May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month!

 

Gluten-free Scallop Scampi -- find my recipe in the Winter/Holiday 2012 back issue of Delight Gluten-free Magazine.

May is Celiac Disease awareness month! After being gluten-free for 5 years now, my life and health have completely changed for the better. I went 20 years before getting a diagnosis of gluten intolerance or Celiac. Since doctors started me on an elimination diet rather than testing me with a biopsy first, (you need to be actively eating gluten in order to have a positive result) it means now that I'm needing to be gluten-free, there is no way I am painfully consuming gluten again in order to get a positive biopsy. They noted my symptoms were so extreme they were sure it was classic Celiac disease. One day, I will get a genetic test to be absolutely sure. 

According to Celiac facts from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, the average diagnosis time right now is 6 -10 years. That is 6 - 10 years too long so spreading awareness to cut down average time is important. 1 in 133 suffer from Celiac and it is estimated that 83% of Americans who have Celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions. Please share this to spread awareness this month if you can, or at least hug a Celiac near you. Just make sure there's no crumbs on you first! 

The only treatment for Celiac disease right now is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. No wheat, barley, rye, or cross contaminated oats might seem restrictive to some, but for me it means a bountiful and healthful life again. It's not bad at all, even with my many other food allergies. A positive attitude really helps heal anything. For more information about Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity and managing food allergies, check out my resources page.

2014 New Year, Fresh Start

Happy New Year!

For me, 2013 was the year of growth and challenges. I made the decision to pursue my passion for nutrition through graduate school which was an entire gear switch from my undergraduate studies. It was challenging to become a scientist after political and linguistic focus and I admit I was not fully prepared for the onslaught of organic and biochemistry. But it remains one of the best choices I have made for myself and I'm proud of what I accomplished in one year's passing. I've learned a vast amount, and I simply cannot put a price on that.

With the turn of the new year, I carefully sculpted out my new goals and aspirations which erupted in a buzzing excitement and personal drive that I suspect will not wane anytime soon. One of my biggest changes implemented is to get back to the very basics of a healthy lifestyle. After some bouts with systemic inflammation, psoriasis, and regularly consuming too many processed foods, I knew I was drifting a substantial distance from my personal ideals about food and nutrition. This year, I've begun a healing, anti-inflammatory plant based diet that has already done wonders for my small spots of psoriasis (they've all but disappeared after not budging for a few weeks). My overall health plan, in five points:

• More vegan dishes, mainly plant based diet
• Little, to no meat and dairy, moderate fish intake.
• Very limited processed food products and refined sugar
• Weekly Yoga, meditation, and positive affirmations
• No alcohol consumption, save special occasions

I've been in the kitchen doing some mad-science (cooking and making massive messes) and am excited to share my new approach to whole nutritious plant foods with all of you. Additionally, I've received many kind emails and comments regarding the blog that have really reignited the spark for fresh new content. I want to thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown me--I appreciate you all very much and thank you for your patience on the downtime during my studies. An inspiring quote I came across that I find potent and vital to remember this year: "Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you." - Unknown. Remember that only you have the power to make your year the year you wish it to be. With love and health, I wish you a happy and extraordinary 2014.

Friday Links - Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday! Today I'm savoring probably one of the last warm weather days/weeks around here and remembering the great times I had this summer. I had a blast visiting my family and getting up north to Alpena, which is always the best place ever no matter how far I travel. I snapped some great photos of the fam which I enjoyed looking back through. My cousin Nathan is pictured above looking dapper before we engaged in a traditional intense game of thunder and lightening and my aunt's fabulous summer sangria. Have a great weekend, and enjoy these end of the week links I'm loving!

For the kiddos, 5 gluten-free back to school snacks

I'm all about the pumpkin come fall. This healthy pumpkin and spice quick-bread with nuts (vegan/gluten-free) sounds so good.

This gluten-free, soy-free sweet and sour chicken with rice is on my to-make list.

The 14 Best (and worst!) Gluten-free Beers. I love St. Peter's way too much!

GO girl! 2-time "Cupcake Wars" winner shares gluten-free dessert recipes. Totally need to step up my gf cupcake game.

A fantastic blog, "A House in the Hills" is written by a woman with Crohn's disease. Can't believe I've never read this one before!

