Category: Thoughts

Everyday life, Motherhood, Thoughts

Lockdown life

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Lockdown life

After more than 12 months of relatively ‘normal life’, in this COVID era we now find ourselves living in, regional New South Wales was placed in official lockdown this weekend past. It’s a situation many of you know well and with it brings a sense of anxiousness – about what we’re dealing with right now and what might come over the weeks and months to follow.

At this stage the lockdown is set to last seven days, but as recent history has proven these lockdowns often get extended. Last time we were in lockdown at the start of this COVID crisis, I was on maternity leave with a baby a few months old, Adam’s business took a huge hit and it was really stressful not knowing what the future had in store. This time round, I’m an essential worker, Adam’s business has evolved to assist in times like these and Paul is an active toddler full of words, opinions and adventure. In some respects it feels like we’re in a better situation this time round, but with that position comes a whole heap of new stresses too.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the challenges this next week will bring, and also how to go about processing this current state of uncertainty too…

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Everyday life, home, Thoughts

The 2021 project

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The 2021 project

About 11 months ago, Adam and I decided to embark upon building a new house. To be perfectly honest, we probably thought come August 2021 we’d have moved and be settling in to our next home – but we still haven’t actually broken ground yet.

There were delays that were out of our control, which pushed progress back by a good couple of months. At one stage we nearly abandoned the project altogether, it just felt like we were running into hiccup after hiccup. In the end though, we just couldn’t walk away. We loved our block of land and decided we just needed to ride with the speed bumps. And now we’re getting tantalisingly close…

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Everyday life, Food, Thoughts

Berry clafoutis

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Berry clafoutis

I love having a few recipes in my repertoire that I know I can always whip up at a moment’s notice. There’s something very satisfying about being able to pull a few key ingredients out of your fridge and pantry and then bringing them together to create something a little special. Enter berry clafoutis. Sounds dead fancy, looks amazing straight out the oven (because let’s be honest, sometimes we do want to impress), but really is quite quick and easy to make.

If you’ve never encountered clafoutis before, it’s essentially a custardy-like flan, studded with fruit, which originated in France. It’s traditionally made with cherries, but virtually any fruit can be used. For this recipe, I had blueberries and raspberries that needed eating up, so in they went! It’s not too sweet, is light and creamy and can easily be dressed up. Really, what’s not to love…

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Everyday life, home, Motherhood, Thoughts, Travel

What’s been making me happy: July

by wattleandash2 Comments on What’s been making me happy: July
What’s been making me happy: July

Midwinter is upon us and it certainly feels like it. This month has been damp, cold and over the last few weeks the COVID situation in New South Wales feels like it’s gone from bad to worse. Deepest, darkest winter is certainly living up to expectations. On the flipside, the rain’s been good for the garden and local farmers; there’s been ample time for snuggly stories with Paul; and I’ve been able to wear my favourite jumpers on repeat. So there’s that – and a few other things too.

This is what’s been making me smile this month…

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Everyday life, Food, Local sights, Motherhood, Thoughts, Travel

Tea, toast and Tumbarumba

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Tea, toast and Tumbarumba

A few weeks ago Adam and I decided to set aside a few days in July for a little mini-break. We wanted somewhere not too far home, where we could switch off for a few days but still take advantage of amenities. We settled on Tumbarumba, a small town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, about an hour or so drive from Wagga Wagga. Initially we thought we might check out the town’s new rail trail and perhaps visit a few picnic grounds surrounded by bush, but as the days to our departure date inched closer it became apparent our visit was going to coincide with some wet, wintry weather and outdoor activities would be difficult, especially with a toddler.

Despite the lack of blue skies we had a really lovely time away and even managed to give Paul his first experience with snow…

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Everyday life, Style, Thoughts

Something to share: the face edit

by wattleandash2 Comments on Something to share: the face edit
Something to share: the face edit

Over the last month or so it feels like just about all my skincare/make-up products have run out. I’m normally a creature of habit and when I find something that works I stick with it, but sometimes it’s nice to change it up a little.

I stumbled across the Beautypedia website years ago when my skin was going through a particularly turbulent period. It not only offered an education on ingredients and skin types, but also helped me find products that after several months use, provided very visible results. I now consult it for most face/skin product purchases and to date, it’s always provided solid recommendations. Recently I’ve also stumbled down the rabbit hole that is Reddit and its beauty and skincare threads – specifically ones catering to an Australian market. They’re full of honest reviews of low, medium and high end products, from a variety of people with varying skin types and concerns.

If I’ve learnt anything through this time, it’s that everyone is different, so a holy-grail product for one person may not provide the same results for somebody else – but sometimes when you find something you like, it’s nice to share…

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Food, home, Thoughts

Adam’s jacket potatoes

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Adam’s jacket potatoes

This weekend just gone has been a tough one for many people in Australia. COVID infection rates are on the rise again, there’s been new lockdowns announced and restrictions affecting day-to-day living are back. The situation is evolving rapidly and perhaps that, combined with the fact that it’s been chilly, wet and dark for a few days has got me craving comfort food.

Comfort food is highly personal. For some it might be sweet,but for me it’s savoury and specifically in the form of a potato. Yes, the humble spud whether it be mashed, roasted, in the form of a hot chip or a crunchy crisp, makes my heart sing.

In recent years the jacket potato has triumphantly made its way to near top of my potato products line-up. For years I was of the understanding a jacket potato was any potato in its skin, generally boiled, and then often cut open and served with sour cream, bacon and spring onions. Then I met Adam and he introduced me to jacket potatoes of the English variety and I’ve been a convert ever since…

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Everyday life, home, Local sights, Thoughts

What’s been making me happy: June

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What’s been making me happy: June

It’s been a bit of a month. Between my head-cold (which dragged on for around a fortnight) and Paul’s stay in hospital, June has felt a little underwhelming to be completely honest. The days are shortening rapidly and we’ve had a run of foggy, drizzly days , but I think that’s been a bit of a blessing. It’s encouraged recuperation and resting and I feel like I can confront these last few weeks of June with a renewed energy. Despite the stresses of the last few weeks, as always, there were still moments of joy.

This is what’s been making me smile this month…

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