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April – What Are The Top Three Things You’d Recommend To A Friend This Month?

April – What Are The Top Three Things You’d Recommend To A Friend This Month?
Carly Jacobs

My aunty once 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!

 Here are my top picks for April. 

 Dry Body Brushing

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I used to teach special needs kids and I worked with a program for boys who had autism. When they arrived at school they’d often be quite spacey and a bit sleepy, so we’d get these little plastic brushes and brush their skin to ‘wake’ them up. It worked brilliantly and they were more alert and receptive to the days lessons. I’m currently doing the Body Love Bootcamp through Barre Body and I just got back from a Luxury Retreats Bali detox and there’s all this talk amongst the die-hard yogi naturalists about dry body brushing. I finally decided to give it a go and I ordered a Body Shop cactus brush. I freaking love it. I give myself a vigorous scrub before I hop in the shower in the morning and it leaves my whole body feeling alive and tingly. I swear it’s made my skin smoother and brighter too. It only takes a few minutes and makes such a difference to my day. Highly recommend it.

True Detective

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A friend of ours came over one night and forced us to watch the first episode of True Detective. I had a deadline so I worked all the way through it and consequently, it didn’t really grab me. Mr Smaggle and I decided to give it another go and then we found ourselves awake at 3am having watched four consecutive episodes. There’s only eight episodes in the series and it’s just brilliant. The series stars Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey and they’re both outstanding although McConaughey steals the show. Personally I’d like to know what the hell happened to McConaughey in the last few years. It’s like he woke up one day and decided to stop doing shitty romantic comedies, where he essentially just played himself and decided to be an extraordinary actor and make excellent career decisions instead. He’s simply phenomenal in this series. It’s worth watching for him alone.

Thursday Plantation Deodorant

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I usually like to use a fairly hard-core spray deodorant but Mr Smaggle gets really bad headaches from the chemicals when I spray my deodorant in our tiny flat so I had to switch to a roll on. I couldn’t find one that felt as ‘fresh’ as spray on and gave me that cool, clean feeling and then my beauty therapist at Brazilica suggested I try Thursday Plantation deodorant. It has a lovely crisp smell and is fairly excellent at stopping me from being stinky. It also doesn’t kill Mr Smaggle in the brain so it’s really a win/win situation. 

Melbourne Bonus

T2 Cafe in Melbourne Central

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I’ve recently been trying to cut back on my coffee consumption to help with my sleeping issues and it’s totally working. The one thing I really miss though is wandering around the city with Mr Smaggle on a chilly weekend, sipping a hot takeaway beverage. I hate paying for herbal tea at cafes because it requires no skill to put a 20 cent tea bag in some hot water, yet they charge $4 for it. Not cool. I was super delighted last weekend to stumble upon the T2 Cafe in Melbourne Central. They do tea lattes which are steeped tea, steamed milk and a little bit of honey. I had a Roobios Tea Latte which is naturally caffeine free and it was the perfect alternative to a coffee. I will be there every Saturday until I move cities or retire. Big fan.

Tell me… what are your top 3 recommendations from April? A product? A restaurant? A television show? What made April rock for you?

53 Comments

  1. Raquel Moss 10 years ago

    The McConaughey thing you speak of? It’s called the McConnaissance. I also worked my way through the first ep of True Detective, but it looked really good so I’ll try it again soon.

    1. If you you’re buying a used car in New Zealand, run the number plates through carjam.co.nz first! Just to make sure it’s all legit. A few years ago I got duped with dodgy plates and I didn’t even know until my car was stolen and the police said it wasn’t even in their database. Sigh. Be ye not so naive as I was! I’ve certainly learned my lesson.

    2. 10% Happier by Dan Harris was a pretty good read. Have a nosey if you’re interested in learning about meditation but without all the woo-woo chakra talk. I reviewed it here: http://www.raquelmoss.com/book-review-10-happier-by-dan-harris/

    3. If you’re wanting to learn a new skill, particularly a coding/design/computer-y skill, have a look on Lynda.com. I’ve found their stuff really useful! As a self-taught web developer, I need to fill in the gaps in my knowledge and Lynda.com is really helping.

