Our 5 Summer Favourites
Read time: approx 5 mins
While we ramp back up this week and get ready for our Summer Fiesta, It’s official that the Koonara Team are well and truly out of holiday mode. We thought it would be nice to share with you what our Summer Favourites have been over the holidays.
We share with you what we’ve been drinking, what we’ve been reading (we are a total bunch of bookworms, by the way), as well as what we have been eating and where we have been going. Check out our favourites and maybe find a new summer obsession!
Chicago’s SUMMER FAVOURITES
Margaritas and Morning Pastries
Currently Reading: Something Bad is Going to Happen by Jessie Stephens – it’s about a young woman who has been admitted to a psychiatric unit after a mental breakdown and is a really interesting novel about the weight young women carry as they grow up – super good and I’m only halfway through. Shout out to the Reschkes for the sweet Christmas pressie.
What I’m drinking: Spicy Margarita, lots of ice and chilli rim! Any occasion is a good occasion for a spicy Margarita.
What I’ve been Listening to: “No Pain Just Vibes” running playlist as I enter my running girl era – All it’s missing is Love at First Sight by Kylie Minogue to get me through the longer runs
What I’ve been Eating: Basil pesto halloumi pasta salad – so delicious as a side salad for BBQ nights and even better as leftovers for lunch the next day.
Where I’ve been going: Pipers of Penola on a Sunday morning, nothing beats their fresh pastries and coffee to start my Sunday the right way!
Nicole’s SUMMER FAVOURITES
Sparkling Reads and Taylor Swift
Currently Reading: The Exchange by John Grisham. I love a John Grisham book, so I was excited to read the follow-on book from The Firm. It doesn’t disappoint, an easy fast past book. Perfect for summer afternoons
What I’m drinking: Guardian Angel Sparkling, because there is always such an easy justification for enjoying a glass of bubbles at this time of year. It’s Christmas; it’s NY, it’s 4 pm, essentially, it’s chip, dip and bubbles time anytime.
What I’ve been Listening to: The girls are making sure I am well educated on all of Taylor Swift Era’s so Tay Tay is on full rotation. Getting ourselves ready for the big concert in Feb. Now I just need to find an appropriate outfit to wear, there are certain themes for her concerts the girls tell me.
What I’ve been Eating: Not so much a recipe, but I have been indulging in Recipes from RecipeTin. I received this cookbook in our Band Santa. Thanks Deb and sorry Caitlin for stealing. I have been following her for a while now and love her easy and quick recipes and her ethos of giving back to the community.
Where I’ve been going: Long Beach Robe. Hanging out under an umbrella, reading my book, Dru has some tunes playing and watching the girls swimming and boogie boarding in the waves. It truly is one of Australia’s best beaches, but shh don’t tell anyone we like it the way it is.
Tash’s SUMMER FAVOURITES
Thrillers, Gelato, and G Flip
Currently Reading: I have been staying up way too late just to “finish this chapter and then some”. Recent reads include Dark Corners by Megan Goldin – a page-turning thriller that had me hooked. Currently reading: The things we left behind – Lucy Score – the final book in the Knockmount series, I’m excited to see what instore for Sloane and Lucian and then up next is Lessons In Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus – gifted to me from Nicole and Dru.
What I’m drinking: Matso’s Alcoholic Ginger beer. This one simply screams summer. It goes with everything, and because it’s not too sweet, you can enjoy quite a few without feeling gross.
What I’ve been Listening to: I’m still having a G Flip moment. Their cover of Cruel Summer on Triple J’s like a version last week was epic! You can check it out here.
What I’ve been Eating: Making the most of the Summer and nailing parenting by taking my daughter to Il Piccolo Gelato here in Ballarat – Any time is a good time for one of their ice creams. So tasty.
Where I’ve been going: Summer Sundays – I love the laid-back vibe of Music in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday nights. We take a platter and a picnic blanket and just kick back and enjoy the tunes.
Jen’s SUMMER FAVOURITES
Mystery Novels and Pinot Gris
Currently Reading: I got this book “The Tilt by Chris Hammer” from Dru and Nic for Christmas, now I’m obsessed and must read them all!! It’s a Murder mystery based in Australia, with historical stories intertwined with current-day mystery.
What I’m drinking: My non-Koonara drink of choice currently is from an Adelaide brewery, “Chubby Unicorn.” They are coming to the Mount for the beer and BBQ fest in March. Their hard lemonade is so delicious. My Koonara drink of choice has to be Lucy and Alice Pinot Gris. It’s a summer classic. It pairs perfectly with a cheese platter and my book. That’s been my Friday nights sorted.
Caitlin’s SUMMER FAVOURITES
Summer Cocktails and Wiggly Mornings
Currently Reading: I have good intentions to read “Yellowface by Rebecca Kuang”, but life with a 1-year-old has proven this task to be somewhat difficult. Check in again in a few months – I’m going to read it!
What I’m drinking: Cocktails! I enjoyed a Strawberry Spritz at Lennys Lounge, and I made Mojitos while we were camping. They are a total summer vibe.
What I’ve been Listening to: The Wiggles on repeat, Every. Bloody. Morning. Della is obsessed, me not so much.
Where I’ve been going: We went camping to Bringalbert, it’s a great place to escape and just kick back.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our lives and are inspired to find your own Summer Favourites.
