Search

Aldi launches fancy new range beloved by Adele and the Beckhams

<p>ALDI Australia is about to introduce a fancy homewares range that has the Beckhams and Adele collectively nodding in approval.</p> <p>Yes, you heard it right – ALDI, the place where you normally hunt for discounted Vegemite and budget-friendly meats – is stepping into the world of high-end homewares. Prepare your wallets and your finest monocles, because the supermarket chain has joined forces with the UK's luxury juggernaut, Liberty, to create a line of exclusive designer goodies. Christmas just got a whole lot bougier!</p> <p>Set to hit shelves on November 29, this collaboration promises to bring a touch of sophistication to your life – without forcing you to auction off your grandmother's vintage tea set to afford it. The range includes 12 new products, each bearing Liberty's iconic print designs. And with prices starting at a jaw-dropping $2.99, you might need a moment to let that sink in. We'll wait.</p> <p>Belinda Grice, ALDI Australia’s buying director of Special Buys, expressed her excitement, saying, "It’s so exciting to bring an extra touch of luxury to our customers. A high-quality product at an affordable price is what we do best, so this collaboration with Liberty is a match made in heaven."</p> <p>It's basically like finding a caviar-flavoured chip in your bag of mixed nuts.</p> <p>The range includes everything from candles to notebooks, diaries, hand creams, teapots, diffusers, soap bars and probably a golden unicorn or two. It's a cornucopia of poshness. We imagine this is the sort of stuff the Queen used to take notes during her royal corgi tea parties.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Liberty_aldi.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>For British expats Down Under, this is the homecoming they never knew they needed. It's a bit like getting a surprise visit from King Charles himself, only instead of royal decrees, he bears scented candles and aesthetically pleasing teapots.</p> <p>But wait, there's more! ALDI is not just here to elevate your home decor game; it's also here to sprinkle some goodness in the world. Ten percent of Liberty’s proceeds from the collection will go to support Camp Quality, an organisation on a mission to bring joy, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer. So not only can you deck out your living room like a Buckingham Palace waiting room, but you can also feel good about it. It's a win-win situation, or as the posh say, a "triumphantly exquisite dichotomy".</p> <p>As we gear up for the holiday season, let's raise a teacup to ALDI for making luxury accessible to all. Who needs a silver spoon when you can have a $2.99 Liberty teapot? Just remember, the next time someone questions your taste, you can proudly declare, "It's ALDI x Liberty, darling. Look it up."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / ALDI</em></p>

Food & Wine

The rental housing crisis is hurting our most vulnerable and demands a range of solutions (but capping rents isn’t one of them)

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-beer-111469">Andrew Beer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-baker-172081">Emma Baker</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p>Roughly <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/housing-occupancy-and-costs/2019-20">one in three Australians</a> rent their homes. It’s Australia’s fastest-growing tenure, but renting is increasingly unaffordable. From 2020 to 2022, our <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4253168">research</a> found a large increase in the proportion of renters who said their housing was unaffordable.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=217&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=217&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=217&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=273&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=273&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/542737/original/file-20230815-25187-p7vxqo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=273&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="horizontal bar chart showing changes in Australian renters' assessments of affordability form 2020 to 2022" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Change in Australian renters’ assessments of affordability from 2020 to 2022.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Baker, Daniel, Beer, et al, forthcoming, The Australian Housing Conditions Dataset, doi:10.26193/SLCU9J, ADA Dataverse</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Australians are concerned about the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/05/rents-rise-again-across-australia-with-sydney-seeing-fastest-rise-in-20-years">pace</a> of <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/how-much-has-rent-increased-around-australia/8ljlnf0zm">rent rises</a>. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-meeting">says</a> increasing housing supply and affordability is the “key priority” for tomorrow’s national cabinet meeting.</p> <p>The crisis has impacts well beyond affordability. The rental sector is where the worst housing accommodates the poorest Australians with the worst health.</p> <h2>The unhealthy state of rental housing</h2> <p>Forthcoming data from the <a href="https://dataverse.ada.edu.au/dataverse/ahcdi">Australian Housing Conditions Dataset</a> highlight some of these parallel challenges:</p> <ul> <li> <p>it’s often insecure – the average lease is less than 12 months, and less than a third of formal rental agreements extend beyond 12 months</p> </li> <li> <p>rental housing quality is often very poor – 45% of renters rate the condition of their dwelling as “average, poor, or very poor”</p> </li> <li> <p>poor housing conditions put the health of renters at risk – 43% report problems with damp or mould, and 35% have difficulty keeping their homes warm in winter or cool in summer</p> </li> <li> <p>compounding these health risks, people with poorer health are over-represented in the rental sector. Renters are almost twice as likely as mortgage holders to have poorer general health.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Measures that potentially restrict the supply of lower-cost rental housing – such as rent caps – will <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4253168">worsen these impacts</a>. More households will be left searching in a shrinking pool of affordable housing.</p> <h2>It’s all about supply</h2> <p>Fixing the rental crisis needs more than a single focus on private rental housing. The movement between households over time between renting and buying homes means the best solutions are those that boost the supply of affordable housing generally. No one policy can provide all the answers.</p> <p>Governments should be looking at multiple actions, including:</p> <ul> <li> <p>requiring local councils to adopt affordable housing strategies as well as mandating <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/analysis/brief/understanding-inclusionary-zoning">inclusionary zoning</a>, which requires developments to include a proportion of affordable homes</p> </li> <li> <p>improving land supply through better forecasting at the national, state and local levels</p> </li> <li> <p>giving housing and planning ministers the power to deliver affordable housing targets by providing support for demonstration projects, subsidised land to social housing providers and access to surplus land</p> </li> <li> <p>boosting the recruitment and retention of skilled construction workers from both domestic and international sources.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>The biggest landlord subsidy isn’t helping</h2> <p>More than <a href="https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/taxation-statistics-2020-21/resource/ebbd32e3-4556-41e1-a8b9-33387457d518">1 million Australians</a> claim a net rent loss (negative gearing) each year. Even though negative gearing is focused on rental investment losses, it is not strictly a housing policy as it applies to many types of investment.</p> <p>The impact of negative gearing on the housing system is untargeted and largely uncontrolled. As a result, it’s driving outcomes that are sometimes at odds with the need to supply well-located affordable housing.</p> <p>The most impactful action the Australian government could take to deliver more affordable rental housing nationwide would involve refining negative-gearing arrangements to boost the supply of low-income rentals. These measures may involve</p> <ul> <li>limiting negative gearing to dwellings less than ten years old</li> <li>introducing a low-income tax credit scheme similar to the one in the United States.</li> </ul> <p>We can learn much from the US, where the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (<a href="https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html">LIHTC</a>) scheme subsidises the acquisition, construction and renovation of affordable rental housing for tenants on low to moderate incomes. Since the mid-1990s, the program has supported the construction or renovation of about 110,000 affordable rental units each year. That adds up to over <a href="https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-low-income-housing-tax-credit-and-how-does-it-work">2 million units</a> at an estimated annual cost of US$9billion (A$13.8billion).</p> <p>This scheme is much less expensive per unit of affordable housing delivered than Australia’s system of negative gearing.</p> <p>Closer to home, the previous National Rental Affordability Scheme showed the value of targeted financial incentives in encouraging affordable housing. This scheme, available to private and disproved investors, generated positive outcomes for tenants. The benefits included better health for low-income tenants who were able to moved into quality new housing.</p> <p>A <a href="https://cityfutures.ada.unsw.edu.au/documents/81/Next_moves_report.pdf">raft</a> of <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/260431">evaluations</a> have <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/267">demonstrated</a> the achievements of this scheme.</p> <h2>Crisis calls for lasting solutions</h2> <p>Short-term measures such as rent caps or eviction bans will not provide a solution in the near future or even the medium or long term. Instead, these are likely to worsen both the housing costs and health of low-income tenants.</p> <p>Reform focused on ongoing needs is called for. Solutions that can be implemented quickly include the tighter targeting of negative gearing and the introduction of a low-income housing tax credit.</p> <p>Talking about change, as the national cabinet is doing, will begin that process of transformation, but it must be backed up by a range of measures to boost the supply of affordable housing. This, in turn, will improve the housing market overall as affordable options become more widely available.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211275/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-beer-111469">Andrew Beer</a>, Executive Dean, UniSA Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-baker-172081">Emma Baker</a>, Professor of Housing Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-rental-housing-crisis-is-hurting-our-most-vulnerable-and-demands-a-range-of-solutions-but-capping-rents-isnt-one-of-them-211275">original article</a>.</em></p>

