For the whole month of January I only lost one measly pound. February has come along and BAM the weight is finally coming off again! I worked hard in January on portion control and exercising but I guess not hard enough. Of course the weekends as usual were quite a bit damaging, but at least I didn't gain weight like I did over the winter. (Australian winter, that is.)
So here I am reflecting over the last 24 days and thinking WOW! I managed to lose one pound per week so far this month (my best month ever) which puts me at 15 pounds down or 25% of the way DONE! My goal is to lose 60 pounds. The biggest thing I've changed this month is I have increased my strength training and I have switched up my cardio routines to include new equipment that I never used before. I also have started consciously eating less processed foods. I never ate that many to begin with, but I think every bit helps. I hardly ever feel bloated anymore after meals which I think is because I am not eating a lot of refined carbs. I still have trouble with the weekends, but I trade off and do one or two days during the week at pretty low calories -usually on my day off from heavy cardio or weights. I never actually have a full day off because I have to walk everywhere and that counts too!
Many months ago I promised myself a new purse once I hit the 25% mark. I am moving back to America in about 6 weeks so that new purse will be one of my first purchases! Things are just so darn expensive in Australia that I can't justify buying one here. I can't decide between Coach or Burberry.
I will give myself another big present when I am halfway there at -30lbs. In the meantime I think I'll give myself some small gifts when I hit -20lbs and -25lbs. Maybe a few new lingerie pieces or a new belt -something that I'll need being a bit thinner.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Gym
Now that I have a few days to myself each week I have decided to check out the local gym. Currently I am using a 5-day free pass. The pass expires on Wednesday so we'll see by then if I decide to pay for a membership. So far I really like the center. There is so much variety there that after going 3 times I have not done the same cardio routine twice. The first day I did the elliptical and regular stationary bike, the second time I did the tread climber and recumbent bike and today I did the rowing machine and elliptical. There are still some cardio machines that I haven't tried yet. There are also many choices for strength training, plus a pool, tennis court and classes. I think the next four weeks of workouts are going to fly by!
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: 1/2 bagel with salmon, capers, cream cheese & avocado.
Lunch: seaweed salad, 2 sushi rolls
Snack: skinny latte, smoothie
Dinner: cannelloni & salad
Dessert: yogurt & watermelon
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: 1/2 bagel with salmon, capers, cream cheese & avocado.
Lunch: seaweed salad, 2 sushi rolls
Snack: skinny latte, smoothie
Dinner: cannelloni & salad
Dessert: yogurt & watermelon
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Moo Brew Hefewiezen Review
Anyone who knows me knows that I like beer. One of my favorite styles is hefeweizen. Recently on a trip to Tasmania I visited the Moorilla Estate which is home to my favorite Australian beer -Moo Brew.
Moo Brew Hefewiezen is brewed at the Moorilla Estate near Hobart in Tasmania, Australia. Moorilla is well-known by microwbrew drinkers in Australia for its Moo Brew range of beers.
The Moo Brew Hefewiezen is a German style wheat beer with a delightful cloudiness. It is also preservative free. You can drink it straight from the unique shaped bottle with original artist-commissioned artwork or pour into a glass in order to experience all the aroma and goodness the beer has to offer. The body is medium in the mouth and the head is smooth and heavy, but not overly creamy. Aromas are caramel, banana and lemon. The color of the brew is a bright cloudy gold.
I have only good things to say about Moo Brew Hefewiezen except for the price. In Australia beer is pricey -one bottle of Moo Brew costs $5.00AU. The cost isn't the fault of the brewery, it is just the way alcohol is taxed. Even a 6-pack of Corona will set you back $20.00AU!
Other mentionables:
There are other Moo Brews, such as stout, dark ale, pale ale and pilsner. Personally, I enjoy the stout and pilsner in addition to the hefewiezen. If I remember correctly, the pilsner is only available in Tasmania since it does not travel well in bottles.
Moorilla also makes wine too and the Pinot Noir from the Muse series is very good with a nice finish. Unfortunately I cannot remember the year of the one I had!
