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.”
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!
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
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.”
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
Espresso Martini in the shadows. I could do with one of these right now, so sleepy this Monday morning! Posted as part of Becky’s November Shadows challenge.
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!
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.
12 and 34 and 56
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.
Rent has always been one of our favourite musicals even though, up until now, we had only seen the movie and listened (on repeat!) to the soundtrack. We have been obsessed with its songs, the raw emotion, the humour, and the unforgettable characters ever since we first heard of this musical over a decade or more. Every track hits differently, from the heartbreak of One Song Glory to the infectious joy of La Vie Bohème.
Rent tells the story of a group of young artists and friends living in New York City’s East Village during the late 1980s. Struggling to make ends meet, they face love, loss, and the harsh realities of life with courage and creativity. Set against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the musical celebrates community, acceptance, and living authentically in the face of uncertainty. The recurring line “No day but today” captures the heart of Rent, a reminder to embrace the present moment, to love deeply, and to live fully despite whatever challenges life brings. It’s a message that feels just as powerful and relevant now as it did when the show first debuted.
The story itself is a modern reimagining of Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Where the original was set in 19th-century Paris and centred around bohemian artists battling poverty and illness, Rent moves the story to New York City’s East Village in the late 1980s. The characters face different struggles; addiction, ambition, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but the themes remain the same – love, art, friendship, and the fleeting beauty of life. Jonathan Larson transformed a classic tale into something raw, real, and profoundly human.
So when Rent came to the Sydney Opera House, I knew we couldn’t miss it. Surprisingly, despite living in Sydney for many years now and taking countless photos outside the Opera House, we had never actually been inside until now…and what a first experience it was!
The show was everything we hoped for and more, powerful performances, vocal powerhouses, and a production that captured the grit, energy, and heart of the original story. It is one of those musicals that reminds you why you love theatre in the first place, the music, the message, and the magic of live performance.
For me, Rent is more than just a musical, it is a stark reminder to live life with passion, to make time for the people and moments that matter, and to not let life pass by unnoticed because truly, there is “no day but today” (one of their famous lines).
Gin & tonics at the interval. It was lovely to step outside and see the Opera House from another angle.
Just a short drive from Perth, Fremantle (or “Freo” as the locals call it) is a vibrant port city where old-world charm meets modern creativity. Its streets are lined with heritage buildings, colourful murals, buzzing markets, charming coffee shops and the smell of the ocean. Fremantle has a relaxed, artsy energy that is perfect for wandering, exploring, and soaking up the laid-back coastal vibe. Below are some of the highlights for us and places that we had planned to visit. We absolutely loved this place for its character and charm and spent three days here but could probably have stayed longer. Great spot!
Fremantle Prison
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating historic landmarks. Once a high-security jail built by convicts in the 1850s, it now offers guided tours that take you deep into its eerie cells and underground tunnels, a haunting glimpse into WA’s colonial past. There are many different tours to take and we took part in the Convict Prison Tour, more so as it spoke about the Irish convicts and how they were used to build the prison.
Fremantle Markets
Since 1897, the Fremantle Markets have been a weekend institution. The heritage hall is filled with local produce, handmade crafts, street food, and live music. It’s a feast for the senses and the perfect spot to experience Freo’s lively community spirit.
Architecture
Fremantle’s streets are a showcase of beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. From grand Victorian facades to quirky terrace buildings, the mix of colonial and maritime design gives the town its unique, nostalgic charm. I won’t show too much of this as I want to keep a few shots for my future doors posts!
Vintage Shops
Freo is a treasure trove for vintage lovers. Wander down High Street or the Cappuccino Strip and you’ll find retro clothing stores, antique shops, and hidden boutiques full of one-of-a-kind finds.
Art and Murals
The city’s creativity spills onto its walls, literally. Fremantle is covered in colourful street art and murals that celebrate its maritime roots and bohemian soul. Every corner seems to tell a story.
The Green and Red Lighthouses
Standing proudly at the entrance to Fremantle Harbour, the red and green lighthouses are local icons. They mark the port’s north and south moles and make for a stunning photo spot, especially at sunset. We took a walk out to the green lighthouse only as it’s quite a distance but I am a huge lighthouse fan so had to see at least one up close.
Ferry to Rottnest Island
From Fremantle, you can hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island, home of the famous quokka! The trip takes about 25 minutes and offers beautiful ocean views as you head toward one of WA’s most loved holiday spots. I will create a standalone post for this island as it is a real highlight when visiting WA.
Breweries – Running with Thieves & Little Creatures
Fremantle’s craft beer scene is thriving. Running with Thieves offers bold brews and a sleek coastal vibe right by the beach, while Little Creatures Brewery is a Fremantle institution, a relaxed spot for great beer, ocean views, and tasty food. We had tried these beers before so we’re super excited to sample more of their beers at their breweries. We had paddle boards to sample a few, great experience.
Our view for beer tasting at Little CreaturesSomeone’s happy with their paddle boardRunning with ThievesSo many other tipples to try including ginger beer which is really popular in Oz
After our trip to Perth, we continued on our way to see as much of Western Australia as possible within two weeks. Our next stop was Scarborough as I had heard it was very beautiful to see with big stretches of beach to walk along. This town is only a 20 minute drive from Perth or if you take public transport like we did, about 45 minutes.
Scarborough, on Perth’s sparkling coastline, perfectly blends beach life with urban energy. Its long stretch of white sand is a magnet for swimmers, surfers, and sunset watchers. By day, you can find locals grabbing a coffee after a dip or skating along the promenade. By night, the foreshore comes alive with buzzing bars, rooftop views, and live music. It is one of those places where you can feel the magic of Perth, relaxed, confident, and always close to the ocean.
Loved the artwork here also. Enjoy the long walks along to beach, just stick to the path as there are lots of snakes on the reserves.
If you fancy stretching your legs, the coastal walk from Scarborough is one of the best in Western Australia. You can wander north to Trigg Beach for a short, scenic 5 km return stroll, or keep going all the way to Hillarys for a rewarding 10 km journey. Head south instead, and you’ll reach City Beach in about 6 km, with ocean views the entire way. For the truly adventurous, the Perth Coastal Trail continues for around 45 km, a breathtaking route where golden sand, turquoise water, and salty air will be with you every step of the way. We did not opt for the longer walk due to the sheer distance, time it would take and the sun was super hot. We walked as far as Trigg Beach and then headed to the bar for a refreshing gin and tonic!
This was a very popular bar on the beachfront, loved it.
We loved this town and stayed close by in an air bnb for a couple of nights. However, I would say 2 to 3 days would be more than enough. We caught up with some friends here too so it wasn’t all sightseeing but amazing to see loved ones that we haven’t seen for a very long time. They absolutely love living here and couldn’t recommend it enough.
