Every time I read one of Splodz currently loving posts, I swear I will do one too. Only to forget moments after thinking about it. This month though, I am doing both a currently loving post AND video. Check me out!
It could have something to do with the fact that my birthday has just been, but nevertheless, here is my currently loving for April 2018.
I have decided that each month (who am I kidding!) I will cover a few themes of things that I am currently loving. Kind of a way to keep me focused and to help me plan for it – in the hope that I make this a regular thing. Without further ado, here is the first reinvigorated currently loving post
Currently loving April 2018
App: Memrise
Of course, in a world where our lives are closely linked to our phones, there had to be a section for apps. If you don’t already know, I am learning Dutch and like to practice and learn while I travel on the bus. This means needing a good language app that I can use on the go. Among them is Memrise, which I have had for a while now and absolutely love. I pop in my headphones and work through the mini exercises. It tracks my progress and also remembers the words and phrases that I find challenging so that they can test me on them again. The best bit is that I can get my daily tick during my 15 minute bus ride home from my reverse commute. There are plenty of languages to choose from and you can also go pro for some added exercises.
Product: LOMO
I can blame this currently loving wholly on Splodz and Katyish, the best kind of bad influence friends a girl can have. Through no fault of my own (*cough*) I am chatting away with them on Twitter when Zoe (Splodz) mentions that she’s buying some LOMO dry bags. Curious, I check them out as I have only seen large ones before. With a final nudge of encouragement from Katy, I was expecting a parcel of four dry bags. (see, they’re totally to blame!)
I opened the packet on arrival and within literal minutes, my second order had been placed. You might be wondering what on earth I need so many mini dry bags for. My answer is to house our reusable mugs and lunch boxes when on the move to save on having to use plastic freezer bags. They’re washable, waterproof and reusable, so a win all round.
Food/Drink:
This one was a tough one, but after the wonderful treat and fantastic service at Zizzi in Ellesmere Port for my birthday meal, it will have to be a big shout out to them. A surprise email just before my birthday arrived in my inbox with the offer of a free bottle of Prosecco and a free meal! Of course, we love Zizzi anyway, especially as they are one of the chains that do vegan pizzas. They were also able to get us in on Easter Sunday too, which was a feat in itself. We have always had great service at the Ellesmere Port branch, but on that day it seemed even better than usual. Which is why they are my current favourite food place.
Person/People: Outdoor Bloggers
I love giving shout outs to people who I think are doing good work, or are just generally cool. So I have added a people section to the favourites. This month, because of the influence in my currently loving and because I am attending a weekend camp with them, the honour goes to the Outdoor Bloggers. If you’re an outdoor blogger, you will know the challenges of fitting into most regular blogger groups – think make up reviews and outfits of the day! Although there is nothing wrong with these, sometimes you want to talk maps, dry bags or even dehydrated food. And the crew that I have found in the Outdoor Bloggers group is fab! Not only are they part of a great support group, I’m proud to call so many of them friends.
If you’re an outdoorsey type blogger, head over to check out what it is all about. We’re the best, friendliest eclectic bunch of people you could ever meet!
Music: Sonya Spence
When you think of Instagram, you’re more likely picturing beautiful photographs and scenes. However, I find a lot of new music from my friends over there and Sonya Spence “Let Love Flow on” is one of the ones that has jumped into my favourites list. Calm, upbeat and so easy to listen to while working, it is now a firm favourite on my YouTube playlist.
Clothing: M&S Socks
I have included my new M&S socks as they were a lovely surprise from my Sparks card for my birthday. A free pack of socks or tights to celebrate my big day. Being a lover of fancy socks and having far too many riddled with holes, it really was a lovely present. Thanks, M&S! To top it off, they are fun and colourful too, as well as working well as sock liners when I need that extra layer on cold days.
Book: Waterways Guide
I am a total self-confessed canal geek and recently I added to my collection of Nicholson Waterways Guides. I already own (and thoroughly enjoy) the North West & the Pennines edition, so grabbing the Four Counties & the Welsh Canals one as well. The Wirral and Chester have the Shropshire Union Canal running through them and I found nothing better than sitting on the towpath learning about the history of the waterway. And before you think that it is just for canal boat owners, it isn’t. There is plenty of information for those of us (currently) just exploring on foot, including nearby pubs, museums and other activities.
Destination: Chester
Having spent a few days exploring there last week, Chester just had to be the destination for my currently loving destination. I grew up on the Wirral and went to college in Chester, yet on my recent visit I discovered so much more about the city than I imagined. A historic city with fantastic legends and stories, as well as generally relaxing places to walk and relax. It has it all really – well, except a very large Asian supermarket, as we discovered. But that aside, it is certainly worth a visit, whether you’ve been before or are new, you’ll find something to interest you.
Tech: Snowball Ice Blue Microphone
Having been producing more video over the last few months, I have realised the need for good sound. Especially when it comes to voice overs. So for my birthday, after speaking to a variety of podcasters and video editors, Jit purchased for me the Snowball Ice Blue Microphone. He opted for it because it not omnidirectional, meaning that the cats won’t be included in everything I record! Not that it is a bad thing, but it can be distracting. It is also compact and looks great on my now tidy desk. I’ll be doing a proper review of it sometime in the future when I have had more chance to use and play with it. But for now, it is definitely a current favourite in my tech world.
So there you have my currently loving list for April. Are you currently loving any of the thing in my list?
What are your favourites this month?
Let me know in the comments below!