Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to my 150th doors post!!! This week I am delighted to feature some doors from my recent trip to Tasmania, with the focus on Launceston and I look forward to creating a blog post of our trip in the coming days. I was absolutely gobsmacked with the beautiful buildings in Launceston and the stunning doors to match. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week. Many thanks!
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My favourite this week is number 5, who doesn’t love a yellow door? It’s so welcoming and happy looking and I love the view to the outside world.
Thank you Di for this week’s questions, leading us nicely into the new year. Ps. I hope you are all having a great start to the new year so far and may you be healthy and happy throughout the year.
1. How long did it take you to get back into the normal swing of things after the holidays?
I have been back home now for 2 days and I’m just starting to feel normal now. Early nights, healthy eating, exercise and routine is just what I need.
2. Are you looking forward to 2026 with optimism?
Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it. I’m excited to see what the year brings I guess.
3. Are you taking part in any of the January WP challenges/prompts?
Nope! Is that bad? I normally do the Bloganuary challenge, to blog every day in January. However, I don’t think it runs anymore as we now have daily prompts provided by WordPress. Sadly I have completed many of them and it doesn’t let you answer again. To be honest, I feel like I’m running out of steam with blogging and maybe need a break. I also had a negative comment recently and I know it shouldn’t bother me but it has changed my mindset slightly with blogging at the moment. We’ll see how the week progresses.
4. If you could wish one thing for 2026, what would that be?
To be healthy and to see my family this year. Is world peace a stretch too far?!
Gratitude:
Grateful to have had a lovely holiday in Tasmania, watching my best friend get married. Also grateful to have made it home in one piece and returned the rental car with no issues! 😅
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is BUSHED – adj. completely exhausted, worn out, drained of energy – when you have nothing left in the tank and even the small things feel like effort.
I’m bushed after my trip and arriving home late, with work the next day. Not every day needs meaning or momentum, sometimes it just needs an early night.
It occurred to me that I haven’t posted a Sunday sunset since 2023. I thought today would be appropriate as we spotted this lovely sunset whilst staying with friends at Coles Bay in Tasmania. Today is our last day as we head back to Sydney and reality! I look forward to sharing some of our experiences with you all over the coming days.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is BOGGIN.
Boggin is pure Northern Ireland slang and it holds no bars. It means dirty, stinking, disgusting, or anything that turns your stomach. From muddy trainers to a bin that’s been left too long, if it’s boggin, you’ll know about it.
It’s one of those wonderfully expressive words that saves time and adds character. No need for long descriptions, this one word says it all. And let’s be honest, we use it with a grimace, a laugh, and a strong Northern Irish accent for full effect!
Orange Lily – Spotted on the street in Launceston, Tasmania. Having the best few days here celebrating a special wedding. Now we head off for a couple of days to visit some friends and see somewhere new. I hope you’re all having a good start to 2026
Happy New Year to you all from Launceston, Tasmania. I hope you all have a healthy and prosperous 2026 and enjoy the celebrations today / this evening.
Nostalgia rarely comes from big moments. For me, it’s usually triggered by something small, especially smells.
A couple of days ago, I was at a hens party and we were asked to make something out of Play-Doh. As soon as I opened the tub, the smell instantly transported me back to my childhood. Sitting at home or in school, hands covered in bright colours, completely absorbed in play. It’s amazing how one familiar scent can unlock memories you didn’t even realise were still there.
Music also has the same effect. Listening to songs from the eighties takes me straight back to my youth, a time that feels simpler and slower now. I’m reminded of sitting with my sister, listening to my dad’s vinyls, the crackle of the record filling the room before the music even started. Those moments didn’t feel special at the time, but looking back, they absolutely were.
Nostalgia, I have realised, lives in the senses. A smell, a song, a sound, and suddenly you’re not where you are anymore. You’re where you once were.
Thank you Di for this week’s questions as we say goodbye to 2025.
