EAT: SPICED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

SERVES 12-16 | PREP 30 MINS + 4 HRS CHILLING TIME | COOKING 75 MINS | VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN FREE

Halloween is so over-rated in my books, that I'm going to put off for as long as possible my lads' need to dress up in horror clothing and scab lollies off of people they don't know.

Yes, I make it sound so appealing, huh? Sorry if you're mad for it. I'm just not a lover.

But on this very coincidental occasion, I did make pumpkin mash last night for dinner and had some left over today. It also so happened that I was in a baking kind of mood, had some free time and Pinterest was beckoning me to make something sweet with pumpkin.

So, I did.

DREAMING OF SAND AND SEA BREEZES.

What seems like a lifetime ago, we took some annual leave. We worked on our garden, did a little maintenance around the house, and then decided to take a road trip.

We skipped the Great Ocean Road, and made our way towards the South Australian coast. It was a beautiful trip. But there was a place that we had to visit again. I could almost declare that it's my new favourite beach town.

Move aside Lorne and Palm Cove. We have discovered Port Fairy...
 

Where the sands are golden, the waves surf-worthy, and the town historic.

Where the cafes are gorgeous, the boutiques unique, and the people are friendly.

Where there are lovely places to visit in the area, just a stone's throw from a large regional town, and the home to four festivals every year.

In fact, since our first visit in August, we have visited three more times.

 Yes, we love it that much.

And we're hoping that we will visit there again very soon.

FANCY PANTS [THE INNER HIPPIE EDITION]

Remember the time when I bared my soul and shared how I want to be a hippie and all? Well, this outfit proves that I really can do the hippie thing, even when I feel corporate so much of the time.

WHAT HE SAID NEXT...

The other day my six year old asked me, "Mum, what do you love?"

I responded by telling him "I love dancing, and big bubble baths. I love reading and cooking, and being a mum."

But what I love most of all is that he simply asked the question.

FANCY PANTS [HELLO AGAIN!]

Oh, it's a Fancy Pants post. Yes, once upon a time I use to do these every week.

EVERY week, I tell you.

THIS SATURDAY I'M GRATEFUL FOR... BLOGGING

I have a terrible confession to make. It's been almost two months since I blogged. And it's been even longer since I wrote a grateful post.

Somehow my life is not as wonderful as when I'm being grateful. Sure, I'm still grateful, but writing it down makes it feel so much more celebrated, so much more real. And so I want to say that this week I'm grateful for blogging, and even more grateful for the time I have to blog today. My husband has taken the lads out this afternoon and I have some glorious me time.

It's so rare, but oh, so lovely!

And when I have time to spare? Blogging is one of the things I truly love to do!

What are you grateful for?

I'm joining in at Kidspot's Village Voices.