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Why The 80s Was The Best Decade-12 Reasons

I thought that it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane. And look at my all-time favourite decade- The 80s! If you grew up in this decade then you will know exactly what I mean. The 80s was a time of interesting fashion and hairstyles. Amazing pop culture, epic music and the best TV shows. So let’s have a look at why the 80s was the best decade ever. As I share some of my favourite things about this wonderful time. This post features some sponsored content. I believe in transparency and only collaborate with brands aligned with my values. You can count on me to share my honest opinions. Your trust means the world to me, and I appreciate you being here! 12 Reasons Why The 80s Was The Best Decade The Music I love music from all the decades, even today’s music. Except not that angry rap stuff, that I will never understand or like. But it would be probably accurate to say that I am head over heels for 80s music! From the catchy pop tunes of Madonna to the rebellious rock anthems of Bon Jovi, there was something for everyone. Remember the lure of the synthesisers that made the melodies come alive and created memorable electrifying music like the soundtrack to ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. And who can forget the new wave explosion that took the whole world by storm? Bands like New Order, Talking Heads, A-ha, and Duran Duran to name a few. These bands helped to define the new wave genre with their unique sound and blend of punk, pop and electronic music. The Mix Tape Haha, the good old mix tape that took so much effort and perseverance to create! Firstly you had to wait (all day) patiently hovering around the radio ready to catch that favourite song. And then with ninja-like reflexes as soon as you heard the song you had to press the record and play buttons at the same time. If you were very lucky you would catch the whole song without the DJ’s intrusive voice at the beginning or the annoying tail end of a commercial. The struggle was real but the victory was sweet! The Fashion The 80s would have to be the decade that brought us the most memorable styles. The 80s were all about big shoulder pads, leg warmers, neon colours and oversized t-shirts emblazoned with bold eye-catching inspirational messages like Choose Life Be Yourself Dream Big It was also the decade of acid-wash jeans, scrunchies, ra-ra skirts and multiple layers of rubber bracelets. The 80s was a fashion adventure for sure! If you love 80s fashion, you should definitely give this style a try! Small accessories like necklaces, earrings, or custom patches from Patches Co. can have a fantastic impact. Customising patches with unique 80s fashion elements to embellish your outfit will add a unique and unmistakable retro vibe to your outfit. The Hairstyles The best word that describes 80s hair is excess! From big hair to gravity-defying creations, the 80s really did push the boundaries of hairstyling to new heights. Not to mention how the sale of hair spray and gels must have skyrocketed through the roof! Big hair was all the rage and almost everyone’s motto was “The higher the better”. Oh, how I envied my friends who could rock the big messy Madonna-style hair with the glorious standing-up fringe. I was never allowed to leave the house looking like this. God knows I tried but my mum would always catch me and send me back to brush my hair out. She would say “Why do you want to look like a cockatoo?”. I just did Mum…..I really really did! TV Shows Television in the 80s was a cultural phenomenon. There were epic cartoons like ‘Inspector Gadget’, ‘The Smurfs’, ‘Voltron’ and ‘Super Friends’ which featured the ‘Wonder Twins’- “Wonder twin powers activate!”. Back in the days when streaming services didn’t exist, the wholesome family TV sitcoms were the best and I always eagerly anticipated their airtime. I remember waiting and fiddling with the darn TV antenna praying for a strong signal to watch some of my favourite shows like ‘Family Ties’, ‘Growing Pains’, ‘Full House’, and ‘The Facts Of Life’. The Movies The 80s gifted us some of the most iconic movies of all time. From the unforgettable dance moves in ‘Footloose’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ to the action-packed adventures in ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ and ‘Top Gun’. It was also a time when The Brat Pack ruled the screen with movies like ‘The Breakfast Cub’, ‘Pretty In Pink’, ‘St Elmo’s Fire’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. The decade delivered countless classics and introduced us to exhilarating experiences leaving us craving for more. Arcade Games The ’80s is also the decade when arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Street Fighter and Donkey Kong were all the rage. The colourful graphics, iconic sounds (pac-man dying), catchy soundtracks and addictive gameplay kept us totally hooked. We were also introduced to portable gaming with handheld devices like Nintendo’s Game & Watch. Oh my goodness, I remember the very first time that I saw one of these. I felt like the cavemen must have felt when they discovered fire for the very first time. Memorable Toys I think that the 80s was a golden age for toys. This decade introduced us to toys like Cabbage Patch Kids, Strawberry Shortcake, Transformers and the iconic Rubik’s Cube to name a few. These toys sparked our imagination and provided endless hours of entertainment. Video Stores The 80s also gave us video rental stores where we would spend ages trying to decide what movie to pick for that special weekend movie night. The giddy anticipation of finding the much-awaited new release added a real sense of excitement to the movie-watching experience. Phone Conversations Before smartphones and texting, talking on the phone was a social event. The 80s teen years were all about spending hours on the phone sharing secrets,

