The week is drawing to a close and we're starting to see the sunshine peer through the cloudy weather. Or maybe that's just the yellow glow of pubs littered with boozeheads keen to watch the footy. Either way, we're pumped for it and to celebrate, we're cruising into the weekend with some good vibes. Sit back, relax and enjoy this week's edition of Feel-Good Friday. How good?
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Feel-Good Friday: September 2 - Spring into Action
Feel-Good Friday: August 26 - Feast Mode
Feel-Good Friday: August 19 - High Vibration
Alesandro Ljubicic with his InStitchu Silk Pocket Squares | Image: InStitchu
In case you missed it, Thursday 8 September marked R U OK? Day, the annual reminder to take a step back and ask the big question. While we saw a lot of different brands and companies get on board with the event, one that caught our eye was suitmaker InStitchu. The label teamed up with Sydney-based artist, Alesandro Ljubicic to create a Limited Edition collection of pocket squares, with only 15 available in each design. The styles were adapted from five of Alesandro's most powerful works and presented on 100 per cent premium silk, but best of all, InStitchu put its money where its mouth is. All proceeds from the InStitchu x Alesandro Ljubicic Pocket Square Collection will go to R U OK? - the suicide prevention charity inspires and empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them. Great fashion and a great cause combined.
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Being thrust into the sporting limelight might seem like a dream come true, but at times, the criticism can be severe. it's something Australian boxer Jeff Horn and ex-Brisbane Broncos player Darius Boyd know all too well. The Aussie legends have achieved incredible things in their chosen sports, but the pressure to succeed and over-deliver time after time has taken a toll on their mental health. Now, their gearing up for a new fight, tackling the issue head-on and throwing their weight behind the worthy cause as ambassadors for Mental Awareness Foundation's Walk for Awareness.
Held on Sunday, 9th October, Walk for Awareness marks the beginning of Queensland Mental Health Week (8-16 October 2022) as the first major event, where participants can attend the physical walk or register to "walk anywhere", attending virtually from their own neighbourhood. The event is the not-for-profit's major annual fundraiser, vital funds will be distributed to registered mental health charities including The Sunlight Centre which receives donations to support counselling that guides clients from crisis to recovery. Brisbane brothers, Wesley and Tudor Vasile, founded the Mental Awareness Foundation and Walk for Awareness event after tragically losing two close friends to suicide. Now, their mission to create opportunities where open conversations around mental health can occur is helping to break down the stigma.
"In 2021, we had more than 2,600 registered walkers participate in our event nationally, with 500 participating virtually, raising more than $170,000 to support mental health," said Wesley Vasile. "Over the past two years, many people have endured sickness, loss, isolation and loneliness, there's never been a more crucial time to bring people together and use the walk as an opportunity to initiate conversations with friends and family about mental health. Although we're addressing a serious issue, the Walk for Awareness event has a positive and up-beat atmosphere that fosters community and connection while also moving our bodies to promote holistic wellness - it only takes a 30-minute moderate walk to kick start the flow of endorphins and when done on a regular basis, it can work to counter depression and anxiety."
Starting under the Story Bridge at Captain Burke Park and looping back, the 9km walk will see thousands of Queenslanders wearing orange shirts through Brisbane City, raising much-needed funds and awareness. Early bird registrations are now open for the 2022 Walk for Awareness. To register your participation at the physical or virtual event, or to find out more, visit the link below.
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Tia Maria espresso martini | Image: Tia Maria
Good tunes, great vibes, glamourous cocktails, what could be better? Yeah buddy, put that tongue back in your mouth and listen up. Inspired by its famed 'Two Of A Kind' liqueurs, Tia Maria has announced a 'Two Of A Kind' event series, headlined by Aussie electro-dudes, Client Liaison and supported by Kinder. Taking place in Sydney and Melbourne, the event encourages attendees to grab their bestie, partner-in-crime or whatever other pet name you have for your pal and head down to enjoy the night.
The event is all about the combination of the new Tia Maria Matcha Cream and the original Tia Maria Cold Brew, so guests can expect to enjoy the 'Two of a tini' cocktail experience with complimentary classic Espresso Martinis and matching Matcha-tinis, throughout the evening. You'll also score tasty canapés included in your double pass, with the option of a Tia Coffee Negroni, Tia & Coke, Tia & Tonic and Tia Maria Matcha Cream served neat over ice also on the menu. If you want to be part of the fun, you better come dressed in Tia Maria's signature black and green with a friend in hand. And if you find yourself completely friendless, why not swing me an invite?
The Sydney Tia Maria Two of a Kind Party and cocktail experience will commence on Thursday 6th October 2022 and in Melbourne will take place on Thursday 13th October 2022. To secure tickets to this exclusive party in your city, register for the chance to win a free double pass via www.tiamariaevents.com.au Importantly, registrations for Sydney close on the 22nd of September and Melbourne registrations close on the 29th of September.
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This one's not always easy to talk about, but TENA is doing the lord's work. The Swedish unmentionables brand has teamed up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and creative agency Dig to create an awareness campaign 'Wear it with Confidence'. Arriving just in time for Prostate Awareness Month, the campaign shines a light on survivors and reveals the often-overlooked results of battling the illness - incontinence. Three deadset legends, Ross, Ian and Steve bravely share their stories of dealing with prostate cancer, their experience of facing incontinence, and the relief of having discreet, leak-absorbing underwear they can wear with confidence. It's an important show of support and bravery, and it comes none too soon. Recent studies have shown Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the country's most commonly diagnosed cancer, with 66 men diagnosed every day and more than 240,000 Australian men alive after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
"We need to change the conversation around continence issues to ensure all men know they are not alone and there is support and management options available," Bernard Riley, PCFA General Manager, Supportive Care Programs. "Part of that is giving men the confidence to be vulnerable and share their stories, and it's also letting them know about products like TENA that help to address this health challenge and significantly improve their quality of life."
BINGE x Messina 'House of the Dragon' flavours | Image: BINGE
I scream, you scream, we all scream for the House Targaryen. To celebrate the resounding success of Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, streaming service BINGE has teamed up with gelato lords Messina for two limited-edition flavours inspired by the series, 'Heir to the Cone' and 'House Vanillaryon'. Best of all, they're fri*cking free. Both of the House of the Dragon-inspired gelato flavours are being given away for free exclusively at Gelato Messina Newtown this Monday 12 September, between 12 to 9pm (or until stock runs out). Gelato Messina Newtown will be transformed into Westeros, transporting all fans who attend into the world of the Targaryens - for one day only.
"House of the Dragon has been a hit with Australian fans and what a fun way to celebrate it by providing fans a taste of Westeros. Thanks to Messina, two mouth-watering unique gelato flavours, inspired by dragons and the world of Targaryens are now available," BINGE executive director, Alison Hurbert-Burns said. "Australian fans have jumped on board House of the Dragon with the show becoming BINGE's biggest ever new series premiere and this Monday we invite people to come get their own taste of Westeros with a gelato flavour and settle in to watch the newest episode which drops the same day, Monday (12 September)."
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Young Henrys best Served Loud | Image: Young Henrys
Live music is officially back and so is the Syndey Fringe Festival. Local brewers Young Henrys have announced the next instalment of their live music series, Best Served Loud, which is set to join the Sydney Fringe Festival celebrations this Saturday, September 10th. Taking place at the iconic Marrickville Metro, Best Served Loud will feature some of our most loved Inner-West legends including Thunder Fox, Baby Beef with The Next of Kin, and LADY KING for an unmissable night championing the arts, live music, community and good beer. Round up your mates and head to the Young Henrys Facebook page to RSVP.
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