Wow. Scary. Exciting. Fast.

Those are just a few words to describe my life and the things happening with this blog at the moment.

My holiday was a bit of a whirlwind and being so close to Christmas, I kind of left off at a crossroads where there has been a lot going on with the blog.

It's really exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing how everything turns out but suddenly everything seems to have gained momentum all on its own and things seem to be happening very fast.

I now have an ABN, my own domain, a totally new look and design coming for the blog. I hope the change over goes smoothly and I really hope everyone likes the new look. After a meeting with my designer and a lot of backwards and forwards with new ideas and half formed sort-of-kinda-like-this I'm really excited to see the finished product.

It's pretty cool in a way. But it also terrifies me.

When I registered for my ABN something quite strange happened. My heart started beating really fast and I actually felt a little sick. Suddenly everything seemed to get very real. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited! It all just takes a bit of getting used to, I'm not the best at dealing with change.

They say that change is as good as a holiday, and considering I've recently had a lot of both, I think I can be forgiven for having a little 'holy crap' moment.

But you know, as one year draws to a close and another is about to begin I can't help but feel like it could be the start of big, new, exciting things for me and this blog.

And you know what? I couldn't have done it without you! To all of you who've read my blog this year, offered advice, boosted me up when I needed it, given me something to blog about, commented and just generally shown your support - thank you. Without you, this blog would be nothing. I truly appreciate you.

Onwards and upwards my friends.

I am a woman of simple pleasures. The little things make me happy. I am surprisingly easy to please. Although I am also easy to disappoint.

A random text.

A silly note.

Catching my eye at THAT moment.

A little something left on my pillow.

A kiss on the cheek at a gig.

An ice cream and a walk along the waterfront.

Changing the words of the song to my name.

A picnic by the water.


Sliding into a freshly made bed of clean sheets.

Little things that really mean nothing in particular. They probably wouldn't warrant a second thought from most other people. But to me, they are the essence of living. Not everyday can be Christmas. Not everyday holds big surprises or major announcements of things so exciting that you can't sleep the night before.

But everyday holds it's own little treasures. I delight in these. And I delight in my ability to see and enjoy them. It's not always easy to do but it is very important. I often hear people with children relishing the way their children's wide eyed wonder reminds them of the joy and beauty that there is to be found in everything.

I don't have kids around me to do this, so I try to make it my mission to do so for myself and maybe at the same time help someone else notice these things as well. No one should have to miss out.

Animals are also great at doing this. Hint hint ;)

I always find myself reflecting, loving and feeling grateful at this time of year. I hope all your Christmases have been full of joy, love and gratitude and all the other wonderful things that this time of year brings like family, food, drink and presents.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Or is it?

For the first time in a long time, Christmas is going to be a fairly low key affair for me. They say having divorced parents is great for double presents and while that is true, they forgot to mention the twice as many places to go at Christmas thing.

Usually rushing around between families, this year my mum and step dad have opted out of the Christmas craziness and are currently off cruising around New Zealand. Which means I only need to go and spend time with my dad and my step mum.

They are currently managing a caravan and holiday park in Pittsworth, west of Toowoomba so my sister, brother-in-law and I will be slowly making our way there on Christmas day for a nice, chilled celebration with a big Christmas dinner.

We'll be staying at a cabin at the park for a couple of days (yeah, no roughing it for me please!) so I think it will be a really nice chance to just chill out, relax and have a few drinks and quality time with the family. All things I have really been missing of late. I'm also hoping the weather holds out so that I can take advantage of the pool.

I have the whole Christmas week off work and I intend to do very little to be honest. I'm saving myself for the epic New Years Eve party we're going to. Large property, space for camping or sleeping in the car, big pool with waterslide AAAAAND an adult jumping castle!! Really, need I say more??

A nice early little Christmas present for me is I also have another 6-page feature in the current issue of Cruzin magazine! It went on sale on Wednesday so if you haven't already checked it out you can either buy a copy, sneak into your newsagent and have a look then put it back or take the even lazier option of trying to decipher the text on the first page from this image.

