Supermarket shopping - how increasing costs change behaviour

Asda has raised their online delivery charges. I have been shopping at Asda more recently. I used to shop at Waitrose, but they raised their delivery prices. I've shopped with Ocado but they can be pricey. I was a Tesco shopper and tried their delivery saver, but vowed I'd rarely shop with them again. 

I'm a customer that is sensitive to supermarket prices, especially delivery charges. 

As the cost of living crisis bites, we're looking to save where we can. If supermarkets aren't competitive, then they may lose market share. 

Now I'm thinking it's time to go back to Lidl. Their prices are incredibly competitive. 

As for going out and spending money, I am super reluctant to. Yesterday I had thought about treating myself with some takeaway. Instead I had leftovers. The saving is huge. 

I used to love eating out. I would also happily spend a bit more on my groceries. However, with increasing electricity prices, I'm anxious about how this will affect me. The economy is on wobbly ground and I expect it will worsen. So I'm preparing for it now and hope it will help if things get rough. 

The government has chosen oil companies over everything else. They have chosen to ignore the problem now and hope they can fix the consequences later, or perhaps they just don't care. 

Either way, we have to look after ourselves and figure out a way forward. No help is coming. We're all going down in this ship. 

Now back to sorting out what I'll do about grocery shopping ... 

Skincare - finding a new beauty routine

I've been trying new beauty products. It's such a relief there are more paraben and chemical free products available. 

Over time, your skin needs change. We have to adapt and see what works. 

The mix of supplements and vitamins also is an important part of my skin care routine. I've scaled down the cocktail of pills. 

I was using essential oils like immortelle and frankincense with base oils like rosehip oil, grapeseed oil and almond oil. I love them but feel that it is time to step it up.  I've been a fan of Neal's Yard, Sukin and Antipodes. There's a burt's bees exfoliant I use in the shower on an ad hoc basis. I would use almond oil for a mini face massage and do a homemade mask made from yoghurt, honey, ginger, turmeric and honey. 

I've been reading about latest trends and looking at the ingredients in high end products. In the past I used some very expensive brands. Now, I realise that there are affordable options. Q+A and Oleus have a good range. 

I've gradually introduced different products and treatments. 

I started with a collagen face cream as a night cream. I also switched to apricot oil to remove my makeup. 

After a couple of months, I've focused on serums and blemish problems. During the day I use a Vitamin C serum. At night I use a Superfood serum and a blemish repair paste which has some salicylic acid. I also use a charcoal cleanser a few times a week. 

I've invested in a LED light treatment mask. It's a strange experience lying there with this mask on. 

The next phase is trying a hyaluronic acid serum, a bakuchiol serum which is an alternative to retinol, an AHA exfoliating gel and a peptide eye gel. After that, I'll be looking at mask peels. 

It is a bit of trial and error. I think I'm seeing results which is exciting. In the meantime, it's fun trying new things. Also, I find that spending time looking after my skin makes me feel happy and good about myself. 

For years my focus was based more on what I was eating and drinking. Now it's adding in a few routines which might support being beautiful both on the inside and outside. At times it feels indulgent and vain, but the reality is that little comes naturally. I've always had to work hard to achieve my goals. My beauty is just another area of my life that needs attention. 

London Fashion - Designer Window Shopping

Last week I took a stroll down London's Old Bond St. I used to buy magazines to see what was new. It's actually quite interesting to wander by the different store front windows. You see which designers really do stand out and it's much easier to compare them. It's a bit like a fashion catwalk in reverse where you're doing the walking while the models are still and watching you. 

Spring has arrived so the big winter coat is almost ready to be packed away.  I've even started buying shorts ahead of summer. Last year it was almost impossible to find any that I liked as they were all sold out. 

The other week I wore a dress since we had a warmish day. I also was able to wear a new skirt and it's great to be dressing up a little again. Blues and greens seem right for this time of year. I like more flowing looser comfy clothes which have a relaxed weekend feel to them. More pockets is on my wishlist. I have even bought two of the same skirt in the same colour which has great pockets and a dress in two different colours which has pockets. There just aren't enough dresses and skirst with pockets around. 

Every so often I like to wear a pop of colour. Red is great. I wish there were more colours to choose from but these days the shops are a bit unimaginative. 

I like a short dress or skirt with leggings for that 70s vibe. I'm loving leggings and have a few that I adore but I'm always on the look out for more. Most of the leggings I see are for sportswear or their plain dull staples which I have plenty of.  

