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The nine to thrive

Words by Team Selfridges

As our kitchen tables, sofas and (let’s face it) even beds become our offices, our very own editors, buyers, stylists and sommeliers are here to share a few of their tried-and-tested tips for the ultimate feel-good routine, from AM to PM.

Left: The Soap Co. Mulberry & Amber soap, Le Labo Santal 33 eau de parfum; Right: Face Halo – The Modern Makeup Remover,  Truthbrush – adult Truthbrush, Acala – bamboo flannel
The Soap Co. Mulberry & Amber soap, Le Labo Santal 33 eau de parfum

9.00AM: a soothing beauty ritual
with our Beauty Editor, Grace Gargini

“In these strange times, I find myself clinging to any form of routine where I can. I’ve been applying a little make-up before the day begins – not just for the face-to-face calls throughout the day, but to feel like I’m actually ‘getting ready’ (even if it’s just moving to my kitchen). I’ve also started wearing my perfume (which happens to be my mum’s scent, too) for a sense of comforting normality.”

Grace's at-home beauty faves

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Asceno – silk pyjama top & bottoms

9.15AM: how to dress for the (at home) office
with our Lead Womenswear Stylist, Molly Donovan

“Getting used to working from home certainly does have its challenges – particularly in the wardrobe department. What do you wear (or need to wear) for a virtual meeting? I’ve chosen to fully embrace the pyjama dressing trend – think luxe silk sets from Asceno, which function just as well outdoors as they do indoors. (Pro tip: no one will know you’re in PJs, as the tops look so chic on their own for that webcam waist-up view!)”

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1.30PM: a mood-boosting lunch
with the Hemsley sisters

Looking for a meal to balance out all the biscuits? We hear you. Step up Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley – the sisters behind the Hemsley + Hemsley Café at Selfridges London – with their recipe for a healthy, simple and delicious lunch at home. And of course, if you can’t source all these ingredients right now, feel free to freestyle – salads are for experimentation!

  • ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD: 
    4 large carrots, roughly chopped 
    1 large red pepper, roughly chopped 
    2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes or 4 large tomatoes, halved 
    1 large onion (we used red for colour), roughly chopped 
    3 large beetroots, well scrubbed and chopped into small chunks or little wedges as they take the longest to cook 
    1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil 
    A handful of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary or 2 tbsp mixed dried herbs 
    Fresh leaves, such as rocket, lambs lettuce and watercress, to serve 
    Sea salt and black pepper 
  • QUINOA: 
    250ml water 
    250g quinoa  
  • BRAZIL NUT PESTO: 
    12 Brazil nuts 
    2 garlic cloves 
    3 large handfuls of fresh basil (stalks and all if you’re using a strong blender) 
    300ml extra virgin olive oil 
    4tbsp lemon juice or 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1. Preheat the oven to fan 200°C/Gas mark 7 

2. Lay the roughly chopped vegetables in a single layer on a large roasting tray, sprinkle with salt and pepper and add your dollops of ghee or coconut oil. Scatter over the herbs 

3. Roast for 30–40 minutes or until the veg is tender (pierce with a knife to check). Halfway through the roasting time, use a wooden spatula to turn the veg 

4. Meanwhile, make the pesto. Blitz everything together in a food processor or with a hand blender (the more nuts you add, the thicker and creamier your pesto will be, but if you want it thinner, add more oil and lemon juice). Alternatively, grab a sharp knife and finely chop the garlic, basil and nuts, then whisk with the olive oil and lemon juice. Season to taste 

5. Bring the water to the boil in a pan, add your drained quinoa and cook for 12 minutes

6. Combine the quinoa and roasted veg in a big serving bowl, toss in your pesto and then the fresh salad leaves. Or, if preferred, serve your fresh salad leaves on the side with a little lemon juice and olive oil

3.00PM: work it!
with our Body Studio Buyer, Louise Sadgrove

“I am using live Instagram stories on a daily basis from the studios I usually visit in London: Psycle, 1Rebel and Digme. They are putting on free 30–45-minute classes in a similar format to those they held at the studios, minus the weights and treadmills! These stories stay live for 24 hours, so I am doing them in the morning before logging on. I also try to get out for a walk or jog in the afternoon to get my 10k steps in and have a bit of fresh air and mental space.”

Louise’s workout-from-home kit

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6.00PM: pick your tipple
with our in-house Sommelier Terry Threlfall

We spoke to Terry Threlfall, our very own in-house Sommelier, about what he’s currently delving into from his reserves. Here are a few of his perfect picks for that oh-so in-depth Skype ‘wine tasting’ with friends.

Selfridges Selection Malbec 
“This mid-weight Malbec is the perfect match for grilled meats.”

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Selfridges Selection Sancerre 
“For an absolutely classic combination, pair with salmon or goat's cheese.”

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Plantation Barbados Grand Reserve Rum
“This distinctive rum has flavours of coconut, vanilla, caramel, burnt brown sugar and a grassy spiciness.”

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And remember, drink responsibly folks!

Image by Charlotte Core

8.00PM: the perfect evening entertainment
with Senior Copywriter, Charlotte Core

What to watch: 
“If you – like us in the Editorial team – have been enjoying the deluge of Baby Yoda memes on the internet, the wait to see him in action is finally over. Disney+ is now available in the UK, and I’ll be diving into their exclusive TV show The Mandalorian, of which Baby Yoda is a central (and extremely adorable) figure. Tune in now, young Padawans…”

What to listen to: 
“Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie’s daily live shows are a total treat (with fan requests being sung every afternoon), Kali Uchi’s home-studio covers are top-notch (her version of Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ is a personal favourite), and excellent DJ sets from The Boiler Room are making me smile and rekindling my love of music.”

What to read: 
“For something to take your mind off things, I recommend the hilarious David Sedaris’ ‘Calypso’ – the comic-essayist’s stories of his life, work and family is just the kind of light relief we all need right now (and then some).”

 

Looking for some more inspiration?

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