Category: LIFESTYLE

Stylish Hound is the doggo brand you and your beloved four-legged friend have been waiting for!

Updated: 21/02/2021

Boutique doggo brand Stylish Hound was launched in late 2019 by hound lovers, Karen and Edward. And now thanks to this innovative and creative couple, your fur baby has a gorgeous range of doggy products such as harnesses, leashes, collars, and seatbelts to choose from to suit their individual personalities and needs. From the playful ‘High Top’ range to the sweet ‘Newtown’ lineup, you’re bound to find a design that suits your doggo’s personality, size, and temperament. Does she have a tendency to pull when you go walking? Then take a look at Stylish Hound’s ‘No-Pull Dog Harness’ – the brand’s signature product that came about after Karen suffered a broken arm and found walking Bagel the beagle next to impossible. Affordable, functional, and super cute, there’s now no excuse for not spoiling your fur baby! And remember, when travelling with your friend in the car, it’s illegal not to have your furry friend restrained in the car with their own doggy seat belt (so as to not distract the driver). It also acts as a restraint to keep the dog safely in the car. The fine in NSW if caught with an unrestrained dog can be in excess of $400 and a penalty of three demerit points. So if you were unaware of this law, or have been hoping not to get caught, the risk of being fined far outweighs the cost of having a sensible (and stylish) seat belt and harness. If you and your fur baby enjoy water sports, Stylish Hound also… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: dog collars, dog leash, dog life jackets, dog products, Dogs

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

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

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

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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

Teodor Ilincai Tosca Opera Australia THE F 4

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

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.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

Tags: Best opera tickets, Cheap opera tickets, Cheap opera tickets by Opera Australia for those who want to try it, How to see opera Sydney, opera australia, Opera Australia tickets, Sydney Opera house tickets

Gay Brisbane: what to do this Mardi Gras 2021

by James Banham

Posted: 20/02/2021

Go to WET DECK this 7 March for Mardi Gras gayness. Why? Because W Brisbane and ENN are making a splash at Mardi Gras weekend with an epic recovery pool party. Complete with drinks, hot bodies and sunshine, it’ll all be happening against the backdrop of phat beats from COLADA by DJ ENN that will be whipping out some seriously fun beats at Brisbane’s hottest pool bar. Go from 2-7pm on 7 March 2021 for only $45. Get your tickets here.

Category: BRISBANE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Brisbane Mardi Gras, Gay Brisbane what to do this Mardi Gras 2021, Mardi Gras 2021, Sydney Mardi Gras guide, Sydney Mardi Gras W Hotel Brisbane, W Hotel Brisbane guide, What to do Mardi Gras 2021

Australian Chamber Orchestra ‘Bach and Beyond’ series premiers this March 2021

by James Banham

Updated: 20/02/2021

For those who missed the February instalment of Rapture and Revolution by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, then never fear, there’s a March instalment on its way that showcases the incredible work of one of time’s most illustrious composers Titled Bach and the Beyond on 31 March 2021 and directed by Matisse Ruby with cinematography by Tyson Perkins, the second film includes a performance from the world’s greatest living flautist Emmanuel Pahud. Recorded during his time in lockdown in Berlin, it’ll make for a rare opportunity to see international and Australian musicians performing music together remotely, as part of ACO’s inaugural 2021 digital season. At a time when we are all grappling with finding trust in this new world and hope for the future, it is astonishing how relevant Bach remains. This evocative and impassioned concert film pitches Bach’s timeless search for redemption alongside compositions by Richard Tognetti, elevated by the mesmerising vocals of Satu Vänskä*. Get your tickets to Back and the Beyond at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s website. *Source

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, SYDNEY

Tags: Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra 'Bach and Beyond' series premiers this March 2021, Australian Chamber Orchestra Bach Beyond, Bach Beyond, Classical music Australia, Classical music concerts, Classical music concerts online, Classical music videos

LGBT+ theatre entertainment for Mardi Gras in Sydney: Darlinghurst Theatre Company launches Darlo Sessions

by James Banham

Posted: 20/02/2021

The Darlo in Sydney is redefining what the theatre can be for for audiences and performers. And no time like the present with the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras upon us. Known for removing barriers, the company will be launching ‘Darlo Sessions’ on Friday, 26 February over three weekends to introduce a lush new way to experience Australia’s live music scene. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting the amazing queer and gender-diverse performers involved to celebrate the incredible music that they’re creating. It’s an amazing platform for emerging and established queer and gender-diverse artists to experiment in the iconic space, with each night showcasing two artist performances at 7pm and 9pm, allowing patrons to treat themselves to a specially aligned double bill. Head along to see artists like: JarmarzOnMarz Jamaica Moana DVNA Essie Holt Boy and Bucket Erin Clare Hot Potato Band KYVA imbi Huck Hastings (Album Launch) Brendan Maclean + Jack Colwell Okenyo Banoffee Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased through the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, back up top.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, SYDNEY

Tags: Darlo gay pub, Darlo Sydney Darlo hotel Sydney, Gay pubs Sydney, Gay venues Sydney, LGBT+ theatre entertainment for Mardi Gras in Sydney Darlinghurst Theatre Company launches Darlo Sessions, The Darlo