On the Wild Inner Self and Breakfast Quesadillas

I used to be a wild child of sorts. I say of sorts because somewhere in my excitable nature, that lively and unfiltered strain of myself still lurks. You know, the part that spontaneously dances like mad with the grace of an uncoordinated five year old. Well, I suppose you don't know but rather my sister does. Or the part that picks the most obnoxious catchy parts of songs and sings them loudly and repeatedly without thinking twice (Sorry Lindsey). Or the part that occasionally likes to split a bottle of wine on a Wednesday night and frolic around in the park and play on the playground. Yes, that slightly wild and silly part that I suppress sometimes (a lot more than I should) not only exists, but reels like crazy deep down. And I'm okay with that, now more than ever.

The past few months of this winter really had me feeling older than my years. I found myself suppressing my inner happy go lucky self in order to be taken more seriously and try to be more productive. Over the last few years actually, that has been the trend. After college graduation, I thought it was time to "grow up". But I think the opposite of what I wanted to happen, happened. And I didn't expect it. I became less interested with myself, more tired, and frankly more boring. I was working hard, and had some successes, but wasn't really happy. I felt like a stifled, shushed, whiny, and tired-of-it-all woman. At my own hand no less.

This year, and even more so with the recent coming of spring, I find a familiar feeling bubbling up inside of me; something that makes me take a step back and wonder, "Hang on, where the hell have I been??" The other morning, I woke up with "Another One Bites The Dust" stuck in my head (don't ask), and suddenly found myself belting out some Queen and shakin' it like nobody's business--like it was automatic. And it is, because it's who I am. I'm dancing like crazy. I'm not being overly cautious. I'm not catering to what "they" might think. I'm finding more and more happiness with letting that wild vibrant spirit of mine come to light with the realization that I was perfectly imperfect before I tried to "grow up" too much. Perhaps I tried to suppress that part of me to make up for the time I thought I'd lost. My battle with undiagnosed gluten issues, food allergies, and ADHD made being successful difficult. Really difficult. I managed, but I had to work around these things for a long time and had to work A LOT harder than I do after diagnosis to make it all jive. Maybe I tried to kill that wild, silly, lovely part of myself because it reminded me of more hazy, uncertain, and unhealthier days. But the fact is, I'm not unhealthy anymore. I'm bursting with life and heart and crazy big opportunities that demand my inner vibrancy! It's been a long time coming, but now I'm just finding I've reached that refreshing balance of being young at heart while still being a capable professional gearing up to take on the world. This is my crazy state of grace. Please excuse my rambles.

By the way, this really has nothing to do with gluten-free Breakfast Quesadillas, other than the fact that they're also quite bold and pack a punch of spicy flavor. Oh well. I feel like my own authentic self now more than ever before. There's something to be said for that.

And no one said it better than Pink Floyd... so shine on you crazy diamond.

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,
rode on the steel breeze.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!"

Gluten-free Breakfast Stuffed Quesadillas

This recipe is free of: Gluten, Soy, Lactose (contains Casein), Peanuts, Legumes, and Refined Sugar.

Yield: One large Quesadilla

• 2 brown rice tortillas, or gluten-free tortillas of choice (I use Food For Life brand).
• 1 cup grated almond jalepeno jack cheeze (contains casein, but no lactose. I use Lisonatti Foods brand)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 eggs, scrambled
• Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne (optional) to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions
• Salsa of choice for serving (I use Mrs. Renfro's Medium Salsa)

1. In a small fry pan, saute diced onion and green bell pepper with spices.
2. Add 3 eggs and cook until it becomes scrambled. Remove from the heat.
3. In a larger fry pan over low/medium heat, add the first tortilla to the pan and cover with shredded almond cheeze. Add the scrambled eggs on top and sprinkle with a bit more cheese.
4. Add the second tortilla on top and press down until the cheeze starts to melt. After about 3 to 4 minutes, carefully flip over the quesadilla and allow to cook the rest of the way on that side. The edges may get a little crispy, but just keep them pressed down with a pancake flipper or spatula.
5. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onion and salsa. Serve hot.

Contest Winner, Happy Spring!

Congratulations to Anne H, the contest winner of the Red Apple Lipstick Mint 2 Be gloss giveaway!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and be sure to stay tuned for some other giveaways in the future. I also want to wish everyone a happy spring and share a picture of the beautiful spring flowers my fiance brought home the other day. Have a lovely start to the week!

