Looking to up your hostess game? Not only do sharing boards look a solid 10/10 but they are easy to prepare and the perfect accompaniment to just about any occasion that calls for food and conversation.

It’s the ultimate hassle-free party piece – guests can serve themselves and go up for another round whenever they please, leaving the host to relax, mingle and graze along with everyone else.

You can always save it to your Pinterest board for a later date, ready to recreate as soon as lockdown is over. It’s not a recipe just for Easter, after all, it can easily be adapted for birthdays, movie marathons and other special occasions. Check out our tips for styling the ultimate cheeseboard here!

Arranging your platter

When it comes to putting your sharing platter together, there are no hard and fast rules. As long as you assemble it in a way that makes it easy to see the selection of snacks on offer, then you’re good to go.

Colourful crudités

Adding in something green is always a good idea, especially when there’s an abundance of naughty snacks on offer. Pack on your veggies such as radishes, carrots, celery sticks, asparagus, red pepper and any other crunchy snacks that go down particularly well when loaded up with delicious dipping sauces and spreads. It’ll help balance out all the choc.

Dipping pots

Dips are always a crowd-pleaser aren’t they? Never trust someone who doesn’t like to plunge a carrot or a breadstick in a party dip.

Seasonal snacks

As this is an Easter-themed grazing board, we’ve included sweet seasonal treats like hot cross buns, Creme Eggs and mini marshmallows. If you’ve got any chocolate eggs, carefully break them in half and place them on the platter for guests to snap off a bit of chocolate when they fancy it. They also double up nicely as the perfect display bowls for your smaller confectionery.

Layer up

If you can, use one long-serving platter to make the most of the grazing table/platter concept, or simply cover your table in thick brown parcel paper. If you’re worried about the oil from dips seeping through, just decant your sauces into bowls instead of piling them straight onto the paper.

What snacks would you have on your Easter sharing board?

This Easter might not be the traditional family get together we all had in mind but that doesn’t mean we can’t find new ways of celebrating the most colourful holiday of the calendar year from the comfort of our own homes.

If you’re skipping over Easter plans this year, save these Spring table styling ideas to your Pinterest board for a future feast when the whole family are back together again.

Colour clash your table linen

Dusky pinks and punchy mustards make for a dream linen combination whatever time of year but this colour pairing really comes into its own at Easter time.

Printed stoneware and a table runner help tie it all together with a nod to Easter fun. Add in some texture and visual interest with some dried flowers or fresh if you prefer – we’ve gone for the aptly named dried Bunny / Hare Tail otherwise known as Lagurus Grass and the gorgeous naturally yellow Archillea Yarrow stems.

Create an Easter grazing table

Here’s one to keep the kids entertained! Bring the outside in and go all-out Peter Rabbit Mr McGregor’s garden style with an artificial grass table runner and show-stopping Easter wreath.

Scatter in some Easter-themed chick decorations, use decorative eggs instead of place cards and create a centrepiece with seasonal blooms – the brighter the better! Cheery Daffs, tulips and hyacinths look and smell lovely in the middle of a table. To finish, layer the look with charger plates and snack bowls to add symmetry and pops of colour.

Go minimal with Spring pastels

Easter doesn’t have to be excessive, you can create a minimal tablescape with soft pastel accents and fuss-free styling. Keep things simple with decorative plates, rustic wood pinch pots and serve ware, metallic cutlery and seasonal pussy willow for a laid-back setting perfect for brunch or dinner.

To make the Easter bunny napkins follow these simple steps:

1. Place your napkin flat down in a diamond shape and fold in half from top to bottom.
2. Take the bottom point/edge and roll it up to meet the top of the napkin.
3. Place an egg (we’ve gone for the decorative kind) in the centre and wrap the napkin around it to create two long bunny ears at the top.
4. Secure with ribbon or string et voila!

Who knew a napkin could be this visually-appealing! Finish off by adding a sprig of eucalyptus or rosemary on top and you’re done.

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How will you be styling your Easter table at home this year? We’d love to hear your tablescape ideas!

First of all, how are you and how are you coping in lockdown?

I’m doing ok considering everything feels upside down and uncertain at the moment. I’ve enjoyed working from home for years now, so that hasn’t been a change for me, other than having my teenage boys around all the time. So every day does feel like Sunday. I do miss going out on shoots and hopping on the tube to events and meeting people. But staying home is so important at the moment and life will go back to normal… eventually.

Describe your channel in 3 words!

Colourful, playful and everyday beauty.

How and when did you start ‘creating’?

I went to art college many years ago and did a graphic design degree, where I focused on analog photography and making super 8mm films and ever since then, I’ve documented my life through photos and film. Then this amazing online world of sharing our photos and videos began with Flickr and Instagram, I was ready to dive in and share how I see the world.

What are the different mediums you use to create with?

I love photography and video, I couldn’t choose between them. Different stories can be told in different ways through each medium.

What programs do you use to create your videos?

If I’m editing on a desktop using DSLR footage, I use Final Cut Pro. For years I used iMovie, as it was free.

For the past few years, I’ve got into the ease of creating videos on my iPhone, especially as the quality of video is pretty impressive now.

On iPhone, I love the Filmm App of course! It’s so creative and fun and can really enhance the aesthetic of my footage. Other video editing apps I like, are Videoleap, Adobe Rush and VLLO. I’ve written a blog post here if you’d like more of my recommendations.

How can our audience learn your skills?

I’ve been teaching online courses for 8 years now, helping people to shoot and edit videos into films of their lives. I have my own online course website and my courses run regularly throughout the year. Plus, I have lots of blogposts with tips and free lessons to learn things like Creating Stop Motions On Your Phone.

I’m loving running my Handmade Film Making course, where people make ‘Day In The Life’ videos shot and edited on their phone, during this Stay Home time because people are being super creative at home and documenting this very unique time.

Shoot video and make films resources.

A free lesson to for creating stop motions on your phone.

Tell us about your Filmm pack ‘Play’

I was so excited to be asked to create a new pack. I’ve been a big fan of Filmm from the beginning and love the variety of ways to change and improve the look and feel of my videos.

There are already so many great packs on the app, so at first, I was intimidated that I might not be able to come up with something new or different. But once I started putting my mood board together, I realised there were little ideas that I would actually like to have to play with. Download Filmm here.

What inspired some of the filters and effects in the pack?

My love of colour and the texture of Super 8mm film. Plus, I knew I like playful elements like the countdown numbers, light leaks and the pen marker scribbles. I have a secret Pinterest board and my saved tab in Instagram full of images and films that inspire me, so I pulled out parts that I thought could be transformed into interesting and unique filters, effects, frames and transitions.

The team at Filmm did an amazing job of turning my ideas into reality. It’s always been a wish of mine to create a video creator app, so this has been a dream project for me.

What are you currently working on?

During this Stay Home period, all of my commercial work has been put on hold – Usually, half of my time is creating photo, video and Stop Motion social media content for brands.

So I’m focusing on my online courses, by updating materials with ideas to inspire creating while at home and running my courses regularly to give people an opportunity to have a positive focus through making films. Plus, creating new courses that have been on my mind for ages, but I just haven’t got round to doing. Like a Creating Stop Motion On Your Phone, which will launch soon and is going to be lots of fun for all ages!

Who are your current favourite follows on the gram?

I really like following a variety of creatives on Instagram, not just photographers/bloggers/video creators like me. I’m loving what so many illustrators are doing at the moment, either designing cards with heartfelt messages for us to send to loved ones we’re missing or sharing funny and poignant messages to support us and share with others. Here are a few of my favs –

@Marloesdevee | @Veronicadearly | @Poppyspapercuts | @Jadefishercardco | @Nikkimiles_ | @Ameliaflower

It feels like there’s a big creative energy at the moment and it’s wonderful to be a part of the Instagram community, who are all doing their bit to stay hopeful through this challenging time…

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Hanging out with friends and family. Maybe a picnic on Hampstead Heath and a swim in the ladies pond. Visiting Broadway Market on Saturday for delicious food and Columbia Road market on Sunday to pick bunches of colourful flowers. And a bike ride, preferably with my family.

