Mental Health: a little story

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It’s World Mental Health Day today (the 10th of October if reading retrospectively), and it’s a topic I am extraordinarily passionate about, because we all have mental health and we all have the propensity…as humans…to face mental health struggles at some point in our lives. In fact, the statistics say that the majority of us will suffer from some level of mental ill health at some point in our lives.

So as a ‘fu%^ you’ to the stigma that keeps so many of us struggling with mental health issues…silent…I’ve decided to tell my own story, one that I have not openly talked about online (in full ) to date. I guess partly for fear of judgment from peers and colleagues, but enough is enough. Our struggles are a part of us and in many ways shape who we become…for (hopefully) better and sometimes not so.

I am not sharing my story because I feel the need for validation or sympathy, and believe you and me, it’s in no way an uncommon story, but simply as a way of saying ‘yeah, me too, you’re not alone’. And also because I don’t wish to hide from my past anymore, I am not the same person, but those experiences have taught me so much and have (or so I like to think) shaped me into a better human, friend, daughter, sister, clinician…today.

Yep, having an eating disorder (anorexia to be exact – though I never managed to access the treatment that would’ve given me that formal ‘badge’) in my early teens was one of the most isolating, debilitating and devastating (to those around me) challenges that I’ve faced to date.

It destroyed my physical health (it’s taken over 10 years to recover my reproductive function – never again will I take menstruating for granted, that monthly period = body working, apologies if that’s a little too much to read, but hey ho!). It also wrecked havoc with my digestive function for years and years, even after being “weight restored”. And yeah, I am now that dietitian who also has IBS, and who gets how frustrating such issues can be.

It held me back emotionally, distanced me from others, diminished my ability to form close relationships with friends, to meet new people, find first loves…it paralysed me with social anxiety. Something that I still struggle with, at times.

It strained the relationships within my own family (never have I seen my parents so stressed… trying tirelessly to support me the entire time, whilst the voices in my head and that reflection in the mirror, forced me to push so strongly against them!)

It made me question my role on this earth…during the lowest points culminating in thoughts and desires of not wanting to be here, not wanting to live…anymore. These are the scariest moments to reflect on, that the hatred I had for myself made me truly question my desire to continue living.

I now know upon careful reflection over the years since (and yes I likely need therapy to still process a lot of this shit, though it’s a rather expensive commitment to access such services reliably in the UK!), that what guided me back onto the path of choosing to live (and recover) was primarily because I could not face the hurt that I, that IT, was causing to others (surprise surprise I am still a people pleaser!) around me (most especially my family). I also knew that if I wanted to ever work in science/medicine/healthcare/nutrition, then I needed to be ‘well enough’ to help others, and to be able to study/complete the relevant degrees without further compromising my own physical and mental health.

It’s important for me to also acknowledge that I was an average, middle classed, straight sized, relatively privileged young adolescent with supportive, loving parents and siblings…a good education, a supportive food and body image environment… a.k.a ‘a comfortable upbringing’. A dedicated ‘straight A / high achieving’, school loving student (though cough, cough…hello control manifesting in other ways?!). The ODDS were from the outset, to those looking on, stacked for me, not against me. I share this being unable to imagine what it is like to struggle with mental health/illness when the odds are most completely stacked AGAINST you.

I have worked with many individuals since (as a dietitian and clinician) for whom this is the case. Those who have been afflicted by similar struggles with eating, body image and ultimately self worth (not only patients in eating disorder recovery, but also more widely with well and sick individuals)… whose issues with food, health and their bodies are deeply rooted in poverty, past trauma, abuse, addiction…social inequality…this list goes on. And whilst I can’t pretend to know what’s it like to be them and to live through those struggles. I can and will continue to show my utmost compassion to every person I encounter seeking support, to listen to their fears and to ensure they feel heard (and yes, to also be that person who bluntly challenges that faulty voice in their head!).

I now know/recognise/believe that my own experiences (in some small way) ultimately help me to more deeply empathise with and support my patients/clients, and to ultimately be a better clinician. Because I too have been there (and there shouldn’t be any shame in saying that even as a ‘healthcare professional’), I like to think I can in some way better help the people/patients I encounter to more clearly see their own worth (beyond what they eat/look like/weigh) and get them to a point of physical health (and in their relationships with food and body image)…where the reasons to keep living are clearer… they become non-negotiable.

