According to a definition I just Googled, a recommendation is “a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, especially one put forward by an authoritative body.”

Well, guess what? The Daily Aus office is that authoritative body (especially when it comes to snack hierarchy and niche TV recs).

So, when we’re not furiously typing away at our desks or launching into passionate debates about which Shapes flavour reigns supreme (Cheese & Bacon, I don’t want to hear it), we’re sharing our favourite things - from playlists to ludicrously capacious bags we swear changed our lives.

Ahead of the public holiday, we thought we’d share some of our fave things, from self-care to the best new music. Enjoy!

Caruso's Magnesium Cream

I am an avid magnesium user as a girly who really struggles to fall asleep, and honestly its been such a wonderful addition to my evening routine.

I bought the Caruso's Magnesium Cream from the chemist and rub some on the bottom of my feet. 9 times out of 10, I sleep through the night.

The consistency is lovely, compared to some sprays or gels, it absorbs into your skin pretty quickly and doesn't have a strong smell. Prepare for all the zzz's when you dab some on your footsies!

Playlists made by The Weisest Band on Spotify

This is a Spotify playlist curator called Sam Weisest who has synesthesia (a blending of senses which can mean you see colours when music is played). I don't have synesthesia, but I love listening to all of the colour-themed playlists Sam has made - it's an amazing experience to try and figure out if there's a link between all the songs in a certain playlist, and I have loved finding new music this way (my favourite playlist is Indigo, by the way).

If I can indulge in a second very-related rec, it would be Jamie XX's 'In Colour' album, which celebrates its 10th birthday this week. I like the connection between colour and music, it seems!

The Northern Territory trip I’ll never forget

If you’re in need of a holiday, and want to explore more of Australia, I can’t recommend the Northern Territory enough. A trip that will always have a place in my heart is Alice Springs, particularly the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

It’s an unforgettable landscape which leaves you speechless - whether it’s the way the earthy red sand changes colour across the trail, cooling off in watering holes, exploring ancient gorges, soaking up the land’s rich culture, or camping under clear skies full of stars – there’s a magic here that’s hard to put into words. If you’re after a trip that’s equal parts adventure, culture and pure awe, do yourself a favour and head to Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre. You won’t regret it and I promise you’ll go back for more.

You’ve got a taste of my experience - but don’t just take it from me. Hear it from the people who know it best in these ‘Love Letters to Alice’, a collection of personal stories of love, pride and resilience.

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The Ordinary’s Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid

Every time I scroll TikTok, it feels like everyone with perfect skin is using a $150 serum, a futuristic face tool or some product you can only get overseas. It’s easy to feel like you need it all to have good skin.

After a string of breakouts and feeling a bit overwhelmed, I decided to strip everything back and return to basics. I picked up The Ordinary’s Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid from my local Priceline – super simple and affordable (I think it was $18 total) and I’ve already noticed a big difference.

My skin’s never felt calmer and more hydrated, and the routine has become something I genuinely enjoy. It’s a little ritual that feels like a bit of self-care each day.

Moral of the story: you don’t need to spend a fortune on skincare that actually works. Just head to your local Priceline or Chemist Warehouse - or as my friends and I like to call it, Bunnings for the girlies (although we love actual Bunnings too).

Take A Sexy Picture Of Me by CMAT

The song 'Take A Sexy Picture Of Me' by Irish singer-songwriter CMAT. I have been ahead of the curve on two musicians who start with C in the past (Charli XCX and Chappell Roan) so trust me when I say, CMAT is excellent and should be the next big thing.

This song, off her upcoming album EUROCOUNTRY, is a perfect country-pop jam about trying to have good body image in a world that wants you to hate yourself. To me, there's nothing better than an upbeat track with downbeat lyrics (see: Dancing On My Own by Robyn; Dance The Night by Dua Lipa).

I'm singing along to the lyric "I've been having a horrible time of late" with a big smile on my face.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L

I can’t believe I’m recommending a bag, but I guess it shows I’m serious about this thing. My Patagonia Black Hole Duffel has been my ride-or-die for 7 years now and it’s still going strong. It’s survived being shoved into plane overhead lockers, dragged through snow in Banff, hauled around the chaos of Mexico City, and stuffed to the brim for countless camping weekends across NSW. Rain, dust, baggage handlers - it handles it all like a champ.

It’s the Mary Poppins of bags: deceptively compact but somehow fits everything. If you’re after a no-nonsense travel companion that doubles as a gym bag, weekend holdall, or emergency moving-day lifesaver - this is the one.

Oh, and yes, it fits in the overhead bin on both domestic and international flights. Which means you can skip the checked baggage queue and head straight to adventure.

Koala Eco Cleaning Range

About 3 years ago, Koala Eco very kindly sent us some of their cleaning products, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since.

Everything from Koala Eco smells like an actual breath of fresh air. I never thought I’d have a favourite cleaning brand, but here we are – our entire house has been converted. If you’re curious, just start with their kitchen spray (this is my fave) or the laundry detergent - you might end up doing what I did and swapping out everything else too.

If I’ve convinced you to switch up your cleaning products (which I hope I have), use the code DAILY20 for a 20% discount – available until June 15.

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Lighting a single candle with dinner

Romanticise your life!! 

You don't need a special occasion for a candlelit dinner. In fact, lighting a singular candle for your evening meal will turn that reheated pasta from two days ago into a special occasion. 

I bought these cheap candles from IKEA, stuck them in an empty wine bottle, and rendered my ceiling lights completely useless.