Name: Sondi Bruner
Blog name and URL: Sondi Bruner Consulting, formerly ‘The Copycat Cook’ sondibruner.com
Where were you born? Toronto, ON
Where are you living now? Vancouver, BC
Why did you start your blog?
I began exploring gluten-free/dairy-free baking and cooking in 2009. I was bringing delicious items to work, potlucks and parties and other people were constantly asking me for my recipes. Instead of emailing them to everyone, I decided to create a communal space where I could share my creations. Also, I was feeling restrained in my job and wanted to explore a way to express my creativity. Though I’d been a professional writer for many years, I was primarily writing for employers or clients using their personas. My blog was where I began to explore my own voice and identity for the first time.
How did you decide on your blog name?
I named my original blog The Copycat Cook because it was themed around adapting recipes to be gluten-free, dairy-free and allergen-friendly. When I folded my blog into my business website, it just became ‘the blog’.
What do you blog about?
I write about gluten-free, dairy-free and allergen-friendly living; this includes recipes, as well as health and lifestyle tips. Since I have a long history of Crohn’s disease, I also blog about digestive health and healing.
What post are you most proud of and why?
Healing Naturally From Crohn’s Disease, Part Two: Major Dietary Changes.
This is the longest and most personal post I have ever written, and it was the most difficult to publish. I frequently discuss my life in blog posts, but I rarely delve into the deeply emotional, nitty-gritty stuff. This post is about a monumental dietary change I made and the turmoil I experienced in making the adjustment. I was awestruck at the amount of love and support I received after I posted this, both in the comments and by personal emails from readers.
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Mint chocolate chip is my favourite ice cream flavour in the world. Everyone needs to rejoice and revel in the amazingness of the mint-chocolate combo.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
Fruit Rollups. I had no idea people were so into healthy fruit rollups! It’s the most-viewed post on my blog ever, and continues to get the most hits daily. And peeps are sharing it on Pinterest like crazy.
What is one (non-kitchen) gadget you can’t live without?
My laptop.
What is one kitchen gadget you can’t live without?
Hmm…so hard to choose! I think my Vitamix wins.
Favourite food, care to share a recipe?
I love avocados. And chocolate. They make the perfect couple in this recipe: Chocolate Avocado Mousse
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page?
I was very dramatic growing up. I had a talkative, opinionated personality; I threw plenty of tantrums. I dreamed of being an actress, singer and dancer. I had 16 teeth removed as a child (most were baby teeth, but some were permanent) because my mouth was too small for all of them. My family joked about the irony of this constantly, since I was always yakking it up and mouthing off. Most people are surprised to hear this, as I’m quite shy and introverted now. I tend to listen more than I talk.
What makes your blog unique?
I aim to help readers understand that healthy, allergen-friendly eating is simple, delicious and abundant. Dietary restrictions are not a punishment – they are liberating!
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