Three Things This April: A Healthy Recipe, an Upcoming Music Festival & Sunrise Health Benefits!

Apr 23, 2026

Written by tracey gunn

Three Things This April: A Healthy Recipe, an Upcoming Music Festival & Sunrise Health Benefits!

A few things we’re loving this month... from an omega-3 rich recipe, to an upcoming musical festival, and the health benefits of getting out for sunrise.

Sardines are having a real moment, everywhere you look, there’s talk of sardine fasts and recipes. I’ve actually been eating them my whole life. My parents were English, so they were a regular on the table, and one of my favourite memories is enjoying them fresh from the sea in Morocco, charred on an outdoor grill.

They don’t have to taste overly fishy. My go-to has always been Ortiz it's expensive, but excellent in flavour. Lately they’ve been hard to find, so I’ve experimented with supermarket options, and honestly, even the $1.20 tins can be just as good as the pricier ones.

If you’re new to sardines, try incorporating them into a simple recipe like this, you’ll get all the nutritional benefits without worrying about bones or smell. Opt for sardines in olive oil for the best flavour; avoid seed oils, and springwater tends to dull the texture.

This dish works beautifully as a dip, tossed through pasta, or spread over well-toasted sourdough.

My favourite sardines - serves 2

I tin of sardines in olive oil (not water or other oils)
2 boiled eggs - peeled
1 teaspoon capers (or more)
2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese/sour cream/yoghurt (use vegan options if you can't do dairy)
1/2 lemon juiced
salt and pepper to taste
parsley to decorate
a good sourdough to accompany the paste

Method:
Empty your tin of sardines into a food processor with the oil. Add all the other ingredients and pulse to create a chunky paste. I like a bit of texture rather than a full paste. Taste to check seasoning. Once you are satisfied with the taste and texture, divide between two pieces of sourdough toast. Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy.

The Milton Folk Jazz and Blues Festival is back! This is one of those events that feels less like a typical festival and more like the whole town coming alive through music.

Over three days, the streets of Milton transform... parks, pubs and little local spots all become stages. You can wander from one venue to the next, discovering everything from laid back folk to soulful blues and lively jazz. There are over 70 performances across 20+ venues, and the best part is that it’s all free, so you can just follow the music and see where it takes you.

What makes it even more special is that it’s all put together by a passionate group of local volunteers who genuinely care about bringing more life, creativity and connection to their community. Set against Milton’s beautiful natural surroundings, it’s the kind of weekend where you can slow down, soak it all in, and feel part of something simple and joyful. It’s definitely one to have on your radar if you’re craving a little music, fresh air, and a good community vibe!

Getting outside for first light is one of the simplest things you can do for your health. And this time of year, the sunrises are especially beautiful!

That early morning sunlight signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up, helping to set your circadian rhythm for the day. When your rhythm is in sync, everything works better including sleep, digestion, energy levels and hormone balance.

Morning light exposure also supports your body’s internal systems by regulating cortisol (your natural “get up and go” hormone) and setting you up for better sleep that night.

It doesn’t need to be complicated, step outside, enjoy a tea or coffee, take a short walk. Just a few minutes of that early light can make a real difference to how you feel across the day.

Delicious Vibrant Beauty

Three Things This April: A Healthy Recipe, an Upcoming Music Festival & Sunrise Health Benefits!

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