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Hi friends, and happy Friday! I’m excited to be back today to share some unexpected favourites. Honestly, I had no high hopes for this week—working over our preschool break and doing my work placement for my studies didn’t exactly scream ‘fun!’ But this week has surprised me in the best way, and I’m so happy to share some favourites from what I thought would be a not-so-favourite week! After working at the same preschool for 27 years, I felt nervous about going to a new centre. New faces, new routines, new environment—yikes! Luckily, I didn’t have to travel far, as it’s only a ten-minute walk from my house. Even closer than my current workplace—what a bonus! When I arrived, the director was so warm and welcoming. She showed me around the centre, explained the routine, and introduced me to the staff. There was so much information to take in that my slow-processing brain couldn’t quite keep up! This week was all about working with 0-2-year-olds, and after spending so many years with 3-5-year-olds. I had forgotten how much I loved working with babies! Oh, my goodness, they are so cute! Sticky, snotty and sometimes a bit smelly but so incredibly adorable! The educators in the nursery were great, too. Once we got past the initial awkwardness of me being a stranger in their room, we had fun conversations and started to click. And by the end of today, we were laughing about a bunch of random things that happened during the day. One of the things that really struck me is how incredibly young the educators are! In fact, all of them are young enough to be my kids! And I couldn’t help feeling like a bit of a dinosaur! Haha! For instance, today, one of the oldest educators in the centre—the 28-year-old—was reminiscing about her childhood and saying how old she felt. The 21-year-old educator asked her if she had a black-and-white TV back then. I burst out laughing and said, ‘Uhm, no, that would be me!’ Then, when I told them I existed before the internet, you should have seen their eyes nearly pop out of their heads! They were like, ‘What did you do back then?’ I replied, ‘Oh, I just watched the grass grow! we all burst out laughing, but I could tell they thought I was so old that I probably had one foot in the grave! It was so funny! I loved my first week, and the sweet classroom leader said she was sad that next week, I would be moving to the other room to work with the 2 to 3-year-olds. I’m sad, too, as I’ve had such a great time getting to know the babies and the educators. I even felt extra sad thinking about next Friday when I’ll be saying goodbye to the whole centre for good. I never expected to feel this way—not in a million years! After such a surprisingly fantastic week, here’s a list of unexpected favourites Working with babies meant spending most of the day sitting on the floor. I’m so excited that I can still get up off the floor—phew! The daycare centre is beautifully decorated, and now I’m feeling inspired about how I can share some of these ideas with my colleagues I got to cuddle babies! I learned some new songs, and now I have a whole playlist looping around in my head. It was good, but not so helpful when I was trying to fall asleep! I loved seeing the energy and passion of the young educators—it was contagious in the best way! It’s inspired me to bring back my own zing, which has been a bit zapped after all these years working with kids. I got to see how a privately owned long daycare centre operates. Having only ever worked in a non-profit centre, I’ve heard some not-so-great stories about facilities that focus on profit. However, I have nothing but high praise for the quality of care from this centre. The educators truly love the children they care for, and I loved seeing them not only meet their physical needs but also genuinely shower the kids with so much affection! It was so good to get out of my comfort zone in such a big way. I’ve always appreciated my shorter working hours, three paid term breaks a year, as well as annual leave. But this week really reminded me how lucky I am, especially knowing that educators in long daycare centres don’t have these benefits. I finally took my husband up on his offer to cook—I can be such a goose, always wanting to do everything myself! When I got home Wednesday afternoon, Steve had a lovely glass of wine as well as cheese and crackers waiting for me. He also made roast pork with vegetables and gravy for dinner. To top it off, he whipped up some sweet treats! What a champ! Vanilla slice Butter cookies An extra big one just for me! I think he expected me to be feeling down about having to work over the break, and he knows that food always makes me happy! I’ve had an amazing week, but I’m feeling pretty tired, which makes me even more excited that it’s the October long weekend—yay! Working with babies and getting to know the young educators has been fantastic. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually looking forward to next week in the 2 to 3-year-olds’ room—ha! Who would have guessed? Not me, that’s for sure! Thank you so much for being here, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Linking up with Andrea and Erika

