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Two Favourites

Hey there, friends! Happy Friday! As of 3:46 PM today, I’m officially on autumn break – time to finally take a breather! I’m excited to join Andrea and Erika for Friday Favourites. Can you believe I only managed to remember to snap three photos this week? It’s been quite a week, and I seem to be saying that a lot lately. Probably because term one of preschool has been quite interesting! Haha, I was trying to come up with a way to describe it, but I think I will stick to calling it ‘interesting’. Anyway, I made it through, and now it’s time to enjoy the break! Two Favourites It’s going to be a short and sweet Friday Favorites post today because I’m feeling pretty tired. Next week, I’ll be back to share all about our latest Cousin Connect get-together and a life update. Even though I’m sure I had plenty of favourite moments during the week, I forgot to take photos, and now I feel as if everything is a blur. So, for today, I’m sharing two favourites and three photos. My husband bought a new phone, a Samsung Galaxy something (I can’t recall the full name). His old phone was about 6 or 7 years old and didn’t have any sound. So he couldn’t hear it when it rang, which was pretty annoying whenever I tried to call him. It was definitely time for an upgrade. I think I was more excited about his new phone than he was! I used his phone to capture a photo of a massive drop of water that was on the plant by our front door. After a torrential downpour the night before, this huge drop of rain must have accumulated on the leaf. Isn’t it amazing! What’s also amazing is that as I was about to take the photo with Steve’s fancy new phone, I said “Wow” out loud, and guess what? The phone just went ahead and took the picture all on its own! I was so surprised and I thought it must have been a fluke so I tried it again and yep, it did the same thing. WOW!! Midweek dinner out with friends was a fun favourite! Cheers! Oh my goodness, that night I had the best burger I’ve had in a very long time! I mean, it might just be my favourite burger ever, I think! The burger patty was so tender and full of flavour. It was cooked so that it was quite rare, which is not a thing over here. All our burgers are always well done and if we ever see any pink in the middle of the patty it’s an instant cause for panic and fears of immediate food poisoning. But we were in a very nice restaurant and this burger was no ordinary burger. I can still vividly remember the flavour of the truffle aioli! So good! The shoestring fries were also divine, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. My only complaint and that of my friends was that it needed a pickle on the side for some crunch and acidity. Haha, we sat there critiquing the burger as if we were food critics. The plush atmosphere must have gone to our heads or maybe it was the Aperol spritz! Nah, it really needed a pickle! And that’s it for today friends! A very short and sweet look at two favourites. I hope you have an amazing weekend and thank you so much for stopping by. I’m going to hop off, have a shower, eat dinner and watch an old favourite movie. I haven’t decided which one yet but I’m sticking to an oldie because chances are that I will fall asleep halfway through, if not before! Happy Friday!  

