Land of Hope and Glory

Those who know me and even those who have only read my blog and random tweets, will know I am a Royalist. So it will come as no surprise to hear I thought the wedding, the pageantry and the iconic Balcony moment was, quite simply, perfection!

However, it may not be for the reasons you think.

True, no one, and I truly mean no one, can do pomp and circumstance like the Brits and wearing my Australian hat for a moment, I can say how awe-inspiring it is to see these displays of tradition, in real life. It has left me awestruck when I have witnessed it and I thought it came across wonderfully on television today.

Then there’s also the fact a little bit of history was made today. We all love a wedding and I too, love to pour through magazines when a celebrity marries, but when royalty marries, it becomes historic. I can’t help but think how in hundreds of years our descendants will be learning about the date Prince William of Wales married his princess.

But the overriding reason today was perfection personified was how William and Catherine managed to make a grand, historic and momentous event seem intimate. A true love story unfolded for us in Westminster Abbey and as I pondered the feeling growing in my chest, I realised it was hope.

The world is suffering and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are always with those in anguish and although there’s a constant need for all of us to rise above and do more, today for a little moment, we could all smile and hope for a better future for all of us.

God Bless the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ... and thank you for letting me, along with 2 billion of my newest friends, witness your special day.

Pièce de Résistance of Royal Wedding memorabilia

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the pièce de résistance of Royal Wedding memorabilia ... the Catherine and William Deely Bopper.

* muffled excited squeal of joy *




'Nough said!

Blood Nuisance

Terror threat (a.k.a. Bloody nuisance)

By John Cleese

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved". Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross". The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.

The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards". They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender". The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability.

Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing". Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides".

The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs". They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose".

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate". Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is cancelled". So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.

Royal Wedding in the Internet Age

Sorry but if you have any sense of whimsy about you, you simply have to love Royal Weddings in this new techno cyber age.



Picture says it all. I am still guffawing. Rule Britannia!

I Got a Feeling ... Woo Hooo

The Black Eye Peas' "I Got a Feeling" is stuck in my head which is actually quite perfect. It's the ideal happy-woo-hoo-smiley-life-is-good song. And friends, life is good. I've finished work, leaving a clean and tidy desk and have eleven glorious, wonderful and if I do say so myself, well-deserved days off work. Woo hoo!

To kick start the festivities, I've put up my bunting. After pondering, umming, ahhing and one precarious moment of having three quarters of my body leaning out of the window, I decided to display my bunting on the INSIDE. (Note to self, buy a large ladder for future celebatory events).

It's my small nod to my adopted country. A way of saying I'm happy to be here and celebrating St George's Day (which also happens to be my birthday!) and marking the Royal Wedding.



Here's to a really amazing Easter for us all. I hope there are countless moments that make you smile.

A Royal Knees Up

A Royal Birthday?! Woop Woop. Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, is 85 years young today ... and looks good on it.

Does this mean a day off? Or we can enjoy a tipple to toast Her Majesty? Double pay if we're at work? No?! Never mind.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday from a very patriotic member of the Commonwealth!

Keep Calm and Eat Cupcakes

Cupcakes, my friends, make everything better! It's an irrefutable fact. Studies have shown that looking at cupcakes improves your mood by 43% .... (well, err, not really but I dare you to look at these cute PinInterest Cupcakes and not smile!)

(Yoga Cupcakes)

The C Word...

com·pli·ment   /n. ˈkɒmpləmənt; v. ˈkɒmpləˌmɛnt/
[n. kom-pluh-muhnt; v. kom-pluh-ment]

–noun
1. an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration: A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.

I just received a compliment. Me! Moi! Yours truly! About this blog none-the-less. And it got me thinking - why do we hesitate to cheer each other on?

Here I go again with "the journey" but through trials and tribulations, misunderstandings and mistakes, I've realised that everyone, for the most part, are doing the best they can. It may not be to our liking. It may even drive us bonkers. But really, if they aren't doing any harm, it's just a different point of view. Talk about a ding-dong a-ha lightbulb moment?! So much agro and friction disappeared from my life when I finally realised that. And I can't tell you how much I appreciate when this is applied to me.

I may speak English and be one step away from wearing Union-Jack head-to-toe, singing Rule Britannia but it is true that you can take the girl out of Aussie but not Aussie out of the girl and even ten years later, I am still surprised at the cultural differences and the near misses in miscommunication.

So while I don't advocate false praise or a Pollyanna attitude, if you feel it and believe it, why not say it. You could make someone's day.

Thanks for the warm, fuzzy compliment!

