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Winter School Holidays

Hey friends! It’s great to be back here today linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday. I only took a week off from the blog world, but it feels like I was gone forever. I missed you!! Well, just like I expected, the winter school holidays have come and gone in a flash, and today was my first day back at work (sigh). But I’m super happy to say that they were nothing short of fabulous, so that’s a good thing! Today, I thought I’d share a roundup of the things that made my break so special. Let’s go! 11 Favourite Things I Got Up to Over The Winter School Holidays Catching Up With Friends It was so fun to catch up with friends for shopping and lunch dates! I felt like a real grown-up carefree person and it was fantastic! A Quick Getaway Steve and I managed to get away for two nights in Gosford. It was a perfect mix of fun and relaxation. I’ll share more details in a later post, but this mini-escape was definitely a highlight of the winter school holidays! Closet Overhaul I gave my small walk-in closet a complete makeover. Decluttering and organising everything, plus giving all the walls and shelves a much-needed coat of white paint, was incredibly satisfying—hello, more space! We now have so much empty shelf space that the cats think we’ve created a new high-rise apartment just for them. I’ve had to shoo them away a few times, but it looks like they’ve finally gotten the memo that I’m not their cat property developer! DIY Home Projects I painted the doors and doorways white, and wow, what a difference! Although they were already white, they had become a bit dull and dingy, so they definitely needed a fresh coat. I love everything white—it’s like having a clean slate, and it’s so much easier than choosing wall colours, which always feels overwhelming to me. When we first moved in, I was young, inspired, and brave, so I went with a colour called “Grand Piano,” a safe neutral stone shade (that’s as brave as I could get). The living room still features that colour because, no, I didn’t get around to painting it white during these winter school holidays. Aaargh! The thought of moving the lounge and TV really puts me off— I know my big boys would help with that, so it probably won’t be as bad as what I’m building up in my head. Maybe I’ll tackle it in the next school holidays! Anyway, I’m really happy with the switch to all white for the other spaces (except Sam’s room, which is grey). It suits my love for the minimalist Scandi look perfectly! Creating Art Inspired by Bauhaus, I recreated one of its classic designs on Canva (I love Canva) and used that as a springboard to create an original print of my own. Then I had them printed at Officeworks and bought two frames to display them in. It was a fun and inexpensive way to juju up our home. More Art I finally hung up a print from the Matisse exhibition we saw two years ago. I took down the poster featuring Penelope Cruz in Volver—Penelope needed a break. I’m really enjoying the new white frame and Matisse print; it’s a beautiful reminder of that day and looks perfect on our wall. Relaxation and Self-Care I focused on relaxing my neck and face muscles. Face masks helped, and so did lying on the yoga mat to stretch out my neck. Self-care for the win! TV Show Binge I watched some favourite TV shows and steered clear of stressful ones like Baby Reindeer. After two episodes, it was a hard no for me. Trying to keep things light and enjoyable over here! Ikea Adventures I had two fun trips to Ikea. The first was a solo to pick up some storage items, and the second was with my cousin and her kids. We went last Friday for the half-price lunch offer, and on top of that, we got a $25 discount voucher that could only be used if we spent over $100 that day. So, I picked up a few knick-knacks as well as a rug for the living room—since the cats had made a mess of the old one (bleh). My little (not so little cousin, he’s 14) joked, “Come for the meatballs, leave with a trolley full!” Hehe. Walks With Steve Oh my goodness! You cannot believe how happy I am with Steve’s progress since his knee replacement; we both are! He has really turned a corner (so to speak) and is walking so much better now! Over the break, we went on regular walks around the neighbourhood and we did a lot of walking while we were away in Gosford. He also has two physiotherapists coming to the house. One to do regular exercises and the other to retrain him to walk without limping. Poor guy has walked with a limp for over ten years, and now his brain is slowly adjusting to a new way of moving. Christmas In July We had a late Cousin Connect gathering on Saturday since some of the cousins were away over the school holidays. This time, it was all about Christmas in July, and we kicked things off with an amazing charcuterie board. One of our cousins is definitely a Charcuterie board master! We had delicious turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, roast carrots and pumpkin. Followed by the usual banter, jokes, board game and an all-around fantastic time! To top it all off, my youngest cousin even put the tree up with some twinkly lights. It was a brilliant night, and we have all decided that Christmas in July is now a permanent yearly tradition. Yay! That wraps up my 11 favourite things I got up to over the winter school holidays. Winter is not my favourite season, but I loved these school holidays a whole bunch!

