Big Fat Sausages, Dystopian Drama and Christmas Prez Ideas
End of the season! End of the year! End of the decade!
Somehow it’s already the end of Season Two! End of the season, end of the year, end of the decade! We can’t quite believe it. (Hopefully it’s not also end of the world, but the situation in Sydney is pretty dire currently). We got a bit reflective on our goals for 2020 and also freaked out about climate change. For balance we ate some noodles, a very big sausage and stole the last piece of tart. SoRo had a heart attack over a tv show, SoMo shared her favourite soothing instagram content, and we made a few enemies by suggesting that people who prefer plain salted chips are probably serial killers (WE STAND BY THIS). It’s a bumper episode to tide you over til we’re back next year. Try not to miss us too much!
“The world is literally on fire” Recommendations:
Over 2.5 million hectares of bush land (much of it world heritage) have burned so far this fire season. This Guardian map gives you a sense of the scale if those numbers are too big for you to visualise.
Donate to the RFS (because our government is useless). Donate to save the koalas. Donate to Extinction Rebellion because misbehaving might be the only way to make real change. Donate to Greening Australia. Write emails to Scott Morrison and Gladys Berejiklian and Anthony Albanese and demand real action on climate change! Write to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean and say thank you for breaking with the Liberal Party to acknowledge the links between the fires and climate change. Sign every petition you can get your hands on! Plant some trees! Stay safe this summer! We’ll see you in the streets!
Also, if it’s not on fire it’s probably in drought. If you’re looking for a great place to buy your Christmas presents this year, your best first stop is 'Buy from the Bush’. Check it out on instagram and support a small Australian business this year. (Jeff Bezos definitely doesn’t need your money).
EAT
SR
Biang Biang Noodles! At Biang Biang in Ultimo (or Haymarket, Burwood, Chatswood).
SM
The plum and cherry tarte at Sean’s Panaroma. Don’t be afraid, take the last bite.
WATCH
SR
Give yourself anxiety and watch Years and Years on SBS On Demand. Then msg SoRo about it to discuss.
SM
Calm yourself down and watch Stage Fright, Jenny Slate’s comedy special, on Netflix.
BUY
SR
Teva’s! Embrace ugly-chic shoes once and for all.
SM
Somebody buy Soph this Athena & Co Necklace for Christmas.
FAST FIVE!
SR
Tyrell’s Salt and Cider Vinegar chips, Harris Farm
“It’s the 90s and you’re the leading lady in a nora ephron rom-com” Spotify
Bad Behaviour by Mary Gaitskill, Booktopia. Read it while you’re scoffing a bag of Tyrell’s chips.
The Lord Wolesley! Otherwise known as “the pearl of Ultimo”. Just a bloody good pub.
Inner Smile by Texas. Spotify. Youtube. Excellent for road trips, dancing while you get ready and probably karaoke but SoRo hasn’t tested it out yet.
SM
@PecoraDairy Instagram account. Soothing baby lamb content.
Well Read, a book subscription and gifting service based in Thirroul on the coast in NSW but they ship everywhere. Wanna know all the books we’ve recommended this season? Click here!
Currywurst at GDR, (Gunther’s Dining Room) in Redfern. Pair it with the disco ball and a dirty martini.
1SE (1 Second a Day) app. Record a second of footage a day for a year!
SICK poster from Hector’s Deli which is a very sick sandwich shop in Richmond in Melbourne. Best xmas gift! Better get on it though.
Email vanessa@hectorsdeli.com.au to order.
And now for a Highly Enthused Gift Guide:
SM:
Australia’s Koalas are in danger! Adopt one here in a friend’s name.
A box of orange wine from LATTA VINO, via The Dolphin! Yum.
Single Origin Parati Turmeric, Diaspora Co. You won’t find better.
Very pretty pink mermaid tail vase, The Details Store
Indoor Jungle, the best book for keeping indoor plants fresh!
A bottle of Borachio Pash Rash Pet Nat. No one would ever be sad about receiving this.
Give the gift of pasta and wine with a Gift Voucher to Ragazzi!
Speaking of pasta: Pasta Grannies, The Official Cookbook.
Amber Pebble Incense Holder, Maison Balzac. Plus some incense to go with it!
It’s a bucket hat! But it’s cool. Zara.
SR:
Set up a donation to the Environmental Defense Fund.
Already bought them that Maison Balzac Carafe? Get them this Hay jug to add to their glassware collection.
A simple and striking candlestick, SIN ceramics.
Cold brew in a cask! Keep ‘em buzzing.
I’m super into these sweet, dainty little hoops from Vermeer Studio (hint, hint family).
Give them a new book by an Australian literary icon - Helen Garner’s Yellow Notebook, Diaries Volume One 1978-1987.
You know we love Dolly Aldrin, and the strawberry sour is PERFECT for that Secret Santa gift you’re stumped on.
Buy them one of their favourite albums on vinyl. According to my Spotify wrapped Maggie Rogers was my artist of the decade, so you should probably buy me this.
Our girl Alison Roman has a new book out and you know at least three people who need it.
Just send them a case of our favourite anchovies.
NB: We use some affiliate links which means if you buy a book we recommend through our newsletter, we may receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting!
Thank you to Messina for sponsoring this episode! Head into any store and mention HIGHLY ENTHUSED to the staff and you’ll get a jar of dulce de leche and choc hazelnut spread for $8 (rather than $16).
Valid at all Messina stores. Offer expires 31st December
Thanks as always to our sponsor drnks.com for their continued support of Highly Enthused. They have a new website! And as always entering HIGHLYENTHUSED at checkout will get you 10% off your order at drnks.com
Be merry and bright, guys! We’ll see you in the new year.
Love ya,
S&S