5 things

So as not to make this blog purely  about my recent drinking exploits, I thought I'd diversify and share with you 5 things I'm loving right now. Happiness you say? Just maybe. I've been meaning to bake this week (there's some rhubarb in my fridge that is desperate to become a good slice) but have instead been replacing creaming butter and sugar with gym classes and indoor netball. Not overly blog-worthy, but fun. In the meantime I've also been settling into my new home, and so far have enjoyed (care of the flatties) a red wine and chorizo risotto with mushrooms, a pumpkin and coriander soup for lunch and tonight a vegetable-laden spaghetti bolognaise. Delish. So, no drunken shenanigans to report (it is only Wednesday) but herewith today's top 5.

1. Sunny winter days
I drove out to Lyall Bay on Sunday and took-away a coffee from the recently renovated Maranui Cafe. The queue for a table to eat was simply outrageous, but the coffee was good and the sun was out. I've also been catching up on gossip whilst walking round the waterfront on my lunch breaks; not quite street gym, but getting outside all the same. I have a sneaking suspicion the weather will turn to custard again soon, so in the meantime I'm getting amongst sunshine and fresh air. Mmm custard.

2. Piako Yoghurt
Have you tried this gourmet yoghurt yet? It's incredible. You must try it. It's like cheesecake, but more luxurious. Is that even possible? Apparently so. And it's healthier which almost never happens. Passionfruit is my favourite flavour. It's about $6 a pottle and it is absolute heaven. The containers make extremely useful lunch box containers also, which is obviously an important consideration when purchasing dairy products...

3. Seasonal veges from the market
My cuisine magazine calendar tells me that Savoy Cabbage is in season at the moment, and this shiny green number (half a cabbage) was a mere 80 cents at the market on Sunday. Bargain! Monday night, I sautéed it with butter and a little oil, ample sea salt and cracked pepper, and then a sprinkling of dried chilli at the end. For those haters out there who don't think cabbage can be glamorous, think again!

4. My impending month as a socialite
August has filled up quickly with visitors, parties and weekends away. The list of things I have to look forward to begins tomorrow night when I'll be having a long overdue catch up with an old friend. It follows through to my Ruth Pretty Cooking School class next weekend, which my Dad will be attending with me. We're undertaking a 'seafood adventure' with the chefs of Ortega Fish Shack and golly I'm excited. The weekend after, my sisters are in town and that will most likely involve lots of eating, drinking and general sassing about. And probably this play which looks worth a look. It's also Wellington on a Plate, and my birthday, and a joint birthday party with my flatmate, and after that one of my numerous dear friends who are Wellingtonians-turned-Melbournites will be here for a visit, so plenty of fun to be had.

5. My new room, and still my bed 
Earlier this year (for reasons slightly out of my control) I was in a room in a flat that had a loft bed on a shitty double mattress, up a rickety ladder. The novelty of being back in my beautiful queen size bed again has still not worn off - and I only lasted in that flat for just over 2 months. God knows how, come to think of it. I'd never thought it possible to be so grateful for something so simple. Bliss.

And on that note, more recipes to follow shortly. Pō mārie.