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3 Things That Are Freaking Awesome

3 Things That Are Freaking Awesome
Carly Jacobs
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used to have a regular series where each month I’d write about my favourite 3 things I discovered that month and then I’d ask my readers to do the same thing. However people stopped commenting on them (which is totally fine!) so I stopped doing them. I’ve been getting at least an email a week asking for the series to come back so I’m giving it another crack for the next three months. I’m putting a warning out there though – if you love these posts you need to participate in them!

3 things that are freaking awesome

Otherwise it’s just me being all Maria from The Sound of Music Being like ‘These are MY favourite things I don’t care about YOUR favourite things.’ Don’t make me look like a jerk… here are 3 things that are freaking awesome.

Korres Lip Balm 

A mate of mine brought me back a little pot of Korres lip balm from Greece a few years ago and I’ve been using it carefully and slowly trying to make it last because I know it’s expensive and hard to buy in Australia. I recently discovered that ASOS sell it and last week I stocked up on two more colours. I get compliments every single time I wear this lip balm. It’s the perfect mixture between a balm and a gloss with just enough colour. If you’ve never tried it, you simply must.
korres lip balm

Crochet

A few months ago I decided I needed to have an evening activity to help me wind down at the end of the day so I booked myself into a crochet class. I now take my ball of yarn and crochet hook with me everywhere I go. It’s the perfect activity for someone whose brain races a bit too much. If you’re looking for a place to start there are lots of awesome tutorials online but if you have a yarn store near you that holds classes, book in for one, it makes such a big difference. I’m such a granny now, I love it.
crochet

Mad Max Fury Road 

My partner had already seen Mad Max but he said it was so good he had to see it again and he was dead right. I have nothing bad to say about this film, it was a hoot from start to finish. It was packed full of amazing Australian talent, it was hilarious and there was some serious kick ass lady representation in there. Fine holiday fun. If you haven’t seen it, do it.

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Did you discover anything freaking awesome this month? Care to share in the comments?

 

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P.S Want more Smaggle? Every day? Every week? It’s up to you cupcake!

69 Comments

  1. angepickett 9 years ago

    I’m not sure these are only things in the last month – but my recent 3 awesome discoveries:
    – Podcasts (and I know I commented on your post on podcasts) – my new workout entertainment, better than the same playlist over and over and I’m multi-tasking

    – Rediscovering knitting – I actually rediscovered knitting last winter but this winter I’m taking it seriously, found awesome wool and a pattern for a shawl/poncho on LoveKnitting.com – which arrived yesterday. Determine to get past my basic skills

    – Being my own boss – after 15 years as a public servant, deciding to launch a consulting business was a huge step and I’m typing this as I procrastinate on publishing my Facebook page because then I’m really starting!

    • Oh I love converting people to podcasts! I’m the same with music, I get super bored of it. I’m a words gal! Knitting never worked for me but crochet is my bitch!

  2. hugzillablog 9 years ago

    Watching four series of Gossip Girl back-to-back for the very first time (Chuck Bass, I love you), my new running shoes and that first cup of tea in the morning.

  3. dove 9 years ago

    Netflix, House of Cards, Finger knitting. The first two a kinda the same but it is the first time in a long time my hubbie and I have sat in the same room as me to watch the same show. Finger knitting is also really about my daughter. She was into these plastic thingys called Shopkins which were $10 a pop for a pack of 12 and there were about 120 in the series. Then they kept making new series. And accessories. She was sending me broke. I now shell out $2 for a ball of yarn and she finger knits.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh yes house of cards! We started that but then slacked off… got to get back on that bandwagon its so good!

  4. Christine 9 years ago

    I only have 2 things – can I still play? 1. Jiffy clothes steamer (travel size). I may never iron again. Not that I did much anyway. 2. Jigsaw puzzles app. it is so great – I don’t have to worry about leaving it out somewhere until it’s finished or losing pieces under the couch. I also like that I’m not mindlessly watching TV (not that there’s anything wrong with that). xx

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I freaking love the idea of a travel size steamer! We never use our iron and we had a steamer but it broke and was totally crap. Where did you get yours from?