The Moorilla Estate also boasts a fine-dining restaurant called "The Source", but it was closed for renovations when I visited.
If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Moorilla, the staff is so nice, helpful and knowledgeable.
I originally published this review on the website Viewpoints. You can read it in the original form here.
Moo Brew Hefewiezen is brewed at the Moorilla Estate near Hobart in Tasmania, Australia. Moorilla is well-known by microwbrew drinkers in Australia for its Moo Brew range of beers.
The Moo Brew Hefewiezen is a German style wheat beer with a delightful cloudiness. It is also preservative free. You can drink it straight from the unique shaped bottle with original artist-commissioned artwork or pour into a glass in order to experience all the aroma and goodness the beer has to offer. The body is medium in the mouth and the head is smooth and heavy, but not overly creamy. Aromas are caramel, banana and lemon. The color of the brew is a bright cloudy gold.I have only good things to say about Moo Brew Hefewiezen except for the price. In Australia beer is pricey -one bottle of Moo Brew costs $5.00AU. The cost isn't the fault of the brewery, it is just the way alcohol is taxed. Even a 6-pack of Corona will set you back $20.00AU!
Other mentionables:
There are other Moo Brews, such as stout, dark ale, pale ale and pilsner. Personally, I enjoy the stout and pilsner in addition to the hefewiezen. If I remember correctly, the pilsner is only available in Tasmania since it does not travel well in bottles.
Moorilla also makes wine too and the Pinot Noir from the Muse series is very good with a nice finish. Unfortunately I cannot remember the year of the one I had!
The Moorilla Estate also boasts a fine-dining restaurant called "The Source", but it was closed for renovations when I visited.
If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Moorilla, the staff is so nice, helpful and knowledgeable.
I originally published this review on the website Viewpoints. You can read it in the original form here.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
6 ways to improve your sales on eBay
Many people can tell you what to do to increase your sales on eBay, but you don't often see a list of what not to do. Here's a small list of tweaks to help you avoid selling mistakes. Tips are listed in no particular order and are only the beginning of the path to more sales.
eBay don'ts
#1. Do not compete with yourself. It's pretty simple really. If you have eight auction listings for the exact same item simple supply and demand rules will cause you to get fewer bids per item which will lower the average sell price per listing. A better option is to only list one at a time and let the bidding raise the price, or list the duplicate ones at a higher price in the buy-it-now or store inventory format so people who really want the item but don't want to bid can buy immediately.
#2. Don't overlook the second chance offer option. This goes along with #1. If you have duplicates of an item, why not offer bidders who didn't win a second chance to purchase the item at their highest actual bid? This is only a good option if their bids were acceptable to you. Remember though, the item must be exactly the same as the original listing. You will have the opportunity to pick and choose which bidders to send the second chance to. As an added bonus you will not pay listing fees for any second chance offers that are taken, but you will still pay final value fees.
#3. Don't overlook the best offer option for fixed price and store inventory listings. You'll be surprised at the amount of fair offers you will receive for your item if it is an item people want. Don't be afraid to set the price a little high and see what people will actually offer you. Of course you will get some silly offers, but those are easy to say no to.
#4. Don't open an eBay store unless you have sufficient sales and stock to justify it. Opening a store in itself will not guarantee you an increase in your sales. A store is a good option for a seller who has a lot of inventory and needs a way to keep the listings up for longer durations. There is no magic formula for this but I suspect if you are selling like hotcakes, making a good profit and always have loads of stuff to list a store may be for you.
#5. Don't be negative in your listings. Use your listings to make potential customers feel welcome not warned. As an avid eBay shopper I frequently hit the back button when I come across a seller that is hostile towards buyers. I don't need to be warned that the seller has no control over the post office, that I must be sure to know my size since there are no returns, that I must ask if I can bid if I have zero feedback or that I will be reported if I don't pay. I just want to find my item and buy it from someone who is happy to sell to me.
