Brisbane, cottagecore & slow living

A slower kind of homemaking, one small thing at a time.

Jam that actually sets, soap that smells like the garden, and a monthly swap where North Brisbane homemakers trade what they have made instead of what they have bought.

from my home in North Brisbane
A handwritten lavender shortbread recipe card beside an envelope, a lit candle and a jar of jam
A little about me

Welcome to my little corner of home

I'm Deanna, a North Brisbane homebody sharing the projects, recipes, garden experiments and everyday moments that make home feel special. This is a place for realistic homemaking, imperfect attempts and finding beauty in ordinary days.

Explore

Wander through the house

Five rooms of the everyday — pick the one you're in the mood for today.

From the journal

Lately, at home

Small jars of lavender jam with gingham lids and a sprig of lavender
Kitchen

The lavender jam that finally set

Four failed batches, one very patient husband, and the pectin trick nobody tells you about until you ask an actual grandmother.

Potted herbs and daisies on a sunny garden bench
Garden

What survives a Queensland summer

An honest list of what actually made it through January in the front bed, and what I've quietly stopped replacing.

Fabric bunting flags being pinned together on a sewing table
Craft

A birthday banner for someone I've never met

Inside this month's Homemaker Swap hamper: six small things, one dachshund tea towel, and a lot of late-night hand stitching.

Homemaker Swap

Homemaker Swap North Brisbane

A monthly gathering for women to share something handmade, homegrown, baked or crafted, and take home something made by someone else.

Learn about the swap
Jars of homemade jam wrapped with fabric in a basket
A basket of ribbon, twine and a small handmade fabric heart
A lit candle beside dried flowers and linen
A plate of freshly baked blueberry muffins
A little note from home

Stay in the loop, gently

Occasional updates from the garden, kitchen, craft table and everyday life at home.