Five: things I love about Cairns.

Recently I was lucky enough to escape to the tropical north for a dear friend's 30th birthday. I found the thought of the trip daunting, but as I flew into Cairns and saw the brilliant blue sea and green mountains, I felt as though I was coming home. I had a brilliant weekend catching up with old friends and eating beautiful food. What a wonderful place – here are my top five favourite things about it:

5. The weather. It's warm all the time. I love the warm breeze at night, it makes an evening stroll extra special.

4. The landscape. The high, lush hills and the clear blue sea.

3. Rusty's market. The fresh produce is unbelievable, and there are more weird and wacky fruit and vegetables than you can imagine. One morning we decided to get our days food from the market. We started with vegetable samosas, then moved on to bocconcini and buffalo mozzarella balls with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. We then sampled sweet pineapple and the odd Longan fruit. We finished off with the most beautiful Vietnamese paw paw salad and rice paper rolls. I think I was in heaven.

2. The memories I have of living in such a beautiful place.

1. The dear friends I made while we were there.

For like ever.

Yvonne, from the beautiful and stylish, The Yvestown Blog is giving away three 'For Like Ever' posters. Be sure to visit her blog and comment for your chance to win. I love the bold red typography on the pastel pink – so pretty.

Mad obsession.

I'm afraid my love for Mad Men has turned into a full blown obsession. It happened somewhere between season one and three, I can't think of anything else. I'm waiting for my delivery of season four. Please hurry.

Contemplation.

I'm contemplating painting my bedroom black. Lella says 'Yes Yes Yes', but I'm just not sure. When it comes to interiors I'm a white lover, but lately I want to branch out a little, live a little, be a little brave. I'm scared. I love this black room I found on one of my favourite blogs, Desire to Inspire.

Me too.

From here.

Break it to me gently.

My favourite song at the moment is 'Break It to Me Gently' by Brenda Lee. I have fallen in love with the smooth country tones of this 1962 song.

Image via ffffound

Time travel.

It's funny how hearing a song can trigger memories long forgotten. I was driving to work, minding my own business and then – boom – my 'first kiss song' started playing on the radio and suddenly I was a teenager again. The memory was so vivid, I was back there in my fluffy red midriff turtleneck and denim skirt being kissed for the first time. It wasn't a great experience, but I remember being giddy with joy because the boy I liked, liked me back.

Image via We Heart It.