In the mood to spoil yourself? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The Man of Many crew has put together a banger mix of goodies that will unquestionably enhance your life. So check out our latest edition of Staff Favourites and treat yourself. You deserve it.
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Neon Flori Florist
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
This weekend, my wife and I celebrated our anniversary and for once, I actually did alright. I am notorious for purchasing a good gift but failing to nail the incidental luxuries like, for example, wrapping it (one year I actually draped a used gym towel over a gift so as to not ruin the surprise). However, this year I was introduced to Neon Flori, a Forest Lodge-based florist (say that five times fast) who hooked me up with a dazzling display of flowers. I opted for a Romeo and Juliet-inspired package, which is essentially a collection of French Meilland Roses perfectly arranged and flawlessly pruned. This one starts at $69.95, however, for $99.95, you can go for the big dog.
If you are looking to impress someone special, I highly recommend Neon Flori. The team of floral engineers are adept at creating vintage-inspired masterpieces fused with bold colour theory. Get amongst them.
Favourite Article of the Week: Golf Culture Has Become Unbearable
Random Purchases for Summer
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
My “spring cleaning” has taken a bit of a back seat lately after life has got in the way but I’m still trying to purchase a few things that help with my productivity so I thought I’d share what those are this week. First off, for those of you who are long time readers, I frequently go to F45 and end up a sweaty mess back at the office. Rather than take a raggy old towel to the gym, I purchased these Sunland Microfiber Sports Workout Towels. Next up, after hearing Jordan Shank’s (aka friendlyjordies) say that plants in the office could increase your productivity by 15% (even if they are fake), I bought two of these artificial bonsai plants from Aliexpress for my desk at home and at work. Lastly, after wanting to read more for several years (and not being able to) I’ve finally caved to listening to audiobooks in my car and signed up to Audible. One of the first books I’m listening to is Atomic Habits. Hope these help you in some way if you’re looking for other small changes to improve your working week.
Favourite Article of the Week: Starward’s New Limited Edition Whisky Was Finished in Ex-Lagavulin Peated Barrels
Ikarian Shower Oil by Ikkari
Richie Hall – Video Producer
I was introduced to Ikkari, an emerging Australian holistic wellness brand, earlier this year.
I have tried a few products in their growing range which is easily categorised into inner, outer and aura. Here is my favourite product in each category. Inner: as someone looking to drink less coffee, the tasty Bulletproof Tonic is a great alternative. Powered by Green Tea, Ginkgo Biloba and Coconut-derived MCT oil this is a perfect energiser when you need that extra boost of concentration and energy. Outer: the great-smelling Ikarian Shower Oil is the newest product in the range. As someone who never gets around to moisturising after my showers, this is the perfect solution as it cleanses and moisturises in one. Aura: a few sprays of the Aura Balancing Mist will make you feel like you’ve just walked into a spa retreat. Powered by essential oils, your hardest decision will be picking between the three uplifting scents.
For those interested to experience Ikkari for themselves, they have opened a Summer Retreat at Sydney Westfield. A much-needed oasis in the middle of the city!
Favourite Article of the Week: Regent Carlton Cannes Review: Paradise in the South of France
NON8 – Torched Apple & Oolong
Denise Barnes – Head of Branded Content
A torched apple & oolong wine alternative? Yes that does sound unconventional, but hear me out. If you’re not familiar with NON, the Melbourne-based company known for taking a gastronomy approach to creating delicious 0.0% drinks has perfected the flavour balance with tannins, salinity and acidity, similar to what you would experience when drinking a normal glass of wine, but without trying to taste exactly like wine. While my favourite NON has always been NON1 – Salted raspberry and chamomile, I was excited to try their new release, NON8 and it certainly did not disappoint. It’s bold, yet has a fresh and zingy taste. As you would have guessed, it’s an apple-based beverage using wine techniques that involve apple skin contact, along with other ingredients including Caraway Seed, Cacao Nib, Oolong, Keemun, Burnt Sugar, Ginger Root, Murray River Salt and Verjus, all added in varying degrees and strength to provide a deliciously moreish 0.0% wine alternative.
