Favourite Five this Friday - November 15

Another huge week for me here at Fitness, Food and Style ... I can't believe how non-stop life has become. If you caught yesterday's post about my recent Carnival Cruise experience, you'll be totally up to speed knowing it has pretty much consumed most of my week - not only experiencing it, but there's also been some severe reminiscing since I've been back, just sensational!

You'll never guess .... but once more I'm off on a work trip - just busy, busy, busy these last few weeks! Keep an eye on Instagram and Facebook for some snippets about what I'm up to now, and who I've got coming your way ;)

Let's get started then and without any further delay, come and join me for a dash back through my week.

Here are five moments that I've found sensational this week, but I'd love to know what YOU have been doing, so be sure to catch up by leaving a comment.

And my memorable moments of the week this Friday are ...

1. This past week I was treated to some of THE most sensational food offerings on the Carnival Cruise. Being the food-loving girl I am, I was seriously in heaven. This was a typical spread - so fresh and delicious!

2. I can't mention the cruise without also remembering the fabulous people I've met this past week. So many fun new friends who I just clicked with instantly. I know I'll keep in touch with them all! Have you met and kept in touch with some people you've met on a short break?

3. Crazy, busy times call for super quick meals. There's nothing wrong with a meal thrown together as quickly as this when it is super nutritious too. Just look what you can do with some tins - tuna, corn and beans - served alongside fresh, leafy greens. Drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice as a dressing ... all in 5 mins! Easy and scrumptious ... it beats a dash to the fish and chip shop any day!

4. As much as it has been a whirlwind week of excitement, it is always fantastic to get back home to my loved ones. My 4 kids and fabulous husband missed me as much as I did them - HEAPS and I loved having Zali as my little shadow the day after I got back.

5. This week, I loved having some fun with my fashion and feeling great in an outfit can give you such a lift of confidence for the whole day. No matter your age or body shape, if you choose clothes that make you feel great everyday you can treat this world as your runway and own it ;)

So that's my week in a nutshell! Pretty busy for a mum of 4 don't you think? What have you been up to ... do share your five highlights in a comment!

love and friendship

xx Dani

Packing for a cruise ... my 20 must have items!

You can probably imagine how excited I was when I got the call inviting me to join Shannon Ponton (the PT from The Biggest Loser) and media teams from Fitness First and Women's Health on a Carnival Cruise. Yep, very!

One of the best things about blogging here at Fitness, Food and Style is being able to work for pleasure. It's something I'd always aspired to achieve so this, my friends, is job satisfaction and I'm living my dream. 

If I can, then you can too!

Marc Anthony once said "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life" and I think he's right and so, at almost 40 years of age, I've got my perfect job.

While you are reading this, and for the next few days, I'll be working away. On a boat, cruising towards Vanuatu and I seriously can't wait! 

All this excitement leads to a dilemma of sorts ... what the heck to pack when going on a cruise?

In times like this, I call for inspiration and direction from famous words, and for the next few days while cruising, this is the mantra I shall be living by ....

"Look famous. 

Be legendary. 

Appear complex. 

Act easy. 

Radiate presence 

Travel light 

Seem a dream. 

Prove real"

Ok, so travel light. That's a bit of a challenge but I'm determined it's doable.  Luckily I've been on a cruise before now and that experience is coming in handy! Here then is a list of the 20 essentials I'm packing in my luggage:

1. MacBook Pro - yes, its work related remember ;)

2. iPhone - would never be without it anywhere ;)

3. Tinted moisturiser - for an easy up and go and sun protection in one

4. Swimsuit -  my new chevron patterned one piece will be ideal 

5. Sandals - party shoes for dancing the night away

6. Nausea tablets - not anticipating trouble but just in case

7. Thongs - cruise essentials ... of course
8. Sunhat - would never be without it in the tropics
9. Shorts - great combo with tees and dress up with chevron halter top!
10. Neon yellow belt - my inspiration colour for the week

