I’ve taken a week and a half of leave from my day job. I’m calling it a Staycation. I’m staying at home, writing, reading (I read this amazing piece on outing the appearance shamers called Pictures of people who mock me by Haley Morris-Cafiero, and I want to write something in response to it!), napping, dreaming, cooking, planning big things for my future and seeing local sights cafes. I’m also catching up with friends and doing a speech in Ballarat (which entails leaving home before 7.00 am!). And I must thank you all for the amazing engagement on my Whole of body health post – I did not expect such candid discussion and lovely advice! You’ll be pleased to know I’ve booked to my GP in for a whole body check up on Tuesday.

Yesterday I had breakfast at the Candied Bakery in Spotswood – oh my lord. They certainly serve sometimes foods…

I had a Croque Madame and an apple pie shake (!!!). It’s milk and icecream blended with a slice of apple pie. I know, right?! My friend Jo had an almond croissant that was amazing. The service was great and the customers kept on coming and coming. I also bought an olive sourdough loaf – the most amazing bread I’ve tasted.

It was a lovely morning spent indulging, catching up with a friend who I don’t see enough of, and moseying though the now very hip(ster?) inner west. I found cute boutiques and a whole array of eateries I want to try out.

I returned home, read the paper, listened to some bogan rock (love!) and cleaned before the cleaner came.

Next up was a 2.30 pm brunch with Tash. She had pesto eggs and bacon, and I had corn fritters with bacon and a poached egg. We talked and talked – she seriously needs to go into life coaching! Tash gives good advice.

Tash helped me with a little blog project I have planned for May. May is Ichthyosis Awareness Month and I’ve decided to take part in my little space on the Internet. I don’t want to reveal too much yet – the big reveal is 1 May – but I can share this gorgeous logo that Camille made for me. I can say that I am deeply moved by the content of this project and it’s a privilege to share it with you throughout May.

That help Tash gave me? She filmed me for a video for the Ichthyosis Awareness Month blog project. A vlog if you may. We filmed on a park bench, after a few takes near some street art (noisy trams and a man said “BOO!”) and in a laneway (over the fence from a barking dog who sooned calmed down but I rambled). I am planning to do a little Q&A in the project (another awesome idea from Tash!) – so if you have any questions about Ichthyosis and my experiences, send them through.

It was a fun day! Today I’m seeing my parents fresh off the boat (from Tasmania), catching up with a new friend for brunch and then seeing some blogger friends for dinner. Ahh it’s a good life!

Have you had a staycation? What else should I see and do in Melbourne next week? Any tips for Ballarat? Do you clean before the cleaner too?