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Restaurant Review: The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods
FoodLifestyleMy Breaking Views

Restaurant Review: The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods

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Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods was absolutely divine. Who doesn’t love a cheeky brunch date with a close one, the girls or the babe?

I’ve been meaning to start writing restaurant reviews for a while now. Many have even asked, and I thought why not write one for my most recent brunch date with my Relationship and Lifestyle Blogger AliceTheeBlogger?

We had originally planned to go to Tiffany Blue Box Cafe to celebrate our birthdays. You know to celebrate the end of Virgo season *the best season in like the world – haha. Anyways, with life getting in the way, we didn’t end up going on the last day of Virgo Season, so just decided to go for our birthdays and call it a day. I reserved a slot with Open Table to ensure that I can start collecting my points.

First Impressions

If you know me you will know that I love the ambience of a restaurant. I love to be greeted accordingly, and I absolutely adore how a restaurant can make you almost feel like you’re away from reality. Going out to eat whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner should always be an experience from the minute you walk through the door. 

My first impressions of the Tiffany Blue Box Cafe was how cute and small it was. It was just the place for a boogie little brunch.

I was greeted kindly by a waiter and ushered to my table after scanning the track and trace barcode. 

Looking around you could see that they didn’t come to play with the theme. The cafe was covered in blue with blue and white plates and pure silver cutlery! It screamed Tiffany! The chairs were also comfortable and the atmosphere was aesthetically pleasing.

It was noted that we only had the table for 1.5 hours. Social distancing was observed accordingly with tables set 3 metres apart with all staff wearing masks.

The Menu at The Tiffany Blue Box

Time to peruse the menu! The menu wasn’t entirely clear for me to understand to begin with. It only had three options and didn’t really have the option to just have something small as a side order. 

I was grateful when the waitress came out to explain the menu to us, which cleared things up a little. From memory, it looked like there were only three options with the cheapest being around £69 pounds. It included the following: 

Sandwiches

  • The New York Salt Beef – with pickles and mustard, white pain de mie
  • English Cucumber & Pink Peppercorn – with Dill mascarpone, white pain de mie
  • Smoked Salmon – with lemon and chive cream cheese, wholemeal bread
  • Egg & Black Truffle – with Black truffle butter, white pain de mie
  • Warm Parmesan Madeleine – with sour cream, caviar and chives

Sweets

  • Times Square Dark Chocolate Cake
  • Summer Berry Tart
  • A crisp tart shell filled with red fruit compote and crème patisserie, Tiffany Blue Egg
  • Lemon curd and Mascarpone cheese mouse in the original Tiffany’s blue colour inspired by the Robin’s Egg

Service

I would say the service was a 4 out of 5. We were first asked what drinks we would like to drink. I asked for a hot chocolate as I don’t like tea or coffee! My friend ordered a latte. The staff were somewhat friendly, with smiles. They paid particular attention to my friend’s daughter which I loved. The starter was quickly severed with our afternoon tea set shortly after.

The Food at Tiffany Blue Box

I was a little hesitant about the food, to be honest. I am always hesitant about decor and food going hand in hand, but I have to say the food was delicious. Afternoon tea is always a good choice.

The starter was a prawn cocktail which satisfied my taste buds. It was crisp and creamy. 

Then there were sandwiches. I wasn’t entirely pleased with the meat beef one but that might be because of my fussy taste buds.

The sweet desserts were an absolute delight with a selection of cakes and treats. The Tiffany egg-shaped egg was my absolute fave. 

Finally, the scones – with real strawberry jam and clotted cream, finished me off nicely. I wasn’t able to finish everything so was really pleased when they packed it in a Harrods box for me to take home.

Photography

Below you will find some pictures of the dishes, table setting, decor and of me – of course! The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe is the place for Instagram lovers, food photographers and anyone that just loves a cute little brunch date. 

Just outside the restaurant, there was a space to take pictures in the blue styled Tiffany box, which I think is soo cute. Lucky for us it wasn’t busy at all – I presume due to COVID19.

