With the first quarter of 2026 already behind us, I’m finding myself wondering whether time really is moving faster! With all the hustle and bustle of work and family life, plus the overwhelming sense of chaos in the wider world, it can be easy to get caught up in to-do lists and simply getting through the week, rather than feeling truly present.

Coming home from the wonderfully long Easter weekend this morning, I was reminded of just how important it is to have those moments of slowing down and feeling present, amongst the chaos that is life in 2026. It’s easier said than done, but now more than ever, it’s so important. We are lucky enough to have a property over in the Wairarapa to escape to for some peace, quiet and time in nature. But, this feeling of mindfulness and connection can be created regardless of your environment.

With the world reverting back to our covid-like ways, opting to stay in our bubbles (or burrows) whilst things feel a little scary out there, it’s the perfect time to make sure our burrow feels as comforting and tranquil as possible. So, today I wanted to share another installment of Anji’s Picks, this one is all about the little things that can bring a bit of joy to your space, your family and your day.

Watch

By the time we’ve finished watching the evening news, we are well and truly ready for some feel-good entertainment, a comfort movie or show that helps us switch our brains off for a few hours before bed.

As a family, we’ve definitely delved into our favourite comfort movies of late, with Fantastic Mr Fox, The Princess Bride and Toy Story (1, 2 and 3!) making a perfectly timed comeback. I would highly recommend sitting down with your family or loved ones and creating the ultimate comfort movie watchlist, which will give you an infinite source of feel-good material to dip into whenever the mood strikes.

We’ve also been loving tv shows that allow for maximum escapism, nothing too heavy or dark, just some very easy entertainment. This is where our latest favourite fits the bill perfectly, The Traitors UK (recommended to us by Bella) has been such a great mixture of humour, suspense and aesthetics (filmed in the Scottish Highlands, every shot is just breathtaking)! This game show would not usually be our preferred genre of tv, but it’s just perfect for the current mood and we’ve already watched two whole seasons. You can stream The Traitors for free on ThreeNow.

Eat & Drink

Although the urge to hunker down and stay inside is strong for most of us, it’s more important than ever to get out and support our local businesses. As a team, we’ve made it our mission to Support Local somewhere different each week and film it to share with all of you, which has exposed us to so many wonderful local eateries around Wellington. These Support Local outings are a great reminder that it doesn’t cost a fortune to grab a coffee at your local cafe, or celebrate a special occasion at the pub in your neighbourhood.

At a time where the cost of living is high and the uncertainty of the wider world has us all feeling more cautious about spending, these local businesses are certainly feeling the pinch. Of course, it’s not always realistic to grab a bite to eat out and about every week, but wherever possible, it’s a great way to Support Local and create a moment to be present with food, drinks and great company. Here are a few of the spots we’ve visited this year that we would highly recommend…

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a special occasion celebration, this is the perfect spot. Check out our latest giveaway here and go in the draw to win a $200 voucher to Charley Noble.

This spot is a firm family favourite, with an extensive menu, great prices and a balcony overlooking Courtenay Place, it’s the perfect spot for a tasty lunch or family dinner.

*The Beach House Cafe & Kiosk* - Island Bay

Perfect for a coffee and bite to eat, dog friendly and with some of the best ocean views you’ll find in Wellington.

This inner-city cafe has ample seating, great counter food options and of course, excellent coffee.

Shop

If you’ve been looking to treat yourself to something small but special, there’s an abundance of locally sourced pieces out there that can bring a little joy, colour or wholesomeness to your day, your home or your family. Here’s a small curation of some bits and bobs that might be just what you’re after…