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be?

It’s difficult to choose one! Probably seafood of some sort – oysters, crab, prawns, mussels, all on a platter!

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be?

“Be grateful for the little things.”

Having a daily gratitude practice is life-changing. Doesn’t mean that some days and certain circumstances aren’t difficult or scary, but taking time to find 3 things to be grateful for every day, can have a massive positive impact on our daily lives.

Find Xanthe on Instagram here.

A Brighter Note

As parents across the nation scramble around coming up with innovative ways to bring the family together and keep the kids entertained during lockdown, this family decided to put on a West End worthy performance from their living room; a performance that has since been televised to the world.

The Marsh family went viral with their spirit-lifting spoof of the musical Les Miserables and it was the adaptation we all needed to hear. In the video, the family of six sing their hearts out to One Day More, changing the lyrics to reference online shopping, homeschooling and sibling feuds and it made life in iso so much brighter. Genius! Find it here.

An Easter gift from Killing Eve

Thanks to the legends over at ABC, Killing Eve season 3 will debut earlier than planned to keep fans entertained during lockdown and if that’s not the best example of community spirit, we don’t know what is. BBC confirmed the hit series will return two weeks before its planned launch on Monday 13 April. That’s our Easter plans made!

Sarah Barnett, president of AMC Networks entertainment group and AMC Studios, said in a statement: “We know how adored this series is and we know how keen people are for great content right now.”

We can’t wait to see Villanelle back on our screens. This season’s going to be wild.

Another day, another video meeting blunder

With many of us working from home to help stop the spread of Covid-19, video meetings have become the new norm and the majority of us seem to be managing the adjustment just fine but then there was Lizet.

Last week, Lizet Ocampo, the Political Director at People For The American Way, turned herself into a potato filter while on a Microsoft Teams call with her colleagues and couldn’t work out how to turn it off. So she did as professional bosses do and just carried on… as a potato. Her colleague, Rachel Clegg, gave us all a bit of light relief when she shared the screenshot of the meeting on Twitter writing, ‘my boss turned herself into a potato on our Microsoft teams meeting and can’t figure out how to turn the setting off, so she was just stuck like this the entire meeting.’

Thank you #PotatoBoss for making a hash of it. You’re our hero.

Dancing the social distancing way

If it’s not the Clap For The NHS movement sending us into an emotional meltdown of happy tears, it’s videos of neighbours pulling together to do a daily lockdown jig from their doorsteps.

In the 30 second video captured by Elsa Williams, 23, neighbours of all ages can be seen busting out their best moves to Tom Jones’s classic, It’s Not Unusual and it is just the kind of wholesome content the world needs right now.

Initially meant to be a one-off performance, social distant dancing lifted spirits so much that it has since become a daily occurrence on this street in Cheshire.

Postman wears fancy dress to do the rounds

Meet the postman donning fancy dress to deliver mail to the streets of Mansfield Woodhouse in a bid to make others smile during his rounds.

Glen Walton, 36, came up with the idea to spread some cheer during the coronavirus outbreak and raise funds for the NHS. So far, Glen has dressed as Frozen’s Princess Anna and a wrestler and he’s got a few other ideas up his sleeve for next week including a unicorn and a superhero.

“I just wanted to see people smiling again on my round and it’s been brilliant. People have been cheering and clapping and kids have been in the windows waving.” Donate here.

Bride and groom donate their reception meals to NHS staff

Due to lockdown and social distancing measures, weddings up and down the country have sadly now come to a grinding halt.

Couple Fiona and Adam Gordon, from Hull, tied the knot last week with just two witnesses but their reception set for 120 guests had to be called off due to the pandemic. Rather than see their grub go to waste, the newlyweds decided to allow their catering company, Galloping Gourmet, to donate their hog roast to hungry NHS staff at the Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital. Humanity at its very best!

