I feel like I’m back in my reading zone these days, and I’ve read some books that I’ve really enjoyed. None of them were quite 5 stars *in my opinion* but there’s some good 4 star reads in here that I highly recommend!

The Split
A really funny, honest read that at times, felt a bit ~too~ relatable. It felt very detailed and thought out, and nothing came across as glossed over or unimportant. For an ‘easier’ read this hit home a lot, so don’t stray away from it because you think it might be too fluffy for you! I also really liked the characters (especially the dad!)

When All is Said
This isn’t one I would have probably picked up myself, I read it as part of a book club but it was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A truly beautiful book, that stays with you after the final page. It’s guaranteed to have you wanting to talk about it after!

The Dog Share
Being honest, this wasn’t the book I thought it was going to be when I downloaded it on my kindle! From the cover, I was judging it to be a really light easy rom-com, but it was so much more than that, and in fact, it wasn’t even really that anyway. I don’t feel like the title either reflects the book actually, but it was a lovely heartwarming read about a woman in the middle of her life making a big change both personally and professionally.

All The Lonely People
This book was another heartbreaker. I read it as part of a different book club (yes I love book clubs okay) and the story was so poignant. I really love Mike Gayle as an author so this one didn’t disappoint. If there was a bit more detail and depth in certain places, this one would of definitely been a 5 star read for me.

Have you read any of these?

It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve actually sat down and chatted to you guys (although I do feel like I always say that!) so as I’m currently snuggled in my duvet, with season 1 of sex and the city in the background, I thought this was the perfect time for us to have a little bit of a catchup.

SO, WHAT’S NEW?

With restrictions in the UK getting a little looser, things are starting to feel more normal again. I’ve actually got a massage AND my nails booked in for the same day next week and I can’t wait! Me and my dad were hoping to go swimming this weekend, but turns out so was the rest of West Yorkshire, but hopefully ~soon~. In other news, we’ve been decorating the outside decking area, I turned 28, and we also had a car crash (thankfully me and my dad walked out injured!). I’ve also started a monthly newsletter, which kicked off a few weeks ago, I will be putting the next installment together soon so if you’d like to sign up, theres a box at the bottom of this page- I’d love to have you!

WHAT’S NEXT?

I’ve just added a few new prints to my Etsy shop, and I’m posting everyday on my Instagram feed for the 365 challenge. It’s tricky, but I love how creative it’s making me feel, and I’ve dared to try new styles of photoshop too which is exciting! I’m also re-training for a new job, with the potential of an interview coming up shortly, in a place I’ve been volunteering over the last few months, doing a job I LOVE, so I’ll let you know how that goes- keep your fingers crossed for me!

ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD?

I’m currently reading three books at the same time, last night I painted the Sculpt’d it posts I made, and I also have other various craft projects going on. I was very lucky to get an iPad and pencil for my birthday, so I’ve been doodling Taylor Swift lyrics (because why not?) and very much enjoying it. Now it’s currently nearly 10am, and it’s time for a facemask.

How’s your weekend going?

There’s a bunch of books on my TBR list, so today I thought I’d share them with you! I actually haven’t been reading as much I as have been, but I’m sure that will get back on track soon.

THREE WOMEN BY LISA TADDEO
I’ve got this one setting on my bookshelf for the last few weeks. It’s apparently quite heavy but a fascinating read, so I haven’t reached for it quite yet as I prefer light reads at the moment, but I want to start it soon!

YOU AND ME ON VACATION BY EMILY HENRY
I loved Emily’s first novel, Beach Read (I actually gave it 4 stars but in hindsight it was definitely 5) that much last year that I really want to re-read it, so I’m highly anticipating her next book.

THE ROAD TRIP BY BETH O LEARY
I’m a massive fan of Beth O Learys! I really enjoyed The Flatshare, but I absolutely LOVED The Switch (her second novel). This one sounds just as good as the other ones, so I’m hoping it lives up to my high expectations!

THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO BY CHRISTY LEFTERI
I’ve heard such amazing things about this book that I know it’s going to just be great. Again, it sounds like quite a heavy and emotional read so I haven’t downloaded it just yet. I think it’s going to be fascinating though.

MALIBU RISING BY TAYLOR JENKINS READ
I love Taylor as an author, and I’m pretty sure I’ve read every single one of her books baring maybe one. I love the way she writes and makes every novel a real page-turner. This book is described as the perfect beach read, with the emotional depth of the ocean- sounds incredible to me!

Have you read any of these?

I love the month of April. I mean, it’s partly because it involves my birthday and actually a lot of other family members too, but also because Spring is well and truly in the air, and we usually have some gorgeous sunny days too to enjoy.

MARCH RECAP

Embrace the local area. To be honest, this isn’t really something I’ve done *that* much of, because I have been busy with other things which I’m about to tell you shortly. Although I have been trying to mix it up with my dog walks and try little different routes. I’m sure when everything fully opens back up I can venture somewhere different.

Try new things. I’ve made ways in starting a new career this last month, which has been a massive life change for me, but something I’m so passionate and happy about! This month I’ve also been doing lots of punch needling, embroidery, knitting, running, and zooms too.

Get a broader range of meals. I’d say another tick in the bag for this one. Being vegan and not living in a large city my options sometimes feel somewhat limited, but where I can I’ve been discovering new snacks (hello loveraw cream wafers, basically a vegan kinder bueno) and I also had a go at an Hello Fresh meal which *newsflash* I actually really enjoyed cooking. Maybe I’ll have to look into it for another month…

APRIL GOALS

Launch my newsletter. Incase you missed the last post, I’m launching a monthly newsletter! It will be like a blog post, Instagram grid, Instagram story and youtube vlog all rolled into one… with me in it of course. If you’d like to sign up before I send out the first months, theres a box for you to pop your email in at the bottom of the page (just make sure you scroll down to the bottom!)

Celebrate my birthday. With it only being a week away today, I’m starting to think and plan about what I want to do with my day, especially because restrictions are still in place at the moment. I’m thinking a morning run, a takeaway evening from a restaurant, a zoom craft date with my sister and maybe a movie afternoon with my mum!

Keeping up the good work. I’ve made some really great changes this past month and you know what, I’m proud of myself!!! Building good habits and foundations has really helped me stay positive, such as being organised, booking in fun things to look forward to, and doing things I want to do that might seem scary (see: potential new job, newsletter, etsy shop). This month all I want to do is keep going at it!

Do you have any goals for April?