Rebecca Rossi's Blog, page 3

My Makeup Journey Part 5: Contour

Hi all! 

Today I am back to talk about Contouring. If you didn’t know, this is a series on my blog titled: My Makeup Journey. Click here to follow along. At 36 years of age, I can confidently say that I have never truly understood how to apply my makeup. In the recent months, I decided it was time to learn. I went down the rabbit-hole of TikTok beauty tutorials and to my utter amazement, I realised I had been doing SO many things wrong, for so many years. I’m not even close to being an expert now, but I am certainly wiser than I was before. I want to share everything I have learned, so without further ado, let’s get into it!

PART 5: CONTOUR CONTOUR 

I use a contour stick from the brand OXX Cosmetics. This step is to be followed after foundation and concealer has been applied. It can be used in conjunction with blush but not bronzer, as that can make the face too brown.

There are many different ways to apply contour. I usually do my jawline, the angles of my cheekbones and my forehead. You can apply it to your nose, the inner creases of your eyes etc. It’s entirely up to your personal preference. 

Remember, when applying contour, always buff upwards with a brush or beauty blender. If you push the product down, your features will look dragged down. Upwards uplifts the face.

I’ll be back soon for Part 6: Brows. I realise I’m not a makeup artist, nor a professional. Everyone does things differently. This is just what is working for me and my skin type. Thanks for reading!

Peace & Love xoxo  

5 Air Fryer Sweet Treat Recipes!

Hi all! 

Ever since we purchased an Air Fryer, I have not been able to stop raving about it. I truly believe they are a must-have kitchen appliance. Today I want to share 5 delicious desserts I have trialed before, with great success. They are easy, quick, tasty and can be modified to accommodate a plant based diet. I could not recommend these sweet treats enough. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

Note: In case anyone was wondering, our Air Fryer is the Instant Vortex Plus. 

1.) Cinnamon Donut Holes 

Crediting: KizActiveLife (TikTok) 

INGREDIENTS 

– 250g Self Raising Flour

– 200g Greek Yoghurt (I used Vanilla Coconut by Coyo)

– Melted Butter (I use Margarine)

– Cinnamon Sugar

METHOD 

1.) In a bowl, add the Self Raising Flour and yoghurt. Mix until it starts to come together, then use your hands to knead until smooth.

2.) Roll dough into balls. Air Fry at 180C for 7-9 minutes or until golden.

3.) Once cooked, roll in melted butter and then cinnamon sugar.

VERDICT

These donut holes are so tasty and relatively healthy. I made a batch for my family during Autumn and they were devoured within seconds. I highly recommend trying this recipe out!

2.) S’mores 

INGREDIENTS 

– 4 Biscuits similar to Graham Crackers (In Australia, we do not have Graham Crackers so I use McVities Digestive Biscuits) 

– 2 Jumbo Marshmallows

 – 4 squares of Chocolate (I use Lindt Classic Vegan Chocolate) 

METHOD 

1.) Preheat Air Fryer to 200C for 4 minutes.

2.) Per biscuit base, place one marshmallow facing up. Do not cover with the second biscuit yet. 

3.) Cook in Air Fryer for 2 minutes. 

4.) Open basket and rest 2 pieces of chocolate each on top of both marshmallows. Cook for final 2 minutes. 

5.) Remove from Air Fryer basket and put remaining biscuits on top of marshmallows and chocolate (pictured below).

VERDICT

I’ve made this particular treat multiple times. My daughter loves them as well. They are delicious, gooey and perfect for spooky season. I can see why they are so popular in America, especially around the campfire! 

3.) Peaches n Cream

INGREDIENTS 

– 2 Peaches (cut into halves). If they aren’t in season, you can purchase tinned Peach Halves. They work just as well. 

