Lockdown is tough. It’s hard on businesses, it’s rough on families and we’re often tough on ourselves. There’s only so much sourdough and craft you can do. We have all been through this so many times, I think we deserve a good pat on the back. Although we want nothing more than to hug our friends and family right now, here are some other things we can do to show love that’s socially distant.
How to treat yourself (and someone you love) during lockdown.
1. Cheese and wine platter
Treat yourself to a nice wine and cheese board for dinner or a boozy lunch. Ritchies Fine Food and Wine Merchants have an incredible range of cheeses, cured meats and a cellar full of wine ready to go!
Not sure how to pair wine with cheese? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Luckily, this guide is here to help. You don’t have to feel guilty about it either. Drinking wine in moderation is packed full of antioxidants and cheese has a low glycemic index, is high in protein and has an abundance of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, B6, B9 and minerals such as calcium.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic experience, Ritchies has a selection of amazing non-alcoholic spirits, wine and beer.
Want the full euro experience? Put on some tracks from Tuscany and relax into your afternoon of Italian indulgence (this Spotify playlist might help: An Afternoon in Tuscany).
2. Freshly baked sourdough, pastries and cakes
Tomorrow, you could wake up to the smell of fresh croissants heating up nicely in the oven or the sounds of freshly baked sourdough crust crunching — whichever you fancy more.
Mela Patisserie has an amazing range of sourdough bread, pastries and cakes. They are absolutely divine, so why not wake up a little earlier tomorrow? Head to Pentridge to pick up a box of delicious, carb-loaded goodies to bring back home and share with your family. If you really want to take it to the next level, grab some coffee and hot chocolate too.
Need some music for your morning? Check out Slow Jazzy Mornings on Spotify.
3. Brighten up someone’s day with flowers
Flowers appear on trees and bushes a few months before edible fruits and nuts show up. Humans are programmed to love flowers; it’s in our DNA. We love the colour, shape and smell of flowers, so it only makes sense to place them in your home or to send them to someone you love.
Bountiful Garden Florist has an amazing range of bouquets. They’ll even make the perfect bunch for you if you ask nicely. You can also get flowers delivered to your door or delivered to your friends or family’s door too. Click here to place your order! There is just something special about a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to your door, to light up your space indoors. For more inspiration check out their Instagram page!
4. Spruce up your home or buy a gift for someone
Working from home? Candles can do wonders.
The soothing effect that candles have is based on how the brain processes smell. The smell of scented candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced to help regulate mood. Therefore, our emotional state is influenced by the relationship that exists between scents, memories, and emotions. Or, if you’re more of a bath person — Ritchies at Pentridge also stocks luxurious handmade bath bombs. Stock up on their best seller ‘Tutti Fruitti’.
Zen Home at Penridge has a huge range of scented candles and diffusers. They also have an amazing range of home decor and you can order it all online!
5. Look forward to a massage post-lockdown
Spending ungodly hours slouched in front of Netflix? Let’s get those kinks massaged out. Tao Massage has a range of massage and care services with plenty of gift-card options available too. Purchase a gift card so that as soon as we you get out of lockdown, you can get the most rewarding massage you have ever felt because you know what? You absolutely deserve it.
6. Get a big tub of hand-made Gelato
Do we even need to explain why this is a great idea? Cielo Gelateria has the closest thing to Italian ice cream and it’s right here in Coburg. You can grab a single cup or cone and if you really want to treat yourself, grab a tub to takeaway, head home and watch all the Godfather movies. Their 1.5L take-home gelato tub comes with your choice of up to 4 delicious flavours of gelato/sorbet
7. Go to flavour-town.
If none of the above tickles your fancy, why not dive into some of the amazing food on offer at Pentridge. From fresh fish with salad, Korean fried chicken or silky soup dumplings, there’s something for everyone.