Category: LIFESTYLE

Go investment: The rise of on-the-go investment apps

Phone investing invest app

No longer do you need to engage a traditional broker to invest your money. Thanks to technology and everything going digital – and the rise of increasingly intelligent apps – it has never been easier to get your foot in the door. Many of the apps available use algorithms to help with the investments, which generally results in less fees and can still assist you in creating an individualised strategy that is low maintenance. So what are the options? Micro-investing apps Micro-investing apps, such as Raiz and Spaceship Voyager, can be used either by people who want to invest a lump sum of money, or by those who prefer to use it as a piggy bank. Both apps give you the option to round-up purchases to the nearest, meaning if you spend $2.40 using your allocated spending account, the app will invest 60 cents for you in your chosen portfolio. Micro-investing apps are great because people can dip their toe into the investing world for as little as $5, whereas many other investment platforms or brokers will require a minimum spend. Your money then gets invested with everyone else’s money, however, you can decide whether you would like to put your money onto modest/safe investments or higher risk/higher reward ones. Micro-investing apps are a great low fuss strategy that especially suits people who are not great at saving. It is also surprisingly effective over time when all of a sudden you have a fair bit of money in there. Another factor that increases traders’ satisfaction is the opportunity to improve their skills within a platform. For instance, a broker… Read More

What’s on for Christmas at the Royal Palaces in 2021

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Christmas

It’s been a while since any of the Royal palaces and estates were open, but now they’re on, there’s a whole spread of events tog et excited about this Christmas. Christmas decorations will transform the State Apartments at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and a special display at Windsor Castle will bring together costumes worn by Her Majesty The Queen and Princess Margaret during wartime pantomimes. Not to mention at Royal HQ, Buckingham Palace will give guests and visitors a behind-the-ropes experience for kids and adults. Here’s what’s on at Windsor Castle, Holyrood House and Buckingham Palace Christmas at Windsor Castle From 25 November 2021 – 31 January 2022 See the Princesses’ Pantomimes: During the Second World War, Her Majesty The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) and Princess Margaret spent much of their time in Windsor, safely away from the bombing in London. Between 1941 and 1944 they performed in and helped to stage a series of Christmas pantomimes to raise money for the Royal Household Wool Fund, which supplied knitting wool to make comforters for soldiers fighting at the Front. Visitors to Windsor Castle this Christmas will have the unique opportunity to see six rare surviving costumes worn by the teenage Princesses during these wartime performances. Brought together for the first time, the costumes will be displayed in the Waterloo Chamber where the pantomimes were originally performed 80 years ago. And if that trip down memory lane’s not enough, from 25 November and 3 January, the State Apartments will be decorated with shimmering… Read More

The best of Australian opera in Melbourne and Sydney in 2022

The Bohemians welcome Mimi in La Boheme

It’s been SO long since we’ve been inside the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House or the Melbourne Arts Centre to see our favourite operas by one of the world’s leading production companies, Opera Australia – let alone anything else – that this news is big. In case you can’t make the opera festivities in the middle of Sydney Harbour for New Years this year, then worry not, the official launch of the 2022 opera season by Opera Australia has launched and it’s incredible. Here’s what to expect from Australia’s own opera company powerhouse, Opera Australia. Opera in Melbourne 2022 Local Melburnian and superstar soprano Stacey Alleaume will make her in-theatre debut as Violetta in Elijah Moshinsky’s celebrated production of La Traviata, a highlight of the Company’s 2022 Melbourne season. And if that’s not exciting enough, the Australian premiere of Olivier Py’s production of Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin there’ll also be a one-night only concert by arguably the greatest bass alive today, Ferruccio Furlanetto, along with a highly anticipated blockbuster musical. Our favourite Diego Torre will join the line-up, too! Here are just two stand out events for Autumn 2022 in Melbourne to look forward to. For more, head to the Opera Australia website. VERDI: La Traviata | Conductor Renato Palumbo | Director Elijah MoshinskyFollowing her success at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, shining star soprano Stacey Alleaume will make her in-theatre role debut as Violetta. Renato Palumbo makes a welcome return to Australia to conduct Ho-Yoon Chung as Alfredo, José Carbó as Giorgio… Read More

5 easy shopping hacks to follow for Black Friday 2021

Dr Martens shop Westfield Sydney shopping

Black Friday is on 26 November 2021 and is a great time to get a deal on some of your favourite items, but it can be tricky navigating the stores and finding the best deals. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together 5 shopping hacks that will help you find more bang for your buck! First of all, think about how you want to shop this year. If you can’t make it there in person, use this time to shop online instead. This year is expected to be a little different in terms of how retailers meet their customers. The days of rushing in store to get the best deal are coming to an end, as most stores are offering the same prices and products online. If you shop online, you can also start as soon as the clock strikes midnight and avoid the traffic. Second, don’t be afraid to ask for an extra discount. Many stores will offer a certain percentage off of your total purchase if you’re polite and have the time to wait in line again. If they are unwilling to give you that deal right then, simply check back later when it’s closer to closing time or ask for a rain check.  Also try finding some coupons and deals before you go to the store! There are great savings out there if you know where to look, so start your Black Friday sales off early by checking online or in the newspaper for extra money saving opportunities that will… Read More

The best investments you can make in your 20s and 30s

Investing money stocks app

If your goal is to get ahead in life and set yourself up for a comfortable retirement—not something you typically think about in your twenties and thirties—the key is to generate a passive income through investment. But what are the best investments you can make to grow your wealth? Try investing your money from your phone in the Australian Stock Exchange with Stake! Assets with potential for growth The stock market has been a rollercoaster due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic. Investing in stock continues to be a good choice, particularly since you have time on your side when you’re young. Take advantage of the price crashes to get in on some of the traditionally top performers. With any investment there is always a degree of risk, so be sure to only use money you can afford to lose. Growth assets provide higher returns. They may be at higher risk, but the rewards are also higher. Raiz and Spaceship Voyager are both great micro investing apps for young and beginner investors. One reason many people avoid investing in shares is because they do not know which shares are best to buy to suit their financial goals. Both apps allow you to dip your toes into the share market with as little of investments of $5, as opposed to a $500 minimum spend on CommSec. You select one portfolio to invest in. Each are designed by experienced brokers to give you the best chance of accumulating extra money. Each portfolio gives you exposure to a range… Read More

Hotel in the heart of Hobart: The Tasman in Tasmania is taking bookings

Tasman hotel Hobart 1

This December 2021, The Tasman hotel is set to bring the unique local character of Hobart to life through authentic experiences that connect its pioneering past with an unexpected contemporary culture, surrounded by Tasmania’s captivating scenery. Right in the middle of town, just metres from the renowned Salamanca Market, the new hotel offers 152 unique rooms and some of Hobart’s most spectacular suites, each accommodation offering within the hotel highlights a distinct character and experience so that no stay is ever the same. And in true Hobart style, the hotel’s all about supporting local, opting for artworks from local artists, warming fireplaces and island baths are some of the highlight features within. In-keeping with that, making an authentic reflection of the exciting local dining culture, The Tasman will host an outstanding selection of bars and signature restaurant. Peppina is a celebration of old-world hospitality and produce-focused cooking led by renowned Tasmanian chef, Massimo Mele who gives Italian inspired cuisine a local Tasmanian twist. Hidden within the deep sandstone walls of the building, Mary Mary is an intimate and sophisticated bar by cocktail extraordinaries Charlie Ainsbury of Proof & Company, set to provide an old-world drinking experience reimagined for modern times, with an inspired cocktail menu celebrating local Tasmanian ingredients. Find the Tasman Hotel at 12 Murray Street, Hobart  7000 Australia or online.

UK Coffee Week: 5 other espresso martini cocktails to try

Espresso martini

It’s UK Coffee Week and there’s no better way to celebrate the occasion than with some delicious caffeinated cocktails courtesy of the masterminds at The Bottle Club. Cinnamon Espresso Martini An autumnal take on the traditional Espresso Martini, a Cinnamon Espresso Martini is just the thing you need to get you through those rainy days and cold nights. Credit: Pxfuel  Ingredients  60ml Monin Cinnamon Syrup  60ml vodka  60ml espresso  1-2 tbsp cinnamon sugar  Cinnamon sticks and coffee beans for garnish How to make  Start by pouring roughly 30ml of the cinnamon syrup on a small plate and covering it with your cinnamon sugar. Then, gently run the rim of the martini glass over the mixture – your cocktail glass is now decorated and Instagram ready!  Once the all-important presentation is out of the way, it’s now time to make your drink! In a cocktail shaker, combine your vodka, espresso and 30ml of syrup and give the contents a good old shake. Finally, strain the drink into your glass and garnish with your coffee beans and cinnamon sticks.  Espresso Tonic Forget a gin and tonic, ever heard of an espresso tonic? Made from two simple ingredients, this booze-free drink will ensure that you won’t miss out on that espresso martini kick, even if you are the designated driver.  Credit: Unsplash Ingredients 100ml tonic water 50ml fresh espresso   How to make Begin by brewing your espresso in a shot glass or small jug and letting it stand. While this is happening, fill your chilled glass with big… Read More

