5 Things I'm Looking Forward To Doing When Covid-19 Is Over

Since lockdown began in the UK I've actually somehow managed to remain pretty positive. I've no idea how because I'm usually a bit of a pessimist but I've just been trying to get through it the best way I can and that for me has been looking forward and planning for the future. I've accepted that this is life for the time being so I've been trying to find things each week to enjoy, like a movie night at the weekend with homemade cookie dough, or a long walk in the woods with Bear during the week, or starting a new book. Little things have kept me going but there are so many things I'm looking forward to doing once we're allowed out again. I've seen quite a few bloggers share similar posts and I think a lot of us are trying to remain optimistic so I really wanted to write something myself. Here are the 5 main things I'm looking forward to doing when Covid-19 is over.

Heading To The Beach

A few weeks before we started social distancing and life was normal we had a lovely trip to the seaside and I just can't wait for the day we can do that again. Last year we had a weekend in Whitby, Scarborough and Bridlington - Bear's first holiday and we all absolutely loved it so we'd just been waiting for the weather to be nice enough for us to head to the beach again for the day. We went to Bridlington and as expected, Bear had the time of his life! We met so many other dogs and he was just living his best life running up and down the beach, splashing in the sea and trying to steal our chips. It was one of those days I know I'll remember and I won't ever take days like that for granted again. I think a trip to the seaside will be one of the first things we do.

Booking Our Trip To Amsterdam

I can't wait to get a holiday booked. I know everything with travel is up in the air at the moment, no pun intended, so whether we'll actually get to go anywhere abroad this year is uncertain but once it's safe to do so and travel is allowed again, we are 100% booking a city break to Amsterdam. One of the hardest things I've struggled with due to Covid-19 is that obviously all of our plans have been put on hold and for someone with anxiety who sort of relies on things to look forward to, it's been hard to take not knowing when they'll happen now. We had quite a few travel plans for 2020 and whilst I know we'll re-arrange them, it's hard having weeks go by knowing we should be somewhere else. We had planned months ago to go to Amsterdam for our anniversary in July, we'd got pretty much everything sorted and then it all stopped so I'm just waiting for the day we can book it for another time.

Being Able To Enjoy Food Shopping Again

God I can't wait to be able to do a normal food shop again! As much as I want to go on holiday and go to the theatre, I also just want life to feel normal again. I'm aware it might be a while even once we're out of lockdown for things to be as they were before but I can't wait for the day I can just walk into a supermarket again and it be an enjoyable experience. I'm someone who genuinely loves food shopping and going to the supermarket was like a bit of peace for me every so often and obviously now it's all very serious and it's not a case of just walking in and having a browse anymore. I'm looking forward to simple things like this just as much as the bigger things like travelling.

Seeing Musicals On The West End Again

I actually feel emotional even thinking about the time I'll get to go the theatre again so I'm fully prepared to be a crying mess when it actually happens. It's no secret if you've been reading my blog over the last few years that musical theatre has become a massive part of my life and it's now one of my biggest passions. I've spoken about every show I've seen so far from the very first which was Wicked to the latest which was Les Miserables and everything in between. Of course I was pretty devastated when all the theatres had to shut when we went into lockdown but it was inevitable and currently there's no date for when they are due to re-open. It's an ever changing situation so whilst I do think they'll re-open by the end of the year as life will have to go on at some point, it's scary knowing it could go on for far longer and this unfortunately will have had damaging effects on certain shows and theatres, some even having announced already they won't be able to recover from this.

For me there's just nothing like the theatre. That buzz when you walk in and take your seat, when the lights dim, when the orchestra starts, when the cast enter the stage, it just gives me chills. Musicals have been there for me when anxiety has been at all time high or when I've felt the lowest of the low, it's just been huge comfort for such a long time so I just can't wait for the day me and all other theatre fans can be back at the West End. George and I were supposed to see Dear Evan Hansen and & Juliet in April so it's safe to say this whole situation has hit me hardest over the last week or so but I know we'll get to see them one day and I'll be back at the theatre as soon as they're open again. I think the atmosphere will be like nothing it's ever been before, it's going to be incredible.

