Pip-Life something GOOD for the weekend

Episode Three: Something good for the weekend

December 7, 2019

It’s Saturday already and luckily you have checked in here because I have BIG ideas on what you could be doing with your good self this weekend.

Something GOOD For the Weekend

Something GOOD to do

Maybe you could learn to conquer procrastination and paralysis like Ernest Hemingway? His theory is pretty much the opposite of what I do, but it also makes a lot of sense. I’m too obsessive to set things aside in the Hemingway way, but perhaps you are not as bonkers as me and this could help.

Something GOOD to watch

I have not been watching much this week, except old episodes of Friends while I work (all eps are on Stan). With that in mind you might want to read Emily Nussbaum’s thoughts on what was top of the pops on telly -slash-streaming services this year? You can do that here.

On my future watch list is the new Lauren Graham sitcom, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Eeeep.  Lauren’s character is called Joan which is my middle name, so obviously I am going to love this show. Also? After years of not being a fan of my middle name, I realise now that I like it a LOT. I’ve changed, everyone. #CallMeJoanie

We have been studying writer Angela Carter for my creative writing unit, and I found this excellent documentary about her on YouTube. Perhaps you will like it too?

Something GOOD to buy?

How about something from this online vintage bookstore? Gosh the books look amazing and I am trying not to dig too deep because everything is pretty lovely. If I had to chose something, perhaps it would be this new Jane Austen set.

Jane Austen books

 

And speaking of books, how cute is this?! (Below) It’s by the Royal Horticultural Society and seems very helpful to me.

how can I help hedgehogs

Clearly we don’t have hedgehogs in Australia, but I for one would love to learn now to help echidnas, which seem slightly reminiscent. When I looked it up I found this article in The Guardian and that led me to the Echidna Conservation Science Initiative. WHICH HELPS ECHIDNAS. You’re welcome. It turns out if you live in an echidna-ish area you can help them by gathering data on these cute critters. Researchers would like you take photos of them – and collect their poo, if you fancy that. I think it seems like a good idea, especially when there are bushfires raging and habitats being wiped out.

Once I cuddled an echidna. I wrapped it in my sweatshirt and gave it a gentle squeeze. It was at Tinderbox, south of Hobart, Tasmania. That was about 40 years ago, so not sure my data is helpful, to be honest. Also I didn’t keep its poo.

Something GOOD to read

Somehow I managed to make two somethings mostly about reading and I’m not going to apologise for that.

On the reading list this weekend is A Brief History of the Crock Pot,

I’m excited to keep reading Lisa Marie Corso’s brand new foodie blog, I Ate My Feelings. The first story focuses on artist Alice Oehr and a delicious-looking paella.

Alice oehr - pretty in pink

poster by Alice

pretty in pink

I also stumbled upon the Aesop blog The Fabulist this week, and there are some excellent profiles and interesting bits and bobs over there.

Something GOOD to cook

How about these Peppermint Stripe Cookies? They look beautiful and seem easy enough to make.

Peppermint Stripe Cookies

Also, do you remember the Basque Burnt Cheesecake recipe I posted here last week? Well a blog reader named Kylie made it and she says it is brilliant and received RAVE reviews from her nearest and dearest.

And how about this Apricot Brioche recipe via Sophie? If you can’t get nice fresh apricots yet, tinned ones could also work (although obviously not as good! but still good!) Or plums?

Local is Lovely Brioche

Something GOOD to listen to

Everyone I know has been revelling in their Spotify Your Top Songs lists. Mine was pretty much 96 percent Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

If you’d like something else excellent to listen to, this track is really brilliant and goes for 50 minutes!

Spotify list a la Pip

Something GOOD to make

I have been making a pompom a day, except yesterday I forgot. But I will make two today. I’m sharing them on Instagram in a kind of guessing game format.

Also on my to-make list is a project for the next issue of Frankie. Did you see my cute stocking in the current edition?!

And perhaps you’d like to make something inspired by THIS ..?

This cute patchwork tote was made by artist Eleni Kalorkoti and I like it a lot and fancy a sized-up version.

patchwork bag

David Bowie cross stitch

Or perhaps a David Bowie cross stitch? There are a bunch of charts at the excellent FP Molina.

Someone/s GOOD to follow

Maybe it’s morbid and sentimental, but I am pretty into Lady Diana Forever on Instagram. The fashion is too good/bad to overlook.

Diana forever

And here is a poem. Because poems are GOOD too.

Snowball by Shel Silverstein

I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first it wet the bed.

Hope your weekend is lovely!

x Pip


PS – I just launched a new e-course! It’s half sold out already so be quick if you fancy joining in. I did not expect it to sell so fast, to be honest. Thank you, future students, for the vote of confidence!

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2 Comments

  • Reply Kylie December 14, 2019 at 11:38 AM

    I love “Snowball”! Such a sweet, funny little poem. It’s a bit Pam Ayres-ish I think…And now I’m familiar with Shel Silverstein (thank you). Do you know he was a cartoonist for Playboy Pip? (you probably do). Actually, a snowball bed mate would come in handy at the moment – it’s stinking hot here in Perth – I wouldn’t even mind if it wet the bed 😉

  • Reply Sandra December 7, 2019 at 1:16 PM

    Joanie! So much good stuff ffor the weekend! Thank you! I love the Echidna group! X

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