Real Estate

Bunnings announces barking mad new range

<p>Hardware supergiant Bunnings has unveiled its plan for the “biggest category expansion in 20 years”, to the delight of pet owners nationwide.</p> <p>In a move sure to set tails wagging, the retailer has declared its pet products range will swell from a few hundred lines to roughly 1000 items.</p> <p>Pet retail has thrived during the Covid-19 era, and Bunnings’ latest move stands as a challenge to its rival retailers, with the likes of Woolworths having spent $586m in 2022 for a controlling stake in PETstock’s parent company.</p> <p>Bunnings hopes to have its brand new dedicated pet areas up and running by the end of March, effectively launching the competition for best in show between retail giants.</p> <p>As Bunnings’ managing director Michael Schneider told <em>The Australian</em>, “what we are going to be bringing to life in our stores over the next four weeks is quite a comprehensive step change in our pet range, probably the biggest category expansion in Bunnings for 20 years.”</p> <p>The company, which has allowed dogs to enter the shop with their families since 2015, has seen a staggering boost in pets coming by to sniff out the best deals since Australia’s Covid restrictions were lifted, something that Bunnings hopes will encourage people to turn towards their new pet category.</p> <p>“We have an internal page called Bunnings Pet Spotting,” Schneider said, “we have 10,000 of our team signed up to that page who share photos of dogs and their owners coming into our stores ... our team members like to share the space.</p> <p>“I think the fact that you are already there with your pet creates a natural habitat for people to come in and shop [for them].”</p> <p>Schneider went on to discuss that the company is aware of how important pets are to people, and how competitive prices are key for Australians, explaining how “we’ve seen some really significant shifts at a societal level around how we think about four-legged friends in our homes. This is an up to $10 billion category, depending on how you look at it.”</p> <p>That $10b category has benefited greatly from Australians setting pet ownership records with the puppy pandemic boom, and Bunnings is eager to embrace it.</p> <p>“Sixty per cent of Australians now own at least one pet,” Schneider said. “It has become a very important part of many, many families across Australia and we think that that connection that people have with the Bunnings brand, bringing those pets into the store, creates a great advantage.”</p> <p>Despite its enthusiasm, Bunnings has announced that it will be “strategic” about the expansion. Rather than offering the likes of grooming and vet-care as many competitors do, they will keep their attention on necessities with their general merchandise.</p> <p>One thing is for certain, despite new market competition, the retailer has assured shoppers that they will still have the opportunity to do exactly what they’ve come to expect: fetch a good deal.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

As countries ranging from Indonesia to Mexico aim to attract digital nomads, locals say ‘not so fast’

