March 2025 - PLAYWORKEATREPEAT

Bryce Canyon National Park-Trip Recap

Hi friends! Time for another trip recap. I’m taking my time writing these recaps from our January trip, and at the rate I’m going, it might take me most of the year! But that’s okay—there’s no rush. Today, it’s all about our visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Thanks so much for stopping by! Dixie National Forest After hiking The Narrows the previous day, we were on a high and excited to hit the road the next morning to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Our first stop was Dixie National Forest, about an hour and a half’s drive from our base in Springdale. On the drive there, we saw a bald eagle—and we just about lost our minds! These guys aren’t easy to spot, so we felt incredibly lucky. Somehow, I even managed to snap a couple of very blurry photos from the moving van. We arrived at Dixie National Forest at 10 a.m., and Sam’s childhood dream of seeing snow finally came true. Yay! Haha, he would always make us laugh, saying that he had a great childhood, but the only letdown was that we had failed to take him to see snow. Finally, Steve and I are off the hook—we took him to see snow at age 20! We only missed his childhood by a few years 😉 There wasn’t much snow at this stop, but enough to make a couple of tiny snowballs that turned into dust when we tried to throw them at each other. Bryce Canyon National Park We jumped back in the van and drove another twenty minutes to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. All the visitor centres we stopped at were fantastic. They had clean restrooms and water refill stations where we could top up our bottles. The staff were super friendly and helpful, too. We didn’t have a ton of time, but we still managed to skim through the exhibits and pick up a few interesting facts about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife. Bristlecone Loop Trail Next stop: Bristlecone Loop Trail, where the views were, once again, absolutely breathtaking. I took so many photos and videos, hoping to capture the stunning scenery. But as I look back at them now… they just don’t do it justice. Aargh, I really wish everyone could experience these incredible destinations for themselves so you’d understand exactly what I’m talking about! In all my videos, you can hear me gasping and saying just one word, “Wow!” Haha, the beauty was so intense I couldn’t even form a sentence. Being left totally speechless really became a recurring theme for me throughout the trip. Bryce Canyon is amazing because all the trails and viewpoints are so close to each other, so we got to explore different spots and soak in all the beauty from different angles. After we hiked the Bristlecone Loop, we drove to the “Hike the Hoodoos” trail near the Bristlecone Benchmark. Each stop was incredible, and we couldn’t get enough of the views! Between all the “wows,” I kept saying, “I can’t believe I’m really here!”. What a master of language! Hike The Hoodoos and Black Birch Canyon Then back to the van, but first a snowball fight! I know, I know—there wasn’t much snow, but for us, it was more than enough for an epic snowball fight! Bryce Point, Rim Trail, Navajo Loop & Wall Street From there, we went Bryce Point, where we got one of the best panoramic views of the amphitheatre. The layers of red and orange hoodoos were unreal! We drove along the Rim Trail for a bit before heading down to the Navajo Loop Trail, which took us through Wall Street, the famous narrow section with towering rock walls and tight switchbacks. It was so cool being down in the canyon, looking up at those amazing formations! Sunset Point and Drive Back Then back in the van for the ride home. We spotted bison! We got back to Springdale at around 5 pm and stopped at a cute gift shop called Bumbleberry. Then we wrapped up the day with dinner at Oscar’s Cafe. I’m not usually a beer drinker, but on this trip, I decided to try a beer with every meal. A beer with my first-ever Philly cheesesteak sandwich–Y’all! Haha! We had an amazing visit to Bryce Canyon National Park, and it’s definitely a place I’ll never forget—how could I not? Every stop was unforgettable, and I’m so glad we got to experience it all with my very fun family. If you ever find yourself in Utah, make sure to add Bryce Canyon National Park to your must-see list. It’ll wow your socks off!

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Friday Favourites

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I’m wrapping up the week with a few things I’ve been loving lately. It’s the little things that make the week better, don’t you agree? 😊 I finally ditched my old pyjama shorts because the elastic was completely worn out. Lucky for me, Peter Alexander was having an end-of-season sale with an extra 30% off already discounted items. The selection wasn’t huge when I popped into my local store, but I managed to find a couple of pairs of shorts in my size. While I was there, I picked up a T-shirt too. The graphic isn’t something I’d usually choose, but since I’m only wearing it to bed, it doesn’t really matter. They’re super comfortable, and that’s what counts! Our director at work celebrated her birthday and brought in a cake to share. She’s so nice! It’s always a good week when you open the fridge at work and find something other than playdough. I found this drip coffee at an Asian supermarket. The instructions were all in Japanese, so I used Google Translate. I probably could have figured it out just from the front photo, but I love testing out Google Translate—it’s such a helpful tool! It’s also funny how it translates word-for-word without adjusting for sentence structure or grammar. So, the sentences often end up sounding a little off. The meaning is there, but the phrasing is slightly jumbled. I think it’s a good peek into how different languages work. The coffee tasted great, too. I took some sachets to work, and it tasted like real coffee—such a nice change from the usual instant coffee. Sticking with the coffee theme (haha, totally unintentional!), I ordered some Twirls and coffee sachets with my groceries—one for my Friday night treat and the other for our Sunday brunch. Since this post has ended up being mostly about coffee, I thought I’d end with some coffee trivia for you. Did you know… Australia invented the flat white in the 1980s. It’s like a latte but with stronger coffee and less milk. Coffee was first discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia. Legend has it that in the 9th century, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats getting extra energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. It turned out to be the coffee plant! Australia has more cafes than pubs. And a little meme for your Friday. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend. Linking up with Andrea and Erika

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What’s Up Wednesday

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Oh my goodness, I can hardly believe it’s the last Wednesday of the month, friends! Today’s been a work-from-home day spent writing up children’s developmental summaries. With term one nearly over, parent-teacher interviews are coming up soon. But first—summaries. Working from home always sounds so good to me, but in reality, I don’t think they’re all that great. Haha, it might even be harder than a regular day! My shoulder is sore from sitting at the computer all day and being at home makes me feel like I’m being naughty and skipping school. So, I didn’t even give myself a lunch break. Crazy huh? I also nearly decided to miss this fun link-up, but I had a shower to shake off the sluggishness, poured another coffee, and jumped back on the computer. Now, I’m here to share a little of this and that about what’s been happening for us in March. Let’s go! WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK Monday – Chicken thighs marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce with fried rice. My boys loved it and asked to have it on the menu regularly. Sure, no problem—such an easy meal to make! Tuesday – Teriyaki salmon, rice and Asian salad. The salad comes in a bag from Woolworths and it goes perfectly with the salmon. Wednesday – Pesto fettuccine with prawns. Thursday – Pot roast. Friday – Leftovers. Saturday – Chicken schnitzel with baked potatoes, salad and gravy (lots of gravy). Sunday – Steak sandwiches. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT March marks three years since my beloved Mumma passed. I miss her every single day, and there isn’t a day that goes by without thinking about her. Sometimes, I even catch myself thinking, ‘Oh, I have to tell my mum…’ and then I remember. Loss sucks, and grief never goes away. You just get better at carrying it with you, and you learn to live alongside it. The 19th of March was the actual day, and on that day, I went about getting to work without thinking about the date—until a kind, well-meaning lady from the church I used to attend texted me to see if I was okay on such a hard day. I got the message mid-morning, and it kind of unravelled me. One, because I remembered, and two, because I felt bad that I had forgotten. So, I had to remind myself that grief doesn’t care about the calendar. Some years, anniversaries hit hard, and other times, they pass quietly. And that’s okay. The love, the loss, and the missing her—it’s there every day, not just on one marked date. I still felt bad for the rest of the day, though. WHAT I’M LOVING Even though it’s nearly April, the weather is still warm over here. We’ve had plenty of cloudy and humid days, which are making my hair frizzy. Despite that, I’m still loving the heat and enjoying wearing summer clothes. I’m also planning to get a keratin hair treatment soon to combat the frizz. In the meantime, I bought a heat styling brush from Amazon, and now I’m wondering if I even need the keratin treatment since this brush is doing such a good job at taming my hair. Decisions, decisions! WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO In March, we took a step back in time and visited Lyndham Hall Historic House for their open day. We learned some local history and enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by a traditional Devonshire tea. We went to Ikea for a mid-week shop. This was an exciting March event for a huge Ikea fan like me! We hosted Cousin Connect. Played a hilarious new board game. Said cheers to a gorgeous sunset at a local rooftop bar. Another unexpected mid-week treat. Every Sunday in March, we made homemade brunch a thing. Yum! WHAT I’M DREADING Nothing–yay! WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT Term one is nearly over, and we break up for the autumn holidays on April 11th. That’s 12 more early morning alarms, 16 more sleeps, and 384 more hours. WHAT I’M WATCHING I watched Adolescence on Netflix, and WOW! What an intense series! I won’t spoil it, but it’s one of those shows that stays with you because it’s so raw and thought-provoking. As a parent, it left me wondering what it’s like to have preteens and teens in this digital era. My youngest is 20, so it’s been a while since those teenage years. But the pressures young people face today? It must be so tough. Each episode was filmed in one continuous take, and I’ve been reading about how they pulled that off. It took so much skill, coordination, and timing to make it all come together. The acting is incredible, and you feel everything the characters feel. It’s a must-watch. Please go watch it now if you haven’t already! WHAT I’M LISTENING TO Teddy Swims. I just discovered his music the other day—what a voice! WHAT I’M WEARING I remembered to take one photo of what I wore in March. Go me! WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND Another no-plans weekend for me. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH The autumn break and Easter. And that’s a wrap for March! How was your month? I hope it treated you well and brought you some good moments. I’m looking forward to what April has in store and hoping it’s kind to all of us. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. Linking up with Shay and Sheaffer.

