Why Staying In Can Be As Fun As Going Out!

Yeah right, I hear you say with the obligatory eye-roll followed by “puhlease!!!!” Ok, maybe the headline is a slight exaggeration, but I kid you not there is much fun to be had by staying in, not to mention the added feel-good factor of knowing that you’re contributing to stopping the spread and not being part of the problem!

Staying in means you can totally be yourself. You don’t have to worry about impressing anyone, saying the right thing or having to plaster a fake smile on your face while thinking when is this person going to just stop talking!!! At home in your sanctuary you can completely be yourself without having to worry about what people think. You can wear, eat and do what you want as opposed to conforming to what society considers “normal” which is not always much fun. When you stay at home you have the freedom to just be yourself without fear of being judged. It can also be a lot cheaper than going out!

There’s so much great T.V. to binge watch. Netflix has some superb series and documentaries from all over the world. One of my favorites being an Italian series called Suburra: Blood On Rome, an excellent three season series (which will keep you occupied for a while in-between working from home) show, based on a true story of organized crime, corrupt politicians and the Vatican. A compelling experience and depiction of modern-day Rome saturated with colorful character, sound and sin.

If you have a strong stomach and a thirst for conspiracy then the controversial Netflix Seaspiracy documentary is definitely one to watch. Seaspiracy, made by the team behind the award-winning 2014 film Cowspiracy, which was backed by Leonardo DiCaprio, pours doubt on the idea of sustainable fishing, shines a spotlight on the aquaculture industry and introduces the notion of “blood shrimp,” seafood tainted with slave-labor and human rights abuses.

If you haven’t already watched this exquisite period drama from Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes, you must and if you have, re-watch it for a recap as season two is currently being filmed. It really is like no other and has become Netflix’s most watched series ever. Bridgerton is set during the Regency period in England and follows the powerful Bridgerton family as they navigate love, marriage and scandal. Shockingly entertaining, the show is based on a series of novels with each focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling; this first series follows eldest sister Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and her turbulent marriage to one of London's most eligible bachelors, Duke Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). With season two expect much more from London’s Ton era, even sans the gorgeous Regé-Jean Page, it still promises to be superb!

Another wonderful thing about staying-in is that you can hangout on Zoom, HouseParty and WhatsApp video chat among other platforms, with a multitude of people with different outfit changes, (one of my favorite things to do, as it allows you to road-test riskier looks without having to run home and change if they don’t work!!!) drinks and food without ever having to leave the comfort or safety of your couch.

Talking about food and drink apart from trying out all those great recipes you’ve been meaning to but haven’t quite had the time, it’s also a great opportunity to try out all those restaurants you’ve been meaning to but haven’t got round to, and eat exactly what you like off their menus with no judgement! Fancy a healthy starter from KIKU, followed by a decadent Sugar Burger and a chocolatey dessert and cappuccino from Kopi Kade, knock yourself out.

Always wanted to visit France, well now’s a great time to learn the language so that when we’re finally able to travel again, your dream trip will be that much easier because you speak the language. There are loads of great online courses that you can take to broaden your horizons and many of them are free, so take advantage.

It’s also a good time to do a bit of Marie Kondo-ing and in the process perhaps earn a little extra cash by selling off those items you no longer need or use, and become part of the circular consumption process.

However you choose to spend your time, please for the collective good of the country do it safely at home as much as possible, and always without exception, stick to the government health and safety protocols as these rules are definitely not meant to be broken.