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4 Comments / Friday Favourites, Home

Hey friends! It’s time to link up with Andrea and Erika to share some favourites! I can’t believe how fast the week has flown by, taking the first week of my holidays with it! But I can’t complain because it really was a good one! First up, I got to hang out with my lovely friend and spend a day shopping at Chatswood with her on Monday. What a brilliant way to start the winter school holidays! We work at the same preschool, but we don’t get much of a chance to talk during the week because we’re always so busy! As soon as we got out of the train station, we looked for a place to have brunch and found a little café inside Westfield. We did wander around for a while like two lost sheep because Chatswood shopping centre is so huge and neither of us visits often. We both had smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs, and I forgot to ask for no chilli! Luckily, it wasn’t too spicy. I moved all the chilli bits to the side of my plate just to be safe (chilli be gone!). Phew! It was actually one of the nicest smashed avocados I’ve ever had. It came with an avocado dressing that had a delicious flavour. I bought my favourite concealer because I had run out and concealer is my best friend these days. Steve had manipulation therapy on his leg on Wednesday. I waited for hours at the hospital cafe and caught up on reading blogs. I could have gone home because the hospital is a five-minute drive from home. But I didn’t mind waiting. I also went for a walk around the block and it was a nice sunny day. The good news is that all went well and Steve wasn’t in much pain afterwards. Now he’s on a mission to improve his walking. After 13 years of walking with a limp, it has become a habit, and he can’t shake the protective walking technique. So he’s retraining his brain to walk without limping. Now that I’m off from work, I’m his walking coach. I emptied out our small walk-in wardrobe and painted it. I’m feeling so good that I got onto this task this week and didn’t leave it until the next. It’s amazing how much stuff we had and how much stuff I have bundled together to give to charity. Prepping for a paint job is not a favourite but I did find two Kit Kats while I was gathering my paint supplies. One of the fun things about pulling everything out and going through boxes is finding treasures like my Lulu doll. Ha! I’ve had her since I was five and I love her so much. She’s lost her hair ( she used to have two plaits) and she’s wearing one of my creations I sewed for her when I was about ten. I also found Snoopy who always has trouble keeping his jeans up! My uncle gave me this Snoopy when I was about nine. Then there are the photos!! Don’t laugh, ok go ahead and laugh, I sure did!! This is what I had to wear to my cousin’s ex-wife’s second wedding. We were super close, and even though she divorced my cousin, she wanted me to be her bridesmaid. I remember not loving the huge outfit she chose for me. Can you believe that even though it was the 80s, those sleeves were not a criminal offence? Here is the finished closet. I went to Ikea and Kmart and bought clothes hangers, shoe boxes, and other storage boxes. I have another closet in the spare room where I keep my clothes, and this one is mainly for Steve’s clothes. I’m so happy with how it turned out because the shelves, walls and ceiling needed a big refresh! I’m excited for this weekend! Steve and I are going away to Gosford for a couple of days. It will be fun to get away for a short trip. I’m not sure when I’ll be back here next week, as I might take a little break. But then again, I may not—I’ll see how it goes. I hope you all have an amazing weekend and thank you so much for stopping by!

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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Hello Monday