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Best Brunch Ideas: How to Make Your Weekend Brunch Amazing!

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Enjoying brunch on Sundays has become one of my weekend highlights. Since I’m never hungry before 10 am, brunch is the perfect combination of breakfast and lunch. Plus, you get to choose between savoury or sweet options. I’m usually a savoury girl, so I’m all about eggs with a side of avocado, crispy bacon or smoked salmon, and maybe some sautéed vegetables—whatever I’m in the mood for that day. So today, I’m sharing my Sunday brunch, along with some of my best brunch ideas. Thanks so much for stopping by! Why I Love Brunch Brunch is the perfect way to start a Sunday because, for one, it’s often the one day I can take things slow and enjoy a no-rush morning. Plus, I get to sleep in and have eggs—what’s not to love? Although we usually have brunch at home, if I do want to head out for a meal, brunch is often cheaper than dinner. Smaller portions, simpler menus, and more affordable drink options make brunch dates a more budget-friendly choice than dinner dates. Of course, there is the downside of no cocktails, but maybe a mimosa can make up for it! Brunch at Home vs. Brunch Out Brunch at a café is always nice—someone else does the cooking, the coffee is expertly made, and there’s no washing up! That said, there’s something about making brunch at home that’s just so satisfying. For one, you can stay in your pyjamas, make it exactly how you want, and there’s no pressure to dress up. What’s even better, you can keep your bed hair, and no one will mind! This weekend, I made a delicious brunch at home, and honestly, it was just as good as going out! We had scrambled eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, baby spinach, and a slice of sourdough. Best Brunch Ideas to Try Here are some of my favourite best brunch ideas: Avocado Toast – Simple, yet always a hit. Add feta and an egg for a little extra, and if you like to spice up your life, toss in some chilli flakes. No chilli for me, though—my taste buds aren’t up for the heat. Pancakes or Waffles – The ultimate sweet brunch option. Top with berries, maple syrup, or Nutella. Want to try making them? Here’s my recipe! Eggs Benedict – A classic with hollandaise sauce and smoked salmon or ham. Breakfast Burritos – Scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado, and salsa wrapped in a tortilla. Frittatas or Omelettes – A great way to pack in veggies and protein. Just ask my weightlifting son, who can never eat enough protein. Shakshuka – A Middle Eastern classic with eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the goodness. Bagels with Cream Cheese and Lox (cured salmon) – For a simple, yet delicious, brunch option, go for a bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, and capers. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee. French Toast – Light and fluffy, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Top it off with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet treat. Smoothie Bowls – For a lighter, refreshing option, blend up your favourite fruits with some yogurt or almond milk and top with granola, seeds, and fresh fruit. You can find my granola recipe here—it’s deliciously crunchy! Smashed Potatoes with Eggs – The ultimate comfort food for a cold morning! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Top them with a fried or poached egg and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Savoury Crepes – Thin, delicate crepes filled with ham, cheese, spinach, or mushrooms. Granola Parfait – Layers of crunchy granola, creamy yogurt, and fresh fruit. It’s simple, healthy, and delicious. Apple and Berry Gluten-Free Loaf – A perfect mix of sweet and fruity, this gluten-free loaf is full of fresh apples and berries, it’s moist and makes for a delicious gluten-free treat. You can enjoy it on its own or take it to the next level with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey. Recipe here. Mastering Poached Eggs in 2025 I’m pretty good at making fluffy and creamy scrambled eggs. But when it comes to recipes that require a poached egg, I leave that to the experts when I’m eating out. Learning how to perfectly poach an egg is actually on my list of goals for 2025. It’s March, and so far, this is my first goal—oops! Maybe 2025 is not my most ambitious year, so I will make egg poaching a priority–stay tuned! Best Brunch Ideas for Easy Prep Get a jump start on your brunch by prepping things like pancake batter or chopping fruit the night before. This not only saves time but also gives you a little extra snuggle with your pillow. Also, if you really want to make things simple, you can always cheat with those shake-and-make pancake mixes from the supermarket—shhh, no one will ever know! And don’t forget about the drink because a great cup of coffee, tea, smoothie, or juice can really elevate the whole experience. In fact, I love plunger coffee, but these sachets are pretty good, too—not café-level, but decent enough! Brunch is the perfect treat, whether you enjoy it at home or in a café. Try out these best brunch ideas and enjoy a relaxed Sunday (or any day of the week). Have a great day! Linking up with Holly and Sarah

