I used to go the Gym. Now I stack firewood

What moving from the city to semi-rural life taught me about movement, work and slowing down. By Karen Hobson, Founder of The Eumundi Trading Co When we lived in Brisbane, exercise was something I had to schedule around work, work travel, family and life.  I went for walks. I worked out in hotel gyms. I travelled internationally  a lot for work and being an office worker I made time to move, even if it was a walk at lunchtime because walking to the kitchen to make a cup of tea 10 times a day doesn't really cut it.  Now, living a semi-rural life in Eumundi, movement seems to find me. I stack wood. I dig holes. I shovel A LOT of dirt and push that dirt in a wheelbarrow. I weed garden beds. I haul bags of soil. I build gardens out of rocks from the fill that gets delivered.  I walk to collect kindling. I move pots, prune branches, rake leaves and spend entire afternoons doing jobs that somehow leave me more tired than any gym session ever did. Oh and did I mention I've launched 2 online businesses that I've never ever done before,  so I never have to go back to corporate life?   The funny thing is, I do not really think of it as exercise.

How to Create a Farmhouse Pantry from Scratch: A Guide to Organised, Beautiful Living

A well-stocked farmhouse pantry is more than just a place to store food—it's the heart of a functional kitchen and a reflection of a simpler, more intentional way of living. For generations, country kitchens relied on thoughtfully organised pantries filled with homegrown produce, preserves, baking essentials and herbal remedies. Today, as more Australians embrace slow living and traditional homemaking skills, the farmhouse pantry is enjoying a well-deserved revival. At The Eumundi Trading Co, we believe that creating a beautiful pantry isn't about perfection. It's about building a space that inspires home cooking, supports sustainable living and brings joy to everyday routines.

Homemade Sourdough Recipe: How to Bake your own Sourdough

For many of us embracing farmhouse living, cottagecore style and homesteading traditions, sourdough has become more than just bread — it’s a return to tradition and hits something deep; something from our grandmothers perhaps or our mothers? It's so rewarding.  Sourdough is bread made using a natural fermented starter instead of commercial yeast. The starter is simply flour and water combined, allowing wild yeast and beneficial bacteria to grow naturally over time. I chose a ready made kit from the Noosa Sourdough Co Starter Kit because I love the taste of their sourdough and had a base to work from.  You don’t need a lot of  equipment to begin making sourdough, a few simple kitchen essentials are all it takes.

The Famous Eumundi Markets

The History of Eumundi Markets Located in the heart of Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast, the Eumundi Markets are one of Australia’s most iconic artisan markets—known for local produce, handmade goods, and a strong community spirit. The markets began in 1979 with a simple idea: create a space where locals could sell what they made and grew. The very first market had just three stalls and a handful of visitors, held at the local CWA Hall. Built on the philosophy “Make it, Bake it, Sew it, Grow it,” the markets quickly became a hub for creativity, sustainability, and small-scale producers. Over the years, the Eumundi Markets have grown into Australia’s largest artisan market, now hosting hundreds of stalls and attracting visitors from across the country every week. Held every Wednesday and Saturday, the markets showcase everything from fresh local produce and handcrafted goods to natural health products and herbal remedies. The success of the Eumundi Markets reflects a growing desire to return to simpler, more intentional living—supporting local makers, growing your own food, and valuing quality over mass production. It’s a philosophy that aligns closely with what we stand for at The Eumundi Trading Co. At The Eumundi Trading Co, we’re inspired by the same values that built the markets—self-sufficiency, tradition, and connection to the land. Whether it’s growing your own herbs, preserving seasonal produce, or creating a more mindful home, we believe in keeping these traditions alive. Held every Wednesday and Saturday, the markets now draw people from across the country—and around the world.

A Perfect Day in Eumundi: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Nestled in the lush hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland behind Noosa, Eumundi is one of those magical Queensland towns that feels like stepping into a slower, more beautiful version of life. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend inspiration or a traveller chasing authentic Australian charm, a visit to Eumundi is always rewarding. Why Eumundi Should Be On Your List Known for its creative spirit, tree-lined streets, and famous markets, Eumundi perfectly blends bohemian vibes with genuine country warmth. It’s the kind of place where handmade treasures, fresh local produce, and friendly faces come together under the subtropical sun.