It's been a strange year. Lots of bad things have happened to so many people. But I am very grateful, there have been many good things that have also happened to me in the last 12 months. But I have to say, I have a very good feeling about next year. I can't explain it, but I feel that in the way this year has been so unkind to so many people, 2012 will hold lots of good things for everyone.

Thanks for all your support this year. Thanks to you guys I have achieved much in the short time this blog has been running and it's very encouraging for what else I can achieve next year.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season and I hope you all find a fun or cosy way to see in the new year with those you love. Take care over the Christmas period, but most of all ENJOY YOURSELVES!!

After a nice big sleep recovering from our huge day along the Great Ocean Road, we headed out Thursday further up the mountains to a lovely little village called Olinda. Think Montville/Maleny, lots of BnBs, lovely little cafes, lots of 'handmade' shops and beautiful foresty views.

We stopped in for a short but sweet and rather moving visit to a restaurant and beer house to pay our respects to the memory of Derani and The Man's dearly departed little sister before heading back to one of the little cafes for a coffee and some delicious cakes. The food there looked wonderful and we were tempted to indulge but we were saving up for dinner that night! It was a lovely, relaxing day and we spent ages just chatting and enjoying the beautiful surrounds.

Then we headed back home for an early Christmas!

The man and his sister's and little niece's first Christmas together in a long time, things understandably got a little emotional but it was such a beautiful and fun night which we continued to celebrate long into the night. And sadly, I knew I was waking up to what would be my last full day in Melbourne. But I couldn't be glum for long, because on Friday we were off to my favourite diner of all time!

You might remember from my last trip to Melbourne how much I raved about Misty's Diner. If you're ever in Melbourne you seriously have to go there, even just once. The food is ridiculous! I suggest wearing comfy pants and not eating much beforehand.

By the time Monday came, we were glad to be heading to the beautiful mountains in Warburton for a change of pace and hopefully some rest! Bex was lovely and dropped us off to The Man's sister Derani in good ole Hank where big cuddles and excited 'they're here!' exclamations were plenty.

After all the big hellos we headed back to Derani's place for a wind down but not before we saw The Man's gorgeous neice showing us her awesome horse riding skills. We then came home to a lovely home cooked meal. Ahhh just what we needed, and how can you not enjoy views like this?

We were so lucky with the weather! We had glorious, warm sunny days everyday! After a good night's rest we were treated to an early part of our Christmas present...Honey Hands Fisher came direct to our door to give us a massage! Seriously, this was the best, most relaxing, most amazing massage I have ever had! I have never been so loose, felt so good or been so relaxed in my life. After an hour and a half of full body massaging I reluctantly had to relinquish the table so The Man could have his turn.

Feeling well and relaxed we took a little walk down to the main town and had a little poke around. We sampled some of the famous local pies - delish! - then pottered on home again but not before we went by 'Bob's House'. A renowned local eccentric, Bob's House has to be seen to be believed...in fact we saw it and we still weren't sure we believed it! I tried to get some good pictures but they really don't do it justice!

It was such a fun day, like a mini road trip and we had lots of fun being silly and singing along like crazy to music in the car. Unfortunately because we were stretched for time we didn't make it all the way along or even as far as the apostles but we did get as far as Lorne, which was pretty cool because that's where The Man grew up so I got to see his old family home and all his favourite haunts. It was such a lovely day! But also quite long, we didn't get home til about 8:30 pm but it was totally worth it!

Our first weekend in Melbourne was HUGE! We stayed with the lovely Bex in Doncaster who took extremely good care of us and was the best drinking buddy.

We were pretty exhausted after spending all of Friday travelling. I was up at 7:30 to get ready, pack the final things and drive down to Kingscliffe where I was leaving my car in preparation for my work Christmas party on my return. I then caught the shuttle bus to the airport, flew to Melbourne, met up with The Man, caught the Skybus to Spencer St Station where we walked a few blocks, big suitcase in tow, to catch the bus out to Doncaster. We got off the bus and walked about a km, again huge suitcase in tow, to Bex house.

