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Monday, 29 June 2015

KX Cycle & Yoga Richmond, Melbourne - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

Front Reception Desk at KX Richmond*

Being a blogger can come with some pretty cool benefits like being invited along to media launches and media previews - this was one I was excited about. Anything fitness, health or wellness related I am completely in for. You may remember in an earlier post when I tried out KX Pilates, well this time I was invited to attend the media official opening of KX Cycle in Richmond, Melbourne, thanks to the owners Eli Censor and Ali Rosenberg who have come together for the first KX Cycle studio.

Owners - Ali Rosenberg (L) and Eli Censor (R)*

The KX Studio in Richmond offer KX Cycle, KX Yoga and KX Pilates. Situated in prime location of Richmond on Level 1, 110 Swan Street. A studio that provides you with everything you need water, towels, lockers, bathroom essentials - the bathrooms are stocked with good branded shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments, deodorants, cotton buds, mouth wash, shavers and more.

Steps that greet you as you walk into KX studio, Richmond.

KX Cycle is a not like any cycling/spin class I have been too and the best way to give you the image in your head is those videos you see on Facebook with high energy and moving around on the bike thinking wow that's so awesome, I wish my cycle/spin class was like that.

First off KX Cycle provide you with shoes for the class. They are Shimano click in shoes, in which they click into your bike pedals of the state of the art bikes that you will get to use. This is great as you can concentrate more on using the right cycling technique as your feet are not moving around.

KX Cycle classroom*

High energy was a huge presence from the instructors as they are very uplifting with motivation speaking and instructions. There was two instructors up the front taking the class in which I have never seen before, two different styles as well whilst they took turns in taking us through the fast paced yet fun 30 minute class. The class incorporated a full body workout with the use of weights that are underneath your bike set so you can get some upper body and core training in as well for some additional fat blasting. You would have the dumbbells up in the air, pushing up against the handle bars of your bike doing push ups almost and bopping your head along to the pumped up music, with 42 bikes in the classroom you will thrive off of everyone's energy as well as creating your own.

KX Yoga/Pilates classroom*

After our 30 minute KX Cycle class we went into a 30 minute KX Yoga class that brought us into a nice stretching cool down and to start the morning feeling energized and relaxed.
Again two instructors in the class, one that was demonstrating at the front of the room and the other walking around instructing and assisting in correct techniques of poses. The yoga room is lined with mats ready to go and lit up with candles. A real calming environment with warmth as soon as you walk in the doors.

This was the first Yoga class that made me made go 'UMMMMM', first time I have ever tried saying 'ummmm' whilst in Yoga and I did actually find it really relaxing, it was like a release of bad energy that may have been in you and just allowing yourself to fill those spaces with calm, positive and good vibes.

Breakfast by Nutrition Bar*

To complete our morning workout and media preview we were then treated to a breakfast compliments to Nutrition Bar with freshly made smoothies, protein balls, chia pudding and more. Also a thank you for the goodie bag we received as well.

Goodie Bag from the Media morning - missing W7 Mascara from the shot.

Thank you for having me for the morning workout and then having me back again at night for the celebratory media launch party, in which Alix and I wrongly wore our workout gear to on the night.

Alix from Fabufitmum and I 


NJT Blogger is kindly gifted one lucky reader a 2 week pass to the KX Studio in Richmond, I was gifted two of them and would like to give away one to a reader who will put it to use. 

Must be able to attend the studio in Richmond, as this is only valid at the Richmond studio. 
2 week pass valid till 30th September, 2015. 
Bookings are essential to attend classes.

Giveaway ends: Wednesday 8th of July, 2015 at midnight. 
Giveaway drawn/announced: 9th July, 2015.
Winners to contact back within 24hrs otherwise redraw may occur.


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by KX Cycle. I was invited along to a media preview event and media launch in return for its promotion here. I was kindly gifted 2x 2 weeks free pass to the Richmond studio, in which I am using one as a giveaway prize in this post.. I received no payment for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

 *Photos marked with * next to them - have been kindly provided to me for this post.

Friday, 26 June 2015

Dyson V6 Absolute REVIEW + GIVEAWAY


Meet the newest of the Dyson family - V6 Absolute.
This Mumma doesn't need a V8 car she needs a Dyson V6 Absolute and after reading this post I'm sure you'll all want your own V6 too.

