✦ Sydney, prepare your taste buds! Kokoro Mazesoba , Japan’s award-winning noodle sensation, has officially opened its very first Australian outlet! Known across Japan and parts of Asia for its soul-warming, sauce-coated noodles, this Tokyo-born culinary gem is bringing its signature Mazesoba to the heart of Sydney, and locals are already lining up for a taste of the real deal. The Ultimate Kokoro Mazesoba Experience is finally here in Australia What is Mazesoba? In Japanese, "mazeru" means to mix , and "soba" refers to noodles . So, Mazesoba is essentially "mixed noodles" , but trust us, it’s so much more than that. Think thick, springy wheat noodles smothered in a rich, umami sauce, topped with premium ingredients like slow-cooked chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, garlic, nori, and scallions. It’s a full sensory experience, ending with a satisfying scoop of fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of the magic sauce. This isn’t soup. This isn’t ramen. This is Mazesoba. And it's a whole new obsession. Mouthwatering Mazesoba Japan’s Beloved Noodle Star Founded by Chef Takuma Ishikawa, Kokoro Mazesoba has become a culinary icon in Japan. From humble beginnings to over 60 stores across Japan, Singapore, Canada, and Hong Kong, the brand has earned countless accolades, including being crowned Japan’s Best Mazesoba  multiple times. The Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba Australia Franchise is owned by Nixon Alex who also owns the successful Mensho Tokyo Australia. Kokoro Mazesoba at Shop 3, 225 George Street, THE ROCKS, NSW 2000 Each dish is a handcrafted experience, made with fresh ramen-style noodles and a proprietary sauce blend that's been perfected over the years. The noodles are made in-house daily, the sauces slow-cooked for hours, and every bowl is served with heart, soul, and a touch of spice. Sydney’s New Favourite After-Work Spot And now, it’s Sydney’s turn. Located conveniently near the CBD, Kokoro Mazesoba Sydney  is not just for lunch lovers. From 5pm to 7pm, it's happy hour with 50% off all drinks , perfect for the post-office crowd. Grab your mates and wind down with a cold glass of Japanese beer, refreshing Kirin Hyoketsu, or a smooth shot of sake while you dig into your noodles. This is where the art of Japanese comfort food meets Sydney’s urban energy, and you’re invited to be part of the launch buzz. Foodie Tip: Finish off your Mazesoba with a scoop of rice to soak up the remaining sauce in the bowl! Japan’s Best is Now in Australia Whether you’re a noodle fanatic, a foodie chasing the next big thing, or simply someone who appreciates bold flavours and authentic Japanese cuisine, Kokoro Mazesoba is Sydney’s unmissable new taste destination. Get slurping, Sydney. You’ve never had noodles like this before. Follow them on Facebook Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba Australia ❋ Spoilt for choice at Kokoro Mazesoba. One visit is not enough! Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Tokyo, Japan – Friday, December 12, 2025 | In a distinguished celebration of Japan’s dynamic ramen and mazesoba culture, Menya Kokoro from Ota, Tokyo, has secured the Mazesoba Grand Award at the Takumen Ramen Awards 2025. The ceremony, hosted by Gourmet X Corporation, the operator of Japan’s leading ramen delivery and e-commerce platform takumen.com 宅麺.com , took place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, drawing top chefs, critics and culinary innovators from across the nation. The Takumen Ramen Awards, now in its second year following the merger of Japan’s premier ramen accolades, highlight excellence across ramen, tsukemen and mazesoba categories. The awards are determined both by industry professionals and by performance metrics on takumen.com 宅麺.com , which has delivered over 5 million servings of authentic restaurant-grade ramen to homes nationwide. Japanese Chef & CEO Takuma Ishikawa (middle) receiving the Mazesoba Grand Award. Menya Kokoro’s “Classic Mazesoba” earned the Mazesoba Grand Award for its bold and deeply satisfying interpretation of Taiwan Mazesoba, a dish that has roots in Nagoya but has rapidly captivated a national following. The award-winning bowl features ultra-thick, chewy noodles artfully blended with Menya Kokoro’s signature Taiwan mince — a spicy, aromatic mix of ground meat infused with chili peppers and garlic, delivering a rich umami punch that has won both critical acclaim and consumer devotion. Ultra-thick, chewy noodles artfully blended with Menya Kokoro’s signature Taiwan mince. Menya Kokoro has been a frequent standout in the mazesoba category of ramen competitions, but this year’s Grand Award marks a pinnacle achievement for the brand’s dedication to flavor authenticity and innovation. In addition to the Mazesoba Grand Award, the Takumen Ramen Awards recognized excellence across multiple categories including Ramen, Tsukemen, and Inspiration Grand Awards, underscoring Japan’s richly diverse and continually evolving noodle landscape. As Japan’s ramen culture continues to expand its global influence, accolades such as the Takumen Ramen Awards play a growing role in spotlighting regional specialties and elevating the profiles of standout shops like Menya Kokoro on the international culinary stage. Australian diners can experience Japan’s #1 Mazesoba at Menya Kokoro, a destination recognised for its depth of flavour, comfort, and uncompromising authenticity. Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba is a place people come to eat, drink, and unwind — and return to — drawn by food executed with rare Japanese discipline and an unwavering respect for tradition. Meet here, savour the side dishes before a jazz concert, or simply relax over Japan’s #1 Mazesoba paired with a Japanese beer or sake. ❋ About Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba Address: 225 George Street, The Rocks, New South Wales 2000 Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00–10:00 PM Sunday: Closed Phone: +61 468 328 661 Email: info@menyakokoro.com.au Website: https://menyakokoro.com.au/aboutus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/menyakokoroau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokoro.sydney/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Explore how two new demountable campers are redefining lightweight adventure travel and turning it into a Brilliant Experience. After meeting and speaking with hundreds of people during the last few months, Goatfell is continuing to diversify its offering. Check out what the demountable market is going to be like moving forward. Background Putting the spotlight on the UK, the market is very niche, with overall knowledge about demountables remaining very low amongst the general population. However, the category is a high interest to adventure seekers, those who wish to explore and have practical needs. The category is also of interest to campervan owners and those with pick-up vehicles. Key Feedback from Goatfell's Conversations Lightweight : Pop-ups are great as they are much more low-profile and lighter. Huge Space : People are shocked at the amount of space inside a Goatfell Pop-up. This is due to their option of protruding off the back and the extended interior height of 215cm. Smart Design : All interior and exterior space is used well, and the units have everything you need to be comfortable when travelling. Appeals to Multi-Segments : The offering is very appealing to a younger audience who tend to have roof tent set-ups, campervan owners who seek more adventure and interior space, up to the high-end market who want a more agile offering vs what their heavy motorhome is providing. Challenges Visibility & Access : Demountable units are rare and not easily seen on the roads, which results in overall low awareness of this innovative solution. Market : Dominated by mature players in the campervan, motorhome, and caravan sectors, and will remain the go-to choice for the vast majority. Small Sector : Although interest continues to grow, the number of people who choose this lifestyle for holidays and adventure will remain niche. Based on these discussions and observations, Goatfell has diversified their offering to cover as much of the potential market as possible. Introducing Goatfell INDIE Welcome Home. Make it Your Own. This is Goatfell's entry model, and their concept is to provide a lightweight, stylish, comfortable, and adaptable unit. The Goatfell INDIE has everything you need for adventure, all the carpentry work is completed, and includes a double bed, table, and sink. The market is for people with an independent mindset and DIY mentality. The owner can further adapt to take everything they need for their specific trip: their own power, water, and refrigerator. There is plenty of storage for these items and more. Key Target Group for Goatfell INDIE: rooftop tent upgraders those who need a lightweight option for short and frequent trips travellers with an independent and DIY mentality, preferring simple options and taking only what they need people who are budget-conscious and want a simple design Basic functionality does not mean basic interior - the interior is lush! Goatfell's lightest camper ever at only 