After a decade in Los Angeles, last year Louise Roe headed home to London with her husband Mackenzie and two-year-old daughter Honor in tow. The TV host, author and fashion journalist has since been wielding a hammer, busily renovating their new family home in the English countryside (interiors addicts, take note). 

Recent weeks have seen her blog, Front Roe, flooded with mood-boosting style posts and practical advice on everything from how to work from home, entertaining the kids, and perfecting a ‘Quaran-team’ snack of loaded nachos. But while consistently inspiring her following during the crisis, what has Louise discovered about herself?

“...slowing down the pace of life makes you notice the little changes that happen in children.”

“That I’m a borderline alcoholic… Kidding! Sort of!” she says. “In all honesty, my family and I have become closer and I am truly relishing the extra time with my daughter. I’m sure a lot of parents will say this, but slowing down the pace of life makes you notice the little changes that happen in children – everything they notice and learn each day – so much more.” 

Spring has sprung, and Louise is watching her garden bloom and breaking out the floral dresses. But life is not without it’s challenges (she recently shared on Instagram, “We are beyond shattered by 6pm!”). Louise marked Mother’s Day in the UK with at a tear-jerking, Love Actually-esque video addressed to all mothers and mother figures. “Leaving you alone when you need us most breaks our hearts. But know this: we love, miss and appreciate you so much!” 

FaceTime calls with family and friends are helping her get through, as is the @goodnews_movement, John Hughes’ movies (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink) and “having perspective any time I start to feel trapped or frustrated”. “Thinking about being a doctor, nurse or hospital patient right now, instantly sorts out those feelings,” she says. “As does having a sense of humour, and also extra patience day-to-day.”