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Earth Hour 2013

"The World is using the equivalent of one and a half planets to support life on Earth."

Earth Hour 2013 is coming up tomorrow, Saturday March 23 at 8:30pm (Eastern time) and I couldn't be more excited! It snuck up on me this week and I nearly forgot all about it until yesterday evening, even after I recently wrote an article for Delight Gluten-Free Magazine about celebrating it with a gluten-free twist in the March/April issue....safe to say it's been a busy week! We're planning to switch off all our lights and appliances, have a candlelight yoga session, and indulge in vegan blueberry pie--the recipe will be posted on Sunday!

This morning as I was writing this post, I was quietly listening to the news in the background. They were discussing a nominated CNN Hero, Doc Hendley, for his work in bringing clean water to those living in impoverished areas where safe water is scarce. It's sadly not news to me that many people in other countries must walk for 4 or 5 hours just to reach their water for the day, and it's dirty water at that. Today is World Water Day and I feel incredibly lucky to live in a place where clean water is available to me whenever I turn on the sink. Clean water should not be a privilege. It's so vital that we take care to preserve the resources on this planet through our everyday actions and by celebrating our planet every day. Check out the awesome video by EarthHour.org for 2013:

In the spirit of celebrating and sustaining our mother Earth, I'd like to share five easy but effective things that I try to do on a regular basis to help sustain our planet:

1. Turn off the water faucet while brushing teeth to save water.


2. Use sustainable candles and candlelight instead of lamps a few nights per week.


3. Bring reusable grocery bags on shopping trips. If I forget, I am sure to recycle the bags by using them for small trash bags in the house or in other ways.


4. Use (or upgrade to) energy saving electronics and appliances whenever possible. My latest energy efficient purchase was an energy star ultrabook laptop.


5. Buy local produce often. I love supporting the local farmers and economy in this way. A bonus is planting a garden annually ourselves.

For more ideas to celebrate Earth Hour and Earth Day often, check out my article in the March issue of Delight Gluten-Free Magazine for tips and fun vegan/raw food recipes. I also have a plethora of easy and earth friendly recipes I've posted throughout the life of this blog that can be browsed in the Recipe page or by typing in keywords such as "vegan" or "earth day" in the search box in the upper left corner of my site.

Happy Earth Hour and World Water Day!

How will you celebrate the planet today?

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The (almost) Isolation of Severe Allergies

Sometimes writing things down can be a kind of therapy. A way to empty out all my thoughts, clear my head, and make sense of some of the loose ends. So today, I'm writing something I need to read myself. The other day, I was feeling a little similar to Charlotte in Lost in Translation, someone who ultimately wasn't really being neglected by someone else, but was actually neglecting or not acknowledging a part of herself. (I included a clip from the movie above, a beautiful scene that happens to include one of my favorite songs by Air).

Isolation is something I've fought feeling and understanding for quite some time now. Just recently have I allowed myself to acknowledge that I've been feeling this in my subconscious for years. Not all the time, but just enough to let it silently throw me off kilter sometimes. It's a difficult feeling to put to words, but I'm guessing there might be thousands of other people out there that will instantly understand my sentiments here without me writing another character. It's not really about wishing things were different, because I'm extremely happy where I am in life today. It's more about a silent state of mind that hits periodically; a reflective, almost anxious but not quite, tingling that tries telling me I shouldn't venture out too far because I'm different. Really different. By nature. Once recently, I let this feeling slip over me and talk me out of going for a day trip alone, trying to eat out at a restaurant I really missed, and just exploring somewhere I'd never been before. I wasn't afraid of the possibility of getting sick from food, having an allergic reaction, or getting lost. I just felt a melancholy thought that if anything happened, no one would understand or could understand. "How could they understand?" I thought. Sometimes I didn't even understand what I was reacting to and still slip up in my own kitchen at times. I realized how very wrong I was to let this deter me. This day trip represented more than just a day trip. It's living life.