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Friday Favourites

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Hi, friends, and happy Friday! Did this week fly by for you? It sure did for me! As much as I don’t want to wish my life away, I can’t say I’m sorry to see Friday again—I’m tired! But before I settle in for the evening with my beloved couch, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika to share a few favourites. Thanks so much for stopping by! Is there anything better than food? Ha! I think not! So, butter chicken and rice for dinner on Monday night was a highlight! I love to add some chopped coriander to mine because it tastes so good—zesty and fresh. I also love the word zesty! Steve works on the weekend, so we usually enjoy our ‘weekend’ fun on his days off—Wednesday and Thursday nights. That’s why we had prawns and a glass of wine on a Wednesday night while watching TV. Maybe that’s why the week flies by for me—since Steve’s weekends fall during the week, it kind of feels like I get two weekends… sort of. We started watching a new show called Scrublands. It’s an Australian drama that kicked off very dramatically but then quickly slowed down to a snail’s pace, with about a 20-minute wait between interesting moments. So slow! I can’t say that I’m enjoying it. But it does give me a chance to browse Pinterest, scroll through Instagram, play Candy Crush, and even read a book while I ‘watch.’ Maybe it’ll pick up, so we’re giving it a go. Steve’s into it, and I kind of look up every so often to catch up. Speaking of reading, I dusted off my old Kindle and started Okay Days by Jenny Mustard, and I’m really enjoying it! I’ve been following her YouTube channel for a while now, and I love her minimalist approach to life. She’s all about simple living, mindful routines, minimalist aesthetics, and sustainable fashion. I really admire how she embraces a balanced, less-is-more lifestyle. She’s so inspiring! Back to my favourite topic–food. My usual work lunches are leftovers or whatever I can grab out of the fridge before I fly out the door. I’m never hungry in the mornings, so I’m not inspired to make anything much. Sometimes, I’ll make a salad, but lately, it’s just been grab-and-go. Of course, by the time lunch rolls around, I’m starving and wishing I’d made more of an effort. But today, I had raisin toast with strawberries and a drizzle of honey. It was delicious! I found some honey in the kitchen cupboard at work, and I was pretty excited! It must have been leftover from one of the cooking activities with the children. I don’t usually go for sweet food, especially when it comes to lunch, but maybe I was just excited for sweet Friday! I’m using a new bag for work, and I’m so happy to have retired my old one. This one is much nicer, and I’ve organised all my things into small zipped pouches. I’m determined to keep my work bag tidy all year long—I don’t want old pens, bobby pins, or hair ties cluttering up the bottom of my nice new bag. Goals! I’m looking at a very low-key weekend with no plans other than a trip to our local cafe for coffee and Portuguese tarts tomorrow. On Sunday, I might go for a walk and then give myself a soap nail manicure. You might like to catch my post on soap nails—it’s a fun little DIY treat, perfect for a relaxing weekend! Happy Friday!