Our amazing air bnb and we even had a friendly visitor!
All in all, Scarborough was definitely worth seeing and I am so happy we had the opportunity to experience it.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I am showcasing a beautiful door and building from Surry Hills that I spotted a few weeks ago. It really caught my eye when I just happened to walk down a certain road. Don’t you just love those unexpected finds?!
Durham Hall: Where Heritage Meets Healthcare
In the heart of Surry Hills stands Durham Hall, a Georgian gem of a building with a quiet kind of power. It was originally built in 1834–1835 for George Hill, a wealthy merchant, magistrate, and influential figure in early Sydney politics, even becoming a city councillor and later the Mayor of Sydney.
After the Hill family sold the property in 1889, Durham Hall went through a series of transformations until eventually being restored in 1983.
Since 1986 it has become the headquarters of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), consequently blending history with medical leadership.
Inside, pathologists and scientists shape the future of healthcare, diagnosing disease, setting lab standards, and training the experts behind every biopsy and blood test. It is the brain behind the scenes, elegant, essential, and deeply Australian.
Durham Hall doesn’t just house medicine, it holds a significant history and I for one am delighted the building has been reused for such an amazing purpose. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a heritage space like Durham Hall not just preserved, but repurposed with intent. It isn’t simply bricks and mortar, it’s a living legacy, quietly supporting the health of millions through the work of pathologists and scientists.
Welcome to “The Numbers Game”. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number.
This week garnered two photos only taken in 2018. I love these photos of two incredible landmarks in Sydney. When I see these in person, I remember where I live and feel extremely grateful to call this amazing city my home.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. As it continues to lash from the heavens with rain, I thought I would brighten the day with three absolute beauties. These doors POP with colour and are sure to bring a smile to your face. They were discovered in Paddington, Sydney that I have showcased on numerous occasions. I swear this suburb in Sydney has thee absolute best doors around and I am pretty sure I am close to having photographed every single door there!!! Let me know if you have a favourite this week and have a great day.
123
I love them all but number three is my stand out for this week. I mean, the colour is exquisite and quite unusual I would say for a door. I also love how the window matches the door and the colour of the house blends so well with the colours of the door / window. The little canopy over the door adds to the aesthetic also.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I had the pleasure of walking around one of my old stomping grounds in Sydney. It’s the suburb of Paddington and I have shown you many, many doors from here before but I knew there were more to see. This area is a real treasure trove for door lovers and I was absolutely in my element. Let me know if you have a favourite this week.
12345
Although, I love all these doors, I am going to pick my favourite this week as number one, simply because of how inviting it looks. I also love the little stained glass windows in place.
Nestled in 16 acres of lush gardens on the edge of the Illawarra escarpment, Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh offers a uniquely immersive wildlife experience for families, nature lovers, and curious explorers alike. Just a 30 minute drive from our home in the Shire, this is a fantastic place to take visitors who want to see some of the famous Australian wildlife.
Reasons to visit Symbio:
– Get up close and personal with wildlife. Here you can meet and great with iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas.
– Interactive Experiences . You can hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, alpacas and goats, engage in lively keeper talks, and dive into immersive behind-the-scenes encounters. This is such a novelty that not many other zoos can offer.
– Exotics Meet the Natives. Say hello to cheetahs, red pandas, meerkats, lemurs, small monkeys, crocodiles, alligators, and more. However, as much as I love to see different animals, I can’t help but feel sad that they are here in a foreign country against their will presumably.
– Great facilities including a fantastic playground for kids, a pretty decent outdoor cafeteria, ample toilets and a gift shop.
Some of the animals on show. I love the fact that this zoo is also an animal sanctuary, caring for animals that have been injured and cannot return to the wild. Can you name all of these animals??
This is another very popular island in the Philippines that we were fortunate to visit. We were travelling here for my good friend’s wedding so it was extremely exciting to be here for something other than relaxation. It’s one thing to attend or be a part of a wedding but to experience it in another country / culture is right up my street. I love to be immersed in other cultures, learning their traditions, trying their food and being enveloped in their unrelenting hospitality. We spent a lot of time with my friends and their families which was really lovely, very welcoming and a lot of fun.
Suman Malagkit – a Filipino sticky rice cake made of sweetened glutinous rice steamed in banana leaves. We were encouraged to eat lots of these and we gladly did with a nice cup of coffee, made by the family.
We stayed at the Savoy Mactan Hotel Located just 15 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and nestled within The Mactan Newtown, a dynamic township featuring retail shops, office towers, and leisure facilities. The hotel boasts clean, modern rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient location, making it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers. They had a swimming pool on site and just a 10 minute walk away, you could find their infinity pool with poolside bar and cabanas. We chilled out here a lot after the wedding, the perfect spot to unwind and appreciate the hotels amenities.
Along the strip where the hotel is situated has many shops, a supermarket and plenty of stunning eateries. Our favourite place to eat and drink was a five minute walk from our hotel and just across the road from the strip. It was a little area consisting only of a food truck and a drinks van BUT the ambiance here was absolutely fantastic; the lighting, being outdoors and relatively cheap and tasty food made this the perfect place to hang out.
We headed here for drinks the night before the wedding. Food at An’Dale and drinks at Bar Kantu, loved it that much that we returned another time. The absolute best wedding and what a stunning venue and bride!!!
To conclude, we had the most amazing time in Cebu and the Philippines as a whole. It was great to see around but also to spend time with good friends and be a part of something really special. Thank you all for taking a look at our short trip and I look forward to showcasing my next holiday. Ps. take a look at the video below by Enya. You might know it, it’s called Orinoco Flow and it was the first time I had heard of Cebu (from Peru).
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am featuring three doors from a lane that I discovered a couple of weeks ago in the heart of Sydney, known as Hayden Lane.
Hayden Lane in Darlinghurst has undergone a remarkable transformation from a neglected alleyway into a vibrant urban oasis, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local residents and artists.
From Neglect to Renewal
Once a dimly lit laneway plagued by illegal dumping and antisocial behavior, Hayden Lane was revitalized during the COVID-19 lockdown by a couple of long-time residents. Frustrated by the lack of action from authorities, they initiated a self-funded project to clean up the lane, removing rubbish and introducing greenery and art to the space.
The transformation was a community-driven effort and the organisers received donations of plants, pots and other materials from local residents in the area, in addition to murals and paintings from a variety of artists.
Recognition and Impact
The revitalized Hayden Lane has become a symbol of community resilience and creativity. It has been featured on programs like Gardening Australia and recognized by local officials, including Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, who commended the residents’ efforts in the NSW Parliament.
