The last month has felt the most normal that I’ve felt since before the pandemic hit at the start of last year. Not that anything is going to feel completely normal again. Indoor dining for up to six people has opened up including bars and pubs. Non essential retail has opened up and activities including the cinema and bowling alleys are also open.

It’s been two months since I last did a pandemic update so I thought I’d do a refresher as I start to feel normal again. This post is part of the ‘Life in Lockdown’ linkie which is thanks to Sarah at Life In A Breakdown, Rebecca Smith and a bunch of other bloggers.

1) How are you feeling/coping as we near the end of lockdown?

Now lockdown is over I do feel much better about everything. I know there are still cases happening and things are rising a little now that more stuff is open. But personally I feel so much better. I love that it’s much lighter outside and it’s been getting warmer so I’ve been able to get outside more. And it’s been so nice seeing some friends and family again, although I’m trying not to overdue myself with plans.

Starting to feel normal again

Me and Luke also have our first vaccine booked in for a few days after this post goes live. And then our second vaccine at the end of August, so I am feeling a bit more normal again.

2) What have you been up to over the past 7 days?

Last weekend for bank holiday I had a few plans actually. On Saturday I went back to the cinema to see Cruella which was really good, and I saw my mum. Then on the Sunday I met a friend for brunch and then saw Luke’s parents. Finally on Monday I saw a few friends at a BBQ and I got a little pink from the sunshine. Most of the week has been pretty chilled, being at home and working. Then today I went back to see my hairdresser and get some colour put in my hair.

3) What is your favourite post of the past 7 days (it could be yours or someone else’s)?

I have just published a post on my main blog about tips to start saving young. I think it’s so important to educate the younger generation about money and saving. It’s not something I learnt a lot about when I was younger and I wish I had known more.

4) Do you have any plans for lockdown easing?

This weekened we’re doing some work at home to get our main bathroom ready for tiling, and some bits in the garden. So not too much outside of the house other than our vaccines on Sunday morning. We’re going to treat ourselves to breakfast after we get the vaccines (if we’re feeling up to it).

And then I’m actually heading into the office for two days next week to do some filming and meet some of my team. Our work have been super chilled about going back to the office. And our longer term plan is mainly working from home which I am very happy about. Being going into the office a bit will help me feel normal again, even if we’re in masks.

5) What have you bought this week that others might like? (Especially if from a small business.)

I have ordered some pick and mix from Pick Yo Mix for me and Luke. I bought a bag for myself at the start of the pandemic last year and have been yearning for some more.

Other than that I’ve not bought much else over the past week other than some garden storage from Ikea.

6) What have you been grateful for over the past 7 days?

I’ve been grateful for my Peloton bike over the past 7 days. Getting on the bike each morning can be a struggle and some mornings I just don’t want to do it. But every time I jump off I feel really good.

7) What would you like the future to know about life during a pandemic?

You need to take things at your own pace. Just because loads of things have opened up doesn’t mean you need to feel totally normal again and go out all the time. You have to do what you feel comfortable with within the guidelines.

8) Anything else you would like to mention?

Just that everyone is doing great!