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Soap Nails: The Clean, Elegant Manicure for 2025

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I have recently noticed that soap nails are a trend for 2025, and I’m super excited about it! I think well-manicured long nails look gorgeous, but long nails just don’t work for me. Even a little bit of length bothers me because they feel heavy and uncomfortable. I’m not sure what it is, but my brain just doesn’t seem to cope with the sensation of long nails. I wonder if it could be a sensory issue. Either way, I get so distracted by them, even when they’re just a tiny bit long, which is why I prefer to keep my nails neat and short. So when I saw some images of soap nails, I was all like – YES! That’s the look for me! What Are Soap Nails? Soap nails are all about sheer, milky, and ultra-glossy nails that look clean and hydrated—like that dewy look your nails have after pulling them out of a frothy sink full of dishwater. Or, for a more luxurious image, think of the fresh, polished finish you get after washing your hands with a beautifully scented bar of soap. They’re a step up from a classic nude manicure, with semi-translucent, neutral tones and a healthy, glass-like shine. Why Sheer, Milky Polish? For a true soap nail effect, use a translucent, milky polish instead of an opaque nude or white. This gives a soft, washed-clean look with your natural nails subtly showing through, making them stand out from a classic solid-coloured manicure. Soap nails just look so effortlessly elegant! What You’ll Need To achieve the perfect soap nails at home, these are the essentials you will need: Nail file and buffer – you want to smooth and shape your nails. Cuticle oil – for nourishing and prepping the nails. Base coat – to give a nice smooth and even finish. Sheer milky polish – look for shades like soft white, sheer pink, or translucent nude. Glossy top coat – this will lock in the ultra-shiny look you want to achieve. Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Soap Nails 1. Prep Your Nails Start with clean, dry nails. File your nails into a natural, soft shape. Lightly buff the surface to create a smooth canvas. Apply cuticle oil and push back cuticles for a clean look. 2. Apply a Base Coat A thin layer of base coat helps your sheer polish apply evenly and last longer. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. 3. Layer on a Sheer Milky Polish The key to the soap nail look is a soft colour you can build up to your liking. Apply one thin coat of a milky, semi-transparent polish. Let it dry before adding a second coat for a smooth, jelly-like finish. 4. Lock It in with a Glossy Top Coat A high-shine top coat gives soap nails their signature glossy, wet look. Apply one or two thin coats and let them dry completely. 5. Finish with Cuticle Oil Massage a bit of cuticle oil around your nails to keep them healthy and give them a clean, hydrated look. Tips for the Perfect Soap Nails Stick to sheer, neutral shades for the best effect, and go with thin layers to avoid streaks and keep the finish natural. If they start to lose that shiny, soapy look, just add a quick top coat between manicures. Why I Love Soap Nails! One of the main reasons I love soap nails is that they make short nails look great. They’re neat, shiny, and not loud or bold. That’s just my style, and it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate long nails with a big vibe—it’s just that I don’t think that style suits me. I’m all about that minimalist look when it comes to dressing—neutral tones, simple pieces, nothing too colourful or dramatic. Soap nails fit perfectly with my love for low-key, quiet fashion. Soap nails are also an easy manicure to do at home, which is a huge win. With the cost of living these days, it’s a serious money-saving bonus!

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Hiking The Narrows in Winter

