The idea of aphrodisiac foods is nothing new. Virtually every culture stretching back centuries has a menu of delicacies designed to ignite passion and enhance performance.

Wannabe Casanovas have tried a litany of weird cuisine in hopes of supplementing their stiffies, from cobra blood, to sea cucumber, to rhino horn, to baboon urine. Some of it is questionable from a health and safety standpoint, some is straight-up illegal, and the rest requires an iron stomach if you want to do anything between the sheets except sustain the fetal position until the nausea passes.

Fortunately, you don’t have to subject your tastebuds to a trial by fire if you need a boost in the bedroom. These 10 aphrodisiac foods are delicious and readily available for your next romantic dinner.

Oysters

Suggestive appearance aside, these shellfish are one of history’s most notorious aphrodisiacs for good reason. Oysters are brimming with zinc, a mineral that can boost semen production and regulate sexual hormones. It’s also believed that the sensual, slurping eating method helps get your engine going.

Chocolate

There’s a reason you’re inclined to spread chocolate over your lover’s body but not Vegemite or marmalade. Cocoa contains the chemicals phenylethylamine and anandamide, which boost levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin in your brain. Those euphoric vibes set the stage for some prime thigh thumping.

Chillies

Spicy foods have a variety of health benefits, not least of which is their effect on arousal. Chili peppers stimulate nerve endings and increase blood flow so you feel more turned on. They also encourage the release of endorphins, which play a role in sexual pleasure. Just make sure you wash your hands between touching the peppers and touching your partner.

Pomegranate

The pomegranate, intimidating though the messy eating process can be, packs plenty of passion-promoting power. A study by The Male Clinic in California found that pomegranate juice had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction. Pomegranates are also high in antioxidants, which boost blood flow and in turn increase genital sensitivity.

Salmon

Foods that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids – like salmon – help keep your sex hormones in peak condition. Salmon is also an excellent source of stamina-boosting protein. If you don’t eat fish, omega-3s can be found in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds instead.

Pine Nuts

Like oysters, pine nuts are high in libido-stimulating zinc. The small seeds have reportedly provided men with sexual stamina for centuries. Mentions of their properties can be found in the work of Roman poet Ovid and in The Perfumed Garden, an ancient Arabic sex manual.

Avocado

The avocado’s sensuous shape and mouthfeel are just part of the reason the fruit has a long-standing reputation amongst aphrodisiac foods. As far back as the Aztecs, humans have embraced the avocado for its high levels of vitamin E, which helps your body produce essential sex hormones and stimulates sexual responses.

Watermelon

The sun isn’t the only thing turning up the heat come summer. Watermelon contains a phytonutrient called citrulline. When consumed, citrulline can relax blood vessels and speed up circulation. That’s the same thing a certain little blue pill does, without the side effects of taking a prescription drug.

Celery

Celery doesn’t immediately come to mind as a sexy vegetable, but what it lacks in girth it makes up for in length and aphrodisiac magic. Celery is said to stimulate the pituitary gland, a part of the brain that plays a key role in releasing sexual hormones. It also contains androsterone, a potent male pheromone.

Olive Oil

Olive oil: what can’t it do? Experts sing its praises for all manner of things, including sexual stimulation. Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids that supply the sex organs with important nutrients and enhance testosterone production. Its many other health benefits will help keep you in peak physical condition which, duh, is also a must for an A-list sex life.

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With rumours swirling that the iPhone 7 is getting a major makeover, Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro could be in for a transformation of its own.

The upcoming MacBook is expected to debut a variety of new features, but none is more hotly anticipated than the OLED panel that could replace the function keys at the top of the keyboard. Although the change has yet to be officially confirmed, designer Martin Hajek has created a series of 3D renderings that illustrate what the new MacBook might look like.

The dynamic OLED touch panel would bring about more functionality and display additional information to complement what’s on the screen. In Hajek’s images, for example, you can see the panel display controls for Spotify while the app is open. Another image imagines what Siri running on a MacBook Pro might look like.

