Sandi Sieger’s guide to what’s hot and happy(ning) this week. Eat, drink, buy, try, visit, read, be merry.
EAT: Conservatory’s Newly-Launched Seasonal And Fruity Afternoon Tea
Every weekend until Sunday 29 December, internationally renowned Dutch Pastry Chef Marike Van Beurden is taking over the traditional afternoon tea offering at Conservatory, curating a seasonal dessert buffet that promises an abundance of fresh fruit bursting with colour. Marike’s award-winning creations reinvent the dessert experience, with a menu that draws upon her world-class experience from kitchens all across the globe – awarded Best Dutch Pastry Chef in 2004 and Best Chocolate Master in 2013.
Guests can delight in euphoric taste revelations including sweet delights like the mojito and raspberry tarts, green apple and coconut mousse, macadamia and yoghurt cakes, as well as Yuzu crepes with exotic fruits and marmalade.
The limited time collaboration offers a series of packages, including:
$75 per person for Afternoon Tea and flowing tea and coffee
$95 per person for Afternoon Tea and flute of Piper-Heidsieck
$120 per person for Afternoon Tea and flowing Piper-Heidsieck
Available every weekend. Bookings here.
DRINK: Young & Co Wines’ New Whites
For a bold taste sensation look no further than Young & Co, combining fashion, flair and flavour. The luscious lip-smacking range features bottles wrapped in ‘pop art-esque’ labels designed to highlight the key flavour of each white wine and includes ‘Butterscotch Bliss’ Chardonnay, ‘Nectar Burst’ Pinot Gris, and ‘Strawberry Hustle’ Rosé.
Young & Co ‘Butterscotch Bliss’ Chardonnay delivers sweet butterscotch, fresh pear and honeydew fruit flavours to suit the new age preferences of Chardonnay enthusiasts, while the stylish and sassy ‘Nectar Burst’ Pinot Gris dazzles with ripe stone fruit flavours and a heavenly aroma of floral and spice. Not to be left out of the party, ‘Strawberry Hustle’ Rosé is lively, light, likeable with vibrant strawberry tangs that are sure to dance on the palate.
The Young & Co white wine range is available in BWS stores nationally for $22.
TRY: Belle’Botanique’s Non-Toxic Perfume Range
According to research conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a review of the world’s 17 top-selling fragrances found a staggering 38 unlisted and potentially harmful ingredients in each of the formulas. More shockingly, tests found an average of 14 additional secret chemicals in any given mass market fragrance. These chemicals which included the likes of Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Diethyl Phtalate, Galaxolide, Lilial and Oxtinoxate to name a few, were omitted from consumer-facing labels despite having scientific associations with hormone disruption, allergy onsets, reproductive toxicity, cancer and endocrine disorders.
Combining traditional artisan perfumery methods with modern science, Belle’Botanique have launched their 100% natural and non-toxic range of unisex perfumes to combat the growing health concerns associated with mass market fragrances. Using natural, organic and sustainably harvested ingredients such as flowers, leaves, fruits, herbs, spices, woods, resins and roots, the locally made perfumes are uniquely crafted for their aromatic brilliance and mood-enhancing benefits. In fact, many of the botanical and essential oils used have a perceived positive effect on anxiety, inflammation, skin irritations, antioxidant support and memory association.
Using a natural grape-alcohol solvent sourced from Australian vineyards, Belle’Botanique employs a proprietary manufacturing process that reduces the use of artificial preservatives in favour of safe, food-grade preservatives, and is the first company in the world to release two completely allergen-free perfume blends.
The range, which is cruelty-free, paraben-free and non-GMO, includes Geranium Rose, Frangipani Neroli & Ylang Ylang, Tangerine Cardamom & Lavender, Amyris Vetiver (allergen-free), Peta-Ann, Jungle Dew (allergen-free), Pink Jasmine Lilly & Bergamot, and Danse Des Fleurs, and retail from $49 RRP.
BUY: Enbacci’sSPF15 Brightening Hand & Nail Cream
According to Enbacci founder and skincare expert, Yong-Li Zhou, freckles are extra skin pigmentation under the skin that usually form and become more pronounced following daily sun exposure. As the skin on the hands and wrists are susceptible to photoaging much like the face, they require the same level of nourishment and sun protection in the form of a cleansing agent, moisturiser and SPF.
Offering intense hydration with a dry touch finish, Enbacci’s Brightening Hand & Nail Cream ($23, 40ml) includes an SPF protection of 15 and protects from oxidative stress and free radicals caused by UV sun exposure and environmental factors. Containing aloe, shea butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil, this vitamin A and E rich cream also reduces the appearance of stubborn sun and age spots, wrinkles and fine lines, while preventing the onset of new ones.
To compliment, the range also includes Enbacci’s deep cleansing Nourishing Hand Wash ($28, 280ml) which contains coconut oil, an ingredient rich in medium-chain fatty acids, and moisturising powerhouse glycerine, to repair damaged skin cells, restore hydration and purify the skin from harmful surface bacteria caused by environmental pollutants. For evening use, the range concludes with the Moisturising Hand & Nail Cream ($23, 40ml); a decadent oil-in-cream emulsion that is formulated to match the pH level of skin and fortify the hand’s natural protection barrier with a potent injection of essential fatty acids and vitamins for collagen repair.
VISIT: The Bellarine Peninsula’s Terindah Estate
Glamping Amongst the Vines’ at Terindah Estate, in collaboration with Twilight Glamping, is back by popular demand this summer season.
Offering the best that the Bellarine has to offer, glamping at Terindah Estate is a perfect escape for food and wine enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers or those in search of a quiet getaway.
Glamping Details:
Available: Until May 2020
Check-in: 3pm
Check-out: 10am
Location: 90 McAdams Lane, Bellarine, Victoria
Cost: $220 per night per tent, not inclusive of food and beverage
Bookings: www.terindahestate.com/glamping.html
READ: Story Antics – Personalised Children’s Books
Weaving together thoughtful and enchanting narrative with striking artwork from emerging and established Australian illustrators like Kat Fox and Ari Lobos, Story Antics is the brainchild of author Lara Solomon and tech wiz, Kellie Marks.
“Story Antics was born out of a desire to create unique and entertaining stories for children and adults to enjoy together as we know how important a shared appreciation is when you are reading ‘favourite’ books daily, often ten times over,” said Solomon, who is also Story Antics’ primary author.
With six book titles currently on offer – Alfie’s Present, The Four Crazy Dinosaurs, Monster Macarons, The Cheeky Owl, The New Baby and Shark Swim – all Story Antics’ stories can be individually customised, encouraging little ones to embrace a genuine enjoyment of reading from an early age and reap its educational benefits.
Story Antics iterates that all order for Christmas must be placed before 8 December; books are published individually, and the processing time reflects this.
Each book retails retails for $39.99.
You can view the entire Story Antics’ online shop at www.storyantics.com
