If you told me at the beginning of March that by the end of it I’d be living alone in a government ordained lockdown I would have laughed and then cried because I am prone to panic. But it is true folks! That’s where we are as the coronavirus pandemic rattles the UK and I spend an inordinate amount of time in my bed watching Disney+.
Towards the end of March I had about ten days or so where I literally didn’t leave my bed – only getting up to go to the toilet or make food before retreating as I was able to work from home from there. Thankfully have gotten past this now and now try to sit in my living room all day.
March was tough and I’m sure April will be tougher (and probably May and maybe June but have to think positive) so thank god for a world’s worth of entertainment at my finger tips! I have a few watching and listening recommendations in this month to help you through your lockdown. I did have a few meals out before lockdown so I have included them for when we can venture outside again and support local businesses and our local area. Hopefully that isn’t too far away.
Unabomber In His Own Words: A quiet Saturday night led me to watching this new true crime documentary on Netflix on the Unabomber. I really enjoyed the fictionalised tv show recently on Netflix about the FBI agent who used forensic linguistics to crack the case so I found this insightful documentary really interesting. It featured a lot of input from Ted Kacyznski’s own family including his brother and the law enforcement officials who worked the case. Watch on Netflix. ***
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: This was a horrifying watch but incredibly important. It was heartbreaking to see the blatant abuse of this child laid out in front of you and makes you scream at the TV about how nothing was done until it was too late. I’d recommend watching it because it is important but it is incredibly gut-wrenching and stomach-churning. Watch on Netflix. ****
Spinning Out: This was SO good and I watched it all over a couple of days. I was a bit apprehensive that it would be dull and the trailer didn’t really sell it to me however when I had nothing else to watch I went in and ended up loving it. It was the perfect mix of teen drama with the real world and it was a really gripping storyline leaving me desperate for a second season! Watch on Netflix. ****
Hunters: I saw the trailer for Hunters frequently on Amazon Prime before it launched and was intrigued. It was an interesting story with a great cast of characters so I watched it when it was released. I really enjoyed it as it was filled with anguish, heartache and heartwarming moments as the story twisted and turned. I’m really looking forward to a second season! Watch on Amazon Prime. ****
Disney+: I can’t list everything I’ve watched on Disney+ since I got a subscription as it’ll take too long but long story short, I’ve been rewatching all my childhood fave movies, Pixar films I never got to see and have started The Simpsons from the very beginning. I also started The Mandalorian but I need to start it again as I wasn’t paying attention so no idea what’s happening other than the child is incredibly cute. *****
If you are stuck for what to watch during lockdown, I shared all the Netflix true crime documentaries you need to watch.
Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce: Hey I finished a book! Only took a global pandemic to get me to do so. I have been reading Dear Mrs Bird since January but was finding it a bit dull and uninspiring. I picked it up one lockdown weekend and managed to finish the rest in one day. It was a nice story with nice characters but I found the ending a bit rushed and unfulfilling. ***
Cake Bar: I don’t take enough advantage of a cake shop setting up just down the road from me. Cake Bar, from Three Sisters Bake, has a delicious display of cakes, traybakes, ice cream and coffee in its gorgeous shop. I popped in one Sunday to grab a M&M cookie slice to take away and eat at home with a cup of tea. Find Cake Bar at 401 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G4 9HY. ***
Rum Shack: For Rachel’s birthday we popped to Rum Shack on the south side. We had plenty of cocktails (sampled nearly every offering on the menu) and the food was incredible. I had the jerk fish and chips which was a Caribbean play on a traditional dish – the portion was huge and such good value for money. It was such a chilled out place with the friendliest staff. Hoping to head back soon! Find Rum Shack at 657 – 659 Pollockshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AB. ****
Hillhead Bookclub: My final pre-pandemic brunch! Well, coronavirus had already been declared a pandemic by then but in an effort to support businesses going through an absolute shitter of a time I went for brunch with Cat and Thea to Hillhead Book Club. It’ll probs be the last time we all see each other for a little while until this all blows over as Thea has gone back to Brighton and we’re all social distancing. I had eggs benedict with smoked salmon with two oat milk flat whites and it was SO GOOD. The menu was decent so post-pandemic I’ll be back to have a veggie breakfast. Find Hillhead Bookclub at 17 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow, G12 8SJ. ***
Lewis Capaldi: I love Lewis Capaldi’s music but I was a little apprehensive about seeing him sing ballads live for a couple of hours. I did cry, yes, because it was a beautiful performance that just made me feel all the things. I think sobbing is perhaps more appropriate terminology. His voice is even more incredible live so combined with his characteristic stage performance, it was one of the best concerts I have been to and I can’t wait to see him perform at Trnsmt. *****
The Snuts: My last pre-pandemic gig was seeing my favourite band The Snuts at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut. I had never been to Tuts before so it was really special seeing them play in such an iconic venue. The gig was, as expected, unreal and I am just so excited for what these boys do. I was supposed to see them in May in Edinburgh however this gig has now been rescheduled to September so fingers crossed it goes ahead. *****
Vistas: Although summer feels bleak now and Trnsmt uncertain, Vistas new song 15 Years had me coming away from listening to smiling. It was their signature upbeat sound making me think of beer gardens and sun on your skin with a pint in hand which feels very far away from social distancing and the supermarket being an extreme sport. ****
The Evidence Locker: Whilst browsing the true crime section on Apple podcasts I came across The Evidence Locker. It is similar to Casefile in its style and delivery however the cases are varied and different and episodes are not as long. There are plenty of episodes to get through so it makes the ideal social distancing podcast. ****
Man In The Window: The Golden State Killer: The case of the Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist is the reason I got into true crime podcasts after I listened to Casefile’s five-part series on the recommendation of a friend. It is a chilling case and one that has changed significantly in recent years so I’d really recommend this in-depth look at the case over the decades with special insight on the victims and law enforcement officials. ***
If you need something to listen to whilst working from home or just to occupy yourself whilst we’re inside all the time, I have my true crime podcast bank which I regularly update with new podcast finds!
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