Final thoughts…

Overall, I very much enjoyed my experience at the Tiffany Blue Box Cafe. The service was good and the food was even better. I mentioned earlier that my friend brought her 6-month-old daughter, which was absolutely fine. The staff were extremely accommodating to everyone.

It certainly is the place to go for a birthday trip, but for the price, I don’t think I would be going every other day. You know £79 is one week’s shopping! However, a one-off treat to Tiffany is always good for the soul. What about you would you go?  

To get to the restaurant please see the details below:

Location: The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL

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5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month 2020
LifestyleMy Breaking Views

5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month 2020

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This year with the horrific murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, COVID19, and now with #ENDSARS protest in Nigeria, the world has been forced to recognise the reality of racism and mistreatment towards Black people. Many would have ignored it before. However, this year many have decided to commit themselves educating themselves via social media, books, and more.

When is Black History Month 2020?

Black History Month begins from Thursday the 1st of October, to Saturday the 31st of October, 2020.

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is celebrated in various countries around the world. It began as a way of remembering the importance of Black people and history. 

In the United Kingdom, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987. It started through the leadership of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who had served as a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council (GLC).

This post would normally, have covered a list of events to attend for Black History Month. I thought and thought about ways to celebrate Black History Month this year, and I think the best way was to do this is virtually. 

Read on to find out a few different ways to get involved with Black History Month this year.

1. Write down what it means to be Black

As a Black woman, I sometimes keep myself busy. So busy that I don’t realise what is happening around me. It sometimes helps me block at the reality of things that are happening to people that look like me. It’s easy to forget how hard you are working as a Black person sometimes. Not to mention the horrific events that have gone on throughout this year – it can all be a bit much!

This year has hit our community the hardest – we are tired, hurt, angry, raging, and did I say tired? Sometimes I feel we are constantly fighting for freedom, equal rights; and to just live in a world that is everyday working against us.

Try and use this month to write something kind to yourself. Talk about why your skin shines, how your hair beautifully stands out in a crowd. Why your melanin is popping? Remind yourself how far you’ve come as a Black individual. 

If you are not Black, maybe write the work and struggle a Black person has to go through. It’s not for you to feel upset or guilty about, but maybe time for you to reflect on the fight we are forever fighting.

2. Do Black Pound Month

Black Pound Day simply encourages us to help Black business for a day. However, it doesn’t have to be just one day! Celebrate it the whole month heck make it a lifestyle!

3. Think of ways Black History Month can be brought into the workplace

Diversity in the Workplace

Let’s be honest the more diverse a workplace is the better the decisions. By taking value in diversity a workforce is required to be innovative and have a much wider perspective on policy, projects and more. It allows the status quo to be challenged. 

Work with your team/department to think of how Black History Month can be recognised this month – maybe organise for a speaker to come in, or organise a virtual event?

4. Read and Educate Yourself on Black History

I’m one that needs to get back on this. Start reading books. I’ve been reading Why I No Longer Talk To White People About Race for the longest time. Honestly, there are things in this book that have made me take a step back.

I am learning every single day, read, learn the history and don’t be afraid to ask questions and be corrected.

5. Don’t Pressure Yourself

There seems to be a lot of pressure sometimes to be seen doing something. Own it and celebrate it in your way and time. Being Black is not a fashion its a lifestyle. I wake up Black and go to sleep Black. 

Not to mention we are also living in a global pandemic so, please don’t put too much pressure on yourself. 

There are so many things you can do to celebrate, so many that I haven’t mentioned. Black Travel Creators are collaborating with Grenada Tourism Board to give content creators a taste of the Island – Grenada. Interested? Sign up here. We are also looking for Black Travel Content Creators that have a UK based audience. 

What will you be doing to celebrate Black History Month? Leave in the comments below. 

