tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152647402024-03-12T16:00:57.405-07:00Meaty, Beaty, Big & BouncyThe Personal Blog of Heidi M. BennettHeidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-14273460884280711542014-09-25T15:51:00.002-07:002014-09-25T15:55:55.424-07:00Guess what? I'm a Creative Life Coach!Well,<br />
<br />
Updates here have been sporadic but life has been absolutely fab!<br />
<br />
Rather than writing a loooooooong update I'll simply say, our little family is in good health and my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first baby soon!<br />
<br />
In 2012 I enrolled in the life coaching program at the Institute for Professional Excellence in <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Coaching. I graduated in 2013 and am now a <b>certified professional creative life coach.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">This was the best decision I've made since moving to the east bay and marrying Brian.</span><br />
<br />
I have truly found my calling and LOVE being a coach!<br />
<br />
I'll be adding more content to my website but you can learn more about my coaching practice at:<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://heidibennett.com/">HeidiBennett.com</a></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I continue to enjoy playing music with my brother in the Sweet By and By. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check out our gospel, bluegrass high lonesome harmonies as:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://thesweetbyandby.com/" target="_blank">TheSweetByandBy.com </a></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happiest of fall to you - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Heidi Bennett </span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAru_pTKrp5lCgNTHiWRX5bSnaJizFlfndHr1KSrIzZ9VDGaWpIdq0i6B3AnxRzFTDae3pmbJyrVW92gTDOMshWJ1EJJfMttIwd34XtqNKLWZbvkZ6PNM-of43MUH9Ducstxarw/s1600/BriHiSummer2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAru_pTKrp5lCgNTHiWRX5bSnaJizFlfndHr1KSrIzZ9VDGaWpIdq0i6B3AnxRzFTDae3pmbJyrVW92gTDOMshWJ1EJJfMttIwd34XtqNKLWZbvkZ6PNM-of43MUH9Ducstxarw/s1600/BriHiSummer2014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-60109208932519045352013-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:002013-09-30T12:11:10.653-07:00Basil Chicken Coconut Curry<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhEBOxqTz1lq2ygA3V7YYQ9IpgR74tWsKhKIO0vUh38cSsb1479EH-5Dr4F_ht92IDr0z-U2Q1puIhPVz8JFJ1kEMub7rOsVQbcZGwAbkfoyVe26SeM4IsIqZuXG4KCg1cUs9eA/s1600/coconutcurry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhEBOxqTz1lq2ygA3V7YYQ9IpgR74tWsKhKIO0vUh38cSsb1479EH-5Dr4F_ht92IDr0z-U2Q1puIhPVz8JFJ1kEMub7rOsVQbcZGwAbkfoyVe26SeM4IsIqZuXG4KCg1cUs9eA/s640/coconutcurry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Simply Recipes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
What would I do without <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes</a>? Any time I'm looking for inspiration and a sure fire dinnertime success story I hop onto Simply Recipes and find something delicious.... case in point.... this Basil Chicken Coconut Curry comes together quickly and fills the home with a delightful scent.... ginger, garlic, coconut, lime....yuuuum. I added more ginger and also some cubed yellow squash.... will make again soon!<br />
<br />
From Simply Recipes...<br />
<br />
We use chicken thigh meat because of the deeper flavor, but you can use
chicken breast meat if you prefer. This is a mild curry. You can
increase the heat with more cayenne. Please note that jalapeños vary
greatly in heat. Check the spiciness of your jalapeños and adjust the
recipe to taste. <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/basil_chicken_in_coconut_curry_sauce/" target="_blank">Continue to full recipe</a>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-66564836278506724112013-07-26T08:16:00.000-07:002013-07-26T08:16:10.778-07:00The Sweet By and By in Sacramento!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWYdZnCyY_-PliqeA20MqETcZ8LlTkWSv6kqB41BDDWxJJgXdxSpQvGIOaJQH8FOVa4OGFVOeALCLYG2dkMVLcgtqswwa-sdeFGhps_PRjGGigJL2y0fV_I82JUV054RNj2TFQA/s1600/SWEET_NakedLounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWYdZnCyY_-PliqeA20MqETcZ8LlTkWSv6kqB41BDDWxJJgXdxSpQvGIOaJQH8FOVa4OGFVOeALCLYG2dkMVLcgtqswwa-sdeFGhps_PRjGGigJL2y0fV_I82JUV054RNj2TFQA/s640/SWEET_NakedLounge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Join us for some high lonesome harmonies, gospel and bluegrass... <a href="http://thesweetbyandby.com/" target="_blank">The Sweet By and By</a></span></span></div>
Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-23170165625047986312013-01-23T15:31:00.000-08:002013-01-23T15:31:05.812-08:00Rainy Day with my Lil Buddy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjts9T1a6sbXqFsJ7HUUtAayOMWRF_JTMPecVSqPFR4b6vkQ5x3tI6famlcqHyIXwTyOVP23vmaKB9o1gOizOQtz_z7w-rkN5Z2DcGziG6jJg1L3D0K9LIBj0BxuBDjT_rHISslQ/s1600/PokiInRed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjts9T1a6sbXqFsJ7HUUtAayOMWRF_JTMPecVSqPFR4b6vkQ5x3tI6famlcqHyIXwTyOVP23vmaKB9o1gOizOQtz_z7w-rkN5Z2DcGziG6jJg1L3D0K9LIBj0BxuBDjT_rHISslQ/s400/PokiInRed.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poki the Wonder Dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Poki has taken a liking to Brian's family blanket, a bright red vintage wool number that's large and warm...perfect for this chilly weather and rainy day. We spent the morning cruising around Alameda and chasing squirrels so it's time for her to relax in her new favorite blankie while I work in the office. Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-76262111740802478302013-01-20T16:14:00.001-08:002013-01-20T16:23:23.732-08:00Sauteed Chard & Onions w/ Caraway Seeds<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjpWKJzC_PP8U9iGPg4Gvvy78cnpsHKsOQSEQtLqZYtYLO52L4WH1dnxoGxyucMolPuBSBa3IHCqEdp-sDTg_ERUQ9cdQhBiWnGAIT4IpRWwWRHz1wx6fDdfx9qSOTnPMEmOvWQ/s1600/sauteed-chard-onions-caraway-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjpWKJzC_PP8U9iGPg4Gvvy78cnpsHKsOQSEQtLqZYtYLO52L4WH1dnxoGxyucMolPuBSBa3IHCqEdp-sDTg_ERUQ9cdQhBiWnGAIT4IpRWwWRHz1wx6fDdfx9qSOTnPMEmOvWQ/s320/sauteed-chard-onions-caraway-b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Simply Recipes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another delicious looking dish! <br />
<br />
I'm making this tonight to go with rib-eye steaks. Looking forward to trying chard since I've gotten used to grabbing kale every time I see a tasty bunch at the store. <br />
