AD – GIFTED | According to a recent article I read in in The Economist, COVID-19 is here to stay. And our world has to work out how to live with it, and adapt to a new normal. We may be exhausted, both physically and mentally, but the COVID-19 pandemic is barely getting started. Predictions of second waves and winter spikes are becoming accepted as a given. So, leaving aside the lexicon of new phrases (social distancing, lockdown, coronavirus), just what does this new normal mean?
My new normal – what it means to me
We’ve been extremely fortunate that Somerset, where we live, has experienced one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 infection and related mortality in the UK. In fact, dare I say it, I’ve even rather enjoyed lockdown.
I work from home and we have our gorgeous garden, so not going out (except for the weekly food shop) hasn’t really been an issue. I’ve even indulged in a little beauty at home lockdown pampering on occasion too. But… I’m not taking anything for granted.
In our new normal we wear masks in shops, carry our own hand sanitisers, keep hand sanitisers in our cars, and wash our hands as soon as we come home. And, yes, we’ve started to meet friends and family but only outside in parks and gardens for now.
Before Flora goes back to school we’ve got a raft of new rules to absorb and follow to keep everyone safe too. However, even though these are scary times, there are things I’m looking forward to doing in a bid to get back to some semblance of normal.
Taking a break
COVID-19 means we won’t be going abroad on holiday this year, for the first time in my life. I realise that may sound entitled, but Alan and I work very hard, and our two week summer family holiday in the sun is something that we all look forward to.
To date, I’ve not taken any time off since last Christmas. And working, blogging, and home schooling over the last few months have taken their toll. I am exhausted. So I am taking some time out during August. No work and no blogging for a couple of weeks. A proper break, and time to practise some much needed self-care.
Getting away
Staying at home is wonderful but now a change of scene is needed. We won’t be going abroad, but we are going to Cornwall for a week (please may the weather gods be kind). Fish and chips, ice creams, beach walks, body boarding (Flora, not me!), cream teas, and some carefully social distanced visits to Trago Mills and Dolly’s for some gorgeous gins 🙂
Plus we are looking at going off the beaten track in Devon too, as there are so many gorgeous hidden gems to love. Much as I love going abroad, I don’t think you can beat a staycation. And never more so than now, as dictated by our new normal.
Going horse riding
I think not being able to go riding is the thing Flora and I have missed most. Lockdown came into force the day before we were due to go on a Mother’s Day ride together, and she’s been missing her riding lessons too. Going riding together is something we do as often as we can, and I’m hoping we can go riding on the beach in Cornwall again.
We’ll be taking all our own kit (hats, boots, gloves, jackets) so fingers crossed. Riding has so many positive benefits. The physical exercise increases core strength and burns calories, and being on a horse outside in the fresh air has a massive improvement on mental health. Something we could definitely do with a lot more of in our new normal.
Rydale Clothing *
I said I was hoping for good weather in Cornwall but this is England. And we all know what British summers can be like, don’t we? So when Rydale got in touch recently, I was absolutely thrilled to have the chance to work with them. They very kindly allowed me to choose the gorgeous berry Emley 3/4 length riding coat* featured in all these photos.
As well as this super cute, strong and versatile hessian shopping bag* for Flora, which folds down flat when not in use. She’s been using it to carry around all her model horses on outdoor play dates, and it’s been much admired! While my coat hasn’t had an outing on a horse yet, it’s had plenty of use on walks around our village (which have also become part of our new normal).
Rydale Clothing has been producing outdoor country clothing and accessories for Ladies, Men and Children since 1954. Their motto is: Quality, Reliability and Style. Something that anyone who live in the country will appreciate, as there’s nothing worse than trashing something beautiful in the mud or brambles. But practical doesn’t have to mean ugly either, as this range of stunning Ladies jackets shows. And it’s great to see Rydale offer such a stylish and varied range of clothing for all the family.
Coat details
My coat is lightweight and versatile, and features a windproof and waterproof outer fabric to withstand all weathers. Plus it’s breathable too, so no getting sweaty, whatever country pursuits you’re indulging in 🙂 Thoughtful details include a fold away hood and subtle reflective strips along on each arm and the back of the coat.