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Home Improvement Ideas post

Home Improvement Ideas:Create a Space You’ll Love

Owning a home comes with a whirlwind of tasks every day, but hey, it’s all about turning that house into a haven you’re proud to call your own, right? Time to shake things up and make your place the envy of the neighbourhood! First things first, let’s brainstorm some big ideas to jazz it up. Then, get ready to dive into some exciting projects and transform your space into the ultimate dream home. Ready to explore some home improvement ideas for enhancing your space and making it an absolute pleasure to be in. Let’s go! Home Improvement Ideas Update The Master Bathroom Let’s talk about upgrading your master bathroom! It’s a space that both homeowners and potential buyers value greatly. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your own comfort or attract potential buyers, sprucing up this essential room doesn’t have to mean a complete renovation. Consider simple yet impactful upgrades like installing brighter lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere or expanding your shower for added luxury. Perhaps a fresh coat of paint or a stylish vanity makeover could breathe new life into the space. And don’t forget about practicalities – keep an eye out for signs of blocked drains and address them promptly with professional help if needed. Plus, ample storage solutions will keep clutter at bay and maintain a tidy, organised appearance. Dive Into A Renovating Adventure Let’s embark on a redecorating adventure and give your home a dazzling makeover! Now’s the perfect time to reimagine your space and infuse it with fresh energy. Embrace a minimalist approach and declutter to simplify your space, allowing only your favourite pieces to shine. It’s all about curating a collection that reflects your style and adds a modern edge to your home. But why stop there? Shake things up by rearranging furniture to breathe new life into tired layouts. And who can resist the allure of colourful area rugs and flowing curtains? They’re like instant mood lifters for any room! So, grab your paintbrush, fluff those pillows, and create a vibrant and dynamic space. Get ready to fall in love with your home all over again! Freshen Up Your Walls With New Paint Elevate your home’s ambience with a fresh coat of paint. Opt for a timeless neutral palette that exudes modern charm and enhances your home’s appeal, whether you’re staying put or considering selling down the road. Feeling adventurous? Then painting is a project you may want to tackle on your own to save some money and unleash your creativity. But before diving in, explore some paint samples and test them on your walls to see how they fare in different lighting and throughout the day. If you want to add a dash of personality. Then why not consider painting an accent wall or experimenting with bold hues in smaller spaces like bathrooms? With a splash of paint and a sprinkle of imagination, your home will feel brand new in no time! Create Your Ultimate Home Office With more time being spent at home, particularly if you’re working remotely, having a dedicated workspace is crucial. That’s where the idea of setting up a home office comes into play. Start by selecting a location that offers privacy and plenty of natural light. Ideally, opt for a room with a door that can be closed, allowing you to concentrate without interruptions. Then, unleash your creativity as you plan and decorate your space to match your personality and taste. But why stop there? Consider practical enhancements such as incorporating a pull-out bed. This addition can effortlessly transform your office into a welcoming guest room whenever friends or family decide to stay over. With just a bit of effort, your home office can evolve into a harmonious blend of productivity and comfort, making both work and relaxation seamless experiences. Conclusion As you embark on your journey to enhance your home, remember that the possibilities for transformation are endless. By implementing these home improvement ideas, you can turn your space into a haven that reflects your style and meets your needs. Whether you’re updating your master bathroom, embarking on a renovating adventure, freshening up your walls with new paint, or creating your ultimate home office, each step brings you closer to achieving the home of your dreams. So, don’t hesitate to explore, experiment, and make your home improvements a reality. With dedication and creativity, your home can become a place of comfort, productivity, and joy for years to come.    

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4 home improvements that increase the value of your property

4 Home Improvements That Increase The Value Of Your Property

Isn’t it just wonderful when your home reflects all the hard work and care you’ve put into it, becoming a source of pride when you entertain guests? And if you’re anything like many homeowners, you’re always seeking ways to enhance your home’s appeal and functionality, including home improvements that increase value. But here’s a thought: have you ever considered exploring home improvements that operate behind the scenes, away from plain sight? While it may not seem obvious, these upgrades can make a significant impact, whether it’s about trimming your energy bills or maximizing the utility of your living space. Let’s explore a few of these home improvements that go beyond the surface, transforming your home into a haven of contemporary comfort and convenience. 4 Home Improvements That Increase The Value Of Your Property 1. Embrace Solar Power While solar panels might not be the most visually striking addition to your home, their impact is undeniable. By harnessing the power of the sun, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also slashing your energy bills. Imagine the satisfaction of watching your electricity meter tick downward as your home generates its own clean, renewable energy. Plus, with potential tax incentives and rebates, the initial investment becomes a savvy long-term financial decision. 2. Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation for Comfort and Savings Often overlooked, the condition of your home’s insulation is key to keeping it cozy and efficient. If you’re in an older house, chances are your insulation has seen better days. Particularly if your home was built between the 1920s and the 1970s, it might still be insulated with asbestos, which can pose health risks. In such situations, it’s crucial to bring in professionals to safely remove the asbestos and replace it with modern, energy-efficient wall insulation. While this upgrade might not catch your attention right away, its benefits are huge. Not only will it make your home warmer and more comfortable. But it’ll also save you money on heating bills in the long run. Investing in quality insulation isn’t just smart for your home’s energy efficiency – it’s also a vital step in protecting your family’s health and well-being. 3. Transform Unused Spaces Ready to unlock the hidden potential of those overlooked spaces in your home? Whether it’s a neglected garage, cellar, or attic, it’s time to transform them into something truly remarkable. Just imagine turning that dusty garage into a cozy guest bedroom or converting your cluttered attic into the home office of your dreams. Not only will you make better use of your home’s square footage. You’ll also create new spaces to entertain and impress your guests. Plus, adding these functional rooms can significantly increase the value of your property. So why wait any longer? Take those forgotten areas and turn them into standout features of your home! 4. Time To Pave The Way For A Driveway If you’ve been without one, it’s worth considering adding this feature to your property. Sure, you might need to jump through a few hoops to get planning permission, but the perks are worth it. Not only does a driveway add an intriguing touch to your home. It also enhances safety for your vehicle, lowers insurance premiums, and boosts your property’s curb appeal for potential buyers down the road. So, why not look into what you’ll need to do to get permission to have a driveway installed? It’s another opportunity to elevate your home and enjoy the fruits of your hard work. By investing in these strategic home improvements that increase the value of your property, you’re not just upgrading your living space; you’re future-proofing your home for years to come. So go ahead, think beyond the surface and transform your house into the ultimate expression of modern living.

