18 summers with my kids is a blessing to be thankful for.

You get 18 summers where you can spend time with your kids.  A time to create traditions and enjoy each other’s company. With that we need to make sure we are not mucking around and we make memorable plans to fill their lives not with indulgence and over the top extravagance but with ‘quality’ time…

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The benefits of mindfulness for busy Santa’s helpers

Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which one can develop through the practice of meditation and through other training. I know what am I doing writing about mindfulness when I wrote about travelling with kids? Bear with me there is a point to this. Practising…

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How to get to Christmas relaxed and rested

The silly season has started for some of us and for others has only just begun. Regardless it is a fun but hectic time of year. Down under it is also summer so we want to party all the time. How do you make sure you get to Christmas unfrazzled and relaxed? First of all,…

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Live your best family life, getoutside

I have a big issue returning to work on a Monday morning having not had some time outside on the weekend. It feels like wasted time. There is a urge to use all my time being as productive as I can and without the frsh air it seems like I have failed. Green spaces and…

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Book review – A New Map of Love, Abi Oliver

Why this book? How can you pack for the journey of a lifetime? The book’s character, George and his faithful dog Monty lead a comfortable and predictable life as an antique’s dealer. He finds himself somewhat lost after his wife of 26 years dies. Contemplating his love for his wife and could he love again…

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How to get major relaxation this summer

With 6-8 weeks to go until the school holidays we need to make plans for if you haven’t already to get some relaxation time with the family. My top tips for some major relaxation this summer will make sure you are fighting fit for the year ahead. It’s the end of the year and before…

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Getting a romantic getaway right

Planning a romantic anniversary trip is not something we all value on top of other commitments. Getting a romantic getaway right is of utmost importance because we don’t get the chance to getaway for roamnce very often. After the wedding there is a need for down time, hence the honeymoon. Fast forward to having kids…

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Book review Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, Gail Honeyman

Occasionally you have the privilege of reading a book that warms your heart and just makes you think the world does turn out for people. This a witty book around a character we can all relate to, the odd one out. Whilst we may not be that person we can relate to them. The book…

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Book Review – Circling the Sun, Paula McLain

I love to read. I love to read a lot of books but books set in places around the world really do inspire me to go out and see more. This book is set in Kenya at a time when the second born son of the English aristocracy needed a playground. Many of these playboys…

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Book review – Love and Ruin, Paula McLain

Book review – Love & Ruin, Paul McLain is a book I had warning of the date it was to be published. I ordered my book in advance and went to the book shop on the day it was released. Paula creates such beautiful stories and strong female characters I would sell my shirt for…

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Book review – The Yellow Villa, Amanda Hampson

The Yellow Villa was the book that filled the window at my local book shop prior to heading away for the weekend on a train. Ten hours later it was read from cover to cover and the content for a new book review – The Yellow Villa. Don’t you just love a tale about France?…

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Australia’s best snow for families

Sun is my thing, so it seems silly to be writing about a snow holiday. Fortunately for us in Australia we get such beautiful sunny days it is possible to experience both snow and sun for your visit to the snow. Read on for our view of where the hot spots are for families. Snow…

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