#6. Don't delay shipping an item, ever. Always get it out as soon as you can or as quickly as you advertise. Buyers are not patient and do want their merchandise as quickly as possible. They can and will leave you negative feedback if you are a slow shipper and you will deserve that negative on your record. A bad reputation will hurt your sales. Take it from me, I stay away from sellers who have bad feedback due to slow shipping.
As a former silver powerseller I learned quite a bit about what worked. Of course my list is in no way inclusive and may not work for all niches. I hope to take my own advice when I return to the USA and start selling again this summer. More tips to follow.
eBay don'ts
#1. Do not compete with yourself. It's pretty simple really. If you have eight auction listings for the exact same item simple supply and demand rules will cause you to get fewer bids per item which will lower the average sell price per listing. A better option is to only list one at a time and let the bidding raise the price, or list the duplicate ones at a higher price in the buy-it-now or store inventory format so people who really want the item but don't want to bid can buy immediately.
#2. Don't overlook the second chance offer option. This goes along with #1. If you have duplicates of an item, why not offer bidders who didn't win a second chance to purchase the item at their highest actual bid? This is only a good option if their bids were acceptable to you. Remember though, the item must be exactly the same as the original listing. You will have the opportunity to pick and choose which bidders to send the second chance to. As an added bonus you will not pay listing fees for any second chance offers that are taken, but you will still pay final value fees.
#3. Don't overlook the best offer option for fixed price and store inventory listings. You'll be surprised at the amount of fair offers you will receive for your item if it is an item people want. Don't be afraid to set the price a little high and see what people will actually offer you. Of course you will get some silly offers, but those are easy to say no to.
#4. Don't open an eBay store unless you have sufficient sales and stock to justify it. Opening a store in itself will not guarantee you an increase in your sales. A store is a good option for a seller who has a lot of inventory and needs a way to keep the listings up for longer durations. There is no magic formula for this but I suspect if you are selling like hotcakes, making a good profit and always have loads of stuff to list a store may be for you.
#5. Don't be negative in your listings. Use your listings to make potential customers feel welcome not warned. As an avid eBay shopper I frequently hit the back button when I come across a seller that is hostile towards buyers. I don't need to be warned that the seller has no control over the post office, that I must be sure to know my size since there are no returns, that I must ask if I can bid if I have zero feedback or that I will be reported if I don't pay. I just want to find my item and buy it from someone who is happy to sell to me.
#6. Don't delay shipping an item, ever. Always get it out as soon as you can or as quickly as you advertise. Buyers are not patient and do want their merchandise as quickly as possible. They can and will leave you negative feedback if you are a slow shipper and you will deserve that negative on your record. A bad reputation will hurt your sales. Take it from me, I stay away from sellers who have bad feedback due to slow shipping.
As a former silver powerseller I learned quite a bit about what worked. Of course my list is in no way inclusive and may not work for all niches. I hope to take my own advice when I return to the USA and start selling again this summer. More tips to follow.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Lifestyle Changes
Some old habits that I have changed:
I never exercised after college. Now, 13 years later and 60 pounds heavier I find myself walking 1-5 miles per day and doing cardio and weights at our townhouse complex gym 2-5 days a week. Granted while I am living overseas I do not have a car so all the walking is out of necessity. I will need to find a way to stick with it or substitute it once I move back to the US. There are no sidewalks where I live and lots of hills and curves make walkabouts quite risky.
I used to smoke A LOT but changed that with my first pregnancy, fell off the wagon when he was done nursing and then FINALLY kicked the habit when I got pregnant again. If you smoke and need help quitting I highly recommend asking your doctor for help. Mine gave me Welbutrin and I never looked back.
I couldn't consider a weekend breakfast edible unless it included bacon and at least two eggs. I still eat eggs but only one normally and bacon only crosses my breakfast path about once a month. I have decided that smoked salmon is a better breakfast meat.
