In this post, I'm sharing my easy method to make your own pure homemade vanilla extract with vodka, plus a free printable label you can download and use at home. This foolproof method for making vanilla extract uses only two ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, before leaving it for up to […]
Old Fashioned Curried Eggs and Sausages
Old fashioned curried eggs and sausages made with traditional curry powder and apple is a simple, budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly with pantry staples, yet feels hearty and satisfying. Served with rice, this old fashioned favourite is a warm and nourishing dinner the whole family will love. There's something deeply nostalgic about curried sausages. […]
The best non-toxic air fryer for healthy home cooking
Are you looking for the best non-toxic air fryer so you can avoid harmful non-stick coatings and cook healthy meals for your family? Then look no further than the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer. In this blog I'm sharing why you'll love this multi-tasking non-toxic air fryer. As a homemaker who loves cooking […]
Air Fryer Crumbed (Breaded) Lamb Cutlets
In this blog I'm sharing my favourite recipe for air fryer crumbed lamb cutlets that are crunchy on the outside and irresistibly tender within. Cooked in under 20 minutes these lamb cutlets make a healthy and delicious alternative to deep frying with seed oils. Crumbed protein of any kind, but especially lamb cutlets, is one […]
Easy Homemade Lime Juice Cordial
In this blog I'm sharing how to make easy homemade cordial with freshly squeezed lime juice. If you have an abundance of limes, it can be hard to know what to do with them all! This delicious homemade lime juice cordial recipe uses up a lot of limes and makes a refreshing cold drink to […]
How to get rid of lice on chickens the easy way
In this blog I'm covering how to get rid of lice on chickens the easy way including top tips for dealing with them, treatment options, the best way to get rid of lice and simple steps you can take to help prevent lice and other parasites like mites in the first place. Do your chickens […]
How to use a lotion bar (plus easy DIY recipe)
In this blog I'm sharing how to use a lotion bar, the benefits of using a lotion bar versus liquid lotion, plus my easy DIY lotion bar recipe with beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil and essential oils. What is a lotion bar? If you've never come across a lotion bar before you may be wondering […]
What breed of chicken lays white eggs? + FREE PRINTABLE
In this blog we're investigating what breed of chicken lays white eggs and deep diving into the five most common breeds. I'm also sharing a FREE vintage-style chicken egg colour art printable, inspired by the multi-coloured layers of the chicken world. For most Americans white is the traditional egg colour found on supermarket shelves and […]
Air Fryer without nonstick coating
If you're looking for an air fryer without nonstick coating, you can't go past the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer. Not only does the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer feature stainless steel and ceramic cooking, it also offers the convenience of 11 appliances rolled into one. Why choose an air fryer […]
How to keep chickens off the patio
In this post I'm sharing how to keep chickens off the patio. From physical barriers to supervised free range time, I'll cover the three easiest and most effective methods plus my top tips for keeping your backyard flock happy and healthy. Backyard chickens are friendly, curious critters who love to be close to their humans, […]
How to make Irish lamb pie with roast dinner leftovers
This Irish lamb pie is a great way to turn roast dinner leftovers into a hearty meal. In this recipe nothing goes to waste. Roast drippings are used to make shortcrust pastry from scratch and leftover meat, gravy and potatoes become the filling. This large pie makes the perfect family meal and is inspired by […]
DIY open shelving: Converting kitchen cabinets to shelves
Today I'm sharing how to make DIY open shelving by converting kitchen cabinets to shelves. With just a couple of hand tools, packet of stick-on screw caps and a little bit of effort this makeover can be completed in under an hour and for less than $10. Let's dive in. For the longest time I've wanted to live in […]
How to use an instant pot air fryer
In this blog I'm sharing how to use an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer to create wholesome and delicious meals the whole family will enjoy with less mess. Learn how to assemble the unit, use the controls, my top tips and the features I love the most. I love using my Instant Pot […]
Tomato relish recipe for canning
In this blog I'm sharing my go-to recipe for canning tomato relish. This delicious old-fashioned relish recipe brings together inexpensive ingredients to create a delicious and versatile relish and is a great way to use up a glut of tomatoes. If you've ever grown tomatoes you know how abundant your harvest can be, and there […]
