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Kualoa Ranch Movie and Ranch Tour Experience

Today I’m taking you along on our Kualoa Ranch movie sites tour. Aloha! It’s time to recap another amazing experience in Oahu and share why, if you’re ever there, this spot should definitely be on your must-do list. Before I wrote this recap, I was scrolling through my camera roll, feeling nostalgic. (Yep, it’s been around four months since we got back from our holiday, and I still can’t shake that nostalgia!). As I was scrolling, I stopped on a video I took at Kualoa Ranch–those views were incredible! And you can hear me saying, “Oh my gosh, this is the most epicest holiday ever!” Haha — EPICEST isn’t even a word, and my school teachers would be horrified. I was horrified! But I guess that just shows how, by the time we got to Hawaii, I’d run out of real words to describe our trip. I’m happy to report I didn’t completely massacre the English language with words like bestest and amazingest. I had to draw the line somewhere! The Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites tour and our snorkelling adventure (a recap is coming soon) were two experiences we planned and booked before leaving Sydney. My superstar cousin J organised both, and we had the best time—even better than we could have ever imagined. Quite a few of the photos in this post were taken by my cousin J. Not only is she amazing at organising our adventures, but she’s also a brilliant photographer. Lucky me to have a cousin like her! Welcome to Kualoa Ranch Arriving at Kualoa Ranch We left our hotel in Kapolei at 7:30 AM and pulled into Kualoa Ranch around 8:20. Luckily, we left early enough and seemed to avoid the worst of the morning traffic. Our tour was booked for 9 AM, and they recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early, so our timing worked out perfectly. The Visitor Centre and Mini Museum The ranch has an open-air visitor centre with stunning valley views and horses roaming about. There’s also a small Hawaiian History Hall mini-museum full of information about the rich culture and history of both the ranch and Hawaii. I did a quick zoom around and snapped a few photos so I could read everything later. So glad I did! Tours You Can Take Kualoa Ranch offers all sorts of tours, such as E-Bike Tours, UTV Raptor Tours, Zipline Tour, Horseback Tour, and the Kualoa Movie Sites Tour — which is the one we did. There are many more options, and you can check out all of them here. Kualoa Movie Sites and Ranch Tour The official name of the tour is the “Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites and Ranch Tour.” So it wasn’t just about movies—it was a proper ranch tour too, even though the movie spots were definitely the highlight. There was so much to take in, and I wish I could remember every little detail. Thankfully, I filmed a lot of what our guide said during the drive, which really helped me piece it all back together for this post. We rode a vintage bus that was so rattly, bumpy, and probably older than me, but it was perfect. I felt like I was on a real Jurassic expedition! Our Tour Guide and a Peek into Ranch Life Our tour guide (I think her name was Elsie, but I’m not 100% sure) was incredible. She was enthusiastic, funny, and full of knowledge—not just about filming locations, but also the history and daily operations of the ranch itself. We learned that Kualoa Ranch isn’t just where they have filmed blockbuster movies. It’s a massive 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch that’s been owned by the same family since 1850. The ranch still runs as a working farm, and they grow tropical fruits like coconuts and mangoes. Our guide also said that sometimes, the ranch workers even appear as extras in the films shot there. Sounds like a fun place to work! Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites and Ranch Tour Experience Jurassic Valley First stop: Kaʻaʻawa Valley, better known as Jurassic Valley. We drove past the spot where the original Jurassic Park gates stood. It was our first glimpse of all the movie magic, and it was so exciting. I had no idea there was still so much more to come! WWII Bunker Turned Movie Museum Next, we rattled up the hill in the old bus to the old wartime bunker. Our guide told us all about how back in the 1940s, the army built a string of these lookouts along Oahu’s coast to keep an eye out for enemy ships after Pearl Harbour. Kualoa’s bunker was carved straight into the hillside, hidden by jungle and reinforced with extremely thick walls. Fast forward 85 years, and now inside this bunker, you’ll find a gold mine of film sets! There were walls of posters, prop weapons, and behind-the-scenes photos from Lost, Kong: Skull Island, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and Hawaii Five-0. There was a photo from The Karate Kid Part II (the one where Daniel and Mr. Miyagi go to Okinawa) that was filmed right here at Kualoa Ranch. I had no idea until I saw it! If you’re a huge Lost fan like me (that is, until the later seasons when it went downhill), hold onto your geek hats–because this is the Dharma Initiative’s tempest station–woah!! I got to touch the actual computer where they typed in the numbers—4 8 15 16 23 42—every 108 minutes. Goosebumps!! I used to know those numbers off by heart, but I had to look them up to jog my memory. From there, we headed to one of the most impressive sights on the tour. Kong’s Skull and Bones Right next to the massive Kong skull, there are these huge bones scattered around — all movie props from Kong: Skull Island. The Jurassic Park Chase Scene Nearby, there’s a Jurassic Park sign, and this is the exact spot where the characters ran and hid to escape the dinosaurs. Our guide told

