Recommendations to complement your March

All the books, movies, playlists and activities to follow you through March

The winters are long. Dark nights and dark mornings. Once colourful gardens withered and lifeless. I often don’t notice the seasons change right away, but the air suddenly feels lighter. It’s 6pm, the birds are singing and the sun is still granting us a few extra minutes of its light. Your jacket that hasn’t left your chilled body for months suddenly feels unnecessary, the warm air creeping up your sleeves.

The road out of the village is lined with daffodils, crocuses and tulips bursting out their bulbs. Bringing hope. A colourful reminder that winter is closing. That spring is truly springing.

It’s truly my favourite time of year. To see the once drowned grass bursting with colours and life. March feels like hope. The light at the end of the tunnel. That winter is nearly over. I carry this hope through March and many of these recommendations will be about rebirth, renewal, and hope. They’ll bring that feeling when the sun bakes your back. The nape of your neck tingling. With a hint of nostalgia and a dose of romanticising your girlhood

With a little nod to women as of course as March is women’s month. So note the little dashes of female independence, empowerment and history scattered in these recommendations for your purview

To be watched in the evening as the sun glares through your window

Little women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s version of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott is a beautiful telling of a women’s place in the 1860s in America. It follows the story of each of the girls as they find their place navigating marriage, passion, sisterhood and loss.

Eat pray love (2010)

Newly divorced and at a crossroads with life Liz decides to embark on a journey to find what she really wants in life. She travels across the world on a journey of self discovery from Italy, to India to Bali where she finds love for herself and someone else special.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

A retelling of one of the most famous queens, Marie Antoinette. This shows the young queens journey of being married to Louis XVI at 15 to her reign as queen at 19 and then the eventual fall of Versailles. Sophia Coppola knew exactly what she was doing directing this. An alternative rock soundtrack, elaborate costumes, colourful set designs makes this an incredibly fun and playful film to tell a young queen’s story.

The secret garden (1993)

This film is incredibly nostalgic for me and what I think is the perfect watch for the entry of spring. After a young girl looses her parents in an earthquake in India she is sent to live with her distant uncle in his estate in England. Her uncle remains reclusive, still mourning the death of his wife while she begins to explore the estate. She finds a secret garden, locked and neglected waiting to be found.

Peter rabbit (2018)

This is just such a wholesome watch which will definitely have you in spirit for spring. Nothing too complex just a lovely film that brings to life a child hood classic, Peter Rabbit, to life.

To be listened to while the sun peeks through the clouds

This is definitely my song of the month, Hoizer always has me for the change of the seasons. Something about his music always feels so thoughtful and hopeful

This is a new album I’ve discovered recently. Songs like Harmony Hall and Bambina make me crave the sun and a road trip

This month instead of recommending a playlist, I’ve went and created one! Perfectly curated for you all <3

To be read by a cracked window

Maybe in another life - Taylor Jenkins Reid

Hannah Martins is 29 moving back to LA where she is at a crossroads with a past lover. Depending on the choice she makes, she could have two very different lives. The story is told in alternating chapters that tells the story from the outcome of the two options she had. This was recommended by my local bookshop and I’m so excited to read it. It feels like an exciting journey through the alternate story’s told through the book

Cleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco Mellows

A young women marries a much older, troubled man in New York City. The story tells of their turbulent relationship navigating age, money, and the consequences of their hasty decision. This has been on my tbr for over a year! So this month is finally going to be the month I read it

Everything I know about love - Dolly Alderton

A witty, entertaining read telling Dolly Aldertons life from her childhood to early 30’s. She explores girlhood, love, friendships, health and the complicated experience of adulthood. This will be the first memoir I’ve read, but I feel it will be the most entertaining.

Right to sex - Amia Srinivasan

An incredibly important conversation about the connection between sex, politics and ethics. This was actually recommended by the Feminist club at my University and it’s been meaning to read it for too long but I feel this is the perfect month to crack its spine. It covers a wide range of issues from consent, misogyny, racism and ableism. In the spirit of Women’s month the most critical action you can take is being informed. Knowledge is power and your intelligence is something no one can ever take away from you

Some sunny activities to complement your March

An iced drink and a walk

It’s almost iced drinks season! Reach out to a friend, old or new and suggest a coffee date and a walk. I’m only just starting to appreciate iced drinks as much as everyone else and my recent order has been a strawberries and cream matcha. This is my favourite way to catch up with friends, we grab our favourite drinks and then go for a wonder in a park or the botanics. Perfect to get outside and notice all the flowers starting to bloom

Spring art gallery visit

Keep an eye out at your nearest art gallery or events centres as the beginning of spring is always a high time for beautiful, unique and immersive art exhibits. Find out if there is an exhibit on soon and book yourself tickets. Solo or with a friend this is an incredibly grounding activity. Igniting your creativity and sparking spring to the forefront of your mind

Bike rides

I prefer this as a solo activity but with friends is also a lovely idea! Evening bike rides or even take a day on the weekend to cycle somewhere and treat yourself to a sweet treat and drink. However my little bit of advice, unplug. Cycle without headphones for at least a portion of the ride. There are truly so many sounds in nature you never notice because we’re always so plugged in. And don’t forget your helmet <3

Press daffodil flowers

Go out looking for a particular flower (daffodils are my favourite) and just keep walking till you find them. However please don’t pluck from your neighbours gardens unless you want to be known as a flower thief. I then take home my little collection and dry them off then delicately place them in between a paper towel. I organise the petals so they’re not crumbled or bruised. The paper towel with the flower then goes in between my magazines where I leave it for up to a month for it to fully press. I find this is such a special way to commemorate the entrance of spring

And there are all my recommendations! March is a month of hope for warmer days and brighter nights. I’d love to hear in the comments what are you excited about for March, which of any of these recommendations will you be taking into march