Find the full recipe at -<br />
<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/sauteed_chard_and_onions_with_caraway/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes.com</a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-30679694172048171922012-08-14T11:21:00.001-07:002012-08-14T11:21:43.222-07:00Chili Coloradooooo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5yiQteLn3eOGh5l5F2ljsyo0S3Fw3VX9T_LkPdmxifUXTrE5G5zI7ghHLSMNp8NcSYTmWh35IxCyeTKlCy-xXvxeqf5N_uMGM8BGI_KeJCOJNSskfBbWy54SBf8OS8rINTZRPQ/s1600/Chili+Colorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5yiQteLn3eOGh5l5F2ljsyo0S3Fw3VX9T_LkPdmxifUXTrE5G5zI7ghHLSMNp8NcSYTmWh35IxCyeTKlCy-xXvxeqf5N_uMGM8BGI_KeJCOJNSskfBbWy54SBf8OS8rINTZRPQ/s1600/Chili+Colorado.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Cary "Hambone" Miller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My brother has been seeking out and perfecting delicious recipes inspired by our family trips to Mexico. Here he shares one of his favorites...thanks Hammy!<br />
<br />
Ok, you asked for it... here is my current Chile Colorado recipe.<br />
I hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>8 New Mexico Chiles (dried)</li>
<li>One bottle of beer (what's your poison?)</li>
<li>8 pounds of beef (Boneless Beef Chuck Roast. Preferably already cut into cubes.)</li>
<li>One large yellow onion</li>
<li>2 Tbs butter</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic (finely minced)</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
Bring
three cups of water to a boil. Place your dried chiles in the boiling
water, cover, and turn off the heat. Let sit for 20 minutes, or until
the chiles are re-constituted.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, dice up
your large yellow onion, and saute it in a pan with 1 Tbs butter. Cook
until it starts to caramelize, then set aside.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
If the meat
isn't already cut into cubes, do so now. You will want roughly 1.5"
cubes, depending on your preference. Put 1 Tbs butter in a large stock
pot, turn your heat to medium, and sear all of your cubed meat,
preferably in small batches, so that all sides of beef are seared.<br />
<br />
When you are done searing in batches, place all of the beef back in the stockpot.<br />
<br />
Add
the sauteed onions, one bottle of beer (whatever you like... I prefer
something kind of light for this recipe) three cloves of garlic
(minced,) and salt and pepper to the stockpot as well. Let the stock pot
sit without heat while you prepare the New Mexico chiles.<br />
<br />
Put
your re-constituted chiles on a cutting board (setting aside the water
they were cooked in) and cut their tops off, then slice them open and
remove all of the seeds (it's easiest to do this under running water.)<br />
<br />
Place
all of the chiles in a blender and add whatever is left of the three
cups of water that you boiled. Blend until pureed. Get it as smooth as
you can. Then filter through a mesh, or something similar, to get rid of
any stringy pieces of skin, etc.<br />
<br />
Pour the chile sauce
you've just created into the stock pot, and mix everything around really
good. If needed, add a bit of water (or more beer!) to just cover the
beef with liquid. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, over medium heat,
and then set the temp to low and slow-cook, without a lid, for three
hours or so.<br />
<br />
If the liquid gets too far below the meat you
can always add more liquid (water, beef broth, beer,) but it will
generally stay pretty wet in the pot if you cook it on a nice, low
temperature.<br />
<br />
Stir the pot once ever 30 minutes or so.
Chile Colorado is done when you can easily break the meat apart with a
fork -- remember, we want <i><b>Melt In Your Mouth Goodness!!</b></i><br />
<br />
Can
be served in so many different ways... by itself, in tacos, with sour
cream and guacamole, with eggs for breakfast. The possibilities are
endless.<br />
<br />
<i><b>ENJOY!</b></i>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-48252397786325019712012-07-12T08:16:00.001-07:002012-07-12T08:18:14.205-07:00Summer Eats - Cajun Chicken Salad<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnkDwYHkA7TiBJKtGgSwclOj_kgIEquRpwjghO0n2wBHRQT2ve4Gy7hua2wYAgIoKkqsTwwJMuDiOgwzNITs3r5aVfvQSIeyVvyweQnTY3GBrG96sy5-htEMoDpBiugHQkPhfUA/s1600/cajun-chicken-salad-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnkDwYHkA7TiBJKtGgSwclOj_kgIEquRpwjghO0n2wBHRQT2ve4Gy7hua2wYAgIoKkqsTwwJMuDiOgwzNITs3r5aVfvQSIeyVvyweQnTY3GBrG96sy5-htEMoDpBiugHQkPhfUA/s400/cajun-chicken-salad-b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/cajun_chicken_salad/" target="_blank">Photo by Simply Recipes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The transition to cooking food for summer takes a few weeks for me. I poured through cook books and magazines and then went to my trusted resource, <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes </a>to find this delicious recipe for Cajun Chicken Salad! I added more lime juice and opted for red and orange bellpeppers over green. My hot sauce of choice was <a href="http://www.crystalhotsauce.com/" target="_blank">Crystal</a>. This was absolutely delicious, my husband loved it and so did I! Full recipe at <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/cajun_chicken_salad/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes...</a>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-48570400753394975442012-04-15T18:47:00.001-07:002012-04-21T10:41:27.388-07:00Join me at the Lucky Ladies Launch Party in Alameda, CA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtSyz0l3h8yz4y3gvCrEFp8avcPJK45lYwKpR6ZPyCHWjTKqsZQhQkXx5NcisxmM653sRFBZ-A6lFIOU5ojIQ_JQSQBSNYlDaWcUwYwFJ9v2kplwq0tm4FJ7H6s4X7DcrNDuJAw/s1600/luckyladies_launch_1000.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtSyz0l3h8yz4y3gvCrEFp8avcPJK45lYwKpR6ZPyCHWjTKqsZQhQkXx5NcisxmM653sRFBZ-A6lFIOU5ojIQ_JQSQBSNYlDaWcUwYwFJ9v2kplwq0tm4FJ7H6s4X7DcrNDuJAw/s320/luckyladies_launch_1000.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What: </b></span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
Dress in
your festive best and toast the spring launch of the Lucky Ladies
<span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.shopluckyladies.com/">website</a></u></span>,
fresh new <span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">fashion
