Country Gypsies

We've Moved!

2014-07-13T21:54:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

No, not physically moving again!

But, the blog has moved.

We are now at http://countrygypsies.com

All the posts that have been on this site are now over at the new site!

I hope you like it and keep visiting us over there!

Cheers

Lisa xox

Bit Of A Hiccup

2014-07-12T11:08:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone.

I owe you an apology - it seems many of my amazing, incredible and insightful images have been 'falling off' the CG blog.

I have my technical assistant (my 13 year old) working on this as we speak.

We are almost ready to go 'live' with our new more streamlined blog site and hopefully all these little hiccups will be gone!

So, here is an image of me this morning trying to get it sorted.

Please stay with me - I really appreciate your support!!!

And this is where I am pretending to be!

Thanks for your support!

Lisa x0x

Fashionista Friday #5

2014-07-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

Welcome once again to Fashionista Friday.

I'm sure you have all been on the edge of your seats in anticipation of what fashion musings I will be discussing this week.

Now some of you may be a bit too young to remember the hey day of this fashion bonanza, so maybe ask your Mum/Aunt/Grandma or a friend older than 40!

Because today Ladies and Gents we are discussing.........

Not just for the chicks either!!!

Remember this BMX bandit

THE PERM!!!!!

Oh yes, not the fashionable perm that I think may be creeping back in to society today where the beautiful bouncy waves hang loosely, like Clive Palmer's McDonalds food creeping down his chin.

No, we are talking about the perms of the eighties!

I, for one, did indulge in this sartorial display of bad hair taste, but hey, I am was a slave to fashion. It was the done thing, back in the day!
But of course mine didn't start out with your full on perm. Mine started when Mum decided that my lank locks needed a bit of oommppphhhh so she booked me in at the local ~~barber~~ salon and they proceeded to only perm my fringe and the two dangly bits near my ears.

Oh, the look of ~~horror~~ utter amazement when those curlers were taken out and that ~~poisonous~~ perming solution was washed off!!!!!!!!

After realizing just how gorgeous I was, I then decided to go the full hog!

Perm meets mullet - the Merm? The Pullet?

Yep, the full head perm. Oh, those were the days. Having your hair wound so tightly around those little curlers then the 'solution' poured on and sitting there with tears streaming down your face, no, not because you had a premonition that you were going to look like a poodle on a bad hair day but that it really was poison stinging your eyes.

Then after 47 hours sitting in the world's most uncomfortable chair (thank goodness the hairdressers of the world fixed that issue!!!) having it washed off and dried and you did indeed look like a poodle. On a bad hair day.

The hairdresser then would exclaim just how gorgeous you were and not to wash it for 37 days because it may 'drop' and you walked out of the salon with tears in your eyes realizing that it would have been so much easier, and far less expensive, to stick your fingers in a power socket, and possibly less dangerous!!!

But after 65 perms, the world of perms opened up in a big way. There wasn't just the poodle gone wrong perm, there was also the spiral perm and the 'root' perm (luckily there wasn't a brazilian perm back then - you would have walked out with no hair!!!!). Yes, I did them all.

Oh yes, those were the days of seeing just how much poisonous solution your hair could soak up before it did indeed fall out.
I always found the best days of the perm were about 2 days before your next perm when it looked like it was meant to - the beautiful bouncy curls that we can now get with a GHD (except me, I just cannot do it for the life of me).

So, as we all know, fashion is on a fairly short cycle so it must only be hours away till we walk into the hair dresser asking for a root.....perm!!!!!

Did you have a perm?

Did your hair fall out??

Do you own a poodle???

Cheers

Lisa xox

p.s. Oh, shame I couldn't find any pics of me with my perm!!!!

Windback Wednesday #1

2014-07-10T07:00:00.000+10:00

I thought that some of you who are new connoisseurs of my blog ( and THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU) might like to find out a bit more about our little family and our adventures.

In the next few days I will be posting about our recent road trip to Victoria, visiting family and our adventures along The Great Ocean Road.

But I thought you may be interested in a little holiday we had a couple of years ago which was our first attempt at camping. Of course, we are now seasoned campers ( ahem) and we are so confident that we drive for hours to beautiful places because we know we've got our camping shit sorted now!

But, our first camping trip we decided not to go too far. Just in case. In case of what I'm not sure but we drove 45 minutes and arrived at our destination.

Click here and it will take you right there - no unpacking required!!!!!

http://countrygypsies.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/picture-tells-thousand-words-heres-3.5html

Enjoy

Lisa XoX

A Bit Prickly!

2014-07-09T07:00:00.000+10:00

Before I start, well, now that's not correct because I have technically started, but I would like to thank two lovely friends of mine for the idea for this post.

Thanks K and E - you know who you are (well, I hope you do because if you don't then you may not realise you have two lovely kids and you may have left them accidentally at the shops yesterday and ......I digress!).

Anyway, it started out by discussing my recent road trip to Victoria.

It then led into an incredible fact that I did not know - actually not so much a fact but a law. Yes, an actual law. Legal stuff.

Apparently, it is illegal to wear pink hot pants after midday on a Sunday. In Victoria. Well, it's fortunate that I didn't know that on Sunday!!!

Oh, I didn't realise there was a camera

I decided to investigate further into other laws that I may have unintentionally broken.

Such as only licensed electricians are allowed to change a light bulb in Victoria (not sure what happens if it is on a Sunday and they are wearing pink hot pants at the same time?)

And this - It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and black shoe polish on your face as you might be a cat burglar!

Or taxi's are required to carry a bale of hay in their boot.

And that bars are required to stable, water and feed the horses of their patrons.

I'll have a double!

Those were the ones from Australia.

Here are some more I discovered whilst reading my legal epistles (aka surfing the net) - I have included the country of each one as a travellers tip for you - my pleasure!