So if you’re reading this…my only hope is that it gives you the courage to share… to speak up and out to others…to own that you’re struggling, or simply want to debrief about past issues. Mental health and illness are not dirty words, and I won’t be shying away from talking about the topic anymore.

And please remember (especially) to check on that friend/colleague/acquaintance who seems ‘fine’ or even looks like they’re #nailing life…because all is often not as it seems and creating space for someone to talk about it, and feel safe enough to show that vulnerability… should never be underestimated.

PS. And yeah these days I may be “recovered” – in textbook terms, BUT mental health is for life and managing anxiety/panic and those body image ‘wobbles’ are now just ongoing challenges that I choose to to approach with genuine curiosity, that teach me multitudes about myself and my own vulnerabilities. But the difference is that these days, I know how to challenge that voice, and most importantly when to reach out for help. Talking has been everything.

PPS. If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs anonymous, non judgemental help, then please, please reach out to the following:

In the UK:

Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website

For young persons crisis support: Call HopelineUK on 0800 068 41 41

Text 07786 209697

In Australia:

Lifeline

13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467

www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue

1300 224 636

www.beyondblue.org.au

MensLine Australia

1300 78 99 78

www.mensline.org.au

Kids Helpline

1800 551 800 (27/7 crisis support)

www.kidshelpline.com.au

Life Updated.

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Life Update:

Hello strangers of the internet (though to be fair – the few of you that may actually read this, I probably know IRL)., I thought it was finally time I woke up this blog (considering the 100 hours/pounds/dollars I spent creating it ‘when blogging was coool’) and post a little life/status update (how veryyy Gen Y of me!).

Since stepping back from posting on all forms of social media in the last few months (read this dietitian/nutritionist was burnt out and sick to deathhhh about talking/arguing over food/health matters), to prioritise my actual job (working with most often sick people with cancer and clients experiencing true trauma manifesting in disordered eating and mental health concerns), I’ve now realised how much I actually miss writing and the many creative outlets I used to dedicate time to.

Sooo, here we are. I’m not sure what this is / what this will become, but my anxious brain needs a vesicle for all the thoughts that constantly circle it, and the more I’ve been spending time having honest, real life conversations with friends/colleagues/strangers on the tube (jokes: you do not talk to other humans on the tube) in London, the more I’ve realised the benefit of being able to share one’s thoughts unfiltered. So this is what I hope to provide: a space where you share your thoughts and I share mine, a space for honest dialogue, because we all know the ultimate warmth and reassurance provided when you share something with someone and they go ‘me too’. Connecting on a fundamental level on the ultimate commonality of being ‘human’.

As a bit of a side note: for those that really have no idea about my doings/whereabouts (not that I expect you to care haha), here’s a bit of a life/thoughts update:

-I’ve now been living in London a year. Yes, it’s a busy, fast paced place where you get used to queuing in an orderly fashion, and letting out your aggressions in the most passive, non-disruptive way. A place where you’ll spend more time at the pub than the gym (if you’re normal anyway) and spend most of your income on the tube and renting a flat the size of your parents’ kitchen back home, for triple their mortgage… BUT, I LOVE IT SO.

-I’ve worked in the NHS since moving: in haematology (most often young people dealing with blood cancer) and now in upper gastrointestinal surgery (with people needing surgery to remove tumours in the oesophagus and stomach) AND in gastroenterology (IBS/functional gut disorders). I did, however, work with Laura, Jess and the legends at The London Centre of Intuitive Eating for a while, working with folks experiencing all spectrums of disordered eating and I absolutely adored my clients and this work… BUT here’s the thing, I realised the HARD WAY that working 6 days a week helping others, is rewarding (YES) but over time downright disrespectful to one’s own mental health and work/life balance (or similar). I’ve also had the chance to partner with some rad young people with cancer, health professionals and the charity Trekstock to work on some cool (and hopefully helpful) projects too!

