As a former award-winning publican, I know a thing or two about hangovers, how to create them and better still, how to fix them. Some folk wrongly assume that because I retrained as a clinical nutritionist and Pilates teacher that liquor wouldn't pass my lips. In fact, some are truly mortified when I reveal my past life in the Ladies Lounge. Yet there are those loyal followers who know that the life of a licensee is well marinated in authenticity, compassion and bloody hard work. Alcoholism … [Read more...] about Drink Smart. My Top Ten Hangover Hacks
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November News
At last I feel I can write to you again. After many months of Melbourne lockdown and with many of my readers living in Victoria, I have not wanted to share news of eating out and more recently, travelling over the border. Now that my old hometown is reopening and the hospitality and entertainment industries – among others – can slowly find a pathway to a new normal, it seems like a good idea to share news of the north. Appropriately for Halloween there is a big black snake in my front garden. … [Read more...] about November News
New World Border
In the late summer of 2020 you may remember I wrote to you not long after the bush fires and confessed that if I couldn't say something nice I better not say anything at all. So, I haven’t because let’s face it, it’s been a little bit challenging to muster up the cheer. Fast forward a few months and I am as cheerful as a fistful of pom poms, lightly fuelled by seeing the locals out to lunch in Byron Bay and a sprinkle of a Barrio selected pinot noir. Now before you sneer or unsubscribe … [Read more...] about New World Border
The Survivor – Derek Aitken
The Survivor - Derek Aitken You might be sitting there swilling a well-earned post COVID lockdown Corona, watching the footy, clicking Add to Cart, doing your knitting, sipping a Martini or maybe you're wondering if there really is a virus after all. Let me tell you the true tale of a dear friend in L.A. located at the other end of the giant lap pool that is the Pacific Ocean. Derek Aitken is an innocent sigh-stander if you will, a man who may well have breathed his last breath if it … [Read more...] about The Survivor – Derek Aitken
The Wellness Pantry
Acai Colombia/Brazil Acai (ah-sigh-EE) is a high antioxidant energising berry that grows only in the Brazilian Amazon and on Colombia’s Pacific Coast. Serving: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Acai to your favourite juice, smoothie or cereal once or twice a day Adzuki Bean Japan Adzuki beans are cooked in rice used for celebratory occasions or in a traditional confection called manjū. We prize them for their ‘drying’ properties - their ability to absorb mucous and phlegm. Agave South … [Read more...] about The Wellness Pantry
Top 10 Reasons to Self Publish
Learning outcomes include: A clear understanding of the above bulleted list Understand the process of self-publishing for both print media and online ebooks What you need to know about getting your message out there and how to market it A 'how to' seminar to learn how three independent experts across popular industries have self-published their passion Take home strategies for you to implement your ideas immediately Did you know that between 400,000 and 600,000 books are … [Read more...] about Top 10 Reasons to Self Publish
Shift Happens
A race of humans have all been sent to our rooms for a good, long, hard look at ourselves, much like a budgie with his mirror. Meanwhile, we have become more connected in this time of physical disconnect as we reach for the lifeline of communication. Social Media has never been more social as we Zoom into FaceTime and Skype our mates our #pillowchallenge proudly with Quarantini in hand. My favourite antic is fake plane challenge - google that one for a real giggle. While Corona is no laughing … [Read more...] about Shift Happens
Who is Dani Valent?
In the midst of Covid19, meet the Melbourne woman who is the Florence Nightingale of the food world and a beacon of hope to the jobless, the frightened and the tearful in an industry once overflowing with joy, frivolity and a dash of controversy. As an example of Dani Valent's tireless campaign for connecting people in this crisis, she writes on Facebook: "Lots of people have been asking me how they can support temporary visa workers who aren't entitled to any government support. This is one … [Read more...] about Who is Dani Valent?
Protected: Get 5 Immune Boosting Recipes Right Now
This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: … [Read more...] about Protected: Get 5 Immune Boosting Recipes Right Now
WELLNESS GASTRONOMY CHEF SAMANTHA GOWING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH CLUB MED ASIA PACIFIC
WELLNESS GASTRONOMY CHEF SAMANTHA GOWING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH CLUB MED ASIA PACIFIC Australia’s popular wellness chef, clinical nutritionist and Le Cordon Bleu Master’s graduate, is taking her ‘food is medicine’ philosophy offshore in a new partnership with Club Med Asia Pacific. From October this year guests at selected Club Med Asia Pacific villages will enjoy a healthy new menu inspired by Gowing’s wellness gastronomy philosophy. The new menu will be unveiled at 9 resorts and … [Read more...] about WELLNESS GASTRONOMY CHEF SAMANTHA GOWING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH CLUB MED ASIA PACIFIC
Resort Report
Of sand and sea My first resort relationship was in Bermuda, I was nine and it was the Christmas of 1975. A smashing year I might add, and my ears were full of 3XY hits, in particular Carlton by Skyhooks (still my fave and if you ever care to join me on the highway, I will blare it out for you). Another cracker, Bony Moronie, was also on high rotation. Now this was not the kind of relationship you might be thinking of - crikey I was only 9 - this love triangle consisted, obviously, of three … [Read more...] about Resort Report
How to make kelp noodle salad with seaweed
How to cope with grief
Great barrier grief. The abyss of grief is a chasm so vast that no compass can navigate its exodus. Time is suspended, daily tasks rendered impossible. It is the only state where time and date are so irrelevant that the segmentation of society’s structure is blindingly apparent. As if in apology, time slowly returns and allegedly can heal all wounds. Coping with grief is a kaleidoscope of knots and kindling scars. The multifaceted void knows no remedy but rest. Distraction is futile, … [Read more...] about How to cope with grief