I have a deep love affair with yogurt -it used to be the creamier the better. Over the last two years and after sampling every new full-fat Australian yogurt I encountered I have finally changed my ways. I now usually buy plain Greek non-fat yogurt. I miss some of the creaminess, but with the help of lots of fresh fruit I get all the sweetness and texture I need. I have gone from eating yogurt that was 120-160 calories per 100 grams to ones that are about 50-70 calories per 100 gram serving. Watermelon is my favorite mix-in. It is an indescribable taste and texture combo.
I was a total coffee addict. My normal day consisted of no less than 8-10 cups of coffee with half & half. Now I only buy high quality coffee and make it in a French press. This makes the coffee so good and rich on its own that I only need a bit of 1% milk and I am happy. I now drink only 1-2 coffees a day and sometimes I have none. My new beverages of choice are soda water, herbal tea and plain water. Of course I still like wine and beer but we'll save that for another day!
I have lots of other changes that I will list another time. Right now I think I want a coffee!
I never exercised after college. Now, 13 years later and 60 pounds heavier I find myself walking 1-5 miles per day and doing cardio and weights at our townhouse complex gym 2-5 days a week. Granted while I am living overseas I do not have a car so all the walking is out of necessity. I will need to find a way to stick with it or substitute it once I move back to the US. There are no sidewalks where I live and lots of hills and curves make walkabouts quite risky.
I used to smoke A LOT but changed that with my first pregnancy, fell off the wagon when he was done nursing and then FINALLY kicked the habit when I got pregnant again. If you smoke and need help quitting I highly recommend asking your doctor for help. Mine gave me Welbutrin and I never looked back.
I couldn't consider a weekend breakfast edible unless it included bacon and at least two eggs. I still eat eggs but only one normally and bacon only crosses my breakfast path about once a month. I have decided that smoked salmon is a better breakfast meat.
I have a deep love affair with yogurt -it used to be the creamier the better. Over the last two years and after sampling every new full-fat Australian yogurt I encountered I have finally changed my ways. I now usually buy plain Greek non-fat yogurt. I miss some of the creaminess, but with the help of lots of fresh fruit I get all the sweetness and texture I need. I have gone from eating yogurt that was 120-160 calories per 100 grams to ones that are about 50-70 calories per 100 gram serving. Watermelon is my favorite mix-in. It is an indescribable taste and texture combo.
I was a total coffee addict. My normal day consisted of no less than 8-10 cups of coffee with half & half. Now I only buy high quality coffee and make it in a French press. This makes the coffee so good and rich on its own that I only need a bit of 1% milk and I am happy. I now drink only 1-2 coffees a day and sometimes I have none. My new beverages of choice are soda water, herbal tea and plain water. Of course I still like wine and beer but we'll save that for another day!
I have lots of other changes that I will list another time. Right now I think I want a coffee!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday
My morning:
I woke up about 5Am and couldn't fall back asleep so I stayed in bed until about 7:00. At some point hubby must've woken up and went downstairs because I had the bed all to myself. I didn't want to disturb him if he was sleeping downstairs. Sometimes Alex gets up in the night and moves to the living room. Jason will normally hear him and go with him so he's not alone.
I've been having nights now and then where I just can't fall asleep and then I wake up too early and can't get back to sleep easily. I think it has something to do with the horrible mattress we have in the townhouse. It might also be because I haven't done as much heavy cardio lately due to my ankle and exploding toe. (see my earlier post about the band Aid) Anyway, today I am back on track with the excercise so hopefully good sleep will follow!
I've already logged about 65 minutes of walking today. I walked Alex to school and then I walked to the grocery store on my way home. Just before lunch I had a rental car to return and instead of taking the bus home from the Budget I opted to walk through South Melbourne and get some sushi for lunch.
Later I have to walk to get Alex and then he and I will walk to get Toby so I have at least another hour of exercise today. I can't wait to log all my walking and see how many calories I burnt today!
The bushfires have really been on my mind today. The mood at Alex's school this morning was very somber. I got the feeling that lots of people knew people who were directly affected. The principal announced at the assembly that there will be a fundraiser planned for the victims. He also offered the school's counseling team to any parent, student or community member who might need some help dealing with the disaster.