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Bubble Wrap and Rainbows

8 Comments / Home, Insights Into Early Childhood Education

My working week has just ended with two full days indoors (due to torrential rain) with a classroom full of preschoolers. I’m no maths person, but I worked it out to be around 14 hours and 50 minutes… or 890 minutes, if you’re counting every single minute. (And believe me, I was!) All you lovely educators out there—if you know, you know. So, I’ve got two things to share that might have just saved my sanity. Bubble Wrap and Rainbows First up—bubble wrap! I never thought I could love bubble wrap so much, but I sure do. I am in L O V E! I’m a hundred percent sure I loved it as a kid and remember spending ages popping those bubbles, which I didn’t get to do very often. Back then, there was no online shopping, and not much came packaged up, so bubble wrap was pretty rare. It was special. It was treasure! So today, when I was flying past the office after my lunch break to get back to the classroom, my lovely director asked if I thought the kids would like to use some bubble wrap she was about to throw away. We try to repurpose as much as we can for crafts. We’d spent the morning doing painting, drawing, playdough, construction, puzzles, singing, and stories. As well as all that, we had a dance party and survived collisions during The Floor is Lava and The Freeze Dance. A big win! Heck, I was fully prepared to swing from the ceiling to keep the kids entertained and safe. They’re a lively bunch this year (and last year, and the year before that…). When I heard “bubble wrap,” I thought, Sure, let’s give it a go. But part of me didn’t expect it to be such a sanity-saving hit. But it was. As soon as the kids saw the bubble wrap, they immediately started popping it. And, of course, arguments were about to erupt — “I want to hold it!” “No, I want to hold it!” Something happens when you hit desperation. You get innovative. So, I calmly (on the inside) said, “No one is holding it — we’re taping it to the table.” And we did. They sat down and popped away. And I breathed. Now, this is no fantasy, so I have to be honest: not all the kids sat there popping bubbles like the children from Little House on the Prairie would have for their teacher (if there had been bubble wrap back then). No, that didn’t happen. But it did settle the class down just enough to give me hope for the rest of the afternoon. And that, my friends, was gold! I was surprised it was such a hit. I mean, with all the deliveries these days, you’d think bubble wrap would be everywhere, right? But I guess with everyone trying to be more eco-friendly, maybe bubble wrap is starting to feel like a rare little treat again. Who knows? Whatever the case, all I know is that today it saved me. Rainbows Then, on the way home, I saw the most beautiful rainbow I’ve ever seen. It was so close I could see every line in it. Rainbows are meant to be a sign of hope, right? And without sounding cheesy, it felt like the perfect end to the day! It was like a reminder that hope can turn up in any way, shape, or form. Sometimes it’s a rainbow. And sometimes… it’s bubble wrap. Haha, that is cheesy, but it’s okay. I’m too tired to be anything else. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have the best weekend, and I look forward to being back here on Monday. Linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favourites

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Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy

5 Comments / Health and Well Being, Home

I wrote a post about my simple wellness routine the other day, and it got me thinking. While I was talking about staying hydrated, which is a classic healthy habit, I realised that some healthy habits that aren’t so healthy may have quietly snuck into our lives I mean, drinking water is obviously important. But lately, I’ve started wondering if this solid advice may have just gotten a little out of hand. And at the risk of sounding dramatic… even something as basic as water can go too far. Yep — too much of it, and you’re looking at some real health risks. So I thought it might be a good time to take a look at a few other wellness habits that seem healthy, but maybe aren’t so healthy after all. Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy 1. Drinking a Lot of Water (Even When You’re Not Thirsty) As I said before, we all know that hydration is important. But there is such a thing as drinking too much water. Drinking way more than your body needs can throw off your electrolyte balance and cause something called hyponatremia. That’s when your blood gets too diluted with water, and your sodium levels drop too low. It can make you feel dizzy, confused, or even seriously sick. What to do instead: Listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, drink. But if you’re running to the toilet every 20 minutes and you’re feeling any unusual symptoms, maybe ease up. 2. Waking Up at 4 am Because “Successful People Do It” Not everyone is made for those super early mornings, and I know for sure that I’m definitely not a morning person. Even if I go to bed early, dragging myself out of bed before 6 am is just too tough. If waking up at 4 am works for you, that’s great! But please don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t. If you’re forcing yourself up super early just because “successful people do it” and you feel like a zombie, that’s not really being productive — it’s more like a punishment. What to do instead: Find a rhythm that works for you. Let go of the pressure to copy someone else’s habits. Success looks different for everyone. Your best start time is when you’ve had enough sleep to feel good and be productive, without needing six cups of coffee to get through the day. 3. Cutting Out Entire Food Groups Unless you have a medical reason, cutting out entire food groups might do more harm than good, mentally and physically. Food fear isn’t wellness, it’s stress in disguise. What to do instead: Eat in a way that makes you feel good, not guilty. Like that viral YouTube video says, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” 4. Forcing Gratitude When You’re Actually Struggling Gratitude journals are great… when you’re in the headspace for them. But when life feels heavy, trying to force gratitude can feel more like toxic positivity than self-care. You’re allowed to feel the hard stuff — and sometimes, you need to. Sitting with uncomfortable emotions is all part of being human. But of course, drowning in them forever isn’t the goal either. What to do instead: Make space for the whole range of feelings — not just the shiny, happy ones. Gratitude should feel like support, not another thing on your “how to be a better person fast” list. 5. Always Saying Yes to “Self-Care” That Feels Like a Chore Some days, there’s just no time (or energy) for an elaborate self-care routine — and that’s totally okay. Be kind to yourself, do one small thing that helps you get through the day, and move on. Small wins still win. What to do instead: Do self-care your way. Sometimes that means rest. Sometimes that means pizza. 6. Taking a Stack of Supplements Without Medical Advice Supplements aren’t lollies. Too much can be harmful and expensive. What to do instead: Talk to your doctor before starting anything new. 7. Obsessing Over 10,000 Steps a Day Did you know that the 10,000 steps goal was totally made up? It started in Japan as a catchy marketing idea, not science. The truth is, any extra movement counts — whether it’s 5,000 or 8,000 steps. Movement matters, not the numbers. What to do instead: Move naturally. Some days more, some days less. No guilt. 8. Eating Tons of Protein Because “Muscle Gains” Protein is good for us, but I’m not 100% sure if eating loads of it is actually better. I’ve heard that too much protein might stress your kidneys or crowd out other important nutrients. Maybe balance is the real secret here? I’m still figuring this out myself — not because I’m chasing some protein diet goal, but because my son lifts weights and he’s all about the protein. We’ve had plenty of chats, and I’m not convinced that a ton of protein powder, eggs, and chicken breast is the answer. Young people, hey? What to do instead: Keep it simple and balanced. Protein’s important, but I think a diet with variety and moderation is where it’s at. No need to go overboard—just listen to your body and enjoy your food. And also don’t forget to listen to your mums! So there you have it — some classic wellness tips that might just fall into the category of Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy. Yikes! I guess at the end of the day it’s all about finding what truly works for you, getting rid of pressure, guilt and keeping things real. Healthy habits should be about balance, kindness, listening to your own body, and getting advice from health professionals, instead of just copying the latest social media trends. Quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or dietitian — just sharing my own thoughts and experiences. .

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Visiting Aulani Disney Resort

