I feel bad even admitting this, but sometimes I think it’s true that second children can get overlooked a little compared to the first.
With our chhori, from such an early age we put so much effort into creating opportunities for her. She went to school activities, piano, swimming, gymnastics — and we were always thinking of new ways to add value to her life and give her experiences.
But with our chhora, if I’m being completely honest, we’ve been a little more relaxed (or maybe just more tired and comfortable as parents). He was doing swimming and soccer, but not much else.
Last year he kept asking to try taekwondo and I brushed it off thinking it was probably just another short-term interest. But then he kept asking… for three whole months. Eventually we realised he wasn’t letting it go and decided we should properly look into it.
I’ll admit, I hated the idea at first — twice a week felt like a lot with everything else going on.
And now I’m so glad we said yes.
He absolutely loves it. He gets excited for class, talks about it afterwards and genuinely looks forward to going. Watching him enjoy something that he chose for himself has been such a reminder for me that every child is different and needs different things.
It also made me reflect on how easy it is to assume younger siblings will just fit into family life without us intentionally creating opportunities for them too.
And now that he’s doing so well and enjoying it so much, we decided to send chhori as well — and she’s loving it too ❤️
Parenting really is one long lesson in learning, adjusting and trying to do better.
People often imagine working from home means a slow morning in pyjamas and endless cups of coffee… but reality? It’s more like balancing meetings, family life, deadlines, school pick-up and trying to remember whether I actually drank my tea while it was still hot 😅
Here’s a little glimpse into a typical work from home day as an IT professional and mum.
My mornings usually start before work mode even begins. I wake up and take a little time for myself — brush my hair, do my skincare and get ready for the day. I’ve realised over time that even on work from home days, getting properly ready helps me feel more focused and puts me in the right mindset.
Then I head out for a morning walk. That quiet time before the day begins has become something I really value. Fresh air, movement and a chance to clear my head before everything gets busy.
Once I’m back home, it’s straight into family mode. Breakfast gets prepared, lunch boxes packed and everyone organised for the day ahead. I make breakfast for the family and prepare lunch for the kids and hubby so everyone is sorted before heading out.
Then suddenly — the house goes quiet.
And just like that… my workday begins.
Laptop open. Calendar checked. Coffee nearby.
Most days are a mix of meetings one after another, project discussions, checking in with teams, responding to messages and trying to stay on top of priorities. In between meetings, I usually find time to finalise documents, work through tasks and keep projects moving.
One thing I’ve learnt working in IT is that there’s always something happening. Some days are calm and productive, and some days feel like solving ten puzzles at once — but I genuinely enjoy the challenge.
Then before I know it… it’s already 3pm.
Time to switch hats again.
Laptop closed (temporarily), keys grabbed and off I go to pick up the kids. I actually love this part of the day because no matter how busy work gets, school pick-up feels like a reset. Hearing about their day, random stories and what happened at lunch somehow puts everything into perspective.
Once we’re back home, it’s back online for a little while to wrap things up and finish work around 5pm.
Then starts my favourite shift — home life.
Afternoons are spent hanging out with the kids, chatting, helping where needed and making time to actually be present. We sit together for tea and snacks, which has become one of those small daily moments I really enjoy.
Then it’s time to make dinner, clean up and settle into the evening.
One of my favourite parts of the day is finally slowing down and talking with hubby — catching up on our days, talking about random things and just spending time together after everything settles down.
Before bed, I spend some more time with the kids — cuddles, chats, hearing about tomorrow’s plans and soaking up those little moments because I know they grow too quickly.
And before I call it a day, I make time for one small ritual that I’ve really come to enjoy — reading my book before going to sleep. It’s my little way to slow down, put the screen away and end the day quietly. Just a few pages helps me relax, reset and take a moment for myself before doing it all again tomorrow. 📚✨
And then… lights out and call it a day.
Work from home life isn’t always perfectly balanced and some days feel chaotic, but I’m grateful for the flexibility, the family moments and being able to do work I enjoy while still being present for the people I love most ❤️
Yesterday we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary, and my heart feels so full reflecting on how far we’ve come.
I still remember starting this blog around the same time we got married and sharing our wedding journey. Back then, I never imagined how many people would connect with our story, show interest in Nepali and Newari culture and traditions, and follow along through different chapters of our life. It has been such a beautiful journey to share those moments and memories.
And now… here we are, 15 years later.
Fifteen years of growing together, learning together, supporting each other and creating a life that feels bigger and more beautiful than I ever imagined. Looking back, I truly feel so blessed that I found my person ,the one who makes ordinary days feel special and who stands beside me through every season of life.
To my husband : thank you for your love, patience, encouragement and for being my safe place. Thank you for all the laughs, the late-night chats, the adventures, the teamwork and for showing up every single day for our family. Through every challenge and every joyful moment, you have been my greatest blessing.
These 15 years have given us so much : a home filled with love, endless memories and most importantly, our two beautiful kids who make life louder, messier, funnier and infinitely more meaningful. From family trips, pool days, birthday celebrations, silly dances in the kitchen, school runs, cuddles, endless questions and all the little everyday moments , these are the memories I treasure most. Watching our kids grow while growing together as a couple has been the greatest adventure of all.
