Category: LIFESTYLE

Tempus Two steps into gin territory with world first prosecco gin

WCP AVL22 Gin 006 scaled

If you thought Tempus Two was all about wines, well you’d be correct, but hold onto your hats because this iconic wine company is expanding its offering to include gin! Continuing their creative thinking from wine making, Tempus Two are bringing that innovation to the gin space with their first release of three wine-based gins. The range captures the distinctive characteristics of each varietal by creating a wine spirit base using the latest spinning cone technology, before infusing the botanicals. Tempus Two’s Chief Winemaker, Andrew Duff says: “The idea for our Tempus Two Gin range came from a desire to creatively harness the unique wine spirit that was extracted during the process used to make our low alcohol Lighten Up wines. We saw an opportunity to develop the varietal properties of the alcohol that was spun off and repurpose it into a range of high-quality gins. Using a combination of traditional and non-traditional extraction and distillation methods, we’ve created a product that both reduces our environmental impact and harnesses delicious wine qualities in a premium gin.” The stand out from the pack is a world first Prosecco Gin. Floral, fun, light and elegant, the Prosecco Gin is a blend of juniper, citrus and rose buds. Suffice to say you’ve never had anything like this! Pairing great with soda or tonic, or even in a martini, this will quickly become a home bar staple.  The deep red Shiraz Gin on the other hand is sweet and peppery, infused with wild botanicals and a shiraz juice that… Read More

Your favourite Aussie bartenders add local flavour to 4th of July cocktails

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The 4th of July may pass Australians by with nary a thought, but what if we told you it was worth celebrating this year with an American classic cocktail in hand, but with a local twist.  Partnering with ‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA’, 22 well-known Australian bartenders and mixologists lent their expertise to creating a free cocktail book for Independence Day, containing a range of cocktails that hero American spirits, but with an Aussie twist, and designed specifically to be made and enjoyed ar home.  The cocktail list highlights the quality and versatility of American spirit brands including Angel’s Envy, Jack Daniels, Koval, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Wild Turkey, Westland, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey and Woodford Reserve. Once you download the cocktail book, the recipes are yours to keep, but if you do prefer someone else making your drinks (you’re only human), the participating bartenders will also have them available at their venue from June 27-July 4.  Have a gander at the below list of bartenders and their creations, plus the venue to find them at:  Simon Hopkins (Jolene’s Sydney – NSW) puts a chocolate spin on the classic Old Fashioned using Westward Whiskey. Dan Gregory (The Gresham Bar – QLD) is showcasing a Woodford Reserve Goin’ Out West. Adam Lau (Grain Bar – NSW) develops the DJ Sutherland celebrating Westland American Oak Whiskey. Grace Rawlins (Memphis Slim’s House of Blues –  SA) is using Westland Peated Whiskey in the innovative Spicy Peat cocktail. Chris Garner (The Barrie – NSW) is highlighting Wild Turkey… Read More

Winning ideas to make the most of the snow this Australian winter

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Because it’s bloody freezing, beach visits are out, so what are you going to do? Go to the snow! Here are some tips to do it right. Wear sunscreen. The cold doesn’t stop the UV rays – in fact, the snow actually reflects the sun’s rays, meaning double exposure when on the slopes. Using a sunscreen that’s designed for exercise will keep you protected while you master the snow.?? ?  Nappy protection. For beginner snowboarders who are more likely to fall back onto the snow, duct tape a couple of nappies down the backside of your pants. If you’ve ever been hit in the tailbone, you’ll know why this might be a good idea.?? ?  Road to the Snow. Consider the type of vehicle you’ll need to travel to the slopes. We might forget being in warmer climates majority of the year that the roads can get icy with snow settling, making it harder to drive. It’s best to drive a 4×4 vehicle, I always drive my Toyota Kluger up to the slopes – it fits all my friends and all our snow gear in too.? ?  Pack snacks in your jacket pockets. Time flies when you’re having fun, which is inevitable in the snow and hitting the slopes so make sure you’re stocked up for any emergency hunger situations.?? ?  Early Birds catch the fresh snow. It’s best to set the alarm as early as possible, this way there will be fresher snow and minimal queues for equipment hire and ski lifts.?? ?  Snap the Stacks.? The funniest moments are the unexpected moments,… Read More