</span></span><span style="color: black;">and </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">housewares</span></span><span style="color: black;">,
spring </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">yoga</span></span><span style="color: black;">,
</span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">fitness,</span></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">sewing
classes
</span></span><span style="color: black;">and much much more! </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>When: </b>Saturday, April 28th, 2012 </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1:00pm to 5:00pm</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Where:</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rhythmix">Rhythmix</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rhythmix">
</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rhythmix">Cultural</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rhythmix">
</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rhythmix">Works</a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">Timeline:</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">1:00pm - We are Open - Let's Party<br /><br />1:30pm - Ahimsa Community Yoga Class<br /><br />2:00pm - Welcome Announcement by Host Mel Waldorf<br /><br />2:30pm - Mini Crochet Class by Enchanted Square (Ruth Tillman)<br /><br />3:00pm - First Raffle<br /><br />3:30pm - Ruby "Baby" Bennett Performs!<br /><br />4:00pm - Lucky Ladies Fashion Show<br /><br />4:30pm - Final Raffle - Don't Miss it - this is the biggie!<br /><br />5:00pm - Farewell - thank you for joining us!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx"><b>Activities: </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx"><b> </b>Professional</span></span><span style="color: black;">
photos at our portrait studio, a refreshing yoga session</span><span style="color: black;">,
a raffle to win awesome </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/382294165129307/">Lucky</a><a href="http://www.shopluckyladies.com/">
</a><a href="http://www.shopluckyladies.com/">Ladies</a></span></span><span style="color: black;">
swag and plenty of opportunities to get to know the Lucky Ladies
themselves.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Our </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">health</span></span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">wellness</span></span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx"></span></span><span style="color: black;">and </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">web
design</span></span><span style="color: black;">
specialists will be on hand to answer your questions</span>.</span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ruby "Baby" Bennett </b>will provide lively music and merriment! Enjoy
light refreshment provided by your hostesses, beer and wine for sale
to benefit <span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">Rhythmix Cultural Works</span></span>,
and <span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.colecoffee.com/">Cole</a><a href="http://www.colecoffee.com/">
</a><a href="http://www.colecoffee.com/">Coffee</a></u></span>’s
cart will be parked out front!</span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Shop:</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
Bring your cash or credit card and wander our marketplace sampling
lush and local all natural <span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">body<a href="http://bynieves.com/">
</a>care</span></span><span style="color: black;">, hand
crafted </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">artisanal
housewares</span></span><span style="color: black;">,
sweet vintage style dresses, adorable hair accessories, playful
jewelery, wacky wonderful </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="zxx">kitschy
collectibles</span></span><span style="color: black;">
and more!</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
</div>
<div style="border: medium none; color: black; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b style="color: purple;"><i>I hope to see you there - Heidi aka Ruby </i></b></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktYYILTWQfQf9Dsiq7k5WQEl6-DYETphZxe3q3w4Ab2YPTWydnXe5bkKvZwpJXCsvW8k4xyQL5X5DchhuyH6tS7SOxgCRbZg3o_TGro2XAd_ED7R1N_jLKyDjFKI0DnFaqFKBtA/s1600/LuckyLadiesh_bySarahCross_400.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktYYILTWQfQf9Dsiq7k5WQEl6-DYETphZxe3q3w4Ab2YPTWydnXe5bkKvZwpJXCsvW8k4xyQL5X5DchhuyH6tS7SOxgCRbZg3o_TGro2XAd_ED7R1N_jLKyDjFKI0DnFaqFKBtA/s400/LuckyLadiesh_bySarahCross_400.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sarabek Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-53844036642377472412012-03-17T19:20:00.001-07:002012-03-17T19:24:30.757-07:00Jennifer Serr and I chat about style, inspiration and a beautiful place called Alameda!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bWiTSfwoH7-03zyw6-vkYCgn2IAGxTpEr5fg3aFHUQPXa4UUCKfE8xfyZGQHeRKW8tIfHUnl8VN0q7fwEw4YpZ4qvpfgTAeC0BQZyWM6HIfwVjHcTC652Y8RVFhapdrkV4neQQ/s1600/JenniferSerrPortrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bWiTSfwoH7-03zyw6-vkYCgn2IAGxTpEr5fg3aFHUQPXa4UUCKfE8xfyZGQHeRKW8tIfHUnl8VN0q7fwEw4YpZ4qvpfgTAeC0BQZyWM6HIfwVjHcTC652Y8RVFhapdrkV4neQQ/s400/JenniferSerrPortrait.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lovely Jennifer Serr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My friend </span><a href="http://www.jenniferserr.com/" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank">Jennifer</a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> is a talented sewing instructor and creative force. She interviewed me for her blog </span><a href="http://www.bonjourteaspoon.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year.html" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank">Bonjour Teaspoon</a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> a few months back and I thought people might be interested in getting to know me through her eyes....</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Happy New Year! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I’m presenting an
interview series with People of Style in Alameda. Did you know Alameda
was such
a cool community? I’ve suspected, but didn’t realize the extent of it
until my friend Heidi and I founded an Alameda based Business Group we
call the Lucky Ladies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Filled with an array of creative