Perfect for evening rides or walks in the dark. And something that as a rider I really appreciate is a vent at the rear for extra mobility. With two secure zipping pockets on the front of the coat and an interior zipped pocket too, there’s plenty of space to store phone, keys and wallet when out and about.
The Emley also has a practical double-ended full length zip, gold Rydale poppers, an adjustable waist draw cord (hooray for a coat with shape), and cosy fleece-lined collar and storm cuffs. A perfect coat for the country and equestrian folk alike. And it makes me feel both feminine and stylish too, I absolutely LOVE it!
Why it’s a “new normal” and not “back to normal”
Why is it a “new normal” and not “back to normal”? With those recent scenes at Durdle Door, Bournemouth, and of course, London, a visiting alien could be forgiven for thinking everything on Planet Earth is situation normal.
But it’s worth remembering that it’s only six months since Chinese scientists notified the World Health Organisation of a new virus that caused deadly pneumonia. Since then, COVID-19 has spread to almost every country around the world and killed more than 500,000 people. How can any of that be normal?
Our world has irrevocably changed. We need to show more consideration for others as well as our planet. Because it’s so very precious and, much like The Snap in Marvel’s universe, can all too quickly be taken away from us.
I don’t want to end this post on a note of doom because yes, we’re really looking forward to going away, and getting out and about again. But… we all have to be sensible to our situation, and demonstrate some common sense as well – don’t we?
What’s your new normal looking like? What have you missed most during lockdown? And what are you looking forward to now lockdown restrictions have eased?
* This post features gifted items but all opinions are my own.
I love that coat on you, it’s such a cute colour! I have enjoyed lockdown too, and I felt like the only one! It was nice to be in my own little bubble and working from home xo
Makeup Muddle
Thank you – I really love it, it’s such a gorgeous shade 🙂 I’m glad you found some positives in lockdown too x
Yes we definitely need to apply common sense, although it seems to be sadly lacking in some people. Love the coat! Gorgeous colour on you!
Thank you – it’s even more gorgeous IRL, such a vibrant shade!
Our new normal is even more restricted, as we live in a high rise building. As I always say you are lucky to spend time in your beautiful garden Lisa. We are at home all the time. I go down just for the grocery shopping and some basics. Yes wearing a mask is a new normal. Soon designer masks will be available lol. School will still be online I am guessing and my younger son’s hair will be in ponytail soon. 🙂 You are looking so beautiful in that coat Lisa. The color is pretty and your pictures are lovely. I do miss my international travels because I always look forward to my next travel and my days pass by smoothly. I can only hope things get to as they were. Am I dreaming again! 🙂 Take care and loved your post. 🙂
Ah, Via, I feel for you. I know our whole lockdown experience would be so very different without our garden. We’re also allowed out and about now, albeit we need to be careful, wear masks, etc. And our schools will be open again for all pupils from September. At least until there’s another spike, I suppose. I think things will get better but only when there’s a worldwide vaccine. Fingers crossed, Via, and thank you for your lovely comment xx
Cornwall and fish and chips is the dream combo! Sounds lovely.
And your coat is lovely too, a really pretty colour!
Anika
I know, I can’t wait! And thank you, I really love the colour too 🙂
New normal is definitely the phrase. Enjoy your break 😊
Thank you, Adam, that’s good to hear 🙂
The coat looks lovely – beautiful colour! I could do with a coat like that as I’d like to get outdoors again and think that would be perfect to wear for going for walks.
You’re holiday in Cornwall sounds like it is going to be lovely. I hope you all enjoy it and also enjoy the much deserved break!
Kathryn x
Thank you, I absolutely love the colour, it’s so nice to have a coat that isn’t blue or black! It’s also really lightweight and comfy, perfect for outdoor walks, and great timing for Cornwall, because it’s bound to rain when we go, haha! x
Enjoy in your free time during August. I will miss your post but we all deserve pause and relaxation. Also enjoy in your garden.
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Thank you, that’s so kind of you, I plan to!
You’re not the only one who’s enjoyed lockdown, to a certain degree! I’m happy to no longer commute into London every day, and I’ve also discovered new paths/trails to take walks where I live.
I think that slowing down the pace of life has shown me what really matters too – I just wish I had a garden of my own to enjoy it in!