I love the vibrancy of this lane and it is a real feast for the eyes. It’s somewhere to come and reflect and just appreciate the simpleness of beauty that nature can provide. It was so good that I came to visit a week later. The colourful doors are charming and you can imagine my excitement to even see some doors in this laneway. What a great place to come home to! Well done to all those involved, what an achievement!
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 HABIBI.
Today’s word is a term of endearment from the Middle East and simply means “my love” or “my dear.”
It isn’t just for people you love, in Arabic-speaking communities, habibi is used for friends, family, kids, even the guy who makes your coffee just right every morning. It’s affection packed into a single, beautiful word and can be thought of as of the equivalent of “darling” or “sweetheart,” but with more cultural soul and musicality.
I first heard it in my nursing profession, when some Arabic patients would call me habibi for looking after them as a term of gratitude. I heard it again today and I thought, yes that’s a fantastic word.
I thought I would tie in my word today with a flower of the day, seeing as it’s Friday. Today I am showcasing the classic red rose.
In many Middle Eastern cultures, red roses often symbolize romantic love, so they’re commonly used in music, poetry, and art alongside terms like habibi. For example: in Arabic love poetry and songs, phrases like “ya habibi” are often paired with floral imagery.
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class wine regions, and festivals like the Adelaide Fringe. Often called the “City of Churches,” it’s also famous for its well-planned layout and proximity to stunning beaches and hills.
We had always wanted to visit Adelaide for the wineries but also to see the architecture and churches for ourselves. I love exploring new cities and while we’re living in Australia, I want to see as much of it as possible.
This city FAR exceeded our expectations! We absolutely loved it and could have stayed longer than the five days we had there. It’s such an easy city to navigate, very close to the airport, offered lots to see and had some very friendly people. I will showcase the highlights of our trip by providing the top ten things that we loved. There is so much more to do and see, therefore, we will have to return again in the not so distant future. We actually said we could see ourselves living here, it’s much quieter than Sydney and with less hustle and bustle.
1 – Adelaide Central Market
Bustling with local flavor, the Adelaide Central Market is a sensory feast of fresh produce, gourmet goods, and multicultural bites. It’s the perfect spot to sample the heart of South Australia’s food culture. Our hotel was just across the road so we were able to pop over for breakfast and lunch on a couple of occasions.
2 – Adelaide Botanic Garden
A serene oasis in the city, the Adelaide Botanic Garden features beautifully curated landscapes, historic glasshouses, and an impressive array of plant life. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment of inspiration. There was also an art installation when we were there, much to our delight. “Chihuly in the Botanic Garden” was an exclusive Australian exhibition showcasing 15 of Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures throughout Adelaide Botanic Garden.
3 – Wine Tour
South Australia’s wine country offers an unforgettable journey through rolling vineyards and cellar doors. Whether it’s Barossa, McLaren Vale, or the Adelaide Hills, each sip tells a story of the region’s rich environment. We booked a tour called ‘Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour’ with Viator and we couldn’t recommend it enough, too good. We stopped at Dog Ridge in McLaren Vale and The Broad Church (inside an actual church) – both offering delicious wines and a fantastic wine tasting setting.
Dog Ridge & The Broad Church
4 – Hahndorf
Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf charms with its half-timbered buildings, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. It’s a delightful blend of heritage and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed strolling through this historic village with its quaint little shops and historic architecture. A lot of history here and having a German background, I really loved this place.
5 – Architecture
Adelaide’s architecture is a thoughtful mix of colonial elegance and modern innovation. From grand sandstone buildings to sleek urban design, the city’s skyline tells a story of evolution and identity. Personally, the University of Adelaide was a stand out feature.
University of AdelaidePalm House
6 – Art
Art thrives in Adelaide, from its dynamic street murals to world-class galleries like the Art Gallery of South Australia. Creativity pulses through the city, making it a haven for lovers of the visual and performing arts. We didn’t have time to visit any galleries this time but the street art was exquisite.
7 – Food & Drinks
Adelaide is a foodie’s paradise, blending local ingredients with global influences. Whether it’s fine dining or a street food stall, every meal is crafted with pride and flavor. A couple of highlights were the markets and The Little Hunter for a good steak dinner and glass of red wine.
Paella from the marketsOur faves Cheese kranskyAperol spritzCentral Market Chicken salad from HIBERNIA was stunningThe Little Hunter
8 – Glenelg
A classic beachside escape, Glenelg offers sun, sand, and seaside charm just a tram ride from the city. It’s perfect for a sunset stroll, a swim, or fish and chips by the jetty. We only stopped here for a short time and it was raining but it looked fantastic. This is one place I would love to return to.
9 – Penfolds
One of Australia’s most iconic wineries, Penfolds offers an elegant experience rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. A tasting here is a journey through history, innovation, and world-renowned wines. This was the highlight for my partner, being a complete wine connoisseur and we were fortunate to have a private tasting that was both delicious and informative.
10 – Hotel Indigo
Stylish and contemporary, Hotel Indigo blends boutique luxury with local flair. Its design, dining, and service make it a standout stay in the heart of Adelaide. We absolutely loved staying at this boutique hotel, with its quirky charm, rooftop bar, eccentric restaurant and friendly staff. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, making it a very busy spot so it was lovely to be actually staying here. The location of the hotel is great, across the road from the markets and just a stones throw away from China Town. You can also walk to the city centre in about fifteen minutes.
Thank you all for checking out my Adelaide post. I hope you all enjoyed it and maybe feel inspired to visit Adelaide one day. Ps. I will feature this in my Thursday Doors too as I have included a couple of doors 😜 . Be sure to check out some more of my Adelaide doors next week!
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 FAMISHED
Definition: Extremely hungry; ravenous (another word I love).
Famished comes from the Middle English famen, meaning to starve, which itself derives from Old French – affamer, a combination of a- (toward) and faim (hunger). The word has been around since at least the 15th century, originally meaning “to starve to death.” Over time, it has mellowed somewhat and is now more about being really, really hungry! I use it as an exaggeration of being hungry but I’m definitely more than just a little peckish. Normally I have an apple at this time to tie me over but I have ran out of apples.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. This week I am still showing some doors that I spotted a few weeks ago in Surry Hills, Sydney. This area is a door haven and I’m sure there must be some friendly competition here or the need to have a door that makes an impression. Again, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1234 5
I have to admit that I love ALL these doors and number 4 is a very close winner (the curtain makes it for me), however, number 5 is just something else! What a fantastic building for a police station, I love it. It reminds of something from The Flintstones!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I’m doing something a little bit different but I am still showcasing four fabulous doors. I was in Paddington a couple of weeks ago and many of you will know that this is one of my favourite suburbs in Sydney. I used to visit here all the time for its beauty and quaintness, fortunately it also boasts a copious amount of fantastic doors.