4 Comments / Home, Travel

While we didn’t stay at Aulani, the Disney resort in Ko Olina, we decided to drop by one morning to have a look around. Anything Disney-related and we are there with bells on! It ended up being a lovely little outing in itself, and a great way to start our day before heading off for some outlet shopping and meeting a cousin for the first time, who’s stationed in Pearl City with the Navy. If you’ve ever wondered about visiting Aulani Disney Resort without staying there—and without paying those expensive room rates! Here’s what we saw, what we did, and why we’re so happy we went. Visiting Aulani Disney Resort Without Staying There – A Relaxed Morning in Ko Olina First Impressions of Aulani Aulani sits right on the coast in the polished, resort-filled area of Ko Olina. On the drive, we saw impressively manicured gardens, beautiful palm trees and everything you expect when you see Hawaii in the movies. Interestingly, not everywhere in Oahu is like this. But Aluani definitely captures that picture-perfect postcard side of Hawaii. From the moment we arrived, it was clear Disney does things thoughtfully. Because, of course, Disney never disappoints! The entrance is grand in a subtle kind of way, and even as non-guests, we felt very welcome to explore. A Touch of Disney What really stood out to me was how Disney managed to fit right in with the Hawaiian vibe. There was traditional art, carved wood details, and open-air spots letting the sunshine and breeze in. The Disney touches were definitely there, but it all felt natural and subtle. It was laid-back Disney Hawaiian style. Disney Characters We spotted Hawaiian Mickey out and about, greeting guests and posing for photos. Moana too. Exploring the Resort Grounds We walked through the open areas, and we were in awe of the huge pool (pool access is for guests only). There’s a lazy river winding through lush greenery, a splash zone for little ones, and loungers everywhere for hotel guests. Right by the resort is a beautiful lagoon with calm water and soft sand. It almost looked too perfect to be real! Tucked between the pools is Rainbow Reef—a man-made saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish. We stood there for a while, mesmerised by the colourful fish gliding past and enjoyed the underwater views through a large glass viewing window. It’s like a mini aquarium right in the middle of the resort. Inside, the lobby is airy and beautiful—wooden beams, high ceilings. Do You Need to Be a Guest to Visit? Nope! You can absolutely visit Aulani Disney Resort without staying there, as long as you’re happy to just wander the public areas. The pools, loungers, and some activities are for resort guests only, but there’s still plenty to see and enjoy. Final Thoughts It was great to get a little taste of Disney magic in such a beautiful setting. We were already feeling sad that our Disneyland part of the trip was over, so it was nice to get a little Disney fix. But when I found out how much it cost to stay per night, I wondered whether it cost about the same just to go to Disneyland in LA. Holy moley! Standard rooms at Aulani start around $574 USD per night for a standard view, and can go up to $774 USD for an ocean view. At the time of our visit, that worked out to roughly $850 to $1,200 AUD. Yikes! If you’re thinking about visiting Aulani Disney Resort without staying there, it’s definitely possible to enjoy the atmosphere without breaking the bank on those room rates. We had the best time wandering around the grounds, admiring the beautiful design, and soaking up the laid-back feel. I’d recommend a visit for sure—and I’m looking forward to staying a couple of nights… when we win the lottery. Outlet Shopping After visiting Aulani Disney Resort, we headed to a nearby outlet, though I can’t for the life of me remember exactly which one. It had all the big brands—Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and plenty of other familiar favourites. I ended up buying a dress at Polo Ralph Lauren that was majorly discounted. It gives off serious old money vibes… and I have absolutely nowhere to wear it. But I couldn’t say no because I knew I’d regret it forever! Meeting Our Navy Cousin We planned to meet our cousin after my aunt in LA gave me his number. We met up at a casual chicken and brisket spot, and it was so nice to meet him in person. He’s stationed with the Navy in Pearl City and was super friendly and easy to talk to. Of course, we couldn’t resist asking a few (hundred) curious questions about life in the Navy. It felt pretty cool to meet even more cousins on this trip—looks like we pick up cousins everywhere we go! A Lagoon Swim to End the Day Later in the afternoon, after our cousin catch-up, we headed to the other side of the lagoon—away from the resort—and went for a swim. The water was so calm (perfect for a non-swimmer like me), the sand was soft, and it was paradise! Here’s a top tip if you’re planning a visit to Aulani Disney Resort without staying there: you don’t need to be a resort guest (or pay those wild room rates) to enjoy the lagoons in Ko Olina. They are open to the public, so you can soak up the same sun, swim in the same ocean, and enjoy those postcard-perfect views for free. Thanks for coming along on our little adventure! If you’re ever in Ko Olina, I hope you get to enjoy a bit of this magic too.