businesses from Sewing Teacher to Yoga Instructor, nutritional counselor
to
lighting designer, clothing designers to hand felted home goods – you
name it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
Each woman in my group and their
extended networks represent the best of our little town.<br />
Here is my
first interview of 2012 Heidi
Bennett, interviewed in October 2011. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also known as Ruby “Baby” Bennett to those in the music world, Heidi is
embarking on a new path...<a href="http://www.bonjourteaspoon.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year.html" target="_blank">Read on!</a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lNnioyD9996pRkOa5aMumGz4x2fkT9HsXrFyKt_PY7AGjZK_JM_ioFk37O_SzdjJ-_ChnMNJWfG0tzzr8rukjLr9kfrH9VV5X9pFJeo-l58u_kjrTM2beB1oaZ1ArM__Initnw/s1600/HeidiBennett1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lNnioyD9996pRkOa5aMumGz4x2fkT9HsXrFyKt_PY7AGjZK_JM_ioFk37O_SzdjJ-_ChnMNJWfG0tzzr8rukjLr9kfrH9VV5X9pFJeo-l58u_kjrTM2beB1oaZ1ArM__Initnw/s320/HeidiBennett1.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Bob Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.jenniferserr.com/" target="_blank"></a>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-9132417107923060122012-03-09T11:57:00.000-08:002012-03-09T11:57:08.210-08:00Recommendation: Dollar Shave Club!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDomxHp5qdXbR8n4jSvvgX3zACgvYcuJmyeVsi8FcCe60F1KbS8rO8tCvg28v9DNMNcbSWkITv-U-nBfmWsvrdCAoWotpK6Ho0Nd95jzi6rpV1AzC5HbkHPjDkQvTsRber9wz5UQ/s1600/Leg_Shaving.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDomxHp5qdXbR8n4jSvvgX3zACgvYcuJmyeVsi8FcCe60F1KbS8rO8tCvg28v9DNMNcbSWkITv-U-nBfmWsvrdCAoWotpK6Ho0Nd95jzi6rpV1AzC5HbkHPjDkQvTsRber9wz5UQ/s1600/Leg_Shaving.gif" /></a></div>
I don't mind spending $50.00 on a good pair of jeans or $4.00 for a dozen organic local eggs but there are some things that seem SO OVERPRICED and yet you feel you have no other option but to pay for them.<br />
<br />
Razors fall into that category. Even when they are on sale they seem like such a rip. So I was thrilled beyond thrill when I found out about <a href="http://renraku.com/2012/03/dollar-shave-club/" target="_blank">Dollar Shave Club! </a><br />
<br />
For a <strong>very low</strong> monthly fee, you get clean, fresh razor blades delivered directly to your home - what's not to love.<br />
<br />
Do yourself a favor and sign up for <a href="http://renraku.com/2012/03/dollar-shave-club/" target="_blank">this service</a>..... the video ad is HILARIOUS and their website is beautiful. Thanks to <a href="http://renraku.com/">Renraku.com</a> (aka my husband) for this hot tip!Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-8591539135612605022012-03-09T09:48:00.000-08:002012-03-09T09:54:51.254-08:00Simply Recipes Eggs Nested in Sauteed Chard & Mushrooms<a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes</a> posted a meal idea after my own heart. I have every one of these ingredients most of the time and LOVE this combination of flavors. <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/eggs_nested_in_sauteed_chard_and_mushrooms/" target="_blank">Eggs Nested in Sauteed Chard and Mushrooms</a> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnYbh0EizZD_aQM2pUo03lOPigIiCB0XtFlyAzdgGubzcQ2ykuCsUd3RSyTzxD9Pw0VwrVYANiSwJJ-PjiCRiN2YKkcIRLYVCtt9mOgp2JqzFnh7r6VUKF5hFWm1h0OzEoR6RRw/s1600/eggs-chard-mushroomsSimply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnYbh0EizZD_aQM2pUo03lOPigIiCB0XtFlyAzdgGubzcQ2ykuCsUd3RSyTzxD9Pw0VwrVYANiSwJJ-PjiCRiN2YKkcIRLYVCtt9mOgp2JqzFnh7r6VUKF5hFWm1h0OzEoR6RRw/s400/eggs-chard-mushroomsSimply.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Simply Recipes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-74885856305455790962012-03-05T14:44:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:49:34.156-08:00Asparagus and Poached Eggs - friends forever :)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX181xTSfmODHoPVIKxuthjC5RX0M6dr-U9b2jSkVlC8nfs0TLA22CjNyfOIhtiBs0Gd_teYcD-WE71Ec478wDud4wTdnya9EQQJkr3KshJ1K-ls977Nwe49oJFX18gvI5q0TFvA/s1600/asparagusegg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX181xTSfmODHoPVIKxuthjC5RX0M6dr-U9b2jSkVlC8nfs0TLA22CjNyfOIhtiBs0Gd_teYcD-WE71Ec478wDud4wTdnya9EQQJkr3KshJ1K-ls977Nwe49oJFX18gvI5q0TFvA/s320/asparagusegg.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Martha Stewart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Oh how I love ASPARAGUS and POACHED EGGS!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Whatever the season, time of day or mood I'm in - I never grow tired of asparagus and perfectly poached eggs.<br />
<br />
Here's a tasty recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food for <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/317984/asparagus-with-poached-egg?czone=food/brunch-center/brunch-egg&center=276953&gallery=275270&slide=260746" target="_blank">Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Parmesan! </a>I like to add a squeeze of lemon or heck, why not hollandaise sauce.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHLRiTvXor9FqtCnogj429AI-xeAA3Q6SSczVy3r7p5Mo8zMPdHNZEhICzByLwSQ55xodjEzPr9llP8SX1dO8NMkNI1LWdyLXpoj58VWMOBn5yfvysc0Nfk26hcT4A5C8BhWtJw/s1600/AsparagusHolind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHLRiTvXor9FqtCnogj429AI-xeAA3Q6SSczVy3r7p5Mo8zMPdHNZEhICzByLwSQ55xodjEzPr9llP8SX1dO8NMkNI1LWdyLXpoj58VWMOBn5yfvysc0Nfk26hcT4A5C8BhWtJw/s400/AsparagusHolind.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.joyfulabode.com/recipes/" target="_blank">Joyful Abode</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My favorite easy <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes/bip-1.shtml" target="_blank">hollindaise recipe</a> comes from Ina Garten aka the Barefoot Contessa :)<br />
<br />
I found this beautiful photo from another Paleo friendly blog - <a href="http://www.joyfulabode.com/recipes/" target="_blank">Joyful Abode!</a><br />
