Category: LIFESTYLE

Baking this Christmas? Try it with Ceramabake

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Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the time to dig out those secret recipes, tie on an apron, and channel your inner Aussie MasterChef. If this sounds like you, then Stanley Rogers’ latest innovation, the CERAMABAKE collection, might just top your wish list this year. For a brand that’s been creating quality kitchenware and elevating entertaining experiences since 1930, they’ve hit a home run with this brilliant bakeware range. Health-Conscious, Hassle-Free Baking One look at the CERAMABAKE bakeware, and you can tell Stanley Rogers is catering to the modern cook who doesn’t just want a better bake—they want a healthier one. The entire range is crafted with a premium two-layer ceramic non-stick coating that’s not only a breeze to clean but also free of nasties like PTFE, PFOS, PFOA, cadmium, and lead. Yes, you get to bake those buttery shortbreads and bake-off-worthy cakes without the lingering worry of potentially harmful chemicals. Healthier cooking, stress-free cleanup. Where’s the downside? Performance Meets Durability The CERAMABAKE collection, featuring over 20 versatile pieces, ticks all the boxes for performance in the kitchen. Made from high-performance, robust carbon steel, each piece heats quickly and evenly—because no one likes their chocolate fondant to be burnt on one side and raw on the other. The range has you covered for every festive feast imaginable, from round, square, and rectangular cake pans to muffin trays, pie and quiche pans, and even air fryer accessories. It’s as versatile as your Christmas menu. Roasting a ham? Baking mince pies? Cooking up… Read More

Why you shouldn’t skimp on sunglasses this Christmas

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Ah, summer — the season of backyard barbies, beach cricket, and pretending sunscreen is actually going to save you from turning the colour of a lobster. One item, however, that often gets overlooked in the mad scramble for thongs and tall tins? Sunglasses. That’s right, a good pair of sunnies might just be the unsung hero of your summer survival kit. Not only do they save you from squinting so much you look permanently confused, but they’re a must-have for protecting your eyes. Blocking Out Those Killer Rays Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses aren’t just about looking like a reality TV star walking out of the airport. Don;t forget prescription sunglasses while you’re at it – they’re your shield against harmful UV rays, which honestly seem to have it in for our eyeballs. Prolonged exposure can lead to some serious issues like cataracts and macular degeneration. “Macular degeneration” might sound like the name of an obscure punk band, but it’s not something you want in your life. A decent pair of sunnies with proper UV protection creates a barrier between your eyes and those unforgiving solar assaults. Bye, Bye Glare Ever tried driving on a sunny day or laying on the beach with the sun reflecting off the water into your retinas? It’s a guaranteed headache. Sunglasses with polarised lenses work wonders here. They cut through glare like a hot knife through butter, letting you enjoy your surroundings without squinting like someone trying to read fine print on an ancient map. Whether you’re paddleboarding, picnicking… Read More

Revving Up for a Fresh Start: Why it’s time to replace your old car

MG electric car

Like any other investment, a car has limited years. Age could lead to signs of wear and tear as well, but after many years that decreased capacity or growing repair bills might have finally taken too great a toll. It may seem as though keeping your older vehicle rolling is the economical option — which it can be at first — but those costs will add up eventually. Upgrading from an older vehicle to a newer model can provide many advantages like better gas mileage, enhanced safety features, and enjoyment of driving. A more recent model may also include modern technology, including infotainment systems and driver-assist technologies for an improved driving experience as well. 1. The Financial Advantages: Initially, acquiring a brand-new car may look like an important economic choice but after time it could save you money. For instance, having an older car it seems like going over repair after one, the cost of this process begins culminating after some time to more than what was paid for the vehicle initially.  Even if you do scrape up the cash, newer models are covered by a warranty, so paying for such expensive repairs is less likely to be your burden. On top of that, most new cars get better gas mileage so you save money on fuel in the long run. Replacing your old car with something more dependable is one of the smartest financial moves you can make to reduce costs, as other payments suddenly shrink. 2. Emotional Bond With Your Car A car… Read More

Sustainable wine gets a new face: Tread Softly plants 2-millionth tree

wine plants Tread Softly 2 Million Trees Lifestyle Image 2

Australian wine brand Tread Softly has raised the bar for sustainability, proudly celebrating the planting of their two millionth tree this October. Since 2019, Tread Softly, in partnership with Carbon Neutral, has committed to restoring the nation’s degraded lands, with a tree planted for every case of wine sold. The result? The creation of the thriving Tread Softly Forest, which has reclaimed over 1,212 hectares of previously over-cultivated land in Western Australia’s Yarra Yarra biodiversity corridor. A Forest Reborn Over the last five years, Tread Softly and Carbon Neutral have carefully planted a diverse mix of more than 50 native tree species to regenerate lands once cleared for agriculture. The transformation is striking. What was once barren red earth now teems with life, as hundreds of native animal and plant species return to their natural habitat. Carbon Neutral COO Nevin Wittber explains, “You can see the difference from the red barren landscape and right next to it is this forest… Over time, this forest will represent what it was before the land was cleared.” The environmental benefits of this monumental effort cannot be overstated. The Tread Softly Forest is expected to sequester approximately 125,000 tonnes of CO2e from the atmosphere over the next 25 years—that’s the equivalent of taking 35,000 cars off the road every single year. Consumers Driving Change Tread Softly’s extraordinary contributions would not be possible without the ongoing support of their customers. Each tree planted symbolises the collective impact of consumers choosing a wine brand that puts the planet first. Ross Marshall,… Read More