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My Simple Wellness Routine

5 Comments / Health and Well Being, Home

Hi friends! Today I’m sharing my simple wellness routine—what I do to stay healthy and (mostly) balanced. The word “wellness” can sound like this big, intimidating, life-consuming goal. Something grown-ups have to do to stay alive. But for me, it’s more about the small, manageable things I do to keep things running smoothly. You know, the things that help me stay on track with my health and energy levels. As seductive as the Instagram wellness world can be with its detoxes and sunrise yoga, my routine is far more laid-back and… well, simple. Here it is! My Simple Wellness Routine Walking I don’t go to the gym. Years ago, I tried, and although I loved the idea of it, you know, wearing all the cute gym wear and all. The reality for me was different. I felt overwhelmed and silly, not knowing what to do with those machines. And I found that the whole gym atmosphere just wasn’t for me. Instead of going to the gym, walking is how I stay active. It’s my non-negotiable in my simple wellness routine. Walking helps me clear my head—I could’ve walked to Perth today, it was one of those days! I walk to work, I walk to the shops, and even on the days when the car is available, I still choose to walk because I love it. There’s no better feeling than popping in my earbuds and listening to some music, a good podcast, or a few positive affirmations. And I’m usually walking at a good, fast pace—mainly because I cut it fine and leave home with just enough time to get to work on time. My Simple Skincare Routine I keep things super simple here. Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and that’s about it. I did recently add an eye cream to the mix—always trying to keep those eye bags under control! Food I love food and eat lots of whole foods, veggies, and healthy fats (gotta keep that hereditary cholesterol under control). I actually grew up this way and have my mum to thank for it. She always made sure we had a well-balanced, healthy diet. She was juicing fruit and vegetables before juicing was even a thing. Always ahead of her time, she was! I prefer to avoid pre-packaged and overly processed foods, and I like cooking from scratch. But I also believe a simple wellness routine should leave room for treats, so I’m all for the occasional meat pie, pizza, or hot dog—yum! Stay Hydrated Some days, I’m terrible at staying hydrated, and forget to drink enough—then I end up with a headache. But most days, I do alright. I start my day with a glass of water because I take thyroxine first thing in the morning. Now that we’re talking about hydration, I need to get something off my chest. I’m starting to think that this whole hydration obsession might be a bit over the top. I mean, sure, water is great, but I think there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Yes, drinking water is important, but it’s also possible to overdo it. I’m especially worried about this huge Stanley Cup trend where people are carrying around giant water bottles all day. Too much water can lead to hyponatremia, which is something people definitely don’t talk about enough. Hyponatremia is when you drink so much water that it actually lowers the sodium levels in your blood, messing with your electrolyte balance. I know because this happened to someone I know, and she ended up in the hospital on a drip. Not to freak anyone out, but yes, you can die from drinking too much water. It’s rare, but it happens, so be careful. Health Checks Ugh, this one’s tricky. I do keep up with the important health checks—mammograms, blood tests, eye check and the other one with the cringey name (you know the one I mean). But I’d be lying if I said I’m not a champ when it comes to avoiding medical things I don’t want to deal with. My to-do list should really be called the “to-don’t-want-to” list. Still, I try. Because part of my simple wellness routine means I have to be brave. But I know I need to work on not being so dramatic and afraid of what the results might be. Mindful Moments This is still a work in progress, but I really try to pause and be present because it’s an important part of my wellness routine. I love enjoying a cup of tea at the end of a busy day, or simply taking a few deep breaths, and stopping myself from clenching my teeth! These mindful moments are essential to clear my head and stay sane. If you’re looking for more ways to care for yourself in a simple, practical way, take a look at my post Self-Care Tips That Will Change Your Life for some easy tips to add to your wellness routine. What My Simple Wellness Routine Looks Like Movement: Walking daily Skincare: Simple and consistent Food: Home-cooked and balanced (with room for treats) Health: Check-ups when I stop procrastinating Mindful Moments: Taking time to pause and be present And that’s my simple wellness routine. It’s nothing fancy or scheduled–just some habits that are good for my body and mind. Thanks for reading! Linking up with Erika and Shay

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How Introverts Celebrate Their Birthday

