I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the disconnect between what looks good and what actually works in our daily lives. This whole train of thought started when I stumbled across a discussion about leathered granite countertops, and honestly, it struck a nerve.

Picture this: you move into what seems like a nicely renovated apartment, everything looks modern and expensive, and then you try to actually use your kitchen. What should be a simple task – wiping down the counter after making a sandwich – becomes an exercise in futility. The surface that’s supposed to be the workhorse of your kitchen actively fights against every attempt to keep it clean.

As I sit here in my Melbourne apartment, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the festive season, I find myself pondering the art of gift-giving. We’ve all been there - scrambling for last-minute presents, overspending on unnecessary items, and wondering if our loved ones will truly appreciate the effort. But what if I told you that this year, I’m taking a different approach? A Melbourne Christmas, if you will, where homemade gifts on a budget take center stage.