I think periodic feelings of isolation began for me when I started to feel the physical symptoms of chronic disease some 5 years ago. I felt stabs of mortality, pain, fear, anxiety, and sadness before all my diagnoses. I truly felt alone for the first time in my life, even though everyone around me was trying to help. Since then, I've overcome so many obstacles and I'm proud of how far I've come. Things have changed drastically for the better. I will never complain about the blessings that many severe food allergies and severe gluten intolerance or Celiac disease have brought me and these things ultimately taught me great lessons and great joy. I will never curse them away. But I've changed so much as a person through this journey, I don't quite recognize who I was before all of this happened. Sometimes it results in a more reserved, reflective form of myself who shies away from uncertainty. These waves of isolation represent more than I think they do though. Maybe I've been thinking about this all wrong. Feeling isolated is not the same thing as feeling different. Isolation is really something you create yourself. It is not just a byproduct of circumstance. It is a closed state of mind, an un-celebration, if you will, of what makes you bold and beautiful. Maybe isolation isn't that you think other people won't understand you, but that you aren't fully understanding yourself.

I'm mainly writing this down so I don't forget what I'm now understanding, however rambled sounding it may be. Isolation is a choice. It can be a detriment, or it can be a catalyst to challenge the status-quo of your own life. If I had given in to feelings of isolation before, would I have ever reached out and started this blog? No. Would I be snapping photos and contributing to a magazine I love? No. Would I be a freelance writer? Certainly not. Today, I'm using this understanding to go even further towards what I might be unsure of and what might seem challenging to me.

I was just going to end this post on that note, by was struck by a strong memory. In one of the first conversations I ever had with my now fiance, he said something simple yet profound.

Life isn't waiting, so neither am I.

Funny how fragments of life well lived come back in the moments when you really need to see them the most.

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The Weekend in Pictures

 - Qrunch Quinoa Veggie Burgers, free of the top 8 allergens, gluten, and corn. -

This weekend was a rare occurrence. We had a leisurely weekend without planning anything or working on projects and it really felt like a mini-vacation, even though we didn't travel anywhere. Since I graduated from college with my undergrad degree two years ago, I felt like I'd been living on a scrambler carnival ride non-stop. I treasured having some time to recharge and definitely agree with the sentiment that the best ideas, creativity, and motivation comes from taking a time out from the bustling.

- Homemade Southwest Chicken Salad with salsa and black beans. Wait...did I say Black Beans? Yes, I did. My legume allergy seems to be lessening, as I can now tolerate black beans with no adverse reactions. I'm ecstatic! -

- Leftovers done right: Hearty Brown Rice Pasta with Turmeric Roasted Chicken with Italian Herbs -

- Quick Goat Cheese Pizza using Brown Rice Crusts -

- Almond Flour Orange Blueberry Muffins. I'll be sharing this recipe in my next post. -

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Our Engagement

I couldn't be happier in saying that since December 29th 2012, I am lovingly engaged to my best friend in the universe. I hold so much excitement in my heart for the times that we will share; growing, learning, eating, laughing, playing, working, cooking, dancing, crying (happily!), and trail blazing our way through this enchanting, wild world together.

When I saw my future fiance for the first time, the strangest feeling crept over me. We had not yet exchanged words or even locked eyes, but I felt an odd and knowing feeling inside. I'd like to think it was my spirit instinctively acknowledging the deep and pure compatibility; something my heart and head would soon realize that we shared. I still hadn't looked him in the eye as I saw him in my peripheral standing in the doorway, his face only half lit by the warm fire outside, but his smile bright as ever as he peered at me through the darkness. I've said it many times since that night..."I'm so glad you found me."

Thank you for everything you've taught me, Y. I've grown more since I met you than in all my life. You challenge me to reach my highest potential and make me feel that no matter what obstacle I'm facing, I can not only conquer it but can turn it into the most positive and rewarding experience possible. I only hope I can give the same to you the rest of our years.

Ps. I promise this will not turn into a wedding blog =) That's not to say I won't share anything about it here, but everyone can still expect the usual allergy-free, gluten-free goodness around here. Thanks to all our friends and family for the well wishes!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guest Post at Sweet Anne Designs

Just wanted to drop a quick note about a guest post I did for the lovely Kayla of Sweet Anne Designs--a great site you'll be hearing more about in the near future! The picture above was created by Kayla and gives a preview of what we talked about on her weekly "Who I want to Be Wednesday". Check out her other posts there, as they are all amazing. You can find my guest post here or by clicking the image above. It feels liberating to share some personal stories and get a little more candid like I did here, inspired by Kayla's Wednesday posts.

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A Voyage Home: Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips, Banana Chips, & Grain-freeTrail Mix

This past weekend, I was ecstatic to finally be traveling home to visit my lovely family. The weather was balmy and hot, which made cruising with the windows down on the highway an invigorating adventure.

