Things I Love: April Picks

It is half way through April, so it is about time I did my picks for this month. Yesterday’s book review has left me suffering from a mad case of Anglophilia, so all of today’s picks fit into my British inspired theme. I hope that you’ll like these products as much as I do!

1. The Royal We: Yesterday I did a review of The Royal We by Go Fug Yourself  creators, Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (read it here) but I had to include it in my April picks because I thought it was that much fun (plus it fits the theme). It is a light, quick read that will be enjoyed by both Anglophiles and royal watchers alike.
2. Ann Carrington Art: I was first introduced to Carrington’s works when she was featured on Robert and Cortney Novogratz’s show 9 By Design (which is unfortunately no longer on the air). It was love at first sight! Carrington is an extremely talented artist and while I love all of her work, I am especially obsessed with her Pearly Queens. Absolutely stunning. I dream of one day owning a Carrington piece of my very own!
3. Better With Age Limited Edition Print by Kristen Smith: I go back and forth all the time on my favorite Austen work but have narrowed it down to my top three: Emma, Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. When I first read Pride and Prejudice I fell in love and almost didn’t want to read any of her other works because I didn’t think that any of her other works would measure up. Then I was persuaded to read Emma because it was the inspiration for one of my favorite movies, Clueless, and I fell just as hard for it as I had Pride and Prejudice. So then I read more of her work and Persuasion quickly became a favorite. It wasn’t as whimsical as Emma and it wasn’t as clever as Pride and Prejudice but the story somehow seemed to resonate with me in a way that the others hadn’t. My absolute favorite quote from the book is featured on this gorgeous print by graphic designer Kristen Smith that I found on Minted . I just ordered it yesterday, by the way, and I am seriously in love! I can’t wait for it to arrive. Be sure to check out some of Kristen Smith’s other work as well (I think she might just be my new favorite Minted designer – she’s a serious talent).
4. Kate Middle-Toe Socks: Have you heard of Chattyfeet? I hadn’t either until I saw them featured a while back on the Huffington Post but this UK company seriously has the cutest socks I have seen in a long time. I haven’t ordered from them (yet) but I am currently obsessed with all of their quirky designs (the Kate Middle-Toe is my favorite but the Don Cottone design is pretty rockin’ too). If anyone is looking to get me a late birthday gift, then look no further. So cute!
5. Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots: These Wellingtons (“Wellies”) are an iconic wardrobe staple, but David gave me a hard time when I bought myself a pair because it so rarely rains in California. My money was well spent though because I wear these babies every time it rains and they keep my feet dry and happy. Made of waterproof natural rubber with a quick dry nylon lining and a sturdy textured sole for grip, these are the perfect boot for a rainy day or for walking through mud. Plus, they’re totally cute and they have been spotted on everyone from British Royalty (Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana) to Hollywood Royalty (Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon and Kate Moss just to name a few). They come in a wide variety of colors but my personal favorite is Olive Green because it goes with absolutely everything.
6. Dr. Who Yahtzee: My kids go absolutely bonkers for anything Doctor Who related (we watch a lot of science fiction in our house). On any given day you can find yourself tripping over Sonic Screwdrivers, Dr. Who Potato Heads and even Custom Dr. Who Lego men (you can find great custom Legos on Etsy). My oldest got this Yahtzee set for Christmas last year and it is just a fun update to a classic game and something that the whole family can enjoy together.
7. McVitie’s Digestives: When my dad was living in London he used to bring us loads of McVitie’s goodies every time he came home. David’s favorite are the Hobnobs but I am partial to the Digestives. According to the McVitie’s website, the first digestive was made by Sir Alexander Grant in 1892 at the McVitie’s factory in Edinburgh, Scotland. I like all of the flavors but if I have my choice, I almost always pick the Milk Chocolate (first sold in 1925). After my parents moved away from London, I went through some pretty serious McVitie’s withdrawals but now you can buy them everywhere from select super markets to Cost Plus World Market and even Amazon. Trust me, one bit and you’ll be hooked.