Melbourne Mamma - Fashion | Food | Family | Fun | Shopping

Your local guide to the best fashion, food, family fun and shopping in Melbourne

blog

2023 Reading Challenge

By 5 Comments

Attention book lovers! I’ve set myself a fabulous reading challenge for 2023 and I’d love for you to join me.

I’ve only included 12 books in the reading challenge because I don’t want you to commit to something and then feel like it’s unachievable as the year progresses. However, I’ll also include an additional six books for those of you who will have no problem smashing through 12 books (or more) in a year.

I managed to read 29 books in 2022 – which is the most I have read in a very long time. You can check out my 2022 reading challenge here and you can see my favourite reads from 2022 here.

I’m going to try and read 30 books this year – which means less tv bingeing for me!

I can’t wait to get started on this challenge and hopefully find some new favourites that I can’t put down.

Must read books for Melbourne Mamma’s 2023 Reading Challenge

  • A book with 23 letters in the title
  • A book with water on the cover
  • A book with a title starting with ‘The’
  • A book with a three-word title
  • A classic
  • A book you keep seeing
  • A book set in a different time period
  • A book set in the city / town / state where you live
  • A book with a number in the title
  • A bestseller from 2003
  • A book with a green cover
  • A book about an inspirational person

Extra books to read

  • A book you can finish in one day
  • Re-read a favourite book
  • A book you borrowed from a library
  • A book you bought secondhand
  • One of my favourite reads from 2022
  • A crime novel

Let me know if you’re joining the reading challenge in the comments below (put your book titles in the comment section NOT the URL field) and feel free to come back and list the books you read throughout the year and let me know if you enjoyed them or not.

Keep an eye out for the books I’m reading and make sure you tag your own books on social media using #mmreadingchallenge2023

I hope you enjoy my 2023 Reading Challenge.

10 Best Books I Read in 2022

By Leave a Comment

I’ve read some pretty great books this year, so when it came to choosing the 10 best books I read in 2022, I knew the decision was not going to be easy.

I always aim to read of variety of books in my 2022 Reading Challenge, so I’m never sure if I’m going to find lots of books I love or only a couple.

In no particular order, here are the 10 best books I read in 2022.

The Winners – Fredrik Backman

This is the final book in the Beartown series and even though I couldn’t wait to read it, I wasn’t looking forward to saying goodbye to the characters I’ve grown to love.

I knew that this book was going to break my heart but after sitting on my bedside table for a couple of months, I couldn’t put it off any longer – and I LOVED IT!!!

It’s no secret that Fredrik Backman is my favourite author, so if you haven’t read any of his books, I highly recommend that you do – in fact, read them ALL.


The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E. Schwab

I was so intrigued by the blurb for this book and it did not disappoint.

It was so wonderful, so heartbreaking, and a such beautifully written story that will stay with me for a very long time.

I will never forget you Addie LaRue.


The Things We Cannot Say – Kelly Rimmer

I’ve read quite a bit of historical fiction over the past few years and this book would have to be one of my absolute favourites.

Inspired by Aussie author Kelly Rimmer’s own family history, The Things We Cannot Say unearths a tragic love story and a family secret whose far-reaching effects will alter lives forever.

⚠️ Warning: You will NEED tissues for this one 😭😭😭


The Lincoln Highway – Amor Towles

Such a beautiful story about the unbreakable bond between two young brothers, and their journey through America in the 1950s.

My first Amor Towles book and I cannot wait to read his others.


The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid

I absolutely LOVED this book and am so excited to learn that it is being made into a movie. Evelyn – you were definitely a force to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see who will play you on the big screen.

My first time reading Taylor Jenkins Reid and I’ll definitely be reading more of her work.


Verity – Colleen Hoover

I finally see what all the fuss is about – this book is brilliant!!!

If you haven’t already read ‘Verity’ – add it to your list NOW.

This book sure was ‘unputdownable’ and I was so blown away by the ending that I had to go back and reread the last chapter, just to make sure that my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me.


The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

Another fabulous historical fiction story, that had me sobbing (ugly Kim K style) into my pillow.

This one has been on my reading pile for quite a while and I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading it.

Now I cannot wait to see the movie adaption with the Fanning sisters playing the lead roles.


Wrong Place Wrong Time – Gillian McAllister

How far would you go to stop your child from committing murder? 😳

Would you travel back in time to stop the crime? 🔪

Couldn’t put this one down! Loved it!


The Soulmate – Sally Hepworth

Another terrific book by Sally Hepworth, that I finished in less than 24 hours.

Full of love, lies and loss, this story will keep you guessing until the very end.

Nothing better than local authors and locally based stories.


My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry – Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman has done it again! I seriously love everything this man writes.

This heartwarming story was full of intriguing characters and a little protagonist that I couldn’t help but love.

Not quite what I expected but terrific just the same.


⁣

⁣⁣What books have you loved this year? Have you read any of my favourites?

Keep track of other books I love in my Goodreads or #MelbourneMammaBookLove

Top 10 Summer Dresses

By Leave a Comment

Summer dresses are one of the most versatile items in a wardrobe as they can be easily dressed up or down for a trip to the beach, lunch with the girls, a day in the office or a night out. Add a blazer, a denim jacket or a cardigan on a cooler day and you’re good to go.

