Stories

Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH

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By Charlotte McKewen

Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!

How to Build Better Boundaries If You WFH

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By Courtenay Turner

Discover how to relieve stress, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.

Learn Acrylic Painting for Beginners and Make a Masterpiece

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By ClassBento Team

Shake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, dateShake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, date nights and more. ...

Why We Turn to Craft in Times of Crisis

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By Courtenay Turner

From global pandemics to natural disasters, we explore the role of craft in helping humankind cope with crises.

Different Ways to Celebrate the Leap Year in 2025

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By Sam Bowden

With February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on FebruaryWith February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on February 29th! ...

Why You Need to Cook with Your Kids Every Single Day

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By Natalie Kemp

Get your child feeling confident in the kitchen with these cooking classes in Melbourne, from hands-on pizza making to washing and cutting vegetGet your child feeling confident in the kitchen with these cooking classes in Melbourne, from hands-on pizza making to washing and cutting vegetables. ...

Candle Making Classes Are for Everyone

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By John Tabari

Join our candle making classes in Sydney for a fun, relaxing craft experience. Perfect for everyone to join, it's a therapeutic experience you'llJoin our candle making classes in Sydney for a fun, relaxing craft experience. Perfect for everyone to join, it's a therapeutic experience you'll love! ...

Tea Brewing Versus Barista Workshops

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By ClassBento Team

If you decide you want to become a Barista, you’re in luck. There are tons of classes that offer all different types of Barista training. ButIf you decide you want to become a Barista, you’re in luck. There are tons of classes that offer all different types of Barista training. But what about people who don’t like coffee? Those who prefer a morning green tea rather than a latte? Whilst tea brewing classes are not as common as coffee courses, there are options. In this article, we’ll look the rising trend of tea brewing classes.   Tea Brewing Classes First of all, it’s important to understand exactly what a Tea Brewing class might look like. Though there are not as many of these classes as Barista courses, there are a few different types of tea-making courses:   Tea Brewing workshop At a standard Tea Brewing class you will learn the best way to brew loose leaf tea. The teacher will outline the best type of water, temperatures and methods to use for different types of tea. You’ll also learn about different equipment for brewing tea and when to use it.     Tea Sommelier After learning the basics of tea brewing, you can go on to learn how to become a tea expert. By navigating the history, culture and tasting notes of tea, you’ll be equipped to make recommendations for retail menus. Try out a workshop on how to make the right tea with chocolate or even tea with cheese. You’ll also come away with the ability to recommend food pairings for the tea.   Kombucha classes Take your tea brewing one step further and learn to brew Kombucha. This fizzy, fermented tea drink has gained popularity in recent years because of its touted health benefits and it tastes great! Kombucha is made by adding yeast bacteria to green or black tea and fermenting it. But don’t let us tell you how to do it, you’ll learn everything at a Kombucha making class.   Tea Specialist classes In the same way that Barista training will prepare you to enter the coffee industry, learning to be a tea specialist will help you get a job in a tea store. In this class you will learn the ins and outs of all the different types of tea. You will need a basic knowledge of tea brewing, which is usually included in these courses. With this foundation, you will be able to recommend products to customers based on their needs.     Tea or Coffee?   So now that you have a better idea of the topics and training you would cover in a Tea Brewing class. Should you learn how to perfect your tea brewing expertise or your coffee making prowess? which is better? Neither! Do both or do the one that you love! If you are looking into making a career move, smart money would be investing in a Barista training. There are more of these courses available and likely more jobs which need this knowledge. However, if you’re hoping to become a tea aficionado, whether as a hobby or profession, go for the Tea Brewing course and pour your heart and soul into it! ...

I Did a Workshop with My Family. Here's What Happened Next

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By Kellie Maloney

And why you should try it this Christmas.

