Our Kylie Turns 40!!!

Today is the 40th birthday of a woman that I have admired for many years. Today Kylie Minogue hits a new decade and I wanted to take a tiny glimpse back at some Kylie images from an amazing career that has spanned 3 decades and does not look like stopping any time soon.

Happy Birthday Kylie...

Go'n To The Country

Keith would have been proud of me this weekend. I packed up the family and headed up country. Mum and Dad have been house sitting in Myrtleford so it seemed the perfect opportunity to get off our city arses and head to the Mountains.

Ben and I spent Friday buying up on glubs (gloves), beanies, hot water bottles, thermals etc. and felt we were all set to brave the elements. We drove up after school on Friday and after 4 hours in the car tumbled out to be greeted by a toasty fire and a massive big screen TV!!! Not exactly roughing it!

We spent Saturday morning at Bright, tumbling in the glorious Autumn leaves and basking in the sun. There is nothing like not being able to feel your toes but getting a tanned face.

Sunday was spent in Beechworth as the kids had heard a rumour that the greatest Lolly Shop in the WORLD was there. There was no rest for us until we found it. I must admit it was pretty magical! I thought Ben was going to implode! To our great astonishment both kids chose 1 pissy little lolly each and turned down our offer of getting them something else as well. They never cease to amaze me.

We capped off the weekend with a cheery visit to the cemetery. (As you do) James wanted to visit the Chinese cemetery that he remembered visiting when he was little. He was amazed to find it had shrunk, or he was bigger, one or the other.

3 hours home, stop at Maccas, and a very successful and enjoyable trip was had by all.

R.I.P. Men In Trees

Cancelled!

There is nothing to say!

Actually, yes there is... how kooky is this chick???

Anne Heche says she can't afford to pay her ex-husband child and spousal support now that her series "Men in Trees" has been canceled, People reports.
Heche says she only has one job, a small movie role for which she was paid $65,000, the amount she received for one episode of "Men in Trees."
A judge ruled she won't have to pay ex-husband Coley Laffoon the July payment, but the judge wants updated income and expense information from Heche.

Oh Poor Anne! Maybe the aliens took her money?

Let's Get Physical, Physical.....

Remember a little while ago I told you I had joined the Gym? Well you'll be pleased to know (some of you may be shocked to know) that I have actually been going. In fact I am averaging 3 to 4 times a week!!

I have discovered that not only do I get to do a workout - which let's face it is not high on my list of fun things to do - but there is A MASSAGE CHAIR. And not just some pissy vibrating thing like at the hairdressers, but a real, close-your-eyes-and-you'd-think -there-was-a-big-Swedish-guy kind of massage chair. I am seriously in love. IT EVEN HEATS UP!!! I was a cat in a past life so a warm chair that rubs you in all the right places is so far beyond good it should be illegal. Now as if this wasn't enough to see me sneaking off to the gym every spare moment - they have a cafe!!! Well, an area with tables, magazines, and free tea and coffee. How good is that??

Now my workout is my incentive to get to the good stuff. You should see me power through those weights to get to my massage chair and a hot cuppa!!

Here is what my beautiful Massage Chair looks like - isn't he beautiful?

And this is what I have now added to my 40th birthday gift registry!!! (How good is it in pink?!)

And finally a couple of shots of me in action at the gym!!! Looking hot aren't I?!

(It shouldn't take you long to work out that I am in fact a brunette and about 20 kilo heavier than this chickie.)

Tom Williams - Dancing With The Stars

I knew I'd eventually be able to find a shirtless Tom Williams (see eye-candy) but I didn't realise I'd find this!!! Enjoy....I certainly did!!!

I need your help.
Who is the lucky fella to be eye candy this week???
I know you must have someone you'd like to see.... come on lurkers who is it going to be??

Ugly Dolls

I just posted about these guys over at the CHALK blog but I wanted to show you here too 'cause I'm soooooooo excited that they have finally arrived.

