Life Lately April ’25

What I’ve Been Up To

Hi Friends! I hope you had a great month! Here’s what I’ve been up to in April and my life lately.

The highlight of the month was our daughter’s engagement! We’re beyond excited, and our hearts are so happy!

One of my April goals was to focus on my friendships, and I had a packed social schedule in the first half of the month. I met up with two friends for sushi, who were my besties back in the day. We lost touch over the years, but recently reconnected and are making a point to keep in touch.

I joined friends for lunch at a French-Vietnamese restaurant to celebrate a birthday. My husband and I hosted friends for dinner one evening for homemade pizzas. We finally caught up with dear friends that we hadn’t seen since fall. I also met up with another group of friends for brunch to celebrate a different friend’s birthday. I also went on a week-long work trip to Ohio and Kentucky. Phew!

On the home front,  I’ve been back and forth on what to do in the front living room. I finally decided that what we needed was a lounge area. There was really nowhere to sit and converse when we had people over except at the dining room table. So, I sourced two club chairs and a new cocktail table. I’ll be sharing the before and after in an upcoming blog post, but here’s a sneak peek!

Products I Tried

Spark’l Apple Watch bands gifted me their Light Pink & White Rigatela Sivella band.

The founder, Courtney, started the company back in 2016 when she was unable to find stylish band options for her Apple Watch.

Her mission is to make every woman Spark’l and turn every smart watch into a gorgeous accessory. Spark’l gives back to nonprofits and upholds a commitment to sustainability.

The bands are handcrafted with upcycled materials, pre-loved authentic designer canvas, including authentic vintage Louis Vuitton, Gucci & Fendi handbags.

They’re made in the USA and make the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Use my code DOUSEDINPINK for 10% off!

Colleen Rothschild sent me a goodie box full of some of her best sellers to test. I’m very conscious of the ingredients in skincare products, and I love that her range is formulated without parabens and sulfates. One of my favorite CR products is the Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream. I’ve used it for years, and I’m excited to try these others. I will report back, but in the meantime, you can check out Colleen Rothschild here.

Mother’s Day Deals

Melinda Maria just launched pet jewelry. Yes, you heard that right! A little bling for your cat or dog. They also have a beautiful selection of jewelry perfect for Mother’s Day, like this dainty initial heart bracelet or these edgy serpent drop earrings. Check them out here and use my code DOUSEDINPINK for 10% off. 

City Beauty Mother’s Day Sale!  

30% off Skincare/Body Products (includes Beyond Mascara, City Lash, Redensifying Brow Serum, & Complete Skin Restore) with coupon code MD30.

Click here to check out the sale!

Sale Excludes: All City Lips (City Lips Defining Liner, City Lip plumping gloss, City Lips Line Therapy, City Lips Plumping Oil, & City Lips Night Oil) & product bundles.

What I’m Watching

White Lotus was by far my favorite show in April. They really built it up every week, and there was a lot to unpack after the final episode. I won’t spoil anything here if you haven’t seen it yet.

Adolescence centers on a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The show follows the boy and his family as they navigate the aftermath of his actions. It’s presented as a psychological crime drama, with each episode filmed in one continuous shot, immersing the viewer in the chaos and fear experienced by the characters. 

We needed something light after Adolescence, so we started the Studio with Seth Rogen. He stars as the newly appointed head of a movie studio. His character was annoying, so we gave up after two episodes and moved on to Your Friends and Neighbors with Jon Hamm. Jon Hamm’s character is a recently fired hedge fund manager who resorts to stealing from his neighbors’ homes, only to discover that the secrets hidden behind the wealthy facades might be more dangerous.

We also just started Prime Target. It’s about a young mathematician on the verge of a breakthrough when he realizes an unseen enemy is trying to destroy his idea. A government agent is also tracking him, and together they begin to unravel a conspiracy.

What I’m Reading

A dark psychological thriller – when reclusive writer Leonora is invited to the English countryside for a weekend away, she reluctantly agrees to make the trip. But as the first night falls, revelations unfold among friends old and new, an unnerving memory shatters Leonora’s reserve, and a haunting realization creeps in: the party is not alone in the woods.

Recipes I Tried

I made my own Big Mac version of these Turkey Smash Burgers. They were delicious. This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken and Caprese Chicken Skillet were also really good.

What I’m Wearing

Goals Recap

April goals

Fitness: No sweets, limit carbs, and increase cardio workouts. Limit carbs: check! Increase cardio: check! No sweets: huge fail.

Financial: List clothes on Poshmark. Earnings will go into the vacation account. Done! I still have lots more that I’m listing – you can check out my closet HERE.

Relationships: Plan the clothing swap and schedule lunch with a friend I’ve lost touch with. The clothing swap just isn’t happening logistically, so I’m scratching that for now.

Blog: Create a new opt-in. This is drafted, and I’m really excited about it. More to come soon!

May Goals

Fitness: Join the Spring Reset Clean Eating Challenge at my gym.

Financial: No spend May.

Relationships: Host a happy hour with my neighbors.

Blog: Roll out my Seven Days of Effortless Summer Outfits series.

Spring Bucket List

How to Wear a Trench Coat this Spring

What to Wear with Striped Pants

What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month

I’m planning on visiting our daughter for Mother’s Day weekend. My sister and her husband are coming for a week-long visit at the end of May. And, we’re also hosting our neighborhood dinner group next month! Mother’s Day is when it is officially safe to plant flowers in the Midwest – I’m looking forward to planting some annuals and container gardens.

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 Thanks for reading!


Linking up with:

Between Naps on the Porch | I do de Claire | Walking in Memphis in High Heels & The Fashion Canvas | My Slices of Life | The Style Splash |  Curated by Jennifer | Mummabstylish | Shelbee On the Edge | Nancy’s Fashion Style | Momfessionals | Marsha in the Middle 

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3 responses

  1. I am so happy for you with your daughter's engagement! What an exciting journey it will be. I loved White Lotus and Adolescence too. These looks are fabulous and I need to say no to sweets as well. So hard!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  2. Kellyann

    Your daughter's engagement is the absolute best – I am so happy for you all!
    I'm excited to see your blog update too – you do so much Jill and you do it all so very well!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  3. Living on Cloud Nine

    This post made me so happy! I’m over the moon for those cuties. It’s going to be such a sweet engagement and planning the wedding will be amazing! You had such a great April! I love what you did for the lounge area and can’t wait to sit there and have a cocktail in person! It looks so warm & inviting. Those recipes sound so good & your outfits were spot on spectacular!