About April J. Harris
Hi there! I’m April, a writer, lifestyle blogger, motivational speaker, recipe developer, and avid traveller living with my husband in the south of England. Welcome to my website! My mission is to help you get the most out of life with practical inspiration, encouragement and advice on home, food, family, style and travel.
My website is full of ideas to inspire and empower you, everything from lifestyle and travel, fashion and accessories, to cooking and home baking – with a host of recipes anyone can make, even if you lack confidence in the kitchen.
I’m passionate about helping people to celebrate their lives, fulfil their dreams, harness their style, and realise just how amazing they are. I love the adventure of everyday life – recognising that adventure doesn’t have to be a trek through Peru or walking the Pyrenees. Adventure can be a day out with the kids, exploring a new city, finally visiting that place that has always been on your bucket list, or simply learning how to make or do something new. My aim is to help you make the most of every day, wherever the day finds you, making memories along the way.
A Little About April
I grew up in Canada but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I worked in a library, managed a clothing store and even became a legal secretary. However I longed to travel and seek adventure, so I set off to explore England – the place most of my family had immigrated from two generations before. Just six weeks after stepping off the plane, I met my future husband, Guy. It was love at first sight and we have been together ever since. We have one grown-up son.
From London to Kent and on to the Midlands, my family and I have lived in many parts of England. My husband and I now make our home not all that far from London, on the edge of the beautiful Berkshire countryside and the Chilterns. I’m a fitness enthusiast, a keen reader and a huge fan of all things motoring. Timeless style is my passion and I find it difficult to resist a beautifully cut dress or jacket, a bespoke handbag or the perfect pair of shoes.
The History of AprilJHarris.com
My first website, The 21st Century Housewife, launched in 2002. The website was designed to support other housewives and stay at home mums like myself, but it soon evolved into one of the UK’s very first lifestyle blogs covering home, food, travel and style.
The inspiration I share with my readers has evolved over the years, as have I, and in 2014 I rebranded and relaunched under my own name at AprilJHarris.com. I have worked with brands like John Lewis, Hello Fresh and Expedia and been published in many online and print publications including the Chicago Sun Times Online and Olive Magazine. In 2018, I was named Lux Life Magazine Home Cooking Expert of the Year for South East England. More recently, I was also a finalist in Recipe Developer of the Year Category in the Yhangry Foodie Heroes Awards.
This year marks the twenty-second anniversary of my website and blog. I can’t wait to share even more inspiration and ideas with you!
Spare Time
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband of 31 years and with our lovely family. The little boy I stayed at home with is now a grown man with a partner and life of his own, but the four of us still love to spend time together both at home and away.
Thank you for stopping by – and I look forward to getting to know you more!