<p>Should your community welcome <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digital%20nomad">digital nomads</a> – individuals who work remotely, allowing them freedom to bounce from country to country?</p> <p><a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/digital-nomads-9780190931780?cc=us&lang=en&">Our research</a> has found that workers are eager to embrace the flexibility of not being tied to an office. And after experiencing economic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cities and countries are concocting ways to entice visitors.</p> <p>One idea involves stretching the meaning of tourism to include remote workers.</p> <p>Today, a growing number of countries offer so-called “<a href="https://nomadgirl.co/countries-with-digital-nomad-visas/">digital nomad visas</a>.” These visas allow longer stays for remote workers and provide clarity about allowable work activities. For example, officials in Bali, Indonesia, are looking to formalize a process for remote workers to procure visas – “<a href="https://coconuts.co/bali/features/the-faster-the-better-bali-tourism-agency-head-tjokorda-bagus-pemayun-talks-digital-nomad-visa-plans-and-what-it-means-for-the-island/">the faster, the better</a>,” as the head of the island’s tourism agency put it.</p> <p>Yet pushback from locals in cities ranging <a href="https://time.com/6072062/barcelona-tourism-residents-covid/">from Barcelona</a> to <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/07/28/mexico-city-residents-angered-by-influx-of-americans-speaking-english-gentrifying-area-report/">Mexico City</a> has made it clear that there are costs and benefits to an influx of remote workers. </p> <p>As we explain in our new book, “Digital Nomads: In Search of Freedom, Community, and Meaningful Work in the New Economy,” the trend of “work tourism” <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/digital-nomads-9780190931780?cc=us&lang=en&">comes with a host of drawbacks</a>.</p> <h2>Wearing out their welcome</h2> <p>For as long as there’s been tourism, locals have griped about the outsiders who come and go. These travelers are usually a welcome boost to the economy – <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/overtourism">up to a point</a>. They can also wear out their welcome. </p> <p>Perhaps the classic example is <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-25/venice-reinventing-itself-as-sustainable-tourism-capital">Venice</a>, where high numbers of tourists stress the canal-filled city’s fragile infrastructure.</p> <p>In the U.S., New Jersey shore residents have long used the term “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoobie">shoobies</a>” to denigrate the annual throng of short-term summer tourists. In our research on digital nomads in Bali, locals referred to digital nomads and other tourists as “bules” – a word that roughly translates as “foreigners.”</p> <p>Generally the terms are used to express minor annoyance over crowds and increased traffic. But conventional tourists come and go – their stays usually range from a couple of nights to a couple of weeks. Remote workers stay anywhere from weeks to months – or longer. They spend more time using places and resources traditionally dedicated to the local residents. This raises the chances that outsiders become a grating presence. </p> <p>Excessive numbers of visitors can also raise sustainability concerns, as waves of tourists tax the environment and infrastructure of many destinations. Many of Bali’s beautiful rice fields and surrounding lush forests, for example, are being converted into hotels and villas to serve tourism.</p> <h2>Digital nomads look to stretch their dollars</h2> <p>Whether they’re lazing around or plugging away on their laptops, privileged tourists ultimately change the economics and demographics of an area. </p> <p>Their buying power increases costs and displaces residents, while traditional businesses make way for ones that cater to their tastes. <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-food-became-the-perfect-beachhead-for-gentrification-167761">Where once there was a neighborhood food stand</a>, now there’s an upscale cafe. </p> <p>This dynamic is only exacerbated by long-term tourists. Services like VRBO and Airbnb make it easy for digital nomads to rent apartments for weeks or months at a time, and <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45083954">people around the world are increasingly alarmed</a> at how quickly such rentals can change the affordability and character of a place.</p> <p>Living a vacation lifestyle on a long-term basis implies a need to choose lower-cost destinations. This means that remote workers may particularly contribute to gentrification as they seek out places where their dollars go furthest.</p> <p>In <a href="https://travelnoire.com/digital-nomads-see-why-mexicans-are-fed-up-with-them">Mexico City</a>, residents fear displacement by remote workers able to pay higher rents. In response to calls to choose Mexico City as a remote working destination, one local succinctly expressed opposition: “<a href="https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22999722/mexico-city-pandemic-remote-work-gentrification">Please don’t</a>.”</p> <p>And in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/13/new-orleans-airbnb-treme-short-term-rentals">New Orleans</a>, almost half of all properties in the historic <a href="https://nola.curbed.com/2018/5/16/17356630/treme-new-orleans-neighborhood-history-pictures">Tremé district</a> – one of the oldest Black neighborhoods in the U.S. – have been converted to short-term rentals, displacing longtime residents.</p> <h2>Culture becomes commodified</h2> <p><a href="https://suitcasemag.com/articles/neocolonial-tourism">Neocolonialism</a> in tourism refers to the way processes such as overtourism and gentrification create a power imbalance that favors newcomers and erodes local ways of life. </p> <p>“There’s a distinction between people who want to learn about the place they are in and those who just like it because it’s cheap,” one digital nomad living in Mexico City <a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-07-27/americans-are-flooding-mexico-city-some-mexicans-want-them-to-go-home">recently told the Los Angeles Times</a>. “I’ve met a number of people who don’t really care that they’re in Mexico, they just care that it’s cheap.”</p> <p>Bali, where <a href="https://www.aseantoday.com/2020/10/balis-economy-struggles-to-survive-without-tourists/">as much as 80%</a> of the island’s economy is estimated to be affected by tourism, offers a stark example. </p> <p>People come to Bali to be immersed in the culture’s spiritual rituals, art, nature and dance. But there’s also resentment over yoga lovers, resortgoers and digital nomads “taking over” the island. And some locals come to see the tourism in and around temples and rituals as the transformation of something cherished – the nuanced and spiritual aspects of their culture – into experiences to be bought and sold. </p> <p>For instance, Balinese dance performances are huge tourist draws and are even featured in global promotions for tourism on the island. Yet these performances also have cultural and spiritual meaning, and the impact of tourism on these aspects of dance is <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/37628994_Authenticity_and_commodification_of_Balinese_dance_performances">debated even among performers</a>.</p> <p>So there is inevitably friction, which can be seen in the high levels of <a href="https://coconuts.co/bali/features/living-in-a-petty-crimes-paradise-balis-unreported-thefts-and-muggings/">petty crime</a>against foreigners. Neocolonialism can also pit people from the same country or culture against one another. For example, <a href="https://www.travelmole.com/news/bali-taxi-wars-flare-again/">conflicts arise</a> between local Balinese taxi cooperatives and taxi services that employ drivers from other parts of Indonesia. </p> <p>Although remote employees still make up a small portion of the overall tourist population, their work-related needs and longer stays mean they’re more likely to use services and places frequented by locals.</p> <p>Whether this leads digital nomads to be welcomed or scorned likely depends on both government policies and tourists’ behavior. </p> <p>Will governments take measures such as protecting locals from mass evictions, or will landlords’ desire for higher rents prevail? Will guests live lightly and blend in, trying to learn the local language and culture? Or will they simply focus on working hard and playing harder? </p> <p>As remote work reaches an unprecedented scale, the answers to such questions may determine whether “<a href="https://coconuts.co/bali/features/the-faster-the-better-bali-tourism-agency-head-tjokorda-bagus-pemayun-talks-digital-nomad-visa-plans-and-what-it-means-for-the-island/">the faster, the better</a>” attitude toward digital nomad visas and other incentives continues.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-countries-ranging-from-indonesia-to-mexico-aim-to-attract-digital-nomads-locals-say-not-so-fast-189283" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

