Category: LIFESTYLE

Accessorise with Stranger Things x CASETiFY’s latest drop

Updated: 18/07/2022

Stranger Things fans get excited! Why? CASETiFY has released a second collection of Netflix’s Stranger Things lifestyle and tech accessories including iPhone, AirPods and AirPods Pro cases, AirTag holders, MagSafe wallets, Apple watch bands, grip stands, and a Nintendo Switch carrying case. Accessories start from $38 AUD. After a limited-edition release in 2020, CASETiFY is debuting a second collection with Netflix’s Stranger Things 4 which is currently streaming globally on Netflix. The limited-edition products are inspired by journeys back to Hawkins, Indiana and embrace new locations circa 1986 – about the time when Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ could be heard on high rotation over the radio. Fans are invited to join Eleven and the rest of the gang as they navigate the complexities of high school with designs spotlighting the Hellfire Club, the Hawkins High Tigers, the gang’s favourite pizza joint Surfer Boy Pizza, and the all-new Demobat on CASETiFY’s best-selling Impact and Ultra Impact cases. The new release will also pay homage to the hit series with cases featuring the Upside Down and both classic and flaming iterations of the iconic Stranger Things logo, retailing for $62 AUD and up. The Stranger Things x CASETiFY collection is available online and in CASETiFY Studio locations, with products shipping to more than 100+ countries. To score the limited edition designs before they’re gone, visit casetify.com and download the CASETiFY Co-Lab app (available now in the App Store).

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: Casetify, phone cases, stranger things, tech needs

Going away in summer? 7 tips to be cyber-safe on travels

by James Banham

Posted: 17/07/2022

As the summer season is underway, people are increasingly taking holidays. Whether holidaymakers have chosen the beach, the countryside, the mountains, or an urban setting, one thing is certain: no one is immune to having their devices stolen or even hacked while they are away from home. Cybersecurity experts at NordVPN provide travelers with seven tips for a cybersecure holiday. Back up your data “My whole life is on my phone” — if this phrase sounds like something you would say, remember to make sure you have your phone’s contents backed up before you leave. After all, no one is safe from losing their phone or having it stolen. This also applies to the SD cards of your cameras. 2. Safe payment methods Instead of your main bank card, use a separate prepaid debit card abroad. This card can be topped up with any amount you want. That way, if your card details are stolen, you won’t lose all the money you store there. 3. Take a portable charger with you Don’t go out without your portable charger or a charging cable. Why not? Simply because charging stations can be a playground for cybercriminals. A USB/lightning cable can be modified by a malicious person, like in this demo made by a hacker in 2019. 4. Avoid public Wi-Fi It is always a good idea to use mobile data while traveling because it is encrypted. However, if you have no choice and need to use public Wi-Fi, don’t forget to use a VPN. This tool will… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS, TRAVEL

Tel Aviv-inspired Shaffa in Surry Hills is Middle Eastern cuisine at its best

by THE F

Updated: 12/04/2024

Hidden down a narrow passageway in the heart of Surry Hills is an exciting venue featuring delicious, Israeli-inspired cuisine that is just as beautiful to look at as it is to savour. Launched last year just before the 2021 lockdown, Shaffa – rightly so – is now having its time in the sun, with curious passers-by drawn into the passageway by the sounds of middle eastern music, only to discover this hidden gem and its incredibly delicious dishes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaffa (@shaffasydney) Shaffa is owned by Israeli-born chef Erez Nahum and is designed to evoke memories of Tel Aviv and its vibrant, bustling marketplaces. The building in which the venue is located is bursting with personality and has a rich history dating back to the 1850s when it was previously an inn, which you can read all about as you make your way down the passageway to the restaurant. The Weekend Bottomless Brunch Feast is the perfect option for a long, lazy lunch, available on Saturdays and Sundays for two-hour sittings between 12 pm and 4 pm. For $70pp, the menu is long, generous, provides a good selection of some of the venue’s best dishes and is guaranteed to leave you feeling more than satisfied. There is also an a la carte option and two set menus to choose from for weekday lunches and dinners (a $76pp set menu and a more substantial $95pp set menu). But be warned, if you choose the set menu option, you will… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: bottomless lunch, israeli cuisine, israeli food, middle eastern restaurant, shaffa