Step-by-step guide to water bath canning
Learn how to use the water bath canning method to safely and effectively preserve homemade pickles, chutneys, jams and relishes. In this blog we'll cover what equipment you will need and how to sterilise jars, prepare a water bath, fill jars, process correctly and more. When making high-acid foods (with a ph of 4.6 or […]
How to cook pork steaks in the air fryer
Learn how to cook perfectly succulent pork steaks in the air fryer. This easy and convenient cooking method transforms an affordable cut of pork into tender juicy steaks the whole family will enjoy. In this blog I'm sharing my top tips for air frying pork scotch fillet steaks for a quick and nourishing family meal. […]
How to cook ribeye (rib fillet) steak in the air fryer
Learn how to cook ribeye (rib fillet) steak the easy way in the air fryer with less mess. These delicious prime steaks become beautifully caramelised on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. We live in the beef capital of Queensland, so it's not hard to come by a delicious steak, but […]
Easy air fryer sausages
In this blog, I'm sharing my simple, foolproof method for cooking easy air fryer sausages. It's a quick, mess-free solution that's perfect for busy weeknights, and one of my blog's most popular recipes. With a few easy tips, you'll get perfectly cooked sausages every time-crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Sausages-known as sausage […]
How to make gravy from scratch
Making homemade gravy from scratch to serve alongside your roast dinner couldn't be easier with this simple step-by-step recipe. Make the most of those delicious pan juices and save money at the same time. Follow my quick and easy method and you'll never want to buy instant gravy again! This recipe works well served alongside […]
How to cook a whole chicken in the air fryer
Learn how you can use your air fryer to cook a whole chicken for a delicious and easy homemade family dinner. You will love how the skin becomes so crispy while the meat stays juicy and tender. With just three ingredients, cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer could not be easier. It's a […]
Mango chutney canning recipe
Today I'm sharing my tried and true mango chutney canning recipe. This delicious old-fashioned chutney recipe brings together inexpensive, traditional ingredients with a hint of mild spice everyone will enjoy. Where we live, in tropical Queensland, Summer means mangos! We can only get them in abundance at one time of the year, so of course […]
5 Homemade Christmas Gift Hamper Ideas
Today I am sharing five of my favourite homemade Christmas gift hamper ideas to make and share with family and friends these holidays. Fun and easy to make, these simple homemade Christmas gifts idea won't break the bank, don't take too much time to put together, and are the perfect addition to your handmade hamper. […]
Thrifty cottage Christmas decorating ideas
In this blog I'm taking you inside our little suburban homestead to share my favourite thrifty cottage Christmas decorating ideas. Be inspired by these budget-friendly DIY Christmas decorating ideas to make the most of this cozy season. I love decorating for Christmas. It's one of the only times I go to a lot of effort […]
How to make homemade mayonnaise with an immersion blender
Learn how to make delicious homemade mayonnaise in minutes with an immersion blender. If you've ever had a mayo fail before, you're going to love this simple mess-free technique. This easy recipe combines fresh eggs, lemon and expeller-pressed sunflower oil for a healthy homemade mayonnaise. If you have backyard chickens no doubt come spring and […]
The best way to dry herbs from your garden
In this blog I'm sharing the best way to dry herbs from your garden. Follow along to find out how to use a food dehydrator to preserve fresh herbs quickly and easily. Homegrown dried herbs have so much more flavour, colour and aroma than store-brought. I love using home-grown dried herbs to add a boost […]
Tips for keeping chicken water clean
Discover my top tips for keeping chicken water fresh and clean. In this blog I'm sharing how I keep our chickens waterer clean with clever design and as little as 30 minutes of hands-on time a week. Keeping backyard chickens happy and health is pretty easy, as long as you provide a safe, predator-free environment, […]
Tips for keeping chickens out of the garden
Keeping backyard chickens and tending a productive garden are both high priorities on the homesteaders' wish list, but sometimes combining the two can be a recipe for disaster. In this blog I am sharing my top three tips for keeping chickens out of the garden so you can ensure happy hens and bountiful harvests. For […]
Air fryer chicken drumsticks
Learn how to roast chicken drumsticks quickly and without mess in the air fryer. This simple whole food recipe takes budget-friendly chicken drumsticks to the next level with a fresh and zingy lemon-herb marinate. The result is deliciously succulent roast chicken with crispy skin. Why you'll love air fryer chicken drumsticks Cheap as chippies! With […]
