As the end of November approaches, we see a growing number of gentlemen wandering around Brisbane with a full mo.

For those not in the ‘mo-know’, Movember has become a popular fundraising initiative that sees men across Australia bring the trusty moustache back in support of two very serious causes – prostate cancer and depression in men.

It’s now in its sixth year and still going strong – so we at The Barracks have taken it upon ourselves to help the cause.  We asked our very own traditional barber, Jimmy Rods, for a few tips on how to get your moustache looking magnificent this Movember.  But first, you need to decide what style of mo’ you’re going to grow.

Here are five failsafe styles as recommended by the tache-sperts at Jimmy Rods:

The Handlebar – a true classic and the most popular during Movember, sported by everyone from Chopper Read to Hulk Hogan. No one is going to mess with a handlebar mo’.

The Porn Star – a throwback to the 70’s, the porn-stache is making a comeback this Movember. Best combined with a dodgy European accent.

The Connoisseur – made for the more sophisticated moustache-wearer, this mo’ is thin with a jaunty upward twist at the end, perfect for stroking.  (Think Salvador Dali.)

The Magnum – the traditional thick and bushy mo’ sported by Tom Selleck in the eighties is an oldie but a goodie, sure to tickle your fancy (and whomever you kiss).

The Rake – a razor-sharp, minimalist mo’ from a bygone era that works best with a permanently raised eyebrow and a devilish glint in your eye.  Approach with caution – unless you’ve got the swagger to pull it off, you carry a high risk of resembling a teenage boy with bum-fluff.

Jimmy Rods offers these hot tips on how to maintain the perfectly groomed mo’:

•           Use a small pair of clippers and map out where you’re going to clip first.

•           Make sure you keep the skin taut and pull away from the moustache.

•           When shaving, always use a downwards action.

•           If you’re going to attempt a handlebar, keep a thick line of hair right to the jaw line.

•           For the porn-stache, be sure to trim both under and above for shaping.

•           Invest in a moustache comb to keep it neat, tidy and free from foreign objects!

•           For sharper, smoother styles, use a little moustache or hair wax to shape the ends.

So whether you usually rock the designer stubble look, hide behind a bushy old beard or are as clean-shaven as the day you were born, make sure you support the cause this Movember.

When it comes to hosting the perfect Christmas lunch or dinner, there’s a lot to consider – and decorating the table is often your last thought.

A beautiful setting can make all the difference and leave a lasting impression, so we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to theme your table like a pro. With our help, your presentation will look just as incredible as the food you put on it!

• First things first, pick a colour theme. We recommend tying your table into the hues of your tree, whether it’s adorned with classic reds and greens or more adventurous whites, silvers, golds and purples.

• If you’ve gone with a classic theme, character decorations in vibrant colours will add a touch of wow. But don’t go overboard with clunky objects – you still need room for plates and cutlery!

• Keep it simple. Choose thoughtful decoration pieces or opt for things that won’t take up valuable space. Wheel & Barrow at The Barracks has some gorgeous table runners and napkins that will brighten your setting.

• These small silver Christmas trees look great and add depth to your table. For a unique option, glass bowls full of fresh strawberries are not only delicious but they also look great. Similarly, decorative jugs filled with fruit juice and an interesting vase of flowers will add an element of freshness.

• After you have the table setting taken care of, why not pick up a copy of Cooking for Christmas, which has some great ideas on preparing a lunch or dinner that will impress.

• Most importantly, have fun!

For more decorating ideas, visit Wheel & Barrow and a range of other specialty retailers at The Barracks on Petrie Terrace in Paddington.

Welcome to the new Barracks Blog, a space where you can find out the latest news from Brisbane’s newest retail precinct located conveniently on Petrie Terrace.

From this space, we will bring you retail tips, dining reviews, information about promotions and special events, gift ideas and much more.

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