The Dyson V6 Absolute (RRP $899) is like the boy you would take home to Mum. Dyson V6 Absolute has the sleek looks, the good intentions and looks after you.




Inclusive with the Dyson V6 Absolute is five (5) different attachment heads for the vacuum in which will help you in areas around the home. Two smaller heads for getting into the knooks and crannies that are hard to clean e.g the ledges of walls or those corners. Two different sized Dyson-engineered cleaner heads which are for the larger areas and a mini motorised head to tackle the harder jobs.
The variety of attachment heads are fantastic as you don't have to use multiple cleaning tools just to do a good clean of your house.


Never ever have I seen my carpets have such a fresh look to them. My carpets look like they have been freshly laid or washed after a vacuum now. It's impeccable and really does a thoroughly deep clean that gets out all that underlying dust and grime we can't see with the eyes thanks to the cyclone technology of the Dyson V6. When you empty the vacuum you'll be just amazed at how much dust and such the V6 absolute picks up.

Although I wouldn't say this is a vacuum for a full clean as it's got a little battery charge life on it, which is to be expect with the small little compactness of it meaning the engine probably isn't that big. The V6 Absolute is the in between big cleans, the spot cleaner but if you love it as much as me then you'll break half way through just so you can wait for the Dyson to recharge and go again to do the rest of the house.

The Dyson V6 Absolute has a trigger function in which to use the vacuum you need to be holding down on the trigger for it to be in working mode, with up to 20 mins total of running power. This was designed with a trigger button so that you are only using the power when you are actually vacuuming. I must admit the trigger button holding does give you a sore hand at times.  Extra strength 'max' power can be used when cleaning with the push of a button to get a higher suction happening in your clean, but ensure you switch this off if you aren't needing it as it will drain the battery power quicker.


The compactness of the Dyson V6 Absolute is fabulous, included in your vacuum is a docking station in which you can attach to the wall so the vacuum is off the floor and well organised. As the Dyson V6 Absolute is a stick vacuum this takes up very little room at all. I have brought a little basket to pop all the attachments of the vacuum into and placed them into my laundry cupboard in which is now super organised and looking flash with the Dyson V6 Absolute in there. 

Everyone loves the cordless options especially if you have a little on running around. Not only that but you yourself are constantly getting tangled up in the cords and tripping yourself over. The only cords you will have to deal with is when the unit is charging - winning.

Cleaning the Dyson V6 Absolute is easy as 1, 2, 3. Just flick and push certain parts of the unit and out all the dirt comes. Washable filter that doesn't need replacing, it will always stay with the vacuum.


Not only is the Dyson V6 Absolute looking after your carpets but it's tending to your homes scent and your own health as the HEPA filtration ensures that the air it's leaving behind is cleaner than your current air. No nasty smells trailing behind or the smell of a hot motor running anymore.

PROS:
  • Multi-function head attachments
  • Light weight - 2.3kgs
  • Small and compact - stick vacuum with docking station
  • Thorough deep clean
  • Gets into all nooks and crannies
  • Cordless

CONS:
  • Price Point - non affordable, fortunate that we have places that do lay-bys.
  • Trigger button that needs you to hold throughout the whole vacuuming clean. 
  • Battery life isn't very long lasting. We have a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom with a study so a large house and we don't get through the whole house in the time of a battery charge. We need to put back to charge half way through our cleaning. 

One lucky reader will win themselves a Dyson V6 Absolute vacuum valued at $899, thanks to Dyson and NJT Blogger collaborating for this very special giveaway. 

Simple entry form via rafflecopter below. 
The more tasks you complete the higher chance of winning.

Giveaway ends: Monday 13th of July at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Tuesday 14th of July.
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.
Australia resident entries only sorry.


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Dyson. I was gifted a V6 Absolute in return for its promotion here. The giveaway V6 unit is brought to you in a collaboration with Kids Business & Dyson. I received no payment for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Operation Move Learn To Run July + GIVEAWAY


I'm ready for my next challenge and that is 'Learn To Run' with the Operation Move girls Kate & Zoey who I heard about from a masterclass blogging workshop a few weeks ago.
Kate & Zoey inspired me to try running again.

