Tag Archives: review

Week 42 of 2018 – A review

Posted in This is life by

It’s hard to keep up with what has happened in the last week – so here is your cheat guide for the week’s biggest stories.

A PRINCESS WEDDING

So cousin of the famous ones, Eugenie (pronounced “yoo-juh-nee”) got hitched this week. She married a fella named Jack Brooksbank who works for the tequila brand that George Clooney is part of.

Eugenie looked AHMAZING. Legit the most beautifully dressed royal to date IMO.

DRESSES:

1) Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos crafted the bridal gown and followed Princess Eugenie’s request to make a feature of her scoliosis scars. She had an operation at 12 and has two steel rods in her spine.

2) The Zac Posen gown was an absolute showstopper.

FUN FACT: She is currently 9th in line to the throne.

QUEENSLAND ABORTION LAW CHANGE

Abortion will now become legal in Queensland after the state’s parliament voted to erase a 119-year-old “morality” section of the state’s criminal code and instead introduce new changes allowing a woman to abort her unborn child up until 22 weeks gestation.

Apparently it will require the agreement/authorisation of two doctors.

To read more check this out – The Guardian – Queensland Abortion Law Reform

FACT: It was a conscious vote in Parliament and the end result was a vote of 51-40.

NEW FIDDY

A new shiny pineapple will hit your wallet soon.

The new and improved fiddys have a sweet new tactile feature that allow people with no or low vision to use the $50 note more confidently. 4939272100000578-5393275-image-a-3_1518653651144

FUN FACT: The new note features portraits of Aboriginal writer and inventor, David Unaipon, and Australia’s first female member of parliament, Edith Cowan.

CHEATER CHEATER PUMPKIN EATER

If you have a kid, or even know a kid about the age of 12 you will have heard of Fortnite.

This little entrepreneurial fella named Brandon Lucas ran a YouTube channel (with some 1.7 million subscribers) showing cheats for the game.

The makers of the game, Epic Games are pissed, so are suing him. fortnite-servers-1024x576

FACT: Apparently 40 million people play every single month!

ROYAL FEVER DOWN UNDER

Hazza and Megz have found themselves in the land down-under. They have been spruiking all things royal and charming and have even announced that their is a little gingernut in the oven.

The ginernut is due in Spring (actually autumn for us because we’re up-side-down-under) r0_0_800_600_w1200_h678_fmax

They kicked off their trip in Sydney catching zeds at Admiralty House (in case someone asks Admiralty House is the official posh place that the Governer-General resides when in Sydney – it overlooks Sydney Harbour).

They opened a new exhibit at the Zoo as well as heading to the Opera House.

They then went to Dubbo and bought the pommy rains with them, single-handedly making it look like we had been harping on about the drought for no good reason, but when you look closer you can see through the tiny shimmer of green dashed across the lawns.

Haz gave a brilliant speech about the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health. He really showed again what a champion he is. a74abcd14a6e635ecee3f2bb41d46ee3

Fun fact: Megz baked bread at Admiralty House to take with her to Dubbo to share with some of the locals #WhatAStar #NeverTurnUpInTheCountryEmptyHanded

If you’re keen to try her bread here’s a link – The Tig Life Changing Bread (I hear she added choc chips and ginger)

Team Sussex will now head to Melbourne to continue their adventure.

See you next week!

 

 

{The Nest Reviews} Why you should watch 13 Reasons Why

Posted in The Nest Reviews by
NOTE: I have exactly zero qualifications when it comes to having the right to comment on what you should be or not be watching. The following is simply my experience as a mother, wife and friend. If you are experiencing a difficult time in your life then I implore you to should seek help through your doctor or give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.

Last night I finished watching the Netflix Original television series 13 Reasons Why and I say without hesitation that I recommend that you watch it too. The show is intense. It is heartbreaking and powerful. It is tragic and overflowing with grief. I know its not really a good way to sell it, but 13 Reasons Why is not a show filled with optimism or the hope of tomorrow but rather a sense of urgency to look at those around you. 13-reasons-why-2

ABOUT

13 Reasons Why is based around the suicide of 17 year old school student Hannah Baker. Before she takes her own life Hannah releases 13 tapes that describe in graphic detail the people she says contributes to her death.

