30

The big day is here. Today I'm 30. I feel better today, much better than I have the last few weeks. I've been dreading today, like I dread my Birthday every year. But here it is, and there's nothing I can do to stop it.


I feel ready to move on from my 20's in a positive way. I plan to lose all that tension and anxiety about who I am and what I want to be.


I am going to embrace life. Did I think my life would be like this 10 years ago? Probably not. But I love what I have. 2 gorgeous kids. An amazing partner. A fantastic family who care about me. A new home that I feel blessed to call my own and my health. At the end of the day, what more can you ask for.


Tonight my parents are minding my babes while James and I are heading to dinner at Rockpool in the city. Tomorrow, no plans yet. We will see where the day takes us. Mathildas Market, the beach, who knows. Sunday, my whole family are heading to Bather's Pavilion at Balmoral Beach for a gorgeous lunch. Hopefully the sun will shine, the salty breeze will blow and we will laugh and be merry.


See you on the other side. xx

30th Birthday Destination # 2

Somewhere alot closer and cheaper than Thailand is Noosa on the sunny Sunshine Coast in QLD.


Noosa is so lovely. I adore every holiday I've had up there. Except dealing with the tropical monsoons in the month of January.


We have a holiday house up there which my parents frequent often. What I love about Noosa is that it is far away enough from Sydney to feel like a holiday, but not too long on a plane which is great with little kids.


If we go to Noosa for my 30th, another bonus is that I can ask friends to join us. Accommodation is super cheap in the winter months up there, and 2 of my best friends turn 30 right before I do so we could make a real celebration of it if they joined us.


Here are some reasons why I love Noosa and why it's a contender for my big 3-0!

Amazing restaurants to choose from. The 2 photos above are of my favourite place to dine, Sails on Hastings Street.

Gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, so many activities to keep yourself occupied...

Gustos is my favourite restaurant in Noosaville (the River). This place is amazing, very kid friendly.

The famous Eumundi Markets are a short drive away. Great stalls, lovely locals, amazing food and lots of fun.

I know some people might think this is odd, but I like the idea of having a good mall nearby for supplies. Noosa Civic is a quick car trip and you can stock up on food, booze and emergency toy supplies if necessary.

Lake McKenzie, located on Fraser Island, is a long but FUN 4WD away. The whole family went there once and it was amazing. Fresh lakes, white sand, but lots of headaches from the bumping in the 4WD. Not for everyone, but lots of fun indeed.

I've been twice before but I'd go again and again. Australia Zoo is a GREAT place for kids. Very educational and entertaining. Not a cheap day out, but lots of fun.

30th Birthday Destinations

I'm turning the dirty 30 in August. I can't believe it, 30! And I want it to be special. I've had some sub-par birthdays in the past and hopefully this year will be stellar!

We went away to Bali for James's 30th last year and it was amazing. Private villa, staff, drivers, the whole experience was a dream. Except for me getting sick at the end of the trip, major bzzt.

By the time August rolls around, I will have a 3 yr old toddler and a 5 month old newborn to accompany us wherever we decide to go. James and I have been discussing going away somewhere, but we cannot decide.

Here is the 1st place we have talked about. A dear friend from school got married here about 12 months ago and said it was DEVINE!

Trisara

This is the standard view from most of the villas. Sheesh!

I could see myself celebrating here!

This is the main pool area, not too shabby!



Floating pontoon out in the ocean

Massages here? Where do I sign up?

Best of all, they have a complimentaty kids club which looks fantastic! They take the kids outdoors to the beach and pool too.

This place is a little on the high end of our budget so we would only go for a few nights with a stopover in Bangkok or Singapore. I'm not sure about how Abi would go eating local food though. And I've heard of many people getting "thai tummy" (diarrhea and tummy upsets) from the local food and water. So this destination does have some risks.