5 Comments / Hello Monday, Home

Hi friends it’s time to link up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for stopping by today! Most of our preschool team kicked off the school holidays with a great night at the Intersection Tavern on Friday night. The food was delicious and so were the apple martinis! The fantastic thing about celebrating where we did was that they not only had half-price cocktails after 8 PM, but they also had a DJ starting at 9. So, we hit the dance floor like there was no one watching (and I sincerely hope no one was watching, haha). It was so much fun, and my Apple Watch congratulated me for exercising so much! Saturday morning, I might have taken a couple of Panadol because, oh my legs!! Saturday Around mid-morning we went for a quick trip to the farmers market. It’s been raining so much there’s a pond in the middle of the park with little ducks swimming around! The same thing happened last year. Lot’s of delicious fresh produce. Look what I found!! The mandarins I had been searching for! The same stall that sold them last year had them again this year, and they are the sweetest mandarins ever. Last time we went to the market, I bought some from another fruit stall, hoping they would be sweet, but they turned out to be worse than the ones from the supermarket. They were horrible. They’re still in the fridge, and I want them to disappear. I don’t want to eat them, yet I don’t want to throw them away because I hate wasting food. But they really are not nice. Maybe I should bury them in the front garden when nobody is watching. I picked up some nuts to chomp on, along with dried paw paw and dried mango for making granola. Now I need to make sure that I make more granola in the next few days before I eat all the dried fruit; it tastes like candy—yum! I chopped up the mushrooms I also bought and cooked them to go with our late Saturday morning breakfast. Sunday Sunday was a lazy day, and our biggest achievement was finishing all the episodes of ‘Attack on Titan’. Now, we only have two movie-length episodes left, and it’s over. I never thought I would enjoy anime so much! Next up, we’re planning to watch Fullmetal Alchemist, which, according to Sam, is just as good. For dinner, I made roast pork with vegetables and lots of gravy. Steve was home, so he made the crackling, it turned out so crunchy! Whenever I make it, I tend to mess it up and it turns out rubbery. This time, I paid attention to the secret of good crunchy crackling: leave the skin uncovered in the fridge for an hour or so until it dries, then add salt and no oil! Most recipes I’ve searched suggest rubbing oil, but it never worked for me. It’s a mystery. That wraps up some of the things we got up to this weekend. I just got home from a really lovely day out with my bestie. We shopped, chatted, ate, and shopped some more. I’ll be back sometime this week to tell you all about it. I’m also hoping the days go by slowly so I can savour every minute of the school holidays—fingers crossed! Take care, and I’ll see you soon. Happy Monday!

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Friday Favourites

3 Comments / Friday Favourites, Home

Hi friends, and welcome to Friday Favourites! As usual, the week has just flown by, and here we are again, ready to share some favourites. I’m so happy you’ve stopped by today—thank you for reading along! I always think the last week of term is my favourite because everyone is in high spirits, counting down the days until the holiday break. Well, the staff are, maybe not so much some of the preschool parents. We’ve had a few groans and comments like, “Oh no! Two weeks!!” Haha, yes sir, two weeks indeed! Backtracking to Monday night, we caught up with our friends for our monthly dinner catch-up. We didn’t join our group for the June dinner because Steve had only just had knee surgery. Six weeks post-surgery he is much more mobile and now walking with one crutch. Steve ordered the Laksa and shared some with me. It was full of flavour but too spicy for me! It was too spicy for him too, but he battled through the watery eyes and runny nose—good for clearing the sinuses! I ordered the safe grilled chicken burger. My English friend with amazing Greek cooking skills shared some cheese and pickle-flavoured chips with me. They were good! Hooray! My passport arrived by registered post! Thursday was s mix of favourite and not-so-favourite moments. We went to see the knee surgeon for another follow-up appointment and we didn’t get the best news. Even though Steve is much more mobile and he is making progress. The doc isn’t happy with the range of motion in Steve’s knee. So it’s back to the hospital next Wednesday for a quick but painful-sounding procedure. Steve’s having manipulation therapy where the doctor will bend his knee and break the scar tissue (ouch! My eyes are watering just thinking about this). He will have this done under a light anaesthetic and should be home within a few hours. Hmph! When we got home from seeing the doctor, we were both a bit down and took a minute to process the news. Steve is much better at focusing on the moment; I’m usually seven days ahead and imagining the worst! I didn’t want to be a downer, so I shook off my worries and put on my big girl pants. Ha! I’m not even the one having the procedure, and Steve was comforting me! I just want him to be well… fast!! Luckily, we had tickets to see Boney M at the Enmore Theatre that night, which helped take our minds off things. Before the concert, we had dinner at a Thai place just four doors down from the theatre. Enmore was so busy that night! The restaurants and pubs were packed, and everyone seemed to be having the best time. I was surprised by how lively it was for a cold winter weeknight. We shared a mixed entree and a super mild beef curry. Then it was showtime! We had seats, but I was on the dance floor in a flash with Steve’s blessing. He knew there was no way I could just sit and watch! Even though dancing isn’t his thing, he would have joined me if it weren’t for his knee. Oh my goodness, what a performance! Boney M. was amazing, and dancing along to all the disco favourites I grew up hearing was surreal! Their original performer, Maizie Williams, was there that night, and you would never guess she’s 73 years old! I want to be just like Maizie when I grow up and groove to disco for as long as I can! And that was the week! I’m keeping it short and sweet because I have to jump off and get ready to go out with my work buddies to celebrate the end of the term. I hope you have an amazing weekend and I look forward to being back here on Monday! Linking up with Andrea and Erika

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Simple Ways to Freshen Your Home

Leave a Comment / Home, Home Decor, Home Improvement Ideas

We all crave a home that feels like a cozy retreat where we can unwind and relax. The way you decorate and furnish your space plays a huge role in creating that emotional connection. That’s why it’s so important to infuse your personality into your home decor. After all, you’re the one who’ll be living in and loving it every day! Achieving a fresh, clean look for your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some simple ways to freshen your home, to give your space a noticeable update. Simple Ways to Freshen Your Home Declutter Your Spaces Decluttering is the perfect way to kick off your decorating and furnishing journey with a clean slate. A cluttered home can be frustrating and counterproductive, making it hard to see the potential beauty beneath the mess. Tackle decluttering one room at a time instead of trying to do the whole home in one go. This approach makes the task less overwhelming and lets you focus on each space thoroughly. Spend as much time as needed in each room, ensuring every nook and cranny gets the attention it deserves. With a good declutter, you create a blank canvas to visualise how you want the space to look. Get the whole household involved to make the process easier and more fun. Together, you can transform your home into a more organised and inviting haven. Spruce Up with Soft Furnishings Your soft furnishings play a big role in shaping the look and feel of your home. From the blue cushions on your sofa to the curtains dressing your windows, each choice contributes to that fresh and clean appearance you’re aiming for. For a clean and fresh look, consider using materials like linen and opting for light colours such as creams and whites. These choices can instantly brighten up your space and make it feel more inviting. Remember, while the choices you make with soft furnishings are important, they’re also easy to change. Unlike painting floors or installing new carpets or tiles, switching out cushions or curtains is a quick and budget-friendly way to refresh your space. So, go ahead and have fun with your soft furnishings, knowing you can always mix things up whenever you want a new look! Conquer Kitchen Chaos: Do the Dishes and Put Them Away Keeping your home clean can feel like a never-ending task, but staying on top of the housework, even the monotonous chores, is key to maintaining a tidy space. While some people find housework therapeutic, tackling household messes after a long day can be mentally exhausting for anyone. One simple yet effective tip to freshen your home is to do the dishes and put them away immediately. Instead of letting them pile up in the sink or on the drying rack, dry them off and place them back in their designated spots right away. This small habit saves you from a bigger job later and instantly makes your kitchen feel cleaner and more organised. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing a sparkling clean kitchen with clear countertops and no lingering mess. Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup of coffee or preparing dinner in the evening, a clutter-free kitchen sets a positive tone for the entire home. It also gives you a mental boost, knowing you’ve efficiently tackled one of the day’s necessary chores. Embrace the simple joy of a clean kitchen—it’s not just about tidiness but about freshening your home’s atmosphere and creating a more inviting space for yourself and your family. Brighten Your Space: Let in the Natural Light Natural light is crucial, especially for rooms that don’t have a lot of light and tend to feel dark or closed off. Sunlight has the power to make any space feel more open, airy, and inviting. Start by evaluating what might be blocking the natural light from entering your rooms. Sometimes, simply rearranging furniture or removing bulky objects from window areas can make a huge difference. Trim any overgrown plants or bushes outside that might be casting shadows. Clean your windows inside and out to maximize the light coming through. Consider swapping heavy curtains for lighter, sheer ones that allow sunlight to filter in while still providing privacy. If you have blinds, open them up during the day to let the sunshine flood in. For rooms with limited windows, strategically place mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a brighter, more spacious area. Remember, natural light not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also boosts your mood and well-being. So, embrace the sunshine and transform your living spaces into bright, welcoming retreats. Letting in the natural light will freshen your home and breathe new life into it, making it a more joyful place to be! Freshen Up with Regular Vacuuming and Mopping Maintaining cleanliness means staying on top of vacuuming and mopping floors as needed. Especially in a household with kids, daily vacuuming is often a must, not just a weekly chore. The accumulation of dust and debris can quickly make a home feel less tidy, so it’s important to tackle it frequently. Stay proactive with vacuuming and, when mopping is necessary, have a mop and bucket of soapy suds ready after dinner to swiftly clean up any spills or foot traffic marks. Regular upkeep not only maintains your floors’ pristine appearance but also ensures your home exudes a consistently fresh and inviting atmosphere. By making these tasks part of your routine, you’ll effortlessly maintain a clean environment that everyone can enjoy. So, grab that vacuum and mop, and keep your floors looking their best! Discover Your Home’s Signature Scent For those who adore the finer details of home decor, why not embark on a quest to find your home’s new signature scent? Whether you prefer the subtle aromas of wax melts, the convenience of plug-in air fresheners, or the cozy ambience of scented candles, there are countless ways to infuse your space with a delightful fragrance. Choosing a new

