Get Fit this year at Strength Within Pilates

It feels great to get a workout done first thing in the morning. Here is the Strength Within Pilates Studio on Front Street in Novato. This is the best place to do Pilates! The instructors are knowledgeable and classes are available for all levels at all different times of the day. The owner, Laura Molina is a great person and is always in a cheerful mood - even at 6:00 am! She is happy to make you work hard with proper form. Pilates is about strengthening your core. The exercises help me improve my posture which I really need because I spend a lot of time working at a desk. I've also used the small workout studio that is next door called Strength Within Fitness. It is convenient and small but never crowded. There are machines, weights, and balance equipment. Some clients work out here with personal trainers. Laura can help you get set up. Everyone is very friendly. Another great thing about the place is the additional services and classes. For example, I attended a class about hormone therapy presented by Dr Lisa Miller, ND. I highly recommend the Nutrition Series by Megan Valente a certified C.H.E.K practitioner. I have learned so much combined with skilled exercises I am starting to look more fit. I feel great! Clients come to this studio from all directions in Marin. I can see why. Tell Laura Kerry sent you!

Rip City Rider Harley Davidson Drawing Today in Petaluma

It's the 5th birthday anniversary of the Chilly Billy Memorial and the Rip City Riders honor their comrade by raising money for a local charity in Marin and Sonoma counties. This year the fundraiser is for Hospice by the Bay. The raffle prize is a 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glide- wow! I've seen the poster displayed at many of our Novato businesses.

My husband, Mark, just rode off to get to the event. He is working security today at the Petaluma Fairgrounds where the Poker Run finishes. The event will be great... and the biggest ever for the Rip City Riders! There is food, BBQ and drinks, car show, bike show, the drawing and live music. Miles Schon Band is one of the highlights. Their are a lot of cool vendors too! It's all for a worthy cause, the Hospice by the Bay, to help with the work they do in our community. Good luck winning the Harley!

Ben Franklin Crafts in Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, Novato

Ben Franklin Crafts has a good assortment for our craft needs. Recently we visited to pick up supplies for a middle school science project. Ben Franklin's should have everything you need. The staff can help you find things as their inventory is large and spread out. I sometimes visit the shop when I am waiting for a child to get finished at the tutor or dance class. I usually find some inspiration here for sewing, beading, and scrapping. They also have fine art supplies.

Here are a few tips for shopping at Ben Franklin Crafts.

1. Get ideas from the examples on display. In most sections there are samples made by crafters. I've seen amazing examples of wreaths and floral art.
2. Ask for a discount if you are a teacher. You will need to show id. I used to be an art docent at the elementary schools. Ben Franklin Crafts is great about honoring the discount for class projects.
3. Shop after season. Wait until the day before a holiday, or a few days after and you can get deep discounts on seasonal merchandise.

Have fun shopping for art supplies!

Welcome to Blog Novato

I decided to start Blog Novato CA this year. It's the 50th birthday of Novato, California and my family has lived here for almost 17 years.

I live, work, and shop here.

I will share my favorite stores, places to get out and enjoy and let you know about current events. I love hiking, walking our dog, and playing at the beaches in West Marin.

I'm also looking for other bloggers to post here. All I ask is that your stories must be about Novato and our local folks. It would be ideal if you post once a week but even once a month would be fine. Please contact me if you are interested Kerry Boozenny (415) 328-3716.

I work out of my home office here in Novato. Every month I teach eBay classes on Saturdays. I have 2 daughters attending Novato High School and Hill Middle School.
We are active in our local girl scouts. Note: Cookie sales start in February.

My husband is Mark Boozenny, he has a hardwood floor company, Boozenny Bros. Hardwood Floors. He eats many of his meals at Marvin's on Grant Ave. He is in the Rip City Riders motorcycle club. They are the good guys. Each year they give back to the community in so many ways and I'll share some of that with you too.

Please check back and thanks for visiting!