– 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon 

– A tablespoon of Yoghurt (I used Vanilla Coconut by Coyo) 

– A tablespoon of Oil (I used Avocado Oil)

– A drizzle of Honey 

METHOD 

1.) If using fresh peaches, de-pit first. Make sure the fresh or canned peaches are facing up. Brush the tops with oil before placing into Air Fryer basket. 

2.) Air Fry at 200C for 5-10 minutes until tender and caramelised. 

3.) Remove from basket. Serve on a plate with yoghurt in the pitted middles. Top with cinnamon and honey. 

VERDICT 

Absolutely divine! The perfect afternoon treat to pair with a mug of hot tea. The blend of cooked peaches and yoghurt are a winning combination. 

4.) Custard Crumpets

INGREDIENTS 

Crediting: Taste.Com.Au 

– 2/3 cup of Vanilla Custard (I used Dairy Free – Vanilla Coconut Custard by Coyo) 

– 4 Square or Round Crumpets 

– Golden (or Maple) Syrup to serve 

METHOD 

1.) Pour 2 tbsp’s of custard on the crumpets, using a butter knife to slowly press the custard into the holes. 

2.) Place 2 stuffed crumpets into Air Fryer basket. Cook at 180C for 10 minutes or until crumpets are golden. Repeat process for remaining crumpets and custard. 

3.) Cut in half (depending on if you used square crumpets) and drizzle syrup on top.

VERDICT 

The oozing custard from the crispy crumpets are to die for. You’ll be surprised how decadent one crumpet can be. Highly recommend. A good one to make for kids too! 

5.) Molten Lava Brownies 

INGREDIENTS 

Crediting: The Big Man’s World

– 6 tablespoons of All Purpose Flour (I used Oat Flour) 

– 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons of Cocoa Powder

– 1/4 cup Sugar (I used Coconut Sugar) 

– 1/2 teaspoon of Salt

1/4 cup oil (I used Avocado Oil) 

– 1/4 cup of Unsweetened Applesauce 

– 1/2 cup of Water 

– 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

– 1/4 cup of chopped chocolate (I used Baking Chocolate by Pana) 

METHOD 

1.) Pre-heat Air Fryer to 180C for 8 minutes. 

2.) In a mixing bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt – mix well.

3.) Add the oil, applesauce, water, and vanilla extract – mix until a thick brownie batter remains. Fold through the chocolate chips.

4.) Grease 4 small oven-safe ramekins. Evenly distribute the brownie batter amongst them all. Place the ramekins in the Air Fryer basket.

5.) Remove the brownies from the Air Fryer. The firmer the tops are, the more solid they will be inside. If you want molten lava brownies, cook for less time. They should wobble slightly on top. 

VERDICT 

I definitely saved the best till last. I made myself one pot and couldn’t even finish it. It was so rich and gooey. If you only make one recipe from this post, let it be this one. Perfect for a cold winter’s day or to serve at a dinner party. 

Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know if you’ve made this before or if you’re thinking of trying them. Share your favourite Air Fryer recipes in the comments. 

Peace & Love xoxo 

Horror Movies You May Have Missed In 2025: Part 1

Hi all! 

I wanted to create a segment on my blog discussing new horror movie releases from this year, aside from those I already reviewed/saw in cinema. Today I will be sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of 2025 thus far. I hope these mini reviews inform whomever reading, whether to add said film to their watchlist OR avoid it entirely. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

1.) PUSH 

 A pregnant realtor is attacked at her open house by a sadistic client, forcing her to fight for survival whilst going into premature labor.

If you’re looking for a slow burn, cat-and-mouse game – this film is for you. As far as home invasion stories go, it isn’t overly original, however, it is still entertaining to watch, with a surprising twist ending. It’s important to remember movies like these are highly unrealistic. No actual mother in labour could evade a psychotic killer without making a single sound. It’s impossible! I recommend putting on Push for a fun, popcorn-horror night with the girls.

Where To Watch: Shudder 

Rating: 3/5 

2.) THE UGLY STEPSISTER

Plain Elvira is willing to go to great lengths to conform to the kingdom’s ideals of beauty, in order to win the heart of Prince Julian. 

The Ugly Stepsister is my favourite feature on this list. I would absolutely recommend putting it on your to-watch list. Having said that, it is not for those with weak constitutions. Be prepared for stomach-churning gore, bodily fluids and extreme body horror. It is much more than your average Cinderella re-telling. In fact, I was shocked by how far they took it. This grotesque fairytale remake will make you truly thankful for what you have and how you look. 

Where To Watch: Shudder 

Rating: 4/5 

3.) FEAR STREET: PROM QUEEN 

Shadyside High’s 1988 prom queen election becomes deadly for underdog Lori, when a sinister figure begins killing the candidates.

To be honest, I do believe Fear Street: Prom Queen deserves a lower rating, but I rate via enjoyment level and it was a fun watch, despite all of its issues. What was truly disappointing was a.) its lack of originality and b.) how much it paled in comparison to the Fear Street Trilogy. It had a lot of potential but fell flat in execution. I think what saved it for me were the gory kills, the 80’s vibes and the dramatic teenage drama. This film is not to be taken seriously, so just like Push (see above), I would watch with a group of friends at a sleepover. 

Where To Watch: Netflix 

Rating: 3/5 

4.) THE WOMAN IN THE YARD 

Ramona becomes crippled by grief after her husband dies in a car accident, leaving her to care for her two children alone in her rural farmhouse. Her sadness soon turns to fear when a spectral woman in black appears on her front lawn, warning her “today’s the day.” 

Last but certainly not least, we have The Woman in the Yard. This film did not come to cinemas in Australia, hence making this list. Much like Fear Street: Prom Queen (see above), I felt it had a potential it never lived up to. Furthermore, it was extremely dark in tone, especially the ending. I strongly suggest looking up trigger warnings before pressing play. It has a very controversial and divisive conclusion that could be deemed irresponsible to its audience. What I did enjoy was the shadow-play, the visuals and the concept. It was eerie but in my opinion, could have been ten times scarier than it was. 

Where To Watch: Amazon Prime 

Rating: 3/5 

Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know if you have seen any of the movies mentioned and what you thought of them. I will be back with Part 2 later in the year. 

Peace & Love xoxo  

Weapons – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Weapons. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. When all but one child from the same classroom mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

My favourite part of Weapons was the camerawork. It had such unique shots, filmed in a very specific way. Furthermore, if you’re a fan of Barbarian, you will love this movie. It had the same unexpected storyline angle, told from various perspectives. You really don’t know where it’s going, until it all clicks towards the third act. There were also some great performances and unexpected cameos. Not to mention, a significant comedic element I wasn’t expecting. What really impressed me however, was the gore. They did not hold back in any way, shape or form. There were some scenes that legitimately had me wincing from my theatre seat. I really enjoyed the violence. Was it as scary as it was made out to be? No. I actually thought Together (which I saw last week) was scarier. If I could sum the entire thing up in one sentence it would be this: The Pied Piper of Hamlin meets Bring Her Back meets The Witch. If that sounds up your alley, you’re in luck! 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

I hate to say it but this film went for way too long. There were so many unnecessary scenes that could’ve been edited/cut down for time. A few plot points were explored for no reason and never revisited. I was also confused by the main objective of this movie. I don’t want to spoil anything but the purpose of the children never made sense to me. I understand slightly what they were going for, but there was no payoff or indication that their presence was aiding a certain situation. I wish that had been explored more in place of the filler material. 

OVERALL STAR RATING: 

I gave it 4/5 stars. Highly recommend checking this one out!

Have you seen Weapons? What did you think of it?

Peace & Love xoxo

Why All Stars 10 Completely Failed…

Hi all! 

Today I am going to provide a retrospective on All Stars 10 and where I believe it went wrong. Before I begin, I want to say that overall, I loved the cast and mean no disrespect to the winner. The format was fun (although clunky), the looks on the main stage were epic, and the level of entertainment was on point. However, it was far from perfect, and that’s what I will be discussing today. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Spoilers Ahead! 

1.) The Pre-Meditated Season 

The very worst Drag Race seasons are the pre-meditated ones. By this, I mean where production has already crowned a winner before filming has even begun. They have tunnel-vision where any other contestant is concerned; their minds already made up. From there, they push and rig the competition at every turn in order to ensure their favourite gets a crown. But here’s the thing. It ends up having negative repercussions for everyone involved. The ratings tank, the fans are furious and the winner that they favoured, receives an avalanche of hate (through no fault of their own) because of the way things played out. I understand that it is a reality television show first and a competition second, but in order to gain and maintain viewership, there needs to be a balance of both. All Stars 10 was zero competition and all reality show shenanigans. It’s important to remember that Ginger is not to blame in the slightest. She didn’t ask for this, so please don’t be toxic. We should blame production and hold them accountable for putting together a season that was set-up from the beginning. Ginger could have easily won without so much production interference. They should have let her talent speak for itself. However, if I’m being truthful, she should never have been cast to begin with. 

2.) The Missed Opportunities 

The missed opportunities of All Stars 10 will continue to haunt me for months. Think about how incredible a Bosco/Lydia B. Kollins top 2 would have been or getting to witness Aja vs. Denali in the finale. Can you imagine Irene the Alien getting a crown after her initial run on season 15? The combinations are endless and FAR better than what we were given. Ginger Minj had already competed four times at this point and Jorgeous had just appeared on All Stars 9 in 2024. In my personal opinion, it was way too soon for Jorgeous to return and Ginger’s storyline on Drag Race had concluded, having made the finals on her original season and All Stars 6. The fans would have loved to have seen those that hadn’t competed before – or at least hadn’t competed in several years – come out on top and truly earn their spot in the Hall of Fame. Instead, we were presented with an extremely unsatisfying conclusion to a very rigged season. 

3.) The Extreme Riggory 

Speaking of riggory, that was this season’s biggest crime. It started off so well. The Orange Bracket wasn’t rigged in the slightest and the Pink Bracket, whilst slightly questionable, had a lot of redeeming moments/cast members. The minute we entered the Purple Bracket, everything went downhill. It was clear from the jump that regardless of performance, merit, storyline etc. Ginger would be in the top for all three episodes, winning lip-syncs the fandom largely agreed upon that she lost. Not only that, the challenges in her bracket were conveniently tailored to suit her drag/skill set. Even in the design challenge (which she is known for not being overly adept) they included an additional comedic component, where she could shine and pull focus from her garment. The second challenge, the country performance, was perfect for her singing abilities and Southern roots. To cap it all off, the final challenge was improvisation, which is in Ginger’s wheelhouse. The rest of the queens never stood a chance. By the time the semi-finalists made the merge, it was evident who would be taking the crown. The Lip Sync Smackdown finale might have been the most rigged of all. Ginger was rated as the #1 lip sync assassin and given the song preference both times a “ball was chosen.” It has since come out that really great reveals and stunts from Kerri Colby were cut in order to make Ginger seem like the stronger performer, when she in fact, wasn’t. The same happened to Jorgeous, who clearly nailed the top 2 lip sync to “It’s Raining Men” but all we saw was the camera focusing on Ginger. Production didn’t even try to hide what they were doing. It was blatantly obvious, which makes me wonder if they genuinely believe their audience is that stupid or they just didn’t care what we thought. Either way, it is a poor outcome to a very convoluted season.

