A Wednesday-only post is not my usual content output for any given week – but then it’s not exactly a usual week, is it?
[Reading time: 3 mins]
What the hell happened? I’ve woken up every morning this week with a sense of panic – like you do when you wake up after a weird, slightly disturbing dream – except this time I’ve realised I hadn’t been dreaming. It was actually true.
This is the only bit of (actually quite short) writing about the doom and gloom I’m going to bestow on you all, but of course it needs addressing. Not that I want to poo-poo the seriousness of the situation we’re all in (because OMG it’s flippin’ serious), but I don’t need to add to the panic. Like many of you have been telling me through your replies to my Instagram stories*, it’s nice to keep a sense of normality wherever possible and to continue to talk about – and read about – stuff that fills the heart with joy. We NEED joy.
(*I’m very active on stories these days – lots of birdsong on my walks and Suki pictures – and I’ve decided to keep my grid posts to just two or three a week and see how that goes. Better start posting again now I’ve said that…)
We still need to find our happy places. After all, it seems like we’re going to be stuck indoors for the foreseeable future, so it makes sense to look for joy, doesn’t it?
Where I’m going from here
So no outfits or link ups this week I’m afraid, but don’t worry: I won’t be stopping them. I just needed a week off from producing my usual content to concentrate on how this is all going to affect me, my work, my loved ones and my family.
When I say I’m rethinking work, I’m talking about how I earn a crust. I’m talking about how I structure my days. I’m talking about the fact that I may/may not have Keith at home with me, and the fact that he may well not have any money coming in if his work closes (his job cannot be done from home unfortunately). Things are okay for him at the moment (and his company are being very reasonable), but who knows what will happen in the coming weeks/months.
I’m talking about the fact that I won’t be earning any money from modelling or video shoots up in London, styling events or similar. I’m talking about the fact that I assume PR agencies and brands might cut advertising and blogger outreach budgets, so my earning potential may dry up altogether.
I’m sure 90% of you reading this will be in a similar position. I feel for you all. I also have elderly parents to worry about and I’m wondering how we’re going to look after them safely, without putting them at risk.
Funnily enough, the last post I published last week – The Mindset You Need to Lose Weight in Your 40s (or During/Post Menopause) – was incredibly timely because of the need for so many of us to rethink our fitness regime now we’ll be at home for long periods on end. (I promise you it was not planned that way, it just took me ages to write!)
So as requested by many, I’ll get part two written as quickly as possible so that we can practise a healthy diet and fitness regime together.
This week Keith and I will sit down and go through all our finances, look at where we can cut back and consider some alternative ways we can make some money. Selling on eBay (I think) seems like a good prospect right now. (Thoughts on that from a buyer’s perspective?) I’ve had to cancel the detox break I’d planned to go to in June, both from a financial and practical point of view. Every avenue for saving/making money will be explored.
Thankfully we hadn’t organised a holiday or flights for anything this year (we wouldn’t have gone anywhere until we’d had Suki at least a year before leaving her with anyone for any sort of length of time anyway) so luckily we haven’t lost out in that way.
So yes, I’m rethinking everything. Who knows where we’ll be – where THE WORLD will be – in three, six, twelve months’ time? I’ve heard some really heartbreaking stories already, but then I’ve heard some wonderfully uplifting ones as well. If there can be a silver lining to all this, I hope it’ll bring out the best in humanity. Let’s not forget this affects everyone, from your best friend to your boss to celebrities – even that idiot who trolled you last month.
Maybe crime will go down? Maybe a dirty tabloid rag or two will go out of business (fingers crossed)? Maybe the human population will start practising kindness for real AT LAST and treating the planet with a little more care? Who knows. Let’s hope so.
Let me know in the comments how you’re coping – any happy stories to come out of all of this are most welcome.
Stay safe everyone, keep washing your hands and see you next week when things will hopefully resume back to (the new?) normal here on the blog. Oh and respect that toilet paper, people, respect that toilet paper…
XOXO
So, how things have changed since you wrote this Catherine! Self isolation has become the norm and I for one am relieved that the country is responding with the respect this disease deserves. Those of us who are furloughed are luckly, but I think you too will be supported by the government’s safety net it has extended to the self-employed.