In England, it is illegal to die in the Houses Of Parliament.

It is illegal, in France, to name a pig Napoleon.

Call me Bacon!

In Ohio, it is illegal to get a fish drunk.

Steady on!

In the UK, a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants, even in a policeman's helmet (Don't tell Todd Carney - too soon???).

In the UK again, all men over the age of 14 must carry out two hours of longbow practice a day.

In Rhode Island, USA, it is illegal to sell toothpaste and toothbrushes to the same person on a Sunday.

And finally, well there are actually dozens more but I have to put a stop to it somewhere, in Florida, USA, it is illegal to have sex with a porcupine.

Ouch!

What the?????

Have you broken a law?

Do you have a pet pig??

Like porcupines???

Lisa xox

Confession #1

2014-07-08T07:00:00.000+10:00

I have to confess something.

I am not happy about confessing this, but it appears I have to bite the bullet and admit a fault. Only one, mind you.

It is apparent that I have lost the ability to park. The car. Not everywhere mind you.

I can safely parallel park, in fact I take pride on my ability to do so (unlike my Aunty who somehow managed to pass her driving test in her forties without ever doing a parallel park, and used to leave the car out in the street, motor running, yelling to my Uncle to come and park the car for her. No biggie other than the fact they lived on a MAJOR ROAD in the CITY!!!).

No, it is when there are lines. To designate a parking spot.

Shouldn't be too difficult

I first noticed this at the start of the year. After my major knee surgery, I had to go to rehab a few times a week. I was fine driving but when I parked in between the lines, or not as the case may be, I noticed that I sort of missed.

Somehow I managed to park on an angle so that the back of the car was perfectly parked but the front of the car was a bit crooked.

Yes, even with no other cars around

I thought initially that I was the only one who noticed this, until Mr Physio commented EVERY FRIGGING DAY about how funny it was when I drove in and parked that I actually couldn't. Park that is.

I blamed the leftover pain killers in my system however it is now 7 months since the surgery and I don't really have much of an excuse.

I have noticed that I now seem to do it everywhere.

Shopping centre car parks - tick.

Motel accommodation carparks - tick

Work car park - tick

Whilst on holidays and parking in designated areas - tick tick and tick

Well technically there is a space!!!

I am not sure why this is occurring and am even more unsure as to what I should do about it.

I'm thinking someone might leave me something like this...

What do you think?

Are you a fabulous parker?

Can you parallel park??

Have you lost your glasses like me???

Cheers

Lisa xox

The Royal We!

2014-07-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

I may be a little mean here, but this irks me.

Yes. Irks. Me.

Irk - what an interesting word!

Anyway, we have just finished our big road trip - there will be some exciting tales and plenty of photos coming up soon ( once I can work out how to connect the phone and camera and ipad to the the computer to transfer them all!!).

This was so much easier

But, back to it.

So on our little trip we called into a few retail premises here and there. They were mainly surf shops, cos that's the way these country hicks roll (no, they were just everywhere, considering we were coastal).

And in just about every shop we walked in ,we were welcomed with the same greeting "Hi guys, how are we?".

Now, of course, that is a much better approach than "oh, I don't think we have anything suitable for you in here" ( that's for another post), but it still irks me.

Why the irk?

Because not only do they use the royal 'we' but before they have finished asking the actual question, they have turned away to check their fake tan out in the mirror, or hang ten with the cool surfer dude behind the counter.

But, back to the royal 'we'. Of course it is lovely to be greeted as you walk into the shop but when I receive this welcome, I immediately want to reply with....'Well, I cant speak for you obviously because I have never met you before in my life, but I'm fine at the moment, thanks for asking.'

I was very close to actually using this reply at a surf shop in Torquay on the weekend, but Horse Girl made me promise not to do it, at least until we were leaving the shop which then kinda made the whole thing ridiculous!).

So, in the interests of all things retail, please feel free to welcome me, but just a simple 'Hi, how are you?' will suffice.

Unless I have Prince George with me - then feel free to use the royal 'we'. Or maybe he might!!!!!!

Not the Royal WEE!!!!!

Do you like the royal 'we'?

Do you hang ten??

Are you a fake tan user but muck it up on the ankles???

Cheers

Lisa XoX

Out of Respect

2014-07-04T10:08:00.000+10:00

I have deleted a post that was published on my blog a couple of days ago.

It was about a ski trip with friends some years ago and some of the shenanigans we got up to.

Unfortunately, a young man has died at Perisher Blue in the past 48 hours whilst snow boarding.

Although I did not know this fellow, there could have been some parallels made between the two stories, with my story fortunately ending safely.

This young man's story did not.

I absolutely love skiing and the snow but it can be a dangerous sport.

Please take care if you chose this or any other sport with an element of danger.

Lisa xox

Fashionista Friday #4...on a Friday

2014-07-04T07:00:00.000+10:00

I know that this post now makes two Fashionista Friday posts for this week (even though one was on a Monday - confused???) but let's just run with it.

The reason I decided to focus on this today was because recently a photo was taken of me displaying just such fashion sense. I will add that I did not intentionally set out for the photo to do this. Nor my hairstyle.

I am talking about the comb over.

Yes, you know the one. Usually a style coveted by the male species, it is where the hair is receding to the point that one must really admit to being in the 'bald' category.

Except, unfortunately for some, they don't.

Admit it.

Being bald.

Um......

Instead they think that the rest of the world just might not notice that if they grow one part of their hair that is still actually alive, they can then surreptitiously 'comb' it over the balding area to ensure the rest of us are none the wiser!

The King Of Comb Over

WTF people?????

I am sorry as each to their own and I am certainly not ~~completely 100%~~ perfect but goodness gracious me!!!

Do you really think that this looks better....

Just wrong...on so many levels

than this??????

