Category: LIFESTYLE

Three simple DIY projects to rejuvenate your home

brown house paint roller tin

It is always a good time to take stock of your home’s décor, but there’s something about the New Year in particular that really inspires a sense of change in many Australians. Why not capitalise on that ‘new year, new me’ feeling with some simple DIY projects to change up your home and improve it in the process? Paint a feature wall to maximise change with minimal effort Feature walls are no secret to the contemporary home, often employed to accent a wall or extend a living space – but it’s easy to forget that such a stunning change to a space can be made in less than half a day, with little more than a roll of masking tape and a paint roller. Endless possibilities lie in your potential feature wall with regard to painting alone; you do not even need to settle for one block colour. You could mask off sharp geometric patterns or create boxes within your feature wall, and paint in different colours to suit your scheme. You could even draw out intricate, repeatable patterns and create a wallpaper effect with a lighter colour. Mix textures and improve utility with wall hooks A fun and versatile way to add features to your walls can be found by using wall hooks. You might suspend an air plant in a hanging plant, or an ivy, to provide a natural texture at height; if deployed as part of a feature wall in your kitchen, mismatched kitchen towels could be hung from them at varying… Read More

Unique ideas for unique hoodies

black hoodie

Is there any article of clothing that has more positive attributes than the hoodie? It keeps you warm in the winter, and it is the perfect thing to throw on when the weather drops at a summer barbeque. When coupled with a pair of shades, a hoodie will protect your anonymity and make you look like a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi. Hoodies can even be used as pajama tops in the winter. If you are like most people, you probably have more than one hoodie. Before you buy your next one, think about personalizing it. A hoodie that you design yourself will not only keep you cozy, warm, and secure, it can make a fashion statement. There are on-demand printing companies on the internet that let you put your design on the hoodie. You can upload a design or use the online tools they provide. There are a few different ways you can bling your hoodie. Let your sarcasm show If you have a sarcastic attitude, you can share your humor with a funny t-shirt. Whether your sense of humor is G rated or if adults best appreciate your wit, you can make your friends and family laugh and give strangers an idea of what to expect. A funny t-shirt can be a great conversation starter. If people like it, they may ask you where you got it. The better on-demand printers will allow you to sell your hoodie online. You simply set up an online store and link it to the on-demand printer…. Read More

Thinking of a road trip? Try Mitsubishi’s top road trip tips

A Mitsubishi outlander drives away from the camera along a coastal road

Christmas holidays means lots of a few things: sun, beach and getting the heck outta town! So pack the life up into a car – rent one if you have to! – and hit the road, exploring some of your State’s, or further afield, hidden wonders and coastal gems. We spoke to Mitsubishi who gave us their top 10 tips for a road trip this summer that suits the newest to the most advanced drivers and their desire for a quality ride with a winning destination. Mitsubishi’s top ten festive road trip tips All I want for Christmas is less traffic Beat the rush and make an early start to avoid the highway traffic jam. Mitsubishi research indicates the busiest time on the roads this Christmas is likely to be between the 18th and 24th December, with half (48%) of Aussies planning on setting off for the Christmas holiday season between these dates and only one in ten planning to set off earlier than December 18th. Wrapping up insurance It’s important to protect the family from unexpected encounters with kangaroos on outback roads, or torrential downpours in the middle of rain forests, not to mention accidents and break-ins. As with every vehicle, make sure you have the insurance you need before travelling and purchase roadside assistance for additional support. Life cover never goes astray, either, while you’re at it. Be efficient with boot packing Much to the distress of parents Australia-wide, packing a boot is traditionally known as one of the most complicated and frustrating aspects of… Read More

Jonas Kaufmann one if the world’s best tenors does Lohengrin at Melbourne Arts Centre

Jonas Kaufmann

When Jonas Kaufmann was last in Australia, he toured Parsifal in 2017 and Andrea Chenier in 2019 with Opera Australia. He left audiences’ mouths agape and sent them off with the tale in their hearts and now, he’s back to give audiences a glimpse into the world of Wagner’s Lohengrin, in a partnership between Opera Australia and Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. Rarely performing outside Europe these days, this is the first time the German tenor will perform in a fully staged opera anywhere in the entire South East Asia region, let alone Australia. It‘s a tremendous thrill that one of the greatest tenors alive is coming to Melbourne to perform in his first opera in Australia, and singing, arguably, one of his finest roles. He will be joined by a cast of powerhouse singers: Emily Magee, Elena Gabouri, Marco Vratogna, Daniel Sumegi and Warwick Fyfe. Opera Australia’s Head of Music Tahu Mathesonwill conduct Wagner’s romantic opera, featuring a huge chorus. Needless to say, it’s a performance not to be missed. Get tickets and find out more information at the Opera Australia website.