<br />Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-66633862040983093482012-02-12T11:51:00.000-08:002013-01-20T16:31:17.919-08:00Creamy Curry Zucchini Pasta <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd0RIhW-i3xh3krmIAo-jDjSVospaDojsBIBimB_7uxp_ZP7KKe75dog_iYQ9WF9st4JAaha69hv3hnVmr57UsODm2hi92vMHekPgWh0BC0VUfA9ehdG4hg5XffxvwXsVSqBcaA/s1600/spiral+zucchini+with+curry+veggies+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd0RIhW-i3xh3krmIAo-jDjSVospaDojsBIBimB_7uxp_ZP7KKe75dog_iYQ9WF9st4JAaha69hv3hnVmr57UsODm2hi92vMHekPgWh0BC0VUfA9ehdG4hg5XffxvwXsVSqBcaA/s320/spiral+zucchini+with+curry+veggies+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank">Photo from Peas and Crayons</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/2012/01/creamy-curry-zucchini-pasta-veggies.html?spref=bl">Peas and Crayons: Creamy Curry Zucchini Pasta</a> sounds delicious and makes me think of summer!Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-48083041282908470372012-02-12T10:21:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:10:49.146-08:00A few blog posts I've been enjoying...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKVUMobGAMzG46hH4TlXExGPYAQTPbbHK0Mugr9AJjanB7KesT9YInaNX4-upSkWKS_to03Q8_Mgile1peugnVP08vk51MW0OsfyUgTgcumUvK_oOMhN4WNK5csF6alMiZhIFxw/s1600/PorkRibsPops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKVUMobGAMzG46hH4TlXExGPYAQTPbbHK0Mugr9AJjanB7KesT9YInaNX4-upSkWKS_to03Q8_Mgile1peugnVP08vk51MW0OsfyUgTgcumUvK_oOMhN4WNK5csF6alMiZhIFxw/s320/PorkRibsPops.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grassvalleylarry/" target="_blank">Larry Miller</a> aka my dad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Winter weather means lot's of indoor reading and after eating <a href="http://www.hardknoxcafe.com/" target="_blank">BBQ Pork</a> last night I really enjoyed this post about <a href="http://memphisque.blogspot.com/2011/10/pork-lard-is-health-food-neelys.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Healthy Pork Lard </a>from blogger <a href="http://memphisque.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Memphis Que</a> this morning.<br />
<br />
My new Paleo pal Kristy DeVaney of <a href="http://cakegrrl.com/">CakeGrrl.com</a> has been tempting the Facebook group<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/268206113240795/" target="_blank"> Sacramento: Beyond the Paleo</a> with photos of delicious delights such as Deviled Avocado Eggs with cumin and curry and Roasted Tomatoes with oregano, garlic, basil and olive oil!<br />
<br />
I'll be trying this recipe for <a href="http://thefoodblog.com.au/2012/02/how-i-lost-24-kilos-and-a-recipe-for-macadamia-oil-mayonnaise.html" target="_blank">Macadamia Oil Mayo </a>from <a href="http://thefoodblog.com.au/" target="_blank">the Food Blog</a> who posted it to <a href="http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/" target="_blank">Jimmy Moore's</a> Facebook wall..... yummy!<br />
<br />
I'm just running out of my store bought mayo and salad dressings and will be whipping up my own recipes this week so I'll let you know how it goes!<br />
<br />
Where have you been finding inspiration and recipes? Leave a comment and let me know :)Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-41314965011028962292012-02-01T08:52:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:10:49.128-08:0015 uses for coconut oil besides cooking - via Apartment Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2EV5orWlkh85ZzskW6cfTDUHxUlZhn7mvGeJWdXLLfqV6k9ewtb2Ul7lNSaW-ByNEX8TJuzL7NIiqesc13SEw9V8OFT65lH0kjw2YdTp62I50tzIUk73TC7t9Q9vtl80IdMdYw/s1600/coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2EV5orWlkh85ZzskW6cfTDUHxUlZhn7mvGeJWdXLLfqV6k9ewtb2Ul7lNSaW-ByNEX8TJuzL7NIiqesc13SEw9V8OFT65lH0kjw2YdTp62I50tzIUk73TC7t9Q9vtl80IdMdYw/s320/coconut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A handy dandy list by <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a> on <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/15-non-edible-uses-for-coconut-oil-165122" target="_blank">15 non edible uses for coconut oil.</a> I already use it as a skin moisturizer and aftershave....it melts right into the skin. They list rust removal and leather cleaning among other ideas that got my attention. How do you use coconut oil? Have you tried any of the <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/15-non-edible-uses-for-coconut-oil-165122" target="_blank">15 ideas listed?</a>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-87872222484297272352012-01-29T11:01:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.263-08:00Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRrDL0KWyJjbzRFhj25JZ9eAQb-AmPOVygkAcO0SasuPhfU8mIfW4lyUsStOA3swMLd1uWCEDPgABPkyhpijXu1iGn5YrO-gRo17IHfuU7TytA8RDCa1DJ6PKdbYrp5alBIQjWg/s1600/BrusselsSproutsBacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRrDL0KWyJjbzRFhj25JZ9eAQb-AmPOVygkAcO0SasuPhfU8mIfW4lyUsStOA3swMLd1uWCEDPgABPkyhpijXu1iGn5YrO-gRo17IHfuU7TytA8RDCa1DJ6PKdbYrp5alBIQjWg/s400/BrusselsSproutsBacon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>If you want salty, crunchy, naturally sweet and fork tender yumminess, try my recipe for Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic!<br />
<br />
I adapted this from a side dish a friend brought over. The key is to let the oven pre-heat and then get those Brussels BROWN with crispy leaves. Also, don't be afraid of using a LOT of FAT! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>You will need:<br />
<br />
2lbs Brussels Sprouts cut in 1/2 length wise (chop off ugly ends if you like)<br />
<br />
1/4 cup diced onion (whatever you have, white, yellow, shallots) This is a great way to use up an onion so don't worry about the exact amount.<br />
<br />
1/2lb thick bacon more or less. <br />
<br />
Balsamic vinegar, kosher salt and pepper, garlic powder.<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425<br />
<br />
Chop bacon in to one inch chunks then cook in a large skillet on the stove.<br />
<br />
Scatter Brussels and diced onion on a 1/2 sheet pan (if you don't have one, use your widest baker so the Brussels aren't crowded)<br />
<br />
When bacon is cooked to your liking, spoon onto paper towels and carefully pour the bacon grease over the sprouts. Toss to coat then liberally sprinkle sprouts with kosher salt, pepper and garlic powder.<br />
<br />
When the oven is at 425 you can put the sprouts/onion in the oven and set timer for 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
After 30 minutes pull out sprouts and toss them about. Sprinkle more salt and add the chopped bacon.<br />
<br />
If you see any that look dry, add more bacon grease, butter or olive oil. Whatever tasty fat you have around. Depending on your oven you might need another 15 minutes, 20 or 30. You are looking for the outer leaves of MOST of the sprouts to be brown and crispy. The sprouts themselves will be fork tender and light brown.<br />
<br />