-I’ve barely done any travelling since moving (read above: becomes workaholic) so I’m keen to change that in the coming year.

-I’ve also realised London can be an incredibly lonely place, even when you’re surrounded by people constantly, but thanks to the most amazing flatmates and friends from here and abroad, it’s mostly been okay! It’s not for everyone though, so I’m making more of a mission to talk to more strangers and check on that friend that seems ‘a-okay’.

-Surprise, surprise, said mid 20’s worries about ‘getting closer to 30, not having a significant relationship, enough money to buy property in the foreseeable future and constantly questioning one’s career decisions’ do not magically disappear when you relocate to a foreign country. And that you realise it’s totally okay to need to talk about this and get therapy (if I had a 100 pounds a week to drop on it that is). In theory though, completely acceptable and encouraged.

-In the last year, I’ve stopped cooking/baking, taking photos and being obsessed with trying out the latest new café (still coffee obsessed don’t worry!) and do you know what that is A-OKAY with me. I’m all about eating things I fancy and making time to share food with friends, when you can manage to book people in.

-Yep, when one moves to London, one needs to learn that seeing people involves an elaborate scheduling exercise, the conversational equivalent of ‘Twister’ (if you haven’t played that game – you’re missing out’, and that you’ll need to pin someone down 6-8 weeks in advance. This is completely acceptable to me now, but boy does it shock the newer expats from home. Londoners wear the ‘busy’ badge like nobody else.

-Also books: I’m re-learning the art of being able to sit down and focus on a passage of words for more than 30 seconds (damn you social/online media for ruining my concentration span!), and supporting the ongoing prosperity of Waterstones and Amazon, honestly my room resembles a walk in library currently.

-I’ve also realised, that I’ll never run a marathon or love the gym, (I ain’t regretful one bit), but that my incapacity to deal with slow walkers – means I walk up a lot of escalators/stairs and take people dodging to whole new art form!), which hopefully keeps me somewhat fit?!

-BUT… I assure you it’s not all bad and I’m not having a whinge (I really do love it here!): except when no one gets my sarcastic one liners, ie. quick way to end a date. Ha! Where else is it socially acceptable to wear trainers/sneakers 95% of the time, be able to get a train every 2 mins and have no-one bat an eyelid if you’re in the pub before 10am. Just don’t try doing your weekly food shop after 4pm on a Sunday, unless you want to leave with severe anxiety (NB: supermarkets close at 5pm here guys: yes, my Aus pals, I hear you gasp!).

-Have I been homesick? Yes… not enough to move home (sorry mum + dad), but mostly at times when you just want a hug and it’s (mostly) socially unacceptable to demand that sort of physical contact from a Brit.

Overall, London has made me harden up (in a good way), appreciate the smaller things in life (working with cancers patients / having family members battling cancer, is a sure-fire way to increase appreciation of the special-ness and finite nature that is messy, human life!) and also realise the importance of prioritising mental health AND talking openly.

So enough of the ‘ I have everything together façade’, this is REAL LIFE, you only have ONE LIFE, so it’s about time we all just start being honest about it. I’m holding out a ‘cuppa’ (cup of tea) to you. My ears are always open for a chat!

And also…how would you guys feel about a podcast? Thinking of starting one, because who doesn’t love to hear millennials whingeing (I can feel my parents and their friends profuse eye rolling right now). I’d love to bring some of these honest conversations to the forefront…because, yes parents, I know life only gets harder as you age BUT it ain’t a piece of cake being in your mid 20’s either. Have you tried being on dating apps? Sigh.

Anyways signing off for now, if you’ve actually read this, then thank you fellow human on the internet, my brain is feeling a lot calmer now, and I’ll probably get in less trouble from my flatmates, if it helps me do less ‘waking them up making cups of tea in the middle of the night because #insomnia’.

Mother's Day Posies

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This post isn’t intended to be long or wordy – other than to say that a few weeks ago I took my mum to a flower posie workshop for Mother’s Day. The setting of the workshop was ‘Oak and Monkey Puzzle‘ a lovely property owned by Natasha Morgan and Michael Howard in the gorgeous hamlet of Spargo Creek (just out of Daylesford) in Victoria.