12 Comments / Entertaining, Planning and Hosting Tips, Hello Monday, Home

It’s time to join Dara, Joanne, Sarah, Jen and Adrienne to share how we celebrate our birthdays. Yikes! I think I’ve spent most of my adult life dreading birthdays because I really and truly do not like being the centre of attention. So, I thought I’d take a little creative liberty with today’s link-up prompt. Instead of just answering How do you celebrate your birthday?, I’m going to stretch it out a bit to How Introverts Celebrate Their Birthday—because that’s me: an introvert who loves having fun… but please, just don’t put me in the spotlight! A Shift from Childhood to Adult Birthdays I wasn’t always like this. Even though I was shy as a kid (I still am shy), I don’t remember feeling freaked out when my mum organised big birthday parties. They were fun, and I really did enjoy them. So I’m not quite sure when the shift happened. Somewhere along the way—maybe in my teens or once I started hitting the big 0’s—birthdays began to feel less exciting and way more uncomfortable. Just a side note about the photo: Yes, that’s a champagne glass I’m holding—but I promise it was empty, and I’d only been drinking Fanta. Even if my eyes are telling a different story! The Awkward Tradition at Work: Birthday Clapping I think that my lack of enthusiasm for celebrating my birthday was made even worse by one of the more traumatising parts of my job in early childhood education. See, there’s this tradition. When it’s someone’s birthday—whether it’s a child or a staff member—the whole group sits down to sing Happy Birthday. And that’s ok, I can cope with sitting there smiling awkwardly, but then… they clap. One clap for every year of your age. Yep. That’s a thing. One of our past directors absolutely loved this part. So much so that she’d have the children clap out every single year of your age. Yep, every single one, and after a couple of decades, that is a whole lot of clapping. I actually felt sorry for the kids because those little hands must’ve been sore by the end! Thankfully, we don’t do that anymore. Now, no one at work gets older than five. Five claps for everyone. And that is totally fine by me! A Positive Influence: Changing My Perspective on Birthdays A few years ago, I started working with this vibrant, positive colleague who is just full of joy every day. She loves her birthday—and she celebrates it enthusiastically. It does help that she is only 30, but I can imagine she will be like this until she’s 100. She’s just so full of contagious youthful energy. Her birthday is the day after mine (mine’s the 18th and her’s is the 19th of February), and she happily declares it “birthday week” every year. One day, while we were on playground duty, we even joked about declaring all of February “birthday month.” At first, I just thought, She’s young. Of course, she loves her birthday. But the more I watched her truly enjoy it because she was grateful to be here, the more I started thinking about my birthday attitude. Appreciating the Gift of Birthdays Over the years, I’ve lost people I love. I’ve seen friends, younger than me, face illness and hardship. Some are no longer here to celebrate birthdays. And it hit me: birthdays aren’t guaranteed. They’re a privilege. So I made a quiet decision to stop dreading them. To stop resisting them. And to start figuring out how to celebrate my birthday in a way that felt right for me, even if I still don’t like attention. What My Ideal Birthday Looks Like Now Quiet Celebrations With Family These days, I keep it simple. I usually spend my birthday with close family. We’ll go out, or they’ll come over, and we’ll just hang out and eat together. Nothing big and definitely no surprises. If a friend asks what I’m doing, sometimes I’ll go out for lunch near or around my actual birthday—but again, small and relaxed. This is how introverts celebrate their birthday—in a way that feels comfortable, without the pressure of being the dreaded centre of attention. And If I Could Choose Anything… I’d Dance If I had to pick my ideal birthday celebration? It’s simple. A night out, starting with a nice dinner at a restaurant, followed by dancing. Oh, how I love dancing through the decades—from disco to the ’80s, the ’90s, and even the 2000s with some Spice Girls and Ricky Martin hits, all the way to Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa. No speeches. No candles (but yes to pavlova). Just me, the music, and a few people I love, dancing like there’s no tomorrow. I’m a dancing introvert! Celebrating Without the Spotlight: How Introverts Celebrate Their Birthday So nope, I still don’t love being the centre of attention—that part hasn’t magically changed. But I’ve found ways to enjoy my birthday more these days. Nothing over the top. Just keeping it simple, low-key, and doing what feels right. No pressure, no big show… just quietly marking the day with things that make me happy. I’ve also come to love the idea of birthday month—not for the attention, but because it’s a great excuse to consciously treat myself, slow down a little, and enjoy the small things. How Introverts Celebrate Their Birthday: In a Low-Key and Meaningful Way So while I may never be the person throwing a big party. I’ve learned that birthdays don’t have to be dreaded—they can just look a little different. A quiet lunch with family, a cozy evening at home, or even a night out dancing—whatever it is, it’s about enjoying the moment. This is how introverts celebrate their birthday: it can be as low-key or as full of fun as we want, as long as the focus isn’t on us. That’s when we can truly relax and appreciate the day. And that, to me, is worth clapping for—but only five times,

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Oahu January 2025 – Sports Bar and Dole Plantation

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It felt so good to land in Hawaii, and we were so excited to get right into the warm island vibe. But we were also very aware that this was the last leg of our amazing trip. So there was a real mix of emotions when I spotted that Aloha sign at the airport—I knew we were getting closer to the end of a journey I didn’t want to end! This recap covers our first two days in Oahu, January 2025—from watching college football at a sports bar to visiting the Dole Plantation. Thanks so much for stopping by! Oahu January 2025 – Sports Bar and Dole Plantation We arrived at our hotel just as the Presidential inauguration was happening live on the screens in the foyer. Yikes, what a way to start our week in Oahu, haha! Sports Bar Experience: College Football Playoff Once we checked in, we dropped our bags in our rooms. Then we ran back out again because the College Football Playoff National Championship was on at 3:00 PM. Our cousin S is a huge Ohio State supporter, so there was no way we were missing that. Go Buckeyes! We planned to watch the game at Ala Moana Center, about 40 minutes from our hotel in Kapolei. Cousin S could seriously drive in the Grand Prix—he weaved through traffic like a champ and got us there in no time. I may or may not have had my eyes closed a few times. 😅 And just like that, I was living my dream: watching a college football game in a proper American sports bar—with burgers, beer, and my family. Oh yeah! Then, of course, the shops started calling. Once I realised football games go on for hours, I happily cut my dream short for a little retail therapy. Half of our group stayed back at Buffalo Wild Wings, and the rest of us wandered off to explore Ala Moana Center. The shopping centre is so beautiful! But it felt really different from what I remembered back in 2000 when I visited with my mum. The place has had some major renovations since then, and for a moment, I thought the koi fish were gone. But nope—they were still there. Phew! We went in and out of heaps of shops and bought a couple of things. Then made our way back to the rest of our group once the game finished. Good news—Ohio State won! For dinner that night, we had Boston Pizza, finally satisfying a craving my cousin J and I had been carrying around for 25 years. It was worth the wait! Dole Plantation The next morning, we traded in the excitement of the afternoon before for a more relaxed day with a visit to the Dole Plantation. It was a sunny day in Oahu, perfect for exploring one of the island’s most iconic spots. We wandered through the gardens, learned a bit about the history of Hawaii’s pineapple industry, and treated ourselves to some Dole Whip. We checked out the Koi fish and bought some food to feed them. And that wraps up our first two days in Hawaii! Next up, I’ll be sharing our visit to Waikiki, a peek at Aulani–A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, and a fun meetup with another cousin. Hope you’ll join me for that one!