Day 1- Luce over at perselem and

Day 2- Beth over at thoughtsofarealredhead then

Day 3- Jessie over at wandererandtraveller

Day 4- Rhiannon over at mrssleejones and

Day 5- Haley over at introvertedcreativity then

Day 6- Karalee over at talesofbelle and

Day 7- Kim over at chimmyville then

Day 8- Kirsty over at kirstymarie and finally me

Day 9- Adebola over at mybreakingviews

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Where to clothes shop for your holidays…
EuropeFashionLifestyleTravel

Where to clothes shop for your holidays…

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I can’t remember the last time I shopped for my holidays. Can you?

In a few weeks, a few countries are now opening their borders and we will be able to start travelling again. I have been meaning to write a post on holiday shopping for a while (as requested). Please see below a list of retailers where you can shop for your holidays.

Pretty Little Thing

I like Pretty Little Thing (PLT). The clothes are reasonable and if you’re like me – don’t like wearing the same thing too many times (I am trying to grow out of that habit) then it’s a good place to shop. They also have the next day delivery so when I am shopping for a holiday, I usually bulk buy a load of holiday clothes.  

The only thing with PLT is that their prices reflect their quality sometimes. When I was at Coachella (2018), I went crazy with PLT and bought into their festival wear, wore a pair of their shorts and can you believe they broke on me!   

Zara

I do love me some Zara. My friend has always said if you’re not a big fan of big labels – Zara is the place for you. Zara has pretty good quality and their sales! Let’s just say the sales are on another level.  

The only thing I dislike about Zara is their website. The models are always bending all over the place so I find it difficult to see the full outfit properly. I would say the website, in general, is not overall friendly.  

Oasis/ Warehouse

If you like lots of floral prints and bright bold colours this is the place for you. Anytime I get a chance to shop in Oasis or Warehouse I am so excited. I put these two retail shops together because, for me, they are quite similar. Another good thing about this place is that they have a good website which is presented with good modelling. 

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???? ??? ???? ?????????? ????????? ? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I'm afraid I have never really ever explored a country I've lived in except Singapore ?? (pictured). ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It's funny how I've lived in England all my life and have never thought to take a day trip to another city close by. ⁣?⁣ ⁣⁣ It's why I'm happy to announce my first [#gifted] trip to Brighton tomorrow with @VisitEngland and @traverseevents ⁣? ⁣⁣ ???? ?? #?????????? ? ⁣⁣ It's a #MyMicrogap trip where I will be experiencing the best bits of a gap year in one day! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It's a trip for me to switch off from my usual routine and simply relax and unwind in Brighton @Visit.Brighton ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I'm really excited to see what #MyMicrogap have in store for me. I will be sharing stories, posts and a cheeky blog of my day out in Brighton so please stay tuned. ?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #MyBreakingViews #gifted #visitengland ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

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My problem with these shops they don’t seem to have any of retail shops anywhere close to other retail stores. 

N.B Both Oasis and Warehouse are currently rebranding.

Primark

I know there may be some people that might read this and turn the nose up! haha! But honestly, I do love a good old buy at Primark AKA as P-Unit. I like Primak for basics, you know vest, socks etc. And to be honest with you they do have a few stylish items of clothing. As I mentioned before if you are someone that doesn’t like wearing the same thing twice and you want to shop for your holiday. Primark is the place to go – the clothes are very reasonable too! 

The thing I can’t stand about Primark is that the shop is a complete mess! It is like sitting in a teenager’s messy room! To avoid the mess I usually write a list of things I want to buy and go at the crack of dawn when everything is nicely folded.  

ASOS

Asos saved me for my only holiday shop I was able to do this year! Hahaha! Asos has such a great selection of clothing and they even collaborate with so many other brands that you can select from. They also have a tool that allows you to be notified when an item has been restoked. It’s how I got my ski-clothing!

Only think about ASOS is they only are online! I would love for them to have an actual store. 

ISawItFirst

I recently stumbled onto ISAWITFIRST on my holiday shopping last year and decided to buy a few items. Again, another reasonable online store for holiday shopping. 

I can’t say much about them as I have purchased a few bits and bobs. However, what I will say is, they don’t seem to have a huge selection to choose from it all looks to me like it is tailored for college students – sorry! 

