Hello!

This morning I opened up my email to find a message entitled "The Perfect Books for Late Summer Reading - Savour the last pages of summer".

Friends, it is mid-June. The solstice was just last weekend and summer has hardly begun.

Why is there this incredible pressure to rush through our days, weeks, months and seasons?

There's nothing wrong with planning ahead, but only with the intention of making things easier as time moves forward, not in order to rush through the season we are in.

I never want to focus so firmly on tomorrow that I completely miss the blessings of today - and this holds true regardless of what season it is in your corner of the world.

Today I'm sharing some gentle ways to reclaim that summer feeling from days gone by, a brand new recipe on the website, easy suppers perfect for warmer weather (but equally delicious in the colder months) and a little glimpse into our latest classic car adventure.

Reclaim Your Summer

Are you missing the summer feeling of summers gone by? There used to be something about the season that made time slow down and feel more luxurious, even with work and a full to do list.

I'm sharing ten easy ways to reclaim your summer and recapture that abundant, laid-back summertime feeling you remember - even if you do have a full diary - on the blog now.

My Latest Recipe

Sweet pieces of dried apricot and warming ginger make these quick and easy Apricot and Ginger Scones an extra-special treat.

It takes just thirty minutes to make this quick and easy recipe, perfect for serving simply alongside a hot drink or as part of a traditional afternoon tea.

Easy Summer Suppers

You know how you make a recipe over and over again and then kind of forget about it? That's what happened to me with this Moroccan Shrimp and Couscous recipe!

Now I've rediscovered it, I can't stop making it. It's quick, easy and full of flavour - perfect for busy evenings, supper in the garden or anytime really!

Whether you cooking chicken for meal prep and salads, grilling or barbecuing or just serving it with potatoes and veg for Sunday lunch, my Easy Lemon and Herb Chicken Marinade keeps chicken moist and delicious every time.

What's Been Happening

My husband Guy and I were thrilled to be part of the James Martin Rally with our vintage Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II. We travelled from Chewton Glen to Cliveden House Hotel once again this year, staying at both hotels and enjoying some lovely meals.

On the way to Clivden (pictured above) we spread some smiles at Naomi & Jack's, a hospice for children and young people, enjoyed a pizza lunch in a country pub and visited a British vineyard where almost everything is done entirely by hand. It was a fabulous few days!

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...

Reading - A Creative Compass* by Emma Gannon

Recommending - These pretty perfume atomisers* that you can fill with your favourite fragrance. I bought some recently and they fill easily - you can see how much is in the vial too. I took them along on our recent car rallies and a trip to Ireland and I've been so pleased with them (no leaks either!).

For more of the things I use and love, please check out my Amazon Storefront*. Some of them have Prime Day offers (until midnight 26th June).

Watching - I haven't had a chance to watch much TV but I have just heard about the new Netflix series of Little House on the Prairie being released on 9th July and I can't wait!

Listening to - Eleanor - A 200 Mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen* by Alice Loxton. Queen Eleanor was the wife of Edward I and she incredibly beloved by both her husband and their people. This is an engaging listen that really brings her story to life.

That's all for now. I'm getting ready to set off on another car rally and I'm hoping not to melt. It's 35°C (95°F) here!

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​