A NEWSLETTER OF INSPIRATION AND IMAGINATION
 #171

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Healthy & Happy Newsletter  #171

DECEMBER 21, 2014
In This Issue

  
BIRD IN NEXT
                
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  2015 cartwheel      
HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

It's that time of year again...winter, holidays, cold and wet. As I write this big, raucous crows fly by the window: deep black against the grey rain clouds. They caw, swoop and flirt with the ground before they soar off into the distance. They wake me up out of a daydream and I realize I have been off somewhere in my mind most of the morning.

 

I have been thinking about the year, which is logical to do, given we are at the end of it now. For me this year has been life-changing to say the least. I went from single to married, moved to Santa Rosa, then back to Sebastopol, opened a bike shop with my new husband, and moved a stepson to a school out of state. So, pretty much everything monumental that could change in my life did in 2014.

 

But the thing that sticks with me the most is the changes I have made in my strength, endurance and speed on a bike, and my overall physical abilities. This might seem insignificant compared to all that has happened this year, but for me this will always be remarkably high on the list in importance for me.

 

I wonder why this is so essential to my being, and I realize I am a person who needs to have some sort of measurement of success, be it pounds on a scale or miles on a bicycle. There is something so intensely satisfying to see change, improvement, evolution.

 

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RECIPES
We are deep into the holiday season, so here are a couple of fun appetizers to finish out the year. These would also be perfect as a small meal with a side salad. These are both from the Skinny Taste website, by the way, with a little modification.

SPANIKOPITA CUPS
  spanikopita cups



CRAB CAKES WITH RED PEPPER CHIPOTLE LIME SAUCE

     



WHAT'S IN YOUR YOGURT??
We all have used yogurt as a healthy go-to food over the years, but recently more and more brands are using questionable ingredients: many of which are not even on the labels! Food Babe uncovers the story...

  
  Yogurts 

  


 WHAT DO SELF-LOVING PEOPLE DO DIFFERENTLY? 
This is a short, but accurate (I would say) list of some essential characteristics of people who like and respect themselves.   


     A CHALLENGING HOLIDAY MEAL?
This video made me laugh as it is painfully true...
Holiday Dinner Party
Holiday Dinner Party
 
   


JIM CARREY SPEAKS FROM HIS HEART
I love this graduation speech by comic Jim Carrey. Quite powerful, and of course funny. These are highlights...

Highlights: Jim Carrey's Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation
Highlights: Jim Carrey's Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation



ANIMAL NESTS
Those of you who loves birds and animals will appreciate these astonishing nests from all different types of creatures.

  
nests 1

nests 2  

nest 3   
 

nest 4      


THE POOP ON POOP
I found this article perfect for giving us a guide so we can know if we're eating in a healthy way. Graphic, yes, but necessary information!




CLEVER HOLIDAY APPETIZER IDEAS...
I love all of these and am very likely making at least one for our holiday meals!

   rosemary olive wreath


pita christmas trees

broccoli christmas tree  




BEGINNER'S BICYCLING CLASSES!!

learning to ride a bike

Have you been reading my posts about riding a bike and thinking how you'd like to do that but you have no idea how to begin? Maybe you never learned as a child, or it has been 30 years since you climbed on a bike. Or maybe you have a teeny bit of knowledge but feel you would benefit from a few classes. Well here's the plan...

In January we intend to begin Beginner's Bike Classes at Sebastopol Bike Center. These will be once a week, one hour lessons which will cover everything from the very basics (how to actually ride a bike) to how to use your gearing, how to brake, how to deal with traffic, cross streets, and other road etiquette. You'll learn some basic skills like changing a tire and little fixes you can do yourself.

The first 10-20 minutes of each class will be inside, discussing various bike issues, watching videos, etc. Each week will be different. The rest of the class will be in the parking lot on bikes and on the Joe Rodota trail where we will ride as far as the group feels comfortable riding.

These classes are designed to get anyone and everyone who wants to ride on a bike. If you have a bike you can bring your own. If you do not you can rent one from us. The cost will be $15/hr without bike rental: $30 with the rental. Sign up for multiple classes and get a discount.

The hope is that people who take these classes feel more comfortable getting out and riding, and that they meet like minded folks in the class who are at their same level so they could ride together. The surest way to getting out on a regular basis is to have friends you ride with.

We have not fully decided on a day/time as yet (proposed is Wed 9:30-10:30am or 11am Friday) and would like to hear from you!! If this sounds appealing let me know what days/times work for you.



WHAT ARE YOU GETTING YOUR BIKING HUSBAND OR WIFE THIS HOLIDAY?



 6731 SEBASTOPOL AVE (HWY 12 at MORRIS ST)

Yes, Sebastopol Bike Center not only rents bikes...we sell them! Whether you want a comfy, easy, casual cruiser, a fun retro bike for road or trail, or a high performance, carbon-fiber road bike, we have them, both new and used.

We also sell an endless variety of bike accessories, new and recycled bikewear, and all sorts of bike-goodies.

Give the gift of great fun and great health! 
www.sebastopolbikecom


       LIFE COACHING/WEIGHT COUNSELING          
ME DEC 2014 
 
The new year can mean a new you! Are you ready to start facing some of your issues and get healthier inside and out? Maybe life coaching is a path to consider. Contact me for a free half hour sample session!


jciel@sbcglobal.net  
WEBSITE COACHING/COUNSELING PAGE