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Reduce Car Maintenance Costs

Maintaining your car doesn’t have to be an endless financial burden. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting out, the expenses of keeping your vehicle running smoothly can swiftly add up, urging the need to find ways to spend less. No need to worry! You’re not alone in facing this challenge. There are straightforward steps you can take to reduce your car maintenance costs and improve your financial health. By implementing these strategies, you’ll maintain your car’s condition while saving money. Let’s get started on cutting those costs! Reduce Car Maintenance Costs Buy New One of the most significant ways to reduce car maintenance costs is to consider buying a new vehicle. While it may seem like a hefty upfront expense, investing in a new car can actually save you money in the long run. Newer cars typically experience fewer issues and require fewer repairs during the initial years of ownership. By opting for a new car, you can potentially avoid costly maintenance and repair bills down the line, leading to substantial long-term savings. Quality Parts Matter In addition to purchasing a new car, opting for approved parts is another effective strategy for reducing car maintenance costs. When it comes to replacing parts in your vehicle, it can be tempting to choose cheaper, unofficial options. However, this often results in more frequent replacements and additional costs over time. It’s much better to use official parts, such as Tesla car parts for a Tesla, Ford for a Ford, and so on. By prioritising official parts recommended for your specific make and model, you ensure better quality and longevity, ultimately reducing car maintenance expenses over the life of your vehicle. You’ll spend less overall this way and enjoy much higher quality in the meantime. Stay Ahead With Regular Servicing Regular servicing is also essential for minimising car maintenance costs. While servicing your car may appear as an added expense, it’s a crucial step in preventing major issues and expensive repairs. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule allows you to identify and address potential problems early on, saving you money in the long term. By staying on top of regular servicing, you can maintain your vehicle’s performance and reliability while avoiding costly breakdowns and repairs. Drive Carefully Furthermore, practising responsible driving habits can significantly impact your car’s longevity and maintenance costs. By driving carefully and avoiding sudden stops and accelerations, you can minimise wear and tear on your vehicle, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance. Additionally, driving responsibly can help you save on fuel costs, further reducing your overall car maintenance costs. By incorporating these strategies into your car maintenance routine, you can take control of your expenses and enjoy a smoother ride both on the road and in your wallet. Whether you’re considering purchasing a new car, opting for approved parts, staying on top of regular servicing, or practising responsible driving habits, taking proactive steps to reduce car maintenance costs can lead to significant long-term savings. So, the next time you’re behind the wheel, remember to drive smart and invest in the long-term health of your vehicle. Your bank account will thank you for it!  

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makeup and hair products post