Iconic Surry Hills Italian restaurant Mille Vini relaunches this October

Mille Vini Sydney food 1

Stop what you’re doing. Italian wine, cocktail and dining venue, Mille Vini will reopen its doors on Crown Street this Thursday, 21 October, after an extensive interior facelift and new menu and drinks offering. With a new menu and fresh new name and look, Mille Vini’s new menu has a strong emphasis on classic recipes from all Italian regions, with handcrafted pasta. Some of the signature dishes include poached octopus salad, battered zucchini flower, truffle pecorino with blossom honey and a selection of freshly made crostini stracciatella. The food is genuine, simple and beautiful, with the goal for the venue to create an evocative combination of culinary philosophies and techniques from around the globe, while respecting the Italian classics. Mille Vini is set within a historical building from 1840s. It has received fresh interiors and beautiful design to compliment the completely reinvented food and drink offering. The ambient and elegant moody dining area layered with velvet drapery and brass and crystal chandelier, creating a luxe and romantic European aesthetic. The overall look and feel is nostalgic, sophisticated and cultured. For more and to make a booking, head to the Mille Vini website. Find it at 397 Crown Street, Surry Hills Monday – Thursday: 5pm – late Friday – 4pm – late Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – late

What to expect this Christmas at Kew Gardens in London

Christmas lights Kew Gardens

From Wednesday 17 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022, Kew Gardens in London is doing Christmas and it needs to be on your list of things to do to end the last two years of nightmare. Now in its ninth festive year, this year’s trail features a host of seasonal favourites alongside pioneering new light installations, illuminating Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape with vibrant bursts of colour and over a million twinkling lights. Standouts at-a-glance: New installations feature stunning video design and scenescapes inspired by Kew collections Highlights include 12 Days of Christmas tree installation, Christmas Cathedral, and LED light spheres illuminating night sky 200 metres over-head Visitors can keep warm with seasonal street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate, or enjoy a Christmas dinner at newly refurbished The Botanical Brasserie restaurant Trail is supported by Montezuma’s Chocolate This year and kicking off next month in November 2021, we’ll be gifted with a first-time selection of spectacular trees from Kew’s arboretum as their canvas. Creative studio Novak will create a brand-new piece for Christmas 2021, using a stunning combination of video design, projection mapping and light to bring botanical illustrations from Kew’s archive to life, alongside a host of heart-warming festive imagery. Further, a brand-new installation, Spheric, which is a fifteen-metre-wide dome of light covered in over 2,000 individually controlled LED pixels, will sit on a reflective water pool, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this unique mirrored illusion as they cross the lake. And as we’d hope, the favourite Christmas Cathedral returns for 2021, affording guests the perfect opportunity to capture this quintessential… Read More

The pros of receiving a startup business loan

Man hands credit card online shopping

Creating your own business is a significant financial commitment. Even if you plan to set up a small enterprise, the sum of all expenses might be much higher than you expected. In such a case, one of the most frequently used solutions is taking a startup business loan. Using this type of loan can help you get your business off the ground so that you can immediately start earning money. While this approach has a few downsides (especially if your credit score is not so great), it offers more than its fair share of benefits. Besides having funds to start your business, you also get to retain business ownership, protect your personal assets, and build credit. Additionally, as these loans are temporary in nature, you do not have to worry about the lender after you pay them back. Here is a more detailed estimate of the most significant pros of receiving a startup loan: Getting Funds To Start Your Business The main benefit of getting a startup loan is that it can help you get the money you need to start your business. This type of loan is especially accessible if you have a good business plan in place. You will be able to use the money to buy equipment, purchase raw materials, advertise your brand, and even pay for any other expenses that come with starting up. If you have a good credit score, you might even get a larger loan that will help you cover any unfunded needs. Protecting Your Personal Assets Getting… Read More