Noosa Trip: People

Here are some of my favourite "people" photos of the trip.

Edward digging into his avocado on toast at Seasons Restaurant on Noosa Beach

My favourite photo from the trip. Taken before a ride on the buggy

My gorgeous younger sister and her BF Carl, who we have an ongoing joke with, because he looks like Warner from the movie Legally Blonde. Oh Warner! This photo was taken on NYE, a quiet dinner at home

Happy New Year Abs!

My folks. This photo was taken at lunch at Sails Restaurant on New Years Day. It was SO hot but gorgeous. 

Abi sick of posing for me, on New Years Day at lunch. She looks very 'Noosa' in her kaftan.

Dad and me on the boat, the most gorgeous afternoon.

Having a picnic down by the river, enjoying Vegemite sandwiches.

Noosa Trip : Australia Zoo

This was our 4th visit to Australia Zoo, but Edward's 1st time. He was obviously too young to enjoy the main show but he did love seeing the smaller animals and watching his older sister running around from exhibit to exhibit.


Australia Zoo is a 45 minute drive from Noosa, the kids slept on the way which was great. After dropping an obscene amount of money to enter the main gates, off we went to explore the zoo. Abi's favourite animals were the crocodiles, kangaroos and the new Africa exhibit. Bindi, now 13, is growing up and is the star of the main show. Her brother Bob, age 9 is the spitting image of his father Steve, and Abi thought he was really "funny" because he was cheeky and told jokes to the crowd. Terri is still wearing those high waisted jeans which should be outlawed if you ask me. She is too young to look so old!


Being inland, the zoo is incredibly humid and muggy. We happened to go on a 30'c day which felt even hotter in the jungle environment. We left around 4 hours after opening time and headed back to Noosa for a swim and icecream. Will we return again? Probably. But we will wait till Edward is older and can enjoy it more. Maybe next time we will go to PissWeak World instead.


Here are the best of the 'Zoo' photos from the trip.

This is the 1ST thing we had to do upon entering the park. Go on the kid's reptile cup ride. Abi loved it and wanted to ride it again and again. 

Loving the spinning snake pod!

Here's when the Canon DSLR battery gave up and I realised the spare battery was back at the house, dammit! Look at Bindi, all grown up, hurling a piece of rabbit towards this croc. Oooooooohhhhhhwaaahhhhhhh

Edward was well and truly over the croc show pretty quickly. His expression says it all really. Get.Me.Out.Of.Here!

Abi begged us to ride the pony so how could we refuse?! Now, of course, she wants a pony. Reminds me of Seinfeld. My sister had a pony, my cousin had a pony, I HAD A PONY!

This kid has no fear sometimes. She walked right up to every animal for a pat. This joey wasn't too keen on visitors so off he bounced. 

Abi in front of the giraffes at the new Africa exhibit. She loved watching them eat and walk around. It was SO hot here though, no shade at all. Blergh.

I love this photo so much. It looks really 80's, I don't know why. Maybe the legionnaires hat and the colour blocking t-shirt? She looks so grown up in this photo. Can't believe she is 3 & 1/2 yrs old.

The only photo of me at the zoo. Hot and bothered and over it by then. Peace out.

Noosa Trip : Water

As most people do in summer, we try and spend alot of time near, in or on the water. Noosa is great for this.

The beach is amazing. The sand is incredibly soft and white. The water temp is refreshing but lovely. The boardwalk is doted with amazing cafes, restaurants, shops and people.

The river is a short drive away and is the main attraction for watersports. Boats, jet skis, paddle skis, sailboats, swimmers, fisherman, all use the river from sunrise to sunset.

We hired a boat one afternoon and set course down the river to fish and enjoy the passing scenery of riverfront mansions, old houseboats, treehouses, waterskiiers and marine life.

My parents house has a small plunge pool in the yard which we used every day. At one stage, we had so many floats in there, you could barely swim a stroke but the kids loved it.

Here are the best of the 'water' photos from the trip.