Care home residents play life-size Hungry Hippos

Elderly residents at Bryn Celyn care home in Wales enjoyed some light-hearted relief with a life-size game of Hungry Hippos. In a cute video shared to the care home’s Facebook page, the staff can be seen pushing residents in their wheelchairs as they attempt to catch ball pit balls with their makeshift baskets and long poles. With so many residents in isolation and missing their regular visits from family members, it’s so lovely to see carers going above and beyond to make them smile during lockdown.

Clap For Our carers round 2

Britain once again united for a nationwide applause to show their gratitude and appreciation for our NHS workers and key workers on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak.

The first Clap For Our Carers event took place from our doorsteps and balconies on Thursday 26th March, giving health staff everywhere the recognition they deserve and a much-needed morale boost. It is now set to happen on a weekly basis, every Thursday, while the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our day-to-day lives. Pots and pans at the ready, same time next week!

With Spring just around the corner, we’re looking forward to glowy af skin and barely-there makeup. Goddesses, now’s the time to perfect that skincare routine and love the skin you’re in from the inside out!

From thirst-quenching lotions to brightening Vitamin C serums, these are the glow getting products lighting up our bathroom shelfies and our complexions!

Charlotte

My skin has the tendency to look quite oily by the end of the day so my skincare aims are to create a subtle ‘lit from within’ glow rather than look overly dewy! Although my Charlotte Tilbury primer is anti-ageing, it’s actually just a great pick for faking a natural glow and makes the perfect base for my Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. The other brands on my radar, Pixi, Lumene and Origins are my holy grails who can honestly do no wrong in my eyes!

*Look Fantastic, PIXI Glow Tonic 250ml, £18 

*Charlotte Tilbury, BRIGHTENING YOUTH GLOW PRIMER, £39 

*Look Fantastic, Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser 150ml, £17.50 

Birchbox, Lumene Nordic C [Valo] Glow Reveal Moisturizer, £22.50 

Danielle

I have devastatingly dry skin so I pack as much moisture into my routine as possible! Kicking things off with Triple Hyaluronic Acid from Beauty pie as my serum, then Drunk Elephant Lala Retro whipped moisturiser on top, this is nice and thick and I love the pump to get it out as it means I’m not sticking my finger in to get the product. When applying makeup my top tip is to apply foundation with a wet beauty blender, for me it makes sure I don’t look too cakey and creased.I’ve also thrown in Weleda Skin Food as this is great for tons of things, pre-makeup, night mask, highlighter, the uses are endless! I suggest following Katie Jane Hughes the queen of dewy skin for more.

*Beauty Pie, TRIPLE HYALURONIC ACID & LIPOPEPTIDE SERUM, £60 

*Cult Beauty, DRUNK ELEPHANT Lala Retro Whipped Cream, £50 

*Cult Beauty, BEAUTYBLENDER Beautyblender, £17 

*Amazon, Weleda Skin Food for Dry and Rough skin, 75ml, £10.95 

Darcey

For me, my top tips for dewy skin is a good skincare routine that gives you all the the good stuff to keep your skin hydrated. I like to use a Vitamin C serum every morning as this is brightening. Good moisturisers work wonders, I like the Clinique ID oil-free one with added anti-fatigue serum and The Ordinary Hemi-Squalane (great in the evening as it’s oily, but you’ll wake up with lovely dewy skin). I also recommend exfoliating to get rid of any dead skin, I like to use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution. The Clinique City Block SPF gives your skin a lovely glow too and of course protects it. Also, drink LOTS of water!

*ASOS, The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane 30ml, £5.50 

*ASOS, The Ordinary, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, £7 

*ASOS, The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 30ml, £9 

*CLINIQUE, Your Clinique iD, £36 

*Clinique, City Block Sheer SPF 25, £20 

Holly

I have naturally quite oily skin so it’s a fine line between dewy and just wet. My go to is to use a matt power with some popping highlighter but on a summer holibobs you can’t beat a fresh face with just a touch of tinted moisturiser after a long day of drinking ALL the water in the sunshine.

