It is pretty basic really; just “bits and bobs” about me that people may or may not find interesting. The main reason I started a blog was because I was so inspired by amazing New Zealand (and some overseas) bloggers. I figured if someone liked or “got” something from reading my blog then it would be worth it. I also enjoy writing and it seemed like a good way to improve my writing skills and also I have found it rather cathartic.
NessasBLChallenge – this is a fitness and weight loss blog. My cousin and her close friends did a Biggest Loser style challenge to lose weight and change their lifestyles. I was inspired by their commitment and creative way of approaching these changes i.e. for my cousin’s birthday party they couldn’t just sit around they had to be active and play games and move. The result was a party that ended at around 2am after a huge effort on the High School musical dance mat! I was also motivated by the contestants in The Biggest Loser Australian Couples season that I decided to embark on my own challenge with some friends.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
1. I was an only child until I was 14 and then I got “instant” biological sisters
2. Most of my friends are people I have met online over the years
3. I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer
4. I have only had 3 boyfriends and the 3rd is now my husband
5. I wanted to be an underwater photographer after watching Jaws
6. I was almost named “Marigold” by my parents
7. I used to call water “ortie”
8. I hate it when people eat with their mouths open
9. When I have PMT I want to hit bad drivers cars with a baseball bat
10. I have nearly had the same birthday cake every year since I was 2 (same recipe)
11. My favourite iPhone App is Period Tracker
12. I desperately want children and have to lose at least 30kg before I can even start trying
13. I love writing and wish I was better at it
14. I like some country music....one of my favourites is Chris Cagle. Chris Cagle’s music makes me sing at the top of my voice out loud.
15. I don’t particularly like bananas as they make me gag...unless in a cake or a banana split
16. I am secretly a fairy princess trapped in this human body!
30 Days of Me - @Nessliddell
Quite a number of tweets have come through today with friends doing the ‘30 Days of Me’ blogging challenge. Because I am a follower I figured that I would do it too. Here’s the list of what I will be telling you, about me, over the next 30 days! (Thanks Ali)
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song
Some ‘other’ 30 Days of Me Blogs
@alikat2k: http://blog.alikatnz.com/
@josiecampbell: http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/
@smrtgirl: http://smrtgrl.blogspot.com/
@kimmiwyn: http://kimmiwyn.blogspot.com/
@tarasutherland: http://quikflik.wordpress.com/
@greermcdonald: http://www.greermcdonald.co.nz/
@Gondwanaheels: http://www.highheelsonline.co.nz/blog/
PS: Check out Alikat2k’s Twitter list for more people doing the ‘30 Days of Me’ Challenge: http://twitter.com/alikat2k/thirty-days-of-me
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song
Some ‘other’ 30 Days of Me Blogs
@alikat2k: http://blog.alikatnz.com/
@josiecampbell: http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/
@smrtgirl: http://smrtgrl.blogspot.com/
@kimmiwyn: http://kimmiwyn.blogspot.com/
@tarasutherland: http://quikflik.wordpress.com/
@greermcdonald: http://www.greermcdonald.co.nz/
@Gondwanaheels: http://www.highheelsonline.co.nz/blog/
PS: Check out Alikat2k’s Twitter list for more people doing the ‘30 Days of Me’ Challenge: http://twitter.com/alikat2k/thirty-days-of-me
Cupcakes4Cantabs
On Saturday 4th September in the early hours of the morning Christchurch experienced a huge earthquake. So when things stopped shaking; in the cold light of day it became apparent to most Cantabrians that the damage to buildings, their personal belongings etc. was pretty severe.
In the following days as people picked up the pieces and helped their friends and neighbours no less than 300 aftershocks followed. I have been blown away by the support and concern shown by the Twitterverse. One of the 1000’s of tweets that really summed it up for me was from @redcantab “Especially those of us who live alone. Twitter has been a real lifeline”. To me, that says it all!
Having never experienced an earthquake (other than the shaking house in Te Papa, Wellington) I cannot imagine what people are going through. Based in Auckland I feel like my hands are tied, as I certainly cannot help out on the ground.
Nevertheless, I have realised that there is something that I can do to send a little help their way. This morning in the car on the way to work I decided that I could bake cupcakes and cakes for a cause. 100% of the donations will go to the Red Cross Canterbury Earth Quake Appeal.
So if you want to help out selling, baking or buying cupcakes or cakes then please let me know Vanessa.liddell@gmail.com or 021 525 691. I have also started a Twitvite!
Twitter Username: @nessliddell
Twitter Hashtag is: #Cupcakes4Cantabs
Twitvite is: http://twtvite.com/Cupcakes4Cantabs
In the following days as people picked up the pieces and helped their friends and neighbours no less than 300 aftershocks followed. I have been blown away by the support and concern shown by the Twitterverse. One of the 1000’s of tweets that really summed it up for me was from @redcantab “Especially those of us who live alone. Twitter has been a real lifeline”. To me, that says it all!
Having never experienced an earthquake (other than the shaking house in Te Papa, Wellington) I cannot imagine what people are going through. Based in Auckland I feel like my hands are tied, as I certainly cannot help out on the ground.
Nevertheless, I have realised that there is something that I can do to send a little help their way. This morning in the car on the way to work I decided that I could bake cupcakes and cakes for a cause. 100% of the donations will go to the Red Cross Canterbury Earth Quake Appeal.
So if you want to help out selling, baking or buying cupcakes or cakes then please let me know Vanessa.liddell@gmail.com or 021 525 691. I have also started a Twitvite!
Twitter Username: @nessliddell
Twitter Hashtag is: #Cupcakes4Cantabs
Twitvite is: http://twtvite.com/Cupcakes4Cantabs
Facebook Event is: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112481525475887
When: Monday 13th September 2010
Where: Newmarket, Te Atatu...other areas TBC
Cost: $2 per cupcake or 3 for $5. Additional donations are welcomed. Note: Money will go straight to the Red Cross.
So tell your friends and family and let’s try and raise as much money as we can!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Stuff and Step-Up Pain
It has been a while since I last updated my B.L. Challenge journey. I have had some up and down weeks and struggled with getting to the gym 5 times a week as I got sick twice in August. Normally, I do not get the flu but this time I had to take antibiotics and probiotics and I had about 4 days off work and spent a lot of time in bed. The upside was that I got to watch a lot of TV and I also managed to lose a bit of weight.
As a group we have decided to embark on another 8 weeks of the challenge. I expect that until we reach our respective goals we will probably continue to do 8 week blocks. Our goals are varied from wanting to feel healthier to having a first or second baby. At the end of the day I think that we are united by a common goal to support one another in achieving positive changes in our lives.
I have been watching episodes of The Biggest Loser Australia. I think that we are a few seasons behind in New Zealand; however I am really enjoying it. I find it extremely motivating and heart-breaking. Some of these people’s stories are incredible and it is also interesting to hear about things from a “guys” point of view. The only guy that I know that has lost a lot of weight is Kepa; so it is interesting to see that the guys feel a lot of the same stuff that gals feel.
Last night while watching I got really emotional with one guys story. His wife basically gave him an ultimatum “lose 60 or lose 60”; essentially if he does not lose weight then his marriage will be over. It is heartbreaking to watch and his confidence is at an all time low; he just has no faith in himself at all. He also got really frustrated and angry when he could not complete a challenge dished out by his trainer Shannon. I cannot wait to see him at the end of his journey.
Watching these people who are mostly over 120kg push themselves is inspiring and incredible. I am not a doctor, however I figure if your blood pressure is good and you are relatively healthy then you can probably push yourself to do more than you think you can. Last week I had to do step-up’s on a box which I absolutely hate (I normally swear and want to cry); which is due to my crappy cardiovascular fitness. In the middle of all the pain I thought to myself “if those contestants can push themselves hard then so can I” and I managed to finish. I am sure in time step-ups will get easier and I relish the day when this happens! On the couch last night I thought to myself "what can I do step-ups on at home" and I realised that I can do them on our back steps. :)
What do you do to challenge yourself and push yourself exercise-wise?
The Biggest Loser screens Monday – Friday at 9am on TV3.
Previous Weight: 157.4kg
Current Weight: 153.8kg
Weight Difference: 3.6kg
Initial Goal Weight: 99kg
Work out pledge: 3 cardio and 2 resistance workouts
PS My favourite workout song this week is “Take it Off” by Ke$ha.
As a group we have decided to embark on another 8 weeks of the challenge. I expect that until we reach our respective goals we will probably continue to do 8 week blocks. Our goals are varied from wanting to feel healthier to having a first or second baby. At the end of the day I think that we are united by a common goal to support one another in achieving positive changes in our lives.
I have been watching episodes of The Biggest Loser Australia. I think that we are a few seasons behind in New Zealand; however I am really enjoying it. I find it extremely motivating and heart-breaking. Some of these people’s stories are incredible and it is also interesting to hear about things from a “guys” point of view. The only guy that I know that has lost a lot of weight is Kepa; so it is interesting to see that the guys feel a lot of the same stuff that gals feel.
