I have enjoyed creating a bucket list for myself the past few years, and seeing what new adventures I can come up with to make it a year to remember. It's been an exciting year and I have loved sharing it with you. See original post here.

2013 Bucket list 
1. Visit one Wonder of the World - Taj Mahal, Agra, India (Oct. 2, 2013)
  
2. Travel to New York City  
3. Go on a spontaneous roadtrip ...maybe we'll have to take a spontaneous roadtrip to New York City before the end of the year.

5. Go kayaking or canoeing with my hubby - Found out my husband is not keen on either of these things, so I will have to find another paddle partner. Any takers?
6. Ride an elephant in India - Not such a great idea after all (read this article about why elephant riding should be taken off your bucket list)
7. Snorkel in the Great barrier reef (Oct. 10, 2013)

8. Drive the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne, Australia (Oct. 7, 2013)
9. See the Opera house in Sydney, Australia (Oct. 14, 2013)
10. Take a beginners ballet class (Feb. 2, 2013)

Other exciting things that happened this year: 

I participated in my first wedding show as a vendor.
We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary.
My husband got his first flying position based in Toronto.
I fed a kangaroo.  
We got a kitten to add to our little family!

With all these Christmas wishlist's going around these days, I thought I would show you some gifts that give back. It's a great way to make an impact this Christmas, and support those in poverty stricken countries who are trying to make a better life for themselves.

Shop JOYN
Handmade Handbags & Jewelry



Warby Parker 
For every pair of glasses purchased, they provide a pair to someone in need.




Pure Charity
Purchase anything through Pure Charity Rewards and a percentage of that purchase goes right into your Giving Fund. You can then choose a project that you want to donate to.

Last weekend I was surrounded by talented women who were all a part of this year's Valentine's day shoot. Here's just a little look behind the scenes, I can't wait to share the photos with you all!

I thought I would wrap up my Australia posts with some tips and a breakdown of our budget in case you are planning to visit in the future.

Australia is a huge country with so much to see and do, so it's important to use your time wisely. Pick activities that will create memories for you and your traveling companions, and remember that you don't have to spend a ton of money doing it. (Australia is a very expensive country.)

FLIGHTS  
Etihad Airways: Toronto - Abu Dhabi - Delhi (we stayed 4 nights in Delhi)
Jet Airways: Delhi - Singapore - Melbourne
Virgin Australia:  Melbourne - Cairns - Sydney
Round trip for 2 = $6,319.44


MELBOURNE
South Yarra rental home $1,564.00 (5 nights/ 6 guests)
This included 1 parking spot, wifi, washer & dryer.
Great Ocean Road: There are various ways to see the Great Ocean Road. We took a bus tour that took us to each spot, photo stops, lunch and snack breaks. It was a really long day though, so I wouldn't suggest it for those with small kids or those who have trouble walking up steep hills.
Other ideas: Yarra Valley Wineries, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Philip Island

PALM COVE
Pullman Sea Temple - Palm Cove $1,380.00 (4 nights/ 6 guests)
Breakfast with a view: Far Horizons restaurant (drinks and 2 meals = $40, but well worth it)
Great Barrier Reef: SilverSonic boat trip $215/ person
Included lunch and 3 reef locations
Visit a local zoo: Cairns Tropical Zoo
Other ideas: Daintree rainforest, Kuranda train & skyrail

SYDNEY
Visit the Opera House/ Sydney Harbour: Take a boat ride through the harbour
Bondi/ Bronte Beach: Walk the path from Bondi to Bronte. The scenery is unreal
Other ideas: take the ferry to Manly beach, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley Wineries


Hope you found these tips helpful! Australia is a wonderful place to visit, and I hope you have enjoyed seeing a snapshot of our trip.

I don't want to send anyone into a frenzy, because I am not pregnant, but I have been thinking about it a lot lately; What will it be like? Will I become an emotional basket case? (my husband jokes about that) Will I enjoy it, or just wish I could get that baby out asap?! Will I experience post-partum depression? Will I have that instant, unbreakable bond with my baby?
There is so much to think about!


My husband and I have been together for 9.5 years, and married for 1.5 years, so it's definitely something that we have been talking about. We are both in the beginning stages of our dream careers, so it's hard to know how much time to put into that before starting a family. I have days where I just want a baby so badly, but then I try and cherish the quiet moments we have together and the time we can spend alone.

I just wanted to share these thoughts because I want to remember these times. To let my children know that I thought about them and dreamed about them long before they even existed. To my future babies, I love you and can not wait to meet you!

We spent the day on the water touring through the Sydney harbour on a catamaran. It was the perfect day to take in the sights of the coast, and bask in the sun as waves crashed against the side of the boat. It was a great way to see a whole other side of Sydney. The coastal views are truly beautiful and there is so much history to learn about the city.

Our second day in Sydney was spent perusing the town and having a more relaxed day. Sometimes it's good to just slow down in order to be able to take it all in rather being in a constant whirlwind of sightseeing. I had my first taste of the local Barramundi fish, and we hung out in the Sydney harbour for the afternoon. It was a very cool and windy day, so it was a drastic change from the previous day. We found that the weather changed very quickly in the more southern parts of Australia, so it's always good to carry an extra layer just in case.

Our first official day in Sydney was absolutely beautiful! Sam and I went to the Hillsong United Church down the street, and it was so amazing. I wish we lived in Sydney just to be a part of that special group of people.

My new friends!

We had lunch at Bronte beach, and walked the scenic path to Bondi beach. It was probably around 34° (celsius) so by the time we got to Bondi, we were more than ready to run straight into the water! It was a crazy scene once we were down at the beach. The waves were so intense that they had lifeguards patrolling every side, blowing whistles at you, people getting thrown on top of one another. It's one of those things that you have to experience for yourself.

The whole day was exactly what I imagined Australia to be, and more. Friendly people, hot sun, surfers cutting through the waves...it's a place you don't want to miss if you ever visit Sydney. 

We arrived around 9:00pm local time into Sydney, and of course we needed to check out the magnificent Opera House the minute we got there. The reflections off of the water were beautiful and it was the perfect way to begin our time visiting Sydney.