*John Lewis, Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow All-Year Hydrating Summer Tint Moisturiser, 40ml, £28 

House of Fraser, BARE MINERALS Crystalline Glow Highlighter Stick, £20 

*Look Fantastic, bareMinerals bareSkin Perfecting Veil, £24 

Lareese

My top tips are stay hydrated and don’t cut corners with your skincare! Hydrate your skin from the inside out by hitting your daily water intake and avoid too much caffeine. Hyaluronic is like a magnet for moisture, so incorporating that into my skincare is must for healthy, dewy pores. I’m all about looking after the skin first – makeup can create a dewy glow too but if you look after what’s underneath first and foremost, your makeup products will sit better on the skin. I also love to use a Gua Sha massaging tool to promote lymphatic drainage and radiance.

*Look Fantastic, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml, £38 

*Look Fantastic, Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff 15ml, £23 

*Cult Beauty, GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist, £25 

*Oliver Bonas, Green Jade Gua Sha Massage Tool, £25 

Maddie

My top tips for glowy dewy skin are pretty simple; drink more water, get regular facials and/or at home exfoliating, face masks once a week, great hydrating skincare and some clever makeup.

*Look Fantastic, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Face Mist 100ml, £19.50 

*Look Fantastic, By Terry Cellularose CC Serum 30ml (Various Shades), £61 

*ASOS, MAC Cream Colour Base – Hush, £19.50 

*Origins, HIGH POTENCY NIGHT-A-MINS™ Resurfacing Cream With Fruit-Derived AHAs, £30 

*Amazon, HYDRATEM8 900ml Motivational Water Bottle With Straw, £14.99 

Zoe

The things I tend to do more of when my skin is need of a little thirst quenching are drink more water (number one tip and very very important) sometimes if I’m not drinking enough, my face looks less plump and more “raisin-like” haha! It’s usually the first sign I’ll get that I’m not hydrated enough. I reach for all my hydrating face masks, I’ve listed a few of my favourites below. I also really like using a vitamin c serum and I feel this really brightens my complexion. I recently ran out of the Lumene serum and my skin just didn’t look the same when I didn’t have any! Also when it comes to makeup, using something like a CC cream can really bring your face to life, alongside other cream products. I also love a good dewy setting spray too. If I’m not sparkling in the sun like Edward Cullen then I’m not happy! 😉

*Look Fantastic, Lumene Nordic C [Valo] Glow Boost Essence 30ml, £29.90 

*Cult Beauty, 111SKIN Bio Cellulose Treatment Mask, £20 

*Cult Beauty, SUNDAY RILEY Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, £20 

*Cult Beauty, IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+, £32 

*Cult Beauty, ICONIC LONDON Prep-Set-Glow, £22 

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Everything is under control, until it isn’t. Marian Keyes is back working her very own brand of fictional magic with a multitude of delicious storylines, intriguing characters and explosive family secrets. We can’t wait to make our way through this! Will you be reading along with us?

They’re a glamorous family, the Caseys.

Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together – birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, weekends away. And they’re a happy family. Johnny’s wife, Jessie – who has the most money – insists on it.

Under the surface, though, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, other people like each other far too much . . .

Everything stays under control until Ed’s wife Cara gets a concussion and can’t keep her thoughts to herself. One careless remark at Johnny’s birthday party, with the entire family present, starts Cara spilling out all their secrets.

In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s time – finally – to grow up?

Purchase the book *here.

Described as The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, the team were excited to delve into Karen M. McManus’s first YA novel, One Of Us Is Lying.

Did it keep us guessing all the way through, or did we have it all figured out from the very first chapter? Find out what the team thought of this month’s teen thriller…

Five students go to detention. Only four leave alive.

Yale hopeful Bronwyn has never publicly broken a rule. Sports star Cooper only knows what he’s doing in the baseball diamond. Bad body Nate is one misstep away from a life of crime. Prom queen Addy is holding together the cracks in her perfect life. And outsider Simon, creator of the notorious gossip app at Bayview High, won’t ever talk about any of them again.

He dies 24 hours before he could post their deepest secrets online.
Investigators conclude it’s no accident. All of them are suspects. Everyone has secrets, right?