5 Ways to Save Money and Keep Living Your Best Life

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By Kellie Maloney

With these DIY secrets from Aussie small business owners, you’ll feel empowered, discover new ways to save money and change your life for theWith these DIY secrets from Aussie small business owners, you’ll feel empowered, discover new ways to save money and change your life for the better. ...

Why a Paint 'n Sip Party Is the Ultimate Way to Celebrate

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By ClassBento Team

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party inIf you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party in Australia. ...

Think You're Not Creative? Try Pottery

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By Charlotte McKewen

How potter and academic Bettina Stevanovic rediscovered her childhood love of clay and used it to tap into mindfulness and find her balance.

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Support Your Mum's Wellbeing

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By ClassBento Team

Know a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums who need some pampering!

Why Creative Classes Make the Best Date Night Ideas

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By Jana Lepojevic

Unleash romance through creativity! Discover why creative classes make the best date night ideas. Dive into shared experiences, laughter and growthUnleash romance through creativity! Discover why creative classes make the best date night ideas. Dive into shared experiences, laughter and growth together. ...

5 Corporate Gift Cards to Boost Employee Wellbeing

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking to boost your team’s wellbeing? Discover our five top picks for company gift cards in Australia, to help inspire and uplift your team inLooking to boost your team’s wellbeing? Discover our five top picks for company gift cards in Australia, to help inspire and uplift your team in 2023. ...

How to Keep Your Brain Young

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By Courtenay Turner

We unpack the simple lifestyle changes you can make in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond to keep your brain sharp and your mind malleable.

Fun DIY Crafts You Should Learn from an Expert

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By ClassBento Team

If you’re keen to give crafting a go, check out these fun-filled DIY craft workshops in Australia for some creative inspiration!

Make Vegan Shortbread with Caroline Rowe

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By Courtenay Turner

Meet Caroline Rowe, the passionate foodie inspiring everyday Aussies to get creative in the kitchen and uncover the joys of cooking for one.

Holiday Favourites: Katie Jeanes, Head of Marketing

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By ClassBento Team

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

Can't Celebrate Together? Send Love with the Best Digital Gift Cards in Australia

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By ClassBento Team

Can’t be with someone you love on their special day? Discover a range of digital gift cards which you can present to your not-so-nearest and dCan’t be with someone you love on their special day? Discover a range of digital gift cards which you can present to your not-so-nearest and dearest. ...

6 Reasons Why Flower Arranging Classes Make the Best Gift Experiences for Mum

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover why flower arranging classes make the best gift experiences for Mums this Christmas.

How to Make Reusable Face Masks from Fabric

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By Sam Bowden

Want to make reusable DIY face masks that are also sustainable? Check out these craft classes and become a certified sewing sensation!

