Happy August!

Let’s be honest, the main thing I’m loving this month is staying inside and working on the couch in my jammies. To this end, I went on a mini writer’s retreat with my friends, Kirsty Manning and Sara James, where we walked on the beach, wrote, had hot tubs and ate delicious food that I did not cook. It was just what the doctor ordered and we have already scheduled the next one.

Anyway, without further adieu, here is what I’m loving…

You guys … I’m obsessed. I heard about them from Jessie Stephens after a sweating incident on The Project, and I had to check them out. In essence, they are an absorbent pad that you stick to the inside of your shirt. If you always end up with lagoons under your arms like I do, you will love these little gadgets. I ended up buying a box of them on Amazon and you can bet your bottom dollar that everyone I’ve met has got a set to take home since then (admittedly no one has been as enthusiastic about them as I am, but you never know. One of you guys might be).

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Guys. If you haven’t read this, what are you doing? I have been in a reading rut of late and this one just knocked my socks off. Read all about it here. This book had everything. The characters - Six Thirty? OMG - and the plot, and the feminist theme that buoyed me along - I just loved it. Note: Its main character is a scientist and is very dismissive of anything that can’t be explained by science. After reading I have heard from some people of faith that they felt religion was dismissed in this book. As a non-religious person I didn’t read it through this lens, but I can see how people might feel this way so it’s something to keep in mind if you read.

The Paris Mystery by Kirsty Manning

The newest novel by my girl Kirsty Manning is out later this month in Australia (U.S. folks you need to wait a little longer, sorry) and you need to get your hands on this. If you are familiar with Kirsty’s epic historical novels, you will be in for a surprise with her latest offering which is something completely new. Set in 1930s Paris - The Paris Mystery is the most glamorous murder mystery you will ever read. With an Agatha-Christie-style puzzle to solve, a formidable heroine and a ticking clock, this is the book to transport you from your life for at least an evening or two. Check it out here.

I was gifted a set of hooded towels for me and the kids from Back Beach Co a few weeks ago, and I have been wearing them non stop. In the school holidays the kids and I wore them over our bathers to and from the public pool, at the hot springs as we moved from one spring to the next - I’ve even worn mine after the shower while I dry my hair. They are just so lush and warm and I think we will wear them down to the last thread. If your kids do swimming lessons, it’s a no brainer.

Top Gun

I might be the last person on earth to have watched Top Gun (in preparation for Maverick, which Christian and I were going to see. I bloody loved it. Will report back next month re: Maverick.

My Therapist Ghosted Me

I got this recommendation from another recommendation list last month and let me tell you, it is a HOOT. These ladies had me laughing from go to woe. If you’re looking for a poddy to add to your list, check this baby out.

Come along to a High Tea book event on 10 September at Club Mulwala!

I’m funny on Instagram.