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Hi friends, it’s time for another trip recap, and this time, I’m sharing all about us hiking The Narrows in winter! I’ve just been scrolling through my zillion or so photos before sitting down to write this post. When I look at them, I feel a mix of excitement, nostalgia, awe, and a little tinge of sadness that it’s over, but at the same time, an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I still can’t believe I got to experience so many WOW moments with my family! So, let’s jump into Cousin Connect trip recap, Part 6. Maybe I should stop numbering them because I’m not even halfway through yet. Yikes! What is The Narrows The Narrows is a famous hike in Zion National Park, located in Utah. It follows the Virgin River upstream through a narrow, scenic canyon. The trail is so unique because you actually walk through the river! The water levels ranged anywhere from ankle-deep to waist-deep and in total, the hike is about 16 kilometres round trip. But you can choose to turn around at any point. As you walk along and look up, the canyon walls tower over you, and you feel so small! Rock formations line the river, and the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The trail is challenging because the riverbed is uneven, and the current is strong in many parts of the hike. The Right Gear for Hiking The Narrows in Winter In the Part 5 recap, I mentioned our visit to Zion Outfitter, where we just made it before closing time to pick up our gear for the hike. Since we were hiking The Narrows in winter, we needed the whole shebang. So, we hired the Dry Bib Package, which included: Dry Bibs: They provided coverage right up to the armpits and kept water out thanks to a (very) tight rubber gasket around the ankles. Neoprene Socks: Kept our feet surprisingly warm and insulated, even though they still got wet. For some reason, I thought neoprene meant waterproof, but I was wrong. Canyoneering Boots: These boots provided excellent grip on both wet and dry rocks with necessary ankle support. Wooden Hiking Stick: Essential for balance and stability. Honestly, I wouldn’t have made it without this stick—and now I totally get why Moses had one, too. He didn’t use it for hiking The Narrows in winter, but leading people through harsh desert terrain would have been tougher without it! The total cost for the Dry Bib Package was USD 55 per person, which worked out to around AUD 87. You can also hire additional items like gloves. But I took my own woollen ones, and I’m so glad I did! I almost left them behind in the van, thinking it would be awkward to pull them off every time I wanted to take a photo. My fingers were numb even with gloves–without them, I don’t even want to imagine. Ouch! Getting Ready and Heading to The Narrows We parked the van at the car park, feeling so excited for our big hiking adventure. The whole process of getting ourselves ready was equal parts funny and frustrating. So many grunts and sighs as we wriggled into the stiff dry bibs and getting those rubber ankle seals over our feet was such a huge effort! It might have been easier to get ready back at the hotel, but then we would’ve had to deal with the challenge of squeezing into the van all suited up. From what I remember, we were also pretty tired the night before and didn’t want to deal with carrying everything up to the rooms after picking up our gear from Zion Outfitter. So I guess the van car park seemed like the most practical option. Once we were all suited up, we set off along the path leading to the start of the hike. It took us about 15 minutes to walk from the van to the entrance of The Narrows. Hiking The Narrows On the day of our hike, the temperature in the morning was -6ºC (21ºF). When Sydney temperatures dip to 16ºC (61ºF) in winter, I start to panic because that feels freezing to me. I guess from now on, our winter temps will seem laughable! I remember that strange sensation when my boot hit the water. It wasn’t like the usual squelch you feel when stepping into a puddle on a rainy day. Instead, the water gently seeped into my boot and neoprene socks (definitely not waterproof). And oh my goodness, the water was so cold! But my legs and body stayed dry, all thanks to the dry bib with its tight rubber seal around the ankle. Loved that dry bib! Hiking The Narrows in winter? Totally doable when you’ve got the right gear. We walked for quite a while, enjoying the scenery before the water level got higher. Everywhere you look—just breathtaking views! I was very surprised by how slippery and uneven the riverbed was. The whole hike was a real process of navigating my feet onto the safest rock I could find, and I had to concentrate really hard before each step. I had watched YouTube videos and read some blogs beforehand, but nothing quite compares to experiencing it firsthand. So it wasn’t like I was unprepared; it was more that I didn’t expect it to be quite so tricky. Slow and steady was the way to go! My cousins J and S had both hiked The Narrows before, but neither their kids nor my family had. Sam and I were first-timers, and Steve wisely opted out of this one; he decided it wasn’t the best idea for him. His new knee was doing great, but the last thing he wanted was to risk a tumble, and I’m so glad he made that choice. He was as happy as a clam to stay back at the hotel, rest, and enjoy the views—and what amazing views they were! We hiked for about two and a half hours