The post Everyone's Talking About These Concept Images Of The 2016 MacBook Pro appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Australians and BBQs go together like Americans and guns, cats and YouTube or men and caves. Renowned the world over for our love of throwing ‘another shrimp on the barbie’, Australian men boast some of the most envied outdoor culinary skills in the world.

Grab a pair of tongs and a tray of snags and overhaul your barbecue area with the following outdoor entertaining tips for creating the ultimate entertaining space.

#1 Light it Up

There are few sensory experiences more alluring than the wafting aroma of meat grilling on a barbecue. The scent can leave you salivating and ready to drop everything in search of the backyard responsible. Most al fresco grillings stretch past twilight, so guide your guests to the grill with plenty of outdoor lighting.

Before getting caught up in decorative ambient lighting, focus on functionality and install direct lighting over the BBQ. Multiple lights placed around the grilling area will eliminate shadow disturbance.

Depending on how large your deck or barbecuing area is, and whether or not it overlooks a backyard or garden, larger areas will benefit from landscape lighting to highlight standout features.

After a long night of barbecuing and possible boozing, it’s important to protect your guests and yourself with sufficient illumination around pathways and pools.

Think outside the square – or the bottle – with unique lighting installations such as wine bottle lights or a sprinkling of solar fairy lights available at most hardware stores.

Tip: Include candles in your lighting plan. They create a subtle, easy-going and romantic (if that’s what you’re going for) ambience.

#2 Electric, Gas or Charcoal?

The barbecue is the centre of the action when entertaining outside on the deck or in the yard. Keep in mind how many people you intend to feed at any given time and if the barbecue will need to be stored inside or under cover during winter. There are three main types to choose from:

Charcoal

Nothing beats the char-grill flavour a charcoal barbecue delivers. Generally less expensive than its gas and electric counterparts, charcoal barbecues tend to take slightly longer to cook and require adequate ventilation to guard against unruly flames.

Electric

Electric barbeques are perfect for gentlemen with limited entertaining space, or anyone living in areas with fire restrictions in place. Some argue electric options are inferior to the competitors because they lack the genuine BBQ flavour.

Gas

With plenty of options and sizes available, gas barbeques are perfect for large gatherings and quick cooking. Keep a spare gas bottle handy and avoid the annoying last minute dash to the service station.

Fire Pit

If conventional barbeques aren’t for you, or if you prefer a more rustic outdoor dining experience, a camp-style fire pits is the next best thing. Opt for a stone fire pit with grates for grilling and don’t forget to stock up on marshmallows.

#3 Seating

If your outdoor entertaining area is covered, or semi-covered, consider outdoor sectional sofas that can be moved and arranged to suit the occasion. Invest in cushions of different shapes and sizes to add character and comfort to the setting.

A tall table (think bar-height) and some stools will encourage guests to chat with the man behind the grill and add an interactive element to proceedings.

From up high to down low, waterproof beanbags welcome a relaxed and intimate atmosphere for casual barbie vibes.

We also recommend bench seating around the main table to maximise the number of friends you can accommodate.

#4 Superior Surfaces

Much like conventional cooking, outdoor cooking comes with its own set of dangers to be mindful of, particularly when entertaining drunk friends, elderly family members, or small children. Design your outdoor kitchen with materials that promise safety and durability. Non-slip floor coatings are essential for uncovered areas, or barbecues located near pools.

A few of our favourite bench-top combinations include:

• Wood and Stone – great for a traditional outdoor setting.
• Steel and Stone – a sleek, modern duo that boasts durability and easy-cleaning properties. Stainless or galvanised steel bench-tops are particularly striking thanks to their industrial flair.
• Concrete – durable and aesthetically appealing, concrete will last a lifetime and require little maintenance.

#5 Appliances For All Seasons

Ceramic and stainless steel are the best performing appliances when faced with rugged weather conditions.

A bar fridge is the barbeque master’s best friend. Helping him avoid trips to the kitchen for more meat and ensuring his beer is never empty, a mini fridge is ideal for regular outdoor entertainers.

