SDC Team Monthly Recap
- Replies 1
Good morning!
Has it been a month already?! Time flies! How have you all been this month? We thought we’d check in and give you some insight into lives and what’s happening behind the scenes at the SDC! You might recall us sharing some weekly recaps but the general consensus was to compile everything for one monthly blast!
We also have something super exciting to announce – we have two new SDC team members!
You may have noticed the names Jarred and Ally posting stories online and in our newsletter sign off but this is their official debut! We’re thrilled to have them onboard as full-time writers and we can’t wait for you to get to know them better! And that starts now
Please give them a warm welcome!
Jarred
Hello, members! Glad to join SDC
I’ve been spending the last couple of weeks away from the city, spending time with my parents. It's been a long time coming, to be honest, since the last time I was with them for this long was in 2019. Thankfully, they've been doing well, especially in terms of health, which is something any child of senior parents would be glad to know.
While here, I’ve come to love the quiet that only rural life can give anyone. By quiet, I mean the kind where crickets seem very loud. Then there's also the fresh air --- not a trace of smoke from cars anywhere! Breathing seems like so much less of a crime than it was before.
The home-cooked food is also such a big plus. I'm not sorry I haven't eaten any processed food in a while, quote me on that! Seafood is also more available here, and for cheaper prices too.
Still, I find myself sometimes missing the city’s buzz. I guess getting used to all the commotion is a hard thing to get rid of.
Anyway, in a couple of weeks, I’ll be heading back. I already know as early as now that I'll be wishing I took in more of everything here when I return...
So in the meantime, I'll be doing just that!
Ally
Hi, everyone! I’m happy to meet all of you!
Last week, I received my film photos although I haven’t had the chance to go through them yet. I’ll do it this weekend
They’re photos from my trip to South Korea a couple of months ago, and I’m so excited to see how they turned out.
I like travelling solo because I get to enjoy everything in my own time, at my own pace. Basically, the freedom that comes with it! I discover something new about myself every time I travel, and overall, it’s just an enriching experience for me. Although I must say, I’ve had my fair share of…odd circumstances, but I’ll save those stories for another time.
Anyway, I always bring my film camera with me wherever I go. I just think that photos taken with a film camera seem more…alive? Intimate? I can’t even think of an exact word for it haha
All I know is that it’s a hobby that makes me feel more connected to others somehow.
I’m thinking of travelling again next year but don’t know where to go yet. If anyone’s got recommendations, send them my way!
Jon
Hi all!
I’ll keep it brief because I’m actually on a working holiday at the moment! I’ve been away for a few weeks already travelling a fair bit. I’ve been to Singapore, Laos and I’m currently in Bristol in the UK. It’s freezing, certainly nothing like the Australian summer I know and love but hey, it’s special experiencing a (freezing) cold holiday season! I’m thoroughly enjoying myself, but am looking forward to coming back to Sydney and wrapping things up for the year.
It’s been an awesome year for this community and I’m keen to show you all what we have in store for 2023. Not to be clickbaity like Maddie, but it’s pretty good if I can say so myself…
Catch up with you all next month,
Jon.
Maddie
Hello gorgeous members!
I hope you’re all safe and well. It has been a HUGE month here at the SDC, but I think this is the most excited I’ve ever been about this community. Jon and I have been spending a lot of time brainstorming what the future of this community looks like and it’s just beyond exciting. I, of course, cannot tell you what we have in store for you just yet (a bit clickbaity of me, I’m sorry!) but just know 2023 is going to be our biggest year yet, and I can’t wait to see how much you all enjoy it! I should also mention how lovely it has been to have April move to Sydney and have her in the office. She brings such great energy to the team, as I’m sure you can all see!
In terms of my personal life, things have been a little quiet which has been a blessing, because we all know how busy December can be… My busyness starts this weekend and I’m a little scared of just how busy it’s going to be. I’m out for dinner Friday night, Saturday night AND Sunday night, and for a homebody like me, that’s A LOT OF DINNERS AWAY FROM HOME. But that’s something I’m also eternally grateful for. I have a wonderful family and a beautiful group of friends that I’m very much looking forward to catching up with!
I can’t wait to check in with you all in December, I think by then I’ll be in need of a bit of R&R! I hope you all have a wonderful month, take care, and remember as crazy as the month of December can be, keep it at the front of your mind how lucky we are to be here.
Lots of love to you all!
Maddie.
Vella
Hey, members!
This month has been pretty eventful for me. I've been to different places, met new people, and tried new things! That's because it's my partner's birthday month and we like to celebrate by travelling and doing new things together.