      • chrisatpb 9 years ago

        I bought mine online at jiffysteamers.com.au – but as you live in the big smoke, you might find they have a stockist near you. x

  5. Dawn 9 years ago

    Zentangles…reminds me of taking my pen for a walk when I was wee. Spy…it was daft and made me laugh, plus Jude law is still fit. Last but not least biscoff spread = awesome.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh I just google that! Looks awesome. Are you British by any chance? It’s been a while since I heard someone say ‘fit’.

      • Dawn 9 years ago

        Aye, British…or if you want to get specific, Scottish. Showing my age with the fit thing…and for that matter the Jude law thing, lol.

  6. Bec 9 years ago

    1. My husband’s hoodie. Why are men’s jumpers more snuggly? 2. New rad Ray Bans. Men’s again, to fit my impossibly large head. 3. Leaving Kuwait! After 10 months in the desert (literally and metaphorically), I’m going home!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I tell you what, I have a hoody that I bought for me and Mr Smags calls it ‘the hoody’. I’m like no, it’s MY hoodie! He just likes to borrow it. How lovely that you get to come home! Yay!

  7. basilcox 9 years ago

    Vikings the TV show- My husband and I have been binge watching it all month, and are finally up to season three. It takes a little to get into it, but it’s well worth it.
    Jed’s Coffee Co. coffee bags- Super strong and great tasting http://www.jedscoffee.co.nz/
    University of Western Sydney Penrith library- It’s a little bit nerdy, but my colleagues and I took a professional development trip to several NSW libraries last week, and I was so impressed with the new Penrith library, it’s so innovative, spacious, and utterly freaking awesome! I wish I could’ve studied there!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Not nerdy at all! I love a good library – I think there’s a bit of Belle from Beauty and the Beast in all of us!

  8. natasha 9 years ago

    Hmmm I discovered a great book series the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, discovered my daughter loves musicals and rediscovered my love for crafts (especially needlepoint)

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I think your daughter and I would get along famously! What’s her favourite?

      • Natasha 9 years ago

        Carly, she is loving the movie version of Les Miserables, which my husband and I just saw at the Capitol theatre in Sydney

  9. Fiona 9 years ago

    First timer in this, but am compelled because I like reading other comments. Def agree with House of Cards (same situation – only program we watch together!) and podcasts – I have a long commute (driving) and feel like it’s wasted time. In my effort to be more productive, I’ve started listening to podcasts about productivity – what systems people use to get things done. I’ve implemented about 5%….. but am still inspired when I listen to them.
    Things I’d add to the list (apart from sleep, which, with a 1 & 3yr old is just the most awesomeness of awesome).
    1. Libraries. Satisfies my kids and me – with no cost (unless I pay late fees!). 2. You Need a Budget – YNAB.com. We are trying to balance the books and eventhough we are quite a way off, this tool lets you set a budget, and track your spending easily. My previous approach involved Excel – way too cumbersome. 3. Being conscious of my food and exercise in winter, knowing that I’ll go in to Spring with that wonderful light feeling, instead of one of dread and self-punishment.
    Oh, I’d add another. 4. ABC Local Radio (I’m in Sydney so ABC702). Again, due to kids we don’t get to watch the news in our house. Listening to the radio on the drive to work means I feel vaguely connected and aware of what’s going on in the outside world.

    Now, if I could add to this list a 1yr old that sleeps through consistently and a 3yr old that knows when morning actually starts, my life would be complete 🙂

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I really do hate to be bossy but these posts only work if people actually comment with their own stuff! 🙂 I love the radio – Mr Smags and I listen the quiz with Tony at midnight in bed. It’s the best.

