September is one of my favourite and equally least favourite months of the year.

Favourite because it is my birthday month (Happy Birthday to me!). Least favourite because it is usually when one feels pudgy and worn out but also feels a bit of pressure to start sorting themselves out for Summertime. Anyone else get me on this? Yep.

This month I've been really enjoying the things that make me feel good. I want to share these as my top Wellington-based picks of the month. As usual, I've tried to be varied to give you some ideas about new and well-known things to love.

1. Commonsense Organics Celebrating 25 Years

After an incredible 25 years of business, Commonsense Organics is still going strong. They have multiple stores around Wellington, from Kilbirnie to Kapiti, and last year opened their first Auckland store. They also have an online store so you can order anywhere in New Zealand.

These guys saw Organic's while the rest of us were munching on our ham sammies and eating low-fat...well...everything in the 1990's. They were and remain INCREDIBLY ahead of their time. Owner Jim Kebbell is a former Catholic priest who was ordained in Rome. He set up the business in 1991 with wife Marion Wood after the pair established a co-operative housing project and market garden business called “Common Property.” One of the first farms in New Zealand to be certified organic by BioGro, Common Property continues to produce seedlings, fruit and vegetables and salad greens which are sold in Commonsense Organics stores. Over the years, Commonsense Organics has grown from strength to strength.

“Every time we open our doors, the organic market grows,” Marion has said. “People want to buy things that are good for them and good for the Earth and they want retailers to be authentic and trustworthy.” I'll second that!

This birthday is good cause to jump for joy and bring out your spiralizer. I don't always shop at Commonsense Organics, but I certainly have over the years (don't mention the raw food vegan phase, ok?). It is important to pick and choose where you shop, however, and it's come to my attention I need to be a bit more careful with my health. Organic food is undoubtedly tastier and better for your health. So I was thrilled when as part of the 25 years celebration to receive a block of wonderful 25-year celebratory chocolate - a collab between Commonsense Organics and the Wellington Chocolate Factory made of cacao nibs and sea salt - as well as a 25 dollar voucher. This chocolate is EXQUISITE - do pick one up as a goody for yourself. Naturally, it's made from organics. Hip hip hurrah - Happy Birthday, guys! Here's to 25 more years.

2. Loretta on Cuba Street

Loretta is such an OBVIOUS choice as a favourite place in Wellington (and highly Instagram'ed) - but I really adore this Wellington restaurant and cafe and felt compelled to take a moment to celebrate the reasons it is such a great place to eat. The interior used to be an old cinema but has been through many incarnations in Wellington. Cafe Paris was here, and then a Jamaican kitchen cafe. First, the decor is splendid, all white, light pine, and hollowed out Scandi-feeling vibes. Do you get me? Loretta is transformative.

You arrive and are greeted by calm looking waitresses and waiters in beige aprons who usher you to a table. The long lounge seater across the back wall is perfect for 'poofing' down onto when you've had a hard day. Whenever I come to Loretta, even if it is morning, I am tempted by their Aperol Spritzer - Aperol in a tumbler with Prosecco. Immediately, the day's ills are seeming further away.

Whether it is lunch or brunch, dinner or breakfast, or afternoon tea, I've found Loretta does not disappoint. If you want to meet me for breakfast, expect me to order a serving or their relax tea or a green smoothie or juice with a long black. Then, depending on how I feel, it will be a gourmet muesli or crumpets with lemon curd. At lunchtime, I'll ask for the goat pizza and the pasta with nigella seeds and peas.

In the evening, I like nothing more than some shared plates like the freekah salad and a half roast chicken. Everything on the menu is seasonal and is meant to be inspired by '1970's San Fran'. Wellington long needed a cafe like Loretta before it came along, mixing fresh produce, taking inspiration from different decades with a modern twist, partnered with the best table service in town. Hats off to owner's Mark and James from Floriditas, particularly Mark who can be seen there at all hours of day or night. I think you've earned an Aperol Spritzer or three.

3. Kowtow 'Sunday' Jumpsuit

For my birthday this year, I was lucky enough to receive little treat from dear old mum that I'm LOVING. The Kowtow Sunday playsuit is light, fun and easy to run (and jump) around in. This collared all-in-one has neat stitching, a light weave of cotton and pockets. It makes me feel breezy and bright - not only for fashion reasons.

A few night ago, I watched the documentary about fashion 'The True Cost' (now on Netflix). This film shocked me about the truth of 'fast fashion'. It has certainly inspired me to be more careful about picking up the odd thing here and there. I'm lucky because many of my clothes are made to last, so I don't feel like I need to go and buy more all the time. But still, I want to support brands like Kowtow in the future who are 100% certified fair trade and organic. Add on top of that that they are a Wellington company and that's truly something worth wearing.

This playsuit was purchased at Good as Gold. I will have to go back soon and see if there are any further pieces that take my eye. Although I could just look only. I really like this piece because it is oversized - so I can eat as much at Loretta's (wink) as I want and still be able to fit my outfit at the end of the night. Fun to pair with a navy blazer and booties for a fresh and modern, Summer evening look. My boots are from Sol-Sana and my Blazer is an old one from a previous birthday by twenty-seven names.

Playsuit is $239. Credit Megan from www.modeandmethodology.com for taking these photos on Egmont Street.

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