Bunnings Bargain-bin find: Out-of-Season Water Toy. I walked into Bunnings trying so hard to stay strong against adding to Monte’s toy collection. But a quick detour past the bargain bin proved I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to my fur baby.Tucked away at the bottom was a soft, round water toy marked down…
A hidden wetland reset in the heart of Northmead: The Moxham Park Loop. There are days when you don’t need an epic hike or a complicated itinerary. Sometimes, you just need to disappear into the green for an hour to clear the mental clutter. The Moxham Loop is a quiet, shaded pocket that feels like…
If you thought my research into dog breeds was exhaustive, wait until you hear about the “pet food wormhole.” Coming into this, I knew I wanted clean, wholesome food. I have never been a fan of tinned food, not for humans, and certainly not for dogs. I loved the idea of raw feeding but craved…
Discover the essentials that survived the reality of a teething puppy, the savvy second-hand finds that saved the budget. Plus, see the one ‘must-have’ item Monte couldn’t have cared less about… As someone who isn’t a fan of household clutter, I was very intentional about what crossed the threshold. While safety and practicality were my…
There is something about a road trip that forces you to slow down, even when you don’t mean to. Our recent 2-night escape to Culburra Beach was a real lesson in that. I went looking for that “perfect” serene retreat, but what I found was something much more real. When I say “real,” I mean…
With the ‘little brown bear’ officially named Monte, the focus shifted from theoretical research to the practical reality of daily life. The immediate challenge was the logistics of balancing a puppy’s needs with a work schedule that required me in the office three days a week. Managing the Space Living in a tri-level home with…
Months of rationalising, vetting, and planning led to this moment. Now, the research was over. It was time to see if my meticulous preparation would survive the reality. Cutting Through the Noise By the time we pulled into the driveway, the research phase had well and truly finished. As a first-time dog mum, the lead-up…
Finding the right human behind the dogs was the next challenge Once I settled on the Miniature American Shepherd (MAS), the real work began. Choosing a breed on paper is one thing. However, finding reputable dog breeders in Australia who prioritise the care of the mother and the early socialisation of her litter is another;…
THE FOUNDATION: Modern Pets Wooden Dog Pen and Six-Panel Pet Gate, in white with two-panel extension. The Raw Truth Living in a tri-level home with open staircases and two curious cats meant that managing Monte’s environment was non-negotiable from day one. It wasn’t just about containment. I needed a sanctuary that respected our interior design…
THE FOUNDATION: Pawmanity Deluxe Hammock The Raw Truth When I was searching for the right car-seat protection, I looked at so many different options. Being European, I have always appreciated good craftsmanship and items that are actually built to last. I much rather invest in quality than keep replacing flimsy ones. The Pawmanity Deluxe Hammock…