Travel Tips

Aldi’s luxurious new winter travel range

<p dir="ltr">Aldi Australia have released a budget range of luxury travel accessories, just in time for a winter escape abroad.</p> <p dir="ltr">Available in stores from Wednesday the 15th of June, the range includes everything a traveller needs from luggage, tracksuits, toiletries and electronics.</p> <p dir="ltr">If it’s your first time traveling or you’ve been meaning to update your luggage collection, now is the best time. </p> <p dir="ltr">The range includes: scratch resistant Skylite Hard Shell Suitcase for $59.99. The handy and expandable case is available in black or olive.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another bargain is the $29.99 Rolling Duffle Bag, perfect for those looking for a medium-sized carry-on luggage.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also on sale is men’s hoodies and sweat pants for $14.99 each, the women’s tracksuit top and pants set for $29.99 and travel lightweight joggers in grey or charcoal for $19.99.</p> <p dir="ltr">Secure your valuables with a $19.99 anti-theft cross body with lockable zippers and secureable compartments.</p> <p dir="ltr">To keep yourself entertained while travelling, noise cancelling wireless earbuds for $79.99 with a charging case. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7c0edafe-7fff-3878-43c1-840005d1fb2a"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">You can check whether the products will be at your local Aldi <a href="https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/special-buys-product-delays/">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Aldi</em></p>

Travel Tips

R.M. Williams celebrates 90th birthday with exclusive new range

<p dir="ltr">Known for its hardy leather boots (among many MANY other things), R.M. Williams commemorated its 90th anniversary on May 24, the birthday of its founder Reginald Murray ‘RM’ Williams, with an exclusive range of commemorative products.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d5dd10ba-7fff-d062-4662-3331bb90c75c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The capsule collection includes belts, boots, apparel and other accessories, with the brand’s range of boots coming made-to-order and complete with 90th anniversary trims and a commemorative plaque.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cd6wPPLhLqH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cd6wPPLhLqH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by R.M.WILLIAMS (@rmwilliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">To celebrate the milestone, R.M. Williams will also be releasing a Makers Kit that includes everything you need to create a leather cover for <em>The Bushman’s Handcrafts</em>, a book written by RM Williams himself.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d0c060b4-7fff-eafd-38c5-e4f9c6e3f97e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">For those who already own a pair of the iconic boots, you can pick up a limited-edition care tin that includes shoe polish, leather conditioner, a brush and a polish cloth for all your boot-related needs.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdXoP1ENFMf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdXoP1ENFMf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by R.M.WILLIAMS (@rmwilliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The brand will also be getting its very own coin as part of the Great Aussie Coin Hunt, an A-Z collection of coins depicting Australian icons.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unsurprisingly, the brand’s coin will be representing the letter R, and will include a limited-edition design with a silhouette of Williams on horseback and the iconic Craftsman boot.</p> <p dir="ltr">The range of products is available to <a href="https://www.rmwilliams.com.au/90th-anniversary-celebrations.html?lang=en_AU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">order online</a> or purchase in R.M. Williams stores.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5c5b0fcb-7fff-08f2-10f0-62537aae5aae"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Loyal to the end: touching detail surrounding Symonds' tragedy

<p dir="ltr">The cricket world is in mourning following the devastating death of legendary player Andrew Symonds. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 46-year-old died on Saturday night after his car veered off the road in a single vehicle accident near his home in Hervey Range, in the city of Townsville, Queensland. </p> <p dir="ltr">Two witnesses who were first on scene following the awful accident have given more insight into what happened – including the fact that Symonds' two very loyal Blue Heelers were also in the vehicle at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of them was very sensitive and didn’t want to leave him,” the unnamed witness told Courier Mail.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It would just growl at you every time we tried to move him or go near him. My partner tried to get (Symonds) out of the car, to put him on to his back.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was unconscious, not responsive and had no pulse.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Waylon Townson was another witness and told 9News that Symonds had no pulse when he tried to help. </p> <p dir="ltr">"He was stuck in there, so I tried to pull him out," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"(I) started doing CPR and checked his pulse but I didn't get much response."</p> <p dir="ltr">Police continue to investigate the incident which has seen Symonds leave behind a wife and two kids. </p> <p dir="ltr">Symonds’ wife Laura has spoken out since his death saying the family is still in “shock” and described him as “the most laid-back person”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m just thinking of the two kids. He was such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Nothing stressed him out. He was an extremely chilled operator. So practical.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was never good with his phone but he always had time for everyone."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

‘Queer Eye’ star's haircare range now available

<p dir="ltr">Jonathan Van Ness, Queer Eye’s expert on haircare and personal grooming, has taken his hugely successful clean haircare brand to Australia and New Zealand.</p> <p dir="ltr">Van Ness launched JVN Hair in mid-2021 in US Sephora stores, partnering with biotechnology company Amyris to create the range of 11 haircare products that aren’t gendered and can be mixed and matched.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Netflix star, who has worked as a hairstylist for 15 years, told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/face-body/queer-eye-star-jonathan-van-ness-launches-jvn-hair-in-australia/news-story/876b46da5732bc09bcc7a5368c3cd406" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> that he used his experience to create a product for “everyone” that targets common hair concerns over types of hair.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve got a huge passion for education and understanding product, it’s really important to achieving hairstyle - especially achieving and maintaining healthy hair,” Van Ness explained.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1bb19a45-7fff-514e-fe82-80507f2ad7ff"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“So whether you’re someone who has really fine hair or you’re someone who has thick, coarse, kinky coily hair, all of our products are going to work for you.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsLaZfOd78/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsLaZfOd78/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Van Ness said the range, which cost between $28 (NZ 32) and $43 (NZ 49), features a “hero” ingredient called Hemisqualane, an alternative to silicone that’s synthesised from sugar cane that he says is superior for helping protect and repair hair.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Silicones coat the hair and prevent any of the benefits of other ingredients from being absorbed into the hair, whereas Hemisqualane penetrates the hair’s core better to repair, protect and smooth your hair immediately and over time,” Van Ness said in an interview with <a href="https://www.sephora.nz/beautyfeed/article/jvn-launch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s an amazing, clean, sustainable ingredient that works wonders on hair,” he told news.com.au.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s also silicone free and sulphate free which is also good for the environment as well as your hair, so we just love Hemisqualane.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Van Ness also stressed that the products were “non gendered” and that the messaging - including the tagline “come as you are” - were designed to be inclusive.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For so long the beauty industry has been very exclusive in who it caters to,” he explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s always been trying to make certain people feel more welcome.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was assigned male at birth and I always felt like I wasn’t supposed to want to play with my hair and I wasn’t supposed to want to feel beautiful. So I always felt unwelcome in the beauty space.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So I just want everyone to know, no matter who you are, your gender, your age, your race, you’re allowed to play with your hair and feel beautiful while doing it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The range of JVN Hair are available to purchase <a href="https://jvnhair.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online</a> or in Sephora stores in <a href="https://www.sephora.com.au/brands/jvn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.sephora.nz/brands/jvn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-eaa6d0b0-7fff-74b7-b403-e4858d55a996"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @jvnhair (Instagram)</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Aldi to drop luxe travel range in celebration of international borders reopening

