Following the celebrations of Christmas and New Year, people’s moods naturally experience a bit of a slump in January, and after the year we’ve just had together with the fact that next few months are set to continue with more of the same, it almost feels like 2021 may experience the most dismal Blue Monday on record. On the whole, the H&G team are glass-half-full people so we’ve decided to share our plans for today to ensure we keep in good spirits for the dreariest day of the year. Personally, I spend so much time indoors during the week that the weekend is when I try and get as much fresh air as possible. As there’s no rain forecast today, we’ll jump on our bikes for an adventure cycle down the canal where I live in West London. We’ll wrap up warm and bring some hot chocolate in a flask (with extra marshmallows, naturally) and when our six-year-old starts moaning about having sore legs, that’s when we know to turn back! So whether reorganising your pantry gives you joy or tending to your house plants floats your boat, hopefully, hearing what we have planned can give you further ways to bounce back from the inevitable boredom and gloom.
Lucy Searle, H&G’s Editor in Chief
Laura Crombie, H&G’s Brand Development Director
Amy Cutmore, H&G’s Digital Editor in Chief, Homes Audience
‘My first instinct would be to reach for a decent bottle of red and a good book… OK, a trashy book. However, for some bonkers reason I’ve decided to “do” Dry January this year, so I’m finding new ways to entertain myself. ‘We then usually video call some friends - who haven’t participated and don’t know what we’re planning - and have drinks and nibbles with them. ‘We then put some disco tunes on and have a dance. Both my husband and I used to teach Latin dance so we throw a lesson in for the girls too. It gets us through the long, lockdown weekends and the buzz lasts past Monday well into the week beyond. ‘Oh, and we’ll get outside with the dog – always a spirit-lifter – and no doubt clear out yet another drawer or cupboard. Decluttering is, after all, said to be good for mental health!’ A photo posted by on ‘Top of the list this weekend is to borrow my friend’s dog AKA The Best Dog in The World™ and walk up to Sharpenhoe Clappers. And yes, that is a real place. The views are incredible, it’s literally on my doorstep and – like much of Bedfordshire – few people know it’s there! ‘Hubby and I would normally take a flask of boiling water in which to cook hot dog sausages (if you haven’t done it, try it!) plus supplies of fried onions and buns. Lockdown rules permitting. If that’s scuppered, we’ll be ordering takeout from our local pub… one of chef Sam’s casseroles has the power to lift anyone’s spirits.’
Jennifer Ebert, H&G’s Digital Editor
Jo Bailey, H&G’s News & Shopping Editor
Thea Babington-Stitt, H&G’s News & Features Editor
Jennifer Spaeth, Group Chief Sub-Editor
Teresa Conway, H&G’s Gardens Editor
Emma Williams, Group Creative Director
Elisa Roche, Food Director
‘In recent years – especially during this pandemic – pottery has seen something of a renaissance. Whether buying ceramic pots made by experts or taking to the wheel to create your own piece, it seems that pottery is the craft du jour that we just can’t seem to get enough of. Though I imagine my creation will end up looking rather more phallic than functional…!’ ‘Our kitchen isn’t as impressive - nor as pink! - as India Mahdavi (opens in new tab)’s The Gallery dining room, however, once we’re a couple of Negroni’s deep, I’m not sure I’ll notice…’ ‘Keeping distracted from the world at the large helped, too, so I’ve binged the oh-so-stressful The Serpent and am getting ready to finally indulge in Bridgerton (opens in new tab). And there will be more bubbles, naturally.’ ‘Then I’ll continue to do things I love throughout the day so I’ll grab a takeaway coffee at the local cafe at lunchtime, and I might buy something else pink to treat myself. I have my eye on this lovely cushion (opens in new tab) from Graham & Green…’