As I was walking through I spotted two fantastic doors on a main street. They looked vaguely familiar but I couldn’t remember if I had ever photographed them before. It’s unusual and extremely fortunate if you are able to photograph them without parked cars in front, so I was delighted to catch a quick snap.
It was once I returned home and searched through my archives that I discovered that I had indeed witnessed these doors before and had also photographed them…without any cars in front again!!! I thought today it would be fun to play a little game of spot the difference. The first photo was taken in 2018 and then now again seven years later. I can spot at least eight differences in that timeframe. Let me know if you can spot them and / or any more in the comments section.
Feb 2018April 2025
What an absolutely amazing building, so much character and fantastic doors and windows!!!
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 WHIRLWIND
Literal Meaning:
A whirlwind is a spinning column of air, like a small tornado. It moves quickly and unpredictably.
Figurative Meaning:
Used to describe something that happens very fast, often confusing or overwhelming – this is me today, crazy, busy day at work, train home, quick change and out again to meet a friend for dinner. Anyone else have these whirlwind days, where you don’t have time to even think straight?! I am currently sitting on the train back into the city and thought this would be my word for today.
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 AGAINST
I love this quote from Henry Ford, spotted at Adelaide airport yesterday.
This is a great inspirational quote, reminding us that life rarely moves in a straight line. Progress is often made, not by going with the flow but by moving against it.
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
The moments of greatest resistance are often the moments right before we lift off into something greater.
Today, I’m reminded that being against the wind isn’t a setback — it’s part of the journey upward.
We recently treated ourselves to a stay at Crown Sydney (my partner’s birthday), an indulgence I wouldn’t make a habit of but certainly one I’m glad I experienced at least once. We have always wanted to stay here for a night but could never justify the price. Yes, it’s expensive but if you’re after a splash of luxury, it definitely delivers… mostly.
The room was sleek and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the harbour beautifully. The views were spectacular even with a grey sky. I was never so delighted to see blue skies later in the day, it just sets the view off beautifully. Everything felt plush—from the bed linen to the marble bathroom. I experienced my first electronic toilet with remote control, absolutely loved it and the shower was really powerful with both an overhead and hand held (both which worked simultaneously, a feature I have never experienced before).
Room view
The gym was one of the best I’ve seen in a hotel: modern, well-equipped, open 24/7 and offered stunning views again. For me, the number one feature was the outdoor pool — serene, with panoramic views, plenty of loungers to sink into and a large jacuzzi that was very welcoming considering it was a cool morning when we tried it out.
Breakfast the next morning at Epicurean was absolutely stunning. The buffet had everything from fresh pastries and eggs made to order to more indulgent options like dumplings and smoked salmon. I always like to start with something healthy like fruit, yogurt and muesli, moving onto a cooked breakfast of eggs, sausages, tomatoes, toast etc (nothing beats a Northern Irish cooked breakfast, if you know, you know).
That said, just because a hotel is expensive doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Check-in took far longer than it should have, and while the staff were friendly, they felt rushed and not particularly helpful (in their defence, they were two members down), a small letdown that stood out in contrast to the rest of the experience.
On a brighter note, dinner at Noodle—the in-house Asian restaurant—was a highlight. Fantastic flavours, quick service, and a menu that nailed the balance between comfort and elegance.
The location’s a win too: right on the water at Barangaroo, with some of Sydney’s best dining and bars just a short walk away.
Would I stay there again? Of course but only if someone bought it for me! It was definitely a great experience but not something I could afford regularly. You might also be interested to check out the casino in the Crown, it’s something that we didn’t indulge in but is a very popular place.
Thank you for reading my Crown Sydney review and I hope you enjoyed seeing it a little.
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 HOPE.
I’ve been thinking of Good Friday a lot today, more so because I was working and talking to my patients about their plans for the day. One of the many things I love about Sydney is that it is so multicultural and I really enjoy learning about different religions and traditions, with today being a very important day for many.
I heard the word ‘Hope’ on TV when I returned home from work and it got me thinking about the connection to Good Friday. I feel that hope and Good Friday are deeply connected—not because the day is happy, but because it dares us to believe that something better is just ahead, even when we can’t see it yet and I believe that to be the case with this special day.
I hope you all have a lovely Good Friday, if you celebrate observe it.
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 FUTTER
(Northern Irish slang, pronounced “footer”).
This is one of my all time favourite words, a very local, colloquial word that is a verb (a doing word, e.g. to futter) and it’s got that great, flexible Northern Irish charm to it.
It typically means to fidget with something, mess around or waste time doing something in an unproductive or clumsy way. It’s a bit like procrastinating but doing silly things that really don’t need to be done at this current moment of time.
Examples in use:
– “He’s been futtering about with that car all morning and still hasn’t fixed it.”
– “Quit futtering and get a move on!”
It is usually lighthearted or teasing — it’s not harsh. Someone who is “futtering” might be tinkering, daydreaming or just not getting on with it.
Let me know if you have ever heard of this word or maybe you have another word to describe futtering.
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 SHIFT.
This has a double meaning for me today. I am having a shift with my blogging, not a huge shift but by starting this blogging series, I am hoping to be kept engaged with my blog and create a desire to blog more frequently. For instance, I very rarely would blog on a Monday.
Also when I think of shift, it makes me think of my shift at work today. As a nurse, we talk about shifts worked, as I’m sure many other professions do too. Today I have an extra shift this week, bringing my shift total to six this week. I don’t mind as I will be taking some time off over the Easter holidays, so I will just keep my head down and work away until Sunday again. I don’t want to wish my life away but roll on the weekend haha. I hope you have all had a marvellous Monday! I feel like once Monday is over, you can conquer the rest of the week.
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘shift’? You can even simply share your thoughts in the comment section if you wish or create your own blog post.
Hey there! It’s Sunday night here in Sydney and I’m trying not to think about work tomorrow haha. I received a notification this week to say I had posted 500 times on my blog, quite the milestone, for me at least.
I just want to say a big THANK YOU for all your support and quietly encouraging me to keep blogging. Admittedly, I am not the best blogger in the world and I have many time constraints but I do love blogging when I can and absolutely love engaging with the blogging community. I hope I am able to make a small impact and even make you smile while reading one of my posts.
Riding on the high of my 500 posts, I thought this would be a good time to announce my new blogging series entitled “Wayne’s Word”. I have been thinking about this for a while now and feel that this is the perfect time to start my own blogging series.
Wayne’s Word
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.
I’ll do my best to share a word each day—but life has its own rhythm, and some days might be quieter than others. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. And whenever the words come, I will be here to share them.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
I also have my own logo that you are welcome to add to your post but no pressure 😝
Stay tuned for my first word coming tomorrow and again, many, many thanks!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I was glad for the break last week but equally happy to show off some doors again this week that I discovered at the weekend when I was in Sydney visiting a friend. I often like to go into the city a little earlier and have a wonder around and see what I can discover.