350kg! premium tent fabric with multiple layers premium bed mattress materials RV-style windows and rear door Clam-shell pop-up is lightweight and more robust in windy conditions Premium fabric and comfortable day bed Table with seating area for reading, cooking and chilling Sink and storage area beneath. light and airy windows with strong waterproof fabric Introducing Goatfell LUX Travel in Style & Comfort Their most luxurious pop-up camper ever, Goatfell LUX brings the best functionality that you will find in hard tops or RVs in terms of style, finishing, and home comforts. The LUX design inside and out is based on the most premium of finishes, smart storage space, and functionality. The exterior design is a high-strength lightweight aluminium alloy frame using laser welding, diverse modelling, and treated coating. The rear door, side windows, and skylight are high-grade RV style with privacy blinds and mesh screens. There is an electric pop-up option to take out any physicality of operating a pop-up. The top has a waterproof and breathable multi-layer fabric and double-layer insulated cotton curtains. This extended design provides maximum storage space with in-built rear signalling and lighting. The interior space has a premium feel in terms of smooth curves, hidden lighting, SPC microcrystalline stone flooring, honeycomb backing, aluminium skirting, and high-quality fabrics. There is a unique push side expansion storage system, which allows maximum space inside once parked. This houses the fridge, microwave, and storage. Interior cooking is made possible with an induction cooker and a hot water sink equipped with a ventilation fan. The exterior has a massive side awning and an outdoor shower curtain with a hot shower. Key Target Group for Goatfell LUX those who prioritise comfort and the highest quality finishing previous hard top demountable owners who are looking for a lighter setup extra comforts including electric pop-up, ease of access and interior cooking those looking for the best that lighter-weight pop-ups have to offer Goatfell LUX base model comes with the full unit, furnishings, windows, and plenty of upgrades. Check out their product page for full details and pricing. Unique push side expansion storage system Retractable king size bed RV-style finishing with premium materials and fabrics These two new models mark more than an update in design. They signal where Goatfell believes adventure travel is heading — and how thoughtfully engineered campers can shape the journeys ahead. ❋ About Goatfell Goatfell Limited is a company that builds and sells demountable campers currently to the British Isles. Our Concept: Travel Light, Live Big. We bring high-tech, high-quality demountable campers at an excellent value. Lightweight efficiency allows for more distance travelled = more adventures. Our smart design campers focus on quality and durability. Website: https://www.goatfell.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goatfell.demountable.campers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goatfell.demountable.campers/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goatfelldemountablecampers Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ November marks World Vegan Day and we thought it would be interesting to take a deep dive into the world of Veganism, to quash misconceptions and stigmas, provide insight and context and, ultimately, raise awareness. Whereas veganism has become much more assimilated into our wider everyday lives, there is still much that is unknown or unclear about a vegan lifestyle, more so the motivations and principles behind it. There is also frequent confusion regarding the difference between veganism and vegetarianism, something we shed a light on here. Vegan diets have soared in popularity over recent years as we become more conscious of our well-being, health and the welfare of animals and the environment. Check out these statistics : Collaborative research by YouGov and Veganuary calculated that about 25.8 million people globally tried veganism in January 2025. Statista reported that the number of vegans in Europe was projected to increase from 6.6 million in 2023 to 8.3 million in 2033. The World Animal Foundation estimates there are currently 88 million vegans around the world. The worldwide vegan food market was valued at US$33.14 billion in 2023. Raw Chef Yin's raw vegan dishes not only look gorgeous, they also make your taste buds burst with joy! Quite simply, veganism is considered a lifestyle that has its principles deeply rooted in compassion and animal rights that is far more reaching than just diet choices, encompassing morality, ethics, health, religion and culture. The Vegan Society defines veganism as thus: “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude - as far as is possible and practicable - all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.” In addition to the above explanation, many vegans will also boycott companies that test their products on animals, particularly pharmaceutical or cosmetic manufacturers, ensuring they only purchase goods that are free of animal by-products. Furthermore there is a fraction of the vegan community known as “ethical vegans” who boycott any activities that use and exploit animals for entertainment values, such as zoos, aquariums, circuses, horse and dog races, etc. There are also a significant number of environmentalists who adopt a vegan diet for its reduced impact on the earth’s resources and the positives it has in relation to minimising climate change. The ignorance of detractors! Although some estimates suggest vegetarian diets have been around since as early as 700 B.C., it is harder to pinpoint exactly when veganism became a defined term. Probably the closest we can get is the pioneering work of Leslie Cross, the UK-based Vice-President of the very first Vegan Society. In 1949 Cross described the “principle of the emancipation of animals from exploitation by man” as the mission statement behind his charity organisation, later expanding this so as “to seek an end to the use of animals by man for food, commodities, work, hunting, vivisection, and by all other uses involving exploitation of animal life by man.” A vegan diet is plant-based, incorporating a wide variety of vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits, in addition to foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products, eggs, fish or honey. Toni Jessop goes Rawlicious However, despite the rise in popularity, veganism has its fair share of detractors who are quick to mock or attempt to undermine the movement. The first argument that critics of veganism will raise is that one cannot compromise their diet by surviving on plants alone, that meat protein is invaluable, and so forth. Quite simply, this is an argument that is both inaccurate and usually formed by sheer ignorance! So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the facts. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, full of fibre, free of cholesterol and low in calories and saturated fat that provide all the protein, calcium and other essential nutrients that our bodies require. As The Vegan Society says, “A vegan diet is richly diverse and comprises all kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans and pulses - all of which can be prepared in endless combinations that will ensure you're never bored. From curry to cake, pasties to pizzas, all your favourite things can be suitable for a vegan diet if they're made with plant-based ingredients.” They have a seemingly endless list of yummy recipes that you can access here . Vegan versus Vegetarian? OK, so what is the difference between veganism and vegetarianism? People often get confused but, put simply, whereas both have profound health and environmental benefits, veganism is a far more strict philosophy. According to the Vegetarian Society , “a vegetarian is someone who lives on a diet of plant-based foods and doesn’t eat meat, poultry, and seafood, but their diets may or may not include animal byproducts that do not involve animal slaughter, such as eggs, dairy, and honey.” There are, essentially, three major definitions of a vegetarian: 1. Lacto-Ovo – the most common form of vegetarianism where plant foods and animal products like dairy, eggs and honey are consumed as part of the diet but meat, poultry and seafood are not. 2. Lacto – consuming a plant-based diet but excluding meat, poultry and seafood as well as eggs or any food containing eggs. However, they may incorporate dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter into their diets. 