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Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Fitness & Health Expo 2016 + GIVEAWAY



Are you ready for the Fitness & Health Expo to come back around to Melbourne for 2016?
I am. I love heading out for the day to get re-inspired, re-motivated, pick up some great bargains and meet some of the industry fitness icons in person. 

For quite some years now I have attended the Fitness & Health Expo year after year and it's something I always strongly recommended going along too. Last year I was able to attend both in my hometown state Melbourne and then again in Sydney.

Training with Sam Philisaire at the Fitness & Health Expo Sydney 2016.

2016 is going to bring together some fantastic features for you to take advantage of at the expo:
  • Celebrity & Expert Training Arena – featuring free group training sessions, open workouts and Q&As with some of the biggest names in fitness and sport today including Amanda Bisk, Laura Henshaw, Shannan Ponton, Simeon Panda and the HIIT Mum Colette McShane.
  • Healthy Living Stage – watch healthy cooking demos and gain free nutritional tips and advice from leading experts including Lola Berry.
  • Les Mills Stage – the opportunity for visitors to get involved and trial the latest Les Mills Group Fitness Classes.
  • CrossFit competitions – featuring the top CrossFit athletes who will test their physical strength and mental tenacity through a range of cross functional training challenges set by Rob Forte. 
  • Spartan Race Challenge – visitors will have the opportunity to get involved and challenge themselves through a range of obstacles, competing for the fastest time. 
  • Natural Bodybuilding/Sports Modelling competitions - run by the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA), including the largest natural bodybuilding event in Australia where INBA members can earn their Pro Status and compete for a chance to receive return flights and accommodation to the US for the INBA/PNBA Natural Olympia.
  • Powerlifting Championships and the Pacific Invitational – featuring the strongest men and women in the world who will be attempting to tackle all-time records.
  • Strongman competition – featuring some of Australia’s strongest athletes who will go head-to-head with a range of strongman challenges.
Not only that but you will be in the presence of many supplements companies - sample and purchase new or beloved products, train with the celebrity fitness icons who will put you through your paces, get your photo taken and take home an autograph or two of the leading industry icons, listen into chats about health related topics, find out more about studying in the industry and more...

Revie Jane and myself at the Fitness & Health Expo Sydney 2015.

Love a good Gusiness World Record attempt? Last year in Sydney, Michelle Bridges did the largest fit ball class, this year The HIIT Mum will be attempting to do the record for the most number of people simultaneously doing burpees - yes, the beloved burpees. Surprisingly I can say I am not too fussed when it comes to burpees but they are tiring.



HIIT Mum Colette McShane, in association with the Fitness & Health Expo will be allowing Melbournians to come down to Ron Barassi Snr Park, Docklands on Saturday 16th April for a 9:30am start.

To register visit here. There is a $10 registration fee for the World Record Attempt Burpees - proudly supporting beyondblue. Make sure you also LIKE the event page here for updates as the big day approaches.



The Fitness & Health Expo will open its door from Friday, April 29th to Sunday, May 1st at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Open to both industry and public. 
Tickets are free if you work within the industry and pre-register or purchased for adults $24 (pre-event) or $30 at the door. 


Oh yes we do, we have got the goods...
We're hooking 5 lucky winners up with a double pass each into the expo!
Valued at $60 per double pass.
I will be giving away x3 double passes through my blog and x2 double passes through my Instagram account (@njtblogger) - so do enter over there for more chances at scoring a double pass.

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


Giveaway ends: Monday 18th April at midnight.
Winners will be drawn: Tuesday 19th April.
Winner will have 24hrs to contact back otherwise redraw will occur. 



Disclosure: This post is brought to you by The Fitness & Health Expo. I will be attending the expo 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.

Saturday, 26 March 2016

Fitness & Health Expo Sydney, 2015 [RECAP]


Back in October, 2015 (yes I know I am super delayed on this one) I was lucky enough to be in Sydney at the same time as when the Fitness & Health Expo was in town.
I organised to ensure that I was able to attend so I headed up a few days earlier than expected to be able to spend a day to myself at the expo.

I road-tripped on my own up and stayed at the ibis budget hotel in Sydney Olympic Park which was just down the road from where the Fitness & Health Expo was being held at The Dome, Sydney Showground.
Apparently this isn't where they normally hold the expo but due to renovations in their usual spot they were in The Dome for this year. In comparison to Melbourne, I would say that Sydney's event is smaller than ours - this could be due to the smaller venue it was held out but I was expecting something huge being Sydney.


I went along as media and was able to have the chance again twice for the year to train with Max Philisaire before the doors opened to the public. Max is a fitness celebrity icon and also was the ambassador for the Fitness & Health Expo in 2015.



