About

Thanks for stopping by!

Hi – I’m Jen. I am the main author and co-founder of the blog.

She said. She said. started as a partnership between myself and my bff, Anne. She had been encouraging me to start a blog, but I was a nervous nelly about it. She volunteered to co-blog with me and that’s all it took. Anne is still a regular contributor to the blog, but has stepped back from her co-blogger status. You can read about that story here.

So, what’s this blog about and why should you stick around?

I guess you would call this a healthy living blog. I write about food (since it’s awesome), cooking, fitness (I’m a runner, biker and wanna be yogi), restaurants, and other random rants musings. My goal is to inspire people to find a healthy balance (this includes things like chocolate and wine).  I would call myself pretty knowledgable when it comes to healthy eating, but I’m by no means an expert. My basic food philosophy is pretty simple. Eat good food and let it be real. It’s not rocket science. A diet full of produce, whole grains, locally sourced and organic meats (if you’re into animals), quality dairy (not processed cheese food), beans, lentils, tofu (or tempeh), and the occasional treat ( you can decide what occasional means) will set you up for success. I’m not going to get on my soapbox here, you’ll figure out how I roll the more you read.

Here’s a little more about me:

I love food. Did I already cover that?

I live in Minneapolis with my husband, Brette. He also loves food and will eat anything I make, making him my number one guinea pig. He also runs, competes in triathlons, and plays both fast pitch and slow pitch softball.

We have an adorable yellow lab, Lily. I can’t say she’s as active as we are. She’s a bit on the lazy side. Always has been. She does love running with us, though we’re pulling her by the end! She also loves hunting, swimming and sunbeams.

My day job is in the non-profit world, which I love. Fund-raising is my specialty.

My favorite things to do include biking, running, reading, watching movies (we are Oscar freaks!) and most of all cooking. I love all things food. I fell in love with food at an early age because I have a mother who is an awesome cook. She is still my go-to for cooking questions. My siblings (I’m the youngest of 6) are also great cooks. It’s in our blood.

I’m so fortunate to live in a city that has great places to eat and that has really embraced the local food movement.

Minneapolis is also a great place to stay active. We have access to an awesome trail system for both running and biking, and the community in general is very fitness friendly. I can’t see myself ever leaving this city.

To find out even more about me, check out my 25 random things.

If you have any questions about me or the blog, please leave them in the comments or e-mail me at jenhjelle at gmail dot com.

17 Responses to “About”

  1. Carin May 28, 2009 at 9:15 am #

    Love the blog…can’t wait to read more!

  2. Jolene May 29, 2009 at 9:42 pm #

    Great intro and pictures my friends!! Looking forward to more.

  3. JackieO May 30, 2009 at 9:25 pm #

    I have sent this blog out to Anna Jana and Julie…. :) It looks GREAT!!! And makes me feel guilty for eating a whole bag of tostitos!

  4. Jen June 1, 2009 at 1:27 pm #

    This is wonderful!!! I’ve got you girls bookmarked.

    Keep it up!

  5. Cat June 2, 2009 at 9:41 pm #

    Cool idea ladies!! Looking forward to more good info!

  6. Lynn June 3, 2009 at 12:04 pm #

    Very clever and fun blog. Will have to read more when time allows. Congrats!

  7. Diane from Winsted June 10, 2009 at 4:10 pm #

    Joan sent me the blog link, very cool, cept damit now I want that egg cream stuff.

  8. Jennifer July 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm #

    geat idea! I’ll be watching for more…

  9. Alyssa Mathews February 17, 2010 at 11:58 am #

    Hi Anne & Jen,

    I was just reading your blog and love it! I think you are your readers would be interested in LivingSocials Deals that just launched in the Twin Cities. Today, take 50% off Santorini Taverna in Eden Prairie. Go to: http://www.deals.livingsocial.com

    Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for LivingSocial!

    Best,
    Alyssa

  10. Sarah March 2, 2010 at 3:52 pm #

    Just read your review of Burger Jones. Thank! I’d love to keep you updated on Parasole happenings. May I add you to our PR distro list? email me at sreigstad at parasole dot com

  11. couchpotatoathlete August 23, 2010 at 10:03 am #

    I just found your blog on HLB — I am a MN blogger and I wanted to check out your blog!

    • jen August 23, 2010 at 10:28 am #

      Holly – thanks for stopping in! Come back often. :)

  12. lindsay November 14, 2010 at 12:41 pm #

    I love great stories of friends, food, and fitness! What a special friendship and a great way to share it with us!

  13. Meghan November 16, 2010 at 3:28 pm #

    I love your co-blogging approach! Your gifting ideas are great, and congratulations on being featured in Freshly Pressed. Consider me a new subscriber!

    Cheers Ladies-

    • jen November 16, 2010 at 7:17 pm #

      Thanks Meghan! We are thrilled to have you.

  14. Lisa November 22, 2010 at 5:18 pm #

    Hi,

    I wanted to inform you of the 2011 Fitness and Health Bloggers Conference, scheduled for June 24-26 in Boulder, Colorado.

    http://www.FitnessBloggersConference.org

    This conference will be a gathering of bloggers from throughout North America who specialize in the areas of fitness or health. I live in Boulder and can tell you it is a very active, healthy city and the perfect place for this conference.

    Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to be included in conference updates. Find us on Twitter @fitnessbloggers

    I hope you can join us!

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