Growing Broccoli
Wise words on growing broccoli by Lynda Hallinan When I was a teenager, I didn’t know much about American politics – oh, for a return to those halcyon days! – but I was aware that President George H. W. Bush shared my adolescent antipathy for boiled broccoli. “I haven’t liked it since I was a […]
Is It Perimenopause … or Something Else?
Words by Natalie Jaques from The Herbal Dispensary Many women in their late 30s and 40s begin to notice subtle (or not so subtle) changes in their bodies. Sleep becomes lighter, moods feel less predictable, energy dips mid‑afternoon, weight shifts despite unchanged habits, and anxiety can feel unfamiliar or heightened. The question often asked is: […]
Faking It
Words by Vicki Ravlich-Horan This story idea began with a simple question, when is it okay to fake it? I only use vanilla extract, shunning the essence I grew up with, yet I am happy to slosh some truffle oil, (basically synthesised truffle flavour) over my rocket or pizza. Maple syrup is our family go-to […]
Floral Finds at Vetro
Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan, Images Ashlee DeCaires Edible flowers took off around 10 years ago as chefs turned from green leaf-based garnish to more floral flourishes, and the likes of viola, calendula and borage began gracing our plates. Some of the more skilled chefs understand that like microgreens, flowers can also have a flavour and […]
A Grand Caper
Words by Vicki Ravlich-Horan, Images by Ashlee DeCaires Throughout the Mediterranean, capers grow wild. I remember my first visit to Sicily and having a lush caper bush growing with abandon down a rocky wall pointed out to me. After that, I saw them everywhere. And this is something I point out to my hairdresser, Paul […]
All Things Spice
Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Unlike their flavour, the definition of a spice is a little weak. In essence, the leaf of a plant used to flavour food is an herb when every other part of the plant would deem it a spice, think cinnamon bark or root ginger, seeds, pods, berries and buds. While almost always […]
Sleep – The Best Medicine
Words Natalie Jacques (The Herbal Dispensary) Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have to support our wellbeing, yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. Many people struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling refreshed – and it’s easy to brush it off as just “part […]
Go Nuts!
Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Want to go nuts? Try to work out if what you are eating is a nut, a drupe or a seed, and just for fun, let’s throw in some legumes. OK, so you probably know that peanuts are not nuts, but a legume that grows underground. If you ever get a chance, […]
Rethinking Retirement
Retirement today looks somewhat different to what it may have done a generation or so ago. With average life expectancy over 80 for both men and women in New Zealand, greater savings are required to fund a longer timeframe in retirement. If well-prepared, retirement can present an opportunity to step into a fulfilling, purpose-driven lifestyle […]
Sun Protection From the Inside Out
Words Natalie Jacques During summer, skin protection is essential, and a combination of topical and internal sun care provides a complete defence. Nutrients like astaxanthin, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, along with natural sunscreens containing zinc oxide, create a multifaceted approach to UV protection, helping maintain skin’s health, hydration, and resilience. Nutrients for Sun Protection Certain […]