Hello!

How are things in your corner of the world?

Recently I have been considering how, when I think about my happiest memories, there are far more ordinary days than milestone occasions. Yes, the wedding, the special occasion, the trip, and the birth of a new baby are all moments to treasure. But it is often the day we discover somewhere new together, the heartfelt conversation over a cup of tea, the laughter that catches us by surprise, or a quiet evening that seems unremarkable at the time, that stay with me the most.

It makes me wonder how much of life we are missing while we are waiting for the next big event or milestone. What if the life we are hoping for is already quietly unfolding around us?

I realise now that making the most of every day is often more about small choices than grand gestures. But how can we embrace this - celebrate it, even - by looking for opportunities to make every day feel just a little more special?

Here are a few simple ideas that have been inspiring me lately.

Use Your Favourite Things

Whether it's an impromptu afternoon tea or dinner on a Tuesday, use your best china, tablecloths, cutlery and crystal. Don't let the things that bring you joy gather dust in a cabinet.

I wrote a little bit more about how I have stopped saving things for best in this post, along with a delicious recipe for Raspberry and Rose Jelly and Cream, an effortlessly elegant dessert for warm summer evenings.

Embrace A Little Whimsy

When I first started thinking about whimsy, I worried I was not very good at it. Then I realised whimsy doesn’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes it is as simple as laying the table beautifully on a Wednesday, baking scones for an impromptu afternoon tea, dressing up for a drive in our fifty-year-old Chevrolet Bel Air or spinning round an empty ballroom just because no one is there. Maybe you are more whimsical than you think too!

Get Together With Friends & Family

Meaningful connections and relationships are so important to our well being. They can even help us to live longer. Get togethers don't have to be complicated to be fun and restorative. An invitation for coffee or drinks, a pot-luck picnic where everyone brings their favourite salad, a safari supper where you visit a different house for every course or simply a cup of tea with a friend. Embrace the chance to enjoy the company of those you love. Sadly it's not always a gift we can count on forever.

Wear The Dress

Don't save your pretty dresses and special clothes for best. Every day is a special occasion, even if all you are doing is enjoying a solo cup of tea in the garden.

These may seem like little things on their own, but through the small choices we make every day, we can build an even more beautiful life one ordinary day at a time.

This week I'm...

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - If you purchase using these links I make a small commission. Your purchase price is unaffected.

Reading - The Botanist's Daughter * by Kayte Nunn and
​Hidden Treasures of The National Trust* - Unlock the Stories Behind The Trust's Greatest Treasures

Watching - Enola Holmes 3 on Netflix - Millie Bobbie Brown reprises her role as Sherlock Holmes' sister. I loved the first two films - fingers crossed this one is as good!

Recommending - This ULANZI MT85 Magnetic Tripod with a Pop Open Four-Leg Stand*. It extends to 59" and can be used as a selfie stick as well. It was recommended to me for content creation, but it is light and compact - it fits in my suitcase!

For more of the things I use and love, please check out my Amazon Storefront*.

Listening to - Happier in Hollywood episode 475 - Week of Yes, Rabbit Holes and Friendworking.

That's all for now. Wishing you ordinary days filled with extra-ordinary moments to remember. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you. Warmly, April x April J Harris | Helping you make the most of life at home and away. ​Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest​