This week marks the start on my 25th year and it couldn’t be off to a better start. My birthday was on Monday which was celebrated with wine and food like you know it would. I’ve been luckily enough to have my Mum come visit and one of my closest friends from home up for the weekend, as well as catching up with so many during the week. It’s just been one of those weeks that make you feel warm and gooey inside, you know?

Highs:

• Like I said, my Mum flew over from Australia for my birthday to stay all last weekend on Waiheke. We spent the days walking on the beach and drinking too much wine but it was just what I needed. Also – thanks for your recommendations on my Instagram stories. We went to Casita Miro for dinner which had such a cute atmosphere and tasty food.
• Finally got to go to Coco’s Cantina with my friend Tom this week and ohh, it’s soo good. If you say pasta, I say yes. I’d definitely recommend the Spag-bol if you’re there which sounds kind of boring but it’s just a great classic dish. Plus, I had fab company!
• Caitlin for dinner and PETAL CUPCAKES, my bloody favourite. Honestly, when these showed up at work I couldn’t stop smiling.
• My friend Maddie came up and stayed this weekend which was so nice and refreshing. You know the type of friend that you just talk about everything for hours? She’s one of them to me. We literally talked for 6 hours before we managed to venture out of the house for food.
• For my birthday dinner my flatmates and a couple of my friends went to Cotto on K Road for dinner. Another cute place to dine. Be warned: the food is rich so share a few plates with friends if you’re going to go.
• FINALLY got a UE Boom. If you knew me you’d know how long I’ve wanted to get myself one but never gotten around to it. I’m never not listening to music so I don’t know why it took so long. Thanks Mum.
• My beaut flowers from my flatmates!
• So we went into Mecca Maxima today and found the most beautiful palette from NARS – their Atomic Blonde Eye and Cheek Palette. So perfect but I just can’t justify the price. Boo.
• Maddie and I just finished the Amanda Knox documentary on Netflix and it’s such an interesting watch. It’s scary to see how investigations go sideways once the media get involved, and how much it can really sway the investigators.
• I got back into my podcasts this week and I finally caved and started listening to This American Life. I know, I know – I’m so behind. 402: Save The Day was an incredibly interesting episode, especially the story about the guy saving the kidnapped girls. Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way you think, and doing good doesn’t always equal good.

Lows:

• Someone who really impacted my life in a positive way when I needed it passed away this last week. Sometimes death is such a sobering reminder that people have a lot more going on than you’d ever expect. Be kinder, care more. We can’t save everyone but we can make each day a little easier. That’s what he did for me at a time when I needed it the most.