Seclusions retreats for couples
Published 30 July 2009Last week I was lucky enough to stay at Seclusions – a boutique spa retreat exclusively for couples.
It’s a property nestled in the mountains outside Lithgow, near the Blue Mountains in New South Wales with 6 self-contained cabins for the perfect getaway with your special someone.
The cabins are well-appointed and feature a kitchenette with microwave and gas stove – perfect for casual meals when you’re not in the mood for going out. The balconies have a BBQ and 2 spring-loaded rocking chairs (which are fabulous).
We were told that breakfast provisions were included when we booked in, but we received far more than that! There was a basket full of cereals, canned fruit, chocolate, Oreos and baked beans. In the fridge we found tomatoes, bacon, juice, butter and milk. We were spoilt for choice!
Hands-down, the best part about Seclusions is the view. Big windows meant we were always getting a glimpse of the mountains around Lithgow. The famous Lithgow fog makes the view particularly breathtaking. We spent hours sitting on the rocking chairs soaking up the warm winter sun.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for one night or five, take a look at Seclusions. Their attention to detail will make your stay a memorable one.
Seclusions
209 Martins Rd, Rydal via Lake Lyell NSW 2790
Phone: 02 6355 6300
I’m going to be a WHAT?!
Published 25 July 2009So.
We went on a holiday for the week. Just the two of us.
No cats, no pollution, no computers (iPhones excluded).
Nothing big.
EXCEPT DAN PROPOSED.
Do you hear that? No you didn’t, cause I fainted.
One minute I’m sitting on the couch. The next I’m breaking the glass holding my juice (cause we switch to the hard stuff when we’re on holidays). So Dan dutifully sweeps up the shards of glass, using a torch to make sure he gets it all.
And then he’s all “oh, what’s this other shiny thing I see here under the couch?”.
AND THERE WAS MY RING.
My Ring!
It’s the creation of Vanessa Samuels, a gorgeous and talented jeweller who is now going to be one of my beloved in-laws. Dan and Van have been working on My Ring since March; researching, designing, buying, creating, setting and whatever else is involved when making an engagement ring. And I had no idea any of this was happening.
AND IT’S PERFECT.
In true female fashion, I’ve been eyeing off rings in jewellery shop windows in the last year or so, and there was only ever one design that made me gasp in awe; the one that sparkled the brightest at me; the one that I wanted to be The One.
So I made Dan take a photo of it with his iPhone, “just in case”.
So that photo was the source of inspiration for the creation of My Ring. Except it’s set differently to how rings of this design would be set to make sure my little diamond doesn’t fall out. Ever.
AND IT’S PERFECT.
AND IT’S MINE.
And, of course, I said yes.
And I’m the happiest little rah in the world!
Nullarbor Links – The World's Longest Golf Course
Published 18 July 2009Obviously, we love “big” things here in Australia – the Big Banana, the Big Merino… looks like we’re trying to get in on the “longest” things too.
Nullarbor Links is due to open late October this year and it will be the world’s longest golf course. The course is 1,365km long and would take about 4 days to complete.
The par 72 golf course (I have NO idea what that means LOL) has one hole in each of the 18 participating towns or roadhouses along the Eyre Highway, from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. Each hole features a green and tee and an outback-style fairway.
Looking at the web site, it’s actually interesting to see the effort that has gone into creating the whole shebang; the planning phase started back in May last year.
Golfing really isn’t my cup of tea, but I know some golf nuts who would LOVE this kind of thing. Imagine four days straight of driving, golfing, drinking and sleeping? Sounds like golf heaven to me!
It’s Gaol, not Jail
Published 17 July 2009
I’ve always been a bit… particular… about the Australian English spelling of “gaol”. As in, not “jail”. I think it’s linked to memories of my childhood when I would read and re-read (and re-read) books about the history of my home town of Grafton that had a multitude of references to Grafton Gaol.
And those stunning Jacarandas.
As the world gets smaller and smaller, Australia’s turning more and more to American English-spelling. Makes sense when you consider how big America is (and how much I enjoy perving on their President), but American English is still a breakaway from real English!
Whenever I see a news article online using “jail”, I call them on the spelling. I’ve done it on SMH, ABC Online, and SBS News’ Twitter account. I never get a reply.
Earlier this year I read Bill Bryson’s Mother Tongue and now I’m even more determined to not let American English take over:
We’re not America, FFS. Let’s spell it “gaol” and not “jail”, okay?
* My sub-editor has pointed out that we speak English, not Australian (or American, etc.). Blah blah blah. You get the gist of what I mean, right?
Decommissioned
Published 16 July 2009I bought my first PC in 1998. A Gateway.
The PC died years ago but I kept the speakers. Boston Acoustics.
The speakers started dying a slow death recently, so I bought some new ones.
Kinda weird to have to unplug the old ones
Yes, I’m one of those people who labels power cables so I know what I’m unplugging from the powerboard.
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