Live life 🙌🏼
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?!
If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?
I can’t think of anything profound that I would do, read more, learn a language? I would probably do more of what I enjoy doing, walking along the beach and eating more food for half of the time and the other half I could be catching up on chores that I like to put off. I could even catch up with friends that I never seem to have time to see, get more uni work done and maybe even squeeze in an extra gym session. However, I’m not sure I could afford the lifestyle of never sleeping, at least when I’m sleeping I’m not spending any money!
Thanks Di for this week’s questions!
1. Do you have a keepsake box (where you retain special cards, pictures, letters, things that are special to you)?
I actually do. It’s a really old box that belonged to my Dad as a teenager and then he gave it to me, complete with a Blondie sticker inside. I have all my most personal and prized possessions in it and it’s back in Northern Ireland for safe keeping. I love opening it every now and again and seeing the memories flash before me.
2. What has made you smile lately?
Just thinking about this box has made me smile!
3. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Definitely a morning person. 7am would be a lie in for me. I love seizing the day and I am most productive in the mornings.
4. Do you prefer to be hosts or guests at a dinner party or family event?
I do like to host but I LOVE being a guest, so much less stress!
Name your top three pet peeves.
1 – People not saying thank you when you hold open a door or step out of the way for them.
2 – People being passive aggressive.
3 – People taking trolleys from supermarkets and leaving them on the streets – a real problem where I live.
I think people are a common theme! Happy Tuesday!
Who are your current most favorite people?
When I think about my favourite people, the answer is pretty straightforward. At the very top of that list is always my partner. He’s my favourite person, full stop. I love being with him, and he’s the person I’d choose to spend my time with any day of the week.
After him, my favourite people are my family and my friends, the people who know me best and who I can always rely on. My nieces and nephews are my most favourite little people!
I would also include some of my work colleagues in the mix. Everyone has those coworkers who make a shift instantly better. You know the day will run smoother or be a lot more enjoyable when they’re on with you. They’re the people you look forward to seeing on the roster.
Your favourite people don’t have to be a huge list, they’re simply the ones who make life better, whether that’s every day or just when your paths cross.
What are your favorite animals?
Dogs, dogs, dogs!
One of my goals in life is simple – to have a couple of old, scruffy dogs who need rehoming. The kind with grey muzzles, wonky ears, and hearts full of love just waiting for someone to notice them. There’s something special about giving an older dog a soft landing, a warm bed, a gentle routine, and the feeling that they’re safe and adored after whatever life has thrown at them. While everyone rushes to the cute puppies, I have always been drawn to the seniors, the overlooked ones. One day, I hope my home is their final, happiest stop.
However, I really do love all animals…well, all except the truly scary ones. Meerkats, dolphins, birds, turtles, elephants, cows… the list could go on and on. There’s something fascinating about each of them. I love watching how they move, interact, and live in their own little worlds. However, I also appreciate that many of them are wild creatures, and part of loving them is respecting that distance. I’m happy admiring them from afar rather than getting too close.
At the end of the day, sometimes animals are better than humans! They love without judgement, live without complications, and bring out the softest parts of us without even trying. Whether it’s an old scruffy dog who just wants a safe place to rest or a wild creature I admire from afar, animals remind me of the kind of gentle, honest world I wish we all lived in. Maybe that’s why I will always be an animal person at heart.
Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?
Beach or mountains? That’s a really tough question!
Honestly, can I say both!? I can never fully commit to one because they each give me something that I love.
There’s something calming about walking along a beach, the sound of the waves, the wide-open horizon, that sea salt smell. Beaches feel freeing and awakening, like the world suddenly gets quieter in the best way.
However, mountains? They have their own kind of magic. I love the challenge of walking up a mountain, the sense of progress with every step, and that moment when you reach the top and everything stretches out below you. It’s grounding and energising all at once, the freshest air and quietest of spaces is hard to beat.
Furthermore, the ultimate dream!!?? A beach WITH a mountain view. There’s nothing more scenic or more satisfying than seeing those two worlds meet. One of my favourite places captures that perfectly: Murlough National Nature Reserve near Newcastle, Northern Ireland. It offers the best of both worlds, a beautiful beach with the Mourne Mountains rising in the background. There’s nothing more scenic than strolling along the sand while those mountains sweep down to the sea. STUNNING!
