Blog

One Year of Arthur Murray, Six Dances, and Why the Ocean Has No Respect for Your Footwork

Street view featuring palm trees, a traffic light, and a cyclist on the road, overlooking a marina with boats and colorful buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.


There is a particular cruelty in arriving on a Cunard cruise as someone who has spent a full year learning to dance, only to discover that the Atlantic Ocean does not care.



Twelve months ago I walked into an Arthur Murray dance studio with the reasonable ambition of becoming a person who could dance. Not a competitive dancer — just someone who, when music plays and a dance floor appears, does not have to pretend they need the bathroom. After a year of weekly lessons I had arrived at somethin…

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Why 2026 Is the Year of Fun Goals (Not Boring Resolutions)

Three women standing on stage holding a large cheque for $30,000, awarded for the 2023 Kickstarter Challenge, with a backdrop displaying event branding.


Before we rush headlong into setting goals for 2026, I think it’s worth pressing pause and acknowledging what worked in 2025. Reflecting on what worked well lets you start from a positive position acknowledging what you have already achieved – and it’s a far better foundation for meaningful change than guilt, pressure or unrealistic expectations.



A Few Things I’m Grateful for From 2025



As I reflect on the past year, a few highlights stand out:



  • Having the time and space to focus on my dir…

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Processing Shock and Grief After the Bondi Tragedy

A French press with brewed tea sits on a tray beside an empty glass cup and a piece of sugar, with flowers and a rustic wooden table in the background.


Like so many people, I have felt deeply shaken by the events at Bondi. Even if you were nowhere near the scene, shocking events like this can cut through our sense of safety and leave us feeling unsettled, emotional, or simply not safe.



Personally I wanted to do something to help but it was difficult to know what to do. Was there a useful charity for donations ? Should I be advocating on the issue but what could I do when so many have tried to find solutions for the religious terrorism that …

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Supporting your gut through cancer treatment: practical ways to feel better and recover.

A woman sitting on a couch, appearing distressed, with her hand on her forehead and another hand on her chest, indicating discomfort or anxiety.


One of the most common questions I hear in clinic is, “What can I do to help my digestion during treatment?”
It’s no surprise — cancer treatment can be incredibly tough on the gut. You might notice changes in appetite, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or just a general sense that your digestion isn’t working the way it usually does.



The good news is that there are gentle, practical things you can do to feel more comfortable and support your recovery. You don’t need a perfect diet or…

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Beating Cancer Fatigue: How to Support Recovery with Rest, Nutrition and Gentle Movement

Two jars of green smoothie with striped straws, surrounded by fresh cucumber and leafy greens on a wooden surface.


One of the most common and frustrating side effects of cancer treatment is fatigue — the kind that doesn’t always go away with a good night’s sleep. It can linger for weeks or months after treatment, leaving you feeling flat, foggy and frustrated.



Cancer-related fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness. It’s a whole-body exhaustion that affects your physical energy, mental focus, and motivation. The good news is that with the right mix of nutrition, gentle movement, supplements and resto…

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Red meat, protein and cancer risk - Clearing up the Confusion

A plate of roasted meat with gravy, served alongside roasted potatoes and green beans.


For a lot of people when they are diagnosed with cancer they feel guilty about the choices they have made and worry that they may have contributed to the diagnosis. One of the more common dietary choices raised is protein and a recent study published looked at the evidence from a review of ten studies.



We hear a lot about the link between red meat and cancer. But is it really the meat itself, the protein, or something else? A large review of the research has just taken a closer look, and the…

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What useful information can a non-techie pick up from a Cyber Summit ?

AFR Cyber Summit


A Cyber Summit wasn't on the top of my list for continuing education this year but its surprising what you can learn from expanding your horizons.



First up if you find the subject of cyber security or AI stressful perhaps have a look at my other blogs instead. Just take away this one useful nugget - 90% of problems can be prevented by ensuring you keep your software updated, use multi factor authentication and start using pass phrases for passwords, ideally with at least four random words.

…

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Heart Attack Signs in Women: What You Need to Know

A woman sitting on a sofa with one hand on her chest and the other on her forehead, showing signs of distress and discomfort, possibly indicating heart-related symptoms.


Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide? Despite this critical fact, cardiovascular health in women often takes a backseat in conversations about wellness, with many symptoms brushed off or misunderstood.



This blog will help you uncover the typical and atypical signs of a heart attack in women, understand specific risk factors unique to you, and guide you on how to make your concerns heard by medical professionals. Whether you're navigating post-preg…

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Why a health retreat like Elysia might just be what you need



Have you ever thought about hitting pause on the chaos of everyday life and just focusing on YOU? Well, a health retreat might be just what you need, and if you’re looking for a beautiful spot to do it, Elysia in the Hunter Valley is a total gem.



The first retreat I went to many years ago was a very strict program where you were expected to participate in all sessions and couldn't leave the property. Elysia adopts a much gentler approach and accepts that you need to be able to incorporate c…

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What were my top ten takeouts from the Lipoedema Symposium ?



Regular seminars are a key part of my professional development. One of the insightful comments shared at this year's symposium in regards to Lipoedema diagnosis, "Lipoedema is a common presentation in women but is not commonly diagnosed." That statement was my first key takeout as Lipoedema prevelance is estimated at up to 11% of the population. Given its a disease which largely affects women it is not surprising that it takes a significant time to diagnose and treatment options are often li…

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Finding gluten free options in the Blue Mountains in 2025



On a recent trip to the Blue Mountains I realised that my blog about Gluten Free options was a little dated as a few of my favourites had closed down so its clearly time for an update (and to try some new options). There are a few other options still worth checking out in my A tea lovers guide to the Blue Mountains such as Megalong Valley Tea Rooms and the high tea at the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath, unfortunately favourites such as The Bunker at Leura and Tournament at Medlow Bath ar…

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What are the best functional foods to reduce your recurrence risk ?



If you’re looking to lower the chances of cancer coming back, incorporating certain foods into your diet can be a helpful step. Some foods are packed with natural compounds that can support your body in ways beyond just basic nutrition. These foods, which are known as functional foods, may help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and promote healthy cell function—all things that can play a role in lowering the risk of cancer recurrence. While no food can replace medical treatments,…

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