Experience the Magic of NGV Friday Nights this summer

People audience NGV gallery

This summer, Melbourne’s NGV is turning up the heat with NGV Friday Nights, a spellbinding after-hours celebration of art, music and food and Yayoi Kusama. Running for 18 weeks at NGV International, the series takes its inspiration from Yayoi Kusama, one of the world’s most iconic contemporary Japanese artists. With a kaleidoscopic combination of Kusama’s breathtaking works, live DJ performances, and expertly curated dining, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Step into Kusama’s World At the heart of NGV Friday Nights is the highly anticipated Yayoi Kusama exhibition, the most comprehensive display of her work Australia has seen. Spanning an extraordinary eight-decade career, this blockbuster exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in Kusama’s vibrant visions of colour, form, and infinity. Highlighting the exhibition are Kusama’s mesmerising infinity mirror rooms, where reflections multiply endlessly to draw you into her unique artistic dimension. Adding even more magic to these after-dark events are two standout installations. The monumental Dancing Pumpkin (2020) in Federation Court captures Kusama’s playful creativity, while the recreated installation of Narcissus Garden (1966/2024) beckons visitors to lose themselves in its hypnotic beauty. Dining in Style – the Martin Benn Residency If feasting with flair is your thing, then you’ll want to book a spot at the NGV Garden Restaurant. This summer, acclaimed chef Martin Benn—renowned for his innovative Asian-inspired menus—takes the reins. Famous for his time as the chef-owner of Sepia, Benn is set to deliver a stunning menu that fuses seasonal Australian ingredients with Japanese flavours. This is a culinary experience… Read More

C C Land: The Wonder of Art – A Bold New Era for the National Gallery

People gathered around front door of National Gallery Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery in London is turning the page to an extraordinary new chapter with its major redisplay, C C Land: The Wonder of Art. From 10 May 2025, visitors will be able to experience over 1,000 works in a spectacular reimagining of the gallery’s collection. It promises to be nothing short of breathtaking, combining centuries-old masterpieces with fresh loans and a modern, approachable visitor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or someone looking to dip their toe into the world of artistic marvels, this exhibition might just redefine what “a day at the gallery” means. More Than a Collection – A Chronological Journey Art aficionados love a bit of structure, and The Wonder of Art offers just that with a broadly chronological arrangement. The medieval and Renaissance masterpieces will find a home in the newly transformed Sainsbury Wing, while later works will be displayed in the iconic Wilkins Building. Alongside this timeline of artistic evolution, the redisplay will feature thematic highlights such as The Spectacle of Portraiture, Flowers, and Still Life, offering visitors a fresh way to interact with the works. But it’s not just about rearrangement. Some paintings will make their glorious returns after years of restoration, like the Pollaiuolo brothers’ The Martyrdom of San Sebastian (1475) and Jan van Eyck’s Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?) (1433), promising to wow us with their renewed vibrancy. The Masters—And a Few Surprises For the first time in the National Gallery’s history, visitors can see works by certain artists grouped in dedicated, single-artist rooms…. Read More

How to: The famous Zumbo trifle for Christmas

Trifle

Is it really Christmas if there’s no trifle on the table? But forget the same old layers of soggy sponge and canned fruit—Adriano Zumbo’s Christmas trifle is here to shake things up in the most spectacular way. With his signature flair for the extravagant and a knack for turning tradition into an edible masterpiece, this trifle is the dessert your festive season has been crying out for. Combining all the classic Christmas flavours we love (think spice, fruit, custard!) with a bold, modern twist, this recipe promises to be not just a dessert, but the centrepiece of your holiday spread. Grab your apron, channel your inner chef, and get ready to create a Christmas show-stopper worthy of the Zumbo name. Ingredients:? (510g) 3 x tubs Wicked Sister Rice Pudding? (450g) 3 x tubs Wicked Sister Crème Caramel? 1 packet Ginger Kisses? Optional: Brandy or alcohol of choice? 510g Wicked Sister High Protein Strawberry Pudding? 225g Cream? 1 large mango, diced? 250g strawberries, hulled and quartered? 150g Granola clusters? 50g Shortbread, crumbledMethod:

Celebrate Christmas with the Warmth of LARK Whiskey

Lark whisky 2023 LRK Giftpack Render CCRBTP

Ah, Christmas. The season of overeating, endless playlists of the same three carols, and trying to untangle that cursed string of fairy lights for the tenth year running. But, amidst all that chaos, there’s something undeniably magical about gathering with your mates or family, sharing stories, laughter, and—if you’re really doing it right—a glass of damn good whiskey. This year, LARK invites you to take your Christmas game to a whole new level, offering a range of truly special whiskies that could very well steal the show from even Nan’s Christmas pudding. Whiskey Worth Celebrating Straight from the rugged beauty of Tasmania, LARK’s lineup isn’t just whiskey. It’s handcrafted, carefully considered, and brimming with over three decades of expertise. Whether you’re looking for a top-notch gift or a treat for yourself (because hey, you’ve survived 2023), LARK has a bottle with your name on it—or at least, it can. LARK Classic Cask Single Malt 500mL Why not gift something that says, “I didn’t pick this up at the servo on my way here”? The Personalised Classic Cask Single Malt is both thoughtful and luxurious. With a recipe crafted over 32 years, each bottle and box is handmade to order. You get to add a personal touch, so it’s far more meaningful than a knitted jumper. Be sure to grab yours soon though; they’re shipped out in just 1-2 business days, but deadlines are looming. RRP $220. Signature Collection Tasting FlightFor the undecided or the adventurous drinker, the Signature Collection Tasting Flight is pure genius. This… Read More