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Friday Favourites

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Hi friends, and happy Friday! It’s time to link up with Andrea and Erika for some Friday favourites. I’m so glad you’re here! On Monday, I blogged about my Sunday reset routine, so I didn’t get around to sharing about our weekend. Here are a few pics from our Cousin Connect dinner on Saturday. Let’s eat! I snapped a pic before we all sat down. This month, it was my turn to host. Since a few cousins couldn’t make it, we managed to fit around the table in my small dining room. I added Sam’s old Ikea table—the one he used as a desk before he bought a height-adjustable, ergonomic one. I threw a white tablecloth over it, and voilà—extra seating! When you live in a small space, you need to get creative. It’s 2025, so it’s time for the cousins to try a new game! I ordered Taboo from Amazon and thought it would be fun to switch things up from our usual board game. I played it years ago with friends, so I knew it would be fun. It’s simple, with easy-to-follow rules—perfect for me because games that involve too much strategy and complicated instructions make me feel the same way I do when I open flat-packed furniture. It was a hit with everyone — so many laughs! The leftovers from our cheese board made the perfect Sunday snack. Another favourite this week was a spur-of-the-moment trip to Ikea after work on Wednesday. It was so quiet—nothing like the weekend crowds. Steve wanted to get a frame for a Father’s Day card our oldest son had drawn for him. He’d been meaning to frame it for ages. While we were there, we also looked at dining tables because we’d love to upgrade to a bigger one—it’s not an urgent need, but it’s definitely on our wish list. When we bought our furniture ages ago, I chose darker colors, but now I’m leaning toward something lighter. The dilemma is whether it will go with everything else. I’m not a fan of everything matching exactly, but I also don’t want things to clash. This oak coloured one extends, which is what we’re looking for. But I think the white table would look better. No rush, though—we’ll keep looking, and I’m excited for more Ikea trips until we decide. Haha, not sure Steve’s as keen as I am—he’s not the biggest fan of Ikea shopping. He prefers to get in and out as quickly as possible, while I love to take my time and wander around. Then, on Thursday, we did something a bit different and went out for cocktails in the evening. There’s a nice rooftop bar not far from where we live called Above 8. Soaking up the last of the hot weather—still feeling very much like summer over here. Nice views as the sun went down and the city lights came on. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up some T-shirts and a pair of shorts from Uniqlo. Perfect for work, and they were 50% off since it’s the end of the season. The shorts are just the right length—not too short—and I love the neutral colours. Neutrals are my favourite! I wore the white T-shirt to work this week. Wearing white to work is always risky, but yay— no paint stains when I got home! Speaking of work, there’s always something to laugh about, even on the most unfunny days. I had the camera in my hand and managed to catch this little guy sticking half his body in our pretend pizza oven…..interesting. And that sums up a few favourite and funny moments from my week. Never a dull moment! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and if you’re enjoying the last days of hot weather like me (it’s 32ºC today), keep cool. If it’s still cold where you are, stay cozy and remember—warmer weather is on its way! Happy Friday!

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A Sunday Reset Routine for Self-Care

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My Sunday reset routine used to be about commitments and preparing for the week ahead. Since Sunday was my last chance to get things sorted before work, I felt like I absolutely had to get as much as I could done! It meant that I spent most of Sunday afternoon dealing with leftover household chores, last-minute meal planning and rushing to the grocery shop. Because, yikes, what would we eat next week? Not much fun. My Sundays look a lot different these days, and I couldn’t be happier! Now, my Sunday reset routine isn’t just about getting chores done so I feel as prepared as possible for the dreaded Monday. Poor Monday—it always gets a bad rap. Now, my Sundays are more balanced. Yes, I tackle a few things if I need to, so I’m prepared for the week, but it’s no longer the frustrating rush it used to be. I’m learning to find a balance between being productive and giving myself permission to do things that make me feel good about life—because, as we all know, life is too short! My Sundays are also flexible, which means I might catch up with friends or family or spend the afternoon plonked on the couch. And sometimes, if I feel like it, I’m even up for a shopping trip to the city—because retail therapy can be a fun way to reset! My Sunday Reset Routine Sleeping In There’s nothing better than waking up naturally without an alarm. Now that my kids are grown, I’m in a different phase of life—gone are the days when they’d come running in at 6 a.m. (or earlier!) and jump on the bed. I miss them being little… but maybe not that part. Actually, no—I think I do miss it. Just a little. Brunch I’m not hungry before 10 am, so brunch on a Sunday is perfect. Tidying Up I can’t relax if my house isn’t tidy, so I try to get as much done during the week as possible. I do some on Saturdays and give myself Sundays off. In the past, I aimed for a completely chore-free weekend, but that was a bit too ambitious. When I didn’t get everything done, I’d feel frustrated with myself. So much unnecessary pressure! Now, I’ve eased up a little (no, really, I have!). I keep on top of things during the week, knock off a few bits I missed on Saturday, and actually let myself enjoy Sundays. Last weekend, I binge-watched Big Little Lies and started to feel guilty. Why do I feel like I always have to be productive? I’m not sure, but I’m working on it! Diffuser and Soft Music I light up the lovely diffuser my thoughtful friend gave me for my birthday with calming essential oils and play soft, chill jazz music in the background. The type that drives my husband mad, hehe. Lucky for me, he goes to work on Sunday afternoons. Self-Care I spend some time pampering myself with a face mask, waxing (because, as if wrinkles weren’t enough, Mother Nature decided to throw in a few extra whiskers, too), and doing my nails. Recently, I’ve fallen in love with the short “soap nail” look—it’s easy to maintain and perfect for me because long nails are just not my thing. Stretching Sometimes, stress, bad posture, clenching my teeth, or spending too much time on the computer leaves me with a sore neck. Sundays are the perfect time to spend a few minutes stretching to help release the tightness. It feels so good to be nice and loose, all ready for a new week of tension. 😉 A Simple Dinner I usually keep dinner simple, like a good old steak sandwich. By the time my husband is home from work, we sit down together to eat. Goodbye Weekend I struggle to let go of my precious Sundays and always end up going to bed later than I should. But after a Sunday reset routine that mainly involves self-care, I feel pretty relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep. Good night sleeps don’t always happen for me on a Sunday night, no matter how relaxed I am. Sometimes, I start to overthink too much in bed, but at least I know I spent the day resting. The rest of the week, though? I sleep like a champ! And that’s my usual Sunday reset routine—a little bit of productivity and a big dash of rest and self-care. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have an amazing day! Linking up with Shay and Erika

