Amazon.com.au Christmas Magazine & Gift Guide 2024

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ULTIMATE 10-PAGE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Christmas

ANGUS & JULIA STONE New Christmas release

Win!

with

+

PAT CUMMINS Cricket, Christmas, and family

+

DARREN PALMER Effortless festive decorating

A $1,000 AMAZON.COM.AU GIFT CARD

6

14

RECIPETIN EATS:

Nagi Maehashi’s recipe for a joyful Christmas

12

We talk with the food sensation about her Christmas traditions, as well as top tips from spending more time with family, and less time in the kitchen

F

26 29

22

16

25

NAGI MAEHASHI

RecipeTin Eats founder shares her festive feast traditions

6

PAT CUMMINS

12

DARREN PALMER

22

Ultimate 10-Page Gift Guide Find the perfect gift from the Amazon Christmas Store

Decorating tips from the design expert

14

ANGUS & JULIA STONE

16

PLAYMAKERS

19

BAKSLAP

20

INTERNET FAVOURITE GIFTS

A new festive release from the duo Nine incredible kids road test their top toys

A small business with a big purpose

“This is going to sound really strange, but I love making a gingerbread house,” she says.

“The first year I made (one) I was so proud of myself and the time it took me, and the care to transport it (to family Christmas). Then they pigged out so much on the savoury foods that when it came to dessert, all they ate was the chimney. And I was so angry because I spent so much time making it,” she laughs.

Nagi loves to turn tradition on its head as well, giving classic favourites a mouthwatering twist – her Singapore Chilli Prawns is the perfect example.

“The flavour is just phenomenal, hand on heart,” she enthuses. “The sauce is based on a traditional Singapore chilli crab recipe. We did so much research … I honestly think ours is better than anything I’ve ever had in Australia.”

She says the key to mastering the dish is to leave the heads on the prawns for maximum flavour.

“You want all the juices from the heads going into the sauce. It’s like six minutes to cook the prawns tops, then you just tip it out of the pot straight into a giant bowl and everyone digs in. It's such a good one for gatherings because it’s a bit showy and everyone kind of just tucks in.

“Make the sauce the day before, cool it, put it in a container, and then reheat it in the pot, throw the raw prawns in and boom, you’re done.”

“I don’t want to be in the kitchen. I want to be out there chatting and opening presents.”

Balancing Christmas, cricket and family

Handpicked by influencers

2

24

FAMILY MATTERS

PICTURE CREDITS HERE

3

What’s inside

or Australian food sensation Nagi Maehashi, creative genius behind RecipeTin Eats, the festive season is all about sharing delicious food with loved ones – and surviving the chaos of the family WhatsApp chat.

To get ready for Christmas Day, her family divides the cooking tasks to prepare their grazing feast, making sure there’s time to relax and enjoy the celebration together.

“We are all about grazing all day, so it’s not one big meal,” Nagi shares. “We spread out a giant meal from lunchtime through to late evening. It’s very seafooddominated and summer-focused.

“I just can’t go past freshly peeled prawns with a Marie Rose (sauce). I feel like it’s so Australian," she says.

“I don’t want to be in the kitchen,” Nagi laughs. “I want to be out there chatting and opening presents, so most of my Christmas recipes can be made the day before, and just reheated – or require minimal assembly on the day.”

The biggest challenge? Deciding who makes what.

“We’re all obsessed with cooking,” Nagi shares. “We literally fight over who gets to do the main dish, (as it) gets the most ooohs and ahhhhs.

“The WhatsApp thread is just back and forth, back and forth, what we’re going to make: ‘No, you can't do that. It's too heavy!’ ‘No, I'm doing that!’ ‘Don't do that. You did that last year,’ – so many arguments!

“Then, about five days before Christmas, the menu is set, responsibilities are allocated and off we go!”

Christmas is all about spending time with family for Nagi, and of course, her beloved 12-year-old golden retriever Dozer is always part of the festivities.

“He’s right there beside us,” Nagi says. “He loves sashimi. He scoffs it down. He doesn’t get much during the year, but at Christmas he gets a bit more than his fair share for sure,” she laughs.

While seafood is definitely a favourite to eat for Nagi at Christmas time, her favourite treat to make in the kitchen is actually a sweet.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Surprisingly, it hasn’t been a story of success from the very beginning for Nagi and RecipeTin Eats.

“I basically took the plunge without even knowing exactly what I was going to do, so I left corporate not knowing that I was going to start a website,” she recalls.

While Nagi wouldn’t describe the choice to leave her corporate finance role as rash, because it was well thought-through, she does admit the sudden move was a surprise to everyone.

“I took the plunge and it took me a year, dabbling in other things, and then I landed on recipe websites. It was just starting out at that stage, that people were actually making a living from publishing recipes online.

“I just stumbled across it; I didn’t even know what a food blog was,” she laughs.

3

6

14

RECIPETIN EATS:

Nagi Maehashi’s recipe for a joyful Christmas

12

We talk with the food sensation about her Christmas traditions, as well as top tips from spending more time with family, and less time in the kitchen

F

26 29

22

16

25

NAGI MAEHASHI

RecipeTin Eats founder shares her festive feast traditions

6

PAT CUMMINS

12

DARREN PALMER

22

Ultimate 10-Page Gift Guide Find the perfect gift from the Amazon Christmas Store

Decorating tips from the design expert

14

ANGUS & JULIA STONE

16

PLAYMAKERS

19

BAKSLAP

20

INTERNET FAVOURITE GIFTS

A new festive release from the duo Nine incredible kids road test their top toys

A small business with a big purpose

“This is going to sound really strange, but I love making a gingerbread house,” she says.

“The first year I made (one) I was so proud of myself and the time it took me, and the care to transport it (to family Christmas). Then they pigged out so much on the savoury foods that when it came to dessert, all they ate was the chimney. And I was so angry because I spent so much time making it,” she laughs.

Nagi loves to turn tradition on its head as well, giving classic favourites a mouthwatering twist – her Singapore Chilli Prawns is the perfect example.

“The flavour is just phenomenal, hand on heart,” she enthuses. “The sauce is based on a traditional Singapore chilli crab recipe. We did so much research … I honestly think ours is better than anything I’ve ever had in Australia.”

She says the key to mastering the dish is to leave the heads on the prawns for maximum flavour.

“You want all the juices from the heads going into the sauce. It’s like six minutes to cook the prawns tops, then you just tip it out of the pot straight into a giant bowl and everyone digs in. It's such a good one for gatherings because it’s a bit showy and everyone kind of just tucks in.

“Make the sauce the day before, cool it, put it in a container, and then reheat it in the pot, throw the raw prawns in and boom, you’re done.”

“I don’t want to be in the kitchen. I want to be out there chatting and opening presents.”

Balancing Christmas, cricket and family

Handpicked by influencers

2

24

FAMILY MATTERS

PICTURE CREDITS HERE

3

What’s inside

or Australian food sensation Nagi Maehashi, creative genius behind RecipeTin Eats, the festive season is all about sharing delicious food with loved ones – and surviving the chaos of the family WhatsApp chat.

To get ready for Christmas Day, her family divides the cooking tasks to prepare their grazing feast, making sure there’s time to relax and enjoy the celebration together.

“We are all about grazing all day, so it’s not one big meal,” Nagi shares. “We spread out a giant meal from lunchtime through to late evening. It’s very seafooddominated and summer-focused.

“I just can’t go past freshly peeled prawns with a Marie Rose (sauce). I feel like it’s so Australian," she says.

“I don’t want to be in the kitchen,” Nagi laughs. “I want to be out there chatting and opening presents, so most of my Christmas recipes can be made the day before, and just reheated – or require minimal assembly on the day.”

The biggest challenge? Deciding who makes what.

“We’re all obsessed with cooking,” Nagi shares. “We literally fight over who gets to do the main dish, (as it) gets the most ooohs and ahhhhs.

“The WhatsApp thread is just back and forth, back and forth, what we’re going to make: ‘No, you can't do that. It's too heavy!’ ‘No, I'm doing that!’ ‘Don't do that. You did that last year,’ – so many arguments!

“Then, about five days before Christmas, the menu is set, responsibilities are allocated and off we go!”

Christmas is all about spending time with family for Nagi, and of course, her beloved 12-year-old golden retriever Dozer is always part of the festivities.

“He’s right there beside us,” Nagi says. “He loves sashimi. He scoffs it down. He doesn’t get much during the year, but at Christmas he gets a bit more than his fair share for sure,” she laughs.

While seafood is definitely a favourite to eat for Nagi at Christmas time, her favourite treat to make in the kitchen is actually a sweet.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Surprisingly, it hasn’t been a story of success from the very beginning for Nagi and RecipeTin Eats.

“I basically took the plunge without even knowing exactly what I was going to do, so I left corporate not knowing that I was going to start a website,” she recalls.

While Nagi wouldn’t describe the choice to leave her corporate finance role as rash, because it was well thought-through, she does admit the sudden move was a surprise to everyone.

“I took the plunge and it took me a year, dabbling in other things, and then I landed on recipe websites. It was just starting out at that stage, that people were actually making a living from publishing recipes online.

“I just stumbled across it; I didn’t even know what a food blog was,” she laughs.

3

Even then, it wasn’t overnight success for RecipeTin Eats - Nagi recalls her first two visitors were herself and her mum, and comments that it’s never gone viral.

“I’ve been very fortunate that it’s been a steep growth curve, but it has been organic,” she says. “It hasn’t been ups and downs and flushes of viral traffic at all. I’ve just been slow and steady, regularly publishing, and that’s where we are today.”

BREAKING RECORDS

"We’re all obsessed with cooking. We literally fight over who gets to do the main dish, (as it) gets the most ooohs and ahhhhs."

Even though her latest cookbook, RecipeTin Eats: Tonight broke the record for the highest first-week sales for a nonfiction title, success doesn’t sit easily with Nagi.

“It’s crazy, to be absolutely honest,” she marvels. “I remember the first public event that I did with my first cookbook. I’d never spoken publicly in this kind of forum before, and people had to pay $5 to get in. “(Mum and I) looked out at the crowd from the back and Mum’s just like ‘why are all these people here?’ And I looked at her and I said, ‘I think they're here for me because I’m the only one here’. And she just was going, ‘why?’ and I was the same as her!

“Why would anyone pay $5, let alone give up a Wednesday evening to come and hear me speak? I’m not that interesting. And I still feel that way!”

HERE ARE SOME OF NAGI'S TOP TIPS TO SAVE TIME:

Prep your ham: “Choose recipes where you can get ahead,” Nagi says. “Even if you insist on making the ham on the day, make the glaze the day before.”

Transform that leftover ham: “You see the word hot ham and cheese and you just kind of go, ‘oh, it’s a ham and cheese sandwich’,” she says. “But these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are so much more! They're so good, and it’s no more effort to make 16 than it is to make one.

So it’s a great one for entertaining. I cannot rave about these enough!”

Singapore Chilli Prawns This one’s a bit of a showstopper, if I do say so myself!

SERVES 4 PREP 15 MINUTES COOK 20 MINUTES INGREDIENTS ¼ cup (60ml) canola oil 1 tbsp dried belachan paste, chopped into 5mm pieces 1 cup (260g) tomato passata ½ cup (125ml) sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato sauce 1 cup (250ml) water 3 tbsp white vinegar 1.2kg large tiger or king prawns, whole, raw CHILLI PASTE 5 long red (cayenne) chillies, deseeded and roughly chopped 2 tbsp miso paste (red or white), or taucu paste if you can find it 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 3 eschalots, peeled and roughly chopped ¼ cup (30g) roughly chopped ginger TO SERVE 2 tbsp roughly chopped coriander leaves

INSTRUCTIONS 1 Chilli paste - Place the chillies, miso or taucu paste, garlic, eschalot and ginger into a jug wide enough to fit the head of a stick blender. Blitz into a paste for about 10 seconds on high, then set aside.