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My Favourite Current Music

8 Comments / Family Life, Home

When I saw that this week’s link-up was all about favourite current music, I initially thought, hmmm… Oh, I don’t really have a favourite type of music. And as far as what I’m currently listening to, well, it really depends on my mood. I’m a mood-listener kind of gal. I go with my mood. What I listen to can change completely depending on where I am, what I’m doing, and whether I need calming down or cheering up. And all of that can change in the space of one day! Maybe I’m like the weather – changeable. So here is a little look at what’s currently playing on the soundtrack of my life. Calm and Chill When I’m home alone, I love putting on something chilled-out. It could be ambient, lo-fi, jazz or anything calming. I listen to it on TV through YouTube Music, and the bonus is that it comes with a beautiful scene. So I can choose whether I want to be in a swanky New York apartment, a cosy coffee shop or a little cottage somewhere in the countryside. And I don’t have to leave home. I love having it playing in the background while I’m getting on with chores around the house, cooking or having a cup of tea. I can also pretend I’m in one of those calm Nordic slow-living YouTube videos. My husband, however, absolutely cannot stand it. To him, this music is total auditory torture. Whenever he hears it, he practically has a seizure. So I tend to save it for when he’s not home. When I Need a Pick-Me-Up: Latin Music When I need some energy, give me some upbeat Latin music, and I can usually shake off a funk (usually). Latin music makes it almost impossible to sit still. The beat is too contagious and, as Gloria Estefan says, the rhythm is gonna get you! 80s Music Will Always Have My Heart And then there’s the 80s. No matter how much new music comes along, the 80s will always have a very special place in my heart. I especially love the new wave era — Duran Duran, OMD, Talking Heads, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, The Cure, New Order and Depeche Mode. These are the songs that can come on, and boom, instantly transport me back to my teens. That’s one of the best things about music, isn’t it? One song can take you straight back to a particular time in your life. I am 100% convinced that the 80s was the best decade EVER! When I Want to Travel Without Leaving Home I also have playlists for my trips to the USA and Japan, and I love putting them on when I feel like reminiscing. USA: A Bar Song (Tipsy), Counting Stars, Blinding Lights, A Sky Full of Stars, Alive, Heaven is a Place on Earth, Walking on a Dream, Titanium Japan: Tokyo Drift, Blue Monday, Just Can’t Get Enough, Smalltown Boy, Hit That Perfect Beat I used these songs as the soundtrack to the videos I made of the trips, so I think that’s why I associate them so strongly with those holidays. Whenever I put these playlists on, bam! I’m back on that road trip through Utah or walking around busy Tokyo. There was actually a time when I couldn’t listen to these songs because I had the post-trip blues so badly, especially after the US trip. I’d hear one of them and actually start crying. Dramatic? Maybe. But I really loved that trip! I’m OK now, though, and can listen to them without crying. Haha! And Then There’s Preschool Music… Last year I discovered Stephanie Leavell, and she is an absolute godsend with a voice that will calm a room full of wild preschoolers. Her voice is so beautiful and soothing, so any educators out there, take note! She’s on Spotify, and I kid you not, she saves my sanity weekly. Sometimes the children are behaving like they have been playing in a windy playground for six hours. Everyone is talking. Everyone is moving. Someone is calling out. Someone is poking someone Someone else is running around. I play Stephanie Leavell and… calm. So, What’s My Favourite Current Music? Well, I’m not sure I have one. I have chill music when I want peace, Latin music when I need a lift, 80s new wave because it will always have my heart, travel playlists when I want to revisit some wonderful memories, and Stephanie Leavell when I need to restore order to a room full of… ahem… excited children. I think that pretty much sums up what I’m listening to. And it all depends on my mood. Linking up with Adrienne, Dara, Joanne and Jen

