Category: LIFESTYLE

Future-proofing – 5 ways to ensure you have a prosperous financial future

Posted: 18/03/2020

If you are someone who focuses on living life to the fullest, you might not have thought much about setting yourself up for the future. But having a plan will help you to achieve your financial goals, travel to the places you want to see and take time out to spend with your family in retirement, without worrying about how to pay the electricity bill. Here are a few tips to help you on your way: Super-charge your super Most of us don’t think much about our superannuation. We sign up to a fund, hopefully remember to consolidate our super from ghosts of jobs past and then put it right out of our minds. But if you want to ensure you have a comfortable retirement, it is never too early to take a closer look at your super fund. Are you with a retail fund, an industry fund, or do you have a self-managed super fund? Financial accountants and SMSF accountants can advise you of whether you are maximising your superannuation. If you are unsure about whether you will be financially comfortable for retirement, it is worth investing in professional advice. Pay off debt It is impossible to get ahead while juggling personal loans, credit card debt, and AfterPay repayments. If you are struggling with debt, try sitting down and listing all of your outstanding payments. Then figure out how you can start paying them off. If you are not sure where to start, try calling the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007. Have… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Future-proofing - 5 ways to ensure you have a prosperous financial future

No, organic wine doesn’t give you fewer hangovers

by James Banham

Posted: 16/03/2020

Drinking green when it comes to red, white and rosé wine has never been so popular. Sales of organic wines are booming, and wine retailer Cellarmasters has quadrupled its organic wine range in the last 12 months alone. “A couple of years ago we would only have a handful of wines from organic producers, but they weren’t marketed as being ‘organic’ as there was very little interest at the time,” explained Christine Ricketts, Cellar Director for wine retailer Cellarmasters. “However, in the last 12 months we’ve seen a huge surge in demand and supply of organic wines. Organic wines are free from chemical pesticides, and organic farming practices treat the environment more fairly.” “Many experts also believe organic wine tastes more vibrant than conventional wine, so there are many reasons to try organic wine if you haven’t already,” she added. But no, organic wine does not give you fewer hangovers; here, Christine debunks the most common myths about organic wine. Myth: Organic wine doesn’t give you hangovers Although organic wine tends to have less sulphites than conventional wine, it can still give you a hangover. Hangovers are caused by the alcohol content, although histamines and tannins in wine can contribute to a sore head the next day. If you want to avoid hangovers all together, moderation is key no matter what wine you’re drinking. Myth: Organic wine doesn’t taste as good as normal wine Organic wine hasn’t always had a great reputation when it comes to taste. However, these days most green wines tend to… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: cellarmasters

School daze – 5 tips for surviving the pressures of exam time

by THE F

Posted: 16/03/2020

When you are in the midst of final exam time at school, it can feel as though your whole life is riding on these few weeks. People often give up exercise, socialising and family time while they shut themselves away in this room frantically cramming for the all-important tests. So, how can you get through the stress and pressure unscathed? Here are a few tips to help you on your way: Ask for Help If you are struggling in a particular subject, then now is the time to ask for some assistance. Sometimes you need someone new to take you through a concept and explain the topic in a different way to give you that breakthrough moment that you need. You can find HSC, QCE, and VCE tutors (or any other final-year acronym you need) available online, who specialise in preparing you for end-of-year exams. They will take you through the areas where you are struggling, set you practice questions, and offer tips and advice to help you remember the critical points. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare This point may be the most tedious and unwelcome piece of advice that you will receive, but the earlier that you start your prep, the less stressed you will be once exam time rolls around. Try to break your study into manageable components that can be completed one at a time. Set yourself a daily or weekly target, muster up all of your self-discipline, make yourself a sticker chart if you have to, but make sure you are taking small… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Exam time

