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Curating a Month of Love
Published about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hello!
Happy February! I like to think of this month as the time for celebrating all kinds of love - love for our friends, families, partners if we have them, our pets and fellow humans.
I also think we need to include love for ourselves - so many of us hold ourselves to standards that are much higher than those to which we hold others. Then we are unkind to ourselves when we inevitably fall short of our unrealistic expectations.
Let's take some time to give ourselves a little love, holding space and compassion for our frailties and celebrating the amazing people we are.
I've got some great ideas to encourage you - and if you enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day, I've got some inspiration for that too!
Behind the Scenes
I have been writing, cooking up a storm and photographing recipes this month.
Photographing one of my latest creations - a dairy-free chocolate cake I can't wait to share
It's a hard job, but somebody's got to do it!
I shared a bit about my creative adventures on Instagram too. I'm so excited about the content that is coming up on the website in the next few months.
A Little Self Love and Self Care Inspiration
Just a few tips to help you nurture and celebrate the wonderful soul that you are.
Embrace The Season You Are In - Whether starting a new job, embarking on a fertility journey, taking on the care of elderly relatives, welcoming a new baby or navigating an empty nest for the first time, we all find ourselves in different seasons of our lives.
Recently, I was feeling frustrated about a work project I am eager to complete. I could only see what was not finished. A wise friend gently reminded me how much I had accomplished over the past few weeks. She helped me shift my focus from what was unfinished to what was already well underway.
So often we fixate on the gap instead of the growth.
Instead of pressuring yourself over how things “should” look, try meeting yourself where you are. Offer yourself a little grace. Notice all you have handled. Acknowledge what you have carried. Recognise what you have achieved.
Even on the days when it feels as though everything is unravelling, you are likely doing far better than you give yourself credit for. This too deserves to be celebrated.
Do Something Nice for Yourself - It is all too easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of day-to-day life and forget to look after ourselves. Apart from the usual things like getting enough sleep and eating well, one of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to allow for the opportunity to enjoy a little fun.
Please take this note as permission (although you do not need it) to spend some time doing the things you really enjoy. Whether that's taking a walk, baking, reading a great book or doing something creative, it's important to immerse yourself in things you love to do. Maybe you could visit a local gallery, library or bookstore, have a long overdue coffee with a friend or give yourself the time to re-watch your favourite movie. Even if you can only offer yourself the gift of 30 minutes a couple of times a week, you deserve to spend time doing things you enjoy.
Month of Love Menus and Recipes
I have a whole article devoted to Valentine's Day menu ideas and recipes available for you! The menus also stand up really well if you are planning a date night dinner or for entertaining anytime. And if you need a few tips on how to make celebrating easy and stress-free, there are some of those in the article too. Please do pop on by the website and have a look.
Here is just a small selection of some of the other lovely treats on the website right now.
My Grandma's Easy Scones Recipe
Whether you are planning a Valentine's Afternoon Tea or you just fancy a quick treat with your cuppa, these yummy traditional scones are ready in less than 30 minutes.
Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - If you purchase using these links I make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This week I'm...
hard at work on new recipes, articles and photographs, plus I'm getting ready for a trip to the US. I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures!
Watching - My husband and I just finished watching the first part of Brigerton Season 4 - I can't wait for the second half! What should we watch while we are waiting? Please hit reply and share your favourites.
Recommending - A little browse through my curated shop* — filled with everyday favourites that have earned their place in my kitchen, home and life. If you’ve ever wondered what I genuinely use and love, you’ll find it there*.
That's all for now. 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
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.
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