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Binge Worthy Shows

11 Comments / Home, My Favourite Movies and TV shows

Finding binge-worthy shows can be tricky, especially if I’m having one of my indecisive days. I mean, with all of the choices we have and all of the streaming services available, it should be easier, right? I often think about the olden days when I was growing up, with only four channels to pick from. Life was easier. Less exciting, but easier. Some shows, though, keep me glued straight away, and when I strike one of these, I know I’m set for a good run. Here are a few gems I have found lately, and I’ve grouped them by mood, because that’s usually how I decide what to watch. Binge Worthy Shows Dark and Twisty These binge-worthy shows are for when I’m feeling brave and want suspense, jump scares, secrets, and my heart can cope with the sense that something is about to go wrong. Stranger Things I don’t love horror, but I sure loved this show so very much, and I’m sad it’s over. The biggest appeal for me was the 80s nostalgia. That was my time, my fashion and my music. The nods and subtle references to my favourite movies from the best decade ever were genius. Harlan Coben series I haven’t watched a single one that I didn’t enjoy, so I would confidently say that they are truly reliable binge material. They all have great plot twists I never see coming. The endings are wrapped up nicely, which is so important because I can’t stand it when I invest time and emotional energy into a show that ends vaguely. I hate having to make up an ending in my mind just so I can sleep at night and not lie there wondering. So far, I’ve watched Safe, The Stranger, Stay Close, Fool Me Once, Hold Tight, Run Away, and Caught. I’ve just started Innocent, which is in Spanish, and I want to watch the rest of the international ones too. The Serial Killer’s Wife This was kind of unsettling, but I watched it while I was painting the living room in the daytime. I don’t think I would have liked watching it at night by myself. It kind of gave me the ick, but I couldn’t stop watching and painting. If you can’t stop watching, I guess it makes it binge-worthy, right? Hostage I loved this one! It has a great mix of personal and political drama that really pulled me in. The lead was very likeable. A likeable lead is a must because then you feel all the feels. Ha, at least I do! The five-episode series is about a British Prime Minister whose husband is kidnapped and how she manages her personal life alongside all the political drama. This one is very binge-worthy. European and Foreign Dramadies Borgen I didn’t think I’d enjoy this one as much as I am (I’m still in season one), but again it has a likeable lead. The politics are a bit complex, and since it’s in Danish, I sometimes have to rewind to make sure I understand the English subtitles. Interestingly, the show discusses Greenland and the US interest in it. I didn’t realise this was even an issue back then, and sadly, it’s now a major real-life threat. Baby Fever I love Swedish dramadies, and they’re so hard to find. I nearly skipped this one because the title sounded a bit cheesy. But I’m glad I gave it a go because it’s funny, awkward, and dramatic without being over the top. Pernille Another one with an unusual title, but Pernille, the main character, is so relatable and down-to-earth. You really feel like you’re there with her through her awkward life moments. There’s a lot of major swearing, though! Comfort and Funny Binge-Worthy Shows Watching these is a guaranteed laugh. Seinfeld It doesn’t matter how many times I have watched these episodes, they are still hilarious. I’ve been binge-watching this show since 1993! The Nanny An old, new-to-me show that I’ve been talking about non-stop. Adventure / Reality Fun The Amazing Race Every time I watch a season, I think I’d love to be on this show, and then I remember I can’t swim, I’m scared of flying, and I don’t do heights. I’ll just keep binge-watching it like a champ. Survivor I’m excited for the 50th season! Light, Easy-to-Watch Drama / Gap Fillers These are perfect for my indecisive nights. I like them enough to keep watching, and I guess they’re good binge-watching gap fillers for when my favourite shows are finished, or I’m waiting for a new season of something. The Rookie It’s entertaining and easy to follow Boston Blue I don’t love it like I loved Blue Bloods, but it’s still good, and I like it enough to keep watching. Most Binge-Worthy Shows Shows I absolutely love and could marathon any time. The Gilded Age I love the costumes, the scheming, and Aunt Agnes’s cheeky one-liners. Better Call Saul Brilliant, binge-worthy show that makes me rethink Jimmy every few minutes. One minute I think he’s such a great guy, and then I think, oh no, he really isn’t. A fascinating look at human nature and the sad downward spiral of bad choices. These are my favourite binge-worthy shows lately. What are some of yours? I’d love to hear what you’ve been watching. Linking up with Adrienne, Dara, Joanne and Jen