A new kind of Madame Butterfly flies into Sydney Opera House

Madame Butterfly Sydney Opera Australia geisha

The Madam is back – and this time with a whole new experience for the most seasoned of opera-goers amongst us. For the longest time, the production from the inner sanctum of creativity that was the mind of now retired artistic director Moffat Oxenbould that saw the Madam take to a traditionally Japanese-inspired set, perforated throughout with animated, faceless avatars captured hearts and minds in each and every production between Sydney and Melbourne. MORE: Here’s what we thought of Phantom of the Opera by Opera Australia But now, the Madam will be treated to a shake-up of the 21st century variety. A few years back, Opera Australia invested in some ten-metre tall digital screens that are as interactive as they are mobile, suspended from the ceiling of the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage and able to be positioned in any way the new creative direction dictates. These will be used to full effect in this 2022-and-on production of Madame Butterfly, allowing for a complete re-imagining of Puccini’s masterpiece as a complete dystopian masterpiece. MORE: About The Marriage of Figaro by Opera Australia Surprisingly stark but beautiful, the creative dream team of director/choreographers Graeme Murphy andJanet Vernon, designer Michael Scott-Mitchell, costume designer Jennifer Irwin and video designer SeanNieuwenhuis crafted a Butterfly unlike any other production seen in Australia. It’ll be captivating, dynamic, symbolistic and come complete with a backdrop and towering robotic servants with which the singers interact. Striking costume designs draw on a range of eras, from burlesque to cartoons and sci fi. Is Madame Butterfly… Read More

Online casino with sports betting: entertainment events you can bet on in 2022

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Most people associate gambling with the sport. Of course, sport and entertainment are inextricably linked. After all, sport is entertainment. If you like both casinos and sports, you will fall in love with Ipad Casinos for New Zealanders because it is an online casino with sports betting. This means that you can place real bets on your favourite TV shows, movies, award ceremonies, and even politics. Chances are you spend a lot of your free time arguing with your friends about who will win the Bachelorette or who should take home the best movie at the Oscars. Why not try to back up some of these ideas by spending some money on them? Football betting makes watching football more exciting. The same goes for betting on other forms of entertainment. Options for entertainment betting The advent of the internet means that betting on entertainment has never been easier than it is today. Instead of making a pilgrimage to the Nevada desert, you can now bet on almost anything under the sun from the comfort of your couch. Just fire up your laptop or favourite mobile betting app and you’re on your way! So, what types of entertainment betting are there? Reality TV betting For better or worse, reality television has been a staple of pop culture for nearly two decades. Shows like Survivor, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Amazing Race and American Idol have become household commodities in the entertainment industry. So it makes perfect sense that you can bet on The Bachelor and the rest of… Read More

Europe’s most liveable city might not be what you think

Copenhagen

Monocle has announced their annual ranking of the top 25 most liveable cities in the world, with some really interesting results.  Copenhagen takes the top spot on the list, closely followed by Zürich, Lisbon, Helsinki and Stockholm.  With 3DaysOfDesign in Copenhagen kicking off this week, the news will be welcome to the local design scene and all those visiting! For something new to the line-up, too, Milan has entered the list for the very first time – a surprising fact for many who are familiar with the city from its fleeting fashion and design fairs. But now, an ambitious programme of public infrastructure development ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics has changed it for the better. Why Copenhagen? At a time when many people have been questioning the appeal of city life in a post-pandemic world, Monocle’s survey stands as a reminder of what makes urban living so rewarding in the first place. Compiled by the magazine’s international editors and contributors, the ranking is based on a multitude of factors encompassing objective data such as crime rates, ambulance response times, employment figures, and income inequality, as well as direct-lived experience from Monocle’s global team of correspondents on the ground, and plans for forthcoming infrastructure improvements. No stranger to Monocle’s best city lists, having featured in the top 25 in several of the last 15 years, become a recent fixture of the top 5, and bagged the top spot last year, Copenhagen continues to lead the way in liveability. The Danish capital consistently scores highly across the board, but is never complacent, always looking… Read More

