Love is

I googled "Love is..." in Google Images and this was what I found.
Quite ironic as my intention was to say in 2009, Love is:

Honouring oneself and taking care of oneself to assure a more positive self image and weight loss.

Ironically, the image that came up is about taking an account of things, which is what I will be doing, with regards to monitoring exercise and food intake.



It is also a good one considering the current financial crisis and reduced credit, which means it is also a good idea to take account of expenditure.

Anyway, however you interpret it, it is cute. Let it speak to you in whatever way it must.

Last blog for 2008.

Liska Life over and out. x

Santa in the year 2004 - Xmas

This photo shows that there is another way - I just need to get back to where I was.

This was me - Santa - in Xmas 2004.

Get back to that in 2009 and I'll be sorted.

Let the vitality and detox commence.

Bye for now, Liska Life
x

Fat Santa and 2008

Well, to show I am serious, about the aforementioned blog and the New Year resolution for 2009, I attach a photo of me - the fat santa.

This is what I plan to leave behind in 2008.

So it is appropriate that I post the photo when there are only 2.5 hrs left of 2008.

This photo was taken on 25th December 2008.


Let the weight loss, vitality and detox of 2009 commence.

To anyone else out there in the same laden down boat as me, see you in 2009, as we become more slender, toned, fit and healthy. As the clock strokes midnight let's toast the new us, while we honour and forgive the current us. After all, all that food eaten was delicious and those lazy days, with no exercise, were ever so restful...

Here's to 2009 and all the exciting things it has in store for all of us.

Ignore what the news and the papers say :-)

Liska Life 2008

Over and Out.

New Year Resolutions 2009

Hi

I have just been on Google and checked out New Year Resolutions which took me to Wikipedia, and below are the ones that they list as the "most popular goals".

So on my list I have no.1 firmly in place, which of course includes no.6 and no.7 and given that alcohol is FULL of calories, it obvioulsy also encompasses no.9. Due to the whole cortisol and stress, weightloss around the middle link (that I have blogged about before), then it also includes no.11 (less stress). I am sure my Mum would appreciate it if I also gave some attention to no.14 - hee hee.

Wikipedia's top 14 "most popular goals" below:

1. Lose weight
2. Gain weight
3. Pay off debt
4. Save money
5. Get a better job
6. Get fit
   
7. Eat right
   
8. Get a better education
9. Drink less alcohol
10. Quit smoking
11. Reduce stress
12. Take a trip
13. Volunteer to help others
14. Be less grumpy

Just did a bit more "googling" and found out that the microwave was invented when someone walked passed a radar and their bar of chocolate melted - there's a reason not to have take-a-ways any more. I was once told microwaves are banned in Russia but don't know if it's true.

I am tempted to plot my progress losing weight online in the New Year, but I'd have to be very brave to do that - might do though.

AAhhhhhhhhhhhhh I am inspired to do it online now. Click here and read what I just have. That's certainly given me food for thought.

It's funny, I have recently been comparing myself to a type of 80s computer game. You know the ones. You pick up things that help you later in the game. You pick up a bomb, or medicine, or weapon, or food and you build up all these things and use them when appropriate. I was thinking of this analogy with regards to weightloss and I was brainstorming about the things I would have in there.

On the bottom of the screen I would obviously have the things I own already:

• MBTs (lots of them).
• A Fit bug (great pedometor that connects to the computer so you can plot your progress and see how many steps you do, even by the hour).
• A Vita Mix (best detox blender you could EVER own). It'll set you back £300 plus but it is the best money you will ever spend. Makes soup, smoothies etc... I have blogged about it once before.
• I have a set of Saladmaster saucepans. They make amazing dinners, without the need for water or oil. You can use ONE pan for loads of veg. I fill it with brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, parsnips etc... and they steam in a vacuum using their own juices. Healthy, nutricious cooking and much quicker than the traditional methods.
• I have a FAB pilates machine called "Ellen Croft's Supreme Pilates". Need to dust it down and use it again.
• I have a rebounder.
• I have all the famous January weight loss DVDs - yes I am a sucker.
• I have a water filter machine - a very special one.
• I have lots of Kundalini Yoga DVDs.
• I have Virgin Active gym membership.
• Lots of books about PH and green diets.
• Innerlight Super Greens.
  
• and the list goes on..................

On my want list that my computer character would pick up would be:

• bottles of Evian.
• Some self discipline!
• a decent health food shop near my house
• and I think that'd be it, as I am in a good position - if I can sort the self-discipline out!

Anyway, for me, New Year starts from the Winter Solstice, i.e. after 21st December. Only reason I can't adhere to that, is all the festive eating, which makes it easier to follow the crowd and start being healthy in January :-)

Wikipedia gives a brief explanation of Winter Solstice and says: "Worldwide, interpretation of the event [Winter Solstice] has varied from culture to culture, most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth".

So off I am to eat, drink and be merry, knowing that those days are numbered - soon: let the detox commence!

Liska Life,

Over and Out.

Xmas in Folkstone - 2008

This year Xmas was in Folkstone by the beach. Drove up there with Mum and hubby on Xmas morning.

Dinner was in the Metropole with Robert and family. Stayed one night in the Burlington.

Boxing day walked down to the beach, from the hotel with Mum, which was like being in a dream. To get from the hotel to the beach you have to go down quite a few steps which is fun and picturesque on the way down, but bloody good exercise on the way back up...

Then before going home, we strolled around Dover College (check out the photo of Mum outside the Headmaster's office - I thought that was quite appropriate given that Mum went to boarding school in Ireland and was always naughty while there).

