Holy moly, Wellington - we've had a lot of rain in the last 72 hours!
It's a funny thing that saying, "When it rains it pours". I say it often, but recently in Wellington and life it has been both figurative and literal. First, the start of 2017 has already been action packed, with some cool blog collaborations, busy work in my day job and ups and downs for family and friends. A rainy day, or evening, however, can be a time to take a pause and remember what you set out to do when you started the year. A rainy day washes the dirt and grime from the streets, cleaning down Wellington. It can also cause flooding and leaks in your home. Like most things in life, it has a bright side and a dark one.
Here's my favourite list of things to do when the rain is pouring down in Wellington. I hope you find these interesting, or maybe even a little bit helpful. The main thing to take away is that every cloud (if you pardon the pun) DOES have a silver lining, and why not use the rain to make sure you're staying on top of your goals and life.
1. Catch up with family
When things get busy, family is one of the first things to fall off the list. You know they'll always be there, so you find yourself delaying that coffee with your Dad or this phone call with your brother. When it's raining you'll be more likely to be inside so why not take the chance to call your parents, have lunch with your sister (if your family is in Wellington) or make the trip to visit your Granny. When it's raining I often feel more reflective and want to be closer to those who matter (I think it's the damp making me want to hibernate in a cave or something with my fellow bear cubs, snuggling down for heat). Follow those instincts and re-connect with whanau.
2. Treat yourself to a spontaneous meal out
Of course, when it's raining and like me you live in a fairly cold house which may or may not be a bit damp and untidy from your busy life, the LAST thing you feel like doing is going home and cooking. Sometimes you need to 'Treat Yo Self' to a spontaneous meal out. Whether it is tacos at Mexico or Malaysian at Little Penang, why not go for a bit of escapism on a plate?
On Monday Matt and I walked through Courtenay Place because we were feeling a bit down in the mouth. The decision to have dinner out felt naughty but also good, taking care of our appetite so we could do the minimum and stay on good terms. We ended up at Danger Danger of all places, who as it turns out they have excellent specials on Woodfire Pizza on Monday's. A wise woman with an epic Instagram (aka Wellington's Hannah Benson) once said to me that the root of all bad moods is either you need a good sleep, need to eat or need to exercise. No truer words were said. Eat first. Worry about life later.
3. Browse snuggly clothes in the warmth of Wellington's shops
Rainy weather always makes me want to shop for some reason. I think it's the urge to stock up on snuggly jumpers and thick socks. Basically anything cosy (bring on the cashmere). If you get sick of being at home, why not bundle up and go boost the economy by spending in the city? While in Summer its all about the light dresses, I love layering up in Autumn and Winter and consider bigger is better. My favourite places to shop for basics in Wellington include Area 51, Glassons, Wilson Trollope (new season pop-up store coming - hurrah), Good As Gold, I Love Paris, Ultra Shoes, Caughley, Goodness, Scotties, Twenty-seven names and of course David Jones.
4. Read a book, any book - even if it's an easy read
If you can't bring yourself to go outside, reading a book is the best way to pass the time inside when the rain is pattering against the roof. I recently started 'Inside Vogue' and while I love it I got distracted by work and life so will have to get back to it soon. What I did wolf down over the weekend was the book 'Bloom' by UK/Canadian YouTuber and Blogger Estee Lalonde. I got it from Unity Books, Wellington (represent!).It so so good to just go all boots in and read it from cover to cover, even though it was a very easy book (but sometimes you need a bit of chewing gum). What I love most about reading is you just forget all the other dumb things going on in life and get lost in that person's life in the book. I've always loved reading since I was a girl, almost as much as I've loved writing. Actually, I need some more books to read - leave me YOUR recommendations in the comments below this post!
5. Bake yourself silly (no, not in that way)
When nothing else will make you feel better, may I recommend making baking some bread. My favourite recipe is one by Jamie Oliver. This recipe is guaranteed to take all the stress away and is INCREDIBLY EASSSSY. I just love pounding the flour, water and yeast and sugar (and salt - I always forget the salt) on the bench in the kitchen before putting it into a bowl or baking tray and slapping some glad wrap over it. Wait for 30 minutes and then pound it again before letting it prove for another half hour. After that you just put it in the oven and VIOLA - hot bread for all (highly recommend the manuka smoked butter by Whitestone which my friend/interviewee Russell introduced me to)! Sit back, put up your feet and watch something satisfying on Netflix like the new series of Chewing Gum (OMG I LOVE THAT SHOW SOOO MUCH!!). Sometimes, a rainy day is just what you need.
Surrealism at Te Papa is where it’s at this winter with these wonderful events…!