April in review

Come get the inside scoop on everything I've been loving this past month! From top recipes and must reads to travel notes and new favorites, I'm sharing all the details.

And that’s a wrap on April! I definitely noticed feeling more energized this month, with the days being longer and more full of sunshine. I love spending time outside, whether it is sitting by the garden, going on a walk with a friend, or simply taking a few minutes to enjoy the sunlight between errands and chores. One of my joys and chores wrapped in one this month was planting my Spring garden! I filled it up with all sorts of produce after a successful Fall garden full of greens, some of which are still thriving. I look forward to fresh zucchini & squash, juicy tomatoes, savory herbs, vibrant cucumbers, and hopefully some gorgeous wildflowers.

In mid-April, I got an early teaser to summer time, heading to the beach to visit my family. We spent the day out on the boat and though it was still a bit chilly, I cannot wait for the days that I will spend on the water with loved ones soaking up a Summer day.

Spring cleaning has also been in full swing at my house! There is something so refreshing about cleaning up and refreshing after many months inside. At the beginning of each new month, I love to do a bit of a reset to get things organized and prepared for the month ahead. I have noticed that I do better work and am much more relaxed when I am living in a clean and clear environment. Ever since I first learned how much your environment impacts your well-being, I’ve been a stickler for shaping mine to support me best. I can’t wait to share with you everything I have been eating, reading, and experiencing throughout April!

Recipes I loved

These were 3 of my top favorites recipes from the month. All quick and easy recipes, I made them using just an air fryer and a rice cooker. If you have been keeping up on social media, you know that my kitchen has been under renovation for the last little bit. I am excited to share that it will be wrapped up this week! I cannot wait!! Stay tuned, because I will be sharing what I learned on this journey of kitchen renovation.

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Places I visited

Traveling is one of my favorite ways to experience life, learn, and drive creativity. From celebrating my GG’s 80th birthday at the beach to celebrating my sister-in-law’s birthday while navigating the Reynolda gardens, this was a great month of outdoor activities!

Reynolda gardens

Reynolda Gardens

Celebrating my sister-in-law, Anna, we spent the afternoon roaming around the Reynolda gardens. We had lunch at Village Tavern where I enjoyed a delicious spaghetti squash and zucchini with a roasted plum sauce and seared salmon. After lunch, we wandered into The Bookhouse which had the cutest coffee table! The gardens were gorgeous both indoors and out, with colorful flowers and vibrant vegetables growing. I took away a lot of good inspiration for my own garden at home.

Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC

Celebrating my GG’s 80th birthday, we visited my family in Wilmington where we enjoyed time on the water and dined on a delicious private dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs. We started with a watermelon salad with local greens and a honey-lime vinaigrette, before getting into the main surf & turf course. Chef Laura made phenomenal crab cakes that everyone can’t stop raving about, along with grilled zucchini, seared steak, and puréed sweet potatoes. Topped off with micro greens, this dish was delightful! GG enjoyed her time on the boat - almost as much as Finley, soaking in the salty air and sunshine.

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Things I read

I love to read - getting wrapped into a story and navigating the journey of the characters right along side them, ah what fun! Whether fiction or nonfiction, every book has value and I love to mix up what I’m reading.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

In Be Ready When the Luck Happens, Ina’s way of storytelling had me flipping through the pages faster than I could enjoy a decadent chocolatey dessert similar to the one she shares in her memoir. Her stories on going after opportunities and working hard to build something were inspiring, especially for my entrepreneurial spirit. As someone building a platform around food & health, I am quite intrigued by Ina and how she leveraged her love for food to break into the hearts and lives of many. Highly recommend this read! Per my Goodreads rating, I gave this book 5 stars!

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Reading through Ikigai, I gained the inside scoop on what the Japanese thriving elderly are doing so they can show up well every single day. From morning exercises to enjoying time in community, fueling their bodies with nourishing foods, and enjoying the mundane of life without too many worries; they are doing something right. The chapter on flow state was most intriguing, emphasizing how you can unlock this new level of productivity to do better work more enjoyably. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention there were some fascinating stats when it came to health and the negative impact that something as small as sitting for too long can have on our over all health. If you want an easy read that is packed full of helpful info about health and life, I recommend! Per my Goodreads rating, I gave this book 4 stars.

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Products I’m loving

Kosterina’s garlic olive oil - Not only am excited about this brand because of it’s quality and single-souring, but it is so delightful to the taste buds. Using the garlic flavored olive oil takes out a step for me in seasoning with other herbs because the oil with just a bit of salt transforms any savory dish. They also gave a 15% off code so you can try it too! You can order it here and use code (GRACE05737).

Gold little spoons - If you know me, you know I am such a fan of a dainty little spoon. I think it was my sister who first got me hooked on using smaller spoons or potentially the trip to Italy with all the delicious gelato. Either way, I love to enjoy chia seed pudding and smoothie bowls with these little gold spoons.

Kion Protein Powder - This protein powder is one of the very few I have found that is kind to the tummy and free from fillers or unnecessary ingredients. I use it in smoothies, pancake bowls, protein balls, and more! Both the chocolate and vanilla flavors are great and I highly recommend it if you are looking to get more protein in your day.

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What was your favorite part of April?

I love to hear what people are reading, eating and experiencing! Reply to this and let me know what your favorite part of April was.

Here’s to another day of flourishing,

Grace Barker

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