Booking A Festive Trip To Krakow

Aswell as Amsterdam, we were also planning a festive trip to Krakow this year. Krakow is somewhere I've wanted to go for years and years, especially at Christmas time, so 2020 was finally going to be the year. Who knows, it might still be? I'm trying to remain positive that we might still have some of the year to enjoy things like this and if it's possible, we'll be going. I'm desperate to go on the Auschwitz tour which I've mentioned many times before on my blog and I just want to walk around the Christmas markets, eat nice food and get into the festive spirit. I'd go to Krakow at any time of the year but I just think it's one of those cities that would be magical at Christmas.

So that's 5 things I'm looking forward to doing when Covid-19 is over or under control I suppose is the better phrase. Whilst I do love being at home usually and I've never been someone to be out and about all the time or travelling everywhere, I just can't wait for their to be options again! Over the last week I've really felt this impacting my mental health and I imagine they'll be loads of other people feeling the same so if you are, you're absolutely not alone. Things might be tough now but it won't be forever, there will be an end to this and how good is that day going to feel when it comes?

How are you coping with lockdown? What are you looking forward to being able to do in the future?

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A Book Haul To See Me Through Lockdown

I don't know about anybody else but I'm definitely finding I'm reading loads more whilst in lockdown. It's such a strange situation having no choice but to stay at home so apart from the odd walk with Bear, I've really needed to try and fill my time to try and keep some sort of sanity. As you might be able to tell by the amount of recipes I've been sharing, I've been cooking loads and spending time trying out new bakes but I've also been stuck with my head in a book at various points each day meaning I've been getting through a lot! I luckily have quite a few that I've been kindly sent via NetGalley for me to read, I have one or two that were birthday gifts and I recently stocked up on a few others that I'd been after for a while so there's plenty to keep me going for the next few weeks and however much longer lockdown goes on for so I thought I'd share a little haul as it's been a while since the last one.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

'Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins. Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't.'

Okay, first up is Normal People and I have to admit I have already read this since I started writing this post. I just couldn't resist! I'm planning on sharing a review of this within the next few weeks as I have so much I want to say about it. I just had a feeling it was going to be my sort of book and then when I saw the trailer for the TV adaptation which started on BBC iPlayer on Sunday, I just couldn't wait any longer to get stuck in. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this if you've read it too!

Lost by Leona Deakin*

'How can you solve a crime if you can't remember the clues? There is an explosion at a military ball. The casualties are rushed to hospital in eight ambulances, but only seven vehicles arrive. Captain Harry Peterson is missing. His girlfriend calls upon her old friend Dr Augusta Bloom, who rushes to support the investigation. But no one can work out what connects the bomb and the disappearance. When Harry is eventually discovered three days later, they hope he holds the answers to their questions. But he can't remember a single thing.'

I read and reviewed Leona Deakin's debut Novel, Gone last year and I remember so clearly being hooked by it, from the very beginning. It's a book that stands out for me from 2019 so I was thrilled to receive a copy of her latest book in the series. It's something completely different to everything else in this post as it goes down the crime route so I just can't wait to get started on it.

Half A World Away by Mike Gayle

'Strangers living worlds apart. Strangers with nothing in common. But it wasn't always that way... Kerry Hayes is a single mum, living on a tough south London estate. She provides for her son by cleaning houses she could never afford. Taken into care as a child, Kerry cannot forget her past. Noah Martineau is a successful barrister with a beautiful wife, daughter and home in fashionable Primrose Hill. Adopted as a young child, Noah never looks back. When Kerry contacts Noah, the sibling she lost on the day they were torn apart as children, she sets in motion a chain of events that will change both of their lives forever.'

I actually hadn't heard of this book until I was browsing WHSmith and saw it was on offer for just over £3. I've found books have really increased in price on Amazon and Ebay over the last few weeks so I was really surprised by how decent everything was priced at WHSmith as I don't usually shop there. There was just something about this that sucked me in and I just have a feeling I'm going to love it. Once I read the synopsis I had to get it, you know when you just get a feeling like 'this is a book I need to read'? Since buying it I've seen a few people mention how emotional it is so I'm fully prepared to have a big cry whilst reading this.

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

'In a remote hunting lodge, deep in the Scottish wilderness, old friends gather for New Year. The beautiful one. The golden couple. The volatile one. The new parents. The quiet one. The city boy. The outsider. The victim. Not an accident - a murder among friends.'