Create a sport’s bar in your backyard with the inclusion of a mounted TV, beer taps and a sink for preparing cocktails.

#6 Cover Up

Guard against the harsh Australian elements with a roof-like covering or shaded areas.

Oversized beach umbrellas are a festive way to keep cool and out of the sun during summer. More permanent roofing options (like polycarbonate) provide a refuge from wind and rain while keeping out glare.

Warning: Ensure proper ventilation and adequate space between barbecues and shade coverings or structured roofing. 

So there you have it: all the outdoor entertaining tips you need to know to host your best barbecue. Happy grilling.

The post 6 Ways To Beef Up Your BBQ Area appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We get it. You’re a master of your sartorial domain when it comes to throwing together a winning outfit. You’re the type of guy who’d get the wink of approval from Beckham’s wife, a pash from Karl Lagerfeld and a handshake from Gosling for you impeccable wardrobe.

When it comes to knowing the origins of your craft? That’s a different story. For the many men who know their style and fashion, realising its decorated origin is often overlooked. Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to share seven surprising facts about men’s fashion you probably didn’t know about.

#1 Polo Players Invented The Button-down Collar

Button-downed shirt collars weren’t always there for the looks. Back in the day polo players had the arduous task of trying to hook their opponent’s mallet whilst getting a face full of flapping collar to impede their view. Their intuitive DIY solution was to sew buttons onto the shirt to keep the collar down during play. Brooks Brothers, the oldest men’s clothier in the United States spotted this unique look and brought it over to their homeland where it became the definitive style trend that it is today.

#2 A Chemist Invented The Waterproof Jacket

The humble Mackintosh coat, also known as an outdoor rain jacket, first appeared in London during 1823. Its creator, a Scottish chemist named Charles Macintosh, weaved two separate fabrics together with the outer having a liquid-rubber compound to produce the world’s first waterproof fabric. Looks like Steve Jobs wasn’t the first person to use the Macintosh moniker to change the world.

#3 French Cuffs Weren’t Invented By The French

Say what? Oui. French cuffs were actually invented by the British who made their shirts with a row of buttons along the sleeve. This was to enable the everyday gentleman the ability to fasten the cuffs at their desired length with the extra slack folded. This early day style trend made its way through Europe and eventually became the formal standard in men’s fashion we see today.

#4 Pocket Squares Were Once Used For Snot

Think of some of the most elaborately designed premium pocket squares that are on the market today. Now imagine them with a decent smearing of snot across them. That’s right, handkerchiefs have been around since the 14th century and they were used back in the day to dry hands or blow noses. More importantly, the handy little white squares of fabric were often carried in the breast pocket of a gentleman – the very first pocket square. The advent of Kleenex would see to it that there’d be no need for this handkerchief anymore, but the fashion world wouldn’t be so easily deterred from the stylish move. Pocket squares in finer cuts were made and the result is what you see today in the wide world of pocket squares.

RELATED: 10 Simple Style Hacks Every Man Needs To Know

#5 Soles Of Boat Shoes Were Designed Off Dog Paws

Flip your average boat shoe over and you’ll likely be greeted with a wave-like tread pattern which looks familiar. That’s because sailor and inventor Paul Sperry designed the soles to be this way after observing how his dog navigated over wet surfaces using just its paws. The rest they would say is history.

#6 Brogue Perforations Were Intended To Drain Water

If you’ve ever wandered where the speed hole patterns on your brogues come from then wander no more. Brogues were once used as outdoor shoes in the 1920s as opposed to their now stylish office pedigree. Back then they were used to trudge through the wet grounds and as such, there needed to be actual holes in them to let the water out. Today’s brogues however just borrow the design and use it as a shoe decoration as opposed to drainage.

#7 First Gingham Fabrics Were Striped, Not Checked

The post 7 Facts About Men's Fashion You Didn't Know appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Every visitor to Paris makes a pilgrimage to the Eiffel Tower, but how many can say they’ve slept in the city’s most iconic landmark? As part of its sponsorship of the UEFA Euro 2016 football tournament, vacation rental service HomeAway gave four lucky guests the chance to do just that.

