Monthly Roundup - October '25

Skip to: October Top 10

September was an absolute blip - it went by so fast for me, anyone else? So, I was really glad that October slowed down a bit. Maybe that's because I went on a short trip back home to Townsville. Life always slows down in the tropics!!

Here's this months' round-up:

• Early in the month we drove across Melbourne to visit some family which was lovely. Did need to look up some 'road trip' I-spy games along the way with calls of boredom from the back seat. Struggled to find an Australian version - perhaps I'll make my own for next time*

• I built my pretty Cherry Blossom Lego set which was a Mother's Day gift, on a rainy afternoon.

• I cooked up a school holiday special for dinner one night - sushi & dumplings! Fun and kid-friendly, always goes down a treat. Recipe here.

• My week in Townsville, back on home soil. It was refreshing, it was relaxing, it was wholesome. Read more about my highlights and recommendations here.

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October Top 10

Here's what I've been loving this month. A random assortment of whatever I had on high rotation, whether it was a snack, a TV show or a song, maybe you'll discover a new favourite of your own!

1. Granola yogurts (specifically Chobani) - so handy for a quick brekky. Fave flavour: Strawberry Shortcake.

2. Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. I started Season 1 about a year ago, but it didn't hook me in straight away. I decided to give it another try recently, and have been binging it since (was a slow start but once I got to know the characters, I was hooked!) Currently up to season 5 - omg the Halloween episode at the end of Season 3, so good!!

3. Sirens Bayside (Townsville) - the most aesthetic cafe with blissful tropical vibes! The food and drinks were incredibly nourishing and delicious, staff were lovely and the chilled back garden dining area was surrounded by lush plants and cute umbrellas. Can't wait to go back!

4. Songs currently on repeat (some new, some old) :

   1. Fall At Your Feet - Cyril, feat Dean Lewis

   2. Ring, Ring, Ring - Tyler, The Creator

   3. Tainted Love - Soft Cell

   4. We Speak No Americano - Yolanda Be Cool, DCup

5. Mobile game I'm currently playing: Lily's Garden. A cute story game, where Lily must restore an inherited estate with sprawling grounds and lots of secrets to uncover. In order to unlock and restore each area, you play simple puzzle games. So good as a brain-break in between focussed work, or to unwind with a coffee on the couch. I'm really enjoying the storyline and puzzles, and of course unlocking and designing the whole garden as I go!

6. This pretty summer dress I found at Kmart! I was thrilled to see all the spring/summer stock start to arrive in my favourite department store over the last few weeks. It's still fairly cool in Melbourne, but with my up-coming trip to Townsville, I needed something light. This dress caught my eye, not only because it's such a flattering shape and colour, but it's also COTTON and has POCKETS!! Nice one, Kmart, a great price too. This one will definitely be on high rotation when the weather warms up a bit more here.

7. Currently reading: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. 3 words to sum up: intriguing, magical, adventure. Enjoying it, as I enjoyed Erin's previous book 'The Night Circus'. If you like unique, curious & whimsy stories, you'd probably like these books!

8. Op-shopping (thrifting). I would go every day if I could! I just love the hide and seek fun of never knowing what you'll come across and coming home with bargains and treasures! Pictured is one of my most recent finds - a super comfy and warm Ghanda jumper, which would normally retail for about $70! A score at only $8 from Savers!

9. Sourdough from Blanc Bakery in Berwick. Best artisanal bread this side of Melbourne! So good toasted with peanut butter, or the classic butter and Vegemite :)

10. Lemons!! I use them so often when cooking and baking - and I'm so excited that our tree is finally producing heaps of them. My big goal in life is to be able to grow a lot of my own fruit, veg, herbs - and have chickens for fresh eggs!

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And that's a wrap on October! What will November bring? The Most Wonderful Time of the year is getting close now, and I'm so excited to start planning and decorating.

In the meantime, I'm gearing up to release my new gift boxes in a few weeks (just in time for Christmas!) As always, thanks for reading.

Jess