Category: GIFT GUIDE

Fun and quirky Mother’s Day gift ideas

Posted: 11/04/2022

It is that day you’ve been waiting to reveal that special gift for your mother and show how much you care or value her. You may have the best intentions on Mother’s Day, but how can you surprise her with something she would love or live to remember? It can be hard to think of where to begin, especially when it comes to gifts. The good news is that there are plenty of approaches that work. When we think about mothers day, it’s not all about the food and the children. There’s more to it than that. The way you treat your mother on this special day reflects on you. In the spirit of mothering, here’s a list of some of the best and quirkiest gifts for mothers you can find online. From personalized tags and fun and quirky mugs to Mother’s Day Flowers, these are the gifts for mothers you won’t find anywhere else! Surprising her with Flowers Nothing can say “I love you” like a beautiful bouquet. Get those blooms delivered to your home for the day that your mom just can’t get enough of. You’re sure to make your mom very happy with a fantastic flower gift basket. You can choose from a variety of Mothers Day Flowers and even get the basket delivered to her work. It is the perfect way to say “I love you” on Mother’s Day. Personalized Water Bottle Strap If your mom loves to get fit, and her favorites are water bottles, a personalized gift with a… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDES

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

Pumphouse Sydney restaurant dining room balcony

by THE F

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

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

Experience the Magic of NGV Friday Nights this summer

11/12/2024

By James Banham

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

People gathered around front door of National Gallery Trafalgar Square

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

11/12/2024

By James Banham

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

A Cinderella Royal Opera Affair at the Sydney Opera House

28/11/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to dust off your glass slippers and prepare for a royal night out as Opera Australia rolls out the red carpet for the Australian premiere of Cinderella (Cendrillon), opening at the Sydney Opera House this summer. And here’s the twist—this isn’t just another fairy tale outing. Think dazzling voices, high-fashion-meets-18th-century costumes, and, the pièce de résistance, an all-Australian, mostly female-powered superstar cast. All Hail the All-Australian Cast Leading the charge is mezzo soprano Emily Edmonds in her debut as leading lady, stepping into Cinderella’s much-coveted shoes. It’s her big moment, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better royal-to-be. Playing Prince Charming in the iconic ‘pants role’ is Margaret Plummer, making her return home from a sparkling international career. She’ll share the spotlight with fellow powerhouse Sian Sharp, an Opera Australia principal singer who knows how to bring the charm. And in a role that’s truly otherworldly, the Fairy Godmother will be brought to life by beloved soprano Emma Matthews—just what you need for some magical, operatic sparkle. Of course, no Cinderella story is complete without a wicked stepmother and, less-than-ideal stepsisters. Angela Hogan and Dominica Matthews will channel their inner villainess with all the outrageousness you could hope for, while Ashlyn Tymms takes her Opera Australia principal role debut alongside Jennifer Black and Jane Ede as the hilariously dreadful stepsisters. Throw in Richard Anderson as Cinderella’s father, Shane Lowrencev as the King, and Iain Henderson and Virgilio Marino as the Dean of Faculty, and you’ve got yourself an ensemble fit for a… Read More

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More