Before I had Niah I was training myself for running in fun runs and completed my first fun run in July 2012 then I fell pregnant and I stopped any form of exercise, silly I know but I honestly had no idea that exercising whilst being pregnant was a good thing and wouldn't harm the baby.
My excuse post pregnancy was that my body isn't built for running, I have a thicker frame to my body and try to use that to my advantage as well as all my jubbly wubblys jiggling when I run which I hate and have considered glad wrapped it up so it won't move, jokes - I wear compression tights for a reason.

July is going to be a new challenge start for me. I've already popped myself into many new exciting challenges and can't wait to see where I will end up at the end of it all.

Operation Move have a course in which you can take part in that helps you 'Learn To Run'.
This course will begin in July and runs for 10 weeks. You access this course online, there is no face to face classes or workshops. Kate & Zoey keep in touch with regular emails and you gain access to a small, private Facebook group in which they will provide coaching, support and motivation.

The course retails for $199, and to date they have graduated more than 150 women most of whom continue to run regularly and some who have gone on to train with Zoey for half marathons and marathons having never even known they were capable of running at all.

Whose up for the challenge and wants to join me this July?


One lucky reader will be able to win themselves an entry into the July course for 'Learn To Run' valued at $199, thanks to Operation Move and NJT Blogger collaborating for this special giveaway. 

Simple entry form via rafflecopter below. 
The more tasks you complete the higher chance of winning.


Giveaway ends: Sunday 28th of June at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Monday 29th of June.
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Operation Move. I was gifted an entry into the Learn To Run course in return for its promotion here. I received no payment for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

ABC Kids New Release Titles - The Wiggles, In The Night Garden & Hoopla Doopla + GIVEAWAY


Children learn many things through watching TV and there is some great programs out there that are pretty educational for our darlings. Many shows are teaching your children songs, actions, words and much more. 
I won't lie, the TV is always on in our household. Not because I stick Niah in-front of the TV constantly but because it's background noise we have accustomed too. We always are playing the kids channel and Niah will be busy playing along with her toys and such but will then stop for breaks to be front row view of the TV when a favourite show of hers comes on like some of the below titles.

Children get attached to characters they see in shows and sometimes that's the only show they want to watch so when DVD titles are released with Niah's favourite we do like to make sure we get our hands on a copy of the release, which also makes for a great thing to have in the car should you have portable DVD players. 

THE WIGGLES: ANTHONY’S FRUITY FEAST 
RRP $19.95

Enjoy over 40 songs and segments with The Wiggles as they put up a 140 min DVD for your children to sing and dance along too. The high energy of The Wiggles always brings excitement to little Niah.
There was only a few songs that actually were along the fruit side unfortunately. I would have thought that this release would have been all things fruity but none the less The Wiggles still provide you with much entertainment.Special features include some wiggly bloopers and a photo gallery.

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN: WHERE IS MAKKA PAKKA 
(Exclusive to ABC Shops and Centres) 
RRP $14.95

The most interesting characters that have names that will make you go 'what?, who?' when you first hear about In The Night Garden but super cute when your child says them. Niah is pretty good with her pronouncing of her favourite Makka Pakka character from the show.
If you have never experienced In The Night Garden before this is a show that will have the characters speaking in a language only known to the show with a voice over narrator for translation and story telling. Rhymes and music will be shared. Featuring 7 episodes for your child to enjoy.

HOOPLA DOOPLA: HULA HOOPLA 
RRP $14.95

Boy was I glad to receive a new Hoopla Doopla DVD as the first release was on nonstop play. Every second you would hear Niah say 'Hoopla, Hoopla'. Hoopla Doopla I'm sure got majority of their YouTube views from little Niah. If we were in the car, Niah would have the iPad or iPhone streaming Hoopla Doopla and at home we had the DVD or Foxtel shows on record.

Hula Hoopla DVD brings brand new episodes in which the main feature is that the town all have hula hoops except for Zap (one of the colourful characters) and he has some trouble with trying to get his hula hoop to 'hula'.



One lucky reader will be able to win themselves all 3 of the above titles mentioned in this post for your child thanks to Roadshow Entertainment and NJT Blogger collaborating for this special giveaway. 

Simple entry form via rafflecopter below. 
The more tasks you complete the higher chance of winning.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends: Tuesday 14th of July at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Wednesday 15th of July
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Roadshow Entertainment. I was gifted the above DVD titles in return for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Not In Shops - Lost My Name REVIEW + GIVEAWAY


When I was younger I recall Mum purchasing us those books that had your name in it as well as having up to 3 of your siblings. Being that there is lots of siblings in my family, Mum had to mix us all around in one another's books.
I think they used to be in those catalogue that they would drop into your mailbox and you'd order them right before Christmas so it would be a beautiful personalised present.