3. Ovo - eats plant-based foods but excludes meat, poultry and seafood in addition to dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Often will, however, consume eggs and any food containing them. Veganism and vegetarianism both have profound health and environmental benefits When it comes to the vegan versus vegetarian debate, there is a holistic viewpoint that highlights the misconception that vegetarianism positively helps animals when it actually doesn’t - it discriminates. Some of the worst forms of exploitation exist in the egg and dairy industries, for example, something that is frequently lost on vegetarians. Check out these recipes Bliss Ball recipe Ube Energy Ball recipe Further arguments state that veganism is a moral obligation whereby proponents try to avoid practices that cause harm to sentient beings of other species. Some argue that a sentient-based scale should be adhered to where the suffering induced on products we consume is graded in line with moral obligation. In his book ‘ Why Veganism Matters ’, author Gary L. Francione states, “if we agree that animals have moral value and we can-not justify treating animals exclusively as resources, we must accord to them the one right - the right not to be property - that we accord to all humans as providing the minimum protection necessary to have moral value. We must stop using nonhuman animals as resources.” Veganism is a moral obligation whereby proponents try to avoid practices that cause harm to sentient beings of other species One person driving the debate on the merits of veganism over vegetarianism is Ed Winters , a vegan educator, best-selling author, public speaker and content creator, widely known for his viral debates, speeches, and video essays. Check out this debate he has with a vegetarian on YouTube which offers an educated and highly-engaging insight, typical of his wider work. The case arguing the merits of veganism over other life choices is a fascinating one that can be analysed and studied for endless hours. There is certainly much more to the argument than many who are quick to dismiss it originally perceive or understand. Ultimately, like most things, it boils down to education and personal choice. However, in a world where suffering is rife and widespread, maybe we should all look at our role, responsibilities and options and ask whether we can consciously make a positive impact and whether that is a good choice. As we hope and strive to move into an increasingly morally conscious and responsible world the answer is obvious and, whereas it may only be a small step, great things start from small beginnings. You might be interested in organic hair products! Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Ok, so we’ve got the over-indulgent festive period out of the way again for another year and we are now well and truly looking ahead. For many this means a moment of reflection and honest appraisal, habitually resulting in well intentioned pledges and commitment to positive change. One of the most common such resolutions relates to getting ourselves healthier in the year ahead, of becoming more active, taking up a new sport and, ultimately, losing weight. Being of the fit and healthy persuasion at Brilliant-Online, we all fully endorse this. However, while striving for a healthier you it is still imperative to ensure you are adopting a safe approach that doesn’t end up being counter productive by actually compromising your well being. This is especially applicable to weight loss and dieting, with numerous fad diets and crazes out there that offer dazzling results that can often leave you worse off than before. Weight loss and image have become major obsessions in today’s culture but it is important to read the instructions and be aware of any potential hazards before embarking, if you will. We’ve all heard of the South Beach Diet, the Atkins Diet, the Paleo Diet and the Macrobiotic Diet, amongst others. There are, absolutely, merits to each but deploying just one and maintaining a strict adherence to it could be damaging to your health. For example, the Paleo Diet, or the “caveman diet” as it is often termed, means sticking to food stuffs that were only available when humans first roamed the planet, prior to processed and packaged foods. Whereas this seems sound in theory, in practice it means we eliminate or severely reduce several key nutritional elements such as carbohydrates, saturated fats and dairy products. Being of the fit and healthy persuasion at Brilliant-Online, we all fully endorse this. Carbs help our bodies control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, which fights the risk of chronic diseases; calcium and vitamin D, which are critical to bone health, are abundant in dairy products and reducing saturated fats can increase the risk of kidney and heart disease, as well as certain cancers. Researchers at the University of Melbourne suggest that the “Paleo diet could be particularly dangerous for people who are already overweight and who have sedentary lifestyles”. Similarly, the Atkins diet enforces a heavily reduced intake of carbs to promote ketosis, the process where the body burns fat for fuel. Ok in moderation but an over reliance can lead to dehydration and eventually coma due to severe metabolic abnormalities. While advocates laud the short-term effectiveness of the Atkins diet, critics argue that it doesn’t offer a well-balanced diet, with dangerously reduced levels of calcium intake in particular. It doesn’t really matter what the diet is, the common denominator seems to be they promise much but that they don’t necessarily deliver. Most diets are unbalanced with an inevitable absence of one or several key nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that our body requires to function at its best. Experts all agree that a diet eliminating one or more of protein, fat, carbohydrates and sugar should be treated with caution. You may witness weight loss but doing so too quickly and without proper nutrition and supervision could cause you to lose muscle mass in addition to fat and water, which isn’t a good thing. Most diets are unbalanced with an inevitable absence of one or several key nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients One absolute truth is that dieting is tough so attempting to stick to one rigidly, especially in this hectic lifestyle world we now inhabit, is going to be a tall order. Experts say it is far healthier to simply employ a balanced diet, perhaps incorporating elements of several of the “Wow-Fad” diets. As long as one adheres to a sensible, balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts and healthy protein, washed down with sufficient levels of water then we are very much on the right track. And by balanced, we mean exactly that – while eating and drinking healthy most of the time, don’t hesitate to have that glass of wine or that slice of chocolate case from time to time! It’s all about moderation and common sense. Of course, there will always be specific, individual cases that serve as an exception, where allergies and sensitivities need to be considered, but as a rule of thumb this balanced and sensible approach is the way to go. Turning to the research team at the University of Melbourne again seems apt as a conclusion: “There is a very important public health message here. You need to be very careful with fad diets, always seek professional advice for weight management and always aim for diets backed by evidence.” One absolute truth is that dieting is tough so attempting to stick to one rigidly Diet is key but so is being active. You can eat a sensible, balanced diet and live well but if you are striving for true weight loss then incorporating the correct exercise regime is imperative. This may be a brisk walk along the beach at sunset, it may be indulging in a game of squash or taking a swim, playing footie or hitting the gym, its largely irrelevant as long as you are doing something. The broader positives of a balanced exercise regime have been well documented, but to serve as an aid for your weight loss goal it is a non-negotiable. So you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when striving for weight loss. Keep it relatively simple, utilise common sense and moderation and you will be on the road to a healthier you in no time. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ The world famous Australian culinary icon named after the Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington. Jump straight to Lamingtons Recipe The original and world famous Australian Lamington is over a century old. Despite some dubious claims, the Lamington is as Australian as meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars, ranking alongside the other true Australian icons of the pavlova, peach melba and Vegemite. This Australian culinary icon, which consists of sponge cake dipped in chocolate and liberally sprinkled with fine desiccated coconut, is believed to have been created by the maid-servant who was working at Government House in Brisbane when she accidentally dropped the Governor's favourite sponge cake into some melted chocolate. Lord Lamington was not a person of wasteful habits and suggested that it be dipped in coconut to cover the chocolate to avoid messy fingers. Lord Lamington devoured this new taste sensation with great delight and the maid-servant's error was proclaimed a magnificent success by all! Despite only serving in Queensland for five years, it is the Lamington that will be, forever, his legacy. Lamington Recipe (photo and recipe, courtesy of Nagi) Ingredients BUTTER SPONGE 125 g / 4.5 oz unsalted butter , softened 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs , room temperature 1 3/4 cups (260g) flour , plain/all purpose, sifted (Note 1) 3.5 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk (low or full fat) ICING 4 cups (480g) icing sugar (confectionary sugar), sifted 1/3 cup (22g) cocoa powder 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter 150ml (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) boiling water COATING 3 - 4 cups desiccated coconut OPTIONAL: JAM AND CREAM Strawberry jam 1 cup (250 ml) cream 1 tbsp white sugar Instructions BUTTER SPONGE Preheat oven to 180C/350F (or fan forced 160C/320F). Sift flour and baking powder together. Grease a 20 cm x 30 cm / 8" x 12" cake pan. Line with baking paper (parchment paper), leaving an overhang on all sides (to make it easy to remove). Beat butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium high speed until light and fluffy - about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter is smooth, not curdled. Add half the flour and gently fold to combine, then stir in half the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand for 5 minutes then use the overhang baking paper to lift the cake out onto a wire rack and cool completely. PREPARE CAKE TO COAT Cut cake into 15 squares (5 x 3), or 18 rectangles. Freeze for 1 to 1.5 hours. (Note 2) ICING Combine the Icing ingredients in a heat proof bowl and mix until smooth. Should be a syrup consistency, but not watery. (Note 2) COATING Place coconut in a shallow bowl or pan with a largish surface area (Note 3). Place a piece of cake in the icing and roll to coat using 2 forks. Transfer it into the coconut and quickly roll to coat all over in coconut. Transfer to tray. Repeat with remaining sponges. Stand for 1 to 2 hours, or until set. Then serve with tea and coffee! OPTIONAL: JAM AND CREAM Beat cream and sugar until firm peaks form. Cut coated Lamington in half horizontally. Spread with jam then pipe or dollop on cream. Top with lid, keep refrigerated. Enjoy Australia Day Australia Day Celebrations Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Australians are generally an easy-going bunch, and this is often reflected in how they speak. Having a reputation for shortening 90% of words used, Aussies have unintentionally created their own Aussie Lingo. If you want to join in, just remove the last few letters of a word and replace it with a vowel sound (-a, -ie/y, -o). Some classic examples: Avocado = Avo; Kangaroo = Roo; Mosquito = Mozzie. But there is another string to the Aussie lingo bow which features weird and wacky Australian slang words and phrases that are not so easy to understand. So, if you don’t know your cark it from your cactus or your goon from your grundies, scroll down for a quick Australian Slang 101. SLANG WORDS FOR EATING & DRINKING A Cold One / Coldie – Beer Avo – Avocado Barbie – Barbecue (because we’ve all heard, ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie‘, thanks to Hoges The Paul Hogen story !) Billy – Teapot (In the Outback on the fire) Booze Bus – Police vehicle used to catch drunk drivers Bottle-O – Bottle Shop or Liquor Store – basically a place to buy alcohol that isn’t a hospitality venue. Brekky – Breakfast Bring a Plate – instructions to bring a plate of food to contribute to a BBQ or party/event. BYO – bring your own (usually in the context grog) Cab Sav – Cabernet Sauvignon. Never has wine sounded so refined. Choccy Biccy – Chocolate Biscuit Bickie, Biccy, Bikky (Photo: Mae Mu, Unsplash) Docket – Bill, receipt; or list of items to be dealt with. Esky – Also known as a Cool Box, Ice Box, Chest Cooler, Chilly Bin. Fairy Floss – Candy Floss, Cotton Candy Flake – Gummy shark flesh sold in fish and chip shops Frothy – Beer Grog – Liquor, Beer Icy Pole – Popsicle Lollies – Sweets Maccas – McDonalds Macca's (Photo: Chaojie Ni, Unsplash) Sanger – Sandwich Skull / Skol – To down a beer quick Slab – A carton or box of beers (usually 24) Snag – A Sausage Stubby – a bottle of beer Stubby Holder – Used so your hands don’t get cold when holding your beer, or to stop your hands making your beer warm! Sausage Sizzle – a sometimes weekly BBQ event held outside Bunnings. Tinny – Can of beer or small boat Tucker – Food. ‘Bush Tucker’ tends to be food found in the Outback such as witchety grubs. AUSSIE EXPLETIVES, EXCLAMATIONS, INSULTS Banana Bender – Somebody from Queensland Beauty ! – Great! Most often shouted emphatically as “You Beauty” when something good happens, particularly in sports. Bloody – Very. Used to extenuate a point Bloody oath – Yes (or, it’s true) Bludger – Someone who’s lazy, generally also who relies on others (when it’s someone who relies on the state for money they’re often called a ‘dole bludger’) Bogan – Someone who is not very sophisticated. The Aussie equivalent of US rednecks Beauty! (Photo: Martin Derksen, Wix) Bored shitless – Very Bored Buggered – Exhausted Chunder – Vomit. Cobber – A very good friend. Crack the shits – Getting angry at someone or something Crikey – An expression of surprise C*nt, the “C” word – Not going to lie, I don’t like it. But it is part of the Aussie vocabulary for a lot of folks. If someone calls you the C word (and you haven’t done anything to annoy or enrage them) it’s actually considered a term of affection and that you are considered a ‘mate’. Dag – Someone who is a bit of a geek, goof or a nerd Deadset – True or, that’s true. Defo – Definitely Devo – Devastated Drongo – A fool or an idiot Far out – ‘Really?!’ (exclamation) – can be used as a positive or negative Galah – A stupid person named after the Australian bird with a reputation for its silly antics and the noise it makes. Gnarly – Awesome (often used by surfies) Grouse – Great, terrific Kangaroos loose in the top paddock (a few) – Someone who is not that bright Legless – Someone who is really drunk Mongrel – Someone who’s a bit of a scoundrel Ocker – an unsophisticated person Rack Off – Another, and less offensive way to tell someone to go away or ‘F Off’! Ripper – ‘You little ripper’ = That’s fantastic mate! Rapt – Very happy Ropeable – Very angry Spit the Dummy – To get upset Stoked – Happy Strewth – An exclamation of surprise Sweet As – Sweet, awesome, good. AUSTRALIAN SLANG PHRASES AND WORDS FOR DAY TO DAY LIFE Accadacca – How Aussies refer to Australian band ACDC Ambo – Ambulance Ankle Biter – Child Arvo – Afternoon (S’Arvo means this afternoon!) Aussie Salute – Wave to scare the flies Bail – To cancel plans. Bathers / Budgie Smugglers – Swimsuit / Speedos Barrack – To cheer on, support Billabong – A pond in a dry riverbed Brolly – Umbrella Buckleys Chance – Not a Chance; As good as impossible. Bush – “Out in the bush” or “he’s gone bush”. In the countryside away from civilisation Bushman’s alarm clock – a laughing Kookaburra Bushman’s Alarm clock (Photo: Adrian Cross, Unsplash) Cactus – Dead, Broken (an object, i.e washing machine) Cark-It – To die CBD – Central Business District (used to refer to a city centre: Melbourne CBD, Sydney CBD etc) Choc A Bloc – Full Chook – Chicken Chrissie – Christmas Ciggy / Durry – A Cigarette Clucky – Feeling maternal Cockie – Cockatoo (bird) Coppers – Policemen Crook – Being ill; or a criminal Daks – Trousers. ‘Tracky daks’ are sweatpants/tracksuit pants Dogs Breakfast – a poor piece of work; a mess (and sometimes used to describe how someone looks!) Down Under – Australia and New Zealand Dunny – Toilet Exy – Expensive Facey – Facebook Fair Dinkum – ‘Honestly? Yeah honestly! Fair Go / Fair Crack of the Whip / Fair Suck of the Sav – To give someone a chance Flannie / Flanno – Flannelette shirt ph Chrissie (Photo: Tessa Rampersad, Unsplash) Flat out – Crazy busy Footy – Australian Rules / Aussie Rules Football (not UK or world football/soccer) Furphy – Tall tales, rumours or stories that are improbable or absurd (also the name of a brand of beer!) G’day – Hello Going off – The reaction of an angry person “he’s going off” Good On Ya – Good work Goon – The best (or worst) version of wine – depending on your preference. Goon is a cheap, boxed wine. Grommet – Young surfer Grundies – underpants / underwear Hard yakka – Hard work Heaps – loads, lots, many Hoon – Hooligan / Someone driving badly. Hooroo – Goodbye Iffy – Bit risky John Dory – The goss / The gossip / The story Knickers – Female underwear Lappy – Laptop Larrikin – Someone who’s always up for a laugh, bit of a harmless prankster Lucky Country – Australia (where else?!) Manchester – Sheets / Linen etc. (If you’re from the UK, this one is particularly confusing!) Mate – Friend, Acquaintance Moolah – Money Moolah - Money Mozzie – Mosquito No Drama – No problem / it’s ok No Worries – No problem / it’s ok Nuddy / In the Nud – Naked Outback – The middle/interior of Australia. Pash – To kiss Pokies – Gambling Machines Rage / Rage on – Party / Party on. Reckon – For sure. ‘You Reckon?’… ‘I reckon!’ Rellie / Rello – Relatives Rock Up – To arrive Roo – Kangaroo Rooted – Tired or Broken Roster – Rota, work schedule Runners – Trainers, Sneakers Servo – Service Station / Garage / Gas Station Sheila – A woman She’ll be apples – Everything will be alright Shoot Through – To leave Sick – awesome / good; ‘that’s really sick mate’ Sickie – a sick day off work, or ‘to pull a sickie’ would be to take a day off when you aren’t actually sick Smoko – Cigarette break Sook – to sulk / or if you are being a sook – you’re whinging (i.e. stop being a sook) Stickybeak – to be nosey / a nosey person Stiffy – Erection Straya – Australia Straya - Australia (Photo: Johnny Bhalla, Unsplash) Stuffed – Tired Sunnies – Sunglasses Swag – Single bed you can roll up, a bit like a sleeping bag. Thongs – Flip Flops (UK/USA), Jandles (New Zealand) Togs – Swimwear Tradie – a tradesperson Sunnies (Photo: Alonso Reyes, Unspalsh) True Blue (Aussie) – Genuinely Australian, Patriotic Two Up – A gambling game played on Anzac day. U-IE/ Yewy – a U-Turn when driving Up Yourself – Stuck up Ute – Utility vehicle, pick-up truck Walkabout (Gone Walkabout) – a journey (originally on foot) undertaken by an Australian Aboriginal in order to live in the traditional manner (although please be aware it is considered a contentious word by indigenous Australians) Woop Woop – the middle of nowhere (pretty much most of Western Australia north of Perth and south west of Margaret River! And practically ALL of the Northern Territory.) Ya – You Yous – (youse) plural of you! And that’s a wrap. Whether you live in Australia (and a non-native!), are planning to visit in the near future or just wanted to improve your English vocabulary (or American-English vocabulary) with some fair dinkum Aussie words before the next Australia Day, we hope that some (or all!) of these Australian words in our Aussie slang dictionary have helped you understand Australian Slang a little better – and if not, they just brought a smile to your face. Cheers and put another shrimp on the barbie and celebrate Australia Day on January 26. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Given the sheer volume of gift giving and present sharing during the festive period, it makes sense to denote the month of December as 'Safe Toys and Gifts Month'. Millions of gifts will be exchanged, given and donated this Christmas, especially to young children, as the magic of the festive season and Santa Claus weaves its enchanting tale. However, in amongst all the joy and excitement, it pays to do your due diligence and ensure that any gifts you are giving to friends, family and loved ones are safe and do not pose any kind of health threat, particularly to young ones. Now we don’t want for one second to diminish the joy of Christmas, appearing like a damp squib to quash all the festive joy! However, it is equally important to pay heed to ensure safety for all is adhered to. According to data from a November 2023 report  by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 209,500 toy-related injuries treated in American hospital emergency departments in 2022; “76 percent were sustained by children 14 years of age or younger; 69 percent were sustained by children 12 years of age or younger; and 38 percent were sustained by children 4 years of age or younger,” the report states. Millions of gifts will be exchanged, given and donated this Christmas Tragically, there were 11 toy-related deaths occurring in the same calendar year among children 14 years of age or younger. The reports explains how “two fatalities involved choking on bouncy balls and three fatalities involved other types of balls. One fatality was due to a motor vehicle collision with an unpowered scooter. The remaining five fatalities in 2022 involved various other types of toys, including a powered riding toy, stuffed animal, balloon, tricycle, and toy magnets. The children ranged in age from seven months to ten years.” Of course, safety is paramount in every industry, but the toy industry has to be arguably more stringent due to the customer base being so young and therefore more exposed and susceptible to mishaps, be they genuinely innocent or otherwise. The United States leads the way with a raft of strict compliance guidelines, including consumer safety specification standards and product certificates. The national American Toy Association  “leads the multi-stakeholder committee that continually reviews the standard to ensure that it keeps pace with child development research, medical and toy-related incident data, risk assessment techniques, science, and manufacturing innovations.” Safety is paramount in every industry, but the toy industry has to be arguably more stringent Elsewhere, the European Toy Safety Directive  is one of the strictest toy safety legislations around, rigid in defining the essential safety requirements that toys must meet before being placed on the market. Down Under, the Australian Toy Association (ATA) represents “more than 280 manufacturers, importers and retailers of toys, accounting for about 90% of all toys distributed in Australia” with a simple yet effective directive: to help keep children safe during play. Exercising caution is no bad thing Knowing there are rigid safety regulations in place is one thing, although can you do more to safeguard your little one’s safety? The answer, quite simply, is absolutely, and exercising additional caution is encouraged. One of the most fundamental rules, even if seemingly obvious, is often overlooked – that of age restrictions. There are age restrictions clearly stipulated on pretty much every toy you will ever encounter, and they are there for a reason. If the packaging states the product is not suitable for children of a certain age then ensure you comply. Simple. Parental supervision and paying attention to the grade of the toy is the first prevention Another point that may sound like common sense but is often overlooked is around discarded packaging and the clearing and disposal of such. Let’s be honest, most kids just cannot wait to get their new gift out of the box so they can play with it, and the packaging is dismissed almost as quickly as the gift is unwrapped! But check that discarded boxes, etc do not have any rough edges or sharp protrusions that could cause injury, regardless of how seemingly innocuous. Similarly, ensure you clear all wrapping paper and boxes away once discarded as they can make for dangerous situations when left lying around (excited kids running around and slipping on forgotten wrapping paper is a much more perilously common scenario than you would think!) Again, sounds simple, but just run a quick check on the toy once opened to check all is in order – you can even mask your safety check drill by appearing to share your child’s joy on opening the gift, asking to see it yourself with a “wow, how cool, look at that” comment or something similar is sure to do the trick! Making sure that small accompanying parts to the toy are safe within your child’s possession, ensuring batteries are deployed correctly and also changed regularly where needed, setting up outdoor toys in safe places such as over grass or sand and never concrete, making sure any string-based toys are taken out of your babies' cot when they sleep, are all prudent measures to minimise the likelihood of accidents. Likewise, if the toy is something your child can ride, such as a bicycle, scooter or similar ‘vehicle’, then provide protective gear such as a helmet and knee pads and keep your eyes peeled for the first few days at least until they are more comfotable – the U.S. Consumer Product Safety report previously alluded to explain that “nonmotorized scooters were associated with the largest number of estimated toy-related injuries” last year. Take care of your eyes In today's digital age, it's common to gift children digital devices. However, it's crucial to educate them on maintaining a safe screen distance. Research highlights that holding books or screens too close for extended periods can increase the risk of myopia (short-sightedness). Additionally, prolonged screen use can reduce blinking rates, leading to dry, uncomfortable, or red eyes. Blinking is vital for maintaining healthy eye surfaces and clear vision. Both children and adults often hold screens closer than books, putting extra strain on the eyes' focusing system. Digital eye strain, affecting up to 50% of screen users, can result in symptoms like soreness, fatigue, dry eyes, and headaches. Teach children about the Elbow Rule To promote safe viewing, eye doctors and optometrists recommend the Elbow Rule for children, advising that books or digital devices should be held at a distance no closer than the child’s elbow-to-hand length. The last thing we want to be doing is becoming overly cautious and taking the joy out of, what is for most children, the happiest time of the year. Santa comes but once a year and the joy and fun associated with this should be celebrated, among children and the whole family. Just exercising a lick of common sense and being prudent with safety measures at the same time can ensure that everyone enjoys the occasion and stays safe not only during the festive period itself but throughout the rest of the year. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us . Subscribe to Brilliant-Online