I’m so thankful I don’t have to commute any more, my pace of life is so much calmer! How wonderful you’ve discovered new places to walk near where you live as well, that’s lovely 🙂
Your new normal sounds lovely- I’m glad you’ve enjoyed lockdown too. So important to make the best of these situations. PS the coat looks great!
Thank you – and yes, you’re right, it’s important to make the best of things!
Love that coat! It’s a lovely colour – really suits you! I didn’t know you and Flora did horse riding. That’s one activity I won’t be joining you on when I finally get to visit. I’m pretty scared of horses! They’re beautiful but they’re so powerful it terrifies me!
Thank you, Jenny 🙂 And I’m sure we could do something about getting you closer to horses, even if we don’t get you on the back of one – watch this space! x
Great post! Thank you for sharing! The coat looks very nice!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I love the colour of that coat! Looks lovely even in the hot weather we’re having at the moment. I really want to do a staycation this year as we’re not going abroad but I’m not sure where yet x
Thank you! I’m weirdly excited about only staycationing this year, there are so many amazing places I’ve always wanted to see 😊 x
The new normal will be reality till an effective vaccine against covid-19 is found and made available all over. And then, of course, we will be back to normal. And as a human being, we are empowered by the mother nature to get adapted with the new normal. Thanks for sharing your views.
I think you’re right. At least that is a whole better prospect than herd immunity 😦
Enjoyed this post – it’s definitely a new normal. Back to normal will be a long time off – if ever. I’m hoping you get some wonderful weather for Cornwall. We spent a week there last September and it was lovely x
Thank you so much – fingers crossed for Cornwall’s microclimate then 🤞 x
I really appreciate your post. Our new normal in my household is similar to yours, but we have a high risk household member so no nights away from home. We’re trying to take advantage of summer weather and enjoy being outside as much as possible.
Ah, I hope the weather stays fine for you, and your family continues to stay safe 🤞
I love ” the new normal, is not back to normal”. Thanks
You’re welcome!
I am so happy I found your post! I have been looking for a coat just like this. I wanted one that was windproof and the inside have a liner of sorts, which it looks like it does. All the ones I’ve found so far here in the US don’t have the liner on the inside.
Oh, that’s great to hear! Rydale do ship to the US so hopefully you’ve found your perfect coat now 😁
Love the jacket! What a lovely shade of purple! I cannot imagine going since Christmas without a day off! I am a SAHM, but the hubby has taken off Spring Break (which was actually the week after school kids were sent home), and didn’t work weekends for two months during the beginning of the outbreak here. I’m so glad you live in an area with low infection and mortality rates! We’re still trending up here. I so look forward to being able to visit extended family when they visit and not worrying about where everyone else has been!
Thank you, Cassie! And yes, I am sooooo looking forward to our break now. I sincerely hope things get better for you all in the US, it’s such a scary time. Take care x
Thanks for the really nice insight into how things are at the moment – I’m just starting the second of two weeks off after WFH since March and it’s strange not having work to do even if its only going into the kitchen to work! I fully agree we won’t go back to “normal” and am expecting a second wave before too long. I am looking forward to getting out a bit more in time and I won’t lie, am looking forward to the kids going back to school!
I don’t see how we can avoid a second wave in due course, sadly. But I am so with you about the kids going back to school – teachers really don’t get paid enough!
My new normal involves throwing people the death glare when they remove their masks in enclosed spaces such as trains and buses! Jokes aside, I do agree with you that it is a new normal and it is hard to say if there is even a NORMAL to return to post-covid. Things have probably changed in fundamental ways.
I absolutely agree with you, and I hope people will learn to be more sensible. The alternative is too terrible to contemplate.
That coat is a beautiful colour! Enjoy your break and your time away, you deserve it! I hope to see lots of lovely pictures ❤️
Our new normal is very boring unfortunately! I used to take my 2yr old to groups, play dates and all sorts! Need to start incorporating some fun new things for him to do!
Thank you so much, Lisa! And I hope you and your toddler have a wonderful summer, whatever you do! X
Wow! Love all the life activities you have been able to include. We’ve been much more restricted in Panama – and I would venture to say that the children are the worst affected.