Re-imagining Learning - Lessons from Sculpture by the Sea

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By Classbento CTO

What do you think of when you see the word ‘learning’? I think of a classroom. I think of an older person, lecturing. One-way communication. IWhat do you think of when you see the word ‘learning’? I think of a classroom. I think of an older person, lecturing. One-way communication. I think of rote learning, memorisation, assessments. I think of stress and boredom. Learning as outcome based, and competitive. Learning for advancement in society, without much choice involved. I’ll bet that you thought of some of these too.   But can learning have the opposite effects? Can it reinvigorate, inspire, entertain? Can it do this while giving a sense of personal achievement, progress and enlightenment, that many of our modern means of entertainment (which typically have us as passive audiences, like TV) could never hope to achieve? I think so. I think that’s just scratching the surface. It won’t be easy to transform Australian society’s traditional view of learning. But at ClassBento, we’ve made that our mission. We think that Sculpture by the Sea is a great success story of how a team of passionate individuals can quickly put a different lens on something that have been around for millennia. Let’s see what we can learn from them.   What would you have thought of ‘sculptures’ 10 years ago? I thought of boring old displays in museums, and high-priced auctions for the ultra rich. Inaccessible and irrelevant. Sculptures were for someone else, not me. Then came Sculpture by the Sea. Sculptures became massively accessible, at least for residents or tourists of Sydney. They were literally placed in the open, 100% free for anyone to see and play with. By being on spread out across the Bondi to Coogee walk, these sculptures inherited characteristics we normally associate with our beaches. Fun, spontaneity, tranquillity, beauty, local, Australian. People discovered that sculptures could be thought provoking, relatable, a social experience. Sculptures could be new, fresh, and relevant, reflecting the times that we live in. Sculptures could stretch our imagination, and give us feelings of awe, sadness, and everything in between. Sculptures could get us to question our place in the world. Sculpture by the Sea transformed how we think and feel about sculptures.   There are plenty of other examples. What do you think of when you hear about ‘philosophy’? Abstract concepts preached by aged professors pondering away in ivory towers, like the existence and role of God, metaphysics, debating the definition of ‘knowledge’, ‘art’, ‘morals’; concepts utterly irrelevant to our modern lives? The School of Life is transforming philosophy’s place in our lives, and aims to improve our emotional intelligence. It draws on philosophy (as well as the humanities) to help us approach topics like love, relationships, death, careers, happiness and more. Topics that are often ignored by traditional schooling. Meanwhile, Masterchef has changed our perception of cooking from being a chore, to being cool, inventive, fun. There are lots of other examples, but Shakespeare tells me that ‘brevity is the soul of wit’, and I’d like to be seen as witty. To sum it up, the arts are being re-imagined to fit our modern lives.   So what’s the future of recreational learning? We think that learning should still be recognised for its crucial traditional role, in preparing us for the necessary routines, complexities and customs of modern life. But we’d love people to change their perception of learning, from just thinking of learning as both learning for advancement, to also thinking of recreational learning. A few years from now, we’d love Australians to list recreational learning (like the sort offered by ClassBento) as one of their top pastimes, alongside current favourites like sport, etc Granted, it’s not for everyone or for every occasion. Sometimes our brains and bodies just can’t take anymore, and we do want to just veg out in front of a screen and be passively entertained. But there are certainly enough of us, who have enough hours in a week, who would prefer active entertainment, with all of the unique advantages it brings.   How role will ClassBento play? Uncover hidden gems: In performance arts, artists don’t need a degree or qualifications to entertain, inspire, to change the world. In fact, going through the dogmas of formal schooling can dampen the creativity and uniqueness that makes art so wonderful. In contrast, we often assume that teachers must have years of formal education, to then be able to educate us. But similar to performers, skilled recreational teachers are everywhere. They just need to see the opportunity, to access a good platform. ClassBento will show them their podium. Make it easy: Education is often administrated by government, and as such it often lags behind in technology adoption, and gets tied up in red tape about what can and can’t be done, by rules and regulations. One result is the 10-page checkouts on community education sites. ClassBento will make it easy. Make offline cool again: Sure, some learning is best done individually, online, by watching demonstration videos, and reading manuals. Boring stuff like programming and statistics are some examples. But this approach isn’t suitable to every subject and every person. Humans are social creatures. Nothing can quite substitute for interacting with others in person, and using all our senses and expressions. And some subjects won’t make the transition to online easily. Imagine how difficult it would be to learn to dance, in your living room, watching a video. Or to learn how to sing, without real-time feedback, inspiration and motivation from a voice coach. ClassBento will bring offline back. Make it known: We’ll spread the word. We’ll celebrate our gifted teachers. We’ll celebrate the pleasure of learning. We’ll let Australians know that they have other options for what they can do on weekends, how they can spend time with loved ones, how they can find like-minded friends in their communities. ClassBento will lead the way.   It’s an exciting future, and we can’t wait to get there with you. ...

5 Dad-Approved Gifts That Will Ignite His Creativity

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By Kellie Maloney

If these real-life Dads loved them, yours will too.

7 Ways Wine and Painting Classes Can Boost Your Wellbeing

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By ClassBento Team

Explore 7 ways to improve your overall wellbeing with the help of fun-filled wine and painting classes available across Australia.

