April was quite a turbulent month but then, that’s been 2018 so far. Ash and I have been separated for the majority of the month and there have been a lot of big life decisions going on. It wasn’t necessarily an awful month because a lot of positive things have come out it however, it’s been very testing.
Awesome
April started spending Easter Sunday at a lovely place called Presa de las Ninas. I’ve always avoided driving up the mountains due to the nerve wracking drive but I overcame my fear and it was so worth it. We had a lovely picnic overlooking the reservoir before having a lovely little walk. The weather was beautiful and the day was so chilled.
I returned home to the UK and although it has been kind of a stressful time, it’s been lovely to spend time with my family and snuggle with my doggies. We had a lovely family walk around Flatt’s Lane Country Park and I’ve really missed the British countryside.
Big life decisions this month have made for a big change which is challenging, nerve-wracking but overall, I’m really excited about it.
Awkward
As mentioned before, Ash and I were separated which hasn’t been the best. I know there are worse situations in the world but been apart is always difficult and when this is the longest you have ever away from it other, it’s really a struggle.
I had to hand my car over to the rep replacing me in Gran Canaria and thought I was going to die. She gave me a lift home and it was the worst driving experience ever. It was only a five minute journey but she almost crashed several times, mounted a curb at a roundabout and almost knocked someone over. I wish her all the luck in the world because she’s gonna need it driving there!
Achievements
I set myself a challenge of going vegan for five days to write a post for The Growing Up Guide and succeeded. I just need to write that post now…
Reading
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella. I’ve always loved Sophie Kinsella but after last month’s flop read, I was a little hesitant. However, I picked up Surprise Me and was happy to find that the flop must have just been a one off. A couple decides to start surprising each other in an attempt to spice up their relationship after ten years and it doesn’t quite go to plan. It was a nice, easy read which is just what you need sometimes.
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. This month’s blogger book nook post.
Cartes Postales from Greece by Victoria Hislop. Finally picked up this read I’ve had my eye on for a long time. It was totally not what I expected by I loved it. It’s basically a lot of mini stories within a story within a story but the stories paint Greece and just life so beautifully.
Mindfulness Plain and Simple. If you’re new to mindfulness, this is a great read. A lot of mindful and meditation books include a lot of jargon and scientific terms but this book makes it very easy to understand and relate to. A must read if you’re interested in starting to practice mindfulness.
Mindshift by Rochelle Fox and Chris Soll. I read this e-book as part of my Mindspo membership but you can also buy it separately. The book contains 51 ways to upgrade your vibration and has some awesome ways to look at life differently, shift your mind and have a more positive outlook.
I Heart Forever by Lindsey Kelk. I’m a big fan of Kelk and the I Heart series so of course I loved this book. I love seeing Angela’s character and her relationships develop across the series. Light-hearted and funny, it’s a series I will always return to.
Strong Looks Better Naked by Khloe Kardashian. KUWTK is my guilty pleasure so of course I had to pick up this book when it was £2 in The Works. It is basically the autobiography of how Khloe has changed her life in recent years in both mind and body. It’s a lovely read and also, surprisingly relatable considering a lot of us probably can’t really relate to Kardashians with all their wealth and fame.
Watching
The Greatest Showman. I finally got to watch it and I ended up watching it twice in April. I totally get the hype and I absolutely loved it.
La La Land. A film I just haven’t got round to seeing since it was released and I just didn’t get it. I adore musicals but I just didn’t get it.
Ferne McCann’s First Time Mum. I love watching pregnancy and motherhood things these days so I really enjoyed watching the first episode and following Ferne’s story.
Listening
Happy Place podcast. I am so in love with Fearne Cotton’s new podcast. Such beautiful conversations and good vibes. My favourites have been Dawn French, Gok Wan and Tom Daley & Lance Black. Give it a listen!
Loving
Google Pixel 2. It was time for a new phone. I haven’t had a new one for five years and my phone was on it’s last legs, I couldn’t even make a call to Ash which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re currently long distance. So I ordered a refurbished Google Pixel 2 from eBay and I am in love. The camera quality is incredible, I love that it Googles unknown numbers to tell you who is calling whilst your phone is ringing and it’s just an all round winner.
Restaurants
12 Harland Place, Norton, England. I’ve wanted to go to this restaurant for years and just never got round to it. I finally visited the Sunday just gone with my mum and a family friend and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The menu options are great and I went for eggs benedict with mango and passionfruit cheesecake for dessert… delicious, delicious, delicious. All the food ordered looked incredible and I could have ordered so many items from the menu, will definitely be revisiting.
Things to look forward to in May…
The big change!
Being reunited with Ash.
This blog post is not sponsored or endorsed in any way. All opinions are my own and just that: opinions.
Last month went so quick!! Xx
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Ooo, intrigued by the big change! It sounds like a pretty good month, aside from being separated from Ash. I’m impressed by the books you’ve read, sounds like a good selection, and well done for going vegan for five days!
hels xx
http://www.thehelsproject.com
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I’m like the least vegan person ever so I’m pretty impressed! x
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Sounds like a hectic month for you! You really can’t beat the English countryside sometimes and your doggie is so cute!
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Thank you, we think she’s pretty cute too!
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This was such a feel good post. I salute you for going vegan for 5 days, I’d like to try that some time, but I can imagine it’s a lot more difficult than it sounds. Huge lifestyle change! Hope May is an amazing month for you and can’t wait to hear what you’ve been loving and doing throughout the month again! X
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So difficult, in all honesty it was my second attempt because my first try went downhill veeeeeery quickly!
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Well done for going vegan for 5 days, thats a great achievement. Hoping you have an amazing May 😀
Elise x
http://www.zekalin.com
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Thank you, I’ll definitely be doing some more vegan days in the future x
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I can’t believe April went so fast! It sounds like your April was very busy. That eggs benedict looks so good!
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It was delicious!
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Lovely recap! May you have a great May 🙂 Hope I can watch La La Land this Sunday!
http://www.desiringsme.com/reasons-love-blogs/
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Huge well done on going vegan for 5 days, really looking forward to seeing your post for the Growing Up Guide! I’m glad to hear that you’ve had such success with a refurbished phone, I am tempted to purchase a refurbished model myself as my current phone is a disaster and hardly let me make any phone calls either! A brand-new phone is just way too expensive, especially as I would be wanting an iPhone that works with my Mac! You’ve done an amazing job with reading in April, hats off to you! I’m hoping to do much better with getting through books in May!
Abbey xx
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I’d definitely recommend a refurbished phone, just as good as new and a fraction of the price x
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I am sorry it’s been a testing time for you, it sounds like so many changes are on the horizon and I wish you the best of luck with it all. I am glad you did have some lovely little moments like the picnic – v sweet! And well done for the five day Vegan challenge! I stopped eating meat a year ago, I want to cut back on the animal produce though x x x
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I surprisingly enjoyed it but I don’t think I’d be able to give up cheese full time x
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