Summer dresses come in so many different colours, patterns and styles, making it easy to find the perfect dress for every occasion.

Pair your summer dress with sandals, sneakers, slides or heels.

Everyone needs at least one summer dress that makes them look and feel fabulous.

Check out my Top 10 Summer Dresses below.

Top 10 Summer Dresses

Cameron Yellow Linen Dress $239.95, White Broderie Arden Dress $99.95, Alina Khaki Midi Dress $89.95, Gingham Midi Wrap Linen Dress $149.99, Teal Linen Mini Dress $139.95, Poppy Lilac Cotton Mini Dress $69.95, Chrissy Tiered Maxi Dress $149.95, Lulu Smock Dress $229, Black Lux Belted Dress $119.95, Woven Maggie Slip Midi Dress $20

Which one of these dresses is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

2022 Reading Challenge

By 14 Comments

Attention book lovers! I’ve set myself a reading challenge for 2022 and I’d love for you to join me.

I’ve only included 12 books in the challenge because I know what it’s like to be a busy mum. However, I’ll also include an additional six books for those of you who will have no problem smashing through 12 books in one year.

Spending another year in and out of lockdown meant I had a bit more time to read in 2021 and I managed to read 28 books. You can see which ones were my favourites here. You can see how I went in my 2021 reading challenge here.

I’m going to try and read 28 books again this year. I’ve just started a new migraine treatment too, so hopefully, I’ll have fewer migraines and it will be easier for me to read more.

I can’t wait to get started on this challenge and hopefully find some new favourites that I just can’t put down.

Must read books for 2022 Reading Challenge

  • A book with 22 letters in the title
  • A book with an animal on the cover
  • A bestseller from the 1990s
  • A book with a pretty cover
  • A book with “good” or “bad” in the title
  • A book recommended by someone on Instagram or Facebook
  • A book written by a local author
  • A book with a colour in the name
  • A book with gold lettering
  • A book with more than 600 pages
  • A book that has been translated from another language
  • A book being made into a movie this year

Extra books to read

  • A historical fiction book
  • A book published in 2022
  • A guilty pleasure book
  • A book that will improve your life
  • One of my favourite reads from 2021
  • A different book by an author that you read in 2021

Let me know if you’re joining the reading challenge in the comments below (put your book titles in the comment section NOT the URL field) and feel free to come back and list the books you read throughout the year and let me know if you enjoyed them or not.

Keep an eye out for the books I’m reading and make sure you tag your own books on social media using #mmreadingchallenge2022

I hope you enjoy my 2022 Reading Challenge.

10 Best Books I Read in 2021

By 2 Comments

I’ve read some really amazing books recently, so when I sat down to choose the 10 best books I read in 2021, I knew it was going to be hard for me to choose only 10.

And there wasn’t even a stand-out favourite as I read several books this year that will now count as my all-time best books.

I try to read of variety of books in my 2021 Reading Challenge and I’ve found some amazing authors that I’ve never read before too.

In no particular order, here are the 10 best books I read in 2021.

Betty – Tiffany McDaniel

I already called this my favourite book of the year way back in February!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Even though this book tore my heart to pieces, I could not put it down (is that weird 🤷🏻‍♀️) and I actually had no words when I finished it #notlikeme⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Based on the life of the author’s mother, Betty is a page-turning Appalachian coming-of-age story filled with resilience, tragedy, discrimination and loss….. but also a father’s unwavering love for his children, especially his “little Indian” Betty.⁣⁣

A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman

I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading this book – it had been on my #tbrpile for awhile – and I can see why so many people rave about it.

This wonderful and heartwarming tale of unlikely friendships, kindness, love and loss will be one that I remember for years to come.⁣
⁣
I laughed. I cried. And I laughed some more.⁣

The Heart’s Invisible Furies – John Boyne

If you haven’t already read this book – add it to the top of your reading pile right NOW!!!

I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I got swept away in the brilliantly written story.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart – Holly Ringland

This was the first book I read this year by first-time Aussie author Holly Ringland and I absolutely loved it.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The farm that I was staying at, at the time, was the perfect location to immerse myself in this captivating story of love, loss and redemption.⁣⁣

A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara

I read this book back in February and it still haunts me. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
It’s definitely not a book for the faint-hearted and I found I could only read about 100 pages at a time (it’s 700+ pages) before I’d need a break.⁣
⁣⁣
I wasn’t sure if I was even going to make it to the end but I quickly became invested in the characters and was glad that I did because even though this is an incredibly sad and heartbreaking story, it’s also a story of extraordinary friendships and love.⁣⁣

Us Against You – Fredrik Backman

I always worry that when I read the second book in a series that I’m not going to enjoy it as much as the first but boy was I wrong with this one. ⁣
⁣
This book is bloody fabulous and I actually think I loved it more than I loved “Beartown” (which was fantastic!).⁣
⁣⁣⁣
This beautifully written story has it all; strength, love, family, grief, loyalty, courage and loss. ⁣

The Light Between Oceans – M.L. Stedman

I’ve read quite a bit of Australian based fiction this year and this would have to be one of my favourites.⁣
⁣
It’s a heartbreaking tale of what happens when good people make bad choices. And makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation.⁣

The Good Sister – Sally Hepworth

This is the first book I’ve read by local Melbourne mamma Sally Hepworth and it was brilliant. ⁣
⁣
It has the perfect mix of love, laughter, sibling rivalry and suspense, and was just what I needed after starting the year with some pretty intense books. ⁣

I cannot wait to read more of Sally’s books.