Not In Shops.com.au has brought back all those childhood memories for me, if only I still had my book from back then to be able to show Niah but I'm pretty sure that it's either a.) I ripped that book to pieces when I was younger or b.) it's made it into the trash with my Dad picking up anyone and everything and putting it into the bin or c.) it's in some keepsake box.


Not In Shops.com.au kindly gifted us our own personalised book for little Niahbella.
'Lost My Name' is a beautifully illustrated book that will tell a different story for each and every child. Depending upon how long your child's name is will depend on how long the story will go for.
Designed for children with between 3 - 12 letters but if your child has a short name they will include two (2) stories for them to enjoy.


Some extra things to make this book is to add a personalised message/dedication which will be featured on the inside cover of the book or get it sent in a gift wrap envelope.

Free shipping worldwide and they are now also printing in Australia so you have an estimated two (2) week turn around.


At the end of Lost My Name book they put together the whole child's name to finish the journey of finding where their name disappeared too.
For kids when they start to learn what there name looks like and how to spell it out, this will be the moment that shows so much joy and excitement on their face as they see that this book has there own name in it.

You can purchase this beautiful book for only RRP $33.95 - which of course like the name, they are Not In Shops and can be found on their website.


One lucky reader will be able to win themselves a personalized book for their child thanks to Not In Shops and NJT Blogger collaborating for this special giveaway. 

Simple entry form via rafflecopter below. 
The more tasks you complete the higher chance of winning.


Giveaway ends: Tuesday 14th of July at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Wednesday 15th of July
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.



Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Not In Shops. I was gifted a Lost My Name personalized book in return for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

June Reads with Scholastic Australia


We love being able to share stories together at night time and thanks to Scholastic we have been able to bring to you some new titles that are coming out for June.



Possum Magic Actions - RRP $9.99

Niah has the Possum Magic book so the characters were no strangers to Niah. A great book for the younger aged children to explain the actions of what these cheeky possums get up too. 
Not too many pages and keeps the children engaged through seeing the possums demonstrate the actions within the pictures on each page.



Snow Day - RRP $24.99 

Us Melbourians don't get much snow that would create a really good snow day for us. The last I remember having a good snow day was back when I was in Kinder in 1994. 

Reading a book like snow day puts the imagine of what you would see in movies from America. 
This book shows all those who like enjoying a snow day, not just family and friends but the zoo animals and local dogs of the area. 



Silly Squid - RRP $24.99

Niah and I have just recently visited both the Melbourne & Brisbane Aquarium in which Niah loves the underwater animals, visiting her Grandmas house and seeing their fish and especially her Uncle's large fish tank filled with lots of different fish is something Niah enjoys watching and seeing. 
It was really good to have some reads this month that could continue the talk about the underwater animals at home. 

A bright book filled with lots of underwater animal poems with pictures to identify exactly who the poems feature and give facts about the underwater animals within each poem. A great fun learning book for kids. 



Messy Jellyfish - RRP $14.99

Niah and I have ventured out to the aquarium twice as stated above so once again this book came in perfect timing for us to continue on with the underwater animal talk. 

Messy Jellyfish brings a story book about both a jellyfish and seahorse who live together. Jellyfish being the messy and outgoing one where as; seahorse is quiet and clean. It comes between their friendship one day and seahorse ends up leaving the house, shortly after they work out their differences and result in an ideal situation for both of them.




The Cow Tripped Over the Moon - RRP $24.99

We all know the nursery rhyme 'Hey diddle diddle..' well this book will take you and your cherub(s) into some funny attempts of what happened before the cow actually got over the moon. 
The cow is persistent to get over the moon and with the support of his friends he is finally able to make it over the moon.


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Scholastic Australia. I received the above books as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Pic's 'Really Good' Peanut Butter REVIEW [Foodie]


If I had an allergy to peanuts I honestly have no idea how I would cope. There is so many things that I love consuming that have with nuts in them, on a daily basis I have nuts either as raw snacks, on my morning toast, in my cereals, in my protein balls or in my protein bars. It's just something so delicious, nutritious and they are a good filler. 



