Can you believe it? Our little Chhora is turning 5 this month! Time has flown by so fast; it feels like just yesterday he was learning to crawl.
As is our family tradition, we always try to buy something special to mark our kids’ birthdays. This year, I wanted to know what Chhora had in mind for his big day. Here’s how our conversation went:
Me: “Your birthday is coming up! What do you want as your birthday present?”
Chhora: “Slime!”
Me: “No, something big! It’s your birthday, after all.”
Chhora: “Big slime!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Our boy knows exactly what he wants! Looks like we’ll be getting the biggest batch of slime ever. 😊
After our brunch at Muglan, we decided to take the kids to watch the planes take off and land at The Grand Parade in Brighton-Le-Sands. We used to live around this area, and it has always been one of my favourite activities.
Located just south of Sydney Airport, Brighton-Le-Sands Beach is part of Lady Robinsons Beach and is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a sunny reprieve with beautiful views. At the end of the beach, you are so close to Sydney International Airport that you can see the planes land and take off up close. I’ve always loved this spot. You can get some amazing landing photos of planes, and the area is surrounded by a beautiful beach. Parking here is easy, and the walk to the plane spotting spot is straightforward. The beach is lively, filled with people fishing, and the nearby rock pools are great to explore and spot wildlife such as crabs, fish, and seagulls.
We walked along the rocks and found a perfect spot where we could see the planes take off and land. We saw some big aircraft, and the kids got incredibly excited.
We spent some time just waiting for the next plane and then the next. The thrill of watching each plane ascend and descend was exhilarating for the kids and nostalgic for us.
It was a beautiful sunny day with a clear blue sky, making it the perfect time to spend with the kids. The weather was ideal for plane spotting, and the joy on the kids’ faces was priceless. The sound of the waves crashing and the sight of the planes soaring made it a memorable experience.
On the way back to the car park, we stopped at the kids’ playground where the kids had a blast while we took a moment to rest. The playground was well-equipped and safe, providing a fun diversion for the little ones. It was a really nice family time together.
Have you ever been to Brighton-Le-Sands for plane spotting? Share your experience!
It’s getting cold here in Sydney and it was raining on Saturday. We spent the afternoon at home, but on Sunday it was a beautiful sunny day, so we decided to enjoy a family outing.
Our first stop was a Nepali buffet brunch in Rockdale. Rockdale is like a mini Nepal in Sydney where you can find anything and everything that reminds you of Nepal. The suburb has become a hub for the Nepali community, offering a vibrant mix of cultural experiences. From a variety of authentic Nepali restaurants to grocery stores stocked with Nepali spices and ingredients, you can find everything you need to feel at home. There are also Nepali clothing boutiques with traditional and modern designs, jewellery shops with beautiful handcrafted pieces, and many more specialty stores. It’s common to hear Nepali spoken all around making you feel like you’ve been transported to Kathmandu.
We decided to go to a restaurant called Muglan for a buffet breakfast. I’ve been there once before for dinner, but this was our first time for brunch.
Their website mentioned these varieties on the menu: Jerry, Puri, Chana, Kerao, Mlah Khu, Roti, Egg, Fried Rice, Jimbu Potato, Finni, Samosa, Pakora, Nimkin, Halwa, Chowmein, Nuggets, Fries,Juice, Local Tea & more…
We arrived at the venue around 12, and there weren’t many people. I loved the decor. As my eyes moved towards the Dhaka wallpaper, I noticed many more Nepali decorations like the statue of Goddess Tara and traditional Thangka paintings.
The intricate designs and vibrant colours of the Dhaka wallpaper added a touch of Nepali authenticity to the space, making it feel warm and inviting. The clay lamps and the mirrors adorned with traditional motifs further enhanced the cultural ambiance.
Unfortunately, they didn’t have nuggets on the menu that day, so we decided to get the kids’ food from the à la carte menu. The kids got sausages and chicken wings while we indulged ourselves with the variety of food. I started with puri and aloo tarkari, followed by eggs, pakora, Nepali tea, halwa, and jerry.