We also walked around the White Cliffs of Dover. I will have to get those photos from Rob. Walking along the cliff edge was quite scary and windy but there were lots and lots of walkers there doing the same. With dogs and buggies. Mum and I had the added instability underfoot of MBTs :-)

Xmas by the beach was beautiful. Good healthy sea air, and amazing food & drink.
Thanks Rob.

Today I am having a day in PJs to relax after such a busy week. Mum watched "On Golden Pond" today and now she is watching "The Graduate".

xxx

Alexandra is the winner

Alexandra just sang Hallelujah again after she was announced the winner and it was so full of emotion it was simply beautiful.

Well done Alexandra. You have been my favourite to win for quite a few weeks now.

Xfactor and Hallelujah

Well, I am watching the final and it is a very close call. All week my money's been on MY favourite Alexandra BUT........... I am a massive fan of the song Hallelujah and I have to say JLS's version was better. Sorry Alexandra, you did it with soul and passion, but you are one voice, and they had a blend that was beautiful and Aston sung his little heart out.

There are now ALOT of people talking online, some of whom think Hallelujah is a Jeff Buckley song, but he himself also covered it, albeit very very very well. The song is originally by Leonard Cohen. To listen to Jeff Buckley's version go to You Tube, where, if you are hearing it for the first time, you will quite frankly be blown away, especially if you have only had the XFactor treatment so far.

The following is what Wikipedia has to say:

"Hallelujah" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen originally released on his 1984 studio album Various Positions. A live recording of the song from 1988, containing additional lyrics, appears on the 1994 album, Cohen Live. While "Suzanne" is his most covered work to date, "Hallelujah" has experienced great popularity more recently and has now been recorded more than 170 times for release and has been featured in the soundtracks of numerous movies and television shows.[1]

Qype: MBT Concept Store in London

London
Having been in Harrods since 2005, MBT has now opened a Concept Store (concession) on the 5th floor, which now brings the full range of MBT physiological footwear to Knightsbridge. So if you often have trouble finding the anti-shoe of your choice you now know where to go. MBT experts will be on hand to serve you, and fit you in the style of your choice. Don't miss out on that Introsession which will give you all those valuable walking tips.
Check out my review of MBT Concept Store - I am SatKirtanKaur - on Qype

Britney Fiasco at HEAVEN.............

My comments about Saturday night have been posted on Marie Claire's website. The comment I wrote on there is word for word below:

Dear All,
I was there, at Heaven and she did not perform. We were all incredibly disappointed and they acted for over an hour like she was coming on stage, so we all cramped into the main room, and stayed like that for far too long till they finally admitted that she was not coming on stage. But before that, they cleared the stage of audience members, and lots of high vis security patrolled the stage as if they were getting it ready for her... They teased us for over an hour...
Crowd control was a huge issue and it was NOT in any way safe. The crowd moved every now and again and you felt like you were going to lose your footing and get trampled. Two fights broke out and several people passed out. They had to start chucking bottles of water from the stage and eventually the Police were called.
Britney apparently refused to come on stage........
Very disappointing....... but they said she was in the building at the Island, wherever that is.......
Comment by Liska Life on December 01 21:13

Fat around my middle!

I went to a nutrition talk tonight. It was at Aegis Training. The speaker was Graeme Marsh. I took it all onboard and will try to make some changes to my diet.

My main take home message was that since I have been stressed I have been putting weight on around the middle. The whole cortisol situation. The problems then that follow with insulin resistance, etc... The link to lots of sugar and lots of carbs! I am an open book and tick all the boxes.

Anyway, Graeme's talk was super and inspired me to do further research this evening on the laptop, and I came across this piece. Click here to read.

Tells me all I needed to know, and in a lot of detail. Now I really know exactly WHAT I need to do next, so again for the millionth time, let me say, watch this space......... :-)

Hopefully I can finally shift some pounds.

Btw, I have not been swimming in weeks. Too busy being stressed. Working too hard and producing further fat around the middle :-)

Portugal - Faro

Hee Hee
I booked last night to go to Faro on a taxes only cheap Ryan Air flight.
Part of deals they are doing now if one travels Dec 08 or Jan 09.
Going over to see old colleague and his wife and 2 gorgeous girls, for 5 days.
Will go on 17th Jan returning on 22nd Jan.

ONLY trouble is that they have a dog and I am scared of dogs, so I have to meditate on this photo that they emailed me, until I can get used to him. Then maybe have some hypnotherapy :-)

I'll be fine.........

My husband does like the smell of strawberries

Those who read this who know me, will know exactly what I mean by the subject heading of this post. Nuff said.
But Body Shop is the best place to go. I can recommend the strawberry and the vanilla oil burning oils, and the scrub, and the body butter. All delicious.

Sibs and Fi

I am doing this blog from Sib's house, where I will teach yoga to Sibs, Fi and Felipe. Right now Fi is holding Ferran who is simply GORGEOUS.

And Sibs is making lunch.

What a lovely Saturday afternoon.

Oh my God - a smart car that is not smart!

Our neighbours have just bought a RED smart car and have tonight insisted on parking it in the front garden between the bush and the wall.
I have never ever seen anything like it, in my life.
And there was a perfectly suitably spot on the road, just the other side of the wall...!
Excitement at having their first car, it needs to be close to home... but we are just talking about the difference of 4 or 5 feet. Inside wall Vs outside.
5 people guided the car in and nobody will be there when the girl who owns it is driving it out, so I can imagine a call to the Buildings Insurers when the wall gets hit... Last time that happened was 6 years ago, and we never knew what caused it that time.