Is It Just Me

Why does 2 hours disappear everytime I type the word YOUTUBE into my computer??

Drop In And Visit

This is very appropriately called 'Icing Sugar Cottage'. Considering I have a dread of being cold I seem to be attracted to homes in the snow!

Unfortunately I can't remember where I get my images as I have a huge file of photos that I have collected over the years, so if this photo is yours I apologise.

What The Hell Is Wrong With Me?

Please tell me there is someone, anyone, else who cried at the Logies!!!!

I'm beginning to have a suspicion that my husband is right and I am, in fact, a nutcase! It all started with Heath. I usually well up big time in the Memorandum montage, we have lost so many fine young talents over the last few years, but this year I sobbed. I couldn't stop! I think I have somehow managed to pretend that Heath did not in fact die and he is out there somewhere doing his thing.

You can't argue with a Memorandum Montage though. It's a sledgehammer to the guts. Heath is dead.

I had just started to recover and compose myself when they announced the nominees for Most Outstanding Public Affairs Report! Australian Story won for their intimate documentary based on Belinda Emmett, partly made before she lost her battle with life. And Jen sobs again.

To cap it all off the lovely Kate Ritchie deservedly won the Gold and although this was very exciting, her speech completely did me in. More sobbing and with very sore eyes I sheepishly packed myself off to bed.

I am pathetic!

Surfer Boy is correct.

What Makes Me Cry?

This makes me cry every time.
Sarah Buxton is my favourite female vocalist and song writer so I thought I'd share this with you. I hope you like it.

Moondoggie Turns 4!

This blog is turning into a bit of a love-in, what with our wedding anniversary, Gidget turning 6 and now my gorgeous Moondoggie turning 4.


I feel like I am constantly raving about my family but bare with me for one more family milestone. After that you have at least a month off until the next one - MY 40th!!! (And you just know that will be a long post!)

Moondoggie appeared 3 weeks early back in 2004 and I fell madly in love with him.

Is has a lovely sweet nature and, like Lola, he is 'small and very funny'. He provides Gidget and I with constant amusement and is always first up for a kiss and and a cuddle if there's one offering. His favourite colour is green, he loves kisses, Boba Fett and the Power Rangers. He is a constant delight and I absolutely can not get enough of him.

Happy Birthday Moondoggie!

CHALK Comes Of Age!

I've just been over at the CHALK blog writing about this.... and thought I may as well post it over here too.

It appeared in this month's edition of The Age's Melbourne Magazine and we are thrilled.

Birthday Festa

I'm starting to get blogging withdrawals! Is that weird?

What with two birthdays in one week it has been quite hectic over here. No time to scratch let alone blog. As you know, Gidg' turned 6 on Thursday and we had a delightful group of girls over after school for a party. All went well, fun was had by all and my cake even turned out well...

The girls had a lovely time designing cupcakes and making their own plates. We even had an Easter Egg Hunt as requested by Gidget. I did go a little into teacher mode but all went swimmingly and they were a joy.

By 5.30 it was all over and we all collapsed in a heap.

Sunday we batted up again and had both sets of grandparents, various Uncles and Aunty's, and numerous cousins over for lunch - more baking, more eating, more pressies, more collapsing!!

Now we have the eye of the storm, the calm before it's Moondoggie's turn. He turns 4 on Thursday but I'll tell you all about that another day!! My problem now is building up some enthusiasm to create some sort of birthday cake. Gidget got an ice cream Barbie cake & a Fairy Cloud cake so I can't very well skimp out on Moondoggie's. Any suggestions?

(And to all those of little faith - I did make both the cakes myself. I may hate cooking but everyone knows I get off on an excuse to decorate.)

(p.s. You may also notice in one of the photos that Moondoggie actually has a cake - made by his Grandma and completely smothered in lollies - he thought it was Fantastic.)

Gidget Turns Six

My beautiful baby girl turned 6 today.

She is a joy and a blessing, a kind hearted soul who treads softly on the world.

Gidget is my sweet, sweet baby who tries to do her best in everything she does and cares about the feelings of those around her. I am so proud of her and am continually humbled by her presense in my life.

I love you my Gidget.

Stop Talking About It And Do It!

I joined a gym today!
I KNOW!!!!
Amazing huh?

(Oh God, what have I done.....)

Dish Pig.

God I hate doing the dishes!!!
Surfer Boy is away again and I'm stuck doing his chores. He does the dishes every night and I'd forgotton what an annoying job it is. We have the world's smallest sink with an equally minute draining board. It only takes someone to have a snack for the dishes to pile up. I NEED A DISHWASHER, or my husband back!!

Drop In And Visit

Anna over at Absolutely Beautiful Things posted about this house during the week and I have not been able to keep my eyes off it. It soothes my soul and has become my latest screen saver so I can gaze all day if I choose.

It's actually for sale at the moment so I might just take a sneaky trip down to Sorrento so I can stroll around the garden and pretend I can afford it!

Want to come?

P.S. Pop over to Kristine's blog and do the quiz...The boys from 'Nothing To Wear?' tell you what style you are. Fascinating.

Till Death...

8 Years ago today Surfer Boy and I tied the knot. We dragged all our family and friends to the top of a sand dune at the place where we met and were blessed with a glorious sunny April day with not a breath of wind. (Which believe me, is a blessing, as that sand dune is one windy spot for 360 days of the year.)

It was also the longest isle any bride has ever had to traipse down but I didn't think of that until I was actually doing it. I am not known for my love of exercise so I think many of the guests found my hike amusing. (note - cars parked on other side of lighthouse!)

We borrowed 2 fabulous old Holdens from friends and made our leisurely way to The Old School Hall for our party. We had no speeches, or weddingy stuff, just lots of yummy food, dear friends, a cake made of doughnuts,

and an inordinate amount of dancing! I am one of those poor unfortunates who has a husband who is a much better dancer than I am. I am no slouch, just unlucky in that Surfer Boy is unusually good for a straight man. This makes for a great party as he is usually the first one on the floor, along with every dance-mad member of his family. The Surfer Boy Family goes off on a dance floor.

We had an absolute ball and there is not one thing I would change about our day.....

Especially my choice of groom! I am constantly amazed at my good fortune - Surfer Boy is the most supportive, laid back, constant person I have ever met. He allows me complete freedom to be myself and pursue my passions. He believes utterly that marriage is an equal partnership and shows it in a thousand ways every day. After 8 years of marriage and 13 years together I am more in love with him than ever. (Maybe he should read this post 'cause I'm sure I don't tell him enough). Happy Anniversary Surfer Boy!

Celebrity Morph

Not only do I look remarkably like Rachael Bilson

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

but apparently I also share a very similar gene pool with Samaire Armstrong and...

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs

Kate Hudson!!! Oh I definitely think we are virtually twins!!!

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Family search - Roots

Who Do They Look Like??

How fun is this?!? Once again Whitney has come through with the goods and put me on to this great time waster. You can even morph with celebrities.....I'm off to see what sort of kid Keith and I would have had .....

LOGIES??

The Gold Logie nominations are out - and there is already controversy!
I've had conversations with a couple of people with various strong opinions about who deserves to win TVs highest honour.
What are your thoughts?
Here are the nominees.... (sorry to those of you outside Aus)
Natalie Blair - Neighbours' actress


Adam Hills - Funnyman and host of Spics & Specs as well as various hosting gigs. This is his first time up.


Chris Lilley - another first timer and the creative genius behind Summer Height's High. He is also up in the best actor category and SHH is up for best light entertainment program.

Rove McManus - The Host with the most and past Gold winner

Andrew Denton - master interviewer.

John Howard - the cranky doctor from All Saint's.

Lisa McCune - multiple Gold Logie winner and now on Sea Patrol.

Kate Ritchie - Home and Away stalwart, It Take's Two host and last year's winner.

I have various opinions about some of the nominees but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts first.