Some things that made me smile… in April

Including Betty, aged 101

In the second of this new regular feature (you can see the first one here), I’m sharing with you some of the things that have made me smile over the past month. Please do feel free to share in the comments anything that’s brought you joy recently too, however big or small! So we might then all be able to discover some things we’d like to check-out and enjoy for ourselves.

Here’s a few things I’ve enjoyed during April:

The inspirational Betty! 

I fell completely in love with 101-year-old Betty Reid Soskin and her life advice. I’d like to be more Betty. I’ll say no more and let you watch Betty’s story in her own words here.

Lucocoa 

I ate rather a lot of Lucocoa chocolate (pictured above) over Easter. I’ve been a fan of this chocolate brand for a few years since it was introduced to me by a friend (a very good friend who knows my love of chocolate well!). Lucocoa’s bean to bar chocolate is made with love in south east London. Founded by Amarachi Clarke, Lucocoa makes a range of products from bars, to baked goods and drinks using only ethically sourced high quality beans and ensuring farmers are paid fairly . If you’re in London, you can pop down to their Bermondsey base during their opening hours or visit their online shop here for deliveries.

Sleep sounds

My sleep has been a bit hit and miss since the clocks changed in late March. I do feel that this is related to perimenopause and hormonal fluctuations. In these instances, I usually turn to yoga nidra or take myself through a body scan or breathing practices, but lately I’ve been enjoying listening to sleep sounds. I find the sound of the sea so soothing, so this Cape Cod National Seashore soundscape on Audible, recorded by Gordon Hempton has become a favourite. And, in a shameless plug, you can also find my book on Audible, read my me. My voice does send people to sleep, I’ve been told. You can hear for yourself by listening to a sample here: Listen to Rest + Calm on Audible.

Bespoke aromatherapy blends

Back in 2021 I took part in a case study group formed by aromatherapist and massage therapist, Vanessa of Made by Pure Hands looking at how aromatherapy-based products might support us through the stages of menopause. This involved using products tailored to each individual’s needs after a private consultation with Vanessa. I recently got myself a new bespoke aromatherapy rollerball for improving focus made by Vanessa, which has been much appreciated this past month! (And last summer, Vanessa’s hydrolat spritz helped me to cool me down when the combo of heatwave and hot flushes became too much!). If you’re interested in aromatherapy oils and their uses for menopause and much more, you can find out more and contact Vanessa via her website here.

Wellmania 

Celeste Barber’s Instagram videos became one of my staples during the 2020 lockdowns when I needed to laugh. (She occasionally ropes in her husband too as you can see here.) In her new Netflix series, Wellmania, Celeste Barber plays food writer, Liv who flings herself into a wellness journey in the hope of a quick fix when a health crisis forces her to rethink the way she’s been living. I’m only a couple of episodes in so far, but this show has a mix of silliness and heart (without being too schmaltzy) that I really like. 

Negroni’s

As the name suggests, this cute Soho venue is ideal if you’re partial to a negroni. I’d heard about this place a while ago but visited for the first time earlier this month, when I ironically didn’t partake in a negroni. But I did very much enjoy the Il Tortellone and the friendly service. 

Phenomenal Woman

My kitchen dance fave this month has been this Laura Mvula track from her album, The Dreaming Room. I absolutely love this album and it reminds me of one of my favourite past summer memories, seeing Laura Mvula live in concert at Somerset House as part of the Summer Series of outdoor gigs. If you’re in London this July and fancy checking out the Summer Series for yourself you can find this year’s line-up here: 

Over to you:

What’s been making you smile during April? Let me know in the comments.