Whether you’re leaving the nest for the first time or upgrading to an epic bachelor pad, buying vintage furniture will cross just about every man’s mind.

Some will consider it for the affordability factor whilst for the aesthetically inclined, it’s also about nabbing something special which exudes unique character.

Buying vintage furniture is never just a walk in the park though. With millions of cheap copies floating around as the real deal, it can often be impossible to tell if you’re about to drop large on a dud piece. We sat down with Vampt Vintage Design‘s Andrew Brown to discuss the do’s and don’ts of buying vintage furniture so that you don’t get ripped off.

Pull in an Eames chair and listen up, men.

Where To Buy Vintage Furniture

According to the experts, major cities in Australia aren’t the only places to go hunting for vintage furniture.

Head out into affluent residential areas with a larger ageing population who are looking to downsize and you could also come across some nice finds to rival the extensive range that major city stores offer. That’s not to say that the major cities are no good, but it is crucial to do your research and know what you’re actually looking for.

Going online is usually a no-brainer for some but Andrew Brown of Vampt Vintage Designs says that you need to be able to identify it properly as it’s all about buyer beware.

“Look for original manufacturer markings. If you’re not buying from an official dealer, it’s very hard to know. There’s a lot of junk out there so if you’re a novice and you know what you want but don’t know how to identify it then the trusted dealers are the better options,” he says.

Additionally he points to educating yourself prior with a visit to the Authentic Design Alliance, an Australian collective of designers who have banded together to fight stolen designs and cheap replicas of the real deal. Brown also says that Melbourne is a city which has a strong vintage furniture market so if you’re looking online or in store, keep an eye on the stuff coming out of that area.

Telling The Difference Between Real & Fake

Research and knowledge is the only key between telling the difference between a real and fake piece. A simple Google image search of the real thing in high resolution will allow you to spot tell tale details on a vintage piece which fakes often can’t or won’t bother replicating.

Mid-century furniture is often meticulously made to high standards and the frames are pretty robust, so if you’re seeing a piece in person make sure to sit on it and move around a bit. Listen out for squeaks, sagging or any cracking noises. Scratches, tears and scuff marks aren’t too much of an issue as they can easily be repaired but the structural integrity of the piece is something that should never be compromised.

Also take note of what the authentic piece comes in with regards to materials and colours. If it’s the same design but the manufacturer never released it in that particular colour, then the odds are it’s a no-goer.

Brown chimes in and says that if the particular seller has a retail shopfront, they should know what they’re doing.

If It Looks Too Good To Be True…

Price is often irrelevant when it comes to spotting a fake. The questions a man should be asking instead is the history of the piece itself. Who the designer is, the year it was made, past owners and so on. Brown concurs and says that “big price tags don’t mean anything.”

“We can identify it down to the year it was made based on the age of the leather.”

Additionally, use your intuition. If something doesn’t look right, it’s probably not, so overlook the fact on how cool it may look in your bedroom and focus on the quality of the piece itself.

Use The Experts

If all else fails, give the experts a call as they’ll know exactly what’s junk out there. Trusted dealers aren’t only there to sell vintage furniture but can also educate you on not getting ripped off. If they have the same piece in store, go in and take a look to see what the standard should be. It could turn out to be a case of paying a bit more in store which will save you a massive headache and lost money later on down the track.

Where To Now?

RELATED: 10 Best Designer Furniture Stores In Sydney
RELATED: Online Interior Design Stores You Need To Know
RELATED: Items Interior Design Experts Avoid In Their Own Homes

The post How To Buy Vintage Furniture Without Getting Ripped Off appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’ve all dreamt of living the Jay Z life: flying on your private jet, partying at your nightclub, drinking your own alcohol brand. The full suite of Jay-ness is long way off for most of us, but thanks to a recent move from Delta Air Lines, one piece of the puzzle is slightly more attainable.

Starting this week, Delta SkyMiles members may redeem their miles for flights on private planes via Delta Private Jets, the company’s private jet subsidiary.

“With this new option, SkyMiles becomes the only major airline loyalty program to provide its members the opportunity to redeem miles for a private jet experience,” said Karen Zachary, Managing Director of the SkyMiles Program. “We are committed to finding ways to make the SkyMiles program even more rewarding for our Members, from buying a drink in a Delta Sky Club to redeeming miles for private jet service.”

As you’ve probably guessed, cashing in miles for a private flight won’t be cheap. A Delta frequent flier would have to redeem a minimum of 2.5 million miles for a US$25,000 Delta Private Jet card, the lowest level available. Jet cards are essentially pre-loaded accounts (either miles or money) that are deducted from each time you fly. Being a cardholder guarantees you jet availability, as well as choice of jet size and category on every flight.

Let’s do the math. Delta Private Jets charges based on how long your flight is, and the hourly rate for a light jet is approximately US$5,500. That means those 2.5 million miles translate to a little less than five hours of private flying on a jet with six to eight seats.

That stings. It’s not an attainable number for the average flyer, though Zachary claims thousands of Delta SkyMiles members currently have that amount or more saved up. If you’re one of the lucky ones, this may be your best chance of flying private short of winning the lottery or weaseling your way into Jay Z’s will.

The post You Can Now Use Your Delta SkyMiles To Fly By Private Jet appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

To prawn or not to prawn? That is the question.

Welcome to the wonderful, technicolor world of emoji. Since launching on Japanese phones in the late 1990s, emoji have become a full-blown, worldwide phenomenon. Teens use them more than actual words. Mums and dads across the globe misuse them daily. Academics have called them modern hieroglyphics.

Somewhere, right now, a man is texting an unsolicited eggplant to a woman he met on Tinder. Ah, love.

With any emergent tech sensation comes the inevitable barrage of think pieces and publicity ploys. The New York Times asked ‘Should Grown Men Use Emoji?‘ The Washington Post published a satirical response. A hotel chain introduced an emoji menu for room service. Various studies have proclaimed that emoji users have more sex. The Oxford Dictionaries even chose an emoji for its 2015 Word of the Year.

Those little yellow faces (and foods, and animals, and flags, and symbols) are inescapable, leaving many men wondering if it’s time to hop on the emoji train – and, if so, how to do it without accidentally causing confusion or offense.

Gentlemen, we’re here to help. Follow these seven rules of emoji etiquette and you’ll be well on your way from bewilderment to mastery.

Rule #1: Don’t get hung up on “should”

The New York Times is a remarkable, distinguished, dependable publication in many ways. Its approach to male emoji use is not one of them.

“Should grown men use emoji?” isn’t the question. There is no question. Grown men – magnificent bastards like yourself – are secure in their masculinity and comfortable thinking for themselves. There’s only one should here: a grown man should not let societal stereotypes or prejudices put him in a box.

You want to use emoji? Use emoji. You can still drink beer or grill meat or shave with a machete or wrestle a bear or refuse to ask for directions or whatever else you consider manly. And if you don’t want to use emoji, that’s cool too.

Rule #2: The stigma thing goes for age as well

There’s another problem with the “grown men” dilemma. Along with suggesting that emoji might be emasculating, it also suggests that they make you juvenile. The stereotype is that new, cutting-edge tech and communication are only for the young’uns. Everyone above a certain age is relegated to reminiscing about simpler times and shooing adolescents off their lawns.

No one can tell you what it means to act like a man and, within reason, no one can tell you what it means to act your age. (If you’re throwing a tantrum in the candy aisle because your girlfriend won’t buy you a Twix, then yes, you need to grow the f**k up.)

Don’t be scared of emoji just because they’re new or seem like “a young person’s thing.” Texting confusing pictographic messages is everyone’s right.

Rule #3: Study the grammar

Like any language, there’s proper and improper grammar in emoji use. Tyler Schnoebelen, a linguist and head data scientist at the startup Idibon, devoted a whole chapter of his dissertation at Stanford University to the art of emoji communication. He discovered that emoji tend to come at the end of messages, much like punctuation. He also discovered that emoji users respect linear time and action. The expressionless face followed by the gun means “Ugh, just kill me.” Reversed, they mean nothing.

Rule #4: Evaluate your audience

When you’re struggling to determine if emoji use is appropriate in a certain situation, just observe your audience. If they’re a frequent emoji user, it’s likely safe (and perhaps even beneficial) for you to respond in the same language. If they aren’t using emoji, it may be because they don’t like them. Follow suit lest your constant deployment of the flexed bicep cause irritation.