I think all children have been affected so badly. But they are little troopers, they set such good examples. We are very lucky.
I love that you’ve embraced lockdown and found the positives both big and small. Cornwall sounds lovely and I think we forget how beautiful our own country can be in our hurry to get abroad. Hope you manage to get a proper break and time for some self-care!
Thank you, Emma, and that’s exactly how I feel about the UK. We are very lucky, it’s a beautiful place to live!
It is SO important to find time to take a much-needed break now more than ever. Many of us are multi-tasking day in and day out, taking on more than we were doing previously while failing to take the down time that we had before. It’s a recipe for burnout! Just because you’re working at home, that doesn’t mean you aren’t still actively working! Right?
We took a 9 day camping trip earlier this month for exactly that reason. I just needed to get away and unplug for a while and luckily, for us, the local provincial parks are now opened for overnight camping!
Multi-tasking is something I always thought I was good at but, shocker, the candle is burnt out now. Unplugging will be sooooooo good!
Thanks for sharing, I have felt to that I need a break too from all of this, so I’m going to have a break down to Dorset in August (I need to just book the time off work), have a good time on your holiday 🙂 I did not know that you did Horse riding, I used to ride about 13 years ago and had a lovely thick winter riding coat that was waterproof, which I miss wearing 🙂 The one your wearing looks lovely 🙂
We love Dorset too, it’s not far from us. And what a coincidence, a fellow rider – maybe you’ll get some time in the saddle in August too? 😉
I love the color of that coat and bags that fold flat might as well be magic.
Going off the beaten track is one of my favorite ways to travel and I also think it is a lot safer then congregating with the crowds. Feasting on fish and chips and ice cream sounds like a lovely way to relax and spend some time together, but I have never heard of cream teas! I looked them up and now I want one. 🙂
Thank you, Jaya, I do love it. And we cannot wait to get to the sea now. You must have a cream tea – once tried, never forgotten! 🤣
I’ve been really depressed about this pandemic. I don’t know when things will go back to normal. I live in the US and the cases are at an all-time high. I know hate is a strong word but I really hate our President and I wouldn’t shed a tear if he died. Now the world won’t even allow Americans in their borders. I promise I’m nothing like the Americans who blindly worship Trump. It’s just so depressing because I wanted to travel somewhere next year and I keep asking my husband if we can go somewhere next year, and he promises we will but we don’t even know at this point. And our state is back in lockdown (we reopened last month after being locked down in March, but everyone is breaking the rules here). So we can’t even go on a staycation at a hotel, and my husband isn’t comfortable doing so. I just hope things can return to a better normal.
Ah Hannah, I’m so sorry to read this. I do feel for you, we have friends in the US and they are all just so scared too. I think things will get better but it’s looking like a long haul. No quick and easy way through this for you. I hope your state will be able to come out of lockdown soon, the knowledge that you can’t go anywhere or do anything is really tough. Thinking of you x
I can’t wait to go on holiday once I feel safe to do so, even if it’s just a staycation! Hope you have a fun time in Cornwall!
Thank you, we cannot wait to go – albeit socially distancing once there!
This is such a great post Lisa!
You’re so right when you say it’s going to be a new normal and not back to normal as a lot has changed and we just need to get used to it.
I also love how you said “We need to show more consideration for others as well as our planet.” Again this is so true!
The coat looks lovely on you by the way, I love the colour! ☺️
Love Lozza x
Aw, thank you so much, that’s so kind of you, I am very lucky 🙂 And yes, I think we do need to try and accept that things can’t go back to how they were, although I know that’s a much harder challenge to overcome for many people x
ohh do you ride horse? I ride to!! How many times are you riding per week? I expierenced that I am less stressed when I am at the stables regurlary.
We do, I used to have my own horse when I was younger, but now I ride about once every couple of months with Flora as it’s so expensive on top of her weekly lessons!
Acknowledging that we’re living a “new normal” rather than a “back to normal” is a tough pill to swallow, but I’m getting there. Knowing we don’t have as much “freedom” is tough at times, but there are so many great ways we can adapt like staycations etc. I’ve worked from home full time since the start so have fell into a nice routine – I don’t want to go back to the office! Thank you for sharing x
Oh yes, it is, but I think the sooner we can all buckle up and accept that the better. Easier said than done, I know, and I have it a lot better than many people too. But yay to staycations and home working, I hope they become much more commonplace now! x
I love that coat and the colour is so pretty. I completely agree, we are lucky living in Somerset because we have the pretty towns as well as countryside at our fingertips.
