april 2026 issue

May 4
4 min read

“It’s only embarrassing if you are embarrassed btw” - @manondevelder

That was the April vibe. April started out with my yearly cold, well-meaning perfection fatigue, and a little bit of caring too much about what others thought about me. It wasn’t until I surfaced from my sick cave into one of my favorite little towns for fresh air and a revitalizing gals brunch, a much needed perspective shift, and finding this quote, that my tone shifted for the month.

the month in faith

A lot of times, my perfectionism can keep me striving for heights that God never asked me to reach on my own or constantly feeling like I am running a race. Though it is all rooted in wanting to do the right thing, even when it comes to my walk with God, the well-meaning perfectionism fatigue can really set in.

It wasn’t until a friend reminded me that, honestly, I just needed to chill out. God doesn't ask us to do all the things, be all the things, do it all “right”, or stress about being the best in all areas. He wants us to rest in Him, seek Him, and turn all of those questions, tasks, and comparisons over to Him. He will show us and guide us in all areas. I wrote a blog post on little prayers of gratitude that helped me to refocus on who God is, that everything I have is because of His graciousness, and reminded me that He has it all written. You can read that here.

I am also taking a pause from my deep studying and more analytical Bible studies, and reading a devotional that is a journey through the English Cotswolds. I am really excited to take this more restful approach for the month of May. You can find that refreshing devotional here.

the month in it's finest

April’s finest: embracing the “its only embarrassing if you are embarrassed btw” quote, posting more and building my brand without fear or hesitation, pretty views and moments to capture, fun outings in a cute historic downtown, spring fashion moments, a much needed weekend trip to celebrate H, long riding sessions, fun accessories, and stumbling upon a unique devotional that has me eager to spend time with God and sit in His rest.

the month in a catalog

the month in fashion + beauty

Some key players: light brown blazer, cutie red Chanel I rented, classic sunnies, relaxed fits, nailing down my hair routine and products, and capris

I kept fashion pretty chill this past month. A lot of things were inspiring me, but I really leaned into the relaxed, effortless fits. I enjoy the chic athleisure looks and definitely plan to carry those into May - like obsessed with the capris trend right now. I liked elevated casual looks with comfortable pants, blazers, and white tees/tanks. I also enjoyed added moments of bold colors for a spring zest. My favorite bold color moments were my rented red Chanel, unique yellow top, and green woven bag.

Speaking of the little rented Chanel... I'm obsessed with Vivrelle. For someone who loves to change things up, doesn't/can't commit to a large price tag on a designer item, and likes to go with seasonal trends, Vivrelle is perfect. It is a designer closet rental service where you pay a monthly subscription to rent designer bags. You can keep an item as long as you want and return it whenever you are ready to switch things up. Use my code AMYJANSMA for your first month free!

Other fun, chic accessories that I loved this past month were these trendy black wire rim sunnies and unique cowhide envelope clutch.

Natural makeup ruled my month and kept me feeling effortlessly chic, put together, and low maintenance. A continued favorite in my makeup routine was the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in color ‘Press’. When I tell you this is the most effortless application, gorgeous spring color, and easy lip with some chapstick…. I mean it! This also pairs so beautifully with the Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush in the color Postmodern (she just stays on Editor Picks at this point because I'm obsessed). I also circled back to a tried and true favorite, the Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick. The perfect minimal, clean girl look.

In April, I wrote a blog post on all the fun fashion I am vibing with for spring! You can read that here and shop the 100 item curation below!

curated list of spring fashion feels:

my perfect blowout products:

the month in home

April was a month to settle in and enjoy our home. It was a refreshing reminder that the majority of home is spent just being content, living life within four walls, and finding rest. I reflected on gratitude for a place of rest, love, safety, and creative expression.

We continued to admire our living room rug change from March that brought a lot of warmth, grounding, and peace to the space, and I enjoyed changing up the office showroom with bold colored favorites on display for some spring/summer inspiration.