It’s amazing how big Halloween has become here in Australia lately — and I’m absolutely loving it! This year was extra special because the kids had a Halloween disco at school, so they were dressed up from the morning. My daughter went as a cute little Minion, my son was a scary skeleton, and I joined in the fun with a red dress for my devil look 😈.
We’ve been having the best time walking around the neighbourhood, collecting chocolates, and soaking up all the spooky vibes.
It’s such a joy to see the kids’ excitement, the laughter, and all the creative costumes around. Honestly, I think I’m enjoying it as much as they are (maybe even more 😄).
This year’s Teej celebrations were such a beautiful surprise for me! 🌸✨
I ended up joining so many different Teej Ko Daar gatherings with different groups of friends, and each one had its own unique charm. There was endless food (seriously, the feasting never stopped), lots of laughter, hours of dancing, and of course—plenty of TikToks being made along the way. It was festive, colourful, and full of energy from start to finish.
What made it even more meaningful is that I’m Newar, and I didn’t really grow up celebrating Teej in the traditional way. But because of my friends, I was able to immerse myself in the joy of the festival this year—and I absolutely loved every part of it! Sometimes, it’s the people around you who make a festival special, and that’s exactly how it felt.
From finding outfit inspiration online, to getting dressed up in gorgeous festive looks, to sharing meals and dancing until we were all out of breath—the celebrations were about so much more than just tradition. They were about togetherness, joy, and creating memories that will stick with me for years.
Teej this year wasn’t just about celebrating—it was about connection, culture, and pure fun.
I’m so grateful to my friends for including me in their traditions and making me feel part of something bigger. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year! 💃
This year, the month of Shrawan felt truly unforgettable for me. 🌿 In Nepal, Shrawan is such a meaningful month. It’s the time when many people devote themselves to Lord Shiva, wear green bangles and outfits, and take part in fasting and prayers. It’s also when friends and family come together, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the joy of life.
To make it special, I invited my neighbours over for a little celebration at home. What started as a simple idea turned into one of the best evenings I’ve had in a long time. We had so much laughter, good food, music, and even a bit of dancing. The highlight for many of us was the mehendi session — sitting together, drawing henna designs, and showing them off afterwards added such a festive touch. The smell of fresh mehendi, the bright green bangles, and all the colours around us really brought out the Shrawan spirit.
It reminded me how beautiful it is to celebrate traditions not just for their religious value, but also for the way they bring people closer. Having my neighbours join in, share stories, and enjoy the evening made it feel like we weren’t just celebrating Shrawan, but celebrating friendship, community, and togetherness.
This Shrawan left me with a heart full of gratitude, and I’m already excited to carry on this little tradition in the years ahead. 💚✨
We celebrated our anniversary this year at Hunter & Barrel in Parramatta, and I have to say—it was such a lovely experience from start to finish.
Parking was surprisingly easy, which is always a win in Parramatta! We had a booking, so we were seated straight away. The venue itself has a warm, rustic charm with an inviting ambience, perfect for a special celebration. Our server was welcoming and attentive throughout the meal, which made everything even more enjoyable.
We went with the three-course set menu and started the night with a round of drinks—a cocktail for me and a glass of red wine for hubby.
For starters, we shared:
Calamari – Buttermilk and Szechuan marinated, lightly fried, and served with a delicious chilli jam.
Crispy Wings – Perfectly cooked and paired with smoky chipotle yoghurt. So flavourful!
For mains, I went for the Lamb Shank, which was beautifully tender, served with horseradish mash, roasted honey carrots, and rich jus. Absolutely melt-in-your-mouth! Hubby had the Crispy Pork Belly Tacos—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavour. Both mains came with crispy chips.
And of course, no celebration is complete without dessert!
I had the Blood Orange & Apple Sorbet, which was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with fresh seasonal fruit and passionfruit pulp.
Hubby chose the Basque Cheesecake with macerated strawberries, black pepper, basil, and Chantilly cream. It was heavenly!
The sweetest touch? They surprised us with “Happy Anniversary” written on our dessert plate. 🥹💖 Little details like that really make the day feel special.
We absolutely loved the vibe, the service, and every bite of food. Highly recommend Hunter & Barrel for any special occasion—or even just a nice night out.
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