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Hi! I'm April J Harris

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April J Harris sitting on a blue sofa with her feet up. There is a book in herald and her handbag and jacket are alongside her.
Featured Post

A Gentle January Reminder - You Are Not Behind!

Hello! Have you noticed a lot of people talking about the fact that 'we are half way through January already' and sharing that they are 'incredibly behind' too? It's hard not to feel unsettled by their musings. And honestly, I have had similar thoughts myself. Yet, as I write this, sitting in my cosy study with a warming cup of tea beside me, looking out at a grey and rainy day, I'm feeling encouraged by the beauty of this in-between time of year. Yesterday I discovered a small clump of early...

The view over the gardens at Hambleton Hall, with established trees and a fountain in the foreground and Rutland Water in the background

Hello and Happy New Year! Every January, we are encouraged to reset everything, start over and become a new version of ourselves. But this year I have been considering the idea of beginning things a little more gently - building on what already works and feels good, rather than focusing on the negative and trying to change everything all at once. We don’t necessarily need grand plans or sweeping changes. Sometimes it is enough to step forward with intention - just as we are. Care to join me?...

April Harris in a pastel coloured striped phone box at Fortnum and Mason in London. She is wearing a faux fur coat and holding a Fortnums bag.

Hello! It’s Christmas week, and if you are anything like me, you may have opened this newsletter during a quick pause between baking, writing and wrapping. I hope there’s a lovely hot drink in your hand, and that you can relax for just a few moments while we catch up. I also hope this newsletter finds you well, and excited for Christmas as well as the fresh start the New Year brings. I’m so looking forward to the celebrations to come, and yet, as much as I love Christmas, I know it can also...

 A lit red candle alongside 3 jars of homemade mincemeat tied with blue and gold ribbons.

Hello December! There's always something so magical about this time of year - even the rainy, grey days seem to hold a little extra promise. Kitchens begin to warm with the scent of cinnamon and ginger, strangers greet each other in the streets like in days gone by, and the bright lights and sparkle bring a little bit of excitement to each day. Whether you are getting ready to celebrate Christmas, St Nicholas Day (6 December) or celebrating Hanukkah, I hope that this month is bringing some...

April Harris wearing a purple raincoat standing in front of two decorated Christmas trees in London's Covent Garden

Hello! Whether you are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, or just beginning to lean into the festive season (or both!) I have lots of inspiration for you, with a little comfort and joy sprinkled in too. This is such a beautiful in-between moment - a week full of gratitude and the first twinkle of Christmas, all at once. I love the quiet magic late November brings. Christmas lights are beginning to appear and the evenings feel cosier. Everything seems to touched with...

April Harris reading on a cosy sofa

Hello! Is anyone else feeling the pressure to fast-forward through November straight to Thanksgiving and Christmas? This year I'm making a concerted effort to allow these first couple of weeks in November to feel like a gentle pause, a chance to catch my breath before the sparkle and excitement ahead. I want to linger in the autumn days a little bit longer, to enjoy cosy afternoons, walks in the crisp fall air (okay sometimes it's a bit soggy, but stay with me here 😂), and enjoy some quiet...

April and Guy Harris standing by the Arc du Triomphe in Paris

Hello! How is it nearly the end of October already?! Frankly, I'm really not ready to say goodbye to this, one of my favourite months, so I've been thinking about ways to make the most of these beautiful last days of October as well as some lovely ways to welcome November. But first, a little peek behind the scenes. Behind the Scenes I'm sending this dispatch from Paris! As my husband is working, I have been exploring on my own most of the time, but we've managed a few quick lunchtime walks...

A collage of images including April standing on a stool taking a flat lay photograph of some clothes, images from Amazon studios, April drinking a cup of tea, and the view over the gardens and Rutland Water from the terrace at Hambleton Hall

Happy October! How are things in your corner of the world? Recently I have been thinking a lot about how little changes can make a big difference. It's not just about being healthy (although of course that is important), it's also about helping ourselves to feel nurtured and cared for so we can live in an atmosphere of growth and make the most of every day. Whether it’s finding delicious ways to make the most of what’s already in our fridge, adding more variety to the meals we cook, choosing...

April J Harris standing in a pumpkin coach in a pumpkin patch

Hello! Wherever you are in the world, I hope this finds you well! Today I'm thinking about all the ways we can welcome new seasons. I love getting ready for what I like to think of as the cosy season, creating snug corners to curl up in with a book and a cup of tea, and adding seasonal touches to the decor in our home. Planning autumn adventures is fun too. I'm very excited about a family visit to one of our favourite hotels in Rutland this weekend, and there's a trip to Paris coming up in a...

A selection of images from a weekend at Thornbury Castle

Hello! As we enjoy the last golden stretch of summer, many of us wish we could hold on to the season forever. Others (like me!) are excited for the first signs of autumn. Of course, in the Southern Hemisphere, winter is changing to spring, but wherever you call home, this in-between season is a wonderful time to savour each moment and gather inspiration for the days to come. Behind The Scenes - A Family Trip to Canada & A Weekend in a Castle! Before I share some seasonal inspo and some...