Rule #5: Be smart about emoji use at work

Emoji have officially infiltrated the office, but not every office. Certain companies and clients will be open to emoji use. Others will find them unprofessional. Your best bet is to let your boss or your client set the tone. If they initiate emoji use, you’re free to respond in kind (just don’t go overboard).

Rule #6: Understand what you’re actually saying

The meanings of some emoji are obvious. Others… less so. The Unicode website has a comprehensive list of every emoji on multiple platforms, so you can be sure you’re not misinterpreting any of the symbols. Beyond the official definitions, a handful of emoji have taken on second, secretive meanings. They can be used to refer to genitalia, drugs, sex acts, profanity – things you’re perfectly allowed to discuss as the aforementioned “grown man,” but may want to avoid sending to your manager or your mother-in-law.

Rule #7: Just because they look cute, doesn’t mean you can’t be creepy

Any woman who’s tried online dating will confirm that, yes, it’s entirely possible to be a creep via emoji. An eggplant followed by “You want it?” is not an appropriate way to break the ice with someone new (with a long-term partner, on the other hand… feel free to get as nasty and creative as you can). The best rule of thumb is this: if you wouldn’t do it in real life, don’t do it in emoji.

The post Essential Rules Of Emoji Etiquette For The Modern Man appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A champion never dies. Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer are paying tribute to this notion with their latest timepiece dedicated to one of the world’s most exceptional sportsmen, Muhammad Ali.

The special edition timepiece takes TAG Heuer’s Calibre 5 model and injects a host of custom details into the design. Coming in two models, the Calibre 5 will be available as a standard steel version in 750 pieces whilst the special gold version will be auctioned off for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Centre.

RELATED: TAG Heuer CEO Talks The Future Of Swiss Watchmaking & Smartwatches

The standard version is set in a 43mm steel case, the watch features an Opaline black dial and black leather strap which complements the Calibre 5 Automatic movement. A closer look at the dial will reveal white numerals with luminescent indices and a white gold colour lacquered seconds hand. Ali’s signature emblazoned across the 6 o’clock mark makes for an authentic visual aesthetic which blends elegantly with the timepiece.

The design itself is inspired by the original 1957 Ring Master stopwatch from TAG Heuer which boasts fifteen three-minute intervals to highlight the bout times in the ring during Ali’s competition era. Flip the timepiece over and you’ll be greeted with an intricately engraved portrait of Ali with the “Tribute to Muhammad Ali” inscription. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 metres

The gold version meanwhile comes in an exclusive 30 kg case which accompanies a pair of gloves signed by Muhammad Ali himself along with a certificate of authenticity.

The post TAG Heuer Pays Tribute To Muhammad Ali With A New Timepiece appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Put away your rare Pokemon and Candy Crush medals, high roller. A well-heeled punter has just taken the record for the most expensive in-app purchase ever and it’s not what you think.

Apple Insider have reported that one well-heeled gentleman recently made a purchase via Apple Pay in the social media app Vero for a staggering US$1 million.

What on Earth did he buy?

Only a super rare and sought after 1964 Aston Martin DB5 – yes, the one driven by Sean Connery’s 007 back in the day and the one they shot up with a helicopter at the end of Daniel Craig‘s Skyfall.

1964 #AstonMartin DB5 sold by Coys for £825k via Vero A world 1st & the largest ever #ApplePay transaction!

A photo posted by Coys of Kensington (@coys1919) on Oct 19, 2016 at 10:50am PDT

The fully restored model went on sale via the prestigious U.K motoring auction house, Coys of Kensington, with the company’s CEO Chris Routledge writing on the website: “[The buyer] was overjoyed to see the car of his dreams, and didn’t want to lose it. He was keen to quickly get in front of the queue, so a few days later he hit the ‘Buy Now’ button on Vero to guarantee the purchase, leaving two other collectors disappointed in his wake.”

So there you have it. The next time you’re thinking of cheaping out on a $3 Tinder boost, think of the guy who parted ways with $1 million instead. It might not score you a date but at least you’ll be out of pocket by a bit. Wait, what?

The post One Guy Just Made The Most Expensive In-App Purchase Ever appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In the immortal words of Andre 3000, what’s cooler than bein’ cool? Ice cold.

Nothing demands that icy coldness like a beer, but we don’t always have the time or forethought to ensure there’s a cold one ready whenever we need it. Thankfully, geniuses around the world have discovered handy beer hacks that can chill your brew in a snap, or keep it cool longer if you’re craving a more leisurely tipple.