Loving my Seafolly chevron halter neck swimsuit

11. Clutch & jewellery - just to dress up my casual look
12. Lip balm/gloss - I never leave home without it
13. Sports drink bottle - hydrate 24x7
14. Toiletries - toothbrush, paste, hair products, make-up etc...
15. 2XU Quick Dry Towel - I'm sure Shannon will make us sweat!
16. Workout/yoga gear - always nice to sweat it out but meditation is my thing

17. Blue reflector aviators - look famous remember

18. MILK Sunscreen - an absolute must lounging beside the pool 

19. Neon yellow nail polish - funky wear for my nails in keeping with the tropical them
20. ASICS Gel-Kayano runners my new kicks for sprinting around the ship, keeping active 

Happy 20th Birthday Asics! Loving the Gel-Kayano runners

I'm so looking forward to learning some PT tips from one of the best in the business as well as hanging with some pros in the fitness/well being media camp. Not to mention all of this on a fabulous cruise liner heading to paradise .... still pinching myself, but my passport in my hand so it must be real!

I told you I had the world's best job right? Some good news is the ship has free wi-fi, so I'll be posting updates and snippets on Instagram for you to share the excitement with me. Can't wait to tell you more about the Vanuatu experience once I get back.

Are you working your dream job too? Tell me what you do that you love!

Much love & friendship.

XxDani

Fashion Connections at the Fashion Lounge Little Flinders Lane, Melbourne

WOW!!!

That's all I can say!

What a great night I had last night. I had such a fabulous time at the Fashion Connect event which was held at the amazing Fashion Lounge on Little Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Fashion Connect is the Social Media Marketplace for everything Fashion, Apparel and Entertainment. All thanks to the sensational OC Communications & Events group who delivered a very creative and entertaining night. Simply head over there to check out all the entertainment that was lined up for us. Thank you!


I was so happy to meet my all time fave Project Runway designer Matcho Subo. Australia's alumni and avant-garde designer extraordinaire!!! Matcho is such a beautiful person in real life (must be like all of us Slovaks! ha ha) and he is exactly like he was on the show with all his flamboyant and eclectic style. Super cool which is what I love about his designs!!!

Anyone wanting to follow Matcho please do so on Twitter @matcho_suba and check out his collections at www.matchosuba.com

Matcho Sudo with Dani from Fitness Food And Style

How can I not mention the the most accomplished couture designer in Australia. The one, the only (and winner of Project Runway) Craig Braybook. Super cool, down to earth and such a buzz to finally meet him in person, after a year of being Facebook friends (through a mutual friend Phil from Darley Management. Phil is the one responsible for most of my post baby after bikini shots). I had to do a double take when I thought DJ Kitty was my all time favourite style icon Gwen Stefani. She was the one responsible for me rocking the dance floor ;-) My wonderful friend Aleks AKA CoverMum who was the one who surprised me and got us tickets for my birthday. She just recently created her Facebook page so go check her out and like her page. She inspires me every day with her fashion style posts. Last but not least the marvellous Michael Villani Couture who made his own outfit (how awesome) and only creates one off designs, from finest fabrics and techniques!

Here are some more colourful people* I met. We were especially impressed with the entertainment by Pole Diva Lou Landers and we were all singing along with Diamond Dolly. However the fire cracker of the night for me was Zorza Goodman who is the mastermind behind all her creative millinery head piece designs. So please head to her Facebook page here and place your orders for the races, bridal or special events coming your way. Please make her feel the love and tell her Fitness Food And Style sent you.

NB: I met soooo many more of you which I did somehow misplace your cards, so feel free to leave your comments below so we can reconnect. Also please correct me any where I have made errors or add people I have missed that are pictured here with me xx

* * * A really, really special thanks goes out to * * * 

Studio Gas

The sensational Josie was responsible for my twiggy 60's leather and lace combo, complete with leather black patent boots, cream earrings and red patent satchel bag. I have known Josie since I moved to Ballarat nearly 6 years ago. We just lived around the corner. I always seem to find my style of shoes, top or jacket every time I go there.