James and Edward enjoying a dip

Abi riding, what appears to be a deer. We don't know why anyone would make a deer pool float? Deers don't swim do they?

Edward, a Piscean, is very comfortable in the water.

The lone pool noodle

Abs cooling off by the pool

Noosa Main Beach. It reminds me of Amity Island in the film, Jaws. The water is so clear and calm.

Abi in her beach get-up. I am super strict about being sun smart. My poor kids will be wearing these suits forever!

Noosa River

Edward having a steer of the boat, with a little help from his Pa.

Abi's turn to drive and she loved it!

Water-skiers sailing past our fishing spot.

My special little girl

Summer on the river

Roadtrip: Sydney to Noosa

We decided to drive the 1200kms from Sydney to Noosa for our summer holiday. We have done this drive twice in the past and we are big fans of road trips, country towns, and the lovely country people you meet along the way.

Heading northbound, we took the New England Highway which heads inland. This freeway is safer than the Pacific Highway and much more quiet. Most of the drive, we had no cars around us which makes the drive much more safe, in my experience.

We stayed in Glen Innes, a gorgeous little celtic country town in Northern NSW. Our motel room was a little dusty and noisy but fine for 1 night. We ate chinese food, we showered with thongs on, we checked out at 6am and were back on the road again. Driving through Brisbane was a bit hectic. The new motorways aren't quite complete yet and we zig zagged all over the outer suburbs with our sat nav directing us in confusing routes. We knew the way so plotted our own course and finally headed north on the Bruce Highway to the Sunshine Coast. 

Here are some photos of the drive, Sydney to Noosa.

Just north of Scone

Abi all set up with movies on the ipad and new headphones for Christmas

Abi and the Golden Guitar in Tamworth

Poor Edward, he was SO sick with croup and a middle ear infection. He was such a trooper on the drive though. Here we are in Tamworth for lunch

My man behind the wheel near Amidale. He did most of the driving on the 1st day because I had a virus and wasn't feeling up to the immense concentration needed to drive the highway.

The main street of Glen Innes. Lovely little country town. We always stop here on the way north.

Here we are at 6pm at the Dragon Court Chinese restaurant in Glen Innes. We ALWAYS eat here when we do the road trip. The restaurant is TINY, it holds about 30 people. But the food is hot, tasty and cheap. The locals are cheerful and friendly too.

We didn't stay here but I love the architecture. It's a complete time warp back to the 1970's. The highway is scattered with a bundle of hotels like these. Gorgeous.

Day 2 - Glen Innes to Noosa. Here are the beautiful mountains between Stanthorpe and Warwick in Sth QLD. The drive over the mountains is a little scary!

Finally, we have arrived at my parent's house. Let out huge sigh of relief.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Burning Man Festival. Held every year in the Nevada Desert, this festival is a very special one. The event is described by many participants as an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance. It's impossible to describe what it's all about, so check it out here on their website. I've never been, many friends have, and have said it is LIFE CHANGING. 




I would love the chance to one day experience this festival, this community. But I have a feeling it might take YEARS of convincing on my behalf, to get my husband to come with me. So until then, check out the amazing video above. Burning Man festival go-ers quoting one of my favourite Dr Seuss books, Oh The Places You'll Go.

Coachella Music and Arts Festival

James and I did something completely spontaneous this morning, at 5am. We booked tickets to Coachella Festival in Indio, CA.  

I've wanted to attend this festival for years. YEARS! And now I am. Yes, I am nervous about leaving the kids for 7 nights but I know they will be in good, safe hands of my mother and mother-in-law. The mother guilt kicked in, as I clicked "confirm order purchase" but then James reminded me that it's been nearly 2 years since we've had a holiday together. I'm 30 and still want to do everything on my "life list" before I get too old, before I have another baby, before many things.

The timing, when will it ever be right, to leave the kids. But right now, we have the money, and James has a break from Grad School and it's our 5 year wedding anniversary in June, and the lineup, MY GOD, the lineup is so amazing. Read those bands, it's SO up my alley. I know a whole bunch of people going too. Friends from Sydney, New York, London, Dubai, all coming to Coachella to dance in the desert and soak in the sun and tunes.

