Category: GIFT GUIDE

What to buy and where to eat this Valentine’s Day 2022

Pumphouse Sydney restaurant dining room balcony

Updated: 16/11/2022

The day of love is fast approaching, so you need to sort out what you’re eating and where basically yesterday. Don’t even get us started on the gifts! We rounded-up some favourites from around Sydney, Melbourne and some favourite retailers to make your choosing easier, so scroll on for some ideas on where to eat and what to buy this Valentine’s Day 2022. Google Pixel 6 mobile phone If you’re an android person, then this is the ultimate phone that’ll make your life worth living. The first phone with a Google chip, all Google parts and some – as always – external colour action to keep your day exciting, the phone’s one of Google’s most personal and helpful phones. With the most advanced cameras seen on a Pixel, you can capture every special memory with your other half in high quality and vivid colours, and they’ll only ever be a phone call away. Get it from $999 form Google Google Pixel buds The perfect gift for anyone with a busy or on-the-go lifestyle, Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series offer rich sound quality, clear calls and hands-free helpfulness all in a low-profile aesthetic. Designed for a snug and secure fit, they are comfortable enough for those long listening sessions or while your partner works out. Get them for $159 Pumphouse Sydney They’ve curated a delicious set menu for guests to enjoy on February 14th for $180 per couple. You will be welcomed with a special Valentine’s Day cocktail on arrival before being guided upstairs to the stunning, open terrace overlooking Darling… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, GIFT GUIDE, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY

Tags: valentine's day, valentine's day guide, What to buy and where to eat this Valentine's Day 2022, what to buy valentines day

Your Cointreau loving friends will love this limited edition Christmas pack

by Emi Berry

Posted: 03/12/2021

Stuck for gift ideas for your cocktail loving friends and family? Luckily, Cointreau has come to the rescue with this stylish limited edition Christmas pack that comes in a neatly packaged tropical box which includes a bottle of Cointreau as well as a super cute brass pourer. It’s the perfect gift for the Margarita lover in your life. Available at all leading independent retailers for RRP $56.99, Cointreau serves as a flavour amplifier, helping reveal the other ingredients while bringing balance, depth, and freshness to the mix. Zesty, fresh, floral and sweet with an instant freshness, lingering on the palate, it is a harmonious blend of nuanced notes yet remains intensely orange, it’s perfect for creating those summer cocktail recipes. Here are a few summer cocktail ideas to kick start the party. Holiday Margarita Ingredients: 30mL Cointreau 60mL Blanco Tequila 30mL Fresh lime juice 6 drops Aromatic Bitters Top with Rosemary Sprig Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake and strain into a cinnamon sugar-rimmed coupe glass. Garnish with rosemary sprig. Summer Margarita Ingredients: 30mL Cointreau 50mL Tequila 20mL Lime 4 Fresh Strawberries 1 bar spoon Sugar Syrup Method: Rim the glass with some fleur de sel. Combine Cointreau, Tequila, lime and strawberries in a shaker with ice. Muddle it, shake it, strain it and serve it. Tip: Garnish with mint sprig on the top of your glass to bring some freshness. Original Margarita Ingredients: 30mL Cointreau 60mL Tequila 30mL Fresh lime juice Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker…. Read More

Category: CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDES

Tags: christmas gift ideas, Cointreau, cointreau cocktails, summer cocktails

Give thoughtfully this Christmas with Cleanse & co.