Check out four of our favourites below. Even though they’re easy, they could totally transform your beer drinking game.

The Ice Cubes Hack

Ice cubes would chill your beer, but they’d water it down in the process (and who puts ice cubes in beer, anyway?). The solution is simple: make beer cubes instead. Simply pour your favourite brew into an ice cube tray, let it freeze, and pop your new boozy cubes into your next beverage. You probably want to match the cubes to the liquid beer to prevent cross contamination, so label your ice cubes clearly, particularly if you make several batches simultaneously.

The Paper Towel Hack

All you need to transform a room temp beer into something drinkable is a paper towel, a splash of water, and access to a freezer. Wet the paper towel and wrap it around your beer bottle, covering as much surface area as you can. Stash it in the freezer for five to fifteen minutes, depending on how much time you have to spare. When you retrieve it, your beer will be pleasantly frosty and ready for quaffing.

The Salt Hack

This can be done with a single beer (a can or a bottle), but it’s especially useful if you have multiple to chill at once. Grab some kind of bowl, tub, or pot. Fill it with ice and water. Sprinkle some salt on top and mix it in. It sounds silly, but trust us – it’s science. The salt lowers the water’s freezing point, leaving you with colder beers, faster.

The Pitcher Hack

If it’s not the kind of night (or weekend afternoon – we’re not judging) that involves blasting through pitchers in the blink of an eye, you’ll need a way to keep your pitcher cool between pours. The only tools you need are a plastic up and ice. Fill the cup with the ice and float it in the pitcher. The cup contraption will chill the pitcher without letting the ice water down the whole batch.

The post Easy Beer Hacks When You Need A Cold One ASAP appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

So you’ve just been broken up with. Have a drink. Have a cry. Delete all the loved-up photos from social media. Binge watch something embarrassing on Netflix. Do what you’ve gotta do to get through the initial pain – and then, when you’re ready, begin the process of rebuilding.

Our favourite mode of bold post-breakup rehab? That would be the hey-look-at-me-I’m-flying-solo-and-my-life’s-still-totally-awesome trip.

Picture yourself lounging by the pool all afternoon. Or lingering as long as you want in an art museum. Or sleeping in with no pressure to go sightseeing. This is the beauty of partner-less travel: no obligations, no compromises, no fighting, no whining, no one else’s rules.

Go ahead and treat yourself to that beer you’re tempted to drink before noon. You’re on holiday and nobody’s watching.

Here’s where you should be headed if your heart’s aching and your passport’s burning a hole in your pocket. These magnificent bastard-approved destinations are the best places to travel after a breakup.

Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Bangkok has the glitz and the glamour and the Hangover guys, but Chiang Mai holds its own as a top destination in Thailand. The laid-back northern city is a place to relax and recharge surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. In recent years, Chiang Mai has become the “it” spot for expats and digital nomads, making it easy for a man travelling stag to find friends and familiar languages. Despite the influx of outsiders, Chiang Mai retains a strong sense of Thai-ness. You’ll find no shortage of cultural institutions, incredible food markets, and breathtaking temples.

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Copenhagen | Denmark

Copenhagen is anything but intimidating for a solo traveller. The Danish capital is exceedingly safe and welcoming to visitors, particularly those interested in design and food. The famous Scandinavian style is on full display in Copenhagen’s architecture, furniture, and fashion. As for the eats, the city has earned global respect for its cocktail culture and Michelin-starred restaurants (including Noma, the René Redzepi establishment that has been named Best Restaurant In The World multiple times). Visitors should take advantage of Copenhagen’s thriving bicycle culture – it’s an easy an inexpensive way to explore the city.

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Cancún | Quintana Roo, Mexico

You’ve heard all about Cancún’s world-class beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and infamous spring break party culture. It’s all there, but it’s not the only side of the city worth seeing. Deeper in the heart of Cancún you’ll find the local flavour – the hole-in-the-wall taco joint, the all-night salsa club – and venturing just outside brings you to lush jungle, Mayan ruins, and national parks. Scuba diving is a highlight of this region of Mexico, particularly around Cancún’s extraordinary underwater art museum and with the enormous native whale sharks.