Liska

I typed Liska into Google Images and this came up. I just had to have it, so copied and pasted. Forgive me whoever owns it, but the link to the website it comes from was not working so I cannot even acknowledge the source. So universe, thank you :-)

Emotionomics

I am reading Emotionomics at the moment and it is a thought provoking book to say the least. It is like it documents alot of things that I have intuitively known. BUT backed up with examples, case studies, statistics, etc... Super!

Have a read if this subject area interests you.

Once I have read a little more, perhaps I do my first ever book review, on here :-)

Amali - the choice of MBT for the female in black trousers

This is definitely my favourite MBT at the moment. The Amali. The leather is so soft that I did not even have to break them in. I have worn them everyday since Tuesday 4th November. They are not too narrow, not too broad = just perfect.

They are a real update on the previous black leather MBT (the Shadow). I am entirely happy with them.

They are lovely with a pair of black trousers. And so perfect for zooming around London's city streets.

Not so great with jeans, but then why stop at one pair.

I am absolutely delighted to read the reviews on Zappos, and find that people out there agree with me on how good the Amali is.

Definitely my most comfortable MBT, and the leather is soooo soft... I did not even have to break them in. Wore them all day from day 01, and someone on Zappos says she wore them for 2 x 10 hour days.

Bye again. x

Busy but productive day

Well today was very busy but very very productive. Wish all days could be like that.
Left work at 20:10, so unfortunately no trip to Virgin Active, but then there's always tomorrow.

Bye for now.

Nothing else to report really.

Sneak Peak - MBT spring summer 2009

“MBT: The anti-shoe” presenta al Micam la nuova collezione Spring - Summer 2009!
So, click on the above and get a sneak peak on the new Spring Summer styles, for MBT's anti-shoe.

This is the year when MBTs will fly off the shelves, so when you see a style you like, grab it while it is available. Remember, they now do 2 ranges a year, so they don't sit there for long. Increasingly we are seeing styles that your discerning man will love, and more and more that can be worn with a skirt.

There is a difference in look and feel too, but you can click on the above link and work that one out for yourselves

Busy Week

This will be a busy week coming up, with the opportunity to get alot achieved.

It commences with some downtime, i.e. I am off to Champneys now... :-)

But just to one of their day spas for a few bits of pampering :-)

I slept through most of the X Factor last night, but back "on form" now.

This week will see me at Virgin Active every day. I am serious about getting weight down pre-Xmas.

Bye for now..... don't really have anything left to say. Keep reflecting though on Friday's yoga class. We did the Kriya to "prepare for deep meditation" and we then did the Gobide Mukande celestial communication meditation, which we did in a circle and everyone loved it. Came out of the class on a high, but very very mellow.

Byeeeeeeeee (again) Liska Life xx

Barack Obama

So, there was a big break in my blog entries as I had a few days in Switzerland. Also meant a break in swimming at Virgin Active. But here I am, but on the case with the blog.

Well... the world changed while I was away. History was made. Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation's first black president Tuesday night in an electoral college landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. Change has most certainly come. And... about time too I say.
Yoga tonight was amazing. Great vibe. Beautiful class.

Byeee for now.

Liska Life

Yoga Show 2008

Just loved the Yoga Show on Saturday (1st November 2008). Can't write much now as it is very very late and I should be in bed, but just have to blog as it's been tooooo long.

Anyway, favourite thing at the Yoga Show on Saturday was the Nia workshop - it is a type of dance/yoga/tai chi. So liberating - I will definitely be signing up to a class - will write more about it another time.

Loved Carolyn Cowan's 5 p.m. workshop, and Sat Kartar Kaur's "Self Love" workshop in the morning.

Oh and also loved Yogi Dr. Malik's pranayama workshop.

Wonderful day really and there was a really nice vibe this year.

Goodnight zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sitali Breath

Well, as it says in my profile I am a Yoga Teacher; a Kundalini Yoga Teacher.

In my class on Friday we did Sitali Breath, which I have to say is absolutely fab.

Read more about it at pinklotus.org by clicking here

It has such a cooling effect on the body, it is fabulous. One of those things you can really experience, without having to merely "believe", i.e. Aquarian, over Piscean :-)

Try it for yourself. The above link advises doing 52 breaths a day.

By the way, the above image also comes from pinklotus.org which I am not in any way linked to, but it came up when I googled Sitali Breath.

Swimming and weight loss?

Just been researching a bit and found the following:
"Research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows that in the absence of a controlled diet, swimming has little or no effect on weight loss".
Click here to read the full online article.

So cardio here I come, but..... when.... Well, it'll be a while yet, as I fell on Thursday and sustained quite a bad knee injury so I will stick with swimming a little longer.

On the above article make sure you read the bit about eccentric and concentric muscle movements, which is more proof that weight training can be better at promoting weight loss.

If you read the above you will see that it is proposed that: "swimming has only a minor impact on your metabolic rate after exercise". For this reason it is also argued: "Just make sure to guard against the urge to eat more after you get out of the pool". Oooops, and the first thing I do, is go to the Virgin Active cafe. I will have to cut back a little on that then.

Another quote from the online article:
"Many people feel extremely hungry after training in the pool, and may simply replace all the calories they've burned with a large post-exercise meal". Oooops that's been me!

So the reason the article seems to advocate weight training is because:
"One of the reasons a properly designed weight-training program is so effective at burning fat is that just one workout can give your metabolic rate a real boost. In some cases, this rise can last for well over a day".

All these words of wisdom come from thefactsaboutfitness.com the author of which is Christian Finn.
Next week, I am really going to have to make an effort with my diet.