I say the best thing we bloggers can do is keep dressing up and keep sharing some joy to our readers. It’s a real tonic to see your walks on Instagram, so please carry on.
Keep safe x
Author
Things are changing daily, aren’t they Anna! Even since you wrote your comment…!
I’m happy to continue to spread some joy, we all need feel-good stuff right now don’t we 😀
Love your honest take on this! I literally just started (a few weeks ago) really trying to focus on my blog and then bam this stuff started. Now I am off work (paid for now) but I don’t know how long that can feasibly continue being I work for a small law firm so my nerves are a bit rattled. My hubby is continuing to work. I’m praying we don’t end up with this and praying it goes away soon for everyone’s sake. It still feels like a horror movie!
Author
It absolutely feels like a horror movie, Christie – we watch The Walking Dead and the similarities are scary!!
I say keep the blog up, maybe it was a good thing that you started it beforehand, people will have more time to read blogs now I should imagine?
Wishing you the all the best Catherine. You have come such a long way and am pretty sure you will figure it out. From an outside perspective I just admire the way you adapt your blog posts to what your readers want. And that just tell me how well atuned you seem to be. If I may say so. Something I really admire.
Over here home office has been going well. The sun is shining and I want to start be accepting the now as the new normal instead of waiting for my former life to return.
xo Sabina
Author
Oh Sabina that’s so lovely of you to say – thank you so much, those words mean a lot!
“The new now” is very much on my mind too, but gosh isn’t it a worrying time… x
Catherine, I applaud you for your calm and rational take. Many people are burying their heads in the sand, so it’s refreshing that you are proactive.
I’ve been writing a lot about how to cope with uncertainty right now, both on my blog and for my corporation. I am incredibly fortunate to have worked remotely for the past two decades so my routine hasn’t changed much except for client travel being postponed.
I live in Washington, D.C. and have been shopping for my elderly neighbors as we anticipate a shelter-in-place directive any day. I am hosting virtual coffee dates via Zoom for about 8-10 friends each day. 30 minutes at 9am where we share, laugh, and talk about any but COVID-19. Some make it every day, others whenever they can. 2 weeks in and it seems to be a hit. I’ve been trying to post calming and helpful messages rather than any news of doom and gloom. Things are odd here but I am staying positive yet realistic and when I start to feel overwhelmed I just imagine what my grandmother would tell me – keep calm and carry on, (and wash your hands)! ❤️
Author
Oh wow MM what a great initiative – the coffee dates sound brilliant! Thank you also for those kind words. I think it’s SO important to stay realistic, and the more that can stay positive – and are ABLE to stay positive – the more of us there are to help those who are really struggling. Stay safe x
As to a new song for hand-washing:- Gloria Gaynor singing ‘I will survive’
Fairly new to your blog and enjoying your writing even though I am strictly at the minimalist end of the fashion spectrum!
Author
Thank you Maggie – I’ll try that one (though I’m sure it’s longer than 20 seconds, lol!!) 😉
So nice to hear you’re enjoying the blog… welcome! I’m sure there are lots of minimalists who read the blog already, inspiration can come from all sorts of styles. Did you see the minimalist fashion blogger round-up post I did…? >> https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2017/11/9-minimalist-style-bloggers-you-should-know.html xx
Catherine – so timely, as I’ve been a-twitter with worry all day. I am incredibly lucky to be getting paid to work at home for 2 weeks (at least), but I’ve never done it before and the discipline is a struggle. I launched by own website this week as well, and it does seem a bit frivolous to be talking about SHOES right now, for pete’s sake…but I need diversion, and I think we’re all getting that from IG and blogs right now. And we’ve just discovered Peaky Blinders as well…
Anyway, thanks for seeming to always know the right thing to say at the right time. I treasure your perspective and advice on so many things. And keep those photos of sleek and slinky Suki coming on the ‘gram….
Author
That’s great to hear you’re getting paid and CAN work from home, Mary Katherine – I’ve had my most-worried day today too! As I’ve worked from home for years now things haven’t really changed for me at all, yet somehow it’s all completely different.
(I’ve yet to get started on Peaky Blinders but want to!)