How to bet on the races

by THE F

Updated: 18/07/2022

A special place in the global betting market is occupied by bets on horse racing and greyhound racing, although the attitude of players towards them is not the same in different regions of the world, which is associated with historical and cultural features of specific countries. If European bookmakers give good lines and position these directions as one of main, then domestic offices offer these options as exotic types of bets. In Australia Online betting on horse racing comes with some features that a capper needs to take into account in order to be profitable. This article was prepared with the participation of an information and analytical resource that makes reviews for all popular online slots Australia. Learn sports betting, read the latest reviews of new products in the world of gambling and play responsibly! What should you pay attention to? Before making his prediction, it is important for a capper to study the following statistics that affect the final result: Horse age. At a short distance, young horses look like obvious favourites. However, if a capper bets on a long distance, then experience decides a lot. Rest between runs. It is important for the capper to know what distance the race is planned for, and how much time the horse has received before that for rest. For a sprint, a horse is considered well rested if the pause is a month. For long distances, a long rest is a negative factor. Jockey weight. The average weight of a jockey is within 60 kilograms. Exceptions… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

5 reasons wedding entertainment’s a must-have

by THE F

Updated: 26/08/2022

What’s the best way to make sure your wedding reception goes off without a hitch? Asking a few friends to perform impromptu karaoke? Or maybe setting up some silent disco headphones and hoping your guests will have fun with that? Both of these are fine options, but if you want to truly impress your guests and ensure they have the best time possible, you need to hire wedding musicians and other forms of entertainment. Here are five reasons why wedding entertainment should be at the top of your priority list. 1) Everyone needs fun At the end of the day, your wedding is all about celebrating your love and commitment to one another. And what’s the best way to do that? By having fun, of course. A good wedding entertainer will help you and your guests let loose and enjoy yourselves. After all, it’s not every day you get married, so don’t let it be just any old event. You want people to have an unforgettable time – or at least have something to talk about for years to come. And remember, there are plenty of talented performers out there who specialise in entertainment for weddings. 2) Fun time break the ice One of the best things about wedding entertainment is that it can help break the ice between guests who may not know each other. Sometimes meeting new people can be difficult but with a little bit of help from the right type of entertainment this could become much easier. Wedding entertainment breaks the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

The easiest Plastic Free July swap you’ll ever make

by Danielle Kirk

Posted: 11/07/2022

It’s estimated that in 2021 Australians wasted 5,266 tonnes of plastic. It’s little wonder that as we become more aware of the harmful impact mismanaged plastic has on our environment, more of us are taking the time to make smart swaps. Plastic Free July is an entire month dedicated to just that – education and tips and tricks on reducing your plastic footprint! Here at The F, we’re here to tell you about the easiest eco-swap you will ever make – SHAMPOO BARS! What is a shampoo bar you ask? It’s essentially a bar of soap, but made of shampoo. They even come as conditioners as well! The idea is you remove the water, which makes up most of your shampoo ingredients, and keep all the good hair cleaning stuff as a compact bar that you then use in the shower and add water to create a lather while you wash those locks. They’re a truly genius product that’s lower on carbon footprint thanks to being lighter to ship, and fantastic for travel. We road tested the Anihana range, a NZ family-owned brand who handcraft sustainable hair and body care products, and can confirm we’re never going back to shampoo bottles in this house. Anihana’s shampoo and conditioner bars are all paraben, SLS and sulphate free, whilst also being 100% cruelty and plastic free. If you’re watching your pennies like the rest of us in this economy, you’ll be pleased to know that each bar is the equivalent of using three 250ml bottles worth of… Read More

Category: ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, GROOMING, LIFESTYLE

Tags: anihana, conditioner bars, eco friendly swap, plastic free july, plastic free swaps, shampoo bars

