It was my birthday on Wednesday, and that evening we took the kids to one of my favourite places Pipi Cafe. Not having to cook is a present in itself for me, and pizza & bubbly is my birthday dinner of choice (I'm an easy girl to please). With it's chandeliers, pink interior & exterior, and candle lit ambience, it's easy to see why I love it. But it's also because Pipi's philosophy is about family, fun and good simple food. It's a brilliant place to take kids, (mine love the jar of complimentary giant jaffas at the counter), the food is delicious without fail, and the whole experience is relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable.

Alexandra Tylee, the owner and chef, has recently published Pipi the cookbook with the most fabulous photography by talented Hawke's Bay photographer, Brian Culy. It's more than just a cookbook, it's also a searingly honest account of Alexandra's life so far, including the terrible grief of losing a baby, and how she came to open a hot pink restaurant and bar in Havelock North. It's an absolutely beautiful book, and too pretty to leave in a cupboard, it definitely deserves to be out on display.

And last, but by no means least... I bought these stunning Lindi Kingi neon pink tassel earrings, aren't they fantastic?! And Lindi, being the lovely person she is, slipped in this amazing neon orange Swarovski pearl bracelet - what a perfect birthday gift for a lover of colour and pretty things! x