And there you have it a few places to shop for your holidays. I am always discovering new retailers to shop for my holidays, so do regularly check back for updates. 

It’s time we start getting ready to shop for our holidays…. do you have any plans to shop for a holiday. What about yourselves where do you enjoy shopping for your holidays? 

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10 Black-Owned Restaurants To Visit
Black History MonthFoodLifestyleMy Breaking ViewsThings to Do

10 Black-Owned Restaurants To Visit

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So today is our first Black Pound Day (Saturday, June 27). With everything that has happened in the last few weeks, I think this is a day that we can and should take the time to support our community. And I think the best way to do it is through food! Why? Because everyone enjoys eating. 

What is Black Pound Day?

Black Pound Day (which will be a monthly event) encourages people to buy products from Black business owners in the UK. It was set up by Swiss a former So Solid Crew member! 

Below I have put together a list of Black-owned restaurants that are currently open for takeaways and delivery in the UK. 

 10 Black-Owned Restaurants to Visit in The UK 

1. Adian’s Dining – Birmingham 

A Birmingham Black-owned la carte restaurant that focuses on using amazing ingredients from all over the world that emphasises on the Caribbean, Asia and India foods. I will be certainly trying out this restaurant if I’m ever in Birmingham. 

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#ackee #riceandpeas #lobstermacncheese tropical fusion ?

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Location: 310-312 LADYPOOL ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, B12 8JY

2. ENISH – London

London wide Black-owned restaurants with a branch in Dubai. Enish serves a diverse range of Nigerian food.  I visited this restaurant at the beginning of this year and enjoyed it. If you are going, I would suggest trying some pepper soup or even the suya!

Location: 228 Lewisham High St, London, SE13 6JU

3. Caribbean Croft – Bristol 

A Black-owned restaurant based in Bristol. It servers traditional Caribbean comfort dishes. I’ve personally never been, but it looks like a good shout for whenever I may be in Bristol.

Location: 30 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3QD

4. Young Vegans Pizza Shop – London

A London Black-owned business that makes vegan mozzarella, mock meats and dough pizza. I usually do vegan for a month every year so at least now I know I have somewhere to try.

Location: 393 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9RA

5. Cafe Caribbean – London

A London based restaurant that makes all types of Jamaican food. Her recipes have been influenced by Content District, St Catherine, in Jamaica. 

Location: Pavilion Building, Old Spitalfields Market, London E1 6EW

6. Issa Vibe – London

A London Black-owned restaurant based in Peckham, serving all American food such as WingsWaffles, Fish, Burgers and Mac Cheese.

Location: 181 Rye Ln, Peckham, London SE15 4TP

7. Chukus – London

A London based Nigerian Tapas Restaurant. I haven’t yet been to this restaurant, but I will certainly be visiting after the Lockdown. 

Location: 274 High Road, Tottenham, N15 4AJ

8. Crepes & Cones – London 

A London based restaurant that offers a mix of savoury soul food with creative desserts & cocktails. Despite leaving so close to this place I still am yet to visit and enjoy! 

Location: 24-26 S End, Croydon CRO 1DN

9. TRIBE – London 

A South London based restaurant that serves healthy drinks and snacks from their juice bar. This restaurant is worth visiting for the vegans. 

Location: 22 Streatham High Rd, Streatham Hill, London SW16 1DB

10. Leilanis – London

A London based restaurant that serves Halal Caribbean food and other cultures. 

Location: 14 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5RW

And there we have it! Which one of these Black-owned restaurants will you be attending? Do you know of any other Black-owned restaurants?

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Working From Home Successfully During LockDown Tips
LifestyleMy Breaking Views

Working From Home Successfully During LockDown Tips

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7th week on lockdown and 7th week of working from home.

I’ve been working from home for 7 weeks and I can honestly tell you it’s been a difficult one. I’ve been working from home before COVID19 since my first role in Central Government in 2016. So I feel like I have some idea of the expectations of how an organisation would expect you to work.