Broke all records!

Still can't believe it but I ended up swimming 5 days in a row: Monday to Friday, at Virgin Active. Monday after work on my own. Tuesday after work with Cat, but she was in cardio bit while I swam. Wednesday,after work, with Cat. Thursday after work on my own and Friday from 12.15 to 1.15 in my lunch break with Cat. Really good week. Swimming is fab and the jacuzzi is even better. The sauna and steam rooms are doing my skin so much good.

Apple AND pear shaped - now that's a problem!

I have discovered that I am both apple and pear shaped! Hee hee :-) Fruity eh?!?!?!?

So I googled the concept and came across this image here.

The image is from a New York Times article, which surprisingly is dated TODAY, which surprises me, as things that are ranked top on Google are normally older (i.e. had chance to build up "hits" to get ranked top).

Anyway, below is a quote from the article or click here to read the whole thing.

Quote from article: "Weight gain in the area around the waist (apple type) is more dangerous than weight gained around the hips and flank area (pear type). Fat cells in the upper body have different qualities than those found in hips and thighs".

So that worries me, as in the last year I have gained weight on tummy, waist, upper arms etc...

The other thing is, that I recently read in a magazine, that it is dangerous for a woman if her waist is above a certain measurement, so just now I did two things:

1) Googled to find out what the waist measurement is: Read here to find out.

So as I kinda knew (just needed it confirmed cos I am a "dork" like that) it is dangerous for a woman to have a waist size above 32 inches.

2) I then measured MYSELF and my waist is 39 inches! Shock, horror! And me a yoga teacher too!!! So do I cry or die? Do I lose weight or lose sleep? Do I now finally get the courage to give up latte once and for all? I had a latte and a cappuccino today! Do I finally start doing what I used to be famous for...? My green detoxes... Haven't done one since 2006!!!!! Do I finally start doing cardio stuff in gym instead of just swimming (I say "just swimming" even though it has been life changing in dealing with my stress levels).

At the moment I am LOVING the concept of the "Ministry of Food". Jamie Oliver, what a super super STAR!

I caught the end of his documentary last night (maybe about 20 minutes) and being the soppy sodd that I am, I had tears in my eyes, because he is really taking on the world and changing people's lives in the process. I feel Kundalini Yoga changes people's lives, so love all of that life changing positive energy stuff. And as if the concept of the food stuff aint enough he adds the concept of "pass it on" which is really the icing on the cake. He calls it a food revolution and I simply love revolutions... hee hee.

Back to the New York Times article, I am sad about the effect my overweight condition could have on pregnancy. Another reason to keep postponing it for now:

Another quote from 22nd October New York Times article:
"Effect on Pregnancy. Obesity has many dangerous effects on pregnancy. These include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (diabetes, usually temporary, that occurs during pregnancy), urinary tract infections, blood clots, prolonged labor, and higher fetal death rate in late stages of pregnancy. Obesity is also associated with increased rates of cesarean delivery. Infants of women who are obese are also at higher risk for neural tube birth defects, which affect the brain or spine. Folic acid supplements, ordinarily effective in preventing these conditions, may not be as protective in overweight women. Some evidence suggests an association between obesity and stillbirths, as well".

I think in summary, I will now aggressively start to plan to lose weight and maybe plot my progress here online as an incentive to actually stick to it.

I am size 16 now, I wonder if it is realistic to be size 12 by Xmas. That would certainly be a goal worth aiming for!

I could also blow the dust off my Fitbug, as I used to love wearing it and seeing how many steps I did each day (haven't worn it in months).

Bye for now... (I am now busy reading the pass it on ministry of food website and it is BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Liska Life over and out. xx

3 days in a row

Can't believe it.

Here I am in Virgin Active for 3rd day in a row - yyyyeeeeaaaah.

Certainly getting value for money BUT I did my usual - swim, jacuzzi, steam and sauna.

WHEN OH WHEN am I going to get the nerve to do a cardio class. Well Bettina wants to come one day next week with a view to joining, so maybe I do a class with her......? Watch this space.

That is when the inch loss will really begin, although Zoe C already reckons I have lost my belly. She has said it 3 times and although it is a compliment I keep saying Zoe, WHAT belly. That belly may have been there in body but I never acknowledged it or saw it.......... :-)

Like a nightmare. There in your sleep and soon forgotten upon awakening! Hee hee.

Yes, in last 2 weeks I have certainly experienced an awakening of sorts - thank God, and about time toooooooooooooooo

2 out of 3 aint bad and within 24 hours too!

So...... I made 3 resolutions yesterday
1) I said yesterday, that it was my last latte!!!!!! It was!!!
I resisted this morning on my way to work and I resisted all day.
I did use the kettle at work to make a couple of cups of tea and coffee though, but number one they are free (credit crunch and all that) and number two, they don't contain the hideous amount of milk that a latte does.

2) I got the early train this morning, and went to Tesco before work and bought ALL the ingredients mentioned in yesterday's soup recipe! It did cost £17 but that was because I bought 2 x Nutella choc spread for £2 (I owed Candice one, and I ended up being naughty with the other, but we can't be good 100% of the time!), 2 x Gales Honey for £2.80 and a sour dough loaf for £1.99. Couldn't face soup without bread. I will change to something sensible like ryvita, but one step at a time PLEASE. It is my first time making Vita Mix soup at work in months and months!
So in case you haven't worked it out already, I did have the soup for LUNCH. Oh and I shared it with Paola (Vita Mix makes enough for 2 large bowls).