Liberty loves William and Catherine

Saw this on the Liberty website and loved it. How can this fail to make you smile?

Regent Street joins the Party

Regent Street has come to the Party.

Some genius in their Marketing Department has come up with the phenomenal idea to install an inspiring display of 200 giant union flags from Thursday, 21st April through to Monday, 2nd May 2011. These gigantic flags run all the way along from Piccadilly Circus in the south to beyond Oxford Circus to the BBC in the north.

Each flag is 4 x 2.5 metres in size and they are hung from 22 crossings to celebrate the Royal Wedding, recreating a majestic architectural view of one of the world’s most famous historical shopping thoroughfares.

In a word ..... Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Altogether now .... There'll alllllllways be an England.... While there's a country lane ..... Wherever there's a cottage small .... Besides a field of grain .....

Sniff. Brilliant!

Country Strong: The Verdict

The short and simple version is I adored "Country Strong". On the surface, you may mistakenly assume it was inevitable - I'm a Tim McGraw fan and somewhere along the way Garrett Hedlund came into view. But this isn't about a cute boy in a cowboy hat.

True, I am a Tim McGraw fan - there's something about his music and country music in general - that just speaks to me. When he poked his toe into the acting waters, I was apprehensive and despite my unwavering support, I admit I've not seen all his movies and the ones I have, I can't say I've liked them all. But I admire his determination and passion to keep trying new things.

So last year when there were rumblings that Tim was doing a movie about country music, I already was excited. I didn't know anything about the plot, his fellow actors or his role but I knew I wanted to see it.

And so it debuted in America in January. Reviews were gushing but I waited for my best friend to see it. What would she think? Her review would be the most important.

She loved it. She laughed. She cried. She even knew I would have a new crush in Garrett. And the countdown began. 130 days until it would be released in cinemas in England.

Soon enough the DVD date was announced and as it was around the same time - and knowing how I can cry at mere commercials - I thought I would savour "Country Strong" in the privacy of my own home. As you know, thanks to my bestie and a recent trip to NYC, the blu-ray popped through my mailbox today.

There are a handful of movies that I truly adore. That I ache when I watch them from just how much they move or touch me or because they are just simply beautiful. It's more than good cinematography or good actors. It's almost magical. Country Strong joins the list that includes The Painted Veil, It's a Beautiful Life, Australia and Amelie.

I was mesmerised and I did cry. I loved how it showed Honky Tonk country and also that hard-edge brutality of the music industry. I loved how it showed love and friendship and pain and misery. I even loved the inevitable Hollywood cliché.

I've spoken about the boys of Country Strong but unequivocally this movie belongs to Gwyneth Paltrow. I thought she was a star and she blew me away.

I wanted to watch this movie because I was a fan of Tim McGraw and later stumbled on a rather hot Garrett Hedlund and ended up absorbed by a story that itself could be a country song.

I adored it. And if you love country music, I think you will too!

Country Strong

My blu-ray Country Strong DVD has arrived!!! Woop woop! Am now in a race to get everything tidied up and sorted so I can chill out and watch this in peace. I have been waiting for this for....ever!

Only one question remains.... will I still heart Garrett after it!

Weight-loss Wonder-tips!

Since I started my Weight Watchers wonder-journey, I have been reading any (genuine) weight-loss-tips out there for motivation and encouragement. I’m *not* talking about those tips that promise you instant results but little nuggets of positivity that can help you achieve your goal.

The latest discovery was 101 Weight-Loss Tips from http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk

I’ve taken those that resonated with me and have added my own thoughts to them as well!

For those who want to lose weight, here goes:

1. Blueberries

GoodtoKnow: You probably already know blueberries are an excellent super-food to snack on, but scientists now say they can also slash the fat cells in the body by up to 73%. The clever little purple fruits are said to change the way our bodies process fat and sugar, helping us to lose inches from our waistline.

Me: Woah! Slash fat by 73%! Shut up! I am a fan of the purple nugget of yumminess and since starting Weight Watchers, have had some blueberries every day – but only because they are delicious and zero-points! Who knew they were the secret-super-food?!

Besides blueberries, grapes and raspberries have saved my bacon (so to speak) since I started my WW journey. Zero-pointed, delicious and filling – the perfect diet snack. I don’t think I would have made it here without them.

2. Stop and think

GoodtoKnow: I rate how hungry I feel on a scale of one to 10. One means I wasn't hungry at all, five means moderately hungry, 10 means ravenous. I have to be at least six on the scale before having something to eat. Anything lower is just being greedy!