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower is French lavender, however, this wasn’t spotted in France but rather Matamata / Hobbiton in New Zealand. Coincidentally, it has a shadow featured in the image, perfect for a double challenge feature. I could have also posted as a Thursday door but I won’t go that far 😜.
It’s Thursday again already and that can only mean one thing…time to showcase some doors! I have a few more doors to display from one of my favourite suburbs for doors, Paddington. I’m sure you are all sick to death of hearing about this place but it has the most fantastic doors in the state, maybe even the country! I know that’s a bold statement but I am yet to meet another place like it. There are a few neighbouring suburbs that can give Paddington a run for its money but I feel that they are also extensions of Paddington, for example, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, both neighbours to Paddington. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
I absolutely love doors 2 and 3, how cheery and uplifting they both look. I wonder did they choose the colours together as they match perfectly. The design of these town houses is just fantastic and don’t be fooled to think these are small town houses as they are huge inside, extending backwards for quite a distance! I have been lucky to have been in a few of these and they are just as stunning on the inside! Have a great Thursday everybody!!!
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 PARASOCIAL.
Parasocial is one of those words that suddenly exploded into everyday conversation, however, to be honest, I have only heard it today as it has been named Word of the Year (appropriate word for today).
A parasocial relationship is a one-sided relationship we form with someone we don’t actually know, it could be a celebrity, an influencer, a podcaster, or even a fictional character. It happens when you feel connected to them, invested in their lives, and sometimes convinced you truly know them, even though they have no idea you exist. To be honest I’m not sure I have ever experienced this, although when I was younger I was invested in some celebrity singers and actors etc but I never felt like I was in a relationship with them.
Apparently it is not always a bad thing, parasocial relationships can be comforting, motivating, or inspiring. However, they can also blur boundaries, make you forget what is real, and fill spaces where genuine connection is missing.
With social media, where creators are talking directly to us, and it can feel personal. The line between audience and friend gets thinner and thinner, and that’s exactly why parasocial has earned its moment in the spotlight.
Do you trust your instincts?
I have learned that my instinct usually shows up before the logic does, a quick sense of yes or no that I can’t always explain straight away. Over time, I have realised I am a pretty good judge of character (in my opinion). When I meet someone and something just feels “off,” I feel that I am often right. It isn’t drama or paranoia; it’s pattern-spotting. My brain notices things before I have had time to put words to them.
That’s why I trust my instinct. It’s not loud or panicky, it’s a quiet nudge that says pay attention. When I ignore it, I usually regret it. When I follow it, I avoid situations or people that don’t sit well with me.
So yes, I do trust my instinct because, at the end of the day, it’s really just me trusting myself and I want to avoid people or situations that could potentially cause stress for whatever the reason.
What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?
My favourite month has always been December. Christmas season arrives, and with it comes office parties, mulled wine, decorations, and everyone generally being in good spirits.
Growing up in the Northern Hemisphere, December meant cold weather, dark evenings, and a cosy atmosphere that made Christmas feel extra special. That’s the version of the holiday that’s still in my head.
Living in Australia now, December looks completely different. It’s the middle of summer, and instead of coats and gloves, it’s all about heat, swims, and barbecues. I actually love the warm weather and getting outside as much as possible.
However, Christmas just doesn’t feel the same when you’re wearing shorts and a T-shirt and hearing festive music in the sun. It’s nice in its own way, but it’s not what I am used to.
Even with the changes, December is still my favourite month, just for very different reasons depending on which side of the world I’m on.
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 UMPTEEN.
I used the word umpteen today and suddenly realised I hadn’t said it in ages. It’s one of those wonderfully vague, old-fashioned expressions that slips out when you’re trying to describe “lots,” “many,” or “more than I can be bothered to count.”
Umpteen is informal, a bit playful, and somehow always sounds more dramatic than simply saying “a lot.” It carries the sense of exaggeration without actually exaggerating, perfect when you’ve told someone something for the umpteenth time or when you’ve had umpteen little jobs to do in a day.
Funny how some words drift out of our vocabulary until a moment brings them back. Maybe umpteen deserves a comeback.
What is your favorite place to go in your city?
In Sydney, it has to be the Opera Bar! Drinks by the water, seeing the most famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Being here is just magical, day or night! It reminds me that I live in Australia, my journey to get here and why I live here, for this amazing beauty and lifestyle. It’s not just for the amazing landmarks, it means so much more. I have umpteen photos of being at this exact spot and have selected a few to show you.