I can say to anyone who is reading this, who decides to make it, it is very very spicy. I didn't add too much Tabasco, but nonetheless, with the ginger and garlic, the hot taste is there, but I enjoyed it, and it was filling & nutritious and extremely low in calories. I bought enough ingredients, that I think I can make it for maybe 3 days!

3) The other promise yesterday was that I would start to do cardio work at the gym. Well I am writing this from Virgin Active, but again today I did my usual (swim, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and shower). I did want to go to the gym as I knew Catherine was, but slept in this morning so did not have time to dig out all the necessary kit, and it is so much easier to just chuck a swimsuit in the rucksack.

Anyway, with regards to the 88 kilos, I will leave it a week before I weigh myself again.

Oh one good thing though. While I am online, I obviously like to eat, so I got a salad and a smoothie from Virgin Active's cafe, and the smoothie is FAB. It is called POWER, and contains:
whey protein, muesli, honey, organic low fat milk (delicious).

Bye for now (if anyone reads this).

x

Pay off your mortgage early

Greed is partly responsible for the current financial state of affairs.

Not only for the reasons that are already springing up in your minds, but also due to the fact that it is not common (enough) knowledge that it is possible to pay off your mortgage early.

Just like when losing weight, when people go on a financial detox, they often need an incentive, like the incentive of saving up for something!

I am sorry, but paying your mortgage in 14 years instead of 25 is a huge incentive, and often you do not even need to overpay each month by as much as you may think.

I am about to remortgage and first on my list of considerations, was choosing a lender who ALLOWS me, penalty free, to overpay. The difference it makes to compound interest is phenomenal.

Don't just believe me, do some research. Sadly, as it is not in the financial institutions interests you will have to look quite hard. I just Googled the concept and was very disappointed to see that the highest ranked link was from 2005. See:
Read this!

Let's create a movement and all pay our mortgages earlier.

Anyway, back to my opening statement, greed! If the banks had made this more common knowledge more of our money would be with them, instead of in restaurants and bars, and maybe their foresight and lack of greed (for the compound interest) would have led to them being better off now, and maybe less reposessions...? Just a thought.........

Happy to debate it though!

OH MY GOD

Well the good news is that I am writing this from Virgin Active, after a gorgeous swim, jacuzzi, steam room AND sauna.

But the bad news is that I used the scales in the ladies changing rooms. At what I THOUGHT was my heaviest, a few years ago, I was 80 kilos, but I weighed myself tonight and I am .... drum roll...... 88 kilos.

So drastic action is needed. (I have added the image above on Wednesday 22nd October - had to because when I told my husband that I am 88 kilos, he laughed, and I said "what is so funny", to which he said "two fat ladies: 88". [This aint bingo darling]. To which I replied "well it is only ONE fat lady!". Anyway, when I "Googled" two fat ladies, this was the first image to come up - hee hee).

I am now sitting in Virgin Active's cafe having my last ever latte - I have said that so many times before. AND tomorrow serious action will commence, which will include having Vita Mix soups for lunch and no pastries on the way to work.

I look forward to reporting back to announce that I have already lost a couple of kilos (if I can find a place to hide them, hee hee hee).

Watch this space. I traditionally put on weight at Xmas, but quite frankly there is no room for that at the moment. So maybe I finally start going to Virgin Active classes, and burn some fat rather than simply floating up and down the pool.

Up until now my visits to the gym have been stress relief, but they now need to be serious fat burning sessions :-)

Okay, I just Googled Vita Mix and weight loss (have owned my Vita Mix for over a year by the way) and this fab website came up. I am making this soup tomorrow.

Can't "weight" :-)

Salsa dancing in Malta, at the Golden Sands: Radisson!

My favourite memory from June 2008's holiday to Malta: Salsa class. Yes I am the one in white :-) Dancing class at the Radisson, Golden Sands, Malta.
Sorry about the quality but was recorded on my hubby's mobile phone - fond memories.
We were on the way home from an evening out, and went to the bar, where I couldn't help myself but join in!

I told you so!

Read this. You'll see it is an article about the overspending and lack of saving in US. It was written in 2005, and shows the foundations we were laying for the current credit crisis.

There must be so so so many financial gurus out there right now saying "I told you so".

This article mentions "Find your 'latte factor'". Well I spend £2.60 a day and that is just the morning one (I sometimes get a p.m. one). SO that is a minimum of £55 a month. No more!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wrote in a previous blog about chest lurgy and how I was giving up dairy; well sadly, I cut back but didn't give up, but starting today, I now WILL!!! I promise!!

Root Chakra

http://virtualcircle.blogspot.com/2007/11/root-chakra.html

There is nothing more that I could add to the above great blog.

This is certainly the comprehensive overview of the root chakra: its attributes, and the things to look out for when yours is in excess or deficit.

Certainly food for thought.

xx

Crow Pose, the Root Chakra and the Credit Crunch

Hi Again, our society often tells us about problems but rarely offers the solutions, and when our society does do so, they are mainly solutions that put you to sleep:
- Go to the cinema and zone out, and forget about your problems.
- Go to the pub and get drunk and forget about your problems.
- Do long days at work and zone out and forget about your problems.
- Keep up with the Jones and go on holiday and forget about your problems.
- Have kids and forget about your problems.

Even the way we speak to each other is disempowering, i.e. "you'll be okay!", or "it'll be alright". I can count on one finger the amount of people who say, NO it will NOT be alright, you NEED to do something. Thankfully, the number of people who say that to me are on the increase and particularly lately. A change is a-coming. People ARE starting to see that things need to change. The tide is changing.

So, with it in mind that I told you that in these times of financial crisis, we need to balance our root chakras, I now have the responsibility to empower you by telling you one of the ways in which you can do so.