5 Tips on How to Work From Home Successfully during the Lockdown

So we are still under lockdown and although measures are starting to be lifted in some countries. I think for many businesses working from home may still be in action for a little while longer. Some people may be struggling with working from home (WFH). So I have helpfully jotted down a few points on how to work from home successfully during a lockdown.

1. Create a Working from Home To-Do List

lockdown working from home

I started doing this recently and it changed my life! Start your day with a to-do list. It can be done in 10 mins. You just need to jot down a list of things you want to achieve in a day. This will help with structuring your day.

Don’t be afraid to get excited when you’re able to tick off your tasks throughout the day. Without office-based distractions, you may actually be more productive with a to-do list!

2. Take Breaks from your laptop

working from home take a break

Please take breaks. Sitting on your laptop all day can become exhausting and mentally draining. I’m currently working on a couple of scoping projects. So it’s essential to take a break from all the reading I do during the day. I always take a 10 min break after long meetings. It can be quite challenging to go straight into a new task.

Take breaks, go for a walk or check your social. Just do something, anything that will get you away from your laptop for 5 mins.

3. Get ready to work from home

Back when working from home was a luxury. I used to literally roll out of bed at the last minute and log in. Shhh, don’t tell my manager. However, now in lockdown, I am starting to realise having a shower in the morning and wearing work clothes sets my day. Going for a walk in the morning is also helpful with getting my headspace ready for work. Of course, I don’t do this every single day. But when I am struggling the most with working from home – this structure can help me and might help you too.

So no more setting up from your bed or from your sofa. Get yourself in the zone and sit at a table and maintain a good posture.

4. Do some exercise

exercise during lockdown

Right at the beginning of the lockdown, I was so into exercising. I was sometimes squeezing in two workouts a day. I loved it.

Go out for some fresh air – please maintain social distancing. Get some fresh air, walk, cycle run do whatever you think will help clear your headspace. If you’re like me you will be used to commuting to work, so you will need to make up for the time. Anything is something even if it’s only 10 mins.

5. Stay connected with others

We are very fortunate to be able to work from home in this political climate we are in. Working remotely or working from home doesn’t mean working in isolation. Interact with others throughout the week. Have meetings, there are lots of different types of technology you can use Zoom/Microsft Teams, Skype and more. I recently organised a lunchtime session with my colleagues to feel like we were having lunch together.

Working From Home Successfully During LockDown Tips

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How to Prepare Yourself For Post-Covid19
LifestyleMy Breaking Views

How to Prepare Yourself For Post-Covid19

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How should one prepare themselves post-COVID19? This is an important question we need to be all asking ourselves. When the quarantine is lifted and the crisis subsides, what will we see going on around us? How will the social world behave? The economy? Will things go back to how there were before the pandemic? Will we be able to book a flight and go anywhere we want?  

So many questions, which I’m afraid I don’t have the answers too. I wish I did honestly.  However, I don’t think many people know the answers to the million questions being asked around the world. A lot of it is predictions which let’s be real – what else can we do in a situation like this? 

We are all under lockdown, for the first time we are all doing the same thing. This to some degree is a positive thing. In the midst of all of this, everyone is trying to stay and remain positive in such a challenging period.  

How to Prepare Yourself For Post-COVID19 

Although it may not feel like it right now, this COVID-19 crisis won’t last forever. So, we need to prepare ourselves for post-COVID19, right? Below are a few tools that will help to prepare yourself for post-COVID19. 

1.Be Still  

Please understand that I’m no expert. However, one thing I can say is that being at home has allowed me to just be still. You know sitting still for many people is difficult. People like me like to be kept busy. However, this time doesn’t really allow you do that.

This time has allowed me to reflect on my mental health. In the real world, we are so busy, we are working, we are attending events, we are gyming, we are meeting up with friends that we sometimes struggle to just be still. Being still allows you to concentrate on your mental health.  

be still post-COVID19

Use this time to get your headspace right. Grab a journal. Listen to some good music, dance and laugh.  Take some time out to work on your mental health. Work out. Or why not try some meditation, may take up some yoga?  Read – How to Practise Self Care and Compassion.

