The marketing director for Cooper and Company shares her tips on letting go and making the most of now.

Relinquishing the need to strive for the perfect work/life balance has ultimately helped balance Sarah, whose work includes marketing for Britomart and the Bay of Islands retreat, The Landing. "At the moment we're working on Britomart Fashion Sessions, which is a series of catwalk shows at on February 28 and March 1, so that's keeping me pretty consumed."

It's a role she has had for nine years, and one which keeps her "inspired every day".

"I've never seen the working week as 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. I just do what I need to do when I need to do it. I guess it means I do work a lot but I love what I do and I also feel like I have enough time with the girls, family and friends as well."

Her day starts early with emails and breakfast, before getting herself and her two daughters (9 and 7) out the door by 7.30am. Living on Waiheke, the ferry serves as catch-up time with friends and drops her right at Britomart where her office is based.

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Fitting in gym sessions during the day means she can focus on her kids after work, working after they go to bed. Active pursuits such as kayaking, trail walking and half-marathons keep her feeling and looking her best.

The fact that she loves cooking makes healthy eating achievable - she takes her lunch to work most days "but then, after that, I don't get too uptight about what I eat when I'm out and about. I enjoy the full experience of going to events, restaurants and cafes."

Her relaxed approach helps her to stay grounded. "I don't have a mentor and just try and do what instinctively feels right.

"I'm fortunate to be surrounded by people in my life who are inspirational. I try to live life to the full as I know how quickly things can change. Laughing a lot helps as well."


SARAH'S ESSENTIALS
I love the Foureyes street style fashion blog and their new book is amazing.

I shower morning and night so never go to bed with my makeup on, and I take a daily dose of high potency vitamin C.

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For skincare I use Kiehl's and I especially like the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and the Midnight Recovery Eye.

I'm a vegetarian and my favourite meal at the moment is one that consists of nearly everything from my vege garden.

Without a doubt, dark chocolate is my weakness.

For makeup I use Bobbi Brown and M.A.C. I love Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara and M.A.C Prep + Prime Lip.

I've recently walked the Routeburn Track, which was an incredible experience. The combination of doing something that was an adventure and a physical challenge, with great food and wine, and in such a beautiful place, really worked for me.

I love Otakiri Springs sparkling water so I drink a lot of that.

I have two half-hour sessions a week with Janet Klee, who is a great personal trainer at Les Mills Britomart.

I love all things Jo Malone and my current favourite is the Red Roses Body Creme. It's obviously very convenient that all of these beauty brands are located at Britomart.


- VIVA