Many of you will be familiar with the bright red, fruity tasting hibiscus tea but it is likely that, like me, you didn’t know anything more about it. Roselle is a species of Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) that is native to West Africa. It is a … [Read More...]
A Productive Backyard
Growing Sunflowers for Seed
Finally I have had success growing sunflowers for seed - when I wasn’t trying! Ten years ago I posted on my first attempts at growing sunflower seeds and have failed in my on and off attempts since then. This year I grabbed a punnet while I was at … [Read More...]
Creative Passion
Easy Christmas Ornaments to make
These are fun and easy Christmas Ornaments to make, made using salt dough. You can leave them plain, add some essential oils to give a festive scent, or paint them with acrylic paints - the choice is yours. I used Kiki Reva Kani Cookie Cutters* to … [Read More...]
Natural Dyeing: Ecoprinting
It has struck me recently how many creative and talented colleagues and friends I have and I wanted to showcase some of their creations and stories for you. Christine makes the most beautiful creations using ecoprinting - all using natural dyes from … [Read More...]
Experience in the World
Twelve Apostles Food Artisans Trail
I have previously posted on places I have explored in rural southwest Victoria from Geelong with my friend Beth (Exploring the Bellarine Peninsula, Exploring the Bellarine Peninsula Part 2). I again stayed with Beth and we wanted to do a trip where … [Read More...]
Great Train Journeys: Northern Explorer
Following a recent visit to friends in Wellington I travelled back to Auckland via scenic train, the Northern Explorer, one of New Zealand’s Great Train Journeys. Explore the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island on this epic 681km journey … [Read More...]
Preserving the Bounty
How to Use Orange Peels
Some of my earlier posts describe how to dry mandarin peels and various recipes for using them. Orange (and other citrus) peels are equally delicious, and good for your digestion and health. So in this post I provide a few different recipes for … [Read More...]
Mandarin Sauce Recipe
This is another post in my series of things to make when your mandarin tree has a super-productive season (* see below for other recipes). This time I make a savoury mandarin sauce recipe that can be used as a sauce over chicken, fish or vegetables, … [Read More...]