By the time we arrive my arms and legs were killing me and I just wanted to go to sleep. AS IF THAT WAS GONNA HAPPEN!!

We cracked a beer and ate some Doritos while we waited for Bex to get home from work. After a very joyful hello and lots of cuddles later we decided to hit up The LuWow as we had heard so much about it and were dying to check it out! The three of us high tailed it to Fitzroy where we met up with Link, frontman from The Meanies (for those of you unfamiliar, The Meanies are a late 80s early 90s Aussie pop punk band who toured with the likes of Nirvana, The Lemonheads, Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam etc) We had fun with Bex and Link for the rest of the weekend.

The LuWow is AMAZING!! It's a new tiki bar in Fitzroy that really just has to be seen to be believed! We had THE BEST time there and I'm quite sure it would be impossible to have a bad night at this place. The staff are friendly, the drinks are delicious, the decor is unbelieveable and the music ROCKS!! Oh, and so does Gina the door girl, she took a shining to us and was just the lovliest, friendlist lady and she...'looked after' us both nights - what a gem!!

Well as you all know, the last week and a bit has been a whirlwind of fun times, hard partying, massive shopping, not enough sleep, too much to drink and some of the best fun I've had in a while.

From Melbourne on Saturday I flew back into the Gold Coast Airport and was whisked straight to Salt Resort for the work Christmas party where I tried to pretend I wasn't totally exhausted and hungover.

Getting home on Sunday I spent the rest of the day in bed dozing and feeling the holiday come down set in. I felt really sad. And lonely. Call me a sook but coming home on my own was hard. Knowing my man was still down there, enjoying the place and too busy to be just a phone call away.

I don't begrudge him. Not in the slightest. I am so happy for him to be down there and doing the things he is doing. But it did make me a little sad.

Coming back to work today has been a bit of a crash back into reality. Lots of emails to answer, work to catch up on. Not to mention all the blog reading to catch up on! Sheesh, talk about stuff going down while I am away!!

I have so much to share with you, plenty of fun pictures, great times, heaps of shopping and wonderful memories but I need to catch my breath. Sort it all out, regroup, find the time among the mad dash of the last week before Christmas.

So it will all come throughout this week. Which means no Tattoo Tuesday tomorrow. But I don't think you'll mind too much ;)

And in the meantime, enjoy this hilarious clip from my work Christmas party. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) this went down after I had already left. The guy with no shirt is the partner of one of the ladies at work, the guy with the shirt was from a fundraiser for the mentally handicapped. Watch the clip, I see a handicap but it certainly isn't his!

Tomorrow is the day...I'M OFF TO MELBOURNE BABY!!

As you can tell, I'm rather excited. I also won't be blogging while I'm away so I thought I'd record a little goodbye message, just to let you know I care :)

You can follow me on Twitter @SheriBombBlog and on Instagram @sheribombblog to keep an eye on what I'm up to.

To everyone going to the Christmas Blogger Meet, have fun!! Wish I could be there but, ya know...Melbourne ;)

Things seemed to have slowed down a bit lately. I don't know if it's just this time of year, people are busy and don't have the time to read or comment and life is hectic.

There is a lot going on behind the scenes, but it feels like there is this lull in interaction and traffic, well except for my post about boobs which unsurprisingly caused a spike. I guess the tattoo posts also generally illicit a bit of a response but otherwise...crickets.

It doesn't particularly bother me, although I do wonder where everybody went. If people are actually reading and just don't have time to comment or if I'm just sitting here talking to myself.

Perhaps I'm not giving much to comment on? Or is it just the natural ebb and flow of things. The tide has been in, and now it is time for it to spend a little time out to sea?

It makes me wonder, should I be doing more? Trying to make my content somehow more appealing, more interactive?

Maybe, but then this little space is mainly for me and I just get a kick out of others enjoying it. So I don't really want to change anything to try to please anyone. I'm quite happy pleasing myself in this little corner of my world.