There is so many different peanut butter brands out there and it gets a little overwhelming going into the supermarket when you want to get a good peanut butter. Some are too oily, some are too dry and just don't spread on that toast, some are nut overload and some are just nasty tasting.

I like my peanut butter to have some oil in it as I want to spread it majority of the time over toast, apple cuts or crackers. I want a good amount of nut taste but not to taste like I'm having a cup full of raw nuts in one hit of a bite and to have crunch too it. 
Thinking back to when my siblings and I were younger they all wanted the smooth peanut butters and I would crack it because we rarely got the crunchy peanut butter well guess what siblings I have my own house now and buy my own groceries so therefore there is ALWAYS crunchy peanut butter in my house, ner ner.


Pic's 'Really Good' Peanut Butter is that gorgeously light roasted peanuts that are spread so easily onto your crackers, celery sticks or in most of my cases apple slices. The quality of the peanut butter really shows in the taste, its like no other peanut butter I have ever tried.
A peanut butter that has the right about of oil in there that doesn't over do it and spoil the peanut butter.


Why should you 'pic' Pic's 'Really Good' Peanut Butter over others?
It's simply peanut butter in the jar. Australian's own peanuts that are found in Queensland's Kingaroy with a pinch or two from New Zealand sea salt.
Very much a more natural and healthier choice from the spreads section at the supermarket.


Pic's 'Really Good' Peanut Butter can be found in Coles and other independent stores for $7.50 for 380g. It's worth every cent - believe me.


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Pic's 'Really Good' Peanut Butter. I received a jar for myself as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Bellabox June 2015 REVIEW


Subscription boxes have been something I've always been interested in taking a look into simply because they give you little trial products of a few different things that you can test out before going and purchasing a full size product and spending that extra money to get the full size product.
Not only that but it is a good way of trying out new things you wouldn't normally by yourself or may be out of your comfort zone.


Bellabox is an Australian subscription service box that comes out every month with a few different products occasionally you will receive full size samples but it's mainly a sample mini deluxe size in which are great for travel and giving things a try before you buy test.

Bellabox includes things like skincare, makeup, hair and body care into their boxes.

At $15 a month including the postage, Bellabox will send you out a box of products straight to your door which are customised to your beauty profile. Bellabox also allow you to cancel at any time as well.

I was kindly gifted the special fixed June box from Bellabox (RRP $17.95) to get an inside scoop of what they do. The June box contained the following:


1000 Jean Patou 1.5ml fragrance 

A mature fragrance which is deep and strong scented. I would say this fragrance would suit an older person. It's not something I personally would wear as I like lighter scents but this would be a fragrance I would consider gifting an Aunt.


Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment 10ml

A deep hair treatment that is great for those who are constantly using heating tools or dying their hair. Our hair is such a delicate thing if we really think about it and we put it through its real paces on a daily basis, it's important to give your hair a good hair treatment at least once a week I would say and Aveda would be something I would look into purchasing as it was a really good deep intense treatment that was very buttery paste like and nourished my hair well.


Universal Beauty Cosmetics Tint Stick - Nude Pink

I've never tried this UB brand before and was excited to try something new. I'm always on the look out for lip products that set matte and don't leave product over little Niah's face when I kiss her or lip marks over glasses that I drink from. The great thing about UB Tint Stick was that it went on so easy, felt light and like nothing was on your lips but set in without any wetness, stickiness and sat still for a long period of time. The stick is almost like a texta from the way it looks and feels.
Apply a single coat and it will give a sheer tint, double coat or more than you will get a more intense full colour.


Original Source Skin Quench - Watermelon & Jojoba Oil 250ml

Any watermelon product will get my attention as I just love the sweet scent of a watermelon. It's almost eatable smelling. Soft oil beads are in this shower gel along with it being a moisturising all in one product. Natural oils are used within this gel which is fantastic for my skin being that it is quite sensitive and left it feeling well looked after.


Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm 4.25g

 A full sized lip balm. I have used several Burt's Bees and have never seen a product disappoint me from them. Burt's Bees lip balms have to be my favourite from their range as they have always been a go to product that I know will do the trick.
Peppermint adds that little sting of freshness onto your lips and makes you also want to lick it off if you're a peppermint lover like me. A good soft caring lip balm that smells delicious.


Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Nuffnang & Bellabox. I received the above box as featured above in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
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