When I was Growing Up

In reflecting on the events of the past weeks, I am reminded of everyday health practices that I used growing up in a large family. We lived a modest life, living within our means. Both my parents were born during WW2, and my grandparents were born soon after WW1 and lived through the Depression. We ate…

Wine online (or over the phone)

Athletes of Wine. athletesofwine.com.au Bindi Wines. https://bindiwines.com.au e: michael@bindiwines.com.au Botanica Estate. botanica-estate.com.au e: info@botanica-estate.com.au t: 0413 889 866 Chanters Ridge. chantersridge.myshopify.com/ Cloud 9 Farm. cloud9farm.com.au e: info@cloud9farm.com.au t: 0422 362 861 Cobaw Ridge. cobawridge.com.au/orderform.php e: cobawridge@bigpond.com t: 03 5423 5227 Curly Flat. curlyflat.com/buy-online e: office@curlyflat.com t: 03 5429 1956 Double Oaks Estate. doubleoaks.com.au/winery.html e: sales@doubleoaks.com.au t: 0433 762 629 Gisborne Peak. gisbornepeakwines.com.au/wine-store t: 03 5428 2228 or…

Mushroom Mayhem

Foraging for edible mushrooms is gaining popularity in Australia. With their earthy fragrances of wet forest, mushrooms truly capture the essence of the cooler months. However, those who fancy collecting a few mushies for dinner should take heed. Dangerously poisonous species lurk among the edibles that could land you in hospital or even in the…

Open for Business

Businesses that have staff and have relied on a steady flow through their door, which has now dwindled into a shadow of its former self. Great news though, you can still support many of these places that you love. You may not be able to visit but can give them a big virtual online hug…

Same same but very different

Nothing should stop a local raffle from raising money for a needy community cause. Farmers Arms Hotel, in Daylesford, has taken their popular Friday night raffle live. Purchase your tickets in advance, and on Friday night watch as the excitement unfolds via their Facebook page. Our much-loved Bistro Terroir draws many visitors to our region.…

Curiosity the antidote to anxiety

Positive Psychology researcher Todd Kashdan, PhD, teaches that we can consciously decide to be curious. That focus lessens our sense of anxiety, and Carol Dweck calls this curious mindset a ‘growth mindset’ – a state of mind that allows us to see new possibilities. In times like these with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the…

Starting with sourdough

Around 6000 years ago, the Egyptians discovered how to make bread rise using natural fermentation. Ever since, bakers have kept a brew of fermenting flour and water called a leaven, or baker’s ‘wort’. Around two decades ago, RedBeard created wort from wild yeast and lactose bacteria harvested from potato skins, which is a traditional Scottish…

Virtual Spudfest

Our region’s rich, brown soil is ideal for growing potatoes; in fact, families have been growing them here since the gold rush days. Dotted around the region, you can see spud huts, the historic movable home used by potato diggers for many decades, and early in the year, bright green fields of potatoes colour the…