A handsome turtle from Johanna Basford’s Mini Colouring Book, Flourish. I used Staedtler Triplus Fineliners, Vintage Conté à Paris Carrés Decor Sketching Pastels and a Gold Gel Pen.

Thoroughly enjoyed Just One Wish by Rachael Johns, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. I love her subtle humour and interesting storylines.

Bon Appétit! Chocolate Chip Cookies

Just as quirky as The Dressmaker, the sequel, The Dressmaker’s Secret by Rosalie Ham, is an entertaining read. I loved reading about the character’s lives, their relationships and of course, the couture!

An underwater sanctuary from Johanna Basford’s Mini Colouring Book, Flourish. I used Staedtler Triplus Fineliners, Vintage Conté à Paris Carrés Decor Sketching Pastels and a Gold Gel Pen.

Bon Appétit! French Apple Cake.

Bon Appétit! Chicken, Leek and Asparagus Risotto.

This was a delicious read! I really enjoy Josephine’s books, and I especially liked the gourmet and travel themes in The Jam Queens, along with personal stories of the main characters.

Loving my white Phalaenopsis Orchid. So pretty!

A deep-sea palace from Johanna Basford’s Mini Colouring Book, Flourish. I used Staedtler Triplus Fineliners, Vintage Conté à Paris Carrés Decor Sketching Pastels and a Gold Gel Pen.

Bon Appétit! Lemon Yogurt Cake

Enjoying handmade pizza and beautiful elegant wine from Chateau Tanunda from the Barossa Region in South Australia.

Loved The Paris Model by Alexandra Joel. Such a great story based on real life main characters. There’s fashion and glamour with Christian Dior, heartbreak with lost love ones and the war, and even a bit of international espionage!

There’s something just so magical about a Christmas tree and the sparkle of lights. I love our tree.

Absolutely loved Kayte Nunn’s The Botanist’s Daughter. The dual timelines, set in both the 19th and 20th centuries, were so well written and entertaining. This book goes in the favourites pile.

Happy 16th Birthday to my beautiful boy, Christopher. I love you so much.

Dusk. Taken from the treetop poolside deck in Portsea.

Celebrating my 50th Birthday with my beautiful boys at The Portsea Hotel, Portsea.

Such gorgeous weather today, and a wonderful lunch at The Portsea Hotel, Portsea. Feeling happy and grateful.

And it wouldn’t be a family getaway without a photo of my beautiful boy enjoying a paddle in the pool at Portsea!