<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">International travel is finally back and ALDI is celebrating.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">For its upcoming Special Buys on April the 6th, ALDI will release a range of products for the “executive traveller”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">ALDI said it was also launching the line to celebrate the reopening of New Zealand to Aussies on April the 12th, when we’ll be free to visit our Kiwi neighbours without having to quarantine on arrival.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">The range includes everything from packing pouches, laptop sleeves and executive backpacks with an internal USB charging port. ALDI will also release premium noise cancelling headphones with bluetooth, an overnight leather bag and a leather satchel or sling bag. ALDI is advising customers to check the Special Buys delay page to know if the items they want will be in stock.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">The full Executive Travel Special Buys range includes —</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Packing pouches — $8.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">A 3-pack of lightweight packing pouches with mesh panels for visibility, a two-way zipper opening and carry handles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Available in Black, Blue, Pink or White and sizes of 40cm x 30cm x 13cm, 30cm x 28cm x 13cm and 30cm x 21cm x 13cm</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Sukin travel pack </strong>— <strong>$11.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">The pack contains cleanser, moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner and body wash all in 50ml sizes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Rechargeable batteries — $11.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">An eight-pack of AA or AAA ($1.50 per battery).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Laptop sleeve — $19.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Hard case with soft padded inner, fits most laptops up to 14” and available in Blue, Black, Pink or Grey</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Premium two-piece suitcase set — $99.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Black with grey piping and comes with double spinner wheels, a TSA lock, an expandable main compartment (5cm).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Premium carry on suitcase — $39.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Black with grey piping and comes with double spinner wheels, TSA lock, and an expandable main compartment (4cm).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Overnight leather bag — $89.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Buffalo leather bag with easy carry handle, shoulder strap and a spacious interior compartment. Available in dark brown or vintage brown.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Leather satchel or sling bag — $69.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Assorted styles</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Executive backpack — $39.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">With internal USB charging port, a padded laptop/document sleeve and available in Classic Black, Classic Grey or Black Roll-top Style.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Premium headphones — $69.99</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Active noise cancelling, built-in microphone for calls, on-ear controls, bluetooth connectivity, up to 21 hours battery life, 40mm driver and includes premium carry case.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 18pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Images: Aldi</em></p>

Travel Tips

Life Savers celebrates a century with new range of treats

<p dir="ltr">Shoppers across the country are in for a treat, with a brand new range from one of Australia’s favourite lolly brands hitting the shelves.</p> <p dir="ltr">Life Savers, the star of many an Aussie childhood, is celebrating its 100th birthday with a new selection of confectionaries and chocolate treats.</p> <p dir="ltr">Those who enjoy a tingly kick can try the new Life Savers STIX Sherbert Fizz, featuring soft and tangy raspberry or green apple flavoured tubes with a fizzy sherbet centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">There’s also the Life Savers STIX Mixed Sherbert Fizz with green apple, raspberry and tropical flavoured tubes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Joining the party and sweetening the deal are the new Life Savers 5 Flavours Jelly Beans with the classic five flavours that have stood the test of time, including juicy raspberry, pineapple, orange, watermelon, and blackcurrant flavour — and the Life Savers Gummy Rings Duo,” Aimee Cutajar, senior marketing manager at Life Savers said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And it doesn’t stop here. Also joining the Life Savers family on shelves nationwide are Life Savers Blackcurrant Pastilles, Fruit Pastilles Bags, Fruit Tingles Bags and Fruit Tingles Chocolate Balls.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Cutajar said for those who prefer to indulge in something creamy and smooth, Life Savers has reinvented its classic Fruit Tingles with the new Life Savers Fruit Tingles & Raspberry Jellies Milk Chocolate Block.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Made with creamy Darrell Lea Milk Chocolate, this new kid around the block is jam packed with soft, chewy raspberry jellies, alongside crunchy and tingling Fruit Tingles. The new block is guaranteed 100 per cent palm oil-free and all chocolate is made using 100 per cent sustainably sourced cocoa.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-847ecf4c-7fff-ea86-ff99-7eeea7dd801b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Cutajar confirmed there won’t be any changes to the traditional Life Savers range.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: News.com.au</em></p>

