April was a strange month, and yet somehow, in the same breath, it was filled with moments that felt quietly magical. As we eased into the softer edges of spring, I found myself wrapped up in family life in a way that felt both chaotic and completely grounding. I never quite understood the cultural obsession with Easter, but now, with an almost two-year-old in tow, there I was, fully committed. Planning egg hunts, boiling eggs, and scattering makeshift bunny footprints across my living room carpet with flour like some kind of domestic illusionist, all in the hope of creating something memorable for our little boy.
Alongside the pastel-coloured moments and sugar-fuelled traditions, April also brought something far less whimsical. After months of waiting, I had my gallbladder removed. The call came completely out of the blue, asking if I could be in hospital within two working days, which felt both surreal and slightly alarming. Still, the operation went ahead, recovery is going well, and for the first time in a long time, I am no longer dealing with the constant discomfort that had quietly taken over my day-to-day life.
Without further rambling, let me slip into the breakdown for April, and what I am quietly looking forward to as we step into May.
THE BEAUTY BREAKDOWN
Over the past few weeks, in a somewhat disciplined attempt to save money, I have really reined in my spending on beauty products. There was a time when treating myself to new launches each month felt entirely justified, alongside repurchasing anything I had fallen in love with. But when you take a step back and realise you are spending a few hundred pounds on products you do not necessarily need, especially when you already have a vanity full waiting patiently to be used, it does force a moment of reflection.
That said, there has been one standout product that has firmly held its place in my routine. The Rare Beauty Liquid Blush in the shade Hope. Initially, I had my doubts. I worried the colour might be too light for my complexion, perhaps bordering on underwhelming. But once applied and settled into the skin throughout the day, it creates the most effortlessly lifted, fresh finish. It does not fade, it does not shift, and it brings just the right amount of brightness to the face.
THE FAMILY UPDATES
I am fully aware that I may be teetering on the edge of insufferable when it comes to talking about my child, but I am afraid this section will do very little to redeem me.
My son is now 20 months old, and while I adored the softness of the baby stage, this chapter feels entirely unmatched. There is something deeply magical about this age. He talks endlessly, his little personality expanding by the day. His actions keep me entertained in a way that feels both chaotic and utterly heartwarming. He is learning independence, finding joy in playing alone, yet equally adores interacting with our dog in ways that feel genuinely sweet. More than anything, his awareness of love, his connection to me and his brother, feels more present than ever, and it is something I will never take for granted.
THE FASHION UPDATE
If there is an underlying theme threading its way through this post, it is my ongoing attempt to save money. I have always been good at saving, but equally, I have a talent for spending. It is a balance I am still learning to navigate. Having money does not automatically mean it needs to be spent, a lesson that continues to present itself.
That said, April did include one very intentional purchase. A pair of Saint Laurent Satin Slingback Flat Pumps. I had been eyeing them for quite some time, and during a trip to Bicester Village, I spotted them sitting quietly on the shelf, almost waiting. At that point, the decision felt inevitable. They are chic in the most understated way, effortlessly elevating even the simplest outfit.
Beyond that, my only other purchase was a pair of diamond huggie hoop earrings from Etsy. Not real diamonds, and I am under no illusion about that, but honestly, they have surpassed expectations. Over the years, I have invested in pieces from brands like Missoma, Astrid & Miyu, and Mejuri, all varying in price and quality. Yet these simple Etsy finds have, without question, held their own, if not outperformed some of the more expensive pieces.
THE FOOD I’M LOVING
When I was first told I would be having my gallbladder removed, my immediate instinct was to research how my diet would need to change. During the months of dealing with gallbladder issues, food became something I approached cautiously. Fats were removed, indulgences disappeared, and if it tasted particularly good, it was probably off the table.
After reading countless experiences online, particularly across TikTok, I was bracing myself for long-term digestive chaos. However, I am genuinely relieved to say that from the very day of my operation, I have felt completely normal.
I have always leaned towards a relatively balanced lifestyle, given my ongoing wellness journey, but like anyone else, there are moments where a spontaneous trip to McDonald’s feels entirely justified. At the moment, I am not overindulging, but I am allowing myself those occasional treats without guilt or consequence, which feels like a small but meaningful victory.
THE NOVEL PROGRESS
I wish I could say there has been a groundbreaking update when it comes to my novels, but in truth, recovery has taken priority, and understandably so. That said, I am also aware that perhaps I have allowed myself to hide slightly behind that reason. As the reality of putting my work out into the world draws closer, the nerves have undeniably intensified.