Glad you’re loving the ‘gram content, Suki is the gift that just keeps giving 😉
Great read Catherine and it has got us all together on here sharing our thoughts and fears. Yes, its probably one of the most scary things that has happened for many many years and its the fear of the unknown that we are afraid of more than anything else. My husband and I are fast approaching retirement, so far my little part time job in a gift shop has disappeared and we are just waiting to see if other half’s part time job goes too. Its a bit of a concern, but I feel sorry for so many people having mortgages and rent to find and now it seems food to find too thanks to some folk stock piling way beyond their needs. But there has been some lovely stories of human kindness and I am sure most of us will pull together and god willing all come through the other side. I really agree with someone’s earlier comment that there is definitely still a space for blogs with clothes, style and well being …….we still appreciate a diversion from the things outside our control. Thanks again Catherine, hope you and your family and all readers stay safe and well xx
Author
Thank you Karen… the fear of the unknown is DEFINITELY the scariest part of all this – we just don’t know how to plan for it! I’m sorry your pt job has gone, I hope your husband gets to keep his.
I agree with you that there is a place for blogs and posts about clothes and well being – because if we don’t invest in those sorts of things then our mental health is affected. Those of us who work from home are ALWAYS being told we mustn’t work in our PJs and must get dressed every day, so now more than ever maybe we should keep talking about clothes, just in a different way – like shopping our own wardrobes and buying vintage! x
Catherine, just thought of a great blog content ( probably been done before ?!)…..how about 5 ways to style a white t shirt, jeans, black trousers, denim shirt, breton top etc etc ….oh the list is endless, but these are everyday basic’s we have in our wardrobes or can safely buy in the knowledge that we will wear them in the future too. Just a thought…..excuse my rambling !!!! x
Author
I’ll see what I can do, Karen! xx =starts thinking=
Let’s just try to stay positive. We all have to go through some kind of misery and we all are creative enough to find our way. Most important thing now is to keep safe and look after our loved ones when they need help. And follow the rules about the virus. Stay safe Catherine.
Author
Positivity is the name of the (new) game, Nancy! Stay safe to you too – thank you x
Try this from “Star Trek”
Space, the final frontier
These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise
Its five year mission
To explore strange new worlds
To seek out new life
And new civilizations
To boldly go where no man has gone before
Author
Wow that’s pretty poignant, Amy – very apt for these new strange times…! Thank you xx
Difficult times indeed. I will have the cleanest of building sites! I can’t seem to concentrate on work and our third day into isolation I’m wondering if I might get divorced already!
But really, this is the best time for everyone to support when we can, be happy with what we have and love our loved ones more. Keep we’ll Catherine. I loved this post. Xx
Author
Ohhhh Laurie you and Dee will be fine – I had Keith at home with me for three months last year after he took voluntary redundancy… you just have to get your new routine in order and stick to the rules! 😉 But then, we were allowed out, unlike today…
Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed this (very short) post! x
I have to self-isolate for 3 month according to government advice and can’t go on volunteering at the brain injury clinic that saved my life. It’s heartbreaking but I understand the necessity. On the plus side, over here we are still allowed to walk our dogs for the time being. But my food delivery company this evening suspended all new ordering and I don’t know how I will cope, my neighbors are in the same predicament as well. Still, I was my hands frequently and I use the first verse of a German children’s song ‚Auf der Lauer, auf der Mauer sitzt ne kleine Wanze‘ it is about something like a woodlice that lurks on a wall and dances and it brings a smile to my face even in dire times. There is so much overwhelm in the world just now that I have to concentrate on small things to get me through the day, and luckily I have my dog to keep me company. I hope everyone finds a reason to help them cope, it won’t last forever but I really do think the world will be a very different place once we get through this. If you would like to listen to the song, just search on YouTube. Keep well and healthy everyone
Author
Oh gosh Mona I’m so sorry to hear you can’t continue the volunteering – Keith volunteers with a local centre that takes family and groups on fossil digs on the Jurassic Coast, and he’s had to cancel. He loves doing it and he’s gutted he can’t continue as it would have been his first one back after winter this weekend.