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Hello Monday

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Hi friends, and happy Monday! I’m back linking up with Holly and Sarah on this sunny autumn day to share a bit about my weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by! Saturday Saturday was our federal election day, and we walked up to our local polling station to cast our votes. It was all very straightforward, and we were in and out pretty quickly. After voting, I walked to Woolworths to get some turkey mince and regretted not taking my shopping trolley. Yep, here I am again, turning a ‘just one thing’ trip into way more! After my shopping trip, I had avocado, mini Roma tomatoes, and fetta with balsamic glaze on sourdough for lunch–yum! Winter Gala 2025 In the evening, it was time to watch my talented cousin perform at her Winter Gala. This time, most of the Cousin Connect crew came along, and we had a reserved table, with a cheese platter and a drink included in the ticket price. It was great to see so many performances from incredibly talented dancers of all ages. I especially loved hearing stories of people who started dancing later in life—it was such a good reminder that it’s never too late to try something new. I’m not just saying this because she’s my cousin and I love her, but honestly, her performance was amazing. She was definitely one of the best dancers. The way she moved so gracefully, like she was floating across the floor—it looked effortless. Latin dancing is tricky! We had a quick salsa lesson before the performances started, and I couldn’t ‘one, two, three’ my way around without concentrating hard and counting out loud. Sunday I had some milk that needed to be used up, so I made smoothies. I went with the still-drinkable milk, added some water for the right consistency, and tossed in: A handful of mixed frozen berries 1 banana 1 apple A good dash of maple syrup (I usually use honey, but we were running low—and now I think I actually prefer the taste of maple syrup. It’s a bit naughtier, but sweeter and extra delicious.) Then blended it all together, adjusting with water as needed, and ended up with three delicious smoothies. Smoothies are such a great way to use up things in the fridge before they turn into science experiments. You don’t need a strict recipe because you can just throw in what you have and blend away. But if you’re after a few ideas, you can find my smoothie recipes here for more combos and inspiration. The rest of Sunday was pretty low-key, and I didn’t do anything wildly exciting (not that I ever get wild, haha!). I ended up doing a few chores, which isn’t really my thing on a Sunday. Sundays are for taking it easy, and I usually like to avoid stressing about the week ahead. But, of course, there’s always something that needs doing, isn’t there? Oh, I nearly forgot—we ended the weekend with the last-ever episode of Vera, and I’m so sad the show has ended after 14 years! My Sunday evenings won’t be the same without Vera Stanhope solving yet another case. She’s been the perfect end to many weekends. And that was my weekend. How was yours? I hope it was a good one. I’m looking forward to being back here on Wednesday to start sharing the recaps from the last week of our trip, and this time, it’s all about our adventures in sunny Hawaii. Happy Monday!

