profile

Hi! I'm April J Harris

Cosy Days, Seasonal Joys and a Little Paris Magic

Published 4 days ago • 2 min read

Hello!

How is it nearly the end of October already?! Frankly, I'm really not ready to say goodbye to this, one of my favourite months, so I've been thinking about ways to make the most of these beautiful last days of October as well as some lovely ways to welcome November.

But first, a little peek behind the scenes.

Behind the Scenes

I'm sending this dispatch from Paris! As my husband is working, I have been exploring on my own most of the time, but we've managed a few quick lunchtime walks and we have the evenings together as well. He found the most amazing Airbnb, a beautifully restored house built in 1880 just a few blocks from the Arc du Triomphe. It feels like stepping back in time to The Gilded Age!

In my opinion, the very best way to see the City of Light is on foot, so I'm walking an average of 12 km a day (about 7½ miles). If you are planning a visit to Paris or simply fancy a virtual visit, you can get the inside scoop from our many trips here to make the most of your visit on the website now.

Savouring the Last of October's Magic

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my latest post - Things to Do In October. It's full of easy, uplifting ways to make the most of this month, from cosy home updates and homemaking to self care and outdoor adventures. (And of course, you could still do many of the things in November as well!)

I'm also sharing my favourite Fall Beauty Tips for Skin, Hair and Makeup, tried and true advice along with product recommendations I hope you will love .

From My Kitchen - Easy Autumn Bakes

Autumn always makes me think about baking more. I love it when the scent of spices fills the house and makes everything feel cosy. These are some of the easy fall bakes I'm planning to make when I get home.

Pear & Ginger Cake

A lovely treat to enjoy with a hot drink, this cake is simple but just a little bit indulgent. There’s an easy gluten-free option too!

Orange Gingerbread Crinkles

One of the most popular cookies recipes on the blog, these tender cookies with a sugar coating are a real treat.

Pear Tart

My late mother-in-law's recipe for sweet pears nestled in delicious almond frangipane, all encased in a tender pastry.

Triple Ginger Pound Cake

Three kinds of ginger combine to make this fragrant loaf - perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This week I'm...

Reading - an advance copy of Meet the Newmans* by Jennifer Niven from NetGalley and Peggy* by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamieson

Looking forward to - Season 5 of Emily in Paris in a couple of months! It premiers December 18th on Netflix.

Listening to - Everything Cookbooks podcast episode 143 An Interview with Jacques Pepin

Recommending - A fabulous magnetic power bank* for my iPhone and AirPods. It supports wired and wireless charging, isn't too big or heavy and it does not block the camera so I can use the phone while I'm charging. Everyone in our family has one now!

That's all for now. I hope you will enjoy these last few days of October to the full and that your November gets off to a great start!

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​

​

​

​

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
​Unsubscribe · Preferences

Hi! I'm April J Harris

Helping you make the most of life at home and away

Sign up for my newsletter if you enjoy easy recipes anyone can make, ideas to help you make the most of your home, travel stories and tips, and inspiration to help you embrace your own unique style.

Read more from Hi! I'm April J Harris
A collage of images including April standing on a stool taking a flat lay photograph of some clothes, images from Amazon studios, April drinking a cup of tea, and the view over the gardens and Rutland Water from the terrace at Hambleton Hall

Happy October! How are things in your corner of the world? Recently I have been thinking a lot about how little changes can make a big difference. It's not just about being healthy (although of course that is important), it's also about helping ourselves to feel nurtured and cared for so we can live in an atmosphere of growth and make the most of every day. Whether it’s finding delicious ways to make the most of what’s already in our fridge, adding more variety to the meals we cook, choosing...

19 days ago • 4 min read
April J Harris standing in a pumpkin coach in a pumpkin patch

Hello! Wherever you are in the world, I hope this finds you well! Today I'm thinking about all the ways we can welcome new seasons. I love getting ready for what I like to think of as the cosy season, creating snug corners to curl up in with a book and a cup of tea, and adding seasonal touches to the decor in our home. Planning autumn adventures is fun too. I'm very excited about a family visit to one of our favourite hotels in Rutland this weekend, and there's a trip to Paris coming up in a...

about 1 month ago • 3 min read
A selection of images from a weekend at Thornbury Castle

Hello! As we enjoy the last golden stretch of summer, many of us wish we could hold on to the season forever. Others (like me!) are excited for the first signs of autumn. Of course, in the Southern Hemisphere, winter is changing to spring, but wherever you call home, this in-between season is a wonderful time to savour each moment and gather inspiration for the days to come. Behind The Scenes - A Family Trip to Canada & A Weekend in a Castle! Before I share some seasonal inspo and some...

about 2 months ago • 3 min read