You Yangs

Moondoggie at You Yangs Vic

It's a long weekend in Melbourne and after working the first two days, (I didn't think that through too well) we're taking the kids and heading out of town for the day. 

Along with some friends, we thought we'd spend the day in the bush, suck up some fresh air and do some rock climbing.  The kids are very excited, Surfer Boy is busy packing up the gear and I have just realised I need to provide food and the 'cupboard is bare'.  Looks like I'm in for a late night trip to the supermarket!

Enjoy your Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Surfer Boy & Moondoggie

Happy Birthday Mandy

I'm looking forward to a long girly lunch tomorrow with a dear friend.  We're meeting at Pomegranate which should provide lots of decorating inspiration to discuss over lunch.

(http://www.icietla.com.au/)

Pancake Breakfast

Tomorrow I have requested Banana pancakes from Seven Deadly Sins in Seddon for my Mother's Day treat.  I don't know why but for the last week I have been craving all things pancake related - the kids and I are even making pikelets this afternoon as I can't wait until tomorrow.
I stumbled on these shots from here and it is just feeding my frenzy...

Birthday Festival

Last week was very busy at our place.  I stupidly did not plan my pregnancies very well with the result that my kids birthdays are exactly a week apart.  Not only is it an expensive week but it also seems to end up being about 10 days of seemingly non-stop partying.  The days between the two birthdays are filled with dinners for cousins, grandparents, and anyone else who drops by, and the kids milk it for all they're worth with movie night treats, take-away etc which I fall for, being too busy with party planning to feed my family.

I am exaggerating a little as we don't go overboard on the party events - Gidget took a couple of friends rock climbing and Moondoggie took a couple of his mates 10 Pin Bowling.  Both parties were very low key but heaps of fun for the birthday girl/boy.

Although fun, I am very glad it is all over for another year as I need a good lie down with a cool face washer over my eyes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS 6 & 8

It's Not Fair

A couple of times a week we are lucky enough to share afternoon tea with some lovely friends. The down side of this is that when it is their turn to provide afternoon tea, it kind of beats my offerings hands down. Last week Leslie produced this for Friday Arvo..

and Caitlin brought this out on Wednesday!

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How is a girl supposed to drop the kgs with friends like these?

Even Eliza had it in for me with this confection arriving on the table for Saturday lunch!

I GIVE UP!

(Note - Lygon St Cakes made Eliza's although I'm sure she could make it too!)

Vegie Garden

I must say that although we spent many hours and many dollars making our vegie garden, the rewards have not really lived up to expectation. Moondoggie and I decided to do some harvesting and although we had fun it was not a plentiful crop to say the least.

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We may have only produced a mouthful but I must say it was a great activity to do with the kids. The process, from buying the plants, digging the bed, watering, watching the growth, and then picking the vegies was a healthy, outdoor activity that was also heaps of fun. I think we'll persevere and see if we can produce more next time around.

Sustainable Living in Kingsville

Moondoggie and I have started a new project. We decided to make a veggie garden and with the help of a certain Surfer Boy who happens to be good with a hammer, it is starting to come along nicely.


Our back garden has always been a bit of a dog's breakfast due to the fact that 8 years ago we thought we would be renovating soon so didn't want to waste money on an area that would eventually be flattened! We've whacked in some garden beds, pulled up all the concrete and grown some grass but in general it leaves a lot to be desired. The advantage is you can clear a whole bed without losing anything of value and start again with a - veggie garden.

I'm very proud of us - usually I just want to put everything in so it looks pretty but this time we're actually preparing the soil first. A sprinkle of dynamic lifter followed a few days later by manure and a couple of handfuls of lime.

Surfer Boy edged it properly for us and he's promised to fix the window box on the cubby so we can plant herbs there.

Moondoggie and I have decided to only plant things that we like to eat so we have chosen carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and maybe some strawberries (yes we know they're not veggies but gee they're yummy) We might try and grow potatoes too but I think some research needs to be done there first.

I'll keep you posted on our progress.

Tarry Turns 70!

My wonderful mother (far left) turned 70 on the weekend!

She had lunch for 30 of her oldest and dearest friends at Number 3, Station Pier, Port Melbourne.

It was a lovely day and it was so nice to see Mum surrounded by such wonderful friends. I think it is a testament to her and her enormous talent for friendship that such a wide and varied group of women celebrated her birthday with her. I hope by my 70th I still have such a fabulous circle of friends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM.

Sunday Night, so relaxing

Tonight at 7.30pm, just as I was getting ready to sit down and soak up the A.R.I.A.s, Surfer Boy suggested we see what our new cupboard (salvaged from his sister's house) would look like in the kitchen...