The story is part mystery – part crime drama as it follows the lives of a cluster of students at Liberty High School. There are all the usual players, the jock, the cheerleaders, the nerd and the outcasts. The show follows each of their stories and the role they allegedly play in Hannah’s decision to commit suicide.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

This is FAR from an easy watching show, it will make you uncomfortable and uneasy. 13 Reasons Why covers a range of issues from sexual assault to bullying. It continues all the way to parental expectation and unspoken desires. There is legal injustice and a clear display of a lack of help to someone who is in desperate need.

This show is completely frustrating and provides the viewer with a confetti mix of emotions. I cried, I laughed, I sobbed and I literally felt ill. This show is graphic in its truth and I have zero doubts that all teenage girls experience at least one of the circumstances that happen to Hannah.

This show will stay with me for always, I can just feel it in my soul. As a mother to three daughters this show depicts almost every one of my fears for them as they grow into women. I truly believe that watching this show may cause distress to some, especially those who are already experiencing mental health issues but on the same token it has the power to save someone by opening a line of communication.

What this show does display is a beautifully raw depiction of what is unfortunately a truth for many young girls in our community. It shows how quickly a person can feel overwhelmed and not as though they have many answers. hannah

This show presents an opportunity for incredibly important conversations to be started. It is perfectly clear that due to our increasing suicide rate that there is not nearly enough discussion surrounding mental health issues. This show provides me with conversation topics to speak with my children about, it provides topics that need to be addressed even if they are uncomfortable. Yes, the graphic nature of the show is strong, but so is the message of helplessness and ultimate accountability. If this show provides one person a reason to ask another person if they are okay then all of sudden it makes it worthwhile.

I say this with a clear and strong warning, this show is confrontational. It will have many triggers for those in the community who have experienced trauma. You should not watch this show alone because I truly believe it needs to be discussed with someone.

The main outcome of the show for me was seeing that no matter how desperately helpless life can seem, you are only seeing your own truth. Hannah truly believed she has no other option but little did she see how much others around her truly needed her. There are two sides to every story and it is important to reach out to hear the other side before only believing your own.

13 Reasons Why may not be for everyone but I think it shows that suicide is a desperately permanent solution to a temporary feeling in life. Suicide is preventable but only if the signs and screams for help are seen by someone else.

LIFELINE: 13 11 14

{Locally Found} White Night was just Right

Posted in Locally found by

I was lucky enough to attend the inaugural White Night Party at  Mayfield Garden recently and I had an absolute blast!

Upon arrival we were met by the gorgeous and eternally friendly Meg who welcomed us with a big smile and a glass of delicious punch (that girl knows how to make friends!)mayfield2

I have to admit I have never been to the gardens before but once I followed the winding path I was amazed to see just how beautiful the place is! The party was centred under a generous white tent surrounded by rolling grass hills and a magnificent water feature.

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We found our seats on the shared tables and quickly made friends with the people beside us. I love the idea of communal tables, I think it is so easy to go places with your friends and only stay in your group but shared tables encourage you to meet those around you. We were lucky enough to sit with a couple of very friendly ladies from Raine and Horne Real Estate in Bathurst.

The tables were generously adorned with flowers and fernery as well as bottles of red and white wine. It was certainly clear from the outset that no one was going to be short of a drink all night!

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Image: Henry Paul Photography

The whole place felt like we had stepped into an exclusive Hampton’s party, the floral decorations from Ivory Rose Botanicals were sublime, generous and really were the icing on the cake.

The night’s entertainment was a brilliant band The Orient Royal Mail Band who played well into the night and Mayfield Garden even ran a surprise fake wedding to showcase how brilliant a wedding could be at the grounds. I tell you what, if I was planning a wedding the Gardens would certainly be one of the frontrunners for me!

The food was delicious and generous and in particular if I could get my little mitts on an endless supply of the olive bread I would be eternally happy. I am obsessed with it, it was without a doubt the yummiest bread I have EVER eaten. *recipe please!*

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Image: Henry Paul Photography

The food was scrumptious and I am a strong believer in the food mentality on offer from Heath Smith and Head Chef Dan Child who offer paddock to plate wherever possible. Mayfield Garden are really ahead of the game when it comes to sustainable local produce being used effectively and absolutely deliciously.

