We’re all about flowers at our house right now. Between the marigold she potted at preschool and the out-of-control rosebush in the backyard, we are just blooming everywhere.

That’s good, because April has been a rough month in my house. Annalyn has had some health and behavior problems, Mark and I have been struggling to communicate, and {last and least} I got a really, really bad haircut. Since I’m not ready to share the details of those situations right now – or willing to show you a picture of my hideous hair – I’ll just say that I’m looking forward to May and leave it at that.

How was your April?

What I’m Reading:
I’ve already told you about Baroness by Susan May Warren. Normally, I don’t love historical fiction, but this series is one of the best thing I’ve read in several months. Realistic family drama with a redeeming message set in the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties is a winning combination, and I’m already looking forward to the third Daughters of Fortune book.

On a completely different note I also read a new Janet Evanovich book recently. Love in a Nutshell (co-written by Dorien Kelly) is a departure from her Stephanie Plum series, and it was lighter and – in my opinion – more realistic (or at least relatable) than those books. If you’re looking for a fun, funny romance with a side of mystery, I vote for this one.

I also read Divergent by Veronica Roth this month. Not surprisingly, it’s another dystopian YA novel – the first in a trilogy – with a strong female lead character who overcomes great (and creative) odds. And it’s probably one of my favorites. Big thanks to my friend Amanda, who recommended it!

I’ve also been reading Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing & Life by Anne Lamott. It is incredible. I checked it out from the library, and as soon as I finish it, I’m buying my own copy so I can read it again and mark it all up.

What I’m Watching:
What’s that saying? April reruns bring May sweeps? Seems like the first part of this month had a whole lot of nothing on TV. I suppose that left room for everyone to talk (nonstop) about The Hunger Games. But since I haven’t seen it yet (though I read – and loved – the book, of course), that didn’t help me out much.

I’m still watching the same shows: Once Upon a Time, How I Met Your Mother, Hart of Dixie, Castle, NCIS and Parks & Recreation. (Parks & Rec got the blog post photo honor this month based solely on last week’s outstanding episode, The Debate. If you haven’t watched it, go. Watch it now.) I’ve also started watching Suburgatory (hilarious!) and, somehow, I’ve found myself watching Fairly Legal on USA. I suppose I need something to replace the void that Psych has left by a slightly boring (until the last minute of the season finale) and incredibly brief winter season.

Also, the season finale has already aired, but I loved Up All Night. Well, you know, I loved the part that didn’t have Maya Rudolph acting weird. Chris Brinkley (played by Will Arnett) is officially my favorite TV husband ever.

Knabbel eating

What I’m Eating:
Smoothies, oatmeal, grapes, salad, carrots, grilled chicken, green beans. Rinse and repeat. {We’re not going to talk about the M&Ms that I bought for (in)RL. Nope, we are not.}

What I’m Listening to:
For several weeks now, I’ve been hearing two songs over and over. No, I’m not talking about that Gotye song, although, yeah. I’m talking about Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi and Mama Told Me Not to Come by Three Dog Night. Seriously. It seems like every other day, I’m hearing one or both of those songs. Isn’t that weird?

I mean, is there a message in there somewhere? Am I wanted {dead or alive} by someone? Have I gone to a party with suspicious-looking cigarettes, despite my mama’s warnings? Um, no. I don’t know. But that is what I’ve been listening to.

One last thing. I read a post on NPR’s Monkey See blog last night about a news station in Cincinnati that features dance parties every Friday during their early morning traffic report. You know that’s my sort of news report! Here’s a fun segment from a few years ago:

What were you into in April?

This post was inspired by Sorta Crunchy’s monthly post. And it contains affiliate links.

What should you watch next?

 

Every month, we are bombarded with new TV series and movies—and it can be overwhelming to figure out what to watch! (I know, I know, what a problem to have!) I'm here to help. My monthly Watch Guides list out all the returning series, new series, and new movies, along with premiere dates and where to watch them. Plus, I tell you my personal picks for the month to help you narrow it all down.

Drop your name and email here, and I'll send you this month's Watch Guide right away!


(Signing up gives me permission to email you. But I will never, ever send you spam or junk. Who has time for that?!)

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This