My April

Crane & Kind - Sidmouth

April has to be one of my favourite months. The evenings are noticeably lighter, the weather seems brighter and sometimes we get a bout of bloody good weather. Only sometimes, mind! One day it’s blowing a gale and freezing the tips of my fingers until they go numb. The next I am stripping of the many layers I have cocooned myself in. I have to say I quite enjoy the unpredictability. It certainly keeps me on my toes.

This April has seen me get out and explore more than usual. With the weather on my side, the Easter break gave me the opportunity to travel a little. London, Bradford on Avon and Ashburton have been my overnight destinations. A sisterly visit in London and the opportunity to catch up with a couple of old friends, a getaway with Steve to Bradford on Avon and an (anti) hen party in Ashburton. I have felt very lucky indeed.

London

Bradford On Avon

Ashburton

On top of all that travelling around, I have managed to squeeze in a couple of theatre visits and some new foodie discoveries. I tried bubble tea for the first time and got sent a delicious organic coffee to try from The Foodies Larder.

Northcott Theatre

I had the pleasure of visiting the Northcott Theatre twice in as many weeks. On both occasions to watch contemporary dance. The first was to watch the Richard Alston Dance Company perform his trademark lyrical choreography with one of the worlds best dance ensembles. I thought it was seamless from start to finish and I was mesmerised by the companies sheer talent.

This was reciprocated by the equally outstanding Ballet Boyz. Applauded worldwide for their stunning live performances the Ballet Boyz returned to Exeter’s Northcott theatre with two brand new productions. “Them” blew my mind with intricate choreography using a scaffold cube as a prop. From time to time the dance was interspersed with Cirque de Soleil type acrobatics and tricks. The piece was choreographed to show the individuality of each dancer within the company.

“Us” by Tony and Olivier award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon concluded the evening. His choreography exploring human connections through movement.

I took my friend Tegen along for the Ballet Boyz ride with me. Having never danced as a child or seen a dance performance live she was hooked from the first bar of music. She has even asked me to teach her how to dance it moved her so! I am up for the challenge so watch this space!

For more of what is on at the Northcott Theatre click here. It’s not just dance; there are plays, musicals, drama and at Christmas time traditional pantomime.

Bubble Tea

I discovered a stone’s throw from my front door a brand new (to me) foodie experience. Bubble tea, in reality, has been around since the 1980’s but in recent weeks Exeter has gone nuts for the stuff. Click here to read all about my first bubble tea experience.

Discoveries

I was sent some rather delicious Café Suala organic coffee from The Foodies Larder. It has been gracing the breakfast table every morning since the stunning tin was opened. Check out The Foodies Larder website for more coffee varieties. They have an awesome selection.

Easter

I celebrated Easter Sunday with my nearest and dearest with a delightful seasonal brunch of fried eggs with British asparagus, hot cross buns (of course) and yoghurt and fruit. We had fun playing with Easter bunny ears and little bunny face biscuits that I was kindly sent by Patisserie Valerie.

Decadent Chocolate Easter Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without plenty of chocolate. My Decadent Dark Chocolate Easter Cake With Chocolate Ganache went down a storm at my table this Easter. It’s not too late to make it for yourself. I know the Easter weekend is behind us now but you can always substitute the chocolate animals for fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries to give it a bit more calendar longevity! Click here for the recipe.

Crane & Kind

I visited Sidmouth on a pretty blustery April day to pop my head into Crane & Kind and say “hello” to my friend and co-owner of the business Polly and take a look around. This shop is bursting with gorgeous goodies for any young brood as well as treats for mums and non-mums alike. Read about my visit here.

Looking back whilst writing this, no one can accuse me of resting on my laurels! I am always a busy little bee and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Next month I have my birthday to celebrate although no specific plans are in place yet. Should I plan my own birthday or should I leave it up to someone else? What would you do?

I also have my annual pilgrimage to Italy. Steve and I are heading to Vietri Sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast followed by a couple of nights in the bustling city of Naples. I can’t wait to live La Dolce Vita for a few days. What’s more, we are flying from Exeter direct to Naples with their brand new Ryanair flights so it couldn’t be easier.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my monthly round up. For more of my daily goings on don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.

Disclaimer: This blogpost contains gifted items. All views are my own as always.

Additional photography from Angel Wade and Northcott Theatre.

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