Category: LIFESTYLE

Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are open this July – October 2022: get tickets now

White drawing room in Buckingham Palace

In the 70th year of Her Majesty’s reign, if ever there was a time to throw some money at the Royal Collection and celebrate the longest-running reign of any British Monarch ever, it’s now. And though most of the Palace isn’t accessible to the public – because it’s the HQ of the Monarchy and residence of Her Majesty herself – amongst other reasons, the opportunity to visit the sumptuous State Rooms in Buckingham Palace is returned after its Covid hiatus. It’s quite an experience – which you can read more about here – taking a trip back in time through the halls and rooms, frequented by countless Monarchs, world leaders and special visitors to the Queen. With such standouts as the gigantic malachite urn presented to Queen Victoria by Tsar Nicholas I in 1839 – renowned as one of the largest examples outside Russia – and architectural marvel you don’t see every day, the State Rooms are must-see stops in the Palace for British and visitors alike. The year 2022 is an especially standout year for the Palace, for obvious reasons and so, the public exhibition will take a particularly close look at the special display Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession looking at The Queen’s Accession to the throne in February 1952. On display will be examples from the remarkable series of portraits taken by Dorothy Wilding, that formed the basis of The Queen’s image on stamps and in British embassies across the world until 1971. Also featured will be The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, which… Read More

How to tell when there’s something wrong with the gas

apartment house home

It’s not a bad thing to have a go at some DIY work when it comes to fixing a dripping tap or a blocked toilet, but it’s time to find top-notch gas plumbing services in Brisbane if and when you think that there’s something wrong with the gas. But how will you know that something is wrong with the gas plumbing? If you spot any of the following problems with your gas lines, then you know that it’s time to call the gas plumber to come take a look. 1. You have a new water heater or boiler to install OK, this first tip is not exactly an indication of a problem with your household gas, but it’s still an important reason to call gas plumbing services. It’s required by law that a licensed and properly trained plumber and only one such tradesman be responsible for the installation of a new boiler or water heater. Therefore, if you have a new water heater or boiler in need of installation, then it’s time to pick up the phone. 2. Your boiler has yellow/brown stains and/or pilot light frequently going out These two signs are some of the most common signs connected with carbon monoxide leaks, which can be potentially deadly. It’s not a flammable gas like that in your household gas pipes, but if left to leak it can create toxic air that can kill you even as you sleep at night. Many people suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning don’t even know it’s happening. Yellow or… Read More

Fancy Plants Launch Vegan month challenge

Fancy Plants

This month is Vegan Cuisine Month and plant-based snack brand Fancy Plants has invented the most delicious way to celebrate plant-based goodies in their ‘Test Your Tastebud challenge. This cheeky and seriously delicious challenge is all about testing to see if people can actually taste the difference between dairy vs vegan. There’s a cash prize of $1,000 and a year’s supply of plant-based snacks and desserts up for grabs, so you better get around this quick! All you need to do to be in the run to win is to grab a Fancy Plants plant-based choc pudding, called the Silky Pot, from Coles or Woolies and a dairy chocolate pudding, blindfold a friend and see if they can taste any difference (spoiler alert, they won’t). Once done, you just need to upload an Instagram story or a post using the Test Tour Tastebud filter, which is this super glam green ‘plant moustache’, and tag Fancy Plants. Once you upload the selfie and tag Fancy Plants you automatically end up in the run to win. You can find the filter on the Fancy Plants Insta and you might have seen it around your feed lately because some big celebs have already joined in (read Love Island and Olympic stars..!). Vegan Cuisine Month is all about taking small steps to introduce more plant-based food into your diet and Fancy Plants’ Silky Pots are a great way to start because these smooth and rich chocolate puddings are seriously delicious. What’s even better is that you can munch into these… Read More

