Mike and I have just spent 6 days at Caloundra, about 1 hour’s drive north of Brisbane. It was wonderful to get away and recharge as well as reconnecting with myself and my darling.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much I love the idea of living a Tapas Life — small bites of joy, variety, and presence. Just like a tapas platter, life doesn’t need to be consumed in one big meal or focused on one overwhelming goal. It can be lived in small, nourishing portions that together create a truly satisfying life.
✨ “A little of this, a little of that — a full, flavorful life.”
This prompted me to use the idea of a Tapas lifestyle for my newsletter – Your Weekly Boost – Living a Tapas Life one joyful bite at a time.
Sparks of Joy #33 – Sunrises, Good Food and Delicious Gelato
This week, I found joy living my version of a Tapas lifestyle – small amounts of nourishing joy.
- Walks by the ocean
- Quality time with my love
- Morning coffee on the balcony
- A pampering manicure and pedicure
- A long run or two with beautiful scenery
- Witnessing a stunning sunrise on my morning walk
- Enjoying good food – two lunches out and one we enjoyed on our balcony with fresh prawns, oysters and salad plus bubbles!
- Savouring a gelato from my favourite place in Caloundra Fifty Acres Gelato. It is owned and run by the first Master Chef winner in Australia and their gelato is superb. We did try another gelato place but it wasn’t as good.
- Reading
- Planning travel for 2026
Where did you find your sparks of joy this week?
Have a beautiful week.
I’m linking up with Wednesdays Words & Whimsy, hosted by the love Min from Write of the Middle
24 Comments
That Tapas is a brilliant idea – I seem very time poor at the moment, as Mum, Sister, Husband & kids all need ‘care’ atm….so sneaking a short exercise or boost is the perfect idea.You’re ocean side photos are stunning! Very jealous of that #WWWHimsy
Hi Lydia, I read about it about 3 years ago but recently rediscovered my notes. I think it is a brilliant idea as well. I’m sorry to hear you are being pulled in all directions at the moment. You need that 5 minutes to yourself for sure. Take care. xx
I love the idea of living a Tapas life Sue, you’ve sold me! Such a lovely spot up there and I recognise some of your beach shots from our time spent in Caloundra. It doesn’t take much to get away and feel rejuvenated. My sparks of joy this past week have been getting some much needed rain, being cosy in front of the fire and rearranging furniture! Have a great week x
#Teamwwwhimsy
I think it is a great description, Deb and the idea really appealed to me when I first heard about it. Caloundra was beautiful and just what we needed. I love your sparks of joy for this week – cozy is my scene. xx
Hi Sue, That looks like a beautiful and relaxing getaway! My sparks of joy this past week have been unhurried morning coffee, lakeside walks or bike rides, seeing spring blooms, watching young goslings with their Canada geese parents, going to a farmers’ market and making meals at home. Have a beautiful week! #TeamWWWhimsy
Natalie, what beautiful sparks of joy you have found this week. Healthy and yet unhurried. I love it! Have a great week. x
Hi Sue, I really love the ‘tapas life’ analogy and the menu you provided! Yes – that is how I want to live. We don’t need to wait for great big things, we can get joy from small things with more regularity. Lovely photos from your time up the coast and I’m glad you and Mike enjoyed yourselves. I got a spark of joy this morning as I went for a mani/pedi before we head up the coast. I’m worried about the talk of bad weather coming but trying hard to not let it get me down. I will still enjoy my week up the coast regardless! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy and thank you very much for helping out with #WWWhimsy when I’ve needed help because I’ll be away etc xo
I think the Tapas analogy is brilliant Min and a great way to enjoy life. I hope you have a fabulous time at the Coast with lots of rest and relaxation for your mind, body and spirit. You’ve started well with a mani/pedi, one of my favourites. x
What a lovely way to view life Sue. Well-done on the words to describe what you are doing. I am learning more about glimmers and may write about them soon. Take care, and I think any break involving the ocean is of value.
Denyse x
Hi Denyse, I look forward to reading about your glimmers. The ocean break was wonderful and I highly recommend it. Just walking by the ocean, seeing the waves and the birdlife was so soothing. Enjoy our week. x
You certainly make the most out of the short breaks you take Sue, a little bit of this and a little bit of that seems to agree with you. Those 3 lovely looking prawns would be just right for me as well😊
I have to say that small bites appeals to me more and more these days….that way I don’t get to overwhelmed.
Has Julie Goodwin moved to Queensland- I remember the tense grand final of the very first series when she beat Poh. The judges decided that flavour was what it was all about- these days they seem to think it’s flair and skill
Hi Cathy, yes I love a short break although we have a big travel plan for August/September. The Masterchef who owns the Fifty Acres Gelato isn’t Julie Goodwin. I’m not sure of her name but it was in the early days. I might have said she was the first winner but I may have been incorrect there. Have a lovely week. x
I’m so glad you had a great holiday, Sue x
It was so relaxing, Toni and the sunrises and sunsets were stunning. x
Your “Tapas” getaway looks magical! I love the visuals your photographs offer! What a beautiful analogy, Sue! Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down planning and prepping for big things and yet, so often, it’s the joy and peace found in the simplicity of “Tapas” moments that are truly satisfying. I am going to take this with me as I plan, reflect and live!
Hi Laura, I enjoy planning for big things but equally like to make time to enjoy the small joys life brings. Today I’ve made a birthday cake for my grandson and I know that will certainly be a spark of joy when I see his face. x
What a wonderful journey to enjoy sparks of life!
Thanks, Melynda it was a lovely week away. x
That looks and sounds totally delightful. I’ve been reading quite a bit of late about small sparks of creativity – and the power of doodling. Far from being something we were told not to do as kids, it’s actually a gateway into unedited creativity.
Elliot has been teaching me to draw. Each Wednesday after school we sit down and draw together and it is so relaxing. It’s a great time out for me from the world of reality. Glad you are back safe and sound after your travels. x
I love the idea of a tapas life, Sue. Thanks for planting that seed. Some of my sparks of joy this week came from beautiful flowers, floating in the pool, a manicure, a massage, and going to dinner with friends.
I think it is a great analogy, Christie. Your sparks of joy sound beautiful especially the massage – so relaxing. x
Love the pics and looks like you really filled your cup during your time away. I can totally get on board with a tapas life!
Hi Sammie we had a fabulous and relaxing time away. x