All about the risks of Digital Yuan

by THE F

Updated: 14/07/2022

There are a lot of cryptos, and all are available in the market from there; one primary currency that ispopping out nowadays is the digital Yuan. It is a currency in which you can do all your work without anytrouble, but the major thing is not all people can buy this currency. It is made for Chinese people only. This currency has several benefits that a user can easily attain from it, but on the other hand, there aresome significant risks also. It would be best if you did not focus on the benefits only because it is not aright to start the investment. You have to search in deep, and then you should decide. To invest in digitalyuan you can visit yuanpay-group.de. The risk is the only thing that can ruin your experience, and that is why one should always check andthen make the decision. The digital Yuan is a rising currency, and it is now booming the market. You caneasily invest in it with a perfect plan and a great strategy. But without checking the risks, you shouldnever start the investing process of the digital Yuan because it can significantly impact your investments.If you want to enjoy your journey of investment, then you should learn all the things first, and then youshould decide to buy or not buy. It is one of the most multiple currencies nowadays, so people areinvesting in this investment. You have to check and take a deep look at the digital Yuan and take a deeplook and collect all… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

5 reasons to visit Mykonos Greece this summer

by James Banham

Updated: 11/07/2022

It’s summer in Europe! And that means, well, so many things, but primarily: travel to and around the mainland. Europe’s a big place and Greece is one of the many destinations that sits atop its crown of must-visit destinations; and Mykonos even more so, if that’s your vibe. Think Jackie O’s on the beach, water views at every stop and all the table service anyone could ever need. Oh and these 5 other winning reasons. Read on and get planning! 1. Resident DJ and weekly music events Popular for its glamorous nightlife, superstar DJs and beautiful crowds, Mykonos is a true holiday destination. The fun starts at Kensh? Ornos, with a calendar of regular events sure to keep guests entertained. Throughout the season, different musicians and performances will be taking place at Kensh? Ornos, ranging from singers to DJ’s, dancers and more. Recent events include our resident DJ, DJ Angelosi playing Ethnic Electronic and Afro House music and Mediterranean ethnic music performances by Ghenwa Nemnom. 2. The star-lit swimming pool One of the best places to take a dip in Mykonos, the Kensh? Ornos pool was designed to complement the hotel’s surrounding Ornos Bay. With majestic views of the Aegean Sea, lounging by the pool has never been more relaxing. The pool is the perfect Instagram spot, guaranteed to give everyone at home FOMO. At night, the turquoise swimming pool is illuminated with ‘starlights’ that light up the turquoise water for inviting evening swims. Guests can enjoy fresh towels, delicious cocktails and snackable lite bites whilst… Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: 5 reasons to visit Mykonos Greece this summer, Europe travel, Greece Mykonos 5 best travel ideas, greece travel, Mykonos travel

Europe summer travel is back: consider the Bodrum EDITION Turkiye

by James Banham

Posted: 11/07/2022

The Bodrum EDITION is back for the summer and this July 2022, the resort will be hosting an impressive roster of musicians and artists that are set to entertain guests throughout; creating the ultimate oasis for those looking to both celebrate and wind down. It’ll be hosting a variety of DJs and musicians to kick start their nights at Morena Beach Club during their Chillout Vibe sessions, including acts from famed Istanbul DJ Sabo, Persic, Laolu and and sets from DJ Seko; all set amongst the background of the white sandy beach and crystal turquoise water. The resort’s destination signature al fresco restaurant, BRAVA, helmed by chef Diego Muñoz will also be celebrating the national Bayram Holiday with a variety of acts from Berk Büyükak?n and DJ Yaz Yüceil and other artists including DJ Zeynep Erbay to continue to the celebrations after the national holiday is over. And if the general chicness and awesome landscape of the Turkish surrounds and hotel aren’t enough, then artist, Eda Zamanpur will be organising an array of conceptual art club classes with signature cocktails available throughout the sessions from the Beach Club. Eda specialises in watercolour paintings and draws inspiration from the nature around her which is an idyllic partnership due to the resort being on the waterfront with snorkeling spots close by. Rates start from €1,600 per room per night in July. For more, head to the Bodrum EDITION website.

Category: EUROPE, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Bodrum EDITION, Bodrum EDITION Turkiye, Bodrum hotels, Bodrum hotels Turkey, Edition Hotel, Europe summer travel is back consider the Bodrum EDITION Turkiye