Thank you, it’s such a gorgeous shade. And yes, we are very lucky to live in Somerset, aren’t we 🙂
Good post. I hope you will have a good vacation in Cornwall. Pls enjoy your horse riding too. But I am gonna miss you this August. I love reading your posts.
Thank you, Fadima, that’s so sweet of you! I will have a couple of posts going up, just not as many as usual 🙂
Our new normal is enjoying the beach, we can socialize indoor and outdoors, kids go to schools and back to work for everyone, with caution. The only thing we are unable to do is to fly out until there is a vaccine against coronavirus. For the time being we are exploring different villages here in Cyprus. I hope other places will be able to manage this pandemic and do things more. By the way love your jacket especially with the inner zip. Take care!
Your new normal sounds fabulous, I so wish we lived nearer the sea. Much as I love country life, you can’t beat an early morning beach walk. I think Cyprus is being ultra sensible, sadly I don’t think that can be said of a lot of other countries. Fingers crossed for the vaccines. And thank you, that’s very kind!
I hope you have a lovely week in Cornwall and I hope the weather gods come through for you! I love the coat, the colour is beautiful. I’ll be heading over to Rydale clothing to have a look at their range. My daughter takes horse riding lessons and always needs durable outdoor clothing. Thank you for sharing xxx
Thank you so much, Ashley, that’s so kind. And yes, Rydale have such a fab range of equestrian clothing, plus they have a sale on right now so perfect timing! xxx
That coat really suits you. I can’t wait to get away either, hoping to still get to the Philippines in Oct.
Thank you, Kelly, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your holiday 🙂
I’m still trying to find my new normal, mainly because I’m worried about a second wave, but I’m enjoying going for long walks more and more even with a mask on!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
I think that sounds very sensible, Amie, definitely the way forward 🙂
Such a great post. Love reading about your life after lockdown. It’s all such a crazy time so it’s nice to hear how others are coping with it all as well. I hope you enjoy your week away and that you have wonderful weather too!
It really is a crazy time, isn’t it? Thank you – I’m keeping everything crossed for some sunshine in August!
I really hope that you’ll be able to do all of the things you want to do now that the lockdown is over. We all need to get used to the new normal and the life from now.
Antonia
Thank you so much – and yes, we do, hard as that is going to be.
I love the coat, the colour is gorgeous!! 🙂 I’ve been enjoying lockdown, spending more time at home, not having to commute and saving money on petrol!! I’m still cautious about going out but I’m looking forward to a mini-break away next month 🙂 xx
Thank you, it’s such a beautiful shade, isn’t it? 🙂 Oh yes, saving petrol has been a HUGE benefit, haha. I hope you enjoy your mini-break too! xx
The coat looks great. I love that colour! 🙂
Thank you, I’m very lucky 🙂
I honestly feel as though I don’t have a new normal yet because I am a teacher, and we are on summer break still. We are anxiously awaiting September and seeing what schools will do because of covid. However, we are gathering as family indoors and out, being careful of course, and we wear masks if we go out as it’s mandated and wash our hands a lot. I’m trying not to think about what the fall will look for me work wise as it’s not worth getting worked up about now. I am choosing to live in the moment. I think my new normal needs to include taking things one day at a time.
I think that’s such a brilliant way of looking at things – taking them one day at a time. Really, I think that’s all most of us can do. I sympathise about school in September – but who knows, everything could change again by then!
I’m glad that you’re able to at least take time off and enjoy yourself after all the hard work. The new normal is weird!
Thank you – and yes, it really is, I hope you’re staying safe too!
