the lot, and seems to be very popular, as a quick look on their booking calendar will show.

It opened in August and currently, slots are bookable till early December. It is located in NW London (opposite Brent Cross shopping centre) and although I live in East London, it wasn’t hard to get to on public transport. The Jubilee line took me close enough, then a short bus ride got us almost to the door in about an hour.

For all info, visit the Stranger Things – The Experience website where you can read more about it and of course, book tickets to be part of the adventure.

This is a review from an experience that was gifted through PR invitation, with no obligation to post. Opinions are honest and my own – I did have a great time!

Quin-TEA-ssentially British – Afternoon tea at The Guardsman Hotel

Posted in food, Lifestyle by
Press image of the champagne afternoon cake at The Guardsman Hotel, London
A royal spread for tea at The Guardsman Hotel

Ok, not many things are more British than afternoon tea. Little finger sandwiches and cakes, scones and warm, aromatic tea? Count me in.

Recently I was invited to taste the afternoon tea at The Guardsman hotel in London, which is a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace (6 minutes walking, to be precise), so the perfect spot for a tea break from touristing, even for a London resident.

Dani holds a glass of champagne and reads the menu
Sipping champagne and perusing the menu @ The Guardsman Hotel

We started with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne and the beautiful Royal Parks themed afternoon tea that followed really lived up to the pretty pictures – and surpassed my high expectations.

On the menu, the savoury side presented itself as well served finger sandwiches: Burford brown egg mimosa, rocket, mayonnaise and turmeric loaf, Goldstein Scottish salmon with cream cheese and lemon butter (which is so tasty) on sourdough, roast beef with cream of horseradish and watercress on a tomato loaf and truffled chicken mayonnaise on a tin loaf (I asked for seconds of this one, it was scrumptious!)

Charming pastries galore: a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.

The Black Rose, a rich chocolate ganache with black cherry compôte (a la black forest) was the biggest surprise as chocolate deserts are usually not my favourites but the lightness of the delicious ganache with the tartness of the cherry really did it for me.

A two tier cake stand with sandwiches at the bottom and colourful pastries at the top.

The Raspberry Posy, a cream tart with fresh raspberry, pistachio and chantilly was also delightful and not too sweet, how I like my deserts.

Flower Pot is a carrot cake with orange cream top, and carrot cake being my fave, there was no way I wouldn’t love it.

Dani holds a glass of champagne and stares lovingly at a two tier cake stand with sandwiches and pastries.
Enamoured with pastries @ The Guardsman Hotel

Finally, the cutest Toadstool. The delicate strawberry, yoghurt mousse (the red cup) was so tasty and light, although I did find the lemon sponge slightly on the sweet side for my liking – maybe it was the white chocolate casing!

Because we have no chill and were having a great time, we ordered a bottle of Perrier Jouet (£80) which washed the afternoon tea too well.

The service deserves a full article, let me tell you. If you visit the hotel’s site, you’ll notice they go on about the service as a boutique hotel with members’ club feels and it’s not just verbatim: the service was indeed second to none. Very friendly and personal, but extremely professional, attentive and caring.

I feel I must mention the lovely Svetlin who went well above and beyond for our visit and the lovely waitress (I didn’t get her name, bad Dani!) who was just perfect.

In fact, every single member of staff I interacted with on the day were nothing short from perfect. Thank you!

Our tea was served in the main Dining Room but you can also have it on the Drawing Room or the Library, all beautiful, that also makes the experience more accessible. I’d definitely give the Library a go!

The Guardsman has a very discreet exterior. The have over 50 rooms and some residential apartments for rent, with terrace. In Central London, that’s gold dust.

Dani sits on a grey velvet sofa, with scattered cushions, there is a golden globe behind her, a painting on the wall.
Library chic @ The Guardsman Hotel

The restaurant, previously only for guests, is now open to the public on a pre-booked basis (just email: afternoontea@guardsmanhotel.com), for breakfast, all-day dining and of course, delicious afternoon tea.

The Guardsman Hotel is extremely well located

The Guardsman’s Afternoon Tea is priced at £45 pp, inclusive of a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut champagne, served Wednesday to Sunday from midday to 5pm. They also offer gluten free, vegetarian and vegan versions of the tea, which is a great plus.

