The McVegan
We know that when it comes to nourishing cuisine, McDonald’s doesn’t exactly have a sterling reputation. That being said, the fast-food giant has admittedly made strides to offer healthy alternatives for those in need of a quick meal. In early December the corporation started trialling a new vegan burger in Sweden and Finland, which contains soy patty, bun, tomato, lettuce, pickles, onion, ketchup, mustard, oil and an egg-less sandwich sauce. The burger received a great response, and was recently added as a permanent fixture across McDonald’s menus in both countries. Although it might take a while for the burger to pop-up in Australia, it’s a good sign for the plant-based food movement, which is proven to be better for the environment than most livestock farming practices.
Image: McDonald’s Finland
Somnox Sleep Robot
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to our overall wellbeing. Being well-rested is great for the body and mind, which is why people are working overtime all around the world to make the perfect sleeping technology. Somnox is the world’s first sleep companion that has been designed specifically to improve your sleeping habits, ensuring you fall asleep faster, for longer. Owners of a Somnox robot spoon the bean-shaped robot while in bed and feel it breathe, which in turn helps subconsciously regulate their own breathing rhythm to reach a meditative state. The Somnox robot can also play any sound you want to help you drift off, including lullabies, white noise, guided meditation, and even heartbeats. Enveloped in comfortable fabrics, Somnox is shaping up to be a must-have piece of technology for any restless sleeper. Check it out on Kickstarter.
Image: Somnox
Sailor Moon at Universal Studios
Fans of the iconic anime series Sailor Moon should seriously consider booking flights to Japan between March and June, as Universal Studios Japan has just announced that it would be adding a new Sailor Moon attraction to the park. The new element will be based around Sailor Moon: The Miracle 4D attraction, which will see Sailor Moon and her crew take on bad guys in a brand-new story. Details are being kept under wraps, but we also hear that the attraction will also include Sailor Moon-inspired food, including crescent moon bread, strawberry cakes and flavoured sodas. The new Sailor Moon attraction is one of four new additions to the park, which also include a new Final Fantasy ride and attractions for Detective Conan and Monster Hunter.
Image: VIZ
Topas Ecolodge
Although the holiday season is behind us, we still have the never-ending craving for escape. We’re suckers for gorgeous locales, and the Topas Ecolodge has made its way into our dream destination list. This hilltop retreat is situated in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park near Sapa town in North Vietnam. Comprised of more than 30 rustic single-bedroom mountain bungalows, Topas Ecolodge is a socially conscious retreat that takes pride in its sustainable and quality offering. Guests can luxuriate in the on-site spa, take in the stunning vistas while swimming in the pool, or hike the nearby national parks. Topas Ecolodge takes great steps to minimise the environmental impact while enhancing community engagement, making it the perfect choice for any socially conscious traveller.
Image: Topas Ecolodge
Obama’s Playlist of 2017
Former U.S. President Barack Obama is like the ex-lover you can’t get over. He’s the one that got away. The one you’ll always hold a candle for. We can’t help but keep tabs on him, and although things will never be the same as they once were, we are always stoked to hear from him. Barack Obama is keeping his yearly tradition of listing his favourite songs of the year, proving once and for all that he is the coolest political figure if the 21st Century. This year’s list is a doozy, featuring hits from the likes of DJ Khaled, Travis Scott, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, SZA, Harry Styles, Jay-Z, Frank Ocean, The National and Kendrick Lamar. Yep, as far as playlists go it’s straight fire. Listen to it here.
Image: The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama
Honourable mention: Coachella drops 2018 line-up
Yep, the yearly announcement that turns the entirety of Australia green with envy has arrived once again. The hugely popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has just announced its massive line-up for its yearly festivities. This year the two-weekend spanning, three-day festival will be headlined by a veritable who’s who of music’s best, namely Beyoncé, The Weeknd and Eminem. As if that wasn’t already worth the price of admission, Coachella will also feature performances by SZA, Jamiroquai. St. Vincent, HAIM, David Byrne, Fleet Foxes, Cardi B, Migos, ODESZA, Vince Staples and dozens more. The Aussie’s are well represented this year, with Alison Wonderland, Tash Sultana, Vance Joy and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever earning spots.
Image: Coachella
