Summertime and the living is easy. Being stuck in traffic in the Inner West is almost a joy when the sky outside is as blue as the Transport NSW bus you’re waiting behind.  The tree I see in the distance reminds me of the groves of pine trees back home near Cottesloe Beach, another place of many…

What’s a girl to do when you’ve been stalking summer since November and it arrives at peak intensity overnight?  Probably be more grateful and prepared than what I was today.  It hit 30C in Sydney today.  The sun rose to a sultry morning that was equal parts haze and humidity.  I’m never at my best…

Today is Monday.  Not just any Monday but the Monday a fortnight before Christmas.  It’s also a Monday in summer – the most magical time of the year to be in Sydney. So while I will accept that today is Monday and henace will be a crazy day at work I will also acknowledge that…

May the record state that I’m not one for doing things in half measures.  It’s Saturday night at SSG Manor 2.0 and we have collectively survived Preschoolies aka the last birthday party of the year at preschool aka Preschooler SSG’s Festival of Five.  Perhaps I’m being a bit melodramatic because technically, SSG Manor 2.0 didn’t…

I can deny it no longer.  I’m in my final weeks as a preschooler and daycare mum.  Preschooler SSG had his graduation over the weekend.   It was a beautiful afternoon. The teachers and support staff put in so much effort and care to ensure that the afternoon went off without a hitch.  Special balloons and…

I love it when a plan comes together.  Especially if it relates to Christmas shopping a mere 20 days out from the big day. All you really need to buy at Dan’s really.  Didn’t even need to write it down but it felt good doing it. My strategy involved this hastily cobbled together series of…

December just happened all of a sudden this year, didn’t it? On that glorious day that was December 1, the traffic of that painful morning peak seemed to disappear into thin air, leaving rainbows in its place.  In hindsight, I think all of that traffic just diverted itself to Westfield Bondi Junction but that’s a…

It’s peak making and baking season here and my view is of recipes and shopping lists.  My plan is to do one big shop for all my major baking projects this month to minimize the fuss of each baking day.  Things I need to bake include Preschooler SSG’s birthday cakes (one for the party and…

December, you’re here back again at last.   I’ve had a whole year (though it’s only felt like weeks wince you were last around) to reflect on what you mean to me and why you’re one of my favourite months.   Here’s a few reasons: Christmas Breakfast Tea from T2 made in my ‘Oh Deer’ mug every…

There’s something definitely in the air right now.  I think it’s the joy, relief, and anticipation that December is just around the corner: bringing with it week after week of time with loved ones and a much needed slow down in pace.  It’s also big bill, or more accurately every big bill I have time…