CROW POSE. Source of the photo and some of the text below: source.

Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Crow Pose:

Opens and clears the root chakra bestowing great sense of security, connectivity to nature, good health, fit body, proper perspective on diet, ample wealth and clear practical, down-to-earth thinking.
Balancing the root chakra also helps remove fears.

From: http://www.kundaliniyogablog.com/tags/1st-chakra-root/
we have the following quote:

People that do not have enough flow of energy through this chakra do not feel as though they are secure in the world, there daily life is a battle just to stay above water and they are typically on edge.

Well, how very appropriate, as at the moment we do need to feel secure in the world and do need to stay above water, so get out there and conquer via crow pose!

Bye for now...........

Financial Crisis - stay calm

I have just returned from 4 days in the West of Ireland, where I did not read a paper nor did I watch the news. So I thought I would see now what is happening in the world. In my mind, the best thing we could do for ourselves during these times, is to strengthen our root chakras. I was going to write about it here, but when I searched for an image, I came across this, and I think if you look at it for long enough, it will speak to you, and tell you how appropriate it would be now, to make sure your root chakra is intact. When all outside you becomes uncertain, go within. Picture can be found at:

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/root-chakra-catherine-g-mcelroy.html

When Googling financial crisis, first thing I stumble across, is with regards to unemployment.
Unemployment is at its highest level for 8 years. London has seen the biggest rise in the last quarter. People will consume less, which creates a downward spiral. We have to be strong to keep our cool during these times.

Second, is that India CEOs are taking up yoga to relieve stress and to help them withstand the financial crisis. To be honest, I think I will be more impressed when I hear that British CEOs are doing this, as we already know that Asia is enlightened :-)

I knew that 14th October was a full moon, as this day was also special for me. The day that I have been with my husband for 20 years.

But I just googled the full moon date and stumbled across a brilliant astrological website, with the following quote:
"This is a time to love yourself fiercely".

Read the whole astrological article as there are some poignant words in there, for the current times.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, as the work busy-ness starts to die down (not really, because now I just get busy with what wasn't being done while I was "busy")...
I now find I am equally busy in my evenigs (at least evenings are a thing that is starting to exist once again :-)...


So this week in summary is
Monday: Swim afer work. Ended up being a late one, as we smam for nearly an hour (at least 45 minutes), then jacuzzi, then steam room, then sauna, then shower.
Tuesday: work till 18:40 and then a mad mad dash to Oxford Street Debenhams (favourite shop) to buy a dress.
Wednesday: again a swim, followed by dinner at the Dorchester!
Thursday: Royal Bank of Scotland talk (will feedback once I have been to it) followed by a Casino Night (looking forward to it).
Friday: the mandatory teaching of my Kundalini Yoga class. The relaxing end to all my weeks.
Saturday: fly to Ireland.......!

So I have turned into one of those friends, who when asked to go out says "I can do a Thursday in 3 weeks time". Unfortunately, I have said that to 3 people, so probably I will have met all 3 by maybe January knowing me. And knowing my track record that might not even be 2009 either!

But as October is my "get a life!" month, maybe I could set myself a challenge and see all 3 of them in October. Now that would be something to be proud of.
Over and out for tonight.

Liska Life xxx

Interesting blog and great sketch of MBTs

As I had written about high heels below, I wanted to tie the problem to the solution, i.e. the problem = painful footwear, the solution = MBT.

So with that in mind, I just Googled (in images) "MBT" and came across the above sketch. The great thing with Google images is it also shows you the SOURCE of the image, which is the blog below. The image was part of a blog that was written in 2006; a highlight and quote from the blog is below. You will see it is the same message that MBT continues to communicate today, 2 years later. That we humans are NOT designed to work or walk, on hard flat surfaces. Hence MBT commissioning a serious piece of medical research entitled flat is bad.

Anyway, the link to the blog and a quote from it is below. Sadly, this interesting blogger appears to have last blogged in February 2008, so that is a shame, but I will read some more entries and see what other words of wisdom s/he offers.


http://www.visadiaries.com/wordpress/?m=200610
"People were not evolved for the hard, flat ground that on which we tread in our modern cemented and asphalted world, and it throws our alignment and skeletons out of whack. Hence, Massai Barefoot Technology to the rescue, which builds into the sole of shoe a mechanism to replicate walking on uneven ground, just like the Massai - who apparently have fantastic posture, and never get back problems".

My mission in October is to "get a life"

So, with that in mind, I am off to the West Coast of Ireland on 11th October, to celebrate my wedding anniversary. With all these long hours, my poor poor husband gets neglected.

So I will update this blog with some photos and some news after that, of course.

In February I went to Germany, only for a long weekend, then in June to Malta, and then in July to France, so now... Ireland. So that averages me out at roughly one break per quarter, which I think every hard working over-stressed Londoner needs.

Oh and in this vein of "getting a life" I am going to start praticing yoga again every day starting Saturday. So hopefully I will have some news on my progress about that for you too.

As I do want to lose weight online, i.e. plot my progress online, as I know it would really spur me on. So let's kick start that too, along with a long-awaited detox!

Liska Life - signing out for the second time.
xxx

Virgin Active

Well, I ended up going to Vigin Active twice in September - 3rd and 17th. At £110 a month (I am a member of a gorgeous CLASSIC CLUB) that means each visit cost me £55.

