Featured

Thursday, 28 April 2016

Les Mills THE TRIP - Interview: Chris Richardson - Immersive Product Manager

Les Mills classes are a huge thing for majority of gyms these days.
Les Mills are the creators behind many of the beloved gym classes you attend. Classes such as BodyJam, Body Balance and my favourite being BodyPump, just to name a few.
The same repeat of the class will go on for around 6 weeks and then a fresh new routine with some more killer tracks come out to get you all over again.

I was checking my emails a few weeks ago and saw 'The Future of Cycle Studios is coming to Melbourne' and I was intrigued, I couldn't have opened that email fast enough.
When I read on to see that it was an invite to experience the actual THE TRIP itself I was even more keen. After reading the brief I headed over to YouTube to take a look at it at play.




THE TRIP is like a RPM/ cycle/ spin class in which you are inside a special cinema/theatre style room that needs to be customary be designed to accommodate to the graphic animations for the class.
As you can see in the photo above you are in front of these phenomenal displays that are literally like transporting you to another place. I can only imagine that I will feel like I have been taken to another world in this class. (I'll be able to report back on that very shortly after I experience the class for the first time.)

THE TRIP runs alongside a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout where you have short bursts of effort following by minimal recovery periods before going again. 
THE TRIP class will finish with you having a long cool down that has you riding amid fluffy clouds or into the sunset - a picturesque view if I might say. 

I was also really lucky enough to be able to speak with Chris Richardson - Immersive Product Manager and one of the creatives behind Les Mills to interview him and discuss more what THE TRIP is about and where it all started. 

Chris advised that it has been a two (2) year project and they are currently working on their 6th and 7th instalment with already having released 5. 

There was trial and errors that went on where they wanted to use real live footage but unfortunately they couldn't get the sensations they were looking for so they went for an animating option in which increases speeds, stretches reality and will have you seeing full downhill views, turning backwards and flying upside. Sounds like I will be on a roller coaster track on a bike! 

THE TRIP has just opened their 7th studio in NY at David Barton's TMPL gym. 
Just 18 months ago the first was launched in Santa Monica. Following on there was Stockholm, London, Paris, Hong Kong and Newmarket. 

I questioned Chris on whether THE TRIP can just be set up on a projector into any gym space as I was keen to try and persuade my massive gym to look into it but unfortunately there is size specifications in the heights of the floor to ceilings and they can't just go into the normal studios. 
The rooms need to be purpose built brand new to specifically fit the animations. 

For myself cycle is a big love/hate relationship. I love it because I sweat like no tomorrow, I feel pain (good pain of course) and I love seeing my heartbeat raise. I told Chris I was loving the idea completely as for me as the animations would be a major distraction as I would be someone who would constantly look at the clock waiting to get out as you just feel like it's going on forever in a cycle class and the pain from sitting on the cycle bikes is a massive turn off.
The visual animations provide distraction from what you are doing, give you a sensation of speed being the movement, will trick your brain and climbing up those hills will need your energy as you know that you won't get to the top if you stop. 

Chris commented that it 'Takes a group exercise class and uses the group energy in an entertaining way.' 
Well... Chris, you have really got me super excited to be able to be apart of something amazing to happen in Melbourne at the Fitness and Health Expo.

The Fitness & Health Expo will be in Melbourne from the 29th May until 1st May. 
Visit the website here to find out more. 


http://www.lesmills.com/workouts/fitness-classes/the-trip/

Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Les Mills. I was invited along to THE TRIP class at The Fitness & Health Expo in Melbourne as above mentioned with no expectation for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Tuesday, 26 April 2016

The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition at Rippon Lea House and Gardens


Be transported to Dungatar in the 1950s, and experience the journey of transformation through the artful and luxurious costumes worn by Kate Winslet and the cast of The Dressmaker, based on the hit novel by Rosalie Ham.

The beautiful movie that was filmed right here in Australia, that saw Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth star together and many other cast members especially the women being the main star attractions with the beautiful unique and extravagant costumes designed by Marion Boyce and Margot Wilson come to life right before your eyes at Rippon Lea House & Garden in Melbourne.

I was kindly invited along to a media preview event to see the exhibition before it opens to the public where I was able to meet with Marion Boyce (costumer designer) and Rosalie Ham (author).
Rosalie quoted that in her mind she had created these pieces but there weren't' nearly as beautiful as to what Marion had created.
Marion did a fantastic job in her costumer designing that it just took your breath away with how stunning the pieces were. I fell in love with many of the dresses and it was such a hard task to select one that I liked most. The amount of detailing that went into the dresses were just applauding.