1. Do you stay up to toast in the New Year?
Yes we normally do. We may not always go out to celebrate but we will sit up and watch the countdown. In the UK they have a great tv show called Jools Holland’s Hootenanny. It is the BBC’s long-running New Year’s Eve music show, hosted by Jools Holland and it has some fantastic acts to bring in the new year.
2. Have you ever kept any New Year Resolutions made in the past?
To be honest I never make any. I don’t feel we need to wait until the start of the year to make positive changes. I did have a goal at the beginning of the year and that was to become fitter and I feel I have achieved that thankfully.
3. Do you have any plans for 2026?
My plans next year are to remain healthy and eat more food as I really struggle to put on weight. We are also planning to visit home next year to see our families, that will be a highlight.
4. What was the highlight/s of 2025 for you.
Being made permanent full time in my role as a teacher of nursing. That was an absolute dream come true, hard work but totally worth it.
Gratitude: I am thankful to be here in Tasmania, spending time with my best friend as she prepares to marry her fiancée tomorrow on New Year’s Eve. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow to wish you all a happy new year. Enjoy your day and thanks again to Di.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is NATTERING (from the verb natter).
Nattering is a word I grew up hearing all the time in Northern Ireland. It usually means chatting away about nothing in particular but often with the quiet suggestion that you should probably be doing something more productive.
You’re meant to be working, tidying, or getting on with it but instead you’re nattering away. Talking for the sake of talking. Time slipping by while the job waits.
It’s a fun word because it’s rarely said with real annoyance. More a raised eyebrow than a telling-off. A reminder that life doesn’t always need to be rushed, even if there’s work to be done.
And if we’re honest, some of the best conversations and memories start when someone should really stop nattering and get back to work 😜.
Growing up in Northern Ireland, my sense of identity felt fairly straightforward. I felt British, reinforced by the fact that I held a British passport. That small booklet carried a lot of weight. It told me who I was supposed to be and where I supposedly belonged.
As I got older, education began to loosen that certainty. University didn’t just expose me to books and history, but to people with very different backgrounds and experiences to my own.
Over time, my sense of identity shifted. I started to feel more Irish than I once did, not out of rebellion, but out of understanding. Yet even that didn’t feel like a complete answer. These days, it often feels like the UK doesn’t really want us (or even know we exist), while Ireland doesn’t fully claim us either.
And strangely, that’s where I have found my true identity.
Rather than feeling caught between two identities, I’m happy to be uniquely Northern Irish. Not British, not Irish, but shaped by both. A product of history, education, conversation, and contradiction. My political views haven’t changed because I picked a side, they have changed because I was willing to listen and open my mind.
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
My perfect reading and writing space would be a quiet and cool retreat, a place that naturally slows you down the moment you step inside. The air would be crisp and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the outside world, especially on warmer days.
It would be cosy without feeling stuffy, filled with subtle, manly aromas, cedar-wood, leather, maybe a touch of pine, or cut grass, possibly scents that belong in a cabin and instantly make the space feel grounded and calm.
Comfort would be essential. A solid leather armchair you can sink into with a book, a sturdy wooden desk worn just enough to show character, and nothing unnecessary to distract the mind.
Light would be carefully controlled. Soft daylight filtering in when needed, but the room could easily lean darker, with warm lamps and low lighting. It wouldn’t be about luxury or perfection. Just a cool, quiet space built for thinking and reflecting.
This image was created using AI to visualise my perfect reading & writing space.
My last festive door of the year. I hope you’re all having a lovely holiday season. Today is Boxing Day or some may know it as St. Stephen’s Day. Here in Australia, there are massive Boxing Day sales, similar to that in Ireland and the UK. We had to buy a couple of suits for the wedding we’re attending next week and I’m delighted to say it was a success. How do you spend today, the day after Christmas Day?
Grateful to have been part of a Christmas lunch that brought people together today. Merry Christmas to one and all, near and far. I hope you have a lovely day with your family and friends. Sending lots of love and Christmas cheer to wherever you are in the world ♥️
1 – Which do you prefer, Christmas pudding, mince pies, or trifle?