Last night while watching I got really emotional with one guys story. His wife basically gave him an ultimatum “lose 60 or lose 60”; essentially if he does not lose weight then his marriage will be over. It is heartbreaking to watch and his confidence is at an all time low; he just has no faith in himself at all. He also got really frustrated and angry when he could not complete a challenge dished out by his trainer Shannon. I cannot wait to see him at the end of his journey.
Watching these people who are mostly over 120kg push themselves is inspiring and incredible. I am not a doctor, however I figure if your blood pressure is good and you are relatively healthy then you can probably push yourself to do more than you think you can. Last week I had to do step-up’s on a box which I absolutely hate (I normally swear and want to cry); which is due to my crappy cardiovascular fitness. In the middle of all the pain I thought to myself “if those contestants can push themselves hard then so can I” and I managed to finish. I am sure in time step-ups will get easier and I relish the day when this happens! On the couch last night I thought to myself "what can I do step-ups on at home" and I realised that I can do them on our back steps. :)
What do you do to challenge yourself and push yourself exercise-wise?
The Biggest Loser screens Monday – Friday at 9am on TV3.
Previous Weight: 157.4kg
Current Weight: 153.8kg
Weight Difference: 3.6kg
Initial Goal Weight: 99kg
Work out pledge: 3 cardio and 2 resistance workouts
PS My favourite workout song this week is “Take it Off” by Ke$ha.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Finance Companies Suck
Today with SCF going into receivership I have been thinking about finance companies and general and why I hate them. Adrian pointed out that for the most part farmers would have been buying machinery from SCF as opposed to new plasma televisions.
I will not tell a lie, I have had various hire purchases and store cards over the years where the debt has been managed by finance companies. Nine times out of ten a lot of these debts were incurred because I wanted something immediately and did not either have the savings for it, or did not want to save for it.
Do not get me wrong, I am not against hire purchases with interest free terms provided you need the item. To me household items that you need to replace immediately if they die are things like ovens, fridges, washing machines and possibly a dryer. I do not believe you should get yourself into debt for a new plasma TV, iPhone or Android phone, computer etc. It comes back to whether you believe something is a “want” or a “need”. Check out Jill’s blog titled 'Do you REALLY need it or just want it?'
A few years back in the lead up to Christmas I just about had a meltdown about a particular finance company’s advertising. It went a little like this “want a new XX or new boobs then come and see us”. Seriously, how are new boobs (unless you have chronic back pain) a reason to use a finance company?!! Shame on you finance companies preying on people during financially vulnerable times like Christmas! This also made me realise just how commercialised Christmas has become. There are also companies that target particular socio-economic or ethnic groups. GRRR they just make me so angry!
I am far from being a financial expert, so from my personal experience here are some advice/thoughts:
- Think about wants versus needs
- If it is not an urgent purchase then do your research and shop around. You might find that if you wait a week or two the initial “need to have it now” feeling has worn off. Or save up for it...it will mean more!
- If you do not have the money, but want something then how about selling some of the “stuff” you do not use or want anymore. Liz and her family did this so that they could have a family trip to Fiji
- Try and put some money aside for “emergencies”; even $20 a month is better than nothing
- Avoid finance companies like the plague!
- Be wary of store cards especially those that can be used everywhere! I used my Farmers card at book shops, to get petrol and to buy groceries and then was hit with the 20% interest
- If you cannot use a credit card properly then get rid of it. As my boss once said to me “Vanessa your credit card limit is not for you to spend up to”...stink!
Please feel free to add your ideas or experiences below!
I will not tell a lie, I have had various hire purchases and store cards over the years where the debt has been managed by finance companies. Nine times out of ten a lot of these debts were incurred because I wanted something immediately and did not either have the savings for it, or did not want to save for it.
Do not get me wrong, I am not against hire purchases with interest free terms provided you need the item. To me household items that you need to replace immediately if they die are things like ovens, fridges, washing machines and possibly a dryer. I do not believe you should get yourself into debt for a new plasma TV, iPhone or Android phone, computer etc. It comes back to whether you believe something is a “want” or a “need”. Check out Jill’s blog titled 'Do you REALLY need it or just want it?'
A few years back in the lead up to Christmas I just about had a meltdown about a particular finance company’s advertising. It went a little like this “want a new XX or new boobs then come and see us”. Seriously, how are new boobs (unless you have chronic back pain) a reason to use a finance company?!! Shame on you finance companies preying on people during financially vulnerable times like Christmas! This also made me realise just how commercialised Christmas has become. There are also companies that target particular socio-economic or ethnic groups. GRRR they just make me so angry!