Book a stay on Neighbours Ramsay Street while you still can

by James Banham

Posted: 11/07/2022

As part of a Nostalgic Neighbours Stay, a beer with Dr Karl is just one of the VIP perks available for the lucky fan who books the most iconic home in Australia, 28 Ramsay Street, on Booking.com. Nestled in the quintessential Aussie cul de sac, 28 Ramsay Street, the fictional residence of Karl and Susan Kennedy will become home for lucky Neighbours lovers in an Australian first. Marking the end of the iconic soap that has graced the nation’s screens for 37 years, the two night stay will accommodate just one lucky couple from Wednesday 27th July – Thursday 28th July, coinciding with the airing of the Neighbours special 90-minute finale episode in Australia on Thursday 28th July at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Peach. The beloved red brick home features a private master suite, a contemporary kitchen, two living spaces and outdoor entertaining area will be available to book exclusively on Booking.com on a first come first served basis. Fans will be able to book the property on a first in, first booked basis on Tuesday 12 July 11:00 am AEST for just $28.00 AUD – to celebrate the final time 28 Ramsay Street will appear on screens. Fans will need to get in quick though, as there is just one chance to experience this once in a lifetime finale offer. The stay on Ramsay Street will include: flights from home destination and state to Victoria a premium car rental for 3 days champagne on arrival backyard barbie & beers with Karl Kennedy AKA Alan Fletcher, before settling in… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Booking.com Ramsay Street stay, Neighbours, Ramsay Street

ARTS & CULTURE

Opera Australia doing 500 tickets for $35

10/05/2024

By THE F

Opera Australia is rolling out the red carpet for younger audiences with its innovative Opera for Under 35s program! A fresh initiative that aims to breathe new life into the traditional art form of opera. In a bold move to attract a younger demographic, OA is offering an enticing deal of 500 tickets priced at just $35 each. This special offer marks the launch of a program dedicated to making opera more accessible and appealing to the under-35 crowd, starting with the Australian premiere of Edward Dick’s acclaimed production of Tosca. Scheduled to mesmerise audiences firstly in Melbourne at the Margaret Court Arena on May 24, followed by a season at the iconic Sydney Opera House starting June 25, Tosca is set to be a landmark event. This initiative is not merely about offering discounted tickets; it’s a comprehensive program designed to cultivate a deeper appreciation for opera among young Australians. Registrants of the program can look forward to a 15% discount on tickets to most OA performances year-round, alongside exclusive further discounts for select shows, with some tickets available at the low price of $35. Additionally, members will receive invitations to special behind-the-scenes events including meet-and-greets with artists, all at no additional cost. Jo Davies, OA’s new Artistic Director, expresses her excitement about the program, highlighting it as a strategic move to lower financial barriers and make opera accessible to all, especially during tough economic times. This approach not only preserves but also propels the art form forward by ensuring it remains relevant and… Read More

National Portrait Prize in State Library of Queensland this winter

09/05/2024

By James Banham

The National Portrait Gallery’s esteemed National Photographic Portrait Prize of 2023 is set to grace the State Library of Queensland, marking a prestigious period from May 11 until July 7, 2024. Initiated in 2007, this prize has not only celebrated but has significantly fostered the art of photographic portraiture within Australia, offering photographers both recognition and a substantial reward. This year’s exhibition features 47 finalists chosen from nearly 2,400 submissions, highlighting a diverse range of subjects including the impact of flooding in Graceville, Brisbane, and the complex transcultural identity of an Iranian migrant mother. The accolade of winning the 2023 prize was bestowed upon Shea Kirk, who through his portrait ‘Ruby (left view)’ of Emma Armstrong-Porter, managed to secure $50,000 worth of prizes, comprising $30,000 cash from the National Portrait Gallery and $20,000 in Canon equipment. Meanwhile, Renae Saxby received high commendation for her portrayal of the proud Indigenous women Cindy Rostron in ‘Bangardidjan 2022,’ earning a prestigious ColorEdge monitor valued at almost $4,000. Other notable winners include David Cossini, awarded the Art Handlers’ prize for his captivating portrait ‘Ugandan Ssebabi,’ and Bruce Agnew, whose work ‘KAHA, 2022’ captivated the public, winning the $10,000 People’s Choice Award. These accolades underline the breadth and depth of talent present in Australia’s photographic community. The exhibition, supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, not only showcases these spectacular works but also brings to light Australia’s rich and varied cultural tapestry. Vicki McDonald AM, State Library of Queensland’s CEO, and Bree Pickering, Director of the National… Read More