Pull them out of the oven when they look brown and caramelized. When you serve the sprouts, pass the Balsamic Vinegar.<br />
<br />
I make this about once a week - we LOVE it as a cozy and savory complete dinner in a bowl.Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-4985562313679330632012-01-26T18:31:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.147-08:00Chicken Paprikash from Simply Recipes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI9gdLpD0XPqTi5AP1K7EilkOhA2BLjXIgG4bFMtNGAsXUE1QpjXIAEkCophAEqSECOntyGDpfcxLztLg3TKzihjMpBRRs_bS9THx8MODKTKPh3-83WRfNRcNekH0MKjA9PSPeQ/s1600/chicken-paprikashSimplyRecipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI9gdLpD0XPqTi5AP1K7EilkOhA2BLjXIgG4bFMtNGAsXUE1QpjXIAEkCophAEqSECOntyGDpfcxLztLg3TKzihjMpBRRs_bS9THx8MODKTKPh3-83WRfNRcNekH0MKjA9PSPeQ/s400/chicken-paprikashSimplyRecipes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from Simply Recipes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tonight's dinner in foggy Oakland is <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_paprikash/" target="_blank">Chicken Paprikash</a> from <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes</a>! I added crimini mushrooms because I just LOVE mushrooms....it's simmering on the stove right now. I might add red bell-peppers next time too. I washed and dried my hands many times - but still managed to drop my knife and make a nice slice across my toes! Luckily it was shallow and even luckier - my husband is fastidious about providing a first aid kit in both cars and the kitchen! A sprinkle of blood coagulant and I was back in action.Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-81304203514356047582012-01-16T13:21:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.253-08:00Delicious Dinner this weekend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIfA1UCWA10yzRf58U6f0XJJreWAzI7jAoSv0G8FN-3Qc7CBZypFtMEdxiH5hRCIWsVLA6JvYLL7gQ-ZWdnwnmvekve5ACpDamqpSJy3DWBCyFDVzHZ2fFpq-T5A_hKD_RkoOTw/s1600/BeefTartar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIfA1UCWA10yzRf58U6f0XJJreWAzI7jAoSv0G8FN-3Qc7CBZypFtMEdxiH5hRCIWsVLA6JvYLL7gQ-ZWdnwnmvekve5ACpDamqpSJy3DWBCyFDVzHZ2fFpq-T5A_hKD_RkoOTw/s400/BeefTartar.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>On Saturday we celebrated our friend Damon's Birthday at an awesome Korean Restaurant called <a href="http://www.jonggahouse.com/" target="_blank">Jong Ga House</a> in Oakland. I was excited to find this delicious dish on the menu - steak tartar with sesame oil, raw sliced garlic and a raw egg yolk. I drizzled a touch of the mustard sauce on it, broke the yolk and savored the tender chopped beef.Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-57924153707377515882012-01-13T16:52:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.162-08:00What are the Best Cooking Oils from Real Food University and several other folk...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fOqhmOjscvmnoNf-fJ2-76Iijs6K47_2d4GPpL4l67KadHfVWJe2wiWa_fdiN4fPon-HCQykGN6xGKBZJA0Ohi5ZjFvin6NqYtaigKcn6KBB6b1tXAztYtB8TjqRvEx-t-Rdqg/s1600/butter-coconut-and-olive-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fOqhmOjscvmnoNf-fJ2-76Iijs6K47_2d4GPpL4l67KadHfVWJe2wiWa_fdiN4fPon-HCQykGN6xGKBZJA0Ohi5ZjFvin6NqYtaigKcn6KBB6b1tXAztYtB8TjqRvEx-t-Rdqg/s320/butter-coconut-and-olive-oil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from RealFoodDigest.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been having a whole lot of fun experimenting with different cooking oils and fats. My favorite right now is ghee and bacon grease (which I always have on hand.) Coconut oil has so far been a snack.... I just scoop a spoon of it, put that spoon in my mouth and savor the sweet flavor.<br />
<br />
I found a couple of great posts around the net that give the health and cooking whys and hows of different fats so I thought I'd include them all in one post.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realfooduniversity.com/" target="_blank">Real Food University</a> gives a short video on the <a href="http://www.realfooduniversity.com/best-cooking-oils/" target="_blank">best cooking oils.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/" target="_blank">Mark's Daily Apple</a> combines two great tastes that taste great together - <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/coconut-oil-and-ghee/#axzz1jO93Ze3u" target="_blank">Ghee & Coconut Oil</a><br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realfooddigest.com/" target="_blank">Real Food Digest</a> gives the what/how and why in their <a href="http://www.realfooddigest.com/complete-guide-to-fats-and-oils/" target="_blank">Complete Guide to Fats and Oils </a><br />
<br />
So, tomorrow morning I am totally trying that ghee/coconut combo..... what do you like to cook with?Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-14682319468316652392012-01-13T16:32:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.057-08:00Baked Fennel at Martha Stewart Everyday Food<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii753A1ULPCh4p3COx7dfWT69p6MFoDb6_eo-dEl45OlhMZ6JKndgFdTh3LroXzRPzVak5JoJkgfjqs8_32GRf5Jb0GZwV8G9GLoX-FpI3VU6Sk1eVnmyFgLBPFAj3MX7YLMTwbQ/s1600/baked_fennel_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii753A1ULPCh4p3COx7dfWT69p6MFoDb6_eo-dEl45OlhMZ6JKndgFdTh3LroXzRPzVak5JoJkgfjqs8_32GRf5Jb0GZwV8G9GLoX-FpI3VU6Sk1eVnmyFgLBPFAj3MX7YLMTwbQ/s320/baked_fennel_vert.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from MarthaStewart.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was visiting my mom on Wednesday and enjoyed going through her Martha Stewart Everyday Food booklets. So many lovely photos, great ideas and this recipe caught my eye... <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/315836/baked-fennel-with-parmesan-and-thyme?czone=food/produce-guide-cnt/produce-guide-winter&center=276955&gallery=286398&slide=286396" target="_blank">Baked Fennel with Parmesan and Thyme</a> .Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-28415339675107018522012-01-10T21:05:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.068-08:00Lemon Chicken at Simply Recipes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhmwsxhqAYsgQ6GiZRFSf9VTzVZ7fQuA8yWAGuHuCVPG6wjgB4UdV_Yn-B1r3BMRrbnTMrDwkEE8oOlCY62ln0frYnYYdu2cU4gHgAH-U5t5Ip1oe0YYrtJy8PY9DZOkEK61Peg/s1600/lemon-chicken-Simply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhmwsxhqAYsgQ6GiZRFSf9VTzVZ7fQuA8yWAGuHuCVPG6wjgB4UdV_Yn-B1r3BMRrbnTMrDwkEE8oOlCY62ln0frYnYYdu2cU4gHgAH-U5t5Ip1oe0YYrtJy8PY9DZOkEK61Peg/s1600/lemon-chicken-Simply.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Simply Recipes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I haven't tried this one yet but it looks delicious....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/lemon_chicken/" target="_blank">Lemon Chicken</a><br />