So, I guess I shall just ride it out. Things are about to get quiet on here for a week or so anyway what with me running off to Melbourne for a week.

So maybe we can both take a turn at taking a break? Come back when we have more time and are both feeling the inspiration. I guess by then I will have plenty to share.

Maybe it's just new to me, being relatively new to the blogosphere. I have a feeling that this little ebb and flow just happens. Nothing new. Get used to it.

But I wonder, especially to those more experienced in all things blogging...

What do you do when things slow down? Do you try to combat it or just ride it out?

Yay! Get excited, it's time for some more ink and unlike the last couple of weeks, this is one you haven't already seen!

This tattoo has a number of meanings interwoven into one big life lesson and is also a bit of an homage to the very early and traditional roots of the tattooing craft. This one is one my left inner bicep and yeah, it was a little sensitive in there! Also done by Mark (Suicide Beatnik) of Voodoo Tattoo, it combines iconic imagery of sailor lore.

Put these all together and you have my tattoo - a reminder to stay grounded, heading in the right direction and strong, no matter what life's stormy seas send your way.

It was then I realised, just like sailors, tattoos tell your story and mark you with where you have been in life.

You know when something bad happens and you just sit there thinking about it? Feeling sad, angry, sick, anxious, pissed off? And stewing about it only makes you feel worse? I know this, but sometimes I can't help it, I can't stop myself. It's then I realise I need to distract myself, calm myself down and make myself feel better.

The only way I know how to do this is with music.

No matter how I'm feeling, music never fails to lift my soul. There is just something about it, the effect it has on me. I feel at my happiest when I am enjoying music. When I am at a gig, I love the way I feel it through my body, even if I'm not dancing. It feels like all my organs inside my body are moving to the music.


I guess that's why I blog about it so much, it makes me so happy and I guess I just struggle to find a way of showing my appreciation to the musicians who give me such happiness. The clapping, the cheering, the big hugs after the show...they just don't seem enough.

I sometimes wonder if they know exactly how happy they are making people. After an absolutely spectacular show I saw, I was so happy I was on the biggest high. I just couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was so happy I wanted to cry. And I saw the musician and I just wanted to go over to them and shake them and yell 'thank you so so much you have no idea how happy you just made me!' Of course I didn't do that, that would be hysterical.

But that is why I try so hard to support the musicians I know or enjoy. To show them my gratitude for being them and doing what they do. For providing me with my most pure happiness, aside from puppies.

So to all the musicians out there, thank you.

I am SO very excited to announce that the charity pin up calendar I've been involved in is finally ON SALE!! Just in time to get yourself prepared for the new year and of course, make great Christmas presents!

Everyone seems to be blogging about all their Christmas lust haves so I thought I might was well jump on the bandwagon. Tis the season afterall.

We all know I'm a lady of simple pleasures, so behold - my letter to Santa - I promise I've been a good girl!

Dear Santa,

Ok so this is another one you might have seen before (sorry to disappoint) and I guess it's mostly self-explanatory as well but it's always a popular one so on we go!

This is the first tattoo I got done by Mark (Suicide of the Beatniks) at his shop, Voodoo Tattoo. He's the other artist that's done most of my other work. I guess he can be kinda scary looking and he seems pretty gruff until you get to know him. Really he's just a nice guy, although he can be rough when wiping :P


I got these for my Dad obviously. I've always been a bit of a Daddy's Girl so I thought these rather appropriate. I had heard that the tops of your feet really hurt and whilst they certainly didn't tickle, they weren't nearly as bad as I thought they were going to be. In fact, driving home afterwards actually hurt more!

These are one of my favourite tattoos (it's hard to choose!) not only for their meaning but for the way they look and their position. It's funny watching people walking past trying to see what they say. Even though there are always times when your family bothers you or you don't agree with them, family is so important to me.

Seeing as my parents divorced when I was about 8, my dad missed out on a lot with us as he only got to see us every second weekend. But despite that, he has always been a great dad and a big part of our lives and I'm very grateful for that. He gives great advice, is good at listening to me, loves me and is proud of me. I couldn't really ask for more.

He mightn't love my tattoos, but I sure loved seeing the look on his face when I showed him these!

Did you see it? Or did you miss it? Last week me and my lil ole blog were gettin around. I'm totally pimpin.

I've become a guest blogger at alternative wedding website idotoo. You all know how hopeless I am for a wedding. Total wedding tragic. And they wanted a little injection of rockabilly kool. So I'm signed on to do a guest post once a month. Here's my first post - of course it was about Scottie & Aleisha's country wedding ♥ but stay tuned for next month's post, it's SO cool!

I've also popped up on The Modern Women's Survival Guide, an online beauty and style empire created by Gaynor Alder, vintage glamour enthusiast and Style Expert for Cointreau's Art of the Cocktail Hour. I did a review for Benefit and have been exchanging emails with the lovely Gaynor about some other exciting things in the works which I can't wait to share with you.

I may or may not also have another article or two coming out in some magazines in the not too distant furture ;) Have to keep pretty tight lipped at the moment but as soon as I can let the cat out of the bag, you guys will be the first to know. Promise.

Do you realise that this time in 2 weeks I will be heading to Melbourne for a week? Well I do and I can't wait!! I'm on the countdown if you hadn't already noticed.

This will be the first proper holiday I've had in about 3 years and I really can't wait! There is just so much to look forward to and I plan on chilling out, eating lots, shopping heaps and having an amazing time! I probably wont blog a whole lot while I'm away but I'll sneak in whatever I can whenever I can. Although I'll be trying to keep active on twitter and instagram to give you a glimpse into what I'm up to while I'm down there. No doubt I will have lots to share when I get back too!

But I have some sort of news. Well, it's possible news. Something that might be happening. But I want your opinion on it. A big change for the blog. Would you still love me?

When I first started the blog, I loved my whole 'western' concept. From the blog layout to my tag line and my cheesy shoot em up business cards. But lately I feel like the space is looking a bit drab. It's dark and with the textured background, not the easiest to read. The functionality isn't great and to be honest I just don't feel like it really reflects me or the direction of my blog.

I always try to make this a fun and happy place. I want the look of the blog to reflect that. So I'm considering a total make over. Whole new look. Same old me. Same old content. Same name. Just a completely new look. Something simpler, easier to read, that is cleaner, fresher, funner and more colourful. But I'm scared. To make such a drastic change. It sounds so shallow, so vaccuous but I keep thinking 'what if I change it, and no one likes me?'

So tell me, what do you think of the idea? Would you still love me?

Well due to the Nuffnang Top Gear post, I unfortunately had to reschedule my Tattoo Tuesday post for today, and yes I know it's Thursday but it still starts with T so does that count? Anyway, thanks for being patient!

This is actually a tattoo I've posted about before but I didn't really expand on the story behind the tattoo itself, just the general idea. The story may surprise you a little, maybe not. Maybe you'll think I'm an idiot. That's ok. But I will explain.


This tattoo is meant to serve as a reminder. Of everything. I originally got this tattoo as a Valentines Day thing with an ex-boyfriend of mine. He got the same thing on his chest. The idea was that we were 'Blessed' with each other. (This is the part where you tell me I'm an idiot).

Thing is, and I don't know how he felt about the whole thing, but I went into it feeling this was only part of the meaning. I feel I have been blessed with so much in my life. And I always try to be grateful for it. Thinking about these things is always a great mood improver.

And I am in NO WAY religious. So this has not one single religious connoation. I am simply a spiritual person. And whatever higher power that may or may not exist, I feel has generally been kind to me. And I like to remember that. It keeps me grounded and generally reminds me how good I have it, even though sometimes I can forget.

Now I know what you're thinking. EX boyfriend. As in we are no longer together. Do I regret it? Do I wish I didn't still have it? Does it make me think of him every time I look at it. Not really. I certainly don't regret it. Aside from the fact that its meaning extends beyond the relationship, he was a fantastic guy and a huge part of my life. So no, I don't regret it. We have no bad blood. I'm not in contact with him anymore but I'm totally cool with the tat. It means far more to me than just him, so when I do look at it, it's more of a reminder of great things rather than of him or of the relationship.

And guess what? It's not the only exboyfriend tattoo I have :P Stay tuned!

Sponsored by Nuffnang

Normally all things automotive revolve around hot rods, rat rods and kustoms around here but when Nuffnang gave me the opportunity to road test and write about Top Gear Magazine I thought why not? Afterall, I know some of the gear heads out there who read this blog aren’t ONLY interested in hot rods but enjoy the high performance beasts as well.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how much it would appeal to me given I am more into hot rods and less into the techy and specy side of things. But I went down to my local newsagent and picked up the latest copy to check out. There were a lot of impressive looking sporty cars adorning the pages and plenty of famous names beaming from the headlines but there was one article that really caught my eye. One article that, even if you have no interest in cars at all, would surely offer an interesting and very compelling read. You can check it out on p. 144 of the November issue of Top Gear Australia Magazine and I guarantee you’ll love it. It’s more of a ‘tale’ than an article.


There’s no other way to describe it other than a human interest piece. A good old yarn. An amazing story about a middle aged man with a wife, kids and a mortgage who re-traces his steps across an amazing outback voyage. An adventure he completed on a postie bike some 15 years ago, he now embarked on a life changing pilgrimage from Darwin to Brisbane in an old clapped out red Volvo. Filled with the tales of the people that he meets as well as poignant observations as he examines his own life, the trip is touching and unbelievable and a total riot. Told with a wry sense of humour through wise eyes, the feature is packed with action and emotion. It was a great read and the absolute standout feature of the issue.


It also rather surprised me. To be honest, it wasn’t the type of thing that I expected to find in a ‘men’s magazine’, a car magazine. I have no doubt that even if you have no interest in cars whatsoever or if you were a woman picking up this magazine, you would really enjoy this article. It has universal appeal. And I wondered if this would apply to other car magazine subscriptions. I think it’s important for any magazine. There’s nothing like being pleasantly surprised by something, or finding something your partner enjoys that you can actually begin to enjoy with them.

And it made me start thinking. Christmas is fast approaching and I really haven’t got my list sorted. I’m pretty short on ideas too. But a magazine subscription would make a great Christmas present I think. It’s one of those little indulgences that you find hard to justify spending the money on yourself. You think of all the other things you could be doing with that money. And you end up missing out. My favourite kind of gifts to buy people are the kind that they would love but not buy for themselves. Magazine subscriptions are great for this.

Best of all, Magshop is giving away an amazing prize just for getting your Christmas shopping out of the way? Where do I sign??

Be eligible to win one of 10 fabulous Hawaiian holiday packages valued at over $12,000 each with Magshop’s Christmas competition. Simply subscribe, renew or treat family and friends to any of the 35 participating titles including The Australian Women’s Weekly, Top Gear Australia, Australian House & Garden, Shop Til You Drop, UFC, Money, and many more.

What a weekend, or to be more precise, what a gig!

When Rusty and Pat came to town, the Brisbane crowd turned out in force and were an extremely appreciative crowd. Having so many friends who are musos, I know how important it is for the performers to see, hear and feel the support of the crowd and how much it amps up their show so I was very proud of Brissie rockers for getting behind these boys.

The show was FANTASTIC! They are both such talented musicians and both have their own unique style which rocks solo but also fuses so well together when they become the 'Combo'. I bought the new CD and got Rusty to sign it like a total little fan girl haha


I was having SO much fun that I took about two photos but I'm not really sorry because I got to have a HUGE chat with Rusty. He's such a nice, down-to-earth guy. It was really cool to see how friendly and funny he is. I hadn't really spoken to him much before as the last time he was here (for Greazefest) I was too star struck and kind of just went Err...Derr..Ummm...Hi...Blerr. HAH. Loser.


But a few beers (they didn't have any Sailor Jerry Rum) gave me the courage to actually talk to him properly and I'm glad I did. He's super chilled and really friendly. We talked heaps. And he was telling a couple of people around us that before I wrote a review for them no one really cared about them but once they published what I had said about them on all their sites everyone was super interested. Ya know, because I said. His words. I know he was just being nice and totally stroking my ego, but I'll take it!

I squealed and cheered and danced and clapped and sang along down the front and had an absolute ball! Bonus: he played my two most favourite songs, the one I posted the other day and this one.


And when he was saying goodbye at the end of the night. He totally hugged me! Yep, still a loser :P But I'm really looking forward to seeing him again at Garterbelts & Gasoline next year. This time I won't need beer to go and have a chat, I'll just go say hi and try to be a normal person.

Have you ever met an idol or someone you admire? Were you as lame as me?

I'm getting in early this time because trust me, you don't want to miss THIS!

This blog is filled with the praise of the Rusty Pinto gospel and I'm so excited because I don't have to wait until next year's Garterbelts & Gasoline to see him. That's right, the Rusty Pinto Combo are coming all the way from WA to hit town THIS SATURDAY!! I can't wait! See all the event info here.

In fact, two of the hottest Rockabilly acts in Australia will be guaranteeing this to be a HUGE night! It's east meets west when Rusty Pinto from Perth and Pat Capocci from Sydney, both head to Morningside RSL to rock it out!

As one of the most energetic and entertaining acts in the rockabilly scene, Rusty Pinto established his name with the full-tilt Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio. Now his Rusty Pinto Combo are knockin' 'em dead with their 40s and 50s cat music.

Pat is known for his amazing guitar technique and his song writing ability. His unique style and charisma make for an exciting show, and sees him in demand at festivals across Australia and Europe.

Entry is $20 at the door and kids are also welcome with an adult. The best part is there's a HUGE dancefloor, cheap drinks and delicious, great value bistro meals up until 8.30pm.

This will be a riot of a night filled with amazing music. If you've ever wondered what a Rockbilly gig is like, this is the PERFECT one to get along to. Plus you know, I'll be there...you'll find me down the front swooning if you wanna come and say hi. I'll leave you with this, just to whet your appetite. See y'all there!

It's that time again! So this week we're looking at only my second tattoo but it's a bit of a jump from the wussy little cherries I started out with ;)

Four years on and I still LOVE these tattoos. They're so pretty and the colours Mimsy used and the way she blended them and the shading is just amazing! I get a lot of compliments on them but I even get a lot of compliments off other tattoo artists who are so impressed by the colour and shading. Mimsy is one talented lass!

As this was my first "big" and visible tattoo...I was actually a little nervous about getting it done. But I've never looked back and what I thought was just a little nibble from the tattoo bug turned into full blown fever pitch!

I KNEW I just HAD to have more!!

Product Talk by Nuffnang

I love animals. Anyone that has been around me for longer than a minute will know this. I just can't help myself. I goo and gah over them. I squeal with delight when I see a dog out and about. I just feel this connection to all animals. I also love reading so the opportunity to read Charlotte Wood's new novel was a very welcome one.

Animal People follows a single day in the life of Stephen, an aimless, unhappy and unfulfilled man struggling to know how to make his life better. Set in a big Australian city, the book traces Stephen to his dead-end job at the zoo, his demanding family, his opressive feelings for his girlfriend and the pitiless city itself. The great weight of it all threatens to come crashing down on him. The day will bring untold surprises and disasters, but also the revalation - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap and that only he can free himself.

Firstly, I really enjoyed the concept of a whole book dedicated to a single day in the life of a character and Charlotte Wood's observations are sharp, witty and extremely poignant. The detail, so painstaking, making the ordinariness of things not so ordinairy and revealing so much, not only in her character but within me too. What appears on the surface as simplicity, is a complex yet tender narrative.

The book resonated with me on so many levels and the razor sharp revelations cut through what I thought I already knew about myself. Stephen's challenges and observations are so relatable that his own bare emotions and reflections are a shock to see in yourself also. Animal People draws comparisons between humans and animals, our similarities and what sets us apart. Where in the beginning these differences seem significant and many, slowly begin to emerge as revalations of truth and parallels.

A compelling read, the novel acknowledges common social prejudices and fears and presents them so emotively, so personally, that we are encouraged to not only confront them but to seriously reconsider them and how that can impact our lives. A very moving read, Animal People will get you thinking and ultimately, provide those lightbulb moments that can permanently alter your perspective.

Giveaway

Take the insightful and emotional journey with me! I have an extra copy of the novel to giveaway to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: Are you an animal person? Why/why not? Please make sure you include an email address with your comment or make it visible on your Blogger profile. Winners will be drawn Monday 28th November.

Over the years, The Man has amassed an amazing collection of vintage, retro and 50s furniture, homewares, collectibles and memorabilia. He's always had this knack for finding rare and hard to get pieces that even our other collector friends dream of finding. Somehow these things just find their way into his hands. It made for an extremely fascinating household, with so much to take in, even after all this time I find new things each time I look around. But lately we've gotten to the point of overflowing. There's no more room left to collect anything else. And afterall, the thrill of the chase is certainly half the fun! Plus he's moving...and packing up all that stuff would be a MAMMOTH effort. So he's selling up and shipping out!

This Saturday we'll be up at the crack of dawn to get on down to Gumdale for the 1st Annual Treasurefest. Not only is this event PERFECT timing to get some of your Christmas shopping out of the way, but it's also to raise money for Act for Kids. This will be THE place to get all kinds of model cars, rare vintage speed equipment and accessories, heaps of retro/vintage fashion for guys and gals as well as all kinds of collectibles and memorabilia.


It's ridiculous how much stuff The Man has to sell off!! We'll be taking all the smaller stuff like velvet paintings, anodised canister sets, 50s Sunbeam mixers, tall ships, starburst glassware, 50s portable BBQs, western drink containers, carved wooden figurines, the famous naked lady glasses and HEAPS of kitsch homewares, bar accessories and tiki bars.


We'll also have a catalogue available showing the pieces too big to bring in the car, like the Click Clack lounges in working order and mint condition, the 50s wooden wardrobes, the big Kelvinator fridge and this AMAZING Wilkins & Service twin tub. Ain't she purdy!

So come on down and have a look, there's something to appeal to everyone. Not only 'old' stuff but plenty of new as well as fashion and accessories and even live music from our boy Mitchy Mayhem! Hope to see you there!

If you were keeping an eye out on Facebook last week (and it seems like quite a few of you were) you would have seen my post to Sailor Jerry regarding events in Brisbane. Now if you've been reading this blog for longer than a week then you already know how much I LOVE Sailor Jerry and seeing their facebook page constantly updated with fun stuff around the country, everwhere it seemed except Brisbane, was making me a little jealous. Ok, A LOT jealous.

So I went on over and posted on their page requesting Bris Vegas get some of the awesomeness that is Sailor Jerry going on up here. Ask and you shall receive!

I'm pretty sure they didn't plan a tour in a matter of days, so I can't really take credit for getting it happening up here BUT I'm pretty damn happy all the same. I'm sure they appreciated seeing such a show of support, especially from so many of you who had such kind words to say about me and this lil ol blog o'mine - I know I certainly did!

SO GET EXCITED!! I know I have plenty of readers up and down the east coast and now you'll be able to get along to your very own Sailor Jerry event! I love that they've put it on during the week, an early start for those of us who have to work but a little ray of sunshine during the week to get us through til the weekend.

I can't wait to get along and get my dose of Sailor Jerry and I hope you will too! Stay tuned...I might just have a few more surprises coming your way.

Woo hoo - thanks Sailor Jerry!!