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Shows I Binge Watch

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Hey there, friends! It’s time to link up with Erika and Shay for the July edition of Let’s Look. Today, I’ll be sharing some of the shows I binge-watch—these are the series that have me hooked and glued to the TV until my eyes go square! And when they’re over, I get the post-series blues until I find another show that gives me that fix. Shows I Binge-watch Drama Stranger Things Stranger Things is a masterpiece that combines 80s nostalgia with jaw-dropping sci-fi twists. While I binge-watched the last season, I was on the edge of my seat, hiding behind a cushion because it does have some horror (which I’m not usually a fan of, but it’s totally acceptable in this show). I love the characters and the trip down memory lane with the brilliant 80s music, fashion, and small prop details that sends me right back to my favourite era. I can’t wait for the final series! The Crown I fact-checked everything through all the episodes of The Crown and was amazed at some of the things I had no clue about (I should have paid more attention in History class). I loved all the seasons except for the last two, which kind of missed the mark for me. Downton Abbey This series set in 20th-century England about the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants is just the best! All the characters were so likable—especially the Dowager with her funny, dry, and witty one-liners. What a character! The finale wrapped up the storylines so well that I haven’t felt the urge to watch the latest movie, especially since I didn’t love the first one. The final scene is beautiful — It’s Christmas and snow is softly falling while everyone sings “Auld Lang Syne.” It was such a satisfying ending. Unlike Lost, which I binge-watched and obsessed over, only to find its series finale the worst! That’s why I haven’t added it to this list (can you tell I’m still not over the disappointment?). The Time of Our Lives This is my favourite Australian drama series, and I was sad when it got cancelled after the third season due to ABC budget cuts. The series offers a relatable look at the lives of a diverse group of friends and family. It’s currently available on iView, and I often have it playing in the background while I do chores. Comedy Gilmore Girls This fast-talking mother-daughter duo is famous for their witty banter and quick comebacks. I was watching it the other day, and for the first time, I thought to myself, ‘Maybe Lorelai has ADHD!’ ADHD has been on my mind lately due to a close family member’s recent diagnosis. I digress—yes, I love this show, and I wish I lived in a town like Stars Hollow. Seinfeld A classic show about nothing that has everything! There are so many laugh-out-loud moments and quotable lines. I binge-watch a few episodes every night and fall asleep happy. Everybody Loves Raymond This sitcom about the ups and downs of family life is a gem. Ray Romano stars as a sports writer dealing with his overbearing parents and brother, who all live just across the street. As I get older, I find myself sympathising more and more with Marie—she’s always just trying to be helpful, right? Action/Thriller Cobra Kai I’m a huge fan of The Karate Kid (the original version) and love Cobra Kai! It’s packed with so much nostalgia and action! The series is all about Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso as they reignite their old rivalry while training a new generation of karate students. Sometimes I’m Team Johnny and sometimes I’m Team Daniel—I can’t wait to see how they wrap up the final season. Foreign The Shift This Danish drama series explores the personal and professional challenges faced by midwives. It’s an engaging portrayal that highlights the strength and compassion of these unsung heroes. I’ve heard there’s a second season coming out. But I’m not sure about the release date or which channel will air it. I stumbled across this series on SBS on Demand. Bonus Family (Bonusfamiljen) This Swedish dramedy explores the complex world of blended families with so much humour and heart. ‘Bonus Family’ follows the lives of Lisa and Patrik as they navigate the challenges of merging their families after previous marriages. It was my latest binge-watch, and I loved it. However, I’m disappointed that I can’t track down the finale, which was a movie-length episode. It was originally on Netflix, but by the time I finished the series, they had taken the movie down—boo! Now I can’t find it anywhere. The Grand Hotel (Gran Hotel) This Spanish series, set in early 20th-century Spain, holds a special place in my heart because it was the last series I binge-watched with my mum. ‘The Grand Hotel’ (Gran Hotel) is a period drama full of mystery, romance, and intrigue. The series follows a young man who goes undercover at a luxurious hotel to investigate his sister’s disappearance. It’s filled with so many twists and turns, as two of the best-looking couples on TV fall in love. I can’t help but laugh when I remember how Mum and I would crack up over needing subtitles to understand European Spanish—being from Latin America, those ‘th th th’ sounds always tricked us! Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) Money Heist is a thrilling ride from start to finish. “Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel) is all about a group of clever criminals pulling off elaborate heists, led by the mysterious mastermind known as “The Professor.” We would often have to hit the pause button to catch our breaths during those frequent tense episodes. This is another Spanish series that captivated audiences worldwide with its clever plot twists and dynamic characters. I loved it so much that I even dressed up as one of the heist crew for Halloween last year! These are just some of the shows that I binge-watch.

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Wicked The Musical and A Vintage Find!