Food & Wine

“MOST LUXURIOUS” Aldi Christmas range announced at bargain prices

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ALDI Australia is set to release a new, deluxe Christmas range of 21 premium items at affordable prices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Curated Collection will launch on October 27 and includes a variety of festive products for Christmas lunches, treats, and gifts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the supermarket giant, the range will be sourced from producers in Australia and around the world, and is set to be the most premium collection of festive products ALDI has sold in Australia.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’re very proud to be releasing our most luxurious Christmas range, allowing more Australians to treat themselves and gift to their friends and family for a premium festive experience this year,” ALDI Shopping Expert Kylie Warnke said.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844960/aldi-xmas1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d4b1495ab47447679295c72399024bcb" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“These products were carefully developed and curated in partnership with Aussie suppliers and those abroad, bringing together decadent flavours at the highest quality available so shoppers can be confident when picking out their holiday gifts and menus.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">See the full range here:</span></p> <p><strong>Decadent Christmas puddings</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An iconic Christmas dish, the holiday wouldn’t be complete without pudding. The new range offers two to choose from:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luxury 10-month Vintage Pudding - $14.99</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luxury 30-month Matured Christmas Pudding - $19.99</span></li> </ul> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844961/aldi-xmas2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8aebdd48b8c74f7bb8e031d8af7bbe94" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Vintage Pudding has been matured in the NSW Hunter Region and also comes as a gluten-free version, so everyone can enjoy a slice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Matured Pudding hails from the UK, containing a blend of rum, ruby port, and a French Armagnac finish.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Our 30-month matured pudding is definitely something extra decadent for our shoppers,” Kylie </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/food/aldi-supermarket-launches-most-luxurious-christmas-range-ever-with-prices-starting-at-just-399-c-4278558" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We haven’t seen anything of this quality at this price point in Australia, and it really is the hero of this range.”</span></p> <p><strong>Cakes galore</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On top of puddings, the Curated Collection includes a selection of fruit and iced cakes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Christmas cakes really are a festive centerpiece for Christmas BBQs or a ‘wow’ gift for family and friends,” Kylie said.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844962/aldi-xmas3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8a4665b5f7654adb82142933db89f422" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The range includes:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">200g Christmas Fruit Cake - $3.99</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">800g Christmas Fruit Cake - $10.99</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">900g Iced Christmas Cake - $16.99</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christmas Cake Selection 9-pack - $16.99</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Sweet treats</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift or a festive treat for guests to nibble on, ALDI’s range of caramels, fudges, nougat, and honeycomb will be a crowd-pleaser.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The milk and dark chocolate salted caramels are sourced from Ireland, while the variety of “irresistible” fudges hail from Yorkshire, in the UK. The five different flavours of fudge include butter, clotted cream, gingerbread, salted caramel, and Canadian maple.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844963/aldi-xmas4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ec0402151b324c52986960dc79934ec2" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“These are the perfect treat for sharing with loved ones or nibbling on during the festive period,” Kylie said. “They are also made to the perfect bite size so would be kid-friendly.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As for the chewy honeycomb, the range includes three varieties which are hand-dipped in milk chocolate.</span></p> <p><strong>Edible gifts</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If sweet goodies won’t satisfy, ALDI offers a range of savoury present ideas for the foodies in your life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The range includes a variety of premium olive oils, finishing vinegar, and aromatic dukkahs, priced between $3.99 and $7.99.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844964/aldi-xmas5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/56be36a57dc4442b90a83874269f14d3" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Not only are these products perfect for dressing those Summer salads or to roast veggies or use in marinades, they make for thoughtful gifts,” Kylie said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Presented in stylish packaging, the range also features specialty coffee beans ($14.99), Wagyu biltong ($19.99), mixed nuts ($12.99), and sweet crispbreads ($5.99).</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Supplied</span></em></p>

Food & Wine

COVID-19 heroes honoured by new Barbie range

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Women in science and medicine are being honoured with a miniature version of themselves in the form of a Barbie doll.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Toymaker Mattel has recognised the work of six women across STEM who have made significant contributions to the fight against COVID-19 by modelling new Barbies after them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the co-developers of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, is one of the honourees, with her Barbie sharing her long auburn hair and oversized black glasses.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s a very strange concept having a Barbie doll created in my likeness,” Gilbert said in an interview for Mattel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I hope it will be part of making it more normal for girls to think about careers in science.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKIFZwl7c9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKIFZwl7c9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Barbie (@barbie)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Amy O’Sullivan, the emergency room nurse who treated the first COVID-19 patient at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn and appeared on the cover of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> magazine for its 100 Most Influential People list, also received a doll version of herself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other honourees include Dr Chika Stacy Oriuwa, a Canadian psychiatrist who spoke out against racism in healthcare, frontline doctor Audrey Cruz, who fought discrimination, and Jacqueline Goes de Jesus, the Brazilian biomedical researcher who led the genome sequencing of a COVID-19 variant in Brazil.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKN4QuFL_2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKN4QuFL_2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chika Stacy (@chikastacy)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, Australian Dr Kirby White, who pioneered a washable and reusable surgical gown for frontline workers to use during the pandemic, received a doll in her honour. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To support her work, $5 from each eligible doctor, nurse, and medical doll sold in Australia will be donated by Barbie to </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://gownsfordoctors.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR3DoOlLlqp06mby2LE06j3zIMFEOJMrH7cyhApl6TeHfmxE80Pi6bhBiDI%2F" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gowns for Doctors</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">the initiative she started to supply GPs with the gowns.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This donation from Barbie will mean many more doctors across Australia will be able to receive a box of reusable protective gowns and many patients and children will be able to seek care from their doctor,” the Bendigo GP said.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🇦🇺👩‍⚕️ <a href="https://twitter.com/Barbie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Barbie</a> launches 6 new dolls celebrating female scientists - including Australian Dr Kirby White. Dr White pioneered Gowns for Doctors, an initiative behind surgical gowns that can be washed & reused by frontline workers during the pandemic.<br />▶️ More: <a href="https://t.co/PHYXvyFIu5">https://t.co/PHYXvyFIu5</a> <a href="https://t.co/PwnL6J4I8o">pic.twitter.com/PwnL6J4I8o</a></p> — Australia in the US 🇦🇺🇺🇸 (@AusintheUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusintheUS/status/1422923782180777986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Australia is once again facing increasing COVID-19 case numbers and this donation will allow Gowns for Doctors to upscale our efforts to support those clinics in need.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the UK, Gilbert chose Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), a nonprofit organisation inspiring girls to pursue a career in STEM, to receive a financial donation from the company.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Mattel</span></em></p>