by Emi Berry

Updated: 30/11/2021

Candles, ethically sourced crystals, tea, soaks, essential oils, crystal lamps – this is just a small sample of thoughtful gifts available at Cleanse & co. The brand exists to help you align with your higher self through products and practises, reconnecting, healing and inspiring you to all that you truly are — loved, worthy and whole. Cleanse & co. candles are lovingly handmade in Australia and currently have a gorgeous Cleanse-mas range which includes Gingerbread Candle, Holiday Eve, Santa’s Treat, as well as Rose Quartz ornament candles which are perfect for the Christmas tree. The candles include crystals (which should be removed before burning) and if you prefer a particular fragrance, you can make it personal by selecting a custom scent for an extra $10.00. Here are some of our favourite picks from the Cleanse-mas range: Santa’s Treat Candle ($69) Indulge in the scents of Santa’s treats, a blend of sweet, chocolate and minty joy. This delicious blend will warm your senses and create the most mouthwatering aroma in your space this Christmas. Infused by only the best vegan-friendly scents, supported in a blend of natural Soy & Coconut wax. 400g approx. 70 hour burn time if candle care is followed. Clear Quartz string lights ($34.95) Shiny and bright, illuminate the darkness, I am now surrounded with love and light.” The amplifying stone. Clear quartz is essential when manifesting intentions. It encourages thought clarity and heightens the purpose in your heart and mind. It is a powerful stone for energy as it enhances all levels…. Read More

Category: CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDES, GIFT GUIDE

Tags: candles, christmas gift guide, christmas gift ideas, cleanse & co, crystals, wellbeing

Hampers: what makes them the perfect gifts?

by THE F

Posted: 16/11/2021

Gift-giving is an art in and of itself. Think about it, coming up with the perfect present to surprise someone can be really complicated. To make matters worse, the market is full of gift options nowadays. No matter how well you may know someone, there’s always the person who has everything, is a minimalist, or is difficult to decipher as to what their likes and dislikes might be. Regardless of what your gift-related problem is, I’m here to tell you there’s the ideal solution, fit for any occasion and any recipient, available at both online and brick-and-mortar stores. Yes, I’m talking about the versatile gifts called hampers Melbourne and Australia, in general, have fallen in love with. Curious as to why that is? Hampers Are an Easily Customisable Gift It can be a hassle to come across the perfect present for a specific occasion that transmits the right message – well, that’s the case with every other gift but hampers anyway! And, if you haven’t bought one by now, get it for yourself and you’ll come to see how kind of shopping can be a burdenless experience! Without any pressure whatsoever, you’d be able to get the ideal gift for various occasions. This could be a housewarming party, baby shower, birthday, anniversary, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Easter festivities, corporate events, end of school year, or a simple just because. If I were to pick an adjective that would describe the handy gift baskets in one word, then it would definitely be… Read More

Category: CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Hampers

Bud-to-bloom floral disrupter Floraly cuts down on waste and gives back to charity

by Emi Berry

Posted: 19/10/2021

Receiving farm fresh flowers is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face, but knowing you are choosing a supplier that is on a mission to reduce flower waste as well support a charity with every order is also bound to put a smile on yours as well. Floraly is on a mission to become Australia’s most loved, most sustainable flower gifting company by only sourcing flowers after an order has been placed, saving waste and also ensuring your have the opportunity to enjoy your flowers even longer. They believe in the bud-to-bloom journey, which means you’ll receive flowers while they’re still in bud. They’ve partnered with Australia’s largest wholesalers and growers which means their flowers don’t sit around in a shop for days, waiting to be ordered. According to the team at Floraly, uncertain demand means one in every three flowers destined for a local florist die before being bought, which is a lot of waste! But by sourcing beautiful blooms after an order has been placed, Floraly has reduced their flower waste by up to 90%, which is incredible! The other wonderful initiative that makes this supplier even more likeable is that every Floraly bouquet order buys a meal for someone in need, through their partnership with OzHarvest. Floraly also works with ClimateCare to offset the carbon emissions generated from their operations, and give you the option at checkout to offset your own order. Floraly is also passionate about supporting Australia’s amazing local flower growers – from Victorian tulips, Queensland sunflowers, NSW lilies… Read More

Category: GIFT GUIDE

Tags: floraly, florists sydney, flower start up, flowers australia, online flower store