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Friday Favourites

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Hi friends, it’s Friday (woop woop!)–I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika and sharing a few of this week’s favourites. Let’s go! 1 Starting with something simple that made my week better — my shopping trolley. I picked up this compact trolley from IKEA a while ago, and it’s the best! As you might already know, I love walking everywhere. Luckily, I live within walking distance of Westfields, where I can pretty much get anything I need. I get my groceries delivered every week. But sometimes I walk to the shops for a few bits and pieces I may have forgotten or just because I feel like picking up a few things without the hassle of a big grocery run. And if you’re anything like me, you know what it’s like when you go to the shops for just one thing and walk out with twenty! Yep, this trolley is perfect for all those times. 2 Next up, my scented soy candle that’s been making my autumn days a little brighter. I love this scent because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and fresh. It also fills the room without being overpowering. But it’s not my husband’s favourite — last night he said it smelled like… well, I won’t tell you what he said it smelled like. But he can just wear a peg on his nose — hehe. 3 Two of our favourite shows at the moment are Survivor and The Amazing Race. This season of Survivor has so many likeable contestants, and I love how they’re trying to play the game honestly, which is tough to do while also making those strategic moves to stay in the game. My favourites this season are Eva, Joe, and Mitch, and I also like Kyle, Camila, and Shahen. The Amazing Race is so fun to watch, and it’s interesting to see how the teams’ relationships really come into play when they face big challenges. So far, my favourite team is the married nurse anesthetists, Alyssa and Josiah, because they always support each other. Josiah’s dad jokes are pretty cheesy, but he definitely seems like such a genuinely nice guy. 4 Next up, these crispy trail mix crackers are so good. My friend bought me two big bags when she went to Costco, and they are such a treat! This reminds me that I haven’t been to Costco in ages, and I’m missing it. 5 And finally, my last favourite of the week — surviving my first week back at work. Already, the school holidays feel like a distant memory. As much as I always say holidays fly by, this week seemed to go even quicker. But I’m not complaining because I love Fridays! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a brilliant weekend! 😊

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What’s Up Wednesday

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Hi friends! It’s time to link up with Shay for What’s Up Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by today as I share a little about what’s been happening in our corner of the world this April. WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK Monday – Bacon and spinach quiche Tuesday – Chili con carne Wednesday – Chicken and vegetable soup Thursday – Barramundi with chips and salad Friday – Butter chicken Saturday – leftovers WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT Summer! It’s been rainy and so cold today. I’m not complaining because I promised I wouldn’t. Just saying. WHAT I’M LOVING Peanut M&M’s! These are so good, and I might have to start counting them because I’m starting to suspect someone else might be enjoying my treat jar—even though it’s on my desk with my name on it! WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO It was great having two weeks off for the school holidays. We didn’t do anything too big, but it was so nice just being home during the day. Here’s a little of what we got up to this April. We had a lovely night out at Bistro George. I enjoyed some bubbles when I went to listen to a community choir at The Gasoline Pony with a lovely friend. Towards the end of the school holidays, I caught up with a fun friend, and we went to the city to shop, have lunch, and laugh! She’s so funny, and we just bounce off each other all day long! We got so caught up shopping and trying things on that we ended up having a late lunch. We both ordered the same thing—club sandwich with fries, and it was so delicious. Our cat Mochi put us through some major chaos when we had to take her to the vet to get spayed—she was not a fan of getting into the carrier and turned into a psycho cat! But she’s all healed up now and back to her cute, cuddly self. Sam started his four-week placement in the emergency department at a hospital. It was nice staying up late to hear some of his stories when he got home after his afternoon/evening shifts. I started back at work this week, so I haven’t seen him since Sunday—I’m already in bed when he gets home, and by the time I leave for work, he’s still asleep. But we’ve been texting each other. With some spare time over the school holidays, I also managed to write three more trip recaps. Here they are if you want to relive the adventures with me: Page, Arizona and Utah The Grand Canyon and Desert View Watchtower Las Vegas WHAT I’M DREADING Nothing–yay! WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT Hot chocolate! One of the upsides of the colder weather is having an excuse to enjoy all the cosy treats. I ordered a big tin of Swiss Miss from Amazon the other day, and today I got a delivery notification while I was at work. On the way home, I popped into the shop to pick up some marshmallows. As soon as I’ve done all the things tonight, I’ll be enjoying my first hot chocolate of the season. WHAT I’M WATCHING Lately, I’ve been into Harlan Coben’s limited series on Netflix. After finishing all the English-speaking ones—Safe, The Stranger, Stay Close, and Fool Me Once—I’ve now moved on to the international series. I watched The Innocent(Spanish) and just started the Polish one, Just One Look. Same twisty plots, different languages, and still completely addictive—once you give them a bit of time. They don’t always grab me straight away, but if I stick with it, they get really good, and then I can’t stop watching. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO At the moment, I’m listening to the loud hum of the rangehood in the kitchen while my chicken and vegetable soup simmers away. Quite annoying and not very relaxing, but it’s doing its thing, I guess. WHAT I’M WEARING My trusty denim jacket–perfect for those crisp autumn mornings earlier this week. But from today, I think that I’ll be pulling out my puffer jacket. Brrrrr. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND I’m going to see my talented cousin perform Bachata with her dance school. I think most of the Cousin Connect gang are going this time so it will be extra fun! WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH I’m flying (yikes!) to Melbourne with my cousin J to see Footloose the musical, and I am so excited! And that’s a wrap for April! Woah, it sure went fast, didn’t it? I look forward to being back here on Friday to share some favourites. Hope to see you then. Happy Wednesday!

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