Category: LIFESTYLE

Creatures losing the war on nature: an exhibition in Redfern Sydney

fire and water

Longtime Mambo Artists Reg Mombassa & Glenn “Glenno” Smith have joined forces for a highly anticipated exhibition, ‘Creatures – Losing the War on Nature’, currently showing at the Rogue Pop-Up Gallery in Redfern.  The idea for this exhibition, and formidable collaboration, was originally spawned by the question: “What would Reg’s Art look like in Glenno’s lino-print style?” This question ultimately became the seeds of ‘Creatures-’.  We caught up with Glenn to learn a little more about his art, his recent collaboration with Reg Mombassa, and what’s next for this Sydney-based artist.  Glenn Smith is a Sydney-based artist renowned for his incredibly recognisable lino works.  Working independently for over 30 years, Glenn has gained considerable notoriety developing the art and cover work for international and local rock bands and events, as well as collaborating with the globally recognised Mambo Australia. A self-proclaimed art mercenary, Glenn has proven to endure and rise above the sometimes ruthless nature of the art world, remaining concrete in his vision and creative process. Glenn offers passionate advocacy for any person that has an artistic affliction. “The art world is so impenetrable. It’s also not such a nice place BUT making art and keeping to a personal truth as you go is the best thing anyone with a bit of originality of vision should strive for.”  Personal truths and art with an original vision are very evident in the works and worlds of Glenno and Reg as they collaborate for Creatures – Losing the War on Nature.  When asked how this concept… Read More

Fantastic-sounding Australian location names that I can’t wait to visit

Uluru Australia

Australia is my dream location to explore, so it occurs to me because it’s so vast, then it’s best to travel around by van. To begin with, I would arrive in Brisbane and pick up a previewed van to buy or rent from around the area. Next I would need storage near Tingalpa to be a temporary base of operations to keep anything that I would rather have in a safer place than in the van I travel in or hotel room. Then off I go! Here are the order of destinations I want to visit from start to finish, and the attractions in that location I plan on spending time in. MANLY WEST Moreton Bay Marine Park, with its clean waters and intriguing islands, may be accessed from Brisbane via this location next to the Manly Boat Harbour. Manly Harbour Village retains a fishing village vibe and offers unique shopping. Manly Harbour Village has restaurants for every taste. Great coffee shops, Irish, Chinese, Thai, modern Australian, and seafood restaurants are available. Nearly every bar, cafe, and restaurant has a view of the harbour. MOUNT SURPRISE See and explore some (literal) hidden jewels in this welcoming municipality. Take a trip on the Savannahlander, one of Australia’s great railways, on a vintage “silver-bullet” railmotor from the 1960s. Find your favourite gemstones when you pan for topaz, quartz, garnets, and other jewels; at the Gem Den, learn how raw material is carved into sparkling gems. Join a journey to the adjacent Undara Lava Tubes, a geological wonder…. Read More

Doing work drinks? Head to Baby Pizza in Richmond

Lasagne pasta

As the weather in Melbourne gets nicer and the sun stays up for longer, the time’s now to get your after-work drink on. And who doesn’t love an alfresco afternoon? With Baby’s new spring aperitivo special available daily from 3pm to 5pm until the end of November, there’s never been a better reason to knock off work early or gather your crew. Sip on a spritz for only $8.50, a Peroni or Rosé for $6.50, or try Baby’s newest cocktail, the elderflower Chandon Garden Spritz for $8.50.  Baby PIzza sits almost on the banks of the Yarra, offering direct access to after dinner walks and an uninterrupted route into South Yarra by foot, if you’e keen – or need somewhere for kick-ons. And if you’re thinking of a visit this month, don’t forget, in celebration of World Pasta Day on Friday 21 October, Baby are offering up $20 bowls of pasta for lunch – yes you read that right, $20 bowls of pasta! With the return of crowd favourite Cacio e Pepe for one day only, this is one special you definitely don’t want to miss.  For more and to make a booking, head to the Baby Pizza website

