Category: LIFESTYLE

National Gallery London’s Summer on the Square

The National Gallery London from the front with umbrellas and tables spread out in Trafalgar Square

This summer from 11 29 August in the heart of London, the National Gallery will host a free festival of immersive art, creativity and community. Summer on the Square (Trafalgar, that is), is a festival that’s a re-working of the Gallery’s art collection – creating an entirely new participatory set of experiences and activities that play with scale, spectacle and sound. Come along to immerse yourself in a purpose-built arts studio; participate in practical and walk-in art and sound installations; as well as sketching, making, moving, and exploring The National Gallery’s collection.  The sessions will be free, drop-in and open to all ages and abilities. During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the National Gallery hopes the festival will be an opportunity for local and London-wide communities to enjoy art and celebrate their own creativity with friends and family – creating a space for wellbeing and joy in tough times. For the full program and timings, head to the Summer on the Square website

Sydney’s new 25 Martin Place has officially launched its theatre and dining precinct

25 martin place restaurants

With a $170 million redevelopment behind it, the new precinct 25 Martin Place is open and ready to welcome visitors, so for the moments you’re wandering through the middle of Sydney with food on the mind, this is where to go. Located at Martin Place Sydney, the multi-storey dining district and late-night bars overlook the plaza and feature an enticing mix of local and international cuisine, lively bars, fine dining and casual cafes, along with the state-of-the-art refurbishment of Theatre Royal Sydney. Here are six new offerings from restaurants in the area to look forward to…

We’re calling it. This is the drink of the summer: tequila seltzer

While we’re in the dead of the coldest winter Australia has felt in a very long time, our friends in the UK are having the hottest summer on record (our global warming post will be coming later!). One positive is we can take early notes of what everyone is drinking and get excited for what is sure to be a sweltering summer Down Under. What’s in everyone’s esky? Tequila Seltzers! If you’re not a seltzer lover, we’re sorry to say that they’re here to stay, but they’ve had a sophisticated glow up and tequila is the tipple of choice over vodka or the unknown spirit in most seltzers. Tequila Kings Rey Loco have released two new ready to drink seltzer flavours to get you sorted for every BBQ: Tequila Lime and Soda and Tequila Bloody Orange and Soda. The Rey Loco Tequila Lime and Soda is a perfectly blended and balanced combination of lime and soda, producing a refreshing sparkling, slightly sweet, citrus tequila taste. While many love the traditional tang of lime with tequila. While the Rey Loco Tequila Blood Orange and Soda showcases another delicious citrus combination by blending authentic tequila with fragrant blood orange topped with effervescent soda. While many tequila premix brands use an agave spirit, Rey Loco is unique in the fact that both drinks are made with 100% real tequila, while also both being 99 calories. By creating Rey Loco using real tequila, Aussies can be sure that they are drinking an authentic premix that tastes and is the… Read More

McGuigan Zero ‘Dry July’ cocktail recipes

McGuigan wines

Each year, more and more Australians are embracing Dry July. Whatever the purpose for your month off alcohol, the health benefits of abstaining remain the same. Giving up alcohol for five weeks can have the following benefits: Improved quality of sleep, increase wakefulness, enhanced work performance and improved concentration. You may also lose weight, decrease your cholesterol, lower blood glucose and decrease liver fat. Making it possible for Australians to enjoy their wine moments, just without the alcohol, McGuigan’s – one of Australia’s biggest sellers of no-alcohol wines – has created some Dry July cocktails to share with friends. Nulled Wine Makes 8-10  1 x bottle of McGuigan Zero Shiraz or McGuigan Zero Red Blend 2 cups of cranberry juice 8 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 3 star anise 1 orange sliced Brown sugar to taste (if added sweetness is desired) Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a very low boil on medium-high heat. Turn heat to low and steam for 20-30 minutes (can leave up to 1 hour if you’ve got more time). Strain, or remove orange slices and spices. Pour into a mug and add garnish. Saintly Spritz Makes 1 120ml McGuigan Rosé or McGuigan Sparkling Rosé 30ml lemonade Mint, to garnish Lemon slice, to garnish Red berries, to garnish Add all ingredients to a glass over ice, stir and enjoy! Rosé Mimosa Makes 8  Syrup: 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup water Cocktail: 1 bottle McGuigan Rosé  ½ bottle McGuigan Zero Sparkling 8 rosemary sprigs, to garnish Pomegranate seeds, to garnish In a small saucepan bring the sugar and water to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes until dissolved. Cool and mix in the McGuigan Zero Rosé, then freeze in a loaf pan, breaking up occasionally until frozen solid. Process in batches in a food processor until smooth, then freeze again until firm. Scoop into coupe glasses and top off with McGuigan Zero Sparkling.