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Currently

6 Comments / Family Life, Home

Hi friends! It’s time to link up with Jennifer for the July edition of Currently. Today we are chatting about what we are currently loving, looking forward to, savouring, celebrating, and remembering. LOVING I am loving going to bed early (well, at a decent time anyway). I never thought I would say that because I love staying up late. But I feel so good the next day after getting a proper night’s sleep. Luckily, I rarely have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. The only nights I struggle are some Sunday nights and always the nights before the beginning of the school term. LOOKING FORWARD TO I am very excited about the upcoming school holiday break! Term two was a ten-week term, and even though it’s always hard to get up out of a warm bed in winter, I managed through ten weeks. Term one, however, was an eleven-week term, and that last week—well, you get the picture! So, I’m really looking forward to not waking up to an early alarm and not having to stick to any schedule. It’s free time for the next two weeks, and I can’t wait! Apart from a few fun plans, such as catching up with friends and going away for a weekend, I am also keen to get some jobs done. One of these tasks is painting our small walk-in wardrobe. It really needs a good makeover and proper lighting! Then there’s the living room I never got around to painting white like the rest of the house. It’s been over a year since I painted the bedrooms, hallway, and dining room. After that, I stopped, packed up my brushes, and never went back. I think it’s time! Even though it’s work, I’m in the mood to finally tick these jobs off my list. Well, the wardrobe anyway, not so much the living room. SAVOURING Fresh herbs! I love adding fresh herbs to my cooking, and I have parsley growing in our front garden and the basil is doing okay too. I also bought a pot of coriander. I think it’s my 3,567th attempt to try and grow coriander! Every time I buy a pot at the supermarket, I make sure to follow all the instructions on the packaging on how to maintain it. I water it, put it near the window for some sun, and I even talk to it, but no luck—it just withers and dies. Oh my gosh, I just realised, maybe it’s my conversations! CELEBRATING My cousin messaged us in our family group chat and we are making plans to get together and celebrate Christmas in July on the 20th! REMEMBERING I’m still using my trusty notebook to jot down all the things I need to remember! So now I’m actually remembering things. Go me! And that’s a wrap for what’s currently happening in July! I hope you all have an amazing Wednesday!