What’s the first impression you want to give people?
The first impression I want to give people is that I am approachable, someone you can walk up to, talk to, and feel at ease with. In both my roles as a teacher and a nurse, trust is everything. I want people to feel that I am reliable, kind, and genuinely there to help. Whether it is a student needing guidance or a patient needing reassurance, I hope my presence communicates safety, openness, and support from the very first hello.
A Rascal Todd Mystery with Brody Thompson
What book are you reading right now?
I actually started Poetic Justice by an Dan Antion and Willow Willers a couple of months ago, but I’m still working my way through it, mostly because I can be a slow reader and only get the chance to read on my daily commute (which isn’t every day). Even so, it is a gripping story that keeps pulling me back in. The book is a mystery about a man re-investigating his father’s death with the help of a retired police officer. Their search takes them back to Pittsburgh, where a mysterious figure known as “the Poet” leaves haunting clues and verses that unravel long-buried secrets. The mix of mystery, poetry, and hidden secrets makes it one I’m genuinely looking forward to finishing! I actually look forward to my commutes so I can see what’s going to happen next and I plan to leave a review when I have finished. Ps. You may even know the authors! 😉
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the jacaranda, signalling spring in Sydney and reminding us that summer is just around the corner.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
For me, it would have to be Northern Ireland, close to family and friends, surrounded by stunning scenery, and just a hop away from Europe. More specifically I would say a little town called Hillsborough. We absolutely loved living here in 2023 for almost a year. It has the most beautiful forest park, cosy pubs and close to the capital city of Belfast, however, it is super unaffordable to buy property here, for me at least.
That being said, to live in Northern Ireland, a few things would need to change…higher wages, a lower cost of living, and maybe a little more sunshine wouldn’t go astray!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors! This week I am combining two challenges with the one image, inspired by Brian from Bushboys World. I have a beautiful door that belongs to a house in Paddington (one of my favourite suburbs) that hides in the silent shadows. This door is the most amazing colour of green and has matching green wooden window shutters. I love how the trees surrounding the house cast big shadows over it, protecting it from the sun. The white picket fence is the icing on the cake!
Thanks Di for this week’s questions.
What is good about having a pet?
I have so many points to say about having a pet and you can probably tell that I am a huge advocate for having one. Having grown up with dogs all my life, I feel I am warranted to say these points. My dream is to have a couple of dogs in the next couple of years for all these reasons!
1 – Companionship – they’re simply there
2 – Comfort in emotional times
3 – Great for exercise and getting you outdoors.
4 – Builds confidence for children
5 – Good for mental health
6 – They release feel-good hormones
7 – Pets (more-so dogs) love you unconditionally
8 – They bring pure joy
9 – Provide people with a purpose in life
10 – They become your confidante
11 – They help create routine
12 – They can lower stress and blood pressure
13 – They can make you laugh
14 – They can help relieve loneliness, especially for people who live alone
15 – They create community (dog parks, pet cafés, online pet groups) and can bring strangers together
In the end, people think we rescue pets but I think they rescue us more…plus they become an integral part of our families!!! Jeez I need a dog!!
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 MASQUERADE.
Masquerade is a word wrapped in intrigue. At its simplest, it means to pretend to be someone or something else, often with a mask, a costume, or a false impression.
Last night was our hospital masquerade ball, a night of celebration for a hard year of work and a chance to let your hair down with your work colleagues. We wore our best dress and each had to wear a mask, fun indeed and my first time to attend such an event.
Happy Friday everyone! I love that Dan and Marsha have created a special challenge today to post a flower in remembrance of Cee, the lady who started the flower of the day challenge. I remember always wanting to find new flowers and post about them, so when I spotted Cee’s challenge I was delighted. Cee was extremely welcoming, friendly and really played a big part in my blogging journey with her encouragement and positive energy. I am delighted her memory lives on through other bloggers and their flower posts, or other challenges that she had inspired. Today I am showing a very beautiful ornamental onion, part of the allium family, which also includes garlic, chives, and leeks. Known for their tall stems and globe-shaped blooms, I thought this singular flower would be perfect for today.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showcasing more doors that I have left over from our trip to Perth. As always, please do let me know if you have a favourite this week.
I’m really torn between doors 2, 4 and 5 but I think I will pick 4 as my favourite simply because of how inviting it looks and I love the curtain on the inside of the door, it feels very Italian 🇮🇹.
