The escalating cost of living crisis in Australia has not spared the traditional Christmas lunch, with a recent study revealing significant spikes in the prices of festive ingredients. As a result of soaring food prices contributing to an overall increase in the consumer price index (CPI), Australians now find themselves paying 16 percent more for goods and services than they were in December 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest victim of this financial squeeze is the cherished Christmas feast, typically the occasion for lavish spending on quality foods. According to the study’s calculations, a traditional family Christmas lunch featuring turkey with all the trimmings and ham would set Australians back $192, which is $27 more than pre-pandemic prices and $21 higher than the cost in Christmas 2021.
The study further delves into the breakdown of costs, revealing a 16 percent increase in the price of traditional Christmas fare since December 2019 based on the Sydney CPI for each sub-category. With Australian households already allocating 17 percent of their budgets to food—the second-highest expenditure category after housing—this upward trend in Christmas lunch costs adds to the financial strain on families. Notable increases in the price of cheese (up by 15 percent) and bread (up by 12 percent) are cited, with the rising cost of dairy products attributed to increased farmgate milk prices, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Despite the concerning overall trend, the study suggests a slight slowdown in the rate of increase this year, offering a glimmer of relief for consumers facing budget constraints.
The festive menu detailed in the study includes 1 kilogram of prawns, a 3.8kg turkey, a 4.5kg smoked half leg of ham, along with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, Christmas pudding, pavlova with cream, and bottles of white and sparkling wine. This assortment, designed to feed about eight people with leftovers, is based on average prices from popular grocery stores like Coles, Aldi, or Woolworths. Despite the challenges presented by rising costs, the study emphasizes that the December quarter CPI data, to be released next year, may bring some relief based on positive trends observed in the monthly inflation data for October 2023.
In the heart of Madrid, Pilar Cano-Lasso and Ignacio de la Vega’s architectural prowess at Delavegacanolasso studio has given rise to Fresnos. This stunning prefab home seamlessly blends minimalist design with abundant natural light. Embracing the essence of its surroundings, Fresnos is a multifaceted, prefabricated tiny house adapted to complement the landscape, emphasizing the importance of the natural environment. Serving as a retreat from urban life, this home harmoniously integrates into a steep lot adorned with a forest of pines and Holm oaks, creating a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature.
Fresnos serves as an oasis, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature without compromising the functionality or comforts of an urban apartment. The architects at Delavegacanolasso Studio carefully crafted a design that coexists naturally with the trees and the contours of the land. The result is a home that offers breathtaking panoramic views from a terrace thoughtfully adapted to the home’s location. The integration is so seamless that a deliberate hole in the structure accommodates the growth of a pine tree through the house, pushing the boundaries between inside and outside, blurring the distinction in a captivating manner.
The architectural finesse of Fresnos is not only aesthetic but also functional, combining traditional construction techniques with innovative adaptations. Prefab modules seamlessly merge with brick walls and a seemingly floating terrace, forming a mixed system that responds to the passage of time with a truly timeless design. This Madrid prefab home is a testament to the delicate balance between modern architecture and the natural landscape, creating a space where residents can savor the beauty of both.
Sold at auction for over £3,400, the world’s humblest Christmas tree, purchased for a mere 6p in 1920, has a fascinating story behind its simple yet cherished existence. Standing at 79cm (31in), adorned with 25 branches, 12 berries, and six miniature candle holders, the unassuming tree rests in a small, red-painted wooden base featuring a modest decorative emblem. Originally procured by the family of eight-year-old Dorothy Grant, this tree played a central role in their Christmas Continue reading “‘Humblest Christmas Tree’ Bought for 6p in 1920 Sells for £3,400 at Auction” »
IKEA has recently sent waves of excitement through its fanbase in the UK by unveiling a colossal Swedish meatball that rivals the size of a turkey. This unexpected and playful move from the furniture and home goods giant has captured the attention of many shoppers who already had a penchant for IKEA’s iconic Swedish meatballs. The announcement came via IKEA UK’s Instagram page, causing a stir of both enthusiasm and curiosity among fans. Some customers even questioned the authenticity of the Continue reading “IKEA is Giving Away Massive ‘Turkey-Sized’ Meatballs in the UK” »
The ANNA Stay 2.0 redefines the traditional concept of a cabin in the woods, offering an extraordinary design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment. Building upon the success of the original ANNA Stay, creator Caspar Schols introduces the ANNA Stay 2.0, retaining the innovative sliding walls but incorporating enhancements such as a sunken bathtub and a bed. The cabin serves as a versatile retreat, allowing owners to Continue reading “This $480K Prefab Luxury Cabin Slides Apart to Reveal a Glass Enclosed Room” »
Whether driven by a desire for a minimalist lifestyle or seeking a more sustainable and affordable living arrangement, transforming a tiny space into a comfortable home is an achievable goal with a touch of creativity. A prime example is the Isana micro-home from Tiny Homes Japan, a tiny house on wheels that exudes charm with its endearing design and inviting atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese homes, Isana features a minimalist interior, a shoe rack by the entrance, and a tatami mat in the living room, creating a harmonious blend of Continue reading “Uniquely Shaped Japanese Tiny House Is Beautiful Both Inside and Outside” »
In a captivating venture documented on YouTube, 23-year-old Danner Cronise and his father have embarked on the ambitious task of transforming an abandoned Home Depot shed into a unique and expansive tiny home. The family purchased the $5,250 shed two decades ago for storage purposes on their 22-acre property in the hills of southern Tennessee. Originally intended as a temporary residence while building a new home, the shed became a neglected structure until Cronise’s father revisited the property in 2020. Continue reading “This 23-Year-Old and His Dad Are Turning an Abandoned Home Depot Shed Into an Oversized Tiny Home” »
Working with delicate and fragile materials requires an extraordinary level of concentration, a challenge that Olga Prinku, a UK-based artist, adeptly navigates in her unique embroidery art. Prinku skillfully stitches dried and preserved flowers, with stems as thin as 0.03 centimetres, onto the fine texture of tulle. This delicate process carries the inherent risk of breaking either component, but Prinku relies on her experience and instincts, often improvising her designs until the embroidery hoop is complete. Since discovering this captivating art form, Prinku’s practice has rapidly evolved, incorporating various organic materials and employing diverse techniques. Continue reading “Artist Masterfully Embroiders Dried and Preserved Flowers on Delicate Tulle” »
Traditionally, LEGO sets are designed to assemble into a singular structure or design, but a recent release breaks from this norm by offering users the unique ability to construct three distinct objects using the same set of pieces. Introducing the LEGO Creator Retro Camera, a versatile 3-in-1 set comprising 261 bricks that can be reconfigured to build a vintage-style camera complete with film, a camcorder featuring an articulating screen, or a charming vintage TV Continue reading “Versatile 3-In-1 LEGO Set Can Be Built Into a Vintage Camera, Camcorder, or TV” »
