Category: LIFESTYLE

Whitley Neill’s Gin transports you straight to an English country garden

whitley neill gin

With the heightened popularity of gin over the last few years, gin lovers have been spoilt for choice when it comes to quality gins. And Whitley Neill Gin is definitely among the top picks.  Distilled in the heart of the City of London – the only distillery located smack, bang, in the City of London – Whitley Neill Gin is lovingly handcrafted and inspired by the very best flavours and ingredients from around the world.  With an extensive range that includes Grapefruit Gin, Blood Orange Gin, Raspberry Gin, Blackberry Gin, Original and Quince Gin, there is something for everyone.  The Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is said to resemble the taste of an English country garden with a tart crisp edge. The essence of rhubarb adds a tart crispness to the smooth gin base whilst the ginger extract warms the palate for a full-bodied finish. Perfect with a good quality tonic, Whitley Neill’s Rhubarb and Ginger Gin is also an excellent base for some very refreshing, summery cocktails.  Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Soda Mix 60ml of Gin into glass, add lots of ice, top with soda water, add a slice of fresh ginger and fresh mint (and a strip of rhubarb if you want to get fancy!).  A Taste of Honeycomb 45mL Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin 15mL @monin_australia Honeycomb 15mL Lemon Juice Top with @FentimansLtd Ginger Beer Dash of Islay Malt Preparation: 1. Build all in order over ice 2. Garnish with rhubarb ribbons Rhurbarb and Ginger Ginsecco Ginsecco never tasted quite… Read More

Stake Black: the only thing you need for investing

Stake ASX investment app 2

Investing is one thing, but doing it as a newbie or without much experience can be daunting to put it lightly. There are heaps of changes in the world of investment; from opting for fund managers like Vanguard Australia to doing it yourself with Stake, resources are everywhere when it comes to info and making your own choices. And then, there’s Stake Black: an altogether epic alternative for industry and investment insight like you’ve never seen before. And here’s why. Stake introduced Stake Black for investors who want to take more control of their investments. As an optional add-on for those with a live account, Stake Black offers four key features: 1. Instant buying power – for the more active traders who are looking to move in and out of positions. This allows them to waive the T+2 settlement period and directly reinvest funds from a sale 2. Analyst ratings – one of my favourite features to help make a more informed investment decision. Analyst ratings all you to see how the big banks and investors on Wall St are analysing a stock as a buy/hold or sell 3. Price targets – going a level deeper than Analyst Ratings these give actual price targets the analysts believe the stock will reach 4. Full company financials – access full company financials of your favourite companies all in-app 5. Awesomeness in investing – you also score that sense of being ‘in the know’ and a part of a members-only club of financial movers that care about your… Read More

Help support those in need this Christmas with kindness platform ‘One Another’

One another

With all that has transpired over the last two years, many are looking for ways to give back or help out those in the community who could do with a helping hand. One platform that aims to safely bring people together and encourage acts of kindness is social kindness platform, One Another.  One Another was created by Lisa Hollinshead, who has teamed up with Manly Observer & Project Kindness to partner with Sydney businesses to ensure that members of our local community who need support, don’t go without this Christmas. Sydney-siders are invited to drop off gift donations at selected local venues/ business partner locations across the region including. Studio Pilates Balgowlah, Johnny’s Coffee Market Lane Cafe in Manly, Beaches Lash Co. are just some of the local businesses collaborating to bring joy across the community this Christmas, with more locations across greater Sydney to be announced soon! Bobbi, founder of The Pottery Cafe in Sydney’s Northern Beaches said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with One Another Community to help give back. Community is at the core of everything we do at The Pottery Cafe and we jumped at the chance to be able to support the Christmas Gift Drive and help put a smile on as many faces as possible this Christmas, which makes our hearts smile too.” Members can search via One Another’s app for specific gift donation requests from members of the local community and drop off their contribution at an elected partner venue’s Community Christmas tree. Alternatively, they can purchase a… Read More