What is a Hamptons style house?

Hamptons house USA

The Hamptons style is all about easy living, plenty of entertainment space and an abundance of natural light to bring the outdoors indoors. We’re talking houses showered in light thanks to large windows. Resort vibes in living spaces for those who want a bit of luxury at home. And a hint of an oasis in every bedroom. Learn everything you need to know about creating a Hamptons-style home in Australia. A Brief History of the Hamptons Naturally, the Hamptons style house originated in the Hamptons. Notable for its upmarket seaside appeal, the trademark style revolves around two architectural pillars: warmth and sophistication. Regularly found near coastal areas, Hamptons style houses have become a popular style due to their connection with the coastal suburbs of New York’s Long Island. Designed to match the rural and beachy feel of this Northeastern US holiday destination, it’s no wonder it’s become a popular choice for Sydney’s beach suburbs, also located on the east coast. There are many parallels between traditional Australian farmhouses and acreage estates, with both house styles sharing many characteristics and architectural attributes. But how did this seaside resort become synonymous with summer vacations and beachside architecture? Starting in the village of Southampton, the previously agriculture and fishing devoted community quickly transitioned to artisans and artistic professionals, giving rise to a thriving arts community with artists such as Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and Willem de Kooning called the Hamptons home. Marked by an article in The New York Times in 1893, the Hamptons were labelled “as close… Read More

Accessorise with Stranger Things x CASETiFY’s latest drop

Stranger things Casetify accessories

Stranger Things fans get excited!  Why? CASETiFY has released a second collection of Netflix’s Stranger Things lifestyle and tech accessories including iPhone, AirPods and AirPods Pro cases, AirTag holders, MagSafe wallets, Apple watch bands, grip stands, and a Nintendo Switch carrying case. Accessories start from $38 AUD.  After a limited-edition release in 2020, CASETiFY is debuting a second collection with Netflix’s Stranger Things 4 which is currently streaming globally on Netflix.  The limited-edition products are inspired by journeys back to Hawkins, Indiana and embrace new locations circa 1986 – about the time when Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ could be heard on high rotation over the radio. Fans are invited to join Eleven and the rest of the gang as they navigate the complexities of high school with designs spotlighting the Hellfire Club, the Hawkins High Tigers, the gang’s favourite pizza joint Surfer Boy Pizza, and the all-new Demobat on CASETiFY’s best-selling Impact and Ultra Impact cases.  The new release will also pay homage to the hit series with cases featuring the Upside Down and both classic and flaming iterations of the iconic Stranger Things logo, retailing for $62 AUD and up.   The Stranger Things x CASETiFY collection is available online and in CASETiFY Studio locations, with products shipping to more than 100+ countries. To score the limited edition designs before they’re gone, visit casetify.com and download the CASETiFY Co-Lab app (available now in the App Store).

Going away in summer? 7 tips to be cyber-safe on travels

Woman phone beach summer

As the summer season is underway, people are increasingly taking holidays. Whether holidaymakers have chosen the beach, the countryside, the mountains, or an urban setting, one thing is certain: no one is immune to having their devices stolen or even hacked while they are away from home. Cybersecurity experts at NordVPN provide travelers with seven tips for a cybersecure holiday. Back up your data “My whole life is on my phone” — if this phrase sounds like something you would say, remember to make sure you have your phone’s contents backed up before you leave. After all, no one is safe from losing their phone or having it stolen. This also applies to the SD cards of your cameras. 2. Safe payment methods Instead of your main bank card, use a separate prepaid debit card abroad. This card can be topped up with any amount you want. That way, if your card details are stolen, you won’t lose all the money you store there. 3. Take a portable charger with you Don’t go out without your portable charger or a charging cable. Why not? Simply because charging stations can be a playground for cybercriminals. A USB/lightning cable can be modified by a malicious person, like in this demo made by a hacker in 2019. 4. Avoid public Wi-Fi It is always a good idea to use mobile data while traveling because it is encrypted. However, if you have no choice and need to use public Wi-Fi, don’t forget to use a VPN. This tool will… Read More