I’m so glad to hear you have a doggo to keep you company however – they keep us sane!! I’ll have a look on Youtube, thank you and stay well and safe my lovely x
Catherine scary times for all. I find it very difficult to concentrate on writing and have no interest in taking pics. Everything over here has been cancelled for last 10 days. I am really worried about my stylist daughter whose gigs for the next three months have been cancelled. But there are so many in the same boat. I am retired and have my pension but who knows how that will be affected. Stay optimistic . We will get through it. xx
Author
I really didn’t feel like writing a post or taking pics, Hilda for this week – hence this post. So much to get our heads round. I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s work, there are SO many professions that will be affected, freelancers and sole traders will have a very tough time! Thank you for your lovely comment and for spreading some much-needed optimism xoxo
It’s so tough isn’t it. As you know, I’m still working until I’m told otherwise. But another part of my work is self-generated so I know how you feel about generating income. The kids will both be home for the ensuing months and I DO NOT KNOW how I will manage the food shopping. However….so far my loved ones are safe and healthy and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters. I hope you and lovely Keith enjoy some time together and that your parents keep well xxxxxx
Author
Thanks lovely Liz – I don’t actually think much will change for us as Keith is continuing to go to work – it’s only if either of us gets sick and has to self-isolate that anything will be any different to our usual routine! We’re going very frugal on the food shopping (and all expenses to be honest); I’m looking into all sorts of ways to save money. You’ve had a very tough few weeks, I’m just glad you didn’t have your wedding planned for this year… I feel so sorry for my niece whose wedding is next month – I just don’t know what she’s going to do…! 🙁
Thank you for the good wishes, same back to you and yours xo
I heard that too – from James at Fohr. Overall budget will be less but the percentage allotted to influencer marketing will increase. He also said everyone will need to consider lowering their rates. I’ve had a few wobbles but it’s important to focus on the good things. I feel like this is mother nature showing us who’s boss. I just hope governments can put aside differences and work together to stop trashing the planet! Stay safe and enjoy the snuggles with Suki xxx
Emma
Yes such a sad, worrying time that makes out outfit blogs seem of such little consequence now. But we have to remember that the brands need supporting too.
Author
Very true, Anna – I’d like to think that this may put an end to inauthentic, trashy “over-influenced” content and we start to see more realism and content from the heart as a result of this. A lot of people have said that they need the escapism of blogs so, for now, I’m continuing – just with an ear to the ground and one eye on the things that truly matter to us all…!
Author
Yes I’ve watched James’s latest vlog now too Emma with what Ashley said – I’m not exactly celebrating but I hope that there may be a glimmer of hope where brands’ budgets are concerned. I do know my earnings will still go down though, so I’m fully prepared for that…
And oh I agree with you about Mother Nature doing this to us because of how we’ve been treating the planet! I think that’s what you call karma… xx
Outside time has been a must: after school work we go outside before lunch, walk, biking or just playing in our yard and cul de sac, Then we go out again in the afternoon. Keeping a schedule even if not a firm schedule has been good. My mother in law lives with us but my parents live 30 minutes away. Trying to make sure everyone has what they need.
Author
Mireille I am SO glad I’ve always been a morning walker: now more than ever they get my day off to a good start. I’d walk for hours if I had the time! Schedule is exactly what you (we) need. Glad to hear you have at least one parent with you… older adults are the biggest worry I have in all this. Stay safe x
You sound like having cabin fever. Don’t cut the stove into two pieces. Stay cool and rational.
Author
My day/routine hasn’t changed at all, Nicole – I’ve been working from home for nearly eight years now so I’m totally used to it – it’s just the uncertainty of everything and having elderly parents to worry about that’s sent me a bit doolally! I’ll have a read of your post x
Unsettling times indeed. I’m. a hospital based nurse practitioner and right now is the calm before the storm up here in Scotland. It’s incredibly somber. We’re all scared.