How to achieve work-life balance through mindfulness while working from home

by THE F

Updated: 08/03/2021

Humans are designed to be in rhythm. We feel ‘off’ when our rhythms are disrupted. The reality is that Covid disrupted, and continues to disrupt, the rhythms that not only keep us well, but create the foundations for us to BE and FEEL successful. With the disruption came lots of new rhythms that you’ve probably experienced. Two additional meetings in the place of your previous commute. Back-to-back Zoom calls. Virtual catch-ups that meant we spent more time formally engaging with colleagues and clients, making a key point to ensure they knew we were online working hard and available, losing the boundaries between home and work. Many of these new rhythms were created mindlessly and, left unchecked, opened the door to unhealthy habits, chronic stress, overwhelm, burnout and worse. It’s no wonder that LEGO research found 7 in 10 adults regularly search for stress reducing habits. So where should you start? It’s time to reflect and reset. After all, we can only achieve what we have energy for. Make a list of the rhythms you have in your life. The behaviours that are recurring – whether that’s hourly, daily or weekly. If those rhythms energise you in a healthy sustainable way, keep them. If they deplete you, lose them and mindfully replace them with energising rhythms. So here’s seven energising performance rhythms to try in the next seven days: Sleep. Every day you wake up tired, you start the day behind. And we know that sleep is a mental health superpower. The sleep science tells us… Read More

Category: HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Guide to working from home, How to achieve work-life balance through mindfulness while working from home, How to be mindful, How to work from home, Mindfulness while working, WFH guide

Fitbit Inspire 2: a journey to a fitter self

by THE F

Posted: 19/02/2021

We’re in the era of ‘proof! Or it didn’t happen’, so what better way to prove to your friends, family and social followers that you smashed that 20 kay, half marathon on the weekend than with a Fitbit map to prove it? This is why the likes of Fitbit’s latest Inspire 2 is good. That, and a few other reasons that we’ll explore now. It does the usual Fitbit tracking of activity, heart and sleep, coupled with a journey into Fitbit Premium, the company’s own extrapolated insights into how your body works and responds to the movements you make. You score Fitbit Premium for a year when you make the purchase. With these insights, you’re given the power to investigate how you sleep, where your heart rate’s at – and how you can improve it with personalised fitness programs using the Fitbit app. It’s a sleek, streamlined piece of wearable tech by Fitbit that puts the emphasis on interconnectedness as well as wearability – at an affordable price – with a solid 10-day battery life for all your outdoor escapades. Y’know, when you’re allowed. The Fitbit Inspire 2 is an easy-to-use fitness tracker that packs 24/7 heart rate, Active Zone Minutes and more into your daily routine, on-demand when you need it. Find out more or get your own from Fitbit.

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: About Fitbit Inspire 2, fitbit, Fitbit Inspire 2 review, Fitbit Inspire 2 trial, fitbit watch

Gordon’s Gin launches a new zesty flavour – Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/03/2021

So it appears we won’t be heading to the Mediterranean any time soon, so good thing Gordon’s Gin is bringing the Med to us! Adding to their list of diverse and vibrant flavours – think, Gordon’s Pink, Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon, and now Mediterranean Orange – there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and great for any occasion. It’s available now in liquor stores across the country and online for $49.99. Here’s how to serve the perfect Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange and Tonic: What you need: 30 ml Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin 120 ml Tonic Water Orange Wheel (to garnish) How to do it: Fill a chilled glass with ice cubes, pour 30ml of Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange over the ice and top up with 120ml chilled tonic water. Garnish with a wheel of orange, then give it a final stir. Enjoy! For those who prefer a ready-to-drink option, there is also a 330ml Orange Gin and Soda now available in liquor stores across the country for $21.99 (4-pack).

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

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Join a KitchenAid colour of the year masterclass this February with all proceeds going to charity

by Emi Berry

Updated: 19/02/2021

We’re all looking for a positive spin on 2021 and this is the perfect way to kick it off. KitchenAid first launched its iconic colour products in 1955. Ever since then, it has unveiled an annual KitchenAid ‘Colour of the Year’, with this year’s colour named Honey’ – a warm and rich hue with a golden-orange undertone, which radiates positivity and warmth. Sounds gorgeous, doesn’t it! And to showcase the new, stunning ‘Honey’ products, KitchenAid is running three super fun Masterclasses in Sydney that will appeal to the sweet tooth, the savoury lover and the stylist looking for inspiration for their next dinner party. For the sweet tooth: February 24 2021 This class is all about sweetness, with baking queen, Katherine Sabbath. Armed with Aussie icons Tim Tam and Choc Ripple, she’ll teach you how to pull together a Tim Tam and Choc Ripple dessert while you also learn how to master KitchenAid’s suite of kitchen appliances. For those who prefer savoury: February 25 2021 This masterclass is a savoury-themed session, presented by Harris Farm and KitchenAid In-House Maker, Belinda Gazzard. You’ll learn how to create easy to master savoury dishes that will nourish your body and bring joy to your taste buds whilst celebrating local produce. Plus of course, you’ll also learn how to master KitchenAid’s suite of kitchen appliances For the budding stylist: February 26 2021 This class is all about learning how to style your next dinner party. Interior Designer Steve Cordony and catering extraordinaire Amanda Cordony will teach you how to… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Best KitchenAid, colour of the year, Colour of the Year masterclass, cooking, Cooking masterclass Sydney, Join a KitchenAid colour of the year masterclass this February with all proceeds going to charity, kitchenaid, masterclass, Sydney cooking classes, Where to buy KitchenAid Sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

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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

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.