The new Ford Mustang: 4 top things to get excited about

Ford Mustang red side

Have you ever seen a sexier Ford? I’m waiting. The seventh generation Ford Mustang is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet still timeless exterior design. That’s what they say and the proof’s in the end result. Just look at it! The new Mustang by Ford has added another chapter to the icon that has delivered the looks, sound and appeal of the archetypal sports coupe. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, the car speaks to as many people as the original, who are after something with personality, guts and a whole lot of an air of cool. Here are the 4 top things to look out from the new ride: A completely rethought interior Behind the chiseled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customised to show the information the driver wants or needs to see. Edgier design with timeless Mustang cues, plus more customisation The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out toappeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet. Mustang’s most advanced and athletic engines ever The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes drivers want to getin the driver’s seat and hit the road. The all-new Mustang delivers an even more… Read More

Your next holiday to Europe: stay in the palace from Netflix’s ‘The Empress’

Weissenstein Schloss Bavaria Airbnb castle palace 1

You don’t have to speak German to know how much of a legend Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the show Netflix made about her was. So when the chance to stay in the palace they created the latest show drop comes up on Airbnb, as if you wouldn’t consider a stay, right? Regardless of if you’re a monarchist, or not, into war history (WWII) or just love a beautiful ceiling, the opportunity to bathe in splendour at Weissenstein Palace is never one to overlook. Weissenstein palace is the remarkable palace and is now ready to welcome guests to a sumptuous suite, which has been given an imperial makeover that will transport guests back in time to the late 19th century when Empress Elizabeth was at the height of her fame. Located in Pommersfelden, Bavaria, Weissenstein Palace is steeped in a rich heritage and is widely considered to be one of Germany’s greatest Baroque buildings. The historical palace features prominently in Netflix’s The Empress, where it serves as Sisi’s principal royal residence. Beginning on Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT, guests can request to book the exclusive stay, which is just one of many historical homes on Airbnb. So now, in honour of the show and the fact that Sisi would have celebrated her 185th birthday this year, aspiring emperors and empresses can request to book this exclusive stay for €185 ($287 AUD) beginning Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT at airbnb.com/theempress

Sydney will go rainbow for World Pride 2023

Alyssa Edwards drag Mardi Gras 1

It’s official! Sydney is getting gayer. Organisations across Greater Sydney including the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, and the Scenic Skyway in Katoomba will be installing free, public artworks to celebrate the 17-day LGBTQIA+ festival that is World Pride 2023 – complete with Kylie Minogue – to welcome to world to Sydney. What can you expect? Here’s a run-down… The installations include a 50-metre-long abstract floral rainbow wall made up of around 18,000 colourful plants at The Calyx inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney – one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. The floral rainbow wall forms part of the Garden’s new Love Your Nature horticultural exhibition, which fittingly celebrates the diverse world of plant-love with a kaleidoscope of colour, plants and passion. The City of Sydney will install its own floral installations, including planter boxes and a floral wall, which will be created using hundreds of plants and foliage in the colours of the rainbow flag. Randwick Council will also update its famous 27-metre-long rainbow walkway at Coogee Beach to add the colours of the Progress Flag, a version of the traditional rainbow flag that includes additional stripes to represent people of colour and the trans community. In the Blue Mountains, Katoomba’s famous Scenic Skyway will be transformed into a giant progress flag, a dramatic vision set against the World Heritage landscapes of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. Meanwhile, the University of Sydney will showcase a night-time rainbow mural throughout the festival at its Footbridge Gallery at the University’s… Read More

Sydney pub to try this summer: Coogee Bay Hotel

Coogee Bay Hotel garden

As the days draw longer and the moment – whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner– calls for an ocean breeze, great food and a cold beverage. So if whiling away the day on the sand and surf isn’t your vibe, then a trip to the iconic Coogee Bay Hotel, where the locals’ local has given its menu a spring clean in preparation for summer, might be just right? The Marra Bar & Grill is a sprawling indoor/outdoor light-filled restaurant and bar that offers everything from upscale eats to curated cocktails and even a kids’ menu, headed by internationally renowned Executive Chef, Nathan Tillot. Among the standouts on the newly revamped menu are Josper grilled meats and fish, juicy burgers, a gourmet grazing board, rotisserie salmon salad, extensive share menus, and tempting desserts. Or is a grill aesthetic isn’t your thing, they go green, too. The Coogee Bay Hotel garden might be it. During the daylight hours you can tip your head towards the sun, order a craft beer and some flavourful fare, and bid farewell to any commitments for the rest of the day at this right-on-the-beach favourite. Cabanas for up to 15 people are now available to book, but you’ll want to be fast! You could simply order a watermelon margarita, a bottle of prosecco, or a glass of sauvignon blanc and enjoy some live music as you kick back amongst the ocean scenery. But don’t forgo delicious eats – the from-scratch kitchen turns out lunch and dinner including wagyu beef burgers, fish and… Read More