My Favourite Makeup and Hair Products

Hey friends! It’s time to link up with Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne, and Sarah to chat about our favourite makeup and hair products. My Favourite Makeup And Hair Products Makeup Products While I usually stick to the basics and don’t have a huge makeup collection, shopping with my makeup guru bestie always inspires me to try different beauty products. So over the past couple of years, I’ve slowly ventured beyond just tinted moisturiser and lipstick and started using products like contour and highlighter. Concealer has also become my new best friend. This is my favourite tinted moisturiser which I have found out has recently been discontinued. It’s not easy getting a good colour match and I was happy with this shade. A touch of cream blush for that dewy look. This is my favourite eyeshadow palette but I tend to only wear it for special occasions and don’t use it every day. I’m also a big fan of this liquid eyeliner and hope to build up the courage to try a bold Sophia Loren-inspired look someday. Chanel mascara for fancy lashes. These are my favourite lip colours. Underneath my makeup, I use this sunscreen. At the end of the day, I wash my face with Neutrogena face cleanser. Then wipe off any residual make-up with micellar water. It’s great stuff! Here is my favourite local place to buy make-up products. I haven’t visited in a while because I prefer to use up what I have first. Having said that, my concealer is running a bit low so I will probably visit Mecca during the autumn break (4 days to go!) Hair Products Onto hair products, where I’ve perhaps invested a small fortune in taming my frizzy hair. It’s been quite the battle! I’ve experimented with all sorts of conditioners, shampoos, serums, and hair masks – you name it, I’ve tried it! While these hair products were good, my hair was just too crazy. Here are just a few. In the past, I didn’t need to check the weather forecast because my hair would tell me if it was going to rain or not. Any chance of rain and my hair would puff up like a big puffy frightened cat (not pretty). But all that changed recently when I got keratin treatment and it’s the best thing ever. The other day I walked home in the torrential rain, TORRENTIAL!! I’m talking buckets! And guess what? My hair stayed tame. Sure it got slightly wavy but it wasn’t the usual scary, frizzy mess. I was so happy that I didn’t mind being drenched or that my shoes were absolutely soaked from wading through ankle-deep puddles. I looked like a real mess but I was a mess with good hair – priceless! My hairdresser suggested I use shampoo free from sulphates to make sure it doesn’t ruin the keratin treatment. So I’m currently using these hair care products. I also colour my hair with Garnier Olia light brown hair colour. And that’s about all of my favourite makeup and hair products. Thanks so much for reading and I hope that you have a wonderful day! Related Articles Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Skin      

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Friday favourites

Friday Favourites

Hi, friends! Welcome to Friday Favourites! I’m so thrilled that this short week actually felt shorter. Usually, four-day workweeks drag on like any other, but not this time. Although I must admit, I was a bit confused about what day it was throughout the week. But all that confusion disappears today because it’s my favourite day of the week. Friday, I love you! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Ok, so it’s time to share a few favourites, thanks so much for being here! Up until today (it’s pouring with rain at the moment!) I had been thoroughly enjoying perfect autumn weather where the mornings and evenings are cool yet the days are so warm! I had been checking the forecast constantly, trying to brace myself for a sudden drop in temperatures as I’m not a fan of the cold. Thankfully, apart from today, it has been smooth sailing. I’m so happy that according to the weather forecast, next week will still bring temperatures in the mid-20s (celsius that is) phew! Warm autumn weather means that flowers are still blooming. On Wednesday I mentioned that I had replanted the ivy from its tiny cramped pot into a more spacious one, hoping that it would finally take off and flourish. I’ve had it for over a year and it’s still only small. The other plant I keep on the open shelves in the kitchen is thriving and I love the touch of greenery it adds to this space. Green is good! I can’t get enough dark chocolate! or coffee! My sweet, kind friends bought me a bag of coffee beans. I had been wanting to grind my own coffee beans so it was the perfect excuse to buy a manual coffee grinder. Ahh, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly ground coffee. It’s just amazing! Another cozy favourite this week was enjoying a cup of frothy hot chocolate while watching TV. I used this butter chicken blend from Gewurzhaus Spice House and our butter chicken tasted so good! The mix of spices makes cooking up tasty meals super easy. I also love their speedy spaghetti blend. One of my favourite things to do is have a movie playing on my iPad while I cook. The other day I made a spinach, feta and ricotta pie to take to my aunts for our Easter lunch. While I was cooking I watched my favourite movie ‘Volver’ with Penelope Cruz. Have you seen it? Tomorrow night, I’m hosting Cousin Connect, we usually play a board game after dinner. This time, I thought that we could switch things up a bit by playing a new game. My wonderful work friend and supplier of all fun resources lent me her game of Hedbanz. I’m planning to use the headbands from Hedbanz to play a variation of Celebrity Heads. Today when we had a spare minute at work, I asked some of my work buddies to write the names of celebrities on cards. I haven’t peeked at what they wrote so that I can play and join in the fun too! I’m going to jump off (crawl more likely as it’s been a day!) the computer and tackle a couple of chores, then it’s couch time for this tired chook! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to being back here on Monday! Linking up with Andrea and Erika    

