Food for the Soul

✨ My last week of these views…

This place has been with me through so many versions of myself.

Through grief, healing, heartbreak, laughter, exhaustion and those seasons where I was simply running on empty. Through being overworked, overwhelmed, rebuilding and finding my way again.

Somehow, these shores have always been there.

The water has been my reset button. The coastline has given me space to breathe when life felt too much. There have been countless moments standing here where I’ve stopped, taken a breath and thought, okay… I’m going to be alright.

In ways I probably didn’t realise at the time, this place has nurtured me. It has held space for me while I changed, grew and became different versions of myself.

And now I’m entering my last week here before heading country. 🌿

Of course there’s sadness in leaving something that has been such a big part of my life. I know I’m going to miss these views, the sea air and those little moments of peace they’ve given me.

But more than anything, I feel excited.

Excited for slower mornings.
For paddocks instead of pavements.
For stars instead of skylines.
For a different kind of life, a different rhythm and a whole new chapter.

I’m leaving this place with so much gratitude for everything it has given me and I’m stepping into what’s next with an open heart.

Thank you for nurturing me through every version of myself. I’ll carry a little piece of these shores with me wherever I go. 💙🌿

Here’s to endings that make room for beautiful new beginnings. ✨

🌾 Wairarapa fundays… well, this escalated quickly. 😂

I’ve been here five minutes and have already:

🚫 Issued my first trespass notice — because apparently that’s a thing now.
🧙‍♀️ Hung out with some very cool witches — as you do.
🍸 Had a few gin cocktails — strictly for research purposes, obviously.
🍽️ Had lunch at the local — because I’m basically a local now.
🕯️ Made a stack of candles to top up my stock — gotta keep the good smells flowing!

So far, country life is looking like paddocks, characters, witches, gin, good food, candles… and the occasional need to remind people where the boundary is. 🤣

I left the city for the quiet life.

Turns out the Wairarapa had other plans. 😂🌿🍸🕯️

Honestly… I’m bloody loving it. ❤️

✨Exciting Changes Ahead✨

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news and a few important updates with you.

Firstly, after much planning and anticipation, I am moving to the beautiful Wairarapa. This is a wonderful new chapter for me personally, and I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead.

As I reflect on this change, I also want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support over the years. Your trust, encouragement, and commitment to my business have meant so much, and I am truly grateful for the amazing community we have built together.

Alongside these changes, I will be implementing some price increases. This is never a decision I take lightly. I have worked hard to keep my prices as low as possible for a long time, despite increasing operating and business costs.

To ensure I can continue providing the quality of service, teaching, and experiences that you value, a pricing adjustment has become necessary.

While I will be based in the Wairarapa, I am certainly not disappearing! I plan to return to Wellington regularly to teach classes and connect with many of you in person. I look forward to continuing our journey together and maintaining the strong relationships that have been such an important part of my work.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, kindness, and loyalty. I’m excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to share what’s ahead.

With love and gratitude,

Jo 💚💜💚💜

✨ In a world where you can be anything, choose kindness.

Your energy leaves an imprint on everyone you meet. A kind word, a listening ear, a compassionate heart can change someone’s entire day.

Let’s be the reason people continue to believe in goodness, connection and positive energy. 💛

Maybe boring isn’t boring at all.

Maybe it’s waking up without a knot in your stomach.

It’s having enough money to pay the bills, a home that feels safe, and people around you who don’t leave you constantly questioning where you stand.

Maybe it’s choosing peace over chaos.

Not because you’ve stopped dreaming, but because you’ve finally realised that a good life doesn’t have to be loud, complicated, or exhausting to be meaningful.

Sometimes the greatest luxury is having nowhere else you need to be.

A slow coffee. Fresh flowers. A quiet home. A nervous system that can finally exhale.

We spend so much of our lives chasing more, when sometimes what we really want is less.

Less drama.
Less rushing.
Less explaining.
Less surviving.

More presence.
More gratitude.
More ordinary moments that feel extraordinary because you’re actually there for them.

At Food for the Soul, I believe nourishment isn’t just about what you put on your plate. It’s also about what you allow into your life.

Choose what feeds your soul.

And if peace feels a little boring these days…

Maybe that’s exactly the point. 🤍

I love ALL of my clients… but this one? WOW. 🥹✨

I met Val just a month ago when she dive-bombed into my Wairarapa Reiki First Degree course… and apparently that just wasn’t enough. 😂

Because when you decide you’re ready for the next level, why not fly from Melbourne to New Zealand for TWO DAYS to continue your Reiki training?! ✈️🇦🇺🇳🇿

So, I guess I’m officially teaching internationally now. 😂🙌 Someone better update my business card. 😉

But honestly, underneath all the laughs, there’s something pretty special about this connection.