Sydney Opera: this January Turandot returns to Joan Sutherland

Yonghoon Lee Calaf Turnadot Opera 1

The last time Turandot was such a spectacle, it was the title performance of Handa’s Opera on Sydney Harbour and made for a light, sound and experiential spectacular that had to be experienced. Fast forward to 2022 and it’s taking over the Joan Sutherland Theatre in the Sydney Opera House, offering audiences members the moment, again, to hold their breath as Yonghoon Lee – an OA favourite – hits that famous Vincero note (I will will) at the end of Nessun Dorma (No one will sleep). It’s an especially exciting way to kick of the new year of music after almost two years of music deprivation around the world thanks to the pandemic. We’re aching for the angelic voices of Yonghoon Lee (Calaf), Karah Son and Mariana Hong (Liu) and a spread of other renowned Opera Australia talent. Not to mention, as OA Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini is pleased to announce that rising star Australian sopranoAnna-Louise Cole will share the title role. “Anna-Louise has been a member of our Young ArtistProgram and is ready to tackle these big roles. It is really exciting that she will make her role debutas Turandot so audiences in Sydney can hear what her voice can really do. What’s Turandot about? A fantasy opera of poetry and myth, Turandot transports audiences to an exotic world where fearand love go hand in hand. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as suitors answer riddles atthe risk of death in an attempt to win the hand of the ice princess… Read More

How to keep your dog busy while working from home

Stylish Hound

It can’t be denied that for many, working from home is just as taxing as the normal type, if not even more so. After all, working from the comforts of your cozy room can often lull you into a false sense of serenity, severely impacting your workflow and ultimately stressing both you and your colleagues. While you most likely won’t be able to negate this entirely, you should be able to ensure that no distracting factors are present in your vicinity. As cruel as it may sound, your furry canine companion is one of them. That won’t cut it. But at the same time, you can’t simply shut your door on it as it’s inhuman. Fortunately for you, there are numerous ways in which you can occupy your dog for the duration of your work hours, including providing it some amazing food, leaving its toys in the open, getting your family to play with it, giving it some tasty CBD edibles or maybe simply asking your neighbor to take it for the duration of your work. Read on and learn how to ensure that your dog has the best of times without bothering you! Give your dog the best food Since your dog is going to spend its day bored and alone, it’s only fair that you provide it with the best dog food. This can be done by either preparing a special meal for it or by doing what some like to do personally – filling up its bowl with some of their own… Read More

The Baileys brownie recipe you need this Christmas

baileys brownie

Either enjoyed on the rocks or as a boozy hot chocolate top-up, Baileys never fails to make you feel festive.  That said, why not go the extra mile this holiday season and bake a batch of Bailey Brownies? Check out this delicious recipe from The Bottle Club.  Ingredients  For the brownies  220g (1 cup) caster sugar  150g (1 cup) plain flour  80g (? cup) Baileys Cream Liqueur 70g (? cup) dark chocolate  60g (¼ cup) butter  50g (½ cup) cocoa powder  2 eggs  1 tsp vanilla extract  ¼ ts bi-carbonate soda  Pinch of salt  For the chocolate frosting  150g (1 cup) icing sugar  45g Baileys Cream Liqueur 45g melted butter  25g (¼ cup) cocoa powder  Pinch of salt  Sea salt flakes  Method  Preheat your oven to 170 degrees.  In a saucepan, combine your butter and chocolate and heat until melted.  After allowing the mixture to cool slightly, transfer your melted ingredients to a bowl before adding and whisking through the eggs.  Add in your vanilla extract, sugar and Baileys and continue to whisk through.  Sift over the flour, cacao powder and bi-carbonate soda, before adding the salt and folding in the chocolate mixture.  Pour the mixture into your greased and lined baking tray and bake at 170 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Top tip: Allow your brownie mixture to cool for 20 minutes before frosting.  For the frosting, combine and whisk your vanilla extract, melted butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, salt and Baileys Irish cream together in a bowl.  Spread the frosting over the brownies and… Read More