Smart casual is one of my go to looks. I've yet to buy trousers this season that will be my fun day pick me up. I've always found it hard to buy trousers although I'm a big fan of cargos and have two which will be my staples over the next few months. 

A beret adds a little flair to anything . I have a winter and spring berets which have lasted years. We definitely need more cool casual hats out there. 

Lounge wear became a massive trend with the pandemic and lockdown. I'm so ready to move on from that and put this year behind us. 

My wardrobe has gone through a makeover in the last twelve months. With each passing year, it's not just about trends but about what works for the time of your life and also knowing what you like or suits you after years of shopping. 

Thank goodness many retailers are improving their online shopping experience with free fast delivery and returns, reviews, lots of photoes and a decent range available. It makes shopping way too easy and the good ones, well they keep getting my money. Happy shopping fashion lovers! 

Lockdown 3.0 - diary of a Londoner

Sunset on the River Thames

They call it tier 4 but we're essentially in Lockdown 3.0. Since my last post on Lockdown 2.0 in November when I did a detox and endured a vigorous exercise regime, I'm focusing on being healthy and happy. 

On average I've walked 51km a week over the last 5 weeks. I'm feeling healthier and fitter. 

Diet

Seeds and nuts with a fried egg on rye bread

Food is a central part of my day. It's high protein and low carb. I eat eggs, seeds, nuts and vegetables for breakfast. There were a few days of rye bread. Lunch includes meat or fish and vegetables. I've been making lots of broth which is a super boost for my skin. Dinner is a spinach smoothie. I drink lots of milk and no complex carbs, sugar, processed food or salt. On average I have 100g of protein a day, 130 - 170g of carbs and 70g  - 100g of fat a day, totalling under 2000 calories. 

Daily fruit plate

I've cut back on eating lots of fruit. Instead I'm having a vegetable intensive diet. 

I keep a daily food diary in the fitbit app. It's helped me refine how much I eat. I aim for 70 to 100g of protein, or about 25% protein and less than 2,000 calories a day. Fat and carbohydrates vary between 30 to 40% of my diet. 

Mindfulness

I listen to the calm app some days. I try to  not see things as good or bad. They simply just are events that happen. It's hard to not react or respond, rather to just let things be. 

Creativity and Nature 

I'm singing, dancing, cooking, writing, taking photoes and listening to music. I've even self published a children's story which was inspired by a short video that I made. 

Winter blooms

Swans, ducks, birds, squirrels, trees, flowers and occasional blue skies have all been lovely corners of my world. 

I have amateur videos on youtube. I'm too attached to these wonderful moments and wanted to keep them somewhere. There's funny ducks at Spirit Quay and llamas at Mudchute farm. 

I've been buying fresh flowers to brighten things up. Chrysanthemums and roses actually survive outside on my balcony for weeks. I guess they receive more sun and fresh air. 

Flowers still grow on my balcony

These are the only flowers that have been thriving since September. My little balcony garden has brought me so much joy. 

Christmas

London has embraced Christmas. It was funny walking down Old Bond St and New Bond St. 

Cartier on Old Bond St

The designer stores reminded me of years ago a blog post I did on designer fashion in Paris. It feels like a lifetime ago when fashion was a huge part of my budget and I was obsessed with shoes. 

D&G window

The styles are so different to my mood and the times. In this covid-world, there's more dressing down with trainers. 

DIOR designer fashion

No more parties or bars for me. I don't see many people. 

I'm addicted to leggings and my long woolly socks. I have a puffy jacket that I regularly throw in the washing machine. 

Fendi lit up

It's still fun looking but I have no desire or budget for any of it any more. It's now like a curious exploration of a gallery. 

Coronavirus in the UK

They say there's a new variant of the virus and 40 countries have banned travel to or from the UK. The UK and European strategy is at the opposite spectrum to New Zealand.

Victoria Park on the weekend

In the UK, instead of suppressing or eliminating coronavirus, there's been an acceptable level of infections and deaths, so long as the NHS is not overwhelmed. To give you a flavour of life in the UK:

