26 Jun 2015

Liebster Award

Liebster Award
Several weeks ago I was awarded by the lovely Charlene from Teacher by Trade, Mother by Nature a Liebster Award.

19 Jun 2015

10 Photos Everyone Has Posted Online

What I love about social media is how it connects us. I love how this "connection" can be done in many different forms. There are people who are more visual that is, their preferred form of communication is through images as appose to written word. They say an image speaks a thousand words, maybe that's why we take so many photos and share it online. 

I've complied a list of ten images that we're all guilty of posting on social media, and my tongue in cheek translation for these photos.

16 Jun 2015

Philippines 2015

I finally went through all our photos from our recent trip to the Philippines and picked a few to share with you all. Here's some of my favourites from Boracay.

Happy Tuesday!


If you want to know where we stayed, you can read about it here.

Linking up with Jess

12 Jun 2015

Review of Henann Garden Resort

I finally made it out to beautiful Boracay. Where is Boracay you ask? It's one of the island of the Philippines, known for its white sandy beach and torques water. Its simply picturesque, just like the images you see online when you Google this place. I've heard of Boracay and its beautiful island scenery for several years, however it was only now I (and my family) got to finally see it with our own eyes.

Months leading up to our holiday we researched various accommodation options as there are so many at Boracay. It all depends on how much you're willing to spend and what creature comfort's you need while holidaying. 

We decided on Henann Garden Resort, which is located on Station 2 of Boracay. In Boracay's White Sand Beach, which is the main beach of the island, is divided by three stations, 1, 2 and 3. Station 1 has mostly the more expensive resorts and known to be quieter. Station 2 has mid range priced hotels and resorts, its the more central location therefore lots of restaurants, bars, and activities can be booked and done around here. And Station 3 accommodates the budget traveller who's happy to enjoy the beach all day without being pestered by vendors and avoid the heaving crowd.

The positives:

  • We booked a Grand room. Now that we’re a family of four and with two young children we need space for all our stuff and enclosed space to let the boys be boys. The room was modern and had everything we needed to be comfortable, such as big comfy beds, a clean and functioning bathroom, tv, a two seater couch, a mini fridge, cupboard space and a safe. We were allocated room 284 so on the second floor with views of the pool. 
  • We booked directly with the resort and got a package which included our airport to resort (by speed boat and van) transfer. (The two airport options you can fly to to get to Boracay island isn't on the island itself, you need to catch a boat to get to Boracay island). The package also included all our breakfasts and dinners during our stay. I'd recommend this package as it made the process of getting to the island seamless and really quick and the option to have dinners at the hotel if we wanted to. 
  • The hotel's boat transfer area to get to Boracay island literally across the road from Caticlan airport. It's a lovely. comfortable waiting area too with lots of space, couches to sit and enjoy the view and shade from the heat. 
  • The service from the moment we stepped off the plane was exceptional. There was staff outside to collect guests, and as soon as they collect you, they collect your stuff, so you don't have to worry about lugging your own gear until you get into your room. This was a plus for us as we had small children to also carry. 
  • Where we were located we couldn't hear the any of the noise from the hustling beach, especially at night when it was the busiest. 
  • Beach towels, beach beds and pool side cabanas were all free, you just got to get in first. 
  • Staff were warm and lovely. They were always saying hi to my boys and trying to get their attention. 
  • The resort had direct access to the beach so easy walk to main areas like D'Mall, and access to various restaurants and bars. 
  • Lots of pools to swim in. 
  • Rooms thoroughly cleaned everyday unless you ask house keeping not to. With free bottles of water provided every day.
The negatives:

  • Although all rooms are non smoking, the resort doesn’t restrict smoking in public areas. So smokers can smoke around the pool areas where kids are. It was annoying when a chain smoking couple get the chair beds next to you and your kids.  
  • Some of the rooms in the resort are older and needs to be updated. Not sure if this is the plan anytime soon, as this is not communicated to guests or on their web site. The images of the rooms you see online are of the newer building/rooms, so if you get allocated one of the less modern rooms, this is certainly a surprise. This was the case for our friends, who got older rooms, and in the most undesirable areas of the resort.
  • Resort didn’t run any activities or host any events for guests. So we found ourselves finding activities, and eating outside of the resort. In my opinion resorts that don’t offer more than just accommodation for guests, are actually disadvantaging themselves.
  • No kids club. They do run child minding services and I’m sure at a fee. I’m not one of those parents who can just let a stranger babysit their children – I’m not there yet. But if there was a kids club where they’re doing activities with other kids, I’d be more comfortable. 

 Bathroom. Don't worry there were blinds you could pull down so your family doesn't have to watch you do your business.

 Grand room with twin double beds


Henann Garden Resort Pool
The view from our balcony
Hotel grouunds

8 Jun 2015

Dealing With Hand Foot & Mouth Disease

I've noticed a recent epidemic circulating around Sydney, especially amongst kids in childcare. I'm talking about Hand Foot and Mouth (HFM) Disease. My boys recently had it. 

What is HFM? Its caused by a virus. It appears on the hands and feed, in the mouth and also often in the "nappy" area. It's usually a mild disease that lasts between seven to ten days. It's usually spread by catching from someone who already has the disease or objects that may had contact with the virus.

5 Jun 2015

A Little Golden Book Themed Party

Blogger Teacher by Trade, Mother by Nature went with sweet A Little Golden Book theme for her son's 1st birthday.

Leading up to Master M's celebration his mum collected as many A Little Golden Book's as she could find from op-shops, friends and family. They would be used to decorate the room and prop pieces, and be given to Master M to start his own ALGB collection.

2 Jun 2015

May in Review

It's that time of the month .... a little review of my Insta snaps. Of course this month has comprised of lots of snaps from my recent holiday.

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