The more you notice your favourite things, the more favourite things there are to notice. In the spirit of noticing, we’re experimenting with a new series featuring our Bests — the things that made us our lives a little bit better. From recipes and games to habits, skincare, and apps, we’ll share our Bests and invite some of our faves to share theirs.
Rebecca
Food for thought: I always find January to be quite a juxtaposing month. I feel the excitement about the new year and try my best to get on track with healthy habits. And while the new habits bring a delicious and welcomed energy, this month can also be a bit existential for me. I read this conversation between Haley Nahman and Jess Focht, which really shifted my focus in the most incredible way. She speaks about the ebbs and flows of everyday life between work and life-life and quieted many of the thoughts in my existential brain.
Habit: My French bulldog, Basil and I have one thing in common — we hate the heat. To ensure he stays fit and healthy, I decided to start waking up earlier when the sun is still tame and to take him for somewhat adventurous walks with my friend Jules and her dog Alfie. We alternate between a walk on the beach and the mountain. While initially, this was all for his benefit, I now can’t quite decide who benefits more, him or I. It’s been the best start to my day, a moment to breathe out the day before and breathe in the day ahead — also, Basil is thriving!
Mood: January always brings this major 'clear out and organise my cupboards’ energy (read OCD). My cupboards are now gorgeous and cleared out of anything I haven’t used or worn in a while — long may it last!
Pasta: I love to make pasta on Sunday. This month I have made this pasta by Alison Roman twice. Shallots are in season, so whenever I see them in Woolworths I grab a bag. The leftover caramelised sauce can be stored in a jar for a while and smeared over eggs, toast, rice — you name it. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Game: My partner Daniel and I are trying to use our phones less in the evening and carry on the holiday game spirit. We’ve been playing a lot of Bananagrams — what a great game!
Heather
App: Like most people who still flinch when they think of their New Year's Eve hangover, I wanted to stay sober for Dry January. I read about the Try Dry app, which basically acts as a tracker and tells you how much money (and how many calories) you've saved while blowing confetti every time you log a sober day. I found the gamification to be fun, and have actually stayed dry with a new perspective on my drinking. I don't plan to be a teetotaler but I do enjoy the renewed awareness and seeing the money I've saved is alarming and exhilarating.
Tip: It's so painfully obvious but I have to share it nonetheless. I've started leaving my phone in another room. Like a baby who is shocked by every peek-a-boo, I too struggle with object permanence and so if I can't see it, I pretty much don't think about my phone.
Cleanser: I love the original Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, however a case of late-night shopping resulted in me mistakenly buying the Cleansing Gel Wash instead. What a happy accident! I love the pump bottle and think that this might be the most effective double cleanser I've used.
Book: Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey. This was exactly the book I needed to kickstart my reading challenge for 2023 (15 books). It's funny and candid and the perfect book to breeze through while feeling smug about not being on your phone.
Food for thought: This article on cringe predictions made me laugh and think — a good combo!
Marisa
Appliance: I'm convinced sparkling water is the nine-to-fiver’s champagne. As a child, I always wanted a SodaStream machine. All of my friends had one. The groen koeldrank (green cooldrink) their moms served was always soooo superior. So, recently I decided to buy my childhood dream. And she is now part of the family — she even travelled with me to Brenton-on-sea recently, sitting down with me in my boyfriend's bakkie (precious cargo). At-home carbonation is life.
Clothing: I recently bought a pair of black board short-esque shorts from Stiebeuel. I’ve worn them religiously for the entire summer. I don’t just love them because they’re slimming, but I feel sporty and strong when I wear them. I wear them with my new big baddie gold Ali’s, a gold chain, my black Sleeper tank, and a red lip to pump up the glam. It's basic but makes me feel bold.
Dip: You’ve all seen it on Instagram, and now I’m here to tell you IT’S WORTH THE HYPE. Whipped feta. Tzatziki has been coursing through my veins ever since I visited Greece when I was 19, and now, whipped feta is giving it a run for its money. Take Danish feta, add Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, and lemon, then blitz. Spread it on a wrap, a cracker, or even just your finger. It’s wonderful.