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Hello Monday

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Hello friends and hello Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend! It’s great to be back on this very chilly Monday to share a bit about our weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by. Early last week our friend invited a group of us over to her house for dinner and games. She didn’t mention it was for a special occasion, just a casual get-together. As we got to the end of the week, I had a lightbulb moment and remembered it was her birthday! I’m a bit hopeless at remembering birthdays and, to be honest, I would probably forget mine if I could. Our friend didn’t want a fuss or presents, saying all she wanted was our presence. But I did get her a little something anyway. That night, we were all transported to a Mediterranean feast, and I’m sure I put on two kilos in two hours! The food was amazing! We had cheese, crackers, olives tzatziki dip and stuffed vine leaves. I’ve had vine leaves before but not as good as the ones I had on Saturday night. They were generously stuffed and covered in a very lemony sauce, they were just deliciously delicious! For dinner, we started with saganaki prawns. Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish of fried cheese and prawns in a rich tomato sauce. We had big chunks of bread to wipe up the sauce, although I could have quite happily picked up my plate and licked it clean! Then, we had fall-apart lamb with roast potatoes, purple sweet potato, and salad, for the main course. Our friend has a Greek background but grew up in England, so she has an English accent and amazing Greek cooking skills. Sunday Sunday was the kind of day that makes you happy to just stay home because the weather was pretty miserable. We had no plans so we just stayed in and kept warm. I finished watching ‘Bonus Family’ and I felt sad that it was over. Do you get the post-series blues? I couldn’t find anything I wanted to watch on Netflix so I switched over to SBS on Demand (a free-to-air catch-up channel). I was looking for another Swedish series but then decided to go for a Spanish movie by one of my favourite directors Pedro Almodóvar – ‘Women on The Edge of a Nervous Breakdown’. It’s a quirky comedy with strong female leads and a very young Antonio Banderas. The movie is full of bold visuals, bright colours and it has a retro feel. The costumes have that chic fashionable feel from the 60s and the decor features mid-century modern which just so happens to be my favourite! The whole plot was kind of absurd but I really enjoyed it. It was perfect Sunday afternoon viewing. SBS has a few Almodóvar movies and I’m looking forward to watching ‘Broken Embraces’ with Penelope Cruz next. My absolute favourite movie directed by Almodóvar is ‘Volver’ with Penelope Cruz. I love this movie so much that I have a framed movie poster of it in our lounge room. Interestingly, Almodóvar tends to use many of the same actors in his movies. In the evening, Steve and I discovered a new series on SBS called ‘Crossing Lines’—well, it’s new to us, although it was made in 2013. It stars Donald Sutherland, who sadly passed away recently. We watched a few episodes and enjoyed this crime drama series, which follows a special unit investigating cross-border crimes and bringing criminals to justice across Europe. It’s like a blend of CSI and Criminal Minds but with a distinct European twist. The actors all have really cool accents that I enjoy listening to. We spent the entire afternoon and evening glued to the TV, watching until our eyes went square. We only paused briefly to make a simple dinner. Ever since I saw Sarah’s zucchini pasta, I’ve been craving it! Unfortunately, I didn’t have any basil and only one small zucchini, so I’ll save making it properly for another day. This version was tasty with the butter and Parmesan, but I’m sure the authentic recipe will be even better. Then we had another break for dessert and this was Steve’s creation -It looks like a mix of anything sweet he could get his hands on in 60 seconds! And that was our weekend—filled with lots of eating and TV watching. I’m looking forward to this week because it’s the last one before our holiday break. Tonight, we’re going out for dinner with friends. Then, on Thursday night, we have the Boney M concert, and Friday is our end-of-term staff dinner. Remember how I mentioned our preschool underwent two torturous days of Rating and Assessment? Well, we received our results a few weeks ago and achieved a rating of Exceeding. So, on Friday night, we’ll be celebrating big! Happy Monday and I look forward to being back here on Wednesday!

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Friday Favourites

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Hi friends, it’s time to share some of my favourite things for this week! I hope you all had a good one. Didn’t this week just zoom by in a flash? But that’s okay because now we can welcome back the weekend—Amen! This week started off cold and gloomy. The clouds and wet, rainy weather lingered on after a very wet weekend. It’s hard to feel upbeat when the weather is like that. But thankfully, things shifted, and by the end of the week, the sun was shining brightly again. Yes, it was cold, but it was warm in the sun, and seeing the blue skies always makes everything so much better! Sunny days are my favourite! When I walked into the kitchen this morning and saw the sun shining brightly, I knew instantly that it was going to be a good day! Then as I walked to work, even though it was extremely chilly, the clear blue skies and golden sunshine made me happy. I’ll have to keep this moment in mind because I checked the forecast, and yes, it will be raining all of next week. Sigh! Speaking of walking to work, well, I haven’t done as much of it as I’d like lately. My husband is home, which means the car is home, and that in turn means I’ve given in and driven to work. Aaaargh!! My goal for next week is to pretend the car isn’t available and walk! I love walking, and I feel so much better on the days that I do. Funny story though, the other day I forgot that I had walked, and when I left work, I was looking for my car. For a second, I thought, “Oh no, it’s been stolen!” Ha, who would want to steal such a teeny tiny Suzuki? It took me a little while to realise that, duh, the car was at home! Anyway back to more favourites. This olive sourdough is the best and that’s probably why it’s usually sold out by the time I get to the fruit shop after work. But I got lucky this week and I nabbed the last loaf. I’m not much of a breakfast eater during the week. But on the weekends, I do enjoy a very late breakfast. The other day, I was craving porridge, so I bought these sachets. They are easy to make and deliciously creamy. Healthy too, if you ignore the amount of brown sugar I added… shhh. This raisin toast is my favourite. These mini flakes are for me but everyone at home thinks I like to share. Washed and ready-to-grab fruit is a favourite of mine. Whenever I get my grocery order, I make sure to wash everything to save the hassle of doing it later. Good looking fruit, huh? I always feel like I’m winning whenever I need cream for a recipe and I have the long-life version in the cupboard! The other night I made Mexican street corn salad to go with our nachos. It’s so crunchy, cheesy and zesty. It’s full of our family’s favourite ingredients like corn, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, mayonnaise and red onion. This made me laugh and I couldn’t agree more! Hahaha! Here’s hoping the weekend goes by real slow. Thank you so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Linking up with Andrea and Erika

