Just after Easter, I met an old friend for a couple of days in the Peak District. It was a flying visit, but the fresh air and scenery were exactly what we both needed. Shoots of spring were emerging everywhere: in cracks of dry stone walls; hidden by the roots of tall trees; and on the grassy verges of footpaths. We started in Hathersage, a small town with streets of stone buildings and a church tower that surveys all from the top of the hill. Climbing further still towards Stannage Edge we discovered North Lees Hall, which was supposedly the inspiration for Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre; a selling point for us as former literature students, and a spot that gave spectacular views from all angles.

After staying nearby and enjoying a meal in our hotel's restaurant, we drove further south to visit Chatsworth House. Having only been once before when I was a lot younger, it was interesting to explore the house and grounds at a leisurely pace, and the heat of the midday sunshine brought life to the places in the garden where winter had resided until only recently. I often think that spring is the best time to visit historic houses such as this; the crowds are smaller and life is just beginning to flourish. We finished the afternoon with cups of tea and cake (with clotted cream no less!) and relished being able to eat alfresco.

The next morning before my drive back, I woke with the birds and escaped the confines of the room to explore our direct surroundings. It was a steep climb out of the valley and the views were hazy with the mists of the morning, but everything hummed with expectancy, waiting impatiently for the day to begin. My mind played dot-to-dot with the snags of sheep's wool caught in the branches. My ears listened attentively for the lowing of cows on the other side of the valley. If there exists a perfect, peaceful way to start the day, this came very close.

Last month's choice - The Old Ways - has been truly enlightening. Although I've read a number of creative non-fiction books over the past year or so, Robert Macfarlane's prose seems so effortless whilst at the same time carefully crafted that he's shot up to be one of my favourite authors. You can pick up the book at any chapter and be ensconced in an exploratory world filled with lyrical descriptions of nature, and while I haven't quite finished the final section, I know that whatever journey it details will be one of passion and adventure. My favourite of his journeys details the 'deadliest path in Britain' on the east coast; when you read you are there with him, venturing out in the misty morning, not knowing what you will find.

I picked up Meadowland for April's reading when I visited the Peak District earlier in the month. It was actually in the Chatsworth gift shop (these places always have the best books for sale!). Promising a unique account of an English meadow throughout the months, it seems a fitting choice to follow on from The Old Ways. Any book that follows a journey through the months of the year (just like A Year in the Woods) appeals to my way of life, and I am looking forward to reading about the nuances of seasonal change over the next few weeks.

Whilst I love fiction, it is these stories of life, the natural world and the countryside that have hooked my interest recently, and keeping this month's choice company in my reading pile are a number of magazines and countryside-themed reference books. I'm interested - do you read non-fiction as much as or more than fiction? Which do you prefer? As always, head over to Circle of Pine Trees for more inspiration and to share your choice for the year in books.

Good morning and Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend has been full of sunshine and laughter. We pottered at home on Saturday; Mr CC cut the grass (it was long overdue) while I did some household jobs and a bit of blogging. I've joined Gemma's six month long free-to-flourish Inner Circle and the welcome pack winged its way into my inbox on Saturday morning; a motivating start to the weekend. It's free to join, so head over here to sign up before the official start on the 26th. While you're browsing, here's a round-up of everything you should read, eat and do from this week...

Read

With weather as beautiful as the spring we've had so far, who needs to venture abroad? Plan a staycation, or head over here for tips on how to make the best of a homecation.

If you're looking for more reasons to stay in Britain this year, then Sophie's photos of spring-time glow are sure to convince you. I really must go and visit Norfolk soon.

Had a rough week? You need these 35 reasons to be happy.

Eat

If you've indulged a bit too much this week, try Lucy's recipe for turkey meatballs and courgette spaghetti. A spiralizer is now top of my wish list.

On the other end of the spectrum, this white chocolate tiffin from Sarah is the perfect accompaniment for your afternoon cup of tea. Decadent and delicious!

Do

Improving my photography skills is something I've been trying to focus on for a while, so this post on composition and negative space has been most helpful.

If you're in need of a little relaxation (and really, who isn't?), then try this spring flower bath soak and facial steam. Anything with dried flowers has got my vote.

What have you been reading this week? Have you written something you think I'd love? Leave a link below!

