An April Guide: Mapped Out
Not quite one season, not quite another, April sits in between. Here’s how to spend it.
April moves at its own pace, lingering in a way that makes time feel softer, less urgent. It’s a month that doesn’t demand much, sitting between seasons with a quiet kind of openness. Easter plans might fill the calendar, but beyond that, April feels like an invitation to slow down, to reset, to plan.
Don’t underestimate April. It’s not quite the full swing of a new season, but it’s the start of leaning into that shift, changing habits without realising it, craving fresher flavours, produce, or flowers, filling time differently than before. It’s when weekends start to stretch out and the small things like morning routines, afternoon walks, hosting start to feel like they matter more.
Like always, this guide breaks the month into four weeks, offering ways to lean into that shift and make April feel like its own thing instead of just a bridge between months. I've also included Books of the Week to help you refresh your reading routine, whether you're trying to get out of a reading slump, looking for something to share with friends in a mini book club, or seeking a gripping novel that will keep you hooked during those quiet evenings at home. However you choose to spend it, here’s how to make April filled with days worth remembering.
April Moodboard
Week 1
Book(s) of the Week:
Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
Create Your Own 30-Day Challenge
Starting a 30-day challenge is a great way to form a new habit or break an old one. Choose something small but meaningful that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. This could be something like journaling every morning, committing to a daily 10-minute bedtime yoga, drinking 1L water everyday, reading a chapter of a book before bed, or going for a walk after dinner. You could even challenge yourself to try something new, such as signing up for a 1 month art class, or starting a creative project like sewing a case for your kindle or laptop. By the end of the month, you’ll not only have created a habit, or new hobby but also a sense of accomplishment.
Sundays Are You Days
Sundays are the perfect opportunity to recharge and focus on yourself. Dedicate your Sunday to a solo date that lets you enjoy some quiet time and find comfort in your own company.
9:00 AM - start with coffee and a bookstore
Begin your solo day with a morning at a coffee shop you haven’t tried before. Find a cosy spot to sit, grab your favourite coffee (or try something new). If you’re feeling inspired, take a moment to journal or people-watch. Afterward, take a stroll to a local bookstore or library. Wander the aisles, take your time to discover something new. Fiction, self-help, or travel books, allow yourself to browse without rushing.
11:00 AM - explore an area of your city
Pick an area in your city you haven’t fully explored yet or favourite area and spend the next hour(s) walking around. A charming neighbourhood with small shops or a hidden park, the goal is to experience your city with fresh eyes.
12:30 PM - lunch at a new spot
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite, so it’s time to try a new restaurant or cafe that’s been on your list. Aim for something different, perhaps a cuisine you don’t usually indulge in or a cafe that’s known for its seasonal menu.
2:00 PM - specialty food shop exploration
Next, head over to a local specialty food shop. Maybe it’s a handmade pasta shop, an artisanal cheese store, or a small local market. Take the time to look around, treat yourself to something special. You could buy a small ingredient for your next meal or just enjoy the experience of discovering something new.
3:00 PM - visit a museum or gallery
To keep the solo adventure going, spend an hour or so exploring a nearby museum or art gallery. Walking through the exhibits alone gives you the space to reflect and enjoy the art at your own pace, without distractions.
5:00 PM - head to the movies alone
For many, going to the movies alone can feel like a big step, but it’s such a peaceful and enjoyable experience. I think it’s actually the perfect way to ease into solo date activities. So choose a movie that piques your interest, a new release or something you’ve been wanting to see for a while, buy a snack, settle into your seat.
7:30 PM - evening walk and dinner
After the movie, take an evening walk and let yourself wind down from the day, and when you’re ready, stop by a local spot for a solo dinner.
Week 2
Book(s) of the Week:
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Flower Arranging Night
Host a low-effort, high-reward evening with a flower arranging night!
All you need: some coloured tissue paper, ribbons, wrapping paper, and a few good friends. Ask each person to bring 1–2 bunches of flowers from the supermarket or market, doesn’t need to be expensive. The magic happens when everyone arrives, you lay all the flowers out and mix and match to create your own custom bouquets. Some will be made with your favourite stems, some with your friends' go-tos, and others with whatever looked too beautiful at the market to pass up. The result is something fun to do, something beautiful to take home, and a mix of everyone’s taste coming together. Plus, put out some light snacks, the kind of night that feels like a DIY project and a catch-up all in one!