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What’s Up Wednesday

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Hi friends, and welcome to What’s Up Wednesday! This is the monthly linkup hosted by Shay and Sheaffer, where we get to share a few highlights from the past month. Today is all about June, and I’ll be sharing a few of the things we’ve been up to, starting with… WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK We’ve been trying to keep warm and enjoying some cozy comfort foods. There’s nothing like a warm meal to make these chilly days a little brighter! So, here’s what our menu looks like this week. Oh yes, I’m also happy to report that it’s June and I still haven’t fallen off the meal-planning wagon! Although I had a hiccup during the last term break, I got back to meal planning ASAP. Monday- Chicken stroganoff with rice and string beans Tuesday- Teriyaki salmon with rice and Asian salad Wednesday- Football food! The State of Origin is a great excuse for meat pies, mashed potato and peas with lots of tomato sauce Thursday- Nachos Friday- Chicken schnitzel with baked potatoes, vegetables and gravy Saturday- Dinner with friends! Yay! WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT Hot summer days! WHAT I’M LOVING Well, up until the last four weeks, I was living the life of a toddler with no rules. With Steve at work almost every evening, I would eat late, stay up way too late, and I didn’t have to share the remote control. Now that he’s home, I’ve been eating earlier, going to bed at a decent time, and sharing more. I’ve always been a night owl, but after this dramatic change in my routine, I’ve discovered sleep and I’m loving it! Now I sleep a proper 7-8 hours, and I feel so much better. I always knew that being sleep-deprived was a big no-no, but I was just being naughty. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO Despite the winter weather, June has been great. My favourite thing about June is that we finally booked our Cousin Connect Adventure 2025, and I’m so excited! I’ve started a planning journal, writing down all the places we want to visit and a long list of fast-food dining spots we want to try. We hardly ever eat fast food, so we plan to make up for it by visiting all the famous American spots we’ve heard about for so many years! Speaking of food, here are some of the delicious meals we enjoyed in June. We had soups to keep us warm. Meals with veggies to keep us healthy. And sweet treats to keep us happy! Some June highlights included. Pretty sunsets Weird cloud formations over Sydney skies. And cozy dinners together at home. June was filled with mostly ordinary moments, and I’m totally okay with that. WHAT I’M DREADING Thankfully I’m not dreading anything. WHAT I’M WATCHING I’ve been watching Attack on Titan with my boy, Masterchef Australia by myself, and Seinfeld with Steve. The three of us watched Deadpool the other night, and now that Steve is recovering at home, we’re eager to have more movie nights together. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO I’m at work and I’m on my lunch break. It’s rest time but I don’t hear a whole lot of resting going on! WHAT I’M WEARING I always forget to take photos of what I’m wearing, but lately, it’s been all about layers to keep warm. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND Our friends invited us over for dinner and a games night. I love these get-togethers because they are always so much fun. I can’t wait for Saturday night! WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH The July school holidays are almost here! Starting from the 8th of July, we are off for two glorious weeks. That means sleeping in, staying warm, and not having to stick to any schedule! We are going away for a couple of nights to the beautiful coastal city of Gosford. It will be fun to visit galleries, museums, and the farmers market. Steve always works on weekends, and the last time we got to go away was over a year ago. Ha, that’s the upside of him having a knee replacement—we get three months together while he recovers. It’s a nice change from our usual routine of a quick hello and goodbye as we cross paths on our way to and from work. That wraps up some highlights from the month of June! I hope yours was a good one. Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful day.

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