Living in the city, I often find myself craving nature. It's moments like these that lead me on long urban walks and leave me picnicking in Edinburgh Gardens. I just need that fresh air, that sunlight, those trees, and the rain. The grey gets to be too grey and I venture out to find some green.

The other day I was feeling restless, having been cooped up in Christmas celebrations. I called my friend Aleesia and together we embarked on an afternoon adventure, exploring Ballina Shire and it's many natural wonders.

Despite having lived here for almost 8 years, I had never been to Killen Falls, a favourite local's spot for splashing about and acting like a mermaid. The falls themselves were quite underwhelming, what with the unusually good (and dry) weather of 2013, but that didn't stop me from having a great time swimming. The car park was full, as was the waterhole, but the scene was still more serene than any beach or pool- a lovely alternative really.

After drying off and enjoying the view (British backpackers...), Aleesia and I hit the road again, belting Carole King at the top of our lungs. We didn't have a destination, but Eltham was where we ended up. It is this bizarre little town, the kind with just a pub and a handful of houses. I felt like I was walking through another time or at least another country, perhaps the middle of the USA where devout Christians and mothers-of-8 run rampant. The Freemason church, all white weatherboard, reminded me of Big Fish, as did the 116 year old railway. 

Actually, it was all fairly Stand By Me, especially when we decided to cross the rusty bridge that stood over a raging (well, flowing) river. Aleesia did some sort of slow motion crab action in fear of falling, while I and my long legs took the run-and-it-will-be-over approach. On the other side we were greeted by a group of cattle, a gorgeous sunset, and a winding walk on the tracks.

To finish off our day of nature lovin', we settled into the sand dunes of our local beach. It's the perfect place to people watch and drink red wine, both of which we did. The sun went down as we wandered home, a cheese platter and the One Direction movie awaiting us.

It was a Perfect Day, capitals essential.



Today I was in a stay-at-home-and-read mood that probably had something to do with the 35 degree mugginess outside. What began with a lime cordial and Northanger Abbey, quickly became a crafternoon (and morning!) 

My hair was first to be art-ified, as I spontaneously dyed the ends this flamingo pink. I've been chasing after Abbey Lee Kershaw's ombre locks since 2011, and am more than happy that I finally caught up. I particularly love how well my new colour goes with my favourite lipstick, MAC Darkside. 

It's the 26th of December, Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, and while Dad sits in front of the cricket with an excited 10 am beer, I am scrolling through the freshly uploaded photos of yesterday's festivities.

This year we celebrated Jesus' birthday with a relaxed lunch and a game of beach cricket, activities that seem to have become a key part of my family's (and much of Australia's) Christmas tradition.

Joined by my grandparents and closest family friends, this Christmas was particularly fun. I think this joy was founded in the easiness of the day; the turkey was in the oven by 7am, the salads could be tossed together in a matter of moments, and there was always somebody willing to wash the next round of dishes. It was such a chilled out affair that I (and the rest of the party) found time to enjoy a 2-hour afternoon nap, a belly full of fruit pudding. Mum was so relaxed, she even let me watch my gifted copy of One Direction's This Is Us movie in the lounge room... something that wouldn't happen on any day but Christmas! 

I hope you had a wonderful day and that you have a great night out come December 31st.

Sorry about the significant lack of posts. I am taking a Christmas-related break from the blogosphere to spend time with family and the Byron Bay sunshine.

I'll see you when my belly is full of fruit pudding and we've run out of custard.

Merry Christmas

xx

Today I headed to Bendigo to check out the Modern Love exhibit which will be running until February. 

The collection included pieces from some of the world's greatest designers, focusing primarily on their work of the 1980/90s. Alexander McQueen was present, as were Vivienne Westwood, Christian Lacroix, Comme des Garcons, Gianni Versace... the list goes on!

There were some absolutely stunning pieces, all set to eighties pop music, runway footage lighting up the walls (featuring Claudia Schiffer and friends). I've posted my favourites above.