There comes a point during lockdown that Tiger King, banana bread and Zoom just doesn't cut it anymore. Now that we've also exhausted all the half decent options on Netflix and re-watched the entire back catalogue of SATC, it's time to get creative.   

We spoke with our closest friends to compile a list of our top 5 tried and tested activities to keep you entertained during lockdown. 

1. Tie Dye

No longer confined to the 60s (thanks to the likes of Hailey Beiber, Gigi Hadid, & Kaia Gerber) there’s no denying that the art of tie-dye is back, and luckily for us - we got time to experiment.

Image: Palmier London

As well as adding colour to your wardrobe, tie dye is such a great way to re-purpose older pieces that are in need of a new life.  Here, you can learn step-by-step how our favourite linen brand Palmier did exactly that with some of their excess stock. 

2. Learn to Knit with Wool & The Gang

Something we've been meaning to do for, what, 5 years? Well - now there's no excuse. Proving that knitting 'isn't just for your gran' - Wool & The Gang are what they call a 'DIY fashion brand', selling hundreds of knit kits and patterns as well as sustainably sourced yarns and knitting needles.  From sweaters and blankets, to scarves, socks and cardigans - it's impossible not to find something you'll love. Our favourites: 

• Cable Bomber

• Lil Sailing Home Blanket

• Heartbreaker Shorts

3. Wardrobe Spring Clean 

As the seasons change and the temperature starts dropping, now is a great opportunity to go through our wardrobes and re-assess what needs to go to another home, what needs repairing and what needs wearing. 

If like us you need help, there's no one else we'd rather turn to than Charlie Collins of Creative wardrobe. Born from Charlie's passion to help people build and maintain more joyful, functional and sustainable wardrobes, Creative Wardrobe will help you start fresh, get clear on your creative vision for your style, carry out a full wardrobe cleanse and reset and begin to build your dream sustainable wardrobe.

Image: Creative Wardrobe

Alongside one-to-one wardrobe appointments (which are available virtually), Charlie also runs popular Treasure Hunt sales on her Instagram channel, sourcing unique pre-owned and vintage items for her extensive community.

 

4. Our favourite recipes

We're not sure about you guys, but we're definitely in danger of our weekly meals becoming a little bit repetitive.  So we decided to turn it on it's head and use lockdown as a way to practice exciting new recipes so that when we can finally have a dinner party: we're ready to impress. Tried and tested, these four recipes are guaranteed to dominate the conversation over the evening.

Halloumi, Mango, Shallot and Rocket Salad with Spicy Tamarind Dressing

Image: The Splendid Table

Chinese Lemon Chicken

Image: Cafe Delites

Ottolenghi three rice chicken salad

Image: The Kitchn

Nigella's chicken in a pot with lemon & orzo 

Image: Nigella 

5.  DIY Body scrub

Body scrubs not only are a great way to treat yourself (particularly on those dark, chilly evenings), but they make such great gifts. If you're looking for something cheap, easy and thoughtful to give for Christmas this year, then look no further.

This scrub is so easy to make it almost doesn't require a recipe.  Using a simple ratio of 2:1 of sugar and coconut oil, you then add your favourite essential oils (if you want it to be scented). 

For example;