*Heads up. You're going to want to read this one*

Each year my family have our Christmas celebration early because it's so difficult to get everyone together. This year we had it on the 1st of December which is a lot earlier than usual. I tried my hand at baking again and made these tasty gingerbread cookies. We also feasted on a huge amount of delicious delicious roast dinner which I may or may not have had seconds of. I had a massive food baby for the rest of the day but it was so worth it.

Papa Goose

The other night we had party for a youth-led organisation I volunteer for called Left Right Think Tank. We were celebrating finishing the creation of their yearly policy document (don't worry if you don't know what that is, I didn't before I started) and just having some general end of year drinks. We hosted this grand affair (lol) at a bar and restaurant called Papa Goose located on Flinders Lane. I was the official photographer for the night, although I wasn't using my own camera so a lot of the photos turned out crap. The venue was quite sophisticated and the food was yum! Here's some of my favourite photos of the venue from the night...

Lunch with Then Lets Begin

When I started blogging I never imagined that I would meet new people through it. A couple of months ago Frances from Then Lets Begin and I started following each others blogs and now she's in Melbourne! We met at the iconic Federation Square and headed to Degraves Street for a yummy and very filling lunch. After that I took her on a bit of a shopping tour of Melbourne through the laneways and arcades all the way up to Melbourne Central.

Brown Brothers Hidden Vineyard

After wandering down a side street in Prahran, we entered into a wonderland of vineyards, gigantic fruit and picnic baskets. What looked like a regular old building from the front, was actually a whimsical cheese-filled valley of destiny. We were greeted at the door by the lovely hostess and escorted inside to our picnic area where we were treated to complimentary wine and cheese. 

Village Melbourne

I feel like I say this at least a couple of times a month, but I seriously did not know this place existed. Formerly known as the Belgian Beer Cafe Bluestone, the Village Brasserie is an indoor/outdoor bar which creates the atmosphere of being in Central Europe, although you've barely left the Melbourne CBD. Currently, the buildings and the grounds are being converted into an urban cultural community hub. We went there to have some chilled drinks, although being the poor uni student I am, it was a bit pricey. Still good none the less.

Flinders Lane Shopping Night

Whenever I see the words "shopping night" or "shopping festival," I instantly think free alcohol! The Flinders Lane Shopping Night did not disappoint. However as the name suggests, it's not actually about the free alcohol (although it's a welcome incentive), it's about getting together with friends and taking a little trip down shopping lane. Flinders Lane in Melbourne is known for it tiny boutiques and local designers. Although normally a bit more pricey than your standard high street store, it's definitely worth a look if you're looking for something unique. 

Beach Goodbye

Tonight was bittersweet. We all gathered on the beach to say farewell to an amazing friend as she heads back to her homeland, the US of A. And I know what you're thinking, but Marlee aren't you meant to be studying for exams? Well I gave up on that. Plus there was no way I'd miss this.