He can always wear a beanie

Now, I guess I am lucky that I don't have an issue with a receding hair line, although my hair does seem to be getting a little thinner but I guess that's what happens in your ~~forties~~ third decade, but please please please.

I just do not understand how this can look good.

King Donald as a Ranga!

Now, in the interests of being a completely fair individual, here is the offending photo of me with my own version of the comb over.

Now that's just awkward

Not pretty is it.

Do you have a comb over?

Do you like comb overs??

Are you in your thirties???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Go Cammie!

2014-07-02T17:43:00.000+10:00

I read with interest the other day that good looking people don't get sick.

Having never had a sick day in my life..... hahaha.

According to a 'research study' based on thousands of men and women aged between 24 and 35 (oh, lucky I'm in that age group!!!) , those ~~of us~~ who are blessed with good looks are more unlikely to suffer from a range of health problems which range from high cholesterol to depression, asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Now of course I don't mean to doubt the studies of no doubt ~~so called~~ experts, no doubt (OK, overuse of THAT term) these people were paid millions of dollars as consultants to come up with such credible research.

But, who the hell determines whether people are good looking? Because apparently the researchers ratings on physical attractiveness were done face to face rather than pictures, drawings or videos.

Now we can all have an off day or two...... exhibit A

Not the best Cammie

But apparently the attractiveness rating was based on a 90 minute session. As I said, it's easy enough to have an off day or two.......exhibit B

If she had on the red speedos it'd be better

So, just be careful if you are feeling a bit off as you are doing your powerwalk through Fountain Gate after a night on the Cardonnay (not a spelling error!!!) and a market research person starts to hunt you down.

Is that some market researchers looking for attractive people Kel???

Oh, and don't panic too much. The same research study decided that having a partner has a beneficial impact on health for men.

Thanks Captain Obvious!

Are you an attractive person?

Been sick lately??

Earn thousands of $$$$ as a researcher???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Fashionista Friday..on a Monday???

2014-06-30T09:15:00.000+10:00

I know, I know. This is supposed to be on a Friday as that is Fashionista Friday but just for this week I have changed it ( and any other week that I might choose to as well).

Anyways, I have decided to bring Fashionista Friday early this week as I saw something that I just couldn't forget.

Now, before I offend anyone, and I don't wish to do that at all, remember that I recently confessed to having more than one perm, and also a hairy chin!

But I just can't come to grips with the mullet. You know, that hair style that doesn't know if it wants to be long or short, the hairstyle that comes with its own built in sun visor for the back of the neck.

Now, I am not being critical of kids here - most of them can get away with any hairstyle because most kids are cute.

I am talking about the more radical version of the mullet, on fully grown adults, who should know better. Have you ever looked in a mirror people?

And I don't just mean the Farnsy ( aka John Farnham) mullet as that was more of an awkward type rock star look, but the more radical versions.

Such as this...

Um....

This.....

er.....

And this!

absolutely no words...

I really don't mean to offend but it's just not something that does ANYTHING at all for this little duck. And in my short survey, it doesn't seem to do much for too many others either.

If someone can explain the reasoning behind why supposedly grown men like this look, please feel free. I am all ears ( well I'm certainly not all hair growing down my back)!

Do you have a mullet?

Do you have a hairstyle named after a fish?

Are you a Farnsy fan???

Oh Farnsey, you legend you

Cheers,

Lisa x0x

Happy Birthday to.....

2014-06-29T08:00:00.000+10:00

Today is my Birthday.

Thanks

So I have decided to give you the presents, cos that's the way I roll (and you don't know my address to send pressies to anyway)!

I'm giving you my wisdom.

Yes, 48 Things I have learnt in my 48 few decades of being (in no particular order)

1. Treasure every moment - they go way too fast.
2. Don't shave your legs - continue with the waxing you first started at 16 even though back then it hurt like all get out
3. Don't doubt yourself.
4. Treasure your family - as much as they may drive you crazy, they are very special to you.
5. Ditto re friends - some will arrive and leave, and some will stay. Some of this is out of your control - don't stress.
6. You are not perfect - neither is anyone else.
7. Keep fit
8. Keep drinking lots of water - even in winter
9. Don't be afraid or embarrassed of the 'Black Dog'. It comes to visit but you DO have the strength to kick it aside. It's just that sometimes are harder than others
10. Never stray from one of your true loves - LEOPARD PRINT (just not all at once)

Too much?

11. Travel. Then travel more. Always open your eyes to more travel opportunities
12. Never say never.
13. Champagne is good for you - Gin not so much (well, that's just me!)
14. Ditto Vodka
15. Don't let the downers get to you - not everyone has to like you
16. You don't have to like everyone
17. Chocolate is good for dinner every now and then.
18. Ditto Blue Cheese
19. The park can be sooo boring when the kids are little - that's OK
20. A great bonfire is a great soul soother

Can just stare ay this for hours and hours and ....

21. Always tell those you love that you do
22. My house is not a showroom - deal with a bit of mess
23. Take a risk or two - not dangerous but put yourself out of your comfort zone
24. Learn to touch type
25. Believe in yourself
26. You don't have to say YES to everything
27. You can't control everything - some people are just deadest idiots!
28. Follow your heart - wherever it takes you
29. Find joy in every day - you actually can
30. The petrol light doesn' mean see how far you can get with it on, Get petrol now

Take note of this

31. Some people can really shit you. Even if they are your friends, they can just take take take.
32. If people shit you, stay polite but ease back from them.
33. Wear a spencer on cold days. Passion killer but who gives a... Stay warm
34. Swim as much as you can. No better feeling than being in the ocean
35. Laugh. And keep laughing. Nothing better
36. If you are sick, stay home. No pint working, especially teaching, when you are sick. Takes you too long to get over it.
37. Glandular fever is the pits. Don't get it a third time
38. Speak up. When people do the wrong thing, don't be afraid.
39. Try to choose your words wisely
40. Don't stress the small things

Cool!!!!!

