Tag: Health

2024 Reflections; New Years Resolutions

January 5, 2025

January is here and with it comes the opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been, celebrate achievements and set new goals for the year ahead. Before drawing up my resolutions for 2025, I took a moment to review my 2024 list by annotating each point to highlight my successes.

Moving onto my 2025 resolutions, I have decided to keep this year’s list simple with a handful of important intentions as opposed to specific goals to reach. It can be daunting to look at the year ahead and know exactly what you would like to achieve, so instead I have chosen to focus on more significant habits and intentions to guide me through the next twelve months.

I have also made my 2025 mood board to gain a visual resource of inspiration for 2025. This year’s board includes more travel, health, fitness, reading, love, happiness and plenty of positive affirmations.

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So that’s my reflection on 2024 and new goals set for 2025; I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for me in my 30th year ❤

Kisses, Dani x x x

Dance More Dances; Once a Dancer, Always a Dancer

January 22, 2023

I can’t quite believe it’s been almost 7 years since I graduated dance college. Whilst I continued to work professionally as a Dancer and Actor for a few years following my degree, soon I found myself moving to Australia and on a different career path as I discovered my passion for events working in Sydney. Over the last few years I’ve done some dance classes here and there, but mostly I just continue to do my Ballet exercises as part of my daily workout routine.

Moving my body every day is a non-negotiable for me as I’ve danced since I could walk and I know the benefits daily movement has for be both physically and mentally. My daily workout routine consists of a warm up, usually cardio based, strengthening exercises either focused on core, glutes, upper body or legs, a plank, a handstand hold, ballet barre and a good stretch to finish. I’ve always stayed supple even now I don’t dance professionally which I have achieved by stretching every single day; I believe consistency is key when it comes to staying fit, active and healthy.

Now nearing my 28th Birthday, I realised it had been too long since I’d hired a studio and practiced some dancing. The other night in fact I lay in bed thinking about my old dance routines and how amazing it used to feel expressing myself through dance, so this weekend I decided to dig out the old lycra and hire the local hall to do some dancing.

Reality is it has been a good 5 years or so now since I danced professionally, so my body doesn’t quite move in the same way these days. It really does make me appreciate how good I was back in my prime dance days. I’m still very proud of everything I achieved and only now looking back, do I realise I should’ve had more belief in myself and my skills at the time.

So although I can’t split leap and pirouette the way I used to, I still get that buzz when I put on the music and dance an old routine and practice some moves. Dancing will forever be in my heart and remain my souls method of expression for life; once a dancer, always a dancer ❤

Summertime Eats

August 14, 2022

These past few weeks in the UK have been a scorcher with temperatures hitting over 33 degrees on many days and the humidity pretty unbearable when you don’t have a pool to jump into! With this ongoing heatwave I’ve eaten even more fresh fruits, colourful salads and delicious seafood, so I thought I’d share a few of my favourite meals from this week to give you some yummy inspo too.

During summer I tend to swap my usual oatmeal bowl for a refreshing smoothie bowl. Just take a frozen banana, frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, a splash of soya milk and blend to make the most dreamy purple bowl of sweet goodness, best served in a coconut bowl for that aesthetic photo. I topped mine with more blueberries, strawberries, nana chips and toasted nut mix, but you can top your bowl with whatever you have going in the cupboard really.

Friday evening was a night with my girls and my friend made the most delicious teriyaki salmon buddha bowls for us. In the bowls she started with a bed of grains layered with the edamame beans, spring onion, cucumber, avocado and then topped it off with the crispy baked salmon pieces marinated in soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lime and sriracha. Paired with a few bottles of bubbles whilst catching up with the girls, this was a simply divine way to wind down from the work week.

You can’t let a heatwave pass by in England without doing a classic BBQ, so that’s exactly what we did this weekend back at my parents house. As always it was a team effort to put together this wonderful spread of incredible food.

Dad was on the Weber barbecuing the chicken, sausages, trout, prawns, corns, mushrooms and courgettes, whilst my mum and I were in the kitchen assembling all of the accompaniments. We had new potatoes, an artichoke parma ham salad, and my speciality as always was the greek salad. I even roasted up some padron peppers to graze on whilst we cooked and sipped our rose wine in the sunshine – this is what summer is all about!

So that’s a taster of what I’ve been eating this week and as you can see, my meals are always full of colour to pack in those nutrients and make me feel good. Whilst I like a glass or two of wine over the weekend, I also make sure to nourish my body with healthy, fresh, wholesome food as this is what makes me feel amazing from the inside out; balance is key 🙂

A Very Merry Christmas

December 27, 2021

Merry Christmas! I was so happy to be reunited with my family this year and celebrations were in full swing for the occasion. Me and my boyfriend began the day with present opening by the tree for the first Christmas morning in our gorgeous new home.

I then got dressed up and ready for the festivities in my little green peter pan dress from Topshop, sheer tights, long boots and a cute new beret from Urban Outfitters.

Family celebrations were kicking off at midday over at my parent’s house. Champagne popped, Christmas songs playing and we were ready for the starter of marinated figs, rocket, mozzarella, parma ham and a honey mustard dressing – exquisite!

It was so great to be in the company of my brother and his wife on Christmas Day following last year’s scuppered plans due to Covid. Thankfully this year we all tested negative and could even have my wonderful Grandma join us for the day too.

Everyone was busy in the kitchen helping with preparations for the big roast dinner, whilst my Dad was mostly outside seeing to his pride and joy for the day, the BBQ turkey! An unconventional method of cooking the bird on a winter’s day in England, but I have to admit it does result in the most succulent meat.