    • Alisa Muir 10 years ago

      Thanks for the suggestions, off to read your book review and look at Lynda.com now. 🙂

      • Author
        Smaggle 10 years ago

        I love my readers. You guys rock my world.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      The McConnaisance! I love it! Seriously watch it. It’s amazing. Love your suggestions this month, I’ve literally checked them all out.

  2. Rachel Pierce 10 years ago

    1. Bananas. I grew up in a banana-hating household so I never ate them as a kid. A few weeks ago I decided to try one just to make sure I still hated them. I’ve eaten a banana every day since. Gotta catch up on all the potassium I’ve been missing out on.
    2. Captain America/the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. I went to see the new Captain America movie with a friend and when she found out that I’d skipped a few movies she lent me her entire collection which I tore through in a weekend. Watching them all in order makes everything about them better.
    3. Duolingo? I just started using this app, but I think it’s going to be a favorite. It teaches you languages and is supposed to be guaranteed. We’ll have to see about that, but I’m loving it so far. I do a lesson and a practice during my lunch break and the little owl cheers me on! It’s a-dork-able.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      Oh we are MASSIVE banana eaters in the smaggle haus. We always have a bunch. We really felt the banana shortage of 2011. I might go see Captain America this weekend actually! Good reminder!

  3. Laura Jay 10 years ago

    Cactus brush!!!! Someone said that to me the other day and I was like huh? cactus brush? now I know, thankyou Lady Smaggle!

    1. Studio Leanne – Australian made mad crazy bold rings, I have the red heart and the black heart and always get so many comments when I wear them
    2. Sinful Colours Nail Polish at Target – $4.95 to play around with matte polish to see if I like it.
    3.Grown Alchemist Anti-Oxidant Treatment Serum, Rosehip and Camellia Seed, it’s really light and stops my skin drying out and getting flaky going from the freezing work aircon to the blasting Perth heat

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      Ha! You’re welcome! I love to fill gaps! Leanne’s stuff is rad! So massive!

  4. Alisa Muir 10 years ago

    Why hello lady smuggle.
    1. I have read several things about body brushing in the last 6 months or so. Really should try one day.
    2. I am going to try this true detective out asap as I am currently short of shows to watch as all my favs are finishing up for the season.
    3. Does the deodorant smell really tea tree like? I am currently trying to find a less toxic like deodorant to use and the one I currently have doesn’t float my boat. But as a mother with primary aged kids who have caught nits a few times I just smell tea tree oil and think NITS.. as its used in lots of treatments. lol..
    ALSO… after your article earlier in the week I kept thinking about meditation. I used to meditate way back before I had kids when taking care of me was a priority. I am on the mad mission to change that at the moment.
    So today meditated (with the help of a super helpful Oprah and Deepak meditation).. and Oh my flipped goodness… I forgot the high I get from it. I felt amazing while doing it… and now I am on a meditation high.
    Back to the point of this.
    My three things.
    Good taste company – Thai green buttercup and coconut soup, with lemongrass.
    I may or may not have eaten 4 times the other week. Then 3 times the following week. Then this week….. my supermarket I shop at DOESNT STOCK IT ANYMORE. And because its school holidays and wet and cold and I don’t drive I can’t get to another supermarket to get more. SIGH.. Soon… I will have it again SOON.
    Anathoth apricot chutney.. It is so so good. On rice cakes, in a grilled cheese… nom nom nom.
    Shall I keep on a food theme or change?
    OK so not food but close.
    WATER. OK I have always known you should drink lots of water. But I was a terribly unhealthy coke zero drinker… It was a horrible things to be putting in my body EVERY DAY. I feel sick thinking about it.
    I now won’t buy fizz for ever day consumption. I might buy lemonade for a treat with the kiddos etc but its rare and not diet.
    I am trying to drink 2 litres a day minimum and feel a bazillion times better for it.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      You should body brushing is brilliant, I’d never do without it now! The deodorant just starts out smelling like tea tree but then it calms down. It’s not like you get a giant waft of tea tree every time you sweat!

