Take for instance my new full circle vegetable scrubbing brush* that I picked up on a whim whilst browsing the aisle of my local grocery store (the things you do when you have twenty minutes to go shopping – alone). The bamboo ring is smooth and contoured; the perfect fit for my hand. And the bristles? Tough without being harsh, they are most effective at getting rid of dirt from the dutch potatoes, kumera and carrots that make their way into the pan come roast chicken night. And because I believe in keeping my dishes to a minimum, I recently started adding green beans and kale to the pan once the chook is removed. Just enough of a coating in oil and fat promises to produce crunchy beens and crispy kale in a matter of minutes.**

While I like the idea of eating organic fruit and vegetables 100 per cent of the time (we get a delivery once a week from Nurtured Earth Organics), I can’t justify spending $12 on a tub of strawberries that will be devoured in minutes. So, I’ve taken to soaking my non-organic produce in a sink of lukewarm water and apple cider vinegar (about 1/4 cup) to remove the traces of pesticides (15-20minutes does the trick).

*I also use (and wash, reuse, repeat) the full circle cellulose sponge cloths and tidy cloths.

**If you’re starting your baby on solid foods, mashing up last night’s roast is a quick way to make a nutritious meal. I shred the chicken, mash the potato, carrots and kumera and finely chop the greens. Percy devours it (and sleeps very well afterward!).

More from the series: simply practical