Category: LIFESTYLE

Personalise your listening life: Spotify’s new Only You feature

Posted: 04/06/2021

Because no one knows you like you do, Spotify’s got onto it and is offering a new global in-app experience, creating personalised playlists celebrating the uniqueness of how you listen. It’s about celebrating how you listen and offers features that do that in all its glory. Think: Audio Birth Chart: Brought to life through the artists you listen to Sun: the top artist you’ve listened to over the last six months Moon: an artist you listen to that best shows their emotional or vulnerable side Rising: an artist you’ve recently connected with Dream Dinner Party: The three artists you’d invite to the dinner party of your dreams. Once selected, Spotify will create a personalised Spotify Mix for each artist to set the mood. Artist Pairs: The unique audio pairings that you’ve listened to recently, showing your range of listening interests. Song Year: How you’ve musically traveled through different time periods. Time of Day: The music and podcast content you listen to either early in the morning or late at night. Genres/Topics: How music and podcast genres set them apart based on your listening habits. Check it out on Spotify now!

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC

Tags: Only You, spotify

5 tips to support World Environment Day

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

Every three seconds, the world loses enough forests to fill a football field, and as much as 50% of our national coral reefs have been destroyed. In addition, due to our own excess waste, more than 13 billion single use plastic bottles end up in landfill in Australia alone. However, this World Environment Day provides a fantastic opportunity for Australians to gather together and inspire positive change in our communities, by rethinking our consumption habits, developing green initiatives and learning to live more sustainably. Josh Howard, CEO and Founder of cult Australian sustainability brand, Single Use Ain’t Sexy, provides his top 5 tips for how any Aussie can support World Environment Day this Saturday, without investing a large amount of money, or even leaving your home (sorry Melbourne!). Read Product Labels Whether it’s the fruit or groceries you buy, or the clothing you wear, it’s important to read the labels on products you purchase. Be sure to look for clear signs the product is genuinely helping the environment and supporting safe working standards. If you’re not sure what to lookout for, a few logos include: Fair Trade Australian Certified Organic Forest Stewardship Council Green Tick Water/Energy Rating A full list of indicators can be found here, but be sure to understand which products are genuinely looking to help the environment, and which are just ‘greenwashing’ their branding without any real positive impact. Use ‘Water Wisdom’ A really simple and effective way to help look after your environment, is to use Water Wisdom. We’ve all heard… Read More

Category: ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Josh Howard, Single Use Ain't Sexy, World Environment Day

She’s bold. She’s gutsy. She’s Madam Sass Pinot Noir

by Emi Berry

Updated: 03/06/2021

Audacious and daring, Madam Sass is a bold new addition to the red wine market, paying homage to the gutsy and rebellious among us. All the way from the Central Valley in Chile, this seriously sassy Pinot Noir comes to life with silky tannins, fragrant blackberry and sweet dark cherry characters. Madam Sass Head Winemaker Alison Jones is all about producing brave, bold and seriously sassy wines. “With a no rules policy, Madam Sass is synonymous with breaking the mould and championing bold flavours from around the world. True to its brand personality, Madam Sass advocates untraditional, daring pairings when it comes to food and wine. Pair with anything you like and drink it on your own terms. This is a Pinot Noir for people who are becoming more adventurous with their palate yet still want to be confident they are choosing a quality wine,” says Jones. Unleash your inner hero or heroine with Madam Sass Pinot Noir. Available now exclusively at Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores nationally with an RRP of $20. About Madam Sass: Madam Sass lives her life with daring indulgence. She pays homage to heroines. Gutsy women who hold little regard for the establishment and relish in taking risks. An enticing range of wine full of attitude, style, and extravagance. Their squad is luscious, lively, and Seriously Sassy. She plays with the rules and plays where it’s hot. She doesn’t stick to dates and can come from anywhere.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian pinot noir, madam sass, Madam Sass wine, pinot noir, Pinot noir wine Australia, red wine, wine