Mr CC has been away with work this week, so it's been a bit of a strange one. I think the last time that we were apart for longer than a night or two was when he did his training to become a firefighter, so it's not something we're particularly used to. But it has meant that I've spent some quality time with Bella in the evenings, particularly on Tuesday when we ventured across the fields (with no coat on!) to enjoy the last flickers of the day's sunshine. Work has been incredibly busy this week, and I have felt very grateful to be able to escape for a while after being huddled indoors for so long.

As the days slip away and we fall ever deeper into spring, it's this call of nature that I'm trying to embrace the most, before another season is done and gone. The creamy daffodils in the corner of our garden are blooming now, and they bob and dance in the early evening breeze when I return from work; a welcoming and cheerful sight. In the hazy light of the dawn it is the sound of the birds' chorus that dominates, beginning softly and crescendoing as the white streaks of light filter across the bed sheets.

I've been wearing an unbuttoned coat to work - even on the morning where frost pricked the grassy hillsides and nipped the air - relishing the cool freshness of morning that a clear blue sky the day before brings.  The wind might be whipping around the hedges and whistling through the cracks in the windows, but it's also the instigator of swirling spirals of blossom petals that seem to almost shimmer in an iridescent light.

Sometimes, in the quiet weeks, I wonder if I have any memories to share, but then I realise that it's often the simple moments plucked from a seemingly ordinary day that are the ones I want to remember the most.

Living within forty-five minutes of the coast has always been one of the attractions of living in Lincolnshire. Don't get me wrong, the green rolling fields of the countryside are, without doubt, where my heart truly lies, but there's something about a trip to the beach that refreshes the senses and makes for a rather contented feeling. Last week we ventured to Theddlethorpe beach, somewhere we've not explored before, but a place I'd been recommended for being quiet and dog-friendly, and it did not disappoint.

This was Bella's first trip to the beach and she absolutely loved it; she spent the morning frolicking through the sand dunes and splashing through the waves, even braving a quick swim before feeling a little out of her depth. The best part? We had the beach pretty much to ourselves, and there was so much space! Spring had well and truly arrived so coats were off and we paddled with Bella before stopping just by the shoreline to enjoy a cup of tea and a mid-morning snack. We felt elated with sunshine, warmth and happiness and closed our eyes, imagining we were on holiday (which wasn't particularly difficult).

Another hour sped past and we wandered some more, fascinated by the debris left behind by the tides: crab's claws, starfish, razor shells, seaweed and even a ship's mast. The sunlight glistened on the droplets left behind in the rivets of sand. Sea birds sang with delight and flew swiftly across the haze of blue on the horizon. We left feeling rejuvenated and ready for whatever the rest of spring has to throw at us, content in the knowledge that we'd spent so little but gained so much pleasure from our morning.

Good morning and happy Sunday! It's a bit blustery here this morning, so the dog walk first thing certainly blew any early cobwebs away. I'm hoping for a fairly quiet day today - tomorrow I am back at work after some time off and while I still have lots that I should be doing, I know once the week begins I won't have chance to stop, so plan to relish the final few hours of peace today. On that note, here are some posts for you to explore if you've got similar plans today...

Read

Lucy got married recently and on her honeymoon found a clearing of the mental mists; something I have also felt this week, and what a wonderful feeling it has been.

If you're still looking for some inspiration or motivation, these wise words from Buddha that Lucy (a different Lucy!) found on her travels abroad are just what you need. My favourite? "Only who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."

On a similar theme, Elizabeth's post on why it is essential to fail makes for an interesting read.

Finally, for a colour that encapsulates spring, head over to Sally's positive post on the love of green.

Eat

If you read this month's Eat Seasonably post, you'll know that fish is the order of the day in April. These rosti crab cakes from Delia are perfect for a midweek meal or a leisurely weekend lunch.

Homemade dips are always so much tastier than ones from the shop, and this week I've tried my hand at a cannellini bean dip - simply follow Ella's recipe here, and replace the chickpeas for cannellini beans. Serve with crunchy vegetables, in a wrap, or stir in a pasta sauce to thicken.

Do

If you're for a project this week, hunt out a steamer trunk and give it a new lease of life as a coffee table. Josephine Penelope shows you how here.

Live in Lancashire? Tempted to visit this year? You will be after seeing these lovely images and tips for where to go exploring in the county from Nishaantishu.

