Man, where did November go? Last week, I swear we were still in the haze of Father’s Day and now we’re only two weeks out from Christmas. If you haven’t managed to get your last-minute shopping done, don’t stress, we’ve got you covered two-fold. Once you’ve gone through all our Christmas gift ideas, settle in and enjoy this handy little list of Staff Favourites. Get festive.
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Image: Creed
Creed The Strand Arcade Flagship Boutique
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
Not to go all Tony Robbins on you, but I live by three rules – Have at least one dish that you cook flawlessly, always smell good and never trust an adult with a cast. Ignoring rules one and three for the moment, it’s important to understand the role of fragrance and cologne as you get older. Sure, slapping half a can of Lynx Africa under your pits may have worked when you were 12, but part of growing up is developing a sensory palate, or so I’ve just learned.
This week, I was lucky enough to join the team at revered perfumer Creed for the launch of the new flagship boutique in Sydney’s historic Strand Arcade. If you don’t know the brand, it’s worth getting yourself acquainted with the works of seminal Brit Jonathan Creed. Starting the business way back in 1760, the entrepreneurial Creed set up shop in London, first enamouring himself with the local butler and servant community before breaking into high-class circles, even rubbing shoulders with royals such as Napoléon III, Empress Eugenia, François-Joseph and Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary. Flash forward a few hundred years and Creed is now one of the most recognised and loved fragrance houses in the world, with Sydney serving as its latest destination.
Located on the ground floor of the iconic Strand Arcade, the new Creed boutique is a seriously boujee journey through the world of fine flavours. It was designed by French architect Can Onaner, who sought inspiration from Viennese architect Adolf Loos, and features an array of dark marble hues and warm timber tones, offset by contemporary mirrors and gold accents that provide a dramatic backdrop to the array of fragrances on display, including my personal favourite Aventus. If you’re in Sydney and in need of some last-minute Chrissy presents, I can’t recommend a trip to The Strand enough. Your senses will thank you for it.
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Hibiki Blossom Harmony | Image: House of Suntory
Hibiki Blossom Harmony
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
Suntory is back again after the long-awaited revival of its limited edition releases with the 2022 Edition of Hibiki Blossom Harmony. If you love Japanese whisky, then this one is something to get excited about as there are only limited bottles released. Last year’s 2021 expression sold out due to high demand. So what makes this so highly sought after? The blenders at Suntory finished the Hibiki Liquid is a Sakura cask finish which is something I’m yet to have the pleasure of trying. The cask is said to impart floral tones and light spices for an incredibly smooth whisky. Be quick if you can get your hands on it!
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Image: Reign QVB
Reign Champagne Parlour
Denise Barnes – Head of Branded Content
Located in the iconic Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Reign Champagne Parlour has recently had a revamp and we were lucky enough to get invited to go check it out. Situated on level 1, you are wowed from the moment you arrive. The massive arch window overlooking the courtyard in front of Town Hall is simply stunning, and if you can, definitely try snapping up a seat right in front of this window for the best view – I mean what’s better than sipping on a glass of Champagne while you people watch?
Reign has over 170 Champagne selections on offer and the menu is cleverly designed to act as your very own sommelier for the evening with delicious food and Champagne pairings – alternatively, the knowledgeable staff on hand can also guide you based on your own preferences. We recommend trying a few different share-style plates and going with the matched Champagnes for the ultimate experience. You can also opt for their set menu and a Champagne flight if you are a bit unsure of what to go with.
Reign’s opening hours are as follows:
- Wednesday – Thursday: 12pm – 10pm
- Friday: 12pm – 11pm
- Saturday: 10am – 11 pm
- Sunday: 10am – 6pm
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DJI Osmo Mobile 6 | Image: DJI
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
John Guanzon – Head of Social
As a content producer by trade, a good phone gimbal is one of the most valuable tools in my digital creation toolbox. DJI has recently released its Osmo Mobile 6 Phone gimbal and I’m going to be so bold in saying, it might just be the best phone gimbal I’ve used to date. The primary function of a gimbal is to allow you to capture ultra-smooth video with your phone, whether it’s chasing around kids at a park or recording high-speed action stunts, and after using it for the last few weeks I can confirm that the DJI Osmo 6 does this exceptionally well.
A simple press of the button will automatically flip the phone between portrait and landscape mode – and remain perfectly level while doing so. It also offers a handy zoom wheel, a set of screw-mounted tripod legs and a built-in selfie stick that extends the rod by around 21cm. It also folds down compactly, so it will easily fit in a small bag or even a large baggy pants pocket. My favourite feature? The gimbal comes with a strong magnetic clamp that locks to your phone and snaps right on. Plus, if you have an iPhone with MagSafe, you can set it up so that your phone automatically launches the DJI Mimo video app (via Bluetooth) when you connect the clamped phone to the gimbal. (Sorry Android users). I’ve used a few of DJI’s mobile gimbals over the years and can confidently say that the Osmo 6 is their best yet. Would recommend it for consumers and content creators alike!
