This is Ruby, one of my favourite friends and Melbourne's latest Byron import. Today we ventured to the beautiful Abbotsford Convent to enjoy the relative sunshine (this week has been ridiculously perf, weather-wise) and the deliciously affordable fare at Lentils As Anything. There is always room in my life and belly for delicious, affordable, rainbow plates of yumminess.

Angie and I are meeting up for coffee this morning to piece together a wintery road trip. 

I have this lovely vision of wearing a thousand knitted layers and drinking Baileys on a rugged beach, kind of like the one above.

We're thinking Phillip Island. Or maybe even Tasmania, though we'll probably trade in the sea for hiking boots and trees. Or coffee and MONA. 

If anybody knows of any crazy beautiful places that just need to be seen, please let us know! We're determined to explore the Southern states as much as possible whilst living in Melbourne town.

Noosa was both tacky and tidy, just as I had hoped and expected. 

Gift shops lined the river, all featuring the same imported kaftans, seashell ornaments, and novelty wine stoppers, interspersed with flaking fish & chip stores and flash clothing boutiques (in equal numbers!)

The sprawling town differed in feel from Junction to Ville to Sound to Heads, but the colours remained the same: Noosa came in white, yellow, and blue, this palette manifesting itself in the sea, the sand, and the tired resorts stretched along the endless river. This classic beachside colour scheme was broken only by the tall green palms that sprouted from every road island and street corner, as well as the occasional "GO MAROONS!" flag draped over the fences of particularly proud Queenslanders.

While the town had plenty to offer- we spent 4 days eating and shopping our way along Hastings St- it was the beauty of the coast that had me wanting to pack up and move. Growing up in glorious Northern NSW hadn't prepared me for the stunning landscapes offered up by the Sunshine Coast. With crystal, turquoise waters and epic slabs of rock tucked into quiet, Pandanus lined coves, Noosa wasn't more beautiful than my beloved Byron Shire, just different- and undeniably spectacular.

At 20+ degrees, the weather had us acting like it was summer, and we spent yesterday afternoon wandering along the coast stopping only for photos (how could anyone resist such a backdrop?!) and dolphin watching.

Feeling 5kg heavier, but tanned and terrific, we returned home this morning via the Eumundi Markets. I'm reveling in this sunny Ballina stopover before my flight back to Melbourne tomorrow...please tell me the weather has improved a little!

Now, for the obligatory "GO QUEENSLAND!!" ahead of tonight's game- Dad's already on his third beer and suited up in maroon...

I am home again and making the most of the glorious Byron weather.

Today I ventured out to Killen Falls with the help of my high school pal, Jake, and his driver's licence.

We spent hours lazing about, reading, sunning, and generally embracing what could have been mistaken for a summer's day.

There is sand in my shoes, colour on my nose, and I'm happy.

1. Sportsgirl shorts, Sportsgirl cardigan, Cotton On Body bra

2. American Apparel bra, Ripcurl Girl jacket, Sportsgirl headband

3. ASOS crop top, Cotton On shawl

My housemates have abandoned me for far off sunny places and I don't know to cope with all this quiet. 

I've spent the past two days prancing about in fur and lingerie, doing ballet in the kitchen, and reading Lolita on the balcony.

Today I thought I'd be a little more productive and pick up all the clothes (so many dress up sessions over the past 48 hours!) strewn across the lounge room. This, of course, quickly digressed into a selfie session, because what better use is there for an empty house?

I'm listening to the birthday goddess Lana Del Rey, and drinking water from a wine glass- is this my version of bad ass? 

Only one week until a trip home saves me from myself. 

Images sources from my tumblr

I've been sick all week and feel like curling up in bed and dying, or at least sleeping for a very long time.

While I do that, here's some Sunday morning inspiration. This week it's all about fleeting public transport romances, chasing the sun, and Rihanna, because anything she touches is gold.

Hope your Sunday is healthier than mine.

It was unusually quiet at work, so Ender, an aspiring writer with big hair and even bigger ideas, and I wrote the hours away, playing a very relaxed version of Consequences. 

1.

His favourite word was nonsensical and he applied it to everything and everyone, including his sons. They were a stupid few, crazed for eggplant and horseradish and river. What could be a solution? A solution to everything he'd ever wanted in the world, namely a daughter called something pretty like Viola- an incredible symphonic element. Good by itself, better with company. A chance for perfection. A girl should always have green eyes, and long brown hair, and at least one dimple, or so was his opinion. Nothing could beat zatar.

2.

We must protect our environment like small babies. I guess that's why they call them cabbage patch kids, all round and frilly and kid-like. Always grinning at the thought of her sweet potato. He loved his mum and that's why the girls loved him and would chase him down streets and around mountains, shrieking his name. Rasputin! Rasputin! Why must you devastate me your ecstatic nature!

Monday is Nandi Day and Nandi is, of course, my beautiful cousin, now living so close to home.

This week we traded in our (very occasional) yoga session for a Vegie Bar dinner and a night of gossiping under the covers with a bottle of red. The above is the result of a tipsy attempt at tripod selfies and my day-after experimentation with online gif makers...

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.