In the stunning, vintage and beauty classic mansion behind the Rippon Lea House & Garden gates will be the place of exhibition for The Dressmaker, with 50 designs under the one roof.
You will be transported and feel completely apart of the book turned movie whilst getting to see the pieces in the flesh.

Being this up close and personal with The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition; you are able to admire how much detail and artisanship that went into making the costumes.
You will be able to walk through the many rooms of the mansion viewing the costumes together with backdrops that will relay back to that exact scene the costume was worn in.
Some of the rooms feature sound back audio from the film and insightful chat on how the costumes came together.


The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition is open from Friday 22nd April until Sunday 31st July.
Tickets start from $10 for a child (5-15 years) and $20 for adults. 
Reduced ticket prices for concession and The National Trust members.
Tickets can be purchased here. 

What is The National Trust?
The National Trusts of Australia are community-based, non-government organisations, committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage through its advocacy work and its custodianship of heritage places and objects.



Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Nuffnang and The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition. I was invited along to a preview event as media in exchange for its promotion here. I received monetary payment for this review/feature and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. 

Thursday, 21 April 2016

Circa Home - Gratitude Collection



There's days that you need to take a step back, breathe and go over the things you are grateful for in life. We all get stressed, overwhelmed and that's when you need to have a breather moment.
Allow yourself to be able to rest, calm yourself and just let your head clear.

Having ambiance in your home or workplace can really change the mood.
A rest and relaxation period for me would be at night after gym when I get into bed and start organizing my own personal life schedule whilst allowing all my days thoughts drift away as I am getting ready to close my eyes for the day and say bye to the day that has just about to leave us.

Candles for me are something that fill the room with amazing aromas and there's just that something that makes it feel soothing.


I was recently sent the Circa Home Limited Edition Honeyflower & Sandalwood Classic Candle which is absolutely stunning to the eyes and nose. The candle itself is natural soy wax, in a white glass with gold foil calligraphy on the front saying 'gratitude' and a dark wooden lid. Dual lead wicks for ultimate burning strength to the candle.

The scent is a beautiful warm and sweet at once smells of Honeyflower and Sandalwood and with hints of cucumber and vanilla, I don't think I have laid my eyes on a prettier candle. The words being on the front of the candle just remind me constantly to have thanks for things in my life.

Along with the candle I was sent a notebook saying at the top 'Today I am grateful for...' so I wrote down the things in that moment that I felt grateful for...


Today I was grateful for..

  • Being Alive - For being on this world and getting to experience so many things, share moments with many people I love and cherish and so much more. 
  • My Family - For having constant support, love and help behind me which ever step of life's path I take, I know that there is always someone with me to share joy, sadness and heartful moments with. 
  • Having a job - The sense of independence, sense of being a bread winner and changing my future. After all it helps me live the life I live, the house I sleep in and the clothes I wear on my backside. 

Circa Home have released a Limited Edition Gratitude Collection which consists of:
The Circa Home Gratitude Collection has been released just in time for Mother's Day as well. 
You can even win Mum or yourself the whole Gratitude Collection by entering here.


Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Nuffnang and Circa Home. I received the above pictured candle as above mentioned 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, 19 April 2016

Scooby-Doo Live! Level Up + GIVEAWAY


Scooby-Dooby, Doo, Where are you? Well let me tell you Scooby-Doo is coming to town all over Australia for Scooby-Doo Live! Level Up, their newest live musical adventure that will have the kids all eyes front and centre at the stage. 

Everyone’s favourite Great Dane, Scooby, and the mystery-solving crew—Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma, will take to the stage for the Australian World Premiere of Scooby-Doo Live! Level Up featuring, touring Australia these July School Holidays.



Tickets go on sale Tuesday 12 April, to be the first to access tickets to this unmissable new live show, join the wait list now at scoobydoolive.com
To find out when Scooby is in your local city visit here.


Jeepers! Scooby-Doo is back in Australia in a brand NEW live-on-stage adventure, Scooby-Doo Live Level Up, and to celebrate we’re giving away tickets to ONE very lucky family (valued at $200) to see the show!

Want a chance to win these tickets? All you have to do is enter via the gleam form below.
Winners will be able to select tickets to any show in Australia.

Giveaway ends: Saturday 30th April at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: 1st May, 2016.
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur.
*Tickets are subject to availability of session times selected.



Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Scooby-Doo Live! Level Up and Life Like Touring. I will be receiving tickets myself to a show as media in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Friday, 15 April 2016

Scholl Perfect Pedi Event

An event that sees you get a pedicure, massage and manicure all in the one morning is something that I have never experienced before at an event until I was invited along to Scholl's Perfect Pedi Event.

