Home Archives - Page 8 of 28 - PLAYWORKEATREPEAT

Friday Favourites

Hi friends! It’s great to be back today to share some favourites. I missed last Friday’s link-up, and then I also missed the usual Hello Monday link-up, where I normally recap my weekend. So, I’m especially happy to be here today, catching up and sharing a few things I didn’t get the chance to post earlier. Thanks so much for stopping by! Food! My favourite thing is always food! And, one of the upsides to winter (I’m trying hard to stay positive about the cold) is getting to enjoy all the cosy, comfort food. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been enjoying some delicious, soul-warming things like pot roast, served with rice, because my husband and son are all about the rice. I love rice too, but I’m more of a potato girl myself. The two-carb combo is very good, though! I highly recommend it. Chicken and vegetable soup with crusty sourdough. Chicken, sundried tomatoes, and pesto rice. I actually saw this recipe on Instagram Reels—the instructions said to just combine everything and bake it in the oven. Years ago, I tried making rice in the oven, and it was a disaster. And I know from experience that chicken breast can go tough pretty easily if it’s not cooked right—I’ve made that mistake too. So, I decided to do it my own way. I cooked the rice with the pesto, onions, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and chicken stock in the rice cooker. Then I poached the chicken separately and mixed it all together at the end. I also added a lot more stock than the original recipe called for, and it tasted great. Two thumbs up from everyone for this “make again” dish. All Kinds Of Banana Bread My husband Steve has been baking all kinds of banana bread. We’ve had banana and walnut, banana and coconut, banana and pecan, and even banana and raspberry. Every version’s been a winner. Goes great with hot drinks! Even though he’s been busy baking goodies, he’s still steadily losing weight. He’s moved away from meal replacements and is now focusing on portion control and eating in moderation (banana bread included). He’s so determined to avoid a knee replacement on his right knee, and weight loss is key. Just the other day, he told me that for every kilo you lose, that’s four kilos less pressure on your knees. Wow — that’s pretty motivating! So far, his right knee is holding up well, and with the weight loss, things are looking great. His left knee has fully recovered from the replacement he had last year. And now he’s regularly walking and swimming as part of his health journey. He has his yearly follow-up with the surgeon later this month. I’m sure the surgeon will be impressed with his progress. Go, Steve! MasterChef I love watching MasterChef while I make dinner. I’m not really a master of anything, but watching these passionate cooks always inspires me. Melbourne I had the most amazing time with my cousin in Melbourne last week. In case you missed the recap, here it is. As I’ve shared many times before, I don’t like flying. But I’m really proud of myself for saying yes to adventures and no to fear. When my cousin reached out a few weeks ago with the idea of going to Melbourne, I’ll admit my initial reaction was, “Ummm, no, I don’t think so.”But then I stopped to ask myself, why? Why don’t I think so? Well, there was the issue of getting on a plane again—yikes! Our big trip in January had me listening to Lovefly podcasts for months just to psych myself up. Then it would also mean taking time off work during the week. But that wasn’t a problem because I’ve accumulated plenty of leave over the years, and my director was more than happy to approve it. Plus, I don’t have young kids at home who need me. So clearly, there was no reason not to go. Our main plan for going to Melbourne was to see Footloose The Musical — big 80s fans over here! In the end, the musical was sweet, but exploring Melbourne turned out to be the real highlight. My cousin offered me the window seat on the plane, but that was an easy pass for me. When she went to the restroom, I snapped this pic with my eyes shut. It does look pretty, doesn’t it? Especially now, as I look at it here on my computer with both feet safely on the ground. My Cuz I love my cousin J — she’s amazing! Here we are in 1984, she’s sitting on my lap — please ignore my hair, it was the eighties. She’s as cute as a button! Growing up, we spent a lot of time together, and I loved any chance I got to hang out with her and her brother. Over the years (and it’s been a lot of years!), there have been seasons where we didn’t see much of each other, thanks to living in different countries or states. But ever since she moved back to Sydney with her family a few years ago, we have been seeing each other regularly, and I couldn’t be happier. Cousin J, if you ever read this… please don’t move far away ever again — haha! (Kidding… not kidding.) While we were in Melbourne, she ducked into the supermarket and came out with these Coke cans that said “cuz.” How cool is that? We enjoyed them with our pizza at Sal’s. Blogging Blogging is my favourite, and I’ve been going since 2021—which is a few years now, though not as long as some of the other lovely bloggers I follow. Until recently, I think I’ve been posting fairly regularly, but lately I’ve started to feel a bit rushed and time-poor. I work full-time as an early childhood educator and usually squeeze in some blogging during my lunch break and again when I get home. I used to be

Friday Favourites Read More »

Melbourne In A Day

7 Comments / Home, Travel

Hi friends, I’m back today with a recap of my trip to Melbourne. My lovely cousin and I did an overnight stay—we flew in from Sydney early Thursday morning and packed the whole day with exploring. And when I say packed, I really mean packed! So if you’ve ever wondered whether you can see Melbourne in a day, the answer is yes, you absolutely can. Here’s what we got up to and all the amazing sights we saw. What’s Melbourne Like? If I had to sum up Melbourne in one word, it would be cool — it’s just so full of character. There are coffee shops everywhere serving the best coffee I have ever tasted. It was smooth, silky, aromatic and oh-so delicious! The streets are alive with colourful art, and I especially loved the laneways. They were full of quirky little cafes, unique shops, and colourful murals. Everything was—well, it was just so cool! Something that really stood out to me was the fashion. Melburnians are so well-dressed. Walking around, it felt like I was in some artsy magazine shoot. People seemed to wear mostly in neutrals — black, white, earthy tones — and they absolutely nailed the accessory game. Just the right touch, never over the top. It was as if everyone secretly agreed to follow Coco Chanel’s advice: take one thing off before leaving the house. So cool and so elegant. Can You Really See Melbourne In A Day? Most of what you want to see is within walking distance, but if you get tired, the trams are there to save your feet. Did you know there’s a free tram zone in the city centre? We walked over 24,000 steps that day, but we also made good use of the trams — they just seemed to magically appear when we needed them, and we barely had to wait. I was seriously impressed with Melbourne’s transport system! So, can you really see Melbourne in a day? Ummmm… I’d say yes and no. You can definitely tick off a whole lot of the main attractions because the city is super compact and easy to navigate. But if you want to wander, soak it all in, and maybe sit in a cute café with a coffee (or two), then a few extra days would be the go. That said, if all you’ve got is one day, go for it. You’ll still get a great taste of what makes Melbourne so special. Melbourne In A Day Bourke Street Mall If you love shopping (like I do), then Bourke Street Mall is where it’s at! You’ll find all the big-name stores, such as Myer, David Jones, Zara, and many more. But what really impressed me was how many of the buildings around the mall have been carefully preserved. Everywhere you look, there’s beautiful old heritage architecture. I loved how Melbourne keeps that historic charm mostly intact, with a touch of modern style mixed in and not the other way around. And I have to say, the H&M store completely blew me away! It was stunning and looked incredibly high-end. State Library of Victoria What an impressive building! I said to my cousin that if I’d had a place like this to study, I might have considered doing a master’s degree. The minute you step into the reading room, you just feel smarter. Chinatown So many bright colours and plenty of delicious food options. Hardware Lane Hardware Lane was full of bars and restaurants. Such a great atmosphere! Hosier Lane Hosier Lane was one of my favourites because there’s street art everywhere. I had to laugh when I saw my older son’s name so big and bold. Could he be a secret street artist?? Flinders Street Station We stood up at the top of the station and looked out over all the platforms — there were so many! From Flinders Street Station, trains head to suburbs all over Melbourne and even out to regional areas. The moment I saw it, I knew I’d seen this station before. Then I remembered — it was featured in an episode of my favourite (but sadly short-lived) series, The Time Of Our Lives. Ha! Yarra River We walked over the Princes Bridge, and right underneath was the Yarra River. National Gallery of Victoria Right inside the entrance of the NGV, there’s this amazing glass wall with water cascading down it. You can see it from the outside too. We wandered through all sorts of incredible displays. We saw everything from paintings and sculptures to fashion and furniture — some of it modern, some of it historical. All of it was beautiful. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens The Royal Botanic Gardens is so peaceful and lush — you’d never guess you were still in the middle of the city. I knew I’d have a great time in Melbourne, but it blew me away more than I ever expected. Seeing the city in a day was fantastic, but I’d love to go back and really soak it all in over several days. Melbourne definitely stole my heart on this trip!