10 tips for a conscious Valentine’s Day

Couple love heart hike straight

After the past couple of years we have had, many people are finding themselves asking the bigger questions and getting back to what is important. With a huge decrease in social outings, formal events and time spent in shopping centres, we have unexpectedly found ourselves connecting more with nature and our own humanity. This has been reflected in our individual choices and desire to spend more consciously, buy more sustainably and have quality over quantity.  Australians are leading the way for conscious consumerism and many local businesses are jumping on board. For the many contemplating how to apply this to special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Emily Fletcher from the Clean + Conscious Awards has some advice for all of us.  How do we still celebrate without harming the planet in doing so, and how can we inspire others around us too? Valentine’s Day can unfortunately trigger a lot of landfill waste with shiny cards, wrapping, plastic and teddy bears, however it doesn’t need to. There are many ways to celebrate your love for another, whilst also caring for the planet and its people.  Gift an experience  Gift your loved one an experience – by themselves or even better, together. The memories can last a lifetime and be very bonding. Experiences can range from theatre tickets to cooking, art, pottery, wine tasting classes, to a weekend getaway. You could even recreate your first date. An experience gift shows you’ve put time and thought into getting your Valentine something special  Shop Locally When making purchases, keep in… Read More

Melbourne cafe: Repeat Offender in Elwood back with a bang

The Honey Post Cocktail

Elwood in Melbourne is idyllic. Popular, but chill; quiet ,but bustling; friendly, but cool. Which is exactly why Elwood local, Repeat Offender is back with a bang this summer. With a whole new menu and a brand new look to the venue, Repeat Offender’s bringing back all the joy that existed in the local area before being forced to shut down for nine months thanks to the pandemic. Running at full capacity and delivering its most flavoursome menu to date – which also happens to be 100% gluten-free – it’s the new cafe to visit for quality plates of truffle tacos, chorizo croquettes and jackfruit fritas. And much more. Oh and for those who are in the mood for a little more adult beverages choices; two words: there’s margaritas. Think: nine unique flavours to sip on including coconut, spicy and grapefruit to take the edge off a long week. Or put the edge on the next one to come. To make a booking, see more of the menu or just check out what’s in-store, head to the Repeat Offender website

8 tips to make your hair more beautiful

Woman hair

Everyone deserves beautiful hair, so take some time to assess your hair routine. At home, you can make changes to obtain healthy, softer and shinier locks without breaking the bank.  Follow this guide for tips on achieving beautiful hair. 1) Turn down the temperature  Heat strips the natural oil from our hair. As relaxing as a hot shower can be, warm water is much better to wash your hair with. After the shower quickly rinse with cold water to tighten the hair cuticles, increasing the shine and improving the hair’s condition. This will prevent brittle hair and keep the hair looking soft.   If you are using heat styling tools, use products that will protect your hair. The best hair curler for the job will style your hair without leaving it dry and damaged.  You can also protect your hair from curling irons and straighteners using hair products that prevent heat damage.   Want to achieve healthy hair quick? Even if you have the best hair curler, opt to let your hair air dry first. Walking around with damp hair is not always fun, but it will prevent unnecessary hair breakage.  2) Sleep on silk  A silk pillowcase is not only amazing to sleep on, but it will help you to get healthy hair. Silk prevents friction between hairs and fabrics which will reduce your risk of developing split ends. You should also change how you wear your hair at night. If you sleep with it in a loose topknot – secured with a silk scrunchie –… Read More

What to buy and where to eat this Valentine’s Day 2022

Pumphouse Sydney restaurant dining room balcony

The day of love is fast approaching, so you need to sort out what you’re eating and where basically yesterday. Don’t even get us started on the gifts! We rounded-up some favourites from around Sydney, Melbourne and some favourite retailers to make your choosing easier, so scroll on for some ideas on where to eat and what to buy this Valentine’s Day 2022. Google Pixel 6 mobile phone If you’re an android person, then this is the ultimate phone that’ll make your life worth living. The first phone with a Google chip, all Google parts and some – as always – external colour action to keep your day exciting, the phone’s one of Google’s most personal and helpful phones. With the most advanced cameras seen on a Pixel, you can capture every special memory with your other half in high quality and vivid colours, and they’ll only ever be a phone call away. Get it from $999 form Google Google Pixel buds The perfect gift for anyone with a busy or on-the-go lifestyle, Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series offer rich sound quality, clear calls and hands-free helpfulness all in a low-profile aesthetic. Designed for a snug and secure fit, they are comfortable enough for those long listening sessions or while your partner works out. Get them for $159  Pumphouse Sydney They’ve curated a delicious set menu for guests to enjoy on February 14th for $180 per couple. You will be welcomed with a special Valentine’s Day cocktail on arrival before being guided upstairs to the stunning, open terrace overlooking Darling… Read More