Anxious People – Fredrik Backman

I cannot get enough of Fredrik Backman’s books! Anxious People is the fourth book I’ve read of his and I’ve loved them all.⁣
⁣
This is a story about many things – a bank robbery, a rabbit costume, a bridge, pizza and idiots – mostly it’s a story about idiots.

When She Was Good – Michael Robotham

What was the last book that you just couldn’t put down?⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The first night I started this book, I didn’t put it down until 2.18am and then I couldn’t put it down again until I finished it the next night 1:47am. ⁣⁣ It was so fast paced and suspenseful.
⁣⁣⁣
This is the second book in this series, so make sure you read “Good Girl Bad Girl” first (it’s awesome as well).


⁣⁣What books have you loved this year? Have you read any of my favourites?

Keep track of other books I love in my Goodreads.

30 Clutter Free Christmas Gifts

By Leave a Comment

30 clutter gift ideas

If I learnt anything from spending most of the past 20 months inside my home #LockdownLife #ThanksRona , it was that my family has too much “stuff” and not just the kids, but us adults too [ok, probably me more than my husband but we’re not here to talk about me, so let’s move on], so when it comes to Christmas this year, I’ve tracked down the best clutter free Christmas gifts for everyone.

The giving of gifts is a part of the Christmas season for many of us and while this can be a lot of fun, it can also be a source of stress, especially if you are the parent of a child (or children) that already has everything or you have limited space in your home. It can also be stressful for adults who may be in the process of decluterring or trying to live a more minimalist lifestyle.

So I’m here to help, with the best clutter-free gift ideas for everyone on your list!

Most of these gifts are from local Melbourne and Victorian-based businesses, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find something similar in your area.

Clutter Free Gifts for Kids

At some point, all parents long for less stuff.  Less stuff to trip on, less stuff to pick-up and less stuff to hide in the cupboards [or under the beds] when unexpected guests arrive.

If you’re ready to put a stop to stuff, here are some of my favourite clutter free gifts for kids:

  1. Junior Chocolatier Classes at the Great Ocean Rd Chocolaterie
  2. Legoland Discovery Centre Annual Pass
  3. Gumbuya World Season Pass or Gift Voucher
  4. Enchanted Adventure Garden & Maze Membership or Gift Voucher
  5. UrbnSurf Surfing Lessons or Swim in the Bays

Clutter Free Gifts for Teens

Most teens want gadgets (or cash) but if you want to get them off the couch and out and about, check out my favourite clutter free gifts for teens:

  1. IMAX Melbourne Gift Voucher
  2. Firefly Zipline Experience over the Yarra River
  3. Indoor Skydiving at iFly
  4. Bounce Freestyle Academy
  5. Stand up paddleboarding lessons or hire at Stand Up Paddle Board HQ

Clutter Free Gifts for Adults

I love gifting friends something that they may not necessarily buy for themselves but something that I know they will enjoy, without adding clutter to the home. Here are some of my favourite clutter free gifts for adults:

  1. Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour
  2. Robert Gordon Wheel Throwing Workshop 
  3. Go Boat Picnic on the Yarra
  4. Distillery Gin Masterclass at Four Pillars Gin
  5. Tickets to Australian Open

Clutter Free Gifts for Grandparents

Grandparents are typically at the stage in life where they already have everything they want and need, so here are some clutter free gifts for grandma and grandpa that will fill their hearts [and not their homes]

  1. Gourmet Kitchen Cooking Class
  2. Steam & Cuisine Lunch on the Puffing Billy
  3. Grazing or Dessert box from Taylor Made Gourmet 
  4. Elvis: Direct from Graceland Exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery
  5. High Tea at the National Gallery of Victoria

Clutter Free Gifts for Families

After spending so much time at home during the past two years, give a gift that will create fun family memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some of my favourite clutter free gifts for families:

  1. Zoo Victoria membership
  2. Fondue at Home kit from the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
  3. Museum Victoria membership
  4. Sun Theatre Gift Voucher
  5. Artvo Gift Voucher

Clutter Free Gifts for your Bestie

Treat your bestie (and yourself) to a fun or yummy day out and create some new wonderful memories together. Here are some great gifts ideas for your bestie:

  1. Paint & Sip at Pinot & Picasso
  2. Soy Candle Making Workshop
  3. High Tea at Mary Eats Cake
  4. Deluxe Pedicure at Beauty on Rose
  5. Peninsula Hot Springs Voucher

What clutter free gifts would you love to see under the tree this year?