It’s July Favourite Finds time and what a month it has been. From cancelled trips to Sydney and another Melbourne lockdown to trips to distilleries and everything in between! This month’s favourite finds are very reflective of the month that was – and the things I needed! I’d love to hear about your July favourite finds too!
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin
After having to cancel a trip to Sydney I instead headed out to Healesville for a day trip and ended up at the Four Pillars distillery for a drink. After thoroughly enjoying a tasting flight of gins I picked up a bottle of this year’s Bloody Shiraz gin to come home with me. I’ve tried it a few times over the years but never owned a bottle myself and I’m very much enjoying it! I have tried it in the bloody floradora cocktail too and definitely recommend it! It certainly doesn’t hurt that the bottle is so pretty too!
Hunter Candles
I decided I needed some delicious scents for my home this month so picked up a few new Hunter Candles. Last year I picked up the Angus scent which I really enjoyed, but this year I went with Australia and Cave.
I grew up in an area full of eucalyptus and wattle and they are scents that I absolutely love so both these scents really jumped out to me. They are as excellent as I had hoped and I have been loving burning them while spending so much time at home. Highly recommend!
Care
If you’ve been round these parts for a while then you’ll know I’ve long been a fan of everything Brooke McAlary does. Her podcast and previous books are some of my absolute favourites, so when she released this new book I snapped it up immediately. It’s as wonderful as I hoped – a beautiful, thoughtful guide to focusing on care, which has become even more important in recent times. It’s the sort of book I know I will continue to dip in and out of as I need it, with chapters focused on everything from kindness to play, nature, rest and awe. If you aren’t already familiar with Brooke and her work I absolutely recommend you check it out.
Japanese Food
Ok so this definitely isn’t a July Favourite Find given I have been to Japan! I’ve also been a huge fan of Japanese food for a very long time. However, this month I found myself turning to local Japanese restaurants more than usual. This includes both lockdown eating and those happy times we were allowed to sit down and eat!
Papirica is known for its oknomiyaki (which is super delicious) but they were doing a vegan katsu special during lockdown that I couldn’t say no to. It was as delicious as I had hoped, and they are such lovely people that I was very glad I could support them. I’ll be back for some okonomiyaki again soo that’s for sure!
Another local favourite is Shimbashi Soba and I enjoyed another excellent lunch there mid-July. The soba was of course excellent, but the nasu dengaku was an absolute standout. It’s vegan friendly too, as are lots of menu options which is always a plus. Well worth a visit!
What were your July Favourite Finds?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!