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Jaipur | Rajasthan, India

Jaipur is one third of India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of tourist destinations (the other two are Delhi and Agra). As Rajasthan’s capital, it’s the most accessible introduction to the famously flamboyant state. Attractions include a variety of imposing and elegant forts, palaces, temples, gardens, and museums, many of which boast the distinctive rosy hue that gives Jaipur it’s nickname: the Pink City. Jaipur’s allure also lies in its proximity to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and other popular stops in Rajasthan.

Ubud | Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a remarkable destination whether you’re travelling alone or accompanied, but there’s a compelling reason to try it solo. The Indonesian island has become a top destination for wellness retreats and spiritual seeking, both of which may be experienced better as a solitary traveller (and are sorely needed after the “It’s not you, it’s me” conversation). Look into one of Ubud’s many retreats and spa holidays for yoga, meditation, gourmet meals, massage, and traditional medicine. There’s no shame in the Eat, Pray, Love game.

Dubrovnik | Dalmatia, Croatia

The walled city of Dubrovnik is the jewel in the crown of the Adriatic. Royalty, presidents, diplomats, and even popes have fallen victim to the medieval city’s charms. The Old Town’s warren of tiny streets and charming architecture is impossibly picturesque, topped only by the view from the city walls themselves. Other popular diversions are the local beaches, boating, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the Dubrovnik Cable Car, and, if you’re a Game Of Thrones fan, tours of the city’s many sites that served as shooting locations for the show. Maybe a single babe with dragons will wander your way.

Portland | Oregon, USA

There’s more to Portland than a quirky sketch comedy. Oregon’s largest city has become a bastion of good living and hipster appeal, set in an unfair abundance of natural riches. It’s one of America’s finest foodie towns, packed with craft breweries and coffee roasteries and food trucks and “locavore” restaurants from rising-star chefs. The thriving cultural community offers ballet, opera, symphonies, theatre, and art. Portland’s proximity to nature makes it a favourite for adventurers and outdoorsmen. Come here for creativity, off-kilter cool, and 24/7 mellow vibes.

Tel Aviv | Israel

Tel Aviv is young and modern, bustling with nightlife, blue-ribbon beaches, and a booming tech scene. It’s also ancient, with one of the world’s oldest ports and a fascinating, deeply complex, history. A visit to the city is an opportunity to explore both sides, though you may be surprised to discover which one tends to win out with tourists. Don’t be fooled by its location in the heart of the Holy Land – Tel Aviv is urban and sophisticated, glamorous, beloved by celebrities, sultry, sexy, cosmopolitan, and open-minded. It’s well-known for its hard partying and LGBT acceptance.

Taipei | Taiwan

Taipei is a singular blend of Chinese culture with influence from Japan, Southeast Asia, and America. The city’s Taoist temples, ancient shrines, and street markets harken back to earlier eras. Taipei is simultaneously a modern centre of industry and commerce, with flourishing factories, towering skyscrapers (including the world’s tallest, until the Burj Khalifa came along), and state-of-the-art shopping malls. Taipei is every bit as vibrant as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo, though for now it’s flying slightly more under the radar.

Montreal | Quebec, Canada

There’s something to love about every season in Canada‘s cultural juggernaut. Montreal’s summer is spent in the outdoors, enjoying pavement sales, picnicking in the parks, the famous Jazz Festival, and Grand Prix weekend. Spring is a time for butterflies in botanical gardens and exploring on Bixi bikes. Autumn brings vivid foliage, migrating geese, and Canadian Thanksgiving. Even in winter, Montreal embraces the cold with snowsports on the local mountains, maple syrup-drenched sugar shacks, EDM at Igloofest, and the spectacular Montreal en Lumière festival.

The post The Best Places To Travel If You've Just Been Dumped appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The horses may be doing their thing in Melbourne but the sun will easily be gleaming over the harbour city of Sydney come November 1st for kickoff of the 2016 Melbourne Cup.

There’ll be no shortage of pubs and bars across town throwing their own frivolous parties whether it be in beer gardens or some of the country’s finest rooftop bars. Our job? To fill you in on some of the most exciting spots to put down a punt amongst dapper company and a festive mood that should be deemed illegal for Tuesdays.

Suit up, men.