4.) The Bracket System

Learning of the format pre-season, I thought it would be awful. Once I saw it in practice however, I enjoyed it a lot more. Having said that, it needs some tweaking before we see it again. Firstly, the Orange Bracket delivered a double premiere, which means we only got two weeks with them, as opposed to three like the Pink and Purple Brackets. I truly hope they don’t do that again. It was detrimental for the six queens – especially those that didn’t make the merge – and disappointing for viewers who wanted more time with them. Secondly, the merge was very anticlimactic. We finally had all of these amazing semi-finalists together, only to give them two competitive episodes before the finale. It wasn’t enough. The entire structure needed to be spaced out more. The pacing was very off. Also, as mentioned above, the excitement and joy fans experienced at the beginning was soon snuffed out once the Purple Bracket began. It was a strategic decision from production putting it last but it still didn’t work. Riggory is riggory no matter how good a season starts. 

5.) The Future Of All Stars

Without spoiling too much, All Stars 11 will also operate as a three bracket system. The confirmed cast is already available on Drag Race Wiki and I’m just praying they don’t do a repeat of All Stars 10. They must learn from these issues and improve upon them. Production needs to take a giant step back from interfering and let things play out a little more naturally. Allow every queen a shot at the crown, distribute the wins evenly and be guided by the feedback from the previous season. Trust me when I say the ratings will go up, the majority of the audience will be happy and the queens will be more inclined to return to All Stars. Why do you think so many of them are turning down the opportunity? It’s not worth their time, money and mental health. I will always continue to tune in, but that is to support my favourite drag artists, not the show itself. I’m hoping it redeems itself moving forward but after All Stars 10 and Global All Stars, I’m not overly confident…

Please keep in mind, there were many good things about this season too. This post is just focusing on what didn’t work. As always, send love, not hate to the queens and keep supporting them however you can.

Thank you so much for reading! What did you think of All Stars 10? 

Together – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Together. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. After moving to the countryside, a supernatural encounter starts to transform a couple’s love, their lives, and their flesh. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

I know this film is going to be compared to The Substance, but it is body horror done in a completely different way. I was drawn in immediately. Together unironically blends many genres, surpassing just horror. It’s a thriller, comedy and romance all in one. The performances from both Alison Brie and Dave Franco were phenomenal. I bought their chemistry hook, line and sinker, especially knowing they are a couple in real life. The layers to this movie will keep unraveling the more you think about it. What seems like a relatable concept – a co-dependent, almost toxic relationship – is turned on its head, blown up and exaggerated to the extreme. Just when I thought they couldn’t take it further, they did. The gore is not as impressive as the contortion, bisection, graphic anthropomorphism and the scares. This is a scary movie and I don’t say that lightly. Moreover, the ending will shock you, despite its predictability. You know what’s coming and yet, it is blindsiding. There is a lot more I could say but I don’t want to spoil it. It’s the complete and total package. A real highlight for 2025. 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

I don’t have any strong negative critiques, however, I do wish Tim’s trauma had been explored further. It was touched on slightly but didn’t really explain what it had to do with the rest of the plot. I can only assume it is the reason he was distant with his partner, but did it have to be such a disgusting example? Can’t a parent passing away be enough? Also, as mentioned above, the third act was quite predictable. I knew where it was going but I still enjoyed the ride.

OVERALL STAR RATING:

I gave it 4.5/5 stars. Add it to your list immediately! 

Have you seen Together? What did you think of it?

Peace & Love xoxo

My ASMR Massage Experience!

Hi all! 

Today I am going to share my experience receiving an ASMR Massage. Mid-July, my family went to the Gold Coast to celebrate my daughter’s 7th birthday (see more here) but it was also an opportunity to give my sister an early 40th birthday present. She wanted to try an ASMR Massage experience and lucky for us, the only woman to offer that service in the whole of Australia was only an hour drive from where we were staying! On a Wednesday, we drove to Neeka’s house and had a 90 minute session each. If you’re curious, read on. I have a lot to say, so without further ado, let’s get into it! 

Note: Thank you to my sister for finding Neeka in the first place and allowing me to use the photographs she took for this post. 

1.) WHAT IS ASMR? 

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a tingling sensation some people experience in response to specific audio or visual stimuli. It is often associated with wellbeing and feelings of relaxation. For further clarification, go online. There are thousands of examples on YouTube and TikTok. 

2.) HOW DOES AN ASMR MASSAGE WORK? 

It’s important to note going in that this is not a traditional remedial or relaxation massage. It is a gentle, sensory-based experience designed to calm the nervous system. We were required to fill out a form prior to our session, outlining exactly which services we would like to receive. For a 90 minute session, we got to select 4/5 options for her to cover. I chose a.) Back, Neck & Nape, b.) Face Massage, c.) Arms, Hands & Décolleté and d.) Scalp & Hair. The fifth option was Tingles & Textures, which includes soothing textures and sounds. We were also given a long list of ambient noises to choose from. I went with ‘Ocean Sounds’ to play in the background. From the jump, I was impressed by how customisable everything was. I could even opt for cooler or warmer temperatures. Neeka will ask if you are comfortable with being filmed for her social media (check that out here) so if you see a camera in her room, that is why. 

3.) WHAT TOOLS/OBJECTS DOES SHE USE? 

Neeka uses a wide variety of tools and objects in her sessions. It will all depend on what you opt for in your form (prior to commencement) as to what you end up experiencing. For me personally, she started with feathers on my back, then proceeded to use metal fingernails (amazing – check out her Instagram to see them in action) and then hair curlers that scrunched around the nape of my neck. During the face massage, she used a jade roller that helped unclench my jaw and gentle oils for the hands/arms. When it came to the scalp and hair, Neeka used a combination of large brushes and smaller combs to trigger different sensations. That was my favourite part! 

4.) WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? 

The massage bed itself! Neeka uses a super warm, fuzzy blanket that immediately relaxed my body the minute I went under it. I would’ve paid just to nap in that bed! I also really appreciated Neeka adapting the session to suit my needs. She knew I liked to be warm, so she turned the temperature up and popped hot stones on my back. I never fall asleep during massages but I came pretty close during this one! I also loved the hair/scalp part. Having my locks brushed so gently was very nurturing, not to mention – it felt amazing! It was so different to anything I had ever done before but in the best way possible. I would absolutely do it again and plan to someday. 

5.) HOW COULD IT BE IMPROVED? 

Neeka is extremely gentle, which will suit a lot of people, but I personally prefer more pressure. Having said that, she does outline this in her form prior to the session, so if you know that going in, you can’t be disappointed. Also, it might sound cheesy, but it went too fast! Next time, I will opt for 120 minutes. Other than that, I only have glowing reviews. It is absolutely worth your time and money if you enjoy ASMR. For those of you that are curious but unsure, just know it is extremely tame. She won’t chew food or whisper in your ear. It is a great way to dip your toe into ASMR and she will always tailor the session to suit your needs.

Note: Neeka will only see females. Her practice is at her house, so for safety reasons, she will not accept males. 

Thank you so much for reading. Please go check out Neeka’s page and show her some love! If you’re in the area, book an appointment. You won’t be disappointed!

Peace & Love xoxo 

Abigail’s Seventh Birthday Adventure – Photo Diary!

Hi all! 

Today I want to share a photo diary of Abigail’s seventh birthday party. I’ve done these posts every year since she was born, so feel free to check out the others here. This one was extra special because we spent an entire week on the Gold Coast with our family. On her actual birthday, we went to Movie World and as you’ll see from the images below, the overall theme was unicorns! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Bluey’s World in Brisbane!

Check out ‘Karma Cupcakes’ on the Gold Coast for amazing vegan/gluten free desserts

Batman was super sweet to our little girl

We also went to Sea World. Abigail loved the Paw Patrol show! The Dolphin Show

Thank you so much for reading!

Peace & Love xoxo

I Know What You Did Last Summer – New Release Horror Movie Review!

Hi all! 

Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: I Know What You Did Last Summer. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. When five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident, they cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it secret, rather than face the consequences. One year later, the past comes back to haunt them, as they learn someone knows what they did last summer. Stalked by a mysterious killer, they soon seek help from two survivors of the legendary Southport massacre of 1997. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!

WHAT WORKED:

This reboot had such a great start. It had an excellent soundtrack, outfits, summery vibes etc. It really took the time to introduce us to this group of teenagers. In fact, I forgot it was supposed to be a slasher until the infamous car accident. After that, things took off quite quickly. I was impressed and surprised by the amount of gore + jump-scares. There were some really unnerving scenes. Furthermore, the fan service was pretty decent. It was a treat getting to see certain legacy characters again. That’s how I felt about the newer Scream films. Make sure you stick around for a mid-credit scene that links to the original sequel. There is a running theme throughout that trauma changes people and I liked that that remained consistent. There was something very realistic about it. Having said that, what didn’t work couldn’t save I Know What You Did Last Summer for me. 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

It’s lucky I am not attached to the original film because hardcore fans will weep over that travesty of an ending. I don’t want to spoil it but things really take a nosedive by the third act. I was so disappointed with how silly it all became. Also, as a millennial, the Gen Z lingo was a little too much for me. If you’re trying to tie a classic into a modern tale maybe don’t lean so new? It just didn’t work. There is something so unsatisfying about how everything was wrapped up. It felt like I was in a fever dream – witnessing the actors having a laugh once the camera stopped rolling. Unfortunately, it does negate a lot of what I mentioned above because I cannot think of this movie now without cringing. 

OVERALL STAR RATING:

I gave it 3/5 stars. The first and second act saved it from a lower rating. 

Have you seen I Know What You Did Last Summer? What did you think of it?

Peace & Love xoxo

What I’ve Learnt In Seven Years As A First Time Parent…

Hi all!

Our daughter has officially turned 7! I truly cannot believe it! In keeping with tradition, I am going to share everything I have learnt in seven years as a first time parent. If you would like to see my past Parenting Reflections, click on the heading. I have a lot to contribute, so without further ado, let’s get into it!

It really hit me once my daughter turned 7 that she’s no longer a little kid. She is growing up and growing up fast. As I am only doing this parenting thing once, I bid goodbye to the six-year-old version of her with sadness. I want to preserve her at this age and see who she is going to become at the same time. I even said to my husband this week “can you believe we’ve been doing this for seven years?” It really does fly by. 

Nostalgia aside, I’m really proud of Abigail. She is so focused at school. She loves learning, wants to do her homework as soon as she gets it and picks things up quickly. I never have to worry about her academically. Socially, it’s a little bit different. This year, she was diagnosed with ASD. To maintain privacy, I won’t go into details, but as you can imagine, transitions aren’t easy for her. It’s something her teachers are aware of and concessions are being made. Thanks to NDIS funding, she attends weekly play therapy sessions. Her confidence has grown considerably according to her therapist. 

I love a lot of the hobbies she has developed. For example, she enjoys colouring. I find it relaxes her greatly, especially if we do it together side-by-side. She also adores playing Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch. We rarely go a day without a family game. The struggle is getting her to accept when she loses. She is very competitive and that can sometimes lead to a lot of tears. As you’ll see in next week’s post, we spent her 7th birthday on the Gold Coast with family. She had a blast exploring the theme parks, meeting character actors, going on rides and getting absolutely spoiled. 

She is such a sweet, kind and caring girl. Abigail has a heart of gold, and is extremely caring. I don’t know how much longer I’ll write these types of posts. I am conscious of embarrassing her as she becomes more aware of what I document online. At this stage, these reflections are selfish ways for me to hold onto her youth. I love comparing the years because believe it or not, she teaches me a lot more than I teach her. 

Thank you so much for reading. I hope these words resonate with other caregivers, particularly those that only have one child. 

Peace & Love xoxo