Their farmhouse and gardens served as the most beautiful setting for a morning of tea, cakes and flowers. Despite the rain, I managed to snap some pretty beautiful photos, quickly realising that it’s about time I started broadening my photographic horizons beyond food (and coffee!) because there is so much more to be found and captured in this world. This doesn’t mean an end to banana bread shots (no, no, no) but let;s just say I was quite impressed with my flower wrangling abilities.

Who knew that a morning spent cutting and arranging blooms with your mumma in the great outdoors would actually be super relaxing and engaging. Natasha also made an absolutely stunning flourless orange cake that I will not be forgetting quickly, although surprisingly didn’t get a photo of it?!

Some pretty pictures for your perusal…

Camilla xx

ps. For the full story on Natasha and Michael’s journey to creating their beautiful abode (it’s featured in the current issue of Country Style mag – read PREEETYYYY!) and details on future workshops check out their website.

Another birthday… and a few thoughts.

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So last week I said hello to 23, and goodbye to 22 (…twenty twoooo!… *sung in best Taylor Swift voice*) and I spent the week eating, and eating, and eating, and drinking, and eating…like all good birthdays, naturally.

I also made the now annual trip up to Tamsin’s Table with my good friend and creative muse Liz Wilson (you can read about previous TT adventures here and here!). It was a day spent long lunching: lots of eating, drinking (yep, more!), chatting and pondering. One of the best bits about the Sunday lunches at Tamsin’s is meeting the other table guests and sharing stories. It never ceases to amaze me how much you can have in common with supposed strangers/new acquaintances.

Visits to Tamsin’s seem to always get my brain ticking too! I think it’s the country air and the slower pace (and probably the one…okay three…glasses of very good white wine!). There’s also no mobile phone reception, so without the distraction of social media and the views of the rolling hills, my mind goes a little wild.

I told myself I would not take as many photos (having visited before)…but I couldn’t not – the beauty of the farm astounds me, like the first time, every time. This also made me think about why exactly I’m encapsulated by photography.

It’s not an obsession with Instagram or a preoccupation with styling (the sh*% out of) every eating, drinking and living moment, for likes and follows (as many people presume when they see me take photos). Rather, I take photos to not only capture a moment but to signpost the story associated, to cement words in time. Not because I don’t want to be present and just enjoy the experience, but because I want the words beneath to live on. Photos taken serve as a personal reminder of a connection to a greater community, especially in those moments of loneliness.

Recently, I’ve not felt as motivated to cook for the purposes of styling and photographing recipes, but rather I’ve yearned to get out and explore. To meet people, hear their stories, capture their craft and share their experiences (whether here or abroad). This is part of the reason why there have been more ‘People’, ‘Places’ and ‘Gatherings’ posts of late. Yes, the ‘Kitchen’ will always be where my heart is but for now I’m enjoying taking the pressure and ‘business’ out of cooking, and reigniting a sense of wonder for new experiences, people and places. I hope you won’t mind and I hope you’ll join me for the ride?

It is my dream for The Alimental Sage to continue to grow to become a living, breathing journal of not only food, but of people, stories, travels and the celebration of life’s simple joys. I am so thankful for all the kind, creative souls who I have already met in person (and/or online) on this wild path, and I cannot wait to meet more of you.

Let’s all not be afraid to tell our stories, to pat each other on the back and continue sharing our own small moments, in words and images. The world needs more ‘real-talk’.

Share with me your thoughts below? I would love to hear about you, your story or any other thoughts or concerns currently preoccupying you.

Oh and finally, rather than describing every inch of every dish and retelling every moment of our day at Tamsin’s – here are an array of images taken. The words are up to you.

Girls Gone 'Glamping' : Part 2

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If you read Part 1 to this post – you would know that a few weeks ago, I was generously invited by five:am organics on a glamping weekend, staying on Elderslie Organic Farm.

While we did all things farm touring, picnic feasting and lots of marshmallow bonfire eating on a first day…it was our planned trip to Tamsin’s Table on the Sunday, for a whole day seasonal cooking class, which most definitely had me beaming ear to ear.

Cue the squeals of excitement!!

