What is the first thing you'll get up to once lockdown is over?
Going straight to the gym, lol!! I miss dancing so much! It's really hard to get the most out of dance when you don’t have a large studio to move in, so when lockdown is over you will find me dancing in one of the gym studios.
Which restaurant do you miss the most?
So, I miss A LOT OF THEM!! tashas, Big Mouth, Bellinis, Café 28, but defos miss my favourite, Bellagios, the most! Nothing beats a good pasta from Bellagios!
What's your favourite home-cooked meal you've made during lockdown?
Simple pesto pasta – my all time favourite! I make pesto from scratch using fresh mint, parsley, olive oil, pumpkin seeds and a hint of chilli.
I’ve also made some kickass tacos using beyond Meat - delish! Add some guacamole, salsa, chopped tomato, cucumber, if you enjoy dairy - some creme fraiche, and a splash of lime... best ever!!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlN87QZlwcf/
What are you watching on Netflix?
Currently watching Ozark – it's really gripping!! And if you haven’t yet, I also highly recommend Stranger Things!
Have you picked up a hobby or perfected a skill?
I would say I’ve picked up a few hobbies. I have always been a decent cook, but with work and life being so busy, I’ve become a bit lazy in the kitchen over the years. So because there are now no restaurants to supplement my laziness, I have been forced into getting my creativity flowing again, and have as a result been whipping up some pretty yummy dishes. I’ve also become really attached to podcasts…love Tony Robbins, Super Soul by Oprah Winfrey and Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher, these are all very inspiring – so listening to podcasts while whipping up something yum in the kitchen = great way to keep sane!
What are the three staples in your kitchen right now?
Toilet Paper – nah just kidding! For reals, my top three staples have been:
Lentils – omg so many lentils, haha! Lentils haven super scarce during lockdown, and because I am plant-based, lentils are a big component of my daily diet, so whenever I come across them, I buy them! Within reason though, because I do not support stock piling!! No No No!
Brown rice – goes with everything, high in fibre, versatile and super satisfying.
Lime – I've been having a new love affair with limes – I love the freshness and gentle zest that they add to pretty much any dish!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvrwva3JXjM/
Coffee or tea?
Always tea...with almond milk!
Who are you in lockdown with?
My boyfriend, Nick...lucky him *wink wink* and my little fluff ball pooch, Cielo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B60qlkIl2nz/
What are you currently most grateful for?
I am so grateful for the essentials – this lockdown has brought much perspective to all of us I think – so I am most grateful for having my basic needs met, because I know so many out there are struggling. Now more than ever, I am also extremely grateful for my loved ones, because they give me the strength to persist through difficult times, and in turn motivate me to become a source of positivity. It is vital that we become beacons of light for one another, so that when one of us is having a dark day, the other is able to shine bright and re-energise those who need it.
How do you keep yourself going and motivated during this time?
For me, keeping a sound routine is so important to maintain motivation (and sanity). I am lucky enough to be involved in the essential service space so work is pretty much business as usual for me, and this helps to provide me with sufficient routine and motivation. I also make sure to wake up at the same time as I would out of lockdown, I maintain healthy eating habits, and I keep up my exercise regime by training every day after work. I also spend between 5-10 mins in prayer and meditation each day to keep my mind positive, and to ensure that I am in turn a source of positivity for those around me. I truly believe in the power of our thoughts and our consciousness - our external world reflects our state of mind - now more than ever is a time for us to all be fine-tuning our thought processes into channelling health, restoration, positivity and healing into the world.