12 Comments / Family Life

Hi friends it’s time for the Hello Monday link-up hosted by Holly and Sarah. Thanks so much for joining me as I share a few of the things we got up to over the weekend. Wicked The Musical My awesome friend managed to find some pretty reasonably priced tickets to go and see “Wicked The Musical” on Saturday. First off, we both thought that it would be a fun way to finish the summer school holidays. Plus, it was also good to have something to look forward to. It sort of helped to take our minds off the fact that we both have to go back to work on Tuesday. We had lunch at a nice Italian restaurant beforehand and we both ordered pasta and drinks. Then it was time for the show and we found our seats. They were spot on! Right in the middle of the theatre where we could see the whole stage. I had no clue what “Wicked” was about and the only thing I had heard was that it had something to do with The Wizard of Oz. Well, I was blown away by how good it was! I won’t go into spoilers because if you get a chance to see it I think you’ll love it. I will say that absolutely everything that I thought I knew about The Wizard of Oz as a kid was completely shaken up for me – in a good way! Then after the show, it was time for a sweet treat. Ice cream from Messina! Mitchell Road Antiques Saturday morning my husband suggested we go out for lunch and then go to my favourite place – Mitchell Road Antiques. I could tell that he wanted to distract me from the fact that I had to say goodbye to the summer break. Well, it sure did work! We had lunch at a cafe called COOH. Funny name and I wonder what it what it stands for. We shared salt and pepper squid. Then I had the pumpkin falafel and salad. Steve had the beef burger and chips. Aperol spritz on a hot day. Yes, please! After lunch, we walked over to Mitchell Road Antiques and had a look at all of their vintage treasures. I love wandering around and looking at all the amazing furniture, clothes and decor from all the past decades. It’s like walking around a time capsule! They also play 80s music and once I’m there I never want to leave. So many interesting things to look at! I wondered where on earth the next two neon signs may have been from! A Vintage Find! Then all my dreams came true when I spotted an original Kartell Componibli designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri. I had always secretly dreamed of owning an original. They are still manufactured in Italy but a vintage one has always appealed to me most. I mean imagine if it could talk and tell us how many homes it had lived in! There’s something about retro furniture pieces and decor that fascinates me. I stood there almost hyperventilating because I was so excited! My husband was saying “Let’s buy it, stop overthinking, he who hesitates is lost, it can be your birthday present, those people behind us are looking at it too. C’mon!!” If he wasn’t there I wouldn’t have bought it. Then I would have regretted it forever. We took my new/old baby home and I spent the afternoon cleaning it up and wondering about its previous owners. It was probably made in the late 60’s or early 70’s. We could be the same age! A New Bedside Table I decluttered my old bedside table which I had clearly been putting off for a long time! Here I was thinking that I was pretty good at throwing things out regularly. But still, there was so much stuff! I found some treasures from my childhood in the drawers that I will always keep. In the end, I was happy with the two bags of junk I got rid of. Here is my new vintage bedside table. Steve still has the old country-style bulky one for now. But I’ve listed them both on Facebook Marketplace. Once I sell them I’ll just get a simple white bedside table for him in a different style. I’m a bit over all the matching bedroom furniture. We need to replace our Ikea dining table and chairs as they are looking a bit old. But we’re not in any hurry so we’re hoping to stumble upon a vintage gem. I think I’d love a funky mid-century dining set. Back To Work And just like that in what truly feels like a blink of an eye. My summer holidays are over and tomorrow I go back to work. But I have had the best break and enjoyed all the fun outings, meals out and catch-ups. Most of all I have loved every minute of being at home and not having to worry about running out of time to get things done. It’s been total bliss not having to stick to a routine or schedule! So it might be a bit of a shock to the system when the alarm goes off tomorrow morning. But hey, at least it will be a four-day week for us. Trying to stay positive!! Thanks so much for being here today and I hope that you have a wonderful Monday. See ya!

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Iconic TV Series:My All-Time Favourites

