Friday Favourites

Hi friends, and happy Friday! Thank you so much for stopping by as I share some favourites. Would you believe that it’s a little after 6 pm here, and I just realised it’s Valentine’s Day? Oops! I quickly wished my husband a happy one and jumped on the computer to blog. Turns out we both forgot-haha! Lucky for us, we’re not too sentimental about it. But if you’re celebrating, I hope you’re having a wonderful day filled with love and chocolate!

As for me, I made the most of my last full week off before heading back to work next week. Here are a few of my favourite moments!

I’ve been missing my walks to and from work, and although I intended to go for more this week, I only managed one on Monday. But that’s okay—I’ll be pounding the pavement again after next Tuesday.

I snapped a pic during my one and only walk because it felt so good to be back in my familiar streets. It looked like a miserable winter’s day, but it was actually warm and humid, with thick clouds hanging overhead.

I got home, and not long after, the skies opened up, and it started pouring.

Monday was an exciting day—I got an email confirming that I passed all the requirements for my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Woop woop! I immediately forwarded it to my super supportive director, and she emailed back saying I’d move up a step in my pay scale, effective immediately. Nice!

So, that meant I could finally get this pile of assignments off my desk! I’d kept them there just in case I had to resubmit something. I thought about starting a small bonfire, but instead, I put them in the cupboard. I’m just not quite ready to let go of the evidence of all my hard work just yet.

On Tuesday, we went to see Mufasa, and Steve and I were the only ones in the entire theatre. I wonder if movie theatres will become a thing of the past, just like drive-in cinemas. That would be such a shame.

The reviews I read about the movie were pretty negative, but we both loved it. And of course, I cried at the end—I always cry at the end of Disney movies, even if they have happy endings! Such a sook!

It was 3 pm when we walked out of the movie, and we were both starving. So, we grabbed some Vietnamese pork rolls from King’s Bakery. They make the best rolls!

I had mine with an iced green tea latte, and we sat in the little plaza to eat.

On Wednesday, we went to Wolli Creek to try a restaurant called Yan. Wolli Creek is only a 5-minute train ride from Hurstville. It’s a newer, redeveloped area that’s really come to life in recent years. It used to be an industrial area. But now, it’s full of modern apartments, playgrounds, cafes and restaurants.

We chose the banquet for two because that meant we could try a variety of dishes. Here are a few of them.

We finished off with this massive tower of coconut ice cream. Yikes, if we’d known how big it was, I’m not sure we would’ve ordered it! It was a serious commitment, but we got through it. I definitely paid for it the next day!!

On Thursday, we went to Alexandria and had lunch at a cafe called Goodhood Project. We both ordered the grilled snapper.

Then we walked over to The Grounds of Alexandria for a sweet treat.

After checking out the cakes on display, we chose this deliciousness(I can’t remember the name, though!).

I had a flat white, and Steve chose a fancy-looking Chai latte.

Then we wandered around The Grounds, admiring the Claris the Mouse display. It’s been transformed into a beautiful Parisian-inspired wonderland, with all sorts of lovely details from Claris’s world. I love how it brings the character to life in such a magical way!

Claris the Mouse is the creation of Megan Hess, one of my favourite illustrators. I love how she illustrates fashion, mixing in all these beautiful details that make her work so unique— as soon as you see it, you know it’s hers.

After visiting The Grounds, we drove a quick 5 minutes to one of my favourite places- Mitchell Road Antiques!

If we had more space and needed extra seating, I would love to add some mid-century furniture like this black chair.

I spotted almost the exact same dining table and chairs we had when I was a kid (ours was round), and I couldn’t help but wish we hadn’t gotten rid of it when we moved my mum into our place. But then again, I’m not sure I ever loved the colour of the chairs—haha!

I guess it’s more about nostalgic memories. I also couldn’t believe the price tag- $1800. Wowsers! Ten years ago, I tried to sell my mum’s set, but nobody bought it, so it went to the tip—ouch!

It was my last full week off before I go back to work next Wednesday! Wow, those nearly nine weeks flew by! I haven’t had such a long break in a very long time, and I’ve loved every minute of it. But I’m okay with going back—though I know I’ll be eating my words by the end of next week!

I’ll be back on Monday with part 3 of our fun cousin connect adventure in the USA. If you missed parts 1 and 2, you can catch up here for part 1 and here for part 2!

I hope you have an amazing weekend!

Linking up with Andrea and Erika