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: yogurt, fruit and a muesli bar
Snack: Oatmeal crackers w/hummus, an apricot & herbal tea
Lunch: Seaweed salad, 2 sushi rolls & a skinny latte
Dinner: Mango Chicken Curry with couscous or rice
I woke up about 5Am and couldn't fall back asleep so I stayed in bed until about 7:00. At some point hubby must've woken up and went downstairs because I had the bed all to myself. I didn't want to disturb him if he was sleeping downstairs. Sometimes Alex gets up in the night and moves to the living room. Jason will normally hear him and go with him so he's not alone.
I've been having nights now and then where I just can't fall asleep and then I wake up too early and can't get back to sleep easily. I think it has something to do with the horrible mattress we have in the townhouse. It might also be because I haven't done as much heavy cardio lately due to my ankle and exploding toe. (see my earlier post about the band Aid) Anyway, today I am back on track with the excercise so hopefully good sleep will follow!
I've already logged about 65 minutes of walking today. I walked Alex to school and then I walked to the grocery store on my way home. Just before lunch I had a rental car to return and instead of taking the bus home from the Budget I opted to walk through South Melbourne and get some sushi for lunch.
Later I have to walk to get Alex and then he and I will walk to get Toby so I have at least another hour of exercise today. I can't wait to log all my walking and see how many calories I burnt today!
The bushfires have really been on my mind today. The mood at Alex's school this morning was very somber. I got the feeling that lots of people knew people who were directly affected. The principal announced at the assembly that there will be a fundraiser planned for the victims. He also offered the school's counseling team to any parent, student or community member who might need some help dealing with the disaster.
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: yogurt, fruit and a muesli bar
Snack: Oatmeal crackers w/hummus, an apricot & herbal tea
Lunch: Seaweed salad, 2 sushi rolls & a skinny latte
Dinner: Mango Chicken Curry with couscous or rice
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Frothy the Snowman
I sometimes write product reviews on another website called Viewpoints. I particularly enjoy reviewing LUSH products. You can read my review about a product called Frothy The Snowman. Frothy is a solid bubble bath bar that you can break up under running water.
http://www.viewpoints.com/LUSH-Frothy-The-Snowman-Bubble-Bar-review-facc5
Here is some text from my review:
I was completely blown away by Frothy. I never really expected to like it, but as it turns out it has to be one of my favorite Lush products so far. What I like best is the scent, which does linger afterward. Licorice, coconut and vanilla mixed together sounds kind of gross, I know, but it smells a bit more like suntan lotion. If you have ever smelled the Yankee Candle scent, Sun & Sand, it is just like that. I am a sucker for anything that smells a bit like coconut! It is also very close to the scent of Lush's Hybrid solid shampoo bar.
Hungry
Wow, yesterday I did a whole lot of strength training and boy did it make me HUNGRY! I did the weights around 11am and by the afternoon I felt like I just couldn't get full. I had a good lunch and was planning a night out at a brewery so of course I was paranoid of getting too many calories. So I tried to satisfy myself with super light food like salad, sushi, fruit and the like.
Today my body is sore and it is insanely hot and windy outside so we are taking it easy. Hubby is playing the Wii. I think I will get a glass of wine and take a bath and read for a while.
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: baked egg with Egyptian Dukkah, haloumi, tomato & chili. Turkish bread. Latte
Lunch: seaweed salad & a California roll
Dinner: Scallops & snapper with fennel & citrus topping, couscous, grapefruit, avocado & fennel salad.
Today my body is sore and it is insanely hot and windy outside so we are taking it easy. Hubby is playing the Wii. I think I will get a glass of wine and take a bath and read for a while.
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: baked egg with Egyptian Dukkah, haloumi, tomato & chili. Turkish bread. Latte
Lunch: seaweed salad & a California roll
Dinner: Scallops & snapper with fennel & citrus topping, couscous, grapefruit, avocado & fennel salad.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tatiana
Today was the first day I've had to myself in about 6 weeks. "How did you spend the day?'' you ask.