Your Cointreau loving friends will love this limited edition Christmas pack

Cointreau christmas pack

Stuck for gift ideas for your cocktail loving friends and family? Luckily, Cointreau has come to the rescue with this stylish limited edition Christmas pack that comes in a neatly packaged tropical box which includes a bottle of Cointreau as well as a super cute brass pourer. It’s the perfect gift for the Margarita lover in your life. Available at all leading independent retailers for RRP $56.99, Cointreau serves as a flavour amplifier, helping reveal the other ingredients while bringing balance, depth, and freshness to the mix. Zesty, fresh, floral and sweet with an instant freshness, lingering on the palate, it is a harmonious blend of nuanced notes yet remains intensely orange, it’s perfect for creating those summer cocktail recipes.  Here are a few summer cocktail ideas to kick start the party.  Holiday Margarita Ingredients: 30mL Cointreau 60mL Blanco Tequila 30mL Fresh lime juice 6 drops Aromatic Bitters Top with Rosemary Sprig Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice.  Shake and strain into a cinnamon sugar-rimmed coupe glass. Garnish with rosemary sprig. Summer Margarita Ingredients: 30mL Cointreau 50mL Tequila 20mL Lime 4 Fresh Strawberries 1 bar spoon Sugar Syrup Method: Rim the glass with some fleur de sel.  Combine Cointreau, Tequila, lime and strawberries in a shaker with ice. Muddle it, shake it, strain it and serve it. Tip: Garnish with mint sprig on the top of your glass to bring some freshness. Original Margarita Ingredients: 30mL Cointreau 60mL Tequila 30mL Fresh lime juice Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker…. Read More

Christmas cannoli treats in Melbourne

Cannoli

Cannoleria, the cannoli royalty in Melbourne is ensuring that everyone will have a sweet December and Christmas this year with its limited edition Christmas range. From GIY (Garnish It Yourself) ricotta filled panettone that includes a gluten free version to a Christmas Tree Kit that’s perfect for kids and Panettone infused Flavour of the Week Cannoli throughout December, it ‘cannoli’ mean it’s time to be festive! Complete with two flavours this Christmas, the Panettone available, plus a delicious gluten free Pandoro. ·       Pistachio Panettone: traditional panettone layered with pistachio ricotta and coffee ricotta, comes with pistachio spread and cannoli shell crumbs ·       Rocher Panettone: traditional panettone layered with hazelnut ricotta and chocolate ricotta, comes with white gianduja spread and cannoli shell crumbs ·       Gluten Free Pandoro: gluten free traditional pandoro layered with traditional Sicilian ricotta, comes with a vegan chocolate and hazelnut spread and icing sugar For more and to buy some while you can, head to their website

Give thoughtfully this Christmas with Cleanse & co.

candles cleanse and co

Candles, ethically sourced crystals, tea, soaks, essential oils, crystal lamps – this is just a small sample of thoughtful gifts available at Cleanse & co. The brand exists to help you align with your higher self through products and practises, reconnecting, healing and inspiring you to all that you truly are — loved, worthy and whole. Cleanse & co. candles are lovingly handmade in Australia and currently have a gorgeous Cleanse-mas range which includes Gingerbread Candle, Holiday Eve, Santa’s Treat, as well as Rose Quartz ornament candles which are perfect for the Christmas tree.  The candles include crystals (which should be removed before burning) and if you prefer a particular fragrance, you can make it personal by selecting a custom scent for an extra $10.00.  Here are some of our favourite picks from the Cleanse-mas range: Santa’s Treat Candle ($69) Indulge in the scents of Santa’s treats, a blend of sweet, chocolate and minty joy. This delicious blend will warm your senses and create the most mouthwatering aroma in your space this Christmas. Infused by only the best vegan-friendly scents, supported in a blend of natural Soy & Coconut wax. 400g approx. 70 hour burn time if candle care is followed. Clear Quartz string lights ($34.95) Shiny and bright, illuminate the darkness, I am now surrounded with love and light.” The amplifying stone. Clear quartz is essential when manifesting intentions. It encourages thought clarity and heightens the purpose in your heart and mind. It is a powerful stone for energy as it enhances all levels…. Read More

Lifestyle benefits of coffee

Coffee cup

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in Australia. Due to its high levels of antioxidants, it seems to be relatively healthy. Studies have shown that coffee can improve your lifestyle and build immunity against several diseases. In this blog post, we will share the top health benefits of coffee and how it can improve your lifestyle. Effect of coffee on your lifestyle Coffee has a significant role in improving your lifestyle. And here is how this drink manages to keep you on your toes. 1.   Improved energy levels Coffee is linked with increasing energy levels. This is because coffee consists of a stimulant called caffeine. After consuming a cup of coffee, caffeine finds its way to your brain and makes you more alert. In the brain, caffeine blocks neurons that cause sleepiness. Therefore, drinking a cup of coffee will make you more alert and active during office hours. 2.   Coffee a day keeps the doctor away Coffee is known to fight several heart diseases. The Caffeine in your cup of coffee boosts blood circulation and aids your heart in supplying blood.  Coffee can prevent plaque build-up in the heart arteries, which block blood flow. Caffeine can increase your blood pressure which pierces through the plaque build up in your heart arteries.  3. Keeps You Alert Coffee is your number one source of staying alert and reducing stress. A cup of coffee can boost your brain activity and help you stay focused.  Coffee is a remedy for lazy days, creative blocks and… Read More