12 Comments / My Favourite Movies and TV shows

Hello everyone! As we wrap up the year, it’s time for the final Not Just A Mom link-up for 2023. Today’s theme revolves around sharing our favourite books or TV series. I’m going to concentrate on my favourite TV series because truth be told, I’m not much of a bookworm these days. Gasp!! I never thought that I would say that!! I used to read every spare minute I had. Anyway, let’s explore some of my favourite and iconic TV series that have spanned the last few decades. These shows have been incredibly entertaining and have also made a lasting impression on TV history. Iconic TV Series Let’s start at the very beginning for me- The good old 70s when most of you were probably not even born! The Brady Bunch (1969-1974) Here’s the story – In Sydney we had four TV channels during the 70s and a lot of popular TV series took forever to make it to our screens. Luckily for me, The Brady Bunch was one of the shows. I grew up watching this iconic TV series and it has a special place in my heart. A few years ago I bought the DVDs and I still enjoy watching them to this day! Charlie’s Angels (1976-1981) I loved watching the lip-glossed angels with their platform shoes and flick-style 70s hair fight crime….and win! The Six Million Dollar Man (1974-1978) This show about a former astronaut who becomes a secret agent with bionic implants was also one of my favourites. I was always in awe watching the superhuman strength Steve Austin possessed. Haha, and I still remember the start of the show which featured the backstory and the line ” Gentlemen we can rebuild him”. Classic!! The Bionic Woman (1976-1978) When a female version of the six-million-dollar man hit our screens I just about lost my mind! I loved loved loved this show. As kids, my friends and I would get together at the park and take turns pretending to be the bionic woman. We would run down hills in the classic slow motion that was featured on the show. Complete with sound effects too…. “dadadadadadadada”. If you have no clue what I’m talking about here’s a YouTube clip. Be warned you may be hooked after watching it! The Love Boat (1977-1987) My mum and I would watch this show all about love on the high seas. So corny…so good! Dallas (1978-1991) I wasn’t allowed to go to sleepovers when I was a kid but I was allowed to stay up late and watch Dallas. Haha! My Favourite Iconic TV Series From The 80s Family Ties (1983-1989) This wholesome sitcom based on the lovable Keaton family was one of my favourite TV series when I was a teen. There is so much to love about this very funny show. Even the closing credits are iconic with the unforgettable ‘Sit Ubu sit, good dog’ sign-off. Knight Rider (1982-1986) A crime-fighting duo where one-half of the duo was a talking car. Brilliant! Dynasty (1981-1989) I loved watching the wealthy Carrington family and their endless drama not to mention their amazing 80s fashions and hairstyles. MacGyver (1985-1992) This fun show was all about a very resourceful secret agent who could turn things like a paper clip and a shoelace into a bomb. Then explode his way out of any life-threatening situation. Thirtysomething (1987-1991) Do you remember this short-lived TV series about a group of friends in their thirties? It was one of my favourite TV series and I loved tuning in to watch all about their everyday lives, relationships and the challenges of balancing family and careers. My Favourite Iconic Series From The 90s The 90s also had some very iconic TV series and here are some of my all-time favourites. Seinfeld (1989-1998) I think this comedy series about Jerry Seinfeld and his quirky group of friends is hilarious. I still watch an episode almost every night. The show is full of classic quotes that I often find myself using in everyday life. It’s been a tough few weeks at work trying to get all the things done before the end of the school year….” serenity now!!!” ER (1994-2009) Ha! I don’t enjoy medical shows now but back in the 90s, I loved all the medical drama. Now if I watch a TV series about anything medical related I start to self-diagnose. Yikes! Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000) I never watched this teen drama from the very beginning. But when I started watching from about season 3 I was gripped for quite a while. However, my obsession shifted when ‘Melrose Place’, a spinoff of Beverly Hills 90210 took the spotlight Melrose Place (1992-1999) This drama about a young group of stunning-looking young adults had me completely hooked. I remember one night in the good old 90s when we were living in a small apartment. It was Melrose Place night and a few hours before it was due to start, the power went out! I called the electricity company practically begging them to hurry up and fix the issue because I couldn’t miss an episode. Back then there were no streaming services or catch-up channels. Once you missed it, you missed it! Moving on now from the year 2000 to the present with some more of my favourite iconic TV series 2000 To Present Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) This wonderful feel-good TV series full of the funniest fast-talking dialogue is one of my favourite TV series from the early 2000s. All the characters (even the grumpy ones) were totally likeable. Gilmore Girls is a show that I can watch on repeat and never get tired of. 24 (2001-2010) This TV series which happened in ‘real’ time always left me hanging for more because every episode ended with a total cliffhanger. Keifer Sutherland who played Jack Bauer looked pretty amazing too! Lost (2004-2010) Oh, my goodness the show almost had my head spinning trying to piece together all the clues as to what happened