Yes, anyone who knows me/follows me on Instagram/has read this post will know HOW MUCH love I have for Tamsin Carvan and her humble abode.

In fact, words really don’t do it justice. When you visit (and you must!) your jaw will drop upon entry… and you will be left to pick it up upon leaving – with one very full belly and much more contented outlook on life (okay…maybe that last bit was just me!).

Hence today’s post is more imagery than words…because one can never take too many photos when the subject matter is THIS BEAUTIFUL.

Enjoy!

…(and book you trip to Tamsin’s!)

The table setting is always just perfect.

We were greeted by hot coffee (yippee!) from the cutest old-school machine and slices of the most delicious flourless whole orange cake with a side of thick cream (we inhaled it!).

Even Nigella Lawson, herself, thought this cake looked like a dream (hats off to you Tamsin!) – see here for evidence ha!

After sufficient caffeination and much cake consumed, we were off into the edible garden to pick all the seasonal herbs and vegetables we would need for the day’s dishes. Of course a reunion with Buddy the infamous sheep was also a must! He had grown so much since last time. Read here for a rundown of the ‘sheep let loose saga’ of our last visit haha!

Then it was back into the kitchen. My good friend Mel and I put our hands up to make the ravioli pasta dough…it’s must be the Italian blood in us! Although I confess, Mel did much more of the finicky rolling with the pasta machine than I, but alas I captured it at least.

The beautiful bright yellow pasta (thanks to those luscious Elderslie Organic eggs!) was then filled with a heavenly mixture of yoghurt, and freshly picked mint and borage.

Of course, Tamsin kept us satiated and hydrated whilst we were prepping and cooking, with the most delicious cheese platter (featuring her famous quince paste!) and some beautiful subtly sweet rose and rhubarb cordial served on sparkling water.

Finally, after much prepping (and cheese consumption!) it was time to sit down to lunch.

First up, said Borage, Mint and Yoghurt Ravioli with an irresistible burnt butter sauce and some deliciously fresh broccoli straight from the garden.

Second helpings were mandatory…

….or perhaps thirds?

Yes, definitely thirds.

Our handmade pasta was followed by a beautiful main course of slow cooked and brined pork served with a creamy, zesty and delightfully pretty coleslaw…

…and a textural, earthy salad of blanched rainbow chard, green lentils, creamy labneh and fresh herbs – subtly flavoured by hidden pieces of slow cooked pork.

At this point, our waistbands were hinting at defeat but our eyes certainly had other ideas?!

Nobody was turning down this dessert of vanilla bean yoghurt puddings with preserved autumn spiced plums. Thank goodness it was as light as a cloud.

With full bellies, we were left simply to wander and admire the small details within every corner of Tamsin’s beautiful home and garden, as we contemplated the drive home.

The end of another day in paradise…and no doubt, the second of countless further visits to this beautiful farm. My happy place indeed.

Thank you once again for everything Tamsin!

Tamsin’s Table is a working farm situated amongst the hills of Gippsland, in Poowong East. Tamsin hosts beautiful lunches and workshops using meat and produce grown and gathered on the farm and in the rambling kitchen garden. Lunches and classes are held in the hilltop farmhouse, filled with her partner Al’s beautiful handmade furniture, looking down on views of valley out every window.

PPS. I was invited on this trip as a guest of five:am organics, however, all images and opinions are my own.

Girls Gone ‘Glamping’ : Part 2

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If you read Part 1 to this post – you would know that a few weeks ago, I was generously invited by five:am organics on a glamping weekend, staying on Elderslie Organic Farm.

Cue the squeals of excitement!!

Yes, anyone who knows me/follows me on Instagram/has read this post will know HOW MUCH love I have for Tamsin Carvan and her humble abode.

Hence today’s post is more imagery than words…because one can never take too many photos when the subject matter is THIS BEAUTIFUL.

Enjoy!

…(and book you trip to Tamsin’s!)

The table setting is always just perfect.

We were greeted by hot coffee (yippee!) from the cutest old-school machine and slices of the most delicious flourless whole orange cake with a side of thick cream (we inhaled it!).

