22!

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22! I have now officially progressed into adulthood according to my father. I can still remember my sweet 16^th birthday like it was yesterday and now I’m 22. Time definitely does fly when you’re having fun. I’m exited to see what the next 22 years will have in store for me. I have a feeling it’s going to keep getting better and better.

I woke up on the 17^th to my lovely parents singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me in my bedroom. It’s a family tradition that we have done forever. When all of us kids were younger and living at home we’d wake up at 6am and go into the room of the birthday boy or girl and sing at the top of our lungs. We would cover their bed in presents and watch the smile spread over their face as they read through their cards and opened their gifts. Being the only one at home now, it’s not quite the same as what it used to be, however it still brings back wonderful memories of my childhood. I hope one day I can carry this tradition on into my own little family.

My parents surprised me with a trip to Hong Kong to meet my niece. I’ll be flying up in the sky again in November and can’t wait to meet the little bundle of beauty that she is.

  

Birthday surprises

I went out to dinner with the family on my birthday night to a French Restaurant chosen by Dad, P’tite Ardoise Bistro on Beaufort Street. I loved this place, however it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Check out the menu first before you book just to ensure you will like the cuisine, as it is a bit different. I was really impressed with the quality of food and innovative dishes served. I was also a big fan of the waiters coming out with a dessert and candle singing in French to me.

I opted against a big party this year and went for a night at my house with all the extended family feasting on delicious food and playing celebrity heads, charades and pass the parcel. It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and everyone left saying how much fun the night had been hanging out playing games. It’s the simplest things in life that often bring the most enjoyment.

 

Making a wish

I’ve finally launched the new website at work which I’ve been designing for the past couple of months. I’m very pleased with the finished product and have loved putting my own personal touch on the website. I’ve been lucky to plan some stunning weddings lately too at work. Here’s some photo’s for you.

    

Love my job

In between managing the marketing and wedding planning, I’ve also been shooting another film called He Was A Good Boy. My character was crazy and a lot of fun to play, however quite challenging with the emotion that needed to be evoked and brought to camera. Fingers crossed it all turns out okay. I’ll have it up and running on my YouTube channel for you very soon. I haven’t really had a lot of time to relax and breathe lately, but I love everything that I’m doing so it’s definitely worth it.

 

Special effects make up on set

Life has changed so much for me this year and it’s amazing how choosing a different pathway has transformed my life. I think everyone needs to experience different environments and relationships in order to realise what they want and what will bring them the most happiness. Take all your personal experiences, even if they are negative, and use them to your advantage. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and never looking back.

To finish off, here’s some modelling snaps that are on a new property development website. Keep spreading the sunshine and treasuring that beautiful life you have been blessed with.

Wine Tasting in W.A

My work family and I recently travelled down south for our annual Big Day Out! This year we were treated to a wine tasting tour in Margaret River to discover what makes W.A wines so special and unique. If you’re ever visiting Western Australia, you must make a trip down south. The beaches are incredible and the wineries are some of the best in the world.

The perfect escape

We arrived at work bright and early and hopped on the bus for the 3 hour journey. The drive down consisted of songs from the Lion King, watching wine making documentaries and snoozing. I have a special talent of being able to fall asleep anywhere in a matter of seconds so the trip went very quickly for me.

The first winery we visited was Whicher Ridge in Chapman Hill. Owned by a lovely couple, Neil and Cathy Howard, they have created a range of wines that are a culmination of many years of hard work together. The vineyard and winery are on their farming property and the team consists just of the two of them. They passionately believe in making wines that come from somewhere, rather than wines that could come from anywhere. Cathy guided us through their beautiful selection and you could really taste the distinctive flavours that created each blend. Each bottle of wine has a unique story to tell about the vineyard with where it’s from, and the soil and microclimate that it grows in. Neil and Cathy use hands on, traditional wine making techniques which make this family owned winery one of a kind.

Whicher Ridge Winery

Our next destination was Woodlands Winery in Wilyabrup which is one of Margaret River’s first five wineries, established back in 1973. The cellar door had recently been refurbished and the stone flooring and freshly painted white walls looked gorgeous. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek into there barrel room to see where the magic was made. After two wine tastings so early in the morning, we were all looking forward to our next winery where we would be treated to lunch. Vasse Felix is located right in the heart of Margaret River and has a fascinating history, which we discovered from our tour guide downstairs in the wine cellar. The founder, Dr Tom Cullity’s only aim was to make the best possible wine. His first vintage was an absolute disaster, however his second vintage led him to capturing the world’s interest. We sampled their award-winning wines before heading upstairs to their rustic restaurant where we were treated to a scrumptious 2 course meal.

Lovely ladies

Last, but definitely not least, was Swings & Roundabout in Yallingup. After sampling so many wines throughout the day I was feeling quite jolly by the time we arrived. What I loved the most about Swings and Roundabout was their locally sourced fruit which they use in all their wines. They strongly believe that Margaret River fruit can deliver “Mediterranean” style wines that are great for drinking with or without food and I have to agree with them. We were fortunate enough to be sampling their wine with the delicious wood fire pizza’s they available.

The wine cellar

It had been an incredible day gaining new knowledge. For me, there was one stand out winery and that was the family owned Whicher Ridge. I loved the freshness and fruity flavours of their wines. It was inspiring to see all of Neil and Cathy’s hard work over the years and made me realise that if there is enough love and passion, then anything is possible. I think that relates to everything in life. We just have to want it enough for it to become a reality.