The Guardsman Hotel is locate at 1 Vandon Street, SW1H 0AH and you can find all info on the afternoon tea, as well as hotel bookings (it’s GORGEOUS!) on their website.

You can also check out my Insta reel or Tik Tok on the experience!

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: I was invited to afternoon tea at The Guardsman, with no obligation to promote. 
Opinions are honest and my own, based on what I experienced on the day.

On sleep and relaxation

Posted in Lifestyle, wellbeing by
Pukka Night Time tea
AD/PR post

I am a hyper person. If you do know me, that is not a revelation. I find quite hard to relax, to stop, to breathe. Anxiety, my old friend, feeds off it, and vice versa.

Sleep however, was never a problem for me. I never needed loads of it, and rarely struggled to sleep.

Recently though, with the new waves of worry brought by COVID-19 and lockdown I found myself struggling to fall asleep, waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to sleep again and/or just having terrible quality, disturbed sleep. And feeling exhausted.

Pukka Night Time Tea

I then reached for a few aids to help me sleep better and Pukka teas, a variety of which are regular in my cupboard, came in very handy.

I had been a fan of Night Time for quite a while so it was no effort to say yes to a couple more boxes sent in. Night Time contains oat flower, licorice root, chamomile flower, lavender flower, lime flower, valerian root, tulsi leaf to help you unwind, settle and enjoy a moment of calm before bed.

Its taste is quite delicate, with the liquorice, a flavour that is definitely not my favourite, being quite subdued. I usually drink it half an hour before bed as part of my settling down routine.

And they have a really nice 7-day Sleep with Ease programme to help us create a sleep space, pattern and routine naturally, with a digital diary to document the journey to better sleep.

Pukka Love tea

The programme touches on usual suspects like avoiding distractions blue light from electronic devices before bed (which was and is my main struggle!), avoid caffeine (THE biggest struggle), meditation and relaxation techniques applied during the day to steps we may take for granted: create a relaxing sleeping environment and surroundings, a sleep schedule and a post sleep routine – especially when we are have our usual work routines disrupted by the pandemic. For me, that was really important.

And of course, introduce relaxing natural ingredients like the ones in Night Time: valerian acts like a natural sedative, with lavender, oat, chamomile and lime flowers acting as soothing, calming and grounding ingredients.

Pukka teas, a relaxing selection

I must admit that after a little while my sleep pattern was almost back to its optimum.

If you want to follow the tips, go to the Pukka website to access all the free Sleep with Ease resources they made available to help you get better sleep.

Pukka teas are widely available at the best supermarkets and retailers, RRP £2.80 for 20 bags of Night Time.

And they have a fantastic selection of high quality organic blends for all tastes and needs – look how pretty and delicious – trust me – they are! A delight!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples as products were sent to me free of charge, with no obligation to post. Opinions are honest and my own.

Living up my princess dreams

Posted in Dresses, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shoes, Style by

Ok. Confession: “princess” my dresses were never really my thing, so I was surprised by how drawn to this beautiful ombré shoulder wing maxi dress I was. 

So I am living up the princess dreams I didn’t even know I had!

From the three I got, this was probably my “least” favourite and as such the one which surprised me the most. 

As soon as I received it, I had to try it on and I knew immediately I’d shoot it because it is magical. 

The blush and navy ombré reminds me of when the fairies in Sleeping Beauty are fighting over the colour of her dress – pink and blue. The glittery tulle with some added sparkly stars really looks like magic was cast over it.

The dress flows and shines beautifully. The apt princess neckline together with the drop sleeves just make it even more wonderful.

Goddiva dresses sizes start at an 8 and it’s a tad big for me on the chest and waist – nothing a belt and a strapless bra didn’t solve!

I also accessorised with my beloved Christian Louboutin pailette caresse all turned to silver. Id probably throw in a lips clutch in silver mirror to wear for an occasion. 

I decided to shoot it at the stunning St Dunstan on the east former church with was bombed in the II world war abs is now a beautiful garden open to the public. 