So October is NOT going to be like this - so on 2nd October, here I am already. And only prompted by my colleague saying let's go swimming after work. Those words were like SUCH music to my ears, that I said okay, I will find a way of buying a costume (I used to carry one in my bag every day in August but got out of the habit in September). So I rung Virgin Active and said "you know that area opposite reception that sells goggles, does it sell cossies?", to which they said "yeah, loads of them".

So I was all geared up and winding down my work ready for 5 p.m. (which I NEVER do, I am always at work late) and then my colleague announces she can no longer make it.

Anyhow as the cossies I have are from Marks & Spencer and more suited to Malta than the gym I decided to come anyway, and ended up spending £35 on a new sporty costume. And I loved the costume I chose, and really really enjoyed the pool. Me and my float (and my new costume of course) spent about an hour casually swimming up and down the slow lane. What a delight. Then the "icing on the cake" (my favourite phrase lately) was that I then went in the jaccuzzi, and then steam room and then sauna. Now....... I am at the Virgin Active computer writing this and am about to tuck into one of their salads, and have even bought a bar of Green & Blacks.

A different colleague today told me that I should start going to the gym again as I have a glow and a better energy around me when I do, so Candice, c'est moi, I am here and c'est bon!

Liska Life signing out. xxx

High Heels - High Costs - read on...

Okay - have to share. You can check my old posts and you will see I have told you all about the Shoe Diet - first blogger to do so :-)

You were all snoozing, and you know what happens then; you snooze, you lose.

Anyhow, for those who need to be told upfront about things that are affecting their health, it is splashed - yes, splashed no less - across at the last count: 6 of today's papers (I started writing this before midnight, so I mean 1st October).

One quote to whet your appetite is:

Emma Supple, consultant podiatrist for the MBT Academy, said: "While we all love our high heels, wearing them for prolonged periods is bad news for our health and our wallets."

But the headline that was catching the interest of the public and journalists alike, and mentioned on today's GMTV was: "Corns account for 12% of high heel injuries, and with treatment costing £800 a time, this costs the nation £2.9 million per annum".

And I (Liska) haven't had hard skin since I started wearing MBTs, so it saves me a fortune; only luxury is having the toes painted every now and again, which is so much more luxuious than seeing white dust everywhere as you scrub off hard (unnecessary skin) -YUK!

The press association.

SKY NEWS CARRYING THE STORY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click here

The Telegraph carries the story.

The Independent carries the story.

Perfect Shoe Diet text from Emma:
Foot expert Emma Supple told Daily Mail: "We need to mix and match our choice of footwear to allow our bodies time to recover. Heaven forbid that we ban heels from our wardrobes but we want to balance out our heel wearing days, protect our bodies from future damage and avoid injuries."

Channel 4!

Virgin Media also!

Chest LURGY!

So, I still have the bunged up chest which was a result of two things.
(1) long hours and stress at work last week; and
(2) the fact that to keep going I had a latte in the morning and a cappuccino every afternoon.

I have learned my lesson the hard way, that too much dairy clogs up my chest & I did have a nagging voice in my head last week .... and ignored it.

SO what happens, the clogged up chest results.


SO NO MORE expensive coffees for this young lady!

I know I haven't listened to my own advice, but to anyone out there who has more sense, read up on the following:
http://www.milksucks.com/ and
http://notmilk.com/
and
http://www.nomilk.com/

Get well to me, get well to me..............

Sick :-(

Hi All

Well, I don't normally get sick, as those of you who know me know. But after a hard stressful week at work, I slept all day yesterday, and have the rumblings of a chest infection today, so I am keeping myself hydrated and wrapped up warm, in an attempt to make sure that I can be at work tomorrow. So I have purchased the all important lemons and honey etc... And will certainly be having an early night.

I am delighted that X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing are back on our screens and we have a treat Saturday and Sunday as they are both on again tonight. Strictly with the Results Show and X Factor with the second half of boot camp. The standard of both shows seems much raised this year. But us old fans were even watching when that was not the case, so now it is simply icing on the cake.

Bye for now, as I go back to hide under my blanket.

Liska x

Global-Law.com

Hi

Well, I have to let you know about something that is "coming soon". Global-Law.com
Will be the first live online legal advice service in the world. All I can say is, you heard it here first.

Check out www.global-law.com after November 2008 - and don't forget the hyphen.

When we need legal advice we don't want to line the pockets of legal beagles, we want to spend our money economically in a 21st century way. After all, we can do just about everything else online, why not law.

Stand up for your right to be able to access legal advice quickly and cheaply.

See you in the future :-)

In Folkestone

Hello All,

I am now in Folkestone. Beer in one hand, chinese in the other :-)

Yes I know it doesn't meet with my wellbeing side of things, but everyone needs a Saturday night sometimes, especially after the stress of this week.

Anyway I am going to do a 40 day detox soon, along with a 40 day sadhana. Can't wait.
I am going to try and be brave and log my weight loss online, as I think doing it publicly will be the only thing that will motivate me to stick to it :-)

What else can I say; well, the weather was lovely today considering it is the 20th September, but where was that non-existent Summer of ours.

I guess, at least this year, I have been to Germany in February for my birthday, to Malta in June, to France for the Yoga Festival in July and hopefully somewhere in October for our anniversary.

Anyway, over and out, as I have been on this computer far too long.

Liska

Final thoughts of the day

Hello, I am very glad that it is the weekend - what a week!

Well I am off to Folkestone for the weekend, so looking forward to a well-deserved rest.

Only things I want to post on here today:
a mention of Meet Joe Black, as it is a great movie and just today, I said to our Bookkeeper, there is nothing as certain as "death and taxes" and it made me think fondly of the movie - must watch it again soon. Best thing ever is the song in there: "somewhere over the rainbow".........