2 Toast belachan - Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the belachan and cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes. The smell will not be pleasant at this stage but have faith! I wouldn’t put you through this if it wasn’t worth it!

3 Sauce - Add the chilli paste and cook, stirring constantly, for three minutes, until it changes from red to crimson. Add the passata and stir for two minutes. Add the sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, water and vinegar and stir to combine. Once it comes to the boil, add the prawns. Toss to coat in the sauce, then put a lid on the pot.

Cook for five minutes (for medium prawns) or eight minutes (for very large prawns).

4 Serve - Tip all the prawns and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with coriander and green onion. Pile

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders These tasty sliders are the perfect

the mantou buns in a bowl and serve on the side.

5 Eating - to eat, spoon some prawns and plenty of sauce into a bowl. Use your hands to remove the prawn head and shell, then dunk the prawn meat into the sauce and eat! Use the mantou buns to mop up the sauce in your bowl.

Leftovers - Keeps in the fridge for two days. Not suitable for freezing.

7 Pierce for soakage - Remove foil. Pierce intersections where corners of rolls meet so pooled butter soaks into bread.

8 Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until top is crusty.

9 Cut while hot, then serve.

way to use up some of that leftover Christmas ham! For the full recipe and handy tips and tricks, visit the RecipeTin Eats website.

MAKES 12 SLIDERS 12 standard or 24 small soft white roll slab (23 x 33cm) ⅓ cup American mustard 350g ham, shaved or thinly sliced 250g Swiss cheese ONION POPPYSEED BUTTER 100g unsalted butter, melted ¼ onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp American mustard 1 tbsp poppy seeds 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp cooking/kosher salt ¼ black pepper INSTRUCTIONS 1 Preheat oven to 180 degrees (160 degrees fan-forced). Line the base of a 23 x 33cm pan with paper.

4

2 tbsp finely sliced green onion 12 mantou buns, heated as per the directions on the packet, or small brioche buns

2 Onion poppy seed butter: Mix ingredients together.

3 Assemble base - Cut slab of rolls in half horizontally. Spread base and lid with mustard. Place bread in pan, top with ham then cheese.

Don’t put the lid on yet!

4 Bake topless - Bake 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

5 Smother - Remove bread from oven.

Top with bread lid, pour/spoon over butter, covering evenly.

6 Bake covered - Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes.

COOK UP A STORM

These recipes are just a preview of all the great dishes you'll find in RecipeTin Eats: Tonight by Nagi Maehashi, perfect for catering the Christmas feast this year!

SCAN HERE TO GRAB YOUR COPY

5

Even then, it wasn’t overnight success for RecipeTin Eats - Nagi recalls her first two visitors were herself and her mum, and comments that it’s never gone viral.

“I’ve been very fortunate that it’s been a steep growth curve, but it has been organic,” she says. “It hasn’t been ups and downs and flushes of viral traffic at all. I’ve just been slow and steady, regularly publishing, and that’s where we are today.”

BREAKING RECORDS

"We’re all obsessed with cooking. We literally fight over who gets to do the main dish, (as it) gets the most ooohs and ahhhhs."

Even though her latest cookbook, RecipeTin Eats: Tonight broke the record for the highest first-week sales for a nonfiction title, success doesn’t sit easily with Nagi.

“It’s crazy, to be absolutely honest,” she marvels. “I remember the first public event that I did with my first cookbook. I’d never spoken publicly in this kind of forum before, and people had to pay $5 to get in. “(Mum and I) looked out at the crowd from the back and Mum’s just like ‘why are all these people here?’ And I looked at her and I said, ‘I think they're here for me because I’m the only one here’. And she just was going, ‘why?’ and I was the same as her!

“Why would anyone pay $5, let alone give up a Wednesday evening to come and hear me speak? I’m not that interesting. And I still feel that way!”

HERE ARE SOME OF NAGI'S TOP TIPS TO SAVE TIME:

Prep your ham: “Choose recipes where you can get ahead,” Nagi says. “Even if you insist on making the ham on the day, make the glaze the day before.”

Transform that leftover ham: “You see the word hot ham and cheese and you just kind of go, ‘oh, it’s a ham and cheese sandwich’,” she says. “But these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are so much more! They're so good, and it’s no more effort to make 16 than it is to make one.

So it’s a great one for entertaining. I cannot rave about these enough!”

Singapore Chilli Prawns This one’s a bit of a showstopper, if I do say so myself!

SERVES 4 PREP 15 MINUTES COOK 20 MINUTES INGREDIENTS ¼ cup (60ml) canola oil 1 tbsp dried belachan paste, chopped into 5mm pieces 1 cup (260g) tomato passata ½ cup (125ml) sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato sauce 1 cup (250ml) water 3 tbsp white vinegar 1.2kg large tiger or king prawns, whole, raw CHILLI PASTE 5 long red (cayenne) chillies, deseeded and roughly chopped 2 tbsp miso paste (red or white), or taucu paste if you can find it 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 3 eschalots, peeled and roughly chopped ¼ cup (30g) roughly chopped ginger TO SERVE 2 tbsp roughly chopped coriander leaves

INSTRUCTIONS 1 Chilli paste - Place the chillies, miso or taucu paste, garlic, eschalot and ginger into a jug wide enough to fit the head of a stick blender. Blitz into a paste for about 10 seconds on high, then set aside.

2 Toast belachan - Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the belachan and cook, stirring constantly, for two minutes. The smell will not be pleasant at this stage but have faith! I wouldn’t put you through this if it wasn’t worth it!

3 Sauce - Add the chilli paste and cook, stirring constantly, for three minutes, until it changes from red to crimson. Add the passata and stir for two minutes. Add the sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, water and vinegar and stir to combine. Once it comes to the boil, add the prawns. Toss to coat in the sauce, then put a lid on the pot.

Cook for five minutes (for medium prawns) or eight minutes (for very large prawns).

4 Serve - Tip all the prawns and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with coriander and green onion. Pile

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders These tasty sliders are the perfect

the mantou buns in a bowl and serve on the side.

5 Eating - to eat, spoon some prawns and plenty of sauce into a bowl. Use your hands to remove the prawn head and shell, then dunk the prawn meat into the sauce and eat! Use the mantou buns to mop up the sauce in your bowl.

Leftovers - Keeps in the fridge for two days. Not suitable for freezing.

7 Pierce for soakage - Remove foil. Pierce intersections where corners of rolls meet so pooled butter soaks into bread.

8 Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until top is crusty.

9 Cut while hot, then serve.

way to use up some of that leftover Christmas ham! For the full recipe and handy tips and tricks, visit the RecipeTin Eats website.

MAKES 12 SLIDERS 12 standard or 24 small soft white roll slab (23 x 33cm) ⅓ cup American mustard 350g ham, shaved or thinly sliced 250g Swiss cheese ONION POPPYSEED BUTTER 100g unsalted butter, melted ¼ onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp American mustard 1 tbsp poppy seeds 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp cooking/kosher salt ¼ black pepper INSTRUCTIONS 1 Preheat oven to 180 degrees (160 degrees fan-forced). Line the base of a 23 x 33cm pan with paper.

4

2 tbsp finely sliced green onion 12 mantou buns, heated as per the directions on the packet, or small brioche buns

2 Onion poppy seed butter: Mix ingredients together.

3 Assemble base - Cut slab of rolls in half horizontally. Spread base and lid with mustard. Place bread in pan, top with ham then cheese.

Don’t put the lid on yet!

4 Bake topless - Bake 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

5 Smother - Remove bread from oven.

Top with bread lid, pour/spoon over butter, covering evenly.

6 Bake covered - Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes.

COOK UP A STORM

These recipes are just a preview of all the great dishes you'll find in RecipeTin Eats: Tonight by Nagi Maehashi, perfect for catering the Christmas feast this year!

SCAN HERE TO GRAB YOUR COPY

5

Opposite page: Pat Cummins is proud to be Amazon Prime Video Ambassador.

This page: The Australian Men’s Cricket team celebrate the ICC World Test Championship win in 2023, and Pat represents Aussie cricket on and off the pitch.

PAT CUMMINS:

Balancing cricket, Christmas, and captain’s duties As the rest of us wind down and prepare to enjoy the festive season, Australian Men’s Cricket Captain and Prime Video Ambassador Pat Cummins, and his squad, are gearing up for their busiest time of year

A

fter a decade-long dry spell against the world-class Indian test team, Pat thinks this just might be the year to break the drought.

The team is in fine shape and has really reached a level of maturity and skill that could see the Aussies romp home with the cup.

And despite the summer heat, and the difficulties of juggling work and family throughout the festive season, the Australian Men’s Cricket Captain thinks Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.

TRUE AUSSIE SPIRIT

Knowing he and the team are such a big part of many Aussie people’s Christmas, as they settle in with plates of leftovers to watch the Boxing Day test, makes the long hours in the hot sun all worth it.

He says the ticket sales this year have been huge, and all eyes are on the Aussie squad, with plenty of commentary from all sides.

“Hopefully this is our year,” Pat says. “The last couple of times India have come out and they’ve won, and five test series always come with challenges, whether it’s injuries or the weather.

“But I feel like we’re quite well placed this year, and the guys are pretty fresh.

“It’s a big physical challenge, especially for the bowlers, and it’s big pressure. But we’ll put that to one side, and concentrate on what we need to do,” he says.

6

A FOCUS ON FAMILY

For Pat, and many of his teammates, one of the things that really pulls them through the gruelling days of training (and playing) is looking forward to the few days they get to spend with family over the break.

“I feel like we’re quite well placed this year, and the guys are pretty fresh.”

It’s a huge focus for team management to make families feel welcome, and with the rising number of dads in the team, it’s like one big family with all the little ones playing together while their dads get down to business on the pitch.

Asked what his favourite gifts are, it comes as no surprise that the greatest delight Pat felt as a kid was getting new gloves or a bat, and he hopes his own son, now three years old, will eventually feel that same excitement at Christmas time.

FESTIVITIES AND RELAXATION

For now though, Pat will be having a ball on and off the pitch, enjoying Christmas lunch with the team and

their families in Melbourne, and looking forward to the odd cheat day where he can grab a meal and get comfy on the couch in front of an Amazon Prime Video movie.

Pat jokes that he might even re-watch the highly successful Prime Video series, The Test, which is a behind-the-scenes look at the redemption arc of the Aussies in the wake of the 2018 ball tampering scandal, now in its fourth season.

For Pat it offers a side of the game he’s rarely glimpsed as he’s focused on the work of bringing the team’s reputation back to its once stellar highs.

However, when he’s looking for some real down-time from the game, it’s up to the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm to fit the bill, with Pat keen to put his feet up after the test series is over and escape to the hilarity we’ve all come to expect from former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson.

PAT’S TOP PRIME VIDEO PICKS CLARKSON’S FARM

“It’s just so good, I love it.”

REACHER

“I love the books, so I love the series.”

LUXE LISTING SYDNEY

“When I’m overseas, (this show) gives me a taste of home.”

THE TEST: A NEW ERA FOR AUSTRALIA’S TEAM “I’m in it, so I have got a bit of a soft spot for it.”

I AM CELINE DION

“My wild card pick, which I love.

Amazing documentary.”

TESTED BY PAT CUMMINS

Discover the remarkable stories of when challenge, crisis and opportunity met for 11 incredible leaders and achievers, as interviewed by Pat Cummins himself.

SCAN HERE TO GRAB YOUR COPY

7

Opposite page: Pat Cummins is proud to be Amazon Prime Video Ambassador.

This page: The Australian Men’s Cricket team celebrate the ICC World Test Championship win in 2023, and Pat represents Aussie cricket on and off the pitch.