That coat is so cute! I have ridden a horse once in my entire life and it was TERRIFYING haha. They’re so adorable though x
Thank you, I feel very lucky! Aw, you need to have another go, it’s the BEST feeling! x
Yea I have to admit that lockdown has been quite a nice time to take stock and spend time with the family. I was furloughed immediately and did struggle not I take that personally, I also really struggled with homeschooling my youngest. My OH would like to go abroad but I don’t think I can do it. My anxiety has been really quite bad and I still have panic attacks, so think it would push me over the edge! I’m happy just to chill at home a little longer. Have a great summer,
Fay | How Felicity Finds
I’m glad I’m not the only one who struggled with homeschooling, haha! And I agree with you about going abroad. No shade for those that do, but my worry is what happens if we go abroad and there’s a lockdown there? We’d be stuck. For us, it’s not worth the risk. Thank you, I hope you have a great summer too.
Like you I have enjoyed elements of Lock down. It has been a time for family, reconnecting and disconnecting all at the same time. Of course there are lots of things that will not happen for us this year but I am holding out hope for our October Cornwall holiday.
I hope you have a wonderful summer with your family and your gorgeous new coat which BTW looks amazing on you!
That’s it exactly, elements of lockdown have actually been really good. Fingers crossed for your October Cornwall break, I hope you can get there. Thank you, Claire, I feel very lucky, it’s a gorgeous coat!
I love purple and this coat looks really great. It will surely be great for your holiday. Unlike you, I’ve been doing all my holidays in UK since I moved here (which in the beginning looked like a holiday abroad, that’s true). I think there are so many wonderful things to see “close” to home (last year we went to northern Scotland – Inverness), that would be a shame to go somewhere else. Hope you’ll enjoy your time away. 🙂
Thank you, Anca 🙂 We’re hoping to visit friends in Scotland later this year but I do know what you mean about so many wonderful places to visit in the UK. I just miss swimming in the sea without a wetsuit! Hope you have a lovely summer 🙂
Thanks for such an interesting read. It’s all very strange at the moment. We’re beginning to venture out more and like you are currently on a staycation on Wales. It’s wonderfully quiet and helping us get used to being away from the strict shackles of lockdown.
The future is a little scary, but we’ll get there!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have fond memories of Wales from my school days – a field trip to Gower – so you’ve just given me an idea for our next staycation, thank you!
A new normal is definitely the best way to put it – I don’t think we’ll ever be going back to as it was. I’m over in the US and we’re still struggling a bit this way (hand palm ugh) but I’ve been lucky enough to be able to adjust fairly well. I have felt fairly comfortable being a homebody and kind of flourish in the quieter space at home. However there are social aspects greatly missed. I think in time our world will learn to adjust with the new normal as we heal. We’re doing a bit of a staycation for our honeymoon staying within the state instead of going abroad as planned and I’m actually looking forward to it. It’ll be a smaller adventure but a cozy one which will be nice after the chaos of wedding planning (especially among the ever changing covid regulations!) Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences – it was a lighted story I enjoyed reading so much this morning!!!
I absolutely love that coat and I can’t wait to hear about your staycation!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Laura. Things aren’t great in the US at the moment, I feel for you. But I’m glad you can take the positives from staying in state, and I think a staycation sounds lovely for a honeymoon. Congratulations on your recent wedding too! Fingers crossed we can all be sensible and learn to adjust to a new way of life in the future – at least until there’s a vaccine anyway.
I absolutely love that coat! The colour is beautiful. I hope you have an amazing break in Cornwall! Fingers crossed the weather is lovely and warm while you’re there! We were really looking forward to a break abroad this year but have decided on a few UK staycations instead which I’m really excited for now. Whilst things aren’t how they were before, it’s nice to be getting out and about a little again now. Lovely post Lisa xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Thank you so much, Tiffany, that’s so kind! At least if if rains in Cornwall I’ll stay dry and cosy this summer, haha. Like you, I’m actually really excited to be having staycations this year, which is weird, I thought I’d miss going abroad but I don’t! xx
I agree that its a new normal and not back to normal. I will be ever so grateful now for being able to do the every day activities I once took for granted
Yes, that’s a great way of looking at things 🙂
Hi Lisa. A new normal indeed – not at all sure that old normal (or is it normal normal?). I think it will take its toll on all of us in one way or another, its just a matter of coping with it as best we can. I think a holiday in Cornwall sounds like a fantastic idea – hope you have a great time.
Yes, that’s right, it’s finding a way of coping and adjusting. Thank you, Richie, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for sunshine!
