I Guess Life is a Little Upside Down for Now…
Usually this time of the year I would be jetting off to a sunnier corner of the world on holiday, in search of white sand beaches to warm my toes and crystal blue oceans to dive in and explore. However the entire Covid crisis seems to have pulled this luxury of carefree travel from beneath our feet, leaving everyone at a loss when it comes to getting their hard earned summer break abroad this year.
I guess in some ways it has taught me to enjoy the simple pleasures of relaxing at home and soak up this bonus time we have to spend with friends and family. It’s also been a perfect opportunity to work on self care and personal challenges or goals.
One of my achievements during lockdown has been to improve on my handstands which I’ve practiced every single day since March. I can now get up without support and hold it for at least 20 seconds or so. If I keep up this consistent routine of balancing everyday, my aim is to be able to handstand for over a minute and move my body into different yogi positions whilst doing so.
Upon reflection, there are a few positives of being unable to travel at the moment, like not having to deal with the stress of busy airports and cramped planes. Not to mention getting to avoid the suffering of post holiday blues, often accompanied by a week long hangover from all those cocktails which seem so hydrating and refreshing in the scorching sun! Instead I’m feeling healthier and fitter than ever before as I relish the fresh summer countryside air of Hampshire.
Life really has been turned upside down and like most people, this year has brought me many challenges as a result of such unpresidented events. I know I’m not the only one to have struggled with my mental health during these times, as we’ve all been forced into our bubbles of isolation and given no option but to reflect upon ourselves.
Yet it has been the resilience of human spirit from within and to each other which has got us through – and that fundamental element of our species is something not even a virus can rob us of. Whilst the world is yet to find its feet with any kind of normality, lets remember to just keep our heads up and always look at the glass as half full.
Located on the distinctive blue road at The Brentford Project, this event ooses classic American 50s charm as waiting staff on roller-skates take orders from the comfort of your car window. Guests can enjoy draft beer by The Brewery Tap, cocktails from Rye by the Water, freshly popped popcorn and even the best pizza in London (as voted by Time Out) from Santa Maria Pizzeria.
Upon arrival, each car is escorted into position in front of the big screen and fellow car fanatics can be treated to the congregation of such prestigious motors gathered in one place. This is not only a fun movie viewing experience, but a truly unique opportunity for any classic or supercar owners to showcase their motors amongst the elite car community.
We had the pleasure of pulling up front row to complete a stunning white line-up of sports cars. The McLaren GT certainly made an impression as we arrived with its roaring engine and falcon-wing opening doors. It was fun to have a walk around the array of awesome classic and supercars at the event, before getting setup with our beers, popcorn and pizza on order ready for the movie.
This evening’s screening was the another automotive classic film 2Fast 2Furious. As the moonlight twinkled at dusk casting a pinkie blue hue across the sky, everyone took their seats back behind their wheels ready for the movie to commence.
The Fast and Furious series never get old and what a spectacular and scenic setting in which to watch it again! Duke of London showrooms even brought out a number of their own range of classic cars for the event from partner RNG Classics, including a Porsche 928, Lamborghini Murcielago, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 308 GTSi and MGB GT.
We were in our element as we kicked back in the McLaren and devoured our delightful pizza delivered up to the car window by our very own roller-skating waitress. Supercars, a movie classic, authentic Italian pizza and beers on tap – now that’s a date night right out of a Hollywood movie!
At the start of lockdown, my room also became my office as I worked from home for a month or so. I like my desk space to be well ordered and neat for me to work most efficiently, as well as decorated with inspiring quotes and art pieces to fuel my creativity.
This gold text printed piece from Maggs London is one of my favourite quotes. For me ‘Stay Wild’ evokes a number of motivating ideas; don’t be too serious about life, trust your instincts and remember to have fun.
On the subject of quotes and words, I always have a collection of books on my bedside table which I am currently reading. I tend to dip in and out of self-help books and poetry from time to time, as well as flick through coffee table books often related to style, fashion or food.
Candles, fairy lights and flowers are another finishing touch to making my bedroom feel warm, comforting and homely. The ideal nighttime routine for me is to set the mood with twinkling fairy lights and subtly fragranced candles, before winding down with a book before bed. (Ok, I admit that I scroll through Instagram before bed also, but I am consciously trying to reduce my screen time now!)
I often light a candle whilst working at my desk too as this helps me to stay calm and present when trying to get a lot done. My diary and personalised kiki.K organiser are never far either as I always write to do lists and jot down ideas as they come to me.
Onto my wardrobe and I would be lying if I didn’t confess that I have an obsession with clothes and shoes too! Nevertheless, I have been minimising my shopping during lockdown and have taken the time to consolidate my wardrobes. I dream one day of having a much needed walk in wardrobe for all my treasured garments, but for now I’m happy with my well ordered dressing corner.
And finally, number one job I do every morning is to always make my bed, something I have done since I can remember. There’s nothing better than coming home to a freshly made bed and if you feel like you haven’t achieved much else in a day, at least you can say you made your bed :)
Dani Aneka 