Located at the top of Adelphi Hotel in Melbourne CBD with stunning views of the city, the perfect place to be that early in the morning.


Scholl have been around for many years and you will probably know them as your Nana's favorite product to help with the sore feet that helps with the corns. Scholl have done some massive things on the market lately and they have certainly been catching my eye with their new range of products that can be a target for any age.

Scholl are well known to me for having DIY in home salon products, for those perfect pedicures and manicures. Prior to this event I tried out the Velvet Smooth Express Pedi which I thought was a product well suited to between those visits to the salon but that was because I had no information, knowledge or anything to understand their products and how best to use them.

Having events is great for taking information, directions and knowledge away so I can benefit myself with using the products and help educate you as my readers and share my knowledge.
Scholl have launched their new Velvet Smooth Electronic Wet & Dry Foot File in which we got to see in the flesh and experience on our own tootsies at the event.


The Velvet Smooth Electronic Wet & Dry Foot File is cordless, battery operated and can be used in both wet and dry conditions. No mess when you can take it into the shower and easily get rid of all the dead dry skin and leave your feet all nourished and like a baby's bottom again.
The thing is with those 'graters' as I call them that they use in the salons, they are too harsh on our skin and we don't need to be damaging our skin like that. We need to massage it almost to get it all plump and gradually buff out the dry skin.

Another product that we were shown was the Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Nail Care System.
Unfortunately I didn't get to try this one out at the event due to having shellac on my nails already, bummer!

The Velvet Smooth Electronic Nail Care System can be used on both finger nails and toe nails.
It will file, buff and shine the nails. You only need 1 x AA battery and away you go.


Both these products are simple to use and are a perfect price point buy.
Girls Night In would be complete with both these products.

Bastien Gonzalez who is the ambassador for Scholl Australia was in our presence teaching us many things about foot care. Many laughs shared as he was a very funny man.
I want to leave you with Bastien's tips as I think they are most beneficial to us all.


1.    The most important thing that I say to all my clients is that you must LOVE your feet. Beauty starts from your feet so I really do believe we should take pride in their appearance and show them off where we can. Most of the world’s most common foot-related problems can be solved by following these simple tips

2. When you want to purchase new shoes, choose your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. Don’t try to force your feet in to shoes that are too small or you’ll end up suffering for it when you could just choose a size that fits.

3. Change your shoes regularly and try not to wear one style of footwear too often. The best thing you can do for your feet is to change shoes once a day.

4. As soon as you are back home, take off your shoes, roll the toes and move your joints to keep the mobility and avoid hammertoes. 5 seconds is all it takes.

5. To help avoid foot pains, the only tool you need is time: time to massage your feet every evening to work on foot mobility, skin elasticity, blood circulation and to re-pump the fatty cushions under your feet. I’d advise a moistening cream to finish the job off, such as Scholl’s Velvet Smooth Essential Moisture Cream.

6. Scrub your feet two times a week to clear away dead skin cells. Never be too rough on the skin. Use a tool such Scholl’s Velvet Smooth Wet & Dry Foot File and let the rotating head do the hard work for you.

7. Use Scholl’s Velvet Smooth Essential Moisture Cream every night before you go to sleep. Regular application of the cream over 3 weeks will help improve the condition of your feet on your journey toto beautiful skin.

8. For perfect nails, file your nail into a square shape and gently make the corner round to help avoid any ingrowing nails. Never cut the nail on the side. A great tool for sculpting nails is Scholl’s Electronic Nail Care System.

9. Do not push or cut your cuticles. Use an oil such as Scholl’s Velvet Smooth Nail Care Oil to keep them soft & strong as they’re a natural protection against bacteria and infection.


www.scholl.com.au

Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Scholl.  I was gifted the above mentioned products and invited along to the event as above mentioned with no expectation for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Wednesday, 13 April 2016

Real Techniques Bold Metal Collection Launch

I have said this before and I’ll say it again  - Real Techniques is the only brushes I trust to do the job of my makeup. Real Techniques were the first brushes I was using and till this day remain my trusty loyal applicators.


Back late last year (once again very delayed) I was invited along to the Real Techniques Bold Metal Collection Launch event. Held at the Mon Bijou Penthouse of the Adelphi Hotel in the Melbourne CBD.


We were rubbing shoulders with Rachael Brook, beauty ambassador of Chemcorp International who gave us a demonstration of the Bold Metals collection at use through makeup application. Rachel was really engaging with us answering any questions we had and giving us tips along the way on how best to apply makeup.

