I’ve always been told that I was an old soul. I am most at peace when indulging in my ‘Nonna’ hobbies. In many ways I wasn’t at all like my peers, and struggled for a long time as to who I was - and what was my purpose.

It wasn’t until I received a beautiful book as a gift from my husband, “Nonna Knows Best” by Australian author Jaclyn Crupi that it hit home - I was a Nonna. This book spoke to my soul - I resonated with all its messaging and for the first time felt like I knew who I was.

This chapter really started for me when my partner and I purchased 25 acres of land. Miles away from any conveniences, we began growing our own food - initially out of convenience, but very quickly out of love and joy. A permaculture design course followed, and soon enough we were harvesting over half a tonne of produce a year. I very quickly taught myself how to preserve food, and endless days of filling and bottling jars of organic, home grown produce ensued.

We now live back in the suburbs, on a journey to build our own dream home and garden but I have never been so motivated to continue in sharing my love and joy for doing things from scratch, the old fashioned way.

I am so passionate about growing my own food, and understanding where our food comes from. Reducing our food waste is equally important, and that is where timeless skills such as preserving food are still so very relevant in an age of modern conveniences. Making food from scratch - and feeding those you love - is so rewarding.

I don’t have a huge property, or grow all my own food. I am not a farmer, a homesteader, or a stay at home wife.

I’m a millenial gal, going to work each day. My husband works away. I am always trying to find a balance between making time for prioritising my health, for life admin, for maintaining a home, and being a present wife, daughter, sister and friend - and a little fun and relaxation where possible. I juggle, just like you.

But I also take time out to live a slow, purposeful life. To grow and preserve my own food, to cook from scratch. Why? Because appreciating where our food comes from and the finite resource that it is, reducing food waste and being a conscious consumer is important to me.

It’s important we all do our own bit. We all start somewhere, and I truly believe that everyone has an inner Nonna - and I’d love to inspire you to embrace her.