Ask James: ‘I’ve A Zoom Date Coming Up, Any Tips?’

I’m running out of things to do during lockdown. Any recommendations? Sophie, Dublin

Yes! Jigsaws and pickling! I spotted a friend of mine had an amazing 2000 piece jigsaw of a stunning photo of him and his friends. He got it made on photobox.ie. So forget boring waterfalls or landscapes – get one made of you and yer mates! V therapeutic too. And pickling: it’s a very fun, rewarding and delicious thing to do. You can pickle almost anything too. Start with kimchi as it’s very simple to make and delicious in fritters, sandwiches, salads, etc.

I’ve seen house plants on your Instagram story, and I’d like some greenery in my life. What plants are easy to keep? Katlyn, Dublin

LOL, you obviously just saw me buying them – I don’t show when I eventually murder them. I am the worst plant mom, I’m the opposite of green-fingered – maybe I’m death fingered? And I just refuse to believe ANY houseplant is easy to keep alive. However, ones that last a satisfying amount of time, and are relatively easy to keep, are asparagus fern, English ivy, rubber tree and fig leaf. Top tips: don’t overwater, don’t underwater, don’t leave them in direct sunlight and don’t leave them in the shade. See? It’s not easy and there will be tears and tantrums when you realise that life isn’t a leafy Pinterest board. Good luck – you’ll need it.

I’ve a Zoom date coming up. It’s my first online date ever. Any tips? Jenny, Cork

Don’t get blackout drunk. My friend went on a Skype date last week and woke up with her boobs out and her housemate cleaning up her vomit. Turns out her and her date started getting sexy on camera and she just passed out. They’ve a second date booked so obviously it didn’t go that bad! But do take it easy on the rosé and have a few game ideas to keep banter flowing.

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