Home Truths with Tamzin Outhwaite - and why she loves DIY

I hug my kids and two dogs, or I may rush to the toilet first. It depends on how much water I have been drinking.

I am the biggest homeware addict - I’m obsessed with candles and saucepans funnily enough. My favourite shop to buy homeware from has to be M&S.

I think it’s because my gran loved it and it was a treat to visit when we were younger. I also love the fact everything is available under one roof.

A glass of water, my fitness tracker and a variety of books.

Shoes lying around the floor and not put away properly. That drives me nuts.

I love the hours between 9 and 11am as I have got back from dropping the kids at school and depending on the traffic - it can sometimes take me up to an hour - this is my favourite time of the day. I love the quietness of the house, even though my dogs may be arguing.

I actually love upcycling old furniture, painting the house and refurbishing old products.

I recently added a sauna to the house so I like to ensure I go in it at least three times a week. I love hot yoga, too – I really embrace the heat as it is so good for the body and mind.

I love DIY! I have a real passion for home interiors, from converting old cabinets to giving a lick of paint to anything in need of a glam up.

Fried garlic and onions as that’s the base of all my recipes so it is a very welcoming smell. When I cook, you can guarantee all my recipes have these two ingredients in them.

Yes, I love having people over and we used to throw such big fun parties. I think my only downside is I chat so much that I’ll open up the fridge after all my guests have gone and realised I forgot to serve the dessert.

I can’t bear doing housework so I think I’d like to change that bad habit for starters!

I always spend time alone doing yoga and stretching. Having recently set up my new venture We Free Women that aims to provide free retreats for people in need I hope to share my knowledge of self-care and relaxation tips to our guests. 

Self care used to sound selfish to me but now I embrace looking after my mind and body as it makes me more energised to be there for those that need me, like my kids and father. I’m part of the ‘sandwich’ generation so I need all the energy I possibly have to be there for those that need me.

I have got used to eating my partner Tom’s banana bread. He started making it in lockdown and I have to say it is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten!

Definitely the people in it, and my two dogs of course.