ME…. AND MY HOUSEKEEPING! Presenter and triathlete Louise Minchin
Presenter and triathlete Louise Minchin on the joy of pets, her exercise regime and her love of crisps Louise Minchin, 51, lives in Chester with her husband and daughters Mia, 18, and Scarlett, 15. She has two Labradors and two Shetland ponies. How would you describe your home?
It’s cosy. We have a lovely house, and it’s got quite a lot tidier since the lockdown. I read an article about Marie Kondo a couple of weeks ago and I’ve just got way more organised. I guess it’s to do with time, and realising we’re all in this house together a lot more.
What are the simple things that spark joy for you?
My dogs and my children. I have two Labradors, Waffle and Ruby; they’ll miss us terribly when we all go back to work. I also have two rescue Shetland ponies that I’m completely besotted with. If I’m at all sad, I just have to go see them.
What helps you stay calm?
Yoga. I did a 30-day course of Yoga With Adriene, and it was brilliant. I’d been meaning to do it for ages, but I was always training for some race or other.
What’s your favourite home comfort?
Probably my pillow! Although I do sometimes just put my head straight on the mattress. I love my bed.
Who would be your dream dinner party guests?
My friends; I have really missed them. We have been meeting on Zoom, but it’s not the same as having a drink and a boogie.
What’s your signature dish?
I don’t really have a signature dish. I was on Celebrity Masterchef and I absolutely loved it; because I’m not a very good cook, I had no idea what could go wrong, so I’d just try wild stuff. At home, I’ll cook recipes from Ottolenghi Simple.
What’s your kitchen cupboard staple?
almonds… With all the exercise I do, I try to eat healthily and have protein. All the nuts drive my husband bananas!
What do you always have in your fridge?
Smoked salmon because it lasts for ages. You can have it for breakfast if you’re feeling posh, or lunch, or whenever.
What food could you not live without?
Crisps: Kettle Chips and Wotsits. I dream about Wotsits. When I do an endurance race, they’re my prize at the end.
Are you a saver or a spender?
I’m definitely a saver. I went to university when we were lucky enough to have fees paid. After I left, I went to work for BBC Radio 4, then back to uni to study radio journalism, which I had to pay for. It was a terrifying debt at the time, so that taught me a valuable lesson. I worked really hard to pay it off.
What’s your best time-saving tip?
Make your breakfast the night before. Just before I go to bed (at about 9pm, as I have to get up at 3.40am to present BBC Breakfast), I’ll get some porridge, add milk and yogurt, and leave it overnight so it’s ready in the morning.
What keeps you awake at night?
I’m really lucky as I’m a very good sleeper. But sometimes the fear of the alarm not going off can keep me awake.
What did your parents teach you?
My mum gave me my love of sport. She took us swimming and to tennis; she really put in the hours. I hope I’m doing the same with my children and passing that on. From Dad, I think I get my sense of adventure and my love of mad endurance events!
What lifts you out of a bad mood?
A run, swim or bike ride. I hate the thought of going swimming, but once I’m in the water, I just adore it. I’ve learned to love running. You just have to put on your trainers and then you can do it anywhere.
What’s your favourite household task?
Putting on clean sheets – I know how delicious the bed will feel when I get in it.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Nerdy, techie stuff for my bike. I like to know my pace and my heart rate.
Where is your happy place?
North Cornwall. I went there in February with my daughter; we did a long walk and got soaked through twice. The weather was wild, but I love that.
BBC Breakfast is on BBC One every day from 6am
I love getting into a bed with fresh sheets