2.Organise Yourself  

You have a lot of time on your hands to organise yourself – like a lot of time. Make a list of things that you couldn’t do because ‘you didn’t have the time to get it done’. I’ve been experimenting with some amazing meals, which wasn’t something I always did before.  

And for those Working from Home (WFH) why not use the time to find out how you work effectively? Things will have certainly have changed for you, so take notes on what works and what doesn’t. Organise yourself so you can produce quality work. This will enable you to get yourself into a rhythm which will hopefully help with your workflow.  You may even be able to use these new ways of working post-COVID19.

3. Reflect

Use this time to reflect, (this is quite similar to my first point about being still). There is so much you can reflect on, your past, your present and you know your future. Is there anything your not happy with that you would like to change? Can you change it now?

Are there things you still need to deal with? Like personal traumas or even broken relationships?  

Use this time to reflect on yourself. Hold yourself accountable for anything that needs to be resolved.  

post-COVID19 REFLECT

4.Set new goals  

You may be asking yourself – how am I setting goals when I don’t know when I can act on them?? I’m with you on that one.  

Earlier this year I created a mood board.  

For those that don’t know what a mood board is:  A mood board is a type of visual presentation or a collage consisting of images, text, and samples of objects in a composition of things you would like to achieve in a space of time.  

post-COVID19 MOODBOARD

When this pandemic started, I asked myself how will I be able to follow through with my mood board? However, I decided to create a new mood board. You know one that works for me under quarantine and I still have hope that I will be able to fulfil my original mood board. And you should too.  

5. Learn A New Skill  

I said earlier that I have been learning to cook more, the other day I learnt to make salt and pepper prawns – because I had the TIME!  Want to know how to find out how to make them head over to WeAreTheFoodWhores Instagram Highlight.

post-COVID19 salt and pepper prawns things too cook.

Use this time to learn a new skill. It can be absolutely anything! I am still working on learning another skill and will update you once I have learnt something new –  hehe!  

6. Social Media Cleanse  

When COVID19 started, I noticed I was constantly on every social media outlet. I wanted to be distracted by the reality of what was going on. I recognised my addition was bad-bad when I was on it every second of the day.  

I’ve been using this time to get away from social media, which has forced me to get back into reading and writing in my journal. Don’t worry I get it; social media is a useful tool.  I am constantly being reminded by close friends that as a blogger I must always be on socials. However, as I’m not writing about travel now, I have decided to use this time to step back from it all. You know take a well-needed break.  

SOCIAL MEDIA CLEANSE post-COVID19

Set yourself a time limit you can have on socials each day. Once that time is up it’s time to do something else. Trust me. If you are suffering from anxiety, then this will help.   

7. Rest  

There is so much going on socials telling people to do this, have a business up and running and all sorts. Honestly, one of the best things for you to do with this extra time is to – REST!  

Once this pandemic is over you are going to want to be everywhere! Travellers, if allowed, are gonna want to catch a flight, those that enjoy seeing friends are gonna want to see their friends and family. Life as we once knew it might actually go back to normal. You will be back at work! You will be back to your busy hustle lifestyle.  

POST-COVID19 REST

There is so much you will be doing that you will wish you took this time to just REST! 

Final Thoughts… 

COVID19 has literally paused life for everyone. While it’s nice to know that we are all going through the same thing – for some worst. I and a lot of us have to be extremely thankful for so many things, like having a roof over my head, food when I want it. A job with a consistent salary. Time to slow down. There is also running water for me to wash my hands when I want, and most importantly I do feel safe at home.

Once this pandemic is over I can certainly believe we will be jumping another hurdle and that will be the life post-COVID19. I can’t imagine things will jump back to how they were before, so dealing with your wellbeing and preparing yourself is soo important right now.  

What about you what else have you been doing to prepare yourself for post-covid19? Share your comments and thoughts below and let’s learn from each other.  

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