The food was good with plenty of variety, but it was unfortunate that they didn’t refill Sel and samosa, which are my favourites. When asked, a nice Nepali waitress mentioned that some food items are not refilled once they’re finished. This was a bit disappointing, but the overall quality of the food made up for it.
After our meal, we took a stroll around Rockdale. The area was bustling with activity, and it was heartwarming to see so many families enjoying their Sunday. We visited a few shops, picking up some Nepali spices and snacks to take home. The kids were fascinated by the colourful displays of traditional clothing and jewellery.
Overall, we had a good family time there. I definitely would have preferred to have nuggets on the menu for the kids and the availability of samosa and Sel. Regardless, we had a good brunch and the kids loved their food too.
Have you been to Muglan for brunch? Share your experience!
In the chaotic world of family car rides, even phone conversations aren’t safe from the whims of our witty kids.
Case in point: we’re cruising along, hubby’s on a call, and suddenly, this gem unfolds:
Husband: “Sorry, I can’t hear you well; you’re breaking up.”
Daughter: with a look of confusion “But you can’t break up!”
Me: “Why’s that, sweetie?”
Daughter: “Well, you’re not in a romantic relationship.”
Me: chuckling “Actually, we are. We’re married.”
Daughter: with a knowing grin “Exactly! You can’t just break up; you’d need a divorce.”
And just like that, she hits us with the logic bomb, leaving us in stitches as we try to decode the intricacies of “breaking up over the phone.” Leave it to kids to inject some unexpected hilarity into even the most mundane moments. Here’s to many more laugh-out-loud conversations on the road with our little comedian in training!
Our autumn holiday in the Blue Mountains was the perfect opportunity to finally visit Mayfield Garden, a place that had been on my bucket list for ages. Known as one of the largest and most spectacular cool climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, Mayfield Garden certainly lived up to its reputation.
As Australia’s largest privately-owned cool climate garden, Mayfield is a testament to the vision of the Hawkins family, who drew inspiration from Europe’s most significant horticultural destinations. Since we were already staying overnight in the Blue Mountains, a day trip to Mayfield Garden was a no-brainer. The scenic hour-long drive only added to our anticipation.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by landscapes straight out of a fairytale. The garden unfolded before us, a paradise of vibrant autumn hues, serene water features, and inviting pathways. From the tranquil Obelisk Pond to the grandeur of the Hawkins’ Family Chapel, every corner of Mayfield Garden beckoned us to explore further.
I was particularly enchanted by the Pampas Garden, with grasses towering above me. It felt like a scene straight out of a Bollywood film, and I couldn’t resist the urge to take countless photos of the Japanese Maples, their leaves ablaze with rich autumn colours.
The kids were thrilled with the treasure hunt map they received at the entrance. They were so engaged in finding all the numbers on their map that they forgot how much walking they were doing.
The English Box Hedge Maze was a highlight for both kids and adults alike. Navigating its twists and turns was a delightful adventure, and we emerged with smiles on our faces and a sense of accomplishment. It took us around 10 minutes to reach the bell tower, it took us only 5 minutes to get out.
Our only hiccup came when we attempted to lunch at the garden’s restaurant. Despite available tables, we were turned away as we hadn’t booked in advance. Left with no other option, we settled for pizza from a nearby establishment. Unfortunately, the pizzas were a disappointment – burnt on the edges and cold in the middle. Lesson learned: always pack a picnic lunch to avoid food-related woes!
Despite this minor setback, our visit to Mayfield Garden was nothing short of enchanting. It perfectly complemented our Blue Mountains holiday, offering a blend of natural beauty and artistic landscaping that left us in awe. If you ever find yourself in the area, don’t miss the chance to experience this magical oasis firsthand. Just be sure to pack your own lunch to avoid any disappointments!
Mayfield Garden 530 Mayfield Rd, Oberon NSW PH: (02) 6336 3131 Open 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday – Sunday.
Have you been there? Leave your experience in the comments!
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