Last weekend I was in Woollahra to meet a friend for lunch. I have lived near this suburb before and often walked through on my walk home from work. It was very nostalgic to walk through Woollahra again and appreciate the wonderful buildings, homes and of course, the doors. I could have easily spent all day here walking about but alas, that wasn’t on the agenda.
Please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
123 & 4 5
I love the first building a lot but I can’t help but smile when I see a yellow door. It’s not that common and it’s just so bright and cheery. However, my favourite door this week is number five. Firstly, I love the door for its rustic charm but also because of the door number. Our family home growing up was 112 and it is a number that I see quite frequently and it always makes me smile. I had a big grin when I spotted this door. I’m sure you already know that I am easily pleased haha.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showcasing some doors that I spotted last weekend when I travelled to the city to meet friends for lunch. These doors are all from a quirky neighbourhood known as Surry Hills. I’m pretty sure I have shown doors from here before but these are from a side of Surry Hills that I don’t frequent often. I was delighted to see so many beautiful homes, many of which had the most amazing and colourful doors.
I’m not sure if it’s just me but the world seems pretty gloomy at the moment and I can’t help but follow what is happening with Trump in America and think about how his decisions are affecting the world as a whole. I’m splashing some colour to you all this week and hopefully put a smile on your face. These doors certainly made me smile!
Let me know of you have a favourite this week.
12345
My favourite this week is number four. This is such an unusual colour for a door, at least for me. I have never seen one quite like this and I feel that it blends really well with the cactus growing beside it. I love the leaves on the floor too, very autumnal feeling, yet I feel like it could be a home in the desert haha.
Happy Thursday and welcome to another week of doors. This week I am showcasing my remaining doors from Redfern, Sydney, when I visited there two weeks ago. I feel like there are a lot more doors to discover here so I will definitely have to return one day soon.
As always, please let me know if you have a favourite door this week.
Number three is a security door but I love its design and the cat being on guard just adds to the image. I love the aesthetic of number four, the whole design of the house is exquisite. There’s a lot happening from the tiled flooring, the colours and the bench outside that would be perfect for people watching on. I really love it but my favourite door this week is number five. The colour looks very regal, simple yet effective. I love even the leaves at the porch, reminding us that autumn has arrived in the southern hemisphere.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. This week I am highlighting some doors that I spotted when we visited the local Sydney Tramway Museum in the Sutherland Shire. To be honest I didn’t even know this existed but one of my colleagues mentioned it to me as I was looking for something different to see / do on my day off. First a little bit of information on this attraction.
The Sydney Tramway Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich transport history. Located in Loftus, a village within the Shire, the museum houses an impressive collection of beautifully restored trams from Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond — including some international vehicles. Visitors have the opportunity to step aboard these historic trams and experience a ride along the museum’s dedicated tramway, providing a sense of what public transport was like in decades past. It even takes you along an old train line into the Royal National Park (sadly not used anymore).
Operated by a dedicated and extremely friendly team of volunteers, the museum combines historical preservation with hands-on experiences, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Sydney’s urban development. With indoor displays, outdoor exhibits (including old advertising posters that I LOVE), a gift shop and picnic areas, the Sydney Tramway Museum offers an engaging and educational day out, celebrating the important role trams have played in shaping the city. An absolutely fantastic day out and I was just simply in awe with the beauty of the old trams, including their doors! I often wish we still had these trams working today in Sydney, as can be seen in Melbourne.
One of the brilliant volunteers. I wish this tram still existed!Funny they have a smoking carriage!Love these old advertisements All aboard!Do not spit in the car. Penalty £2. The currency must have been in GBP back in the day. Now it’s the Australian dollar. I love how the seating plans are different in different trams.
Thanks for taking a look at my trams and doors. I would highly recommend visiting here and I can’t wait to show people here if they’re visiting in the future. All in all, a great place to see.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. Last weekend we had the absolute privilege to be invited for lunch at a beautiful home on the water. We were invited by friends to celebrate a special birthday and enjoy some food, drinks and good company in this lovely home, inhabited by a lovely couple who have been living by the water here for years. We had the best morning / afternoon with the most fascinating conversation and lots of laughter. Good times were had all round and upon leaving I managed to spot a fantastic door that leads out into their garden. I love the hallway and the look of suspense the door effortlessly emanates. I also have a picture of the home from the water as we had once passed the house when on our river cruise.
We were very fortunate to be able to sit with the patio doors open and later have some wine sitting on the terrace when the sun wasn’t as strong. Absolutely magical.
I hope you’re all keeping well and having a great week.
After living in the Sutherland Shire now for just over a year, I thought this would be the perfect time to share why it’s such a great place to live and highlight some of my favourite things about the area.
First of all, what is the Sutherland Shire?
The Sutherland Shire, often called The Shire, is a local government area in southern Sydney, New South Wales, known for its beaches, national parks, and strong sense of community. Geographically separated from the rest of Sydney by the Georges River, it can only be accessed by road via two main bridges. However, public transport offers alternative routes, with trains and ferries providing convenient connections to and from the area.
Moving to the Shire
Before moving here, we had lived in Sydney’s eastern suburbs until we relocated to Ireland for 17 months. When we returned to Sydney, we found the eastern suburbs had become overwhelmingly crowded, with skyrocketing rental prices making it nearly impossible to secure a decent place to live. We had always wanted to escape the Sydney rat race and experience a more suburban lifestyle, and this move gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that.
1 – Proximity to Sydney
The Sutherland Shire is only 30 minutes to central station by public transport, meaning you can still come to the city to meet up with friends etc. and you don’t have to trek too far to get home. There are train stations in many of the Shire suburbs and the trains work pretty frequently (when they’re working). Bus services are also an option as well as driving if you have a car.
2 – The variety of suburbs where each one will attract you for their own unique reasons. The most frequent ones that I seem to visit are Miranda, Gymea, Kirrawee, Caringbah, Sutherland and Cronulla (although there are heaps more).
3 – Shopping at Miranda Fair (Westfields) – this shopping mall is HUGE and has everything you could possibly want / need. We live in Miranda and I find myself in this mall at least once a day, even just for groceries. You could spend all day here and it’s great for your steps if it’s a rainy day or a hot day as it has the best air con. Try to avoid visiting at weekends or public holidays as it gets extremely busy. Thank goodness we can walk here as parking appears to be problematic.
4 – Irish pub at Gymea – who doesn’t love an Irish pub?! This pub, known as The Snug is one of the best Irish bars I have seen in Australia. It is fantastic. As the name suggests, it’s a snug. Very cosy and inviting with lovely staff and a friendly crowd. They have a great area at the front where you can semi sit outdoors under cover and watch the world go by. They often have live music, make great toasties…with Tayto crisps (if you know, you know) and the absolute BEST Guinness I have had in Sydney! I cannot recommend this place highly enough. WE LOVE IT HERE.