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An Average Day In The Life

8 Comments / Family Life, Home

Hi friends! It’s time to link up with Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne, and Sarah. This month’s topic is ‘A Day in the Life’—a peek into what an average day looks like. The nosey Parker in me loves these kinds of posts, so I’m excited to read about everyone else’s day. Here’s mine from last Thursday. I always set my alarm for 6.25 instead of 6.30, so I feel like I’m winning. I’m not a morning person AT ALL, so I figure if I play mind games like this, I might just have a shot at getting up on time at 6.30! 6.27—I was 3 minutes ahead of myself! Yay! First things first—I took my thyroid meds and made sure to leave the empty glass on top of the chopping board in the kitchen. That’s my little sign and a way of knowing for sure that I’ve taken them. When you take regular medication, it’s easy to get confused and wonder, “Did I take them, or was that yesterday?” That used to happen to me a lot, but now my glass trick has helped so much. Next, I went down to the laundry to feed the cats and take care of their kitty litter—bleh. Then, I charged my watch and phone to get them ready for the day. Up until a week ago, I used to leave my watch charging overnight, but then I heard it could cause overheating or damage the battery. Oops! Next, I folded some washing—because there’s always washing! I had to turn the light on because it was cloudy. But even when it’s not, I’ve noticed the sun is coming up later. Autumn is getting started. Then, it was time to sort out my lunch and get ready for work. Sunscreen first—always! I keep my makeup pretty simple: concealer, BB cream, blush, and lipstick. Just enough so I don’t look like I’ve been haunting houses. It was time to head out and walk fast! So cloudy, but this colourful tree was a treat on such a gloomy day. Every day, I dread these lights—they take forever to change! I like that our pedestrian lights have little men: red for wait and green for walk. But when I was in California, I think the pedestrian signals showed a white walking person for “WALK” and an orange raised hand for “DON’T WALK.” I kept waiting for the green man, but he never showed up. A bit sweaty from the walk, but I made it to work on time! Then, it was the usual running around we all do at preschool—getting everything ready, helping the children with their activities, and making sure everyone was settled and happy, using friendly hands and kind words. It’s a work in progress. Look, Miss Ruth, I painted a plum! Always bending down to pick up some kind of mess or spill. According to Dan Buettner, the guy who wrote about the Blue Zones, that’s supposed to be good for longevity, right? Excellent! Maybe I’ll live to 150. During my lunch break, I did some blogging. The day went by pretty fast at work, and I finished at 3:46. Yep, that’s my actual finishing time—pretty precise, huh? In the afternoon, the sun came out, and the skies turned bright blue. I always love walking home after a noisy, busy day. By the time I get home, I feel so zen. The only ones to greet me when I walked in the door were the cats. Steve was at work, and Sam was at uni. Dinner time for the girls. I grabbed my cleaning caddy and did a quick clean. I used to do it all in the morning, but now I do it in the afternoon when no one’s home. Then, it was time to cook dinner. On Thursdays, we usually eat together because everyone’s home in the evening. After everything had been cleaned up, we caught an episode of Matlock and had a cup of tea. I love Kathy Bates! Around 11 (probably later than I should), I got ready for bed. Brushed my teeth. All showered-pyjamas on, and then it was lights out. Nighty night!

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