      • Fiona 9 years ago

        Hi – sorry just read this reply. I don’t understand your comment about ‘people only commenting w their own stuff’. I thought I did that w my 3 things?? Thanks Fiona

    • Katherine 9 years ago

      +100 for YNAB! It’s awesome.

  10. nonnuclearmaven 9 years ago

    1. Cold brew coffee – we are making our own and I’m liking it a lot!
    2. Being finished exams for this semester – I have Jon Ronson’s new book “So you’ve been publicly shamed” to read and I’m looking forward to some guilt free reading time.
    3. Watching my normally introverted and inward facing 8 and a half year old boy “wake up” to the world around him.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I LOVE cold brew coffee. Mr Smags is a coffee feind so we have all the different kinds of coffee making apparatus! How good is it to finish exams??? So happy for your little lad too – that sounds really wonderful. x

  11. 1 – Blog workshops. Fun plus learning. Don’t mind if I do.
    2 – Tradelaide page on FB. People trading stuff they don’t want for stuff they do. Yay sustainability! I’m getting a pair of leopard print sneakers for a bottle of wine!
    3 – “Girl On The Train” (our bookclub book) – a real page turner and one that everyone is into (for once)

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Squee yay! My god I had fun on Saturday!

  12. Anna 9 years ago

    3 recent fave discoveries…
    1. Travel blogs – in particular World of Wanderlust! I never thought I’d see it but I’ve been bitten by the travel bug and am dreaming of my adventures in the world out there!
    2. I can’t juggle! Deeper meaning than you first think – I’m talking about everyday life stuff – sometimes I drop ALL the balls and I disappoint those around me…I need to remember not to be so hard on myself, deal with things and move forward.
    3. Nutrimetics Day and Night hand treatment – my hands has been in a bad way for a while now and i finally got into using this treatment. There is a cream for the day and one for the night that you put gloves on while you sleep and it does its magic — after two nights, I’m already seeing a marked improvement!!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh great list! There’s some great travel instragram accounts you should follow too like Lauren Bath!

  13. Things that are awesome? YOU! Come back already. I miss you. x

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh my god SHUT UP! I DON’T WANT TO LEAVE MY HOTEL!!! I’ll so be back.

  14. Kelly 9 years ago

    These are not necessarily new things but things I have decided or re-confirmed I love again in the last few days:
    1. My Sportcraft “Kelly” boots – It was clearly fate when I bought them. I have had them for 3 years and I will be devastated when they die. Thankfully that looks a long way off.
    2. Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough ice-cream. Even in winter.
    3. Buying nail polish. Then hardly using it but when I do, loving it so much!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I have a pair of Kelly boots but not from Sportscraft. Twins! Have you tried Vinyl lux? It’s the actual best stuff!

  15. Liv 9 years ago

    Love this, and all the comments! Here are my three for this month:
    1. Trying to decide where to travel for two weeks post Christmas and into early Jan! Thailand? New York? It looks like it will be a solo trip at this stage so the world is truly my oyster! (PS- if anyone has any tips for great NYE travel spots, they would be gratefully received!)
    2. Re-discovering chai lattes- so uncool, but SO delicious.
    3. Movie podcasts! I am newly obsessed with listening to a bunch of review podcasts after seeing a great movie (including Fury Road!).

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh lord both are brilliant! Thailand will be cheaper… but New York! I love it there so much. I totally forgot about chai lattes. Making them a thing immediately.

      • Liv 9 years ago

        I have just devoured your New York travel posts and I think that’s put me over the edge! You made it sound like an amped-up version of Melbourne, and that definitely works for this Melbourne girl! Now I just need to implement your savings tips for the remainder of the year.
        A snowy Central Park on New Year’s Eve? Yes please!

  16. Sarah 9 years ago

    Oh, I’m in!

    1. Listening to you and Christina talk about all things blogging and social media is totally awesome and inspiring!

    2. A new crocheting pattern! Just quietly, I started crocheting in around February and absolutely love it. I was stuck on just granny squares, but went and visiting my folks a few weekends ago and Mum showed me a new pattern. I love it!