Me: I knew, in that vague sort-of-way, that I ate when I was bored or stressed but since I started monitoring what I ate (see point 3), I can clearly see triggers (moods and situations) as well as those moments when out-of-habit, I go to the ‘fridge. I thought this would be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome but I am still shell-shocked how easy it has been. I found myself standing in front of the ‘fridge on Sunday afternoon about to eat something (why, I had the points spare after all) but when I realised I wasn’t actually hungry, I simply turned away. Now that is progress my friends!

3. Keep a diary

GoodtoKnow: I decided to keep a food diary, when I found I wasn't losing weight as fast as I'd like. It forced me to be honest. And yes, eating in the dark does count! I also identified my danger points, like the post-lunch energy dip at 4pm. That way, I could make sure that I'd be distracted by something else.

Me: Isn’t it annoying when one of those tips you read in every magazine, newspaper and feature actually works. Yup, this is one of those. Of course my “food diary” takes the form of the Weight Watchers app on my iTouch and it has helped me identify those moments when I eat more and “dips” throughout the day. But I think it does more than that – for me, it has helped me realise WHY I eat certain things at certain times. It has shown me the emotional side to my eating and that has been invaluable.

4. Once a week

GoodtoKnow: Weigh yourself once a week only. Make sure you do it at the same time of day. If you keep jumping on and off the scales you may get disheartened as your weight will go up and down with water retention.

Me: I am a big believer in this tip – once a week absolutely. There are two further tips I’d give in relation to this:

1. Get digital scales. People, this for me is a must! Some weeks I have lost half a kilogram / half a pound (whatever “money” you use) and my old scales wouldn’t have reflected this and knowing me and my need for visible results, I know I would have been discouraged and disheartened.

2. If possible, choose Saturday or Sunday as your weigh-in day. Sunday is my weigh-in day and was dictated by the day I signed up for Weight Watchers but it has been a Godsend. Sunday is MY day. My only chance to stay at home, do chores, chill out … and previously it was also a chance to pig out (popcorn for movies, eating from boredom etc etc). Knowing Sunday is my weigh-in day keeps me motivated and on-track on Saturday. Not only this but when I see the results on Sunday, it motivates me to keep up the momentum for the rest of the day. Win-win!

5. Minty treat

GoodtoKnow: Don't chew gum when you're hungry, it stimulates your stomach. Have a low-cal mint instead.

Me: Amen! You’re preaching to the choir. With WW minty delights at 2 points for a box full, you’re laughing!

6. Be bold!

GoodtoKnow: Don't be scared to try different foods, sometimes it's the only way to change your diet. I thought I didn't like salads, until I tried mixing in nuts, raisins and little chunks of cheese, and all the other things I really liked.

Me: Somewhere along the way, I not only lost my way with my weight but I lost some of my adventurous spirit and with the weight loss, this too is coming back (as is my joie de vivre). During this adventure food-fest, the results have only been positive. It’s worth the risk!

7. Enjoy your bed

GoodtoKnow: Not getting enough sleep has been shown to increase levels of the major hunger messenger (NPY) in the brain. This promotes food cravings and the desire to snack.

Me: “The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more” - Wilson Mizener

I am a big believer in the power of sleep and not only to starve off hunger pangs. I believe it’s a time when the body and mind rejuvenates and heals itself ~ a time for the batteries to be recharged. I believe it eliminates stress and illness and boosts an ability to be productive, positive and see the best in the world. Finally, I also believe it’s a chance for the mind to work through any issues, worries and fears and bring us out on the other side.

8. Relax

GoodtoKnow: Research shows that stress triggers a hormone that increases our appetite and deposits fat around the organs in our stomach.

Me: Despite being a fan of sleep, I am a new convert to relaxation. I’m one of those people – eldest child, organizer, do-gooder, always-on-the-go and used to view relaxation with loathing and disgust. It just felt …lazy. Well here I am embracing the lazy beast within. Our society, personal lives and work all encourage us to do more, squeeze more out of each day and each moment. What happened to smelling the roses? It worries me seeing this pattern imprinted on our kids with 3,001 extra curricular activities to squeeze into each week. My new mantra – do one thing and do it well. Multi-tasking is a skill and can be handy but for me, I’m learning to slow down, even a little bit, and take enjoyment from life. It doesn’t have to be all work, uber-productive and always at full speed!

9. Set a date

GoodtoKnow: Having a holiday, wedding or special event to look forward to will help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Me: This ties in with another weight-loss-winning-belief for me which is “do it for yourself”. Don’t try this to please parents, family, children, partners, spouses or friends. Start the journey because there’s something in you saying you deserve better than the weight you’re at.

