Welcome to the second installment regarding my monthly favorites.
April Faves
Almost nothing makes me happier than the transition of winter to spring, as sunlight melts away traces of snow and the grass dazzles in shades of green.
April was a productive month, compared to March’s travel and adventure themes. I was extremely busy; at work, we have more clients (including the Redstone Castle, which I spent the night at, eeeek!), I wrote more than usual, and I had lots of mid-week meetings. Personally, I undertook a huge home office redesign project, hosted my parents for a fun-packed weekend, and got back into the swing of regular exercise, healthy eating, and better attention to skin care.
Blog-wise, I was able to dedicate a lot more time engaging and networking, which was ultimately reflected positively in my own page views and engagement. April has shown steady growth, and I’m all about it.
Here are my top picks for the month of April.
Music: Billie Eilish
When I first heard Billie Eilish about a month ago, I was blown away by her sound and voice. A quick Google search later, and my jaw was on the floor—a 17 year old girl?! Her sound is sophisticated and brilliant, and it blows my mind how young and established she is.
This month I rediscovered the hype with her new album. Ohmygod, I’m into it. “Bad Guy” is officially my favorite song at the moment. Even though I definitely can’t relate to a single word or the persona described, this song allows for a brief escape. When I hear these lyrics, sang by her enticing voice, I am that b.
TV Show: Catastrophe
Catastrophe is a British sitcom that follows two single people who have coupled after an unexpected pregnancy following a London business trip fling. It’s created, written by, and stars Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan, who are comedic geniuses and the unlikely protagonists you’ll love to root for, despite (and maybe because of) all their flaws.
We crushed through the final season, available on Amazon Prime, and loved it. It’s sharp, a little awkward, and worth a quality binge.
Starbucks Drink: Vanilla Latte
Look, I’m brand-spankin’ new on the coffee scene. I’ve finally added a new drink to my previous chai-only Starbucks order: a vanilla latte with an extra pump of vanilla. Is it basic? You bet. But I’m branching out, slowly getting my caffeinated feet wet. This drink is a nice, classic blend of sweet and espresso-y.
Product: Coconut Water Sleep Mask
This month, I used a Sephora sleep mask. I’d never tried one out before, so it was fun to apply the gooey mix to my skin and fall asleep knowing I was doing something to benefit my skin. I went with the Coconut Water option, which left my face feeling refreshed and moisturized in the morning. My favorite part is probably the $2 price tag, in addition to the multiple-night use, which made it a guilt-free purchase.
Boozy Escapade: Casey Brewing & Blending
Chad’s birthday gift to me was a tour at Casey Brewing & Blending, a local gem that houses one of the world’s top-ranked beer masters, Troy Casey. His fruited beers are sour (made with 99% Colorado local products), and have earned various awards for their tang and taste.
Their taproom visit is one of my most cherished activities to do in Glenwood Springs, by far. It’s a treat, especially for me as a sour beer lover, and their brews are probably my favorite to date.
Cultural Phenomenon: Game of Thrones
Winter is here, y’all. And I, along with the rest of pretty much anybody, could not be more excited.
After a two year hiatus, Game of Thrones is back. The thrill is real, and I’ve been buzzing with excitement all of April, especially on April 14. I could consider GOT to be a show to watch, but if we’re being honest, it’s so much more than that. Sure, it’s damn good television. But it’s a culture. It’s a community. It’s a movement. It’s a tidal wave of emotion, humor, and connection that we’re all going to mourn after this final season. But for now, it’s a highlight of the past month. Welcome back, my long-lost love. Brb, bending my knee.
And that rounds out April favorites! Thanks for tagging along on my pursuit of sunshine.
Cheers,
“Catastrophe” was a great show!
Right?! Loved it so much. I felt sad that it came to an end, but I couldn’t think of a better ending. Excellent show! And thank you for reading.
This is an interesting post! I agree, GoT is a cultural phenomenon for sure.
Thanks! And yes, I’m a huge fan, so it’s a cultural event that I happen to really enjoy—especially all the memes and theories that are posted after. A fun community to be apart of! Thank you very much for reading.
A great list – my wife and I have started a “Catastrophe” binge and love the show – hilarious, painful and awkward, just like real life!
Isn’t it wonderful?! My husband and I watched it so quickly that it was almost shameful. The writing and charisma of the characters is brilliant. Thank you so much for reading!
The world of bingeing, right?!?!?!
I love that about television these days, though there is something to be said about the gratification of a week-long wait!
It’s a great point – we have noticed some burnout issues in watching too many of a single show too quickly…I think that “waiting” period can help the shows play better!
For me, it definitely depends on the show. Catastrophe, for example, is short and sweet and feels great for binging, although it might feel a little too awkward at times. Stranger Things is another show that feels like it was made for a quick watch, because it’s so hard not to press play immediately after the episode is over. Shows like the Sopranos, though, can be a little harder to watch all at once. The subject matter is heavier, the episodes are longer and more drawn out, and sometimes we need a break rather than watching a season in a single sitting. I love both ways of watching, but there’s a balance for sure!
Totally agree, the hour long shows, especially dramas, can be a lot to take for hours on end.
Ooooh love all of these. I’d so go for a vanilla latte right now
That sounds sooo good right now!
Sounds like April has been a good month. Billie Eilish is amazing isn’t she?! I was blown away when I found out how young she was too x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
It’s been great! And she is so dang cool. I am really excited to see what else she releases, since every single thing is a bop to me. Thanks for reading, Sophie! x
I was wondering about Sephora’s night time masks, there’s so many I want to try. Mmm I could use a Starbucks right now, a white chocolate mocha. My brother loves GOT, I couldn’t get into it though then again it’s hard for me to sit down anyway, darn ADHD.
