A few of Lucy’s favourite things this month…

READ: WILD BY CHERYL STRAYED
When a novel makes it to the big screen, I always take notice and Wild was a book I knew I had to read cover to cover before I even thought about pressing play on Apple TV. Wild documents author Cheryl Strayed’s journey hiking more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through to Washington State following the death of her mother, her foray into Class A drugs and the destruction of her marriage. The narrative is captivating, inspiring and though-provoking – making the book streaks ahead of the film, despite a great performance from Reese Witherspoon. What’s more, it was a #1 New York Times Bestseller and featured in Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 – so you can’t argue with that.

WEAR: RUBY STADIUM BOOT, $299
A few years ago I invested in the original Ruby Stadium boots in a luxurious camely-tan leather with gold zips. Every winter since I have completely thrashed them and this year, much to my delight, Ruby brought them out again – this time in a textured black leather with silver zips. Naturally, I hot-footed it to Newmarket as soon as the Ruby newsletter hit my inbox to make these black beauties my own. Best winter purchase I’ve made this year, hands down.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVE: SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH LUMINIZING PRIMER, $76
My number one goal when it comes to beauty is to always be luminous, so if a product claims to be luminising then goshdarnit, I’m going to give it a whirl. I’ve been wearing this Smashbox primer on top of my sunscreen and underneath my mineral powder foundation for a couple of months now and I’m converted. The formula is light, has a mousse-like texture and has a bronze tint too – which offers a fine amount of coverage and makes it wearable with or without foundation. In fact, five minutes ago someone stopped by my desk and told me I looked “glowy” – #saynomore.

DRINK: A FLAT WHITE AT GOOD DAY, ORAKEI
I like my coffee creamy – full fat milk all the way. I also like my coffee hot, not too strong and I like it even better when the barista remembers my order. You’ll find all of this and a warm, friendly atmosphere at Orakei’s newest local – Good Day café. I don’t live in Orakei, but barista and owner Jacqui Crichton makes the best coffee in Auckland (big call, but I’m making it) so I have no qualms about getting in my car and driving for 20 minutes just for a flat white.  Good Day is located at 3/78 Coates Avenue, Orakei

EAT: RAW HAWAIIAN PIZZA FROM THE RAW KITCHEN, PONSONBY
Raw pizza? Yip, raw pizza. You wouldn’t think it would be as good as regular pizza but you know what? It comes pretty darn close (especially if you like your pizza cold!) The Raw Hawaiian Pizza from Ponsonby’s The Raw Kitchen is topped with raw probiotic cheese, sundried tomato paste, loads of rocket, red onion, cherry tomatoes, sprouts and of course, pineapple. And do you know what else? I don’t normally even like Hawaiian pizza… It’s that good. The Raw Kitchen is located at 267 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby