APRIL DELIGHTS

EVERYTHING I ADORED THIS MONTH

Welcome to a new series and spin on monthly favourites. Maybe it’s my Virgo rising, but if I think of favourites I get way too selective and specific, so please enjoy my DELIGHTS instead. A varied list of books, beauty products, media, practices and moments that have brought me joy this month.

Books

The first 3 months of 2025 found me in a huge reading slump (I read 6 books — criminal behaviour for me!!), and I was thrilled to have to desire to read in April. I am a huge library fan girl, and most of my books come from there (I’ve marked them L). We need to normalise borrowing from the library then buying — but that’s a rant for another day.

The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland

One of my favourite books in the world. I think this was my 6th reread and tbh I will never stop reading it. The way Holly writes is so enchanting and grounding. Whenever I read The Seven Skins, I yearn for Tasmania. I’ve never lived there but after reading Esther’s story so many times, it feels like home.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young (L)

I devoured this book. It sat on my tbr for a good month before I saw a light spoiler that actually drew me in. Instead of being annoyed I was captivated. And once I started reading — at the café over an acai bowl and pot of English Breakfast tea — I couldn’t stop. Sweeping, romantic, mystical and mysterious, I stayed up late to finish it. Cried at the ending. Immediately wished I’d bought it so I could read it again.

A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley (L)

The third book in the Glimmer Falls series did not disappoint. If you like witchy / magical books with a bit of smut then Ms. Hawley is the writer for you. This one had the classic werewolf / vampire love story, except the werewolf is actually an anxious man who owns a plant store and the vampire is a half succubus 600yo assassin. Sweet, funny, charming, self-aware, did not disappoint.

The Heart is a Star by Megan Rogers (L)

I am a sucker for Australian fiction and will immediately borrow anything that is set in Tasmania. I was initially unsure if I’d like this book, but Megan’s writing was so captivating and seeped in landscapes and I felt like I was there. I also deeply related to the mentally unwell mother storyline, and loved how the main character was in her 40s and navigating life on the other side of getting it all. Highly recommend, I tore through it in a day.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

I am a huge EmHen stan, so naturally I had high hopes for GBBL. I shared a very long review of my thoughts and heartaches on TT, but overall I did enjoy it. It was definitely a departure from Emily’s usual work, so while there is a summer romance set in a small coastal town, the story isn’t fully dedicated to that storyline like in her other books. I don’t want to give too much away, but I ended up being shocked by a few twists. All the core elements of an Emily Henry book were there, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it if you love a good modern rom-com or are into historical fiction.

One of the prettiest book covers in the world!!

Beauty

Glory Lips — Eco by Sonya

I have been looking for an everyday lip balm that gives me a bit of shine and this one delivered. It’s a pretty small tube (15ml) so I don’t reach for it all the time, but it’s cheap ($15 AUD), smells like Natural Confectionary lollies and fells really nourishing and rich on the lips. The only downside is that it is a bit sticky, so don’t apply it outside with your hair down.

Renewing + Repairing & Shine Conditioner — Ogx

I am forever hunting for a conditioner that reduces frizz but keeps my (loose) curls in tact, and this one might be a winner. I wanted to test out a few drugstore options before dragging my ass back to Mecca, and tbh I might not need to. I’ve used this one three times and like it a lot. It’s also got a very nostalgic scent for me — I spent a summer living with my parents when I turned 19 (lol) and used my step mum’s Moroccan oil a lot. It’s kinda wild to be using the same brand now over a decade on.

Dazzle Nail Polish — Natio

On my birthday weekend, I realised how much I enjoy painting my nails. I’ve never indulged in it regularly as an adult, so I decided to change that as I turned 30. I picked up this nail polish from the chemist a couple of weeks ago and love it!! I’m about to do a fresh application today. It was cheap as chips ($10 AUD) and lasts really well. Being glittery, it is easy to apply and layer, and very forgiving if you mess up. I feel like a mermaid fairy princess whenever I catch my nails sparkling in the sun, and that’s the exact energy I want more of in my life.

Glittery nails are transcendent.

Media

46. A Trio on Female Friendship — Spiral Deeper

I really loved this episode in conversation with Ali Ofstedal and sierra mcdaniel. It was like listening to a warm cup of honey tea. Gaby does such a beautiful job with this podcast in general, but hearing three emotionally mature and spiritual women talk about navigating friendship in the digital age was exactly what I needed.

