Summer and Scuba

Most of my life I grew up on an island surrounded by lovely beaches. Naturally I took up various water based activities such as swimming, jet skiing and scuba diving during my summer vacations. I remember going to university at the beginning of the term and everyone would compare notes about which beach they visited during the break. My friends and I would talk about our summer experiences and exchanged stories on the resorts we loved and loathed we sounded like a bunch of critics or reviewers back then. We would talk about how clear the water at the beaches and about our amazing dives marveling at the lovely sea creatures (colour and all). Once I was bragging to my friends about the beach my family and I stayed at in Thailand. The resort staff was the best and they even organised lunch at a nearby island (or sand bar I think it was) for my parents celebrating their anniversary. We had lots of fun getting into our wet suits and being briefed about scuba diving, etc. My sisters and I still talk about this first time we went diving as a family, and surely we bonded so much on that trip.

It was during that trip when I first went scuba diving and found out that one could not travel by airplane for at least a full day after finishing a dive (and I mean a full 24 hours!). It was explained by the instructor that it had something to do with nitrogen levels in our body, ensuring that we are fully safe and no air bubbles will form in our joints (or blood) while on board the aircraft.

During this first dive I also learned that the refraction underwater tends to make sea creatures seem larger by about 33 percent than what their size really are. They even appear about 25 percent closer to us than what really is. When I go diving I just love how I am transported into a different world. A world that appears crystal clear (must be my great eyesight too!) and I feel one with the fishes and other creatures. I particularly like seeing the colourful fishes and I am amazed at how much I still have to learn about underwater creatures. A lot of the fishes I never even knew existed, and all of them so beautiful I could stay there staring at them for hours if I could. I think it is now time to plan that next trip and dive!

Jewelry Box : Sweet Blue

I would love to have this sweet blue thing as part of my spring outfit! Soon the weather will be warmer and picnics at the park would look great with this ring on my finger.

From MichaelHill.com.au

Currently being sold at Michael Hill for A$749 I guess I need to save up a few months worth of work, but it should be worth it. To justify the purchase, it could even pass for an heirloom one day for my little girl.

I love that the ring is in yellow gold, which emphasizes the blue-ness of the stone. The white gold encrusted with small diamonds make the ring stand out even more. I can already think of at least five outfits that would look great with this accessory!

Trips and Deals

Who doesn't love good deals? I don't remember a time in my childhood when coupon codes were popular. However, now they are all over the place and everyone I know is always trying to get coupon codes - whether to use online or in-store.

I can recall recently I was trying to purchase some clothes from an online shop and I was in a hurry to grab some discount before the sale ended. Luckily I managed to secure the deal for my little girl's clothes as well as some cheap summer clothes.

Another one I am trying to keep my eye on are for travel promotions! I am looking for a good holiday for my family and friends to go on this coming school holidays. I prefer a beach getaway, however if a mountain adventure comes up surely I will consider. While on that note, I am also keeping my eye open for restaurant specials we could visit while on holiday. After all a trip with 17 people would be expensive - me and my mummy friends are surely excited about the mention of a cheap holiday break.

Just before we go on our trip I have to make a mental reminder to bring our car to the shop! Hubby has been on my back asking me to take our car for timing belt repair - or something like that! As much as I am good on researching I can never really ask my brain to remember details about the car. Repairs, model, make, etc all just sound like a big jumble of words in my mind. Well, I guess that's what husbands are for! If only I can get away from bringing the car to the shop!

Now back to surfing the internet for specials - I wish I could allot some time each week to just search for ways to cut expenses and save on items or experiences that we would normally spend on anyway. They are selling some Entertainment books for charity (with coupons for savings) at church last week. Maybe I should look into getting that for our group? That way when we go out each of the family could just use their own book of coupons! Ideally we find special deals that will coincide will all our plans - hotel, activities, restaurants, meals, etc. That would be wishful thinking! I can start with looking for travel agent rates that I have access to. I can always pass my savings to the other guys!

The Kitchen Diva

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I'm definitely not a Masterchef in the kitchen, but these adorable retro appliances really could put me in the right mood to cook up the best dishes. I love all things retro. I'm definitely putting all these in my wishlist.

So, being inspired by today's post, I'm whipping up the best meal for hubby and sister (vacationing with us) tonight.

Tonight's menu will all be courtesy of Aussie diva chef, Donna Hay.

Since it's rainy and cold (it's winter!) I am starting off with a great soup. I've tried this before and it's very easy to whip up. The steaks are fairly easy to make too. =)

Creamy Mushroom and Chive Soup

Steak with Red Wine and Cherry Tomato Sauce

Passionfruit Souffles

Easy peasy! I can already see me cooking! Have a great day ahead! =)

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wishing for some sun

net-a-porter.com

Lilly Pulitzer

Gina Michele Vintage

Amazing Cath Kidston

Slip your feet in candy pink cute Dot Summer Sandals

This sweet clutch bag for S1.

Spray flowers Nappy bag is just adorable enough to tote everywhere!

The Spot Wheeled Holdall is perfect for a few days travel!