Marriage isn’t just about the big milestones ,it’s built in the small moments, choosing each other again and again, laughing through the chaos and finding joy in everyday life.
After 15 years, I can honestly say I still feel incredibly lucky to walk through life with you by my side. I love you more than words can ever express, and I cannot wait for many more years of happiness, adventures, traditions, family moments and memories still to come. ❤️
Our recent trip to Tasmania was an incredible journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. A standout highlight was our visit to the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart. Having heard so many glowing reviews, we arrived with high expectations, and MONA delivered a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family—albeit with a few surprises along the way!
From the outside, MONA appears deceptively modest, with its sleek, modern, minimalist façade giving no indication of the vast world hidden beneath. Once inside, we were awestruck by the scale of the underground galleries. Spread across multiple levels, the museum feels like a labyrinth of creativity, with dark, winding pathways leading to a treasure trove of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing art.
The exhibits themselves were a mix of the strange, the beautiful, and the deeply intriguing. One of the standout installations was the “Pulse Room,” a mesmerizing display of hanging light bulbs that pulse in time with the heartbeat of the participants. It was a captivating way to blend art and human connection. Another unforgettable piece was the “Cloaca Professional” (often referred to as the “poo machine”)—a bizarre but oddly fascinating work that mimics the human digestive process. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it certainly sparked some animated conversations with the kids, who were equal parts amused and bewildered!
The “Waterfall” installation, which displays falling water droplets spelling out words and phrases, was another crowd favourite. It was stunning to watch and left us marveling at the creativity and technology behind it. We also explored the interactive “O” device, which provides in-depth information about each artwork, allowing us to choose whether to dive deeper into the meaning of the pieces or simply appreciate them at face value.
Some exhibits, however, weren’t child-friendly due to mature or confronting themes. As parents, we made sure to guide our kids carefully and chose areas that felt suitable for them. Despite these limitations, MONA did an excellent job of offering an educational experience. Our children were surprisingly engaged, especially with the interactive features and the museum’s clever use of technology, like the augmented reality elements that added layers to the experience.
Once we were ready for a break, the outdoor areas provided the perfect opportunity to unwind. The kids, who had grown a bit restless indoors, were thrilled to discover the giant trampoline outside. They bounced with endless energy under the open sky, surrounded by MONA’s quirky sculptures and serene gardens. The outdoor spaces had a unique vibe, blending relaxation with a sense of playful exploration.
The museum’s practical features also enhanced the visit. Lockers to store our belongings made navigating the galleries much easier, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. However, we did find the food options somewhat underwhelming. While the on-site cafes had a decent selection, we expected something more creative and varied to match the museum’s bold reputation.
Admission was AUD 35 for adults, with free entry for children under 18, which we found to be excellent value considering the scale and uniqueness of the experience.
Overall, MONA was an unforgettable experience that added a distinct and unexpected flavour to our Tasmania trip. The museum’s blend of art, creativity, and innovation made for a truly memorable visit, while the outdoor play areas were a major highlight for the kids. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique adventure, MONA offers something for everyone—so long as you embrace the unexpected.
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, MONA should definitely be on your list. Just be prepared to balance the visit between family fun and exploring the art, and you’ll have an amazing time!
One of the joys of being on holiday is waking up and heading to a buffet breakfast – it’s like a little celebration to start the day. During our recent stay at DoubleTree by Hilton, we indulged in their breakfast buffet, which, although smaller compared to some other places we’ve stayed, still offered a delightful variety to satisfy everyone in the family.
The kids were thrilled with their favourites – cereals, crispy bacon, sausages, hash browns, and pastries. Watching them excitedly pick out their plates and enjoy their meal made me so happy. For me, a good breakfast sets the tone for the day, and this one didn’t disappoint. It even felt a bit luxurious, with freshly prepared eggs available to order. Though it took a little while to get the eggs just right, the staff were friendly and eager to help, which made the experience pleasant overall.
Every morning, we looked forward to this routine – sipping coffee while the kids explored the options, from sweet pastries to warm savoury bites. It became a little family tradition during our stay, and I loved seeing the kids embrace it. Traveling isn’t just about the big moments; it’s these little ones that make it special.
Coming back home to “normal” breakfasts was definitely an adjustment. After all, how do you go from a variety-filled buffet to a quick piece of toast? These moments make me appreciate the joy of travel even more – from exploring new places to enjoying the simple pleasure of breakfast together.
If you’re staying at a DoubleTree, definitely give their breakfast a try. It’s not just a meal; it’s a great way to start your holiday mornings on a positive note.
What was available?
A selection of cereals
Crispy bacon and sausages
Hash browns and baked beans
Pastries and toast with spreads
Fresh fruit and yoghurt
Made-to-order eggs
Juices, tea, and coffee
For us, breakfast became one of those cherished parts of the day, and it reminded me how much I love traveling with the kids – watching them grow, love, and enjoy everything that comes with it.
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