I highly recommend you pay a visit if in London, it’s a haven of tranquility and peace, on top of its beauty and history. 

I am usually a fan of sequin dresses, a bit more skin tight, but this dreamy dress has definitely got my heart!

Only regret? I should’ve worn a tiara.

Goddiva has a great selection and I hear their new season dresses section is growing considerably for the party months, even if it is to party from your sitting room.

written by Dani

This post contains PR products and was created in collaboration with Goddiva with no obligation to post. Words are all my own, opinions and images too!

The joys of brunching

Posted in food, Lifestyle by

One the joys that (kinda) remained during the pandemic is brunch. I am a massive fan of brunch, but to be honest, it is not the hype around brunch itself.

For me, what is better than having a lazy, late delicious breakfast/lunch with friends, to chat away your week and indulge in (always) bottomless day drinking?

One of my favourite spots is Sea Containers. Around London’s South Bank, in this lovely restaurant on the bottom floor of the equally lovely namesake hotel, you’ll find great food and fab service.

Favourite order: the mac and cheese. Trust me. around £40pp will get you well fed and on the bottomless prosecco for 1.5h.

Pre COVID-19, I spent a whole day in there: went for brunch, then to the cinema and finally closed the day at the cocktail bar. How not to love the place?

Don’t think it is technically a brunch, but as the name does not matter, for me it falls within the category: the feast at The Ned.

What a glorious place The Ned is, and the feast follows it through. No longer a buffet due to the pandemic, rest assured you still get plenty of food and the same variety, all conveniently brought to your table.

The live music adds to the ambience and the indulgent choice to add bottomless champagne for 2 hours to your bottomless eating is dear, but worth it at £130pp.

There are many other places I like to go for “brunch”, impossible to list all.

I love the D&D restaurants for example, Skylon providing a great brunch also on South Bank with music and a lovely Thames view.

  • Eggs benedict at Skylon

Another one worth keeping on the radar, as I’m REALLY hoping they will re-open post-lockdown – they haven’t yet, although I noticed bookings are open for November so fingers crossed – as their brunch is probably the best value for money EVER is Nobu in Shoreditch.

As much as you can eat sushi, a main course and a buffet of desserts, with the Nobu quality and expertise, plus bottomless drinks option is dreamy. My bum will be on a chair as soon as they open their doors.

Admittedly, now London is in Tier 2 brunch indoors will only take place with my boyfriend, but alas, I cannot wait to get back to it with the ladies!

I am always looking for new places and always have a few on my hit list, waiting to be tried. What is your favourite brunch spot?

written by Dani

We were on a break!!!

Posted in Lifestyle, wellbeing by

Yes, I’ve been having a break. In fact, a series of breaks from the blog; it does seem to come in waves. Does this post mean it is over? I am hoping it is the beginning of the end. Again.

Might be a funny headline but the actual matter is not so much. Even though it is not the first time I talk about it, it is the first I offer an explanation for having irregular hiatuses from something I love so much: my blog.

Sadly, when things get tougher, and days a bit darker, SMLT is the first thing that will suffer. It feels the only expendable activity to help create some head space. Hell, most of the time I cannot even find it, and that “space” is taken by the sheer apathy and deep exhaustion that comes with my anxiety disorder.

Usually at those time, my writing mojo also vanishes. And cue to the “impossible task”. Or taskSSSSSS.

I have been diagnosed with chronic general anxiety disorder (with some added bonus ones, such as health anxiety) and obsessive compulsive disorder (which seems to reach its peak form when anxiety is high).

It has been my dark companion for many years and earlier this year I got a memory of Facebook that really triggered more memories of the darkest of times. It was March 2014, and I remember being at my most despairing state, but still trying to smile and do things. But it was so empty – I was withdrawn, avoided going out, socialising and (believe it or not), was NOT drinking.

Therapy helped a lot, but the work outside (or inside yourself), relentless as it may be, is what will really build you. Aerial hoop, I joke in a serious way, saved my life.

The continuous support an understanding of those around me carried me through. And still do to this day.

And shift in attitude is what keeps me there.

I often tell my nearest and dearest I live a day at a time when it comes to my mental health. Current status: mostly well.