• The travel industry has been protected with little border control with a token, but not strictly enforced quarantine. 
• Lockdowns 2.0 in November & 3.0 in London since Saturday have been less severe, with takeaway food & alcohol more widely available now. Certain areas have been busy with lots of socialising and household mixing outdoors. Masks are more common but still not strictly enforced indoors, especially in shops. 
• For weeks, we saw images of packed Regent and Oxford St on the weekend. It looked like everyone had forgotten there was a virus circulating. Some non-essential shops were packed and people were buoyed with optimism the vaccine was here. 
• Celebrities and well known personalities broke the rules with parties in restaurants with dozens of guests. 
• Certain industries don't wear masks nor socially distance. They try a bit more compared to lockdown 1.0 but they seem to either not care or think they are immune to the virus. 
• Since the first lockdown, everyone has broken a rule or two here or there, generously interpreted the guidance and felt they are exercising their own common sense. Over the summer especially, I know mental health was used as an excuse to break the rules. 
• Since December, sporting events, gyms and theatres were open, with up to 1,000 spectators allowed in Tier 2 areas which included London until just over a week ago. 
• Testing has been somewhat unstrategic. Who knows how much bar, restaurants, shops and cab drivers are asymptomatically passing the virus on? There's no regular testing. 
• Schools, especially secondary schools, have had huge numbers of infections but the government says they will take legal action on a council which sought to close schools in their borough. 
• Primary schools remained open since reopening after lockdown 1.0 with the vehement belief children were less likely to contract the virus. Statistically this data was skewed since children were essentially shielded until June. They saw the new variant may mean children will be just as likely as adults to become infected. However, with schools open throughout the second half of the year, it is plausible we are also seeing a more representative set of data now. 
• It was heart breaking to read of the children who have died from coronavirus in the UK. While there have not been many cases, that has been little comfort to those who have lost them. These deaths were not widely reported and the focus on deaths, which averaged 500 a day in the last couple of months, have not featured in mainstream media other than daily token facts and numbers.  
• Universities reopened and became covid hotbeds in September. 
• The protect the economy camp lobbies against any restrictions. Anti mask sentiments continue. Protests against limiting freedoms persist. 
• Everyone thinks they are safe and covid free until they are not. Complacency set in and in December there was a push for the economy when either lockdown 2.0 should have been longer or the tiers tightened with tougher restrictions in the lead up to Christmas and with the onset of winter. It is now suggested a lockdown or toigh restrictions will now be necessary until the Spring. 

Mayfair street art

Christmas relaxation was stubbornly pursued as British exceptionalism until the 11th hour when the rest of Europe was locking down in December with limited changes for Christmas. The Prime Minister indicated absolutely the British public would have Christmas and described a cancellation as inhumane. 

Currently London and the South East are in Tier 4 which means no household mixing for Christmas, except 1+1 outdoors. When Tier 4 hit on Sunday midnight, it was announced at 4pm on Saturday. Train stations were packed as people rushed to exit the capital. 

We are all punished in lockdowns even though the majority are model citizens for 98% of the time. It encourages everyone to simply take and do what they can when the rules are relaxed or have minor rule breaks when restrictions are in place. It's a boom / bust way of operating. 

River Thames

How much is the new variant versus behavioural changes or the government relaxing too much in December is anyone's guess. Borders are shut but the variant is likely everywhere now, not just in the UK. 

It is another example of a lack of coordinated global efforts. Each country protects their own. This is why it will take longer and be harder for any of us to succeed in this global crisis. 

Inevitably, the UK will face more rules - perhaps masks worn outdoors too, curfews, outdoor activity restricted or a national lockdown with Christmas relaxation across all tiers cancelled. Possibly even a cap on how many households mix in any one week. There is a large suite of options the libertarians have avoided but may now be forced to impose on us. 

The ability of countries to continue to trade, operate and prosper is a test of one's own government, but also those of our partners. Whether we thrive as a team or pursue our own agendas remains to be seen.

London Westminster Houses of Parliament

The pandemic has been consistently poorly managed. The economic and public health continue to be treated as binary issues. This is why we have failed rather than succeeded to date. 

Public expectations are in the context of promises about Christmas, a limited 3 week lockdown in November, Tory MPs against further national lockdowns, worries about the economy & jobs and a government bound to an inadequate Tier system which saw most of the north of England closed for months. There is huge dismay now that any early warning signs were ignored. How much of this variant is about a government trying to shift the blame for a mess they have created because now countries are closing their borders to the UK because they continue with mixed messages and a poor strategy. 

If the UK and Europe pursued a New Zealand style approach of minimising  infections, it might mean we aren't in this cycle of mutating viruses running wild. It would mean strict hotel quarantines to avoid imported cases and a zero tolerance for rule breaking. However, there doesn't seem to be an appetite or enough courage. Rather, we pin our hopes on the vaccine solving all our problems. It might but that there are many who cannot take the vaccine, we don't know how long immunity lasts and the whole world will not be immunised overnight. It's a massive problem that is still far from over. Accordingly, the public health and economic crisis continues. 

Wall art in East London

Tens of thousands in the UK died. It's a record we should be ashamed of. We aren't the worst globally but we're clearly not the best. 

East London graffiti - Belly Mujinga died with Covid-19 on 5 April 2020

I limit watching or reading the news, but I am well educated and informed to ensure I stay safe. Similarly, I'm avoiding interacting on social media on this topic now. Most of my thoughts haven't changed since my first blog post on coronavirus at the beginning of the year when Italy locked down.

Wildbirds in East London

I don't feel anger or sadness any more. It is simply about being present, rather than thinking about the past and the way things used to be, or the future which continues to be uncertain. If I worry about it, that doesn't help. Perhaps all the animals and nature is  escapism but it is what is working for me. 

So 2021 is nearly here. For now, I've been lucky. My family and I are safe and well. I know more people who've had covid in the last few months. Fortunately none have died but some have long covid. Next Christmas will be better. This week I'm eating well but still mostly healthy. Weather permitting, I'm walking alot too.  

Tower Bridge in London

Emotionally I'm in a better place this year than I was this time last year. It's been a funny and strange year. I guess there will be more funny and strange things to come. 

Stay safe and well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. C7. 

London's Borough Market - Happy Foodie Heaven

Borough market is where all foodies take other foodies. The aroma, excitement, anticipation and mouthwatering sights of all sorts of treats make this one of the premiere places for indulgence and pleasure.

Dulwich Artist Open House Festival

At the Dulwich artist open house festival, you meet London artists while exploring their work, studios and homes. 

Shop in the UK from anywhere in the world - buy online

House of Fraser London

Online shopping is one of the biggest trends this century. You can buy online almost anything from anywhere in the world. I have been shopping in Italy this week-end and the UK. My credit card is getting a major work out and my wardrobe is bulging. I have to say the experience has been much more gratifying than my visit to Selfridges in which there was a massive downpour, so I was battling the rain and the grumpy crowds. That was shoe shopping which I really do need to try on and see what is my size. It means that now when I shop online I know exactly what size I ma in different shoes and I have a much better idea of what I am looking for.

Android Smart Phone

Android phones are super trendy and it seems that a normal mobile phone is like playing cassette tapes. To date, I have taken advantage of everyone else having a smart phone and just made sure I had them around so I didn't get lost or if we needed to check the internet. I think they are expensive because they are new, and there are alot of annoying aspects which will eventually be sorted - I can't believe people are charging their phones daily or even more frequently!

British Beauty Kate Middleton - Fashion Icon, from the High Street to Designer Labels

Kate Middleton is the next-gen fashion icon. She’s the it girl and the most talked about women in the world and her status as a trend setter is growing exponentially. One UK paper declared before the Royal Wedding that she was a bigger fashion icon than Lady Gaga and Cheryl Cole in the UK.

Paris - The Designer Fashion Capital of the World

Paris is synonymous with fashion. I love London, it has some of the best fashion in the world. But the Parisian designer windows are a feast for the eyes. If you can’t afford the designer prices, perhaps you might be inspired by the latest looks they have created in these boutiques. 
 

Rue Fauborg St Honore is one of Paris’ most famous shopping streets, full of designer boutiques. I loved Prada’s building.

 

Save Money with these Beauty Product Discount Promo Codes

If you are running out of your favourite beauty product or need to buy presents, save money and take advantage of the discounts this Easter.

Pierre Herme - The Master of Macarons

Paris is a magical city, and one of its master magicians is Pierre Herme. 

To say I am obsessed is an understatement. I am almost prepared to say that I love them as much as champagne.

After a half a dozen trips to Paris, I am a mini-connoisseur of macarons. Of all the patiserries, Pierre's is the ultimate indulgence. My first thought after eating them was I have truly lived, my life is complete and I can die happy. They were bliss, the mix of ingredients were exciting and they melted in my mouth.

Holiday Blues and Winter Warmers - Tips and Tricks

The Winters are getting colder and colder. The secrets to happiness in winter is staying warm and brightening up these grey days.

Christmas Presents - It's a kids world

They say Christmas is about the kids. And I have to say that buying gifts for them can be tremendous fun. But at the same time with the stress of the holiday period, it can be very tricky. It's hard to keep up with fads, what's in, what's not.

How to Buy the Perfect Gift

Do you want the perfect gift for friends, parents, lovers and kids? The key is to come up with gifts that are thoughtful and original. What are they passionate about? What gets them excited?