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April Edition of Currently

Hi friends it’s great to be back on this sunny autumn day linking up with Jennifer from Overflowing With Thankfulness. It’s the April edition of Currently and today we are chatting about what we are currently loving, looking forward to, buying, planting and cleaning. Thanks so much for being here! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support! LOVING I am loving these sunny, warm autumn days with blue skies and the cool nights are a big bonus. There’s something so cozy about the crispness in the air and it sure does make falling asleep a whole lot easier, compared to those humid, sticky summer nights. I am also loving and relishing our final week of daylight saving. With the clocks set to go back on Sunday, I know that it will be shorter days for us until spring arrives. Ho Hum. LOOKING FORWARD TO I might have mentioned this a few hundred times but I’ll say it again. I can’t wait for the autumn school holidays, only 8 days to go! We are planning a couple of exciting day trips with my cousin and her family. So I’m really looking forward to those! My cousin’s mother-in-law is visiting from Ohio for a few weeks so it will be great for her to experience Taronga Zoo and do a day trip to our capital city, Canberra. When she asked me if I wanted to join them – yes, please!! BUYING I haven’t bought much of anything lately, except for the usual essentials that help keep us alive, like food, etc. It’s easy not to spend money when I’m busy at work during the term. But coming up to the school holidays when I will be able to enjoy some fun shopping trips then it will be a different story. I’m still trying to be mindful of my spending though. Oh yes, I nearly forgot to mention. I recently bought this amazing motion-activated unscented cat deterrent spray and it has worked a treat in keeping our kitten Mochi off the kitchen counters. If you have a furry friend who is exploring no-go zones then this spray is the best! It’s safe, harmless, sanity-saving and super effective! PLANTING I replanted this little Ivy plant that was in a tiny pot. Now it has a bigger home, I hope that it will start to flourish. CLEANING Apart from the usual daily cleaning chores I haven’t embarked on any major cleaning. Although I have noticed the doors calling my name recently, they have a few marks on them that need a good scrub. It’s the school holidays soon so I’ll probably get to them then. And that’s a wrap for this month! Can you believe that it’s April already, wow! I hope you have an amazing day and I look forward to being back here on Friday. See ya!

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Easter weekend recap

Easter Weekend Recap

Hi friends! It feels like I’ve been away forever, I took a much-needed mini-break and today I’m excited to be back linking up with Holly and Sarah to share some Easter weekend fun. Thanks so much for stopping by! Good Friday Four-day weekends always confuse me in a good way. While I don’t think that it necessarily makes the working week feel shorter. It’s nice to wake up on Friday and Monday mornings without the dreaded alarm going off. Although I may have panicked for a microsecond when  I first woke up on both of those days thinking “Oh no! I have to get up and go to work, I missed the alarm!!” Haha. Anyway, I spent the whole of Friday thinking that it was Thursday even though I knew it was Good Friday. My aunt hosted a family lunch and we hung out eating, talking and playing Jackbox TV games well into the night. Saturday I was just so tired on Saturday and I spent the whole morning thinking that I should do this and that. In the end, I gave up, listened to my body and rested. I had an afternoon nap then I woke up, ate dinner and spent the rest of the evening binge-watching The Amazing Race. Steve got home late from work and he watched the season finale with me even though he hadn’t watched any of the previous episodes. He can easily start watching anything from any point in any movie or show and still gets very involved and interested. You would never guess that he hadn’t watched something from the beginning. I’m nothing like that! I need to watch everything from the start or I’m just confused. I won’t spoil the ending just in case you might want to watch season 35 of The Amazing Race. But it was such a fantastic season and my favourite team was this father-son team. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the strong bond and mutual respect they shared throughout the entire race. Even when things got tough they were always so encouraging and supportive towards each other and they never bickered, not once! To top it off they were excellent communicators! The son is a CODA (child of deaf adults) and they communicated via sign language. It was amazing and inspiring to watch! Easter Sunday Sunday was just such a fun family day! One of my cousins organised an Easter egg hunt at Oatley Park and even though we were a small group as not all of the cousins could make it. We had a blast! Oatley Park is surrounded by bush, perfect for hiding chocolate eggs! My cousin’s husband is originally from Ohio and is sensibly aware of the possibility of snakes in the bush. Luckily it’s not something I had ever considered which is surprising given that I’m such a scaredy cat about so many things! After he had checked the area and hidden the eggs, we ran around trying to find them before they melted! It was a hot sunny autumn day which felt more like summer. I love that our youngest cousins, who are 11 and 13 years old, enthusiastically join in on all the fun kid stuff. They often say that they wish that some of the older cousins with partners would hurry up and have kids already. I can’t see that happening any time soon so for now they are our baby cousins! After the egg hunt, we walked over to the play area where they had this giant climbing thing. The youngest cousins scrambled right to the top in a flash and then so did the rest. Miss 11-year-old started calling me to climb up too (can you spot her in her bunny ears?).”Come on Ruthie climb up I know you can do it!”. She’s so sweet and I felt incredibly flattered that she thought I could possibly make it to the top. It was high and I’m less young than I was a long time ago! Then freshly inspired from watching so many episodes of The Amazing Race where all the teams jumped out of a plane and one team ate spiders. I thought ‘Hey why not!’ and before I could overthink it I ran over and climbed to the top! Coming down was easy as the way out was just through a giant slide. Because the inside of the slide was so dark, I used my feet to stop myself from shooting down too fast. I didn’t want to look like a giant cannonball when I came out of the end. Can you imagine! Hahahaha!! Anyway, I may have felt like I needed a hip replacement afterwards but I’m all good now. Here we are at the top! Easter Monday It’s Monday afternoon over here and I have had the best day doing ‘all the things’ at a leisurely pace. I managed to do a few loads of laundry and my laundry hamper is now empty! This should last maybe an hour or so but that’s ok because I’m living in the moment. I have also finished the rest of the chores that I would normally do when I get home from work. So basically I’m a superhero! Tonight we are catching up with friends at our local club for dinner so it should be a fun night. One of our friends is very good at telling some very bad dad jokes! It’s been a fantastic Easter weekend and I’m super excited that we have only 9 more preschool days until we break up for the term. Wow, that’s gone fast! I hope you have a wonderful week and I look forward to being back here on Wednesday. See ya!  