Other thing I am loving at the moment, is Martin Lewis's advice.
Go to http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

His advice has helped me a few times.
To watch him speaking at the London School of Economics watch this:
Martin Lewis, Good Debt, Bad Debt

Keep high heels for special occassions!

Yyyyyyyeeeaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh
Age Concern loves MBTs toooooo.
Click on Age Concern above, to read more and hear how:
1 in 10 ladies in the US are wearing them!

Pink pink and more pink

As much as I know I need to write about something other than MBT on this page, I am still in a pink mood. I suppose it is better than being in the red (current credit crunch) or being yellow (fever) or green (envy) or blue (movie) or red (anger).......

But today, when I thought about a pink image to post, the first thing that sprung (forgive the pun) to mind, was M walk pink.......... oh dear............

I am addicted to my MBTs. I love my MBTs.

Pink flowers

Don't know what has happened

to me but this blog is becoming

very very pink and I like it.

A flower a day will keep the

Doctor away................... :-)

Bosses!

You know the phrase "seek your own counsel". I am going to have to....

I work in HR and my boss just called me a muppet....

I will write a grievance to myself and then sit myself down for a grievance hearing

and see how far I get

:-)

Health health health

This post comes from the foyer of Virgin Active - thank God.... .phew... what a day.

Just worked out I haven't been to the gym since 3rd September - that must improve forthwith! 

It is so nice to unwind in the steamroom and sauna after work - oh joy.  Can't recommend it highly enough.

Nothing to report other than the above, so now homeward bound.......

Yours sincerely, Liska Life :-)

Beauty in Flowers

The photo doesn't
require words - taken
in Ireland.

Beauty in flowers.

In the detail.

Shoe Diet

Been at work all day so nothing to report except an update on the Shoe Diet, from MBT which you simply must try.

I just entered in my shoe diet diary that I have been in my MBTs today for 18 hours and not only did it give me an A+ but it said the following:

You're doing a fantastic job of keeping your MBT Shoe Diet score low - you obviously care about your body's health and wellbeing.

Two days in and you're really going strong today. You may already be aware that women's bad shoe habits cause them to undergo nasty treatments: bunion removal, toe straightening, and even cosmetic surgery. Wearing a well balanced diet of shoes has so many benefits, it keeps your feet and the entire body healthy.

Anyway, they are obviously lovely motivating words to hear at the end of a long hard day. Bye for now. More news tomorrow.......

The Shoe Diet and the last post of the day

Okay, so I have been a bit addicted to the laptop these last few days............. back to reality and work tomorrow. Oh the joy of Sunday nights and Monday mornings, and they seem to come round often, as those weeks fly by.

Well folks, last post of the day here, because if I don't post it now, it'll probably be another week before I do, and I wouldn't want you to miss out.

Do you want to find out how good your shoes are to you?
Are they there for fashion or function?
Do they give you beauty or bunions?

Well............... make up your own mind. Do your feet ache at the end of the day?

Play around with the Shoe Diet, and then you will know how to strike a balance
and maybe strike a pose toooooooooooooo :-)

www.shoediet.co.uk

Enjoy! Remember, you heard it here first :-)

Men and MBTs

My husband makes MBTs look cool.......... but he doesn't wear them on You Tube.

But here we are with Rich Roe, a great advert for MBTs.

Go on men you know you want to try them. All you metro-sexuals out there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N-9i9c1EHA

Strictly Come Dancing and Spirit and Destiny

I must say, I am delighted that Strictly Come Dancing is back. The sneak preview this evening was fab fab fab... First show next Saturday.

My favourite magazine at the moment is definitely Spirit & Destiny. The article on left right brain on page 49 of the October issue is VERY thought provoking. I have bought the magazine every month for years, but it never lets me down, and in fact seems to be getting better and better.

The article on left right brain was written by Jill Bolte Taylor, who had a life changing experience due to a ruptured blood vessel in her head. This cut off the use of her left brain. As my left brain is particularly noisey, I was obviously intrigued. I wish I had the patience to type the article here but maybe you can just go and buy the mag. It really goes to show that we can control our brains, and in turn our moods and our outlook, something yoga has been teaching me for years.

She has written a book, which I will be buying, "My Stroke of Insight" (£12.99 Hodder & Stoughton).

Visit http://www.mystrokeofinsight.com/ for video clips.

Can't wait till X Factor goes to the live studio audience... but then I didn't watch it yesterday so maybe it already has.....?

I must go and do some housework :-)

30 Reasons to Walk

http://www.mbt30reasons.com/community/top-30-walking-song/

Just had to share this website with MBT lovers out there.

Post your reason to walk, download a walking map, vote for your favourite walking track, (or just listen to it on your computer there and then) ......... lots of things can be done on this great website.

Upload some fan footage of you, and why you love your MBTs.

Let's create an anti-shoe movement :-)

Broadgate Circle - bin it to win it

Bin it to Win it

http://media.masai-uk.com/newsletters/2008/0905-BW.html


Opportunity to throw away anything that:

doesn't defend your back

doesn't improve your posture

and doesn't protect your knees and joints.


Let's be anti shoe.


Let's look after our bodies.


Let's create a MBT tribe.

Let's refuse to wear shoes that hurt our feet.


Let's live life

anti-shoe

The theme: shoes hurt.

New MBTs: rock and roll.

Old shoes: are simply shoes.

New footwear: Anti-shoe.

Quite frankly if it is not anti-shoe it is not worth wearing. I want to hit the ground running - and how can I run, if my feet hurt.

Join the crusade.

Join the anti-shoe.

Today.