I've been meaning to read this for absolutely ages! It's a book I've only heard good things about so I'm really excited to get started on it. There seems to have been quite a few books with a similar theme of a group of friends staying together in Scotland and there been some sort of murder or incident while they are there which is a bit strange but I'm sure each is different in their own way. I'm always after more thrillers so this has been a welcome addition to my bookshelf. I'm surprised I've been able to hold off reading it for so long already actually.

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

'We can't choose the strangers we meet. Usually we can avoid the people who make us nervous, make us afraid. Until we find ourselves in a situation we can't escape. Trapped. As the guests arrive at beautiful, remote Mitchell's Inn, they're all looking forward to a relaxing weekend deep in the forest, miles from anywhere. They watch their fellow guests with interest, from a polite distance. With a violent storm raging, the group finds itself completely cut off from the outside world. Nobody can get in - or out. And then the first body is found... and the horrifying truth comes to light. There's a killer among them - and nowhere to run.'

I've read one book by Shari Lapena and that was The Couple Next Door which I really enjoyed so when I spotted this for just over £2, I grabbed it. It's a book I've seen various times and thought about getting it so it seemed like the perfect time. I'm such a big fan of thrillers so I'm really intrigued to see where this is going to go.

The Chocolate Lovers' Diet by Carole Matthews

'Survival tips for times of stress: 1. Take deep breaths 2. Count to ten 3. Eat chocolate. Lucy thought she had got her happily ever after with the gorgeous Aidan but things aren't turning out the way she had hoped they would. But she's not the only one with problems - Autumn's new boyfriend has yet to meet her parents, Nadia's husband has sworn he's given up gambling but she's finding that hard to believe, and Chantal is doing all she can to save her marriage. It's clear that these girls are going to need a lot of chocolate.'

I've really enjoyed reading books by Carole Matthews over the last few months. She's one of those authors who very rarely lets me down and in all of the books I've read from her, I think there has only been one that slightly disappointed me. I love a bit of romance and all of Carole's books seem to centre around that in some way so I'm slowly trying to work my way through all of them. I recently read The Chocolate Lovers' Club and I really enjoyed that so when I spotted there was a follow up, I grabbed it. There are actually two more books in the series aswell so I'll be getting those once I've finished this too.

So that's a few books I have waiting to be read over the next few weeks and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into them. I also have Little Whispers by K.L. Slater* and The Waffle House On The Pier by Tilly Tennant* waiting on Netgalley too so it's safe to say I have many books to keep me occupied.

I'd love to know if you've read any of the books I've mentioned? What have you been reading lately?

*Books marked * were sent for review

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Sticky Lemon & Blueberry Loaf Cake Recipe

Okay when I shared photos of this sticky lemon and blueberry cake on my Twitter yesterday, my phone went mad! SO many people asking for the recipe, more than I've ever had before so I wanted to get it written up as quickly as possible. I'm sharing a LOT of recipes on my blog at the moment but I'm loving it. I'm cooking and baking more than usual (there's not much else to do is there?) and I'm just using this time to try and improve where I can whilst also trying out new things too. If you've seen any of my baking recipes in the past, I'm sure you'll know I'm usually about anything chocolatey but one of my fave flavour combinations is lemon and blueberry so over the weekend I finally gave something a try with the ingredients myself. After seeing many variations of lemon and blueberry cakes, cupcakes and traybakes on Pinterest, I decided on a loaf cake, something I don't make very often and I just hope you enjoy if you decide to give it a go too. I was so, so happy with how it turned out.

Ingredients:
170g butter
130g caster sugar
3 eggs
115g natural or greek yoghurt
200g self-raising flour
Zest & juice of 1 lemon
4 tbsp of lemon curd
Small punnet of blueberries (around 125g)
Icing sugar

Method:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 160 degrees/140 fan and grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper
2. Roll your blueberries lightly in flour (this stops them from sinking in the cake) and set aside
3. Cream together your butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric whisk if possible, until smooth
4. Whisk in your eggs one at a time
5. Add in your yoghurt and mix with a spoon
6. Fold through your self-raising flour gently
7. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon and mix until everything is combined
8. Pour half of the cake batter into your loaf tin then spoon over 2 tbsp of lemon curd and swirl it around with a sharp knife or skewer. Scatter half of the blueberries on top
9. Add your remaining cake batter on top then repeat the process with the remaining 2 tbsp of lemon curd and the rest of the blueberries
10. Bake in the oven for at least 1hr 10 minutes. It will take between 1hr 10 and 1hr 30. I found mine took 1hr 30 and I think this is because I used a really large lemon and got out as much of the juice as I could making it a bit of a looser mixture. Just keep checking with a skewer after 1hr 10. If it comes out clean then the cake is done
11. Cool the cake in the tin for a least 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
12. When cool, drizzle with yoghurt or icing sugar (just made with a little bit of water) then enjoy!

