Day 5628623562 in the Rosie and Boo house and lockdown lunches have lost their shine. the appeal of Boo being able to choose and make her own lunch each day soon wore off and we found ourselves in a bit of a midday rut. I ventured down the pasta for lunch road but quickly realised I was adding to my cooking quota and I like lots of parents will be glad to see the back of a saucepan once ‘this’ is all over. 

Ham and Cheese seem to be the order of everyday but I wanted to diversify it; the ham part was an easy swap, Boo’s favourite: chorizo – but which cheese? I’ve previously written about Bonomelli teas – part of the Ciao Gusto family of brands and they suggested we try Auricchio Provolone cheese slices; I love the taste of Provolone cheese – it’s distinct without being overpowering but hadn’t thought to use it in sandwiches. 

The Auricchio Provolone cheese slices would work really well in burgers; I set Boo the task of lunch and I think you’ll agree she did a pretty good job. The lettuce was a great addition, all the flavours came together really well – taste and texture was perfect – a big deal when winning over children.

Auricchio is part of the Ciao Gusto family which is available on Ocado – I’ve come to see it as a dedicated one-stop Italian delicatessen offering all the Italian food brands that are so hard to come by during your weekly shop but bring those authentic tastes of Italy into your home. Being in one easy place means it’s so easy to shop, there’s so much to discover. Ocado delivery slots have been hard to come by since the beginning of lockdown, yet it has become easier over the past couple of weeks and I’m hoping to be able to secure a regular weekly delivery in time for back to school in September. In the meantime for over 200 authentic Italian recipes featuring Ciao Gusto’s brands head to www.ciaogusto.com

Have we reinvented the lunchtime sandwich wheel? I wound’t dare claim to, however, we managed to to beat the boredom when it comes to lunch with a little help from Auricchio and Ciao Gusto and in these strange times where the world (and endless maths worksheets) feels as if it revolves around mealtimes that’s a win I’m happy to take.

Disclosure: a fee was received for my time.

The Coronavirus has caused all of our lives to come to a halt. However, there are plenty of ways you can stay occupied to try and make the most of it. When you have small children, the very idea of staying indoors for a long period may seem daunting and somewhat overwhelming but being creative with your time can make the entire experience much more enjoyable, and you may potentially even make lasting memories for the years to come.

In this guide, we’re going to list just a few ways you can spend time with your children in lockdown:

1.  Get cooking.

There is never a better time than now to teach the kids to cook. In usual circumstances, you may not have time to get experimental with ingredients and help the kids cook meals with you; however, with not much else to do, why not get creative in the kitchen?

Set a couple of hours aside out of your day to prepare the meal and ensure the kids get involved – from shopping for the ingredients online to introducing them to different tools.

It would be a good idea to find recipes that are easy to follow and include foods they’re likely to eat. However, don’t worry if your child is a picky eater. Teaching them to cook is a great way of boosting their interest in food and even trying foods they may never have tasted before.

2. Teach embroidery or knitting.

Embroidery and knitting are greats skill to teach the children while in lockdown and is a past-time to get their creative juices flowing. Mastering embroidery is a tricky skill that takes a great deal of time and patience. However, there are many benefits of teaching your children how to sew and knit, including improving their muscle and hand-eye coordination and developing their self-confidence in the ability to create something entirely from scratch.

When choosing materials, ensure you select heavy threads and wool, and long needles, making it much easier for little hands to retain a solid grip. You can browse through a selection of materials and supplies from this embroidery shop in London.

3.  Create a family time capsule.

We are going through one of the strangest and unprecedented situations in modern history, so why not spend time putting together a time capsule with your kids? In particular, older children may enjoy this project as a lasting memento of your lockdown experience to look back on and even pass down the generations. Your time capsule could include –

• A document of each family member with a hand-drawn portrait and description of personal appearance and hobbies/ interests
• An interview with each family member of how they feel about lockdown.
• A diary of how you’re spending each day in lockdown.
• Explain what you’re looking forward to doing or achieving once has ended.

While being forced to stay indoors may be a difficult pill to swallow, we hope that the three tips above have given you some food for thought on how you can stay entertained as a family until restrictions lift.

 Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.

Time and reading – they go together like chocolate and salted caramel (what I’d give to for just one more bar of Tony Chocolonely but I or my stomach must not digress) and with an abundance of time on our hands for the next couple of months I thought I’d share not what I’ve read but instead what books I’m planning on reading over the coming weeks.

Top of the pile is What Would The Spice Girls Do by Lauren Bravo – I’ve read the first chapter and it’s me in a book; I’m generation Spice Girls and everything I’ve read so far I’ve nodded or snorted to which is promising for the rest. 

Next on the read-list is She Speaks: The Power of Women’s Voices by Yvette Cooper; it’s an anthology of female speeches collated by the Labour MP, known herself for oratorical prominence at the dispatches box. Whilst I’d prefer that women instead of being grouped by their gender, were recognised as human beings I understand the need for women-only publications, events etc such as this and I’m looking forward to discovering some amazing speeches. 

Having survived my first self-isolation period with limited chocolate and zero personal space Period by Emma Barnett couldn’t come at a better time; I’m fairly clued up on the science (although I’m always happy to learn more) but after twenty-two years of periods – yes that means I started my period when I was 10 – I think I’m afforded some humour. This is where Emma comes in, not just about making us laugh it’s about breaking down this invisible yet powerful wall of silence and often taboo when it comes to periods, I’m really looking forward to reading this. P.s. Who knew some people referred to their period as ‘red traffic light’?

