Hey friends! Welcome to this week’s Friday Favourites. I’m so happy to be back, and I can’t wait to share a few of the highlights from my week with you.
Monday night, I made some chili, and what better way to enjoy it than with a bit of cornbread? I made it in a round tin because I don’t have a rectangular one, and it was easier than using a muffin tray.
I first tasted this delicious cornbread at one of our cousin connect dinners last year (or maybe it was a couple of years ago—time goes so fast!). My cousin J and her family brought back a packet mix from their trip to the US for us to try.
I loved it so much that during our recent trip, I made sure to pick up a couple of packets at Walmart. We can’t get it in Australia, and I regret stressing about my luggage being overweight when I was actually under. I could’ve brought back heaps more of this mix!
Out of curiosity, I checked online to see if I could buy it here. I can, but it costs AUD$14, plus $46.50 for international shipping. I guess it’s cheaper than a plane ticket. But at that price, I won’t be rushing to buy any, that’s for sure!
Tuesday was my birthday, and it was also the last day of my long service leave. So I made sure to enjoy every moment! We had a late breakfast at home.
Then Steve and I headed to a local café that specialises in Portuguese tarts. These tarts are incredible—honestly, the best I’ve ever tasted. They’re made fresh daily, with a sweet, silky creamy filling and a perfectly crunchy, flaky pastry.
The café is called Lusinata, and it’s in Hurstville. I’m sharing this because I truly think you’d love them as much as I do. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favour and try them—you won’t regret it!
My husband offered to take me out for a special birthday dinner. But the last couple of months have felt like one long celebration. With our trip, extra time off work, and a bunch of lunch and dinner outings, I was more than happy to stay home that night. My eldest son and his partner came over, and Sam finished uni just in time to join us for dinner. We ordered takeaway and ended the night watching Three Amigos. Nothing beats a classic comedy!
Wednesday was back to work, and I was actually excited to return. I missed some of my work buddies! I’ve been at the same preschool for nearly 28 years now, so it really feels like home. I brought back a little gift from Hawaii for everyone—a packet of pineapple lollies to share and a plastic flower hair clip. I think they liked them since they were wearing them, and by the time I took the photo, only two were left for the staff who work on different days.
It was good to see some children returning from last year, and there were lots of new little faces! I was a bit worried I wouldn’t be able to remember all of their names. But even though my brain is a year older, by Friday, I had managed to get them all down!
Then, of course, it felt like I’d never left, and my days were filled with the usual—picking up toys, helping the kids with their painting, cleaning up messes, reading stories, and singing those songs that get stuck in my head on loop.
I think I really needed the extra long break because I came back feeling energetic and inspired. Ask me how I feel in a few weeks, and I might be singing a different tune, but so far, so good.
Thursday night, Steve and I went out for dinner with friends. It was good to go to our local pub for a hearty meal. I had the chicken schnitzel with chips, salad and two lots of gravy because there’s no such thing as too much gravy!
It was a great week, and starting work on a Wednesday was definitely a bonus. Before I knew it, the weekend was here! How was your week? I hope it was a good one.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with part 4 of our trip recap, where I’ll share all about our unforgettable day at Universal Studios. Hope you can join me then! 😊
If you missed parts 1, 2, or 3 of my trip recap, you can catch up here:
Linking up with Andrea and Erika
We love Jiffy corn muffin mix. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip! Hope you have a great weekend
I think I am going to have to have a go at making cornbread! I think I’d love it and I’ve just checked and they sell the mix in supermarkets here in their World food aisles.
Happy belated birthday!! It sounds like you had a lovely day and are happy to be back at work.
That was so sweet of you to bring your colleagues some treats from Hawaii! My sister in law makes an incredible casserole with Jiffy corn mix that uses butter, sour cream, creamed corn, etc… I’ve never bought Jiffy muffin mix. I bet I could ship you some much cheaper than you found online!
Happy Belated Birthday, what a nice evening in with your family. Lovely gifts from Hawaii, so thoughtful of you!
I use to buy the Jiffy Corn Mix all the time, but it has been a while since I have eaten it. It is always delicious though! Happy belated birthday and I am glad you had a good celebration! Enjoy your weekend!
The food looks so good. Happy birthday! sorry I’m late!