41. Do what you love and love what you do
42. Learn to surf. Even if you're hopeless, its still a great laugh
43. See as many sunrises as you can - they are incredible
44. Ditto sunsets, appreciate them
45. Be the best you can be
46. But don't be too hard on yourself
47. You ARE doing a great job - keep it up

and finally

48. CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY EVERY YEAR - whether big or small, be grateful for the fact that you get to have another one - many people don't!

So I hope you have a great birthday whenever it is. I will be!!!!!

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Pluck A Duck

2014-06-27T07:00:00.000+10:00

This may be a bit of a touchy subject so feel free to look away now!

NO DON'T - I was only kidding, it's not that bad. Well, maybe not for you.

The subject is hair. Oh, no, don't worry, I'm not talking about THAT hair.

I'm talking about chinny chin chin hair. On women.

Well, this image wouldn't have been photoshopped I'm sure

Now, a good 'friend of mine', since turning the big 40, has started to sprout a whisker or two. Actually, I prefer to call them lady hairs cos let's face it, which female wants to openly admit they have whiskers.

Apparently, my 'friend' also does have a condition which is quite common to many woman and part of this does include an increase in facial hair. When it was only one or two, that was fine. However, it now appears they are ferociously sprouting at an alarming rate.

Which of course can prove socially embarrassing (if she gave a major toss).

In the interests of not scaring small children, or large children, or any one who has ever been a child, my 'friend' now carries tweezers every where she goes.

No, NOT THIS, NOT EVER!

Actually I think this post could possibly be sponsored by Tweezerman considering the number of tweezers she has.

Nothing like blinged up tweezers

In the bathroom. In her bag. In her toiletry bag. In her car.

"In her car?" I hear you ask???

Well, yes, in her car. Because there are times, when parked or stationary, that the sun can just shine on that very spot that a big frigging hair is sprouting from a chin, and is the perfect opportunity to pluck the little bugger right out of the dermis (fancy name for skin).

Oh dear, that's not pretty

It's just that the times that this can happen may be in the car lines when waiting to pick up junior from school, or at traffic lights in the city, or even just as you are driving down your steep driveway into the garage.

And believe me, those moments ARE NOT to be wasted.

~~I am~~ My 'friend' is now concerned that if she keeps plucking away, there will come a time when this will be her full time job.

But she has already made her offspring promise that when she is old and grey, they will still keep that chin plucked as best they can.

Hopefully not like this.

Hiliary, get out, you had your turn yesterday

Do you have a hairy chin?

Have one of those special 'friends'??

Remember who Pluck a Duck was???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

I Used to Care About Money

2014-06-26T07:00:00.000+10:00

Well, actually I still do.

Care about money that is. Although my cares are usually about the lack of and trying to pay rent, school fees, food, electricity, bladdy blah blah blah.

But it appears there are others in the world who don't care about money. AT all.

Because guess why? Betcha can't!!

Because they have SO MUCH FRIGGING money they don't need to worry about it.

Just emptied my wallet

I read with some interest that Chelsea Clinton apparently "...tried to care about money but couldn't".

Interesting concept. Perhaps I might give it a try. I just won't care about money. There. Not a care in the world.

Oh, sorry, I think I may have forgotten something. You see, Chelsea Clinton - yes, she of the wedded bliss of Bill 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman' Clinton and Hilary 'We Are Not Truly Well Off' Clinton, is apparently married to a hedge fund manager and has just bought a $10.5 million home next to New York's Madison Square Park.

Now that WAS awkward

Well, good on them. They obviously work very hard, and perhaps got a dollar or two loan from Ma and Pa for the deposit.

What's that?

You asked just what does Chelsea do?

Time has been kind

She apparently is under contract with NBC in the good ol' US of A.

Oh, well, that would make her a hard working journalist or producer or make up artist you might think.

No, not at all. Apparently young Chels is paid $600 000 per annum for a 'smattering' of reporting. How much is a smattering? Is a smattering more than a single smatter?

According to a very reliable source (Daily Mail), Chels hasn't filed a story since January cos good old Mumsie is thinking of running for the Big Kahuna position in the States and Chelsea might apparently say something embarrassing, or not have enough in the petty cash tin to get those pesky curls straightened at the hair dresser or some such nonsense.

Oh we all have embarrassing teenage pics

Anyway, as it is now nearing the end of June, I think Ms. Clinton is doing remarkably well for someone who hasn't had to WORK SINCE FRIGGING JANUARY.

But, in a final note, I think Chelsea is setting herself up well.
Apparently she is considering her own political career down the track. Once again, she won't have to worry about her own money because as good politician's do, she will be spending others.

Do you worry about money?

Is the Pope a Catholic??

Have you worked since January???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Anyone Got A Tissue?

2014-06-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

Last week I started telling you about my foray into winter sports, snow skiing!

If you missed it, click here

http://countrygypsies.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/young-freezing-love.html

So, now you're up to date.

Yes, my first foray into the sport of the rich (let's face it, you need a shitload of $$$$$ to ski) ended up with me in a darkened room in hospital (and no doubt some people think that's where I should have stayed)!

So I did manage a few injury free trips over the next few years. Ok, there may have been a small incident when I may have run into a small girl whilst attempting a small run but let's face it - everyone's on their own out there on the slopes. She was fine - really (~~after a while~~).

Well there were at least two more people on the slope

Due to the skill level being so high (cough cough) it was then decided that my little group of snow bunnies and I would venture further and fly into the ski fields of Victoria, Falls Creek to be exact.

Why I didn't think about the connotations of the name of the area we were going to I don't know, but I really should have thought about it more closely.

Anyway, it was a plane trip then a bus trip to get up to the mountain to the Chalet (I like to say Chhhhhhaaaaaaalllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttt) where we were staying. On the snow. I know!!!!!