Winter igloos are back at The Winery and Cargo Bar Sydney

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

The days are getting darker, but we’re trying to keep our moods brighter: enter igloos right in the heart of Sydney, to drink away the dark. Back again after previous years’ success, Surry Hill’s favourite, The Winery and harbourside destination, Cargo Bar are bringing back their Winter Igloos, popping up this June for you to escape into a winter wonderland under the sun and stars. The Winery, Surry Hills Sydney The igloos have taken over the iconic Winery laneway path and transformed it from its summery Instagrammable vibe, to a wintry one. Each igloo holds up to 8 guests, with a minimum booking of 4. The 2 hour Igloo package includes a menu of marinated olives, Sydney rock oysters, crispy spinach, ricotta and pine nut ravioli, The Winery Sausage Roll, baked Camembert with grilled sourdough and a Triple Chocolate Brownie with vanilla-bean ice cream and chocolate sauce. Dates: 8 June – 26 September Opening Hours: Daily Bookings: 12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm, 7.30pm Pricing: Private Igloo – $59pp, 2 Hour Bottomless Beverage Igloo – $89pp Book here Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour Sydney Intimate, but with some quality views and atmosphere all conveniently close to the water, these igloos are as warming as they are trendy. The 90-minute Igloo package includes a bespoke menu of mac and cheese balls, birria tacos, buffalo wings, margherita pizza and the choice of hour beer or wine. Guests can also opt to indulge in a $10 Espresso Martini upon their arrival. Each igloo holds 2 – 8 guests. Dates: 17 June –… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Cargo Bar, Cargo Bar Sydney, Igloo pop up Sydney, Igloos Sydney, the winery, winery sydney, Winter igloos are back at The Winery and Cargo Bar Sydney

2021 Fashion Week hair predictions, according to hair expert

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

Whip out your Grams – it’s Australian Fashion Week time! While we don’t know what exactly designers will be presenting, we know they’ll be serving up a smorgasbord of delicious hair inspiration for the year ahead. Luke Munn, up-and-coming Australian barber who won the 2020 global American Crew All Star challenge (making him one of the best young barbers in the world), has gazed into his crystal ball and shared some predictions about what we might expect on the runway, which he thinks will then filter into the mainstream over the next few months. Unsurprisingly, as barbers were closed for a decent part of last year, men have gotten used to the idea of growing their hair out. Luke predicts that length will translate into the continued reign of the mullet and thinks men’s bangs will soon be a big thing; bold, fresh and modern. Not only that, but Luke has daring colour on his radar, as men bring their personality to the forefront. See below for a bit more detail on Luke’s hair predictions ? 2021 Fashion Week hair predictions according to hair expert Luke Munn Mullet Everyone is still in love with the mullet (that hairstyle in which the hair is shorter at the front, but long at the back!) and I think it’s here to stay for a while longer. The trend has even reached the stars with the likes of Zac Efron rocking the look also. And it has also been popping up in high-fashion campaigns. So, the mullet is king again for 2021, back… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, GROOMING, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: according to hair expert, american crew, Men's hair Australian Fashion Week, Men's hair product

5 places to eat out, while staying in, this Melbourne lockdown

by THE F

Posted: 02/06/2021

We’re here again. We all knew it’d happen and thanks to that, plenty of Melbourne restaurants and cafes made plans to react to when lockdown number-whatever-it-is finally took hold. Here they are: Beggs & Acon 24 Chatham St, Prahran VIC 3181Opening hours: Friday-Thursday 8am-3pmBeggs & Acon will be open during its normal hours for takeaway only, with a special lamb toastie also on offer – ‘Lamb for Locky’. Customers can order at the venue, online at mryum.com/beggsacon or via UberEats. Mr. Miyagi 99 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181Opening hours: Friday & Saturday 5pm-9:30pmMr. Miyagi will be offering takeaway from 5pm on Friday & Saturday night. Available for pre-order via the website now, with the duck taco back on the menu for takeaway. Good Times Milk Bar 83 Tucker Rd, Bentleigh VIC 3204Opening hours: Friday-Thursday 8am-3pmGood Times Milk Bar will be offering its full menu for takeaway during the lockdown period unless sold out. All online orders can be placed in-store, over the phone and via HungryHungry goodtimes.hungryhungry.com/goodtimes/menu Green Cup Green Cup is still open for takeaway, in addition to continuing its UberEats and Deliveroo offering, giving consumers the luxury to still enjoy their delicious, healthy meals from the comfort of their own home. Menus are displayed on the front window, and your order can be collected from the stores’ dedicated pick-up zones. Green Cup South Yarra593 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8:30am-4pm Green Cup Armadale1242 High St, Armadale VIC 3143Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8:30am-4pm Green Cup Hawthorn763 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm,… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: 5 places to eat out while staying in this Melbourne lockdown, Food lockdown, Melbourne lockdown food guide, Where to eat Melbourne food lockdown