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March Moments

Hi everyone! It’s time to link up with Shay and Sheaffer for the March edition of What’s Up Wednesday. March has been mainly all about work routines and just ordinary everyday life sprinkled with enough fun moments to keep us going! It feels like there were only two weeks in March and it’s slipped by in a flash! Thanks so much for being here today as I share a few March moments. WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK Monday – Pesto pasta Tuesday – Roast beef and a whole bunch of sides Wednesday – Teriyaki salmon, rice and Asian salad Thursday – Turkey burgers Friday –  We are going to my aunt’s house for a late lunch /early dinner. I have also been poaching chicken breast to add to the salads that I take to work. Poached chicken is so tender and juicy! WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT The end of summer! Waaah!! WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO I loved going along to Oatly baths and seeing my husband compete at the swim club. The BBQ lunch after the races was so delicious and it’s been nice to get to know some of the other swim club members. My husband has been part of the club for over ten years, and I only started tagging along for the season’s social events last year and this year. I’m always pretty good at remembering people’s names. But I’m having trouble remembering the names of the other swimmers. The ladies all seemed to be called either Kerry, Sue or Lyn. The guys are either Pete or Dave! The highlight for March would definitely be going along to see FIVE perform. I haven’t enjoyed a concert this much in forever! Another big March event was surviving two days of Assessment and Rating at preschool. I’m sure the assessor must have written the handbook on how to meticulously assess every detail! My cousin hosted a wonderful March Cousin Connect with an amazing taco bar! I finished off the last weekend in March with a fun day out at Kirribilli markets, a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and exploring some hidden parts of The Rocks. (You can read all about our sunny Saturday adventure here) We enjoyed home-cooked meals! Meals out with my bestie! Date nights at Allawah Pub. As well as cozy date nights at home. It’s been a pretty good month for us! Sam also just finished four weeks of work placement at a hospital where he was in the colorectal unit. I’m so proud of him for doing his Bachelor of Nursing and I can hardly believe he is in his second year. I tell you, It feels like only yesterday we were taking him to his first day of kindy! WHAT I’M DREADING Thankfully, I’m not dreading anything. Yay! WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT The autumn school holidays! WHAT I’M WATCHING I’ve gone back to watching my favourite reality shows from years ago – The Amazing Race and Survivor. They are both on free-to-air catch-up channels. I’m watching season 35 of The Amazing Race and the latest season of Survivor. They are both fantastic shows and I’m completely hooked. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO I stumbled across Victor Lundberg and I have been listening to his soothing calm music while I blog during my lunch break at work. Lately, I have been plugging my Airpods in and drowning out all that noise from the preschool playrooms. Man, those little people are loud when they are having fun! WHAT I’M WEARING Ah, you know how it goes when autumn rolls around, and suddenly it’s all about layers, chilly mornings, and unexpectedly toasty afternoons. Recently, I have also been doing the long-sleeve and shorts combo to try and get a grip on the ever-changing weather. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND As you know it’s the Easter weekend and I just got off the phone from speaking to my lovely cousin and she asked if our cousin crew were up for an Easter egg hunt. We sure are! WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH Did I mention the autumn school holidays already? Haha! Yes, I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying two weeks off from work and getting a break from juggling work and life! That sums up some of our March moments and I wonder what exciting possibilities April has in store for us. Happy Wednesday, friends!