Author
Oh gosh you’re on the front line, Kirstin… I hope you’ve got all the PPE you need and stay safe. I have a friend who’s a nurse and she’s very scared too. Stay safe my lovely x
I had a real wobble at lunch time – tears and all, and that’s NOT normally me. I’m worried about everything – my kids, grand-kids, mum, my friends and just where this will end. I gave myself a good talking to and realised it isn’t helping to worry. Even my blog has suffered, and I need to get my mojo back and concentrate on it. Thanks for your positive post and I look forward to hearing more how you will tackle everything. Fingers crossed the weather stays fine, which will help immensely. Take care and stay safe Catherine and your readers. Jacqui xx
Author
I did today too, Jacqui – however that IS normally me (I cry at flippin everything)! I know I’ll be okay in a day or two, but I think I have to let the whole situation sink in before I can do that. I’m still in the disbelief stage.
The weather is DEFINITELY is a huge help, and the clocks change soon too which is even better. Glad you liked the post – thank you – and I wish you all the best as well x
The is me “working from home” ie reading your blog like I usually would on site at work. Ha. I’m factoring in all the time I waste when I’m on site and I’ve determined that putting in six hours of solid work equals the 8 hours on site (which includes a one hour lunch). I think I’m being generous! (I punch a time clock so I do have to track my hours).
Yesterday was my first day “home working” and it didn’t go too well. My co-worker Mr Lou (the cat) was no help. He lured me onto the sunny spot on the couch and then I was planted there the rest of the day. I think the “me” time was needed to emotionally process all the changes.,
Today, I’m back in my dark cave of my home office and it’s going better. I’m doing bursts of work, then breaks. I figure, if I start super early in the morning, I’ll get more accomplished and then after the requisite six hours, I’m allowed to play with my own projects.
I won’t even go into the “teaching from home” that I have to implement next week for my Digital Design for Fashion course after Spring Break. That a whole other huge transition.
Let’s see, #onenicething from yesterday: there was a full rainbow to the west at 7:45am and if it had been a “normal” day, I would have been driving and wouldn’t have been able to pause and wonder at it. I’m going to start walking around the block as part of my Break routine. Fresh air is good.
Author
I guess I have the advantage of having worked at home for years anyway, Anne – nothing much has actually changed for me in my routine… yet everything still feels totally different?! Though I feel you on the sunny spot on the sofa lark, I can never resist catching some rays when they hit my favourite spot with Suki at my feet 😀
The rainbow sounds amazing (love me a good rainbow). How wonderful that you could enjoy it instead of mostly missing it from your car. We need all the silver linings we can get right now, no matter how small xx
Yep, I hear ya mate…I am also taking a break. Like Shelbee, I have young children at home now plus hubs is working from home so even if I felt like blogging, I actually can’t.
So far I’m just posting my updates to Instagram stories. I’m painfully aware how bad things are for many people right now, I don’t want to risk saying anything on Instagram that may unintentionally hurt someone else.
While I have strong feelings about the climate emergency, how covid-19 might impact that and how certain governments are handling it, I will think long and hard before my next post. It’s going to be a doozy
Author
I actually think stories are great for these times, MT – they’re a lot more “real” than grids have become so maybe this is the shakeup/change that IG needs (another potential silver lining)? As long as we’re sensitive to everyone’s predicament and aren’t doing any of those awful Gucci/Prada/Chanel unboxings (plus that’s the end of changing room selfies I HOPE) then I think people like the escapism and seeing positive stuff from everyone’s day from around the world.
Looking forward to your next post already x
Hi Mrs S!
Love a post that comes from the heart!
Something that may put your mind at rest , I heard from a pr today, that money from press events etc will be put to other uses like blog posts and social for promotions !
Silver lining? There has to be one!
Take care stay healthy
Ash
Xxxx
Author
I’ve been doing lots of thinking about silver linings, Ashley… whilst I would NEVER wish this on the world for a moment, we have to look for the good that may come as a result of all this. I’m not 100% convinced brands will channel their money elsewhere – though of course I’d love to be proved wrong on that one – but we shall see! Most of the silver linings I’ve come up with so far involve the stuff I mentioned in the post like the hope I have that we’ll treat the planet better… it might give the planet a chance to take a breath from all the pollution we chuck into the air and the seas! Let’s hope so.
Glad you enjoyed the post, thank you xoxo
My husband and I are retired, so our finances aren’t nearly as stressed as some. For that I am grateful. That said my husband will turn 64 this month and is in that age group where the death rate starts spike. I am concerned about my 74 year old mother.