New gallery in Sydney: A Secondary Eye opens

07/05/2024

By James Banham

The gallery opens with a presentation of rare Rover Thomas works including some never before seen to the public Sydney, Australia: A Secondary Eye has unveiled the new gallery space located within the arts district of Woollahra, Sydney, opening to the public from Friday 3 May 2024. Led by Jesse-Jack De Deyne, a specialist with extensive experience working in the secondary market for Australian Indigenous art and Boris Cornelissen, former Contemporary Art Specialist at Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, A Secondary Eye was founded in 2020 with a focus on further developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia. Specialising in First Nations and contemporary Australian art, A Secondary Eye has exhibited and sold works by some of the most important and sought-after artists including Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Queenie McKenzie, Paddy Bedford, John Mawurndjul, Bill Whiskey, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Gordon Bennett, Tony Albert, Danie Mellor, Ben Quilty, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen and Fred Williams. Over the past four years, the gallery has placed a number of highly revered artworks in collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art and HOTA Gallery. The new gallery is positioned in the heart of Queen Street, a location traditionally associated with secondary market art dealers and once home to Rex Irwin Gallery, Sotheby’s and Christie’s. A Secondary Eye opens with a solo presentation of one of Australia’s most important and influential artists, Rover Thomas. A revered elder from the Kimberley region, Rover Thomas was the… Read More

Ballet Flamenco – Sara Baras Voces Suite Flamenca cred Santana de Yepes I

Flamenco Festival London 2024 is back

05/05/2024

By THE F

London’s acclaimed Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the exhilarating Flamenco Festival 2024 from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 15th June, now in its remarkable 19th edition. The recent residency by Paco Pena gave us a taste of what to expect! This year’s festival is brimming with anticipation, featuring ten UK premieres and showcasing a constellation of flamenco’s brightest stars. With performances spanning across the iconic Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the intimate Lilian Baylis Studio, attendees are promised an immersive experience into the heart of flamenco’s vibrant tradition and its contemporary interpretations. Kicking off the festival is the critically acclaimed Rocío Molina, who returns to stun audiences with her innovative piece, Al Fondo Riela, on 4th June. Molina’s performance is a profound exploration of reflection and reality, encapsulated through the traditional flamenco trio of dance, song, and guitar. Her artistry is complemented by the expertise of guitarists Oscar Lago and Yerai Cortés, setting the stage for a festival that melds tradition with avant-garde interpretations. The festival skyrockets further with appearances by flamenco guitar virtuoso Vicente Amigo, presenting a mesmerising concert that traverses classical and nuevo flamenco realms, and the dramatic duo Patricia Guerrero and Alfonso Losa in Alter Ego, a show born from spontaneous improvisation that promises an intimate glimpse into the soul of flamenco dance. Adding to the festival’s allure, Eva Yerbabuena contemplates her illustrious 20-year career in Yerbagüena (bright dark), delivering performances that promise to be evocative and spellbinding, while the renowned Israel Fernández teams up with guitarist Diego del Morao to present… Read More

Dutch piano virtuoso returns to the Sydney Opera House

30/04/2024

By James Banham

Mark your calendars and prepare to be enveloped in the soul-stirring sounds of Joep Beving, as the maestro makes his grand return to the Opera House this July. After mesmerising audiences in previous years, Beving is back with a bang, ready to unveil the mystical realms of Hermetism across two spellbinding shows on Monday, 22 July 2024. Each performance promises an experience akin to a spiritual odyssey, underscored by Beving’s deeply introspective, neoclassical sound that has captivated millions globally. This year, the enigmatic Dutch pianist is set to elevate his musical narrations to unprecedented heights, blending his artistry with an awe-inspiring audio-visual spectacle developed alongside the innovative minds of Boris Acket, Merijn Versnel, and Roxanne Percobic. Hermetism, drawing inspiration from Beving’s 2022 album, invites you on an enchanted voyage exploring the essence of spirituality, the elusive nature of time, and the depths of the inner self. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an invitation to transcend the ordinary, led by a masterful storyteller who’s rediscovered his love for the piano and transformed it into a source of universal connection and wonder. Joep Beving’s remarkable journey from personal loss to streaming stardom is a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire. With over 200 million streams on Spotify and a place among the giants of post-classical composition, Beving’s return to the Opera House isn’t just an event; it’s a pivotal moment in the world of contemporary music. As Ben Marshall, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, aptly puts it, “Joep describes… Read More