Favorite Things | January

For the first post of 2024, we decided to start a new series where we share some of our favorite things - what piqued our interests and brought us a bit of joy this month. 

What are we listening to?

Adriana: The recent Gucci Ancora show had the best playlist and I was so happy when I found it on Spotify. Mark Ronson created it and it’s a perfect mix of current and past house hits and Italian pop gems. Take a listen and let me know what you think. 

Wiser Than Me by Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the only podcast where I will block off time on my schedule to listen to it. Julia interviews brilliant women like Fran Lebowitz, Jane Fonda, Carol Burnett and they share their life stories and what it means to live a full life. This podcast is like a hot chocolate on a cold day. I love it so much and can’t recommend it enough. 

Martina: This January I decided to travel to Africa through music. The first time I heard a song by Mulatu Astatke was while watching The Bear, the scene where Marcus goes to Copenhagen. It seems like I wasn’t the only one who liked this type of music because I found a whole playlist on Spotify with similar songs. Astatke is well known as the father of Ethio-jazz, which is a blend of pop, modern jazz, traditional Ethiopian music, Latino, Caribbean music and Afro-funk. Current song on repeat: Tezeta

Another singer from Africa I recently discovered was Letta Mbulu. I first heard her song Normalizo and fell in love with it. I learned that she is one of the most influential singers in South Africa. During her exile in the USA, she worked as a backup singer to Michael Jackson, Cannonball Adderly and Harry Belafonte. Songs on repeat: Normalizo (of course) and What's Wrong with Groovin’. 

This month I’ve been listening to the podcast Dish on Spotify. The whole concept of the podcasts is that hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett invite celebrities and celebrity chefs to their dinner parties and have a chat. My favorite episode was with Derry Girls star Saiorse-Monica Jackson.

What are we reading?

Adriana: I just finished Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. Demon Copperhead is about the life of people in small rural towns in the US, about poverty and addiction. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is a memoir by a therapist who goes through a sudden breakup and decides to go and see a therapist of her own. Both books are beautifully written and made me think about life more deeply.

I’ve been savouring the winter issues of Konfekt and Monocle. I love these magazines because they keep me well-rounded and informed. It also helps that writing is great and editorials are beautiful.

Martina: I wanted to start this year on a light note. I know I am late to the trend, but I just finished Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. I absolutely loved this book and I think everyone in their 20’s should read it. The only thing that bothered me was that I read a version translated to Serbian and I think it would have been much better in English. 

What are we watching?

Adriana: I’ve been going to the movies a lot this winter and there’s something special about seeing a movie in a theater. I also like that I can focus on just enjoying the movie without the distraction of the phones. Among the movies I’ve seen, I recommend Poor Things and The Crime is Mine. Poor Things was refreshing and beautiful and The Crime is Mine was hilarious.

Martina: I am more of a streaming platform kinda gal and usually I will watch a show once I am in bed. Lately, I’ve been missing Brooklyn, so my comfort show these days is High Fidelity. I watched this show numerous times, but when I crave that feeling of getting lost in Brooklyn with the great music in the background, this is my go-to show. 

Where are we going?

Adriana: I recently visited the Denver Art Museum and saw Soul of Black Folks exhibition by Amoako Boafo. This was his debut solo exhibition in the US and it was gorgeous. His art celebrates the life of Black people through portraits that are full of life, joy and beauty. I highly recommend seeing his show if you have a chance. 

Martina: Proces Wine Bar in Belgrade has been on my radar for quite some time now. Two weeks ago I finally went and it fulfilled all my expectations. Friendly staff and lovely atmosphere make this place a must-visit if you are in Belgrade. 

What are we buying?

Adriana: I recently discovered Rigoni di Asiago, an Italian company that makes nut-based spreads like Nutella. I tried these types of alternatives before and they were always disappointing. Dare I say Rigoni di Asiago’s products are better than Nutella! I liked their chocolate hazelnut one but the Nociolla Bianca is to die for! 

Martina: As I mentioned I really enjoyed my visit to Proces Wine Bar. While there, I wanted to try some orange wine from Serbian vineyards. The owner recommended Pramen from Dalia Winery and I really enjoyed it. Actually, I enjoyed it so much that I had a whole bottle lol.