Spring is Finally Here | March Little Loves

Here we are at the end of another month which means that it’s time to share some of my Little Loves with you. What wonderful weather we’ve been having this month! I really do feel as though spring is finally here and I can confirm that my sunglasses are firmly out of the drawer. I’ve heard talk of a 3-month heatwave on its way to the UK but I’ll take that with a big pinch of salt and just enjoy it while it lasts.

Read in March

I’ve been a busy bee with books this month. The problem? I have so many on the go that I’m now feeling overwhelmed! My reading habits are much like my life generally – I have oodles of enthusiasm at the start but finishing seems to be a problem.

My latest fiction read is this little gem from Joanna Cannon. Now I’ll admit to not being gripped by her first novel, The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, but I’ve been reliably informed by my bookworm friend Sarah, that this one is worth persevering with. I’m a couple of chapters in and already enjoying it more than the aforementioned so I have high hopes.

I’ve also rediscovered Bloglovin’ this month. Do you use Bloglovin’ for reading and following blogs? It’s actually a great tool and I’ve enjoyed hopping over there every few days to see who has written a new post. I’ve stumbled across some old favourites and found new ones. It’s been fun.

Heard in March

Apparently (according to my teenage daughter) this song is a bit ‘past its use by date’ but I still absolutely love it – it’s got just the right amount of feel good factor…

And on days when I’ve needed a little help in putting one foot in front of the other, I’ve been listening to Rescue by Lauren Daigle. The words are so poignant for me…

Watched in March

What an eclectic mix I’ve delved into this month. I’m going to simplify things by choosing my two top picks…

First up is Instant Family which I went to see at the cinema with my son. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and even more so when we realised that it was a true story – the director’s no less. It’s not exactly a feel-good movie but it’s poignant, moving and heart-warming, one that I would highly recommend.

By contrast, the OH made me watch Ricky Gervais’ After Life, which is currently on Netflix. I say ‘made’ because I’m not a huge fan of Ricky Gervais. Whilst I absolutely loved The Office (who didn’t?), more recently I’ve found him crude and not very likeable, if that makes sense?

Image courtesy of Twitter

Well let me tell you…After Life is sheer gold – Ricky Gervais at his absolute best! It’s a series of six 30-minute episodes and every single one incorporates tragedy, humour and heartbreak, so brilliantly. Yes there’s bad language and sensitive topics (suicide, drug abuse and bereavement) which are not sugar-coated in any way but I was left speechless at the end of every episode. It’s a thought-provoking, laugh out loud watch and has a fantastic cast too.

Wore in March

Have you discovered The Ordinary skincare products yet? You’ll know by now that I am easily influenced. These products are being recommended everywhere on social media at the moment and it didn’t take long before I was lured onto the website.

Then came the problem – I was totally overwhelmed by the choice! After emailing Deciem for advice, I was provided with a morning and evening routine that I’ve been using ever since.

I spent £50 on six lotions and potions at the beginning of the month, to hopefully brighten up my skin and reduce the bags. I mean at 47, it’s unlikely to perform miracles but a month in and it certainly seems to be hydrating my skin and it feels good to be sticking with a good routine. I think the oils will last me a few months yet but I have one cream that I’m almost out of already so will be repurchasing that one. All in all, good value for money, I think.

Clothes-wise? I’ve really been trying to shop my wardrobe a lot more of late. I’ve actually not bought any new clothes since the beginning of January (a top I’ve not even worn yet, hence my need for consolidation!). I have yet to dig out my full summer wardrobe but a few spring items are creeping in. I wrote about my spring wardrobe plans a few weeks ago if you fancy a nosey.

Made in March

A trip to IKEA? A couple of years ago, an IKEA store opened up only about 10 miles from me. I assumed I would be there all the time when in reality, I’ve only ever been twice and one of those trips was last week.

My eldest daughter accompanied me and she put a one hour restriction on our visit (an impossible task of course). Sadly, that only allowed time for the marketplace but it did mean I remained fairly conservative in my spending. My favourite purchase of the trip has to be this pot of succulents. I think it was £9 and looks perfect on my bedroom window sill. How long I can keep it alive is anybody’s guess.

We’ve had a family membership to the National Trust for about two years now and I can count on one hand, the number of times we’ve used it. I considered cancelling it this year but having bought my Mum and Dad an annual membership for Christmas, I now have someone to go with!

This week the three of us made a trip to The Vyne near Basingstoke which I’ve never been to before and what a lovely day it was too. The sun was shining, the flowers were out and the carrot cake went down pretty well too. If you live down south, where would you recommend I head to next?

And Lastly

I can’t close off this month’s Little Loves without wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Day. I booked a girlie weekend away in The Cotswolds, to make sure that we all definitely get a lie in! I am aiming to be back early afternoon to spend a bit of time with my brood though.

If you’re a mum, I hope that you get spoilt today. If today is a difficult one for you then I’m sending you lots of love. Until next time…