Negative thoughts can sneak in when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or having a particularly hard day. One thing goes wrong, then another, and suddenly you’re not just having a bad moment, you’re sinking into a brutal internal monologue. It’s the opposite of a pep talk. It’s a self-judgement talk. Most of us are familiar with this […]

I’d been walking past it for weeks. The grey linen MV Skintherapy beauty bag sitting quietly on my bathroom bench, patient and unhurried in a way that I absolutely was not. Every night I’d glance at it and think, tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll do it. Tomorrow when I’m less tired, when my baby goes down earlier, […]

You will spend about 90,000 hours at work in your lifetime. Research published by RMIT University in 2025 indicated that more than 90 per cent of workers have experienced incivility and that it leads to reduced performance, burnout, employee turnover, and financial cost to employee and business. In a paper published in the journal Stress […]

Five-year-old Emily stomped through the front door after school, tears streaming down her cheeks, sobbing, “All the kids at school hate me.” Her mum Cass was dumfounded. Emily had mates, didn’t she? She’d animatedly chatted about her new friend Kaylah over breakfast that morning — claiming she was her “bestest friend”. If your child is […]

Natural medicine is a broad and evolving field. From herbal medicine and naturopathy to acupuncture, remedial massage and beyond, there is a wealth of approaches available to support your health. For many people, the challenge is knowing where to turn for information you can actually trust when it comes to natural medicine. That is where […]

Dear Rachel, I’ve just found out I’m pregnant and I’m so happy, but one of my dearest friends is going through IVF and hasn’t had success. I feel torn between celebrating and protecting her feelings. How do I tell her in a way that’s compassionate and doesn’t create distance between us? Congratulations, what beautiful news. […]

There are two ways to visit a destination. You can arrive when everyone else does, swept up in the version carefully packaged for postcards and Instagram. Or you can wait until the crowds have gone home, when a place slips back into its own rhythm. I have a soft spot for the latter I realised, […]

This slow-cooked citrus duck recipe draws inspiration from the classic French dish, duck à l’orange, celebrated for its refined blend of citrus flavours. By introducing the distinct aroma and flavour profile of Chinese five spice, this dish beautifully combines two different culinary traditions. The result is a satisfying meal where the duck stays exceptionally moist […]

Slow-roast spiced pumpkin alone is a great side, but then dressed up it becomes a quick, easy winner that punches way above its weight. Za’atar and sumac are now available at most supermarkets and will make the difference if you can find them. This recipe is featured in Eat Well Magazine 61    

There are multiple ways to slow cook pork, but the shoulder cut in particular needs to be done lower and slower to achieve maximum succulence. It feeds the masses, is good value for money and results in high satisfaction levels. Leftovers provide excellent downstream meal options from brunch to broth. I prefer to make it […]

This comforting Red lentil, Kale & Carrot dal is a powerhouse of nourishing ingredients. Red lentils provide plant-based protein and fibre, supporting steady energy and healthy digestion. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which helps reduce inflammation and protect cells. Kale delivers phytonutrients such as glucosinolates and carotenoids, which support detoxification, and offers antioxidant […]

This recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, offering a fulfi lling and nourishing meal. Squid is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in two distinct ways to achieve a tender result. Cooking it quickly over high heat ensures it remains soft and delicate, while a slowcooking method also produces the […]