All in all I look forward to going back next year to Mayfield Garden‘s White Night and celebrate a night filled with laughter, friendship and good food with my pals.

I can’t wait until the next chance I get to head out to Mayfield Garden. I hear there’s a cafe – oohhh I wonder if they have the olive bread!?!?

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Image: Henry Paul Photography

 

 

{Little People Looks} Little Boohoo Bargains

Posted in Little People Looks, The Nest Reviews by

There is exactly zero that I love more than good children’s clothing, you add to that great value and a stylish edge and I am weak at the knees. boohoo5

Recently I discovered that one of my favourite brands was expanding from just catering for the grownups into also offering little people looks.

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Boohoo Kids is fresh, modern and funky. It is essential shirts, quality jeans and wonderful dresses.

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It’s trendy floral, destination denim and pops of colour.

One of my faves is that they offer fantastic shoes that go the distance, my little lady has been knocking about in these Leopard Print Trainers and they still look brand new.

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If you want a cool new look for the little people then make sure you check out Boohoo Kids.

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I love that postage is not even a problem, to be honest I often receive packages from Boohoo quicker than I receive parcels bought in Australia, the team at Boohoo know the need for quick turn around on your latest looks. Plus, once you spend $40 postage is free!

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Boohoo Kids is cool, hip and urban and your little people will love the way the clothes make them feel.

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Happy shopping nesters

SHOP HERE| www.boohoo.com |

*While this is a sponsored post made in collaboration with Boohoo.com all opinions stated are the writer’s own and a true reflection of her experience with the item* 

 

 

{Our Nest} A new bird, a name thief and an elephant selfie

Posted in The Nest Reviews, This is life by

To say the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind is the biggest understatement since someone said Kimmy K might like a selfie or two.kim selife

We are overjoyed like a kids with wagon wheels to announce that we welcomed Charlotte into our nest. She is perfection. She eats. She sleeps. Repeat.

I do feel she is placing us into a false sense of security and in the not too distant future you are likely to find me hiding in the stationary aisle at woolies rocking back and forwards begging for a straight jacket but until that time I plan on absorbing all her newborn goodness.14

We had such an interesting long birth experience, I cannot give enough thanks to the maternity staff at the hospital that helped bring our little lady into the world. In particular, there are a few people that really deserve special thanks. There is the girl I knew from school who was full a humour and positivity. There was the girl who kept me calm and somehow instinctively knew when to talk and when to just hold my hand. There was the girl who was encouraging and patient. The girl who followed us up even after her shift finished and finally there was the doctor who believed in me and offered to give me a chance. A sincere-from-the-bottom-of-my-toes-to-the-tip-of-my-nose thank you to you all. P.S Happy Midwife Day to all the midwives out there for yesterday!midwife

In very exciting news I have discovered one very beneficial outcome that comes with delivering a baby that weighs over 4.5 kilos is that it is the bloody quickest weight loss regime ever! Literally nearly 5 kilos a gonski in less than 1 minute!

I have to admit the hubby-bird and I had this delusional romantic idea of the moment that our other birdies would meet their new little person. We were sure the birds would croon, the angels would sing and we would have a wonderful photograph of all the love. In reality, when the toddler-bird and kid-bird met their new little sister it was definitely less than a magical hallmark moment. Kid-bird walked in and spontaneously burst into tears because she wanted a brother NOT ANOTHER SIIIISSSSSTER! The toddler-bird didn’t care nearly as much. She was simply there for the hospital custard and free apple juice. When we asked if she wanted to kiss her sister we were met with a solid eye roll and a statement consisting of “She stinks weird. Maybe we should sell her back to BigW”. Such a solid family moment to remember for ever.