It was a great lodge which we could just ski in and out of, so we felt pretty fancy schmancy here.

The snow wasn't fabulous the first couple of days, but we could still shuuush around the slopes, and the nightlife was pretty good. In fact, the second night I may or may not have got up on stage to maybe or maybe not sing with the band because I might or might not have thought I had a brilliant singing voice.

Oh, I didn't realise the paps were there

Anyway, it was lots and lots of fun.

But back to the slopes. Now this trip was booked a few months prior, when I was in what you might call a long term relationship (marriage!!!!!). But, as some things do, that came to a crashing halt and we were stuck with the conundrum of both wanting to go on the trip with our friends. A truce was called.

So, amazing how one can cope with an ex when skiing and trying to look pretty professional as you skied down the slopes and then stop and spray snow all over them (well, I would have LIKED to have done that anyway!).

Yep, not too shabby!

We managed to then partner each other coning up the t-bar. Now if you have skied you will know what an absolutely ridiculous invention the T-BAR is, a bit like tits on a bull.

Up we were going on the t bar when a certain ex pushed off the t bar which then ricocheted back up my jacket so I was being dragged along with a frigging piece of wood looking like it was coming out of a certain orifice.

Stupid stupid stupid

Not wanting to panic (ha) I then fell to the ground (no doubt with grace and panache) and tried to extricate the t part of the t bar from a certain orifice.

Except it got stuck.

Now, this all happened in a matter of seconds but I do remember thinking "Oh, now this is awkward" right before I slammed into a frigging brick wall, back first!!!

Once I got over the shock (well, that's not true because I am still in a bit) I decided that I was no doubt not looking at my most glamorous so I decided to jump up, dust myself off, and be off on my merry way.

That worked for a bout a millisecond. I then fell back in the snow, had to be transported to the emergency medical site towed behind a ski patroller and finally found out a few days later I had broken my pelvis!!

Just Like This Really

And all I was worried about was the fact that my nose was running and I desperately needed someone to get a tissue for me and give it a good wipe - like your Mum used to do. Well the ski patrol rescue man was cute!!! Priorities I tell you.

So yes, I do love skiing, and yes, I have skied since. Without injury - well major ones anyway. Hey - I never said I was good!!!!

Do you ski?

Ever broken your pelvis??

Go on holidays with your ex???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Food Fiesta!

2014-06-24T07:00:00.000+10:00

I know you will find this hard to believe but I didn't cook for the first 25 years of my life. Nope, not at all.

Well, ok, maybe a bit of toast, but I wasn't interested so didn't bother. I lived on toast, eggs ( could do that) and others cooking. Luckily I lived with people who could cook.

But lo and behold, I can cook now and I am officially declaring myself a food blogger today. Yes, I'm posting a recipe!!!

This is actually one that the Senior Sergeant cooked a few weeks ago. I had taken on some extra work which meant I had to commit to 4-5 hours at home every night, after my normal day job, so the gypsielets helped out by cooking.

The Senior Sergeant got on google and found a recipe similar to this. We had to change it slightly but he did a bloody good job. So, I had some wonderful friends over for dinner the other night and knowing that there wouldn't be much time spent in the kitchen, I thought I'd do this one, and it worked a treat.

Here's the recipe!

Country Gypsies Prawn Linguine a la Sam

INGREDIENTS
Linguine - I used fresh linguine for the dinner guests but dried linguine is fine too
1/3 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 kg green king prawns (I actually used about 1.2 kg for five adults (peel and devein with a glass of Prosecco in hand - makes it MUCH more pleasant)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Wine

METHOD
1. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water - the fresh stuff didn't take long at all. Drain

2. Heat the olive oil in medium pan over medium low heat. Add the garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until you get that beautiful aroma

3. Increase heat to medium and add the prawns. You just need to cook these for about 3-5 minutes - or until they curl and change colour (Don't overcook!)

4. I then threw in a bit of a splash or two of white wine. Just because.

5. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.

6. Serve IMMEDIATELY!!!!

From this........

To this.........

Ta da (never claimed to be a food stylist!!!!)

Easy peasy and frigging tasty as. Served with some yummy ciabatta bread and a simple salad and a glass or two of Pinot Grigio and Bob's your Uncle!!!

So what are you waiting for, get out and get some prawns and get it into you. You'll love it.

Oh, but remember, best served where there is a guarantee of lots of laughs over dinner whilst eating it ( I think they were laughing at the conversation and not the food).

And just to make you even more jealous, these wonderful friends who came over even brought stuff.

Really good stuff.

These wonderful friends not only arrived bearing bottles of the special stuff, but also entrée and dessert. I KNOW!!! Have I got the bestest friends or what. Bruschetta and Cheese Fondue for entrée and a most delicious Rhubarb and Apple Crumble (with home grown rhubarb!!!).

Home Grown Rhubarb and Apple Crumble - YUM!!!!!

So, I can't supply the friends but at least you can cook the main meal!!!

Best type of Dinner Guests - they cook their own!!!!!

Do you have a favourite recipe?

Love Seafood??

Do you invite your friends over then make the cook entrée and dessert???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

P.S. This post IS not sponsored by Woolworths or any other supermarket. But, if they would LIKE to, go for it!!!!! I paid for all my own groceries!!!!

Letter To My 16 Year Old Self (Perm Included)

2014-06-22T19:34:00.001+10:00

I know this seems to be a bit of a trend at the moment, and let's face it, I am a trendsetter!!!!!

So, I have decided to write a letter to my 16 year old self.

Here goes....

Dear Lisa (cos that's my name)

So you are currently in Year 12 (child prodigy here) at an all girl's catholic school in North Sydney. Funnily enough, you live opposite a rather famous GPS boys school. Have little to do with them, most of them behave like tossers (most, But not ALL).

