CELEBRATE THE END OF EXAMS WITH A BANG! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freedom from the library is on the horizon, so in your downtime (*cough* procrastination time<\/a>), it\u2019s time to start thinking about what you\u2019ll do with all your free time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Escape the big smoke for a day \u2013 there are plenty of places which are an hour out of the central city but offer a breath of fresh air and relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kumeu<\/strong> \u2013 wineries galore; make sure you have a designated driver!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Hunting Lodge<\/a>; approx. 30 minutes from the CBD<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Muriwai<\/strong> \u2013 have a beach day, and catch the spectacular gannet colony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am no professional photographer, but how gorgeous is this view?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matakana Village Market<\/strong> \u2013 foodie heaven and lots of local produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More info here<\/a>; approx. 1 hour from the CBD<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Alice, La Zeppa and Emerson’s <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course this had to make the list, what better way to celebrate the end of exams than with a drink! It\u2019s a great way to celebrate before everyone heads off for the summer (or let\u2019s be honest, before toiling away at a summer job).Check out this post from last month about the best happy hour deals in Auckland!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
DIY tropical cocktails<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another cost effective way to start off your night is to mix your own cocktails!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had this at a party in Dunedin and it was 10\/10 (not to mention a rad shade of blue). It sounds fancy, but if you split the cost between friends it is still cheaper than one $20 cocktail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you need is equal parts white rum and Blue Cura\u00e7ao, topped with pineapple juice and a dash of coconut cream! Pop in a paper umbrella and boom, a super summery drink which is also classy af.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
3. Try A New Recipe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get in the kitchen and play around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top of my list is a recipe for the most gooey, chunky cookies<\/em> of ALL TIME. If you\u2019ve heard of the Levain Bakery<\/a> cookies, then this is the replica recipe. I ate those cookies back in 2014 in NYC, and I still think about them till this day\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div> <\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Recipe and video tutorial here<\/a> by @theannaedit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, websites like Bon Appetit<\/a> (my personal fave), Ottolenghi <\/a>(author of Simple) and Food52<\/a> have great recipes to browse without needing to dish out money for an actual cookbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Treat Yourself With A Nice Meal <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div> <\/figure><\/div> <\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Euro Bar and Restaurant <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re living off coffee and snacks instead of meals throughout exam season\u2026 the most appropriate thing is to treat yourself to a nice meal! My top tip is to book through First Table<\/a> and get yourself 50% off the bill at some swanky restaurants around Auckland. Otherwise check out this blog for our self ranked 10 best dinner deals!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Life Admin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Okay hear me out because I know this sounds pretty boring, but after my last exam I love to take half a day to tick off all the odd jobs that were kicked off the priority list during exams. Tidy your room, chuck away random bits of paper and notes, reply to emails, do laundry \u2013 you get the gist. Afterwards, you can truly relax and start doing all the fun things you just read about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nRegardless of how you thought exams went, you still deserve to celebrate getting through another tough year at uni! Grind now and study hard, but know that freedom is just around the corner. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good luck to everyone doing exams at the moment! If you have any recommendations to add, chuck a comment down below or DM me @balanceyourplate<\/a> xx<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"