✦ There’s nothing like the approaching festive season to inspire me to get into the kitchen and do some baking. Here are some yummy Christmas treats for you to delight your family and friends with. Recipes below Santa Claus Cookies Christmas Pudding Cookies Traditional Shortbread Jam Wreath Cookies Gingerbread Folk Reindeer Cookies Santa Claus Cookie Recipe Love the beard! Santa Claus Cookies Ingredients · 125-gram unsalted butter · 1 egg · 1/2 cup (110g) caster (superfine) sugar · 1 2/3 cup (250g) plain (all-purpose) flour · 12 (2g) dried currants · 12 (5g) tic tacs · 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut · red food colouring · black writing gel Royal icing · 1 1/2 cup (240g) pure icing (confectioners') sugar approximately · 1 egg white · 2 tablespoon lemon juice Method Step 1. Have butter and egg at room temperature. Step 2. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced). Line two oven trays with baking paper. Step 3. Beat butter, egg and sugar in small bowl with electric mixer until combined, stir in sifted flour, in two batches. Enclose dough in plastic wrap, refrigerate 30 minutes. Step 4. Roll dough between sheets of baking paper until 5mm (¼-inch) thick, refrigerate 15 minutes. Step 5. Using picture as a guide, cut out six Santa shapes from dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Place shapes about 2.5cm (1-inch) apart on trays. Press currants onto cookies for eyes. Bake about 15 minutes. Cool on trays. Step 6. To make royal icing. Beat egg white in small bowl with electric mixer until just broken up. Gradually beat in sifted sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat in 1 teaspoon of the lemon juice. Keep surface of icing covered and airtight with plastic wrap and a damp cloth. Step 7. Half-fill a piping bag fitted with a small plain tube with royal icing. Using picture as a guide, pipe icing in an unbroken line to outline the white parts of the hat and pompom, stand until icing has dried. Secure tic tacs to faces with a little royal icing to make eyebrows. Step 8. Spread a thin layer of the icing over one cookie to make a beard, press some of the coconut onto the icing before it dries. Repeat with remaining cookies. Step 9. Stir enough of the remaining lemon juice into icing to make it the consistency of pouring cream. Carefully spoon or pipe the icing onto the hat for white fur and pompom, stand several hours or until icing is dry. Step 10. Colour remaining icing red, pipe or spoon onto hats, stand until dry. Step 11. Use writing gel to make noses on the cookies. Christmas Pudding Cookie Recipe Christmas Pudding Cookies Ingredients · 60-gram butter, at room temperature · 1 egg, at room temperature · 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar · 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract · 1 cup (150g) plain flour · 2 tablespoon cocoa powder · 24 large (150g) white and pink marshmallows · 300 gram dark chocolate · 150 gram white chocolate melts · 12 red glacé cherries · 6 green glacé cherries Method Step 1. Beat butter, egg, sugar and extract in a small bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Stir in sifted flour and cocoa. Knead until dough forms. Enclose dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Step 2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line two oven trays with baking paper. Step 3. Roll dough between sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Using a 4.5cm round cutter, cut 24 rounds from dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Place the rounds about 2.5cm apart on trays. Bake for 10 minutes. Step 4. Remove cookies from oven; immediately press 1 marshmallow on top of each hot cookie. Return to oven for 1 minute. Cool on trays. Step 5. Melt the dark chocolate in a small heatproof bowl over a small saucepan of simmering water (don't let the water touch the base of the bowl). Place cookies on a wire rack over a baking paper-lined tray. Spoon the chocolate over biscuits to completely cover the marshmallows. Stand cookies at room temperature until chocolate sets. Step 6. Melt white chocolate melts as in step 5. Cut the red cherries in half. Cut each green cherry into 8 wedges. Working with one cookie at a time, spoon a small amount of white chocolate on top of each cookie; position one red cherry half and two green cherry wedges on each cookie. Stand at room temperature until set. Traditional Shortbread Recipe Traditional Shortbread Ingredients · 250 gram butter, softened · 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar · 1 tablespoon water · 2 cup (300g) plain flour · 1/2 cup (100g) rice flour · 2 tablespoon white sugar Method Step 1. Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Grease two oven trays. Step 2. Beat butter and caster sugar in medium bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. In two batches, stir in water and sifted flours. Turn onto a lightly-floured surface and knead until smooth. Step 3. Divide dough in two portions. Shape each portion, on separate trays, into 20cm rounds. Mark each round into 12 wedges; prick with fork. Pinch edges of rounds with fingers and sprinkle with white sugar. Step 4. Bake shortbread about 40 minutes. Stand on trays for 5 minutes. Using sharp knife, cut into wedges along marked lines. Cool on trays. Jam Wreath Cookie Recipe Jam Wreath Cookies Ingredients · 250 gram butter, softened · 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind · 1/3 cup (75g) caster (superfine) sugar · 2 cup (300g) plain (all-purpose) flour · 1/2 cup (100g) rice flour · 1 tablespoon caster (superfine) sugar, extra · 1/2 cup (160g) raspberry jam Method Step 1. Beat butter, rind and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Stir in sifted flours, in two batches. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap dough in plastic; refrigerate 30 minutes. Step 2. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line two oven trays with baking paper. Step 3. Roll three-quarters of the dough between sheets of baking paper until 3mm thick; cut 20 x 6.5cm rounds from dough. Place rounds 4cm apart on oven trays. Step 4. Roll remaining dough between sheets of baking paper until 3mm thick. Using a 4cm holly cutter, cut out leaves from dough. Step 5. Brush edge of each round of dough lightly with water; arrange leaves, overlapping slightly, around edge. Sprinkle leaves lightly with extra sugar. Spoon jam into the centre of each wreath. Step 6. Bake about 20 minutes. Cool on trays. Gingerbread Folk Recipe Gingerbread Folk Ingredients · 125-gram butter, at room temperature · 1/2 cup (110g) firmly packed light brown sugar · 1/2 cup (180g) treacle · 1 egg yolk · 2 1/2 cup (375g) plain flour · 1 tablespoon ground ginger · 1 teaspoon mixed spice · 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda Royal icing · 1 egg white · 1 1/2 cup (240g) pure icing sugar · 1 teaspoon lemon juice Method Step 1. Beat butter and sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Beat in the treacle and egg yolk. Step 2. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; stir in the sifted dry ingredients. Turn the dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth. Divide the dough in half. Enclose in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Step 3. Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Grease and line two oven trays with baking paper. Step 4. Roll each dough half between sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Using a 13cm gingerbread man cutter, cut out 12 gingerbread folk, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Place shapes, about 2.5cm apart, on trays. Bake for about 10 minutes. Stand on trays for 10 minutes, before transferring to wire racks to cool. Step 5. To make royal icing, beat egg white in a small bowl with an electric mixer until just broken up. Gradually beat in sifted icing sugar until firm peaks form; stir in the juice. Keep icing covered with plastic wrap on the surface to prevent drying out. Step 6. Spoon icing into a small piping bag fitted with a small plain tube (or a small plastic bag with one corner snipped off). Using the picture as a guide, decorate the gingerbread folk with piped royal icing. Reindeer Cookie Recipe Reindeer Cookies Ingredients · 90 grams butter · 1 egg · ½ cup (110g) firmly packed light brown sugar · ¹⁄³ cup (25g) desiccated coconut · ¹⁄³ cup (35g) wheat germ · ²⁄³ cup (100g) wholemeal plain flour · ¹⁄³ cup (50g) white self-raising flour · ½ teaspoon mixed spice · 20 pretzels (40g) · ¼ cup (45g) dark choc Bits · 10 giant choc orange balls (70g) Method Step 1. Have butter and egg at room temperature. Step 2. Beat butter, egg and sugar in small bowl with electric mixer until combined. Stir in coconut, wheat germ and sifted flours and spice. Enclose dough in plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes. Step 3. Roll dough between sheets of baking paper until 5mm (¼-inch) thick. Place on tray; refrigerate 30 minutes. Step 4. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Grease and line oven trays with baking paper. Step 5. Using a 9cm (3¼-inch) round cutter, cut 10 rounds from dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Place rounds about 7.5cm (3-inches) apart on trays. Slide an ice-block stick under each cookie; press down firmly. Position two pretzels on each cookie for antlers; press down firmly. Decorate cookies with choc bits for eyes and mouths. Bake about 12 minutes. Step 6. Immediately press choc orange balls onto hot cookies for noses. Cool on trays. Source: Women's Weekly Food Have a Merry Christmas! Fröhliche Weihnachten! Joyeux Noël 圣诞节快乐 Love from the Brilliant Team Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Christmas is simply not Christmas without a tree. How did this idea come about? Whether you are celebrating a sunny Christmas in Australia or a snowy Christmas in Scandinavia, we definitely all have one thing in common - the Christmas tree. Homeward bound after picking the perfect tree (Photo: Adam Tarwacki, Unsplash) History of the Christmas tree The ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews believed that evergreens were symbols of eternal life. They started bringing trees and branches into their households as a way to remind themselves that the seasons are cyclical. The earth goes to sleep in winter, and life returns again in spring. It's a symbol of hope and eternal life. And even in our modern day, we know how good it feels to have a bit of green in our houses to brighten and freshen up our living spaces. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography In the 16th century in Germany, trees started to become common and popular in people's homes and this was the start of what we know today as the Christmas tree. Because it is such a popular symbol and item to have that it may come as quite a shock to know that at one point in the 17th century, there was quite a hue and cry from the Puritan Americans against the Christmas tree. It was seen as a pagan symbol and they certainly wanted none of that in their lives. They were even incensed enough to fine people who insisted on celebrating this pagan holiday. What helped to put out the fire was the numerous German and Irish settlers who wanted to continue with the Christmas tradition they have known all their lives. Luckily for us, the Christmas tree stayed strong and green through the rest of history, and we are still able to have this in our homes without fear of censure. The 19th century saw the Christmas tree's status firmly consolidated when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were seen in a family portrait with a Christmas tree. There was no Instagram or Tik Tok then, but clearly the Royal Family were powerful influencers in those days, and a single family portrait like that was enough to help market the Christmas tree and catapult it to fame. Since then, everyone wanted a Christmas tree in December. Even the humble Christmas tree needed its fair share of marketing for it to reach its present-day status. Let's have a real Christmas tree at home | Photo: Annie Spratt, Unsplash Tips to make your Christmas tree last in Australia's climate Many families choose to have artificial trees to avoid the problems of shedding needles, and having to meticulously care for the tree, or wondering how to discard the tree when its life cycle is over. However, it is undeniable that there is still a certain magic to having natural trees, and the challenge for us living in Australia is the hot summer weather. Here are some simple tips to help your beautiful Christmas trees last and stay happy for your Christmas celebrations. Christmas trees get thirsty easily and with the summer heat you would have to make sure they are kept well hydrated. Some people spray the leaves with an anti-transpirant to reduce water loss so the tree stays fresh longer. While Christmas trees like water, make sure the drainage is good also. Make sure your potted Christmas tree has enough space for its roots. If not, you may have to repot the plant so it can continue to last through the summer. Be careful where you place your Christmas tree. Choose a spot where it can get some warm rays in the morning but some protection from the sun in the sweltering afternoon. One tip is to remember to turn the plant regularly so it gets an even amount of sunlight. If your Christmas tree stays indoors during the festive season, you can try moving it outdoors once the celebrations are over. Help your tree to adjust to a new environment by putting it in a shady spot before gradually moving it to a sunnier place. Fresh and ready to be decorated! A REAL Christmas tree in Veronica Lind´s family in Luxembourg. A respectful, eco-friendly end So we now come to the part that's inevitable. Our natural Christmas trees do come to an end. What do we do with our Christmas trees when they die? There's more we can do than just stripping it of the decorations and then chucking it in the dump. Surely it deserves a dignified and respectful end? A convenient solution is to ask your local council if they have any service that allows you to drop off your trees. What some local councils do is to recycle these trees to make mulch for public gardens and green areas. Then there are many other creative ways to recycle or repurpose your used Christmas trees. With sustainability being a must-have value nowadays, it makes sense to start thinking how we can incorporate sustainability into our holiday season. 1) Compost You can trim bits of branches off your tree, put them in a pile about 15cm high to create a base for a compost pile. This provides drainage for the compost. You can then add layers of material to be composted after that. Keep the compost pile moist, and aerate it by turning it every few weeks. This keeps the microorganisms happy and ready to get to work. 2) Firewood If you have a fireplace, you can cut up the tree and use it for firewood next winter. The wood will need a few months to be dry enough to burn anyway, so by the time the cold months come you'll be ready. 3) Mulch Mulch is basically any organic material put over the top of the soil as a covering. It helps to regulate the temperature of the soil so it doesn't go to the extremes in summer or winter. Cut up the thinner branches from your tree into little pieces. Add them to your garden beds. Check out a mulch recipe here by Accomplished Tree Management. Christmas is a wonderfully magical time of the year, and we are so fortunate to have these beautiful gifts from Nature to make our homes special (and smell really nice!). Above article is inspired by Accomplished Tree Management Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ No Christmas is complete without a classic pudding in all its rich and boozy glory. Nothing pronounces the festive season quite like a classic, decadent steamed pudding. Serve with your choice of brandy butter, custard or ice cream to leave everyone with joy. Leave this pudding simmering happily away while you while away the day with family, friends and children. Enjoy it just when you thought you couldn't take another bite. Serve pudding with cream or warm brandy custard. Ingredients: 4 cup (750g) mixed dried fruit 1 1/3 cup (185g) seeded dried dates, chopped coarsely 1 1/4 cup (185g) raisins, chopped coarsely 1 1/2 cup (375ml) water 3/4 cup (165g) caster (superfine) sugar 1 cup (200g) firmly packed light brown sugar 250 gram (8 ounces) butter, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 3 eggs, beaten lightly 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum 3 cup (210g) firmly packed fresh white breadcrumbs 1 3/4 cup (260g) plain (all-purpose) flour 2 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 60 centimetre (24-inch) square of calico 1/3 cup (50g) plain (all-purpose) flour, extra Kitchen string Method: Step 1. Stir fruit, the water, sugars and butter in large saucepan over heat, without boiling, until sugar dissolves; bring to the boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8 minutes. Stir in soda; cool. Step 2. Stir egg, rum, breadcrumbs and sifted dry ingredients into fruit mixture. Step 3. Fill a large boiler three-quarters full of hot water, cover; bring to the boil. Have string and extra flour ready. Wearing thick rubber gloves, drop pudding cloth in boiling water; squeeze excess water from cloth. Spread hot cloth on bench, rub extra flour onto cloth 40cm (16 inches) in diameter, leaving flour a little thicker in centre. Step 4. Place pudding mixture in centre of cloth. Tie cloth tightly with string as close to mixture as possible. Knot two pairs of corners together. Step 5. Lower pudding into boiling water. Cover with tight lid; boil 6 hours, replenishing water as necessary to maintain water level. Step 6. Lift pudding from water, place in large colander; cut string, carefully peel back cloth. Turn pudding onto a plate; carefully peel away cloth, cool. Stand 20 minutes before serving. Hints: You'll need a 60cm (24-inch) square of unbleached calico for the pudding cloth. If the calico hasn't been used before, start with an 80cm (16-inch) square of calico, soak in cold water overnight. Next day, boil it for 20 minutes, rinse in cold water and cut to a 60cm (24-inch) square. To store pudding, it is preferred to remove the cloth rather than hanging the pudding, as mould can form. After removing cloth, allow pudding to come to room temperature; wrap in plastic wrap and seal tightly in a freezer bag or airtight container, and refrigerate for up to two months. Brandy Custard & Brandy Butter The best Christmas companion. Serve lashings of the vanilla-infused brandy custard over pudding, pies and cake. Brandy Custard Ingredients: 2 cup (500ml) milk 300 millilitre thickened cream 6 egg yolks 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 2 teaspoon corn flour 1 tablespoon brandy or brandy essence Method: Step 1. Combine milk and cream in