Getting back to ‘normal’ or our ‘new normal’ can be exciting but also a little overwhelming. We spoke to some of our blogger friends to find out how they have dealt with life after lockdown and what they’ve learnt from their time indoors.
Living on a farm it has pretty much been business as usual here – with the usual hustle and bustle of daily activity carrying on. However, not being able to see my family was hard! I had never been so long without seeing them and it certainly made me realise how precious time is with those you love! I also made me appreciate our health and how lucky we are to be well. Life isn’t to be taken for granted!
I really didn’t realise how much I enjoyed the freedom to go out to eat and travel until lockdown! As soon as we were able, I booked a trip to the coast and we had our first drink in a pub whilst there – I had really missed the smell of a pub! Living in the Cotswolds it’s been great seeing businesses reopen and holidaymakers being able to enjoy our beautiful surroundings too!
During lockdown, I actually dressed up more! I explored my own personal style and started to wear more of what I love! My main goal when choosing clothes for the day is comfort and style – the spot print midi dress and floral print mini dress have quickly become firm favourites for this very reason! I also love to incorporate colour and floral prints as they make me feel happy – the faith floral print satin dress is exactly that! I have also become more eco-conscious when choosing my clothing and I have been so pleased to see Monsoon using organic cotton and sustainable viscose in lots of their clothing!
I worked throughout lockdown, the company I work for is classed as a key worker within the manufacturing business, so my experience is slightly different. I have to admit that at first, it was really difficult having to go into the office, I felt nervous and unsure. The weekends were wonderful, I loved being at home, not having to go anywhere and being with my family. It was just a wonderful experience of us hanging out together and enjoying each other’s company and appreciating the small things and discovering a love of gardening. I have big plans for next year now!
I do love a good a mooch around town to be able to do that again is great, but the joy of gardening still has me hooked.
My wardrobe is my obsession! I love creating new styles and dressing for the day (I’m not one for staying in PJs all day). Monsoon has had so many gorgeous clothes this season, a few of my favourites have been the Paris Dress, this is such a beautiful piece to own, come the autumnal months I’ll be pairing with a cardi and either biker boots or heeled ones.
Another firm favourite is the Spot Print Blouse (this also comes in a dress version) it is so stylish, so simple and such a classic. I love wearing this with neutral trousers and either flats or heels, and it has been worn on repeat.
Lockdown started with my husband and I working from home. We also had a three your old to entertain and an eight-year-old to home school at the same time. There were good and bad days as you can imagine but we survived! It was a big juggle at times, but we didn’t miss an assignment and it kept Edie busy which was a great help.
During my time at home, I managed to complete several additional marketing training courses and achieved a certification too. I’ve certainly learnt to enjoy the simple things in life, you don’t need to go out all the time. It’s about finding ways to have fun at home together, from playing cops and robbers to making an assault course in the garden, we had so much fun. I certainly appreciate my home much more too; we had our garden totally relandscaped before lockdown. It made such a difference, I then finally managed to take up gardening! We now have some gorgeous flowers and a wisteria growing up the pergola, I’m feeling very proud.
We went on a fantastic summer break to our family holiday home in Bournemouth for a couple of weeks. It was so good to have a change of scenery and the children both loved some time on the beach too. We crammed in as many activities as possible, crabbing, boat trips and even a visit to Legoland in Windsor! And the best part, it was hot and sunny!
Since being back home, we’ve had a few garden picnics with friends and family which has been lovely. However, the weather has turned now, and it suddenly feels like Autumn. So, lots of time spent indoors recently, mostly watching series on Netflix and writing new blog content for my website.
I’ve always loved dresses! I know some people’s wardrobes really changed due to lockdown but because the weather was so gorgeous, I still wore all of my key summer pieces even if no one else got to see them! So, I wouldn’t say my wardrobe changed so much, I embraced life and still dressed up most days. I have been wearing some gorgeous Monsoon dresses, I find them so easy to throw on and style differently. These will also see me through to Autumn, with a jacket and trainers they are perfect transitional pieces.
Here are just a few of my favourite pieces …
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/daisy-print-midi-dress-in-lenzing-ecovero-red-84949409.htmlhttps://www.monsoon.co.uk/rhiannon-floral-hanky-hem-dress-in-lenzing-ecovero-blue-84896502.html https://www.monsoon.co.uk/spot-print-midi-dress-in-sustainable-viscose-black-84959701.html
We have really cherished the time spent with our 3 boys, we’ve spent lots of time outdoors, in the garden but also in the local woods and parks, building dens and going on long walks in the beautiful countryside near where we live.
We’ve ventured further afield now we have been allowed to and have recently enjoyed a break to North Wales where my in-laws have a place. This has been a great break away from home after almost 6 months in lockdown!
We’ve also eaten out locally as a family supporting small businesses where we can. I’ve not yet ventured to the high street; I’ve preferred to shop online where I can.
Wardrobe wise mine has stayed relatively the same. My go-to style is a midi dress, usually in a print with flats for a relaxed comfortable vibe.
My favourite Monsoon pieces have been the Pearl & Romana dresses, both of which can be styled up or down. Perfect for a busy mother of 3 like myself!
