Taking Stock – February 2019

taking stock February 2019

February was a month of two halves as I spent the first two weeks in Sydney and the last two weeks in the motherland. It’s been a change of scenery, a change in weather and a change in company but you know what they say, a change is as good as a rest. But before I march in to March, I’m going to take a breather and take stock. I’d love it if you joined me!

Loving: Frangipanis. They’re my favourite.

Melting: In Sydney.

Cooling: Down in the motherland.

Embracing: My inner child at Sugar Republic Sydney.

Sugar Republic Sydney - cake

Knowing: That growing up is a trap. That’s why I refuse to do it.

Baking: This 5 ingredient Mango Fruit Cake. This uses tinned mango so it’s a cake for life, not just for mango season!

mango-fruit-cake-2

Coveting: All the British baked goods. Can’t stop eating scones, won’t stop eating scones!

Making: These Cheesy Chicken, Mustard and Spinach Scrolls. They’re crazy good.

Cheesy Chicken Mustard and Spinach Scrolls 5

Listening: To the new podcast Who The Hell is Hamish? It’s gripping!

Binging: On The Plague (SBS on Demand) and Grace and Frankie Season 5. So good!

Revamping: Another 10 recipes in this month’s 10 on 10 photography project. These Chocolate Heart Cakes were just the ticket to celebrate our anniversary and Valentine’s Day.

heart shaped chocolate cake 1

Sticking: To the 5:2 diet, when I’m not eating scones!

Fasting: 2 days a week and eating scones for 5. Just joking!

Meeting: My friend Jo in my computer, in real life!

Reading: Jo’s brilliant book Happy Ever After.

Happy-Ever-After

Sharing: What’s on my bookshelf and my tips on where to read.  

Remembering: What a fun packed 72 hours we had in Hobart.

Crying: At the sad news of the passing of my favourite furry friend, Mochi Elliot. We are going to miss her SO much.

Treasuring: The times we had together. They were pawsome!

Mochi Elliot

Spending: Our first Valentine’s Day apart.

Choosing: Experiences not things.

Celebrating: Our 12th wedding anniversary with a weekend away.

anniversary 2019

Weekending: In beautiful Berry.

Staying: At this stunning Airbnb in Berry. I really didn’t want to leave!

Tasting: Wine at Two Figs Winery and Silos Estate.

A weekend in Berry - Two Figs Winery

Flying: To the motherland!

Watching: All the good plane movies – Boy Erased, Crazy, Rich Asians and Instant Family.

Having: Three seats to myself – such a treat!

Dreaming: Of a business class upgrade… One day!

Following: Saratoga Dog Walkers on Instagram – BEST!

Wearing: A hat, scarf and boots and loving it!

Noticing: That spring has sprung in England. Check out the colour on those crocuses!

Taking stock Calvin

Liking: British weather.

Disliking: British coffee. I can’t help but find it sadly lacking!

Trying: Haslet for the first time. Have you ever had it?

haslet sandwich

Buying: All the British clothes. I couldn’t help it – Dorothy Perkins had a sale on!

Catching: Up with old friends. It’s good for the soul.

Borrowing: Books from my mum’s local library.

British books

Finding: Books from all my favourite British authors including Mike Gayle, Jenny Colgan and Jill Mansell. It’s a literary trifecta!

Eating: More of Mr Gearing’s enormoscones at Lady Rose’s Edwardian Tea Room.

Enormoscones

Getting: Quality time with mum. And Calvin the Dog.

Running: At the local Park Run. I had so much fun I steamed up my glasses!

Regretting: Not packing my sunglasses.

Park run Lincoln

Marvelling: At St George Open Air Cinema. It’s certainly a movie with a view!

Enjoying: The Mov’In Bed outdoor cinema. You get to watch the movie outside and in bed, so comfy!

Movin bed outdoor cinema

Fangirling: Over Martha Hall Kelly – her debut novel Lilac Girls is magnificent – and she’s on the blog!

Admiring: Martha – she’s so inspiring!

Walking: Everywhere with my furry favourite, Calvin the Dog.

Calvin the dog

Missing: David… Especially as he is San Francisco. My favourite person in my favourite city!

Looking: Forward to more time with mum, a couple of days in the big smoke and then coming home to my love.

Did you have a fabulous February? Are you a hot or cold weather person?

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