365 Fresh Starts

A Blog About Life

We've been conditioned to expect things to be all or nothing. We make dramatic resolutions on December 31st that we break by January 2, and then feel terrible about ourselves. We think that we can't change at all because our annual, dramatic attempts at change just don't work.

We get 365 fresh starts each year.

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What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Another Year, Another Adventure

Written on January 1, 2012 by Alisa.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend the holiday break in Hawaii. I’ve run three times — all relatively brief sunrise runs — and gone beach walking, kayaking, playing tennis and hiked over jagged lava rocks. I’ve also chased a 5-year-old boy, which might be the most tiring of all of my activities. Lessons learned in […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Braised Short Ribs

Written on December 30, 2011 by Alisa.

Anyone who knows me knows of my ambivalence towards meat, particularly meat that comes with an accompanying bone. Why, then, did I see this recipe from Food & Wine and simply have to make it? I have no explanation, other than to say that it was fantastic. Things you need to know upfront: This is […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: Looking Ahead to 2012

Written on December 28, 2011 by Alisa.

You all know that I’m no fan of new year’s resolutions that are hastily made, require huge changes and set you up for failure. Nonetheless, there’s something about the inevitable post-Christmas downtime that lends itself to quiet reflection about what is or isn’t working in your life. I took an informal poll of friends and […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Babe Ruth Bars

Written on December 23, 2011 by Alisa.

There I was, the morning before my first-ever cookie extravaganza blowout. I had promised a dozen varieties but had made only 11. I was tired, sick of baking, and low on ingredients. That’s when I found this no-bake bar. I figured that it would just be a quick way to hit my goal of 12. […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: Pack Like a Pro

Written on December 21, 2011 by Alisa.

I can pack for any trip, any length of time, in a single rolling carry-on suitcase. Don’t believe me? I recently packed for a 10-day winter trip for two adults and one child in two rollaboard suitcases. Jeans or pants were worn twice. Everything else was worn once. How is this possible? Rolling. I heard […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Of Treadmills, Drool and Potential

Written on December 18, 2011 by Alisa.

Sometimes, all you can do is drool. I first read about the UCSF Human Performance Center last year in Runner’s World as I sat on the couch with my broken foot propped up on the ottoman. For a science geek, it sounded incredibly cool: using actual performance testing to determine what I should be capable of […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Snickerdoodles

Written on December 16, 2011 by Alisa.

I love snickerdoodles, but I struggle with the fact that every recipe I’ve ever liked uses shortening. I’ve decided that I need to get over my aversion to Crisco, accept that I only do this once a year, and just plow ahead. Ingredients 1 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 3/4 […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Oatmeal Bar Cookies

Written on December 9, 2011 by Alisa.

This is my variation on the classic Quaker oatmeal cookie. I make it as a bar because it’s easier to bake one batch than shuffle trays in and out of the oven. This year, the Tiny Kitchen Assistant and I, unable to decide whether to go with Cranberry White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Macadamia, opted […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: The Healthiest Food on Earth

Written on December 7, 2011 by Alisa.

There are some questions that don’t have easy answers. Mommy, what’s the healthiest food on Earth? I don’t mean what mix of foods is best. I mean what one food has the most of what I need to be healthy? – Tiny Kitchen Assistant Seriously? Can’t he ask something easy? I suppose that this is […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Chewy Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Written on November 30, 2011 by Alisa.

Those who know my Tiny Kitchen Assistant know of his love of all things mint chocolate, from the mint chocolate chip muffins that he came up with as a preschooler to the bright green ice cream from Marianne’s in Santa Cruz. So when he said, “Hey, I have an idea for a really good cookie!” […] Read More