As we all cocoon at home, I thought I’d share 10 things that have either made me laugh out loud, provided comfort or got me moving when nothing else could.

I hope you are staying safe, healthy and in touch with loved ones.

1 – Catastrophe. This show is so funny I watched the whole series twice. If you saw Fleabag and miss that dirty British wit, you will love this show about a one night stand, that turns into a six night stand, and then disaster of disasters…parenthood. This show is brilliant. You can find it on Amazon Prime. (Don’t even get me started on the fashion and my girl crush Sharon Horgan.)

2 – Chewy chocolate chip cookies. O. My. Gawd.

3 – French Exit. This snicker out loud book was described by The New Yorker as “a tragedy of manners.” and “a miniaturist work of howling nihilism.” A wealthy widow and her doting son lose their money and are forced to escape to Paris. It has the wit of Oscar Wilde, the absurdity of Waiting for Godot and it’s all set in glamorous New York and charming Paris. As awful as the main characters are, you can’t help but fall for them. What seems far fetched at first read, actually says a lot about love and friendship.

4 – Younger. Created by the man behind Sex In The City, this show is so deliciously addictive that I re-watched it. A 40-year-old divorced mother who wants a job in publishing can’t get hired because she’s been out of the game for 15 years. She lies about her age and lands a job as an assistant. She also scores a hot new twenty-something boyfriend and a set of savvy millennial friends who teach her the ropes. The writing is brilliant. What starts as remake of My Fair Lady, goes deeper into the hearts and careers of these fabulous women who make relatable mistakes as they climb the corporate ladder and navigate love (and sex). Debi Mazar plays the best friend. Her cutting wit and wise words are as tasty as a glass of red wine. I can’t get enough of these women, including Hilary Duff who plays a hilarious ambitious executive.

5 – The Incredible Jessica James An ambitious playwright nursing a broken heart dates a divorced App creator. The confidence of Jessica Williams and the joyful self-deprecating humor of Chris O’Dowd make for a fresh mix. Add in her passion for teaching playwriting to pre-adolescents, and you have a high energy, fun and original Rom Com. In this vein of independently-minded and creative heroines, I also recommend Greta Gerwig in Francis Ha. It’s all about dancing like everyone is watching, even if noone is.

6 – Best Lemon-Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe This is one of those recipes born of out of “necessity is the mother of invention”. OK, really, a quick google search. I want pasta, but we only have fish, what can we make? Not only does this dish look gorgeous coming out of the oven, it is DELICIOUS. I will definitely serve this at our first post physical distancing dinner party.

7 – Is There Still Sex In the City? I am looking for light comedies right now so I thought I’d give this one a try. I was pleasantly surprised by her insights and honesty. This sequel goes to show that when you’ve got, you’ve got it, regardless of age. Candace’s story is sharply observed and to the point which is satisfying.

8 – Uncorked. This movie just came out on Netflix. I am a sucker for any movie about wine, parent-child relationships and hot men in Paris, so this was a no brainer. Not only is it stunning to look at, but it has one of the most heart-breaking and beautifully acted wine tasting scenes I’ve seen.

9 – Do You Mind if I Cancel? I read this book in one day and at one point I was laughing so hard that reading it turned into an ab workout. Author Gary Janetti wrote for Will & Grace and The Family Guy. His humour is medicine.

10 – Tracy Anderson’s 15-Minute Full-Body Workout Sometimes walking just doesn’t cut it and you need a workout that is more challenging. I am a new mom and haven’t figured out how to incorporate regular workouts into my life yet and social distancing hasn’t made it any easier, obviously. 15-minutes is very doable. As soon as I heard the music, I felt happy. After a particularly challenging morning, not only did I do this workout, but then I was so pumped I got out the skipping rope and skipped with my toddler. Then we did 3 more fun activities outside. It got the momentum going, which is what it’s all about.

What is making you laugh right now? What are you cooking?

xx