You are a slim little chook, but still feel like you are the size of a heifer (Dear God woman, if only you stayed that frigging slim). You're ok!

You have also discovered the perm (Oh, why? Why?? Why?????) You could have done without this because your hair, when permed, made you look like a poodle, and not necessarily the cute ones. Just STOP. NOW. WITH THE PERM. No good can ever become of it, especially when you then decide to colour your hair too!

You didn't think I'd put my own picture here did you?

Perhaps you should have studied a bit harder, rather than singing Phil Collins songs into the hairbrush. But keep up your knowledge of bad music - it might come in handy at trivia nights.

Your two big brothers have already ~~been kicked out~~ moved out of home. You miss them desperately but chose not to tell them! And just because you are the only daughter, and granddaughter, DOESN'T mean you are the spoilt one ~~all the time.~~ Lap it up!!!

You are unsure of what career path to choose (well time hasn't changed anything here has it) but just go with the flow. Always do whatever makes you happy. Which means constantly sing ABBA songs - timeless!!!!!

As soon as you hear the term 'Blog' GET ON TO IT. As soon as you can.

Or invent GOOGLE - either/or.

Keep enjoying your netball - I'm not going to tell you just how many body parts you will have replaced, reset, broken, dislocated, or bandaged. Just KEEP your health cover - even if you need a bank loan to pay it.

Value your friends. You are going to be lucky enough to keep some from this time all through your years, or you will reconnect with some as well. You will also lose a few forever, treasure them every minute you have with them. You are very lucky to have these people in your life. Especially the ones who drive you home after nights out at the pub.

They sure do!

Speaking of the pub, although you are underage and this is illegal (so everyone under 18 look away NOW), make sure when you have your friend's sisters ID, and are asked to sign it, you sign THEIR signature and not your own!!!!!!

And then say you forgot you changed your name!!!!!

And finally, enjoy EVERY single minute you have. Because life is a roller coaster and you need to have the going down bits, to make the going up bits so much better.

And follow this:

Dance like no-one's watching (but even if they are, keep going)
Love as though you've never been hurt (but be careful!)
Sing as though no one can hear you (nah, sing like they can hear you)
Live as though heaven is on earth (cos it is)

And drink champagne - cos it tastes great!!!!!!

Especially this one.

Love

Me xxx

p.s. INVENT GOOGLE - REALLY - IT'LL BE WORTH IT - TRUST ME!!

What would you write to your 16 year old self?

Did you forge your friend's sisters id??

Have a perm???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Fashionista Friday #2

2014-06-20T07:00:00.000+10:00

From the massive response to last weeks Fashionista Friday #1, I have decided to continue this series.

With one of my favourites.

Leopard print!!!!

Insert cute animal picture.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE leopard print. I do! OK, I never said I was 'in fashion' (although I did work with Marie Claire mag for six months - but don't hold that against me!!), but I do love me a leopard print.

However, there are certain rules that I believe one should follow when wearing leopard.

DON'T WEAR IT ALL AT THE ONE TIME!!!!

According to fashion stylists (whoever they are) one must learn not to overdo things!!! I'm sorry but have you seen what those fashion stylists wear!!!!

Anyways, I believe that leopard print is timeless. Like ABBA music. Like Paddle Pops. Timeless!

Gratuitous Abba Shot

BUT, and I mean BUT there is only SO much leopard print one should wear. At. Any. One. Time.

Exhibit One -

Too Much?

See, I told you I loved it. Just not all at the same time!

Exhibit Two -

Um?

Some things are just wrong.

Oh, what the heck. As long as you feel good, who gives a toss!!!!!

Cinderella?

Except this.

Wrong. So, so wrong!!!

There is very little right about this. Very. Little.

Do you love a leopard print?

Did you work at Marie Claire??

Are you OVER the Kardashians???

Cheers

Lisa xox

Nana's Gone Off - Literally!!!!!

2014-06-19T07:00:00.000+10:00

OMG!!!!!

I was sitting watching The Project the other night whilst doing some 'blogging' when I heard a rather unusual story.

About fireworks.

Fireworks!!!

But not just your average $45 billion fireworks on Sydney Harbour at New Years Eve.

Sydney Harbour going off!!!!

No, this was a family who decided to turn their dearly departed's ashes into fireworks.

Are you frigging kidding me????

Yep, they turned Mum and Nana into some fireworks and on a dark and wintery night on Sydney Harbour, they said a few words "Who's brought the bloody lighter?" and proceeded to light Mum and Grandma and send them off.

High high high up into the sky.

There they go....

Where they burst into technicolour and then rained down on the edge of the harbour, bits and pieces of the family hitting the ground harder than a Kardashian falling off their skyscraper heels.

Um, I don't know about you but I certainly don't want Horse Girl and The Senior Sergeant (my offspring for you newbies to this blog!) packaging me up, lighting me and sending me up into the sky in a blaze of light and colour. And noise.

No siree.

I want a party but where every one sings ABBA songs, wears pink and yellow and drinks champagne by the bucket load and telling stories about what a wonderful and witty person I was (hey, it;s my funeral, you have to say nice things about me then!!!).

Go you good thing

Here's to me!

And although I'm happy for a firework or two to be fired in my honour, hell you an even play Katy Perry singing FIREWORK, you WON'T be using ME as the ingredients for said firework.

Click here for Katy Perry singing Firework

So next time you are at fireworks, spare a thought for the dearly departed. They may be falling upon you as we speak!!!!

Is that Nana or Great Aunty Lottie?

Do you love fireworks?

Are you a champagne drinker??

How's Nana???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Off The Bench....Seat!!!!!

2014-06-18T07:00:00.000+10:00

My birthday is coming soon!

No, no presents. Really. Oh you're too kind.