    3. The Simplicity Set from amazing Adelaide jewellery designer Blush & Co. I first stumbled upon it earlier in the month and held myself back. Since then, I’ve worn like, a kazillion outfits where the necklace and earrings would have been absolutely perfect pieces for them but I didn’t have them! I finally placed an order yesterday and they arrived today and they are FREAKING AWESOME!!!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh yay! I’m so glad everyone had fun! It was such a great weekend, I can’t believe it’s over already! Yay for crocheting! Check out All About Ami – her stuff is modern and really, really cool.

  17. my2morrows 9 years ago

    Big yay for the return of this series! Here’s my 3…

    1. Rediscovering Kids party games like the donut game!
    2. Co-schedule – life changing for blogging!
    3. Hot desking. Our work is now all hot desks. Bye bye piles of paper! Loving it and surprised how quickly I’ve adapted.
    Xx

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      How amazing is Co-schedule? I feel like I can’t sing it’s praises highly enough. I’m all over hot desking. I love it. I used to rent an office but now I just rent a desk whenever I need one.

  18. KT 9 years ago

    1. My new shoes. *cough* all 6 pairs *cough* All bought on sale, most 50% off. Some were bought to replace old and decrepit pairs, while others have been on my wishlist for a while. I’m now banned from shoe shopping for at least 6 months!
    2. Inside Out, the new Pixar movie. It’s divine. I cried (a LOT), and laughed too. It’s an excellent examination of the mind, and mental health.
    3. Studying. Weird, I know. I have major exams in February 2016 and I’ve just started studying with a vengeance. I’m still at the stage where I’m enjoying learning, so I need to savour this feeling, because I know it won’t last…

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh I want to see inside out! Mr Smags saw it without me so I might have to arrange a solo lady date! Just quietly I always loved studying. Still do! That’s why I’m a writer I guess. 😉

  19. Mary Christine 9 years ago

    1) Seven minute workout app — not sure if this is directly down to Smaggle or another blog I love. And it’s such a small thing, seven minutes a day. But this is the very first time I’ve been able to stick with any workout even semi-regularly for nearly a month.
    2) Having bright red hair for the summer — I dress, accessorize, even walk differently after dyeing it this nutty fruit-punch color. It’s nice to mix things up!
    3) John Oliver.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      How great is it? I’m so glad people are using it. I love for hotel rooms and travel. It makes such a difference!

  20. Love the idea of 3 awesome things! I love it so much that I have written my own post (linked back to you of course!)

    Here are my 3….
    1. A family photo shoot that required driving through the forest & getting the 4wd down & dirty for the most awesome photos! Don’t all photo shoots require a hose off afterwards??
    2. My new “breathe” tattoo on my writs. A reminder that when anxiety hits, I just have to breathe.
    3. Falling in love with Fat Mum Slims little moments app all over again! My instagram feed now looks so pretty!

    How addictive is crochet by the way?? No more nana tags associated with it! Good on you for learning something new! My hubby has been trying to get me to see Mad Max….maybe I should!

    From Jos with love. xx

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh brilliant! I love your 3 things… the breathe tattoo reminds me of Ever After. I love that scene! And definitely see Mad Max. It’s a hoot.

  21. Alisa Muir 9 years ago

    KonMari method. Its from the book the life changing magic of tidying up.
    Anyway, I am going from an almost hoarder to some freaky tidy, almost minimalist (well not the bare bones kind but the only have what I NEED or LOVE kind). It has changed my world. I cannot gush about it enough.

    TV binge watching. Thank you netflix… Orange is the new blacks new season… LOVED.
    Just finished Game of thrones too. I do love some good tv time. Like you I need to do something with my hands while watching tv. So I job blog/FB post ideas for projects/pages I am part of in my current notebook. Or I doodle in this little book I write quotes or bits from books, song lyrics etc in. I just fill in tv time jotting in it.

    New directions hair colours. I have been dying my hair bright and crazy hair colours for years. Used to use fudge (well my hair dresser did) but she now mostly uses new directions in my hair. It holds in my hair SO much better and lasts a million times longer. Love it. Currently highlighter yellow and a melon shade. Its fun.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I ADORE the Kon Mari method. I gave it a good stab not long ago but I need to do it again and get the Mr onboard. It’s a big job but I so want to do it! Netflix is my spirit animal.

  22. Erika 9 years ago

    1. Theodore Sturgeon. I have no idea how I didn’t start reading his work years ago. Total humanist.
    2. Methyl B vitamins – recently started the protocol on my GP’s advice and my brain’s feeling the sharpest it has since the CFS started. Hasn’t fixed the fatigue or post exertional malaise (still recovering from transplanting two pot plants on the weekend), but I have some of my brain back! You have no idea how exciting that is.
    3. Soooo looking forward to Blood and Thunder on the ABC. They had Cheetah in some of the ads!

  23. Oh three things for me this month are 1) Netflix – HELLO! 2) Nutri Grain – addicted to a huge bowl with milk before bed 3) Jimmy Fallon YouTube marathons – this one is a reoccurring problem every few months.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      Oh shit yeah! Nutri Grain! I get so excited when this article brings up things I forgot about. I love Jimmy Fallon!

  24. carolyngracebeaumont 9 years ago

    Not 3 things, and not new, but your lip balm love reminded me of my pawpaw obsession. I am aware it’s glorified vaseline but it’s not available outside of NZ/Aus and I get friends to bring tubes back to Canada whenever they visit. Seriously, there’s a small but dedicated group of former Aussies all over the world who horde that red tube like gold.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      No way! It’s so easy to get here! That reminds me of the green peppermint lip glosses that nurses have. My mum used to get it from the hospital and I love it!

  25. rebeccassunday 9 years ago

    Look at that participation!!! They sell KORRES at Mecca in Melbourne Central… I know right. Currently I am loving my new Oscar Wylee glasses (the whole experience buying them as so simple!) and grey clothing.. I don’t know where it came from but suddenly everything from my coats, linen and cushions must? be grey.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs-Smaggle 9 years ago

      I am STOKED at the participation! I think I need to put my cranky pants on more often! 🙂 I love grey! It’s a total staple.

  26. emmabovary 9 years ago

    1. Hot drinks – many days lately have been made bearable with a big cuppa, I feel like I’m at a turning point in my life where appreciating tea and coffee takes over my brain and I love it. Spearmint and Chamomile is my jam, and now all I need to do is get Mister on board with offering a cup to me at night and I’ll be in heaven!
    2. NBN – how was I living a life online before I had unlimited internet, seriously?? So happy to have things load fast and not having to stress about using up our allowance watching crap on YouTube (or YT gold like grocery vloggers and cute cavalier puppy videos)
    3. awesome comment sections like this one – I used to love reading Mamamia for the comments, and now I don’t but I get that awesome gush of love when I read all of the comments on posts like this – a real community, ya know? It’s a hard thing to do but I hope this series sticks around, this post was a good reminder to JOIN IN!

    🙂

  27. Michelle... 9 years ago

    1. Rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer from the very start
    2. My current pair of ankle boots. They were cheap and they’re not even leather but they’re so comfortable and I’m going to cry when they die
    3. Moving into a rental so that our house can be demolished and rebuilt (post-earthquakes). So stoked to not be living in a broken house anymore.

    I love this series Smags. Makes me sit down and think about the things I think are awesome in my life just. right. now.

  28. Tanya 9 years ago

    Rediscovering (and watching) complete TV shows. I’ve just downloaded all of Buffy and Angel… And the USB port on my TV broke. (I’m attempting to fix it today)
    Improving on a craft. Like you, I took up crochet. I learnt from YouTube, so the baby blanket I’m making now is a huge improvement. (The difficulty level on the pattern in described as “OMG”)
    I’ve rediscovered a love of reading, and passed it on to my youngest girl. I’m reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. She’s started reading The Chronicles of Narnia (age 7).

  29. Ali 9 years ago

    I’ve been thinking about my list for a few days now. I know I’ll think of something even more awesome after I hit post!
    1. Victoria Secret lip gloss. I literally have 35 tubes of the stuff. These little packaged of brilliance have the most spectacular balance of gloss and sparkle and are never sticky. I’m addicted. Actually.
    2. Prada glasses. Sunglasses, reading glasses, the lot. They are so classy, well made and definitely worth the splurge. I have two pairs of sunnies and three pairs of reading glasses and they are worth every cent.
    3. My new mantra. I’ve been on the hunt for an awesome mantra to help motivate me into running more, and I’ve finally found one that is perfect for me and is actually working. I hope it helps someone else out there too. It’s ‘HATE IT NOW, LOVE IT LATER’. Pretty much sums up my love/hate relationship with running!

    • Ali 9 years ago

      And fireman. Fireman are freaking awesome!

  30. Polka Dot Bride 9 years ago

    Let’s bring on the awesome of June
    1. Nutri Bullets. Seriously I am oh so late to the band wagon on this but had to add smoothies to my diet for a multitude of reasons. i am giving props to something that takes five minutes to fuel me with vitamins, oh yes consider me a sheep.
    2. 6.30am wakeup calls. Not that cheerful yes? I LOVE THEM! I get so much done before the world (and my team) wakes up so when they are awake I can helps them and respond without feeling panicky.
    3. Beanies. it’s Winter in Melbourne and nothing beats wearing a snuggly hat.

  31. Eve Johnston 9 years ago

    1) yoga philosophy 2) reading up on alternative construction methods like earth berm and straw bale, and planning house layouts in my head 3) linen as my new summer neutral. I’m so bored with black. And I found some super cute jellypop wedges in linen, all I need is a handbag to match!

  32. Daryll 9 years ago

    Cauliflower rice (a million thanks Carly!), spiced berry tea and good old porridge with brown sugar on a chilly morning…so nice to spend some time thinking about this!

  33. little miss scout 9 years ago

    Funny you should say that but I get super jealous of anyone that can crochet well. I have the basic skills but just need to practice! Tidying up the bench I found a leaflet for our local wool shop to learn to crochet with Olga…first Tuesday of the month. Next week!!!

  34. emma83 9 years ago

    It isn’t a new thing but the most awesome thing for me was the invention of the kindle. I am a fly in/fly out worker usually on a 3 weeks on/1 week off roster and a big reader so while the rest of the crew only had carry on luggage I had to have check-in luggage just for books to read while I was on site. Then I got a kindle and I loved it instantly. No more rationing my reading due to getting low on books left to read and if I saw a book review or was told about a book to read I could download it instantly. It is also fits easily into my handbag, backpack or laptop case. It also made the rest of the crew happy because since I was down to carry on luggage there was no more waiting for me to get my bag off the carousel.

  35. nessbow 9 years ago

    I wholeheartedly second your vote for Mad Max Fury Road. I took my Dad to see it for his birthday and it was insanely good.
    Other things I’ve found that are great?
    – John Marsden’s Tomorrow series. It seems everyone i know read these books in high school but i could never get into them. Now I’ve picked them up again and I’m really enjoying this tale of survival and friendship.
    – Nutella doughnuts. So flippin’ delicious.
    – Lipstick Queen’s Velvet Rope lipsticks. These babies are so colour rich and have incredible staying power. Worth every cent.

  36. MagathaMay 9 years ago

    Fun things going on in my world right now??

    – Colouring books, but with colouring pencils only… no felt tip pens for me
    – Melting peanut butter into my porridge
    – Penny Dreadful, I rarely get to watch any TV but I’ve made a real effort to keep up to date with Season 2

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