Fingerlicking Foodie Gifts for Ladies Who Love to Lunch

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By ClassBento Team

From cake decorating classes to food and drink tastings, discover the top creative gifts for foodies to add to the top of their present list in 2025.

Be Kind to Your Mind

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By ClassBento Team

Increasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can helpIncreasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can help to improve your mental wellbeing ...

Best Iso Date Night Ideas for Singles and Couples

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By Sam Bowden

Don't scrape the bottom of the barrel thinking of iso date night ideas in Sydney, we've got a couple of good jumping off points for you and yourDon't scrape the bottom of the barrel thinking of iso date night ideas in Sydney, we've got a couple of good jumping off points for you and your special person. ...

Tune Into Something New

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By Charlotte McKewen

Switch up your routine and engage in sensory experiences that will inspire and invigorate you.

Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe

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By Katie Milton

How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.

Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life

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By ClassBento Team

Help your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing thisHelp your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing this year. ...

Actually Good Zoom Date Ideas

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By Sam Bowden

Looking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we'veLooking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we've got some ingenious ideas for you... ...

9 Photography Styles to Master in 2025

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By Grace Smith

Elevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in MeElevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in Melbourne. ...

Top Barista Class Types

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By ClassBento Team

Explore the different types of coffee classes you can take in Sydney. From how to make an espresso at barista classes to learning to appreciate andExplore the different types of coffee classes you can take in Sydney. From how to make an espresso at barista classes to learning to appreciate and taste coffee. ...

5 Unique Couple Presents That They'll Both Enjoy

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By Tiffany Fung

Wondering what gifts for couples to give in 2023? Explore our couple presents in Australia, from playing with clay to tufting yarn into a colourfulWondering what gifts for couples to give in 2023? Explore our couple presents in Australia, from playing with clay to tufting yarn into a colourful masterpiece. ...

9 Best Gifts for Dad from His Daughter

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By Tiffany Fung

Make Dad's day special with unique gifts from his daughter. From dumpling making to watercolour painting, explore meaningful experiences in Australia.

Experience Gifts for Dad Based on His Love Language

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By Tiffany Fung

Do you know Dad’s love language? Surprise him with these thoughtful gifts for Dad in Melbourne that will make him feel truly loved.

You'll Love Learning to Draw at These Easy Art Classes

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By ClassBento Team

Rediscover the joy of drawing or experience it for the first time at art classes in Australia. See your vision come to life as your art skills iRediscover the joy of drawing or experience it for the first time at art classes in Australia. See your vision come to life as your art skills improve. ...

How to Nail Your 10 Year Anniversary Gift

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By ClassBento Team

From mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for yourFrom mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for your anniversary. ...

To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health

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By Susana Aguilera

Find out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuiFind out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuisine. ...

Daughter-to-mum Gifts That Will Warm Her Heart

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By Courtenay Turner

Soak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen yourSoak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen your bond. ...

Why Clay and Sip Is the New Friday Night Drinks

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By ClassBento Team

Discover why pottery classes in Australia are becoming one of the most popular ways to relax and unwind after work!

Presents for Mum That Will Boost Her Happiness in 2025

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By ClassBento Team

Boost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2025! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feelBoost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2025! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feel special. ...

Holiday Favourites: Pressy Sankaran, General Manager USA

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By ClassBento Team

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

11 Reasons to Gift an Experience This Holiday Season

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By ClassBento Team

From minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience giftsFrom minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience gifts this Christmas. ...

Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer

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By Courtenay Turner

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

Gourmet Gift Experiences for Couples Who Love to Cook

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By ClassBento Team

Looking for gifts for people who like to cook? Check out these gourmet cooking classes for couples run by passionate local chefs.

Why Arts and Crafts for Kids Build Self Confidence

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By Sam Bowden

Arts and craft classes for kids in Melbourne are a wonderful way to help build your child's self esteem and confidence. Here's why.