My dad has been down with a pneumonia so I wanted to bring him a handcrafted pick-me-up gift basket. I nestled some of my homemade Apple Cinnamon Chips, Banana Chips, and homemade Grain-free Trail Mix amongst some of my favorite feel good items in a rustic woven basket and stuffed it with simple beige-gold tissue paper. While my dad doesn't need to be gluten free or soy free, these items are so home-y and delicious he didn't even notice they were free of both of these common allergens.

~ Rustic Gift Basket: Free of Soy, Gluten, Peanuts, Legumes, Eggs ~

{{ Homemade Banana Chips, Apple Cinnamon Chips, Grain-free Trail Mix, Raw Michigan Honey, Theo's Orange Dark Chocolate Bar (soy & gluten free), SO Delicious Chocolate Coconut Milk }}

The time at home definitely went by much too quickly as usual and I'm back in the midst of a busy week. But I always feel that rejuvinated renewal of spirit after I've reconneted with those that mean the most to me and bring me so much joy. Nothing quite beats being surrounded by family, having a good laugh, and muching on homemade goodies while a soft fluffy puppy falls asleep on your lap.

 

Sophie looks angelic while at rest...how deceiving. But we love her anyway.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips

• 3 to 4 large Golden Delicious Apples
• Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Optional: Drizzle of sweetener of choice if you want a bit more sweetness. I did not use any sweeteners.

Preheat oven to 200F. Thinly slice the apples using a mandolin or a sharp knife. Be careful to get the slices as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking in the oven. Dust with ground cinnamon and (optional) sweetener of choice (agave may play well here). Place apples on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 2 -3 hours or until crisp. A dehydrator could be used in place of the oven.

Baked Banana Chips

• 2 - 3 Bananas, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 200F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place banana slices evenly spaced. Bake for 2 - 3 hours or until crips (or use a dehydrator instead).

Grain-Free Trail Mix

• 1/2 cup raw Almonds, soaked in water for 8 hours then dried.
• 1/2 cup raw Walnuts, soaked and dried.
• 1/4 cup Enjoy Life Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
• 1/4 cup Surf Sweets Jelly Beans

Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar. For a sweet treat, pour some of the mix in a small bowl and drizzle with raw local honey. This totally beats boring cereal in the morning!

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

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Living with Food Allergies: Overcoming Challenges

Since going gluten-free over 3 years ago and being highly allergic to soy, peanuts, and legumes for one year, I'd had my fair share of ups and downs. I know most people dealing with multiple food allergies have probably at one point dealt with many of the following things:

• People telling you (directly or indirectly) that they think you're limited or "damaged goods" due to your strange immune system.


• Strangers commenting on your weight or body in a negative light.


• Misunderstandings about what you can and can't eat, and others seeing you as difficult due to your limited diet.


• Feeling alone or isolated from people, close and not so close, that don't fully understand your situation or refuse to acknowledge it.


• Struggling with safe food choices and keeping a balanced diet despite numerous restrictions.


• Self loathing or feeling inadequate due to being different with food allergies.


• Frustration on not being able to eat what everyone else does.


• Depression/Anxiety over your permanent situation.


• Feeling the need to apologize to others for your special diet or food allergies.

At first, I had a hard time grappling with the changes that had been shoved into my life without my consent. I felt myself asking questions like, "Why me?" or "How am I going to overcome this without losing myself?". The truth is, all of the above have come to be great and priceless blessings, even if it felt like the absolute opposite at the start.

Using these obstacles as stepping stones to building yourself back up after the fall takes patience and practice, but will ultimately make you stronger and more resilient than anyone or anything aiming these negative energies your way. Some of my best days have been laughing in the face of what seemed to be impossible to live with. I am constantly surrounded by food I cannot eat everywhere I go, but that doesn't mean my attitude needs to be sour. Let your light shine brighter and learn to love what you do have. Here's some of the many things I'm thankful for and that have taught me to embrace my radiant self, no matter what's testing me that day:

• Precious and delicious food that I can eat


• Learning to be my own gourmet chef and rock it out in the kitchen whenever I have a craving (waaay cheaper, healthier, and more fun than a few rounds at a run of the mill restaurant).


• My support system: Family is forever and the ones you can trust to just "be there" truly shine with you through the challenges making you realize your full potential and grace.