I have found myself paying closer attention to the online book community, particularly reviewers, and while I respect the time and effort people put into sharing their thoughts, it does feel like the tone has shifted. In an age driven by immediacy and opinion, criticism can feel sharper, louder, and at times, unnecessarily harsh. When I began reviewing, if I did not enjoy something, I simply chose not to dedicate time to creating content around it.
Now, with platforms allowing instant reactions, everything is documented, the good, the bad, and the brutally honest. And while everyone is entitled to their opinion, I cannot help but think about the person behind the work. The time, effort, and emotion invested in creating something. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an abundance of literature available, and sometimes, it is perfectly acceptable to quietly close a book and move on.
THE CAREER UPDATE
One thing I am genuinely grateful for is how much I continue to enjoy my full-time role. Transitioning into a structured environment after experiencing the flexibility of freelance life can be challenging, but I feel like I have landed somewhere that offers a healthy balance.
Right now, the workload is intense. There is no denying that. However, I remind myself that this level of pressure is temporary. I am currently working alongside consultants on short-term contracts, which naturally requires fast-paced execution to support their objectives. Once those contracts conclude, I know things will settle, and while I appreciate the challenge, I am quietly looking forward to returning to a more balanced rhythm.
THE HOME RENOVATIONS
I am still very much in a phase of tackling smaller home projects, trying to make progress without completely derailing the budget. The past few months of renovations have been significant, and realistically, a pause is necessary.
The difficulty lies in wanting to do things properly. I do not want to rush decisions or cut corners, only to regret them later. At the same time, practicality has to come into play. Progress may be slower than I would like, but as long as things are moving forward, even incrementally, I can accept that.
THE MUSIC REPORT
At the moment, Ella Langley is firmly dominating my playlists, particularly since the release of her album Dandelion. There are several tracks I cannot get enough of, but You and Me Time has quickly become a standout favourite.
Beyond that, I have also been listening to Drop Dead by Olivia Rodrigo, Indifferent by Megan Moroney, Deep Down by Alok, and Sunburn by Tucker Wetmore. Truthfully, anything by Tucker Wetmore at the moment is on repeat. He could quite literally sing the phonebook and I would still be listening.
THE MENTAL HEALTH REPORT
I want to begin by saying that overall, I still feel in a good place mentally. However, recent periods of heightened stress have naturally had an impact.
Having experienced different mental health phases over the years, I recognise the importance of staying aware. While I am currently in a positive space, I also understand how quickly things can shift if I do not actively take care of myself. For me, that means communicating openly with those around me, allowing myself space to process how I feel, and taking intentional steps to stay grounded.
THE SOCIAL UPDATE
In a rare and somewhat surprising turn of events, I actually left the house. Properly left the house. Dressed up, put on a pair of designer shoes, and went out for the evening.
I spent the night with my closest friends. We started with food, moved on to a little shopping, and eventually found ourselves deep into cocktails. As the evening edged towards its natural end, we were picked up and taken to our slightly questionable local pub, because apparently, none of us were quite ready to call it a night.
The next day brought what can only be described as one of the worst hangovers I have ever experienced. But strangely, it was entirely worth it.
THE RECENT READS
This is perhaps the most difficult admission of the month. I only managed to read one book in April, which feels almost criminal given how much I usually read.
It was the latest instalment in the Windy City series by Liz Tomforde, titled In A League of Her Own. While I did enjoy it, and moved through it fairly quickly, it was not my favourite within the series. It was satisfying to see character arcs tied together, but it did not feel entirely essential.
I also suspect I am still recovering from reading Fourth Wing. I have Iron Flame sitting on my bedside table, but knowing what is coming, thanks to endless online spoilers, I am not entirely sure I am emotionally prepared. Until I face that, I suspect I may struggle to fully immerse myself in anything new.
OTHER RAMBLES
For what feels like months now, I have been going back and forth over whether to keep my Range Rover or replace it.
On one hand, I appreciate the luxury. The interior, the comfort, the overall experience. It aligns with that slightly bougie side of my personality that enjoys the finer things. On the other hand, as with many older cars, the costs are creeping up, and I am starting to question whether it is worth the ongoing expense.
I keep circling back to the idea of something more practical, like a Ford Kuga. It is sleek, functional, and far more cost-effective. But I cannot help wondering if I would make the switch, only to regret stepping away from something that feels, in many ways, like a small everyday luxury.
For now, the debate continues, and knowing me, it probably will for a little while longer.