Lareese

Kiley Reid’s book was a hard act to follow but I really enjoyed One Of Us Is Lying. I was engrossed in the murder mystery whodunnit narrative and the high school drama – it reminded me a whole lot of Riverdale. I mean, if Netflix do happen to get their paws on this one, I won’t be mad. You bet I’ll be there binge watching the lot! YA fiction at its best with a very messy albeit real life ending.

Rating – 4/5
Would you read it again? No (too many others on my list)
Would you recommend it? Yes

Danielle

I LOVED One of is lying! it was such a good one to listen to as each character was voiced by a different person. I really connected with the main four and loved how the story unfolded, it was easy to follow and kept me guessing right up until the end. Karen created such believable characters that all have such different vibes and personalities, I can’t wait to see the TV show. I’m extremely invested in Bronwyn and Nate’s love story, possibly a little too invested. Basically just a really great read with a little bit of everything you need!

Rating – 5/5
Would you read it again?  Yes!
Would you recommend it? For sure

Charlotte

I loved this book! I found it a little hard to follow at the beginning of the story when unfamiliar with the characters and how their stories intertwined, as you’re immediately introduced to a lot of people at once which can be confusing. Considering the book is based around a murder it’s actually v tame and PG- definitely one for scaredy cats out there like me. Although I had inklings at certain aspects of the story intertwining, I didn’t predict the ending at all which I think says a lot for McManus’ writing in giving away just the right amount of information to keep you hooked without spoiling the big reveal.

Rating – 5/5
Would you read it again? No (I rarely read books twice!)
Would you recommend it? Yes

Darcey

I really enjoyed this book and I was hooked from the beginning! Karen M. McManus’ style of writing was very interesting and I hadn’t read a book before which was done as diary entries, but I enjoyed seeing so many different characters perspectives of the same events. The ending really shocked me and I didn’t see it coming AT all! But once I knew, I could see where clues had been dropped within the book. Also, Brownwyn and Nates relationship gave me all the feels, I want a spin off book of their relationship!

Rating – 4.5/5
Would you read it again? No (but I do want to watch the series)
Would you recommend it? 100%

Holly

I struggled to get in to One of us is Lying at first but boyo did that change. I spent 4 hours one night finishing this bad boy off. What a twist! I literally gasped at Coopers secret, Addy’s transformation is POWERFUL, my heart ached for Nate and I want Bronwyn to be my best friend. The last 100 pages really bring it all together and teaches us about mental health and toxic relationships. Also how shitty High School can be. I guessed the ending (in part) but the way it played out was just brilliant. I also think every book should have a ‘three months later’ at the end because I went all mushy inside. Amazing! I’ve already ordered Karen McManus’ next book.

Rating: 4.9/5
Would you read it again? Yes
Would you recommend it? YES

Maddie

That old age saying “the truth will set you free” feels very apt for this book. I think sometimes it’s easy to be scared of who you really are, afraid that you might be judged or not liked for it and never is that felt more than in the high school environment where this story is set. Overall, I really liked this book, It’s like mean girls with a side of murder and I thoroughly enjoyed how much each character unravelled as the story went on. It keeps you guessing and second guessing right until the end and once i got half way through, i couldn’t put it down.

Rating – 4/5
Would you read it again? Yes
Would you recommend it? Yes

Amy McCulloch

Okay, so is Karen McManus a genius? I think she might be. I read this the first time when it came out last year but I loved it more my second time through. I actually have a terrible memory for books so couldn’t remember exactly what happened the first time around. The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars – this was a great choice for me (especially to reread in these uncertain times). I was eagerly turning the pages, constantly wanting to uncover the truth. This book is the definition of addictive and has all the things I love most: mystery, suspicion, high school drama and secrets! I’m really excited to start the second book now too. Along with everything else Karen has written!