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb does drinks in an unusual way with Hendricks

burrawa climb

If top views and stunning blue skies have your name on it this January, then the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is where you should head. Especially because they’ve got a unique Burrawa Climb these days, which celebrates Australia’s roots and highlights aboriginal stories and landmarks across the Harbour. But particularly because they’ve partnered with Hendricks gin to establish a post-climb gin bar for weary legs and tired climbers. For the month of January, all 18+ climbers that scale the iconic arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge after 1:00 pm will receive a complimentary refreshing summer drink post-climb at the Celebration Bar. The perfect way to complete your journey with a Hendrick’s Gin and Fever-Tree Tonic, garnished with the iconic cucumber of course.   Here’s how to secure access to the Celebration Bar:   1.       Select a climb between the 3 – 31 January 2022   2.       Choose a climb that departs from 1pm onwards  3.       Book your climb  4.       Climb then cheers!   Book your climb to secure access at the Celebration Bar here.

Besserat de Bellefon’s world-famous champagne has landed in time for the festive season

Besserat de Bellefon champagne

There’s nothing more decadent than a beautifully boxed champagne straight from France. So much so, you’d be tempted to keep it for yourself after you had every intention of gifting it to a special someone for Christmas.  Besserat de Bellefon’s world-famous Champagne ticks all these boxes and is now available at Dan Murphy’s just in time for the holiday season. Stylishly packaged, it’s the perfect ready-to-go present to pop under the tree or add a touch of French finesse to any celebration.  “We are delighted to introduce this delicious champagne into Australia just in time for the party season.  Starting at just $74.99 and in its own beautiful gift-box, this divine champagne will add a magical sparkle to every special occasion this summer,” said Michelle Lush, brand manager, Imported Wine, Dan Murphy’s. Much-loved by French sophisticates, celebrities and South of France sunseekers, Besserat de Bellefon is a classic champagne that was first established by the historic Maison Besserat de Bellefon in the heart of the Champagne region in France, back in 1843.  It was the champagne of choice for the world-famous Moulin Rouge in the swinging sixties and was the premium Champagne for the world’s first supersonic passenger airliner, Concorde, in the late 1970s and early ’80s. And there’s also something very special about the house of Besserat de Bellefon. It’s the first champagne house to utilise lower than normal pressure under cork, which results in soft, effervescent bubbles.  It makes Besserat de Bellefon Champagne perfect with food – a fantastic choice to take along… Read More

Sparkling Sydney harbourside drinks this March 2022

Sparkling Sydney

As the city opens up again, the time has come to get excited and planning now! Sparkling Sydney; the major food and wine event celebrating all there is to love about Australian gastronomy, paired with the best of Australia’s and just a hint of International sparkling wines and much much more. The event celebrates all things effervescent with more than 60 sparkling wines to enjoy, from 20 local regional wineries to enjoy an array of varietals that includes; Blanc de Blanc, Petit Verdot and Moscato, Sparkling Malbec, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Sparkling Rose, Verscato, Prosecco, Sparkling Zibbibo, and Zinfandel Shiraz. There is plenty of local gourmet food on offer as well, meticulously paired with bubbles and other sparkling treats including Six String Brewing Co craft beers, a Fever Tree Garden Bar, Brix Distillery spiced rum cocktails and refreshing Sparkling spritz. We even have a range of non-alcoholic sparkling wines from Spain with Vinzero. Located on the water’s edge of Pirrama Park right in the heart of Sydney, you’ll be able to enjoy a sparkling wine matched with wild and fresh Signature Oysters, take part in wine and artisan sparkling wine bath soak or sugar scrub masterclasses, or just relax in the sun and enjoy live bands and DJ line up while sipping on a selection of the best bubbles Australia has to offer. There’s more, too. Head to the website for more info and to get tickets! WHEN: Saturday 12 March 2022, 11am – 6pmWHERE: Pirrama Park, Pirrama Rd, PyrmontTICKETS: Over 18yo. Pre-sale $29 +… Read More