PAT CUMMINS:

Balancing cricket, Christmas, and captain’s duties As the rest of us wind down and prepare to enjoy the festive season, Australian Men’s Cricket Captain and Prime Video Ambassador Pat Cummins, and his squad, are gearing up for their busiest time of year

A

fter a decade-long dry spell against the world-class Indian test team, Pat thinks this just might be the year to break the drought.

The team is in fine shape and has really reached a level of maturity and skill that could see the Aussies romp home with the cup.

And despite the summer heat, and the difficulties of juggling work and family throughout the festive season, the Australian Men’s Cricket Captain thinks Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.

TRUE AUSSIE SPIRIT

Knowing he and the team are such a big part of many Aussie people’s Christmas, as they settle in with plates of leftovers to watch the Boxing Day test, makes the long hours in the hot sun all worth it.

He says the ticket sales this year have been huge, and all eyes are on the Aussie squad, with plenty of commentary from all sides.

“Hopefully this is our year,” Pat says. “The last couple of times India have come out and they’ve won, and five test series always come with challenges, whether it’s injuries or the weather.

“But I feel like we’re quite well placed this year, and the guys are pretty fresh.

“It’s a big physical challenge, especially for the bowlers, and it’s big pressure. But we’ll put that to one side, and concentrate on what we need to do,” he says.

6

A FOCUS ON FAMILY

For Pat, and many of his teammates, one of the things that really pulls them through the gruelling days of training (and playing) is looking forward to the few days they get to spend with family over the break.

“I feel like we’re quite well placed this year, and the guys are pretty fresh.”

It’s a huge focus for team management to make families feel welcome, and with the rising number of dads in the team, it’s like one big family with all the little ones playing together while their dads get down to business on the pitch.

Asked what his favourite gifts are, it comes as no surprise that the greatest delight Pat felt as a kid was getting new gloves or a bat, and he hopes his own son, now three years old, will eventually feel that same excitement at Christmas time.

FESTIVITIES AND RELAXATION

For now though, Pat will be having a ball on and off the pitch, enjoying Christmas lunch with the team and

their families in Melbourne, and looking forward to the odd cheat day where he can grab a meal and get comfy on the couch in front of an Amazon Prime Video movie.

Pat jokes that he might even re-watch the highly successful Prime Video series, The Test, which is a behind-the-scenes look at the redemption arc of the Aussies in the wake of the 2018 ball tampering scandal, now in its fourth season.

For Pat it offers a side of the game he’s rarely glimpsed as he’s focused on the work of bringing the team’s reputation back to its once stellar highs.

However, when he’s looking for some real down-time from the game, it’s up to the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm to fit the bill, with Pat keen to put his feet up after the test series is over and escape to the hilarity we’ve all come to expect from former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson.

PAT’S TOP PRIME VIDEO PICKS CLARKSON’S FARM

“It’s just so good, I love it.”

REACHER

“I love the books, so I love the series.”

LUXE LISTING SYDNEY

“When I’m overseas, (this show) gives me a taste of home.”

THE TEST: A NEW ERA FOR AUSTRALIA’S TEAM “I’m in it, so I have got a bit of a soft spot for it.”

I AM CELINE DION

“My wild card pick, which I love.

Amazing documentary.”

TESTED BY PAT CUMMINS

Discover the remarkable stories of when challenge, crisis and opportunity met for 11 incredible leaders and achievers, as interviewed by Pat Cummins himself.

SCAN HERE TO GRAB YOUR COPY

7

BRING THE BOOM:

The ultimate guide to finding your poolside speaker It’s pool party season, which means you need the perfect playlist - and a speaker that will do it justice

S

ummer is here, and you know what that means … it’s pool party time! Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Aussie Christmas swim, or simply having fun with some friends, ’tis the season to dive into that pool. But before you send out the invites and retrieve your swimsuit from the back of the cupboard, you’ll want to make sure you have the party playlist sorted and a Bluetooth speaker that will go the distance.

When it comes to choosing the perfect pool speaker, there are a few key features to look out for before hitting play on your purchase.

1

SOUND QUALITY

Whether you’re all about the bass or can’t go past a catchy pop tune (we hear you, Swifties), you’ll want a speaker that produces a clear, balanced sound. And because you’ll be pumping those tunes outdoors, loud volume capability is also a must.

Cylindrical speakers, like Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4, also offer 360-degree sound, so you can keep the groove going whether you’re working the barbecue, sunbaking on the deck or splashing around in the pool.

2

PORTABILITY

Probably one of the key benefits of a Bluetooth speaker is its portability, so in this instance size really does matter. When tossing up which speaker to buy (literally, if you’d like, with the drop-proof MEGABOOM 4), we suggest choosing one you can easily hold in your hand.

While a larger speaker will often mean a bigger sound and larger battery (and therefore longer playing power), it’s less practical when it comes to trips to the beach, park or even in the office.

3

BATTERY LIFE

Thanks to those long summer days, you can keep the party going from early to late, so you’ll want your speaker to be able to do the same. The MEGABOOM 4 boasts a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will play for an epic 20 hours on a single charge, which means it has a good chance of out-partying your guests.

8

“Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Aussie Christmas swim or simply having fun with some friends, ’tis the season to dive into that pool.”

4

DURABILITY

Traditionally water and technology do not mix, but these days most Bluetooth speakers are more robust and less susceptible to damage. To determine a device’s water-resistance levels, look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating – the higher the rating, the higher the degree of protection and moisture resistance. With a rating of IP67, the MEGABOOM 4 is not only splashproof, dust-proof and drop-proof, but it can also handle a full drenching. Better yet, it can float, so it really is the ideal poolside companion.

5

ABILITY TO CONNECT

For the ultimate pool party experience, consider a speaker that can be paired with multiple other speakers to create a continuous wall of sound. Using the UE Boom app, MEGABOOM 4 can be connected to other Boom speakers at the touch of the button – perfect for keeping a consistent flow between speakers inside and out to give the atmosphere that extra umph.

6

APPEARANCE

We know you shouldn’t judge a speaker by its appearance, but we can’t help ourselves. Who doesn’t want a chic speaker that aligns with the aesthetic of your party theme or home decor?

MEGABOOM 4 speakers come in a range of colours – from Active Black

to Cobalt Blue, Raspberry Red and Enchanting Lilac. There’s something to suit every taste, regardless of whether you want your sound system to stand out or blend in.

Better yet, they’re made of a minimum of 54 per cent postconsumer recycled plastic by weight, and designed to be recycled at the end of their lives as well. Bonus points to Ultimate Ears for their sustainability.

TIME TO PARTY

Ticking all the boxes for your next pool party-proof Bluetooth speaker, bring the boom with the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4.

SCAN HERE TO GET THE PARTY STARTED

Now that you’ve got your Bluetooth speaker covered, it’s time to start on the playlist. How about we kick things off with the old-school favourite ‘Boom! Shake the Room’?

9

BRING THE BOOM:

The ultimate guide to finding your poolside speaker It’s pool party season, which means you need the perfect playlist - and a speaker that will do it justice

S

ummer is here, and you know what that means … it’s pool party time! Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Aussie Christmas swim, or simply having fun with some friends, ’tis the season to dive into that pool. But before you send out the invites and retrieve your swimsuit from the back of the cupboard, you’ll want to make sure you have the party playlist sorted and a Bluetooth speaker that will go the distance.

When it comes to choosing the perfect pool speaker, there are a few key features to look out for before hitting play on your purchase.

1

SOUND QUALITY

Whether you’re all about the bass or can’t go past a catchy pop tune (we hear you, Swifties), you’ll want a speaker that produces a clear, balanced sound. And because you’ll be pumping those tunes outdoors, loud volume capability is also a must.

Cylindrical speakers, like Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4, also offer 360-degree sound, so you can keep the groove going whether you’re working the barbecue, sunbaking on the deck or splashing around in the pool.

2

PORTABILITY

Probably one of the key benefits of a Bluetooth speaker is its portability, so in this instance size really does matter. When tossing up which speaker to buy (literally, if you’d like, with the drop-proof MEGABOOM 4), we suggest choosing one you can easily hold in your hand.

While a larger speaker will often mean a bigger sound and larger battery (and therefore longer playing power), it’s less practical when it comes to trips to the beach, park or even in the office.

3

BATTERY LIFE

Thanks to those long summer days, you can keep the party going from early to late, so you’ll want your speaker to be able to do the same. The MEGABOOM 4 boasts a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will play for an epic 20 hours on a single charge, which means it has a good chance of out-partying your guests.

8

“Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Aussie Christmas swim or simply having fun with some friends, ’tis the season to dive into that pool.”

4

DURABILITY

Traditionally water and technology do not mix, but these days most Bluetooth speakers are more robust and less susceptible to damage. To determine a device’s water-resistance levels, look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating – the higher the rating, the higher the degree of protection and moisture resistance. With a rating of IP67, the MEGABOOM 4 is not only splashproof, dust-proof and drop-proof, but it can also handle a full drenching. Better yet, it can float, so it really is the ideal poolside companion.

5

ABILITY TO CONNECT

For the ultimate pool party experience, consider a speaker that can be paired with multiple other speakers to create a continuous wall of sound. Using the UE Boom app, MEGABOOM 4 can be connected to other Boom speakers at the touch of the button – perfect for keeping a consistent flow between speakers inside and out to give the atmosphere that extra umph.

6

APPEARANCE

We know you shouldn’t judge a speaker by its appearance, but we can’t help ourselves. Who doesn’t want a chic speaker that aligns with the aesthetic of your party theme or home decor?

MEGABOOM 4 speakers come in a range of colours – from Active Black

to Cobalt Blue, Raspberry Red and Enchanting Lilac. There’s something to suit every taste, regardless of whether you want your sound system to stand out or blend in.

Better yet, they’re made of a minimum of 54 per cent postconsumer recycled plastic by weight, and designed to be recycled at the end of their lives as well. Bonus points to Ultimate Ears for their sustainability.

TIME TO PARTY

Ticking all the boxes for your next pool party-proof Bluetooth speaker, bring the boom with the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4.

SCAN HERE TO GET THE PARTY STARTED

Now that you’ve got your Bluetooth speaker covered, it’s time to start on the playlist. How about we kick things off with the old-school favourite ‘Boom! Shake the Room’?

9

SLUG

SLUG

META QUEST 3S:

Transform your reality

“This summer, Australian readers are set to turn over three billion pages on their Kindle devices, as Amazon’s new Kindle lineup arrives just in time for the Christmas season.”

Instead of just escaping the summer heat this Christmas, you can escape reality from the comfort of your lounge room with the new Meta Quest 3S

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT:

Summer reading gets an upgrade with Amazon’s new Kindle range As Aussies prepare for the Christmas season, the all-new Kindle family arrives as the perfect blend of innovation and tradition

P

icture this: lounging by the pool with your favourite novel, after unwrapping a sleek new reading device on Christmas morning.

This summer, Australian readers are set to turn more than three billion pages on their Kindle devices, as Amazon’s new Kindle lineup arrives just in time for the Christmas season with the perfect blend of innovation and tradition.

Whether you’re reading “A Christmas Carol” by the beach or jotting down summer memories with the Kindle Scribe, these devices promise to make this festive season one for the books.

After all, what better present could there be than thousands of stories at your fingertips?

10

THE POCKET-SIZED WONDER: KINDLE IN FESTIVE MATCHA

Like a perfectly wrapped present, the new entry-level Kindle comes in a fresh matcha colour that captures the spirit of an Aussie Christmas.

Weighing just 158g – lighter than a Christmas pudding – this compact companion slips easily into beach bags and stockings alike. With its 300ppi glare-free display and enhanced front light, you can read comfortably no matter the hour.

