Hmm, so the currently loving “series” is somewhat not much of a series. But I do enjoy sharing some of my favourite things from time to time. So without further ado, here is my currently loving for August.
As with my previous currently loving posts, I am going to keep with the thematic sections. And, although it might look like I am going colour themed again, I didn’t mean to!
App: NPO Radio
As I am sure you are very well aware by now, I am learning Dutch. To help me on my way, I have decided to get even more immersed by changing the language on my phone and iPad and tuning into Dutch radio stations. I discovered NPO through one of Jit’s friends from the conference scene (thanks Ard!) and have been enjoying a listen every day while I work. I certainly feel as though I am getting more from my practice now that I am hearing the language far more often.
Product: Sigg Bottle
My beloved red Sigg bottle has been with me almost every single day since I treated myself to it after leaving a job in 2009. Yes, it is a bit battered, dented and has a broken lid, but I love it all the same. The recent addition to cover some of the scuff marks is my new Refill sticker, which acts as a nice way to let people know about the fantastic tap water campaign that I am pleased to be involved with.
Food/Drink: Tick Tock Tea
If there is one kind of drink that I love as much as water, it has to be tea. It can be your regular kind or rooibos (or redbush as it is commonly known). I have recently been cutting down my normal tea intake so have been drinking Tick Tock. A naturally caffeine tea which makes a delicious brew for any time during the day. It isn’t like I have been drowning myself in brews of late, but a little less goes a long way. Talking of tea, I think it is time for another one…
People/Person: Flourish Manchester
This past week has been a rather spendy one for me. I have been thinking garden and home improvement lately and, as part of that, been keeping my eye on some new plants. I am a huge fan of shopping local and when you have a superb plant shop like Flourish on your doorstep in town, you just have to support them by buying all of the plants. All in the name of keeping small local business going… of course! If you watch my vlog, you will have seen me trooping around town with my Olive tree in my rucksack – much to the amusement of many passersby.
Music/Audio: NPO Dutch Radio
I have kind of copped out on this one as I could not, for the life of me, think of a particular kind of music that I would like to share. That is not to say that there hasn’t been a lot of music and audio in my life lately, but just nothing specific. I listen to Radio 6 Music daily, as well as dipping into my Dutch lesson and other Audible books.
Clothing: Rohan Travel Belt
If you read my recent review about my Kuhl travel shirt, you will know that I am minimising my wardrobe by maximising the jobs that each item of clothing does. This means that I have one shirt for hiking, city exploring and travel. And one belt that does all the jobs too. We have recently started getting into visiting Rohan and have so far been very impressed with the products they sell. This belt is not only red, it has the name the “Anywhere Belt“. It is also slim enough to fit through the loops on all my trousers. And bonus points to it being non-metallic, so I can go through security at the airport wearing it. No more hiking my pants up!
Book: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
A bit of a sad one really as I came across Anthony Bourdain on the Food Network – I am a food programme-a-holic – and really enjoyed his honest, down to earth take on travel and food. The Layover was the series that really grew my love for the man. After only a short time of getting to know him (through his show) he sadly took his own life. Still craving more and piqued with interest into his past, I bought the book for my Kindle. He is all kinds of funny and honest, and I find it a challenge to put the book down once it is in my hands. I am sad that I won’t get to enjoy more new things from him, but am grateful for what I have learned through his shows and the ideas that have developed as a result.
Destination: AVRO Heritage Museum
This is a post in the making as we only visited this past weekend. I wanted to include the Avro Heritage Museum in advance of me writing about it because it was so interesting ad also for the fact that it has planted a dead firmly into my mind about finding out more about the Mather and Platt factory (as it was down the road from where I live) Over the past year, we have been learning just how important Manchester was in the manufacture and building of aeroplanes. Discovering small and different local museums and meeting some incredibly knowledgeable people along the way. So although this bit is brief, keep you eye out for a post soon…
Tech: Creative Outlier One Headphones and Metallix Speaker
As you will see from my other currently loving items, I do love to have sound around me. Whether it is listening to Dutch radio at my desk or an audio book or Dutch lesson on the go, I do enjoy having some good quality sound. I was recently sent the Creative Outlier One Headphones and Metallix Speaker to try and they have become two firm favourites for me. The review is in the making, but I can tell you that the Headphones are now my chosen pair for the gym as they don’t whip me in the face during a heavy treadmill HIIT session. The speaker, on the other hand is my perfect desk buddy as it is small but perfectly formed. (It has great sound too)
So there you have it. A blend of red things that add up to my currently loving items for August. Of course, it is far from exhaustive, but there are the ones that came to mind each time I though about the post.
Are you currently loving any of the things on my list? What other things are you enjoying this month?
Let me know in the comments below.