Rating – 5/5
Would you read it again? Yes
Would you recommend it? Definitely

Zoe

This book follows 4 students individual narratives as a death of one of their fellow students starts to unfold. It was the perfect mix of high school drama, strong character building and edge-of-your-seat-thriller. I love a book with twists and turns and Karen McManus did not disappoint. I was gripped right from the very first couple of pages and the suspense continued throughout the entire read. I thought I would struggle with four different characters points of view but actually enjoyed each of them equally and found it easy to distinguish between them. Karen’s story telling is amazing and really descriptive, I had such a vivid picture of all the students as I was reading. I completely engulfed this book and think it’s the perfect easy, gripping read! Can’t wait to read her next one!

Would you read it again? Yes

Would you recommend it? Yes

Rating: 4.5/5 

What did you think of One of us is Lying?

Well fellas, here we are. It looks like our grand plans to have the Summer of a lifetime are on hold for a while but we can do this. For now, home is where the heart is! Unless the internet goes down of course. Then we’ll just pour ice cream on our pasta and wake up when it’s 2021.

Here’s 20 things to do in April during self-quarantine. Meet you at couch-ella…

1. Catch some Vit D from your sofa. Gardens, beaches, National Trust, they’re all SO 2019.

2. Make a dent in your TBR pile. What did we do to deserve BOOKS.

3. Realise that your baking talents start and end with banana bread.

4. Start a puzzle… And then realise that even during a worldwide shutdown, you’re just not a puzzle person.

5. Be determined to celebrate Easter the best you can, we can’t let a holiday that includes this many treats pass us by!

6. Stare wistfully out the window at the outside world. Oh look, there goes a receipt. Nawww

7. Feel inexplicable jealousy at your neighbours going out for their government-approved daily exercise when you’ve already had yours. What is this, Smug Street? STOP WAFTING IT UNDER MY NOSE NO. 15.

8. Preach about the House Party App. You should be earning commission tbh.

9. Consider adopting a puppy. It’s the only thing that makes sense rn.

10. Use a quarantine pun. Time for quarantini prinks before hitting it large in the living room.

11. Remember that one time we all wore jeans and bras, ya know, in the old version of the world.

12. Eat all your reserves in one afternoon sitting.

13. Plan the big reveal for your post-quarantine glow up.

14. Congratulate yourself for your new job: stay at home wine drinker

15. Adhere to the new rules. Airport rules.

16. Reminisce about going out to eat. That sh*t was wild.

17. Rearrange your bedroom. Or clear out your closet. Again.

18. Build yourself up for the trip to the supermarket. Will you come home with toilet roll, or will you have to make do with coffee filters? It’s a risky little game.

19. Write a letter: Dear 2020, absolutely none of this was on my vision board

20. Practise social distancing… from the fridge

What will you be getting up to in April?

On day one, we were up and at them at the crack of dawn in our most presentable outfits and perfectly parted hair. A week on and we’ve fully accepted that making it out of sweatpants, a messy bun and slippers should be considered a lifetime achievement. We’re working from home, not competing for Miss World and PJs are all that fit us right now because the quarantine tuck shop located in our cupboards is open all hours. A slice of cheese at 11am, sure. Crackers at dawn, why the hell not? Lasagne in the shower, perfectly normal behaviour.

From coping mechanisms, our highs and lows and everything in between, here’s how we’re all adapting to life working from home.

Maddie says…

Working remotely isn’t such a new thing for me as I’ve been doing it on and off for years; working on planes, shoots, colleagues houses and all over the world is not unusual. That being said, working alone day in day out definitely has tested my motivation and concentration skills. Staying in regular contact with colleagues has been essential to keeping me going. We’re extremely fortunate that we’re able to carry on thanks to technology and the nature of the business we do, at a time where so many people’s livelihood is so uncertain, it’s important for us not to take that for granted.

