April's Notebook - April 2025

some fun facts, book freebies, what I cooking lately, and how I dislike spring

Apr 17, 2025

Notes from Right Now

I think spring is a lot of work. Most of what I see on Instagram or Pinterest is how beautiful Spring is. If I am being completely honest, I don’t agree.

For my household spring is finishing the school year well, deep cleaning the house, organizing, and making better spending choices. It is often when overwhelm and fatigue set in.

What worked a few months ago does not work now (and vice versa). And that is okay. It is not a failure on my part, just a change in seasons.

In spring I often go back to the basics of what works for me.

I also ~~begrudgingly admit~~ try to embrace that the weather will be heating up soon and our summer desert temperatures will return. 🥵🌵

I am doing my best to take more walks while the weather is nice. The other day while the kids were in PE class playing basketball I enjoyed stopping to take pictures of these blooming Palo Verde trees.

Little Bella (the adorable puppy) has grown and is used to our routines. She has made herself at home in the schoolroom, in my office, and has her favorite spot in the living room. She still carries toys throughout the house and her favorite thing is getting a new stick from the wood pile in the yard. She has brought so much excitement and joy to our home.

Here are a few books I love in the productivity space that feel especially helpful in the spring.

Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee is an invitation to step off the hamster wheel of hustle and embrace a more sustainable, unhurried way of living. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and thoughtful reflections, Lee challenges the cultural pressure to achieve faster and instead encourages readers to find peace in the steady, intentional growth of their lives.

If you often feel like you’re rushing through your days, measuring your worth by productivity, or struggling to rest without guilt, this book will help you reframe your mindset. It’s a gentle reminder that growth takes time—and that slower, intentional living can lead to deeper joy and fulfillment.

Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal challenges the idea that productivity has to be exhausting or stressful. Instead, Abdaal introduces a science-backed approach that prioritizes joy, energy, and well-being as the key to sustainable productivity. Through practical strategies and real-life examples, he shows how working with your motivation—rather than against it—leads to better results and a more fulfilling life.

If you’ve ever felt burnt out by traditional productivity hacks or struggled to stay motivated, this book will help you rethink how you work. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get things done without sacrificing their happiness in the process.

My goal in spring is to clean out the baking mixes and anything in the pantry that I bought for winter baking. I know our time is limited for using the oven and so I don’t want to keep that stuff around for months.

Meal planning changes happen in our home as well. I shift from casseroles, soups, and roasts to more summer type meals. The foods that show up on our table reflect what is on sale at the local produce market.

I really enjoy pasta salads, noodle dishes, and a variety of sandwiches.

The publishing finish line is so close I can feel it, and I’m so excited to get Subtle Resistance into your hands! The final book proofs are almost done, and it’s all starting to feel real.

I’ve been busy prepping for the launch and trying to be realistic about what I can do with my current schedule.

I also finished my free PDF Book Guide!

This hands-on companion to Subtle Resistance is designed to help you create space for what truly matters. The guide is packed with journal prompts, habit trackers, and thoughtful challenges. It helps you turn ideas into action—at your own pace and in a way that fits your life.

Because you are part of my Substack community I will give you early access.

✨ Grab your copy and see how it works for you!

get the Free PDF book guide here

There are some other fun surprises in the works too, and I can’t wait to share it all with you soon!

For now, here is a glimpse of what the book launch events will feel like:

Before I go, here’s a few fun facts:
I am named April but was not born in April. I celebrated my 43rd birthday on March 29th. 🎂 (It was a special day of bookstore browsing, great food, and relaxed fun with Jim and our kids.)
Easter is my least favorite holiday. I avoid the pastel bunny decor and crowded egg hunts! I would love to know if you are like me and you are also a member of the “Meh About Spring” fan club. 😐 (I totally wish that was a thing.) 🐰
This month marks 4 years of setting up my office, taking my writing seriously, writing blog posts, and sharing my work. 💻
I have learned so much, have met so many amazing writers, and have felt myself come alive in new ways the past few years. It has been an exciting adventure and I am hopeful for what is in my future as a writer.

Share April Edwards [Embracing Home]

As always this newsletter is a short snapshot of what’s unfolding in my home in this season. (Or at least what I can share here with you all on the wide world of the internet...)

But I would love to hear from you.