Be back soon!

Christmas was delightful. Re-cap and recipes for soon :) I'm just checking in quickly to say see you in 10 days! I'm currently in Tassie and about to head off for The Falls Festival! Super excited to see Angus & Julia Stone again (but close up), also hanging out for Cloud Control and Washington. David isn't here with me as he's got to be at work but I'm going with some of my oldest friends so if the weather holds out it's sure to be a treat! I only bought my SLR with me and I'm not chancing that at falls so the plan is to get hold of some disposable cameras this morning and get my snaps the old fashioned way. I'm a wee bit excited.. nothing like getting a roll of film developed.

I've been completely zonked from the move. No blogging, no scrapping and I forgot all my hats/scarves and belts for Tasmania but I have a feeling this will be just the refresher I need. Do cross you fingers for sunny weather for me, and have a FABULOUS new year! I have a feeling 2011 is going to be the best year yet.

ps. Thanks for the emails and comments re: my meltdown. You make my life brighter.

Top pavlova tips.

I had an amazing weekend. I spent some time with my mumma, for the first time in... I have no idea it's been that long. We had fish& chips for lunch in Vic Park, watched The Runaways, grocery shopped and made pavlova :)

Neither of us had ever attempted it before. The first batch of egg whites and sugar didn't even make it to the tray and oven stage, but the second was perfect despite following the recipe to a tee both times. The difference? Googling the secrets to pavlova (I keep typing pavolva. lol)...

1. Make sure the eggs are room temperature.

2. Clean and dry all your equipment prior to starting to ensure there is ZERO oil on anything.

3. Use half a lemon and cover the bowl and beaters in the juice.

4. Once the timer dings, turn the oven off and let it cool completely. Don't open the door until that time.

I shall be making this for Christmas Day since I'm in charge of desserts. I just love pavlova. But not near as much as I love hanging with my mum :)

The Claw

As Hannah and I were on the hunt for a Cruella De'Vil wig earlier this evening we happened upon this. I think the photos speak for themselves.

No attendant. Just tinkly creepy music and a labyrinth of machines. Yeah. It claims you get free games until you win, after you spend $15 attempting which is pretty cool if you're into these games, but I definitely wouldn't go alone :p  It's amazing what you stumble upon when you're not looking.

Oh and we didn't come across a suitable wig.

The swing of things...

Needing to find a job and not being able to sucks. Being in a city half an hour away from your best friends and never feeling more distant sucks. Eagerly awaiting the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns and it sucking, sucks. What doesn't suck is everything else in my life, so I'm still winning :)

This morning I drove David to the airport and although I took a minor wrong turn, made it back all on my onesie! I felt mighty impressed with myself :p My reward was more sleep and Nonna's lasagne for breakfast. Now I have 8 sleeps until my other half gets back and I have a feeling it is just going to fly by, as I'm going to be mega busy getting organised for... Christmas Lunch! Yep! We're hosting at our new house and I can't wait to 1) wow the family with my desserts and 2) share my day with you all too. I don't really know what people do on Christmas Day besides eat, so do share any ideas for keeping the kids entertained etc.

I can't wait for David to open his presents and find out what mine are. I haven't had a surprise pressie at Christmas in the longest time. The tree is 99% done, I just need to print out my fave photos of 2010 in mini-form and peg them on, so I might attempt to choose and head on down to Kmart today... while I'm there I will also pop in at the post office to mail the front 3 to a special someone :)

My outfits lately have been pretty uninspired. It's been SO windy here that a tee and shorts are pretty much the uniform. Mix that with the amount of fast food we have consumed because unpacking endless boxes is so tiring and you have yourself a girl who doesn't want to dress up. Speaking of comfortable... the kitties finally are. (awesome segue Ebs!) They hated the plane and Mischa had lost her voice when we picked her up from the depot... poor thing was probably fretting the ENTIRE time. They were more than a little spooked after the week in the cattery (the owner said Mischa made friends but Tibby was her shy lil self). Now they've settled in it's like we've been here forever, this place feels like home and here's our first sun-squint 'sitting on top of the mailbox' photo...*happy sigh*

City trekkin'

Yes I made it here ok! And although I've been by myself for a week because David had to go back to work, Perth has been fun. Meeting new people has been the highlight.


On Saturday I made a friend while walking... to Subiaco. From The Rydges. For those of you who aren't aware that's a 40 minute walk up hill. But I missed my bus and didn't wanna sit on my arse for an HOUR!? for the next one, so I decided to leg it. Boy, was I glad when I finally go to the top of Bargot Rd! As I was nearing my destination, I stepped into line behind a nice young chap named Ian and we got talking about his mate's Dad, (who's a geologist like my guy, hence the 'obscure' topic), his cool 6br house and flatmates that need to find a new one and how university isn't for everyone. We were having a lovely time but I didn't want to impose myself on his solo lunch date (although, maybe he wanted me too?) so when I saw the infamous Mr Sparrow shop I decided to ask him for lunch advice and we parted ways.  I do hope I see Ian again.


Now, I wanted to show you in the guts of this b-eautiful little knick-knack store (my favourite kind of store) but the owner wasn't there to ask permission so I had to soak up all the wonderfulness myself (I left my ph number to hopefully gain permission in the near future,) and try  to ignore the fact I was sweating something shocking.

So much for debuting my new vintage dress in style. When I wasn't worried about how I smelt (I don't think it was at all bad but you know how you get...) I was having to hold it down because the city is so damn windy. *sigh* Things aren't often all they're cracked up to be. Luckily, Mr Sparrow was better. It's so much more vibrant in person! Lots of yellow and green and hanging-from-the ceiling plants and even a running bath-filled water feature! I wanted near everything, but limited myself to some eggs pants for my boiled eggs and a few other bitties I can't share as they're xmas presents.


I sat down for lunch at Cafe Verro after a little wandering and meeting the lovely Isabelle of 'Lucy in Disguise' (charming little vintage shop with good quality and good prices, well worth a visit!) Quick service, gorgeous alfresco area and $15 got me this. I later realised Brie doesn't agree with me, (not much does at the moment,) but that still didn't take away from the amazing salmon and brie crepes I stomached. Ok it does a little, but it's not their fault.



After a few hours of exploring, (much of the time spent in bookshops, not much beats that new book smell) I decided it was time to plonk my bottom on a bus stop bench and patiently wait out for the next one to the cbd. But not before I stopped in at the New Norcia Bakery (conveniently placed right next to Mr Sparrow) and got myself a piece of banana and chocolate cake. I mean I deserved it after all that walking, right?


Boy was I glad to get back and just chill in the aircon. This is the view from my hotel window. Houses as far as I can see is a drastic change. I spent the afternoon peaking down at King Street watching not one, but two bridal parties getting photos... made me tear up a little. So much happening in the city.


So after all that, I am still alive, here's your after shot. Never again I tell ya... Ok, maybe again but in more appropriate attire :)