Even Nigella Lawson, herself, thought this cake looked like a dream (hats off to you Tamsin!) – see here for evidence ha!

The beautiful bright yellow pasta (thanks to those luscious Elderslie Organic eggs!) was then filled with a heavenly mixture of yoghurt, and freshly picked mint and borage.

Finally, after much prepping (and cheese consumption!) it was time to sit down to lunch.

First up, said Borage, Mint and Yoghurt Ravioli with an irresistible burnt butter sauce and some deliciously fresh broccoli straight from the garden.

Second helpings were mandatory…

….or perhaps thirds?

Yes, definitely thirds.

Our handmade pasta was followed by a beautiful main course of slow cooked and brined pork served with a creamy, zesty and delightfully pretty coleslaw…

…and a textural, earthy salad of blanched rainbow chard, green lentils, creamy labneh and fresh herbs – subtly flavoured by hidden pieces of slow cooked pork.

At this point, our waistbands were hinting at defeat but our eyes certainly had other ideas?!

Nobody was turning down this dessert of vanilla bean yoghurt puddings with preserved autumn spiced plums. Thank goodness it was as light as a cloud.

With full bellies, we were left simply to wander and admire the small details within every corner of Tamsin’s beautiful home and garden, as we contemplated the drive home.

The end of another day in paradise…and no doubt, the second of countless further visits to this beautiful farm. My happy place indeed.

Thank you once again for everything Tamsin!

PPS. I was invited on this trip as a guest of five:am organics, however, all images and opinions are my own.

Girls Gone 'Glamping' : Part 1

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It’s not everyday you get invited to go ‘glamping’ on an organic dairy farm for the weekend (in fact that day ain’t likely to swing by again) so when you do, you drop everything and say ‘YES!’

…Yes, yes you do.

Yep, in celebration of Organic Awareness Month, the team at five:am organics organised an incredible weekend road-trip and farm ‘glamping’ adventure for a bunch of talented bloggers and insta-faces (of which I was lucky to be one…yippeee!).

Below is a little recount of our first day in photos and words:

We travelled in comfort and style thanks to Hire a Kombi and their cream sweetheart ‘Harriet’ who treated us well all weekend (bar one incident of bogging haha!) – the ultimate road trip vehicle.

Our ultimate destination was the Elderslie Organic Farm in West Gippsland, where we were warmly welcomed by owners Wendy and Peter Wallace. Elderslie is a family run organic farm specialising particularly in organic dairy milk production (part of the Organic Dairy Farmers co-op that five:am source their milk products from) but also egg production.

We were also happily greeted by a party of beautiful Happy Glamper tents, complete with ‘Indie’ magazines, colourful doonas and fairy lights – they don’t call it ‘glamping’ for nothing! Especially as there is no ‘tent pitching’ required – the Happy Glamper team take care of ALL the set-up and pack-down. WINNING!

After acquainting ourselves with our little tent homes – we headed to the local Warragul Farmer’s Market to pick up some supplies for a late-lunch picnic feast. It was also rather serendipitous that I found myself in Warragul – as it meant finally being able to catch up with my dear friend Michelle Cann, who runs an epic chai and spiced cider market stall and also owns String and Salt – an absolutely stunning kitchenware store and cooking school in Warragul. Think cookbooks, spices, tea, salts, herbs, ceramics, bakeware, bespoke ovens and everything PRETTYYYY in between!

**Please see above for best organic donuts you will ever eat. Spiced apple deliciousness!**

…And YES, we did twist the arms of our five:am ‘mums’, Kate and Kate, and squeezed in a String and Salt store visit. Not the best idea though, I pretty much couldn’t leave. Two flavoured salts, one packet of herbal tea, a palette knife, Kinfolk magazine and honey drizzler (is that a word?!) later…and I WILL BE BACK SOON, that’s for sure. Oh and a few us nabbed some of their RIDICULOUSLY GOOD homemade dukkah too… and proceeded to sprinkle it on ERRYYYTHANG at lunch!

NOW if there’s one thing you can be sure about when you road trip with a gaggle of foodie bloggers…it’s that you WILL eat well, and have ample ‘photographic evidence’ too.

…ONE instagram-able feast coming right up. Ha!