Thank god I had the forethought to tape the A.R.I.A.s as there was no stopping him and now at 11.30pm we have a completely rearranged kitchen minus one built-in and a missing wall!!! He really needs to get another hobby.






Now I am finally on the couch with a cuppa, a block of Belgian mint chocolate, and The Veronicas are doing their usual fabulous job of performing live. Gabriella Chilmi is a credit to Melbourne and I need to buy Melinda Schneider's album, Be Yourself.


Australian music is tearing it up.

Happy Birthday Dadsy Wadsy

A massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the fabulous Bill Pearson, my Dad, and one of the greatest men you will ever meet.

According to my Mum tonight, Dad and I grow more alike every day.

I am more than happy to go with that as Dad is one of the most loving and generous people I have ever met and if I am only a little like him I will be happy.

The things my Dad has given me -

Generosity (hopefully)

a love of MGM musicals

the ability to remember fairly useless music and movie trivia

an interest in Authurian legends

olive skin

low cholesterol (sorry Mum)

we waddle when we're tired

a love of country music

the desire to keep up with pop culture

the ability to sit over a drink for hours

the tendency to grossly exaggerate to improve a story

a love of people watching

good spacial relations (definately not from Mum)

the ability to tune out others when reading or watching TV

a liking for Vanilla slices

love of surf culture
a love of shopping
and a million more that I'm sure I'll think of as soon as I sign off...
Happy Birthday Dad.

(Surfer Boy wanted me to add another - we are both vulgar and have a dirty sense of humour. - fair enough)

What A Night

It's been a long time between posts but I guess now I'm in my 40's you can't expect too much. On Saturday I felt fabulous, sprightly, alert and champing at the bit to get to my party. By Sunday afternoon I felt every single second of 40 years. I think I aged about a decade in 24 hours!

After a lovely brunch with the family at Gourmet On Gamon, I headed down to set up the venue. Lanterns were hung, table was set, the very helpful Surfer Boy lugged multiple tables and 20 chairs from our place to the Studio. He then scampered off with the kids to his Mum's and I had the house to myself to glam up.

The caterer arrived, everyone turned up looking fabulous and I had a fantastic night. There was a lot of food, drink, laughs, and some very dodgy but enthusiastic dancing. We wrapped up in the wee small hours and headed home for a few hours shut eye before the clean up began. Poor Surfer Boy, not only did he have to set up, he also had to lug everything home again and on top of forking out the cash for the big night, he didn't score an invite!! Even I think he was majorly ripped off. Might be time to reward the poor bugger!!

Hopefully my 20 wonderful girls also had a good night, because I'm way too old to throw another bash for quite a while. I have paved the way and now I'm looking forward to sitting back and watching everyone else hit 40.

A Passion For Fashion

A couple of girls have asked me what they should wear to my 40th - casual with a bit of fancy! - but it took me until Thursday to realise that it was all very well suggesting outfits for them, but what about the Birthday Girl?? How could it completely have slipped my mind that I would actually need to come up with something to wear on Saturday? SHIT SHIT SHIT! This was a disaster waiting to happen as there is nothing more depressing than getting ready for a big night and being unhappy with the outcome - not an auspicious start to my big night.

Off I rushed to Highpoint - the Fashion Capital!!! - with 3 hours until late night trading finished.
Miracle - I actually found something I am fairly happy with and hopefully after a much needed haircut and colour I'll be rearing to go. I EVEN BOUGHT HEELS - and they're RED and patent black - swish!! Just need to sort out the accessories now...

Last night the lovely, and extremely glamorous Megan accompanied me to Chapel Street (the actual fashion capital of Melbourne) for an evening of retail therapy. The hardest part of this outing being the search for an outfit cool enough to go shopping in Chapel St in!!! Go figure!
After another pair of killer heels, some earrings and a massive bling ring we called it a night and took ourselves off for a great bowl of pasta and a LOT of gossip and hysterical laughing, the kind where tears pour down your face. It was fabulous and better therapy for tired and careworn mums than a week at a spa - well almost.

With a bit of luck and some Nancy Gantz I won't look completely hideous when I turn 40. Fingers crossed everyone.

Sugar Coma

Aaaaahhhhhh! Now this is the cake I want!!!!!

Birthday Time

I received this in my inbox tonight -

Just a reminder that I'm not leaving a comment on your Blog until you write about your Birthday festival!!!!
11 days to go .................