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They like each other now.. mostly

If you know me at all you will know that I am a complete tragic royals fan. They are just coolest and I am crushing hard. Well, this chick Kate (she’s like totes the duchess) is my unrequited best mate. We are BFF’s (but she just doesn’t quite know that yet). Anyhoo, she also had a bambino this week and it was PINK! Pink ones are the best, but admittedly I am a smidgeon biased because I am the mother to only pink dragons. BUT there is an issue in our wonderful imaginary friendship and that is that she stole my baby name. We both have new little Charlottes which is definitely going to be akws when we are at the park together sipping tea and one of us yells at our Charlotte to stop licking the slippery dip… Okay, princesses probably don’t lick stuff, I am sure she has people that do that for her and I spose probably thousands of other Strayans also have Charlottes, but you know that aren’t friends with my mate Kate. I like her, and she sent me this card with a virtual high-fiver so we have moved on and are BFFing all over the place again.

Charlotte #2 (1)

I hope to be back on board and publishing on the blog again soon, just depends on the state of Mount Washmore in the spare room, ahem, I mean nursery and on how long the little birdie keeps me in this state of eat. Sleep. Repeat.

I do want to share that later we will be running a competition giving one very lucky nester the opportunity to win a photography session with the very talented team at No Added Cheese! This is a special competition for one very deserving mama. WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Thanks for all the well wishes you beautiful Nesters!

CentralNestSignature

 

{The Weekly Nest} This week we endured tantrums, bunnies and the evolution of Mondee Night Trackie Night

Posted in The Nest Reviews by

This week has been a beautiful one in our little nest. We have received many new ‘likers’ on Facebook and we send out a massive high-five to all of you for sharing the love!CentralNestBlogNew

In our personal nest we are eagerly counting down the days until our new little birdy comes to say hello. I swear the last month of pregnancy has about 474,096 days..

It has been a testing week with the toddler-bird this week, the hubby-bird and I have started a daily announcement of ‘and today’s tantrum proudly bought to you by…’ tantrum

Here are some of the fabulous discussions we have entered this week:

                And today’s tantrum is proudly bought to you by:

  1. Because mummy refused to ring the firetruck people and tell them to come to our house so we can sign ‘hi’ to a fireman.
  2. Because mummy wouldn’t stop the rain
  3. Because the toy phone rang and Gracie wouldn’t take the call. Gracie is the dog.
  4. Because mummy wouldn’t ‘re-wrap’ the banana
  5. Because we wouldn’t paint our 4wd red instead of black
  6. Because we weren’t allowed to play with the garden edger
  7. Because we used the green cup, not the blue one.
  8. Because we used the blue cup, not the green one.
  9. Because they baby didn’t ‘hatch’ yet.
  10. Because we ran out of grapes.
  11. Because the cat didn’t want a hug.
  12. Because the mailman went past too quick.
  13. Because daddy went to work.
  14. Because the dog licked the door.

In other news, next weekend is a LOOOONG weekend (thank goodness!) and while you are sha-lumping around in a sugar coma from all the chocolate you will inevitably devour we have found some Black and White Bathroom inspo for you! Make sure you wrangle your own hubby-bird and head to Bunnings and get some shit sorted! ASAP.

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Gorgeous Bathroom Inspo for you!

We found a really interesting article that proved to be quite popular on the blog this week. The 6 Signs You’re Done Having Babies really hit home with some of our beautiful  Nesters. Some said they had that ‘gut’ feeling that they were done and some said they were still waiting on that feeling to hit. We love hearing from you and appreciate when you take the time to share your feelings and experiences with the little nest community.

 We discovered some brilliant Non-Chocolate Easter Gift Ideas this week for you, everyone gives chocolate but how about thinking outside the chocolate box this year? There is something in there for everyone! Something to keep, something to remember, something to keep the blood-sugars level!

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If you are looking for a tear-jerker read while sipping your warm cuppa then our story on The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say To Another Mother really tugged at the heartstrings. It shows that underneath it all we are bound by this invisible ribbon that ties all mama-birds together.

Another great style-go-to we learnt about this week was Chi Khi. To say we LOVE this new brand is the world’s biggest understatement! Kick-started by the beautifully talented Natalie Bassingthwaighte they offer funky, unisex designs for the most precious cargo of all, our little birdies. Add this site to your favourites like yesterday!