Oh I love all three. However, I have literally just finished a mince pie so I will go with that, with a cup of tea of course.
2 – Which gives you the most satisfaction:
Cooking a special meal for your family / Dining with family and friends / Not having to do the washing up afterwards.
I will say dining with friends and family as I’m not the best cook ever. I’m not bad but I find it stressful cooking for many people. Also I actually really enjoy doing the washing up, I find it very therapeutic.
3 – Can you recall the best and worst gift you received (any occasion)?
Best gift, I once received an iPad from my parents when they had just come out, I was very excited, surprised and grateful but I have had many from my partner over the years. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, I’m easily pleased if there’s been some thought put into it. Worst gift, I haven’t had any thing horrendous thankfully, not that I can recall.
4 – After a full and enjoyable meal what do you prefer to do:
Take a nap, watch TV or play board games with the kids?
Maybe watch tv or I don’t mind board games with the family. Ideally I would love to go for a walk after a meal.
Gratitude:
Grateful to be off work on Christmas Day as I know this isn’t the case for many nurses.
In a word, yes. I believe I am a good judge of character, not because I think I have some special insight into people, but because I’ve learned to listen more than I speak.
Even if someone is nice to me, I pay close attention to how they treat others. Over time, you start to notice patterns, how people behave when there’s nothing to gain, how they speak about those who aren’t in the room, and whether their actions match their words.
If my gut tells me to stay away from someone, I will listen.
I once heard this saying, “Your vibe attracts your tribe” and I am a firm believer of this 🙂
When I am travelling the world with my other half. I love being on holidays and exploring together, may it be across the world or somewhere local, it’s about building memories and experiences together. That’s when I am most happy. Below are a handful of places we have visited together.
Thailand 2007South Pacific 2019Philippines 2025Portugal 2010Fiji 2018Isle of Capri 2014
Last night we stepped into a little pocket of festive magic at Le Jolly Market in Sydney, and it couldn’t have felt more Christmassy if it tried. We loved it so much last year that we made a point of returning this Christmas, in its new home at the Rocks, beside Circular Quay. Twinkling lights, Christmas decorations and stalls filled with candles, gifts and beautiful handmade decorations set the scene from the moment we arrived.
The air was full of music, with live performances creating a warm, joyful atmosphere that encouraged you to slow down, wander, and soak it all in. Food stalls dotted the market, offering tempting bites while people mingled, laughed and embraced the spirit of the season.
One highlight for us was eating raclette, something that’s a real tradition for us back home. There was something comforting and nostalgic about enjoying it here, melted cheese, sautéed potatoes – simple food and familiar flavours, all adding to that sense of Christmas away from home.
The wine didn’t disappoint either. French and Italian wines flowed freely (at a price) perfectly suited to a summer evening, alongside the ever-popular mulled wine, a festive classic that somehow feels right even in Sydney. It was the kind of place where you lose track of time, glass in hand, music playing, and Christmas quietly announcing its arrival.
Le Jolly Market delivered charm, flavour and festive cheer in equal measure, a lovely reminder that Christmas spirit can be found anywhere when it’s done this well.
Thank you Hugh for your festive questions. I loved your questions and answers and thought I would see how mine would fare.
1. When did you first meet Father Christmas?
I am not sure how old I was here, maybe somewhere between 2 and 4 years. I’m also not sure that I look too impressed with this Santa as he looks a bit menacing.
2. Have you ever baked a Christmas cake?
Short answer, no. However, I love eating a Christmas cake / pudding and have had one this year already.
3. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I don’t sing karaoke as I would give you a migraine! I have tried a couple of times as a student when we used to frequent a karaoke bar in Belfast called The Globe, but I would have to have had a lot of Dutch courage.
4. What’s your favourite Christmas tree ornament?
Our delightful fairy that we place on top of the Christmas tree. We have had her for a few years now and feel that she looks very Irish. She reminds us of home and has travelled with us back and forth to Australia a couple of times now.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is POWERFUL (adj.) pronounced parful in Northern Ireland.
When the sun is blazing or the heat is intense, locals from Northern Ireland might describe it as powerful. It’s not just warm, it’s the kind of heat that makes you seek shade, grab a cold drink, and regret stepping outside, like it’s absolutely sweltering!
For example, “that heat is powerful today!”
Today’s heat is powerful, that’s about 104 Fahrenheit. It’s definitely not feeling like Christmas today!
There are a few item that we do purchase daily and I would imagine they could be similar for many others.
1 – Milk
2 – Bananas
3 – Bread
4 – Protein – normally chicken or mince
5 – Spinach (we’ve been eating this a lot recently, in sandwiches and in our pasta bakes)
I would say these are our top 5 grocery items at present. Definitely fruit and vegetables are up there. We eat a lot of berries, apples and the Mediterranean vegetables.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of festive doors. I have three doors to show and these are the last of my Christmas collection. I’m off now for a few days so will begin my Christmas shopping today and we plan to call over to Bondi to pay our respects. Have a lovely day everyone and I hope you enjoy the lead up to the celebrations. My favourite this week is number three as it is extremely festive looking and very elegant. Do you have a fave this week?
Life didn’t suddenly veer left or right, it carried on straight ahead and maybe that’s underrated. I’m just happy nothing fell apart and nothing too bad happened. It means consistency, resilience, and learning to be okay with taking things at a slow pace. I take each day as it comes and make the best of my time. As we have seen at Bondi Beach, tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone.
1. Did anyone read you a bedtime story when you were a child?
Yes I was lucky that both my parents would read to us in bed, they would take turns. I remember my mum would struggle with the complicated words in my Thundercat novels and I’m sure it wasn’t easy, especially with English being her second language.
2. Did you read bedtime stories to anyone?
Yes I have read to my niece and nephew, I absolutely love reading with them!
3. Do you prefer to read a book, an ebook/kindle, or audio book?
I have never used a kindle although I imagine it would be much easier, especially at night as it has a night light.
4. What is your favourite fairy tale?
Ooh good question. Hansel and Gretel always left a big impression on me. Two siblings abandoned in the forest, only to stumble upon a gingerbread house that turns out to belong to a witch who plans to eat them. I’m not sure why I enjoyed it so much haha but I remember really enjoying it.
Gratitude – Grateful to be off work today and winding down for Christmas.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is FRAGILE.
Yesterday’s events at Bondi Beach were a stark reminder of just how fragile the world can be. Places we associate with sunshine, routine and safety can, in a moment, feel painfully different.
I used to live near Bondi Beach and walked along the promenade at least once a week, without a second thought, like so many others. It is extremely sad to see people being attacked for their religion or beliefs, innocent people and those caught in the crossfire. Things like this shouldn’t happen in Australia but these attacks really can happen anywhere and at any time.
In a fragile world, kindness, presence and looking out for one another matter more than ever. Bravo to the man who was able to disarm the perpetrator.
Yesterday I spent the day at the Pokémon GO Safari event in Sydney.
If you know me, that might surprise you. I have a lot going on in my life, work, gym, travel, writing, family, friends – so Pokémon GO isn’t always something people associate with me, but it’s there, quietly ticking along in the background.
I started playing in 2016 when it first came out and never really stopped, when I start something, I find it difficult to stop. Events like yesterday remind me why I enjoy it, getting outside, walking for hours, and chatting to strangers who instantly feel familiar because you’re all there for the same reason. I was delighted to meet a popular Pokémon tiktoker who I have been following for some time. He arranged for people to meet up, share a photo and tag along with him if people wish. Super nice guy!!!
The event itself was simple and well put together. Different parts of the city encouraged you to keep moving, explore new areas, and spend time outside. There was a gentle sense of purpose to the walking, with people drifting along similar paths, stopping, chatting, and sharing the experience. It felt less like a game and more like a reason to be present in the city for the day and the weather was on point!
Does anyone else play Pokemon Go here? I was delighted with my finds and managed to clock in an impressive step count, winner winner chicken dinner!!!
I have been thinking about this for a few minutes, and honestly, I don’t really know.
I have to admit, I am a people pleaser. I like harmony and I want people to feel comfortable around me. I want them to enjoy my company, not because I’m the loudest in the room or the most interesting, but because being together feels easy and comfortable.
Maybe I hope they say I was kind, or that I listened, or that I showed up.
I don’t need to be unforgettable and I really don’t need glowing praise. I just hope that when I leave a room, people felt a little happier for having shared it with me.
Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is DAFT.
Daft is a word we use a lot back home in Northern Ireland, it’s not cruel or cutting, it’s just a gentle way of saying that something is a bit silly.
I had one of those moments on my very first day working as a care assistant in an aged care home.
I turned up proudly dressed in a shirt and tie, thinking I looked very professional. What I hadn’t quite realised was that this job involved washing residents, helping with personal care, and getting properly stuck in.
I must have looked daft, I certainly felt that way!
Nevertheless, there was no time to overthink it. Off came the tie, my sleeves rolled up, and I got on with the job at hand, and thankfully I loved it. That was the beginning of my nursing journey.
Looking back, it still makes me smile. A daft start maybe but not a bad one. Feeling daft from time to time doesn’t define you. It just means you’re learning, adapting, and willing to get stuck in, and more often than not, those daft moments end up being the ones that teach us the most.
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the paperflower, also known as Bougainvillea, spotted here in Caringbah, Sutherland Shire.
Interestingly, paperflower has shown potential in fighting urban air pollution due to its ability to absorb pollutants. Its vibrant, extensive bracts and adaptability make it a perfect choice for urban greening projects aiming to reduce environmental pollutants. How cool is that?!
Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
Funny enough, yes I had to give a speech a few months ago for my good friend at his wedding in the Philippines. I was truly honoured to be asked and I am delighted to say it was a success. I’m not the most confident person out there and I do tend to be nervous with public speaking so I was delighted to have successfully carried it out but it was also such a relief when it was over.
I will be doing the same thing again for my best friend’s wedding in a couple of weeks. The speech is written and now I just need to say it a few times to make sure the flow will be good. Again, I feel honoured but will be nervous on the day. Pray for me!!!
I often think of this quote by Molière – “The greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it.”
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. The past few days I have been really hopeful to find some festive doors for the lead up to Christmas and my luck came in at the beginning of the week when I took a walk through Surry Hills in the city. Lots of beautiful doors with festive wreaths! As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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I love them all but I will choose number three as my favourite this week. I absolutely love the shade of green and how the wreath matches beautifully. What do you think?
To be honest, I don’t really have one these days but as a kid, I was OBSESSED with eighties cartoons. Pretty much any of them. He-Man, She-Ra, Thundercats, Gummi Bears, DuckTales…if it had bright colours, dramatic theme music and a slightly chaotic storyline, I was sold…hook, line and sinker.
There’s something about that era of animation that just hits different. Maybe it was the Saturday-morning excitement, perhaps it was the toy commercials disguised as plots, or maybe it was just the fact that everything felt new and magical back then.
Although, even now, I absolutely love and appreciate a Disney animated movie. There’s a real nostalgia that washes over me when I watch them today, that cosy, childhood feeling you can’t quite recreate as an adult. It’s comfort viewing at its finest.
So while I might not have a single favourite cartoon today, those classic eighties shows and Disney films still have a special place in my past and in my heart.
He-Man – “By the power of Grayskull…I have the power!”
Thank you Di for this weeks interesting questions.
1. Have you ever been fishing?
I went once with a friend as a teenager and found it extremely boring and I detested putting the bait on the hook. Needless to say, I never tried it again.
2. What do you consider to be the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
Moving to Australia.
3. Would you rather: curl up with a good book in front of an open fire, or settle down with a tub of popcorn and watch a good movie with a friend.
A tub of popcorn and watch a movie. I would say I rarely do either of these but a movie with a friend sounds fun.