      You know I hated chutney for most of my life and now it’s one of my favourite things? I love it on crackers with stinky cheesE!

  5. Vanessa 10 years ago

    I love focusing on my health and am always trying something out. My most recent focus has been 1. 12wbt – I joined the Michelle Bridges body transformation program about 6 weeks ago as a way to focus on my fitness and to eat more healthily. Its been awesome! I have been enjoying my at home exercise regime and have developed an early morning exercise habit. I haven’t followed the diet as much but have found some of the recipes to be fantastic. The mind stuff is great to. Currently contemplating whether I am a self sabateur, hmmmmm!
    2. The cooler weather has got me wearing my awesome ear warming head band. Love it on morning jogs and just around the house.
    3. Reading books on my Kindle. It’s the perfect size to stash in my handbag and bring out on the bus to work, and I like that I can adjust the back lighting to suit any room day or night.

    • Alisa Muir 10 years ago

      I am also a kindle lover (mine doesn’t have back lighting though) I love that its so easy to carry around and I get lots of little bursts of reading in my week I wouldn’t otherwise have. Plus for someone with terrible eyesight I love making the text bigger. 🙂

      • Author
        Smaggle 10 years ago

        I’d love a kindle but I have an ipad and having both would make me feel greedy!

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      I LOVED 12wbt transformation. Here’s my results in case you didn’t see them! I lost 5 kgs all up and that was over Christmas, I’ve also maintained plus lost another 2 kg. Would love some updates as you progress! http://smaggle.wpengine.com/2014/02/13/michelle-bridges-12wbt-before-and-after-shots/

  6. Nellie 10 years ago

    For April I would say:

    1. Cargo waterproof eyeliner. Breakthrough product to tight line eyes with. I’m not so gifted in the eye makeup area and these little guys are fool proof, water proof and generally pretty excellent.
    2. Plums. Glorious, generous and juicy.
    3. Indoor plants. There is a bunch that have been marketed under the name ‘Breathables’. They are not actually sanitary pads (or maybe that is just me who has association issues) but they are cute greenery that makes the home a fresher, nicer place to be in.

    • Alisa Muir 10 years ago

      I recently been crushing on indoor plants… I really must bite the bullet and buy some. 🙂

      • Author
        Smaggle 10 years ago

        I just kill them. The only thing I can keep alive are succulents and peace lillies.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      What’s tight line? Like water line? Can you get it in Aus do you know? I’m intrigued. Oh man I’d love some breathable indoor plants! Mine keep dying. 🙁

  7. Katie Did 10 years ago

    I love these posts and normally think I have nothing but this month – yes!

    1. Buddhify – it’s an app in the Apple store. (don’t know about other options) it cost around $2.00 and it offers meditations. All less than 15 minutes and all very cool. You just dial it around until you find the situation that best suits (walking in the city, traveling, waiting around) I’ve been trying to meditate and this is been pretty cool.

    2. Making my own pizza dough – I always use the pre-made bases and I looked up a really easy basic recipe on Taste. The kneading process is awesome, and when it all works and comes together it’s like your own tasty Chemistry class.

    3. Nashville – the TV show. That is some quality froth right there. I’m watching on Foxtel and it has Connie Britton and gorgeous men and cowboy boots and big hair and it’s all just awesome fluff!

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      I am LITERALLY downloading Buddhify as we speak. It’s sounds exactly what I’m looking for. Brillinat. Nashville is also going on the list. You rocked the favourites this month,

  8. Nicole 10 years ago

    I cleared my history, including the cache and still couldn’t get the comments to show up so I’m now using Chrome for the specific purpose to comment on your blog!
    YES, Dry Body Brushing! Makes me a tiny bit chuffed with myself to know I’ve been doing something for a few years now that die-hard yogi naturalists recommend. Were you told the proper directions to brush in to help stimulate circulation?