• The power of nature, nourishing the body, mind, and spirit, and keeping life simple.


• A positive outlook changes your life, and no one can take away your own powerful thoughts.


• Organic, pure, and real food.


• Small steps and victories that reaffirm you are capable of anything you focus on overcoming.


• How small and big my life seems at the same time when I look at the sky.


• Others negativity ultimately becomes my strength.


• Love. Pure and Simple.

That list could go on probably forever, but you get the idea. Overcoming challenges from living with special diets or food allergies can be difficult, there's no question about that. It's what you do with the opportunity that's knocking. Let your little light shine and be authentically you. You don't ever have to apologize for that. You are strong, beautiful, and you are the one that's in control. What will you do with your blessings today?

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Unleashing Inner Strength

Looking back on how far I've come since this summer when I was in and out the emergency room every few days, I feel a renewed sense of life. I remember how much adversity I've faced head on and come through. I'm reminded that we as humans are survivors by nature, and it's truly flooring what the human spirit is capable of.

Today I just want to post a few things that really inspire me to embrace my inner strength. No food allergies, celiac disease, tumors, or seemingly stressful jobs have power over the creation of my own happiness and full appreciation for life. This world is full of unique blooms and the brightest of rays. Open your eyes and bask in the richness of life.

 

Taken on a road trip with my sister in the Washington state peninsula.

Taken on a relaxing morning filled with the warm scent of cinnamon.


There's always time for being young and silly at heart. I find it vital to my existence.

Spontaneous brunches. My favorite coaster is shown here.

Crazy, fun, wild, love!

You are always stronger than you think.

What things do you deem important in your life?

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Thoughts: Living with Food Allergies is Actually...Easy

 

Thoughts:

NO

Soy

Gluten

Legumes

Living freely is easy.

Simple food is the healthiest food.

You are what you absorb: Make it count.

Appreciation for the 'little things' glows brighter.

You learn to listen, speak, reflect, and cook with your heart.

A healthy body reflects a healthy mind, spirit, & promotes a balanced life.

A simple life: More laughing and loving: Peace throughout: Happy tummy.

Virtues: Patience, Perseverance, Attitude, Love, Thankfulness, & Bravery all win

through constant trials while cushioning our footsteps like wispy clouds.

You may actually be trying a bigger variety than people who eat out.

There is always a way to make a replacement for everything.

Nourishing and healing yourself is worth the while.

What are your thoughts?

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Little things and Homemade Egg Drop Soup

- Simple things to love -

 

- Ancient Harvest Quinoa: Made in a dedicated soy free, gluten free facility -

 Hearty pasta with grass-fed meat, fresh parsley from the garden, and red wine tomato sauce. I absolutely adore Tinkyada Rice pasta products -

 

Homemade Egg-Drop Soup

• 6 cups veggie stock
• 1 lightly sauteed leek
• dash of Coconut Aminos
• 1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic curry powder
• 1/4 of an onion chopped and lightly sauteed
• salt, cracked black pepper
• 2-3 eggs, to your preference

Roughly chop and saute the leek and onion together in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bring 6 cups veggie stock to a boil. Once boiling steadily, add in your egg one by one (beaten) and stir while pouring them in. This creates the beautiful strings and sections of egg in the soup. Season to taste.

"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do." - Mother Teresa

Celebrating Our Year Together

Wishing my wonderful boyfriend a happy one year anniversary (11/19)

 - I made us some delicious egg "muffins" with kale and caramelized onions -

 

- Made a chocolate cake from King Arthur's Gluten free chocolate cake mix (Soy free, nut free) -

 

- Cute gift from Y -

 

- Anniversary cards, both made and bought -

We spent the night frolicking around town after going to a movie date. It seemed every pub or swanky martini bar we approached was overcapacity with either football fans from Nebraska in town for the game or students taking a celebratory drink. We finally settled down with some Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay at cozy Old Town Tavern. We're now enjoying a productive Sunday at the university library.

How do you enjoy celebrating occasions and living it up without food allergens?

Sprinkles

Every so often, I like to share a few sprinkles of joy in my life right now..

-Spicy guacamole with celery and red onions-

-Organic romaine, arugala, fresh parsley and dill with red onion and citrus salad-

-Allergy free chocolate from here-

-Celtic love knot necklace I made for my boyfriend-

-Hand stitched pillow from boyfriend's mom-