But having a birthday quickly approaching tends to make one think about how they are getting up in years ever so fast (well me anyway!).

So I started thinking about my early memories of this amazing thing called my life.

Oh stop, really!!!!!

One of my absolute earliest memories is of Mum driving me to preschool, Biralee, at Lane Cove, to be exact. Now I can't remember what day it was, or what I was wearing ( although it would have been stylish I'M SURE), and I can't even remember my teachers name. But I'm fairly sure she would have been driving a Holden. Mum that is, not my teacher, whoever she may have been.

Similar to this (I think!)

But I can remember sitting in the back seat whilst Mum was driving me there.

Of course, seatbelts were not worried about back then - either they were very careful drivers or we just took risks.

But, if memory serves me, and I may or may not be making some of this up, we were driving along Tambourine Bay Road up to preschool.

Suddenly Mum had to slam on the brakes and lo and behold little Chubby Lisa went flying off the bench seat in the back and got stuck behind the front bench seat.

Yes, stuck!!!

Best pic I could find - can you see a little chubby hand waving, there, look closer!!!!

Hey, I haven't always had the figure of a supermodel.

Anyways, I remember crying, devastated that not only had my mother almost sent me flying through the windscreen faster than pensioners at a buffet ( I have nothing against pensioners but have you seen some people at a buffet???), BUT left me there.

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT stand in their way!!!!

Stuck!

And she kept driving!!

Do you know the fear that a little chubby three year old girl with awkward plaits had instilled in her that day, and that has never left this slightly more than 10 x 3 (!!!!) year old ?

Who still has the same fear of bench seats in the car???

Bring on the bucket seat I say!!!

Safety first I say!!!!

What is your earliest childhood memory?

Did you go to Biralee??

Is it your birthday soon???

Cheers

Lisa. x0x

Young Freezing Love

2014-06-17T07:00:00.000+10:00

The weather here has turned rather chilly the past few days. Not surprising really as we are well into the season of winter and we had been blessed with an usually warm autumn.

So this cooler chill has made me reminisce about some of my pursuits of winter sports. Namely skiing.

Snow skiing.

Yep, I looked something like this!!!!

Now I didn't see snow until the ripe old age of 18 when my boyfriend at the time took me down to the NSW Snowfields for a 'romantic' week away.

In a CARAVAN.

In the middle of WINTER!!!!

Oh, young love!!!!

He was a rather skilled skier and thought that as I 'loved' him, I too would love skiing.

Which I did.

Now this 'romantic' week got off to a wonderful start.

Ok, so we may have been staying in a CARAVAN in the middle of WINTER but it was young love so we were kept warm by our love!!!!!!

It was about Day 3 when I had started to feel a little off. I had managed to ski down some of the 'easy' slopes at Perisher Valley and we went to ski some of the harder slopes (like the frigging Olympic Run off the top of Mt Perisher which is a black one which is a really really hard one!!!). I was feeling a little 'off' but not wanting to be a wimp, I managed to keep on, although I do believe that I may have slid down the slope awkwardly rather than stylishly ski.

Well, it looks a lot steeper standing on the top!!!

Now, just to shorten this lengthy story, I continued to feel unwell to the point that within three hours of starting to ski that day I was in Cooma hospital in a darkened quiet room, diagnosed with encephalitis!!! I know!!!! At least it was warmer than the frigging caravan.

Warmer than the van!

So, that was my introduction to the sport of Snow Skiing.

However, although the trip did end up with me being desperately ill in hospital, it did instill in me a love of skiing, which I have to this day.

However, my haplessness on the ski slopes did not end with encephalitis on that day at Perisher Valley.

There are more chapters of my trips to the snow, including one in which I ended up in a Victorian hospital and another where a friend did the best impersonation of a seal I have ever heard.

This gives you a hint of next hospital visit!!!!

Do you love the cold weather?

Do you like 'off piste'??

Are you good at seal impersonations (and I don't mean the singer)???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Blind Zebras

2014-06-16T07:06:00.000+10:00

I like to pride myself on being a ~~fair to middling~~ great driver. Of cars.

I haven't had an inordinate amount of accidents, that were always my fault.

Ok, I may have backed into one or two inanimate objects, I may have run up the back of the car in front on my wedding day ( well they should have moved!!) and I may or may not have accidentally hit a parked motor bike once. Or twice.

But I can swear on my heart that I have never hit a pedestrian. Yet.

But, if people don't start to walk across the zebra crossings at a pace faster than a snail, then I can't make any promises.

Amazing the pics you can find on the www.

Now, I am more than happy to patiently wait while the elderly, informed, or little humans ( thanks Nikki for that expression!) cross the road but seriously people - MOVE IT!

There is a particular crossing near us that drives me berserk. I may have once or twice almost accidentally run over one or two people but that was completely unintentional. It appears I do have a blind spot.

Blind Zebra?

But yesterday whilst driving up to this crossing, I thought I would do the right thing (and possibly the legal thing) and let these obvious city dwellers, down for a country weekend, cross the road (you can tell the visitors from their outfits - I'll leave that for another post).

Anyways, I sat there patiently waiting whilst Daddy pushed the fancy pants stroller and Mumsie held on to the toddler's hand as they crossed the road. At a frigging snails pace. Actually, it was slower than a snail's pace as I swear I nodded off for a 15 minute power nap, woke up and they still hadn't reached the other side.

Why people?
Why?

Why do you think that you can cross the road using fairy steps when on a country weekend when you would no doubt be the 4wdriving city slicker who runs down people in the city, whilst emitting petrol fumes from your Toorak tractor?

Actually, if I win lotto, I am getting one of these!!!!

I practised some deep breathing techniques (actually, I may have been having an asthma attack at the time) and thought that my good deed for the day was complete.

