If you’ve got a sweet tooth (self-confessed sugar addict over here) then you’re going to love my latest guest on the Lockdown Journals. I’d like to welcome Ellie of Kismet Cakes to the blog - I know Ellie through a mutual friend and have followed her journey over the years so I’m really pleased to be supporting her business today!

Based in Newton Abbot, Kismet Cakes offers a weekly rotating menu of the most DELICIOUS treats I think I have ever seen - we’re talking brownies, cookies, millionaire shortbread and more. This lady’s talents know no end - she also makes epic celebration cakes. Guaranteed sugar coma and I am here for it.

So if you’re not already busy checking out what’s on the menu, let’s find out what Ellie got up to during lockdown…

1 So, let’s talk about life in lockdown. What time do you get up? What’s your morning routine? Has this changed since working from home / being in lockdown?

I try to be in the kitchen by 8:30am, though this is a very arbitrary time that I’ve set! I struggled with a routine during the lockdowns as (like everyone else) I’ve had nowhere to be other than my house, so I was doing a lot of late starts and late nights which wasn’t sustainable.

2 How do you remain motivated while working from home?

I worked from home anyway, but I’ve really noticed the difference in my motivation and mindset with not being able to see my friends, or go to the gym (as sad as that may seem) but that’s a real community place for me. When I realised that I really wasn’t making the positive changes on my own, I signed up with Hannah Bradley Coaching (@hannah_bradley_coaching). I was dubious at first but she’s been a massive help into kicking me into gear

3 Do you listen to any podcasts while working from home?

I have a ‘no-skip playlist’ that I listen to which has all my absolute favourite songs (623 to be precise). It’s something Hannah advised as I previously had some sort of TV show on in the background and would get distracted - even though it didn’t feel that way. When I play my playlist though I have no reason to pick up my phone and get lost checking social media. When I do listen to podcasts though I listen to the Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard or Scrubbing in with Tanya and Becca. Armchair Expert I just get lost in and find to be incredibly insightful, and Scrubbing In feels like the girls are round for a chat (which is something I miss).

4 Lockdown has impacted businesses all over the world. How can people support you? E.g. #ShopSmallBusiness, sharing a post on FB, commenting on an Instagram post etc.

Any support is welcomed, I’ve found the best form of advertising for me is word of mouth. If you have enjoyed any cakes you’ve ordered, please tell your friends. I’ve got a wonderful community of followers on Instagram and they’ve been an amazing support since I relaunched the business.

5 Tell me one local business that you’ve decided to support during lockdown. It could be your local coffee shop, someone who hand-makes masks etc.

Hollyhocks Florist, without a doubt. She has an amazing eye for detail and I clear her out of her stock of peonies when they’re in season. Her flowers last for weeks!

6 Tell me your favourite isolation cocktail / snack / treat?

I have eaten an unhealthy amount of pizza but I do that anyway really. I also ordered a few cocktails from the Cocktail Kings last summer, can’t beat a Pornstar Martini but I didn’t feel as excited about them the next morning.

7 What’s your go-to ‘pick me up’ during lockdown life / working from home?

I just like getting out of the house. There are so many amazing walks local to me, and my pet cow is only a 10 minute walk from my house!

8 How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

I FaceTime my siblings regularly, and my parents are my social bubble so I’ve been able to still see them thankfully. My best friends live a couple of streets away from me so I’ve been able to join them for walks which has been a real saving grace.

9 Name one lockdown pet peeve

Panic buying. It made it intensely difficult to source the ingredients I needed when the supermarkets were cleared out.

10 Name one lockdown love

I’ve gotten to know my neighbours a lot better. There’s a real community feel where I live and you will often find us all chatting in the street.

11 What do you have in store for your business? What’s got you feeling inspired?

I’ve got a lot of plans in store but all will be revealed in good time. Having an end date for lockdown is driving me towards wanting to get a head-start on my goals.

12 What’s one thing you want to do after lockdown restrictions are lifted?

Hug my friends.

13 What has been your favourite Netflix series to binge on during lockdown?

So many. I was introduced to the US Office last year and I think I’ve watched it at least half a dozen times.

14 Are there any books on your shelf you’d recommend reading during lockdown?

The only books I’ve had a chance to read are recipe books!

15 What will you take from lockdown? Is there anything you’re grateful for or that you’ll do differently going forward?

I think I’ll try to work towards a better work/life balance. I used to rush around like a headless chicken trying to fit everything in. And I need to stick by my mantra that ‘no’ is a complete sentence.

16 Describe lockdown for you in three words. (E.g. life-changing, emotional, challenging).

Enlightening, motivating and demotivating!