Oh my goodness, I sure am glad it’s Friday! Life happened, and I ran out of time earlier this week, so I missed blogging for What’s Up Wednesday. But I’m happy to be back today, linking up with Andrea and Erika for another round of favourites on this cold and wintry Friday—brrrrrr! First up, my biggest favourite for this week is that my cousin is on the road to recovery. She had major surgery on Monday, and we are all relieved it’s behind her now. Phew! I have been worried about her ever since she started struggling with her health. So it’s such a huge relief to know she’s moving forward. For a minute there, I thought we might have to postpone our January trip since we’re going with her and her family. This would have been completely fine as her health comes first. But she wouldn’t entertain the thought—not even for a second! Haha, she’s super excited (we’re all excited!!) so when she found out about the surgery. She made sure the doctor knew that our January trip was a top priority! Luckily, everything has turned out fine and we have just the right amount of time for her to be well enough to go. We visited her in the hospital on Wednesday night, and she got the all-clear to go home on Thursday. I grabbed some inspiration from a post I did back in June about meals to make for others and made some Greek chicken and rice to take over for her first night home. It was a small way to make things easier for her and her family. I got these aluminium trays with lids to transport the food. They’re great because they save the hassle of returning containers. Gotta keep it simple! Last weekend, the weather was amazing and a big favourite was walking along a local reserve and seeing pretty views like this. But for the last few days, the weather has been like this. I guess that’s spring for you! No matter—warmer days are sure to come back soon (I hope!). When it was warmer, a few days ago. I thought, great! We’ve hit smoothie weather, and I made a banana and strawberry smoothie with an extra dollop of honey because I love sweet smoothies! But it’s definitely hot chocolate weather tonight and sadly I’ve run out of Swiss Miss hot chocolate as well as marshmallows. Yikes!! I guess I’ll just have to tuck into some Cadbury hazelnut chocolate instead. As well as some chippies! It is Friday night, after all, and one of my favourite things to do is watch something on TV while munching on snacks. This time, I have normal-sized packets of chocolate and chips instead of my usual small single-serve snacks, so I’ll need to practice some self-control… hmmmm. Another favourite is that today was the last day of term three! I won’t get a term break this time, though. But that’s okay because I’ll get my practical placement out of the way. I’m taking advantage of our preschool break to fulfil my course requirement of working with babies and toddlers at a local daycare centre. It stings a little (okay, a lot!) to miss out on two weeks off from work. But I’m trying to stay upbeat and motivated (she says through clenched teeth). No, really, I am! Hehe. I’m keeping it short today because I’m wiped out and feeling a bit congested—surely I can’t be getting sick again! Nope, I refuse to get sick again. I’m going to rest and take it easy over the weekend because I’ve got babies to cuddle next week! Thanks so much for being here, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hi friends, and happy Friday! I’m so glad the weekend is here because, to be honest, this week has felt a bit off. Maybe I’m still not fully bouncing back after COVID, or maybe work has just been, ahem… extra challenging. Either way, I’m ready to shake it off and move forward into the weekend. Here are a few things that were good about this week. My dishes were sparkling, but my dishwasher needed a clean. So, I used this dishwasher cleaner to sparkle it up and get rid of any funky smells. Because a clean dishwasher is a happy dishwasher! Ribs courtesy of Steve’s work and a salad I threw together meant Tuesday night’s dinner was a breeze! A while ago, I shared that my friend gave me a cutting from her beautiful plant when I visited her in Avoca. Miraculously, I managed to grow it into a luscious plant without killing it! Look at how beautiful it was. Fast forward to a few months later, and at the beginning of winter, we were hit with days of relentless rain. Because of that, I hadn’t gone out to the courtyard to hang any washing—thank you, clothes dryer! Finally, after about a week or so, I went outside, only to see that my pot plant was filled with water that hadn’t drained. And horror of horrors, my poor plant was dying! I did everything but give it CPR to save it, but it was too late; the roots had rotted. But the good news is that before this tragedy, I had taken another cutting to plant and give to a friend. Here it is today—see the little roots sprouting! I’m going to replant it even though I’m a bit scared it might not grow. But this weekend, I’ve decided to be brave and plant it. It’s spring, after all, so the weather is on my side, right? Gulp! Hopefully, I can grow it again and finally give my friend a plant! Cross your fingers for me, please, and I’ll keep you posted! I was sitting on a beanbag, and we were watching an anime called Vinland Saga. I turned around and saw Sam with the two cats, looking cozy. The cats aren’t besties, but they are friendlier towards each other these days. They also share a common favourite-they both love Sam! We got some sweet treats from one of our preschoolers who turned 4, and let me tell you, sweets are always a welcome favourite! Steve now has Wednesdays and Thursdays off from work. So when I got home on Wednesday, I did something I never do: I sat down with him and had some snacks before dinner. I don’t usually sit down when I get home because it’s so hard to get back up again to tackle “all the things.” But I enjoyed the break, and it felt good to pause—and yes, I did struggle to get moving again. But that’s okay; it’s good to be flexible and live in the moment! My inspiration to live in the moment came from an Instagram reel I saw last week. Haha, I scrolled through so much social media while I lay sick in bed and I even saved a collection of reels for future reference. It’s a good one, and it really hit home that these are indeed the good ol’ days! I’m excited to sleep in tomorrow and enjoy a slow morning. We have plans to go to Ramsgate farmers market in the morning. Then, in the evening, I’m going to see my cousin perform at the Spring Latin Dance Fest. It should be a fun Saturday followed by a quiet Sunday. Thank you so much for being here, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Linking up with Andrea and Erika  

