Life Happens

Budget friendly tips for wedding planning
Our ceremony flowers put together by one of my sisters.
Our gorgeous wedding cake baked by Caked Out, a talented baker based in Adelaide South Australia.

I recently came across our wedding budget spreadsheet on my computer (we got married in March) and as I browsed over the expenses, it occurred to me that I learned a lot of cost-related lessons throughout the wedding planning process. Although I don’t intend to be getting married again anytime soon, I thought I’d publish some tips for other cost conscious brides in waiting. (more…)

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A twenty-something’s guide to ‘adulting’ before 30

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So, I’m turning 27 in August which basically means I’m turning 30 in 5 minutes and it’s never been more clear to me that I’m well and truly on the bus to grown up town. For one thing, in my new workplace, I’m no longer the youngest employee in the department. I’ve worked full time in office environments for over 7 years, and I’ve always interacted with older employees only. This was something I tried to hide at first, starting out as an 18 year old and keen to earn the respect of those around me, and then entering my early twenties it was something I embraced. But now there are at least 3-4 people I interact with who are my age or younger, I’m finally amidst my generation in the workforce and it’s making me realise that we’re all well and truly ‘adulting‘.  Another example of this is meeting with a financial planner who was my age. Call me an age-ist but we were both sitting in this meeting room having a professional conversation and in the back of my mind I was thinking, ‘wow, it’s like we’re both pretending to be grown ups, but he’s my age, he knows that I’m not!‘.

I don’t know about you, but I and the majority of friends my age don’t feel like we’re bona fide adults yet. There are things in life that shouldn’t have to change with age if you don’t want them to. For example, how much fun you have, how passionate you are about what you do, your hobbies and the time you spend with family and friends. However, the looming prospect of 30 does motivate me to get the boring and basics of being a responsible adult in order.  Here’s my guide to feeling like a responsible adult who has their shit together. (more…)

Melbourne’s Hidden Bars for After Work Drinks

Working in the Melbourne CBD means being spoilt for choice when it comes to Friday night drinks.

What do I look for in a bar? A thematic atmosphere, unique character, cocktails made with flair and precision, delicious nibbles and the novelty of happening upon something entirely hidden from the hustle and bustle of the street.

These are five of my favourite Melbourne bars, which make great venues for after work drinks.

State of Grace (more…)

I’m back (and I survived my first term!)

10445092_9003348_lzIt has been a long 10 weeks.

Thank you for sticking around, and thanks to the new visitors, I have been checking in and your visits have inspired me to push on with blogging.

Not only have I started and finished the first term of my MBA, I have FINALLY transitioned over permanently to my new role at work and the pace just keeps quickening! I hope to be posting more frequently, although I am currently enjoying the one week break between terms, so it could be my wishful thinking. Although these past 10 weeks have been quite the challenge, I love a good challenge and it has given me lots of material to write about.  But first, a quick reflection post, neatly sectioned in to the three priority aspects of my life, because I’m a little OCD like that.

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Hi, My Name is ‘That Career Girl’ and I’m Career Driven

tumblr_mhphzyZUPp1qjm9bpo1_500I have spent the past week splitting my time between my new role and my current role whilst my former and new Manager continue to dispute one another regarding my release date (HR has also become involved).

That drama aside, I am really enjoying my new role. The change in work has really highlighted to me how stagnant I had become in my prior role, and how fantastic it feels to be looking forward to coming to work each day. I am a firm believer that everybody should pursue work that they feel passionate about and abandon the often negative connotations associated with work, particularly full-time office work. These negative connotations are often the reason I will get a strange look if I admit to being ‘career driven‘ or to ‘loving the work I do‘.

So I’d like to debunk some myths. (more…)

A Little Home Office Inspiration

GravatarMy partner and I are renting an apartment just outside of Melbourne CBD and the photo to the left is my makeshift work space slash dining table, slash living area (But let’s be honest, I spend a lot more time on the couch).

We’re in the market for our first home, and the room or nook that I’ll be looking forward to decorating the most is the home office! My essentials are an ergonomic desk chair (there’s only so much that yoga can do!), a lot of desk space, shelf storage and a comfy (yet gorgeous) grey tweed armchair (my partner is not impressed with my fondness of tweed). For now, here’s a little home office inspiration.

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Thanks for Welcoming Me, WordPress Community.

I can barely believe that on 17 January last month, fuelled by a sudden desire to document my career and MBA journey, I wrote my first blog post. This past month of daily blog reading and every-so-often blogging has absolutely flown by, and I’m feeling so welcomed by the members of the WordPress community that I’ve had the pleasure of coming across (thank you!). (more…)