Sunset/Evening Bike Ride
Take a sunset or evening bike ride through a scenic route, by the water, through a park, down quiet city streets. Ride alone for a peaceful solo adventure or invite a friend to share the experience. Pack some snacks or grab an ice cream or frozen yogurt along the way. It's a simple, it feels romantic and free, even if it’s just 45 minutes after work.
Take a Day Trip or Book a Nearby Airbnb Stay
Sometimes all it takes to feel like you’ve had a real escape is a change of scenery. Find a nearby town you’ve always wanted to visit, a coastal walk you've never walked, or a sleepy suburb with a surprisingly good bakery. Whether it’s just for the day or a full long weekend stay, let yourself live into the slower pace. Even just a day away can feel like a proper pause. Visit a farmers market, take yourself on a walking loop through a new neighbourhood, or finally check out that botanical you keep saving to your Google Maps. Bring a book, take photos, let yourself feel like the main character. Reminding yourself how refreshing a short reset can be.
Week 3
Book(s) of the Week:
Chess Story by Stefan Zweig
Mother Tongue by Naima Brown
The Perfect Easter Brunch Host
Easter is the perfect time to celebrate! Whether celebrated as a traditionally holy holiday or a reason to host a brunch gathering with family and friends. Here’s how you can create the perfect Easter brunch, from setting the table to crafting a menu that will delight your guests!
The Table Scape
Pastel palettes & fresh florals
Think soft pinks, mint greens, lavender, and butter yellow. Use these colours for napkins, table runners, and candles. Fresh flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, hydrangeas or peonies, are the perfect centrepiece to bring some vibrancy and fragrance to the table. Arrange them in small vases for a casual yet chic vibe or a single large vase for a bold statement piece.
1. Kip and Co - Supper Linen Tablecloth 2. Franky - Portsea Tablecloth 3. Mosey Me - Raspberry Stripe Tablecloth
Easter themed decor
Incorporate subtle Easter themed elements like decorative plates, mini bunny figurines, or baskets filled with faux grass and eggs. These touches will give the brunch a festive feel without being over the top. You can even scatter a few small chocolate eggs or candies on the table for a playful element.
Simple glassware
1. Maison Balzac - Pomponette Flutes 2. Sophie Lou Jacobsen - Bilboquet Translucent Wine Glasses
Opt for clear glassware, such as stemless wine glasses for mimosas or sparkling water, and champagne flutes for an extra touch of ‘the ultimate brunch’ look. If you’re serving a special cocktail or mocktail, consider a unique glass to make it stand out!
The Menu
’s Whole Roast Chicken
A beautifully roasted chicken is the star of your Easter brunch. Serve it golden and crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. This dish is both hearty and elegant, providing a satisfying main that can be easily carved for guests!
’s (Wishbone Kitchen) Smoked Salmon Tart
This savoury tart is a showstopper. Light alternative to heavier mains. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a more sophisticated brunch dish.
A light, refreshing orzo salad brings a burst of colour to your table!
These crispy, golden potatoes, roasted to perfection and are a crowd-pleasing side that pairs wonderfully with the whole roasted chicken. They’re easy to make and serve in small, individual portions, giving your guests the perfect bite every time.
This dessert is the perfect combination of a refreshing and decadent treat. Serve this in mini tart forms for an easy, shareable treat.
Hot Cross Buns
No Easter brunch is complete without hot cross buns. Serve them warm, with a side of butter or jam for a comforting, nostalgic treat.
The Extra Touches
Personalised Name Cards
Add a thoughtful touch by creating personalised name cards for each guest! These can be simple, handwritten cards with a sprig of rosemary or a small flower tied to each one.