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GoPro Hero Black 11 Mini | Image: GoPro
GoPro Hero Black 11 Mini
Richie Hall – Video Producer
The much-anticipated release of the GoPro Hero 11 earlier this year brought with it a larger image sensor (8×7), HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilisation and the Hyper View lens. However, it’s the new younger brother, the GoPro Hero Black 11 Mini which I am most excited about. Sure to fly off the shelves this holiday season, the Mini delivers all the power of the Hero Black 11 but in a smaller, lighter and simpler body. It’s cheaper too! Waterproof (33ft), rugged and capable of shooting 5K at 60 fps or 4K at 120 fps, you certainly don’t miss out on any of the classic GoPro performance. The biggest difference is that it doesn’t have a front or back screen and whilst, at first, this might seem a limitation, in reality, it frees us up to do what we love. There’s just one button to press. There’s no room for overthinking or perfectionism – but all the time to live in the moment. Check it out for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.
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Barfly Fragrance | Image: Scotch & Soda
Scotch & Soda Barfly Fragrance
Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive & Tech
My nose has been getting quite the workout after refreshing our ‘Best Fragrances for Men’ listicles over the last few months. It seemed like fate when the latest scent from our friends over at Scotch & Soda showed up on our doorstep, with a great bottle design, a great logo, and an even better scent. They call it ‘Barfly’ which is a great way to describe most of the team here at MoM, however, it’s more than just a great name. This is a unisex fragrance that’s suited for all occasions, just like the brand’s apparel. I love the top notes of citrus, while the heart is full of lavender and jasmine, before rounding out with a base of sandalwood, musk and Madagascan vanilla. Priced at AUD$120 it’s a reasonable price to pay for an eau de toilette fragrance in 50mls size and I think it’ll make a great Christmas present for a loved one.
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Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Image: Motorola
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
Rob Edwards – Branded Content Writer
There are many reasons to recommend the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. From its bright 144Hz OLED display and seamless performance to its stylish build and respectable camera results, this is a smartphone that punches well above its weight, particularly when you look at that sub-AUD$1,400 price point.
What really sets the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra apart from the competition, however, is the phenomenal battery and charging. At a time when many big brands are shipping smartphones without charging bricks – they say it’s an eco-friendly option, but we all know that it also means they can charge us a little extra for one – Motorola has doubled down. Open the box and you won’t find just any old charger alongside your new phone, but a 125W fast charger that’ll take you from a completely empty battery to an entirely full one in just 30 minutes. A crowning glory on an already impressive device.
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PGA TOUR 2K23 | Image: 2K Games
PGA TOUR 2K23
Sam Mangioni – Journalist – Entertainment & Culture
Just when I thought my gaming days were over, Tiger Woods decided to jump on the front cover of PGA TOUR 2K23. So as a duty-bound fan of The Cat, I made the purchase and threw it straight into my mate’s PS5. To say I was blown away by the graphics and gameplay is the understatement of the year. Yet, should I really be surprised? The 15-time major champion would never attach his name to a subpar product. As a huge golf nerd, the most impressive part of the game was the swing mechanics. Whether you’re playing as Tony Finau, Justin Thomas or John Rahm, the designers have nailed each individual’s mannerisms and movement.
Now, would I like a few more player options? Yes. However, 2K makes up for it by throwing basketball legends Steph Curry and Michael Jordan into the game, adding some great novelty. While there are times when I want to snap my controller in half (similar to my golf clubs on the course), this game is undoubtedly one of the best sports simulators on the market and a great source of friendly competition with your buddies. Whether you play golf or hate golf, everyone who has joined me on the virtual links has had a blast, and I think you will too.
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B37 Percussion Massager | Image: Ekrin
B37 Percussion Massager
Clelia Niyikiza – Branded Content Assistant
Although I stretch every morning, like many others, the stress put on my back from sitting at my computer all day is becoming more significant as I age. I’ve found that morning stretches alone aren’t cutting it. It’s easier to get regular massages while on holiday, but when back to reality, life gets too busy and, at times, too expensive to add on a weekly massage appointment. I came across the Ekrin B37 Massage Gun, which has been an excellent tool for tackling irritated muscles.
This powerful massage gun lasts 8 hours per charge and comes with four variations of attachments to tackle any discomfort or pain you might be having. I love its signature 15° angled handle, which is the only thing I’ve needed to get the work done. The ease of travelling with it in the travel case included has made it a lot easier for me to bring it on my recent overseas trip.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, want to use it as a post-workout recovery method, or just looking for a tool you’ll get a lot of use from to prevent muscle pain as you get older, I recommend having a look at the Ekrin B37 Massage Gun. Excellent quality for the price and the lifetime warranty is a bonus.
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