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.

What Would Betty Do Logo Try Something New: Sugar Snap Peas with Mint

Sometimes, I’m really on top of things with this blog. Other times, the meal is over and I realize that I’ve forgotten to take pictures of the very thing I’m blogging about. Guess which was the case for today’s post? I found this excellent recipe for minty sugar snap peas over on Salt & Fat, […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Hey, It’s Already Mid-May

I look back at where I was at this time last year, before my first round of Team in Training, and I know that I’m leaps and bounds ahead of that. After all, I ran every step of a 5K in March when last year I couldn’t even run a single mile nonstop. So why […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Asparagus Salad

This recipe was loosely based on a very tasty salad that I had at Nordstrom Bistro in Dallas last fall. I’ve made it a few times in the past, and couldn’t quite get the necessary bite from the sun dried tomato dressing. This time I mixed two kinds of vinegar and used spring garlic instead […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo No-Chip Nail Polish: A Cautionary Tale

UPDATE: A follow-up post can be found here. I had a much different, much better outcome when it was done properly! I’ll start by saying that this is turning out to be a very different post than I originally planned to write when I sat in front of my computer, ranting. It’s turned out to be […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Try Something New: Tuscan-Style Beans

A couple of weeks ago, my local Raley’s supermarket had small white beans on sale for $0.89/lb. I bought five pounds figuring that they’re a pretty versatile bean and I could surely come up with something creative. (Right?) First I made the baked beans that I posted last week, but with four more pounds of […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Home Again

When you’re trying to stick with a routine, never underestimate the value of being home and… uh… having a routine. The Plan Monday: Travel (off) Tuesday: Kickboxing Wednesday: Pilates Thursday: Off Friday: Gym Saturday: Yard work Sunday: Yard work Getting back to kickboxing felt so good, even though the class itself was unusually hard. Was […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Homemade Rye Bread

I’ve always loved a nice rye bread. I did not, however, have any illusions that such a thing could be created at home. That’s crazy. Isn’t it? Maybe not. I expected this recipe to be edible. I didn’t expect it to be where-did-you-find-a-Jewish-deli good. This recipe makes four 1-pound loaves. The bread freezes well; defrost […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Try Something New: Baked Beans

You’ll probably end up seeing a lot about beans in this “Try Something New” column. For years, beans managed to elude me, leaving me with giant pots filled with tough pellets or overcooked mush. But now that I actually know a little something about cooking, it’s my goal to figure out how to make all […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Time to Reboot

Another week on the road, another week of disrupted routine. The highlight: a 5:30 AM wake-up call for a 3.73-mile run along the National Mall and up around Capitol Hill. There’s nothing quite like the glow of early morning sun on the white buildings of Washington DC. The rest of the trip? Walking. A mile […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo What’s in Season? May

Spring is here! Spring is here! The strawberry vendors are offering samples, the cherries are flowing freely and the tomatoes look beautiful. It’s a wonderful time at the market. Vegetables Artichokes Asian greens Asparagus Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Cucumber Kale Leeks Lettuce Mushrooms Onions Peas Peppers Potatoes Spinach Tomatoes Fruits Apricots Cherries Cantaloupe Nectarines Peaches Plums […] Read More