4. Have you ever owned tropical fish?
No funnily enough I have never. When I was a kid, my family home had a tank of colourful fish and I really loved watching them, there was something so fascinating and therapeutic about watching fish swimming, with seemingly not a care in the world. Maybe I one day will have my own fish, that’s not something I have ever considered before.
For some reason my brain loves to jump years into the future and stress about something that isn’t even here yet. I think about it often, like it’s a problem I can solve just by overthinking it. However, honestly…what is the point? Life is too short. I’m doing what I can now, and that is enough. The rest will work itself out, and I don’t need to sacrifice today by panicking about a tomorrow that hasn’t even arrived yet.
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
Today’s prompt ties in nicely with a post that I normally create every year since 2019 thanks to Tanya from Theredphoneboxtravels, where you post one photo that highlights something significant for that month. It’s been a big year for me with travelling and trying to see as much of Australia as possible. With not travelling home to Northern Ireland this year, we had more time (and money) to travel more locally. A few positive events have also happened with me gaining another beautiful little nephew and being made permanent full time in my job as a teacher of nursing. I would also like to acknowledge my blog as it has grown significantly this year and I am really proud of its journey and the amazing bloggers I have met along the way, so thank you to each and everyone of you who interact and make this a really fun space for exploring and learning more about the world and each other.
JANUARY – our first trip of the year was to a quaint little town called Berry. It’s one of our favourite places to visit in New South Wales.FEBRUARY – Our next trip was to Melbourne to see our best friends who live there. We are really looking forward to their wedding at the end of this year!!!MARCH – My amazing husband is always wanting to give back to the community. He had this idea of painting stones / pebbles with messages of kindness, for people to take and hopefully put a smile on their face. We had seen something like this in Northern Ireland and thought it was a wonderful idea. We painted them together and placed them in our local park. We came back a few days later later and they were mostly all gone 🙂🙂APRIL – an amazing trip to Adelaide and we checked out one of our favourite vineyards.MAY – my first ever official fitness challenge and I survived. My fitness journey has really ramped up this year and I’m loving it.JUNE – we attended a very special wedding in the Philippines and absolutely fell in love with this country and its beautiful people.JULY – HYROX…absolutely DELIGHTED to have taken part in this and again, I survived. I completed this competition with a partner but maybe next time I will try on my own.AUGUST – Lunch with the boys. Every couple of months we try to meet up for food and tea and it’s a real highlight. It’s a great way to see each other outside of work and enjoy each other’s company.SEPTEMBER– We finally made it to Western Australia! This has been a dream of ours for so long and it didn’t disappoint. Perth, Scarborough, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, Busselton and Margaret River, we ticked them all off, whilst having the best time and catching up with beautiful friends and family.OCTOBER – Seeing our favourite musical in the Sydney Opera House, priceless!!NOVEMBER – The hospital ball, I always look forward to this, a chance to let your hair down, meet other health professionals and have a boogie.DECEMBER – Our work Christmas dinner with the best colleagues. I’m so fortunate to have two jobs that I really thoroughly enjoy! There’s a lot more to come this month and I just LOVE this festive time! With a special wedding happening at the end of the month too, it’s going to be a delightful end to 2025!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is NARKY.
Narky is a brilliant word that I love, used A LOT in Northern Ireland, that perfectly captures someone who is in a bad mood, easily annoyed, grumpy or just a bit short-tempered. If someone is snapping at you for no real reason, you could say they are being very narky today. It’s one of those expressive, no-nonsense words that tells you exactly what kind of mood someone is in.
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is not actually a real flower, it’s a flower on a cup, hanging on a tree! I love the idea of hanging cups in a tree, especially when you’re visiting a garden tea room. This was discovered at the Camellia Gardens we visited this morning. It did feature a rose on the cup so I figured it’s perfect for today’s flower.
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
I have many, many favourite places to visit but I will pick a local one that we visited today for breakfast, it is the Camellia Gardens in the Sutherland Shire. Beautiful gardens, with lots of flowers, native animals and a tea room! What’s not to love…and it’s just a 20 minute walk from our home. I have done a post previously if you care to check it out https://wrookieschu.com/2021/10/24/e-g-waterhouse-national-camellia-gardens/.