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My Fun Weekend

11 Comments / Family Life

Hi there friends, welcome to this week’s edition of Hello Monday! I can hardly believe we’re already heading into December. I mean seriously. What happened to November?? I’m torn between wanting time to speed up because the summer break can’t come fast enough for me. But at the same time, I want things to slow down because there is so much to do! Anyway, I’m so glad you have stopped by today to join me as I share a bit about my fun weekend. The Danish Christmas Markets Saturday was just so much fun! I had been looking forward to the Danish Christmas markets for weeks and finally, Saturday was the day. My friends picked me up and we drove an hour to get there. It’s such a long way! In the car, we were talking about the possibility of next year making it a mini Christmas getaway and staying somewhere overnight. Because driving so far made us all feel like we were going on a holiday. So we thought why not make it one next year? The weather was just so gloomy and rainy. I was a bit worried the whole event might get cancelled because it rained quite heavily overnight. But luckily the rain held off and it only drizzled very lightly. All the cheery red and white Danish flags and beautiful Christmas decorations more than made up for the grey skies. The Danish Church in Australia hosted the Christmas market. I thought they did an amazing job organising this big event, considering how small the church grounds are. The whole venue was packed full when we arrived! There were people everywhere and I was so happy to be there. We missed going last year because we went to a beautiful wedding instead. Then the two years before COVID took away all the fun Christmas events. Christmas Decorations There were so many beautiful handmade Christmas decorations. I didn’t want to buy anything as I’m being more intentional with how I spend and I really don’t need any more Christmas ornaments. But it wasn’t easy and I did give in and I bought one small decoration. These advent candles are great. I’m sure that I have one stored away from last year. Hopefully, I’ll find it when I get my tree and Christmas decor out on the weekend. More cute decorations! I love these simple white Christmas tree ornaments. They’d go great on a minimalist-style tree. I bought some three years ago and I liked to hang them on some decorative sticks I had in a big pot in the dining room. Except I recently changed things up a bit and I replaced the sticks with a plant. I’ll have to find a new place to hang these cute white ornaments this year. A Danish Lunch After wandering around for a bit we were all starving so we stopped at the church hall for some Danish fare. We had a choice of different types of open sandwiches. I ended up choosing the sandwich with the prawns because it came with Danish brown bread (I can’t remember the name). I figured that if I wanted the full Danish experience then I should eat the traditional bread instead of the usual white bread. The sweet almond pastry I got on the side for dessert was delicious. I could have easily eaten another of everything it was so good! I had a Danish beer even though I don’t often drink beer. The real Santa came and said hello. Hehe. It felt great to be there enjoying the tradition of going along to the Christmas markets. Now I can tick this off my mental bucket list. I haven’t written my December bucket list yet. So I better hop on it because it will be January before I know it! 2023 School Spectacular On Saturday evening I went to the Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park to see my little cousin perform in the 2023 School Spectacular. I was quite literally blown away by the amazing talented kids who performed. Oh my goodness, there were so many kids!! The NSW School Spectacular is a huge annual event. It features students from various schools near and far performing dance, music and drama. Friends, it was absolutely amazing!! The whole arena was packed once everyone was seated. There were so many colourful costumes and the dance routines were amazing. It was the 40th anniversary of the School Spectacular which began in 1983. To celebrate they did a whole medley of 80s songs and I wanted to jump out of my seat and dance because I think 80s music is the best! The kids wore 80s-style wigs to celebrate the decade with the most interesting and iconic hairstyles. We got these light-up wristbands that we could wave around during the show. Look at all those kids! We Found Our Girl! There was a sea of kids everywhere and while we were trying to find my cousin. We all joked that it was like playing a big game of ‘Where’s Wally’. But we managed to spot her when she came onto the stage to perform and miraculously she spotted us after she scanned the crowd. It helped that we were waving and practically jumping out of our seats like crazy. When she saw us she was in the middle of her song and dance routine. She gave us a huge smile and a little wave and then she couldn’t help herself. She paused her performance and jumped up and down waving back big time. It was just the cutest moment! After the show, we walked along with the masses to find my little cousin who was waiting at a designated spot. There were big hugs and huge congratulations on a fabulous performance. We battled the crazy traffic home and everyone came back to my place for a cup of tea. I had such a fun time and I was so proud of my little cousin. She’s eleven

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What’s Up Wednesday July 2023

