April and May have been sumptuously busy months. Possibly probably the most corresponding to life pre-Covid – albeit nonetheless not with out dangers or issues. While the world nonetheless appears to be nostril diving into some kind of bottomless pit, life has continued to supply up joyful moments and experiences. Light reduction.
Here are a number of the issues I’ve loved probably the most over the previous couple of months; the issues which have impressed me probably the most. As ever, non exhaustive, however only a spotlight reel!
(While some embrace gifted/advert alternatives, I’ll solely ever point out them if I actually genuinely beloved them, as all the time!)
ZoieLogic Dance Theatre – RIDE
I knew I needed to catch ZoieLogic’s RIDE on its tour of Southampton over the 2022 Easter break. The Southampton-based dance firm is all about breaking down boundaries and preconceptions, and inspiring folks to bounce (or get pleasure from watching it), no matter their background or expertise. RIDE is a three-man present that centres round a 1984 pink Ford Orion, Stanley, which has a lifetime of it’s personal. I noticed it within the Holyrood property, and it was enjoyable, stunning, and undoubtedly a success with the youngsters. I’ve watched various ZoieLogic performances and each is believed upsetting and thrilling. Check out my reel to see it for your self!
[AD] Six Weeks to Inner Peace course
My good friend Emily invited me to hitch in with Innerspace Wellbeing’s Six Weeks to Inner Peace workshop in April, and since I’ve all the time struggled to really dedicate minutes in my day to meditation and wellbeing, I took her up on the supply. Over the course I joined a bunch of different girls in weekly, two-hour zoom periods, alongside self-driven journaling workouts, designed to assist us to discover our personal psychological well being and wellbeing and collect the instruments to assist ourselves.
I wasn’t positive what I used to be anticipating, however it felt very very similar to group remedy, which was, for me, a lot extra useful than simply group meditation periods. We talked issues by way of and navigated our ideas and emotions in a brilliant secure and pleasant area, and I discovered it genuinely priceless and worthwhile. The WhatsApp group remains to be going sturdy, too! It was a beautiful, welcoming, worthwhile expertise and Emily has undoubtedly discovered her calling. They’ve simply began a podcast, too, which is thrilling!
Exploring Bath’s bookshops
In April I had a day to whereas away in stunning Bath, and whereas it was busy – as ever! – I used it as a possibility to discover a few of its bookshops and, most significantly, its charity outlets.
It was an effective way to spend the day, and whereas I do know I missed a couple of must-visit locations, I’m simply seeing it as an excuse to return! I made a reel about my go to, which you’ll watch on Instagram. Definitely a unbelievable vacation spot for e-book lovers.
[AD] The Da Vinci Code – Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
I’m having fun with going to the theatre an increasing number of for the time being, and significantly relished the prospect to see The Da Vinci Code at Mayflower Theatre on a press go to.
I had, on the time, neither learn the e-book nor watched the movie, so went in fully oblivious to the story. Sometimes I feel that’s one of the best ways to expertise a present! I used to be stunned at how a lot I beloved it, as I’m not an enormous fan of mysteries and thrillers. The staging was unbelievable and the story was clean and gripping, with a powerful forged. I used to be absorbed the whole time, and it doesn’t take a detective to work out
[AD] Axe Throwing at Go Ape Southampton
I had one other thrilling invitation at the beginning of May – this time to check out Go Ape’s new Axe Throwing expertise (thanks Sotonbloggers!). I’d be the primary to say I’m not the strongest particular person bodily, however I beloved giving it a go and even scored some bullseyes! It was nice to do one thing a bit totally different and I’d say it could be fab for an alternate date night time or hen do exercise. So a lot enjoyable, and you actually don’t must have muscle groups to nail your approach.
Once once more, try my reel to see extra.
[AD] Waitress – Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Another fab night time on the theatre, this time to see Waitress on the finish of May! I’ve been eager to seize a ticket to this for some time, since I’ve various pals who rave about it. I wasn’t upset. The present was candy however not with out the bitterness of actual life, with some catchy songs and unimaginable performances. Chelsea Halfpenny’s Jenna was fascinating, with such a strong voice, and I actually beloved Matt Willis’s Dr Pomatter (sure, that Matt Willis!).
It was nice to have the prospect to see a West End hit in my metropolis; yet one more reminder of why I really like residing in Southampton.
Heartstopper
This Netflix collection is an absolute sensation and a sucker punch to the outdated emotional intestine. I used to be so fully swept up on this stunning story and the lives of the 2 boys on the coronary heart of it, and imagine it completely deserves the hype it’s acquired. Be ready to shed some tears – each completely satisfied and unhappy – should you haven’t indulged your self but.
Magpie by Elizabeth Day
I discussed earlier that I’m not one for thrillers – however right here’s yet one more exception. I really like Elizabeth’s writing, each fiction and nonfiction, so I used to be delighted to search out that Magpie lived as much as my expectations. Tense and annoying however in the absolute best means, I devoured this over the Easter break and would extremely advocate including it as your seaside learn this summer season.
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
Another nice e-book. I’ve heard nothing however nice issues about Sorrow and Bliss and I’m happy to hitch its fan membership. This is an intense e-book with heavy, heavy themes of psychological sickness. Beautifully written with an imperfect protagonist (my favorite form!)I genuinely felt bodily and emotionally exhausted upon closing the ultimate web page. Any e-book that has my physique reacting to its storyline is unquestionably up there with my favourites.
Gardening
I’m not naturally inexperienced fingered. My houseplants, particularly the brown, crispy ones, can testify to that. But since we received ourselves a house with a small backyard final summer season, I’ve been eager to study a couple of fundamentals.
I discovered myself with a sun-soaked Saturday in May and determined to offer it a go. A few weeks on, a number of the bulbs and seeds I planted have began to really sprout – to my astonishment! – and I’m hoping we may have some homegrown herbs and blooms within the coming weeks and months. It’s nothing particular, and positively not advanced, however I’m discovering lots of pleasure in coming out between Teams calls to water the seedlings, seeing an increasing number of inexperienced leaves seem.
I’m definitely no Emma Jo Real-Davies (who you should comply with should you love your backyard!) however I’m loving doing my bit to make our backyard just a little extra bee pleasant.
Derry Girls
I cried throughout the previous couple of episodes of the ultimate collection of Derry Girls. Not solely due to the emotional plot, but additionally due to the magnitude of historical past the crew managed to convey on display screen. The energy of a vote, the lingering hopefulness of change, the worry of the brand new conquered by the necessity to transfer ahead. The advanced emotions surrounding historic moments, particularly in such turbulent, mistrustful, fearful occasions, the place democracy feels unstable and politics is rotten.
This present, significantly the ultimate episode, is a stupendous window onto Ireland’s historical past by way of the on a regular basis particular person – the younger grownup obsessive about the spice ladies, the housewife eager on altering her path. It was extraordinarily poignant with out, after all, shedding the zest and silliness on the coronary heart of the present. What an exit.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
I had completely no concept what to anticipate after we began watching Everything Everywhere All At Once – and am nonetheless not completely positive what it was that we watched. Nevertheless, this movie all however blew my thoughts. It has all of the multiverse complexity of a Marvel film, however it’s far more…luxurious. Profound. Devious. All of its unsuspecting heroes, entertaining twists and turns, razor-sharp wit and heart-squeezing poignancy make sure you’re in for one hell of a journey. It’s stunning, too. Be ready to be served with some critical appears. What a murals.
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