Hello!
Happy June! How are things in your corner of the world?
My birthday is in June, so I'm a bit biased, but I have always loved this month. The days are longer, the weather is generally getting a bit warmer, and roses and peonies - my favourite flowers - are in season.
I'm thinking about days spent exploring, relaxed entertaining, and afternoons in the shade with a good book and a glass of ice tea. And of course my birthday, which I still get very excited about.
One thing I know for sure is that ageing is a privilege, and that the older I get, the more comfortable I feel in my own skin. With my birthday in mind, here are three things I would tell my younger self - things I wish I had realised earlier and that I hope will help you too.
Three Things I'd Tell My Younger Self
Trust yourself more - Yes, you will make a wrong decision from time to time and there will be mistakes. Those experiences will help shape your future in a positive way almost as much as the good decisions you make - and there will be way more of those than you expect!
By the way, younger self, I'm so grateful to you for all you are doing. Some of your decisions have been really bold and brave. They are the choices that will help get us to where we are today - a really nice place to be.
Give yourself a little more grace - You can be quite hard on yourself if you fall short of your personal standards or goals. It's great to aim high - keep doing that - but remember to be kind to yourself too.
Keep a diary - You have so many amazing experiences ahead of you! They will all become great memories, but one day you will wish you had written down more, especially the little details about the days that seemed ordinary. Some of your most cherished memories will be of those ordinary days with the people you love.
Note to self - Let's start that diary properly now! Anyone else feel inspired to join me? Please reply and let me know!
A Sneak Peek
Terry Joshi has delivered the images from my latest shoot and I'm so excited to share them - along with lots of brand new content - over the coming months.
In the meantime, here's a first glimpse at a couple of my favourites - including a fun behind the scenes photo.
We loved using our beautiful 1955 Chevy Bel Air, affectionately known as Tiffany, in the shoot.
The Blue Willow china in the afternoon tea scenes has been in our family for generations. Over the past 120 years, it has travelled from England to Canada (when my great-grandma and grandma immigrated to Canada in the early 1900's) and back to my home in England again.
And of course, there are always outtakes...and I love that Terry shares them with me!
Easy Summer Desserts Perfect For Sharing
Gooseberry Fool
An easy to make, creamy, sweet-tart dessert that keeps well in the fridge, and is perfect for entertaining. It’s also naturally gluten free!
|
|
|
Raspberry & Rose Jelly & Cream
This easy little twist on traditional jelly (Jello) served in pretty glasses turns something everyday into elevated comfort food you can happily serve to guests.
|
|
|
No-Bake Orange Cheesecake
With all the richness of traditional cheesecake, this easier no-bake version is perfect for relaxed entertaining. You can make it the night before serving to get ahead if you like.
|
|
|
Need some more inspiration? There are lots of easy, elegant dessert recipes on the website.
Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This week I'm...
Reading - River of Stars* by Georgina Moore.
Watching - We are still watching Rivals Season 1. We just watched the episode with the late Jilly Cooper's cameo appearance which was a little bittersweet.
Listening to - The Happier Podcast episode 587 - "Design Your Summer". Personally, I'm considering a summer of whimsy. What do you think?
Recommending - The Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank* for charging iPhone and AirPods on the go. My husband and I have each had one of these for nearly a year now and they are so handy!
For more of the things I use and love, please check out my Amazon Storefront*.
Baking - my favourite Easy Devil's Food Cake as it's someone's birthday soon 😉
That's all for now. Have a lovely rest of the week!
|
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
|