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about something that’s been trending around the fashion world for a while now: capsule wardrobes. While I haven’t fully embraced the minimalist approach yet, I’ve definitely become more mindful of what I buy. You could say I’m taking a very slow journey toward simplifying my wardrobe. I’m also making a real effort not to get swept up in the latest trends because, as we all know, they date so quickly. That’s why I’m excited to explore what a capsule wardrobe is all about and share why it’s worth considering—and why the idea intrigues me. The Capsule Wardrobe Evolution: Then and Now Have you ever wondered about the origins of the fabulous capsule wardrobe trend? I always thought it was a modern buzzword. But interestingly, the capsule wardrobe concept emerged all the way back in the groovy 70s. It started as a collection of essential pieces that could be mixed and matched with a few trendy items. Fast forward to the ’80s, and capsule wardrobes really started to take off. It was a time when women were juggling careers and personal lives more than ever, and simplifying things—including their wardrobes—just made sense. Today, with simplicity, minimalism, and sustainability in the spotlight, the capsule wardrobe is making a big comeback. Not only is it a brilliant and practical way to keep your wardrobe both simple and stylish, but it’s also a great choice for the planet! Why a Capsule Wardrobe Might Be Your Best Fashion Move The daily struggle of deciding what to wear can be a real headache! Here are some reasons why capsule wardrobes can be a wonderful solution: Streamlining Your Daily Outfit Choices With fewer, carefully selected pieces in your wardrobe, choosing an outfit becomes a breeze. No more staring blankly at a closet full of clothes! Investing in Timeless Pieces for Long-Term Style Capsule wardrobes encourage you to invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that will last for years. Versatility By mixing and matching your capsule wardrobe pieces, you can create countless outfit combinations for any occasion. Clutter-Free Closet With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll declutter your closet and keep only the essentials. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you need. Sustainable Fashion Capsule wardrobes encourage mindful consumption and help reduce the urge to constantly buy new clothes. By making the most of what you already own means you’ll reduce your environmental impact. You will also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. It’s a win-win! Essential Items for a Versatile Wardrobe So, what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? It’s all about picking versatile, timeless essentials that you can mix and match to create endless fabulous outfits. Here are some key items you’ll definitely want to include: 1. The Classic White Shirt Every capsule wardrobe needs a crisp white shirt because it’s a true wardrobe hero! You can dress it up with a blazer for a polished look or pair it with jeans for a relaxed, casual style. 2. Well-Fitted Jeans Find a pair (or two) of jeans that fit you perfectly and make you feel amazing. Whether you prefer skinny, straight, or boyfriend cuts, a great pair of jeans is a wardrobe staple. 3. Timeless Blazer A blazer instantly elevates any outfit. Opt for a neutral colour like black, navy, or grey that can be layered over dresses, blouses, and even t-shirts. 4. Little Black Dress (LBD) The LBD is a fashion classic because it’s perfect for so many different occasions. Pick a style that flatters your figure, then accessorise to your heart’s content—or keep it minimal if, like me, simplicity is more your thing. 5. Comfortable and Stylish T-shirts Choose good quality T-shirts in basic colours like white, black, and grey. You can wear them with anything from skirts to jeans. 6. Versatile Jumper A cozy, well-made jumper is a must-have for those chilly days! Choose neutral colours that can easily be paired with a variety of outfits. 7. Tailored Trousers Nothing beats tailored trousers for a polished look. They’re perfect for any smart casual event, you can pair them with blouses, jumpers, or a t-shirt. 8. Comfy Flats and Chic Heels Invest in a pair of comfortable flats for everyday wear and a pair of heels for when you need to dress up. Again, neutral colours always work best as they can match any outfit. 9. Stylish Outerwear Depending on your climate, choose a versatile coat or jacket that complements your style. A trench coat, leather jacket, military-style jacket or denim jacket are all great options. 10. Accessory Essentials Accessories are the magic touch to any outfit! A few key pieces like a versatile handbag, a classic belt, and some elegant jewellery can completely transform your look. Plus, accessories are a fantastic way to infuse your own personality into your wardrobe. My Capsule Wardrobe Journey: What I’ve Learned So Far Starting this journey has been very rewarding. One of the first items I added was a classic white shirt, and it’s quickly become a favourite. I love how something so simple can be dressed up or down—so many options, so many outfits! Over the years (yep, it’s been a slow journey!), I’ve been gradually building my collection, focusing on versatile pieces that truly fit my style. That said, I’m not super strict about sticking only to essentials because the fashion lover in me enjoys adding a few on-trend pieces as well! I love scrolling through Pinterest for fashion inspiration but when I do I always mentally run through my existing wardrobe to see what I can use. I like to mix in a few on-trend items too. The key for me is choosing pieces that won’t date too quickly, so they still fit the capsule wardrobe vibe without being too fleeting. Tips for Getting Started If you’re feeling inspired and want to start building your own capsule wardrobe, here’s a little tip: begin by focusing on versatility. Look for pieces that can mix