5 tips for planning a destination engagement party 

A wedding table outdoors

Getting married has to be one of the best feelings in the world. The moment that you and your partner get engaged, the first thing that comes to your mind is how you’ll plan the big day. But before you get there, there are plenty of things you need to host to make things extra special, and this includes an engagement party.  An engagement party celebrates the couple’s intention to get married. While it’s a great time to see the soon-to-be bride’s engagement ring, like from Dracakis or other similar brands, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the couple and create a stronger bond.  While one can simply host a party in any part of the city, having a destination engagement party would surely make the day extra special. If you’re leaning towards having a destination engagement party, listed below are some tips to help your planning: Since you’re hosting a destination engagement party, it’ll only be logical if you decide on the destination first.  Imagine a place where you’d like to have fun, bond with your family and friends, and allow everyone to be comfortable. It could be going to the beach or out of the country to explore greater adventures with the special people in your life. It’ll be a great way to celebrate your engagement, just have fun, and allow the newly-engaged feeling to float all over the room.  Furthermore, you should also check the capacity of the place you’re planning to host and see if they can accommodate your… Read More

New pub alert: Wooly Bay Hotel, Woolloomooloo Sydney

Wooly Bay Hotel Sydney 1

Completely refurbed with a new Mediterranean restaurant and swanky new rooftop, the Wooly’s back – and just in time for summer. Situated opposite the famed Woolloomooloo Wharf and enjoying gun-barrel views of Andrew Boy Charlton Pool and Sydney Harbour, the three-storied 1800’s landmark has undergone a dramatic $14 million dollar transformation that all-the-while paid homage to the property’s celebrated history, tranquil surrounds and beloved neighbourhood community.  A little bit cosy, a little bit to-be-seen and the rest a little bit ‘the Med’, the new pub’s the perfect combination of all the things you want from a new space to eat and drink the afternoon-away in. Unsurprising when you consider the pub’s been nominated for the 2022 Eat Drink Design Awards. The Woolly Bay Hotel’s food and beverage options are sequenced over three levels beginning with the ground floor public bar, which resembles a cosy at-home lounge atmosphere and boasts floor-to-ceiling French doors opening onto Cowper Wharf Roadway and overlooking the waterfront.  For more and to book, head to the Wooly Bay Hotel’s website

3 ways to feel more confident in your appearance

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Confidence can be key to succeeding in almost anything, but it can be hard to do this if you don’t like how you look. You’ll need to be confident in your appearance before you can be confident in almost anything else. That sounds like a complicated and daunting process. With the countless ways to feel more confident in your appearance, however, it doesn’t have to be. You’ll have more options than you’d think. While it’ll take you a little time to achieve and maintain this, it’s worth using a few of these so you can get there. 3 top options 1. Address What You Don’t Like You could have a few things about your appearance you don’t like or that makes you feel embarrassed. It’s worth tackling these as much as possible, with there being countless ways to achieve it. Everything from getting nicer clothes to penis augmentation procedures fall into this, depending on what you don’t like about yourself. By spending time focusing on this, you can get rid of the associated embarrassment. You’ll end up feeling increasingly more confident about your appearance with relatively little effort. Determine what you feel embarrassed about, and take appropriate measures to rectify it. 2. Practice good posture Slouching is often a sign you don’t feel confident in yourself or your appearance. It subconsciously affects how you feel about yourself, but it’s quite an easy thing to fix. Practice good posture to help avoid this. Doing so offers a few other benefits, such as making you appear more… Read More