    So my favourites for April are:

    1)My Nutri-bullet. I had been umming and ahhing about getting one of the big expensive blenders for a while now. But figured I would try this guy out first to see if I even liked using it. I DO, and I’m so glad I only spent what I did because it works fine. I’ve been having a green juice smoothie almost every day and am already noticing some benefits with my digestive system.
    2)Self-Expression. This is a weird one, but usually when I’m sick both physically and mentally like I have been the past month, I pretty much shut down completely. And the first thing out the window is my ability to be at all creative. I’m not sure the exact reasons but that hasn’t been happening this time around. With my youtube videos, and the drawing, I’ve been expressing myself much more than usual. That might not sound like a big deal to some people, but to a creative minded person, it’s huge.
    3)Maltesers. I finally bit the bullet and bought the expensive ones that this one store has shipped over from England. Totally worth it. I had forgotten how much I love Maltesers. They have a similar malt ball candy here called Whoppers, but they’re kinda awful in comparison.

    • Natalie Mulford 10 years ago

      I’m using Chrome and have been having problems getting comments to load! I just had to open an incognito window to get it to work. (I’m kind of relieved I’m not the only one that was having problems, and then goes the extra distance just to comment!)

      • Nicole 10 years ago

        Comforting to know someone else goes the extra mile (I was going into Smaggle comment section withdrawels). But concerning because mine’s the opposite problem. I’m usually on firefox, but it’s not working on there so I’m using Chrome.

        • Laura Jay 10 years ago

          So weird, I opened firefox to comment! Chrome is up the shit for me!

          • Author
            Smaggle 10 years ago

            Yep consistent! I think aussies Chrome is isn’t working but it is in the US! Thank you guys all so much for taking the time to comment makes me very happy!

        • Author
          Smaggle 10 years ago

          Oh bless! Yeah it’s def a chrome issue in aus but I think it’s across the board in Aus on most blogs with disqus. I blame the heart bleed thing!

      • Author
        Smaggle 10 years ago

        Yeah it’s an aussie thin I think! Thank you so much for working so hard to comment!

    • Alisa Muir 10 years ago

      LOL.. I am using chrome and can’t comment. So I have opened an explorer window just to comment on the this blog all week…
      Glad its not just me that goes to the extra effort.
      The blender on my food processor/blender combo crapped out a year ago and I really miss having one but can’t afford a big expense at this time. I might look into a bullet type one. I really just want it for smoothies.

      • Nicole 10 years ago

        I would say give the Nutri-Bullet a go. It’s been working great for my smoothies and super easy to clean!

      • Author
        Smaggle 10 years ago

        Yeah that makes sense because Chrome has been bad for most aussie readers. So frustrating!

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      That’s so weird because Chrome isn’t working for most peeps in Aus. It’s bizarre! I’m not convinced it’s me though because almost everyone with disqus has had the same issues. I’ll look into it though! I love your art you put on Instagram! Do more! Self expression for the win!

      • Nicole 10 years ago

        Thank You for you kind words about my drawings. It’s encouraging to get any sort of feedback I can.

  9. Natalie Mulford 10 years ago

    1 – Naked for Satan – I went to dinner there the other night, sooooooo yummy! Their salted caramel vodka is delicious (though the cucumber vodka, not so much).

    2 – THIS lipgloss! I’ve been telling everyone. I got a sampler of #03 (Passion Pink) & it’s all i’ve been wearing lately.

    3 – I can’t think of a 3rd thing atm 😛

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      Do you like in Melbourne??? I thought you were a brissy gal? Naked for Satan is the shiz! I always take my parentals there whenenver they’re in town.

      • Author
        Smaggle 10 years ago

        *live der!

      • Natalie Mulford 10 years ago

        Nope! I’m a Sydney gal! But my boyfriend lives in Melbourne, so i’m usually down there once a month, and boy have I fallen head over heels with Melbourne!!

  10. beautyholicsanonymous 10 years ago

    Thanks heaps for the recommendation on the T2 Cafe. I didn’t know they had one!

    Hmm top picks for April. Off the top of my head, the Prospect Espresso Cafe at Camberwell. Their truffled brioche is so damn good. Product would be the Go To lip balm (by Zoe Foster). Not usually into celebrity cosmetics but that one is really good.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      I just stumbled upon it in the city the other day and I was stoked! Latte-teas are so good! I cannot believe you just said truffled brioche at me. That sounds amazing! I’m dying to try Zo-fo’s stuff! Where did you buy yours?

