Enjoying Your Day Whatever The Weather...

Writers and filmmakers often use the weather suit the mood of the characters. It is pretty rare for something amazing to happen under cloudy skies in literature or cinema. However, in my experience, some of the best days can be days when the weather is less than perfect.

Although my heart sank when I woke to whistling wind and grey skies that threatened rain on my wedding day in March thirty-four years ago, it truly was an amazing day - and the weather made for some very evocative photographs too.

One of my favourite memories from our recent holiday was cosying up by the fire in the lake-front cottage one day as a storm raged outside. We read, played board games and drank copious amounts of tea while watching Lake Huron's ocean-like waves crashing up against the shore only a few meters away. Later, when we headed upstairs to bed, the sound of the waves lulled us to sleep.

It does not have to be sunny for you to have an amazing day!

Read on for some of the things you can do to make the most of every day - whatever the weather!

Important note: If you are affected by lingering sadness, anxiety or depression, my heart goes out to you. By all means try my suggestions, but it is also incredibly important to reach out to a grief counsellor or mental health professional sooner rather than later. We all experience these feelings from time to time - I certainly have - and it is a brave, noble and powerful thing to seek help when you need it.

Making The Most of Grey Days

1. Affirm that it's going to be a good day, whatever the weather. As my feet touch the floor when I get out of bed, I generally say something like "Today is going to be a great day" or "It's a good day for a good day" out loud. While no one can see hours into the future, hearing those words in my own voice really can set the tone for the much better day.
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2. Celebrate! Whether it's a personal anniversary, a minor holiday like Halloween, or simply an excellent Tuesday, look for any reason to celebrate. Last week we celebrated the 22nd Anniversary of the launch of my first website, which has evolved into AprilJHarris.com. I am so proud of the community that has developed around the website over the years and I am happy and grateful you are a part of it! ​
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3. Enjoy the best of seasonal produce. Have you visited your local farmer's market or farm shop recently? Now is a great time to support your local producers. Apples and pears, juicy blackberries and plums, as well as a plethora of vegetables are all available now. It may be a bit late for pick your own fruit - although I did pick my own pumpkins for carving earlier this week (see photo above!)
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4. Enjoy baking on cooler days. Use fresh or frozen blueberries in my Blueberry and Chia Muffins, a delicious, wholesome way to start to any day. Not a fan of blueberries? My Oat Bran Muffins with Carrot and Orange may be right up your street. Indulge in a treat with my Raspberry Bakewell Tart Squares - or try one of the easiest recipes on my website - this delicious Vintage Chocolate Cake Recipe.
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5. Do something that is fun for you. I enjoyed this thought-provoking article from Gretchen Rubin It's Fun To Have Fun But You Have To Know How. Fun things I have done recently include baking, decorating my home for autumn, and making a beautiful flower arrangement at a Pumpkin Floral Design Class.
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6. Be a tourist in your hometown. Visiting a gallery or museum can be a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. We recently visited the Museum of Rural Life at the University of Reading - I had no idea it even existed until my friend from the Midlands asked to go when she visited. There are also several other interesting, previously unknown to me, museums at the university; we spent a pleasant hour at The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology the same day. We often take the things that are on our doorstep for granted. My younger self would certainly be shocked that I don't spend more time in London when I live so close by!

Whatever you do to make the most of every day, I hope this coming month is a wonderful one for you! (How is it November tomorrow?!)

This week I'm...

Celebrating all things fall and planning for Christmas at the same time!

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Reading - The Ministry of Time* by Kaliane Bradley (also available on Bookshop.org*) and The Power of Fun* by Catherine Price (also available on Bookshop.org*)

Loving - These cute pumpkin lights*! I bought a set of 3 earlier this week and they are such fun - and quite bright as well. These are definitely going to be a part of my fall decor until it's time to swap over for Christmas - pumpkins aren't just for Halloween, you know! 😊

Watching - Mrs Harris Goes To Paris - definitely a feel-good film! Apparently it is based on a one of a series of four books about a London cleaning lady written back in the 1950's. I need to look into them...

Listening to - The Happiness Lab with Dr Laurie Santos - 10th October episode "Advice From The Titans Of Happiness On World Mental Health Day"​

That's all for now. I'm off to carve a pumpkin and get ready for the trick or treaters! Happy Halloween! Wishing you a fabulous November!

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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