Staff Favourites: 5 Things We Loved This Week (November 1, 2026)

Man of Many’s Staff Favourites is back to brighten up your weekend, as we celebrate the products, services, entertainment, and experiences that have caught our eye over the week.

We get to try so much of the cool, novel, and curious on a daily basis, but these encounters don’t always result in full write-ups or reviews. So we collect them here in the hope you’ll find something new and exciting to give your week a lift.

This week (and this whole month) is full of personal and professional milestones and moments we can’t help but want to share with you. We’ve got luxurious, family-friendly holiday options, the latest in camping gear, software to boost your productivity and the return of the ultimate dad shoe.

Before we get into the Favourites, check out this week’s episode of Daddies, with the one and only Purple Wiggle, ‘Big Strong’ John Pearce!

1. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Rob Stott – Editor in Chief

After several years where a family holiday has meant moving from city-to-city every few days while catching up with old family and friends, we needed a break that involved a lot more time doing nothing, which is why I’ve just returned from 10 days in paradise at the Marriortt Fiji Momi Bay. This massive, secluded resort manages to pull off that rare alchemy: genuine five-star luxury for adults that doesn’t compromise on being exceptionally family-friendly.

The MVP of the trip was the Turtles Kids Club. Anyone traveling with little ones knows the true definition of a holiday is when everyone actually gets to relax. Between shell collecting, Fijian craft workshops, and outdoor games, our daughter was begging to go every morning, which gave two tired dads a few hours of guilt-free downtime to park by the pool, order a couple of cocktails, and actually finish a book chapter in peace.

The layout around the resort’s sheltered, warm-water lagoon makes it effortless to move between ocean dips, paddleboarding, and lounging. The weather turned on ten straight days of blue skies, capped off each evening by surreal, pastel-streaked sunsets over the Pacific that made grabbing a sundowner a nightly ritual.

Above all, it’s the hospitality that stays with you. From the moment you arrive, the staff treat your family like their own with that signature, warm Fijian “Bula!” spirit. If you’re looking for an effortless tropical getaway where the kids are entertained and the adults can genuinely unwind, Momi Bay deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.

2. Coleman Triton 2-Burner Camping Stove

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

I’ve shared a few pieces from my camping setup recently, and the Coleman Triton 2-Burner Stove is the latest workhorse earning its keep.

While the market is flooded with dual-burner stoves, Coleman still earns the crown for gear built to last decades. The Triton strikes a great balance: it folds down into a slim, briefcase-style profile for easy packing, yet the cooking surface comfortably fits two large pots side by side. Output-wise, it pushes 22,000 BTUs of total power, giving you the roaring high flame of a proper domestic cooktop. Unlike cheaper rivals that behave like an on/off switch, the temperature dials offer genuine, responsive low-simmer control so you don’t scorch delicate cooks.

Best of all, it has taken on a dual life at home. After ditching a clunky, rusted-out barbecue to reclaim space in our courtyard, we now run the Triton for outdoor grilling. Throw on the cast-iron hotplate attachment, and you’ve got an instant mini-barbecue that tucks away neatly when you’re done.

Favourite article: Glashütte Unveils Some Rather Sparkly Senator Aventurine Watches For More Than $50,000

3. New Balance Made in USA 990v7

Ben McKimm – Staff Writer

I said it in my full story and breakdown, but evolving an iconic sneaker silhouette without stripping away its identity is a difficult balancing act. However, now that I’ve spent some extended time with the shoe, the seventh iteration of New Balance’s 990 series hits the mark.

The debut “Kool Grey” colourway takes a streamlined approach to the classic panel layout, layering premium pigskin suede over a breathable mesh base, with leather accents and synthetic sway bars that lock the midfoot down without adding bulk. 

The biggest functional change sits in the midsole, which swaps in a noticeably softer FuelCell compound than the outgoing v6 for increased energy return and cushioning underfoot. To keep the plush foam from feeling sloppy during all-day wear, New Balance added a new TPU midfoot shank that works alongside the signature ENCAP heel structure and CR counter to maintain torsional stability.

But above all else, I think NB nailed the design here, and I look forward to putting in some more steps in over the next few months.