  11. Nicky 10 years ago

    thanks for this Smaggle. Really enjoying trying the recommendations out.
    1. Spotify – I’m probably way behind everyone here but I can only say how I love this music platform, mainly because it recommends music you may like and have found some fantastic bands I would never have heard of.
    2. Jamie Oliver coriander and macadamia pesto – needs a bit more olive oil added but tastes lovely.
    3. The Collective magazine – I’m a glossy mag addict and have give up others just for this – takes me a month to read and a good mix of articles.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      Oh no way! I’m a majorly late comer to Spotify and I LOVE it. It’s a bargain too. I also love Collective, such a great a mag that’s not full of crap!

  12. Cheekie 10 years ago

    I love and am going to pinch all your recommendations.
    I can offer my teen daughter’s fave book of two years ago The fault in our stars, took me a while to catch on and its so sweet, No cook halva truffles (but substitute dates for sultanas) as featured in the latest freebie Coles recipe mag (teen dau again) and combining pink and yellow flowers.

    • Katie Did 10 years ago

      The Fault in Our Stars was a beautiful book

  13. Ooh, ooh, ooh – thank you for the Thursday Plantation deoderant recommendation. This sounds like something I need to get onto…or on my pits, as the case may be!
    Here are my 3 for what it’s worth…
    1. Benefit Gimme Brow: a nifty little coloured gel with tiny wand that makes filling in and shaping my brows a breeze each day.
    2. Scented candles: is there anything nicer than lighting one at the end of a long day?
    3. Nepenthe Pinot Noir: one word – YUM!

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      I need a new brow kit, I have an ancient body shop body shop powder kit I’ve had forever so it’s definitely time to update! I’m totally the same with scented candles – I managed to get 4 on living social for $20. I’m going to be very sad when they run out.

  14. Nicole 10 years ago

    Oh, that dry body brushing sounds delicious. I think I need to get on that train. Also, super excited about T2! We’re moving to Melbourne in a few weeks, I’d love to hear about what you love to see and do in the city and surrounds.

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      It’s actually awesome! I just love it, I swear it works miracles on celulite too! I thought you already lived in Melbourne? Where do you live now? And what area of Melbs are moving to?

      • Nicole 10 years ago

        We’re still in Florida until the end of May then onto Point Cook! Cannot wait for some good Melbourne cafés 🙂

  15. Steph @ Lipstick & Cake 10 years ago

    LOVE THIS!
    1) Billy Elliot – I watched it again after many years and I fell even more in love with this movie
    2) Buttery toast fingers dipped in gooey eggs
    3) Ecoya Sweet Pea & Jasmine candle

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      Oh! Billy Elliot! I LOVE that movie! ‘Do you want to touch my fanny?’
      I can’t believe he’s married now! To Rachel Evans? Is that her name?

  16. Nina 10 years ago

    Yummers! I’m totes going to check out the T2 cafe as it is approximately 30 meters from my apartment! whoop!

    • Author
      Smaggle 10 years ago

      It’s SO GOOD! Although yesterday I had a terrible experience there – these guys walked passed and stole some drinks from the counter and I had the most awful conversaiton with the guy behind the counter about it. I can’t write about here… we’ll drink wine and I’ll tell you about it then.

  17. Sharon Evans 10 years ago

    I’m loving my Vitamix. I can make soup for lunch in 6 minutes. All healthy whole veg.
    The Bridge tv series on SBS. This is season 2. So worth it.
    My 3rd favourite thing is one of yours from last month. The isleep easy app. I use this every night and it sends me off to sleep so quickly I can’t believe it. Thank you!
    Also you mentioned eyebrow makeup. I bought one by Christian not long ago. It’s like an eyeshadow with a double ended brush but it comes with a set of templates that you match up to your eyebrow. The. With the fluffy end just dust over the template and you have flawless brows. Or you can use the angled end and just brush it on following your natural brow. So easy. I bought this from Ella Bache.

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