Just as I gently pressed my foot to the accelerator, the next frigging family of strollers, toddlers, and puffa vest wearing idiots started to cross. Realising I had little choice but to release the accelerator, I then thought that no doubt they would acknowledge my patience and give me a jovial wave and a thank you.

NO.

Nothing.

Zilch.

Mr and Mrs Selfish and the Selfish Offspring then couldn't decide which side of the road they actually wanted to get their mocha, choca latte so they started the discussion in THE MIDDLE OF THE FRIGGING ROAD.

Oh, don't I wish twas them

Hope the tyre tread comes out!

Have you ever been frustrated at crossings?

DO you own a puffa vest?

Do you drink mocha choca lattes???

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Plasticine teeth

2014-06-14T15:21:00.001+10:00

I love my two children dearly. Completely. Wholeheartedly
They are without doubt the best thing that has happened to me and I treasure every day with them.

BUT FFS!!!!!!!!

Why oh why do they have to be so special/unique/one of a kind???

Now normally, I would treasure their individuality/uniqueness.

But HG and I recently had a visit to the Orthodonti$t.

So I will now not only be auctioning off body parts, but working 39 hours a day, 18 days a week, 425 weeks a year.

"Braces?" you may ask.

Oh no, nothing that simple. Of course not. Because HG is unique. One of a kind. AN individual.

Gorgeous, unique, beautiful.. But weird mouth apparently!!!

With a frigging weird mouth.

As we walked in to our first appointment, the lovely Dr D - with an incredible head of hair but I digress- exclaimed "Oh, I've been waiting for you".

Thinking that he was no doubt one of Country Gypsies avid readers, I announced with my usual witty reply " Oh, I didn't realise you already knew about me and were such a fan".

Or does he know me from somewhere else??

After an awkward moment of silence, Dr D announced that he wasn't actually;y waiting for me but rather HG as he had received the X - ray of her n=mouth and of course, it was unusual.

Noice. Unusual. Different.

But not in a good Kath and Kim way.

In a way which will cost thousands and thousands of dollars and a few years work. Of course it will.

Because she has too many teeth, and not enough teeth.

Confused??? I was still getting over his impressive head of hair too comprehend this until he beckoned me to peer into my offspring's mouth.

Hair like this.but sort of not

I love HG dearly. But did I seriously need to look so closely into her mouth?? Will yes indeed I did. Because she has one too many teeth at the bottom front, she still has three baby teeth with no adult teeth ready to replace and is missing four of her molars!!!!

So whilst I was still trying to get over peering into her mouth and trying not to vomit because of my fear of anything to do with dentistry, HG was having moulds of her mouth taken. At a cost of $200. Each. With bloody plasticine.

How much does plasticine cost these days???

And next we will be going to see Dr D in his office in the big smoke so he can outline the dental program of work that my beautiful HG will be undergoing over the next few years.

And no doubt, to peruse his travel brochures he will undoubtedly have at the ready in preparation for no doubtedly his next overseas sojourn.

Have you ever been to an Orthodontist?

Do you need an extra body part?

Planning an overseas trip?

Cheers

Lisa xox

Fashionista Friday #1

2014-06-13T07:00:00.000+10:00

Being the renowned fashionista that I am (cough cough) I have decided to expand my blog into fashion advice.

"About time" I hear you say!!!!!!!

So in the interest of fashion, and something to write about, I have decided to explore the fashion tragedy that is double denim.

Canadian Tuxedo.

Fashion faux pax.

Now, apparently, much to this fashionista's horror, is that it's back. In fashion. I KNOW!!!!!!

It appears that this might just be one fashion that's back in fashion which I won't be fashioning!!!!

I think it's mainly because it has dredged up distant childhood memories of doing the double denim as a youngster.

So, in the interest of ensuring my wonderful readers are up to date with wardrobe choices, I have put together a gallery of what will no doubt be de rigeur on the streets this winter.

Because according to my favourite fashion bible - Mexican Vogue - it's BACK!

No thanks needed!

Man of my dreams!

Brit and JT - who would have thought this wouldn't last?

Does this mean the perm is coming back too?????

No words. At. All.

Do you ever double denim?
Any awkward family photos?

Cheers

Lisa x0x

Flipper - WTF??????

2014-06-11T12:26:00.000+10:00

I am scarred. For life. And not just my body parts.

I am very disturbed (more so than normal) after reading a news article this morning.

Wrong. Just wrong. There was nothing right and so much wrong about this article.

It was about a woman who developed a 'relationship' with a dolphin!

FLIPPER!!! WTF?????????????

Oh Flipper, where did it all go wrong?

Apparently Peter the Dolphin (oh who calls their dolphin Peter???) was six years old when he met a young research assistant. I'm not sure about the initial meeting but I'm guessing they didn't meet on e-harmony. Just imagine his profile - loves water sports, seafood, and
using his blowhole.

Apparently the research assistant, Margaret, was put their to teach Peter to speak. Because for some strange reason, we wanted dolphins to talk back then. This was back in the free loving sixties where it appears some people took 'free loving' to a whole new realm.

So Margaret was supposed to spend 10 weeks teaching Peter how to speak, but instead it appears love blosoosomed and instead they spent their time eating, sleeping, bathing and playing.

Sleeping???

She was supposed to be teaching him how to speak through his blowhole.

No words.

Alas, the relationship became sexual......again....NO WORDS.........

Um...awkward????

After a couple of months, Margaret decided to get her towel and hop out of the tank and poor little Pete was left to wallow in the waters.

Unfortunately, it all got too much for Petey and he decided to stop breathing.

He took his own life and drowned in the bottom of the tank.

Apparently, he died of a broken heart.

R.I.P Pete

Oh please can the news be more newsworthy tomorrow?

Feeling a little seasick!!!

Have you ever kissed a dolphin?

Had a broken heart??

Read ridiculous 'news' stories???

Cheers

Lisa x0x