Category: LIFESTYLE

Good read: Crazy Shit in Asia

The new book, CRAZY SH*T IN ASIA aims to celebrate alternative travel culture and keep the dream alive. Basically; exotic one day; dangerous the next and renowned for cheap, offbeat adventures, Asia is abundant with amazing cuisine and welcoming people. But there is a dark, dangerous side to this top tourist destination-of-a-continent. Sinking Bintangs in Bali, riding an elephant in Thailand or cruising the Mekong in Cambodia-what could possibly go wrong? So goes the tale as old as time… CRAZY SH*T IN ASIA is a collection of hilarious, dangerous, nail biting, downright embarrassing and sometimes poignant tales of adventures that went horribly wrong that might encourage you to take the road less trekked on your next holiday-or not. Part confusing, part hilarious, all true and completely awakening, the new book by author Matt Towner is a must-read for anyone who does Asia. Get your own copy.

Smash Sydney’s cheapest burgers on International Hamburger Day at Chargrill Charlie’s

Chargrill Charlies burger 1

If you like chicken and quality salads, then Chargrill Charlie’s is for you. But for a limited time, you have every reason – 5 of them, to be exact – to ditch the health and smash burgers with them because this International Hamburger Day – 27 May – is fast-approaching and Charlie’s is turning it up. For $5 per burger, you can get your calorie on at any Chargrill Charlie’s outlet around Sydney, but it’s for one day only. Chargrill Charlie’s is known for what they offer up so affordably and willingly to its increasingly growing fan base between all its locations in Sydney. From fresh salads inspired by Sydneysider Roxy Jacenko, to being popular with visiting celebrities to the sunny city, Charlie’s is about quality food without the BS. See more at chargrillcharlies.com

IKEA introduces a Los Angeles urban capsule collection inspired by cool with SPÄNST

IKEA SPANST desk

Available from 28 May, IKEA will introduce a new range of homewares that veritably dump tangible ‘betterness’ all over what you think is good home furniture and style, setting the threshold incredibly high. Yet, affordable. As the Swedish homewares giant gets set to launch a new range, SPÄNST, across the country, it’s almost time to start making-way for what you’ve got, getting the home prepped as a canvas for Los Angeles inspired urban cool furniture and decor. It is all designed in collaboration with designer Chris Stamp from label Stampd, known for its meticulous attention to detail and design that embody modern youth culture with high quality and a minimal look. It’s completely different to the last collection with Danish design duo HAY in YPPERLIG and worlds apart from the collection of Kit Neale in SPRIDD, offering a distinctly urban flavour with black finishings, mesh outers and subtly printed fabrics. Either way you look at it, though, it makes ‘effortlessly cool’ an interiors’ style that is 100% accessible without breaking the bank. “As a fashion designer, I know that people want to show other people their clothes, shoes and accessories. Why spend a lot on a pair of sneakers and hide them in the closet? “I want everyone to be able to take pride in how they display their clothing and footwear, allowing them to appreciate their pieces just as much as when they’re not being worn.” Hence, the collection is all about the mesh wardrobe and great outer finishings, letting the pieces join the home as… Read More

Print your fave Insta pics with the new Instax

Instax 1

Okay, so there are some things on Instagram you’d rather forget. Last night’s drunken, ten-part story of you screaming Mr. Brightside in to a karaoke mic at 3am. MORE: See when The Killers held an intimate party in Sydney The old selfies of you and your ex. And the late-night DM slide by your friend’s cousin’s random workmate who you’ve only met once, like five years ago. But there are other memories you want to hang on to: birthdays, engagements, particularly cute cat photos. That’s where the new Fuji Instax comes in! It’s a cute little photo printer that you don’t even need to plug in to your phone to use: Simply connect over wifi, download the printer app, and start choosing which of your Instagram images you want to have in hard-copy form to keep forever. Whether it’s sharing these printed memories with your friends, family, or your loyal ig followers, the Instax-compatible film comes in packets of ten, so depending on how many photos you’d like to print out, you may want to grab a couple of handfuls. Once you’ve charged the printer and inserted the film, the app makes it super simple to select images, resize them, and even edit the shape of the image. Once the photo is printed, leave it on a flat surface for a few minutes and watch as your image develops! Then you can use the photos however you’d like: decorate your walls, give them to someone as a gift, or even send them to that ex of… Read More

