Bridal Editor’s new WFH Diaries is inspired – of course, by the current lockdown – as I wanted to created some kind of feature that would support bridal designers, businesses and brands (big and small), as well as lockdown brides and those who have had to postpone their weddings, during this strange, rather unnerving time. Not only this, but I’ve found personal comfort in reading articles and features about how others are coping with quarantine (as I sip my second G&T on a mound of Amazon parcels) and what their go-to pick-me-ups are to lift their spirits when they’re feeling low or uninspired.
I thought I’d kick things off by answering my own Q&A, to get things started…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before – “Anxious. Worried. Stressed.”
After – “Still anxious. Slower. Creative.”
#2 WFH Diaries: what time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“In terms of daily routine, for me this has been completely turned on its head…and, lets be honest, is pretty much non-existent. I’ve been furloughed from my main job (Web and Social Media Editor at enki magazine) which means I’ve suddenly got a lot of free time on my hands (I don’t cope brilliantly without a schedule – so this is a little unnerving – although I realise I’m extremely lucky!). Life is definitely a little slower! If I’m not waiting for my 7865th ASOS parcel (…which I would know nothing about – the official party line if my husband asks) I’m reading (I’ve just subscribed to Grazia and ordered Jo Malone’s autobiography), watching Netflix or staying in touch with friends and family digitally. And yes, the below is a FaceTime had between my cat and my parents’ cat. What of it?”
#3 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
#1 Our fruit and veg grocery store down the road.
#2 A local cafe that’s started delivering afternoon teas! Sign me up!
#3 Our local bakery – they have the best sourdough.
#5 WFH Diaries: what’s your favourite isolation snack?
“I’ve gone mad over artichoke hearts in olive oil. Send help. Also, Itsu’s Katsu Rice Noodles in a pot.”
#6 WFH Diaries: what’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“There’s a beach not far from us, and its almost like we’re somewhere else. Walking along there with my husband is a good way to escape for a few minutes. You also can’t beat a gin and lemonade and the latest issue of your favourite glossy.
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“Flour. Is EVERYONE baking, like, all the time? Or, has it become the new toilet roll? I’m confused.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“Before the full lockdown came into place, I thought it a good idea to have a go on a childs playground merry-go-round on one of our daily walks. My husband spun it too fast and I fell off. Quite ungracefully, might I add. And I know, I don’t know what I was thinking either.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“FaceTime and WhatsApp.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Not being able to see friends and family.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Less traffic on the road!”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My mum and dad, and my best friend who lives in Berlin.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“My husband’s ability to put up with my occasional grumpiness (for some reason he queried the use of the word ‘occasional’ here, but I’ve decided to go with it). Also my best friend, for when she sent me a bottle of Elderflower and Cucumber Firebox Pixie Tears Gin and purple gin glasses for my lockdown 31st birthday.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“This: the WFH Diares, because I wanted to create some way of supporting and showcasing brands within the wedding industry. I also love reading about everything from the supportive things people are doing for others, to their favourite Netflix boxset and lockdown snack…”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
#1 The NHS.
#2 My friends and family.
#3 Digital connection.
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“All restaurants within a five mile radius of where we live. Just kidding...sort of. There’s a great local beachside restaurant near to us, and that’s definitely top of the list.”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Killing Eve. I know, I know, we’re behind the curve on this one, but BOY do I love it. The outfits, the sass from Villanelle, everything. Also, Afterlife – I cried my way through the entire two series, but it’s brilliant. And Tiger King – of course.
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
“#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso. If you need a little kick up the backside motivation-wise, this is for you. I’ve also got Alexandra Shulman’s new book on order, and have just got hold of Jo Malone’s autobiography (I’ll let you know what it’s like).”
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“Gin and lemonade (or something equally fizzy). I’ve just got hold of Verano’s Watermelon Flavoured Premium Gin and cannot wait to try it.”
For more WFH diaries from your favourite bridal brands and designers, click here.