I've mentioned this in the newsletter before but my partner and I went on a health and wellness retreat for her birthday. It was super lovely, and the place we stayed at was beautiful. We got to spend time in nature, eat healthy food, and just relax! It was such a wonderful experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even just walking and hearing the sound of nature is so therapeutic. Of course, I took a lot of photos while we were there.
In addition to the retreat, we also went to the beach, where we rode jet skis for the first time! It was so much fun, and I'm glad we tried something new together! We watched the sunset and then went to a nice dinner with a stunning view of the water. Of course, I took photos of that too.
This month has been full of new experiences, and I'm so grateful for that. So, thank you to my partner for being the best adventure buddy ever and for always pushing me to try new things. I'm also thankful for all of you, our lovely readers.
Thanks for reading,
Vella
April
I’m officially in Sydney! I’ve been here for three weeks now and honestly… I love it (did I trick you?
) While I feel like a tourist, I’m enjoying exploring new beaches, cafes and views. The sunsets here are especially beautiful.
I can’t quite pick one highlight so you’ll have to bear with me. I was so excited to learn that a family member booked flights to spend Christmas with me & that there will be a new little one running around the coop soon (no, no, not mine haha!).
In other news, I received my first physical book to review for a publishing house. I’ve dabbled in some e-book reviews in the past but I’m excited to take this new step. I know a few of you are working on memoirs so I’m looking forward to reading those one day soon!
In terms of recommendations, I am loving a Chai Latte right now. It feels like an acceptable way to already start celebrating the festive season early. Want something even sweeter to pair with it? Why not try Whittaker's Oat Milk Chocolate? It’s plant-based which makes it perfect for any lactose-intolerant members out there. The last recommendation is something anyone living fairly close to NSW, VIC or Brisbane CBD can try (so sorry to the other states, you’ll just have to come and visit!). I recently discovered Kürtősh (aka Kürtőskalács), according to their website it is ‘a traditional Hungarian pastry famously known as chimney cake, boasting the perfect harmony of caramelised crispy flaky outer with soft inner walls. Our Kürtősh is baked to sweet golden perfection & rolled in chopped nuts, chocolate or spices for added texture & flavour.’ I’ve included a photo below so you can take in its glory.
I want to take a moment to thank this community, as well as Jon and Maddie. I've wanted to move to Sydney for a while now and they (and you all) gave me the push I needed to try something new.
Until next month,
April
Sean
Everyone from the SDC team seems to be travelling, but I’m just staying at home for the month, binge-watching some ‘web series’. For those of you who are not familiar with the term, these are shows that are produced by independent content creators that are not picked up by free TV.
One of my favourites is a game show called ‘Stacks' where contestants decide who among them deserves to receive a cash prize. The contestants plead their cases and vote. However, there are cases where the contestants can’t bring home money (e.g. when everyone votes for themselves or when they can’t break a tie).
It’s fun to watch because you get to see how some people can be so generous and are willing to sacrifice their ‘stacks’ so others who deserve it more can get the money.
Here’s an episode of the show:
Credit: Facebook/Jubilee
Sethia
This month, I’m embarking on a solo trip to the Philippines! I’ve never been on a trip by myself so I’m a little nervous… Regardless, I’m very excited about facing this accomplishment head-on.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but Disney movies and fairytales may have played a role in moulding my brain to think that ‘happily ever afters’ aren’t achievable without a companion. And while finding a partner for life may be ideal, I think it’s equally important to learn how to stand on one’s own two feet.
With that in mind, here goes nothing. I have no idea what’s to come, but I’m welcoming this experience with open arms.
James
While my colleagues here at the SDC are all travelling and having wonderful trips, the past month has been quite the opposite for me. For the most part, I simply stayed at home, devoting much of my time to loved ones and enjoying some much-needed me-time.
Also, recently, I've become rather interested in a YouTube channel called 'Never Too Small'. It frequently highlights the work of award-winning designers, showcasing their micro and tiny-sized residences and apartments.
Their channel's concept is based on the idea that, through clever design and imaginative use of space, people can revolutionise how they live and engage with ever-expanding cities.
One of my favourite episodes is about Nightingale 2 – a sustainable and low-footprint apartment project located in Melbourne.
What I love about it is that, even though the apartment is only 51 square metres, the owner made it work by turning parts of the home that weren't used as often into public spaces; this makes it easier for people to get to know each other and build a sense of community.
'Built to be living in, rather than as an investment, Nightingale 2 focuses on making itself a home,' it says in the description.
And even though it will still be quite some time before I get to settle down and have a place of my own, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be as wonderful and homey as the Nightingale 2!
You can watch the episode here:
Credit: Never Too Small.
How was your month, members? We’d love to read your highlights (or lowlights - it happens sometimes) down below! We love hearing from you!
