Category: LIFESTYLE

Tranquility meets functionality at new BodyMindLife studio in Kirrawee

Fresh empty yoga studio

We spend so much of our lives in the gym, so to find somewhere that feels like home (perhaps even nicer!) is the ultimate goal. That place has been found at the BodyMindLife studios. The brand new studio at Kirrawee in the South Village precinct has opened and between the 75 classes each week and stunning facilities, this is the first time we’ve never wanted to skip a workout. BodyMindLife founder Philip Goodwin says this was exactly his intention. “We want the community to come together here and to feel like they can stay as long as they like,” Goodwin says. As soon as you enter the peaceful space with its white walls, diffuser scented air and scandi elements, you’re immediately relaxed. I’m usually one to rush to and from the gym in a desire to get it over and done with, but at BodyMindLife I arrive early to stretch and remain after class for a cup of herbal tea. For those not familiar with Reformer Pilates itself, Reformer uses all the methodologies behind Pilates but instead performs them on moving platform frame (or ‘bed’) with different weighted springs to that create resistance as you move back and forth. The moving frame allows you to really target those small muscle groups and get in deep stretches you may not have thought was possible. Reformer is great for recovery after an injury and and building long, lean muscles. If you think there’s only so many moves you can do on a reformer bed think again. There… Read More

Japanese Mother’s Day: Where to take Mum on her special day

Japanese food at Sash Sydney

Sash Sydney opened only earlier in 2019, but has already managed to take Japanese food in Surry Hills to a brand new level. Read about what Sash is like, here. And just in case their already popular Sunday sessions weren’t enough of a reason to visit, then what they’ve got going on this Mothers’ Day 2019 is sure to be hollering for a booking. For the special woman in your life, they’re putting on a spread. Spoil Mum with a 7 course modern Japanese banquet designed by their head chef Peter Wu. It’s a menu to be grazed on, consisting of Sash’s already renowned dishes including, hand rolled sushi, inspired tacos and crispy battered delights. Find Sash Restaurant at 80 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills. Mother’s Day bookings are essential.

Coffee all over Sydney: Chambers Fine Coffee does it right

Holding a cup of coffee in front of the trading hours of Chambers Fine Coffee

When you think of Haymarket in Sydney, delicious Chinese dumplings and barbecued Peking duck probably springs to mind. But located on the fringes of bustling Chinatown is some of the most satisfying coffee you’ll find in town – at Chambers Fine Coffee.Who would’ve thought? The queue for takeaway coffee is evidence that this the go-to cafe for locals working or studying in the precinct for their daily dose of caffeine. As the name suggests, Chambers Fine Coffee is committed to brewing a decent hot beverage, which isn’t just limited to coffee, but also includes trending favourites such as organic matcha lattes, turmeric lattes and dirty chai lattes – the perfect belly warmer for those cold autumn days. For the warmer months, Chambers also offers delicious frappes, milkshakes and smoothies. Chambers also offers an all day breakfast menu with old time favourites such as eggs benedict with smoked salmon, accompanied with slices of satisfyingly crunchy toasted sourdough. But then who can go past a finger-licking burger with chips for lunch, which also includes a vegetarian version with grilled haloumi, eggplant, tomato and lettuce? The menu is extensive but not overwhelming (because that’s the last thing you want when you want to sit down to an uncomplicated, casual meal), and guarantees to cater to all cravings at a reasonable price point. Chambers Fine Coffee can be found across six locations in Sydney including Haymarket, Top Ryde, Rhodes, Chatswood, Parramatta and Burwood Plaza.

Best crepes in Sydney for Vivid Festival: Four Frogs Creperie

Four Frogs crepes

The countdown is on to Vivid Sydney, where spectacular light exhibitions transform the city over a three week period commencing Friday 24 May. While there will be events taking place all over the city, Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House and The Rocks will no doubt take centre stage during this iconic light festival. As the city illuminates from 6pm each evening, you’ll probably want to grab dinner before, after or in between discovering the inspiring light installations. The nights will be cool, so what better way to warm up than indulging in a warm glass of mulled French cider and a delicious crepe at Circular Quay’s Four Frogs Creperie. Founded by four Frenchmen who fell in love with Australia, Four Frogs Creperie is the real deal when it comes to mouth-watering sweet crepes and galettes (savoury crepes). With over 50 variations of a mix of crepes and galettes on offer, even the fussiest eaters amongst us will find something to satisfy. For those seeking a traditional French galette, you can’t go past the La tartiflette which is produced with bacon, Swiss and raclette cheese, potato and onion slow-cooked in cider. You can choose to add an egg to the topping, which is highly recommended if you really want to enjoy the complete ‘la tartiflette’ experience. We’ll also let you in on a very important tip, particularly during those cold evenings by the harbour: the homemade mulled cider is exceptionally good, so why not spoil yourself and order a glass to accompany your meal. Made with… Read More

SYDNEY: Dinners for VIVID – Chroma dinner at Mode Kitchen & Bar, Four Seasons

Mode Kitchen & Bar_Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, sweet & sour onions, macadamia

