WHY: Where do you miss the most? During lockdown I’ve been craving a walk on the beach – Tyrella is my closest in Co Down, White Park Bay, Co Antrim is a family favourite and I have many fond childhood memories of Brittas Bay, Arklow. Irish printmakers Jando, have announced a nationwide campaign called “Love Where You Live”, which runs until Sunday May 17. The husband and wife design duo are asking their social media followers to nominate the places in Ireland they miss most. The winners will receive a bespoke piece created just for them in Jando’s distinctive architectural, pop culture style. Co-founder Julie Mc Loughlin explains, “Like any small Irish business, this has been a very challenging time for us and we’ve done all we can to stay nimble. ”Love Where you Live” is a token of our gratitude to our patrons but also, I must admit, a wonderful impetus for us to continue to create and grow our portfolio. The campaign is aiming to deliver what we all need right now – a little light and a little hope.” For more information visit @jandodesign or www.jandodesign.com. 

WHERE: Right now I like looking at small fluffy things, or stroking them. Our dog is looking decidedly exhausted from all the love she’s been receiving, so to give her a break, I’ve been tuning into Dublin Zoo’s webcam to catch a glimpse of its new arrivals. These are two Humboldt penguin chicks, the newest members of a 16-strong colony in the zoo’s penguin habitat. The first chick was born to parents Monica (7) and Joey (8), the second chick to parents Magdalena (18) and Patrick (16). Apparently Magdalena and Patrick first laid an egg together back in 2007 and are the parents of new mum Monica. Their other offspring include Chandler and Phoebe. Ciaran McMahon, team leader at Dublin Zoo says of the new babies: “They are important births for the species. Some of the parent names might seem strangely familiar to fans of a certain show, but in the last number of years all new arrivals at Dublin Zoo have been given names from the country they are native to.” www.facebook.com/dublinzoo, www.dublinzoo.ie.

WHA: I’ll be setting the alarm clock for 5.30am on May 9 to watch the sunrise, when Pieta and Electric Ireland invite everyone to show support with those impacted by suicide. While the the annual Darkness into Light walk has been postponed, Scouting Ireland volunteers have launched Hike for Hope in its place, a virtual challenge, in which anyone can participate to help raise €10,000 for Pieta House. The challenge? Pick a mountain and walk the equivalent steps over this weekend (May 8 – 10), whether on the stairs, in the back garden or within a 4km radius. For example, to “climb” to the Summit of Mount Everest, would be the equivalent of 44,240 steps or walking 3,160 steps of stairs. To summit Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil, would take 5,190 steps or 371 steps of stairs. To donate and find out more about these hikes go to: gf.me/u/xyzn4b. Emily Breathnach (pictured) is one of a group of teenage scouts who had their expedition to climb the Alps cancelled and she is taking on Mount Everest this weekend.

WHERE: If the weather holds this weekend, many (Dads) will be planning to fire up a barbecue. To make things easier, two of Dublin’s best known barbecue restaurants Asador, Haddington Road and Prado, Clontarf, have launched their eponymous At Home BBQ Box, €49, or Deluxe Box, €75. You’ll find steaks, dry-aged beef burgers, chicken wings and sticky glazed ribs as well as all accompanying sides and sauces – in addition to potato salad with cornichons, corn on the cob with garlic butter and their famous tabbouleh salad. Included are chefs tips, tricks and cooking instructions to ensure restaurant-level results. They are delivering to the greater Dublin area too from Thursday – Sunday, as well as collection at Asador (from Thursday – Saturday). All you have to do is keep the barbecue stoked and preheat the oven. www.asador.ie www.prado.ie 

WHAT: As we enter Phase Two of Covid-19, I think it’s time for a treat, don’t you? While we can’t spend some time at a spa – one of our favourites is The Well at Cliff at Lyons – we can order some of its products for some self care. Shop online and you’ll find lots of indulgent ideas from peat masks, facial mists, bath salts, soaps and hand creams. One of my favourites is its Organic Rosehip & Geranium Oil, which uses local flora and indigenous Irish ingredients. Have a little gift delivered to your door, or to someone else’s to brighten up their weekend; www.cliffhome.ie 

AND … Tomorrow, why not start the day with Mary Dowling who is leading a online video session of qigong with the Chester Beatty Library. This traditional Chinese form of meditation is suitable for all ages and coordinates slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing and a calm state of mind; www.chesterbeatty.ie

For further relaxation why not indulge in a 30-minute step-by-step art class with illustrator Charlotte Posmer whose quirky designs are available at Brown Thomas? Tune into @LaMerUK Instagram Live on Saturday May 9 at 4pm. All you need is some paper, a pencil, a rubber and a black fine line pen to draw along with Charlotte.