brave.

This video made my day. I've already played it six times and I'll probably keep playing it until the IT department at work busts me for spending too much time on YouTube. It's just such a deliriously happy, catchy song and I love it because, well if I'm honest, sometimes when I'm walking down the street, I want to bust out a random dance too.

back when I used to wear high-waisted jeans and could hula hoop...

Today I want to steal some blind optimism from the girl in this Polaroid.* The girl who has no idea what it feels like to get passed over for a job, or lose a loved one, or get her heart shattered and her confidence, too. The girl who is unafraid of the future, and believes wholeheartedly that whatever is coming, it's going to be good. Because why couldn't it?

*Found on Mother's Day while I was searching for a picture of mum and me as a baby. (Where were all those pics when I wanted to post one on Instagram? Geez.)

mexican monday.

Monday nights are usually for tracksuit pants and episodes of The Voice, but sometimes Monday nights are also for taco dates at El Loco with old friends. For her last few days in Sydney, my sister and I took our "sister from another mister" Amy out for $5 Mexican (talk about a no-expense-spared affair!) and in case you can't tell by the photos, we had a blast. Turns out, after eighteen-plus years of friendship, Lucy and I feel completely free to be our crazy selves around Amy – although she was no doubt hoping for a bit less craziness in public. But, hey, that's just part of the deal when you become friends with us.

my happy place.

This week has been hard. The work days have been long and the stress has been exhausting. After leaving the office at nearly midnight one night, I had to pause at the wheel of my car and let out a few big sobs before I got on my way. And I can't tell you how many times this week that I've dreamed of throwing it all in and moving half way across the world for a fresh start.

But even on the most difficult weeks, this city still gives me something.  There is a beauty and an easiness about Sydney that I just adore. And I love that at the exact moment when I'm feeling down and out, the sun shines on this place and it's perfect.

one dollar dogs.

I'm a big believer that some things happen for a reason... like finding out that Tuesday is "dollar dog" night at The Soda Factory on the week before pay day. So even though my friend Kimberlee and I are far from flush right now (Kimberlee is only semi-employed and I have a major problem with asos.com) we ate like kings! We tried all four dogs and I could not pick a favourite – they were all that good. But I think the word is well and truly out, because by 7pm the place was packed.

Side note: Can I just say how very excited I am that Sydney has finally gotten on board with the whole hot dog thing – now if we could just get street pretzels and a Doughnut Plant, I might be able stop dreaming about a move to New York.

so this is what sunshine feels like...

There are certain things I love about winter – cosy quilts, hot chocolates, and beanies with pompoms – but one thing I decidedly do not love about winter is how short the days become. I leave the house at 5:30am in the dark, and get home at 7pm… in the dark. (Oh, the joys of having an office job!)

So I jump at any chance to get out in the midday sunshine. And on those perfect days when it's not too cloudy or windy or wet outside, laying on a picnic blanket in the park during my lunch break is the best part of my day.

Well, the second best part of my day. Dinnertime will always be my favourite, obviously.

a (kinda) late-night movie.

Earlier in the week I got this text from my sister...

OMG Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling are in a movie together! I need to see this.

Well, you didn't need to ask me twice. So on Saturday night we went to see The Place Beyond The Pines. Unfortunately 8:45pm was the only time we could make it, but hey I figured we are both young, twenty-something women – we can go out past 8:30pm on a Saturday night, right? Well, I'll be honest, I had a little kip at 5pm just in case I couldn't go the distance.

Then when Lucy arrived to go to dinner, she was all like, geez this movie is on late. And I was all like, tell me about it. And then she suggested staying home to watch Game Of Thrones instead, and I had to shake us both because, what the hell? We have truly become grandmas. At 26. But I think we have redeemed a few cool points because we did drag our booties to the film and neither of us fell asleep (for very long).

Also, we were the only people in the cinema not on a date so that was a bit awkward. But whaddaya gonna do? Just scoff your Maltezers and enjoy the heavenly combo that is Bradley and Ryan, that's what. (Even if I really think bleached blonde is not the Gos' best look... Sorry, Ryan, but if we're going to have any kind of relationship, we have to be honest with each other.)