LOCKDOWN STORY ... LAURA

Lock down has been different for everyone; whether it was the first one in March 2020, November or this one, and fingers crossed we can only hope this is the last one.

Last year I was working two jobs before March so it was hard to go from working 40+ hours a week to all of a sudden nothing. At first like any girl my age (23) at the time, I thought it was going to be a short "break" from work. The weather was really good so as you can imagine there was a lot of sunbathing, BBQ’s and booze (oops).

Because my room is as hot as a greenhouse it stopped me from staying in bed all day and I did get up and go for long walks in the sun just to get out. I and my family started doing jigsaws which is certainly something I never did before, because I felt like I didn’t have time or was too tired. I don’t want to toot my own horn but I’m quite the jigsaw wiz now ha-ha.

During the first lock down I appreciated the salon I work for as Bev and Mick went out of their way to pay us 100% wage which helped me so much and the team. As you can imagine most of it funded my days out in the sun (oops, thanks Bev and Mick). Fast forward to the 4th July when we first returned to work, and like some of the girls I was very anxious about going back. I hadn’t had proper social interaction with guests in months. I was ready to get back to work 100% but even something as simple as being stood up for my set work hours was a struggle.

With the next 2 lockdowns because the days were shorter and colder I didn’t have many things to keep my brain busy. I personally struggled as I lost a lot of motivation to do anything. Whether that being getting out of bed, going for walks or even getting dressed because I didn’t need to. Although I have started reading again.

With every lock down we have stayed in contact with everyone I work with, thanks to Bev and Mick with our Zoom meets which sustained a little bit of normality. Also sending us sheets to read through to improve our product and colour knowledge so we can progress for our guests, and the FaceTime testing was a new one.

I haven’t really ditched any bad habits to be honest. The only benefit of being off is that I’m not spending daft amounts of money at Greggs, Subway and Tesco ha-ha. But other than that I can’t wait to go back to the salon. I miss the socialising of seeing our guests’ excited faces when they come in and even more the smile when they leave. I miss having catch up's with our guests. And finally I miss having a routine to get up, put my makeup on, do my hair, look smart and get to work! I can’t wait to come back and see not just the girls and Mick but to see all our guests again and make them feel and look as amazing as they make me feel.

See you soon, Love Laura.

What have you missed throughout the lockdowns?

LOCKDOWN STORY … BECCI

Each lockdown has been different for me, it’s been very changeable.

During the 1st lockdown with the weather being so nice and with no schedule there was plenty of BBQ’s in the sun and sunbathing. I was still living at home with my mum and we got to spend some quality time together which was rare with our usual busy schedules.

In the 2nd lockdown, I had started the process of buying a house and got my keys just towards the end which gave me a chance to get sorted in my new home before I returned to the salon.

This lockdown I got more settled in my new home, did some DIY around the house, had my roof fixed and touched up painting work. I also enjoyed being in my new surroundings and was grateful to have my own place, my first home of my own. I haven’t had a set routine and I take each day as it comes, and rather than setting the alarm I get up when I please, which is quite nice.

My other news is that I’m expecting a baby girl in July so I’ve had time to get organised before I return to the salon (to my clients please don’t worry I can recommend a colleague to look after your hair whilst away and I’ll be back before you know it). I have really missed seeing my family and being able to pop for a brew especially being pregnant, sharing my baby photos and news with them in person and it has been a little emotional at times. I have also missed the team we are like a second family at work, I’ve missed my daily espresso, and of course my clients.

When each lockdown has lifted I’ve felt relief to get back to normality and being social again. I like a good balance between my own time, but I am a people’s person. I can’t wait to get back on the salon floor and look after my clients and seeing them smile with a fabulous new look which is why I love to do what I do.

Hope to see you all again soon Becci

AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM DOTTYLINES

Hello Everyone

We hope that you are well. Although we are now 3 weeks before our expected return and it’s looking positive, we will be calling you from next Monday 29th March onwards. This procedure did take over a week when we came from the first lock down, so please don’t worry if you don’t hear from us on day 1.

If you didn’t have a pre booked appointment or have not made contact already, please do so and your name will be added to our list. Get in touch by phoning the salon and leaving a message on 01772 725712, by DM through Facebook or Instagram or email shop@dottylines.com.

Can’t wait to see you soon we are almost there,

Bev, Emma, Helen, Becci, Laura, and Michael.❤️✂️🎨🙏

LOCKDOWN STORIES … HELEN

My day always starts with taking my dog Ossie for a walk. Sun, wind, rain, hail, or snow the weather doesn’t stop us. I love being outdoors and the last 12 months has confirmed that it’s definitely my happy place. Although I have found each lock down has been different.