THE SPEED CHAMPION: KINDLE PAPERWHITE

Santa’s sleigh isn’t the only thing moving faster this year. The beloved Kindle Paperwhite now turns pages 25% faster, as well as featuring the largest display in Paperwhite history at

seven inches - all while keeping a slim profile that makes it the thinnest Paperwhite ever. With up to three months of battery life, it’ll take you well beyond the festive season.

THE PREMIUM PRESENT: KINDLE PAPERWHITE SIGNATURE EDITION

For those on your ‘extra nice’ list, the Signature Edition sparkles in Metallic Jade (exclusive to Amazon.com.au) and Metallic Black.

With 32GB of storage, wireless charging, and an auto-adjusting front light, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

THE CREATIVE’S DREAM: KINDLE SCRIBE

Like finding the perfect gift you didn’t know you needed, the Kindle Scribe

revolutionises digital reading by combining a premium e-reader with an innovative digital notebook. Its 10.2-inch display, featuring uniform white borders and a paper-like feel, makes both reading and writing feel naturally festive.

The included premium pen never requires charging and comes with a soft-tipped eraser that makes writing your Christmas wish list a breeze.

Make this Christmas unforgettable with a gift that brings joy all year round – the new Kindle lineup, available now on Amazon.com.au.

SCAN HERE FOR A SUMMER OF STORIES

T

he Meta Quest 3S is a gift the whole family will love to see under the tree this year, offering unreal experiences at an unreal price.

IMMERSE YOURSELF

Every member of your family will love unlocking new ways to work, play, relax and socialise, and unlike older virtual reality experiences, the Meta Quest 3S allows you to blend reality with a truly immersive experience.

Using the Quest 3S’s full-colour Passthrough mixed reality capabilities, you can be cleaning the house, watching your favourite online creators, and messaging friends at the same time with multi-screen browsing.

You can also escape reality by turning any room into your own personal theatre or gaming den, linking your Quest 3S with your Xbox Cloud Gaming library or using the browser window to watch Netflix and Prime Video.

You can even work off Christmas lunch with a virtual personal trainer in some of the world’s most stunning locations, all without going out into the stifling summer heat.

NEW WAYS TO WORK AND PLAY

The kids can get a jumpstart on the new school year with some incredible learning apps sure to ignite their love of history, learning languages, or conducting science experiments, while parents can collaborate with colleagues or host a meeting in Meta Horizon Workrooms.

After the work is done, there is plenty of scope for the family to spend some quality time playing games or working out together.

Thanks to its incredible price point, the Meta Quest 3S is the ultimate headset for mixed reality and immersive experiences everyone will love, whether it’s fun for the whole family or a way to get a much needed break from the Christmas chaos.

“Escape reality completely by turning any room into your own personal theatre or gaming den.”

SCAN HERE TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC FOR YOURSELF

11

SLUG

SLUG

META QUEST 3S:

Transform your reality

“This summer, Australian readers are set to turn over three billion pages on their Kindle devices, as Amazon’s new Kindle lineup arrives just in time for the Christmas season.”

Instead of just escaping the summer heat this Christmas, you can escape reality from the comfort of your lounge room with the new Meta Quest 3S

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT:

Summer reading gets an upgrade with Amazon’s new Kindle range As Aussies prepare for the Christmas season, the all-new Kindle family arrives as the perfect blend of innovation and tradition

P

icture this: lounging by the pool with your favourite novel, after unwrapping a sleek new reading device on Christmas morning.

This summer, Australian readers are set to turn more than three billion pages on their Kindle devices, as Amazon’s new Kindle lineup arrives just in time for the Christmas season with the perfect blend of innovation and tradition.

Whether you’re reading “A Christmas Carol” by the beach or jotting down summer memories with the Kindle Scribe, these devices promise to make this festive season one for the books.

After all, what better present could there be than thousands of stories at your fingertips?

10

THE POCKET-SIZED WONDER: KINDLE IN FESTIVE MATCHA

Like a perfectly wrapped present, the new entry-level Kindle comes in a fresh matcha colour that captures the spirit of an Aussie Christmas.

Weighing just 158g – lighter than a Christmas pudding – this compact companion slips easily into beach bags and stockings alike. With its 300ppi glare-free display and enhanced front light, you can read comfortably no matter the hour.

THE SPEED CHAMPION: KINDLE PAPERWHITE

Santa’s sleigh isn’t the only thing moving faster this year. The beloved Kindle Paperwhite now turns pages 25% faster, as well as featuring the largest display in Paperwhite history at

seven inches - all while keeping a slim profile that makes it the thinnest Paperwhite ever. With up to three months of battery life, it’ll take you well beyond the festive season.

THE PREMIUM PRESENT: KINDLE PAPERWHITE SIGNATURE EDITION

For those on your ‘extra nice’ list, the Signature Edition sparkles in Metallic Jade (exclusive to Amazon.com.au) and Metallic Black.

With 32GB of storage, wireless charging, and an auto-adjusting front light, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

THE CREATIVE’S DREAM: KINDLE SCRIBE

Like finding the perfect gift you didn’t know you needed, the Kindle Scribe

revolutionises digital reading by combining a premium e-reader with an innovative digital notebook. Its 10.2-inch display, featuring uniform white borders and a paper-like feel, makes both reading and writing feel naturally festive.

The included premium pen never requires charging and comes with a soft-tipped eraser that makes writing your Christmas wish list a breeze.

Make this Christmas unforgettable with a gift that brings joy all year round – the new Kindle lineup, available now on Amazon.com.au.

SCAN HERE FOR A SUMMER OF STORIES

T

he Meta Quest 3S is a gift the whole family will love to see under the tree this year, offering unreal experiences at an unreal price.

IMMERSE YOURSELF

Every member of your family will love unlocking new ways to work, play, relax and socialise, and unlike older virtual reality experiences, the Meta Quest 3S allows you to blend reality with a truly immersive experience.

Using the Quest 3S’s full-colour Passthrough mixed reality capabilities, you can be cleaning the house, watching your favourite online creators, and messaging friends at the same time with multi-screen browsing.

You can also escape reality by turning any room into your own personal theatre or gaming den, linking your Quest 3S with your Xbox Cloud Gaming library or using the browser window to watch Netflix and Prime Video.

You can even work off Christmas lunch with a virtual personal trainer in some of the world’s most stunning locations, all without going out into the stifling summer heat.

NEW WAYS TO WORK AND PLAY

The kids can get a jumpstart on the new school year with some incredible learning apps sure to ignite their love of history, learning languages, or conducting science experiments, while parents can collaborate with colleagues or host a meeting in Meta Horizon Workrooms.

After the work is done, there is plenty of scope for the family to spend some quality time playing games or working out together.

Thanks to its incredible price point, the Meta Quest 3S is the ultimate headset for mixed reality and immersive experiences everyone will love, whether it’s fun for the whole family or a way to get a much needed break from the Christmas chaos.

“Escape reality completely by turning any room into your own personal theatre or gaming den.”

SCAN HERE TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC FOR YOURSELF

11

Deck the halls

“Layering a tablecloth and using linen for both it and the napkins can produce a stunning effect.”

Interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer shares his top tips for making your festive decorating the talk of all your friends and family

F

or interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer, there’s no one right way to celebrate Christmas.

“Christmas is so many different things to different people,” he muses, adding that the way you decorate for the festive season is reflective of your own personality, lifestyle and values.

“That’s what you want to focus on when you’re putting your home together for Christmas – does this feel like my idea of festivities, and does it suit the people that are going to be coming into my home, and will I be making them feel the way that I want them to feel, which is hopefully welcomed, lively, full of love, full of joy, of all the gratitude that Christmas should bring.”

need to break the bank.

“It’s the same principle as doing a house: it’s a mix of beautiful expensive things and everyday inexpensive things,” Darren explains, adding that inexpensive multipacks of baubles and decorations from the big retailers are a great starting point for a new colour palette.

“I think if you can mix things together and have the bulk of it as inexpensive, very good stuff that you can buy anywhere, and then have a few special things you can draw your eye to, that elevates everything.”

BRINGING THE FESTIVE SPIRIT INTO YOUR HOME

12

A DELIGHTFUL FESTIVE TABLE

PHOTO CREDIT: YOURTOWN

With this in mind, Darren still has some hot tips for decorating your house this Christmas in style, starting with the tree.

“If you’re using Christmas baubles and they’re different sizes, the smaller ones go at the top and the bigger ones at the bottom – and you taper them in between,” he says. “There needs to be some graduation of the size in between to break them up, but that change of scale does visually give you all the weight at the bottom and the elegance and delicateness at the top [which] looks really good, that sort of forced perspective.”

Darren also recommends picking a colour and texture palette and sticking with it throughout your decorating. This can be colours such as gold and black; blue, white and silver; or traditional greens and reds – or textures such as driftwood or natives.

This then can become your theme for the year, used with anything from the Christmas tree down to the table setting. That being said, even if you’re starting from scratch, it doesn’t

It’s a similar philosophy to creating a stunning Christmas table setting.

“You have your set of parameters and going, okay this is a theme for this year, this is the colour palette for this year, and then you can play that through onto your table,” Darren says.

This also doesn’t necessarily mean spending big on updating your crockery or cutlery.

“The crockery isn’t that important to me ... white plates do the job beautifully, and you can really elevate a table with different coloured metallic cutlery – so I’ve got a gold set that we use for Christmas quite often, but again it’s whatever retail is selling that you can go ‘okay, that works within my colour palette’,” he explains.

Layering a tablecloth and using linen for both it and the napkins can

produce a stunning effect, while Darren also strongly recommends napkin rings.

“Napkin rings and linen napkins, they look really classy on a table,” he says. “I like to get Australian natives inserted into the napkin ring, so it might be a eucalyptus or rosemary sprig or whatever is flowering at the time – just putting a little botanical in the napkin ring with the napkin on the side plate looks really elegant.”

One more essential for a festive table setting is good quality bon bons or Christmas crackers that will look stunning on the table and add a pop of colour.

“That sort of helps add a bit of a festive spirit to your table, and then leaving space for food; obviously it’s really important to elevate your food – like cake trays, giving different layers of height on your table,” Darren says, adding that height can also be added by using candlesticks, branches or blossoms.

REFRESH YOUR LIVING SPACE FOR LESS

Of course, it’s not only Christmas that is important to redecorate for – as the weather gets much warmer, many people also want to freshen up their living space with a cool and clean look.

Colour and material palettes are once again essential in this, as well as having a focal point within the room.

“That could be an art piece, it

Clockwise from top left: Christmas Concepts Pack of 5 100mm Large Baubles; Plobeca Home Linen Napkins Set of 4; Real Marble Cake Stand by Balin Designs; Teemyaa Globe String Lights; 10” Christmas Party Table Favor (12 Pack).

DARREN’S FESTIVE FAVOURITES

could be the rug, it could be even just a really lovely floral bouquet – but having something that draws your eye to it, and then sort of expanding your palette out across the soft furnishing and decor, that’s the easiest way to upgrade a space whatever season,” Darren enthuses.

“By changing your decor – so that’s books, candles, diffusers, cushions, soft furnishings, rugs – and leaving furniture as they are, you can really change the look and feel of the room with the minimum amount of spend.

“That will give you a big change in direction and a change in mood in a space,” he says.

Decorating style: It’s definitely minimalist, but it’s more maximalist with [my son], very chaotic, very colourful.

Favourite decoration: It doesn’t feel like Christmas until there’s a Christmas tree!

Opinion on tinsel: I’m for tinsel – not the tinsel that you wrap around the trees so much, but tinsel icicles that are super chic, really elegant.

SCAN HERE TO EXPLORE DARREN’S PICKS ON HIS AMAZON STOREFRONT

13

Deck the halls

“Layering a tablecloth and using linen for both it and the napkins can produce a stunning effect.”

Interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer shares his top tips for making your festive decorating the talk of all your friends and family

F

or interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer, there’s no one right way to celebrate Christmas.

“Christmas is so many different things to different people,” he muses, adding that the way you decorate for the festive season is reflective of your own personality, lifestyle and values.

“That’s what you want to focus on when you’re putting your home together for Christmas – does this feel like my idea of festivities, and does it suit the people that are going to be coming into my home, and will I be making them feel the way that I want them to feel, which is hopefully welcomed, lively, full of love, full of joy, of all the gratitude that Christmas should bring.”

need to break the bank.

“It’s the same principle as doing a house: it’s a mix of beautiful expensive things and everyday inexpensive things,” Darren explains, adding that inexpensive multipacks of baubles and decorations from the big retailers are a great starting point for a new colour palette.

“I think if you can mix things together and have the bulk of it as inexpensive, very good stuff that you can buy anywhere, and then have a few special things you can draw your eye to, that elevates everything.”

BRINGING THE FESTIVE SPIRIT INTO YOUR HOME

12

A DELIGHTFUL FESTIVE TABLE

PHOTO CREDIT: YOURTOWN

With this in mind, Darren still has some hot tips for decorating your house this Christmas in style, starting with the tree.

“If you’re using Christmas baubles and they’re different sizes, the smaller ones go at the top and the bigger ones at the bottom – and you taper them in between,” he says. “There needs to be some graduation of the size in between to break them up, but that change of scale does visually give you all the weight at the bottom and the elegance and delicateness at the top [which] looks really good, that sort of forced perspective.”

Darren also recommends picking a colour and texture palette and sticking with it throughout your decorating. This can be colours such as gold and black; blue, white and silver; or traditional greens and reds – or textures such as driftwood or natives.

This then can become your theme for the year, used with anything from the Christmas tree down to the table setting. That being said, even if you’re starting from scratch, it doesn’t

It’s a similar philosophy to creating a stunning Christmas table setting.

“You have your set of parameters and going, okay this is a theme for this year, this is the colour palette for this year, and then you can play that through onto your table,” Darren says.

This also doesn’t necessarily mean spending big on updating your crockery or cutlery.

“The crockery isn’t that important to me ... white plates do the job beautifully, and you can really elevate a table with different coloured metallic cutlery – so I’ve got a gold set that we use for Christmas quite often, but again it’s whatever retail is selling that you can go ‘okay, that works within my colour palette’,” he explains.

Layering a tablecloth and using linen for both it and the napkins can

produce a stunning effect, while Darren also strongly recommends napkin rings.

“Napkin rings and linen napkins, they look really classy on a table,” he says. “I like to get Australian natives inserted into the napkin ring, so it might be a eucalyptus or rosemary sprig or whatever is flowering at the time – just putting a little botanical in the napkin ring with the napkin on the side plate looks really elegant.”

One more essential for a festive table setting is good quality bon bons or Christmas crackers that will look stunning on the table and add a pop of colour.

“That sort of helps add a bit of a festive spirit to your table, and then leaving space for food; obviously it’s really important to elevate your food – like cake trays, giving different layers of height on your table,” Darren says, adding that height can also be added by using candlesticks, branches or blossoms.

REFRESH YOUR LIVING SPACE FOR LESS

Of course, it’s not only Christmas that is important to redecorate for – as the weather gets much warmer, many people also want to freshen up their living space with a cool and clean look.

Colour and material palettes are once again essential in this, as well as having a focal point within the room.

“That could be an art piece, it

Clockwise from top left: Christmas Concepts Pack of 5 100mm Large Baubles; Plobeca Home Linen Napkins Set of 4; Real Marble Cake Stand by Balin Designs; Teemyaa Globe String Lights; 10” Christmas Party Table Favor (12 Pack).

DARREN’S FESTIVE FAVOURITES

could be the rug, it could be even just a really lovely floral bouquet – but having something that draws your eye to it, and then sort of expanding your palette out across the soft furnishing and decor, that’s the easiest way to upgrade a space whatever season,” Darren enthuses.

“By changing your decor – so that’s books, candles, diffusers, cushions, soft furnishings, rugs – and leaving furniture as they are, you can really change the look and feel of the room with the minimum amount of spend.

“That will give you a big change in direction and a change in mood in a space,” he says.

Decorating style: It’s definitely minimalist, but it’s more maximalist with [my son], very chaotic, very colourful.

Favourite decoration: It doesn’t feel like Christmas until there’s a Christmas tree!

Opinion on tinsel: I’m for tinsel – not the tinsel that you wrap around the trees so much, but tinsel icicles that are super chic, really elegant.

SCAN HERE TO EXPLORE DARREN’S PICKS ON HIS AMAZON STOREFRONT

13

A

ngus and Julia Stone share a rare musical bond, a connection that’s both deeply interwoven yet distinctively their own.

As siblings, their voices blend with a natural, organic harmony that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to their music.

Angus’ husky, laid-back voice blends perfectly with Julia’s airy, ethereal tones, creating a complementary contrast that is central to their distinct sound that has taken them around the world, and back again.

Their journey so far has been rich and varied – from landing a record deal and moving to London, to spending two years in LA working with super producer Rick Rubin and making music in Paris, Berlin, Egypt, and New York, before building a studio in the NSW hinterland.

Angus and Julia recall nostalgic holiday memories

Post-Christmas clean gets an upgrade

Siblings capture holiday nostalgia with heartfelt new track, The Christmas Song (Amazon Music Original)

Introducing the Wash G1™, Dyson’s first wet floor cleaner

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF AN AUSSIE CHRISTMAS

Their latest release, The Christmas Song (Amazon Music Original), captures the heartfelt essence of the season through an Australian lens of hot summer days, familiar stories and sun-soaked family gatherings.

Produced by Ben Edgar and Angus and Julia Stone, and mixed by Ellis Tucker, the track celebrates tradition, family, and the bonds that tie them together.

“We wanted to create a song that felt like what Christmas means to us now and meant to us growing up,” they share. “Hot summer days, the family lying in the sun, the familiarity of the same old stories… same old songs.

“When we wrote this, it felt nostalgic of that time, every year, where no matter what’s going on, we come back together as a family and reconnect.”

The Christmas Song captures the magic of those cherished traditions that feel like home, and in true Angus and Julia style, it’s a celebration of love, connection and the beauty of coming together.

FESTIVE VIBES

Discover Angus and Julia Stone’s warm and natural sound for yourself on Amazon Music, including The Christmas Song (Amazon Music Original).

SCAN HERE TO LISTEN TO THE CHRISTMAS SONG (AMAZON MUSIC ORIGINAL), AND OTHER FESTIVE PLAYLISTS

14

“ PULL QUOTE UCIA NEC TOTATUR? QUIDUNTIO INC TATEM ID MI, QUE E AQUI

C

hristmas is a fun-filled time with plenty of visitors, the whole family at home and everyone enjoying quality time together - but it all comes at the cost of a lot more foot traffic around the family home.

Take the stress out of the postChristmas clean-up this year by gifting yourself the Wash G1TM, Dyson’s first wet floor cleaner.

Dyson has long been one of the most trusted household names in cleaning, and the Wash G1TM is living up to the hype.

CLEANER FLOORS WITH EASE

With the cutting-edge performance, ease of use, and superior hygiene benefits of the Wash G1TM, you can effortlessly have stunningly clean floors, even underneath the furniture.

Rather than suction power that can both complicate cleaning by having wash phases and vacuum phases, not to mention releasing unpleasant odours, the Wash G1TM cleans consistently with fresh water and uses extraction plate technology to extract dirty water as you go.

The Wash G1™ also features three fantastic hydration modes, depending on your level of mess, to create hassle-free cleaning.

BUILT-IN HYGIENE

The Dyson Wash G1TM also separates the dirty water from the debris for easy and hygienic disposal, and features a self-cleaning mode that flushes the system ready for the next use.

In addition, the intricate design of the Wash G1TM was created without sharp surfaces or crevices to lessen the unsightly and unhygienic dirt and grime build-up common in most wet floor cleaners. This means you can easily wipe all surfaces – making it the perfect hard floor cleaner without the usual downsides.

Unlike the old mop and bucket, the Dyson Wash G1TM washes floors effortlessly with clean water from start to finish, and just one litre of water can clean up to 290sq m of floor with sparkling results and exceptional hygiene.

Whether your floor needs a quick maintenance clean, the kids have

“Just one litre of water in the Wash G1TM can clean up to 290sq m of floor with sparkling results and exceptional hygiene.” redecorated with chip crumbs or cereal, someone has spilled the cranberry sauce from Christmas lunch, or you need to deep clean tough stains, the Wash G1TM is the perfect solution for any hard floor.

Do yourself a favour this Christmas and upgrade to effortless cleaning with superior results so you can spend more time making memories with your family and less time worrying about the mess.

WASH G1™

Whether your floor just needs a quick clean before guests or someone has spilled the cranberry sauce from Christmas lunch, the Wash G1TM is the perfect solution for any hard floor.

SCAN HERE TO UPGRADE TO EFFORTLESS CLEANING THIS CHRISTMAS

15

A

ngus and Julia Stone share a rare musical bond, a connection that’s both deeply interwoven yet distinctively their own.

As siblings, their voices blend with a natural, organic harmony that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to their music.

Angus’ husky, laid-back voice blends perfectly with Julia’s airy, ethereal tones, creating a complementary contrast that is central to their distinct sound that has taken them around the world, and back again.

Their journey so far has been rich and varied – from landing a record deal and moving to London, to spending two years in LA working with super producer Rick Rubin and making music in Paris, Berlin, Egypt, and New York, before building a studio in the NSW hinterland.

Angus and Julia recall nostalgic holiday memories

Post-Christmas clean gets an upgrade

Siblings capture holiday nostalgia with heartfelt new track, The Christmas Song (Amazon Music Original)

Introducing the Wash G1™, Dyson’s first wet floor cleaner

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF AN AUSSIE CHRISTMAS

Their latest release, The Christmas Song (Amazon Music Original), captures the heartfelt essence of the season through an Australian lens of hot summer days, familiar stories and sun-soaked family gatherings.

Produced by Ben Edgar and Angus and Julia Stone, and mixed by Ellis Tucker, the track celebrates tradition, family, and the bonds that tie them together.

“We wanted to create a song that felt like what Christmas means to us now and meant to us growing up,” they share. “Hot summer days, the family lying in the sun, the familiarity of the same old stories… same old songs.

“When we wrote this, it felt nostalgic of that time, every year, where no matter what’s going on, we come back together as a family and reconnect.”

The Christmas Song captures the magic of those cherished traditions that feel like home, and in true Angus and Julia style, it’s a celebration of love, connection and the beauty of coming together.

FESTIVE VIBES

Discover Angus and Julia Stone’s warm and natural sound for yourself on Amazon Music, including The Christmas Song (Amazon Music Original).

SCAN HERE TO LISTEN TO THE CHRISTMAS SONG (AMAZON MUSIC ORIGINAL), AND OTHER FESTIVE PLAYLISTS

14

“ PULL QUOTE UCIA NEC TOTATUR? QUIDUNTIO INC TATEM ID MI, QUE E AQUI

C

hristmas is a fun-filled time with plenty of visitors, the whole family at home and everyone enjoying quality time together - but it all comes at the cost of a lot more foot traffic around the family home.

Take the stress out of the postChristmas clean-up this year by gifting yourself the Wash G1TM, Dyson’s first wet floor cleaner.

Dyson has long been one of the most trusted household names in cleaning, and the Wash G1TM is living up to the hype.

CLEANER FLOORS WITH EASE

With the cutting-edge performance, ease of use, and superior hygiene benefits of the Wash G1TM, you can effortlessly have stunningly clean floors, even underneath the furniture.

