Best Absorbent Tea Towels: What Material Actually Works?

Pure linen is generally the best tea towel for drying dishes and glassware. Cotton is a practical choice for hands and spills, while microfibre is highly absorbent but may retain odours and does not appeal to everyone who prefers natural fibres.

Will there be a lot of snakes if we move out of the City?

When my husband and I talked about leaving Brisbane and moving to Eumundi, we talked about all the important things. More space. Less traffic. Growing our own vegetables.  Fresh air. A slower pace of life. Maybe growing some flowers. Funny how he never mentioned the snakes. Not once.  I feel this was a fairly significant omission from the country-life brochure that I was romanticising in my head. 

Why a Pantry is the hottest kitchen trend right now

It seems I'm not the only organised pantry lover with the latest report from Houzz finding that 40% of homeowners are adding a walk-in pantry with 12% adding a butler’s pantry. The beverage stations are also on the rise but I'll cover that separately. Being an avid pantry organiser over the years  I've crawled the internet looking for storage solutions, jars and labels and it's easy to lose yourself and lot's of money but the truth is; having a nice pantry display doesn't have to cost hundreds if you have access to some basic materials and some creativity.

Why does a Butter Bell need water?

Why does a Butter Bell need water? The answer remains in whether you keep your butter on the bench or in the fridge? The butter bell and it's butter keeping technique was developed before refrigeration as a way to keep butter fresh.  Back then (and what is becoming more and more common today with home cooks)  butter was made from fresh cream and salt. Without a fridge to keep the butter fresh, the water in the bottom of the butter bell as a 'seal' to keep bacteria out. 

What Is a Tea Cosy? Why Tea Cosies Are Popular Again

Tea cosies are returning to Australian kitchens as more people rediscover teapots, afternoon tea and slower living. Learn how a tea cosy works, why it is useful and how to choose one for your teapot

How to Create a Farmhouse Pantry on a Budget

A beautiful farmhouse pantry does not need custom cabinetry, matching containers or an entire room of its own. In fact, the most useful pantries are often created slowly, using practical pieces that make everyday cooking easier. Whether your pantry is a walk-in space, a single cupboard or a few shelves in a small Australian kitchen, you can give it warmth and order without spending a fortune. The secret is to organise what you already have first, then add natural materials and well-chosen storage pieces only where they will make a genuine difference. Here is how to create an affordable farmhouse pantry that feels welcoming, works hard and is realistic to maintain.

Ten Affordable Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas for Australian Homes

According to Karen Hobson, owner The Eumundi Trading Co,  creating a warm, welcoming farmhouse kitchen does not require a complete renovation—or a sprawling country property. Some of the most inviting kitchens are shaped by the smaller details: natural materials, practical pieces, collected treasures and signs that the room is genuinely used and loved.