Lush Timelines Have Deep Roots — Initiations

This is the only astrology podcast I listen to!! Jules is the OG, and the way she weaves mythology and astrology is so juicy and alluring. I could listen to her talk all day. I will happily recommend any episode of her podcast, but this ep on Taurus season was really juicy so start there.

XO Kitty

I put the first ep on randomly one afternoon as I painted my nails, and immediately got hooked. I don’t watch a lot of teen dramas these days, but like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, this one was incredibly wholesome and cute and innocent and silly and dramatic and adorable. There’s only two seasons so far but I’m looking forward to the next one.

The Last Anniversary

Dropping weekly on Binge, this new Australian show has captured my heart. I am a sucker for Australian media!! This one is based on a Liane Moriarty book (the author of Big Little Lies) so I knew it was gonna be good. I really want to read the book but am waiting till the season ends to avoid spoilers. Set on a small island off the coast of Sydney, the story follows a woman in her late 30s who is unexpectedly gifted a house from her ex’s recently deceased grandma. It’s a rich family drama / mystery, is so charmingly Australian and has me wanting to move to an island immediately.

Teresa Palmer in The Last Anniversary. I continue to be obsessed with her hair.

Practices

Morning Yoga in The Daily Rest Studio

Confession: I completely fell off and away from my yoga practice in Feb / March. I’ve never avoided it for so long, and it felt yuck. I am sooooooo glad to be back, and spending time in TDR Studio every morning. I’m easing my way back in with a short practice (up to 30mins) then following it up with our daily practice in this season of The Beauty Portal. Some classes I’ve been loving include: Morning Dew, Romance Yourself, A Sensual Morning, Waking up in the Rainforest and An Island Morning. If you want to join us I have a referral code :)

Kriya to See the Inner Beauty

Our suggested morning practice in TDR is so juicy. The first time I did it I wasn’t that fussed, but I’ve committed to doing it most mornings and I’m always happy that I do. It’s simple yet powerful, and I’m really excited to see how the practice ripples within and outside of me over the next two months.

My favourite spot in Bundaberg.

Moments

A juicy morning thrifting — I went out hunting for a side table our kitchen (my most despised space in the house, it’s so clunky!!) and came back with clothes and homewares instead (classic). I filmed a little haul video on TT if you’re curious. I’m currently wearing the oversized blouse I found and feel just as cool in it as I’d hoped.

Longer afternoon walks with Pip — after a long summer of burnout, it feels so nice to have the energy again for longer walks. We’ve extended the loop around our neighbourhood to stretch some walks to 30 minutes, and it’s the perfect amount of time to listen to an album and tire Miss Pippy out before the witching hour.

Swimming at my favourite beach — thanks to burnout / treacherous UV levels, I didn’t swim at my local beach all year until April 15. What the actual fuck!! For context, I usually throw myself in once a week, but after a scary crocodile sighting, depression and ridiculously hot weather, I kinda gave up trying. Jumping in felt like a renewal. Despite the massive waves (my least favourite swimming condition) I gave myself to the water and drove back two days later to be blessed with a perfectly calm and clear morning.

Tending to my Substacks — can you tell I’m not a summer girl? I feel like my creative energy really started firing again with the arrival of Aries season, and I’ve been grateful to have the energy to tend to it most days. In addition to BURN IT INTO BEING, I launched a new substack, LIFE FORCE, in April. I’ve committed to releasing weekly articles for it, and am really enjoying putting my practitioner/teacher brain to use and sharing my wisdom in written format.

Creating on TikTok — I don’t care what you say, I love TikTok! Do I need to reduce my screen time on the app? Yes. Do I get a lot of joy, connection and inspiration from it? Also yes. I’ve found it to be a lot more welcoming and forgiving than Instagram too. I’ve been experimenting with a personal account, and pursuing my dream of content creation (fucking hell, was that scary to type). I’ve wanted to do lifestyle content for years but have always been too afraid. Anyway, here’s my account if you wanna come play. It’s pretty fun.

A good hair + shirt day.

Thank you for reading my April Delights!! I had so much fun collating this list. I highly encourage you to make one too — even if no one sees it. It can be so easy to get swept up in the days and weeks of our lives that we forget all the little moments of magic we experienced in them.

Till next time,

Viv