Caring

Royal memorabilia once owned by Prince William and Kate is up for grabs

<p>An impressive piece of royal memorabilia is up for grabs.</p> <p>The personal vehicle of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a black Range Rover, is up for auction.</p> <p>The pricey item has been labelled as a “rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle with royal roots”.</p> <p>Prince William and Duchess Kate used the luxury vehicle in 2013 – the same year Prince George was born.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829433/prince-george-gallery.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7c39db37e9b14b68afc80c1996819c99" /></p> <p>It is now being offered by auction house Bonhams with the expectation for it to sell between $54,000 - $72,000.</p> <p>The car has been billed as an “ex-royal household” vehicle and even comes with its original number plate.</p> <p>"Usually, Land Rovers and Range Rovers used by the Royal Household have the vehicle registration numbers changed once out of service, making it difficult to confirm their famous history," the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26808/preview_lot/5450856/" target="_blank" title="listing on Bonhams' website">listing on Bonhams' website</a><span> </span>reads.</p> <p>Range Rovers and Land Rovers have long been popular choices for the royal family.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840875/william-kate-range-rover-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2719de4bf3b74a31bba2f969d5c75146" /></p> <p>"Overall we are told the car is in excellent condition and drives very well, presenting itself as a rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle with Royal roots," the listing says.</p> <p>The car isn't being sold by William and Kate, as it was purchased in July 2020, from a used car dealership before it came into Bonhams’ possession.</p> <p>The late Prince Philip’s 2016-plated Range Rover was up for sale back in 2018 with the eye-watering price of $234,340.</p> <p>The vehicle was fit out with custom features, including covert lighting and police emergency lights, along with grab handles for the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840876/william-kate-range-rover.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/321473e48dce4823b4ccd438cd055b81" /></p> <p>Most notably, the same vehicle was used by Prince Philip to pick up then-US President Barack Obama during a state visit to the United Kingdom back in 2016.</p>

Money & Banking

Aussie fans buzzing as Woolworths launches "Made in Australia" range

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Woolworths has announced the launch of its massive selection of Christmas buys that are 100 per cent Australian made.</p> <p>The supermarket says its entire Christmas Gold range is locally produced and includes 23 bakery, fresh meat, savoury sides and sweet products.</p> <p>The company made the move after intensive research showed 76 per cent of customers would be making a concentrated effort to buy Australian-made items this Christmas.</p> <p>“With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time for Australians to unwind from a challenging year and share good food and the spirit of Christmas with loved ones,” Woolworths Food Company Managing Director Guy Brent said.</p> <p>“Our research shows most customers are more likely to shop with retailers that use Australian native ingredients and we expect this trend will continue to grow.</p> <p>“We already offer 100 per cent fresh Aussie meat and 96 per cent of our fresh fruit and vegetables are grown on Australian farms.</p> <p>“We’re thrilled to add an entire new range to help make an Aussie made Christmas more accessible for customers around the country.”</p> <p>More shoppers said they were keen to support local farmers and bushfire impacted businesses after the tough year of 2020.</p> <p>The new range of Woolworths Christmas Gold products include:</p> <ul> <li>Chocolate & Roasted Hazelnut Tarts</li> <li>A 20-Pack Indulgent Mini Dessert Selection</li> <li>Lemon Myrtle Meringues</li> <li>Twice Cooked Duck Fat Potatoes</li> <li>Gin Infused Pear & Riberry Fruit Mince Tarts</li> </ul> <p>The new range is available now.</p> </div> </div> </div>

News

The adorably lazy way Karl rang in his 46th birthday

<p>Karl Stefanovic was the man of the hour on his 46th birthday, as he was inundated with gifts and cakes by his work colleagues.</p> <p>It seems the Today show host was worn out by the afternoon.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram, his wife Jasmine Yarbrough posted the sweet photo of her husband sleeping alongside their three-month-old daughter Harper.</p> <p><img style="width: 309.33544303797464px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837354/screen-shot-2020-08-13-at-34154-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0b588c3114ba41cf840760f4b8d06e62" /></p> <p>The snap showed the dad fast asleep on the sofa, mirroring the same position his daughter was in.</p> <p>Jasmine captioned the image: “Birthdays are exhausting.”</p> <p>The shoe designer also uploaded a few more photos to commemorate her husband on his special day.</p> <p>She shared a photo of herself and Karl in a pool during a holiday in Italy.</p> <p>The 36-year-old, who tied the knot with Karl in 2018 also posted a recent photo of Karl giving her a kiss on the cheek as they both wore face masks.</p> <p><img style="width: 307.38993710691824px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837355/screen-shot-2020-08-13-at-34209-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b7a8dccc16f547d5bff5727141fc9838" /></p> <p>She wrote: “We love you. Happy Covid Birthday.”</p>

Family & Pets

IKEA launches new homewares range for February 2020

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IKEA is offering a range of practical and stylish homewares, including a range of baskets, armchairs, a hanging organiser and much more.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The latest product drop in February is focusing on a mindful lifestyle while bringing nature into the home through greenery. Natural colour palettes with fresh hues are contrasted sharply with accented colours.</span></p> <p><strong>TJILLEVIPS basket range</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a range of sustainable handmade baskets that are woven from six different types of plant fibres, which include bamboo, rattan, seagrass, banana fibre, poplar and jute.</span></p> <p><strong>BINGSTA armchair ($199)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are low and high back versions of this chair on offer and are two colours available. The colours are subdued and elegant grey or a dark shade of yellow. </span></p> <p><strong>KORNSJÖ cabinet with mirror ($299)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are plenty of storage options for bags, shoes and belongings that are unsightly. It comes in a nice dark shade of grey.</span></p> <p><strong>BORSTAD hanging organiser for accessories ($16.99)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This hanging organiser boasts plenty of storage if there’s not a lot of space left in your cupboards.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photo credits: </span><a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/ikea-borstad-homewares-range-february-2020"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Better Homes and Gardens</span></a></em></p>

Home & Garden

"I can't believe this is Kmart": First look inside the summer range gifting suite

<p>We’ve heard all about the glamorous gifting suite at The Oscars, filled with expensive freebies for the celebrities to take home.</p> <p>But it isn’t just the rich and famous that can get their hands on free goodies these days, as social media influencers are constantly featuring on the top of luxury brands’ hit-lists thanks to their massive following and selling power.</p> <p>And despite being a budget department store, Kmart wanted to jump on the social media bandwagon by hosting an exclusive gifting suite to help promote their latest offering.</p> <p>There were plenty of items on offer, from bags to accessories.</p> <p>“I can’t believe this is Kmart,” said one person to a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/inside-kmarts-gifting-suite-the-20-jeans-everyone-went-nuts-for/news-story/4916564a987e82bfa6d4ee157a54e755" target="_blank"><em>news.com.au</em> </a>reporter. The items, despite the affordable price tag, looked anything but cheap.</p> <p>Popular products included a woven bag and white cropped jeans, both priced at $20.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Kmart’s summer offering. </p>