Good days largely outweigh the bad ones, and the bad ones are safely put away as being “over”, with an opportunity of a great day coming tomorrow. If another bad day comes, we deal with it. A day at a time, as they come.

Most triggers I can avoid and work through. Some I can identify but they will throw me off me anyway, and it takes me some energy to shake them off.

Rare are the others that are just so deep rooted that will consume me and all I feel is symptoms: that knot in my throat, the sick pit in my stomach, the tight pain in my chest, the dry mouth, the slight dizziness, that racing heart, the staring at the wall for hours, the procrastination, the escalating thoughts, the relentless checking, the irritability, the anger, the guilt, the frustration at the tiniest of things. Breathe.

Sometimes culminating in the dreaded, hopeless panic attacks of blinding tears and breathlessness. And the weeks it takes my body to recover: the IBS flares it brings, the lower back pain, the nausea, the sheer exhaustion.

So that’s what pulls me out and makes me go on a break. I write when I feel joy, and sometimes I struggle to find joy. The pandemic has refocused quite a few things for me, and I am trying to redirect some of my joy in these weird times. It is tough.

I am fortunate to have been in a good position throughout all this: healthy, in a job I can do from home, with a supportive manager and a fair employer, amazing friends that even at a distance were there. A boyfriend who REALLY helped me keep it together, a home I love and makes me happy, a hobby that looks after my body and soul. I count all those blessings and am forever grateful.

So, I might just be back.

written by Dani

(Back)Pack it up!

Posted in Accessories, Lifestyle by

Confession time: for a long time I resisted getting back pack. However in recent year the designs have evolved and you are not stuck with the “back to school”, “sporty” models. My Gaston Luga Clässy is the perfect example. And damn, they are handy!

Of course I am stuck inside but I can see how useful my Clässy will be: the sleeve in the back is a great size for my laptops (13′) and I am left with plenty of space for my other necessities: phone, purse, keys, headset, pen and notebook for work, a power bank and cables, some makeup and maybe a small makeup bag , comfortably. I am sold.

Also means weight is evenly distributed across my back, so healthier than lugging multiple shoulder bags around.

The straps are made of PU leather and adjustable to a good range and feel comfortable on the shoulders.

The body is made of durable canvas and it has a lovely branded lining, with a padded laptop sleeve (for 11′ – 13′ laptops) and a couple inner pockets (compact, perfect for phone, keys, lipstick) and their signature back pocket, big enough to fit a passport, a phone in a safe, but accessible place.

It has a PU leather tie through eyelets to close and a flap with a magnetic clasp to keep belongings secure! All hardware is golden.

I really like the details on this – the back pocket being the star, but then the little hook, the finishing is impeccable, and padding is really soft… even though the canvas is a tough material, the attention to details makes this a somewhat delicate backpack.

Gaston Luga is a Swedish company and they have a great range of accessories – all falling within the “fashion with function” category: clean lines, modern designs but with plenty of space (mine is 13l) and useful features. Gaston Luga is a carbon neutral company and use cotton canvas and vegan leather (which feels amazing, btw) on their bags and accessories (purses, travel bags, luggage tags, passport holders).

The lovely Clässy comes in three colours (mine, black, plus pink and black and navy and brown) and costs £89 with free delivery and returns – I was VERY impressed on how fast it arrived, even during the health crisis, lovingly packaged and in a dustbag.

You can explore the Gaston Luga collection on their site – use my discount code DANIDUTRA15 for a 15% off your purchase!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains a PR samples as Gaston Luga kindly GIFTED me the Clässy backpack. Opinions are honest and my own.

Also, the pictures were taken IN MY BUILDING. I did not go outside, and the area they were taken at was EMPTY.

Clinging on to sanity

Posted in Lifestyle, wellbeing by

Weird, weird times. Before I start, I’d like to state how lucky I am in the current situation: I am healthy, employed (by a very decent employer), I can safely do my job from my house, I have a lovely home, some private outdoor space, wonderful boyfriend who temporarily moved into my house (and is still alive!).

That cleared, I must address the elephant in the room: how to cope with my crippling anxiety and OCD at this time of pandemic. Admittedly, it could’ve been or become much worse if not for the combination of blessings above. But it does not mean I am free from it.