Whilst perusing our calendar (because you know, we are cool like that!) we realised that school holidays are only a sniff and fart away! If you are looking for something fun to keep your little birdie entertained these holidays then check out the awesome timetable from Bathurst PCYC. Offering everything from Circus Skills to Rock Climbing they surely have something to keep your mini-me occupied!

Another article that really resonated with you this week was our story about sisters.  Sometimes Sisters are like Blisters, Irritating and Annoying, But The There Are Other Times. Whilst bloody frustrating sometimes they are your ‘people’ and will always be there for you. Share this with your people.

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This week led to our life-changing discovery of Spylight. Now, let me break this down to you, you can actually purchase the look of your favourite TV star and have it sent directly to your home whilst in your trackie daks on a Mondee Night! How bloody sensational is that. Basically as soon as the episode airs the site uploads the look for you to buy!

Early in the week we found an article that while it discusses a less-than-fun topic it is really something you should consider. The reason why you should read 7 Signs You’re In An Unhappy Marriage is because it may just save your own relationship.

If you are looking to get out and about this weekend why not check some of these out?

  • Gold Crown is galloping forward this weekend! For more information check out www.goldcrown.com.au
  • Check out the Pop Up Cellar Door at Crago Mill Emporium in Piper Street, Bathurst on Saturday 28 March 2015 at 11am. You can sample local produce and wine. Plus loads of cheese and antipasto share platters!
  • On Friday 27 March 2015 the finals for the Elephant and Castle DJ of the Year are being held. Check out some fantastic talent.
  • The pioneer picnic is on Sunday 29 March 2015 from midday in Stanley Street opposite Old Government Cottage.
  • The PCYC has a safe drivers Course for Learner Drivers running this Sunday 29 March 2015 at 10am. Contact 6331 2191 for more information.weekend

With love,

CentralNestSignature

 

 

 

 

{The Nest Travels} Mighty Melbourne

Posted in The Nest Reviews, This is life by

Recently the hubby-bird and I were lucky enough to escape the reality of nappy changes and intense toddler hunger strike negotiations to experience beautiful Melbourne for a long-weekend filled with delicious food, copious drinks and adult conversation.

As two very excited Melbourne virgins, I can honestly say Melbourne stole our hearts.

SLEEPS:

We stayed at Somerset on Elizabeth which is located brilliantly as a springboard to all that Melbourne has to offer. It is easily within walking distance of many key locations, including Chinatown and Melbourne Central Train Station.

Somerset on Elizabeth is located in a shopaholic’s heartland. Situated only a hundred metres or so from H&M and only a stone’s throw from David Jones and Myer it really offered us a great launching pad for our stay.

The best thing about the Somerset on Elizabeth was the heated spa that soothed our many aches after shopping up a storm each day!

Somerset

EATS:

On day one, only minutes after arriving, we stumbled across a brilliant little place featuring true, honest food. Caboose Canteen was a welcome retreat right in the middle of the CBD that offered cold beer, good service and delicious food.

Considering we had been awake since before 5am and had travelled some 800kms, we were ravenous and selected the house speciality ‘Caboose Burger’ and a ‘Frankfurter Hot Dog’.

The hubby-bird is a self-diagnosed connoisseur of hot dogs and was definitely impressed. The hot dog came smothered in corn relish on a deliciously chewy baguette. The Caboose burger was possibly the most fantastic burger I have eaten in my life (not that I have the flair for the dramatic at all!). Consisting of ground wagyu beef, some salad stuff, a tomato chutney and smoked scamorza cheese it was decidedly hearty and unbelievable delicious.

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On a recommendation from a very lovely local, we made our way to the top of Collins Street and entered the Paris End of town and ate the most spectacular Mexican. Strange, I know but Mamasitas is simply, brilliant food. An interesting combination of part-taqueira (taco-shop), part tequila bar and part restaurant it is a hive of activity that completely sucked us in.

We were lucky enough to be seated on a window bench overlooking the bustling street below and enjoyed margaritas and Mexican beer. There is not a whole lot of unused space in Mamasitas so be prepared to hear conversations all around you (yes, Robert should definitely stand up to his boss and no, you shouldn’t sleep with your ex-girlfriend’s sister?!). Also they don’t accept reservations for small tables so be prepared to stand in line and wait up to about half an hour to get a seat.