Good times at The Snug
5 – Wine bar at Caringbah – I was walking through this suburb a few months ago thinking wouldn’t it be nice if the Shire had a wine bar…and lo and behold…this wine bar appeared. I kid you not! The Black Swan is a quirky little wine bar with a great wine list, lovely snacks, live music (fitting for a wine bar) and friendly staff again. Friendly is a common theme here with Shire people!
6 – The beaches at Cronulla – this seaside suburb has it all. The beaches that are really stunning, beach walks, rock pools, cafes, beautiful restaurants and bars and a real seaside feel to it. You genuinely feel like you’re on holiday when you come here to visit and the great thing for us is, it’s only 10 minutes away by train.
7 – Cafe culture – I must say, after a year being here in the Shire, we are STILL finding new cafes to try. We feel very fortunate to have such an array of cafes that serve great breakfast, lunches and coffees here. I’m pretty sure every suburb in the Shire has at least one great cafe. We particularly love Gymea for their coffee culture that has a real European feel as you walk through the suburb and we just found an amazing cafe in Miranda last week called Oli’s that was a huge hit with us. We sat outside in their well designed garden, tucked away on a side street that I had walked past nearly every day and hadn’t even noticed. We cannot wait to come back for their smashed avocados.
Smashed Avo – bursting with colour and flavour. Oli’s, we will be back soon! The Nun’s Pool at Cronulla. Absolutely stunning food.
8 – Bundeena – To think we used to come to this suburb for a holiday. You can drive here via the Royal National Park or you can take the ferry from Cronulla (which I highly recommend). I have a previous post all about Bundeena if you wish to check it out here but just know, this place is great for beach / bush walks, relaxing, enjoying some lovely food and drinks and is a good base for visiting the Royal National Park.
Ferry from Cronulla to BundeenaSunset at BundeenaThe Salty Pearl – a great spot for a cocktailBeach walks
9 – The Royal National Park – this is the world’s second-oldest national park (established in 1879). Covering over 15,000 hectares, it features stunning coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and popular hiking trails like the Coast Track. The park is perfect for bushwalking, swimming, cycling, and picnicking, with highlights including Wattamolla Beach and Wedding Cake rock.
Natural poolsWattamolla BeachOn the walk to Wedding Cake rock
10 – Como bridge walk – This is a scenic pedestrian path running alongside the old Como Rail Bridge, connecting Oatley (not in the Shire) and Como (in the Shire) over the Georges River. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying water views, with a peaceful atmosphere and links to nearby bush tracks and parks. We like to have a drink in the brilliant Como hotel, then walk over the bridge which takes about 30 minutes and then reward ourselves with lunch in the Oatley Hotel, another fantastic pub.
Como Hotel – love the architecture as well as the food and drinks
11 – Port Hacking River – We’re lucky to have friends with a boat who love taking us out on the river. Cruising along, we get to soak in the stunning scenery the Shire has to offer, it’s amazing to see it all from a different perspective. We usually make our way towards Audley, where we stop for breakfast. Every trip is an unforgettable experience.
12 – Breweries – The Shire is also home to some fantastic breweries, including Hairy Man and Sunday Road. Both are well worth a visit and often host great food trucks. If you get the chance, try the Pop Ale at Hairy Man, I’ve never had anything quite like it. Delicious!
There you have it! I absolutely love living in the Shire for all the reasons mentioned above and I could go on and on and on, but I’ll spare you the details! It’s a place with so much to offer, and there’s a real warmth to the community (people still say good morning). The people are friendly, always willing to help one another, and I hope that never changes.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I am digging deep into the vault and showing some of my favourite blue doors, in honour of summer resuming in Sydney after lots of rain last week. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite.
I think for the first week ever, I cannot choose an obvious favourite. I love all of them for different reasons. I think if I was able to buy one of these doors for my house, I would pick number 3 from Kells but number 5 looks so regal (definitely wouldn’t be my house door). What do you think??
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. It’s a wet and wild day in Sydney today with huge thunderstorms yesterday evening and all through the night. I’m staying dry indoors and looking at my doors taken from our trip to Berry recently. I have featured a couple in my Berry blog but they’re too good (in my opinion) not to share again here. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – I love this old wooden door seen on our way to Berry in a place called Thirroul.2 – Berry. I’m not sure about this building but when we were having Thai food one evening, this building was our backdrop.3 – Church door in Berry4 – Gerringong. I love this unusual design and a great door to boot. 5 – Kiama6 – Another church in Kiama
I really love number 5 this week. I’m not sure what the building was for, now used for a few businesses but the door really stood out for me. It is so unique and the design and colours are extraordinary. Love love love.
Hope you’re having good weather where you are in the world. All the best wishes,
Nestled between rolling green pastures and stunning beaches, Berry, New South Wales, is a picturesque town that captures the charm of the South Coast. Just two hours south of Sydney, this quaint destination is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. We had been here before for a couple of day trips but I really wanted to return and spend a couple of days here to really take it all in. From our place in the Shire, it was only a 1.5 hour drive.
A Historic Haven
Berry is steeped in history, evident in its beautifully preserved heritage buildings and small-town atmosphere. Established in the 19th century, the town is a window into Australia’s colonial past, with sites like the Berry Courthouse and the Berry Museum offering a glimpse into days gone by. There is a beautiful Thai restaurant that is worth checking out that is situated in the old Berry post office. We were lucky to be able to sit outside on the garden and appreciate the beautiful nature and architecture surrounding us.
I love the architecture and quaintness of this village. Beautiful views of the mountains on the background and everyone is welcome! The Berry Museum is worth checking out and was perfect for us when there was a short bout of rain.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Known as a hub for food lovers, Berry boasts a vibrant café culture and a variety of gourmet experiences. Whether you’re indulging in artisan baked goods at The Famous Berry Donut Van, enjoying a farm-to-table meal at one of the local restaurants, or exploring the Berry Farmers’ Market, you’ll find fresh, locally sourced delights at every turn. We discovered a lovely little Italian restaurant with a homely atmosphere and we also frequented the Berry Hotel on a couple of occasions (in Australia hotels are mostly pubs) which was fantastic and gave us the opportunity to meet locals and tourists alike. They had live music one evening and we needed up chatting to the musicians at the end of the evening. I think our Guinness drinking caught their attention and they were not surprised that we were two Irish men!
