Category: FEATURES

Winter igloos are back at The Winery and Cargo Bar Sydney

Igloos

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

2021 Fashion Week hair predictions, according to hair expert

male model hair

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

5 tips to prepare better outfit combinations for everyday wear

Fjallraven clothes

Coming up with new outfits and clothes to wear every day is a struggle for most of us. The entire day depends on how we dress, which brings out our confidence and makes us feel good about wearing that particular outfit. For this, many ladies take to the stores once a week and get another new piece of clothing that doesn’t fit in the closet or can be worn on any occasion. This can be a big let-down and a waste of money. Combining outfit pieces well that go with each other to look like the match was made in heaven can seem challenging. However, it isn’t that hard and can help you save your money and time. Here are some of our expert tips for creating the best outfit combinations you could have ever imagined with a bit of creativity and hard work: Organise your outfits If you want to wake up every day and not have to select what to wear and dread over not having the right outfit combinations, you need to start organising. Not the spring closet cleaning that everyone does to make their wardrobes penetrable but in a way that all your outfit combination is assembled and prepared to put on.  This way, you can know what items you don’t have in your closet to match with some clothing, for example, a pair of black jeans to go with some shirts that require it. Keep all your matched outfits together in the closet or set in the same hangers for… Read More

Financial habits worth making

man hands wallet money

Are you suffering from financial stress? Signs may include arguing about money, mood swings, depression and difficulty sleeping. In a report conducted by AMP Financial, more than 1.8 million working Australians are dealing with financial stress. Financial stress can stem from: Not developing good financial habits as children Lack of education on how to save money Inability to find work Living beyond one’s means But it’s never too late to develop good financial habits. Keep reading to discover how you can reduce your financial stress. Learn to pay attention to your spending habits The most common mistake people make with their finances is not knowing what’s incoming and outgoing. How many of you ever take a close look at your bank statements? It may be somewhat of a surprise to discover how much you’re actually spending. All those streaming services and long forgotten apps soon add up—$9.99 here, $6.00 there. It doesn’t seem like much when you first sign up. Don’t forget to count the nights where you couldn’t be bothered cooking and opted for Uber Eats, or the designer boots and clothing you purchased on After Pay, or the gym membership you’ve been meaning to cancel but haven’t. There is little wonder as to why so many people are living payday to payday. Our financial experts recommend auditing your bank statement. Use a highlighter to mark everything you’re not sure of, or anything you no longer use and cancel them! You don’t need all TV streaming services, so pick your favourite and change them… Read More

2 places to go for the best Italian and Greek desserts in Melbourne

cannoli on a table

Australia’s prized Mediterranean heritage comes fully into into its own category of awesomeness when you turn your gaze to the food. From the roadside delis of Oakleigh to the gastronomy of the CBD and the full-on production houses of the northern suburbs, there’s no surprise Greek, Italian and Mediterranean food is right up there on Melburnians’ list of ‘must-eats’. But, what about dessert? For those more sugar-inclined, there’s never a reason to overlook the desserts from that region of the world and thankfully, Lukumades (Greek) and Cannoleria (Italian) are filling the gap. Lukumades is – as the name suggests – known for their traditional Greek doughnuts, vehicles for all the sauces and toppings your heart could desire. In fact, they’re so desired that Lukumades has just opened five shops in Indonesia on top of their outlets in Melbourne. They can’t get enough and it’s easy to see why – they’ve taken the traditional lukumade recipe, which is normally served with honey syrup and crushed walnuts, and Australianised it. They look incredible. And if it’s something with a bit more crunch you’re after, that’s where the Italians step in, with their little pockets of deliciousness: the cannoli. The Melburnian Cannoleria was created in 2018 by That’s Amore Cheese; the brand specialises in the traditional Sicilian dessert where the delicate tubes of golden, crunchy pastry are filled fresh daily with That’s Amore Ricotta. We’re getting excited about them again, because on top of their usual quality array of desserts, they’re producing some themed ones for those die-hard… Read More

What’s on at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in 2021

london-kew-gardens-gardens-and-lake

After a year of time spent inside, we’re due a long, hot summer of outdoor activities and there are few better than a day spent at London’s Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Make plans now for the year of new festivals to celebrate British biodiversity and botanical treasures of Japan, like: The Secret world of plants in May. Kew Gardens will put on a large-scale, immersive ‘plantscapes’ representing diverse UK habitats, including coastal cliffs, moorland, and meadows, will celebrate the biodiversity on our doorsteps. A programme of exciting artistic activities designed to capture the imagination will offer visitors a fresh perspective on the ‘wall of green’ that surrounds them, helping them to appreciate and protect the botanical gems to be found in their day-to-day environment. Saturday 1 May – Sunday 19 September As well as a display of the brightest colours on Earth! Inspired by the natural world, you’ll explore the origins of sight and colour, natural phenomena such as bioluminescence, and techniques used by artists to replicate the brightest and most intense hues found in nature, the exhibition will be a treat for the eyes and give visitors a chance to interact with cutting-edge technology and catch a glimpse of its future potential in the art world and beyond. Saturday 1 May – Sunday 12 September October will welcome-in the fiery colours of Japan. In a brand-new festival in the Temperate House. The festival will explore Japan through its fascinating horticultural traditions and wider practices, emphasising the importance of the natural world and the concepts… Read More