I absolutely loved the fact that you are one of the rarest person who is som positive about the New Normal postlockdown. You definitely inspired a lot of us to see the brighhter side of our lifes.
Looking forward for mre such inspirations and yes enjoy your weeks ahead.
Oh my goodness, thank you so much, that’s incredibly kind of you! To be fair, lockdown really hasn’t changed much for me, so I’m fortunate that I don’t have anything to be depressed about!
What a lovely post! I wish I had your perspective. I’m glad to hear your area has been relatively virus free (thank God!). I live right outside of Washington DC, so our new normal is still…not even close to normal. Things are going terribly in the US as far as coronavirus response, so we’re still adjusting to that. But like you said, we need to be considerate of other people and the planet. I think the more we focus on that, the sooner we can all work together to get back to a new normal! Enjoy your staycation (and horseback riding!! So fun!!).
Oh thank you so much, Carolyn, that’s so kind. I know things really aren’t good in the US right now, I hope that they improve in the near future. I feel for all my US friends, it’s a terrible time. But if we can all focus on being considerate, I think we’ll find new ways through this. Stay safe, Carolyn, and thank you again!
Great post post and lovely jacket! I do agree with the new normal not back to normal. Change is afoot!
Thank you! And yes, I’m very lucky, it’s a gorgeous coat 🙂
I’ve been doing a lot more gardening too. In fact, I was just chatting with the mowers. They think I’ve got too much time on my hands! I’m making their job harder. Love the coat!
Thank you, and yay, a fellow gardener! Our garden has never been so pampered either 🙂
Loved reading this post and seeing your perspective!! I honestly just can’t wait to go outside and get ice-cream at our local ice-cream shop!
Thank you so much – and that sounds like a fabulous idea!
Things are definitley going to be different post lockdown. But we all will try to blend in with the “new normal” 🙂
COT | Changeoftomorrow.com
That’s a really good outlook to have 🙂
I am also going to Cornwall in August and I cannot wait! My Grandma lives there so we visit every year. I love the colour of that coat and it looks really great on you! I hope you enjoy your break 🙂
Alice Xx
Ah, you’re so lucky to have a relative in Cornwall, I hope you have an amazing time – and thank you, I do love it! xx
This was such a beautiful post and love that coat on you! So beautiful. I’m a homebody and the lockdown was a bit of a blessing in disguise for me. I was able to get a moment to relax and reflect on different things going on my life.
But I look forward to traveling and shopping post lockdown!
That’s so kind, thank you so much. And I’m glad you were able to find some positives in lockdown too, and that I’m not the only happy homebody!
Around my home is starting to get back to normal, but there’s a constant fear of taking a step back again. I enjoyed parts of lock-down and my family has gotten closer somehow.
I know what you mean about the fear of going backwards, but one of the real positives has been appreciating family and the time we’ve spent together.
I love your perspective on this. It sounds like you’ve found a great “new normal”. Thanks for sharing! Great pictures!
Thank you – we are very lucky where we live, and thank you!
I am still waiting for the new normal to happen. I am glad that you enjoyed lockdown for the most part. Great that you got to spend time doing more things! Love all of these different things you’re looking forward to doing. I do enjoy waking up 15 minutes before having to start work haha!
Nancy ✨
Waking up later before going to work is one of the many benefits of working from home – I couldn’t go back to an office now! Thank you, Nancy 🙂
Thank you so much for this post, Lisa! Sometimes it easy to forget that this is our new normal, what has happened since March will irrevocably change history so things will never go “back to normal”. Traveling to Cornwall sounds great, hope you had great weather! The coat is beautiful, love the colour and the interior pockets.
Loren
Oh thank you, Loren, that’s so kind of you. It’s hard to believe this has only been going on for a few months, so yes, it’s going to take some getting used to. Hopefully we can all adjust in a sensible and sensitive way – fingers crossed!
What a gorgeous purple coat!
I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again, really. Haven’t seen a single one of them in person since probably March.
Ah, that is such a long time, I hope you can see them soon – and thank you!
great color jacket!! and i love that you are finding the joys in this new normal. hopefully you’ll be back to traveling later on. thanks for sharing!
It’s a gorgeous shade, isn’t it? Thank you, I hope so too!