I went to my cousin’s engagement party a few weeks ago and my aunty told me about her old boss and the unusual gift registry she had on her 50th birthday. She asked each of her friends to give her what they were currently into for a birthday present. For example a book they’d recently read, a TV series they were addicted to, a CD of their favourite songs, a voucher to a great new restaurant they’d discovered. It was such a great way to get to know her friends again and to discover new things she wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
It inspired me to start a new segment of reader recommendations. I often run surveys to get more information on the Smagglets, like how old you are or if you have kids or not, but this time I want to know what your obsessions are. So each month, I’m going to ask you for your top 3 recommendations from that month. It can be anything; a vegetable that’s been a staple in your weeknight dinners, a new workout that you’re loving or a fabulous app that’s changed your life. I’d love to hear about it!
September 2013 Top Three Favourites
The Rosie Project
When I was in Thailand a few of my blogging mates were having a discussion about good books they had read recently and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion was mentioned several times. I immediately downloaded it on my iPad and practically read the whole thing without stopping. It’s set in Melbourne and is written by a writing professor at RMIT. I always get a kick out of reading books that are set in my city because I know all the streets and shops. It’s a sweet kind of romantic comedy for misfits about an uptight guy and his search for a wife. A very easy and delightful read. Highly recommended.
Canadian Club and Dry Ginger Ale
My mate has just started working at two pubs and so that I get to actually see her I’ve been hanging out at said pubs and chatting to her while she works the bar. She asked me what I wanted to drink the other night and I told her to surprise me. She handed me a Canadian Club and Dry Ginger Ale, a drink I haven’t had in years. It was refreshing and delicious, exactly what I felt like. I also drank about four of them and woke up the next day feeling as fresh as a daisy. I think it may well become my new favourite summer drink.
Gravity
It’s easily one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. I spent most of the time just trying to figure out how they actually shot the damn thing. It’s breathtaking. Sandra Bullock is fantastic in it and I’m proud to say that after this film, I’ve finally jumped on the George Clooney bandwagon. He’s delicious and I officially want to bite him. If you have an IMAX in your city then see it there, it’s totally worth it. Extra tip: Don’t be hungover when you go to see it. There were some dusty dudes in our Sunday morning session who had to do some major deep breathing to get through it. Alcohol induced nausea and 3D glasses don’t mix.
Melbourne Bonus:
Po’Boy Quarter
Po’Boy Quarter is a gumbo kitchen that serves deep fried traditional Southern American comfort food. Basically fried chunks of chicken or shrimp served in a crusty bread roll and drowning in gravy. Drool. I’ve firmly planted this cuisine in the ‘occasional’ food category but holy lordy Po’Boy makes for a delicious naughty dinner or a hangover lunch. There’s also rumours of a Messina opening just down the road from Po’Boy so now I know where I’ll be spending all my summer calories.