Are there limits to lipo? What you should know about liposuction

by THE F

Updated: 18/03/2020

Are you considering getting liposuction done? If so, you may be wondering just what is possible to achieve aesthetically with the liposuction procedure. The more that you know about lipo, the better you will feel about making the decision to undergo the procedure. Liposuction is a versatile procedure that is often combined with other cosmetic procedures in order to enhance the results. That said, there are some limits as to what is possible with the liposuction procedure. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure Those who are overweight or obese should not be using liposuction as a solution or treatment. Liposuction does work to remove fat and slim and trim areas of stubborn fat, but this is not a way to treat obesity. It’s a procedure with a focus on contouring your body and face, purely for cosmetic purposes. The best way to get the results that you want is to work out, eat right and lose the weight naturally. Once you’ve lost weight and have held your weight steady for several months, then you should consider liposuction as a way of treating those stubborn and difficult-to-remove areas of fat on your body. Liposuction can’t remove more than 5L According to top Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt, it’s not considered to be safe to remove more than 5L of fat from most patients. The needs of each patient will differ greatly, and the desired results will vary greatly. If you are concerned about how much fat you can realistically have removed, be sure to… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Are there limits to lipo? What you should know about liposuction, liposuction

Hustle Boxing Sydney – the fitness studio for the everyday hustler

by Lottie Dalziel

Updated: 11/03/2020

Hustle Boxing is new to Sydney, encouraging quality routines for the slightly nervous, right in the middle of Sydney’s LA-style exercise hub in Potts Point. The product of Simon Maree and Tim McGann, it’s all about technical boxing meets full-body conditioning where you’ll “build a boxer’s body with a champion’s mindset”, as they say. With six different class styles inspired by the likes of Jagger, Beyonce, Michael Jordan and Adriana Lima, it’s the kind of place you to go see, be seen, break a sweat and try your hand at something with some gloves in an environment purposed to inspire confidence and encourage getting involved! The near-dark room feels like you’ve travelled to an underground club in New York and is split in two for your 50-60 minute sweat session. First up, floor work using Y-bells, resistance bands and bodyweight exercises to tone and strengthen then boxing using state-of-the-art aqua bags for cardio and endurance. When the music starts it’s just you and the bag with lots of personal space you push yourself to new limits with the support of your trainers. Hustle aims to ‘help you challenge your muscles and mind – and win’. The schmick facilities include an open plan Scandi feel reception, Dyson hairdryers in the bathroom and they supply everything even a glove dryer so there’s no need for sweaty gloves and old ratty wraps. Hustle Boxing is located at 176 Victoria Street Potts Point, pricing starts from $35 for a casual class and $70 per week.

Category: CITIES, HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Book of Man Festival London: What it is and what you need to see

by James Banham

Posted: 11/03/2020

Without men, we’d be nowhere. Primarily without penises we’d be nowhere. So, the Book of Man Festival exists in a way, to showcase man and engage them in a changing world. It’s about opening eyes, learning skills, understanding things and communicating about vulnerabilities and fears with friends, family and each other. Topic of one of the festival’s most outstanding events? Dicks, of course. Scroll down for more. For the festival; a series of events in London this March will be providing a chance to develop and enjoy new perspectives. 10TH MARCH – THE PENIS GALLERY X VAGINA MUSEUM Location: The Book Club, 7-9pm The Penis Gallery is returning after a highly successful night last year which showed penises in their (strictly flaccid) glory and featured a panel discussion about taboos and anxieties around the fellas. This will be with panelist Dr Chris Morriss-Roberts, who has studied and written about the role of penises in the locker room, and male body perceptions in general. We also have a further coup in welcoming artist Jamie McCartney, the man behind The Great Wall of Vagina, as well as his Penis Flags, is a man very much au fait with all genitalia matters. Buy tickets 16TH MARCH – HOW TO HAVE MORE AND BETTER SEX! Location: Rotate, 7-9pm In this interactive session we will tackle the new world of sex and dating. With the format of audience Q&A a top panel will discuss people’s bedroom issues, dating worries and generally give advice for better sex and happier relationships. For couples, singles,… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Book of Man, Book of Man Festival London what it is and what you need to see, Book of Man London, Cockart, london, Penises London

Guess how many people don’t read – the truth with sadden you

by James Banham

Posted: 10/03/2020

So, it turns out a lot of us don’t read. Like, at all. Which explains the need for social media and auto-correct. But, thankfully, there are organisations out there that are encouraging – while not typically ‘reading’ as we know it – people to get back to the ways of old-ish, by consuming the OG content: stories! Audible found that 62% of Australians “are too busy to find the time to read”, so don’t. To combat this, they roped-in Celeste Barber, renowned piss-taker and social media personality in their #ChallengeAccepted campaign to shine a light on books and the fact you can now read them with your ears. Audible is all about audiobooks, making them more accessible, easier to consume and a lot cheaper than the traditional version. They’ve even cottoned on to the fact that two thirds (or 65 per cent) of Aussies would be more likely to listen to an audiobook narrated by a celebrity. Our favourites are Morgan Freeman (41 per cent), David Attenborough (34 per cent), Barack Obama (24 per cent) and Stephen Fry (22 per cent). Not to mention other cultural tid-bits like, the fact that Aussies most often wish they had read the Game of Thrones series (23 per cent), The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (22 per cent), and The Barefoot Investor (22 per cent). For more, go to Audible.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Audible, Best audio books, Celeste Barber, Celeste Barber Audible