Well....
I got a latte on my way home from dropping Alex off. Later I decided my eyebrows needed some TLC so I went and saw Tatiana who did a beautiful job. And right now I am recovering after an awesome strength-training session. I also managed to clean up the patio and living room.
Not too exciting huh? Oh well, it worked for me!
Now I have an hour to kill before going and getting the kids. I think a long shower is in the works and then some reading with whatever remaining time I have.
Tonight is prawn and hefewiesen night at Mountain Goat so I am eating light during the day in anticipation of a big calorie fest tonight.
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast, salmon & cream cheese on a half bagel
snack, latte, watermelon & cottage cheese
lunch, sweet chili prawn wrap & a truffle
Well....
I got a latte on my way home from dropping Alex off. Later I decided my eyebrows needed some TLC so I went and saw Tatiana who did a beautiful job. And right now I am recovering after an awesome strength-training session. I also managed to clean up the patio and living room.
Not too exciting huh? Oh well, it worked for me!
Now I have an hour to kill before going and getting the kids. I think a long shower is in the works and then some reading with whatever remaining time I have.
Tonight is prawn and hefewiesen night at Mountain Goat so I am eating light during the day in anticipation of a big calorie fest tonight.
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast, salmon & cream cheese on a half bagel
snack, latte, watermelon & cottage cheese
lunch, sweet chili prawn wrap & a truffle
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Bubbles
I used to drink a lot of Coke, Pepsi and the like. I gradually switched to diet and eventually to Coke Zero and Pepsi Max. As of late though, my carbonated beverage of choice is soda water with a slice of lime. I have gotten so used to not having any sweetness in my drinks that it is a bit of a shock to my palate to drink a fully-sugared or artificially sweetened beverage now. Last week in the Executive Lounge at the Marriott in Sydney I opened what I thought was a Pepsi Max. I had a serious sweet craving and really didn't want to eat anything so I thought I'd make do with the Pepsi Max. Anyway it turned out to be a regular Pepsi and I almost spit it out since it was like drinking liquid sugar. I promptly set the bottle aside and sought out a soda water. Ahhh, that was much, much better -even without lime.
Shrek Band Aid
So I've been off heavy cardio after having a nasty fall last week. I was holding my younger son and didn't see a step. I fell right off the step onto the sidewalk. Boy did that hurt! I didn't break my fall because I tried to protect my kid. He didn't get hurt but I ended up with a sprained ankle and some butt ugly bruised toes.
Anyway, just when my ankle started to improve and I was starting to look forward to bossing the StairMaster I hurt myself again! This time hubby went to kiss me and somehow his big toenail stabbed my second toe under my nail. Blood spurted from under my nail out onto the kitchen floor and I was crying like a baby! Worse though, was the pain! Hubby was nice enough to clean up the mess and get me to my chair where he promptly and tenderly bandaged me up with a Shrek Band Aid.
The good news is that the toe he managed to massacre is the one that has a nasty toenail fungus on it. It looks like I am going to lose the nail and hopefully there will be no more fungus among us. I just pray that the fungus didn't spread to his nail!
So I hobbled my way to my son's school this morning and every single step hurt, but hey at least I got some exercise in! Hopefully tomorrow it will feel better!
Today's menu so far:
Breakfast: Muesli bar & yogurt
Morning Snack: Pancake with yogurt & Nutella. Watermelon
Lunch: Sauteed Sweet Chili Prawns on tossed salad. Ciabatta with olive oil and dukkah.
Snack: TBD
Dinner: Scotch Fillet with diced potato, capsicum & broccoli. Ciabatta with olive oil and dukkah.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
School
My oldest started school yesterday. I expected to be emotional and sad about the whole experience of dropping him off and leaving him at the mercy of his new teacher and classmates. It was quite the opposite. I felt so proud of him for being excited to start school and I just smiled the whole time!
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