Things I
Actually
Rate
Every recommendation on this page has earned its spot. Some links are affiliate links — if you buy through them I get a small cut at no cost to you. I only list things I’d tell a mate about unprompted.
OurCow
Grass-fed, ethically raised beef delivered to your door. The brisket cuts are consistently good and knowing where the animal came from matters. Solid value for the quality, especially if you’re buying in bulk for the smoker.
Check it out →Blackstone Griddle
The flat top griddle is the most underrated cooking surface in the backyard arsenal. Smash burgers, fried rice, bacon and eggs, hibachi — all of it works better on a Blackstone than any other setup. Even heat across the whole surface, easy cleanup with a scraper, and once it’s seasoned properly it’s basically non-stick. I run a 36″ but this 22″ Adventure Ready is the one on Amazon AU” solid if you want the Blackstone experience without committing to a full station.
View on AmazonBreville Oracle BES980
The Oracle does the grinding, dosing, and tamping automatically — which sounds like cheating until you realise it means consistent results every single time without spending 20 minutes dialling in before your first coffee. It’s a proper dual boiler machine, so steaming and extracting happen simultaneously. Not cheap, but if you’re serious about home espresso and don’t want to become a full-time barista to get there, this is the machine. Been running mine hard and it hasn’t missed a beat.
View on Amazon →Cooking Converter
One morning I watched a YouTube video about making passive income from boring utility websites. By lunchtime I had one. Free air fryer converter, temperature converter, weight converter and cups to grams calculator — all on one page, no sign-up, works on your phone. The air fryer converter adjusts time AND temperature based on what you’re actually cooking, because frozen chips and fresh chicken are not the same situation. Installs as an app too.
Use it free →Sophisticated Bogan Dad Tees
If you’ve made it this far through the site and reckon the vibe is yours, there’s merch. T-shirts, stickers, and assorted nonsense featuring the Bare Bones Dad character and other SBD artwork. Printed on demand, ships worldwide. No minimums, no fuss. Wear it to the school pickup and see who gets it.
Shop the merch →Voxel Verse: Axolotl Adventures
I made this. 40 pages of isometric 3D-style colouring featuring a voxel axolotl, think Minecraft aesthetic, but with more personality and zero creepers. Single-sided pages so markers don’t bleed through, thick clean outlines that work for little kids and older ones who want to get detailed about it. Kids who are into Minecraft or Roblox will get it immediately. Good for birthdays, school holidays, or when the iPad needs a rest.
Get it on AmazonAudible
If you do any kind of commute, school run, or long cook on the smoker, Audible is worth it. One credit a month, keep the book forever even if you cancel. I use it mostly for non-fiction — business, history, the odd true crime when the brisket is going to take eight hours. Free trial to start, no commitment.
Try it freeKindle Unlimited
Flat monthly fee, unlimited access to over a million titles. Good if you read a lot or want to try a genre without committing to full price books. Also where you’ll find my colouring books if you want to check them out before buying. Free trial available.
Try it freeAmazon Prime
Free delivery on eligible orders, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading — all bundled in. If you’re already buying anything on Amazon regularly the delivery savings alone cover the cost. Free trial to start.
Try it freeGot a question about any of this?
Chuck me a message. If I’ve used it I’ll give you an honest answer.