The contest was announced earlier this month, but this is the first time we’re getting a peek at what’s in store for the winners. Hovering 57 metres above the City of Light, a former conference room was transformed into a stylish, two-bedroom apartment in just 48 hours. The 186-square-metre space features a comfortable living area, an urban greenhouse, and furnishings by Italian design house Lago.

“I wanted a very sober apartment with pure lines and with just the view of Paris on a whole wall panel,” said the designer, Benoit Leleu.

The post Inside The First-Ever Apartment In The Eiffel Tower appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s been said that you don’t truly know someone until you travel together. A two-month backpacking trip with your girlfriend may sound like a good idea, but you’ll be broken up by day three if it turns out she panics when she can’t Snapchat every hour and passive-aggressive sniping is her idea of a conflict resolution skill.Travelling together can lead to your highest highs and your lowest lows, but do it right and you’ll learn to love each other in ways you wouldn’t have at home. Enter the adventure with an open-mind and a commitment to facing whatever challenges wanderlust throws your way. You’ll come out the other side with a stronger partnership and once-in-a-lifetime stories to share with the future grandkids.Before you pack your bags and take a one-way flight to breakup town, arm yourself with these 8 tips for travelling with a significant other.

#1 Discuss Budget Beforehand

Finances are a top source of friction in relationships, and the pressure doubles when you’re in unfamiliar territory. Don’t forget to have a serious budget discussion while you’re floating in pre-trip euphoria. Consider living costs where you’re travelling, the length of time you’ll be away, and what kind of activities you plan to do, then create a realistic per diem budget. Make sure both you and your S.O. are comfortable with the amount you intend to spend. Pro tip: be guided by the budget of the lower income partner to minimise disputes.

#2 Communicate And Compromise

Anything that’s irritating at home will be magnified when you’re on the road. Open communication, tolerance, flexibility, and compromise are key. Start by determining your respective travel styles. Are you a foodie? A thrillseeker? A culture hound? Or would you prefer to spend the entire holiday vegging by the pool? If you and your partner’s styles match, you have it easy – if not, find a happy medium so you both get to experience some of what you want. Failure to communicate can lead to resentment, and that’s not a souvenir you want to take home from your trip.

#3 Manage Expectations

It’s easy to get swept up in a romantic vision of your holiday. Perhaps you’re expecting long walks on the beach, elegant meals, saccharine couple selfies, and twice daily sessions of hot vacation sex. It might happen, but it might not, and the fastest way to have a disappointing trip is to set expectations it’s impossible to meet. Understand that everything won’t automatically turn up to 11 just because you’re away. The more you try to force your vacation to live up to your fantasy, the less energy you’ll have left over to actually enjoy it.

#4 Prepare See Each Other At Your Worst

Travel brings out the best and the worst in everyone. You may see your partner homesick, angry, ill, impatient, stressed, and rocking their best ugly airport attire. It’s your job to support them through it all, and their job to do the same for you. Things can, and often do, go awry when you’re on the road, so prepare to have both of your true colours exposed. Consider it a powerful source of insight and a rare opportunity to assess whether you’re actually a compatible match.

#5 Enjoy Some Alone Time

As magical as it is to be a “we”, sometimes you need solitude. Don’t be afraid to carve out alone time on a couple’s trip. It could be something as simple as an hour spent people-watching in a cafe or reading a book in a park, or something more elaborate. Alone time is the perfect opportunity to explore something you know your partner isn’t into. The added bonus? You’re much less likely to get sick of each other when you’re not glued together 24/7.

#6 Take Mishaps In Stride

At some point, something will go wrong (blame Murphy and his inconvenient laws). How you handle it could be the difference between surviving the trip with your couplehood intact and flying home solo. As much as possible, roll through the crisis with calmness and a sense of humour. Lashing out at your partner doesn’t solve the issue, especially if they didn’t cause it. A delayed flight is no reason to threaten your honey with grievous bodily harm.