Limited edition Hendrick’s Lunar is delectably cosmic

by Emi Berry

Updated: 03/06/2021

Just like the total lunar eclipse that had us all gazing at the heavens a few weeks ago, another celestial event has occurred with the recent launch of Hedrick’s Gin new small-batch, limited edition – Hendrick’s Lunar, the second innovation from the Cabinet of Curiosities. A delightfully warm concoction, this limited-edition gin was conceived beneath the celestial light of the moon and yields an alluring complexity – best suited to refreshing sundowners, night-sipping, moon gazing and other sensible modes of contemplation. Luke Sanderson, brand ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin in Australia and New Zealand offered advice on the best time to enjoy this new, refreshing offering from Hendrick’s. “The best time to savour Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is during unusual moments of quiet contemplation. Hendrick’s lovers are familiar with our favourite signature cucumber garnish, and Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is no different, but adding a twist of black pepper will accentuate the top notes of this specially designed gin,” said Sanderson. This is the second release from Hendrick’s esteemed Master Distiller, Ms Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities and showcases how Ms Gracie’s curious mind is in part inspired by the spectacular surroundings in her playground at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace. The Hendrick’s Gin Palace is a most extraordinary place, hidden away in the remote Scottish Ayrshire coast. Here, away from the city lights and the hustle and bustle, the stars shine bright and the moon makes its magical presence felt. Ms Gracie is known for a spot of midnight gardening and regularly tends to her blossoming collection of… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: gin, Hendrick's Lunar Gin, hendricks, hendricks cocktail, hendricks gin

Brisbane Good Food Month is back this July!

by THE F

Posted: 27/05/2021

Covid-what? Brisbane’s annual Citi-sponsored Good Food Month is back with a vengeance, returning this July and reminding locals and visitors why the city’s known for fab feeds. With everyone turning out for the event, think Queensland’s own Alanna Sapwell brings her pop-up restaurant Esmay back to Brisbane after touring around the country; Ben Williamson’s fire-fuelled Agnes will be welcoming Melbourne’s own master of fire, Dave Verheul of hatted Embla into the kitchen for the perfect fiery feast; Louis Tikaram is set to mentor some of the region’s brightest up-and-coming chefs as they put on a fine four-course lunch at Howard Smith Wharves; Shane Delia joins forces with fellow hatted chef, Adam Wolfers at Gerard’s Bistro for an inspiring Middle Eastern feast; and Shannon Martinez will pay tribute to the vibrant Tel Aviv dining scene with a tantalising plant-based menu at Za Za Ta Bar & Kitchen. Tickets will be available from 27 May from goodfoodmonth.com/brisbane. You should start planning your attack now. Here are 5 must-do events while you’re there and where they are: Inchcolm Bar | 3 Martini Lunch 12pm – 3pm, Fridays throughout July for $59 Celebrate Good Food Month with a 3 Martini Lunch at Inchcolm Bar every Friday throughout July. Enjoy three signature martinis with a choice of entree and main for just $59 per person. Walter’s Steakhouse | Chefs Table No. 3: Smoke 6pm – 9pm, 27 July for $120 Bringing a timeliness charm to downtown Brisbane, Walter’s Steakhouse serves up premium, dry-aged sizzling steak, prepared and cooked with specialised… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, BRISBANE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Brisbane Good Food Month, Brisbane Good Food Month is back this July

How to make a DIY desk for your home office

by THE F

Updated: 20/05/2021

There’s nothing more satisfying than taking on a home DIY project and seeing it through to fruition. Whether you are upcycling or creating something from scratch, home projects are enjoyable and challenging as well as helping you to develop new skills! Find a design you like There are lots of online resources where you can find designs for desks. But not all designs are created equally. If you will be working a lot at home, it’s best to find an option that is ergonomic and that will support your arms when you work. Additionally, it should be of a suitable height for you and the chair you will be using. Good places to look for home desk DIY ideas include Pinterest, Instagram, and even some Facebook groups which provide step-by-step guides including photos. Alternatively, you can conduct a few Google searches to find a range of projects to suit your needs. Source your materials What are you going to make the desk from? Will you buy wood to build it, or will you use recycled items such as crates or palettes? There are even ideas for home desks made out of concrete blocks, plastics, and bricks, but the most practical ones are made from wood or wood-like materials. Figure out how you will put it together Next up, you need to figure out how you will assemble your desk. Often, it’s required that you use a few different techniques including a hammer and nails, and often, a strong, sturdy glue. For a project of this… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: How to make a DIY desk for your home office

Why Covid was a dream for new writer Mark Ashbury: about his new book ‘The Fallen’

by THE F

Updated: 26/05/2021

If there was one thing Covid gave the world – other than unconquerable frustration – it was time. Time, which new author Mark Ashbury used well, to achieve new projects and mount new heights! His new book The Fallen, is the first volume one of the engrossing ‘Book of Souls’ saga. The new book has been 30 years in the making – and is an impressive tome – that tells the story of one young woman who fights to reclaim her home and her birthright. She enlists the help of ex-bomb disposal experts, catapulting the entire cast into an unforgettable fantasy adventure unlike anything else on the market. A cinematic-in-style sci-fi tale that taps into Ashbury’s creative narrative, he harnessed his time furloughed from work to achieve his aspirations and unfurl the tale of Lalitha that spans over the course of a series of books. For more information and to order a copy, go to Amazon

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: book review, Fallen book, Mark Ashbury, The Fallen, Why Covid was a dream for new writer Mark Ashbury about his new book The Fallen

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.