Maddie Thomas

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Maddie Thomas

Late last year the lease on my flat came to an abrupt end. I’d read the headlines. I knew what was ahead of me. I was apprehensive, but determined. Everyone dreads moving house. But as Australia and the world face a crippling housing crisis, with rental affordability reaching all-time lows, the experience has become even more stressful. When I moved house five years ago, I got the first flat I applied for. We edged out one other couple who wanted it, and that was that – the deal was done.

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Maddie Thomas

Capsicums, cabbage and potatoes are plentiful in the first month of autumn, but it’s time to say a fond farewell to summer fruits, such as mangoes, peaches and nectarines. Instead, pick up a bunch of red or white grapes. “There are a huge variety of grapes at the moment,” says Pat Senserrick, owner of Senserrick’s Fruit and Flowers in Keilor, Melbourne. “We get more and more every year … as far as fruit goes, they are probably the best value.”Grapes can be found for $4 to $5 a kilo.

2 months ago | theguardian.com | Maddie Thomas

The final month of summer heralds peak season for grapes, new varieties of stone fruit and a glut of salad leaves in every shade of green. Figs are in their prime and about 99c each, says Brendan North, owner of Paradise Farm Markets in Tamworth, New South Wales. “You usually pay $1 to $1.50 for figs this time of year,” he says. Anna Jones’s fig, thyme and goat’s cheese galette.

Jan 7, 2025 | theguardian.com | Maddie Thomas

After a run of wet summers that put a damper on summer crops, this year’s drier conditions means there’s little that’s off the table this month. Stone fruit is particularly cheap and sweet, says Graham Gee, senior buyer at the Happy Apple in Melbourne. “Peaches and nectarines … you can get for about $3 a kilo, with premium varieties a few dollars more,” he says. Take advantage of the glut by pickling your ripe peaches or using nectarines in desserts.

Dec 20, 2024 | theguardian.com | Maddie Thomas

With Australia’s love of an annual beach holiday comes a revolving door of new “must have” gear: sunshades, blow-up toys, fold-out chairs and endless gadgets to keep us entertained. But how much of it do we really need, and what are the simplest ways to reduce your environmental footprint in the sand? Invest in a beach shade that lastsWith a new type of beach canopy hitting the market every year, it’s worth ignoring the trends and investing in something that will really last.