Studio g.a.s is in the process of a revamp of their website and will be launching their updated store online very soon.

In the mean time please share the love and head over and like Studio g.a.s Facebook page (simply place, visiting from Fitness Food And Style) and check out their latest ladies clothing, accessories, footwear, gifts & homewares range at www.studiogas.com.au

Megan Bond Fashion Make Up Melbourne

I couldn't believe my luck when talented Megan Bond, well respected Fashion Make Up and Hair Stylist was in the same town as me. We both have mutual friends within the fashion industry and it's so great to connect with people that are an extension of your own personal and professional network group.

Megan was on the ball when creating my softer Twiggy 60's version look and completely nailed it. She used RMS which is organic makeup, a line of 100% natural and organic cream- based cosmetics designed by celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift. It's main base is coconut oil, so I was in heaven! You all know how much I love coconut!

To check out Megan's amazing portfolio and to make your private booking please contact Megan at www.meganbond.com 

Well my beautiful people, I bid you farewell. Sorry for such a promo post but when I find stuff I am excited about, I simply want to be able to share it with you all!!!!! I desperately need to catch up on my sleep and prepare for our next months challenge!!!! Who's ready to STAND UP AND BE RAWESOME???

Happy Easter to all those celebrating this weekend x x x Dani

HANG ON!!! I forgot to show you the goodie bag from last night! Unreal. Loads of useful stuff (you know how sometimes you get a gift bag with things you don't really end up using or just brochures and pamphlets?) Well the fashion industry know how to make their gift bags REAL useful!!! From false eye lashes to Lindt chocolate, Equip jewellery to Vittoria coffee. I can keep going but I REALLY have to go to bed. Goodnight x

Digital Parents Sydney conference ~ who's excited?

Hi there, just a quick post to let you know that I am all packed and ready to rock and roll for my week in Sydney this week. The actual Digital Parents conference is on Wednesday and Thursday however I will be there from Tuesday until Friday. It's the first time EVER I will be away from my family for this long and overnight!

So my Gala outfit is all sorted. Less is best so I have gone for a dark navy peplum style dress by Cue Designs. My electric blue suede shoes ~ accessories to match (tear drop earrings and a massive ring with a stone I could really knock someones block off!) followed by some neon orange finger and toe nails with a matching clutch.

What is peplum you ask? Peplum is a term describing an overskirt - typically a short, flared strip of fabric, that is usually attached to the waist of a fitted jacket, blouse or dress.

From the Paris runways to high-street fashion, the peplum trend has since seen a steady following.

I am hoping to rock the perfect peplum look these fine ladies are......

Picture source Fashion Mate

Phew! Travel wear for both Tuesday and Friday are all sorted as well.  I like to be comfortable when sitting on a plane and waiting around. For the actual conference Wed-Thurs I have packed some comfy rockstar Mama pieces ranging from coloured denim, singlets, sandals, denim jacket (it gets cold in aircon rooms) various bangles or arm candy as they are called now and just loads of enthusiasm!!!!

I can't wait to meet some new people and put names to faces. Even though some of you I have either already met or seen your pic on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. I'm very excited. Especially meeting my blogging pal and room mate Shari from Family Survial Coach and the beautiful Grace from With Some Grace and many many more!!!! Most of all can't wait to learn more about this new digital world. I love it! I love the fact that I'm connected with you all across the globe! It's absolutely amazing!

This is where the conference will be held. Pretty cool huh?

Curzon Hall 

When do you pack before your trip (last minute like I typically do!) and do you travel light or pack for weather changes and emergencies? I have managed to piece all my 4 looks (3 zip locked bags complete with accessories) so I am dressed in a flash! It must be a mother thing although I do remember when I used to go out clubbing, I'd be ready to go within half an hour when I got a call from a friend!

Okay, best I get an early night and see you back here for Transformation Tuesday!!!

Xx Dani