#7 Divide Responsibilities

Divide and conquer isn’t just a strategy for war. You have a unique set of strengths and so does your partner – put them to good use to maximise your power as a travel team. Divvy up tasks like booking flights, selecting hotels, exchanging currency, determining visa requirements, and learning handy phrases in the local language. The end result is a holiday that’s more organised, more time-efficient, and less stressful – leaving you with more hours and energy to enjoy the good stuff.

#8 Try Something New Together

The couple that grows together stays together. Try at least one new thing on your trip, whether it’s eating an exotic dish or crossing skydiving off your bucket lists. Experiencing something unfamiliar together creates a special memory, adds fire to your relationship, and strengthens your bond. Plus it could be your only opportunity to go to ninja school or play polo on a camel.

The post Simple Tips For Travelling With Your Partner appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

You’ve packed your bags and are anxiously awaiting the start of your next adventure. What’s in them? Is it a beach towel, shades, and your favourite Orlebar Brown swimshorts? Or is your luggage loaded with hiking boots and a Canada Goose parka? Studies report that your preferred holiday destinations are linked to your personality traits.Whether you’re drawn to balmy beach life or rugged mountain living, your choice reflects parts of your core personality. Researchers call it “person-environment fit” – some personality traits are drawn to one environment, while other personality traits feel called to a different setting. More specifically, introverts prefer secluded, quiet places where they aren’t forced to interact with others. Extroverts, unsurprisingly, would rather holiday where they’re exposed to action and interaction.So can you guess who’s headed to the beaches of Rio and who’s bound for the mountains of Patagonia?Extroverts are more likely to vacation seaside, where socialising is encouraged, and introverts are more inclined towards the privacy of mountains and forests. Both destinations have similar traits to the assigned personality types. Mountains are secluded and facilitate deep thought and isolation, while beaches are places to see, be seen, hang out with friends, and chat up sexy strangers.Whichever side of the coin you fall on, you may want to consider living near the ocean. A recent study found that proximity to visible blue space – but not green space – is a plus for your mental health.

The post What Your Favourite Holiday Destination Says About Your Personality Type appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If you think Ikea makes shoddy goods, wait until you see these. Katerina Kamprani is an Athens-based architect whose project “The Uncomfortable” intentionally evokes feelings of extreme frustration via poorly designed, pointless products.

Kamprani gives everyday objects the Frankenstein treatment, rearranging their familiar shapes into something that forces us to think about how we use them. Her takes, however, wouldn’t get much use even if you could order them off Amazon. Some will find them fun and witty, others will find them inexplicably aggravating.

The post These Infuriating & Pointless Products Are Designed To Annoy You appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

“I can’t do this,” quips an uncomfortable looking Ryan Reynolds in front of a whole set crew.

News of Ryan Reynolds partnership with luxury Swiss watchmaker Piaget almost fell flat as soon as it was announced. Luckily, it was all in good jest for the comical 39-year-old actor who had everyone short of breath for a good three seconds.

Indeed Ryan Reynolds is (and still is) Piaget’s newest celebrity brand ambassador. The announcement was made yesterday with Piaget CEO Philippe Léopold-Metzger saying that, “Ryan Reynolds delights audiences around the world with a blend of elegance and charisma. His remarkable and daring on-screen performances paired with his magnetic good looks have earned him a place as one of Hollywood’s leading men.”

“Like Piaget, he fearlessly brings creativity to his art, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Piaget family.”

RELATED: How To Get Ryan Reynolds’ Style

Reynolds himself expressed excitement for joining the Piaget family as well as his own fond memories of growing up alongside brand.

“I’m very excited and very happy to join the Piaget family,” said Reynolds.

“I’ve known about Piaget since I was a little kid. You can’t find a more iconic brand, or one that better exemplifies craftsmanship, elegance and creativity. This is something that means a lot to me.”

“I work in a field where things can be cast away quite quickly. So when you find something iconic, something timeless, it’s important. And that’s what I love about Piaget.”

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