Wow, we’re three months into 2024, and although it may not seem like it, spring is thankfully within touching distance. If you’re done with hibernation mode and are slowly coming out of your shell, start with a little exploration or try some new habits – check out our handy guide to see you through the coming months with a slice of joy and excitement.
Eat: Rhubarb
March is the season for the pretty pink stems of rhubarb. Although we tend to think of it as a fruit due to its common use in sweet dishes, rhubarb is, in fact, a vegetable belonging to the same family as sorrel. Rhubarb is high in a number of nutrients, providing a good range of health benefits such as aiding digestion, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation and many more.
With the weather still very mixed (hurry up sunshine), we couldn’t help but think that this scrummy crowd-pleasing crumble dish by James Martin is sure to win everyone over this Easter. Or, have you ever tried fermented rhubarb? Easy to make and great for the gut – eat with Greek yogurt or over pancakes for a tasty spring breakfast.
Credit: The Art of the Brick London
See: The Art of the Brick
If you’re looking for something cool to see during the Easter holidays, how about the world’s best known exhibit of Lego art – perfect for all ages?
After touring over 100 cities in 24 countries, The Art of the Brick has arrived in London on Brick Lane (very apt). The immersive exhibition includes many sculptures alongside reimagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Among the wonders, you’ll also find a 6-metre-long reproduction of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
Visit: Manchester
In the magazine and blogging world, when you see three of something, it’s a trend – and Manchester is a destination that keeps springing up.
Arriving soon in this great city is Mollie’s classic motel and diner, dreamt up by the founder of Soho House. With pared-back contemporary rooms, all-day dining and an easy-going vibe, it’s great for groups of friends or those with kids, who’ll especially love the cute bunk rooms. Also, keep an eye out for the Treehouse, a sustainability-driven hotel set to open this year! Expect to find roof gardens, a rooftop apiary and a produce-led restaurant run by Mary-Ellen McTague.
Last, but certainly not least, why not indulge in some retail therapy at our Deansgate store? It’s the perfect opportunity to spruce up your home for the new season!
Credit: Mollie’s
Listen: Headway
If you’re keen to read more books but don’t have the time, Headway is for you. It’s full to the brim with self-improvement, motivational, inspiring and interesting books, each shortened to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Listen to or read the summaries of books such as The 5am Club, Raising Good Humans, Atomic Habits and Dopamine Nation to pep you up for the day ahead – it’s a great way of getting the outline of a book and deciding whether to delve deeper and read it in its entirety.
Watch: One Day
Unless you’ve lived under a stone for the last month, you would have heard about One Day – and yes, it’s worth the hype! A romantic drama TV series based on the 2009 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, One Day follows the 20-year relationship of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, who met at a graduation ball at the University of Edinburgh. You’ll laugh, cry, feel very nostalgic and leave feeling like Dex and Em were two friends you went to school with. Also, look out for Nicholls’ next novel, You Are Here, due out on 23 April.
Do: Change your clocks
Spring is in the air, and the clock change is on the horizon – officially on 31 March when we ‘spring forward’. While we may lose an hour, brighter mornings and lighter evenings are on the way. As always, this is a great time to flip mattresses, inject some colour into the home with a few new accessories or accent pieces, and have a decluttering session.
Wishing you a delightful spring! If you’re considering a mini home makeover this March, don’t miss out on our new arrivals in-store and online. With plenty to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice!