mamamedia and Gogglebox Australia: A Love Story

I learnt an important lesson this year guys.

Like many, I was sceptical of the concept of Gogglebox when it was first advertised. You mean, it's just...watching people while they watch TV? My husband had vowed to avoid it, claiming it was the dumbest idea he'd ever heard.

And then we watched it. And didn't we just look like a couple of fools? Because Gogglebox Australia is FANTASTIC.

The secret to its success is, without a doubt, the casting. Kudos to the producers, because you've done a brilliant job. From the acid-tongued commentary of Mick & Di, to the hilarious naivety of the Jackson children, to the spot-on sarcasm of Adam & Symon, they have managed to cast a group of characters who go beyond mere entertainment. I don't want to just watch them, I want to be friends with these people! I want to sit around and eat Crust pizzas with Angie & Yvie while we bitch about the Real Housewives. I want to crack a Corona with Adam & Symon and make ranga jokes. I want to drink fairy floss cocktails with Wayne & Tom while we debate the attractiveness of Manu Feidel.

The second season is underway and it is as laugh-out-loud hilarious as it ever was. I've still got the first season sitting on my DVR and re-watch it when I feel like a giggle. So, to celebrate what has probably been my favourite program to air so far in 2015, I've gone back over S1 once more and jotted down some of my favourite exchanges...

Spring has SPRUNG

I love Sydney in the spring. The trees turn green, the flowers are in bloom, the chill is out of the air.

I took Liv for a walk today with the Mr Rogers theme playing in my head..."It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day for a neighbour, would you be my, could you be my, won't you be my neighbour?" 

I love our neighbourhood: we're inner city, but you'd never know it by how quiet our streets are. During the day, there's always a mum out pushing her pram, or a grandparent trailing behind a toddler on his trike. I love taking Liv for breakfast at the cafe up the road, where the retirees enjoy tea and scones and old men in hats hold doors open for me and the Bugaboo. After the local school lets out, the footpaths are clogged with bikes & scooters as kids race home. As the weather warms up, they are more likely to be headed to the park to kick a ball around or fly on the swings.

Today as I walked past the playground, I couldn't help but giggle at the little boys who had dragged their backyard furniture down to the park to chill. And I'm not talking foldout chairs, oh no, they'd brought down the big heavy plastic set. Adorable. Ten points for industriousness, boys!

What a beautiful afternoon. The warm breeze rustled through the eucalypt trees, the scent of wattle hung in the air...as well as a blossom that vividly reminded me of my grandparent's garden...and also strawberry Hubba Bubba? Blue skies and chubby baby thighs.

Yeah. Life is good.