All quiet on the western front

For many reasons, it has been a while since I posted anything new on my blog. I won’t go intoall the gory details, just the highlights; 

• the unexpected and messy end to a 13-year relationship, 
• two job changes,
• two naughty kittens and
• a lot of work to stay in my home.

Needless to say, with so much happening in my professional life and a total implosion of my personal life, I needed some time out to reset my life, rediscover what makes me happy, focus on what is important and heal. It has taken longer than expected, but I am finally in a space where I am ready to embrace the things that make me happy and share them with the world.

Some changes to what you will see from me

For a long time, my life and cooking revolved around keeping others happy and adjusting things to make kids happy; now, I only have to make myself happy (and my fur babies). I am not one to erase the past; life is about experience and learning; erasing the past removes the lessons learned and dooms us to repeat the same mistakes. I won’t erase my past on my blog; I prefer to win or learn. 

Much of my old content includes recipes for my stepkids to eat vegetables and try new things. I want to share these valuable resources with others looking for ideas, but they won’t be my focus anymore. 

I want to share my ideas and learning with those looking for healthy and tasty meals, challenging workouts, and tips to make life easier for all who need them.

Who am I am

It seems fitting to reintroduce myself.

Hi, I’m Cath

Originally from the UK, I’ve called Auckland, New Zealand, my home since 2010. In 2024, I finally became a New Zealand citizen. I’m fortunate enough to live in a part of the city close to everything I need and has beautiful views of a Mountain and the water daily.

I share my home with two fur babies, Bella and Luna, who make every day interesting. Bella is my loving but very anxious baby. She lives for snuggles while holding paws and hunting for anything that moves in the house. Luna is special in so many ways; she loves with her claws (and teeth), she loves to cuddle (and bite), and she is so uncoordinated she has never caught anything worth hunting in her life. My girls keep me company, complain when I don’t pay them enough attention and make me laugh each day.

I spend my working week trying to make a real difference in the lives of the less fortunate in New Zealand. I work for a government agency and try hard to fight for changes that will benefit the most vulnerable in our society. I love my job and that it is always a challenge; no two days are the same, and I always have opportunities to make a difference, even in the smallest of ways.

I’m addicted to coffee, Post-it notes, and my bullet journal; please don’t judge me. Order and organisation are my jam. Exercise is how I consistently manage my well-being and maintain balance in life. My home gym is my sanctuary; knowing it is just downstairs whenever I need it is a saving grace on hard days. Falling out of bed in the morning to practice yoga or run on the treadmill sets me on the right path each day.

When I’m not working hard or sweating my face off, I spend time doing the things I love. At the end of my relationship, I was fortunate to find new friends who filled my life with laughter and enjoyment. I spend part of my weekends drinking coffee, talking shit and laughing until I cry. When we aren’t talking shit, we have two-wheel adventures across Auckland, which always leave me exhausted. Whenever possible, I blow up my paddle board and take to the water to enjoy some moving meditation. 

My life is simple, but it is enough for me. I’ve relearned to find pleasure in the small things and put myself first again. Being creative in the kitchen, trying new things and learning new things brings me joy and satisfaction.