It's up to you. Mel-bourne! Mel-bourne!

This last weekend, we did the right thing. Left the men and children at home, and jetted off to Melbourne, to shop, eat, partake in awesome musical theatre, and eat.

The group consisted of these ladies. Jenny, Sarah and myself.

Our first meal together

Degraves.

After a fabulous meal on very cool Degraves, we walked back to our hotel.

I may never walk again after this weekend, it was walking central!

We thought it would be a good idea to walk off our rather large dinners..but then accidentally walked right on in to Krispy Kremes. Honestly - there was some magnetic forces beyond our control, we literally did not mean to walk in there. And then once we were at the counter, well - this happened.

So we had to keep walking to burn the dessert.

And when we got back to our room, we totally rocked out and partied hard.

We are hardcore like that.

What doesn't rock about Home and Gardens CHRISTMAS edition. Seriously - I was drooling, and it wasn't alcohol related. How grown up am I?

The next morning we hiked back to Degraves for possibly the best breakfast I have ever had. A giant bowl of the freshest fruit salad, ever, topped with yoghurt and toasted muesli. I am still dreaming of it. I chased it down with the best juice, ever. Freshly squeezed.

Then we shopped. Sarah had a list of amazing little shops we otherwise would never have discovered, where I stocked up on beautiful christmas decorations and a few pretties for myself too.

Then I went to macaroon heaven. Do you know, before this I had NEVER tasted a macaroon? It was just one of those things I never thought I would like. So I never tried.

I am three years old like that.

And you guys, seriously. These were the best macaroons ever. The one I'm holding here? Pistachio macaroon. Delightful. This was courtesy of Laurent bakery which is a definite and absolute must for the touring and residing Melbournians. Heaven, in a building.

Then we shopped, then we were turned away from the Titanic exhibition. Because we didn't line up at 7am to get tickets. Tickets which the don't sell online.

Angry.

And we trammed it a little out of the main city area to the coolest place ever.

The Soda Rock Diner

Where they sell real old style American diner food, like burgers and chilli fries. Did you know that Chilli fries is fries, with a chilli con carne type affair on top? Topped with a mountain of melted cheese? It is really, really tasty. Yum.

And that Root Beer is like Sarsparilla yet completely and totally sugary. That was ok, but I overdosed a bit and didn't quite finish him off.

See? Chilli fries!

But the absolute best part of this diner? The juke boxes that sit in each booth, ready for you to choose your favourite songs from the 50's and 60's. And if you choose the right one - the staff bound out from behind the counter and dance to the music. It was so much fun. So much fun in fact that the table next door thought we were ex-staff coming in for a bit of nostalgia.

Maybe because we danced in the booths, doing all the moves to 'Shake a tail feather'.

Maybe lame for some. But we danced like no one was watching, and I think that made us cool.

But the absolute highlight was the reason we went in the first place. Seeing Hairspray on the stage.

 I was speechless! Sarah looked like this. The entire show.

 It was the most energetic, colourful, happy and fun thing I have ever been a part of. I just loved it, and I can't say it enough. The dancing, the sets, the costumes. Just amazing! Well worth the trek over here. And when it finished, I could have turned right back around and watched it all again.

And we left on the biggest high of the trip. And you know what? It was just what I needed. I missed my Darcy and Tilly. I missed Adam. And I was excited about coming home and being mum again.

It was just what I needed to get away from life and enjoy the big and exciting things that Melbourne has to offer. To enjoy company of women who enjoy life the way I do. And to just have fun being me!

I might start saving for next year! x

We are your friends.

Ahhh friends. What we do without them. Honestly.

A whole lot of nothing, that's what.

Who would we be stupid with. Who would feel sorry for us - or laugh in our faces when our complaints were unfounded and silly?

Probably your husband, your sister and your mum. But that's not what we want for this post.

This weekend was spent talking, laughing and enjoying a few drinks, accompanied by some well awaited sunshine, and good, lifelong friends.

 It began on Saturday when I invited myself to Jenny's. I've known Jenny since I was about five. Our parents met a church and we soon became regular visitors at their house. So, we essentially grew up together. She's my family.

Shit fights and brother teasing and all!

This weekend, I subtly invited myself over in a 'Hey who are you watching the Grand final with? No one? Oh cool, can I come over and watch it' type of way to watch the Grand Final. The Grand Final is something I always feel the need to watch, regardless of which team is playing. I like a game of football and the Grand Final brings with it a certain level of excitement which can only mean I am one step away from growing some balls and scratching them in public. It brings out my masculine side and I can be seen yelling at the tv, drinking beer and eating lots of chips. Jenny brought to the table pizza. Aren't we just the stereoytpe? Beer, footy, chips and pizza. Love it. My arse however, does not.

Which was witnessed this weekend by Jenny. And she still loves me. Even though I made lots of rude jokes.

It seems as though Australia has forgotten how to deliver a result in this 2010 and the game ended in a draw. Unfortunately Australia is not discrete in trying to raise revenue from such large events and instead of adding time on or some penalty shoot out to settle the game, we just do it all again. Next week. One whole week later. Again. Lame.

So I won't back my balls away just yet.

Today I trekked down the hill to spend the afternoon with another friend, Heidi.

I met Heidi when we both pregnant with our first borns. Since then we've been through highs and lows together. The kind of highs that have you feeling like life can't get any better, and the kind of lows that when you come out the other side, you realise you can't live those things together and not have a connection forever. 

Even if she is a Crows supporter.

And I love seeing our kids grow up together, and can only hope it's the beginning of a friendship like I have with Jenny. Life long and family.

Today was her little girls second birthday party which had great food and a jumpy castle to boot!

Heidi attacked several children

And licked my face. 

I have a yellow tooth.

Darcy hit Jazz in the leg. With his face.

And Tilly ate like a true champion. 

It was definitely a Heidi style party! And that's why they are so much fun!

Isn't it just amazing how much energy and happiness there is in the world when the sun is shining? Love it.