The past week has been full of friends, family, great food and a bit of exploring for good measure. I've done a few productive things on my to-do list - I probably should have made time for a few more - but mainly I've relished actually having some time to walk Bella, take photographs to my heart's content, play Scrabble with my mum and grandma and spend a few hours doing really not a lot.

Easter weekend began by spending a very special afternoon with four out of six of my bridesmaids and my mum at a dress fitting where we indulged in homemade (and for the most part quite healthy) afternoon tea treats. A glass of bubbly and lots of chat made for the perfect start to our wedding countdown; although we still have just over six months to go, things are starting to feel real now, and I've been trying to get organised to prevent last minute stresses. My sister (and maid-of-honour) was an incredible host, and I am now extremely excited about the hen-do in August!

This week was made even better by the fact that Mr CC cooked us pancakes not just once but twice (!) for breakfast. Add a drizzle of local honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and you've got yourself a very happy start to the day, and I think it's something we're going to try and make time for more often, not just when it's a bank holiday.

Finally, Mr CC and I took Bella for her first day at the beach (more on this next week!) and I spent a couple of days this week with an old friend from university. We decided last minute to meet half way between where we live - the Peak District - and had a lovely time catching up and exploring our surroundings. More on this in another blog post soon!

What memories have you made this week?

I've mentioned my love for wreaths a few times before, and while many see them simply as a festive decoration for December, I like to hang them the whole year round. Creating my autumn wreath was so simple that I decided immediately that I would make another come spring, and this week that time arrived, just ready for the Easter weekend as well.

I started by browsing the local florist for a few select blooms, including one bunch from the reduced section in front of the shop. Although the flowers were already open, it didn't really matter as I knew the wreath would not last as long as a styled vase, and wanted the visual impact to be immediate. I didn't set out with a colour scheme in mind, but as these things often do it evolved naturally into a predominantly purple and yellow display - perfect to brighten our home and in keeping with fresh spring colours. I also picked up a couple of eggs as a homage to Easter and a reminder that new life is on the horizon.

Like last time, I used a willow wreath base, and you can pick them up from garden centres or online, or if you'd prefer you could use a wire base instead. I added the thistles and eggs first and then filled in the gaps with the rest of the flowers, making sure to slide the stems far enough into the willow so that they stay put (this way no string or other attachments are needed - so simple!).

If you're thinking of giving this very simple craft a try, here are my top tips for the perfect wreath display:

• Invest in a solid base. I've used my willow base for a couple of years now and it's perfect for weaving stems in and out.
• Choose a mixture of foliage and flowers for a balanced effect.
• Start with the big stems first - these will be the trickiest to slot into place.
• Don't be afraid to pull something out if it doesn't work - the beauty of wreath making is that it doesn't matter if you make a mistake.
• Stand back throughout the process to check what the wreath looks like from afar.
• Once flowers start drooping, simply replace them with new ones if you want to keep your wreath displayed for longer than a few days.

April is, inevitably, dominated by Easter, and what's on our plates is no exception. Rather than stocking up on chocolate eggs from the supermarkets, though, why not try and make some of your own delicious treats? Hot cross buns are the obvious choice, but as someone who really isn't the biggest fan of mixed peel, I tend to add cranberries and other dried fruit and remove the peel. Seeing chocolate at every turn makes it hard to resist, so for once give in to temptation and indulge in a decadent brownie or rich chocolate torte, and serve with homemade ice cream or crème fraîche. I'm hungry just thinking about it.

Fish is the order of the day in April, so why not take advantage of fresh white crab meat and make your own crab fishcakes? Add a dip and some greens and you've got a heavenly dinner ahead of you. If you're after something a bit heartier, try a fish pie. Bulk it out with prawns and white fish, but make sure you include some salmon too for a richer flavour. Top with creamy mash and serve with peas for the ultimate comfort food.

If after all that you find yourself searching for something a little lighter (and this is something I will often find as the sunshine starts to appear and the days get longer), then try roasting some new season veg like radishes, blitz some beans to make a dip and serve with crispy flatbreads; lunches just got a whole lot more exciting. If salads are more your thing, then simply add a sliced spiced chicken breast and anything from the deli counter (sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese...) for a quick, easy dinner.

Good morning, and Happy Easter! We're starting the day with poached duck eggs instead of the chocolate kind, thinking ahead to the new life that will hopefully start appearing in the garden soon. How are you planning to spend your Sunday? Mr CC is working so I'll be (weather-permitting) out in the vegetable garden getting on with some planting and trying not to get too excited about my mum's cooking later on. If you're having a slow start to the day, here are some links to keep you occupied...

Read

Ever heard of slow blogging? Neither had I until this week, but I like the sound of it. Jenny's blog is proof that it works, too - there are so many useful and detailed posts on blogging and the creative process, and I'm steadily working my way through the archives.

Want to get growing vegetables but not sure what to plant with the space you have? This easy to follow infographic has everything you need all in one place.

Eat

I mentioned in Friday's post that we enjoyed pancakes for breakfast (and really, who doesn't?!) so this post has definitely continued my love for the humble pancake in all its many forms. Almond spelt pancakes, anyone?

Looking for something simple to bake for Easter? Look no further than these mini simnel cakes.

Sticking with a baking theme (and a sweet theme - I think I must be craving sugar this week!), Rosie's nostalgic gingerbread muffin recipe is heading straight to the top of my 'to bake' list. The addition of tart lemon glaze is genius.

Do

It's Easter so for anyone with children that can mean two weeks of trying to keep them busy and happy. Head over here for five great outdoor activities that are bound to delight, even if the weather is not quite up to scratch.

I mentioned last week my new love for Pretty Nostalgic, and this week they're looking for your help. Dedicate just a minute of your time to vote for the magazine to guarantee it a bright future.

What links have you loved this week?

Well it's Good Friday already and, breaking with tradition, Mr CC and I are starting the day with homemade pancakes, smoked streaky bacon and a drizzle of local honey. Hot cross buns will have to wait until tomorrow! There's something quite special about kicking off a four day weekend (for me at least, Mr CC still has to work!) with a leisurely breakfast; it feels like a mini celebration, a bit of decadence first thing to brighten your day. Speaking of celebrations, we spent last Sunday with Mr CC's family to celebrate not one but two birthdays with afternoon tea at a local tearoom. Vintage china and cake aplenty!

We've been trying to take things a little more slowly this week in order to appreciate the little things. Yesterday, for example, was a wonderful day filled with experiments in the kitchen, spring flowers and sunshine. I woke early in excitement to try out my new food processor (almond and chia energy bites - delicious) and then made my way into town where I spent a happy hour picking spring blooms in the florist, browsing the second hand shops and trying to resist the urge to buy everything in the farm shop. There's something quite lovely about a morning to yourself, especially when it ends with homemade vegetable soup and a crafting session in the garden creating a spring wreath (up on the blog soon). These are the things I miss when my working week is so hectic; cooking something for dinner is often a chore and my eyes are usually too tired to craft, so yesterday was a welcome reprieve.

It got even better when Mr CC finished work a little early and we headed home to sit (without coats!) in the sunshine - Bella stretched languidly on the lawn and we played around with the camera for an hour before heading in to make dinner. Sometimes it's the simplest of afternoons that can bring so much delight.

What memories have you made this week?

April is all about... new life and fresh beginnings, eggs (both chocolate and chicken), alfresco breakfasts, morning dew, raindrops and listening to the dawn chorus.

Something to eat: Easter tends to call for a roast dinner, so what better than a leg of lamb with baby potatoes and garlic crème fraîche, followed by profiteroles and lemon curd ice cream. Head over here for the recipes.

Something to visit: A whole host of National Trust properties that are offering Easter egg trails alongside Cadbury this month. This website offers you the chance to search for events in your area, and with over 300 there's bound to be something going on near you!

Something to make: A wreath for Spring. Be inspired by these ideas, or have a look at my Autumn wreath tutorial to guide you through the basics. Bringing nature into the home is something that I am really trying to do more of this year, and wreaths are a great way to mark the changing of the seasons.

Something to celebrate: Shakespeare would have been 451 years old this month. Why not read a play or sonnet in his memory? Or if you're in the area, join in the birthday celebrations in Stratford-Upon-Avon that include a parade featuring a 3 metre wide horse drawn birthday cake, workshops, readings and street theatre.

Something a bit different: Every been to an event based entirely on fire? Inspired by a traditional Gaelic celebration, Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh takes place on the final day of the month and sparks the beginnings of summer with a procession led by the Green Man and the May Queen, which is followed by lighting an enormous bonfire. Head over here for more information.