Today is National Buy Aussie Day

by Emi Berry

Updated: 01/10/2021

Research shows that Australians prefer to buy Australian products and today – National Buy Aussie Day which is held on 1 October – is the retail sector’s initiative calling on consumers to support small Aussie businesses that have faced two years of uncertainty during the pandemic as well as the bushfires and floods in 2019/2020. There are 2.2 million small businesses across Australia, with the sector accounting for almost half of Australia’s entire workforce, which is in excess of 5 million workers, and just under 60 per cent of total employment growth in the private sector. “In the way that Singles Day in China and Black Friday in the United States have become landmark shopping days, we hope October 1 will forever be our National Shopping Day, supporting Aussie owned businesses producing Aussie made goods,” said Mr White. “When small businesses thrive, so does the Australian economy, and therefore it follows that we create more jobs at home and profits stay here. I think we all want to look for ways to support each other right now and this is a simple mechanism. So, let’s stop and shop Australian, and make it a permanent shopping switch.” Small business makes up one-fifth of the entire national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributes to more than a third of all production across the country. National Buy Aussie Day founder, Chris White is hopeful every Australian will do their bit on the day whether it is $2, $20, $200 or $2,000. “When small businesses thrive, so does the… Read More

Category: CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDES, GIFT GUIDE

Tags: Aussie products, australian made, national buy aussie day

ARTS & CULTURE

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

Sydney Film Festival’s World Premier of Midnight Oil

28/04/2024

By James Banham

The 71st Sydney Film Festival is set to kick off with a bang as it proudly presents the World Premiere of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line at its Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, June 5, at the prestigious State Theatre. Following the screening, a vibrant post-screening celebration will light up the Sydney Town Hall, marking a milestone event in the festival’s history. The Hardest Line unravels the pioneering narrative of Midnight Oil like never before on the silver screen. Defiant. Passionate. Vocal. Over their illustrious 45-year journey, ‘The Oils’ have left an indelible mark on modern Australia with anthems such as US Forces, Beds Are Burning, Blue Sky Mine, and Redneck Wonderland. This groundbreaking documentary features exclusive interviews with every band member, unseen live performances and studio footage, and iconic moments like the outback tour with Warumpi Band, the Exxon protest gig in New York, and the unforgettable “Sorry” suits at the Sydney Olympics, encapsulating the extraordinary odyssey of Australia’s quintessential rock ensemble. Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to feature Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line as our opening film this year. This documentary not only charts the remarkable journey of one of Australia’s most influential bands but also encapsulates the ethos of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a poignant reflection on their enduring influence that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.” Writer, director, and executive producer Paul Clarke shared his sentiments, “There exists no… Read More

British Museum and Huw Locke explore legacies of Empire

28/04/2024

By James Banham

The British Museum has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with the esteemed Guyanese-British artist, Hew Locke, for a significant new exhibition delving into how the Museum’s collection reflects the enduring legacies of British imperial power from centuries past to the present day. This innovative exhibition, co-curated by Locke, will showcase iconic objects from the Museum’s vast collection alongside specially commissioned new works by the artist himself. Throughout his illustrious career, Locke has demonstrated a profound interest in objects and the narratives they harbor. His connection to the British Museum collection dates back to his formative years as a student in London, where he frequented the Museum of Mankind to draw inspiration from its ethnographic collections. This forthcoming exhibition marks a milestone as Locke’s first venture into artist-curated museum exhibitions, offering him a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a museum collection unlike ever before. The rich history and holdings of the British Museum intertwine closely with the narrative of the British Empire. This exhibition is poised to dissect these intertwined histories while engaging with the contemporary debates swirling around cultural heritage. By focusing on Britain’s historical interactions with Africa, India, and the Caribbean—regions that significantly influenced Guyana, Locke’s place of upbringing—the exhibition will serve as a personal exploration by utilizing interventionist techniques to reframe historical objects within the collection. Locke’s exploration aims to unravel the intricate ways in which museums are entangled in the legacies of Empire, embracing the complexities and ambiguities of these narratives. Rather than providing definitive answers, Locke seeks to provoke introspection… Read More

Michelangelo last decades exhibition at British Museum this spring

28/04/2024

By James Banham

Delving deep into the intricate tapestry of the Renaissance master’s late career, this immersive showcase promises a revelatory exploration of how art and faith intertwined in the twilight years of an iconic artist.

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

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