This Donut van is seriously famous! Love these storesBeers in the Berry Hotel
Shop, Stroll, and Explore
The town is a treasure trove of boutique shops, offering everything from homewares to handcrafted goods. Strolling along the main street, visitors will find unique gifts and souvenirs, along with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the village vibe. The Berry Barn is worth checking out and has some fantastic Aussie clothing, leather bags and traditional hats. I had always wanted an Australian leather bush hat and I found the perfect one here, much to my absolute delight.
Nature’s Playground
For outdoor enthusiasts, Berry is the gateway to stunning landscapes. Nearby Seven Mile Beach offers serene coastal views and plenty of space for picnics and long walks. We took a drive to the nearby suburbs of Gerringong and Kiama on the way home to take in more breathtaking ocean views, check out the architecture and treat ourselves to some fish and chips.
Ocean views at Gerringong and fantastic buildings at Kiama. The council chambers building is the building I mentioned in my previous doors post. What an exquisite building, including the door!
To conclude, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a culinary adventure, or a touch of history, Berry, NSW, has something for everyone. With its blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, this charming town promises an unforgettable experience.
Pack your bags and discover the magic of Berry today, we highly recommend it! It was also recently voted the number one place to visit outside of Sydney for a day trip by Timeout Sydney.
Another year comes to end, hard to believe right?! I love looking back through the months and picking a highlight, sometimes there’s more than one and sometimes it’s just the little things in life that stood out that month.
This was a quieter year for us with no holidays as such as we had just moved back to Australia from Ireland. We had to start from scratch, finding a place to live, buying furniture again and purchasing a car. This year was about fitting back into Aussie life and trying to save some money, whilst working hard and enjoying life at the same time. Luckily, we were fortunate to be able to fly home to Ireland for a month which was really lovely as I always miss the kids in our family.
That being said, I was happy to look back through the months of this year and see that we actually have done more than I first thought and it makes me appreciate that 2024 was a pretty good year.
JANUARY – Back in Sydney at the height of summer. I have seen this view hundreds of times but it never gets old. It was good to be back in Oz, we just had to find somewhere to live, which wasn’t the easiest thing to do as there is a severe housing shortage in Sydney.FEBRUARY – we decided to move out of Sydney and look for a place in the Sutherland Shire, about 45 minutes south of Sydney. Luckily we found a place near the Royal National Park and a beautiful coastline. Cronulla beach is a 10 minute drive from us and perfect for beach walks and ocean swims. MARCH – We visited our good friends in the Southern Highlands, an area that I have mentioned many times. We love this place for weekend getaways, lots of wineries, bush walks and cosy pubs. APRIL – We tried our first ever puppy yoga! I wanted to do something different for Brian’s birthday and he loves dogs so this was the perfect fit. You practise yoga for 30 minutes and then the instructors release the puppies to run amongst you all. Needless to say, not much yoga happens thereafter. It’s also a great initiative for you to adopt a puppy as these are all rescue dogs looking a new home. MAY – Good friends of ours from the Shire here just happen to own a barge and love to take trips along the Port Hacking River. We were delighted to be asked to come along, not once but twice on this idyllic river cruise. We dock at a local cafe for breakfast and then sail along the river, meandering through the different suburbs of the Shire. Very tranquil and great for wildlife watching. JUNE – One of my favourite ever sunsets in Bundeena, a quick ferry ride over from Cronulla. I was excited to show friends this area and we were treated to this absolute spectacle. We used to come here for weekend breaks, now we live close by and can call over any time. JULY – Home! It was great to be able to come home again for a few weeks. Belfast, when it gets the sun, is one of my favourite places to be. AUGUST – This is the Grand Opera House Belfast. I worked here for a few years as a student and it was like my second home. I met Brian here also, so it holds many positive memories for me. For my birthday, I really wanted to see a show here and luckily for me, there was a Simon & Garfunkel story being told with all their music being performed. Right up my street! The Opera House had a major refurbishment lately so it was really enjoyable to see for myself, 20 years after I first started working there. I was always really impressed by the amazing architecture of this building, designed by Frank Matcham. SEPTEMBER – Back in the Sutherland Shire and exploring the area even further. There are so many great suburbs here. This one is Oatley and the home to Oatley Castle. Not as grand as the castles we have in the UK and Ireland but still worth a visit. OCTOBER – Our friends finished building their new home in the Southern Highlands. We were thrilled to be invited down to stay for the weekend. Just look at the view they have from their balcony with unbelievable sunsets. NOVEMBER – We were fortunate to be invited to the hospital ball where I work. I had never been to a Christmas ball before so this was a big deal. All expenses paid and really fun to get dressed up for once. Best of all, the venue was 10 minutes from my home. Usually for us living in the Shire, everything is miles away, especially as many things tend to happen in the city. DECEMBER – Attending the Christmas markets in Sydney at central station. This was a lovely day with friends where we had lunch, wine at a little wine bar on the side of the street, followed by the Christmas markets. They had stalls, food, drinks, Christmas music and snow!!!! This truly felt Christmassy and magical. I don’t often feel like it’s Christmas here in Australia as it’s so warm, so this was lovely to feel the joy of Christmas, at least for a few hours.
Thank you all for reading this post and all your support again through 2024. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the time with those nearest and dearest and I will see you in 2025 where I’m sure I will be partaking in Bloganuary once again.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I thought I would share some of my favourite “outdoor” doors. As I was thinking about this concept, I realised that many doors are “outdoor” doors, however, in my mind, I am thinking of those doors not attached to a house but rather they are outside, away from houses, sometimes acting as entrances to someone’s property or land. Please let me know if you have a favourite this week or do you have an “outside” door?
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These first three doors are from Bellevue Hills, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I guess these doors may also be considered as gates, especially number three but for today, it is considered a door haha.
4 – Woollahra 5 – Auckland6 – Downpatrick, N. Ireland
My favourite this week is number two. It’s a fine looking door and I love the arch above it. The image catches my eye also due to the blue sky and greenery in front. I used to love walking past this door at the weekends and I used to imagine what kind of beautiful home would be behind this door with its astounding ocean views.
Hi everyone and happy Thursday! It’s been three weeks since my last doors post and I must say I have enjoyed the break. I was debating whether I should rename my doors series since hitting 100 posts but alas, I have continued on from where I left off, with this week being volume 101.
This week I wanted to show you all a fantastic place that I visited a couple of weekends ago in a beautiful place called Menangle, a small village in NSW, about an hour from where we live in the Shire. We have been to this village before when I spotted this great general store and I was dying to take a look inside and around but never had the chance. On this occasion, I purposefully parked nearby to take some photos and have a nosey.