After lunch, although we could all easily have napped (read: food coma) – we headed on a tour of Elderslie, farm-style (ie in the back of a ute maate!).

We were introduced to the baby calves.

…before getting ‘squeal-yyy’ over piglets (eep!), simultaneously avoiding electric fences and their over-protective mothers.

Next up were the peck-y chickens who were lapping up the sunshine and super green pastures (yep they are well and truly free range!) – ducking in an out of their chicken ‘laying’ house, or should I say super cool retro caravan?! These chickens got swagger.

*FUN FACT* : The chickens graze on a variety of different bits and pieces in their natural environment, including this super luscuious grass, which helps to explain the wonderfully deep rich yellow yolks you’ll find in Elderslie eggs. Before packing, eggs are also gently brushed and graded by hand – instead of being chemically cleaned and/or ‘washed’ which results in a fresher, longer-lasting egg. Once you have seen the labour involved – paying that little bit extra for true free range/organic eggs is a no-brainer.

FINALLY, we caught up with some beauttifullllll dairy cows (every single one of which has a name!) and some of the other girls even tried their hand at milking.

We finished our jam-packed, sun-filled day with wine + bonfire + marshmallows + endless conversation = THE PERFECT END.

Stay tuned for PART 2, and our trip to Tamsin’s Table for a seasonal cooking class.

PS. I was invited on this trip as a guest of five:am organics, however, all images and opinions are my own. A HUGE THANKS to five:am for organising such a great trip in partnership with all the other businesses mentioned… and ALSO too my fellow companions (pssst…@georgeats @foodtfitrepeat @ashlynlincoln @mb_motivation @naturally_nutritious) for making the weekend all the more enjoyable!

Girls Gone ‘Glamping’ : Part 1

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…Yes, yes you do.

Below is a little recount of our first day in photos and words:

**Please see above for best organic donuts you will ever eat. Spiced apple deliciousness!**

NOW if there’s one thing you can be sure about when you road trip with a gaggle of foodie bloggers…it’s that you WILL eat well, and have ample ‘photographic evidence’ too.

…ONE instagram-able feast coming right up. Ha!

After lunch, although we could all easily have napped (read: food coma) – we headed on a tour of Elderslie, farm-style (ie in the back of a ute maate!).

We were introduced to the baby calves.

…before getting ‘squeal-yyy’ over piglets (eep!), simultaneously avoiding electric fences and their over-protective mothers.

FINALLY, we caught up with some beauttifullllll dairy cows (every single one of which has a name!) and some of the other girls even tried their hand at milking.

We finished our jam-packed, sun-filled day with wine + bonfire + marshmallows + endless conversation = THE PERFECT END.

Stay tuned for PART 2, and our trip to Tamsin’s Table for a seasonal cooking class.

A Birthday Lunch

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Let’s be honest, I’m one of those people that is ALWAYS about the food, but in my books ‘birthdays’ are an even better excuse to take food prioritisation to a whole new level.

So when the idea of road trip + farm house + great food + excellent company presented itself, there was no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ about how I would be spending my birthday this year!

Yes, a trip to Tamsin’s Table for a beautiful birthday lunch was finally on the cards (I actually found a ‘willing’ Sunday lunch companion…hi Maddy!) and appeared to as the perfect way to spend my 22nd birthday weekend. Yep, we would be slow lunching in a farmhouse with civilised company and no more than half a glass of wine…I live a wild life indeed! Just the way I like it.

Ever since I eye-balled Tamsin’s (‘jaw dropping’) kitchen on The Design Files (and to be honest…even before that) I’ve wanted to visit her humble abode. I dare you to check out the feature and not get kitchen (or rather whole house) envy…and I promise it looks exactly like in the pictures. She had a hard time getting us to leave, that’s for sure.

Exhibit A: The kitchen ‘prop-age’ almost killed me…

Now, I mustn’t forget to mention that we almost didn’t make it into the house, on account of my general ‘gate-opening clumsiness’/ ‘cute farm animal overwhelm’, in which I missed closing the gate and accidentally let loose Tamsin’s much-loved family sheep/wannabee dog ‘Buddy’. Luckily my friend, Maddy has what I now know to be excellent ‘sheep wrangling’ skills and managed to reel him back in with the help of Tamsin’s gorgeous daughter, Martha, who thankfully came to the rescue when I went to get ‘help’.