I bought a few of the masks, and I’ve loved every single one thus far! I’ll have to try the white mocha next, yum!
And that’s okay, GOT isn’t for everybody. Have you ever tried the books? I haven’t yet, but I heard they’re excellent too. I was really reluctant about the show until I was about 4 episodes in, just because I was so confused and there seemed to be gratuitous nudity everywhere. After I got into the story, I really loved it. But to each there own, especially when it comes to things like ADHD!
Thank you for reading, Leslie!
I absolutely love love love your monthly favorites post. I may have to borrow this idea. GOT absolutely blew my mind last night! I. can’t. even. IMO, episode 3 was near perfect. I won’t say more in case your viewing is delayed. Great post! xoxo
I was inspired by another blogger who did something similar, so it’s only fitting that the idea lives on! It’s such a fun way to summarize the month and bring up new trends and reviews.
And ohhemgee GOT was amazing!!!! Fun fact: I was going to wait until Wednesday to watch, but I couldn’t wait, so I drove an hour and a half to watch it with my husband, then drove an hour and a half away afterwards, rather than be delayed in any way. And it was totally worth it! One of my favorite episodes to date, especially the surprise ending. Arya is my hero!
Thank you very much for reading!
I just love love love this post. It’s like you put all my favorite things in one place. Really enjoyed reading it. Nice work dear…
Thanks! I’m so glad you like it. If you have any other recommendations for me to check out, let me know! Thank you so much for reading. 🙂
Aww I in love with Billie Eilish!!
Same, she’s awesome! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I’m not the biggest fan on Billie Eilish, I just can’t seem to get into her songs, but the Starbucks order sounds so good! And game of thrones, it’s all anyone’s spoke about and they don’t make it sound great either! 😂 loved the post though!
-Kyra
I get that—she’s not everybody’s cup of tea. And I don’t think Game of Thrones honestly sounds all that appealing when it comes to emotional distress, violence, or gratuitous nudity, and yet so many people consider it the best show of all time. Must come down to story telling! Thanks for reading; I hope you can treat yourself to some Starbucks! 🙂
Your monthly favourites are so good and you have such good choices, the mask looks so good because I just love coconut and I also love Billie but more than that I love Joe Jonas and I am huge JB fan. BTW I totally enjoy your blogs and I wish you alot of luck, success and happiness in your life.
I bet you are loving that the Jonas Brothers are back in business! I love thinking that Joe Jonas is engaged to Game of Thrones’ actress Sophie Turner. It’s a cool connection, both cultural icons! Thank you so much for you compliments and for reading! Luck, success, and happiness right back at ya. 🙂
Ooh so true, I am in love with Sophie Turner but I always wanted Joe and Demi to be together and do you know that Joe Jonas sang Gotta find you after they were all reunited
True! Kinda crazy how they’re all grown up. I never really followed the Jonas Bros back in the day, but am loving their new stuff. 🙂
For me it’s opposite, I miss their old songs like Year 3000 and L. A. Baby, and I didn’t like their new song “Cool”. It doesn’t give me Feels of JB but their song Sucker was good only because of their music video.
I know what you mean! Sometimes that happens when a band mixes up their sound or makes a comeback. One of my examples is Panic! at the Disco, or 3oh!3. I don’t really listen to their stuff anymore because their sound changed (unless it’s on the radio), but at one time I loved it.
Sooo relatable
Yeah true and I am in love with Sophie Turner but I always wanted Joe and Demi to be together and do you know that after this reunion, Joe sang Gotta find you
I have been liking Billie Eilish ❤️
She excellent! Thank you for reading. 🙂
I love Billie Eilish! I don’t know everything about her and I’m not a hardcore fan but wow her songs are amazing! Her voice always takes my breath away 😍
Same here! I’m more of a casual fan who now just owns a few albums, or seeks her out on Spotify. I can’t wait for more of her stuff. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Those Sephora sleeping masks are so nice! The rose one is my fave. And if ok like that, try the sleeping mask from either Laneige or Belif. So good!
Cheers,
Jacqie
I’ll have to check those out! I’m super into sleep masks and how easy and reparative they are. Thank you for reading and for your wonderful suggestions!
Sounds like you have had a great April! Would love to try one of the sleep masks, does it soak in or are you left with a bit of a mess on your pillow?
I’ve never watched GOT 🙊🙈 (am I the only one?!) but I know that there have been a lot of spoilers going on over the last 24 hours!
Love a good monthly round-up post. Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
It was pretty great! And it soaks in really well—I’ve never had any issues with the mask getting on my pillow case, thankfully. I’ve heard one person suggest that if there’s ever that issue, to do it about half an hour before bed to give it more time to soak into the skin, but I’ve never had to do it that way.
And no, you’re def not the only one, lol! I think of Game of Thrones as a show similar to a sporting event. Because it’s so popular, live-tweeting is okay.
Thank you so much for reading and leaving a comment! xx
I’m a massive fan of Billie too! P.s I love your post, features really cool things I’ll deffo be checking out 🙂
She’s great! I’m excited to follow along with her. And thank you so much! I appreciate you reading and commenting. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love Lattes! I haven’t tried a vanilla latte yet though – might have to give that a go! I really need to watch Catastrophe – I’ve heard great things about this show, but with items like Game of Thrones on the ‘to-watch’ list, I don’t seem to have the time! So glad your April was productive. xxxx
My watch list feels miles long at times! Slow and steady I’ll get through them. And I hope you’re able to treat yourself to a fun-flavored latte soon! Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words. xx
I’m loving Billie Eilish and Game of Thrones too – thanks so much for sharing!
Can’t wait for the next episode! Thank you very much for reading. 🙂