Thursday 17 April 2014

Retirement Lifestyle ... this week


Postcards from ... Mesohoria, Evias, Greece.

We spent Easter in Mesohoria - the beautiful island village in which John was born - two years ago now. How the time has flown - but what great memories we have!




































Here's the most mouthwatering cake I've found for Easter - Creme Egg Chocolate Drizzle Cake. It's a showstopper and I can't wait to make it!

Calling all Tim Tam lovers! I couldn't go past sharing this! What would you do with a few packets of Tim Tams?

While on an Easter/chocolate theme - here's a tipple to enjoy over Easter! Sip slowly! Drink responsibily.

Roast lamb is traditionally served for Easter Sunday lunch. Here's a fabulous recipe for Slow Roasted Greek Lamb with Tomatoes, Onions and Hasselback Potatoes.

Everyone loves a juggler. An illusionist. How about a wizard juggler illusionist! Prepare to be amazed! What this guy does will have you transfixed!

An amazing drone's eye view of Sydney, showcasing that Australian wonderful city like you've never seen it before! Click here to view!

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? What did you think you think of this weeks' jaw dropping episode?

Happy Easter everyone!

Cheers!

Marian



Week 16 - The Living Well in Retirement Weekly Challenge




It's change of season - which means there is no better time for a retirement wardrobe cleanse! And my wardrobe is in need of a cleanse!

When I retired I found my clothing needs changed considerably. I no longer needed a wardrobe full of corporate style clothing and shoes. My needs have instead evolved to reflect my new lifestyle - smart, stylish casual wear for going out and travel, more pants, jeans and jackets, and active wear for the gym and walking, together with comfortable easy care pieces for home.

How have your wardrobe needs changed in retirement?

This week your retirement challenge is ... to clean out your wardrobe. Be ruthless - if you won't wear it again get rid of it! Take a photo if it's a piece that you really want to remember.

You may wish to sell expensive pieces on consignment at a local preloved clothing store, on eBay or Gumtree. Otherwise donate clean items in very good to excellent condition to your favourite charity.

And from now on - remember - that in retirement less is the new more!

Have a great week!

Cheers!

Marian



Thursday 10 April 2014

Retirement Lifestyle ... this week

Postcards from ... our first taste of retirement lifestyle, Tamworth's 41st Country Music Festival!

An amazing event, put it on your Bucket List - and book your bed in beautiful Tamworth well ahead!





















Some links to explore ... 

If you could choose to stay in just one of these top 10 most relaxing spots in the world which one would it be!

Every retiree agrees that looking after the pennies is important in retirement. This Find and Compare page will links you to tools and calculators that allow you to manade your money, select the right bank accounts and loans, insurance policies, energy supplier and even broadband plan.

With Easter approaching and beautiful fresh fish on many people's menus it gives me great pleasure to share our family's recipe for quick and easy panfried King George Whiting here.

Again, with Easter approaching please share this link about the dangers of texting while driving with your family and friends - old and young. Be warned - it is graphic but powerful. Stay safe on the roads.

Ever wondered how the Greeks do those amazing whole roast lamb on a spit? Just the thing if you have a crowd coming for Easter!

A cocktail to celebrate the end of the week - and for all my exhausted teacher friends - the beginning of the school holidays! Enjoy!

Cheers!

Marian


Wednesday 9 April 2014

Week 15 - The Living Well in Retirement Weekly Challenge




Retired? Then there a numerous benefits to be gained from making the most of our glorious autumnal weather! The weather is perfect for relaxing, walking, drinking in the fresh air and topping up those levels of Vitamin D.

What better way to enjoy all of these elements than in the company of some good friends on a golf course!

Your retirement challenge this week ... is to round up some mates, dust off the clubs and hit the local golf course!

Be warned - Mark Twain's famous quote 'Golf is a good walk ruined' will only hold true if you take the round too seriously!

In this week of your retirement ... relax, forget about the score, mingle with the local wildlife and have some fun instead!

Cheers!

Marian

PS: Drinks are on you if you score a hole in one! Let me know how you go!





Sunday 6 April 2014

Retirement - Is it really the end of Life as we know it?



It's been a year since I started this blog so with this post I'm celebrating its one year anniversary!

What a year it's been! The blog continues to evolve as I seek to find engaging ways to spread positive messages about retirement - in a world that seems determined to suggest that retirement signifies the beginning of the end of life as we know it!

Retirement does come with challenges and changes. These need not to become worries - but be grasped firmly with both hands and seen for the opportunities they present to make significant positive and strategic changes to the way we live our life.

Retirement is a time of reward - particularly in terms of that most valuable of resources - time. No longer dictated to by work requirements and expectations how you use your time is up to you! What a welcome condition that is!

The greatest rewards of my retirement so far are the wonderful rhythms that now flow through all aspects of my life! And I've found a song - or did it find me - that exemplifies my retirement condition!

From the first time I heard this song it made my heart sing! Each note seemed to dance in the cells of my body! The melody invigorated my very being. The words spoke to me on multiple levels. I find myself wanting to immerse myself in it listening to it over and over again.

The song is 'Knee Deep' recorded by the wonderful American country music group Zac Brown Band together with Jimmy Buffet. To them I extend my heartfelt thanks - I've adopted it as my retirement anthem!




 What do you think? Does it resonate with you, too?

Trusting the water hasn't reached your chair yet!

Cheers!

Marian


Friday 4 April 2014

Week 14 - The Living Well in Retirement Weekly Challenge




Did you know that retirement comes with money saving benefits for Australian retirees!

Those benefits range from free or discounted travel on public transport to discounts offered by hundreds of businesses - and are accessed by applying for your very own Seniors Card.

One of the challenges of living well in retirement is making your dollars go further! This is one way! And I, for one, am not looking a gift horse in the mouth!

Each state/territory has it's own unique eligiblity requirements which I encourage you to check here! If you fit those requirements follow your state's links to the online application area. It took me two minutes to complete!

Your challenge this week ... is to apply for a Seniors Card and make the most of the opportunity that the Australian - and state and territory - governments have made available to us.

Which discounts or benefits will you find most useful? I would love your feedback!

Cheers!

Marian