Rather than suction power that can both complicate cleaning by having wash phases and vacuum phases, not to mention releasing unpleasant odours, the Wash G1TM cleans consistently with fresh water and uses extraction plate technology to extract dirty water as you go.

The Wash G1™ also features three fantastic hydration modes, depending on your level of mess, to create hassle-free cleaning.

BUILT-IN HYGIENE

The Dyson Wash G1TM also separates the dirty water from the debris for easy and hygienic disposal, and features a self-cleaning mode that flushes the system ready for the next use.

In addition, the intricate design of the Wash G1TM was created without sharp surfaces or crevices to lessen the unsightly and unhygienic dirt and grime build-up common in most wet floor cleaners. This means you can easily wipe all surfaces – making it the perfect hard floor cleaner without the usual downsides.

Unlike the old mop and bucket, the Dyson Wash G1TM washes floors effortlessly with clean water from start to finish, and just one litre of water can clean up to 290sq m of floor with sparkling results and exceptional hygiene.

Whether your floor needs a quick maintenance clean, the kids have

“Just one litre of water in the Wash G1TM can clean up to 290sq m of floor with sparkling results and exceptional hygiene.” redecorated with chip crumbs or cereal, someone has spilled the cranberry sauce from Christmas lunch, or you need to deep clean tough stains, the Wash G1TM is the perfect solution for any hard floor.

Do yourself a favour this Christmas and upgrade to effortless cleaning with superior results so you can spend more time making memories with your family and less time worrying about the mess.

WASH G1™

Whether your floor just needs a quick clean before guests or someone has spilled the cranberry sauce from Christmas lunch, the Wash G1TM is the perfect solution for any hard floor.

SCAN HERE TO UPGRADE TO EFFORTLESS CLEANING THIS CHRISTMAS

15

AMAZON AUSTRALIA’S 2024 OFFICIAL PLAYMAKERS

Amazon Playmaker Ambassador Charli Robinson.

Oliver, 10, Sydney

Tom, 9, Sydney

Lucy, 5, Sydney

“My favourite toy is definitely the Despicable Me Ultimate Fart Blaster, which I can play with my brothers around the holidays.”

“I especially love the Bitzee toy as I can look after it, and it reminds me of toys I had when I was younger.”

“I love the Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn because when you pat it, it shines. I also love the Furby because it talks to me, for real life!”

Maddie, 7, Sydney

Alice, 6, Brisbane

Daniel, 10, Brisbane

“My ultimate favourite toy is the ice-cream slime kit because I can make whatever I want.”

“My favourite toy is the Unicorn Academy Doll and Horse toy because I can brush the horse’s hair.”

“My favourite toy has to be the Vtech Kidizoom because it’s the first camera I’ve owned, and I love being creative”

Elijah, 8, Melbourne

Priya, 5, Melbourne

Hailey, 5, Perth

“The Monster Jam truck is my favourite because I can drive it around and make it do cool jumps and tricks around the backyard.”

“My favourite toy is the Barbie because she can do anything she wants.”

“My ultimate favourite toy is the Plush duck because it’s squishy and I love cuddling it.”

The ultimate toy test

Amazon Australia and Starlight Children’s Foundation partnered again this year to put the top 100 toys to the kid test while making a real difference in the lives of sick kids

W

ho better to judge the top 100 toys for 2024 than the kids who are going to be playing

with them?

For the sixth year running, Amazon Australia once again put the items on its 2024 Top 100 Toy list to the test by the Playmakers - nine children connected to Starlight Children’s Foundation’s programs around Australia.

For Amazon Playmaker ambassador and ex-Hi-5 member Charli Robinson, the Playmakers is truly something special and close to her heart.

GIVING JOY TO SICK KIDS

Now in her second year being involved with Amazon Playmakers, Charli says she feels honoured to be part of the special initiative.

“These kids don’t get to be playful

16

as often as they should because they feel so unwell, so what this was doing for them was just very heartwarming,” Charli enthuses.

“A couple of the parents that I was interviewing on-camera were in tears because this is the sort of thing that children deserve to feel – just that elation, joy, excitement – and for so many children, they don’t get to have that when they’re in hospital.”

The initiative gathers nine Starlight children across the country and provides them with a selection of toys from Amazon’s Top 100, which the children then get to play with and test in a Starlight Room.

“The anticipation of us working with them is just as exciting as the day, because remembering these children spend most of their days in and out of hospitals, sometimes they’re there for months on end and

it can become very tiresome and mundane and just repetitive for them in these hospital walls,” Charli says.

“Once we come together and we’re testing the toys, I just get to support them through that, play with them, find out why they like these toys, which one stands out for them.

“The best part is they get to do it with their siblings, so you find that the kids are really relaxed, and their parents are there with me as well. We just really get to see what the kids love about these toys.”

HARD WORK DONE FOR PARENTS

The only ‘downside’ to the whole process, Charli says, is that she gets so swept away she ends up spending way too much money by doing all her Christmas shopping.

“When I see the kids’ faces light

up – and it’s always the same sort of toys that they really love – I just have to get that for my little girls,” she laughs.

“So I guarantee it’s actually taken all the hard work out of Christmas for parents, because rather than just checking out the shopping catalogue, we’ve actually made children test these toys and find out which ones they love. And I definitely saw a pattern of which ones were their favourites, so that one’s under my tree.”

This year’s top 100 has also been grouped into the current toys trends for ease of use, with categories like sport, education, quiet time, animated icons, and toys under $25 making the cut.

Check out the full list and trends at www.amazon.com.au/ playmakers2024

A WORD FROM STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, LOUISE BAXTER

“Starlight is thrilled to again partner with Amazon Australia. Amazon Playmakers … means sick kids are the stars and to see the joy this brings to them and their families … to see the way they light up … this is everything. Giving seriously ill children a moment to simply be a child and forget about the pain and stress of treatment is exactly how Starlight changes lives everyday. We cannot thank Amazon enough for giving Starlight kids this experience.”

SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER THE ENTIRE PLAYMAKERS TOP 100 TOY LIST

17

AMAZON AUSTRALIA’S 2024 OFFICIAL PLAYMAKERS

Amazon Playmaker Ambassador Charli Robinson.

Oliver, 10, Sydney

Tom, 9, Sydney

Lucy, 5, Sydney

“My favourite toy is definitely the Despicable Me Ultimate Fart Blaster, which I can play with my brothers around the holidays.”

“I especially love the Bitzee toy as I can look after it, and it reminds me of toys I had when I was younger.”

“I love the Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn because when you pat it, it shines. I also love the Furby because it talks to me, for real life!”

Maddie, 7, Sydney

Alice, 6, Brisbane

Daniel, 10, Brisbane

“My ultimate favourite toy is the ice-cream slime kit because I can make whatever I want.”

“My favourite toy is the Unicorn Academy Doll and Horse toy because I can brush the horse’s hair.”

“My favourite toy has to be the Vtech Kidizoom because it’s the first camera I’ve owned, and I love being creative”

Elijah, 8, Melbourne

Priya, 5, Melbourne

Hailey, 5, Perth

“The Monster Jam truck is my favourite because I can drive it around and make it do cool jumps and tricks around the backyard.”

“My favourite toy is the Barbie because she can do anything she wants.”

“My ultimate favourite toy is the Plush duck because it’s squishy and I love cuddling it.”

The ultimate toy test

Amazon Australia and Starlight Children’s Foundation partnered again this year to put the top 100 toys to the kid test while making a real difference in the lives of sick kids

W

ho better to judge the top 100 toys for 2024 than the kids who are going to be playing

with them?

For the sixth year running, Amazon Australia once again put the items on its 2024 Top 100 Toy list to the test by the Playmakers - nine children connected to Starlight Children’s Foundation’s programs around Australia.

For Amazon Playmaker ambassador and ex-Hi-5 member Charli Robinson, the Playmakers is truly something special and close to her heart.

GIVING JOY TO SICK KIDS

Now in her second year being involved with Amazon Playmakers, Charli says she feels honoured to be part of the special initiative.

“These kids don’t get to be playful

16

as often as they should because they feel so unwell, so what this was doing for them was just very heartwarming,” Charli enthuses.

“A couple of the parents that I was interviewing on-camera were in tears because this is the sort of thing that children deserve to feel – just that elation, joy, excitement – and for so many children, they don’t get to have that when they’re in hospital.”

The initiative gathers nine Starlight children across the country and provides them with a selection of toys from Amazon’s Top 100, which the children then get to play with and test in a Starlight Room.

“The anticipation of us working with them is just as exciting as the day, because remembering these children spend most of their days in and out of hospitals, sometimes they’re there for months on end and

it can become very tiresome and mundane and just repetitive for them in these hospital walls,” Charli says.

“Once we come together and we’re testing the toys, I just get to support them through that, play with them, find out why they like these toys, which one stands out for them.

“The best part is they get to do it with their siblings, so you find that the kids are really relaxed, and their parents are there with me as well. We just really get to see what the kids love about these toys.”

HARD WORK DONE FOR PARENTS

The only ‘downside’ to the whole process, Charli says, is that she gets so swept away she ends up spending way too much money by doing all her Christmas shopping.

“When I see the kids’ faces light

up – and it’s always the same sort of toys that they really love – I just have to get that for my little girls,” she laughs.

“So I guarantee it’s actually taken all the hard work out of Christmas for parents, because rather than just checking out the shopping catalogue, we’ve actually made children test these toys and find out which ones they love. And I definitely saw a pattern of which ones were their favourites, so that one’s under my tree.”

This year’s top 100 has also been grouped into the current toys trends for ease of use, with categories like sport, education, quiet time, animated icons, and toys under $25 making the cut.

Check out the full list and trends at www.amazon.com.au/ playmakers2024

A WORD FROM STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, LOUISE BAXTER

“Starlight is thrilled to again partner with Amazon Australia. Amazon Playmakers … means sick kids are the stars and to see the joy this brings to them and their families … to see the way they light up … this is everything. Giving seriously ill children a moment to simply be a child and forget about the pain and stress of treatment is exactly how Starlight changes lives everyday. We cannot thank Amazon enough for giving Starlight kids this experience.”

SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER THE ENTIRE PLAYMAKERS TOP 100 TOY LIST

17

Aussie invention protecting against skin cancer goes global After losing his sister to melanoma, Raph McGowan invented an applicator to apply sunscreen to hard-to-reach spots

CHRISSY AIRFRYER HACKS

Simple airfryer hacks for a no-fuss Chrissy lunch This Christmas let your airfryer take centre stage in the kitchen, saving you time and turning leftovers into exciting, delicious dishes your family will love

T

his festive season, let your airfryer be the hero, giving you more time with loved ones by cooking tasty meals quickly, transforming leftovers into irresistible dishes they’ll adore, and reheating meals to crispy, juicy deliciousness.

AIRFRYERS AN AUSSIE STAPLE

With more than two million Philips airfryers sold in Australia, Aussies are embracing faster, healthier cooking – and with 19 cooking modes, the Philips Dual Basket Airfryer 5000 Series with steam is the ultimate kitchen companion. Whether you’re preparing a full meal from scratch or creating something from tasty

18

leftover ingredients, this space saving marvel will keep festive meal prep and cooking low-stress, getting you out of the kitchen and back to the party.

While you can easily transform leftovers into exciting new meals with your new airfryer - think veggie fritters or stuffed potato skins - why stop there? Here are just a few excellent hacks for your Christmas: Golden roast potatoes: Parboil potatoes, then coat them lightly with olive oil and herbs (try rosemary for that classic flavour). Air-fry at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through to get an even, crispy finish.

Honey-glazed carrots: Toss baby carrots in honey and a pinch of cinnamon, then air-fry at 180 degrees for 15 minutes for perfectly caramelised carrots.

Festive brussels sprouts with bacon: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and chopped bacon, then air-fry at 200 degrees for 12-15 minutes, shaking occasionally.

Air-fried pavlova: We hear you, but yes you can make mini pavlovas in an airfryer! Spoon meringue mixture onto baking paper, set airfryer to the lowest heat (around 100 degrees), and cook for 40-50 minutes until dry on the outside.

FROM IDEA TO INCEPTION

A MODE FOR EVERY METHOD

This advanced model airfryer can fry, bake, roast, stir fry, grill, reheat and even steam – all in one appliance. It’s super efficient too; you’ll cook up to 40 per cent faster and save up to 80% energy compared to your oven.

Thanks to its clever dual basket design (featuring 6L and 3L baskets), you can cook two separate dishes at once, perfectly synced to be ready at the same time.

A

nyone who’s experienced an Aussie summer knows how unforgiving our sun can be.

For Sunshine Coast entrepreneur Raph McGowan, the dangers of sun exposure hit really close to home.

After losing his sister Tess to melanoma at just 31, Raph created bakslap, an extendable applicator for applying sunscreen to hard-to-reach spots like the back and shoulder blades.

“After losing my sister, I wanted to do something innovative, as well as raise money and have events,” he says.

“I thought by having something practical, such as a way for people to apply sunscreen, but also the name being a little bit quirky would be a bit of a talking point – keeping that Australian feel to it.”

SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER THE PHILIPS DUAL BASKET AIRFRYER 5000 SERIES YOURSELF

Raph was dedicated to bringing bakslap to life, relocating from Sydney back to the Sunshine Coast, determined to grow his business and raise awareness about the risks of sun exposure.

“I wanted to make sure that this was a business, a brand and a message that I could grow not only in Australia but also take overseas, and I knew that that would take full-time commitment, not something I could just do on the side,” he explains.

Despite having no background in product development, Raph took on the challenge headfirst.

“Even if you have never come up with a product yourself, don’t let that stop you. You’ve always got those people with expertise around that you can draw upon.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

It took two years to bring bakslap to market, with funding one of Raph’s biggest challenges.

“I realised that when you have big aspirations or a business and product and you’re wanting to get it into pharmacies and online, it takes time, it takes money,” he recalls.

The applicator went through nine prototypes before its final design and is now used for sunscreen application, shower exfoliation, self-tanning, applying medical cream and helping elderly users reach difficult spots.

access to export markets has helped our business grow exponentially. Having Amazon as our partner to pick, pack and ship our product means bakslap is in the hands of our customers sooner than we could ever do on our own.”

Raph says Amazon has been invaluable in spreading the bakslap message.

“It allows us to have almost a full website within their platform and I really wanted to make sure we could use images, video and share our story. We’re really happy to use them as our growth strategy for e-commerce.”

THE AMAZON EDGE

The decision to launch bakslap on Amazon was an easy one for Raph, who recognised the platform’s vast reach and marketing power.

“We launched in the US in 2020, and we’ve been in Australia for almost three years now and the UK for 12 months,” he says.

“The inventory management, fulfilment, and

SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER BAKSLAP FOR YOURSELF AND STAY SUN SAFE THIS SUMMER

19

Aussie invention protecting against skin cancer goes global After losing his sister to melanoma, Raph McGowan invented an applicator to apply sunscreen to hard-to-reach spots

CHRISSY AIRFRYER HACKS

Simple airfryer hacks for a no-fuss Chrissy lunch This Christmas let your airfryer take centre stage in the kitchen, saving you time and turning leftovers into exciting, delicious dishes your family will love

T

his festive season, let your airfryer be the hero, giving you more time with loved ones by cooking tasty meals quickly, transforming leftovers into irresistible dishes they’ll adore, and reheating meals to crispy, juicy deliciousness.

AIRFRYERS AN AUSSIE STAPLE

With more than two million Philips airfryers sold in Australia, Aussies are embracing faster, healthier cooking – and with 19 cooking modes, the Philips Dual Basket Airfryer 5000 Series with steam is the ultimate kitchen companion. Whether you’re preparing a full meal from scratch or creating something from tasty

18

leftover ingredients, this space saving marvel will keep festive meal prep and cooking low-stress, getting you out of the kitchen and back to the party.

While you can easily transform leftovers into exciting new meals with your new airfryer - think veggie fritters or stuffed potato skins - why stop there? Here are just a few excellent hacks for your Christmas: Golden roast potatoes: Parboil potatoes, then coat them lightly with olive oil and herbs (try rosemary for that classic flavour). Air-fry at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through to get an even, crispy finish.

Honey-glazed carrots: Toss baby carrots in honey and a pinch of cinnamon, then air-fry at 180 degrees for 15 minutes for perfectly caramelised carrots.

Festive brussels sprouts with bacon: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and chopped bacon, then air-fry at 200 degrees for 12-15 minutes, shaking occasionally.

Air-fried pavlova: We hear you, but yes you can make mini pavlovas in an airfryer! Spoon meringue mixture onto baking paper, set airfryer to the lowest heat (around 100 degrees), and cook for 40-50 minutes until dry on the outside.

FROM IDEA TO INCEPTION

A MODE FOR EVERY METHOD

This advanced model airfryer can fry, bake, roast, stir fry, grill, reheat and even steam – all in one appliance. It’s super efficient too; you’ll cook up to 40 per cent faster and save up to 80% energy compared to your oven.

Thanks to its clever dual basket design (featuring 6L and 3L baskets), you can cook two separate dishes at once, perfectly synced to be ready at the same time.

A

nyone who’s experienced an Aussie summer knows how unforgiving our sun can be.

For Sunshine Coast entrepreneur Raph McGowan, the dangers of sun exposure hit really close to home.

After losing his sister Tess to melanoma at just 31, Raph created bakslap, an extendable applicator for applying sunscreen to hard-to-reach spots like the back and shoulder blades.

“After losing my sister, I wanted to do something innovative, as well as raise money and have events,” he says.

“I thought by having something practical, such as a way for people to apply sunscreen, but also the name being a little bit quirky would be a bit of a talking point – keeping that Australian feel to it.”

SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER THE PHILIPS DUAL BASKET AIRFRYER 5000 SERIES YOURSELF

Raph was dedicated to bringing bakslap to life, relocating from Sydney back to the Sunshine Coast, determined to grow his business and raise awareness about the risks of sun exposure.

“I wanted to make sure that this was a business, a brand and a message that I could grow not only in Australia but also take overseas, and I knew that that would take full-time commitment, not something I could just do on the side,” he explains.

Despite having no background in product development, Raph took on the challenge headfirst.

“Even if you have never come up with a product yourself, don’t let that stop you. You’ve always got those people with expertise around that you can draw upon.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

It took two years to bring bakslap to market, with funding one of Raph’s biggest challenges.

“I realised that when you have big aspirations or a business and product and you’re wanting to get it into pharmacies and online, it takes time, it takes money,” he recalls.

The applicator went through nine prototypes before its final design and is now used for sunscreen application, shower exfoliation, self-tanning, applying medical cream and helping elderly users reach difficult spots.

access to export markets has helped our business grow exponentially. Having Amazon as our partner to pick, pack and ship our product means bakslap is in the hands of our customers sooner than we could ever do on our own.”

Raph says Amazon has been invaluable in spreading the bakslap message.

“It allows us to have almost a full website within their platform and I really wanted to make sure we could use images, video and share our story. We’re really happy to use them as our growth strategy for e-commerce.”

THE AMAZON EDGE

The decision to launch bakslap on Amazon was an easy one for Raph, who recognised the platform’s vast reach and marketing power.

“We launched in the US in 2020, and we’ve been in Australia for almost three years now and the UK for 12 months,” he says.

“The inventory management, fulfilment, and

SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER BAKSLAP FOR YOURSELF AND STAY SUN SAFE THIS SUMMER

19

INTERNET FAVOURITE GIFTS

Handpicked by influencers

Buy with confidence For the 2024 holiday season, most of the items purchased on Amazon.com.au between Friday 1 November, and Tuesday 31 December 2024 can be returned for change-of-mind until Friday 31 January 2025.

Sunbeam All-In-One 10L Air Fryer Oven

Shannon Grixti “The PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller is the perfect gift for the techhead in your life as it’s fully customisable and lets you take your game to the next level.”

AdrianWidjy (Places in Sydney) “My ultimate Christmas gift will be this all-in-one air fryer oven. Perfect for entertaining as it can even cook a whole chicken [and] grill and bake as well.”

PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge Wireless Controller

Hassle-free holidays with Prime

Leigh Campbell “I know people don’t think a water bottle is the most exciting gift but I can guarantee these are the best … I always get asked about my Owala when I carry it with me (which is always).”

Emma Meyer (Play at Home Mummy)

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Win a $1,000 Amazon.com.au Gift Card T&Cs apply

“My top pick that I would love to gift this year is a Yoto Mini. This little screen-free device … allows kids to listen to audio books, podcasts, songs and stories in a totally screen-free, travel-friendly way.”

Yoto Mini

A brand new offer, Prime membership now comes with free access to 24 months of DoorDash DashPass (AU$239 value!). This will unlock unlimited AU$0 delivery fees on eligible DoorDash orders, ideal for those last-minute items.

FAST AND FREE DELIVERY

24/7 SUPPORT

With Prime, you can skip the festive madness of long checkout lines and enjoy fast and free delivery on millions of eligible items, as well as saving big on gifts and other holiday must-haves.

Plus, with Amazon Australia’s return policy you can quickly and easily arrange for returns if something doesn’t quite suit.

TO ENTER

1

Make sure you log into your Amazon.com.au account (or sign up if you are a new customer);

A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT

When it’s time to kick back and relax, your Prime membership has you covered. Stream all your favourite holiday movies and TV specials with Prime Video, or download free e-books to read at the beach or by the pool. You can even dance the stress away while listening to festive playlists on Amazon Music.

2

Scan the QR code to land on our competition page.

That’s it! If you have successfully entered, we will email you within 24 hours with a confirmation.

T

SCAN HERE

MORE WAYS TO SAVE

he Christmas season can be incredibly stressful with the balancing act of finishing up work and school for the year, parties and events, family, cooking… the list goes on. Fortunately, if you’re a Prime member, you have an ace up your sleeve!

If any issues or questions come up, Amazon’s customer service is available around the clock to help Prime members – whether you need to track a package, get a refund, or troubleshoot a technical problem.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

So this Christmas, let Prime be Santa’s helper for a hassle-free holiday. With fast shopping, bigger savings, endless entertainment, and reliable support, you can focus on what really matters – spending quality time with your loved ones.

Enjoying your Prime membership, and want to keep the benefits? A Prime membership is $9.99 per month or $79 per year if you pay annually.

Cancel anytime.

TRY PRIME WITH A FREE 30-DAY TRIAL ● Fast and free delivery on

millions of eligible items ● Access to Amazon original series

and films on Prime Video ● Access to 100 million songs

ad-free in shuffle mode with Amazon Music ● Free games every month, plus

other perks with Prime Gaming ● 24 months of free DoorDash

DashPass (valued at $239) with unlimited AU$0 delivery fees on eligible DoorDash orders

SCAN HERE TO UNLOCK A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL FOR NEW PRIME MEMBERS

21

INTERNET FAVOURITE GIFTS

Handpicked by influencers

Buy with confidence For the 2024 holiday season, most of the items purchased on Amazon.com.au between Friday 1 November, and Tuesday 31 December 2024 can be returned for change-of-mind until Friday 31 January 2025.

Sunbeam All-In-One 10L Air Fryer Oven

Shannon Grixti “The PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller is the perfect gift for the techhead in your life as it’s fully customisable and lets you take your game to the next level.”

AdrianWidjy (Places in Sydney) “My ultimate Christmas gift will be this all-in-one air fryer oven. Perfect for entertaining as it can even cook a whole chicken [and] grill and bake as well.”

PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge Wireless Controller

Hassle-free holidays with Prime

Leigh Campbell “I know people don’t think a water bottle is the most exciting gift but I can guarantee these are the best … I always get asked about my Owala when I carry it with me (which is always).”

Emma Meyer (Play at Home Mummy)

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Win a $1,000 Amazon.com.au Gift Card T&Cs apply

“My top pick that I would love to gift this year is a Yoto Mini. This little screen-free device … allows kids to listen to audio books, podcasts, songs and stories in a totally screen-free, travel-friendly way.”

Yoto Mini

A brand new offer, Prime membership now comes with free access to 24 months of DoorDash DashPass (AU$239 value!). This will unlock unlimited AU$0 delivery fees on eligible DoorDash orders, ideal for those last-minute items.

FAST AND FREE DELIVERY

24/7 SUPPORT

With Prime, you can skip the festive madness of long checkout lines and enjoy fast and free delivery on millions of eligible items, as well as saving big on gifts and other holiday must-haves.

Plus, with Amazon Australia’s return policy you can quickly and easily arrange for returns if something doesn’t quite suit.

TO ENTER

1

Make sure you log into your Amazon.com.au account (or sign up if you are a new customer);

A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT

When it’s time to kick back and relax, your Prime membership has you covered. Stream all your favourite holiday movies and TV specials with Prime Video, or download free e-books to read at the beach or by the pool. You can even dance the stress away while listening to festive playlists on Amazon Music.

2

Scan the QR code to land on our competition page.

That’s it! If you have successfully entered, we will email you within 24 hours with a confirmation.

T

SCAN HERE

MORE WAYS TO SAVE

he Christmas season can be incredibly stressful with the balancing act of finishing up work and school for the year, parties and events, family, cooking… the list goes on. Fortunately, if you’re a Prime member, you have an ace up your sleeve!

If any issues or questions come up, Amazon’s customer service is available around the clock to help Prime members – whether you need to track a package, get a refund, or troubleshoot a technical problem.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

So this Christmas, let Prime be Santa’s helper for a hassle-free holiday. With fast shopping, bigger savings, endless entertainment, and reliable support, you can focus on what really matters – spending quality time with your loved ones.

Enjoying your Prime membership, and want to keep the benefits? A Prime membership is $9.99 per month or $79 per year if you pay annually.

Cancel anytime.

TRY PRIME WITH A FREE 30-DAY TRIAL ● Fast and free delivery on

millions of eligible items ● Access to Amazon original series

and films on Prime Video ● Access to 100 million songs

ad-free in shuffle mode with Amazon Music ● Free games every month, plus

other perks with Prime Gaming ● 24 months of free DoorDash

DashPass (valued at $239) with unlimited AU$0 delivery fees on eligible DoorDash orders

SCAN HERE TO UNLOCK A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL FOR NEW PRIME MEMBERS

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Christmas Gift Guide Find that perfect gift for someone special from the Amazon Christmas Store - now that’s good gifting

SHI BA ZI ZUO 8-inch Kitchen Knife

NutriBullet Slow Juicer

Soseelnee Digital Food Scale

Martha Stewart Gatwick 7-quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

MIAMIO Kissing Mugs Gift Set

HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 30cm Wok LOVEWEE 6 Pack Ceramic Cereal Bowls

Joseph Joseph Elevate Carousel 6-Piece Gift Set

INKBIRD Wireless BBQ Thermometer with 4 Probes

TIMIFTE 2 Pack Olive Oil Dispensers

De’Longhi Ballerina Kettle

Philips 5000 Series Air Fryer Philips HomeRun 2000 Series Primst Multifunctional Charcoal Barbecue Grill

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Phillips Philips 1200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Pricing is accurate at the time of printing but may be subject to change and product availability is while stock lasts. Products included in this guide that appear in green shading are sponsored by the featured brand.

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Ho me

KAPASKI Thinker Statue Art Sculpture

Flash Furniture Charlestown All-Weather Adirondack Chair

endota Signature Blend Reed Diffuser Refill 150ml

Amazon Echo Show 5 Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Maxwell & Williams Glamour Stacked Decanter Set

Amazon Echo Spot

DRDGL White Ceramic Vase Set

TMEZON Keyless Entry Door Lock Bosch Advanced Hand Tool Set (52 Pieces) Tuerthy Wake-Up Light

ERGOMAKER Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Get your gifts in time for Christmas

Scan here to find out your holiday order cut off dates for Australian customers wanting to order on Amazon.com.au

Miss Rui Set of 6 Vinyl Record Coasters

Foindtower Set of 2 Decorative Linen Fringe Throw Pillow Covers

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s c i on r t c e l E Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Smart Earbuds

LG 32MR50C-B 32-inch Full HD Curved Monitor

Under $100 UanTii Tuya Smart Plug INIU Magsafe Powerbank

Belkin BoostCharge Pro

TP-Link Tapo Smart Home Security Camera Instax Fujifilm PAL Camera

XGIMI Halo+ Google TV Projector

WHOOP 4.0 Wearable Health, Fitness & Activity Tracker

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Black

Nanoleaf Canvas Expansion Light Panel Kit NEBULA Capsule 3 GTV Projector

What’s on your wish list?

Yamaha PSS-F30 Portable Keyboard

JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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JBL Live Beam 3 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K UHD Camera

RODE RODECaster Duo All-in-One Production Studio

Bo ok s&

Ga mi ng

Harry Potter

by J.K Rowling 1-3 Box Set: MinaLima Edition EPOMAKER TH80 Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

The Voice Inside by John Farnham and Poppy Stockell Logitech G G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 Here One Moment

by Liane Moriarty

We Who Wrestle with God by Jordan B. Peterson

Now that’s good gifting

PlayStation 5 Console (Slim) Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle Logitech G Astro A50 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset

PlayStation 5 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Bake with Brooki by Brooke Bellamy

Big Jim Begins (Dog Man #13) by Dav Pilkey

The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out by Joe Aston

Nintendo Switch OLED Model Super Mario Bros.

Wonder Bundle

Logitech G PRO X Superlight 2 DEX Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

SteelSeries QcK Heavy 6mm Thick Gaming Mouse Pad XXLarge

Xbox EA Sports FC25 Kindle (2024 release) Matcha

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

Xbox Series X Console

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ty u a Be

L’Occitane Holiday Crackers Kit (Set of 4)

Dyson Supersonic NuralTM Intelligent Hair Dryer

FOREO Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush Olaplex In Good Repair Hair Kit

Christian Dior Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Sauvage

Under $25 BABE ORIGINAL Babe Lash Enhancing Conditioner Revolution Colour Book Eyeshadow Palette

Sukin Gift Pack, Love Your Skin

L’Occitane Men’s Fragrance Collection

Mediheal Teatree Trouble Pads

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

NEESTARTLY Jade Roller and Gua Sha Kit

La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol Serum

NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Blush

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream SPF15 Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint in Berry Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Perfume for Women

Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Face Moisturiser

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LATME Ice Roller for Face, Eyes

d’alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Sm all Bu sin es s QUASH Indoor Fly Trap

Under $50

AUSPURE Coffee Maker

DF Co. Dog Cooling Mat

DF Co. Bungee Dog Leash

Very giftable deals Greener Living Store Cheese Board Hey Bud Clear as Clay Mask

Dad’s Special Spice Mix (Value – 250g)

THE SNEAKER LAUNDRY Shoe Cleaning Kit Complete

Honeysticks Non Toxic Finger Paint

baask Acacia Wood Chopping Board Jammin’ JeRk Marinade Duo

HEALTHY CHOICE Cold Press Slow Juicer New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey

TWENTY39 qarbo CLASSIC Sparkling Water Maker and Fruit Infuser

Bae Juice Hangover Prevention Drink

KidsOClock Kids Smart Watch Phone

SCAN HERE STEAM STUDIO 120pcs Magnetic Tiles

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n o i sh a F

Bsubseach Women’s Casual Beach Kaftan Dress FEISEDY Vintage Square Aviator Sunglasses

For her Pemaolu Women’s 2 Piece Sweater Set

Calvin Klein Satchel Bag

R.Vivimos Women’s Summer Floral Midi Dress

CRZ YOGA Women’s Pleated Tennis Skirt with Pockets

Speedo Women’s Eco Endurance+ Medalist One Piece Swimsuit

Steve Madden Women’s Possession Sneaker

SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses

Fossil Jacqueline Women’s Watch

For him

BLONGW Pilates Socks with Grips

Calvin Klein Chromatic Hip Brief 3pk

Carrera Unisex 314/S Sunglasses

tomtoc Compact EDC Sling Bag

CASIO A168WA-1 Unisex Black Digital Watch with Silver Band

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Skechers Men’s Placer Berwick Sneaker

COOFANDY Men’s Linen Shirt

Tommy Hilfiger Parker IP Thin Steel Chronograph Men’s Watch

Sto ck ing

Picks for kids

Battleship Classic Board Game

Accutime Pokemon Pikachu Watch

Word Search: 30 Christmas Puzzles for Girls and Boys by Thomas C. Grand

Sudoku for Kids

by Santa’s Helpers Press Christmas Joke Book for Kids by James Davis

Fil ler s

Qeqczow Fidget Hand Spinner

Hasbro Jenga Game Just Play The Original Giant Slinky

AUTOARK Cactus Ring Holder

D.M DESIGN.MASTER 6-pack 18 oz Classic Stemless Wine Glasses

Pistachio Papi Pistachio Spread Baylis & Harding Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit Luxury Fragrance Essentials Christmas Sudoku 100 Sudoku Puzzles by Mark P. Grant

WILSON NBA Alliance Series Basketball

ESR AirPods 4 Case

BigNoseDeer Kiss Cat Coffee Couple Mug Set Bondi Home & Spa Hair Scalp Massager

The Vegemite Cookbook: Favourite Recipes That Taste like Australia By Vegemite

JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan

Gift while the gifting’s good.

ThermoPro TP03B Digital Meat Thermometer

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ne i W er, e B

its r i p &S

Under $50 Curatif Sunshine State Gimlet Cocktail

Sunset Whiskey Co. Silicone Ice Cube Trays

Craft A Brew - Stone Pale Ale Beer Kit Amadio Single Vineyard Shiraz Wine

Twisted Shaker Raspberry Hibiscus Cosmo

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky

Oh, you really should have.

Huski Beer Cooler 2.0 Penfolds Max’s Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine, 750ml (Pack of 6)

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Mount Compass Spirits Contempt Single Barrel Whisky

Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon Whisky

Tanqueray Gin & Tonic 250ml (Case of 24)

Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige

Bundaberg Original Rum and Cola Bottles 345ml (Pack of 6)

Juniperlooza by Elouise Anders

Alcohol free

Lautus De-Alcoholised Savvy Rosé Can

Nikka From the Barrel Whisky

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Naked Life Non-Alchoholic Negroni Spritz Cocktail

Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit

Gi ft Se ts

Last minute gift cards Amazon.com.au Gift Card

Amazon.com.au Gift Card - Print at Home

TIMEZONE; airbnb; Hoyts Gift Card

Gift sets under $50 Roald Dahl Magical Gift Set (4 Books)

OPI Infinite Shine Quad Gift Set

Wella Professionals Invigo Blond Recharge Trio Set

VAHDAM Assorted Tea Gift Set – Glow Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Eau Parfum Spray 2-Piece Gift Set

Last-minute? Us too KKOKDAM Tea Gift Set

Real Techniques Hyperbright Bold Type Eye Set

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin Gift Set

Isner Mile Beard Kit for Men CHARLES + LEE MR mellow Gift Pack

CRAYOLA 04 1999 Inspiration Art Case

Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Book and Toy Set

Grown Alchemist Hydra + Body Kit

Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Set

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