Retirement Income

Coles launches high-quality collectables for adults as part of their new range

<p>The criticism of the overuse of plastic collectables has been heard by both Coles and Woolworths, with Woolworths releasing the Discovery Garden for children.</p> <p>However, the new unveiling from Coles will be a winner for their older customers.</p> <p>Customers are now able to earn credit towards wine glasses or champagne flutes when spending $20 or more in Coles supermarkets, Liquorland and First Choice stores.</p> <p>Each $20 equals one credit and once a customer has reached 25 credits, the equivalent of $500, they can redeem a box of two Spiegelau glasses.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831841/coles-glasses.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bc161a710c754a9595ade7a217c4f011" /></p> <p>“We believe it’s going to be very popular with customers, like all the other collectables schemes ranging from plastic storage containers to Stikeez to Little Shop,” Mr Cain told the <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/coles-brings-touch-of-glass-to-collectables-war-with-woolworths-20191014-p530ei" target="_blank">Australian Financial Review</a></em>.</p> <p>Coles launched the glasses as part of their 2019 Christmas range which specifically caters those customers who have trouble pulling together the highly-anticipated festive lunch.</p> <p>“Our mission is to help all Australians to have healthier, happier lives,” Coles chief marketing officer Lisa Ronson told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/free-spiegelau-wine-glasses-for-coles-liquorland-first-choice-customers/news-story/bd47efa0c1636d548fa1717613108501" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“So everything we do on a day-to-day basis is to ladder up to that purpose, to inspire our customers with the best food and drink solutions to make their lives easier. There’s no greater time that we try to do that than at Christmas.”</p> <p>One dessert Ronson is particularly excited about is the $15 Coles Finest Chocolate Melting Pudding, which is a different take on the Christmas pudding.</p> <p>The dessert is a chocolate sponge pudding that starts off initially as a pretty tempered chocolate dome with a gold finish. Once everyone has gathered at the lunch table, warm caramel is poured over the top and melts to reveal the delicious chocolate pudding.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831842/coles-pudding.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5e5ba3110e8441a79ed8d4cf720075c7" /></p> <p>“Coles Finest Chocolate Melting Pudding is exclusive to Coles and is a bit of theatre at the table,” Ms Ronson said.</p> <p>“Christmas is such a wonderful time of year for most Australians, but it’s also a stressful time and because we are so customer obsessed and put the customer at the centre of everything we do, we really want to make this Christmas a delicious one with some great Coles products,” Ms Ronson added.</p>

Money & Banking

Spring ready! Kmart launches new homewares range

<p>As spring kicks into full gear, Kmart has dropped a new budget-friendly homewares range - and just in time to bring a fresh and airy feel to your home. </p> <p>Some of the items include a pastel pink and green leaf patterned doona cover set that will only set you back $18 for the queen version. </p> <p>Kmart is no stranger to stylish, swoon worthy products for an affordable price, and shoppers might be pleasantly unsurprised to learn melamine tumblers in blue cost a simple $7 and a quirky framed print of umbrellas on the beach will go for $13. </p> <p>If you’re looking for new storage that fits a white and woody aesthetic, the retailer has a bamboo-three drawer storage unit for $12. </p> <p>Can’t get yourself out of the gorgeous grey and monochromatic tones that styled our home during the winter? </p> <p>Not a problem - for $69, a charcoal chair is available for purchase as well as a sophisticated marble table for $49. </p> <p>Cult Kmart fans took to social media to praise the new range, with one saying: “Absolutely love this!!”</p> <p>Another wrote: “Kmart has done it again, loving this”. </p> <p>“I must buy that doona cover, looks so dreamy,” another comment read. </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see everything Kmart has to offer for the spring season. </p>

Money & Banking

Run don't walk! Woolworths launches brand new collectables range

<p>Woolworths has launched a new promotional campaign aimed at getting Aussie families to grow their own food.</p> <p>The Woolworths Discovery Garden came after the supermarket’s Ooshies plastic collectables series sparked widespread backlash over environmental concerns.</p> <p>Starting today, shoppers will be able to collect a seedling kit for every $30 spent in-store or online. Among the 24 varieties of fruits, veggies and herbs on offer are beetroots, tomatoes, basil, coriander, pansies and bok choi.</p> <p>The supermarket is also rewarding customers who spend at least $15 of their $30 purchase on fresh produce with an additional bag of seeds.</p> <p>According to research by agency T-garage, more than 40 per cent of Australians did not grow their own herbs and veggies – but of these, 70 per cent said they would be interested.</p> <p>Sarah De La Mare, Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Programs Manager said the program will help “encourage meaningful discussions” about food and fresh produce among Aussies of all ages.</p> <p>“Learning about fresh food, where it comes from, how it grows, how long it takes to grow, whether it’s easy or challenging are all questions that will encourage meaningful discussions at home, at school and even at work,” she said.</p> <p>“After planning this program for the past year, we cannot wait for our customers gardens to flourish across Australia.”</p> <p>Dr Shane Norrish, CEO of environmental non-profit Landcare said the campaign will help children develop a better understanding of where their food comes from.</p> <p>“A program like the Woolworths Discovery Garden enables children of all ages to learn about biodiversity and how to grow their own food.”</p> <p>Woolworths and Coles had become the subject of environmental campaigns and petitions, which called for the supermarket to ban plastic toys for their promotions.</p> <p>“With a total disregard for the delicate balance of our ecosystems, Woolworths has manufactured an ungodly number of cheap plastic toys in a bid to get you to spend more of your money in their stores,” the <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/woolworths-coles-backlash-plastic-toy-collectibles-future-landfill-070043724.html" target="_blank">Future Landfill campaign stated on its website</a>.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Woolworths' new collectables.</p>

Retirement Income

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Aldi launches fancy new range beloved by Adele and the Beckhams