9 Comments / Family Life

Hi there friends and Happy Wednesday! Welcome to the July edition of What’s Up Wednesday hosted by Sheaffer and Shay. This is a fun opportunity to spill the beans on what we have been eating, loving, watching, looking forward to and a whole lot more! So let’s get started! WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK It’s still all about cozy winter comfort food over here. Monday- Lamb with roast veggies Tuesday- Turkey Bolognese and homemade garlic bread Wednesday- Leftover bolognese because I made plenty Thursday-Chicken pie, veggies and mashed potato. Friday- Burgers and wedges Saturday- Chicken casserole and rice WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT The winter break almost feels like such a distant memory now. I am reminiscing about being able to stay up super late and then having the luxury of enjoying a sleep-in. But now that I’m back at work I still stay up pretty late but it’s nothing compared to those holiday nights. Right now I am in the middle of writing a post about early risers and night owls. Let me tell you, I am definitely on team night owl! WHAT I’M LOVING I am currently working with not one but two of my besties! There is a temporary change with our staffing arrangements and a good friend of mine has joined our team for three days a week at preschool for most of this term. These two lovely ladies light up my days!! WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO During the winter break, I enjoyed a fun trip to stay at my friend’s house at Avoca Beach. We celebrated Christmas in July with my family. During the July school holidays, I loved having the time to work on my blog and write posts about my favourite topics, like why the 80s was the best decade. For the last couple of weeks, I have been getting back into the usual routine of work and Sam started back at uni this week after a super long mid-semester break. Steve and I are also enjoying our regular date nights and now that he also has Sundays off from work. We have been catching up with friends who we haven’t seen for a while. It’s so nice having him home for two nights of the week. WHAT I’M DREADING I’m not dreading anything and I am extremely grateful! WHAT I’M WORKING ON Lately, I have been on a mission to incorporate some much-needed stretching into my daily routine. It’s a small change that is really making a difference in how I feel. Whether I am at work sitting on those teeny tiny preschool chairs, doing daily chores or working on the computer. I’m making a conscious effort to pause and stretch those muscles. It not only helps with any stiffness, but it also helps my posture. win-win! WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT I can’t think of any big plans that we have that I’m excited about. It feels like we are all just going with the flow. However, I am looking forward to August since it marks the end of winter, and that’s something that I’m really excited about! WHAT I’M WATCHING I started watching ‘Succession’ but I can’t say that I’m loving it because most of the characters are so mean. I have been rewatching old favourites like Gilmore Girls, Law and Order and Everybody Loves Raymond. But I’m looking for something new to watch, any suggestions? WHAT I’M LISTENING TO Right now I am listening to the dryer. Did you know that we only bought a dryer last year and I honestly don’t know how we ever got through so many winters without one! WHAT I’M WEARING I’m still layering up because it’s cold! WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND I’m super excited because on Saturday I’m going to the city with my lovely friend. We have plans to enjoy a late breakfast at The Palace Tea Room at the QVB and then we are going to see the Barbie movie. We thought about getting our nails done in hot pink before the movie. But then we decided not to because we will probably not have enough time. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH We have our usual Cousin Connect dinner and I always look forward to those! Then it’s my husband’s birthday in the middle of August so I’m sure we will do something fun that involves food. WHAT AMAZON PURCHASE DID I LOVE THIS MONTH Bio-Oil – This is an incredible product that I love using as part of my regular skincare. The good news is that it is also a game changer for my scar-healing journey after my thyroidectomy. It’s going to take about 6 months before my scar is less visible but after using Bio-Oil regularly I can tell that it already feels smoother. And that’s a wrap for the July edition of What’s Up Wednesday! Thank you so much for stopping by to have a read and I hope that you all have a wonderful day! See you back here tomorrow.

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July Edition of Currently

12 Comments / Family Life

Hey, there friends it’s great to be back today on this very unusually warm winter’s day. I am excited to be joining Jennifer from Overflowing With Thankfulness for the July edition of Currently. This month we are looking at what we are Currently Loving, Savouring, Celebrating, Remembering and Trying. And I am so glad you are here! So let’s jump right in shall we? Loving It’s the winter holidays and I am off from work for two weeks. I always love the freedom of the holidays because I don’t have to stick to a timetable and I’m free to enjoy some downtime. I also love having the time to catch up and do some fun things with friends and family. On top of that, it’s also great not having to go to bed until very late and instead, I can stay up guilt-free and binge-watch some of my favourite shows. Savouring Food! Being on term break means that I have been going out to savour and enjoy some delicious meals. Monday I enjoyed high tea with my sweet friend. Today I really savoured a delicious French lunch when I went out on a lunch date in the city with Steve. Nom nom! I have also been savouring eating lunch at home on a real plate instead of eating in a cramped staff room out of a plastic lunch box. Celebrating Over the weekend we celebrated Christmas in July and you can read all about the fun time we had here. It was great getting together with the family and enjoying a winter-themed Christmas in the middle of the year. We all had an amazing time embracing the cozy traditions typically associated with the holiday season. Having a Christmas dinner in winter instead of the usually hot and sweaty Australian summer was a real novelty! Remembering Inspired by a post I wrote last week about why I thought that the 80s was the best decade. I have been right into listening to 80s music and watching some of my favourite ’80s movies. So I guess I have been reminiscing and remembering what it was like to be a teen during the mid to late 80s. Fun times for sure! Trying I go through spurts of really trying to remember to drink more water. Unfortunately, it usually takes a major headache for me to realise that I am dehydrated. I guess because I’m a bit out of routine now that I am on holiday from work. I have been a bit slack when it comes to staying on top of my water intake. The other day I felt really unwell with a horrible pain on the right side of my head. After a few glasses of water, I felt so much better. So now I am definitely trying to drink more water to avoid this from happening again! Well, folk that’s a wrap for the July edition of Currently. Can you believe how ridiculously fast these months have zoomed past? It’s mind-boggling! And now we are diving head first into the second half of the year. But hey, before you dash off, I want to say thank you for taking the time to swing by today. It means the world to me that I could share a glimpse of what we have been up to. Take care and I look forward to being back here tommorow! Happy Wednesday friends.

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