I am far from being a financial expert, so from my personal experience here are some advice/thoughts:
- Think about wants versus needs
- If it is not an urgent purchase then do your research and shop around. You might find that if you wait a week or two the initial “need to have it now” feeling has worn off. Or save up for it...it will mean more!
- If you do not have the money, but want something then how about selling some of the “stuff” you do not use or want anymore. Liz and her family did this so that they could have a family trip to Fiji
- Try and put some money aside for “emergencies”; even $20 a month is better than nothing
- Avoid finance companies like the plague!
- Be wary of store cards especially those that can be used everywhere! I used my Farmers card at book shops, to get petrol and to buy groceries and then was hit with the 20% interest
- If you cannot use a credit card properly then get rid of it. As my boss once said to me “Vanessa your credit card limit is not for you to spend up to”...stink!
Please feel free to add your ideas or experiences below!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Birthday week/end
Jumped on the scales this morning and my weight had not changed. To be honest I was a little disappointed, but not really that surprised. I had my birthday last Friday; so from Friday through to Monday it was all about birthday food and cake. So staying the same is better than gaining.
How do we get through weeks of “celebration”? Eating in moderation, not snacking on party food (fill a small plate and move away from the table), upping the amount of exercise. A few months ago I met a woman that strongly advocated weight-loss using meal replacement shakes for all meals. Over our lives there are going to be times when this is not achievable and seriously….HOW BORING!
So do not fear birthdays, weddings, parties etc. but just be prepared. If you are hosting the party then think about healthy options i.e. salsa, hummus, rice crackers, dipping vegetables, fruit kebabs etc. If you are a guest then offset a “naughty” choice with healthy options and eat a proper meal before you go to the party.
I had a quick chat with Arlene my personal trainer on the weekend and there are about 4.5 months until summer officially kicks in. She mentioned that she thought I could be down about 40kg by then. This would mean losing about 2kg per week for the next 18-20 weeks. I figure that it is quite achievable with a lot of planning, focus, healthy eating, portion control and regular exercise.
I tend to hibernate in winter; yes like a bear. When we get home in the evenings after the gym I tend to have a HUGE meal and then hop into bed with the cats and watch TV. So my plan from here on in is to drastically reduce the size of my dinner every evening and make a conscious effort not to eat rice, pasta or potatoes after 2pm each day.
Every day I have to reconfirm to myself why I am doing this:
- For my health
- To get pregnant
- To stop feeling obese and crappy
- To have more energy
- To fit into an airline seat and actually put the tray down properly
Previous Weight: 157.4kg
Current Weight: 157.4kg
Weight Difference: 0kg
Initial Goal Weight: 99kg
Work out pledge: 3 cardio and 2 resistance workouts
How do we get through weeks of “celebration”? Eating in moderation, not snacking on party food (fill a small plate and move away from the table), upping the amount of exercise. A few months ago I met a woman that strongly advocated weight-loss using meal replacement shakes for all meals. Over our lives there are going to be times when this is not achievable and seriously….HOW BORING!
So do not fear birthdays, weddings, parties etc. but just be prepared. If you are hosting the party then think about healthy options i.e. salsa, hummus, rice crackers, dipping vegetables, fruit kebabs etc. If you are a guest then offset a “naughty” choice with healthy options and eat a proper meal before you go to the party.
I had a quick chat with Arlene my personal trainer on the weekend and there are about 4.5 months until summer officially kicks in. She mentioned that she thought I could be down about 40kg by then. This would mean losing about 2kg per week for the next 18-20 weeks. I figure that it is quite achievable with a lot of planning, focus, healthy eating, portion control and regular exercise.
I tend to hibernate in winter; yes like a bear. When we get home in the evenings after the gym I tend to have a HUGE meal and then hop into bed with the cats and watch TV. So my plan from here on in is to drastically reduce the size of my dinner every evening and make a conscious effort not to eat rice, pasta or potatoes after 2pm each day.
Every day I have to reconfirm to myself why I am doing this:
- For my health
- To get pregnant
- To stop feeling obese and crappy
- To have more energy
- To fit into an airline seat and actually put the tray down properly
Previous Weight: 157.4kg
Current Weight: 157.4kg
Weight Difference: 0kg
Initial Goal Weight: 99kg
Work out pledge: 3 cardio and 2 resistance workouts
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