<br />
over at one of my favorite recipe websites...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes!</a><br />
<br />
Let me know if you try this one out. I see it in my kitchen in the near future :)Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-66594715340520495202012-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.185-08:00Easy Italian Wedding Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi841RmqNahoTBechh-ECEYMv0bFGePH6oJ9h1417hpU0KBCjCw9QbaEcSx_Ke6AYyBcOKBy5eFb6EZPcmk2PUGADmnfSpiMjlWV_y_Q29YQW_PBXXZIIqvRu3NlyW7yj1breAcmQ/s1600/Italian_Wedding_Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi841RmqNahoTBechh-ECEYMv0bFGePH6oJ9h1417hpU0KBCjCw9QbaEcSx_Ke6AYyBcOKBy5eFb6EZPcmk2PUGADmnfSpiMjlWV_y_Q29YQW_PBXXZIIqvRu3NlyW7yj1breAcmQ/s320/Italian_Wedding_Soup.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">My go - to soup for a chilly night! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Even BETTER the next day :) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://newyorkstylesausage.com/home.html" target="_blank">1 - 1lb Roll New York Style Brand hot Italian sausage</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(or your favorite Italian style sausage)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.kitchenbasics.net/index.cfm" target="_blank"><b>2 boxes Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock</b> </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(my favorite stock with no weird ingredients)</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2 large organic eggs </b>and <b>1 t-spoon oregano</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 head cabbage</b> or <b>bunch kale </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 bunch celery</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1 bunch flat leaf Italian parsley</b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Have olive oil, kosher salt and pepper on hand.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Swirl olive oil in your soup pot for a few rounds, mostly coating the bottom.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dice onion and celery, mince garlic.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Heat oil in pot to about medium and then add onions and celery. Stir often and adjust heat as you saute for 10 minutes - too high a heat will brown the onions, you want them to soften and look golden.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Turn the heat down a bit and add minced garlic - stir for one minute.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Add both boxes of stock, 4 cups water, the t-spoon of oregano, a few shakes of kosher salt & cracked black pepper to your liking. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Turn heat up to high and put the lid on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In a mixing bowl combine the sausage, one egg, 1 cup of the shredded Parmesan and 1/4 cup minced and washed parsley. How do you combine? Get your hands in there and squeeeeesh them all together!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Make 1 inch meatballs out of the mixture and set on a plate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">OPTIONAL - in a large skillet on med - high, brown meatballs, using tongs to rotate until brown on all sides. You still need to simmer the meatballs in the soup for 20 mins. but this adds a different texture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When soup has come to a boil add meatballs in slowly as to avoid ouchy splashes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Put lid mostly all the way back on and turn down to a simmer (small bubbles breaking on the surface)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Clean and chop your greens.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Break second egg into a cup - add second cup of Parmesan to the egg and mix with a fork.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When 20 minutes is up add the greens, 1/4 cup chopped parslety and then swirl the cheese and egg mixture into your soup.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Taste the broth and adjust seasoning..... more salt or pepper - maybe some poultry seasoning or other favorite spice - it's up to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Simmer for 15 minutes more then enjoy! </span>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-80781888566476107932012-01-10T09:53:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.224-08:00Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Gratin on the Food Network<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJbfk_L-bbiOIcb3rGHVMgGj5RKuqaM0mm0X2z5SZMKsvM1ADtG_8ltdqUdrd2vB6cy_CQRyLGflUP5hDhKhwgkr6EULQJd9liBWj2kAGmLJuUjHJWiY1l-XgzAh0OxWERWMOhg/s1600/Cauliflower-Gratin_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJbfk_L-bbiOIcb3rGHVMgGj5RKuqaM0mm0X2z5SZMKsvM1ADtG_8ltdqUdrd2vB6cy_CQRyLGflUP5hDhKhwgkr6EULQJd9liBWj2kAGmLJuUjHJWiY1l-XgzAh0OxWERWMOhg/s320/Cauliflower-Gratin_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Food Network</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's a favorite recipe for cold weather comfort<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/cauliflower-goat-cheese-gratin-recipe/index.html?soc=share">Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Gratin! </a><br />
<br />
I doubled the cauliflower and halved the cream.<br />
<br />
I also added some chopped, sauteed onion and chopped flat leaf parsley. It was delicious!<br />
<br />