Boo’s continuing with her daily reading but I thought it would be nice if I chose a book to read to her. We began Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl a couple of days ago and already it’s become such a protected time within what is essentially a fluid existence. Can you say you’re enjoying Anne Frank? Yes, I think you can, Boo laughed at Anne’s timeless descriptions of her friends. Boo already knows how Anne’s diary ends (to begin reading it not knowing, would be too much for any child or young adult) but yet she’s still excited to share her joyous moments. I feel Boo’s emotionally mature enough (as much as you can ever be for the realities of war told through a girl’s perspective). Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl was a formative book for me and I’m privileged to share this with Boo in unprecedented times. 

This is the first book I’ve every downloaded – now is the appropriate time for the dinosaurs jokes it just seems like such an obvious and responsible choice at the moment, who knows if I’ll abandon old fashion books for good.

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig is not a new read to me – It’s had a permanent place on my bookshelf since 2018 and it couldn’t be more relevant now. A page, a paragraph or sometimes even a line can be enough to bring perspective in a way that Matt has a real way of doing without diminishing what you’re feeling. Matt’s writing style makes him accessible for the entire family – multigenerational emotional wellbeing and stillness – something we could all benefit from right now.

My final planned read is again a bit of a cheat as I read this last year on holiday however, I’ve found myself returning to it periodically – such as the complexity of each geopolitical area. Tim Marshall’s Prisoners of Geography is my wholly unscientific plan for when I need to escape cabin fever for five minutes back to a time when the news wasn’t mono-topical. It’s about finding escapism and learning how the War of the Pacific in 1879 between Chile and Bolivia is still the fruit of bitter relations is mine.

I’ve noticed a theme emerge of entirely non-fiction and I’m not sure why. Perhaps my appetite for suspension of disbelief (remember that bad boy from high school) is limited currently to passive engagement via boxsets, who knows. How long will it take me to get through these books I’m planning on reading? Well – I could be a speed-reader and be done in a week or I could take to counting the roof tiles of the local neighbourhood vista. Only time (and lots of it) will tell.

It’s official we’re set to be inside forever – well at least that’s how it feels with the current global pandemic and for good reason. If you can stay at home then treat this as the perfect opportunity for a retreat d’état if you will and rediscovering often neglected beauty routines; how else are you to appear productive during endless Netflix and Prime boxsets. There’s enough harshness in the weather and now the confines of homes and the dry air that comes them my skin has been yearning for a soothing touch; I recently discovered the softer side of Pixi Beauty Hydrating Milky Collection.

I’ve spoken before on Instagram about switching up beauty products dependent on the seasons – you wouldn’t wear a jumper in the summer so why a heavy emollient moisturiser? And vice versa – but what about a softer approach? Retinoids, peels, vitamin C are music to my skincare obsessed ears and whilst I haven’t completely abandoned my existing skincare routine and still use some exfoliating elements. I’ve found my skin rewarding me from the welcome break from sustained sunlight (remember though SPF is for every day, not just holiday!) and over-complicated processes. 

Here’s a rundown of the products I’ve been using for the past few months from the Hydrating Milky Collection; and in my humble skincare and loungewear loving opinion perfect for self-isolating…

Hydrating Milky Cleanser

I’m a fanatic, veering on evangelical when it comes to cleansing so it’s no surprise that I’m a big fan of Caroline Hiron’s Double Cleanse collaboration with Pixi Beauty (if you’re new to double cleansing and think it’s a bit of a faff, buy this – I promise it’ll change your skin) how would another cleanser from Pixi stack up? This is definitely gentle as is the entire range, I found it best for a second cleanse (if wearing make up) as it soothed my skin or first thing in the morning. It’s also gentle enough for the entire family, Boo used the hydrating milky cleanser after playing with my makeup and her skin was still hers afterwards.

Hydrating Milky Mist

I’ve got a couple of Pixi’s mists and they’ve become one of my hero products, the ones where people say you look really well but can’t quite pinpoint what it is – I really like just how versatile they are; over, under makeup or for a quick freshen up. I was interested to see how the Hydrating Milky Mist would be without oil and it’s earned it’s place in my morning routine after serum and also on my desk for when my skin feels tight throughout the day – we may have bid farewell Wuthering Heights-Esque walks to the shops for a while but we’re yet to defeat a new enemy… central heating and lack of fresh air.

Milky Tonic

Not a hint of glow tonic with the Milky Tonic and for someone who felt like a beauty third wheel when I tried and didn’t like the cult product this is a welcome difference. The theme of gentle continues with no tightness as it’s alcohol-free – perfect for morning use; and it’s not going to disrupt your existing routine, instead slotting in like a grateful extra plate at dinner. 

Hydrating Milky Lotion

I’m sceptical of range specific body lotions, often wondering if’s a product that’s been shoehorned in to make up the numbers like a distant cousin at a wedding. I started using the Hydrating Milk Lotion on my legs as I do with all body care and by day two it was promoted to whole-body moisturiser and is now shared between me and Boo. it’s pricey which is a shame as we’ve become rather attached to it and the long moisture it brings to our sun-starved skin. The whole range is great but this is the real winner – results after one use are what we’re all here for. 

The Pixi Beauty Hydrating Milky Collection by Pixi is 100% vegan; added coconut helps to condition while oat extract aids in soothing. Every product in the collection is gentle enough for virtually all skin types and moods; be prepared to share with everyone in the house – a bonus for our current cooped up living. 

Disclosure: I received the Pixi Hydrating Milky Range as a PR gift.