The Pear'fect Pantry, Wembley

Living in this new area, I’ve been keen to find the local haunts and after a little digging, I discovered that The Pear'fect Pantry was in fact a cafe, and according to Urbanspoon, a popular one at that. So, I decided to go for a stroll and meet Caitlin, Ebony, Amy and her gorgeous kidlets for a midweek brunch.

New Abode

It's been over two weeks and I think I'm officially used to living with Steve (aka The Boyf) in our little home.

TPFF WA Designer Installation: Fashun, Freebies and Subtle Stalking

Anyone who knows Mazz and I know that we're pretty simply gals. What we lack in fashion/beauty/general life skills, we make up for in enthusiasm and we are easily impressed by people more skilled than us. Keeping that in mind, when I scored some VIP tickets to the WA Designer Installation at the Telstra Perth Fashion Festival last night, she was obviously the perfect date. 

My cute, blurry date

Winterland Adventures

Perth has been producing the goods lately so the moment an excited Brooke told me about the Winterland Ice Skating in the City, we knew we had to check it out. After easily roping a few friends in, we rocked up to the Perth Cultural Centre, which had been transferred into a dreamy winter wonderland. Along with a teeny outdoor ice skating rink, there was a rinkside bar serving snacks and mulled wine as well as a crackling fire setting the mood on the big screen. 

After a small setback, which involved myself and a lack of socks, we were soon gliding across the the outdoor rink like the graceful ladies that we are. 

Taking Stock

On this gloomy, wintery day I was inspired by this list to give you a sneak peek into my life lately.

Making: NOOD's raw chocolate tart with the unexpected secret ingredient being tofu! Check out more NOOD recipes here. 

Cooking: the perfect winter warmer, cheesy mushrooms on toast with wilted spinach.

Drinking: too much iced water for this chilly weather. 

Reading: The News - A User's Manual by Alain De Botton. An intriguing analysis of the news machine we love so much and what makes certain stories so addictive and others so damn boring.  

Wanting: to see these little munchkins again soon. Even though I've just returned from Cairns, I'm missing my crazy nephews already. They are growing up so damn fast and I loved our chats while I was there (intelligible and otherwise).

Looking: forward to our Flashback Friday party this weekend.

Playing: netball, as usual.

Listening: Tightrope by Illy on repeat.

Wasting: time.

Sewing: nothing. I rarely sew.

Wishing: adulthood wasn't so expensive. Bills, rent, who knew!
Enjoying: my Peter Alexander hot water bottle.

Watching: Friends reruns.

Wondering: how to recreate the amazing pear and goat’s cheese pasta I had in Sydney a few weeks ago.

Loving: The Lion King after recently seeing the musical - amazing!

Hoping: for a call from a potential employer. 
Marvelling: at the intelligence of my nephews after rewatching some cute videos I filmed. 

Needing: to slowly back away from the chocolate! Obsessed. 

Smelling: My divine beeswax candles, compliments of the lovely Brooklyn. 

Wearing: Thick knit bed socks and my cosy Seed scarf. 

Following: the ANZ Championship finals.

Noticing: the orangey red leaves that have fallen. 

Knowing: you have to be ready for everything that is thrown your way, life waits for no one! 

Thinking: about over thinking. I think too much. 

Bookmarking: Houzz. Great inspiration for future apartment interiors. 

Opening: new magazines received in the mail - bliss. 

Giggling: at talking cat videos...which are also slightly creepy. Also, old Facebook statuses which are hilarious and cringeworthy all at the same time. 

Feeling: sore from netball. I always end up with at least one (extremely) minor injury, whether that be a corked bum, a jarred finger or a bruised arm. All part of the fun, of course.

xx Luce

Abseiling

A few weeks ago, I conquered one of my biggest fears by slowly descending backwards off a few cliffs...and it was amazing! 

It was my first time abseiling and it isn't something I would willingly choose to do but as a Christmas present from Steve, I had no choice.

We headed up to Mountain Quarry in Boya, around 35 minutes out of Perth, and the whole way there I was pondering how the hell I was going to do it. 

I thought I'd share a few happy snaps and prove that sometimes the most fun you can have is doing something that scares the pantaloons off you. 

We started on the baby face, supposedly as a warm up. Everyone else seemed relaxed so I took that opportunity to look for the nearest escape exit that didn't involve throwing myself over a cliff. 

There was none, so over the edge I went.

We did an intermediate face next, which involved some free falling because of an overhang.

 The real mission though was the huge 55 metre cliff that I had vowed not to go near as we first entered the quarry.

Of course, Steve was cool and calm and disappeared over the edge with ease. 

Meanwhile, I was making the instructor double and triple check my ropes and promise me that I wouldn't die. 

The whole way down I was shaking and was so thankful no one was around to hear my self affirmations interlaced with profanities.

It was exhilarating though, the most amazing feeling and once I was on the ground, I wanted to go again! 

Adventure Out is who we went through and I recommend you do too. The instructors were fun and informative, they knew their stuff and made you feel at ease immediately. 

They also kept their promise that I wouldn't die and for that I am grateful! 

xx Luce

2014

2013 was a great year for me. There were many amazing, big moments: I did my first triathlon and welcomed a new niece and nephew into the world, as well as some pretty cute babies close friends popped out. My parents relocated to the country, I moved out and graduated from uni. I went to my first ever interview for a job in my field and attended some beautiful weddings.

        

This year I was not keen on making a new years resolution because I believe that every day is a new day  and you can enrich your life any time that you decide. Naturally though, because it is me after all, I changed my mind about the 'no resolutions' resolution.

So my new years resolution isn't the usual lose weight, get fit type, although that's also needed! Instead, I am going to have a Year of Firsts (à la The Londoner). To try something new as often as possible and to not let fear or complacency back me into my comfort zone that I seem to love so much. These firsts can be as small as trying a new food or as huge as going skydiving. I just have to do it!

First firsts on my list? Abseiling, donating blood and laughter yoga. Anyone want to join?
I'll let you know how I go!

xx Luce