Easter Gifts:
1. Lindt - Gold Bunny 2. Tony’s Chocolonely - Easter Egg Carton 3. Gewurzhaus - Hot Cross Bun Spice 4. T2 - Baxter's Hot Cross Buns Tea Bag 5. Maison Balzac The Asparagus Bunch Candles 6. Nonna’s Grocer - Egg Candles
Week 4
Book(s) of the Week:
Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali
The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells
Seasonal Closet Clean-Out
The tail-end of April calls for a reset just before the full swing of cooler days (or warmer ones, depending on where you are), it’s the perfect time for a seasonal closet clean-out, realigning with the version of you you’re becoming. Start with a simple rule: if you wouldn’t wear it on a random Tuesday, it might be time to let it go. Set the mood, pour a glass of wine, play some music, invite friends over, reenact that scene of Carrie and her friends helping her move out of her apartment, only this time, you're the main character.
What still fits your day-to-day? What do you reach for the most?
You can donate, resell, or even host a swap with friends. Curate your wardrobe like you would a moodboard. Make it fun, make it sentimental, make it a moment. Think of it as editing the version of yourself you’ll be dressing up as in the months to come.
Your Own “Tiny Exhibition” at Home
Pick a theme “things I loved at age 13,” “my dream travel moodboard,” or “all my favourite packaging designs,” choose something that reflects your personality or interests. Gather images, objects, or even write little labels explaining why each piece matters to you. Set up a dedicated space, perhaps a corner of your living room and invite friends over (have them do the same) and experience together. Walk each other through your curated collections as if you’re an artist showcasing your work!
Sundays Are You Days
This one’s for closing out the month on your own terms. The final Sunday of the month calls for something a little special. Think of it like your solo version of a night out. A full itinerary with built-in golden hour and a bit of glamour. A reminder that you can create your own dream evening.
11:00 AM - a slow start with something creative
Sleep in a little. Have breakfast at home in your robe. Then start the day by signing up for a class you’ve always been curious about but never tried. A life drawing session in a studio, a beginner’s boxing class that gets your energy up, or even a pottery class where your hands are covered in clay and your phone is nowhere in sight. Go by yourself, no need to coordinate plans or wait on anyone.
1:30 PM - light lunch & wander
After class, go to your nearby supermarket, magazine shop, newsstand and pick up the newest issue of your favourite print, and head somewhere for a light solo lunch. Bonus points if the spot has big windows! Sit by the glass, order something delicate (a simple pasta, a gorgeous pastry, a slice of cake), and flip through your magazine!
3:00 PM - afternoon reset
Go home for a quick reset, maybe a long shower, a fresh outfit you’d wear on a special night out, and a moment to tidy up your space while listening to your favourite playlist. Think of this time as a transition between your day and your evening self.
5:00 PM - golden hour at a wine bar or cocktail lounge
This is where the solo date gets elevated.
Pick a wine bar or cocktail lounge you’ve walked by a hundred times but never gone into. Order one beautiful drink. Sit outside or by the bar. People-watch. Write down five things you loved about this month. You don’t have to stay long, just enough to soak up the light and feel like the main character! Who says you need a plus one to enjoy golden hour?
6:30 PM - dinner for one
Make a dinner reservation or walk into that restaurant you’ve had saved for ages. It could be a spot that’s always packed for two or more people but one, perfect, a place with handwritten menus, or somewhere that makes the best burger in the city. Take your time. Or you want to take it home, that’s romantic too, and enjoy it in bed while watching a comfort movie.
8:30 PM - reflective wind down
Reflect on the month, journal a bit, and maybe plan one tiny thing to look forward to next week.
What were you grateful for this month?
Top 3 highlights?
30 day challenge check in/ reflection.
What are you bringing into May from April?
What’s the best thing you ate in April?
April 30th: You explored new corners of your city, hosted a fun gathering with friends, or found joy in solo activities, you took the time to slow down and savour it all. That’s more than enough. You made this month feel meaningful, and it's important to take a moment to thank yourself for that.
And that’s a wrap on your April guide! As the days get longer and you continue to settle into the new season, don’t forget to thank yourself for all the moments you’ve made special. Hold on to that energy as we move into the next chapter.
You made another month feel intentional. You created rituals. You carved out space. That’s more than enough! Let me know your April plans!
Chat soon!
Nancy Xx
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