Welcome to the gardens The tea roomsWe were craving a bacon and egg roll, an Aussie classic! Inside the tea rooms, very pretty and popular for a high tea. Beautiful views of Yowie Bay
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I thought it would be appropriate to showcase some festive red doors as we enter the Christmas season. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
I absolutely love all these doors but this week I am going with number one being my favourite from Newry, Northern Ireland. It isn’t as bright as the other doors but I love how it has a quiet and understated charm. I really love the stone work of the building, the door frame and that stunning transom window. I also really like how the door is slightly ajar, teasing us with what could be inside!
What is one thing you would change about yourself?
If I could change one thing about myself, it could be how certain small things have a habit of sticking in my mind. I’m not the world’s worst overthinker, but every now and then a little situation, usually something from work, can replay in my head far more than it needs to. The annoying part is that it creeps into my nights too, sitting in my unconscious and messing with my sleep. I’d love to be able to switch off a bit easier and not let those tiny moments take up so much space.
When it comes to picking a side, I am definitely a morning person. There is just something about waking up early, feeling fresh, and getting a head start on the day that suits me to the ground. I am so much more productive in the mornings, the classic saying “early bird catches the worm” really does apply to me. I love the quiet calm before everything starts up, when the world hasn’t quite woken up yet. Nights are great too, but mornings…that’s where I thrive!!!
Love an early morning…but first, coffee! What do you think of our new cup and saucer? Straight from the charity shop 🙂
No not really. I have nothing to plan as it will be just us two this year, which I’m really looking forward to. I will be working a lot and even bought myself a new Christmas scrub to wear. I want to try make the Christmas week festive for us and our patients.
2. What is your favourite Christmas/holiday movie?
I love The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Growing up I always loved The Santa Clause and Home Alone.
3. What is your pet hate Christmas song?
I’m not a lover of Merry Xmas Everybody” by Slade. I think it’s the shouting throughout of “It’s Christmaaaaaaaaas!” the really annoys me.
4. Which actor in your opinion made the best Father Christmas?
I always loved Tim Allen and I can totally appreciate Richard Attenborough but recently I have really enjoyed Kurt Russell in The Christmas Chronicles, he really looks like Father Christmas!
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is CLOUT.
Clout today is all about influence and impact. If someone has clout, people listen when they speak, follow what they do, and notice their style. Having clout is not just about popularity though, it is also about having a voice that carries weight.
Example:
“Wayne really has clout in the office, when he suggests a new project, everyone jumps on board.”
“Jane’s Instagram clout means her opinion on trends spreads faster than any ad campaign.”
I have always had mixed feelings about eating meat. I grew up with it and it has always been part of my culture, so enjoying meat feels completely normal and familiar to me, also I do think it can be part of a healthy balanced diet. However, I care a lot about how animals are treated and I hate knowing the environmental impact that large-scale farming has on our ecosystems and planet. So I often find myself caught between the comfort of the way I was raised and the guilt of knowing the bigger picture, especially around animal welfare and the planet.
My two favourite things to wear are definitely shorts and a T-shirt. The moment I can put them on, it feels like instant freedom, like winter has finally released its freezing hold. There is something so simple and joyful about warm weather clothing, no layers, no fuss, just comfort, sunshine, and that little lift in your mood that comes with knowing summer is here.
We made it! 30 days of shadow squares!! Thanks Becky for this great challenge to feel inspired by shadows / squares and for keeping me motivated through November. It’s been a blast!
So long November Shadows, you have been fun! – posted as part of Becky’s November Shadows challenge 🖐🏽
Today’s door is another beauty from Paddington and belongs to a stunning little house, hidden in the shadows. If someone could just give me this house to live in, I would be extremely grateful! Haha wishful thinking but how stunning is this place?!
Featured as part of Becky’s November Shadows challenge
WrookieSchU 