For me, my “date” is a Florida holiday in September. Lord knows there won’t be a bikini in sight but to have fun in the sun with friends and family then look back on the photos only to smile, there’s the best reward!

Wishing you the best with your journey!

Bunt-tastic

Office bunting up and countdown is official on!

Woop woop!

You and I

To celebrate The Royal Wedding of Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton on April 29, George Michael has covered Stevie Wonder’s romantic classic, “You and I”.

For a limited time, you can download a free MP3 of this song at http://www.georgemichael.com/
(text taken from www.georgemichael.com)

In a word? Awesome!!

Snap Happy

I don't know if it's the Spring weather or this recent sense of achievement I have but I've decided to embark on another project that has been niggling at me for a while. To take better photos.

Reading blogs, seeing Twitpics and uploads on Facebook, I am constantly blown away by the excellent quality of photos shared by friends .... and I want to join the ranks of better-than-average photographer.

I used to take photos all the time but somewhere along the line I became Blackberry-lazy. I love my Blackberry but it only has an okay camera on it and since I am always eager to upload to Twitter or FB straight away, I suddenly became OK with slightly dodgy, grainy photos. No more! It starts today peeps! For one I am actually going to read the manual for my digital camera as I have no doubt there are 101 features I don't make use. I'm also going to read tips and tricks from the experts.

All suggestions, tips, tricks and encouragement welcome here! Squeal! I am really quite excited!

Week Seven

Woop Woop!!! You know good news is bound to follow when you start with that! It's weigh-in Sunday and the news is great! This week I've lost 0.7kgs (or 1.5lbs for those using "old money". Woop woop!! Bringing the weight-loss total so far 6.9kgs (or 15.2lbs).

This Sunday was also time to check on my measurements and see how I was doing there and the news again, was GREAT! A total of 12cms off all my measurements (bust, waist and hips) including a whopping 6cms off my waist!

I promise I don't want to be all cliche-y but Weightwatchers has really been life-changing for me and this diet so far, is really a journey. I feel really empowered and positive and today's results just spur me on!

T-Mobile's Royal Wedding Video

Absolutely brilliant - T-Mobile's Royal Wedding ad clip! Love it and am still laughing!

Stepping Away from the Trolley

You wouldn’t think much could happen in 20 minutes. That potentially your life may change. Yet in my morning commute, I decided to take another step in changing my life. (Cue dramatic music) Duh duh duuuuuuh!

Before you get excited and I start hyperventilating, let me say that I simply decided on a self-imposed shopping embargo for the foreseeable future. So that would be a no to tatts or a sex change or anything else daytime-soap-ish that usually follows the words “changing my life”. Sorry!

Somehow I’ve found myself on a slippery slope of buying lovely delights and treats for myself (although I hasten to add, I think we all deserve a little something every now and then) and I’m at a place where I’d like more of my happiness to come from within and non-material things than from Amazon!

Personally I think this is going to be harder than losing weight but wish me luck because here I go!

Some Thieving B@stard....

Due to my lack of sleep combined with suddenly remembering I needed to get petrol on the way into work, I arrived at College slightly earlier than my start time. Since I wasn't feeling tip top great, I thought I would park in the College carpark rather than across the road a bit.

So imagine my surprise at lunch when I came out to find my Mickey Mouse Antenna Popper ........ GONE!

Call Security stat! Forget Security, get Scotland Yard onto this. I want to see CCTV footage! I demand Justice!!!!

Okkkkkay - so that might be a little over-the-top.

"They" want to mess with me, huh?! Well take this you rascals! I have just bought two more Mickey-related antenna toppers. So hah! (Brilliant excuse to go shopping but it doesn't mean I'll be thanking them anytime soon!)

16 Sleeps....

until the Royal Wedding.

Me? Ridiculously excited.

I know some people think it's "cool" to not be interested in the Royal Wedding. Perhaps it's a case of not wanting to support the Monarchy but in this climate of doom and gloom, why not revel in a celebration? A national one at that! If you're not a Royalist or even a history boffin (after all, we're witnessing history in the making!), why not sit back, enjoy the day off and take the philosophy that sometimes we all need to let down our guard and just enjoy life a little. Smile and celebrate because it'll be back to business as usual soon enough!

Weight Watchers Weigh-In Wundernews

It's official..... I've lost a stone on Weight Watchers in six weeks.

[Pause for applause]

(Even I want to roll my eyes when I say.....) it has been a bit of a "journey" to use a cliche! Yet it really has been. It has been difficult and wonderful and it has changed me.