Melbourne In A Day Read More »

What’s Up Wednesday

6 Comments / Home, What's Up Wednesday

Hi friends It’s time to link up and share a little of this and that on today’s What’s Up Wednesday link-up. Thanks so much for stopping by! WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK Monday – Steak sandwiches and chips Tuesday – Woolworths BBQ chicken Wednesday – Dinner out Thursday – Cottage pie Then the rest of the week is a mystery. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT I think I said this last time — and I’ll probably keep saying it until the warmer months roll back around… summer. I’m reminiscing about summer. WHAT I’M LOVING We went to Ikea the other day, and I was so happy to see that Princess Cakes are back! It’s been years since they’ve had them — I thought they were gone for good. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO We went to see my cousin perform at her Winter Gala Trips to the Farmer’s market. I’ve noticed that if I go later in the day, the prices drop, and I can score some great bargains, like three bags of avocados for $5.00 and bunches of herbs for a dollar each. Avocados usually cost $5 to $6.00 a bag, and the herbs are $3.00 a bunch. I wrote two trip recaps this month — one about visiting Aulani, the Disney Resort, and another all about Kualoa Ranch, where we went on the most amazing movie sites tour. I had never heard of Kualoa Ranch before our trip, and I had no idea that so many films and TV shows had been filmed there. WHAT I’M DREADING I’m trying so hard not to dwell on this, but I’m flying to Melbourne tomorrow. It’s a quick one-and-a-half-hour plane ride, but it’s still a plane ride — way up high in the sky. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT I’m going to Melbourne to see Footloose the musical with my cousin. She planned this fun little overnight getaway just for the two of us, and I’m so excited. I’m determined not to let my fear of flying stop me from enjoying adventures. But it’s funny how I can feel nervous (sick, terrified, cold, clammy) and excited all at the same time. Yay! I flew across the Pacific Ocean from Australia to the USA in January this year — I’ve got this! (gulp) My sweet friend sent me this the other day, and it made me laugh. It also made me feel very reassured that there are many of us out there keeping those planes up in the sky. Phew, where would the aviation world be without us! WHAT I’M WATCHING We finished watching The Amazing Race and Survivor the other day. I think both seasons were great, and I really loved the way the contestants played Survivor this year. We also went to see Mission: Impossible last Tuesday and loved it. Of course, it was way over the top and totally unrealistic — but so much fun to watch! All the action scenes were fantastic, and was it just me, or were there even more Tom Cruise running scenes than usual? I’m not complaining — those scenes are iconic. Let the man run. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO A bit of a mix depending on my mood. I really like Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra at the moment. WHAT I’M WEARING This is the latest jewellery creation designed especially for me. It’s a gorgeous purple heart bracelet made of the finest preschool paper and smoothest markers, attached securely with Bostik glue that also found its way onto my arm (ouch). WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND No plans for this weekend, I think it’s going to be a quiet one. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH It’s unusual for June to be busy with it being winter here, but I’ve got a few catch-ups planned with friends I haven’t seen in a while, spread out over a few weekends. We also have a fun work dinner coming up on the second-last Friday of the term, which I’m really looking forward to. And of course, there’s our usual cousin connect — though I’m not sure who’s hosting this time… maybe it’s my turn? And that’s a wrap for this month’s What’s Up Wednesday! Can you believe that next month marks the halfway point of the year? I sure can’t. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I’ll be back here on Friday to share all about my Melbourne adventure. See you then! Linking up with Shay

What’s Up Wednesday Read More »

Kualoa Ranch Movie and Ranch Tour Experience

5 Comments / Home, Travel

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

Kualoa Ranch Movie and Ranch Tour Experience Read More »

Bubble Wrap and Rainbows

8 Comments / Home, Insights Into Early Childhood Education

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

Bubble Wrap and Rainbows Read More »

Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy

5 Comments / Health and Well Being, Home

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

Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy Read More »

Visiting Aulani Disney Resort

4 Comments / Home, Travel

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

Visiting Aulani Disney Resort Read More »

My Simple Wellness Routine

5 Comments / Health and Well Being, Home

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

My Simple Wellness Routine Read More »

How Introverts Celebrate Their Birthday

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

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

How Introverts Celebrate Their Birthday Read More »

Oahu January 2025 – Sports Bar and Dole Plantation

4 Comments / Home, Travel

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

Oahu January 2025 – Sports Bar and Dole Plantation Read More »