We then went around to a few select key booths where we learnt about the art of Persian Yoga and Kim Beach who made us her famous Choc Mint protein balls which were like a peppermint magnum without the calories - highly recommend you take a look at making these ones at home.

I took a look around the expo and was able to chat with a few new and beloved brands in which expos are fabulous key things to be able to do with brands.


I also put myself through a training session with Revie Jane from Crossfit Babes who made me want to be sick from the AMRAP session she put us through. I was so honoured to be able to be in a small intimate training session with someone who I have been following for quite some time and have always been inspired by her hard work even through her pregnancy.

Attending the Fitness & Health Expo gives you a really good day out getting re-inspired, re-motivated and prepared for your next fitness journey. Pick up supplements cheap, meet fitness icons, take on classes with the celebs, see fitness comps and way more... Who knows you might bump into the hunk Commando.


Will you be attending in your state for 2016?



Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Fitness & Health Expo. I received a media pass to enter the expo and media event 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, 25 March 2016

Hans Oliving Lunch with the Hewitt's

Lunch with the Hewitt's? Yes, you read that correctly. NJT Blogger was invited along to have lunch with the powerhouse couple.
It's not everyday you see an invite come across your inbox asking you to attend a lunch with Bec and Lleyton Hewitt and all for celebrating them as ambassadors for Hans Oliving.


I first came across Hans Oliving when I was at a Kids Business event up in Sydney where I first came across the Oliving range being a healthier alternative of using olive oil in the deli meats and from then I have sworn by using Hans Oliving.
Our homemade breakies with bacon has never been more delicious and less of a guilt free feeling.
Little Niah even enjoys the bacon more then the normal bacon that is available in stores.

Hans Oliving range is moving more into a Mediterranean diet where they use more olive oil and less animal fat and for any lifestyle this is a win.

Walking into this beautiful home in Brighton we were greeted with a large array spread of the Hans Oliving range in different meals for us to enjoy. It really got me thinking oh I can do that myself at home and yup that's a good idea so it left me feeling keen to get into the kitchen to create new things for the family.





During the lunch with Bec & Lleyton Hewitt, Bec made us a beautiful salad with the Hans Oliving Smoked Ham with some fig, buffalo mozzarella and some other bits and bobs, it was done within like 3 minutes easily and was a complete fresh, healthy and super easy meal that really made me re-evaluate those moments that I say to myself I really don't want to stand around for 20 minutes making dinner.




Lucky me got to meet with Bec & Lleyton where I interviewed them with a few questions that I thought I could take on board as much like myself I am a super busy person who is time poor with being a Mum and working full time as well as doing many other things outside of work.

Bec Hewitt commented that being organised is such a key thing, spending time at night to prepare for the morning is something that helps being healthy and also saving time in the morning should something happen.




Meal prepping wasn't something that the Hewitt's tend to do as they prepare fresh and have key variety menu options that they more forecast for the week giving them a rough idea of what they might have.

Easy was something the Hewitt's do for there kids, but when I say easy it wasn't going through drive through or picking up some frozen dinners to heat up. The Hewitt's get creative, get fresh and love to get the kids involved so they can have fun foods to eat.
Cracker towers were a favourite where they would have crackers, cheese, ham etc and stack them up how they like. Anything on skewers the kids would love where they can make patterns with food and it makes eating exciting for the kids.


I asked Lleyton if he had to have a special diet plan whilst playing tennis as it's something I am always keen to know the insides to athlete's diets. Lleyton advised he did but it was more knowing what you can and can't eat, being that he was on auto pilot during playing he more so has to watch what he is eating now due to not be on the court constantly.

Bec commented that they love the pizza salami and the ham so they can make homemade pizzas where Lleyton loves the twiggy sticks.
For me I am a sucker for the bacon and the salami's as well.





Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Hans Oliving. I was kindly invited along to the media launch lunch event with The Hewitt's in exchange for its promotion here. I received no payment for this review and all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Monday, 14 March 2016

Salon Melbourne 2016 [RECAP]


Salon Melbourne comes around each year and 2016 made it the third time I have attended.
Each year I have always taken away a handful of goodies and learnt some new tricks. 

Over 5,000 attendees entered through the Salon Melbourne doors for the two day expo which fell over a weekend rather than the normal Sunday-Monday run expo as previous years. 

2016 saw the introduction of The Sanctuary which featured some higher end brands like Elizabeth Arden, Jean D'Arcel Cosmetique, PAYOT, Dermalogica Australia and a few more brands. The set up of The Sanctuary was a sight for sore eyes. It was stunningly set up in a quiet location that allowed for lots of bright lights and a more intimate setting for the brands to connect with the interested Salon Melbourne attendees. 

