Ten happy things – April 18

In this monthly blog post, I look back on the month past and choose ten things that made me happy and that I’m thankful for. Here are my Ten Happy Things for April.

Aperol Spritz at The Shard

For those who know me, you know how much I love an Aperol Spritz so when I was invited to an Aperol Spritz evening at Campari’s offices in The Shard, I didn’t hesitate at RSVPing immediately. It was such a fun night with some yummy Italian aperitivo and the Aperol Spritzes were flowing. Also my friends Sam Sparrow and Lea Rice were there so it was great to catch up.

There was even a competition to win a giant bottle of Aperol for the person who could make an Aperol Spritz in the fastest time. I took my husband with and let’s just say I had no idea how competitive he is! Sadly we didn’t win it though…

The heatwave

After months of cold, it was a welcome surprise when the heatwave hit. Luckily I had two days off that week so I could truly enjoy the amazing weather and not be stuck at a desk indoors! I hope this is a sign of what’s to come when Summer hits. (Although not too warm though because then our flat becomes a furnace!).

Lunch at Petersham Nurseries

My friend Jen and I had booked lunch at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond as it’s a dog-friendly restaurant so Jen could bring her sausage dog Dot –  not to mention it’s fabulous anyway. We were so lucky that our reservation happened to be during the heatwave so we were even able to sit outside. The food was delicious and the setting, gorgeous. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it.

Secret Megabus launch event

Also during the magnificent heatwave was a ‘hush hush’ event I was invited to by Megabus to launch their new Megasightseeing service. We got to go on the London Eye (which I’ve never been on before, despite living here for 14 years) and then trial their 2 hour sightseeing service. It was the perfect night for it. Read all about it!

Photo credit: Megabus

Selfie pool party at John Lewis

Also during the heatwave (it was a busy week!), I got to attend a John Lewis and Sunnylife poolside party at The Residence at John Lewis on Oxford Street. We were served cocktails and nibbles from Comptoir Libanais, got to check out amazing accessories from Sunnylife as well as try some luxury fake tan.

A pool in John Lewis, you say? Well, not quite… Poolside is a virtual pool with fun Sunnylife inflatables, including everything from a pink flamingo (my favourite), to a giant floating pineapple, sparkly unicorns and pastel-toned ice cream cones. Clever mirrors and tiles give the optical illusion of flowing water, and allows visitors to capture unique poolside selfies alone or with friends. It was really fun! It’s open until 12 May so grab some friends, go on down to John Lewis and pretend you’re in Miami.

Big thanks to Sunnylife for the amazing watermelon inflatable and to Vita Liberata for the luxury fake tan products I got in my goodie bag!

Cheering on the London Marathon runners

I absolutely love London Marathon day! This year I was working with Teenage Cancer Trust who were Virgin Money’s Charity of the Year. It’s such a special day with an electric atmosphere. I had so much fun cheering on the runners and posting on social media. A special shout-out to my friend Bonny who was running for Children with Cancer.

Prosecco time at Prosecco Springs

I am the Prosecco Queen so when I was invited along to Prosecco Springs – a four day festival dedicated to the Italian bubbly – I jumped at the chance. Prosecco Springs is a celebration of all things prosecco and featured carefully selected producers, such as Bottega, La Gioiosa, Zonin and more where you could taste their prosecco.  There was also Italian food, masterclasses, live music and an Aperol bar!

I was on the radio

I was so excited to be interviewed on Kaye Holland’s ‘Talking Travel’ show on Women’s Radio Station. We chatted about where I’ve been this year, what holidays I have planned, what I like to do when I’m on holiday (EAT), where I see tourism in 10 years time and much more. It was lots of fun!

Hotel slippers

I love, love, love slippers. I counted and I have five pairs. What is better than getting home, taking off your shoes and putting on soft, warm, comfy slippers? Whenever we go away, I always bring back the hotel slippers and the ones from The First Roma are the BEST. Seriously, it’s worth going back just for the slippers.

Bank Holiday planning

Who doesn’t love a bank holiday? My husband, as he usually has to work… so I’m planning a day trip with my bestie. Depending on the weather, we’re thinking a seaside town such as Margate or Whitstable. If you have any suggestions for lovely seaside towns not too far from London, let me know! I’m using this lovely book for research…

So that was my April and ten happy things that I’m grateful for. How was your month?