Tel Aviv-inspired Shaffa in Surry Hills is Middle Eastern cuisine at its best

Shaffa Surry Hills

Hidden down a narrow passageway in the heart of Surry Hills is an exciting venue featuring delicious, Israeli-inspired cuisine that is just as beautiful to look at as it is to savour. Launched last year just before the 2021 lockdown, Shaffa – rightly so – is now having its time in the sun, with curious passers-by drawn into the passageway by the sounds of middle eastern music, only to discover this hidden gem and its incredibly delicious dishes.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaffa (@shaffasydney) Shaffa is owned by Israeli-born chef Erez Nahum and is designed to evoke memories of Tel Aviv and its vibrant, bustling marketplaces. The building in which the venue is located is bursting with personality and has a rich history dating back to the 1850s when it was previously an inn, which you can read all about as you make your way down the passageway to the restaurant. The Weekend Bottomless Brunch Feast is the perfect option for a long, lazy lunch, available on Saturdays and Sundays for two-hour sittings between 12 pm and 4 pm. For $70pp, the menu is long, generous, provides a good selection of some of the venue’s best dishes and is guaranteed to leave you feeling more than satisfied.  There is also an a la carte option and two set menus to choose from for weekday lunches and dinners (a $76pp set menu and a more substantial $95pp set menu). But be warned, if you choose the set menu option, you will… Read More

How to bet on the races

Melbourne Cup horse

A special place in the global betting market is occupied by bets on horse racing and greyhound racing, although the attitude of players towards them is not the same in different regions of the world, which is associated with historical and cultural features of specific countries. If European bookmakers give good lines and position these directions as one of main, then domestic offices offer these options as exotic types of bets. In Australia Online betting on horse racing comes with some features that a capper needs to take into account in order to be profitable. This article was prepared with the participation of an information and analytical resource that makes reviews for all popular online slots Australia. Learn sports betting, read the latest reviews of new products in the world of gambling and play responsibly! What should you pay attention to? Before making his prediction, it is important for a capper to study the following statistics that affect the final result: Horse age. At a short distance, young horses look like obvious favourites. However, if a capper bets on a long distance, then experience decides a lot. Rest between runs. It is important for the capper to know what distance the race is planned for, and how much time the horse has received before that for rest. For a sprint, a horse is considered well rested if the pause is a month. For long distances, a long rest is a negative factor. Jockey weight. The average weight of a jockey is within 60 kilograms. Exceptions… Read More

5 reasons wedding entertainment’s a must-have

What’s the best way to make sure your wedding reception goes off without a hitch? Asking a few friends to perform impromptu karaoke? Or maybe setting up some silent disco headphones and hoping your guests will have fun with that? Both of these are fine options, but if you want to truly impress your guests and ensure they have the best time possible, you need to hire wedding musicians and other forms of entertainment. Here are five reasons why wedding entertainment should be at the top of your priority list. 1) Everyone needs fun At the end of the day, your wedding is all about celebrating your love and commitment to one another. And what’s the best way to do that? By having fun, of course. A good wedding entertainer will help you and your guests let loose and enjoy yourselves. After all, it’s not every day you get married, so don’t let it be just any old event. You want people to have an unforgettable time – or at least have something to talk about for years to come. And remember, there are plenty of talented performers out there who specialise in entertainment for weddings. 2) Fun time break the ice One of the best things about wedding entertainment is that it can help break the ice between guests who may not know each other. Sometimes meeting new people can be difficult but with a little bit of help from the right type of entertainment this could become much easier. Wedding entertainment breaks the… Read More