Happy New Year everyone, it’s my first day back in the office and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas break. I had a great time in Australia - shopping in Melbourne, downtime in the country with family, catching up with friends and hitting Byron Bay’s tastiest restaurants and then chilling out at Sunshine Beach, on the Sunshine Coast, where it proceeded to rain every single day we were there! I believe the heatwave has now kicked in - just as we’ve arrived back in sunny Singapore! Typical. But it’s the sign of a good holiday when you found plenty to do and had a chance to relax even if the weather was iffy.

Today is also my birthday. And I love birthdays, so if I have to be back in the office then at least it’s on my favourite day of the year. I’ve earned every one of my 37 years and I’m not shy about it - birthdays are to be celebrated and advancing years appreciated! I’m catching up with girlfriends for a quick lunch at Au Petit Salut - who do a fabulous three-course set with plenty of options for just $30 - and am then catching Avatar tonight in Gold Class with my hubby, followed by a decent Chinese meal. My idea of a perfect celebration after an action-packed and mod-Oz cuisine holiday.

What’s your ideal birthday day?