Five best annual flowers for cutting
In this blog I'm sharing five of the best annual flowers for cutting that are simple to grow and look beautiful in farmhouse-style arrangements. Vases and pitchers overflowing with fresh cut flowers are perfect for creating a rustic farmhouse vibe and there's nothing better than the satisfaction of growing your own. It's so much cheaper […]
Homemade vanilla ice cream with eggs
Homemade vanilla ice cream with eggs is a tasty and nutritious dessert the whole family will enjoy. Made with real vanilla and pure cream, and free from preservatives and refined sugar, this no-cook recipe is sure to become a favourite treat in your household. Perfect for hot summer days, or melting over warm winter desserts, […]
How does sourdough starter work
In this blog I'm answering the question how does sourdough starter work? Understanding how a starter works can really help you improve your baking. I'll take you through what sourdough starter is, how it works and how it is used to make bread. Ready for a little science lesson? Let's go. What is sourdough starter? […]
How to start a sourdough starter from scratch
In this blog I'm sharing how to start a sourdough starter from scratch with just two simple ingredients; flour and water. Do you want to start making your own sourdough bread at home? Follow this simple recipe to create a sourdough starter from scratch and you'll be well on your way to your first delicious […]
How to bake sourdough bread without a dutch oven
In this blog I'll show you how to bake delicious sourdough bread without a dutch oven. Learn what a dutch oven is, why using a dutch oven is recommended for baking sourdough bread and how you can get similar results without one. Maybe you're new to sourdough and you're wondering what equipment you actually need […]
What makes sourdough bread different
We've all heard that sourdough bread is better for us but what makes it different and sets it apart from the conventional loaf of white sliced? In this blog I'm delving into exactly what is sourdough, what makes sourdough different to other breads, and why you should add sourdough baking to your baking skillset. I've […]
What to put on open kitchen shelves
Open shelves are a great way to add style to your kitchen. Learn what to put on open kitchen shelves for a pretty yet practical storage solution, plus how to style them for a hint of farmhouse charm. Open shelving in the kitchen is having a huge resurgence. I've seen open shelving popping up everywhere, […]
Top 10 kitchen tools to make from scratch cooking quick and easy
We all know the benefits of cooking healthy meals from scratch at home; it's so much cheaper and better for you. But we don't have unlimited hours in the day and can't spend all our time slaving away in the kitchen. So in this blog I'm sharing my top 10 kitchen tools to make from […]
How to make soy wax candles with essential oils
I love adding candles to a space to create a cozy atmosphere and freshen the room but did you know not all candles are made the same? Many are made with potentially toxic chemicals and synthetics fragrances. In this blog I am sharing how you can make your own all-natural soy wax candles with essential […]
Quick decluttering hacks for busy mums
As busy mums, we all want a a clean and tidy home to retreat to but sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by clutter. In this blog I'm sharing my favourite quick decluttering hacks for busy mums to make life easier and less overwhelming. I used to keep clothes I didn't fit just incase I lost […]
How to get stuff done with a toddler
In this blog I'm tackling the tricky task of how to get stuff done with a toddler under foot. Whether your desperate for five minutes of peace to enjoy a hot cup of tea, have a looming work deadline, or just need to get the housework done, I'm sharing my top tips to help you […]
How to make baking soda Christmas ornament dough
In this blog I'm sharing how to make snow white baking soda Christmas ornament dough with just four everyday ingredients. Better then your average salt dough, but just as easy, these baking soda Christmas ornaments cost pennies to make, are non-toxic and kind to the earth, and can be whipped up in a morning of […]
How to make eucalyptus cleaning spray
Learn how to make a simple homemade eucalyptus cleaning spray to clean and sanitise your home without harsh chemicals. Store bought natural cleaning products can be expensive and wasteful, so in this blog I'm sharing my favourite DIY multipurpose cleaning spray recipe to keep your home sparkling clean and smelling great. It's super easy to […]
Sugar-free microwave chia strawberry jam
If you're short on time, or just wanting to cut back on sugar, you can still enjoy delicious sweet treat with my sugar-free microwave chia strawberry jam recipe. Sweetened with honey, or nothing at all, this quick and easy strawberry jam is packed with nutritious whole foods. Best of all it's ready in under 15 […]