Christmas

This year my goal was to not be the Grinch. I was determined to embrace Christmas and all that 'Christmas cheer'. I think I did a pretty good job. Just to be ironical and because I really do love The Grinch and Dr Seuss, I made Sassie in to my very own Max.

Homemade pavlova swag

She was not a fan.

On Christmas day we had the family come over to our house in the morning brunch. Featuring the famous Polish apple salad that we always make on special occasions. Egg, potato, carrot, pickle, peas, apple and mayo. Sounds pretty gross, but for some reason it just works so well!

Sangria, red wine and prawns, I'm a happy girl.

I kid you not, every time somebody left their chair Sassie would come and sit in their place. She thinks she is a human, and nobody has the heart to tell her otherwise.

The Woodwards

After lunch #1 at my house, we then went to Luke's for our second lunch.

See! You can't be the Grinch if you're wearing a Christmas hat! Look how jolly I am.

Such a pretty spread.

Lunch #2 featuring a return of the apple salad. Seriously can't get enough of it. 

I took Sassie with me to Luke's. I always do. She is a very social puppy. But she doesn't like photos very much.

After lunch we sat around the tree with the family and opened presents. Luke's parents bought me a $90 voucher for Mecca Maxima! And Luke topped it off with my first pair of Timberlands, and they are white! They are so stunning. It sucks that it's Summer, I still haven't worn my babies. Felt so spoilt. My parents gave me an IOU. And I gave them one back. I am buying them both tickets to Matilda (fingers crossed they will still be on sale when I get back from Japan) and they ended up helping me pay for my flight back to Australia.

This was our dinner. I somehow managed three massive meals really well. I just ate really small amounts at each meal and it worked out a treat. It was so nice coming home after Christmas and not feeling guilty and fat for eating heaps of food. Moderation is key.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and got to spend it with the people you love. Wishing you all the best for the rest of 2014. 

erica

Luke's 21st

I think I like celebrating other peoples birthdays more then celebrating my own. It's so nice spoiling the people you love. Even if finding the perfect gift always seems to be a huge mission. I was extremely lucky. I was planning on just getting him something small from Japan because I had already bought him a lot for our two year anniversary. But when I was at the shops I suddenly knew what to get him. I may have spent a bit more then I should have. But I bought him a really pretty sound bar speaker with a subwoofer. I know it's not the sentimental 21 present. But I am still working on that part. Shh..

Luke had a little house party at his with his nearest and dearest. It was such a nice day, despite how ridiculously hot it was. His parents cooked a mean souvlaki, and we all got sufficiently drunk.

This was not planned. I was terrified. Public speaking is my biggest fear. Above german shepherds and escalators that aren't moving. I hadn't planned on speaking and I really didn't think I would be. But the time came and somehow I was up there. I can't remember a word I said. I can't remember what I spoke about. Not because I was drunk. For some reason I wasn't as scared during the speech as I usually was. I guess it was because I felt like I was just telling my best friend why I love them, so it came pretty naturally. But seriously, please don't make me do a speech again.

Hey Luke, Gone Girl #awkwardlyplacedbeer

It was a pretty great day with some pretty great people.

The next morning we had lunch at Sea Salt, Cronulla. We were not in the best form. 

Look how many bags are under my eyes!

When your regrowth gets so long it starts to look like you have balayage hair.

Luke kicked on with more beer. I stuck to orange juice and water. This was my lunch. Not going to lie, my mum could make this for me. Not only would it be most likely better, it would be free. I just have trouble understanding expensive restaurants trying to serve dishes that are really easy to make and probably don't cost much, for the same price as higher quality meals. But that's none of my business.

Baby's first laptop

Luke, I hope you had a wonderful birthday weekend. I'm so happy to have you in my life. Here's to another 21 years of Woodsy and The Shark. Love you babes.

erica