Hi friends, it’s Friday again, and you know what that means. Yep, it’s time to share a recap of the week. Thanks so much for stopping by today! I didn’t share about last weekend earlier because I joined the Share Our Lives Link Up, where we all chatted about how we find peace in our day. So, let’s backtrack to the weekend because things pretty much went downhill from there. Some weeks are just like that, aren’t they? Friday Last Friday night, my work colleagues and I had a fantastic dinner out courtesy of our amazing parent committee. They treat us to a meal each term at a place of our choosing, and we always pick a new venue. This time, we chose a newly refurbished local RSL and had a lovely night catching up. We see each other almost every day at our busy preschool, but there’s rarely time for much catching up! We started with cocktails, and I went for a strawberry daiquiri, it was like a slushie with a kick! The table was pretty long, so, unfortunately, we couldn’t chat with everyone. We probably should have moved around and swapped seats, but we didn’t think of it. Maybe we felt too tired from the busy week, and after a cocktail, we figured we’d better stay put. Tiredness and cocktails might not mix well if we were moving around too much! My work buddies I sat next to and I had a fun time, laughing hard and swapping stories about preschool life. At one point, we were almost in tears from laughing so much. I’ve got some seriously funny work friends! Sometimes, I think I could easily write a book or a sitcom about what it’s like to work with children in a preschool—though I’d probably end up losing my day job, so I won’t! I was starving, so I ordered two lamb shanks with red wine sauce and mashed potatoes. It was delicious! I was going to say it was gone in 60 seconds, but I’m a slow eater. Trust me, though, I polished it off easily. Saturday Saturday was time for cousin connect at my cousin T’s house. My cousin S, the charcuterie master, switched things up a bit. Instead of his usual amazing cheese board, he brought an artichoke dip. It was cheesy, melty, and oh-so-goody! Cousin S, who’s from Ohio, told us the dip was a recipe from a restaurant chain called Olive Garden. Now, I’ve added that to our list of places to eat when we visit the U.S. in January! I made a pasta. My other cousins brought schnitzel, lasagna, garlic bread and salads. It was a feast! Two cousins have their birthdays on the same day. So my aunt brought a chocolate cake to celebrate. We didn’t play our usual board game that night; we just sat around talking and sharing funny stories. Sunday Sunday, I felt exhausted and thought that I might have stayed up too late the night before or eaten too much. I spent most of the day on a bean bag with this girl on me and I love how she is so tired from just being a cat. Anyone would think she was busy juggling kittens and a full-time job, the way she’s sprawled out like that. I went to bed early and thought after resting all day and going to bed early, I would be ok. Monday, I went to work, and my throat felt scratchy. I spent the day talking all sexy-like. By the time I walked home, I felt really unwell and ended up with a temp in the evening. Ugh! I kept thinking nooooo I can’t be sick; I was sick a couple of weeks ago! Tuesday- I took the day off work because my back was sore, my taste buds had gone crazy, and everything I ate tasted like tin. These were the same symptoms I had when COVID got me two years ago. I’d done a test on Monday morning and got a negative result, but by Tuesday afternoon, I did another one and, you guessed it, it was positive. So, I spent the rest of the week feeling pretty terrible. I had zero energy, and even getting up for a shower felt like a massive effort. I wasn’t very hungry, but I did manage to eat the scrambled eggs Steve made for me. I’m sure they would have tasted delicious if my taste buds were working. They certainly looked good! His dumpling soup looked great, too! Usually, I don’t spend much time scrolling on Instagram, but that’s all I did while lying in bed. I came across this in my friend’s stories—so sad about the passing of James Earl Jones. Our grocery order arrived just in time because I had almost run out of tissues. Good news for Friday! Today, I feel much better! I’m still coughing, but I can move around and feel alive now, yay! I could even taste these juicy strawberries. So, that was my week… hmph! It wasn’t great, but I’m so glad to be feeling much better. I don’t have much on this weekend other than catching up with my lovely friend tomorrow. After that, we’re both ‘working’ on a Saturday as our preschool is holding a fundraising event at a local play and party centre. I thought I might be too sick to go, but now I’m feeling up to it and ready to get back into things. So, after our catch-up and a bite to eat, we’ll head over to the event and lend a hand for a couple of hours. It should be fun, or maybe I’m just saying that because I’ve been in bed all week, haha! Well, at least we won’t be ‘on duty’ as the parents will be there and will be responsible for their children. Phew! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to being back here on Monday. Happy Friday! Linking