• Price: AUD$350
• Upper: Pigskin suede, breathable mesh, leather, synthetic sway bars
• Midsole: Softer FuelCell foam compound with ENCAP technology
• Support: TPU midfoot shank and heel CR device
• Origin: Made in USA (70%+ domestic value)
• Key Feature: Re-engineered softer FuelCell compound balanced by a supportive TPU midfoot shank

Favourite article: 5 Cheaper Alternatives To The Mercedes G-Wagon

4. My Bucks Weekend in the Hunter Valley

Elliot Nash – Staff Writer

Man of Many’s own Harry Parsons has a lot to look forward to now that he’s popped the question. This past weekend, I headed up to the Hunter Valley with 11 of my best mates for a few days of doing what boys do best: running amok on the bucks. I won’t burden you with any unnecessary imagery, but with my mind and body only just recovering from the festivities, I have a few bits of advice for anyone else with a bucks weekend on the horizon.

First, don’t forget the food. We kicked things off on Friday night at Nineteen in the Hunter Valley, where $45 a head got us a set menu of pizza, pasta and salads. Incredible value when you’re feeding a dozen blokes whose diet has consisted mostly of beer. And while you’re stocking the fridge with everything you plan to drink, don’t forget the snacks. Even if you’re eating out every night, it doesn’t hurt to have something to munch on when you’re halfway through a case and feeling a little wobbly.

Second, hydrate. Drink plenty of water and grab some Hydralyte or Berocca for the morning after. Even some lemonade will do. Trust me, nobody wants to walk to the servo with a pounding headache, especially after a whisky tasting courtesy of your soon-to-be father-in-law.

Third, activities are where it’s at. Sure, you can mosey around mindlessly chinwagging with the boys, but get everyone together for something like go-karting, and you’ll be cheering. One of my mates somehow clocked a lap record of 21 seconds, when the next best time on the leaderboard was 1:09. The quickest legitimate lap in our group was 1:13. Good on you, Derek.

Back at the house, there’s always room for a bit of fun and games, whether that’s a personalised game of bingo based entirely on my habits, catchphrases and questionable mannerisms, a round of ‘Guess Which Man of Many Article Elliot Wrote’, dressing everyone up in swapped Vinnies outfits or me wandering around in an inflatable peacock suit. Get creative, be imaginative and don’t leave it to the last minute. You might even come away with a newfound appreciation for Super Mario Bros. and the generosity of your mates.

By Monday morning, after a weekend of laughs, plenty of sore heads and one gloriously long sleep when I finally got home, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Well, maybe slightly less whisky.

5. Granola: The AI Note Taker

Somewhere between my third back-to-back call on Tuesday and realising I’d written exactly zero useful notes, I finally gave in and went looking for a proper AI meeting recorder. I’ve tried a few over the years (Otter and the Gemini note-taking tools included) and they always felt a bit clunky, mostly because they invite a little bot into your Zoom like an uninvited mate turning up to a BBQ.

Granola is different, and it’s quickly become one of the most-used apps on my laptop. It doesn’t join the meeting at all. It just sits in the background, listens through your computer’s audio and quietly turns my half-baked dot points into a clean set of notes with the action items pulled out. You do still need to let people know you’re recording (that part’s non-negotiable), but there’s no awkward bot sitting in the participant list. On the flip side, it can’t attend meetings for you. Believe me, I checked.

The bit I’ve loved most is being able to ask it questions afterwards, like “what did I promise to send this week?”, which has saved me more than once.

I’ve also been playing with Wispr Flow and building a few of my own AI tools to record and transcribe things for me. The catch is that we work in an open-plan office, and sitting at my desk chatting away to my AI is very, very tricky without looking like I’ve lost the plot. It would be way more efficient, but it’s not something I’m comfortable doing just yet, at least.

If you’re drowning in meetings, fancy a crack. The free version covers unlimited notes.

Favourite Article of the Week: Touchscreen MacBook Pro Unveiled With Tandem OLED and M5 Pro Silicon
Favourite Video of the Week: TAG Heuer’s New Carrera Chronograph Sport Collection

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Other Things We’re Checking Out This Week

A few more things that landed on our desks this week, from the brands we’re currently working with. Worth a look if any of them are your kind of thing.

• Panasonic Australia: The shaver tech doing the heavy lifting behind a genuinely effortless morning shave.
• Fig & Bloom: The design-led florist worth bookmarking before the next occasion sneaks up on you.
• Temple & Grace: The high-end jewellery route that saves couples thousands on the ring.
• BikesOnline Australia: Gear up for your next weekend ride and browse the best value deals on premium bikes and parts in this online hub.
• Panasonic Australia: Upgrade your home cinema with crisp 4K clarity and immersive sound in this sleek new TV setup.
• Wellaroo: Thoughtfully designed Aussie grooming essentials that simplify your everyday routine.
• Transparent Labs: Clean, clinically dosed formulas that take the guesswork out of your daily stack.
• Spelab: Upgrade your rig’s power and sound with these high-performance diesel parts.
• Furi: Sharpen your prep game with sleek, pro-grade knives that make every chop feel effortless.
• Sportscraft: Level up your smart-casual rotation with tailored layers and relaxed polos that actually fit your week.
• Moments: Capture your next big adventure with beautifully curated photo books and thoughtful keepsakes.
• Above The Collar: Stock up on cult-favourite grooming gear and upgrade your daily routine with a sharper, cleaner look.
• WHOOP: Level up your training with a wearable that turns every heartbeat into smarter performance insights.
• Goldfield & Banks: Explore a modern Australian fragrance house inspired by native botanicals in this refined olfactory journey.
• Moments: Chase spontaneous summer fun with this sleek waterproof camera for every adventure.
• Quad Lock: Level up your ride with a rock-solid mount that locks your phone in for every commute and weekend blast.
• Kingpin: Level up your next night out with bowling, arcade battles and drinks under one neon roof.
• Pop! Photography: Elevate your next shoot with these smart, simple tips for sharper, more creative photo setups.
• Cloud9 peak health: New science-backed recovery plans to help you hit your peak with every workout.
• InvestorKit: Smart, plain-language research to help you spot your next winning property move before the crowd.
• Taylors Wines: Raise a glass to new-season reds and discover your next favourite drop with these refined Australian vintages.
• Fig & Bloom: Send fresh-cut joy with lush seasonal bouquets that make the perfect last-minute gift.
• Men’s Wearhouse: Custom suiting goes next level with precise fits, sharp fabrics and easy ways to upgrade your entire wardrobe.
• Ford Accessories: Dial in your ute for every job with rugged, road-ready gear in this tough new accessories lineup.
• Kenneth Cole: Suit up in sharp, city-ready style with these polished pieces for your next night out.
• 2XU: Level up your run with compression gear built to survive tougher sessions and longer miles.
• Zaffi Sydney: Level up your commute with tailored shirts and crisp trousers from this sharp Sydney label.
• Quiksilver: Chase early summer swells in fresh boardshorts and classic surf staples for your next beach run.
• Chapman Yachting: Set your sights on [luxury yacht escapes] this summer and see Sydney Harbour from a whole new angle.
• Giovanni Eco Chic Beauty: Hydrate and smooth your hair routine with these eco-conscious styling essentials for everyday shine.
• Teremana Tequila: Sipping slow on small-batch tequila has us planning our next round of backyard margaritas.
• Connor: Fresh layers, clean fits and easygoing staples to sharpen your weekend wardrobe with this season’s best looks.
• Remington: Tidy up your grooming routine with a slick new tool that makes everyday trims feel like a pro job.
• Melrose FutureLab: Dive into tomorrow’s wellness tech with this slick new biohacking-inspired range.
• Happy Nuts: Level up your grooming routine with this clever ball-care upgrade for everyday confidence.
• Pillow Talk: Upgrade your bedroom this season with dreamy linen and cosy homewares in a simple, soothing palette.
• Happy Nuts: Tidy up your grooming routine with this fresh take on everyday ball care.
• Wise And Silent Travel Insurance: Skip the drama and sort your next trip with simple, hassle-free travel cover that actually makes sense.

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