Sooo.. it is in fact my birthday coming up and as I am a huge believer in the birthday festival I agree that I should make a fuss of my own. On the 21st, the shortest night of the year, I am turning 40!!!!

After a slow start and tossing many ideas for a celebration up in the air, I have settled on a dinner party with 20 of my wonderful girl friends. Surfer boy suggested it and I can not think of a better way of celebrating the last 40 years than spending it with the girls who have supported me, loved me, encouraged me, partied with me, put up with me, and always, always been there for me.

Clever Surfer boy - he also gets out of having to make a speech which I have a sneaking suspicion may have been the point all along.

Lucky me - I also get to celebrate again with my wonderful extended family which consists of another 7 fabulous and inspiring women. (Also another 8 handsome men and 10 Nieces and nephews, but it's all about the chicks this year.) There is nothing like extending your big day with multiple functions!!!

Sooo, the dinner is on - not of course in my own home - the lovely Jodie and Sis have lent me their studio and along with Sandy from Store 6 who will be feeding us a delicious meal, my Mum is waitressing and with a bit of luck a lot of fun will be had by all.

Now to think of some ideas for the '40 gifts for 40 years' rule. Poor Surfer Boy.

Here's the front of my invite - Just a few of my Favourite Things.

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!

Get Your Arse Back Home

Surfer Boy is off doing this again...

And although he was due to fly in yesterday for Gidgets first day of school, bad weather and technical difficulties have meant that the chopper can't get them off until today (fingers crossed) . As much as I love having the house to myself and get excited at the bad T.V. viewing opportunities, I'm really starting to miss him now.

Sick of being a single-mother, need some lov'n from someone over 4ft.

What are the odds they really let him do this ...

To this....?

Flashback Friday

The theme this week is Grandpas.

Unfortunately I didn't get to spend very long with my grandfather as he passed away when I was young. I particularly love this photo taken at Aspendale beach in 1970. I don't have many photos taken with Keith so this is one I treasure.

Recently my Mum passed on all of Grandpas diaries to me. It has been a lovely journey dipping into them and getting a glimpse of the man. They are such a slice of history too as many were written during WW2 when he was stationed in New Guinea.

HAIRSPRAY & DATING

I went on a date last night!

Mind you it was with another Mum but it felt like a date.


Since moving to this little village I have met so many wonderful girls as we cross paths at the park, or cafe or even at CHALK. They may be kinder Mums or girls you just pass every day with the pram on the same route. This is great but the problem arises when you want to move past the casual chat to full-blown friend status. How do you go about this?


It's a bit of a social minefield - do you just follow them home one day to see where they live, do you google them to find their details, do you just turn up at their house and hope they open the door??? My natural instincts are to just take it slowly and hope it progresses of its own accord but this is often a very long road. One fabulous girl I know sat down next to her targeted 'new best friend' and simply asked - "Will you be my friend?" Simple but effective providing the feeling is mutual. Devastatingly embarrassing if you get a knockback and slightly stalker-like if you are not confident of your target.


It's risky but there comes a time when you need to cross the line from acquaintance to 'friend'. Hence my date last night.


After a couple of years of casual chatting and discovering many mutual loves (yes she's a Gilmore Girl!) we decided to bite the bullet and see if our fledgling friendship could survive the wider world. Off we went to see HAIRSPRAY at the Sun Theatre. Now if anyone wants to take me on the perfect date take me to a musical with cute stars and feed me buckets of tea afterwards and I'm yours for life! Therefore Kris you are officially my 'new best friend'. Woo Hoo!
(I may be more excited about that than she is, poor thing - she doesn't know what she's let herself in for.)


Now to HAIRSPRAY!!! Words can not describe... I had a mile-wide smile on my face from the opening to closing credits! My foot did not stop tapping and the very fact that I was trying not to scare off my 'new best friend' was the ONLY thing keeping me from running down the front and dancing along. BRILLIANT. I'm going again but next time I'm going to wear a poodle skirt and pigtales and there WILL be dancing!!!


I would have been happy just to spend a few hours staring at Zac Efron but there were so many more highlights...
1. Zac's eyes - of course
2. Those fabulous dresses
3. Michelle Pfeiffer and her sneer.

4. Seeing the stars of GREASE 1 and 2 in the same movie!

5. Seeing Christopher Walkin dance again and with John Travolta mind you.
6. Amanda Bynes - I could eat her up, she is that cute.

7. Queen Latifah just proves how hot bigger woman can be.
8. The Holy Water scene with Allison Janney was priceless.


I could go on, and on, and on but I'll spare you and let those of you who haven't seen it go and buy your tickets.