April Highlights – A Look Back (Saturday Spotlight)
Happy weekend and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight! Each week, I normally focus on a different theme or topic to inspire you. Rather than stick with a specific theme, this week I’m going to share my April highlights with you. (With all the artificial intelligence information floating around the internet, I think it’s important to remain unique and share things you wouldn’t see everywhere.) Below, you’ll find a mixture of some places I’ve been, some things I recommend and a few inspiring photos that didn’t make it into a blog post. Enjoy!
*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).
April Highlights – Easter Weekend in Vermont:
Skiing, Dining and Crossing off a Bucket List Item…
Since my older son attends college in Vermont, we were able to meet him in Killington for Easter weekend! Believe it or not, the mountain still had plenty of snow for skiing.
Not only was the weather perfect but the mountain wasn’t crowded at all! Gotta love spring skiing!
Sure the skiing was great but the highlight of the trip was Easter morning... Somehow, I convinced my husband and two boys to wake up at 4:30 am to attend the Easter sunrise service at the top of Killington Mountain!
So, by 5:00 am, we were in line for the gondola with about 50 other people. By the time they began loading the gondolas at 5:30, the 200 person limit was reached and they had to start turning people away. Needless to say, we were all relieved we arrived early!
Since the sky was clear, I knew we’d have some pretty views. Though, I had no idea how stunning the sunrise would be! As the sun rose over the horizon, a musician played “Here Comes the Sun” on his acoustic guitar. It was truly magical.
After everyone finished taking pictures, we enjoyed a beautiful Easter service with a complementary breakfast afterwards. For the past couple of years, I’ve been wanting to experience Easter at the Peak so now I can cross that off my bucket list!
(Even with a little glare on the window, you can see the spectacular view!)
Later in the day, we headed into the town of Woodstock for our Easter dinner at the iconic Woodstock Inn. It was the perfect way to end a lovely day with my favorite 3 guys!
On this trip to Woodstock, I didn’t take many photos…but I definitely did when I visited last fall!
College Visits in April:
With a junior in high school, we’re in full college tour mode! Over spring break, we visited Seton Hall University and Montclair University (shown below). My son loved them both!
So far, he thinks he wants to stay within an hour a two of home…which is totally fine by me! Like I mentioned, my older son goes to college in Vermont. Sure, he’s loving it but I could do without that long drive!
April Highlights – Books I Read Recently:
Apparently, I’ve been in a non-fiction mood!
Recently, I read Matthew Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. Like many of you, I was a huge Friends fan so I enjoyed all his stories regarding the show. Sure, I knew he had some substance abuse problems…but wow, I had no idea! All I can say is, I’m glad he’s still alive to share his story but I’m not sure how I felt about the book overall. At times, I wasn’t sure if I should feel sorry for him or if I should be rooting for him. Then for no apparent reason, he made some negative comments about Keanu Reeves. (Sorry but no one messes with my Keanu!) Anyway, it’s definitely worth reading, especially if you’re a Friends fan.
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing
If you’re a fan of 80s music and culture, you have to read I am the Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing the Hits and Rocking the MTV Eighties by Holly Knight. After listening to a podcast interview with Holly Knight, I purchased the book…and loved every word. First of all, I was blown away by how many famous songs she wrote! From Pat Benatar and Tina Turner to KISS and Rod Stewart…and many, many more. She takes you on a wild ride of 80s adventures where you’ll be cheering her on as she succeeds in a male dominated industry! Truly an inspiring and entertaining book…that I didn’t want to end!
I am the Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing the Hits and Rocking the MTV Eighties.
Speaking of inspiring women, Mel Robbins was another podcast find. Her latest book, The High 5 Habit was even better than I anticipated! Sure, it’s based on a simple habit but the book is so much more. Her no nonsense approach is empowering and you’ll pick up some great tips for living your best life. Definitely, a must read!
April Highlights – My Recent Purchases:
Although I didn’t do a ton of shopping in April, I did buy a few things I’d recommend…
Recently, I started using this Essie nail polish and have gotten a ton of compliments. Though it’s hard to tell from the photo, the color is pearly white with a hint of pink. If you’re interested, here’s my exact color – Pillow-Talk the Talk.
Let’s skip from beauty products to home decor!
If you like decorating your table with textures, you’ll love these seagrass napkin rings I just bought! Not only are they perfect for spring or summer entertaining, but they come in a packet of 12! So convenient, right?
In my opinion, these are even prettier than the Pottery Barn version. Plus, you just can’t beat the price! Needless to say, you’ll be seeing them in an upcoming table setting on my blog!
More April Shopping Finds:
How pretty are these handcrafted glass beaded ropes? To add a touch of spring to your home, drape them over a bowl or include them in a simple coastal inspired vignette.
If you want to start decorating your outdoor areas for spring, these blue and white terracotta planters would freshen up any outdoor space!
If you’re planning any outdoor entertaining for the upcoming patriotic holidays, these pretty flag plates would make the perfect addition to your table!
For even more April highlights and inspiring spring ideas, here are some finds from around the internet:
- Now that April is ending, here are some tips to plan a Mother’s Day luncheon!
- If you’re looking for a spring centerpiece, here are tips to arrange peonies!
- Now that we’re heading into barbecue season, make some grilled chicken kebobs!
- If April showers brought you weeds, try this homemade weed killer!
Hopefully, by looking back at April, I’ve given you some ideas to get you ready for the month of May!
- In case you missed the last Saturday Spotlight, here it is – Block Print Home Decor Ideas.
- For more April ideas, read – Hello April – Spring Photos and Ideas for Your Home.
- Since Mother’s Day is around the corner, here are some ideas!
What were your April highlights?
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Oh that sunrise service looks and sounds amazing! We just started doing the rounds of college tours too; though with my son wanting to continue studying in the culinary field we don’t have a ton of schools to see.
Yes, the sunrise service was really amazing! Good luck with your college tours! I think it really helps to visit them to get a feel for each one.
Thank you so much for sharing my Mother’s Day tablescape, Shelley. I appreciate it!
You’re welcome Jen! It’s so pretty!
A sunrise service high on the mountains, what an awesome experience. I only also had such an experience back in SA and still vividly remember it.
I visited you via Fabulous Friday Link Party 5.5.23
If you are not already part of SSPS, this is a personal invite to hop over and come and share your posts with us at Senior Salon Pit Stop, every Monday to Saturday, and share your awesome post/s with us as well.
See my entries: 52+53 and then navigate to the bottom of my page for the Senior Salon Pit Stop linkup, we hope to meet you there virtually.
Thanks for the invite to hop over! Enjoy your day!
Shelley, that sunrise – oh my! It must have been glorious! What a fabulous and unique way to celebrate Easter! Seton Hall and Montclair U are close to my neck of the woods up here in north Jersey – my son actually works right near Montclair U. Love the nail polish color, and the High Five Habit sounds intriguing!
Thanks Amy! Yes, the sunrise was amazing! Montclair is such a great town. After the college tour, we had lunch in town and there were so many great places. How nice that your son gets to be in that area! Enjoy your week!