This was just amazing in so many ways. It's such a soft sponge but the top goes a little bit crisp and the icing sugar on top just makes it. It reminds me a lot of a blueberry muffin just with added lemon which is always a winner in a bake I find. The pools of lemon curd throughout aswell are just heavenly.

I never expected this to get the response it did so I hope if you like the look of it that you give it a go. It takes a bit of time but it's so worth it and it's one of those cakes that actually gets better over time, if you somehow manage to not eat it all in one day!

Have you done much baking recently?

Recipes - School Sponge Cake // Bourbon Brick Brownies // Milkybar Cookie Slices 

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Easy Garlic & Herb Flatbreads Recipe

We're entering our fourth week of lockdown now in the UK so whilst it was all a bit crazy at the beginning, I'm weirdly getting used to this new normal. I mean, I can't wait for the day I can leave my home for something other than a walk with Bear but this is life now for at least a few more weeks so I'm just trying to find the positives where I can. I think we can all agree that the panic buying that went on when lockdown was first a rumour was a little bit ridiculous and even now some supermarkets still seem to be trying to get back on top. It meant so many things were out of stocks for weeks - I've only just been able to get pasta again and I really had to try and make the most out of the things we had in. Having more time at home aswell has meant I've been spending many days cooking and baking, more than ever before and one thing I've been loving making is flatbreads!

For some reason everyone turned into Paul Hollywood when the panic buying started and I'm still yet to find bread flour on the shelves. Of course with a cupboard full of baking ingredients, the one thing I never have is bread flour and the time I want it, there's absolutely none around. So that's where these easy garlic and herb flatbreads came into my life. I love a flatbread but I've always assumed they'd be difficult to make or require loads of ingredients. Well that's far from the case. I've tried a few different variations now but the recipe I'm about to share is adapted from one I saw on Amy Sheppard's Instagram and doesn't require bread flour! Every single thing she shares looks insanely delicious so make sure you head over to her page if you need some meal inspiration. Now here's how to make tasty garlic and herb flatbreads which can be used as a side for an array of meals.

Ingredients:

200g plain flour

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

A sprinkle of pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

130ml milk

50g butter

2 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped

1 tsp Mixed herbs

Method:

1. First of all place 50g of butter in a small saucepan with your two crushed garlic gloves and a teaspoon of mixed herbs. Heat gently until the butter melts. Set aside

2. For your flatbreads, mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, a sprinkle of pepper, olive oil and milk in a bowl until it's combined and formed a dough

3. Gently knead your dough on a floured surface for 1 minute then divide into 6 equal sized pieces

4. Form each piece of dough into a ball then roll out on the floured surface until they are roughly the same size as a side plate

5. Heat a frying pan or griddle pan without any oil until hot. Use a pastry brush to brush both sides of the rolled out dough with the butter mix and then fry for around 2 minutes on each side (I found it easier to brush one side, put that side down on the hot pan and then brush the other side before flipping)

6. Once cooked and out of the pan, brush again with the butter mix on one side and enjoy!

The great thing about these flatbreads is they go with so many meals and can be used in a variety of ways. They could replace naan bread with a curry or something like Diet Coke chicken which is the meal above. You could have them instead of garlic bread with meals like spaghetti and pasta bake or you could even use them for breakfast and create your own fakeaway style McDonald's cheesy bacon flatbread. You also don't have to add the garlic to your butter if you'd prefer them a bit plainer too. 

These are brilliant if you run out of bread or just want something different with a meal one night and they really don't take much time at all. This recipe makes 6 flatbreads so I usually make 4 at the time and leave the remaining dough covered in the fridge for the next day.

 I hope this has been useful if you're wanting to bake something new that you haven't tried before or if you've been looking for ways to replace items that aren't always as readily available in the shops anymore. Trust me, they are absolutely delicious.

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