Has it been a month already?! Time flies! How have you all been this month? We thought we’d check in and give you some insight into lives and what’s happening behind the scenes at the SDC! You might recall us sharing some weekly recaps but the general consensus was to compile everything for one monthly blast!
We also have something super exciting to announce – we have two new SDC team members!
You may have noticed the names Jarred and Ally posting stories online and in our newsletter sign off but this is their official debut! We’re thrilled to have them onboard as full-time writers and we can’t wait for you to get to know them better! And that starts now
Please give them a warm welcome!
Jarred
Hello, members! Glad to join SDC
I’ve been spending the last couple of weeks away from the city, spending time with my parents. It's been a long time coming, to be honest, since the last time I was with them for this long was in 2019. Thankfully, they've been doing well, especially in terms of health, which is something any child of senior parents would be glad to know.
While here, I’ve come to love the quiet that only rural life can give anyone. By quiet, I mean the kind where crickets seem very loud. Then there's also the fresh air --- not a trace of smoke from cars anywhere! Breathing seems like so much less of a crime than it was before.
The home-cooked food is also such a big plus. I'm not sorry I haven't eaten any processed food in a while, quote me on that! Seafood is also more available here, and for cheaper prices too.
Still, I find myself sometimes missing the city’s buzz. I guess getting used to all the commotion is a hard thing to get rid of.
Anyway, in a couple of weeks, I’ll be heading back. I already know as early as now that I'll be wishing I took in more of everything here when I return...
So in the meantime, I'll be doing just that!
Ally
Hi, everyone! I’m happy to meet all of you!
Last week, I received my film photos although I haven’t had the chance to go through them yet. I’ll do it this weekend
They’re photos from my trip to South Korea a couple of months ago, and I’m so excited to see how they turned out.I like travelling solo because I get to enjoy everything in my own time, at my own pace. Basically, the freedom that comes with it! I discover something new about myself every time I travel, and overall, it’s just an enriching experience for me. Although I must say, I’ve had my fair share of…odd circumstances, but I’ll save those stories for another time.
Anyway, I always bring my film camera with me wherever I go. I just think that photos taken with a film camera seem more…alive? Intimate? I can’t even think of an exact word for it haha
All I know is that it’s a hobby that makes me feel more connected to others somehow.I’m thinking of travelling again next year but don’t know where to go yet. If anyone’s got recommendations, send them my way!
Jon
Hi all!
I’ll keep it brief because I’m actually on a working holiday at the moment! I’ve been away for a few weeks already travelling a fair bit. I’ve been to Singapore, Laos and I’m currently in Bristol in the UK. It’s freezing, certainly nothing like the Australian summer I know and love but hey, it’s special experiencing a (freezing) cold holiday season! I’m thoroughly enjoying myself, but am looking forward to coming back to Sydney and wrapping things up for the year.
It’s been an awesome year for this community and I’m keen to show you all what we have in store for 2023. Not to be clickbaity like Maddie, but it’s pretty good if I can say so myself…
Catch up with you all next month,
Jon.
Maddie
Hello gorgeous members!
I hope you’re all safe and well. It has been a HUGE month here at the SDC, but I think this is the most excited I’ve ever been about this community. Jon and I have been spending a lot of time brainstorming what the future of this community looks like and it’s just beyond exciting. I, of course, cannot tell you what we have in store for you just yet (a bit clickbaity of me, I’m sorry!) but just know 2023 is going to be our biggest year yet, and I can’t wait to see how much you all enjoy it! I should also mention how lovely it has been to have April move to Sydney and have her in the office. She brings such great energy to the team, as I’m sure you can all see!
In terms of my personal life, things have been a little quiet which has been a blessing, because we all know how busy December can be… My busyness starts this weekend and I’m a little scared of just how busy it’s going to be. I’m out for dinner Friday night, Saturday night AND Sunday night, and for a homebody like me, that’s A LOT OF DINNERS AWAY FROM HOME. But that’s something I’m also eternally grateful for. I have a wonderful family and a beautiful group of friends that I’m very much looking forward to catching up with!
I can’t wait to check in with you all in December, I think by then I’ll be in need of a bit of R&R! I hope you all have a wonderful month, take care, and remember as crazy as the month of December can be, keep it at the front of your mind how lucky we are to be here.
Lots of love to you all!
Maddie.
Vella
Hey, members!
This month has been pretty eventful for me. I've been to different places, met new people, and tried new things! That's because it's my partner's birthday month and we like to celebrate by travelling and doing new things together.
I've mentioned this in the newsletter before but my partner and I went on a health and wellness retreat for her birthday. It was super lovely, and the place we stayed at was beautiful. We got to spend time in nature, eat healthy food, and just relax! It was such a wonderful experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even just walking and hearing the sound of nature is so therapeutic. Of course, I took a lot of photos while we were there.
Ahhh to be back here!
In addition to the retreat, we also went to the beach, where we rode jet skis for the first time! It was so much fun, and I'm glad we tried something new together! We watched the sunset and then went to a nice dinner with a stunning view of the water. Of course, I took photos of that too.
Check out that sunset!
This month has been full of new experiences, and I'm so grateful for that. So, thank you to my partner for being the best adventure buddy ever and for always pushing me to try new things. I'm also thankful for all of you, our lovely readers.
Thanks for reading,
Vella
April
I’m officially in Sydney! I’ve been here for three weeks now and honestly… I love it (did I trick you?
) While I feel like a tourist, I’m enjoying exploring new beaches, cafes and views. The sunsets here are especially beautiful.I can’t quite pick one highlight so you’ll have to bear with me. I was so excited to learn that a family member booked flights to spend Christmas with me & that there will be a new little one running around the coop soon (no, no, not mine haha!).
In other news, I received my first physical book to review for a publishing house. I’ve dabbled in some e-book reviews in the past but I’m excited to take this new step. I know a few of you are working on memoirs so I’m looking forward to reading those one day soon!
In terms of recommendations, I am loving a Chai Latte right now. It feels like an acceptable way to already start celebrating the festive season early. Want something even sweeter to pair with it? Why not try Whittaker's Oat Milk Chocolate? It’s plant-based which makes it perfect for any lactose-intolerant members out there. The last recommendation is something anyone living fairly close to NSW, VIC or Brisbane CBD can try (so sorry to the other states, you’ll just have to come and visit!). I recently discovered Kürtősh (aka Kürtőskalács), according to their website it is ‘a traditional Hungarian pastry famously known as chimney cake, boasting the perfect harmony of caramelised crispy flaky outer with soft inner walls. Our Kürtősh is baked to sweet golden perfection & rolled in chopped nuts, chocolate or spices for added texture & flavour.’ I’ve included a photo below so you can take in its glory.
Image Credit: Kurtosh
I want to take a moment to thank this community, as well as Jon and Maddie. I've wanted to move to Sydney for a while now and they (and you all) gave me the push I needed to try something new.
Until next month,
April
Sean
Everyone from the SDC team seems to be travelling, but I’m just staying at home for the month, binge-watching some ‘web series’. For those of you who are not familiar with the term, these are shows that are produced by independent content creators that are not picked up by free TV.
One of my favourites is a game show called ‘Stacks' where contestants decide who among them deserves to receive a cash prize. The contestants plead their cases and vote. However, there are cases where the contestants can’t bring home money (e.g. when everyone votes for themselves or when they can’t break a tie).
It’s fun to watch because you get to see how some people can be so generous and are willing to sacrifice their ‘stacks’ so others who deserve it more can get the money.
Here’s an episode of the show:
Credit: Facebook/Jubilee
Sethia
This month, I’m embarking on a solo trip to the Philippines! I’ve never been on a trip by myself so I’m a little nervous… Regardless, I’m very excited about facing this accomplishment head-on.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but Disney movies and fairytales may have played a role in moulding my brain to think that ‘happily ever afters’ aren’t achievable without a companion. And while finding a partner for life may be ideal, I think it’s equally important to learn how to stand on one’s own two feet.
With that in mind, here goes nothing. I have no idea what’s to come, but I’m welcoming this experience with open arms.
James
While my colleagues here at the SDC are all travelling and having wonderful trips, the past month has been quite the opposite for me. For the most part, I simply stayed at home, devoting much of my time to loved ones and enjoying some much-needed me-time.
Also, recently, I've become rather interested in a YouTube channel called 'Never Too Small'. It frequently highlights the work of award-winning designers, showcasing their micro and tiny-sized residences and apartments.
Their channel's concept is based on the idea that, through clever design and imaginative use of space, people can revolutionise how they live and engage with ever-expanding cities.
One of my favourite episodes is about Nightingale 2 – a sustainable and low-footprint apartment project located in Melbourne.
What I love about it is that, even though the apartment is only 51 square metres, the owner made it work by turning parts of the home that weren't used as often into public spaces; this makes it easier for people to get to know each other and build a sense of community.
'Built to be living in, rather than as an investment, Nightingale 2 focuses on making itself a home,' it says in the description.
And even though it will still be quite some time before I get to settle down and have a place of my own, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be as wonderful and homey as the Nightingale 2!
You can watch the episode here:
Credit: Never Too Small.
How was your month, members? We’d love to read your highlights (or lowlights - it happens sometimes) down below! We love hearing from you!
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