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Picture this: my boyfriend and his friend are having a night on the town, and I’ve offered to be their designated driver. I get a call and jump straight in the car without looking in the mirror. When we arrive in the city we’re all hungry, so I decide to join the boys in a pub for a quick meal before leaving them to it.
There I am, standing in line at the bar when I look up and there she is. My super stylish boss, in one of her classically chic ensembles. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other as I work freelance, so of course I’m excited! And then I remember what I’m wearing: a t-shirt dress with a “Friends”-themed oversized hoodie over the top, and trusty Havaianas on my feet. My hair is a big, fluffy, un-styled cloud and I have zero makeup on. I’m reminded of the time when I was working in a shoe shop and, at five foot eight, felt short and curvy next to the Miss Australia contestant who came in to try on fabulous heels while I took photos of her for her Instagram.
Nine times out of ten, I like to look put-together. Planning an outfit and getting ready is sometimes the most fun part of going out! But of course as life would have it, you only run into people you know or admire when you’re wearing your rattiest “chill around the house” clothes. Both times, I could have turned into a blushing, mumbling weirdo, but I chose to smile and get on with it.
It’s not easy to survive an awkward or surprising situation, but it isn’t the end of the world. So you ran into a model, or a fashionista friend, or even an ex on the one day you hadn’t washed your hair. Maybe they noticed, maybe they didn’t. But short of putting your head in your handbag and hiding behind a tree, you can’t do much about it! So just smile, be your usual dazzling self, and even make a joke so you can have a bit of a laugh together and feel more comfortable. Life has a funny way of reminding us that we don’t have to appear perfect all the time.
Hanna Sloan is studying a Creative and Professional Writing degree at QUT. She grew up wanting to be either a writer or a professional dancer, or both. Nothing has changed. She is passionate about performance, fashion, and social progress, and is a confirmed #NastyWoman. Hanna is the proud curator of a shoe collection surpassing sixty pairs, and always thought Andie Anderson in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' was crazy for not wanting to write about shoes for a living. In her spare time Hanna can be found devouring a book or magazine, watching 'Friends' or asking her parents for Snapchats of the family’s two beagles.
A few years ago it was whiskey that was all the rage, but now is the time for a new flavour favourite. Gin, affectionately known as the adult vodka, now has its own day of celebration. World Gin Day is right around the corner and Brisbane gin lovers can get in on the celebrations at Dutch Courage.
On June 10th, enthusiastic fans can attend the huge event featuring masterclasses, live entertainment, giveaways and gin specials.
“World Gin Day 2016 was our biggest day of the year with a non-stop procession of gin lovers coming to Dutch to learn something new,” said Matthew Hilan, Director of Dutch Courage. “Gin lovers are educated and adventurous people. We’ve listened to their feedback and added even more to this year’s line-up so they can satisfy their curiosity, explore new gins and have a great time.”
Experts from Martin Millers, Fever Tree, Botanist, Gin Mare, Jinzu, Tanqueray, Kangaroo Island Spirits and even Brisbane’s very own Humpybong Distillery will be on hand to answer all your gin questions.
Masterclasses and gin specials kick off from 11:30am with giveaways starting from 12:30pm. Enjoy letting out your inner gin nerd with classes on cocktail mixes, tonic pairings and even lessons on using native Australian botanicals, sensory spices and distillation. Each masterclass will be taught by a different expert so you are sure to leave with new skills and broader understanding of the magic behind gin making.
An all session’s pass gives you all day guaranteed access to all of the events and automatic entry into the five giveaways. A Tanqueray bottle will be given away each hour for five hours! How’s that for epic prizes?
Last year, masterclass tickets sold out within days so make sure to get in quick. All session passes are available for $55 from the Dutch Courage website. For the late risers out there, you can still grab tickets to the last three sessions for $40 with the choice of Head Chef Mark Maric’s tasty five course Moroccan feast for an added $35.
Gin lovers can now prepare and rejoice. The days of the boring drinks has now passed.
Words: Jade Byers-Pointer
You may know Phoenix Melody from the 2013 series of Australian X Factor. Now, with her debut single ‘Be The One’ hitting the charts and her full EP set to be released later this year, we can guarantee her tracks will be on repeat.
We caught up with the Sydney based vocalist to talk the release of her debut single, working closely with renowned hit makers and her guilty pleasures.
PM: Thank you! I feel liberated. I’m so excited that I can finally share it with everyone.
PM: Working on this song was sick! It’s such a crazy blessing to be able to call Da Beatfreakz and the Hit Bangaz my friends. We connect on so many levels, especially when we’re vibing in the studio. They’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business, but are still so down to earth. We’re like family now.
PM: Each song on the EP tells a different story and represents a specific time in my life, both good and bad. You can expect to get to know me because it’s a representation of my growth over the past few years. You’ll also get a taste of my versatility as an artist.
PM: I am just doing what I love, but when you put it that way, it is pretty awesome. There is something about the vulnerability and rawness of music. Like everyone, my life has had it’s ups and downs but despite life circumstances, my passion for music has remained, which has to be a sign.
PM: Most definitely. No matter what life’s thrown at me, I’ve always tried to keep my head above water and stay positive. I want to inspire people to do the same. I hope that by listening to my music, my fans will be able to know that they are never alone because tomorrow is always a new day.
PM: I want to bring good vibes to the table. It is important to me that my emotions are known and understood. I want whoever is listening to feel empowered, whilst being able to rock out and have a good time.
PM: I haven’t shot the video just yet because I want to get it right and that includes where we shoot it. I’m a proud Sydney girl though and I can assure you that I’ll be representing my city and country no matter the location!
PM: Travelling. I believe we learn so much when we meet new people, everyone has a story to share and lessons to teach.
PM: Aspire to inspire. It reminds me to chase the best version of myself and to keep striving for greatness.
PM: Soy Mochas. I could definitely go for one of those right now!
PM: Acai bowls... They’re life. Summer. Winter. GIVE ME!
PM: Connecting with people on both an emotional and an intellectual level. Mutual understanding is so important for healthy relationships!
PM: A lot of hard work and exciting times. The official video for “Be The One” will be out soon, as will my EP. I can’t wait to share more with you all. This is just the beginning so tune in and get ready!
Click here to listen to ‘Be The One’ and follow her Instagram to stay up to date with all things Phoenix Melody.