Danielle says…

SO this is bloody crazy isn’t it! Every time I think I’ve got my head around it I have this moment of sheer disbelief that I’m just at home for another day. The second day into WFH I set up a whole desk situation at my table and decided to be very strict on only working from here. I live in a one-bed basement flat that’s open plan so basically my living room is the kitchen is the dining room etc. it’s all one room! So I figured I’d set up a proper area to separate work from play. I also try and keep to work hours as much as possible. It’s so easy to start working at 8 and find yourself still on your laptop on the sofa at 8pm and in the current climate looking after my mental health is so important. Most days I’m up showered, had my daily dog walk, and sat down at ‘work’ by 9:30 as honestly it just makes me feel happier but some days I take the evening dog walk and roll out of bed at 9pm. My wardrobe is loungewear only. I love being comfortable so putting on my best outfits is absolutely not an option, I also go makeup-free often and slather myself in moisturiser. I’ve found my free time is actually harder to get satisfaction from at the moment, I was so excited about our first weekend and then it came and I was so bored! I’ve been trying to get off my screens and have invested in games, puzzles etc. I’ve also been baking and cleaning but sometimes I just have a bit of a ‘meh’ day, and that’s ok.

Darcey says…

I’ve found working from home easier than I first anticipated, especially as I’m working from my bedroom, I thought I’d be quite distracted. But, I’ve actually found I’ve been able to stay focused and get everything done on my lists (I write lists every day with all my tasks, in or out the office and this keeps me organised!). But asides from work, when it comes to getting ready in the mornings, I’ve not really been too good at this. I’m not washing my hair often as I want to try and prolong how long I can leave it till washing, I haven’t worn makeup once since being inside and I don’t plan on doing so either. So on a good day you’ll see me with wet hair (staying away from heat too) and a cute loungewear outfit on! I’ve found staying productive outside of work hard, but I’ve realised this is okay. Some days I want to clean the whole house and other days I want to just sit on my bed all day watching Netflix and eating snacks. I’m trying to take every day as it comes, but there have definitely been some tears! I keep telling myself to remember that you don’t have to leave this isolation as a better version of yourself, there’s no pressure.

Holly says…

At the start, I was determined to be as positive and productive as I am at work, but I quickly realised that’s just not realistic. I’m taking every day as it comes but know that it’s OK to be sad and shit scared. I’ve found that following a similar routine to what I usually would really helps, getting up at the same time, lunch breaks etc. I also have been picking flowers from my garden to bring some cheer to my house. Lunch breaks have taken on a whole new meaning and I use this to do something useful and it makes me feel a lot better, see Macrame Plant pot behind me. Overall I’m surviving but looking forward to the day I get to give my wonderful work colleagues a cuddle.

Charlotte says…

I’ve come back to my family home for isolation which sadly meant saying goodbye to Brighton but hello to more conversation, support and security with my mum and sister. I’m finding working from home to be relatively easy- when I’ve got a long to-do list I’m quite good at being able to focus and power through tasks when the clock is against me. I’ve loved being able to catch up with the team in meetings and during our Friday evening drinks- maintaining that face-to-face (or should I say screen-to-screen) contact has been invaluable in keeping my spirits high and boosting my motivation.

The hardest obstacle for me so far has been my down-time! I’m struggling to fully relax as my brain is still convincing me I could be using this time to be productive, and when I do down tools and catch up with my boyfriend and my friends, it makes me miss them more! At the moment I’m taking each day as it comes, being kind to myself and watchful of falling into bad patterns with my mental health and anxieties.

Lareese says…

I have turned the whole house upside down, cleaning and organising every cupboard and doing all the chores we begrudge spending our precious weekends on in normal circumstances. I have to say, it has forced me to slow down and reset – there’s something very wholesome about only going to the shops for what you need, using all the bits in your cupboard and gaining a whole new appreciation for the little things we perhaps take advantage of; things like the freedom to run outside whenever we want! I’m struggling a little bit with the constant noise from our neighbours, you can tell EVERYONE is at home and as someone who really values writing in silence or at least quiet, I’m finding it pretty challenging. In the grander scheme of things though, it’s a small price to pay when there are angels out there working 12-hour shifts, saving lives so I can put up with a bit of aggressive guitar playing and drilling. I can’t bloody wait for things to get back to normal though, gimme ROUTINE. Gimme my people back, a pub garden, a body combat class, an innocent sneeze.

How are you coping working from home?