[ab]intra by Sydney Dance Company has made its world premiere

ab intra Sydney Dance Company 5

For those in the know when it comes to dance, the Sydney Dance Company and its choreographer, Rafael Bonachela are two names to know. The latest production, [ab]intra, is Bonachela’s first full-length work in six years and is a dazzling return to the limelight as the production held its world premiere in Sydney recently. SEE ALSO: Why 2018 is a good year for the Sydney Dance Company From the Latin meaning ‘from within’, [ab]intra explores the concept of the shared instincts as humans that drive us apart and bring us back together. A writhing, dramatically lit and scarcely propped dancing spectacular, [ab]intra is an absorbing journey through human nature. Set in a dramatically stark space of nothingness whereby the emptiness becomes a part of the production itself, complete with strong light work that accentuates moments in time and hints of colour to indicate the human condition, the production is nothing short of engrossing. Given we know we all – relatively speaking – inherently feel, think, hurt, move and exist in the same way – emotions and socio-political views aside – but seeing what drives our relationships and ignites our ambitions and desires is quite the encapsulating rollercoaster. As Bonachela says, they had been talking about and thinking about [ab]intra for a long time and being able to finally share the project with the world is a terribly exciting time. MORE: See more about the Sydney Dance Company’s production, Frame of Mind, here Crafted at first with nothing but an idea and a request for the… Read More

Kimonos for men by Beautiful Robes make any holiday much more relaxed

Beautiful Robes kimono

Sure, it’s not something you’d typically think to pack in your suitcase but a kimono can be one helluva handy addition, especially when you’re off to a hot destination. Kimonos by Beautiful Robes are just as the name suggests. Quality cotton and silk make up a range that yeah, sure, is something typically reserved for older or regal Japanese men and in the Land of the Rising Sun, but make for an easy holiday option for a bloke who’s not afraid to choose comfort over chinos and over-shirts. Just what we need.another cock, in a frock, on a rock. ? @beautifulrobes #beautifulrobes #kimono #boracay #priscilla A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_au) on Apr 13, 2018 at 6:12pm PDT They’re a Melbourne-based lifestyle brand that offers an exclusive collection of sleep wear, day wear and authentic Japanese-made kimonos, bringing-in some welcome Asian influence in a way that Australians can relate to and best-of-all, wear. Alison Schipp started it in 2010, wanting to bring a bit of luxury and escapism to women and men who value comfort and quality in and around the home. Beautiful Robes’ signature kimonos articulate a Japanese aesthetic with an accessible and classic style and now, thanks to the new collection, ‘Peninsula Resort’, it’s more accessible than ever. Inspired by coastal colours and the relaxed Australian beach lifestyle, the Peninsula Resort kimonos are perfect for home or travel. Check out the full collection Beautiful Robes. An Australian, hanging in the Philippines in a Japanese kimono ? Come on, globalisation ???… Read More

Merivale’s Collaroy is opening in Sydney this May

Merivale Collaroy

The folks who run Sydney’s food and drinks scene, Merivale, are opening the newest gem to in their crown, The Collaroy this May. Located on the Northern Beaches, this pub has sweeping views of the ocean and sand literally at its doorstep, The Collaroy is a vibrant beachside destination for those who love to be by the shore. It’s all about sun-loving days, laid-back living and close-knit community spirit, complete with relaxed and fuss-free living, it’s about a variety of casual dining experiences for locals to meet, eat and grab a drink at the ocean’s edge, a place where they can pop in after a swim and stay the whole day. Early in the day, the kiosk serves coffee, juice and house made pastries, alongside pizza bases with fresh breakfast toppings. Health-driven bowls and plates with rustic combinations – like muesli with dried fruit, nuts, oats, coconut yoghurt and cold milk and toasted faro with avocado, boiled egg, rocket, grilled haloumi, olive oil and lemon – are served for lunch. As day turns into evening, the ground floor will offer snacks to accompany a glass of wine in hand, like freshly sliced prosciutto and grissini, ham croquettes with spicy aioli and anchovy toasts with pickled shallot. At night, it is time for generous home-style dinners that will change daily. Think lamb and eggplant moussaka on Monday, pork and fennel sausages with roasted pumpkin and green garlic on Tuesday, or a coastal take on the Sunday roast. Check out the menu and more before you head there now.

Fanta has made its foray into fashion for MBFWA with its new range Fanta Pants

MBFWA Fanta 5

As the Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia descends upon Sydney, Fanta is taking a slice of the action with some surprise news for the global beverage bosses. The collection was first revealed recently at a directional photo shoot set against the stunning back-drop of Sydney harbour. Sported by runway models blessed with naturally ginger locks, the boundary pushing fashion-forward spirit of Fanta Pants shone through, with provocative styling and high-fashion editorial poses. Mixing streetwear and chic conceptual catwalk looks, at the heart of each design are fashion trends currently blowing up the global runways. Retro 90s poppa pants and velvet flares, transparent outerwear and oversized logos take Fanta Pants to the next level of extra. Featuring a see-thru jacket with built in straws, bum-bags equipped with insulated can holders and of course, the pièce de résistance and namesake: two styles of Fanta Pants. Each are custom-designed to seamlessly carry cans of the fizz and have heads turning on the streets. Highly exclusive, you can enter a competition on highly exclusive, the collection will be only available for you via a competition on the Fanta Facebook page.