Are You Waiting For Your Favourite Season?


Hello!

I was talking to a friend recently and she mentioned how sad she felt that autumn had arrived, because it meant winter was on the way. "I just hate it," she asserted, cradling her cup of tea and looking at me sadly. It reminded me of the sentiments my late mother-in-law used to share with a sigh every year at this time.

While I don't agree (I love autumn!), I do empathise as I'm not all that keen on winter. However, if we spend months of our year dreading a season or insisting we are in a season we dislike, how much of our life are we wishing away?

What if, instead of encouraging ourselves to notice the less pleasant things - for example dark evenings, cold weather and rain or even snow - we focused instead on things we might enjoy?

I'm thinking of things like cosy evenings curled up under a blanket on the sofa, new pyjamas, warming hot drinks topped with marshmallows, colourful leaves, candlelight and comforting suppers.

There is no perfect season and waiting for your favourite is like waiting for life to become a certain way before you allow yourself to enjoy it, or keeping the beautiful china, crystal or favourite outfits 'for best'.

Even if it's not our preferred season right now, the moment we are living in is all we truly have. So what if we get curious about what the season we are in might offer, instead of wishing our lives away by dismissing three or even six months as something we don't enjoy?

Care to join me? I'm sharing some simple ways to make the most of everything October has to offer, including places to explore and things to do, new ways to get creative, making your home cosy and inviting, and a little self-care on the blog now.

What do you enjoy the most about the season you are in right now? I really do want to know! Just tap reply and your email will wing its way straight to my inbox.

The Latest - Hampton Court Palace

Recently my husband and I visited Hampton Court Palace for the Concours d'Elegance, an exhibition of rare, vintage and historic cars. We were exhibiting our 1996 Bentley Turbo R - but I managed to squeeze in time for another tour of the castle. I've visited this beautiful place many times before, and there is so much to see!

Please pop over to the website if you would like to enjoy more photographs of my favourite corners of Hampton Court. I'm also sharing more about the fascinating history of this iconic palace and practical information if you are planning a visit.

Have you visited Hampton Court Palace before? I'd love to know!

In My Kitchen

When I get home, I'll be dusting off my slow cooker and Dutch ovens, getting ready to make some of my favourite comforting recipes. And I've got some fall baking planned as well!

Short Ribs in a Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Tender, juicy, falling apart, braised beef covered in a flavourful, as spicy as you like sauce.

Ratatouille

Meal prep is easy with this comforting dish, which works equally well as a sauce, side, or served as a main dish with some crusty bread.

Butternut Pecan Loaf

This easy to make recipe is a great way to use up butternut squash - and it makes 2 loaves so you can gift the second one - or freeze it for later!

Did you know that if you click on the links marked with an asterix (*) below, I get a small commission? This doesn't change the price you pay, but it helps me to cover the costs of running my website and sending newsletters. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This week I'm...

Spending some time by the shores of Lake Huron in my home province of Ontario. (I'm a British Canadian who has lived in the UK for 35 years but I was born and raised in Ontario.)

Reading - The Spoon Stealer* by Canadian author Lesley Crewe. I'm reading the paperback which I bought in The Book Keeper, a bookstore local to where I am staying - but the link I have shared is to the audio book as I can't find anything else. Do check out Lesley's website (which I have linked to above as well).

Watching - The Devil Wears Prada 2 - Both my husband and I really enjoyed this movie!

Still Listening to - The Calamity Club* on Audible.

Recommending - While I dislike the term 'bucket list' I do like making lists of things I'd like to do, places I want to visit and books I hope to read during a particular season. It can be quite a lot of fun!

That's all for now. I'm off to take a cup of coffee and sit down by Lake Huron with my book! Happy October!

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.

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Hi! I'm April J Harris

Recipe creator and lifestyle storyteller helping you curate a life you love at home and away with delicious recipes, home ideas, travel escapes and style tips to help you live beautifully and make the everyday feel extraordinary. Subscribe for thoughtful ways to elevate how you eat, live and travel.

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