7 Simple Joys in March.

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We made it to the end of another month! In some ways I feel like March has passed by in the blink of an eye. But in others it's felt like such a long month. I can't call this one! There's been so many simple joys this month.

I've been practising gratitude so much more recently, specifically making notes on what I'm thankful for. And there's a lot! I think it's really important to recognise the smaller, simpler things that bring us joy, hence why this has been a series on my blog now for quite some time. I love reflecting on the month gone by - Here are my simple joys of March.

Simple joys this month.

1. Parenting hell.

I used to listen to so many different podcasts back in the day. There were times where I'd have three or four different ones on the go at a time. But recently I've struggled to find the time for them. That was until I discovered Parenting Hell this month.

Parenting hell is the parenting (duh) podcast from Josh Widdicome and Rob Beckett. It's been on my radar for quite some time now but It's only during this month where I've made time specifically for it. And boy, have I been enjoying it!

Not only is it hilariously relatable, but it's so refreshing to hear dads talk about their parenting woes. I find their isn't much representation for fathers online, so it's amazing to hear from Josh & Rob who 100% tell it like it is!

2. Sunshine.

That sweet, sweet sunshine! There's just something about it isn't there which makes you feel good. I love being able to go outside without a coat on. I've loved making sunglasses a core piece of an outfit. And I've loved family adventures out in the sunshine.

3. Discovering a local hidden gem.

Somewhere where we've visited in the sunshine is RSPB Saltholme, a nature reserve in one of the most industrialised areas of Teesside. I grew up in Teesside, spending 24 years here before moving away and I had absolutely no idea this gem was here.

I love the contrast you'll see in Saltholme. Beautfifully picturesque lakes, bird hides and reeds in the foreground. Industry, cooling towers and the transporter bridge nestled in the background. It's brilliant!

4. My best blogging month.

I'm not one to toot my own horn. But in the same breath, no one else is going to toot it for me, so today I'm going for it.... This month I securing my biggest wage through blogging.

When I quit my 'regular job' in January last year I had an idea of what I wanted to make each month. It wasn't a great deal. It was enough to cover childcare and bills - I don't really want for much & don't lead a particularly lavish lifestyle. This month however I've doubled that number & it feels amazing.

I still can't get over that every penny I make from blogging has been made off of my own back. The job satisfaction I have since going freelance is amazing!

5. Updating my wardrobe.

I've professed my love for shopping second hand so much recently. I've fallen in love with bargain hunting and have found some absolute gems to update my wardrobe with this month.

My favourite piece is a stunning, embroidered French Connection dress I bought to wear for a wedding next month. It's still available online for £180 and I managed to make it mine for £15. I'm pretty sure it's my best bargain so far!

6. Repair & restore.

It's not very often I feature a physical product as one of my simple joys of the month, but I can't say goodbye to March without mentioning the ultra hydrating repair & restore moisturiser from Dermalex.

It's a very thick moisturiser, which is exactly the type of consistency I like. I like being able to feel the product sinking into the skin which you absolutely can with this. I really enjoy the application process of using this moisturiser and it feels way more luxe than the £14.99 price tag it carries. My skin feels nourished, hydrated and bouncy! Something I definitely need after averaging 5 hours of sleep a night for the last six months.

7. Trash TV.

I mentioned my love for TV dramas in my simple joys post in January and although I've watched some good ones this month (our house on ITV) it's the trash TV which has really got me this month.

Don't judge me, or think any less of me but I've been hooked by two newies that arrived on Netflix this month. The first is celebrity ex on the beach which I binged in a weekend and the other is geordie shore. Living close to the toon, I've always known about geordie shore, but it's not something I've seen before, until two weeks ago.

Both programmes are so far from my real life, but to me that's the beauty of trash TV!

What have been your simple joys this month? Let me know in the comments what your favourite trashy TV program is.