The Store Menangle
This store was built in 1904 and quickly became an integral part of the local community. Over the years it has served as a barn, a general store, accommodation, an event space, a bottle shop and post office. Today it operates as a quirky coffee shop with an outdoor seating area and a beautiful flower shop attached with some local products for sale also. I was hoping for it to be a general store too but even without, it was a really stunning space and I couldn’t help but admire the architecture, craftsmanship and of course its doors. I also appreciated the Christmas feels that were on display here, even if the weather was stifling hot and couldn’t have felt any less Christmassy. We didn’t have time for a coffee this time but we will definitely be back.
Thanks for taking a look and have a great weekend everyone. My work is quietening down now towards Christmas so I will hopefully be more active on the old blog!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another magnificent week of doors. Today is my 100th edition of doors of WordPress and I wanted to create something a little different to mark the milestone.
I couldn’t think of how to choose my most favourite doors and it was very hard to narrow down my collection, so I thought a video might be a quick way to show some of my favourites. I managed to narrow it down to my top 250 doors!!!
I am so grateful that I have found a community that love doors as much as I do and a big thank you to Dan for creating this great space on our blogging platform. I have met lots of blogging friends through the Thursday Doors club and I love how we support each other by checking in and interacting through our appreciation for a good door.
I created a video to a song that I love by the Cranberries and shared to my Instagram account. It’s called Dreams and I’m sure many of you will know it. Sadly I cannot download my video with the song, I’m guessing due to copyright reasons so I have posted the video below mine in case you want to listen to it.
My top 250 doors to celebrate my 100th doors post. I hope you all enjoy!
Thank you all for your interest and continued support of my doors and everyone else’s too. Long may the love of doors continue.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I thought it was about time to show some local doors again from Sydney as it has been a while. Even though I live outside of Sydney, I still work in the city a couple of days a week so I am delighted to be able to keep discovering new doors there. I still have a good few from Ireland and England but will keep those in my collection for a rainy day.
As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.
1 – Coogee 2 – Sans Souci3 – Sans Souci4 – Darlinghurst5 – Darlinghurst
I love the first door from Coogee. It’s an old classic with a rather interesting bill board in the left hand corner of the photo! Fortunately, it’s an advert for a brand of wine here in Australia but actually made in France. According to Time magazine, it is a wine for the anti snob…and I happen to know it’s actually not a bad drop.
To be honest I love the first four doors, especially the homes in pictures two and three. The last door isn’t overly special or easy to spot but I loved the colour and character of the building, even the house number is pretty retro.
What are your thoughts? Have a great week everyone and keep your eyes peeled for some interesting doors.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I’ve realised that my weekly doors posts are the only things that are keeping me blogging at the moment, thank goodness for doors and to Dan for having the weekly door challenge.
With work being so busy, I just haven’t been able to travel much but hopefully that will change in the coming weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to be busy at work and grateful for the opportunities here in Australia.
This week I am showcasing a few doors from Huntington in England where my sister lives. I have visited many times, with the most recent trip being last month when I visited home. I was looking back through my doors and couldn’t believe that I actually haven’t posted many doors from Huntington as yet. Surprisingly to me as the doors there are exquisite.
As always, please do let me know if you have a favourite or if one simply stands out more.
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I absolutely adore number five for the quaintness of the door, the glass panels, the wreath in situ and the exterior. I love everything about this cottage, including the thatched roof, the lantern on the wall and even the dog on top of the roof, apparently in remembrance of their previous pet pooch. What are your thoughts?
Hi everyone and a very happy Thursday to you all. This week’s doors are from Hillsborough, a little village in Northern Ireland. Some of you may remember that we lived here for nearly a year when we temporarily moved back to Northern Ireland last year. During our trip home last month we just had to return and spend a couple of days here as we had loved living there so much.
Please let me know if you have a favourite door this week.
12 – this little house was on the main street and we actually stayed here for 3 days. If I could buy this place, I absolutely would!!. It was so big inside which is quite misleading from the front. 3 – one of my favourite pubs in the village, The Plough. There are 3 pubs in this village, all very good actually. 45
Ok so number 5 technically has a few doors here but I’m thinking more of the black door behind the mini. To be honest this has to be my favourite, not only for the fantastic door, surrounding arch and transom window but I also love the brickwork of the building. It’s also one of my favourite images and really gives you a feel for the village of Hillsborough. The flowers, the bunting and even the mini parked outside all add to the visual.
Anyway, thanks for taking a look at my doors this week and have a fantastic weekend everyone.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. I was rummaging through my collection and realised I still have a few doors from my trip to Dijon, France from almost a year ago now. I love how each door conveys a certain rustic and historic charm…if only doors could talk, I’m sure they could tell a tale or two.
As always, please let me know if you have a favourite.
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Personally, I love numbers four and five but my winner this week is the last door at number five, a door leading to under the stairs. Could there be a French Harry Potter living in there?
Thank you for the reminder WordPress that I have been blogging for the past seven years. I actually always remember this myself anyway, as I started this blog when I emigrated to Australia seven years ago.
I find it insane that I have actually lasted this long as I never imagined it to be a long term project. My aim was to show case places that I was visiting in Australia and maybe inspire others to visit them. This has continued but I would say that my journey has changed throughout the past few years, meandering my way throughout the blogging world, always on the hunt for tips and advice, learning new things and meeting new people along the way. It’s a journey that I thoroughly enjoy, however, my only wish would be to have more time to invest in blogging. Also more time to travel would be lovely but alas, one still has to work and bills to pay 😜.
When Covid hit, I thought I had nothing left to blog about as we could no longer travel. However, I soon learned that you don’t have to stick to what you normally blog about. The blogging community taught me that it’s my blog and I can write about whatever suits ME and whenever suits me. I participated in many writing challenges throughout the covid lockdowns and beyond, with some of them now firmly in my psyche, for example, being a member of the Thursday Doors club hosted by the amazing Dan!
I have found the blogging community to be strong, supportive and for the most part, inclusive. Thank you all for having me in your blogging space and I really hope to still be around for the next seven years. I will continue my doors posts and hopefully share some new travel experiences now that I have moved back to Australia. Next week I am heading home to Northern Ireland to visit my family which I am extremely excited for. It’s only been seven months since I have last seen them but I really do miss my family, especially as I have a new niece to meet!! I will keep you all posted on what we get up to.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. I was on my lunch break during the week and took a walk around a little park that I like to frequent. It’s like a small rainforest in the middle of the town, a tranquil oasis that most people don’t even know exists.
Fred Hollows Reserve in Randwick, Sydney
I was walking along the boardwalk provided when I stumbled across the most AMAZING door…in a tree!!! Who do you think lives through that door? The quaintest door I ever did see and it really allows your imagination to run wild.
Could it be a mouse or a squirrel…or possibly a couple of robin Redbreasts?
I’m guessing someone placed this door here but what a great idea. It certainly brought a smile to my face ☺️. Enjoy your Thursday everyone and keep dreaming.
WrookieSchU 