I am beyond excited. Wet my pants excited. Heart beating fast excited. Since we are going to the States in October for a month, this trip in April will only be a quick one. 2 nights in LA, 3 nights in Palm Springs. I am perusing accommodation choices in LA. On previous visits to LA, I've stayed in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and on Sunset Blvd, so I really don't mind where we stay.

I plan to shop till I can't walk anymore. To eat mexican food till my belly hurts. Drink margaritas till I giggle. I cannot wait. And when I come home, I will cuddle and kiss my babes and be content, that I did something for me. 

California, here we COME!

Currently - The Xmas/January '12 Edition

Whoops, I'm a little late with this one, but Xmas and the New Year just came around so quickly. Here we go.


Current Book
My generous mother-in-law bought me a kindle for Xmas. I was so surprised and excited at once. Finally I can start reading all those books I have on a wishlist in my mind. First cab off the rank is Tina Fey's 'BossyPants'. I'm about 1/4 way through, so far, so good.


Current Playlist
Wow, this is so hard to pick at the moment. SO much great music out at the moment. Here are my current favourites.

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

This is my pick of albums for 2011. Each and every song is brilliant. Do yourself a favour, have a listen. This album will take you places. I'm seeing Bon Iver in March at the Sydney Opera House and I can barely contain my excitement. There will be tears shed, for sure.


The Black Keys - El Camino

A close runner-up for album of the year. Every track on this is fun and fresh. And I bet your husband's will like this one too. Turn it up LOUD and enjoy!


The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence

This is the final album released in the trilogy of albums for 2011 by this amazing new artist. It's definitely not kid friendly, lots of cursing and lyrics about sex, drugs etc. This album was only released 3 weeks ago but it's already a favourite.


SBTRKT - SBTRKT

Another fabulous album, this is my dance selection for the playlist. I'm seeing them next month at Laneway Festival in Sydney, cannot wait.


Singles that made the cut:

• Lana Del Rey - Off To The Races, Video Games and Born To Die
• Miike Snow - Devil's Work
• Avicii and David Guetta - Sunshine (Bootleg Remix)
• Iron and Wine - Flightless Bird, American Mouth
• Girls - Vomit

Current Colour

Blue for water. It's all around me. The ocean, swimming pool, my drink of choice, cold showers on hot afternoons. 

Current Drink
Water. Kirks Lemon Squash and Pasito. Coffee from my new Delonghi Nespresso machine, bliss.


Current Food
Smoothies. Fruit. Lamb. Chicken Schnitzel rolls. Ice blocks. 


Current New Favourite Show

I am halfway through the latest season of Gossip Girl. It's the best season in years. Except Liz Hurley is in it which makes me want to barf. She is the worst villain ever. About to start watching Downton Abbey which I've heard is good. American Horror Story and the new season of Mad Men (finally!) are also on my radar.

Current Wish List
I'm about to start the Michelle Bridges 12 WBT program. And I'm terrified. Diets and exercise programs have worked for me in the past, like Jenny Craig and personal training at the gym, but I'm really nervous about what lies ahead in the future. So I'm wishing for courage and motivation, I'm going to need it!

Current Triumphs
I only gained 300grams over Xmas/NYE. This is miracle because I ate my weight in salad, ham, and ice cream. 2012 is the year I start living like a normal healthy person. 


Current Abigail

My baby girl started pre-school this week. The centre is brand new and only opened this week as well. So it's been a huge week of us in the McKinnon household. Also, Abs is becoming such a little fish in the pool. Yesterday after kindy, Abi and I swam for an hour and half. With no floaties on, just diving and jumping and leaning to blow bubbles. I am so proud of her. At the moment, all Abi talks about is how much longer before we go to Disneyland? And I tell her, it's only 8 months to go baby!