There was lots more sessions that allowed for some open space scattered throughout the expo floor to allow for open chats about tips and tricks, demonstrations and presentations from well known in the industry. I spotted MUA - Becca Gilmartin doing a demonstration in which I met her at a previous Kroylan event. 

L to R: Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty, Yong-Li founder of Enbacci, myself and Jenet from Chicgeek85.

The most beneficial and first time thing for me at Salon Melbourne was going to seminars. Never ever at an expo have I ever attended a seminar before, this year there was two seminars that really caught my eye and I am so glad I took a look at the schedule because I learnt so many things to take home and implement into my blog and Bloggers United AU. 

I sat in on the seminar of 'Turning Your Likes Into Dollars - The New Rules of Social Media' by Heather Porter from Autopilot Your Business. This seminar was a good one for business owners within salons and online stores to bring traffic onto your pages and turn those followers and likes into an income movement. 
Heather was a fantastic mentor who really got me inspired to implement key things into my social media and pushing forward in a different direction. 

The other seminar I sat in on was 'Your Digital Marketing Health Check' by Kylie Lewis from Of Kin. Kylie was a phenomenal presenter who has worked within the industry for many years working through marketing at Kikki K to now teaching on how to ensure you are doing everything you can for your business via digital marketing. 


I didn't purchase much at the expo - I really held back this year and only purchased some more Dose of Colors matte lipsticks to add to my already stunning collection. Dose of Colors was sold by Scotty's Makeup - a shame they couldn't be there themselves like they were in Sydney but still happy to have gotten my hands on some shades that I needed. 

This year Salon Melbourne was a lot smaller than what I am used to seeing. There was a lot of big stalls missing this year and seemed to be a few key well known brands there. 


Salon Melbourne is a great day out with the girls to pick up bargain saving products to add to the beauty collection, find new on the market items and especially beneficial for Salon or industry workers where you can get supplies at a cheaper cost. 

Did you head out to Salon Melbourne 2016? What made you pull out that hard earned cash to purchase?




Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Salon Melbourne. I received a media pass to enter the expo and seminars 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, 11 March 2016

Keeping cool with Dyson AM06 fan [REVIEW]

Now when I think about pedestal fans I cringe at how unsafe they are, how unreliable and steady they are. When you have kids in the house they crawl over these bulky legs that help pedestal them up, I think about how I was younger how close my siblings and I would get to sing into the fan as it made your voice go funny and how many times I nearly got my hair caught in them from being too close.
It's amazing to think they are still selling and are 'safe'.

Hasn't it been all our wishes that someone would do something about how unsafe these pedestal fans are. Dyson once again have come to the rescue.
Have you heard of the blade-less fan yet? No, well you aren't around me enough to hear the rave of my new blade-less fan and how in love with it I am.



Dyson have added the blade-less fan to their range where you can be free of any potential harmful bladed fans. I kid you not you can stick your hand right through the middle of it.

See I wasn't joking - hand is right through the middle of the AM06.  

I first came across this fan around a year and half ago now and I was pictured blowing bubbles from it. It's not until now that I have finally been able to add one to my household.
I can fear not by having this in my little munchkins room at night as it makes little noise when blowing air.

For those who like to be energy efficient you'll love this spec to it. The AM06 consumes less than 40% power in comparison to their other model fans. More savings on the power bill #winning.

The Dyson AM06 will rotate and allow you to move it to be on a tilt in which it will move from it's base and tilt either forward or backwards.


The LED light display makes it easy to see in the dark as to what you are doing and what the fan is set too.

More things that I love about the Dyson is:

Remote Controlled - Gone are the days you have to fight with someone to get up when it's hot to change the settings on the phone. You can change the settings all with the click of a button. Even a timer can be set to turn off the fan.

Super easy to clean and look after - No annoying blades and taking the fan apart like pedestals to clean the fan blades and having to get the silly cover back on without throwing it out for hard rubbish collection because it never lines up. Simply wipe over the dyson's ring and your done.

Lightweight - Moving the AM06 is like moving a newborn baby, it's super lightweight and won't break nails awkwardly carrying it.

2 year warranty - Hello extra years warranty. Rest easy with knowing you are covered for longer.

Slimline and sleek - The Dyson AM06 is stylish. Not bulky, not this huge thing that takes up a whole corner of the house.

The only bad side I can find to the Dyson AM06 is the price point which is around the $300-$400 mark for the AM06 fan. Not affordable but it is an investment to being more safe within the home, long term saving on the power bills and more peace and quiet in the home.



Disclosure: This post has been made in collaboration with Dyson, I received a AM06 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.
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