We worry about the future, our loved ones. We long for the life we used to live. We miss close contact with family, friends, the places we used to go. The ones we were meant to go, the things we should be seeing and doing. How we took it all for granted.

We feel guilty we could/should be more productive. Maybe it is the time to be productive, or maybe we should just do whatever we can to cope and come out of this in one piece.

We worry about our image, our fitness, our habits. We keep being too hard on ourselves. What life will be like once this is over. Will this be over?

So what am I doing to (try to) cope?

For a lot of the time, I’m only just (and only just) holding it together. Anxiety and panic attacks sometimes take all of my energy and I can only crash after. I cry. Stress has re-triggered IBS my old friend and my already unhappy hormones are all over the place. My body, as well as my mind, as screaming for help.

When not doing that, I’m laughing. An awful lot. Sometimes until I snort. Trying to keep being myself – for bad or for worse. And the below.

Focus on what I love: I got myself a pull up bar and aerial hoop. Being an anxious scaredy cat means I am being extra safe when exercising indoors and outdoors.

Try to get out of the house: when your main anxiety is healthy anxiety, crossing the threshold in times of COVID-19 is torture. I can only manage a few times a week and the shops are a challenge. I haven’t been to one in four weeks, and lucky Dan has been doing that, but I try to do the most out of the time I am out.

Help someone: Anyone who needs. It’s good for them, but better for your heart. I got in touch with elderly neighbours and have regularly been delivering their little shopping list. Look for someone local. Among all the ugly, there is something wonderful happening in communities around you. Be part of it, a small of big, it counts.

Face masks: Yes. I’ve been abusing the wonderful selection of sheet and cream face masks in my beauty archives. Damn it feels good. But that applies to any pamper: a bath, a body scrub, foot massage

Read: I haven’t been to good at that lately but have just started again.

Establish a routine: I am fortunate to be working full-time and I used to work from home 2/3 times a week before the lockdown, so it’s the same but more rubbish, really.

I have my little desk and stick to working there. I wake up, brush my teeth and haitr, get changed (not full outside world outfit, but not PJs). I workout outdoors three times a week, early in the morning and away from people. I plan my meals, the limited food runs.

I make things: lockdown has produced one peacock hat, three disco balls purchased for sitting room decor (currently living on armchair), plans for a splashback in the kitchen are hatching.

Bring “normality” inside: we party. A fair bit. So we have been having DJing/dancing sessions on Saturdays. Dress up. Lights, smoke machine, drinks.

Live on insta, shared wit friends on Zoom/WhatsApp, etc. Keeps us close, helps build up the step count!

I went “out” for brunch. On the balcony. With prosecco.

Treat myself: not like crazy but liberally. Be it with food, buying something nice I’m lucky enough to be able to afford. To do something trivial but be a little bit extra.

I’m not counting my macros, but I’m not going too overboard. Trying to get a happy balance.

Support those who are less fortunate: friends or businesses might’ve lost their income. Support any way you can, if you can.

What I haven’t been round to do but want to:

Tidy up: don’t I always want to, but never, sort out clothes and create space? Although boy is a bit of an organiser and has already sorted a few kitchen cupboards. Here’s hoping he makes it to wardrobes.

Set a fitness goals: due to my injury I lost pretty much all of my flex. Would be nice to start getting back to it.

Meditate/find more headspace: a life long struggle for me, no blame on the old COVID-19.

Don’t be too hard on myself: kindness should be all round – to others and yourself. The latter a huge struggle of mine that has improved a lot, but still a lot of work to to. Sometimes, “enough” is just enough.

There is a lot out of our control. I am worried sick about my family who had to close their business. But there is nothing I can do, and they are ok for now.

I keep living my best “one day at a time” philosophy. It has never been more relevant.

But ultimately, STAY THE FUCK HOME. Don’t meet with people outside your household. Don’t take the piss with the tiny allowance of outside time we have. WASH YOUR HANDS. Be kind – to yourself, to others.

The more you stick to the guidelines, the quicker this will be over. And be safe!

written by Dani