An absolute necessity is to order immediately the Elotes Callejeros (chargrilled corn on the cob). They are smoky, tasty and all round addictive. We also enjoyed quesadillas and tostaditas. After possibly too much tequila (although will not formally admit that) we stumbled out of there with full bellies, big smiles and an ongoing addiction to chargrilled corn. We definitely recommend you visit your Mexican Mama.

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DO THIS:

The Melbourne Museum is incredibly interesting and informative. The hubby-bird and I are not known for possessing extensive attention spans but it kept us enthralled. We were lucky enough to catch the Aztec exhibition which was a powerful and tragic showcase of a culture that was heavily based on fear and the need to appease the gods. This exhibition is a wonderful collection of treasures that give an insight into some extraordinarily fascinating history. The Aztec Exhibition is only on display until 10 August 2014, so hurry up!melbourne2

One of the most wonderful things about Melbourne is just how beautiful a place it is. You can spend days just walking and absorbing the culture, the people and the beautiful surroundings. Within a couple of hundred metres you can be taken from the most modern, industrial restaurant to terraces that are old and full of untold stories.

A necessity in Melbourne is to make your way down to Degraves Street and find a seat in one of the beautiful little cafes and watch the world roll by. The smell of delicious coffee lingers in the air and the place is bustling with travellers and locals alike. Street art adorns the walls and the place is overflowing with good food and great conversations.

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The hubby-bird also begrudgingly dragged me to the Old Melbourne Gaol. I wasn’t thrilled about the prospect until I actually got there. We partook in a tour of the old City Watch House and it was absolutely hilarious. It is definitely worth a trip! You are taken on a tour that makes you laugh, makes you appreciate the fact that you are not a criminal and makes your certainly glad that you have a nice warm bed at home.

You should also go to the Crown. The casino is an adult’s playground of drinks, gambling and utter entertainment. I highly recommend finding Ivan and playing some blackjack. We had a fantastic evening and even walked out a smidge in front!

SHOPPING:

If you are interested in a bargain, grab the creditcard and head down to Harbourtown shopping centre. Filled to the brim with outlet stores, you will need an extra set of hands to carry home all your bargains.

H&M opened in Melbourne earlier this year and is an absolute haven for all fashionistas. Offering cheaper on-trend fashionable items that cater for many different tastes you are sure to find something for everyone. Beware though; the place is massive and messy. Plus, there is like a bazillion people in there ALL the time but it is totally worth a visit (well, in my case three visits). Located on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets it really is my happy place.coffee and tram

David Jones is actually the bees knees and the ants pants as far as department stores in Australia go. Lining both sides of Bourke Street Mall, David Jones offers many brands you simply cannot find elsewhere. There are floors and floors of Bally, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Saint Laurent to absolute drool upon (well, please not literally). We walked out with some new Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Prada friends.

Melbourne offers some great designer shopping that you are pushed to find elsewhere, Emporium is your one-stop shop to see, touch and buy beautiful pieces that you will treasure. Located in Lonsdale Street you should high-tail it there for sure.

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Overall Melbourne is a wonderful place to visit. Transport is superb and you can easily get from the Airport to the CBD on the skybus and the trams take you nearly everywhere you need to go.

Grab your partner, book a flight and head down south ASAP!

CONTACTS:

Accommodation: | Somerset on Elizabeth |

Eats: | Mamasita | Caboose Canteen |

Shopping: | Harbourtown Melbourne | Emporium | David Jones | H&M | Myer |

Visit: | Old Melbourne Gaol | Melbourne Museum | Crown Melbourne |

{Film} About Time you find the time

Posted in This is life by

To be honest, I don’t find time to watch many movies. I always intend to but get distracted somehow.

This weekend my hubby-bird and I stole some moments and watched ‘About Time’.

The film stars the delightful Rachael McAdams (who I have a severe girl crush on) and some English bloke I didn’t even know existed and is one of the most beautiful movies I have seen.

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This film says so much and I really recommend that you take the time to sit and watch it.

Combining a perfect mix of hilarity and tears. It will move you and help you appreciate life just a little more.

A perfect date night movie.

Happy watching Nesters!