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What To Do In Sydney this weekend

What To Do In Sydney This Weekend

Hey there, friends! Hope you all had an absolutely fantastic weekend. I’m excited to share our amazing Saturday adventure exploring Sydney with you! We visited the vibrant Kirribilli Markets, strolled across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and uncovered hidden gems in The Rocks. We were surprised that we hadn’t stumbled across these hidden spots despite visiting the area numerous times before! So if you are feeling stuck on ideas for what to do in Sydney this weekend or if you are here from overseas for the first time. I think these spots are absolute must-visits! What To Do In Sydney This Weekend Kirribilli Markets I love that I get to do fun things with my lovely friend. She was the one who had the brilliant idea to explore some weekend activities in Sydney and our first stop was Kirribilli markets. Kirribilli markets are super easy to get to. We just caught the train to Milson’s Point station, walked a few steps out of the station and bam we were right in the heart of the markets. It was such a beautiful sunny and much warmer autumn day than I expected. I just love blue skies! There were so many stalls full of funky fashion pieces, handcrafted jewellery, unique homewares and gourmet treats. There was also live music and we could smell the delicious aromas from the variety of food stalls serving up all sorts of delights from around the world! I thought that this little knitted avocado was so cute! I was almost tempted to buy this eternal pencil. It never needs sharpening and it’s equivalent to 200 pencils. But knowing me I’d put it down somewhere and it would be eternally lost! BTB Kirribilli We enjoyed browsing up and down looking at all the different stalls. Eventually, we got hungry, tired and thirsty so we figured it was time to grab a bite to eat. There was a really nice cafe called BTB Kirribilli just outside the market, and it seemed like the perfect choice to relax for a bit. Turned out to be a great place because it was calm and perfect for a breather. Best of all we managed to grab a table straight away even though it was very busy. I ordered the deliciously cheesy bacon and egg roll which came with an incredibly tasty red gum smoked tomato relish. Yum, my mouth is watering just thinking about it again. My friend asked me if it was the best egg and bacon roll I had ever had. It honestly was! The coffee was amazing too! The Sydney Harbour Bridge If you’re wondering what to do in Sydney this weekend, make sure to include a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on your list. It’s an incredible experience you won’t want to miss. So much steel! Such a beautiful view as you walk across. Inside the pylon is a museum (sorry about the blurry pic!) This museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and construction of the iconic bridge. Inside, we discovered captivating exhibits, vintage photos, and intriguing artifacts that showed insight into the bridge’s incredible story. Fun fact – Did you know that before making it big in Hollywood, Paul Hogan worked as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge? We were tempted to climb the stairs to the top of the pylon for the spectacular view, but we decided to save it for another time. For those feeling adventurous, there’s also the option to do the Bridge Climb. Although I haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely on my bucket list! My friend, who was with me, recently did the climb and absolutely loved it. She described it as a truly spectacular experience. But first, I need to conquer the pylon stairs! Susannah Place After crossing the bridge we ended up in the back part of The Rocks and we were in awe of the historical buildings. Susannah Place is a heritage-listed former grocery store and workers’ cottages and now a historic house museum. The cottages have been renovated and would you believe that people actually live here, can you imagine the view? We spotted a place for sale and wondered how many zillions it cost. Inside the grocery store, it felt as if we had stepped back in time. Ha! I’m not that ancient but my mum used to use Sunlight soap for everything! Then I saw my favourite Ruth Park books that I must have read a hundred times, “The Harp in The South” and “Playing Beatie Bow”. These are fantastic books all about life in early 20th-century Sydney. If you haven’t read them you really should. Ruth Park’s vivid storytelling and rich characters make these novels absolute gems. They are classic Australian literature and they give you a real sense of what life was like in Sydney’s rich past. And that was my Saturday in Sydney! I hope you enjoyed reading along and getting a peek at my beautiful hometown. It’s days like these that remind me why I love this city so much. Thanks so much for stopping by! Here are some other posts about Sydney. Shopping in Sydney! Visiting Beautiful Sydney Linking up with Holly and Sarah.  

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