Okay, okay, I didn’t really ever return with said ‘help’ because as soon as I met Tamsin she whisked me inside, placed a glass of homemade peach leaf wine in my hand, a plate of beautiful semi-dried figs with brandy and goat’s chevre in front of me…and the rest was history.

What sheep crisis?!

The table was beautifully set and the interior of the house decorated to subtle perfection, it really did feel as if we were right at home as we gathered around the solid kitchen island with the wood fire roaring in the background.

Now it wasn’t all to be wine and no work, Tamsin recruited most of us to help make the orecchiette pasta for our first course. It couldn’t have been easier- flour + water to form a firm dough and a little technique. Nothing is as satisfying as making your own pasta, believe me.

The feeling especially apparent when digging into steaming hot platters of fresh, cooked to perfection orechiette, served simply with a tomato and almond ragout and fresh basil. We were really lucky to time our lunch with the last of Tamsin’s beautiful crop of seasonal tomatoes!

It was one of (if not) the best pasta dishe(s) I’ve eaten to date (sorry Nonna!) and I most definitely went back for seconds…okay thirds. It was my birthday after all!

And that was only the first course…

Now I don’t know about you, but nothing gets my heart pumping like the thought of a hearty, slow cooked dish, and Tamsin’s hand-reared beef brisket served on a bed of creamy polenta, with sauteed kale and pickled quince, blew (as expected) my little socks off! An absolutely melt in your mouth dish served with an accompanying salad of nutty black barley and tangy roasted rhubarb – the perfect compliment to the rich beef and polenta!

Regardless of the table’s thoughts on meat consumption (there were vegetarian options available of course) we were all feeling mostly comfortable with the fact that the 6 year old steer (from which the beef was derived) had had as best a life as possible, reared by Tamsin and her family on their beautiful green pastures, before being slaughtered by a local butcher and the meat aged on their property.

In fact, Tamsin and her family survive almost solely from the food they grow themselves, nothing is wasted – true nose to tail, stem to seed eating.

Now, I cannot forget to mention one of the most enjoyable elements of the meal – yes Tamsin’s housemade milk bread, is worth a lot more than just a side mention. The whole table was taken by it – the warm, crusty, scone-like loaf sitting pretty in the centre of the table as we reached for slice upon slice, slathered with curls of freshly churned butter. At the heart of it, there really is nothing better than bread and butter!

Will full hearts and bellies, the wine and conversation continued to flow. We huddled around the fire, took a stroll through the paddocks, flicked through books and sipped tea, almost forgetting about dessert…almost.

Some of us may have falsely believed our taste buds could not have been tantalised any further, but boy were we wrong. Tamsin took humbled poached quince + ice cream and turned it on it’s head.

The toasted apple wood ice-cream was by far the best ice-cream I’ve ever had. The creamy mixture actually infused with toasted apple wood chips, as Tamsin had shown earlier in the day. The taste was unbelievable – no description will do it justice!

We thought we had made it to the end – completely unscathed and nursing one delightful food baby, BUT then Tamsin appeared like lightening in my peripheral vision with a beautiful Rosemary and Almond cake, complete with lit candle. The best birthday surprise and the icing on the cake! #punintended

The cake was moist and light with delicious tones of rosemary and olive oil, reminding me of a torta my Nonna and I make – that Tamsin certainly knows me too well!

We finished the day with steaming cups of tea and coffee in hand and a wander of the paddocks, as dusk began to creep in.

What a day! Many new friends, great conversation, amazing food and wine in a little slice of slow living heaven.

Tamsin’s place was a dream to visit, and from the moment we walked in it really did feel like home. Her hospitality was incredible and her heart truly warm (pictured middle below).

Neither of us wanted to leave, we lingered for the longest while and stole many hugs from our new sheep friend, Buddy.

One thing was for sure, as soon as we set foot back out the front we were already planning when we would return again!

Do yourself a favour and make sure to pay a visit!