Despite attacking diets with gusto and enthusiasm in the past, I've never really seen results so this experience has left me feeling proud of myself and the results I am seeing and has spurred me on to keep going and reaching my goal. For the first time, I believe I can do this.

My family, it needs to be said, have been AMAZING and have cheered me on every step of the way!

Yeah me!

Oooh Cupcakes of Loveliness

In preparation for our Florida Wunderhol Planning Meeting (where I unveil the Itinerary), here are cupcakes of loveliness in a Minnie and Mickey theme by the fantabulous Cake-licious!

Friday Favourites

We are here. It's Friday peeps. And I thought I would give you some Friday Favourites to kick start the day that takes us to the beloved weekend! In no particular order: The Peach Keeper The short of it is I adore anything by Sarah Addison Allen. ANYTHING. She could write a shopping list and I would pour over it. This is her latest offering and I am stubbornly reading it deliberately slow as I am already mourning finishing it. A delight! Musings to make me Smile I love Paris (and not just in the Spring time) and there is just something inherently smile-worthy in this picture. new Hawaii Five-0

I do not know what it is about this show (okay it may have a smidge to do with the nugget of yumminess that is also known as Alex O'Loughlin) but I love this remake. LOVE IT! Give me more! Hot Ribena I rarely drink tea or coffee anymore and hot water has just gotten boring. Yesterday I tried Hot Ribena for the first time (sugar free Ribena, zero ProPoints I hasten to add) and all I can say is COME TO MAMMA! I love it! Anything and everything Royal Wedding! It's this month! THIS MONTH! Squealllllll! Bunting ...... check One Prince Left Coaster ...... check Land of Hope and Glory Mug ..... check Faux Royal Engagement picture with my head instead of Kate's ...... check Royal Cupcakes ordered ...... check Union Jack-themed headband ..... check Day of frivolity planned ...... check (1977 photo - I'm front right celebrating the Queen's Silver Jubilee. Proof I've always been a Royalist!) James Dean I fell in love with him when I was 11 and he's still as cool as ever! He's James Dean. 'nough said! I saw this card online and it's like a delicious promise to us all. I love it and I believe it. Enjoy your Friday!

My Weight Watchers Journey So Far!

It's been there a while. That lurking, lingering thought that I'm uncomfortable with my weight. Yet for some inexplicable reason on 27th February this year, I decided to *do* something about it.

My goal? To shed those pounds before my Florida Wunderhol in September. As it slowly dawned on me that I really was going to tackle my weight (or die trying), I realised that this was the first time I was doing it for myself which in itself, gives me extra fighting power. This wasn't for family, friends or a loved one. I wanted this for me. (Yeah me!)

Although I am gripped by reading what torture the stars will put themselves through for a Size 0, I knew I didn't want to do some wacky craze diet. My colleague started Weight Watchers at the beginning of the year and was finding it do-able as well as enjoying the results so I thought this would be my method too!

The Journey So Far (in kgs lost)
Week One -2kgs
Week Two -2kgs
Week Three -0.6kgs
Week Four -0.6kgs
Week Five -0.5kgs
In total? 5.7kgs. High five right here please!

Not only can I see the results in the kgs that are being lost but my clothes are baggier and so many friends and even people in my Line Dancing class have noticed. In five weeks! Talk about motivation to keep on the Weight Watchers Wagon!

Being the food hound that I am (hence the reason I am in this predicament), I expected Weight Watchers to be HARD. To feel deprived and to suffer through each day (which shows my resolve to lose the weight!)

Although it hasn't been easy per se, it has definitely not been difficult. There are two secret weapons in my arsenal. Grapes and my colleague although not necessarily in that order. Having someone in the same office also on Weight Watchers helps when buns or chocolate are brought into work. She's also a wealth of knowledge on ProPoints and tips and as she attends meetings and I am subcribed online, we can share resources. It has been a win-win for me.

Grapes? Grapes are nuggets of zero-pointed yumminess that have saved my bacon! Weight Watchers has helped me see all the times I ate because I was bored or how I often rewarded myself with food. Still there are moments between meals when I am peckish and my little tubs of grapes and raspberries see off those hunger pangs as well as give me lovely vitamins and minerals.

What's more I've also started rewarding myself when I do lose weight with non-food related goodies although last week's Lawn Mower may have been slightly excessive!!!

Each day I am on Weight Watchers, I find it empowering and I love the results I am getting. I can't wait to be a shadow of my former self. The journey continues!