Thanks Di for this week’s questions. I love eggs so I felt the desire to answer your chosen questions this week again.
1. If you were offered “The Full English” what would you expect?
I do love a full English breakfast or an Ulster Fry (the difference is in the breads used). I would hope for sausage, bacon, fried eggs, tomatoes, black or white pudding, toast or fried bread and baked beans. I know not everywhere offers beans but may have mushrooms or a hash brown. It’s not the healthiest of breakfasts but boy is it tasty!! Maybe some HP brown sauce too! The Ulster Fry found in Northern Ireland will have soda bread and potato bread, lovely!! I used to eat these all the time but now extremely rarely, especially since moving to Australia, it’s just not the same and I am more health conscious these days, boring!
2. How do you like your toast (with butter, jam, marmalade etc) ?
I do love toast with jam or marmalade but I try to be healthy and have avocado on my toast these days.
3. How do you prefer you eggs?
Scrambled or poached. Fried if I have a hangover (not often these days thankfully).
4. If you have a boiled egg, do you like to dunk ‘soldiers’?
Oh I do love dunking soldiers. It reminds me of my childhood, where the yolk has to be runny and you cut your toast into strips to be able to dunk into your egg, sitting in its egg cup. Good times!
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 MUNDANE.
Monday can often feel mundane…the glitter of the weekend fades, and suddenly we are thrown back into routine, structure and the ordinary. It feels even heavier today because I am genuinely tired after a busy weekend, but I know once I’ve had my morning coffee and siting at my desk, I will be right as rain.
I actually really like Mondays, they usually feel like a fresh page but today is just a bit meh. Hopefully once I ease into it, the mundane lifts. Have a great Monday everyone!
Last night we went to see Back to the Future: The Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, and it was an absolute blast. If you love the original movie, then you will really appreciate this musical version! The actors playing Marty and George McFly completely nailed their roles, the mannerisms, the voices, the attitude and it felt so close to the original movie characters. It was hilarious and mesmerising to watch.
The music was brilliant too. You still get the iconic film moments, but the musical numbers really surprised me. There are brand new songs we had never heard before, and they slot so seamlessly into the story that you could be convinced that they’d always been part of Back to the Future.
Furthermore, the effects!!! From the lighting to the sound to the way they bring the DeLorean to life on stage, it’s full of WOW moments. It feels like a proper cinematic spectacle, just happening right in front of you.
If you’re a fan of the original movie, or you just want a fun theatre experience with energy and nostalgia, this one delivers.
Great Scott! A fun fact for you all, the DeLorean car itself, the iconic time machine was actually manufactured in Belfast back in the 1980s.
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 MINGING.
This word follows on nicely from brutal, our last word used. If you’re from Northern Ireland, you’ll know exactly what minging means. It’s one of those wonderfully expressive words we use to describe anything truly unpleasant, something grotesque, dirty, or downright disgusting. Food can be minging, clothes can be minging, and yes, even people can be minging!
It’s also a go-to word for describing the weather, when it’s wet, cold, and damp, you’ll often hear someone sigh, “It’s absolutely minging out there.” A perfect Northern Irish way to sum up a miserable day, which is exactly what we have again today in Sydney! What is up with this weather?!
On a positive note, we’re heading to see another musical tonight at the theatre, this time it’s Back to the Future! I will let you know how it goes. Have a lovely Saturday everyone.
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the African daisy, spotted not in Africa but in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. They are sure to brighten even the darkest day!
What historical event fascinates you the most?
There are so many moments in history that fascinate me, some because of their scale, others because of what they reveal about human nature. An obvious one for me is The Troubles, growing up in Northern Ireland and seeing how conflict can divide communities so deeply. I’ve always been intrigued by World War II, and how ordinary people could turn on others and somehow convince themselves that genocide was acceptable.
Other events stand out too, the AIDS pandemic, COVID-19, Brexit, Trump gaining power (not once, but twice), and of course September 11. Each of these moments changed the world in ways we’re still processing.
However, the one that has occupied most of my thoughts in recent years is Palestine. It’s devastating to see history repeating itself, another genocide unfolding before our eyes while the world watches. It makes me wonder how we, as humans, never seem to learn. Greed, power, and fear drive the same cycles of suffering again and again.
One day, we will look back on this time and ask ourselves, what on earth were we doing?
WrookieSchU 