The Dolphin Hotel | Surry Hills

Since its revamp at the beginning of the year, The Dolphin Hotel has quickly established itself as a favourite amongst the locals with a quality mix of food and beverage carefully curated by Maurice Terzini of Bondi Icerbergs fame. For the Melbourne Cup, The Dolphin Hotel will transform into one giant multi-level party with a 4-hour selection of the establishment’s finest bites created by Terzini and Head Chef Monty Koludrivic. Drinks and wine meanwhile will be sorted by leading sommelier, James Hird, whilst beats by Kali will be going all day.

Get your tickets

The Glenmore | The Rocks

If you can’t be anywhere near a race track then the least you can do is treat yourself with one of Sydney’s finest harbour views as you back your winning horse on the big screen to champers. On Melbourne Cup day The Glenmore will be throwing a massive soiree which will include one of the best lunch menus they’ve ever served up. Besides the food and huge selection of drinks, there’ll also be TAB facilities on site from 8am and prizes for the best dressed. For those who’ve taken an entire sickie for the day, you’ll be glad to hear that live entertainment will kick in from 4pm until one can party no more. Tickets are going for $149.

Get your tickets

Mrs Sippy

When it comes to the Melbourne Cup spectacle, one of Sydney’s most desirable parties off the racecourse is at Mrs Sippy. Stylish guests will be covered with sweepstakes, fashions on the field, big screens and great tunes all day long. Style icon Carissa Walford will also be on hand to host the day which includes a three-course lunch complete with Moet & Chandon on arrival. The after party continues on from 4pm with DJs playing well into the night. Tickets are going for $140.

Get your tickets

The Winery | Surry Hills

Add a bit of flair to your celebrations at one of Surry Hills’ most popular haunts. For this year’s Melbourne Cup, the garden bar and restaurant will be holding an elegant lunch which will feature a four-course set menu and a glass of Perrier-Jouët on arrival. Racing will be shown live on big screens along with fashion prizes. The lunch will kick off from 12pm and round up at 3pm with tickets priced at $120.

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O Bar & Dining | CBD

Being caught between the high rises of the city shouldn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of the Melbourne Cup. O Bar & Dining sits 47 levels above ground in the heard of the city and rotates slow enough so that you can take in the views on race day. More importantly though they’ll be throwing their own event which will feature their award-winning food and drinks menu at their dedicated bar. Expect the action to be beamed live into this classy Sydney establishment.

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The Light Brigade Hotel | Woollahra

Eastern Sydney’s latest refurbishment of The Light Brigade Hotel has elevated it to the ranks of Sydney’s best rooftop bars, featuring 360 degree views punters will surely fight over. To celebrate the Melbourne Cup, all four levels of the Woollahra pub will be transformed and include either a five course lunch in the main dining room for $120pp, a canape lunch in Brigade Bar for $55pp, or the rooftop party happening upstairs which comes with Moët for $99pp. The race will be beamed across all levels with sweepstakes and prizes going on throughout the day.

Get your tickets

Coogee Pavillion | Coogee Beach

Hit up one of Merivale’s hottest locations as the Melbourne Cup is celebrated in style on the sunny rooftop of the Coogee Pavillion. The vibrant beachfront destination will be transformed into a punter’s playground on the sand which will also serve up a delicious three-course feast for $95pp along with big screens and TAB facilities. The cup day festivities will flow on into the after hours with DJs and live music keeping the party going.

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The Bucket List Bondi | Bondi

Keeping beach vibes going for the big race day is The Bucket List situated on Sydney’s iconic Bondi foreshore. The beach facing drinking hole will play host to the festivities of the race from 12pm with a three hour beverage package, canapés by Head Chef Tom Walton, DJs, mobile app betting, prizes for the best dressed and of course, big screens to watch all the action on. The after party kicks on from 3:30pm for those who don’t mind the midweek hangover.

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Ivy Pool Club | CBD

Another Merivale precinct which is ensuring punters in the city get a chance to catch the race in style is the Ivy. This year they’re opening up their doors to the exclusive pool club which will host an Italian Riviera themed party featuring delicious canapés, cocktails on arrival and Chandon NV and Heineken from 12pm until the race. Punters can also opt for a three-hour beverage package which will go for $140. As per all Justin Hemmes joints, there will be big screens a TAB facilities available to make the most of the action.