Current Edward

My little man isn't little anymore. He is 10 months old this week and the light in our lives. He crawls and cruises around the furniture. He likes the water, but doesn't like the beach very much. He loves to eat toast, sandwiches, yoghurt, custard, watermelon, bananas, and pasta. He sleeps from 7pm - 7am, every night, like a little trooper. I can't believe how lucky I am to have him in my life. 

Current Celeb Crush

Ryan Gosling... What a lush!

Current #1 Blessing
We survived the road trip to Noosa and back. I was really dreading how the kids would go in the car for 2 days but they were fantastic. My in-laws generously gave James and I solar heating for the pool as our Xmas gift. We had it installed the week before Xmas. Currently my pool temp is hovering around 32'c. Yes, you read it right, 32'c. Balmy and lovely. We stay in the pool for hours. 


Current Excitement

• About to begin Michelle Bridges 12WBT program
• Planning Edward's 1st Birthday party
• A bunch of close friends just had babies in the past month so I look forward to lots of cuddles with newborns and lots of socialising with my friends and babies.
• Going to Laneway Festival in February
• Going to see Bon Iver in March
• Planning our big trip to the States in October. 4 weeks of fun filled family time in the USA. We cannot wait.

Current App

Instagram. My favourite app for quite some time. I am really enjoying playing along with Telle at fatmumslim, the January Photo-A-Day challenge is fantastic. Get on board!

Merry Xmas

As you can see, my children don't do Santa photos. This is Abi's 3rd consecutive year of crying while having her photo with Santa. And I love it. It's hilarious isn't it. The things we do for... tradition? Why do we do this? To show our kids all the weird things we used to make them do? Either way, it's a quick way to blow $50... on Santa photos at my local shopping mall.


The big day is almost upon us. I wish you all a very Merry Xmas and safe holiday season. If you are driving anywhere, please drive safely. And slowly.


I hope you spend this festive holiday with your loved ones, as I will be.


Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, my favourite day of the festive holiday. The 25th December is just so manic and crazy, that I like the quietness that Christmas Eve holds. We watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and sit around the tree and reflect on the year and all our blessings. I am heading to Woolworths at 7AM tomorrow morning to buy food and champagne, wish me luck.


I am hosting a Christmas breakfast and having my in-laws over for croissants, fruit, champagne and gifts.


Then we are heading to my Mum's house up the road for our traditional lunch with family. Mum is planning something special this year and has kept a tight lip about it. I'm sure it will be spectacular as always. My brother is up from Canberra and I look forward to spending quality time with him.


THEN, we are heading to my in-laws house house for a hot dinner, long conversations, playing with puppies and laughter.


Boxing Day, we are doing it all over again. My aunty and uncle are coming to my Mum's place for more festivities. And my inlaws host an annual Boxing Day BBQ too so we will stop in there for more holiday goodness.


I would like to thank every person who read this little blog, left a comment or sent an email/tweet. I promise to be back, bigger and bolder than ever in 2012.


xx Sam xx

Puppy Love

Meet Ziggy, the latest member of my in-laws family. My inlaws have 3 gorgeous daschunds.

Oscar who is the old man on campus at age 16. Ruby is 1 years old and she is crazy & hyper. She doesn't like anyone really, which is pretty typical of daschunds.  Then here is Ziggy, who is 8 weeks old. His coat is so soft, he whimpers like a baby and he fits in the palm of your hand.

James and I discussed getting a dog this year, but felt that a new baby was enough for 2011. Maybe next year, when we can commit the time to train and nurture a new pet like we want to. And we need to agree on which kind of breed to get. James wants a German Shepherd. I want a Labrador or Beagle.

So until then, I get to indulge all my puppy wishes onto Ziggy.

Shake It Out

Last week, I jumped onto ticketmaster as soon as the ticket presale started and it paid off, because I have front row seats to see Florence and the Machine in May 2012. I cannot wait. If you listen to one song this week, make sure it's this one.


It's always darkest before the dawn. So true Flo, so true.