5 ideal cocktails for UK Father’s Day in 2022

Cointreau cocktails

It’s Father’s Day in the UK on Sunday 19 June, so whether he’s a shaken not stirred kind of guy or prefers a sweeter tipple, it’s time to swap the pint glass for your best tumbler glass and treat your dad to something a bit more special and sophisticated this year. From whisky cocktails to classic martinis, Patrick Pistolesi, Master Mixologist at NIO Cocktails has shared his 5 Dad-approved recipes that will spoil him this Father’s Day. 1. Old Fashioned If your dad is a whiskey lover, this cocktail is perfect. As a drink with such classic, complex flavours, it often surprises people to learn how simple the Old Fashioned is to make. However, the challenge is finding the perfect balance of ingredients to not overpower the whiskey; but enhance it. Ingredients: 60ml bourbon 3 dashes of Angostura bitters ½ teaspoon liquid sugar 1 teaspoon water (this is to help enhance the flavour by slightly diluting the alcohol) For the garnish:  Orange peel Equipment: Lowball glass Stirrer Method: Add the liquid sugar, bitters and water to a glass and mix until combined. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the whiskey. Stir slowly and well for 20-30 seconds, to let the ice melt slowly. Express the orange peel over the drink then drop it in the glass. You can find the full recipe here, with Patrick Pistolesi’s expert tips. 2. Classic Margarita A classic margarita is the perfect tipple for dads who prefer a sharp, citrus, zingy serve, as opposed to a sweeter beverage. And if you want… Read More

Huawei launches new wearables in response to healthier lifestyles

Huawei wearables launch

For many of us, the pandemic has changed the way we think about our health and physical activity, pivoting towards a healthier way of life. Recent findings have revealed Australians have had a rethink about their behaviours towards their health, with four in 10 Aussies claiming they are prioritising their health now more than they did before COVID-19.  In response to this health trend, Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) has announced its newest wearables to its globally renowned portfolio offering a seamless combination of sleek designs and health-tracking benefits, which will be available in Australia from June 18.  Recent statistics show nearly three-quarters (72.8%) of people over 15 years of age don’t meet the Australian Government’s physical activity guidelines.  Nearly half of employed people aged 18 to 64 years described their workday as mostly sedentary.  With the launch of Huawei’s new wearables, now is the perfect time to kickstart the health journey with the brand’s newest products that are made with the best in cutting-edge technology boasting a range of features; from blood pressure monitoring to a built-in animated fitness coach.  The four new wearables include: HUAWEI WATCH D is an innovative wrist-type blood pressure monitoring device – a significant breakthrough in technology. It also has an array of other health-tracking features.  RRP: $799. Launch offer: 18 June 2022 – 17 July 2022: $150 retail gift card when purchased from Bing Lee, JB HI-FI, Mobileciti and Huawei Authorised Experience Stores. Customers can choose from $150 retail gift card or gift with the purchase of HUAWEI… Read More

Cleaning tasks best left to the professionals

Cleaning mopping kitchen

Some people say that they feel guilty about calling in professional and expert cleaning services in Ballarat, but they shouldn’t. As it happens, there are a number of cleaning tasks that are truly best left to the professionals. It’s not to say they’re impossible for anyone else, but if you want or need them done to the highest standard, then it’s the pros, their know-how, and their particular tools that you need most. 1. Mould Mould isn’t just a nasty-looking thing to clean, but it can also be a dangerous one. Certain varieties of mould can cause severe health problems for those who are living in its vicinity, especially respiratory problems. In that sense, mould is a bit like nature’s asbestos.  Even if you were to try and clean the mould yourself, you’d most likely fail to do so in such a way that it would never return. What’s more, without the proper protective gear, the act of cleaning it could be even more dangerous than leaving it be, since breaking it up would release large bursts of spores and other contaminants. Any mould of a dark green or black colour should be treated as a more urgent situation. 2. Organising a Hoard Another very professional cleaning task is that of organising and removing an accumulation of belongings and objects that we might commonly now call a “hoard.” Hoarding is treated as a psychological issue, very often the result of a bereavement or other significant loss, and thus usually requires the support of mental health… Read More

How clean is the average retail store?

gentSac shop

Most times when you walk into a store of any kind, you expect that it will at least be clean, right? Very often they look fairly clean, but just remember that looks can be deceptive. Those Victorian stores, for instance, that are smart enough to use a cleaning service for retail stores Melbourne-wide won’t have this problem because experts have cast their eye and tools across the space and rendered it spotless. The same can’t be said everywhere, though? But seriously, how dirty would a retail store really get? It’s very normal to see people pushing mops through them, no? All that happens is that customers come in, look at the goods, buy what they want, and leave? Where’s the opportunity for dirt? 1. Hands All Over Everything First of all, let’s not forget about that customer dynamic that happens in a retail store. A customer walks in, and you have no idea where they have been prior to visiting your store, nor in particular where their hands have been. The customer then walks around, picking up several different items and inspecting them before returning them to the shelves or racks. That places all the collected germs of each customer’s hands on any and all touched products and surfaces. Their hands also touch the shopping carts, baskets, the screens and other buttons on the self-service checkouts, if your store has them…and that’s before we get to the various door handles that are touched as they come in and out. It’s not as though customers are… Read More