7 Simple joys in April.

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April feels like it's flown by in the blink of an eye. It's been such a wonderful month of positives! We've been able to enjoy a slower pace & really appreciate the simpler things in life. Here are my 7 simple joys in April.

1. Finding out our baby's gender.

Towards the end of the month we found out our baby's gender.

Finding out that my daughter is going to have a little sister in Autumn fills us with so much joy & only makes us more excited for what's to come. I'm beyond excited to see our daughter blossom and grow into being the best big sister I know she'll be. I'm also really excited to see our second little girl wearing our first little girl's outfits! Eeeek!

Finding out that we're having another little girl is easily my top simple joys in April.

2. National trust.

For Christmas last year we received a National Trust pass from my parents. What I could have once seen as quite a boring present ten years ago, has been an absolute Godsend! Our National Trust pass has easily been one of my simple joys in April.

We've loved getting out and about (within reason) and discovering more of what our beautiful countryside has to offer. So far we've visited Wentworth Castle, Nostell, East Riddlesden Hall and Fountains Abbey.

Would you like to see a review of each National Trust place we visit? I've been thinking about doing write ups of each visit, although I was unsure if you'd be interested in reading them? Do let me know in the comments.

3. Seeing friends.

We've all been through a pretty turbulent year. The lack of social interaction has been tough on us all. Now lockdown restrictions are easing & we're able to see our friends a bit more, it's really made me realise the severity of just how hard hitting it's been.

I couldn't not have seeing friends in my simple joys in April list. That bit of normality has really been good for my soul & has sparked excitement for the rest of the year now. My calendar is fast filling up now & I really couldn't be happier about it.

4. Unpacking my Summer wardrobe.

A day of sunshine is such a simple joy! I've unpacked my summer wardrobe from last year (not that I can wear much of it this year as I'm pregnant) & have been treating my feet to some summer sun by wearing sandals.

I've been wearing some oldies, but a pair I haven't been able to take off are the Yas chunky sandals from IKrush. They go with most outfits, which is great for a lazy gal like me, but their platformed sole & chunky appearance means there's a little more about them. I currently have a 10% off code for IKrush which is CLAIREC10.

5. Being able to dress my bump.

I'm well on my way through the second trimester now of my second pregnancy. My bump is just starting to peek through my oversized tee's.

As I've been living in loungewear for the best part of a year, I've found it pretty difficult dressing my bump this time around. I've been living in my white cable knit loungewear set from Femme Luxe as it fits over my bump perfectly & is the comfiest thing I own right now. Discovering new ways to dress my bump has not only been a relief, but definitely one of my simple joys in April.

6. Having our house valued.

We've been thinking about moving house now for a good part of the last year. Since finding out that we're expecting another baby however, this desire to move closer to our families has increased tenfold.

We had our house valued a couple of weeks ago & if I'm honest were both really pleasantly surprised with the outcome. We're currently in the process of settling a new mortgage in principle, which will hopefully be organised within the next week or so. From here we can then put our house on the market. Our valuer advised us that houses are selling faster than ever at the moment. The lady next door to us sold within four days!

We're feeling positive that our house will sell just as quickly. Keep everything crossed for us! We're heading back up North & I absolutely can't wait. Spending my days at the beach with my family couldn't come quick enough.

7. Advertising spots.

I've been debating it for a little while now, but this month I decided to take the plunge and offer advertising spots on my blog. Since going freelance at the beginning of the year I've been trying to think up ways to try and make a bit of extra money for me and my family and this is just one of them.

What have been your simple joys in April? I hope you've had a good one, just like I have.