3 popular gay pool events to go to this Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2021

Drag queen pool

Sun’s out. Guns – and everything else out – and there’ll be hundreds of others to enjo the view. Welcome to the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras pool party at the ivy, right in the heart of town. Thanks to the partnership again of Absolut Vodka and Merivale, throwing their celebratory might behind the annual gay festival, there are these three strong LGBTIQA+ friendly events for you to get excited for that involve little-to-no clothing whatsoever. Read on. POOF DOOF Drag Brunch Saturday 20 and 27 February   Treat yourself to a whole afternoon of fierce drag superstardom, a 1.5-hour bottomless mimosa and brunch package including a complimentary Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, plus so much more camp fun. The runway is in and around the ultra-glam ivy pool and the afternoon will be hosted by  the one and only Marilyn Mootrub and star the iconic Coco Jumbo, Sia Tequila and Miss Danni Issues in shows all afternoon along with fabulous guest performers each week.  Saturday 20 February: Maxi Shield  Saturday 27 February:  Faúx Fúr Tickets are $89pp. Bookings are essential and a variety of table sizes and configurations are available here. POOF DOOF Long Lunch at uccello Thursday 4 March, 12pm-5pm  The inaugural POOF DOOF Long Lunch is here, queer and kickstarting Mardi Gras at Merivale’s iconic poolside restaurant, uccello. POOF DOOF have curated the perfect long lunch to network with Sydney’s queer professionals over a three-course extravaganza designed by Head Chef Nigel Ward with a glass of champagne on arrival. The afternoon will… Read More

Cheap opera tickets by Opera Australia: for those who want to try it

Teodor Ilincai Tosca Opera Australia THE F 4

If there’s one thing in life you need to do, it’s to see the opera. And if there’s one company anywhere in the world you need to see it by, it’s Opera Australia. We’ve written about their world class productions so many, many, many, many times which is testament to just how insanely impressive and disciple-making they are. And now, you can access world class productions for a casual 20. In a bid to encourage more people to experience grand opera, Opera Australia is offering $20 tickets to 2,000 first time opera-goers to see its upcoming production of Puccini’s Tosca, which runs from February 22 to March 13, 2021. Thanks to the generosity of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation Access Program, Opera Australia is able to offer tickets for less than the price of a movie ticket to people who are yet to experience the magic of live opera. For more and to sign up, get along to the Opera Australia website, link above.

Earth Hour: save the date, save the planet

Earth Hour

Because if Earth dies, we literally have no hope, why don’t you try taking part in Earth Hour 2020? Born in Sydney, Australia in 2007, Earth Hour has since gained millions of supporters in 190  countries and territories, and more than 7000 cities. This year, 1 in 3 Australians are expected to switch off their lights for one hour as a symbolic event to support climate change action. Will you join the call? What do you need to do to participate? Easy! Switch your lights off for an hour, flick on some candles and enjoy the cosiness. Do it from 8.30pm AEDST from wherever you are. Find out more at Earth Hour!

No parade, no worries: How you can celebrate spirit of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

Drag queen by a pool at Mardi Gras

Sydney’s doing Mardi Gras differently this year. No parade officially means no worries; Merivale and Absolut Vodka are stepping-in. Score a package by Merivale – huge Sydney hospitality group – to celebrate pride and diversity in style with a fabulous line-up of drink, dine and stay options on Saturday 6 March. Complete with cocktails, festivities, DJs, drag shows and live entertainment it’s all on offer at some of the group’s most popular venues, like: The Beresford – $95pp There’s nowhere better to have a pre-parade party than The Beresford – Sydney’s iconic destination for the LGBTIQA+ community. Assemble your gang and get into the rhythm of the day with an Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, before settling in for a three-course brunch and drag show. Also included: ?  Three-course set menu ?  Live ‘Spice Girls’ drag show ?  Live DJ set from DJ Dan Murphy The Paddington – $129pp Kick things off with an Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, before launching into an absolutely bangin’ shared-style banquet from head chef Ben Greeno. Just a stone’s throw from the SCG, it’s the perfect spot to start your Mardi Gras. Also included: ?  Shared banquet dining experience ?  Live DJ sets & entertainment Queens Hotel – $129pp Head to Queens Hotel for a pre-parade smorgasbord of delicious Queen Chow favourites and live entertainment to get you warmed up for the big parade. YAS QUEENS! Also included: ?  Set menu dining experience ?  Live DJ sets & entertainment Bar Totti’s – $139pp With DJs on deck to get… Read More