I genuinely believe the universe brought us together. 🌿✨

The number of life synchronicities, shared experiences, little “how on earth did THAT happen?” moments and things that just seem to line up between us is honestly a little crazy.

Sometimes people come into your life for a reason, and sometimes you don’t need to understand the reason straight away, you just recognise that the meeting itself feels meant to be.

Onewaytomysoul Vb thank you for trusting me, travelling across the ditch, and jumping headfirst into this beautiful Reiki journey with me. 💜

Two countries. Two days. One very special connection. ✨

And apparently… one international Reiki teacher. 😂🌏

The universe has quite the sense of humour. 💫

🌸✨ FLORAL BEAUTY #1 — BIG BERTHA ✨🌸

Meet Big Bertha — and she’s certainly living up to her name! 💕🌸

Just one of many floral beauties we’ll have showcasing this weekend for the Carterton Daffodil Festival. 🌼

And if you’re already thinking about Christmas… 🎄🎁 it’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping! Our beautiful floral candles make gorgeous gifts — or a little something special for yourself. 😉

Come along, soak up the festival atmosphere, admire the flowers and find your favourite beauty to take home. 🌸✨

📍 Carterton Daffodil Festival
🌼 This weekend
🎁 Christmas shopping starts here!

I hate selfies. I hate pictures of any kind and I’ve always been the one hiding from the camera… but I’m actually pretty bloody happy with this one. 💚

26kg of blubber gone, 6kg to go! And I’m smashing it.

But this journey has never really been about weight loss.

It’s been about finding me again.

Finding my strength. Reconnecting with my body. Getting healthier and fitter. Learning to appreciate the woman I see in the mirror and, most importantly, feeling genuinely happy in my own skin again.

My spiritual wellbeing has always been a huge part of who I am, and this journey has been about bringing all of those pieces together, body, mind and soul.

At nearly 50, I’m honestly super proud of how far I’ve come.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges, setbacks, scars and moments where I’ve questioned myself. But I kept going.

And now, 26kg lighter, I can feel the difference, not just physically, but in my confidence, my energy and the way I see myself.

6kg to go, and I’ll be very happy… but I’m already pretty damn proud of the woman standing here.

This isn’t about becoming someone else.

It’s about becoming more me.

And maybe, just maybe, I don’t need to hide from the camera anymore 😉

🚨NEW STOCKIST ALERT! 🚨

My candles have officially packed their tiny wax suitcases, kissed me on the forehead, and moved into Featherston’s Crystals & Curiosities

EEEEEEKKKKK!!! 🔮✨🕯️

They’re out there mingling with crystals, flirting with tarot decks, absorbing all the good energy and generally acting like they don’t know me. 😂

But these aren’t just pretty candles…

✨ They’re based on the Chakras.
💎 Each one is paired with carefully chosen crystals.
🕯️ Each has its own intention and energy.
💫 And each comes with a positive affirmation to help you connect with the energy you’re wanting to bring into your life.

Whether you’re looking for grounding, confidence, creativity, love, abundance, communication or a little more connection to yourself, there’s a candle with your name on it. ✨

So if you’re in Featherston, go say hello to my little wax babies. 🕯️💕

Have a sniff.
Read the affirmations.
Pick the crystal that calls to you.
Find your Chakra.
Set your intention.
And maybe take a little magic home with you. 🔮✨

Thank you Featherston Crystals & Curiosities for giving my little creations a beautiful home. ❤️

🌼✨ MY FIRST MARKET OF THE SEASON! ✨🌼

Spring is waking up, the daffodils are blooming, and Food for the Soul is heading to the Carterton Daffodil Festival! 💛

And honestly… I’m SO excited that my very first market of the season is happening in my new home town. 🥹💛 It feels like the perfect omen for this next chapter, new home, new beginnings, and a whole lot of beautiful energy. ✨

Come wander, browse and find a little something magical for yourself… 🔮

💎 Crystals
🕯️ Crystal candles
📿 Crystal jewellery
✨ And plenty of good vibes, intention & soul food

📍 Carterton Daffodil Festival
📅 Sunday 13th September

Come say hi, have a chat, soak up the spring vibes and maybe find the crystal that’s been waiting for you. 💫

Food for the Soul - made with love for your soul. 💛

🌼✨ Carterton, I can’t wait to meet you! ✨🌼