The Bold Metals Collection has featured colored brushes of metallic gold, silver and rose gold. All those fancy and luxurious colors that make you go ‘oh la la’. With the highest-grade synthetic brush fibres they are super soft on the skin and very light weight for precision when using for application.
In the collection there were 7 brushes:


GOLD - BASE:
100 Arched Powder brush (RRP $65) – A dome cut brush which flawlessly sweeps across the face when using pressed or loose powders.
101 Triangle Foundation brush (RRP $59) – A dual function brush which has a flat edge to cover large face areas and angled edges for contouring those pesky areas like near the eyes and nose.

SILVER – EYES:
200 Oval Shadow brush (RRP $39) – A luscious round brush allowing you to give easy blending all over the eyes.
201 Pointed Crease brush (RRP $39) – A densely packaged, tapered bristled brush which is perfect for working magic on the smoky eye look.
202 Angled Liner brush (RRP $39) – A firm, slanted head brush which fits close to the lash line for killer eyeliner.

ROSE GOLD – FINISH:
300 Tapered Blush brush (RRP $59) – A brush the helps brush highlights and sculpt the cheeks for a streak less finish.
301 Flat Contour brush (RRP $65) – A dense and narrow shaped head to shadow and highlight the areas of your face that you want to contour.

L to R: Jasmine from Sweetaholic-Beauty, Katt from Chanelkxo and myself at the launch

There has just been a new baby launched 203 Tapered Shadow brush (RRP $39) which is part of the silver eyes range. The Tapered Shadow brush is densely packed and precision cut, making it the prefect tool to blend shadows into the crease and eyeline, creating a seamless finish. This brush would be brilliant for acing those smoky eye looks.

The Bold Metals Collection range can be found in store at Priceline or available on the Real Techniques website. 



Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Real Techniques - Chemcorp International, I was gifted the range and invited along to the event as above mentioned with no expectation for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Thursday, 7 April 2016

Our visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park


Located just on the outskirts of Ballarat lives the animals of Ballarat Wildlife Park.
Niah loves animals, but which kid doesn’t really?
Niah is always the utmost excited little girl when I tell her that we are going to see animals, to the point where she won’t sleep the night before and will be talking about it for the days that lead up.

Ballarat Wildlife Park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Admission prices are $31 for adults, $17.50 for children (under 4 free) and $85 for a family pass (2 adults and up to 4 children). You can also purchase yearly memberships in which have benefits along with it as well when purchasing souvenirs and bringing along visitors at discounted prices.
Unfortunately I did feel they charged a little too much when it comes to admission fees for the Wildlife Park but you have got to consider that all the admission fees are going back into the Wildlife Park so therefor it does make it a little easier in your mind and in the pocket. 

Wildlife Parks are not your big huge zoos; they have a smaller amount of animals in comparison so that’s something to keep in mind.

Some of the animals you will see at your time at the Ballarat Wildlife Park include:
  •       A mighty big crocodile, this one is a HUGE one and alligators.
  •       Giant Tortoises sunbathing or having a slip and slide in the little water pool of theirs.
  •        Many, many wombats which are the star feature as Patrick the wombat resides here.
  •       Free roaming Kangaroo’s and emu’s in which will feed right from the palm of your hand. 
What we loved most about the Wildlife Park, although we didn’t do ourselves because we didn’t know about it until too late was that you can get your photo taken up close with the animals, even holding/patting the animals for a fee of generally around $30-$35.
What a memory that is to keep! Take your picture with the Koalas, Wombats, Snakes or Giant Tortoise. We definitely will be back just to get up close with the animals and have our picture taken with them. Booking are essential so be sure to book as you enter the Wildlife Park.


Patrick the Wombat is the big star of the Ballarat Wildlife Park in which he is turning 30! Patrick is the oldest Bare-Nosed Wombat in captivity. You might have heard of Patrick before as he has starred on The Project, Totally Wild, Today Show and Sunrise. Patrick is that beloved he has had visits from Nicolas Cage and Kristie Alley. Patrick even has his own Facebook page!

Ballarat Wildlife Park put on many show throughout the day where you can part take in learning more about the residents within the Wildlife Park. Shows include snake, koala, wombat, crocodile & alligator’s, dingo, reptile, eagle, mammal and Tasmanian Devils.
You can also have a guided tour with a guide who will take you around the Wildlife Park.


A Souvenir Shop is on the way in and way out of the Ballarat Wildlife Park in which you can pick up some great pieces to take home with you to remember your visit to the Wildlife Park. Patrick the wombat also has his own merchandise in store.


www.wildlifepark.com.au

Disclosure: I received no monetary or complimentary passes in exchange for its promotion here, just a post to share my experience. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. 
Copyright © 2015 NJT Blogger