When asked what I want for Christmas I usually draw a big blank. I’m too busy worrying about getting gifts for other people sorted to even think about myself. Also, because December is my birthday and wedding anniversary, I’ve traditionally already been spoiled enough! However, this year, I thought I would draw up an ‘ultimate’ guide that might help some of you if you’re stuck on ideas. It’s no secret that I love anything to do with exercise and entertainment/pop culture, so these suggestions are oriented on these interests.
1. Twin Peaks The Entire Mystery (Blu Ray)
I somehow managed to make it through the 1990s without seeing Twin Peaks when it was on television. I know, I find it hard to believe too. Of course, like most people, I know now the answer to the question “Who killed Laura Palmer?” but I want to ‘experience’ – I use the word deliberately – the show anyway. I’ve read that so many of today’s shows can trace their roots back to this one, so I feel that by watching it I’ll be undertaking a necessary education… of sorts. Not everyone is a fan – Adam loathes it, so I think I’ll be watching it solo!
Tip: If you’re buying for someone, see if there’s a TV show they’ve missed out on and buy the first series if you don’t want to commit to a big box set (that can also be expensive). That’s how I got hooked on Breaking Bad.
2. Bikram Yoga Eltham
I have girlfriends who are completely hooked on Bikram yoga. I’ve been wanting to try it for years, but nothing was available around where I lived and I am too lazy to venture too far away just on a whim – especially if I felt ill afterwards and had to drive home again! Luckily for me, a place opened in my suburb this year that offers an introductory special. It really isn’t for everyone, I’ve been told, and at least with a trial period you get to determine that for yourself. At Eltham, for $25 for 2 weeks, that’s pretty darn good value.
Tip: Ring around to similar places and see what specials they have for beginners. Places like Groupon and Red Balloon are worth a look too.
3. Shout an evening at The Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre is a Melburnian institution and is sadly closing down next year. It plays classic, cult and new release movies and – I’m ashamed to say – I’ve never been to a showing. The final calendar is currently being put together and I have both fingers crossed that they will be showing a sing-a-long Rocky Horror Picture show (so I can go and tick it off my living list), but even if that doesn’t happen I still want to go.
Tip: If you like that idea, a single ticket costs $16 and a book of ten tickets is $130. These may be bought over the counter during open hours or call 03 9510 1414 during open hours to place an eftpos order. There is a $5 registered post/handling fee for posted material.
4. Vitamin Supplements
Wait, that’s boring, isn’t it? No! As I’ve discovered this year, yes, supplements are worth it. (I wrote about what I took for my marathon here.) They can also be expensive, particularly if you’re taking a lot. I bought a bottle of CO-Q10 from Costco the other week and even from there they worked out to be 25 cents per tablet. Fish oil has been my friend since running the marathon – I’ve found it’s really helped with joint recovery and my anxiety. Magnesium was always my rock throughout the training.
5. Medal Display
If you’re a runner, or accumulating medals from other sports, and have completed a few races, you might be getting tired of storing your medals in a drawer. I am! This cute medal display is available on etsy, and if you search around you’ll find other types as well.
Tip: If buying online – anywhere – this close to Christmas, it would be wise to first check if the products will arrive before then.
6. Perfume
Perfume is pretty much a perfect insurance policy against present buying disasters. By the time a woman is my age – mid-30s – she’s usually gone through the stage of trying every kind out there and has settled on one or two ‘signature’ scents that are her favourite and suit her best. Mine is Champ-Elysees. Although I will add, that as I’m getting older, perfumes I once found too strong are starting to grow on me – such as Chanel No.5
7. Macro lens for an iPhone
This is really heading into extravagent territory now and while, in theory, I just love the idea of this, I know I couldn’t justify a purchase when I don’t really make the most of my DSLR in the cupboard. That said, I do take a lot more photographs with my iPhone and have often been frustrated when I can’t get as close a shot as I’d like. If you know someone like that, this could be for them. Olloclip has a wide range on offer – and not just for iPhone either. Samsung folk, you’re in luck.
