Spring has sprung, the nights are getting lighter and the days longer, and despite already having had one, we still another lovely Bank Holiday weekend to look forward to this month.
Despite these perks, I was sad to say goodbye to April. I had a restful two weeks off from work, two exciting mini-breaks, and a lovely Easter weekend at home with my family. Not to mention, I made quite a few purchases and now have a LOT of new favourites to share with you! Let's break it all down.
TELEVISION
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
I heard about this series a while ago when it first came out, my friend Maisie had started it and told me it was worth a watch. Unfortunately, I didn't have Netflix back then, so never got to see what the fuss was about. After stumbling across a recent interview of Kiernan Shipka earlier this month, I remembered it's existence and started viewing. I've somehow sped through the first and second seasons in their entirety, and found each episode increasingly gripping and gruesome. The blood, guts and gore have definitely increased since the start, and so has the frequency at which I've found myself jumping out of my skin - but I still really like the show. It's a tamer version of American Horror Story, and doesn't have so many of the confusing plot lines. If you're looking for a new series to get into, this might just be it.
Bake Off: The Professionals
My parents watched this last year and for some reason insisted I had too, but I can assure you I did not, and I was missing out! It's on Channel 4 (Tuesday, 8pm) and we have just finished the second round, so you're not too late to get involved and start watching if you want to. As the name suggests, it's GBBO for professional bakers! They come in pairs from all of their swanky pastry shops and prestigious hotel kitchens, and take part in a signature and show stopper challenge. If you like Bake Off, I think you'd probably like this, so I'm not sure why I haven't heard anybody else talking about it - it's the highlight of my week as far as evening viewing goes! (I'm rooting for Sam, the deaf pastry chef)
BATH & BODY
Twilight Bath Bomb, Lush
An oldie but goldie, the Twilight bathbomb. I bought this in Leeds at the end of the month, it's my ultimate fave from the Lush range and was only £3.95, so I saw no reason not to treat myself to it! Lush have quite a few new releases for Easter so it's worth nipping in and checking them out, I'd recommend the Liverpool store especially - it's HUGE! It even has it's own hair salon stations and spa section, so if you're in Liverpool and fancy a bit of retail therapy, you have to go and see what it's all about.
Despite such an extensive range on offer, I personally like the Twilight bomb best so had to go for this one. I think it has a really subtle and soothing scent (check that sibilance) and I love it's colours and texture, I would strongly recommend.
Hibiscus and Coconut Water Moisturiser, Being by Sanctuary A sweet and tropical scented moisturiser that I used quite a lot this month when we had our week of sunshine. I bought this for my holiday last year so whenever I wear it, I'm reminded of Kos and the wonderful time Matt and I had there. As far as I'm aware, it's still available to purchase from Boots.
SKINCARE
Puffy Eye attack, Under-Eye Brightening Hydrogel Patches
I first tried these in December, when I received them as a Christmas present in a gift set, and I keep re-purchasing whenever I see them! The aim is to get rid of dark circles, now I don't think I use them regularly enough for that to happen so I can't comment on that, but I can tell you that they're brilliant at relieving stress symptoms! You pop them under your eyes and leave them for about fifteen minutes, and then afterwards remove them and massage any excess moisture into your skin. They're refreshing and light, and give me a nostalgic memory of when I was little and would put cucumbers on my eyes to emulate what I'd seen on the television of spas! If I have a headache then they ease it, and if my face is feeling heavy from a day of wearing make up, these instantly make it feel fresh. I'm not sure if you're supposed to re-use them, but I tend to, until all the moisture has been released. If you'd like to give them a try, you need to look in Boots or on their website, because I don't think you can get them else-where.
MAKE UP
NYX Glitter Goals Liquid Eye Shadow & Soft Matte Lip Cream
During my recent shopping trip to Leeds, I purchased two products from the NYX store. I've used a few of their products before and was super intrigued to find a liquid eye-shadow, I've been searching for something to create the perfect glittery lid for SO long and at last I found it! These are really easy to use (just make sure you don't get too much on the applicator, give it a dab first) and then smear across your lid or wherever you desire! I also bought this matte lipstick in the shade 'Cyprus', which reminded me of my friend Lydia, because she's out there working right now (miss you Lyd). I'm not a huge lover of lipstick because I don't really like my lips, so wouldn't choose to draw much attention to them, but a neutral tone like this makes them look a little more alive and works will with the rest of my make-up. If you know me well, you know that I don't like to do make-up without a winged liner, and a subtle lip works nicely with this and really does complete the look.