Next time I think I'll crumble some crispy bacon and throw it on top! - HeidiHeidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-45029246491880610032012-01-03T07:57:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.122-08:00Happy New Year - 2012<span style="font-size: large;">Greetings ol' pals!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I usually write something around this time reflecting on the year </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and posting some goals for the next.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's gonna be shorter and sweeter this time around!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My friend <a href="http://www.jenniferserr.com/">Jennifer Serr</a> interviewed me recently. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Read her interview at - <a href="http://bonjourteaspoon.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year.html">Bonjour Teaspoon</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've had a wonderful year and am feeling fit, fine and <span style="color: blue;">fabulous!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2011 in a few words:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nerdist.com/category/podcast/">Comedy pod-casts</a>, periodic ear pain, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1704317479">By Nieves</a> Handmade Natural Body-care, a new knowledge of bay-area traffic navigation, road trip to see <a href="http://paulftompkins.com/">Paul F. Tompkins</a>, thrilling news of my brother's engagement, high and lonesome singing, total immersion / fascination / author crush of/on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-About/dp/0307272702">Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes</a>, delightful anniversary trip to Carmel with lot's of Poki-by-the-sea sandy pawed frolicking, Brian's awesome birthday <a href="http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/pilots-lounge/">cocktail flight school</a> at St. George Spirits, Cory and Khrys bought a house in Santa Cruz, bonding and beyond with the <a href="http://www.wix.com/luckyladieseastbay/connect">Lucky Ladies</a> & my <a href="http://http//www.womensinitiative.org/index.htm">Women's Initiative</a> leap group, mentored by talented musicians and lot's of good times with family and friends!</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2012 Goal -</span> <span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Continued Happiness!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas Poki!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56EM_kg-srst3W5XW_B5boohtoR4tE8k0OVCXOZCljOc9XZSLmuqV9e_BP3ILY-wBYYK9r8_m0F1720j62guFDOQwFRLAIEm-rzYZGoQH6vT41YyWkn1D-cETEOLeDUeHlsHqyw/s1600/PokiXmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56EM_kg-srst3W5XW_B5boohtoR4tE8k0OVCXOZCljOc9XZSLmuqV9e_BP3ILY-wBYYK9r8_m0F1720j62guFDOQwFRLAIEm-rzYZGoQH6vT41YyWkn1D-cETEOLeDUeHlsHqyw/s400/PokiXmas.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnwDhOhpNAR-MboYKDpU7ZjCff55ZbELJkHe9nCuJwDfSyVPRwF8rJPhzNLvRZ0LjQtf_2Fyz4FelxYxr1VeOkyTDdrS22zmAAkFj5gbRxLmkHM4q1MHczti7GZEJccUZ_Z-RrQ/s1600/Bennetts4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnwDhOhpNAR-MboYKDpU7ZjCff55ZbELJkHe9nCuJwDfSyVPRwF8rJPhzNLvRZ0LjQtf_2Fyz4FelxYxr1VeOkyTDdrS22zmAAkFj5gbRxLmkHM4q1MHczti7GZEJccUZ_Z-RrQ/s400/Bennetts4th.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Fourth of July with the Bennetts in Chico!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-yyKfbWfMLJ9aOl1QYcTpsoq8bB6XJbSL-JGh0mcqYlVLeHaJTVEV6gXLK4U5RRGkZXUNbkkp3jtDNEM-KmZAKsqt-KmjRHwLNG5Ta8uARSS8GLkPYTcorO8bp-XFrxVllpPxg/s1600/0419_IMG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-yyKfbWfMLJ9aOl1QYcTpsoq8bB6XJbSL-JGh0mcqYlVLeHaJTVEV6gXLK4U5RRGkZXUNbkkp3jtDNEM-KmZAKsqt-KmjRHwLNG5Ta8uARSS8GLkPYTcorO8bp-XFrxVllpPxg/s400/0419_IMG.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Brian and Heidi Married, August, 4th, 2007</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9gTeRrd1lgmgc2X1wx0iTEhO9k4CWmyix1WjveZZBpxMCY15AdxXs5kcLXXSyJzkfwjqL99-oAKRxTvGM-mIO4_e1U8m2ei4S936siqyT5pPSy5d8BlFLPzYWc6SghaVadDLQ/s1600/CJengaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9gTeRrd1lgmgc2X1wx0iTEhO9k4CWmyix1WjveZZBpxMCY15AdxXs5kcLXXSyJzkfwjqL99-oAKRxTvGM-mIO4_e1U8m2ei4S936siqyT5pPSy5d8BlFLPzYWc6SghaVadDLQ/s400/CJengaged.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Cary and Jenny - engaged!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ4c0ZZXVzlXfCpWSW3ceBQUsPdxL8O8GO628h0VcZFNxenkOhEKGPDPjwzd1Mt7z2eQHd_Z5aIQR2urs3V7-FX5zovahRP6ZI3zpI1wmqnh8-Yc7TSoRIoC_M6mdMZjod785GA/s1600/HeidiPokiCarmel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ4c0ZZXVzlXfCpWSW3ceBQUsPdxL8O8GO628h0VcZFNxenkOhEKGPDPjwzd1Mt7z2eQHd_Z5aIQR2urs3V7-FX5zovahRP6ZI3zpI1wmqnh8-Yc7TSoRIoC_M6mdMZjod785GA/s400/HeidiPokiCarmel.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Poki and I in CarmelHeidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264740.post-5819216079137378562011-03-05T15:53:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:11:02.171-08:00Sexy, Sexy, Science!In January 2011 I wrote how I would stop dieting and only eat what I crave. But what nagged at me was that I felt that I didn't understand how my body worked, why I was still fat after eating all the "right" stuff, exercising a lot and my Dr's check-ups proved I was perfectly healthy!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgnoq4hrpd-OND6HmI2DAXAzqV3XB687dPFhqphRfLIJnnv67UdkFVcqcs_SeSnwxa9MkUHUWSzbAMS8JB9Lgcl3gUdbXrSuprYyMSp7BaD32di3DZ-nGxJD2bQUJvceWBmXZGw/s1600/gary-taubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgnoq4hrpd-OND6HmI2DAXAzqV3XB687dPFhqphRfLIJnnv67UdkFVcqcs_SeSnwxa9MkUHUWSzbAMS8JB9Lgcl3gUdbXrSuprYyMSp7BaD32di3DZ-nGxJD2bQUJvceWBmXZGw/s320/gary-taubes.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary Taubes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I am so happy to have read Gary Taubes' book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-Borzoi/dp/0307272702">Why We Get Fat</a> and watched Tom Naughton's movie<a href="http://www.fathead-movie.com/"> Fat Head</a>.<br />
<br />
I learned how and why my body has been acting the way it has, why I've been told the wrong information my whole life (except when I was on Atkins in the '90s) and how to eat for my optimal health!<br />
<br />
I can't say what is right for anyone else but if you like reading and thinking I recommend Gary's book and if you're more of a visual person give Tom's movie a whirl on Netflix streaming.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFEaHcdDLXvBWJio_XHT39OsM6bBfwi6a36qvGKqUt9UEouu3jZLEQgB4HaKneV2Lr2EMyTXtLYGENDRu5ebR6zCp5Tjg9zY4Ns0yIkqZnlPtUxlXEEswNdv1pq0qOKFxioExKg/s1600/TomNaughton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFEaHcdDLXvBWJio_XHT39OsM6bBfwi6a36qvGKqUt9UEouu3jZLEQgB4HaKneV2Lr2EMyTXtLYGENDRu5ebR6zCp5Tjg9zY4Ns0yIkqZnlPtUxlXEEswNdv1pq0qOKFxioExKg/s320/TomNaughton.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Naughton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Heidi Bennetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485315510386201587noreply@blogger.com0