Favourite Article of the Week: 10 Travel Hacks to Find Cheap Flights
The Old Clare Hotel
John Guanzon – Head of Social
From the street, it looks like an old, unassuming George Street pub, but behind the exterior, The Old Clare Hotel is bursting with charm, character and history. Spanning across two heritage-listed buildings, the refurbishment in 2016 completely brought this old brewers station to life. Every corner and space of the hotel tells a quirky story, with exposed bricks, pipes and mega-high ceilings all adding to the unique allure. I stayed in one of the ground floor Clare Suites recently, which was a spacious super-king room that gave off the vibe of a restored vintage lounge from the 1970s.
Apart from the overall vibe of the property, my absolute favourite thing about the hotel was its convenient location. A few steps away from Spice Alley and Kensington Street to the left and then to the right, Central Park shopping centre. The vibrant streets of Chippendale with plenty of places to eat, drink and see would have to be one of my favourite spots in the city. Stay here if you’re looking for a romantic staycation away or want to spend a weekend eating and drinking to your heart’s content, without worrying about trying to secure an Uber or cab home.
Favourite Article of the Week: Jimmy Butler Dunks on the Internet with Hilarious’ Emo’ Haircut
Mophie Snap+ 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand and Pad
Harry Parsons – Branded Content Manager
Welcome to part 2 of my ‘keep it simple’ themed staff favourite. This week I’m bringing to you the art of decluttering. Doing my very best to channel Marie Kondo, I’ve decided to tackle my bedside table which has of late been the dumping ground of anything and everything. You’d be amazed at the amount of charging cables that build up as you amass more tech products, so the cables had to go. Replacing this forest of wires is Mophie’s Snap+ 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand and Pad, this device provides a seamless, minimalist charging base for all my daily tech, consisting of my iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods (obviously on the Apple bandwagon here).
Whilst charging isn’t lightning fast, it does provide 5W to my watch and earbuds and 7.5W to my phone, which for an overnight charge is more than enough. The materials of the base are high quality and composed of 30% recycled plastic (win), it is stable and secure thanks to its steel base and visually it looks at home on the bedside table.
Overall it’s a win-win, my bedside is neat and tidy and all my devices are juiced up, Marie would be proud.
Nua Skin Bliss
Sam Mangioni – Journalist
I openly admit it – I get facials. And if you’ve got an issue with that, you’re on the wrong side of history. For those ready to embrace masculinity 2023-style, let me introduce you to Nua Skin Bliss. I can’t recommend this Sydney-based establishment highly enough. Ever since I booked my first session with the founder, Erin Holohan, my skin has never looked better. Need proof? Just the other day, a security guard at the pub actually carded me – that’s how youthful the kid is looking right now.
Let me be honest with you; these sessions are a mix of pain and pleasure, but it’s a small price for ultimate beauty. Sure, the exfoliation process might sting a bit, but the appointment always concludes with a soothing massage that is better than most masseuse parlours. So, if you’re aiming to leave people in awe (and maybe a little jealous) when they find out your age, you need to book ASAP. Tell them Sammy “Soft Skin” Mangioni sent ya.
Favourite Article of the Week: Golf Culture Has Become Unbearable
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Rob Edwards – Journalist
The new instalment in this long-running series makes a very welcome return to the franchise’s roots. For years, the Assassin’s Creed games built their reputation on a mix of stealth, stabbing, and going all Michael Scott (“Parkour!”) over stunningly rendered historical locations like 16th-century Florence and the American Frontier of the mid-to-late 1700s. But then something changed. In response to complaints the games had become formulaic, the developers made their next three instalments grander in scope, taking an approach closer to RPGs. While undeniably ambitious and very popular, the Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla games jettisoned some of the signature elements that made Assassin’s Creed such a phenomenon.
Thankfully, Mirage refocuses the Assassin’s Creed experience, forcing players to use their stealth, wits, and agility to succeed, rather than the hack-and-slash combat that the franchise had embraced over the last five years or so. The game is set in a beautifully realised 9th-century Baghdad, which is an absolute pleasure to navigate as you stalk your next target or leap across rooftops with guards in hot pursuit. Combat is satisfying (and brutal) and while the story and characters won’t win any awards for originality, they are more than enough to keep you happily stabbing and skulking. If you’re a fan of the franchise’s older instalments or just looking for a fun game that lets you take down bad guys while exploring a gorgeous location, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a winner.
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Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 30 September 2023
Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 23 September 2023
Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 9 September 2023