Soap & Glory's Supercat Skinny Eyeliner
Speaking of eyeliner, I purchased one recently! I've been using this eyeliner for an age now, I first got it in a make-up set when I was in first year for Christmas, and couldn't even think of using anything else now. If you're all about that winged lifestyle, this one is really easy to navigate and use, and is the perfect jet black shade. I would definitely recommend!
SHOES
Brogues, Office
For about three months I have been wearing the same pair of Chelsea boots, day in and day out, but with summer fast approaching, I knew it was time for a change. I love boots, they're comfortable and easy to wear, but they don't look great with three quarter length trousers - a trend I've been rocking for a while now. I found some brogues on sale in Office and decided to make a bit of a rash decision and just buy them, and I have no regrets. Unfortunately I can no longer find them on the website, so I'm assuming they have maybe sold out - but you can get similar elsewhere, I'm sure! They've actually turned into my work shoes now because they go really well with my teacher attire, but I could definitely still wear them out and about if I didn't have a couple of other options...
Converse
I'm definitely a 'go hard or go home' type of person, as is apparent from the fact that this month I bought three pairs of shoes! I wanted something super casual that I could don in the daytime, but that would also be acceptable for evening drinks - and then it hit me, Converse. I used to have a pair of high tops back in the day and have admired everybody else's ever since, I think they look really cool and "trendy" (yep I'm a forty year old woman) so I'm very pleased to finally have a pair of my own again! (Side note; In the above images, I'm wearing them with my pyjama bottoms. I'd just received them in the post and couldn't wait to show off how cool they are)
Adidas Gazelles
Last but not least, my latest purchase, some Gazelles. I really wanted some trainers for days when I'm out and about, because - as I say - I'm a go hard or go home sort of gal. I either do 4,000 steps or over 14,000 steps, and when I'm doing that much walking, I need some shoes that are actually designed for it. I don't actualyl have a photo of me in the Gazelles, but the above image is of the ones I have. I think these are so gorgeous, despite mine being a little dirty now, and can see myself wearing them a lot throughout summer! They were discounted too so what's not to love?
FOOD
Bill's Avo on Toast
April was a good month for breakfast food!
Matt and I kicked off our first morning in Liverpool with a Bill's breakfast, and this is what I got. Avocado on toast with two poached eggs and some streaky bacon. It was tasty, filling AND pretty affordable too. I love breakfast dates so much, especially when I'm on a mini-break or holiday, I feel like it's the only time I really indulge so early in the morning!
Steak & Chips, Jamie's Italian
Okay, so first of all, I have to explain to you how long I had waited to go and eat at Jamie's. We didn't have one in Lincoln so there was no easy access, but when Matt and I went on our many Christmas Market trips in second year, there was a Jamie's in every single city. I was DYING to try it out - I like Jamie Oliver, I like Italian food, I enjoy dining out... but alas, I have a cheap and stingy boyfriend who deemed it too expensive. Back in second year, I was a shell of the woman I am now, and simply allowed him to deter me. NOT ANYMORE. I put my foot down and told him that was where we were eating, and he obliged. Luckily, once in there, we discovered the Set Menu - three courses for about £15.00, which put a smile of Matthew's face. We both selected the same main, which you can see above, and agreed that it was 'peng munch'. I know steak and chips definitely isn't Italian, but it was so flavoursome, I was glad I picked it! If you go to Jamie's, ask for the Set Menu and get the steak!!!!!
PLANTS
Cactus Trio, Tesco
These weren't new for April but I loved them throughout the month, my little trio of cacti. My mum bought me these for Valentines Day which was so thoughtful and cute, and I've actually managed to keep them alive! That's not as easy for me as it is for most, even if they are very low maintenance plants.
Peace Lily
This was given to me by one of my students. He spent the Easter holidays gardening with his dad and had been telling me about how excited he was for it ahead of half-term, then on the first day back, he presented me with a little Peace Lily and gave me a list of instructions to avoid it's premature death. He's eleven and has Asperger Syndrome, not that it's important but it just makes his generosity mean so much more to me. I was really touched by this gift and would definitely say it's one of the highlights not only of the month, but also of my training year.
As much as the things I have enjoyed this month are very much artificial, I've also had some lovely experiences with family and friends.
It's has been really valuable for me to focus on the positives in my life right now, and I hope that May brings many more favourites to share with you! I have quite a few nice plans - a 21st Birthday, a trip away to Oxford, and of course, lots more work to get through until I can finally finish my training course. The end is nigh!
Speak to you soon.