Sunshine, Admitting Defeat and Embracing the Hummingbird #LittleLoves

** This post contains a gifted item **

How has April been for you? It’s been a mixed bag in more ways than one here, not least weather-wise – barbecues and sun tan lotion one minute, central heating and winter coats the next! Funnily enough, most of my photographs are sun drenched this month. I loved every minute of Britain’s mini heatwave.

I’ve got lots of things to share with you this month so shall we crack on?

Read in April

Despite finishing the inspirational ‘It’s Not Supposed to be this Way’ by Lisa Terkeurst, I’ve ground to a halt with my current fictional read, Three Things About Elsie.

I’m therefore going to focus on the blogs I’ve enjoyed this month…

I’ve talked about this particular blog before, but if you ever need a bit of solidarity in your parenting journey, Kristen from We are THAT Family has it by the bucket-load. 95% of her posts resonate with me and in particular this one that I read last week. If like me, you often despair at your parenting attempts or if your kids have ever made you cry (that’s all of us, right?) then I suggest you head over.

I’ve also really been enjoying The Naughty Forty Diaries – loads of fashion inspiration and funny musings. Talking of inspiration, if you’re looking for some new ideas for your home, then Lisa Dawson Styling is a great read. If you’re starting from scratch with a room or perhaps a whole house (lucky you!) then this post is particularly helpful.

Heard in April

I’ve devoured podcasts this month and in particular, Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Conversations. Oprah seems to have access to the world’s most interesting, talented and insightful people. There were two episodes in particular that stood out for me: the one where Brene Brown talks so eloquently about the fundamentals of trust and the one where Elizabeth Gilbert (of Eat, Pray, Love fame) talks about following your curiosity, instead of desperately seeking your passion.

The latter was an absolute game-changer for me and I’ve listened to it twice in the last week. It followed on beautifully from a post I wrote last week and I am currently embracing my ‘hummingbird’ status (you’ll have to listen to the podcast to understand that reference!

As for music, it’s very hard to narrow it down to just one song or artist. I’ve listened to music loads this month because I find it really relaxing but if my mind is particularly addled then I’ll often opt for worship music. One of my favourites at the moment is Highlands by Hillsong United.

Watched in April

Like most of the country, we’ve been hooked on Line of Duty this month. Anyone else becoming a bit confused by it all now? There seems to be an abundance of knowing looks and cryptic initials. For a bear of little brain like me, it’s becoming difficult to follow!

A series that I did love this month was ITV’s The Bay. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s on catch up and well worth a watch. My daughter enjoyed it too so it was a good one for family viewing if you have older teenagers.

Wore in April

Wasn’t the sunshine and warmth just glorious this month? I even painted my toe nails and unearthed my shorts from storage.

The more astute amongst you will notice my new arm candy, gifted by the Scandinavian company, Nordgreen. I’ll admit that I had never heard of Nordgreen before but glancing at their website, I was immediately spoilt for choice. The minimalist design is right up my street and if you can’t decide on which strap, why not buy more than one? All the straps are designed to be switched around. I’m already thinking about going back to get a rose gold mesh one or a grey leather one.

Nordgreen has the most amazing charity initiative, whereby every purchaser (or lucky gift recipient) can donate towards one of three NGOs, at no extra cost. I chose to give 2 month’s of clean drinking water to someone in India but the other two options were equally worthy.

If you’re in the market for a new watch or want to treat someone, head to the website and use the code SUZANNE15 for a 15% discount. Here’s the watch close up. Isn’t she a beauty?

Made in April

I actually can’t think of anything noteworthy that I made this month. Does making holiday plans count?

It’s been important for me to get a family holiday in the diary; something that we can look forward to later in the year. We’re heading to the Silver Coast of Portugal, just north of Lisbon. I visited Lisbon two years ago with girlfriends and it was an incredible city, one that I definitely wanted to return to. Can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to drag the teenagers round but I’m sure the OH will oblige when he needs a break from his sun lounger.

And Lastly…

I’ve loved watching the seasonal shift from stunning blossom to beautiful bluebells over the last 30 days. Hasn’t nature been spoiling us?

If you’d like to check out some other blogger’s Little Loves this month, then head over to Sincerely Anna and see what she and the rest of the gang has been up to.