Redroad V17 vacuum: surging suction, stunning look and great value

Vacuum woman

Do you miss the good old days when shopping was fun? Now with excess choice at our finger tip, it has somehow become an arduous task. But if you are looking for a cordless stick vacuum cleaner, we happen to have some tips: choose the one with a high suction, good look, and great value. Isn’t ‘great value’ common sense, you may think. But actually, many people end up buying a cheap vac only to find out how incapable, shoddy, and a waste of money it is. The others reach deeper in their pockets to buy a ‘brand name’ without realizing they could have got one with the same, if not better, performance at a much cheaper price. Redroad V17 has the best value we’ve seen so far; It cleans with flying colors, offers a 2-year warranty, and is listed at only $350. Redroad also has a surging suction.  The speed of V17’s digital maglev brushless motor reaches a whopping 120,000rpm, surpassing that of 98% other vacs. But unlike many others of the top 2%, Redroad V17 restrains from tuning up the motor speed to a vainly impressive level at the risk of compromised motor service life or increased noise. To further boost the suction in a healthier (though not easily noticed) way, Redroad V17 turns to optimized the air duct design. With the 450W motor and now patented air duct design, Redroad realizes a 155AW suction or 26,500pa vacuum pressure, marking the highest in the category, while keeping a low noise. With the surging… Read More

Your superannuation: is salary sacrificing still worth it?

Australian 50 money

First things first, what is salary sacrificing? Salary sacrificing for your superannuation is when you choose to forgo a portion of your wage so you can put more than the standard 9.5% into super. For example, if your employer is filing 9.5% super for you at each pay, you are offering to reduce your wage before tax to add more into your super fund.  Previously beneficial, the changes to super legislation has meant that salary sacrificing super has become almost redundant now that you can do it yourself. The only real difference is the timing of when you get that little extra in your pocket from week-to-week or end of year, when your tax return is lodged. Let’s explore some pros and cons of salary sacrificing in Australia, taken from the mind of Gerry Incollingo, MD of LCI Partners, a firm that specialises in accounting advisory, lending, wealth, property, insurance and legal. Pros  Beneficial by reducing your taxable income You will be paying less tax and increasing your retirement savings Soothes the stress of saving extra retirement money because no effort is required. Your investments happen automatically via your employer’s payroll system Cons Low income earners: Not recommended for low-income earners as they are not paying a hefty amount of tax to begin with, such as those earning less than $37,000. Also, it may be difficult to manage and afford your expenses if a further percentage of your wage is taken away to contribute to your super Lending issues: Keep in mind if you are young or… Read More

Movember partner and skincare brand Brutal Truth is just what the uncomplicated and practical man is looking for

Brutal Truth

Forget the fuss. The truth is, men don’t care for complicated when it comes to grooming, so skincare brand Brutal Truth has filled that gap with their ‘real approach’ to support the everyday guy.  100% Australian owned and made, the Brutal Truth product range features ingredients sourced from across the country, including Australian native extracts such as Tasman Pepper Berry, Australian Rainforest Lime, Australian Desert Lime and Kakadu Plum.  The brand is committed to delivering a balance of naturalness, affordability and sustainability and all products are free from parabens, sulphates, aluminium, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances or non-sustainable ingredients. And they certainly are not tested on animals. In its mission to help Aussie males live happier, healthier and longer lives, Brutal Truth is also a proud partner of Movember, which helps fund men’s health programs across three key cause areas, mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Check out the 100% made in Australia range here which is available at Woolworths and won’t break the bank! Please note, the antiperspirant roll-on is available at Coles.  Antiperspirant Sprays – RRP $12.00 AUD. Looking for sweat protection, naturally? It makes scents. Brutal Truth Antiperspirant Sprays are aluminium free and made with natural ingredients, including Aloe Vera and Kakadu Plum to keep skin smooth and healthy and free from odour. Available in Rustic & Woody and Clean & Crisp. 3-in-1 Face Hair Body Wash Rustic & Woody – RRP $13.00 AUD. Designed for the face, hair and body, it’s perfect when you are on the go… Read More