Hi friends, it’s time to link up for What’s Up Wednesday! I’m recapping June, which—although very cold (not complaining, just saying)—turned out to be a pretty fantastic month.
WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK
Monday – Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables and lots of gravy
Tuesday – Nachos
Wednesday – leftover nachos because I like to make enough for two days.
Thursday – Grilled barramundi with chips and salad
Friday – I’m going out for a work dinner
Saturday – Chicken souvlaki pita wrap
Sunday – steak sandwiches
WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT
You’ll see what I mean when you read what I’m dreading a bit further on. Lately, I’ve been thinking about simpler times—the ’80s kind of simpler, back before we were constantly bombarded with news and updates every second of the day. Life just felt slower, quieter, and a lot less overwhelming.
I know we had some wild hair and interesting fashion, but I’d be more than happy to embrace those crazy styles all over again if it meant going back to a time when the world wasn’t such a mess.
WHAT I’M LOVING
As much as I’m nostalgic for simpler times, I’m really loving making plans for the winter school holidays! I’ve started a list, and so far… every single plan involves going out to eat somewhere. I should probably get a bit more creative, but food wins every time.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
I had a fantastic trip to Melbourne with my cousin, where we explored the city in a day.
The sun hits the front of our house, and during the day, it gets beautifully warm. Since the inside is so cold, I like to sit on the front step with a drink and soak up some sunshine when I’m home on the weekend.
Just one visit to our favourite local café in June. Those Portuguese tarts are so good—I could easily eat ten! ( The flaky pastry and the creamy custard are irresistible.)
Some cozy drinks for June!
We discovered a delicious local Chinese restaurant and ended up going twice in June. What a well-kept secret it seemed to be—until I started telling people about it. Turns out we were probably the last locals to find it because everyone I’ve mentioned it to has said, “Oh yeah, we love that place!”
Sheet masks for the days when my face feels like a desert. This one was a lovely Christmas gift from one of the kind preschool parents last year. I found out I can buy them from Mecca, so I’ll definitely be getting them again. It’s the best one I’ve tried—way better than the ones I usually buy from Priceline.
I finally finished the last trip recap—five months later! This one was all about snorkelling in Waikiki.
The trip recaps took me so long to write because there was a lot to cover. I still can’t believe I got to see so many amazing places! One day, I’ll be that grandma telling my grandkids all about our great Cousin Connect 2025 adventure—and they’ll be saying, “Stop, Grannie, we’ve heard that story a hundred times already!”
In June, Steve and I took a trip to Avoca Beach to join our friends in celebrating their dad’s life. It was an emotional day, especially watching the slideshow his granddaughter put together.
On the way there, we made a quick pit stop for breakfast. It was a nice, quiet little moment before a very big day.
That same evening, we celebrated my aunt’s birthday. While the grown-ups danced, I joined the kids playing Telestrations, a drawing and guessing game. Oh my goodness, I haven’t laughed that hard in ages! The game had some cheeky prompts, but you could pick tamer ones too. I went for the tamer ones. It was such a lovely way to end the day, with lots of laughter. It really is such good medicine!
Pizza night with my cousins last weekend.
This week, we’ve been enjoying scones—so good with jam, cream, and a cup of tea. There were so many, I ended up freezing a few for later.
June was a good one!
WHAT I’M DREADING
Nothing personal at the moment—but I can’t ignore the sense of dread I feel about the tense political situation unfolding globally.
WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT
We’ve got just a week and a half left of Term Two before our two-week winter break. Yeeehaaa!
WHAT I’M WATCHING
We’re making our way through Better Call Saul and are nearly at the end of season two. It’s been such a fantastic series so far—although I’ve heard it dips a bit in the later seasons, but everyone says to stick with it because it ends really well.
Sam and I are trying to convince Steve that he needs to watch Breaking Bad once we finish. I’m pretty sure he won’t need much convincing.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO
Audiobooks! I used to feel a bit like I was cheating by listening instead of reading. But I guess it’s just another way to enjoy books, especially when you don’t have much time to sit down with a physical copy.
I’ve listened to Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth, and it’s definitely my favourite of her books so far. Right now, I’m listening to Unbreakable by Jelena Dokic, the Australian tennis star. Gosh, she had it tough with her father’s terrible physical and emotional abuse. What she had to endure—keeping silent, telling no one—is heartbreaking.
I remember watching her compete, and during interviews, she often came across as indifferent, defensive, and not very friendly. Listening to her story really struck me with how important it is to give people who seem ‘rude’ the benefit of the doubt. There’s usually a reason behind it, and we often have no clue what someone is going through. I really need to remember this!
In Jelena’s case, she behaved that way because she knew what was waiting for her after the interviews. Win or lose, she would face relentless verbal abuse and physical punishment from her father. He beat her black and blue and spat on her after almost every match and training session. That’s so sad.
But I’m glad that in the end, she didn’t just survive—she’s thrived, and now she’s using her story to help others. What a true champion.
WHAT I’M WEARING
A minimum of four layers every single day.
WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND
It’s a quiet one, I think, but you never know.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH
My cousins are hosting Christmas in July, which should be a lot of fun! And did I mention I’m really looking forward to the July winter school holidays? 😉
And that’s a wrap on June. I can’t believe we’re already halfway through the year. Thanks so much for stopping by—I hope you have an amazing day and may July be kind to all of us.
Linking up with Shay
It’s so crazy that 1/2 the year is over already! You definitely have been eating well; I love all your yummy food pictures. We have the original Tellestrations game (not the after dark one) and we love playing. We played with the boys’ cousins, aunt and other assorted family members one Christmas and we had so many laughs… mostly over the drawings!
All of that good looks amazing! It’s chilly & rainy here today & a bowl of mashed potatoes & gravy sounds so good right now.
Sitting outside with coffee is something I love, when it’s possible! Audio books are definitely reading, just someone reading to you!
Aw, I didn’t know the story about that tennis player, how awful. You are correct, you never know why people behave the way they do.
Stay warm 🙂
Sitting outside with a cuppa is one of my favourite things to do.
All of that food is yummy and now I fancy meatloaf, haha!
Aw, I grew up in the 80s, and I agree, it was a much nicer time to be living in.
Better Call Saul was amazing! We loved watching that and Breaking Bad. It’s hard to find anything as good after watching those.
Have a lovely week! 🙂 xx