VIVID Sydney will again take over the city from 24 May to 15 June, so if ever you’ve wanted to eat colour, the time is now. What? Mode Kitchen and Bar on the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – and under the insanely legendary hand of head chef Francesco Mannelli – is putting on what’s called the Chroma dinner. It’s a sumptuous feast of gastronomic proportions, open to the public, for the entire season for VIVID in Sydney. “Inspired by interesting and extraordinary Australian ingredients I created a unique menu to stimulate guests senses, whilst paying homage to my Italian heritage playing with cooking techniques to create natural vibrant colours and dishes to excite our guests,” said Francesco. It’s a dinner of the celebration of light, colour, sound and sensation created around three dishes and a dessert specifically designed to awaken the senses and take diners on a culinary journey of colour, scent, sound and light. Each dish has been carefully matched to a cocktail or drink by Roderick Boerma, Grain Bar Manager who reigns from Amsterdam and is a true master of fine local produce. Inspired by RGB, these colours have been created to enhance the dining experience as guests enter a world of colour and a sensorial awakening. And if that wasn’t enough, Mode has transformed a space into a white canvas, ready to integrate the very unique BroomX projector that has abilities to create spectacular virtual reality projections who surprise and delight guests, transforming the newly white room into… Read More

Simple yoghurt done simply: The new range from five:am

Five am yoghurt

Long gone are the days of yoghurts drowning in sugar and a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, five:am has launched a new range that makes things simple. And the difference is, it’s actually good. You know normally when someone tries to ring out a new range of yoghurt without the bad stuff we all love, it can sometimes flop? Well, this doesn’t. The new range is called five:am SIMPLY. They say it’s yoghurt as it should be and made with nothing but yoghurt and fruit or honey. It doesn’t include any added sugar, any nasties, preservatives or anything artificial. So, for those who’re after something that isn’t leading to your own demise, this isn a good choice. Get five:am from supermarkets.

Highball: New Zealand’s first dedicated spirits and cocktail festival

Wellington cocktails

Right in the middle of Wellington, New Zealand, Highball is happening on 11-12 May. It’s the country’s immersive celebration of cocktails and spirits, giving people the chance to explore distilleries, rare exports and other bevs, presented by local and international masters of Wellington’s cocktail bars and talent. Joined by the women of Wellington who’ve made such a name for themselves in the bar scene, they’ll be shaking, stirring and garnishing cocktails throughout the festival. Abi Chilcott (Havana Bar) and Laura Walker (Forrester’s Lane) are are a couple of newbies who are making waves in the bartending industry and will show off their bespoke cocktail recipes and the secret to a perfect cocktail. In partnership with Liquorland, there will be 16 regional and international distilleries on show throughout the weekend, including Johnnie Walker (Scotland), Arette Tequila (Mexico), as well as Kiwi craft spirits producers like Denzien Urban Gin Distillery, Thomson Whisky and many more. See more at the festival’s website.

Butcher and the Farmer does bottomless British brunch in Sydney

Smeg Butcher Farmer toaster

At the Tramsheds in Glebe, right in the heart of Sydney, Butcher and Farmer has nestled in nicely; and now they’re doing bottomless brunch. Because; Sydney. With stuff on the menu like eggs sunny-side-up, bacon, BATF signature pork and fennel sausage, confit mushroom, roasted Roma tomato, fried Sonoma bread, house braised beans and a hash brown, it’s a good time. Top it all with bottomless prosecco and the very British Pimm’s cups, it makes for a good time. Why? Butcher and the Farmer have teamed up with Will Stewart and Steve Flood, both English, who’ve spruiked the new Union Jack themed Smeg toaster, on show at Butcher and the Farmer, to inject a little English into seaside Sydney. It’s an explosion of British gastronomy, right in the middle of town, which for those with a penchant for the UK, will hit the spot ideally. See more and make your own booking at the Butcher and Farmer’s website.

MELBOURNE: Winter got sweeter with the igloo garden at Auburn Hotel, Hawthorn

Auburn Hotel igloo

Date night, work dinner, need a drink, or just ‘cos, the Winter Igloo Garden at the Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn is there for it – and doing it well. Caged, steel igloos fill the back courtyard of the colonial days hotel along Auburn Road, adding a haunting, but super cute arrangement to the otherwise incredibly ornate 100+ year-old hotel. It’s a trendy take on traditional outdoor dining, giving guests shelter from the cold of winter, while keeping warm by sucking back Wild Turkey‘s American Honey bourbon. A sweet treat as well as an alcoholic smack in the gob you know you want, the American Honey bottle isn’t often seen, but ticks all the boxes of what you’re after from a drink in the middle of winter. It’s warming (‘cos bourbon), but sweetened in a dangerously morish way, thanks to the honey. The Wild Turkey folks and the Auburn Hotel have even partnered with the good, bee-loving people at Melbourne City Rooftop Honey to pair with their American Honey hot toddy, espresso martini, honey julep, old fashioned – the list goes on. Igloo packages cater to those looking for something cosy and intimate in a communal dining space, with larger group sizes of up to 28 people able to enjoy private seating and cocktail events in the mega igloo. The menu, inspired by the smooth, sweet flavour of American Honey, includes a selection of cured meats and cheeses drizzled in honey, followed with dessert, a chocolate honeycomb fondue. All designed to be paired with American Honey… Read More

A whole new IKEA: Shop without the crowds and queues at Warringah Mall

IKEA Studio

Gone is the IKEA you know – and love. They’re opting for a new iteration of the Swedish look and feel without any of the crowds, queues, lanes on the footpath or aisles of self-serve furniture. It’s called the IKEA Home Planning Studio and you’re in the market for a refreshed take on kitchen and bedroom storage solutions, then it’s for you. It’s a new 98m? studio within the homewares section of Warringah Mall in Sydney that will provide one-on-one planning consultations and developments if you need. Everything is done online within the studio and delivered directly to the your home, so there’s none of that post-visit awkwardness in trying to fit a 10-seater anything into the back of your Mini Clubman. There’s a stylist and design consultant on-hand, too, for two hour sessions that are booked in advance, where you’re are guided through each stage of their kitchen or bedroom planning process, with a stunning end result. Make your booking here.