Hello!

How are things in your corner of the world? I read recently that it has rained every day in the UK since 1 January. I'm not sure if this is entirely true but it certainly feels like it might be!

In books and movies, the weather often suits the mood of the characters or what might be about to happen. It is pretty rare for something amazing to happen in a rainstorm. 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-five years ago, it truly was an amazing day - and the weather made for some very evocative photographs too.

It taught me that it doesn't have to be sunny for good things to happen or for you to have an outstanding day. Allowing the weather to determine our mood gives way too much power to something over which we have absolutely no control. So while I'm praying for some sunshine here in the UK, I'm still making the most of every day whatever the weather might be. I hope you will too.

Behind the Scenes

My family and I are planning another road trip in our vintage cars - a spring visit to the Alsace in Northern France. The Alsace borders on Germany and Switzerland, so once you are there, you can visit all three countries in one day!

Our last road trip took us to the Loire Valley in our 1976 Rolls Royce Shadow II and our 1992 Bentley Turbo R. We visited Monet's house at Giverny, wineries and lots of beautiful châteaux. It was so much fun! I shared a travelogue on the website if you'd a behind the scenes look at what we got up to. And watch this space for adventures to come!

Great Things To Do In February

1. Celebrate Pancake Day with a Brand New Recipe​
This Tuesday February 18th is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. Back in the day, people used to make pancakes to use up rich ingredients like sugar, fat and eggs before the Lenten fast began. While fewer of us observe such strict rules now, this is still the perfect excuse to enjoy pancakes at any meal of the day!

I have three delicious pancake recipes on my website, including a brand new dairy-free recipe (pictured above) developed by my son for his partner Hannah who has a dairy allergy.

I can eat dairy, but this dairy-free version is SO good, I find myself making it more often than the regular version!

2. Take On The Kindness Challenge​
Once again this year I’m committing to performing at least one random act of kindness every day for the 40 Days of Lent. Whether or not Lent is part of your traditions, I hope you will join me. I'm sharing inspiration for 40 Random Acts of Kindness on the website now.

3. Get Cosy In The Kitchen! ​
Brighten up rainy mornings with Blueberry 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. (It's a fun baking project to do with kids too.)

4. Celebrate Valentine's Day ​
Instead of looking at Valentine's Day as a Hallmark holiday, I prefer to let it remind me of the importance of all kinds of love in my life - whether that's love for myself, my husband, my family and friends or just humanity as a whole. And what better excuse to indulge in a lovely meal or sweet treat? If you are looking for some inspiration, there are lots of ideas on the website now.

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...

Getting ready for some upcoming travel, so there's lots of packing and organising going on!

Reading - Home* by India Knight (affiliate link)

Watching - We finally finished watching Emily in Paris Season 5. I'm looking forward to Season 6!

Listening to - The London Writer's Salon Podcast, in particular episode 180 discussing writing historical fiction with some of my favourite authors. (As you may know, I'm working on a novel, part of which is set in the past.)

Recommending - If you love writing as much as I do, you may enjoy the supportive community at The London Writer's Salon. I'm a silver member, but even free membership gives you access to their 'writer's hours' co-writing sessions. I'm almost always at the 8am UK session on weekdays.

That's all for now. I hope that, whatever the weather, today is a lovely day for you!

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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