a medium pan; heat until just below boiling point. Step 2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until creamy, whisk in vanilla bean paste and corn flour. Gradually whisk hot milk mixture into egg mixture. Step 3. Return milk mixture to pan, stir over a low heat, without boiling, until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Step 4. Strain custard into a jug; stir in brandy or brandy essence. Brandy Butter Ingredients: 250 gram soft butter 2 cup (320g) pure icing sugar, sifted 1/4 cup (60ml) cream 1/3 cup (80ml) brandy or rum Method: Step 1. Beat butter and sugar in small bowl with electric mixer until as white as possible. Step 2. Beat in cream and alcohol. Hint: You can use brandy or rum essence in place of alcohol. Source: Women's Weekly Food No Christmas can go without a turkey! Click on image below for the perfect Turkey recipe Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Christmas is a time to indulge and none more so is this true than with food and a range of delicious, delectable treats. Whether you’re planning to tuck in to a traditional turkey dinner, with stuffing, cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts and all the trimmings, or opting for a lighter al fresco offering of bbq seafood and salad, food very much takes centre stage during the festive season. Christmas lunch aside, it is also the time of year to enjoy a myriad of desserts and sweet treats such as candy canes, advent calendars, festive themed cookies, family sized boxes of chocolates and rich puddings. Here we take a look at some of the yummy sweet options that are frequently served up around the world during the festive season which may find their way onto your Christmas menu and will hopefully leave you licking your lips in anticipation! Make your own Christmas treats. Check out our Brilliant cookie recipe. Arguably the dessert most synonymous with celebrating the festive season is Christmas pudding. Initially, however, it was never intended to be a sweet dish and was created as a way to preserve meat. Often referred to as plum pudding, despite no trace of plums in its recipe, it became adopted as a dessert in 1700s England and really gained popularity during Victorian times. Traditionally it is made from egg, suet, treacle, raisins (known as plums during Victorian times and hence the reference to plum pudding) and several spices for flavouring. It is typically prepared four to five weeks prior to Christmas and is usually served with a thick, creamy brandy sauce. Christmas Cake is also hugely popular in Britain, as it is in many parts of the world, as it is often regarded as the most symbolic of festive desserts. The traditional recipe sees moist currants, sultanas and raisins soaked in spirits such as brandy, rum, whisky or sherry then covered in layers of marzipan and icing which is then decorated. It is heavy and not to everyone’s taste but many say it wouldn’t truly be Christmas without at least one serving during the festive season! In France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and several former French colonies such as Canada, Vietnam, and Lebanon it is the yule log cake known as ‘Bûche de Noël’ that gets served up at Christmas. A sponge cake is baked in a shallow pan, frosted, rolled into a cylinder, then rolled again to give it an appropriate log looking shape. They are often served with one end cut off and set atop the cake to resemble a chopped off branch and a bark-like texture is made by dragging a fork through the icing with powdered sugar sprinkled to resemble snow. Christmas Cake is also hugely popular all over the world Germany is one of several countries to often enjoy the splendours of a white Christmas and they have several sweet treat offerings to match. The traditional Christmas dish Stollen is arguably the most famous, a fruit bread of nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit, coated with powdered sugar or icing sugar and often containing marzipan. Variations on the recipe include Mandelstollen (almond), Mohnstollen (poppy seeds), Quarkstollen (quark), Nuss-Stollen (nuts), Butterstollen (high butter content), Dresdner Stollen and Marzipanstollen. Another popular Christmas treat in Germany is Lebkuchen. Invented by monks in the 13th century, it is remarkably similar to gingerbread, with common ingredients such as honey, spices and nuts meaning the taste can range from sweet to spicy. Hard and soft versions of the cookie are popular and can be found at many Christmas markets around the country. Its popularity has transcended the festive season, however, as anyone who has been to Munich’s much celebrated annual Oktoberfest will attest to, where Lebkuchen hearts are frequently seen dangling from the necks of women wearing traditionalal dirndl dresses. Cookies are popular year round all around the world but particularly so at Christmas. In Denmark butter cookies known as Vaniljekranse, or ‘vanilla wreaths’, are an essential part of the festive season. Simple and sweet with a crisp exterior, they have become so popular that nowadays they are exported all over the world and have found their way into many people’s favourite Christmas treat list. Similar to gingerbread, Lebkuchen was invented by German monks in the 13th century Norway has a very similar variation of this recipe known as Sandbakkelse, which literally translates as ‘sand tarts’ and in Iceland the deliciously chewy pepper cookies similar to gingersnaps known as Piparkokur are a popular Christmas staple. Pierniczki Świąteczne is Poland’s variation on the Christmas cookie and Pfeffernusse cookies are also extremely popular with the Danes at Christmas time, as they are in Germany and the Netherlands. Made with a mix of molasses, anise, pepper and seasonal spices, they are a chewy cookie dusted with confectionary sugar that make for a delicious treat. In Malawai they adopt a slight twist by making the hugely popular Sweet Potato Spice Cookies, combining shredded sweet potatoes, butterscotch chips, pecans, coconut and spices. Click on image for Brilliant Christmas Cookies Recipes Another Scandinavian country that has a unique offering is Finland where Sekahedelmäkeitto is all the rage in the lead up to Christmas. However, this dish is slightly different to those of their neighbours in that it is a fruit soup where a mix of fruits and spices are soaked and boiled and often mixed with canned fruit or berries to add extra flavour! A variation on the traditional British Christmas cake that is very popular during the festive season in the Caribbean is rum cake. The recipe is almost identical to its British counterpart although this version ramps up the alcohol content and concentration a fair few notches with the fruits soaked in rum for several months before the assembly of the cake even starts. Especially popular in the likes of Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is a sweet dessert that sure packs a punch and has often left many that over indulge feeling rather intoxicated! The popular British rum cake With the third largest Catholic population in the world, it is safe to say that Christmas is a big deal in the Philippines. During the festive season revellers feast on Bibingka, a spongy rice cake made from rice flour and coconut milk that incorporates a variety of toppings to provide a sweet treat that is commonly sold outside churches in the lead up to Christmas. Over in Mexico doughnuts are the order of the day, or bunuelos to be precise. The dough is deep-fried, filled or covered with syrup then dusted with spices and sugar. While they are popular at Christmas, these sweet delights are also gobbled up in numerous Spanish-speaking countries during other holidays and festivals throughout the year such as Easter, Hannukah and Ramadan. Turrón is another popular Christmas dessert consumed in many countries in Latin America. Originating in Spain in the 16th century and believed to have originally been derived from the Muslim recipe for turun, this nougat confection is typically served in a round or rectangular form made from sugar, honey, egg white and toasted almonds or other nuts. Turrón is another popular Christmas dessert that is consumed in many countries in Latin America In the Middle East Burbara is a popular dessert that is enjoyed on December 4th to celebrate Saint Barbara’s Day and to mark the official countdown to Christmas. A bowl of wheat grains, pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise and sugar is soaked overnight then boiled before being topped with a variety of seeds, nuts and spices. In a similar vein to Halloween, it is offered to children who go house to house dressed in traditional costumes. Last but not least we come a lot closer to home to celebrate the pavlova, a staple in Australian and New Zealand Christmas menus. Light, chilled and easy to consume to complement the warm climate, the perfect pavlova recipe is all aout the crunchy, chewy meringue shell and the soft marshmellow centre, matched with fresh fruit toppings such as strawberries, raspberries, kiwifruit or passionfruit. Delicious! Have a Merry Christmas! Fröhliche Weihnachten! Joyeux Noël 圣诞节快乐 Love from the Brilliant Team Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .