Lauren Mangioni

Although this time last year (almost) the boyfriend and I spent Valentines Day relaxing and pampering ourselves at the Radisson on O’Connell Street, this year we’re celebrating a few days early, that is tomorrow night. We’re heading to a Japanese restaurant in Surry Hills whose menu I cannot stop dreaming about. On Saturday night, I’m ditching the man and spending the night with the girls.

So even though the concept of Valentine’s Day might have Hallmark stamped all over it, I hope you have a fabulous weekend filled with love wherever you are and whoever you spend it with.

All is quiet here down under (everyone is asleep but me, including Sookie, the kitten that never stops) but in a few hours most Australians will be in full Australia Day mode; the one day a year where you can’t go anywhere without seeing an Australian flag, Australian flag singlet or my favourite, the Australia flag-covered blow-up beach/pool lounge.

So stick a snag on the barbie, crack a cold one, set your radio to Triple J for the Hot 100 countdown (my vote goes to Florence + the Machine who I will be seeing this Wednesday!) and jump in the nearest ocean/lake/river/pool to celebrate our great country – the home of rugby league, barbecues, thongs (that’s right, the footwear), beaches and that laid back attitude I love so much.

Happy Australia Day!

The girls and I are heading to an afternoon of High Tea this weekend at The Victoria Room and I’m already trying to plan my outfit in my head. It will most certainly be a dress and heel combo of some sort (we will be in Kings Cross and post-tea dancing will happen) and while I can picture something pastel, the final result is still up in the air.

Thoughts?

(Click photos for sources)

I’m very excited about spring and summer finally reaching the Southern Hemisphere but I spent the last weekend of winter in Melbourne in the rain and the cold. Whether rain or shine, Melbourne is one of my favourite cities in the world.

I don’t like children but this is just too cute!