Our late lunch/early dinner was served at 4:30pm and as usual my mum dished up an absolute feast. I just love all the delicious vegetable accompaniments with a roast, my favourite being the red cabbage, honey roasted carrots and not forgetting the brussel sprouts. My brother even did a homemade cauliflower cheese which was divine and stole the show this year!

With bellies full and very satisfied indeed, we sat around the table playing games before more present opening by the tree. I received some fantastic gifts and really enjoyed giving our presents this year too. My mum always pulls some little surprises out of the bag also, and this year she didn’t disappoint with a beautiful 60s style vintage handbag and coffee table book Fashion In Film which I’m obsessed with.

I do feel incredibly blessed and grateful our family could be altogether this year. It was the perfect day full of fun, laughter and love surrounded by the stars of my life.

Cheers to health, happiness and a very Merry Christmas ❤

Sunday Coffee Talks

November 21, 2021

As the daylight hours get shorter and the dark nights grow longer, everyday seems to be flying by quicker than ever as we hurtle towards December and the end of the year already! During these winter months I enjoy nothing more than spending the long evenings snuggled up at home with a cuppa, reading a book or getting stuck into a new series. It’s all about self-care at this time of year; run a hot bath, have a glass of wine, indulge in your favourite sweet treats, just because you deserve it! Don’t forget to move your body everyday, even if it’s just a 30 minute pilates workout or quick walk outside to get some fresh air. Continue to live your life in balance and you will thank yourself later. These were just some thoughts I had this Sunday arvo as I sat and sipped my coffee… Happy Sunday ❤

Glow Up; Rainbow Nourish Bowl

June 20, 2021

Happy Sunday Babes! Coming at you today with a healthy, super quick salad idea to pack in those vitamins and glow up ready for summertime. The secret to making nourish bowls is to simply pack them full of colourful veggies and bulk them out with those dark leafy greens. Pick a grain such as couscous, rice or quinoa and ensure to include a protein source whether that’s chicken, fish, tofu or even a soft boiled egg. This week I tried out these Tofu Co sweet chilli bites which were delicious, but I would suggest trying falafel and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist. Complete your bowl with a sprinkling of seeds and finally any dips and sauces you fancy. I often opt for a tex mex dip selection when I’m in the mood for Mexican, or humous and balsamic dressing to accompany falafels. Basically, throw together a combo of all your favourite flavours and don’t skimp on those veggies for the ultimate nourish bowl full of goodness 🙂

Kicking those January Blues

January 18, 2021

Happy Blue Monday… a contradiction in itself, but I won’t let statistics and the media tell me to feel my most depressed on this one specific day!? I have happy days, I have productive days, I have lazy days, I have low days; they come and go in ebbs and flows, it’s called life. January is always seen as a month to start fresh, set new goals and almost repent for the fun you have had over the festive period. However I would like to share a different perspective on this seemingly dark, unwelcome month to help kick those blues.

I guess the simplest way of putting it, is to let yourself be. Depriving yourself of the things you love during these winter months is of course going to make you sad and depressed. Setting unrealistic goals which are unreachable will only result in disappointment and feelings of failure. Instead be kind to yourself by feeding the mind, body and soul with all the good stuff: take a bubble bath, read a good book, go for a walk in nature, buy a bunch of flowers, dress up in your favourite clothes, go grab a coffee from the drive-thru, have a glass of wine, indulge in a yummy bar of chocolate – whatever brings you pleasure in life. It’s important to strike a balance and get an abundance of nutrients during the winter, so make sure to maintain a healthy diet whilst treating yourself to these goodies too!

I like to come up with a list of intentions for the week ahead as opposed to solid goals and targets. These are usually things which focus on self-care to navigate my day and help nourish my future self. I want to be more present in my day, so aiming to do more meditation, reading and journaling on the daily is a must. Getting outside during daylight hours is always a mood booster and great for practicing complete presence in nature and appreciation for your surroundings.

So don’t be blue this Monday, simply write out a few weekly intentions and go do something today that brings you happiness and joy ❤

Australian Eats: Poke Bowls

May 27, 2018

When it comes to health food trends and the latest fitness movements, Australia is constantly leading the way. Sydney isn’t short of its health food cafes offering all day breakfast menus with delicious superfood dishes, including eggs done anyway you could imagine, beautifully presented acai bowls and tempting sweet treats made from raw, natural ingredients. One of the newest cuisines which has pleased the palette of Australians this year is Poke bowls, a traditional Hawaiian dish originally made by fisherman using the trimmings from their catch of ‘ahi’ tuna. Despite the authentic fresh fish sashimi topping, shops offer Poke bowls anyway you like with different meat alternatives such as chicken and numerous fresh toppings of salads, seeds, pickles and dressings.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASo with my $10 promo code for Uber Eats and having never tried the local Poke shop here in Paddington, I decided to order in from the comfort of my own home! Taking inspiration from the imaginative street favourites on the menu, I decided to build my own bowl which consisted of the following: Cabbage (You can have noodles, rice or quinoa as alternative bases), Yellow Fin Tuna, Radish, Cucumber, Edamame, Yellow Beetroot, Toasted Sesame Seeds and a Coconut and Chilli Lime Dressing.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe delivery was super quick and came accompanied with all the essentials including chop sticks and extra dressing on the side. All of the salad was fresh and beautifully presented in the bowl, making it almost too good to eat! I enjoyed my Poke bowl sat out in the evening sun of Paddington, revitalising me with all the essential vitamins and goodness my body needed after a long week of work and perhaps a few too many glasses of red wine on Friday night!

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