Welcome to another Weekly Balance post! Let’s take a look at the last seven days, what I’ve been thinking about and what I’m recommending to you guys from this week.

What I’m thinking about…

The joy of a few sunny days. In Ireland, we’ve had a spell of sunny weather, and although it’s still pretty cold out, waking up to a sunny day and a blue sky is truly such a simple pleasure, badly needed as we continue life in ‘lockdown.’ The birds are singing, flowers beginning to bloom again – spring is definitely in the air, and with it, the promise of summer ahead. Of course, our world is far from close to returning to ‘normality’ (whatever that will look like in the future), but I think it’s really important that we take the positives, the silver linings, and the sunshine, where we get them. I hope you guys get some time in the sun this weekend.

What I’m reading…

This week, I’ve been reading this month’s book club pick, The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. I’m not finished yet, but I am absolutely loving it! I adored The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah as I know many of you did, and was very keen to try another of her books. I won’t share a review yet as I’m not finished, but I’ll have it for next week for you guys.

As always, let me know what you’re reading in the comments below, I’d love to hear!

What I’m listening to…

Here’s my top 3 podcasts from this week.

Let’s Solve Nothing: I’ve posted about this podcast I’m sure, but I’ve finished the last few episodes this week, and found every single one laugh out loud funny. I don’t know about you guys but I could do with the laughter these days and this podcast fit the bill.

BBC Open Book: This week I enjoyed a short episode of this podcast series which was an interview with author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Many of you I’m sure like me read Daisy Jones and The Six – and loved it too I hope! – and when I finish a book I love, I always enjoy checking out interviews with the author. Mostly to understand how and why they came to write the book, and what was their inspiration and process for it.

Renegades: Born In The USA: This podcast is one I’ve been listening to for the past few weeks – a fascinating series of conversations between two of the most famous men in the world – Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama. The podcast covers race, masculinity, the concept of the American dream, fatherhood and their friendship. Interspersed with music, the podcast is both enjoyable and interesting.

What I’m watching…

Grey’s Anatomy! FINALLY Season 17 has begun on RTE2 in Ireland, and it’s absolutely brilliant to be able to savour an episode each week.

And that’s a wrap for this week gang! If you want to get in touch, you can find me @theirishbalance on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I hope you have a lovely week ahead folks – remember, stay informed with the advice from your local health authority regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay safe, wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance and be kind!

Ciara x