A few things I have to smile about right now...

It is so easy to get caught up on negative things so I have decided to dedicate this post to a few things that are bringing a smile to my face at the moment - it really is the simple things in life (in my case) that are the best things.

Our pregnancy announcement

It is so great to finally be able to talk about our pregnancy with everyone – the pressure of having such a big secret like that was torture! We had to make our families take an oath that they wouldn’t say anything until we were given the ‘all clear’ from our doctors and now that we have, it’s going to be pretty hard for me to shut up about it! Being pregnant is a blessing and it is great to be able to share it with our loved ones.

The benefits of being pregnant

As well as being able to tell the world about how happy we are to be adding to our family, I have been incredibly lucky to have had no nasty side-effects from being pregnant (touch wood!). My hair and nails have never looked better and are growing at an astronomical rate, I’m eating the healthiest I’ve ever eaten and I love the fact that after cutting out caffeine and alcohol all together that I don’t miss it at all.

My friend Kate

Even though she is moving away from her family, friends and the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast to live it up in the cool, cosmopolitan capital of Victoria, my friend Kate always makes me happy. She was one of my bridesmaids when I got married (and flew all the way here from Dubai for it I might add!) and has always been a great buddy. Unfortunately she hasn’t had the best few months lately and is making a city change to Melbourne in a couple of weeks, but I am so impressed with her courage and poise, especially during the hard times. I will miss her but I know she’s destined for great things!

Sale time

I have become somewhat of an expert in bargain shopping (online or in-store) so much so that I am sure A Current Affair or a similar program is going to get wind of this and ask me for shopping tips to share with their audiences. I have been trawling eBay of late for specific items that I really just can’t justify paying full price for and I’ve found some gems. I’ve kept an ear out for any great deals in the EOFY (end of financial year) sales around the place and picked up some bargain items for the house and some beautiful items for the baby. I’ve been reporting my money-saving tips to my husband, who I think is pretty impressed with my sudden urge to save every dollar!

My dog Charlie

This dog has personality plus! He might drive us nuts at times, but Charlie is the best thing about coming home after a crappy day. His unconditional love for Ben and I is so endearing and his genuine affection for all his stuffed toys (of which we have adopted names for) is the cutest thing – this dog really has given us some valid parents-to-be training and always brings a smile to my dial.

 Cooking up a storm

I love it when I come across a fantastic recipe to add to my repertoire. Today for instance, I found one for almond and berry smoothies, which sounds like it is full of flavour, antioxidants and lots of healthy things! I am keen to try it out (and will share recipe in due course).

TV = chilled out

Something simple, but I love it when there are good things to look forward to on TV. For instance, this week is the State of Origin decider game, which my husband and I can’t wait to watch. It may seem lame, but coming home after a long day and realising there is something great on TV that night is sometimes just the thing I need to relax and zone out.

The hot sun on a winter’s day

Nothing beats this when you’re sniffling and cold indoors – the winter sun feels as though it has real healing properties. Winter isn’t the best of seasons (apart from the seasonal fashion, there isn’t much I love about it) so I’ve been making the most of the warming glow I get when I sit outside to eat breakfast in the morning or take the dog for a walk in the afternoon. Yesterday we had lunch by the beach with a couple of friends enjoying the fresh air and afternoon sun. Feeling cosy and warm when you would otherwise be cold is the best!



This morning, my dad sent me this email that is doing the rounds - anyone who is a biased Maroons supporter will love it!

Two boys in Brisbane were playing football when one of the boys was attacked by a vicious Rottweiler.

Thinking quickly, the other boy rips a board off the nearby fence, wedges it down the dog's collar, and twists, breaking the dog's neck.

A Courier Mail reporter hears about the incident and rushes over to interview the boy.

"Young Brisbane Lions Fan Saves Friend from Vicious Animal," he starts writing in his notebook.

"But I'm not a Lions fan," the little hero replies.

"Sorry, since we are in Brisbane, I just assumed you were," says the reporter, and he starts again.

 "Qld Reds Fan Rescues Friend from Horrific Attack!" he jots in his notebook.

“I'm not a Reds fan either,” the boy responds. The reporter starts again:

“Maroons supporter risks life in heroic rescue.”

"I am not a Maroons supporter either…" said the boy.

"I assumed everyone in Brisbane was either for the Lions, Reds or the Maroons. So what team do you cheer for?” the reporter asked.

"We are both from Sydney and I'm a Blue's fan," said the boy.

The reporter starts a new sheet in his notebook and writes:

"Little Redneck Cockroach Bastard Vandalises Fence and Kills Beloved Family Pet."

Good luck for game 2 Queensland!!

Back to my Origin

As my favourite Queensland skipper walks into his last Origin series before his pending retirement, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic.

I have grown up watching the Broncos play and my family are huge NRL fans – so much so that I was put into a Brisbane jersey before I was even old enough to make decisions about what team I should cheer for.

I loved seeing ‘Wolly Woolis’ on tv – he was my favourite back when I was about three years old. I still love Wally, but since growing up and becoming more educated about the sport of rugby league, it has been all about Lockyer.

Joining Wally in the ranks of my favourite sports people who include Roger Federer, Steve Moneghetti, Cathy Freeman, Kieren Perkins and Stephen Gerrard, is NRL God, Darren Lockyer.

I know there is so much surrounding the series at the moment, but I am just praying that the Maroons can win this series for their main man; it would be such a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much of himself to the game.

As key players step down, I find myself thinking how they could ever be replaced? How does another step into the shoes of someone who has made history and become part of the framework of the game for so many years?

Despite all this, I hope Queensland puts the emotion aside and channels it into smart ball play, quick feet and sure hands. And it would be helpful that if tonight the refs were completely objective (if it’s not too much to ask?!) Finally, I ask those of you lucky enough to going tonight to drink up the atmosphere that will surely be tingling with anticipation for our beloved Lockyer.

So it is only appropriate that I finish this short post with a huge ….

GO QUEENSLANDER!!!!!!!