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Dove & Olive | Surry Hills

It doesn’t need to be all glitz and glamour for the race that stops the nation. For an absolute bargain in Sydney, the Dove & Olive in the heart of Surry Hills will be serving up signature craft beer and canapes for just $69. So whether you’re after an Australian Brewery golden ale, a Hills apple cider, or a glass of Lois sparkling on arrival, it’s all there for the local punter to soak in. There’s also a best dressed competition for the day to go along with the big screen action of this local pub.

Get your tickets

The post Most Exciting Places To Celebrate The Melbourne Cup In Sydney appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Hands are some of the most crucial parts of a man’s body. Beginning life with you from day one, it’s little wonder that if they could talk, they’d have some stories to tell.Caring for them however often comes up as an afterthought for the modern man. Dry, cracking hands. Thick and peeling callouses. Long, grimy and yellow finger nails. Masculine or not, these are all signs of hand care neglect for a part of your body which often needs it the most.So lay out those hands and listen up. This is how men should be looking after their hands.

The Old Clip & File

If you’re going to ignore a majority of the information in this post then go ahead, but don’t ignore this part. A clip and file is imperative to maintaining the look of masculine hands. They also serve the functional purpose of not scratching and holding dirt or grime for when they get too long.Clipping nails isn’t rocket science and should be completed every 2-3 weeks. A slither of white nail growth is fine, but when you start to find that your nails are tapping a keyboard instead of your fingers, it’s time for the clip.Tip: Cut them after a shower as the nails are softer and easier to cut and shape with a file.

Buff It Up

Now we’re moving beyond the ‘She’ll Be Right’ kind of guy and moving into real hand care territory. Given that hands are used for touching people to operating objects, its aesthetic value shouldn’t be overlooked.After cutting your nails there’ll be sharp edges left behind which can be annoying. A buffer which has a light abrasive surface will eradicate this and smooth out any uneven bumps in the nail. It’ll also give your nails a healthy look whilst your partner looks on in jealousy.Tip: Tweezerman offers a all-in-one solution with their 4 Way Buffer is portable and doesn’t look out of place in a man’s bathroom cabinet. It’s also cheap as chips.

Don’t Aggravate The Cuticles

Cuticles are the fleshy parts of the finger which meets the nail. Rule of thumb: Do not cut them as it can be difficult to determine which part is flesh or dead skin. Instead, push them back lightly with cuticle pushers to give the nail a nice rounded shape. The Hans Kniebes cuticle pusher looks awesome and is an inexpensive solution.Tip: Use a clipper to trim off fraying skin on the sides of the nail as leaving it could allow it to catch onto sleeves. Not a pleasant feeling.

Clean Is The Key

It’s no surprise that there’s a host nasty bacteria hiding under your nails so it’s a no brainer when it comes to cleaning them – especially if you’re a nail biter. The other alternative is pretending it’s not there…but you and I both know that’ll come back to bite you on the ass when you’re stuck in the bathroom for five hours.The solution? A simple nail brush which you can scrub away at like you’re brushing teeth whilst the hands are soaked in warm water. Trust us, you’ll be getting rid of all sorts of weird gunk like food, soil and more.Tip: Kent hand make some of the world’s finest brushes in England. Finished with a sophisticated woodgrain block, the brushes will be a stylish complement to your bathroom.

Rid The Rough

A working man’s hands never come out unscathed. Whether its from your hours dedicated to weights in the gym or just the toils of everyday work, hands bear the brunt of it all and can often be left lifeless and feeling like you’re turning into a reptile.Enter the pumice stone. Soak your hands for 15 minutes and then rub gently on the thickened skin areas with the stone. Once the skin has softened don’t go any further. Apply a good hand moisturiser like Michael Klim’s affordable Ultra Light moisturiser and you’re set for recovery.

Dear Lord, The Manicure

Ok, so you’ve made it this far so that probably means you’re after the complete hand care and rejuvenation treatment – and probably have no qualms telling your mates about it. All jokes aside though, if your nails are in really bad condition from decades of neglect, a manicure can actually help in bringing them back up to a healthy standard.A male manicure is different to a female manicure in that the treatments are more about restoration than aesthetics. This will help the lazy man do all the stuff we’ve mentioned about without having to actually do it for themselves. Find a male-only manicure spot and you’ll avoid sitting in with mum on her weekly.Tip: Call around to find out which places do it. It’s common that a lot of good men’s barbers also look after this side of things.

Ready To Go It Alone?

Check out our selection of awesome and masculine manicure sets for men.

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