In America, we have seen great acts of kindness from businesses and individuals, and then there is the Trump administration who has handled this so poorly. Some of his followers are downplaying the severity problem, and not concerning themselves with social distancing.
My husband and I are staying home, but we are both introverts with our own hobbies, so not a stretch for us.
Excellent post Catherine! I’m sorry you are among those whose livelihoods are adversely affected. I would agree that selling items through eBay is a good strategy. Stay safe friend.
Michelle
Author
I’m really glad to hear that, Michelle – anxiety over money is the last thing older adults and retired people need! Thankfully my parents are fine financially, it’s just health that’s the big worry for them even WITHOUT a killer virus.
I hope every country – US, UK, everyone – does what’s needed and learns from the mistakes that countries like Italy made where it’s now out of hand. Thank goodness they’re now finally shutting all UK schools, though the repercussions there are immense and quite worrying.
Stay safe yourself, and thank you xx
Catherine, I have been rethinking every thing as well. It is a crazy time for sure. But I figure since I have a space online to bring joy and light into a very dark world, I might as well as keep at it. For me, not only is the challenge a loss of income, but now I have to home school my kids which I never wanted to do, never imagined I would have to do it, and certainly was not prepared for it. But here we are. So a complete restructuring of things is in process. On a more positive note, however, is that I have added a yoga session to a morning routine…non negotiable…everyone in the house must participate! I am also requiring outdoor play when the weather permits and indoor movement exercises in the afternoon. My kids seemed to have the idea that they were getting a 5 week vacation to be lazy. Hahahaha! I needed to get off my sedentary bum as well, so I am approaching this whole thing as an opportunity to make positive change. All that being said, I do want to let you know that I got 2 paid contributed posts that came in just this morning. I was fearful that all marketing would be shut down, but I am still generating something! And I continue writing articles on Medium which is also earning money.
Thanks for sharing your light with the world! Stay safe and healthy, my friend!
Shelbee
Author
I can only imagine how challenging home schooling would be, Shelbee (not least their initial resistance?!) – I think a lot of kids are going to get a shock and wish they were back in school!!
Thank you for sharing your good news, maybe it won’t be as bad as I think! I guess it’s better to be prepared for the worst and be pleasantly surprised (I hope). Stay safe back atcha, much love x
I think a RETHINK will certainly be what many of us are doing and what is happening at the moment will lead to many changes on what we actually think important and necessary. I’ve read some blogs that have not acknowledged what we are currently experiencing and I’ve no time for that. There is still the space for what to wear, style, and how to feel good, because humans have been concerned with those topics for centuries. Its good for our mental health! Thank you for your post
Author
It’s lovely to hear you think there’s still space for talk about style and well being, Lindsey… maybe now more than ever it’s important because it serves real purpose to keep us bloody well SANE! Though I feel the approach of style blogs will change a lot, like the end of changing room selfies and hauls. Gawwwwwd I can’t stand those and look forward to them disappearing off the face of the earth!! 😉
Thank you x
Nice post Catherine. I really don’t want to diminish the seriousness of COVID 19 either but I do think that perhaps there hasn’t been enough consideration given to the financial consequences of everything shutting down.
It is a good time to reflect though and realise just how fortunate we were.
My silver lining in all of this is that because my hubby is working from home we have a running date at 5pm each evening! Usually he went to a university fitness centre and I prefer to do sports outdoors so now we do fitness together which is ever so nice.
I wish you, your family and all your readers all the best, stay strong, stay healthy and stay positive!
I also am starting a daily 10 minutes Instagram live. It’s nothing fancy just a bit of fun with little tips of how to survive. I like my daughters tip – she is babysitting the little girl upstairs for an hour each day to give the parents a break and claims that badminton is simply the best social distancing game to play right now!
Love, Yvonne
aka FunkyForty
Author
Oh I love the idea of your running date, Yvonne – that sounds lovely! Keith and I used to do that after work when I had the office job, but his knees can’t take all that pounding now 🙁
All your new routines and ideas sound wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing them, stay safe and take care! x