Category: Thoughts

Everyday life, Food, Thoughts

What’s been making me happy: December

by wattleandash4 Comments on What’s been making me happy: December
What’s been making me happy: December

Well, here we are in the last month of a year that I think no one will forget for a very long time. The last 12 months have been incredibly testing for many and while 2020 will be farewelled with much gusto, the challenges that come with dealing with a global pandemic won’t magically disappear when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. I sincerely hope however, that we take away a few lessons from this last year: the importance of family and friends, of of fresh air and being outside, and of good health. Simple pleasures, but ones that fill your heart and head with joy.

Here’s what’s been making me smile this month…

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Everyday life, Food, Thoughts

Sweet potato salad

by wattleandash3 Comments on Sweet potato salad
Sweet potato salad

The festive season is upon us and in Australia that means hot days, cold drinks and lots of alfresco eating. When the weather’s warm, I crave salads – not so much the stock standard lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and carrot variety with a basic supermarket vinaigrette, rather ones with cooked vegetables and pulses, nuts, herbs and creative dressings.

This sweet potato salad was first introduced to me at a family gathering many years ago. The recipe from another family, but so impressive at its first tasting that it’s been written down and recreated by my grandmother, mother and myself ever since.

I’ve taken it to barbecues, picnics and Christmas Day celebrations and it always receives rave reviews, so if you’re after a new salad to try this summer, perhaps this is one to consider…

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Everyday life, home, Motherhood, Style, Thoughts

What’s making me happy: November

by wattleandashLeave a Comment on What’s making me happy: November
What’s making me happy: November

November has felt particularly long. It’s been a combination of factors, namely Adam working out of town for an extended period; and a bout of sickness that saw Paul, myself and then Adam collapse in a heap all within about 24 hours of each other (I won’t elaborate, except to say family gastro is not fun!) So while I never like to wish away time, I’m rather glad to see the end of November.

Despite the challenging days, like always, there have been moments of joy – this is what’s been making me smile this month…

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Everyday life, Motherhood, Thoughts, wedding

Year two

by wattleandash2 Comments on Year two
Year two

This month marks Adam and my second wedding anniversary. Given the current set of circumstances we now find ourselves in, it seems so very surreal that this time two years ago we were in England, making our final preparations for the day and getting ready to welcome guests from all over the world to gather, celebrate, embrace and party all together.

Last year we didn’t worry about presents – we had a newborn, and being able to sneak off for a few hours to have dinner by ourselves while one set of grandparents babysat felt like a gift in itself. This year I suspect we’ll do something similar. Adam’s had an incredibly busy couple of weeks, including a stint working out of town, so quality time together and a nice meal out will be ample celebration.

In saying that, I read online that the traditional second anniversary gift of cotton is meant to signify comfort and strength, threads woven together much like the interconnectedness of marriage. I thought that was really lovely, and for Adam and I it felt very apt for this year of marriage…

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Everyday life, Food, Local sights, Thoughts

Strawberry fields forever

by wattleandash3 Comments on Strawberry fields forever
Strawberry fields forever

A couple of years ago a hydroponic strawberry farm popped up, right in the middle of Wagga Wagga. For one reason or another I never managed to make it onto the farm during the growing season, so when I saw an advertisement announcing the opening of the farm for the year, I made a note in my diary to schedule a visit.

Strawberries rank fairly high on my favourite fruit list, so the thought of being able to access locally grown, in-season berries was pretty sweet. And this weekend past Paul and I stopped by for a spot of strawberry picking…

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Everyday life, home, Motherhood, Thoughts

What’s making me happy: October

by wattleandash2 Comments on What’s making me happy: October
What’s making me happy: October

October’s felt both long and short. I’ve had a really, really busy few weeks at work which has made the time feel like it’s whizzing by. At the same time though, the entire household’s been sick which has made some days feel oh-so-drawn-out. In between it all, there’ve been some lovely moments though – here’s what’s been making me smile this month…

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Everyday life, Thoughts

Catch you next week

by wattleandash4 Comments on Catch you next week
Catch you next week

A rather debilitating cold has taken grip of our household over the last few days, and in quick succession Adam, Paul and myself all fell foul of it. We’ve spent the last few days laying low and trying to get ourselves better for the week ahead. As a result there’s no blog post for you today.

Have a wonderful week and I look forward to catching up with you next Monday.

M. x

Everyday life, Motherhood, Thoughts

One

by wattleandashLeave a Comment on One
One

Last week we celebrated Paul’s first birthday. Although he’s none the wiser to the milestone it feels like such an achievement – for both him and Adam and I. It’s truly mind blowing how much babies change in their first year of life. From a tiny, helpless newborns, coming to grips with life out of utero to little people with big personalities, so keen to explore the world around them.

We really can’t believe 12 months has passed since we welcomed Paul into our family…

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