Lockdown 1 - The weather was good and there was plenty of gardening to do. The grass got cut every week and it never looked so good.All the rooms in the house got a fresh coat of paint, and all the odd jobs got done. Now some of you know I own 2 Lambretta scooters. My weekends and Wednesday evenings are usually spent riding to various places with our friends and local scooter clubs, or away on rally’s up and down the country. Not being able to go out and away has definitely been the hardest part for me; I’ve really missed the adventure and the camaraderie.

Lockdown 2 – It was a bit of a blur. 4 weeks closure during what is normally our busiest time of the year. This was very strange. The days were dark and short, a morning dog walk and then daytime TV and films. It had been a challenging few months and I think I was ready for the unplanned break.

Lockdown 3 – Everyone has had enough now, and wants some normality back, but we dig deep and carry on. I like to think of myself as quite a practical person, and I’m always keen to learn. In the first lockdown I had picked up the workshop manual for the scooters and fitted a new gearbox in the engine. Over Christmas me and Tony had started the restoration and rebuilding of a new scooter. The plan was for me to do as much as I could and learn as I went along, but I had lost all interest, my heart just wasn’t in it. But as I write this, the next scooter project is waiting to go on the workbench and I’m going to get stuck into it this time. Always a morning dog walk and they are getting longer and longer as there’s not much else to do.

Anyway I hope everyone is well, it’s been a very strange 12 months each person with their own story and experiences all trying to do their best in the circumstances. I look forward to seeing you all soon and getting those hair-cuts and colours back on track and looking fab. Love Helen Xx

Has anyone else been doing any DIY? Feel free to send us a pic

LOCKDOWN STORIES … EMMA

Anyone who knows me well will know I’m at my happiest in my home with a good book, a hot brew and a shortbread biscuit. So each lockdown I have embraced the ‘stay home, stay safe’ with ease. This lockdown has allowed me to enjoy our new kitchen space and get back into cooking. I have enjoyed recipes from the new Joe Wickes book and some classics from Jamie Oliver, whilst planning the next home improvement project.

This third lockdown for me has come with added pressure to keep the kids up to date with the school work. I have recently learnt about split diagraphs, expanded noun phrases and arrays, all from Alexa. I was more than glad to announce the snow day at the Allen Academy when we logged out of the online work and enjoyed sledging down our street.

As a family we have been lucky to have enjoyed many local walks with our dog Chops in Blashaw Woods, Hurst Grange Park and down by the River Ribble. Our new kitchen table has been well used with family meal times eating together (something we usually miss with busy schedules). We have played plenty of bingo, built Lego and enjoyed watching David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet together.

I have also enjoyed some solo walks and bike rides for my own well-being. As well as working my way through a selection of books including taking inspiration from ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ during these uncertain times.

I have missed having a house full with my nieces and nephews and friends and their children popping round for a brew, cake and an interrupted conversation, and calling in to see my parents whilst the kids enjoy unlimited ice cream.

Oh and a dottylines mocha, of course. Stay safe - and see you on the other side for beautiful hair - I’m looking forward to it. Love Emma, has anyone else missed a dottylines mocha, or what’s your favourite?

LOCKDOWN STORIES ... BEV

These stories are just to keep in touch and I certainly do not wish to cause offence to anyone who is having a tough time. But I know there are lots of people in different positions and circumstances with different perspectives.

For me in this 3rd lockdown I have seized the opportunity of free time that I don’t usually have and made the most of it. I wanted to look after my health and well-being of both mind and body. So my day starts off with an early morning walk with a podcast, usually Ultimate Health or Happy Place.

Then once home I go straight on zoom for a yoga session with @trybeonline.co.uk. This is a yoga studio in Penwortham who pivoted to online once the pandemic hit. I love it not only for the classes and the fantastic instruction from the teachers but also you can attend a live or an on demand class so it can fit in with my day. Favourite classes I’ve tried so far are with Sarah, Donatella, Liddy, Grace and Hayley. They all have different styles and content, and cater for all abilities.

Then it’s time for a coffee (obviously plenty of water after class first) whist reading a book and my favourite one so far was Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Thanks to Carole for the recommendation. Then I start my work in the home office for dottylines.

I’ve also been able to improve what I eat and gain some variety. I was totally stuck in a rut. Linda I’ll actually have some new recipes that we can talk about. I’ve removed STUFF that takes time and energy (and this was mainly information).This served no joy or purpose, and in doing this enables less distraction and more clarity.

Time to call family and friends and time to make our house a home and spend time with Michael in a different way which I truly value, not to mention the job list is being ticked off

What is it they say about home?

There’s no place like home An Englishman’s home is his castle Home is where the heart is

So I guess what I’m saying is I have been grateful to have experienced some positive timeout that has enabled me to reset and one which I hope to build on in the future. I look forward to being back in the salon with our fantastic team, and our lovely guests and look forward to listening to your stories very soon.

Take care of yourselves, Bev X