Keep love in the air with these Valentine’s Day drinks

Aberfeldy scotch whiskey cocktail drink

The day of love is almost upon us. Valentine’s Day is this 14 February so if you’re in need of a few beverage ideas for the menu, consider yourself on the right track with some of these winning cocktail ideas. Patron, Starlight Sangria This easy to make cocktail is best as a pre-dinner romantic punch enjoyed under the stars. Simply combine Citronge orange liqueur, Sauvignon Blanc, grapefruit juice, sparkling water, then pour Patron Silver into a pitcher add large chunks of ice, then garnish with grapefruit wheels and sprig of rosemary.  How to make your Sangria: ·                240 ml Patron Silver ·                240 ml Citronge Orange Liqueur ·                1 Bottle Sauvignon Blanc ·                120 ml Grapefruit Juice ·                120 ml Sparkling water ·                90 ml Simple syrup ·                Grapefruit wheels for garnish ·                Rosemary sprig for garnish Patron Silver is available in selected Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Independent retailers for $89.95. The Ultimate Romantic Night Cap   GREY GOOSE, espresso martini coffee cocktail This easy to make cocktail will provide the perfect night cap to your romantic night at-home. Simply combine GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Single Origin espresso, coffee liqueur a pinch of salt and 3 coffee beans to garnish. Simply combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake until icy-cold, then garnish with coffee beans.  How to make your GREY GOOSE® Vodka Espresso Martini: ·                50 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka ·                30 ml Single Origin Espresso ·                20 ml Coffee Liqueur ·                + Pinch of Salt ·                3 Coffee Beans for Garnish GREY GOOSE® Vodka is available in selected Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Independent retailers for $72.99. A… Read More

Skullcandy’s New Skull- iQ Earbuds have one big advantage over AirPods

Skullcandy earbuds

If ever you wanted an in-ear music experience that didn’t suck, then listen-up. Skullcandy’s all-new, intuitive voice-driven platform, Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology is providing users with the ability to go completely hands-free, Skull-iQ debuts on both the Push Active Sport True Wireless and Grind True Wireless Earbuds. Unlike earbuds with Siri and Google Assistant built-in, the Hey Skullcandy command works entirely offline and alongside ANY phone operating system. As long as the earbuds are connected to a phone and paired with the Skullcandy companion app, the ‘Hey Skullcandy’ command works even without an active data/Wi-Fi connection. So for the iPhone users out there, you can officially kiss your AirPods goodbye. Or even if you’re yet to make your way into the world of wireless, voice activated sound and musical ecstasy, then these make for a good kick-off. Push Active is for those seeking an adventure-ready, durable fit, designed specifically for high-intensity activities. Push Active True Wireless Sport Earbuds are the ultimate audio partner, offering flexible over-ear hooks and water/sweat resistance. Alternatively, the Grind, aptly named, is your go-to for everyday errands and work-life routine. Grind True Wireless Earbuds are your strong and stable in-ear solution to doing it all, water/sweat/dust resistant with a truly premium sound.  For more and to get yourself a pair, head to the Skullcandy website

Top 5 reasons to invest in a real estate industry now

apartment house home

Buying real estate properties is among the complex and lucrative forms of investment. To most, real estate investment has a great potential for success. Whether it is about generating wealth or earning some passive income, investment in real estate properties can be helpful in different ways. While many search online, read books, ask a friend to get the answers they need, many people still pinpoint the real reasons for investing in real estate. And the location’s not limited, either. People are looking globally for investment options, from as broad as Australia to as specific as real estate in Florida. So to help you, some experts have gathered enough reasons why you need to consider investing in real estate today: Investing in real estate properties will come with some tax advantages. You may deduct a few expenses linked to owning Wallan real estate property, including mortgage interest, cost of repairs, property insurance, property taxes, and property management fees, just to mention a few. If you are selling properties for more than you paid for them, the profit you get cannot be taxed as the income. Rather, it can be taxed as a capital gain that comes with lower tax rates. If you hold and buy real estate properties, you may get cash flow for renting them out. This increases the gains from owning a real estate property because you will depend on the appreciation and monthly rental income. While it might seem overwhelming to invest in real estate and get good tenants and manage your properties, there are… Read More