20 years - a city break to celebrate.

A few weeks ago Simon and I booked a couple of nights at a hotel in the city to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. It's the city where we met when we were working together at The Renaissance Hotel (now the Sydney Marriott) We chose a staycation close to home to enjoy Sydney and all those things you never take advantage of in your home town in your busy day to day life. 

I never get over how beautiful the harbour is and how lucky we are to live surrounded by so many amazing spots!

We stayed at The Langham as we had never stayed there before and we loved that there was the Day Spa attached and it was in walking distance to The Rocks and several restaurants/bars.

It's a gorgeous boutique hotel with a lovely vibe. They also have a great new restaurant that recently opened " Kitchen on Kent" and the buffet there was amazing!

During our stay we booked in for a couple's massage and took full advantage of the pool and spa.

It was lovely to pop in here in the afternoon to relax and refresh before going out for dinner.

On one of the days we drove over to Bondi for a walk then headed to Watson's Bay for a seafood lunch. The blue skies and crowd made us feel like we were on holidays and miles away from home.

Also a Frose at lunchtime on a Wednesday definitely had us in vacation mode.

One afternoon we wandered down to The Rocks for a drink at The Lord Nelson. It's such a beautiful area with the old sandstone buildings and trees everywhere. 

We couldn't resist a stroll past Pottinger St in The Rocks, the site of our first kiss! Simon walked me to my car after work 23 years ago and the rest is history ;)

We chose our favourite Mr Wong's for dinner one night. The food never disappoints!

The cocktails were pretty good too.

Later on we walked off dinner by the harbour and enjoyed the pretty lights and buskers.

It was so lovely to take a couple of days off from normal routine and celebrate our anniversary.

I can't believe it's been 20 years! I'm looking forward to seeing what the next 20 hold x

Father's Day 2019

The boys kicked off the Father's Day celebrations with a breakfast at school on Thursday.  Crosissants and apple juice for everyone!

Sunday was a little sleep in for Simon then presents in bed. Home made cards, Father's Day stall gifts, his favourite beer, pj's and socks + undies.

The papers, coffee and more croissants followed then a chilled day at home watching the football, building lego and pottering around. 

Later that afternoon we headed over to Simon's parents house for a delicious dinner and to catch up on all of their news after their month in London.  I baked my first cheesecake in years for dessert and think I need more practice...   It tasted ok but looked a little flat! 

Also a Happy Father's Day to my dad who had to work but we'll catch up soon xx

Happy Father's Day to all the dads! How was your weekend?

Father's Day 2015

We started the Father's Day celebrations with presents in bed and snuggles.

Simon received the usual "dad type" presents. Socks and a couple of new ties for work.

 A little boring but oh so practical! I think we made up for it with the surfing voucher though. I think I can see a Bali surf trip in Simon's future.

Pancakes and the Sport pages.

Simon received the best gift ever when he and Finn shared a surf together on Sunday. 

It was the first time that Finn has been back in the water since his accident. It was only small surf but they were both so happy to be back out doing what they love.

We then had a chocolatey treat for afternoon tea. A peanut butter Magnum surrounded by Clinkers, Mars Bar Pods and Kinder chocolate. Sweets for our sweet x

We then caught up with our dads and had dinner with Simon's parents and the rest of the family.

An old photo of my dad and I. 

How good is it to look back on old photos? I think that is one of the reasons I love taking photos now. Hopefully the boys will enjoy looking at them when they're older. I know I will!

How was your weekend/Father's Day?

Lately......

 Just popping in quickly to let you know what has been happening around here lately.....

Lots of slow days at home while we recover from our various illnesses. Bring on Spring!

I had this button installed. It's helping......  ;)

I bought it on Etsy.

We've had lots of blue skies but it's been absolutely freezing!

Simon had a birthday. 

We went out to lunch at The Grounds. I just love it there, always something new to see.

Loved the attention to details with the little spades on the menu and Simon's lunch served on a shovel!

You can see my other visits to The Grounds here and here

Simon has the sweetest tooth so instead of birthday cake this year I made him the ultimate chocolate concoction. When the boys came home from school we popped a sparkler in and sang happy birthday while we shared them. They were so rich!

They consisted of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate custard, Tim Tam and Flake. So rich!

There were also teddy bear pancakes in bed this week.

But the most significant thing that has been happening around here has been Finn's injury and the impact on our family. I've spoken about it on Facebook and Instagram but in case you didn't know, Finn suffered a major eye injury and lost the vision in his right eye.

He had surgery to save the eye and stop the bleeding and infection and thankfully this was successful.

The whole thing has been scary and emotionally draining but with Finn starting back at school this week, we are returning to a regular routine with is comforting.

Thank you to everyone for the lovely messages. Your support + kindness has been amazing.

So what have you been up to lately? Something slightly less stressful I hope x

Stills - this week.

This week......

I had a surprise bunch of gorgeous flowers on my door step

Noah's room was in the latest issue of Inside Out. You can see more of his room here

I made a decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Ripple Ice cream Cake for Simon's birthday

Birthday drinks and dinner at Mexicano

We've been lucky to have blue skies and warm, winter sun this week

The chalk is still getting a workout.  I love the seeing the boys creations.

How has your week been?

Simon's Birthday.

Last Tuesday was Simon's birthday.

Birthday cupcakes with the boys after school were a must and then Simon and I went out to dinner to Criniti's to celebrate.

They had the most delicious desserts featuring Nutella!
On Sunday we had the family over for a birthday lunch. It's so nice to set the table and have an easy meal with loved ones. Birthday's must be celebrated!

I made Simon a double layer chocolate mudcake topped with Turkish Delight (his favourite) He has the sweetest tooth.
Any birthdays in your family this week?
all images my own
PS - Thank you all so much for the wonderful response on my Wall Banners & my Etsy store. You guys are the best xx