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with whisky in London

by James Banham

Posted: 10/03/2020

The Sun Tavern is the small corner bar in Bethnal Green you need to know. If relaxed aesthetics and comfy interiors aren’t reason enough to call this East London hang out your local, then perhaps what they can do in the form of a cocktail, is? This Saint Pat’s Day they’re turning it on to the tune of a special cocktail menu this 17 March. From 6pm-9pm Three Sheets’ Noel and Max Venning will be taking over the bar, alongside The Sun Tavern bartenders, to offer guests an exclusive St Paddy?s day cocktail menu featuring a White Russian with Coffee, Milk Washed Slane Irish Whiskey and Miso, The Shamrock Gimlet with Slane Irish Whiskey, Wood Sorrel and White Wine and a twist on The Sun Tavern’s own Irish Coffee with Slane Irish Whiskey, Salted Coffee and Baileys Cream. Sort yourself out: Doors will be open from 12pm – 1am offering a whole day of shenanigans and ample time to enjoy the frivolities. St Patrick’s Day at The Sun TavernDate: Tuesday 17th March 2020Time: 12pm – 1am The Sun Tavern441 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0ANWebsite: www.thesuntavern.co.uk

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

The gin to have when you’re not having a gin

by Emi Berry

Posted: 28/02/2020

With mindful March just around the corner, there are those who are trying to be a little healthier and more balanced by reducing their alcohol intake for the month. Then are those who are giving up alcohol all together for a variety of reasons. And then there are those good, responsible humans who regularly nominate themselves as ‘designated drivers’ (you know who you are). But just because you’ve decided it’s time to cut out the alcohol, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cool, refreshing G&T bursting with your favourite botanicals, garnished with a slice of lime. Now that we have your attention, let’s talk about the hottest, grown-up, non-alcoholic gin alternative on the market – CEDER’S. Yes, it’s so boss, even the name of the alt-gin is all uppercase. Produced in Sweden, CEDER’S is a distilled, non-alcoholic alt-gin created using pristine Swedish water, and rare South African and classic gin botanicals. Two of the three varieties are now available in Australia – CEDER’S Classic and CEDER’S Wild. CEDER’S Crisp is the third variety featured on the website but is not yet available in Australia. Botanicals used to create the alt-gin include juniper, coriander, lavender, geranium, buchu, rooibos, grapefruit, ginger and clove. The result is a beautifully created alt-gin with all the traditional characters of an alcohol-based gin, without the consequences. The ‘classic’ variety is described as floral and balanced while the ‘wild’ is spicy and intriguing. It’s best served in a gorgeous glass with a good quality tonic and a twist of your favourite fruit… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, RECIPES

Tags: alcohol, alt gin, gin, gin cocktail recipe, gin cocktails, Health wellbeing, non alcoholic

W Hotel Sydney and Alyssa Edwards teach Sydney to Love Out Loud this Mardi Gras

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The queen of tongue pops, Alyssa Edwards is in Sydney for this year’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, pretty much posing as the face of the forthcoming W Hotel Sydney. She’ll be a special guest on the W Hotels LOVE OUT LOUD float at this Saturday’s Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. After the news of W opening in Melbourne in August 2020 and W Sydney slated to open 2021, the hotel will inspire Sydney folks and visitors to celebrate equality and general gayness. They’ll jam their float this year with over 80 guests, including Vera Blue and local personality people on W Hotels’ supercharged fluoro boom box. It’ll be camp. Keep you eye out for it this weekend! See more about drag queens here.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Alyssa Edwards Sydney, W Hotel, W Hotel Melbourne, W Hotel Sydney, W Hotel Sydney and Alyssa Edwards teach Sydney to Love Out Loud this Mardi Gras

ARTS & CULTURE

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 THE F

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.

For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

11/04/2024

By James Banham

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.