Sundays are about rest, recovery from the busy week, church, familyand food. In this house it is also about meal planning, getting prepared for the week ahead and just plain organization. You have to realize, having a child with celiacs and dealing with 3 other kids who aren't I have to plan/make breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack AND dinner, not just a meal plan for dinners. Add in crafts and sometimes the weekly planning takes all day. I don't want my kids to be bored with food and I'm super picky about ingredients so it's a lengthy process that most people wouldn't take the time to do or have the patience with. This week I'm going to break apart each aspect of my planning and give you some ideas. Yes, Pinterest has become my best friend as it just makes my life easier!
Let's start with my breakfast plan for this week. I've had several people specifically request ideas in this department. Mornings are hectic no matter who you are. I try to stock as many things in my freezer as possible. But healthy too. Sometimes that can be trying. I will buy organic fruits and put them in individual baggies for smoothies, smart healthy muffins (bite size and regular size - banana, carrot, blueberry, and even choc chip filled with flax and chia seeds), quick breads (zucchini, banana, apple, pumpkin also loaded with flax and chia) and pancakes ( all flavors, silver dollar sized). Usually I just make a double batch of whatever I'm making for the day and freeze everything else so week day mornings especially are super quick.
This week I wanted to change things up some...
Here are my breakfast ideas are:
Sunday night I baked banana bread, I followed the general directions for Pamela's baking mix, added extra banana and used organic coconut palm sugar as my sweetener as well as flax and chia seeds. I let it cool, sliced and toasted it with coconut spreadable butter with some fruit on the side for Monday's breakfast.
Breakfast pizzas is next up. For those of you who aren't Gfree you can toast some buttered or coconut spread English muffins. For those of you who are Gfree - I'm not a huge fan of what is out there for Gfree English muffins. Lets be honest, they are awful. For Izzy, I have used Schar's par-baked ciabatta rolls split in half and toasted lightly in the oven as well as making actual gfree pizza dough/cornbread in whoopee pie tins for the base. Add a TBSP olive oil or coconut oil, some Gfree sausage/peppers/potatoes if you wish and sauté until cooked through (spices, marinara and sunny side up egg are all added if you choose), beat a couple of eggs and push sausage mix to the side and scramble the eggs in the other side of the pan. Top your base with the mixture and add some cheese and toast in the oven until melted and serve!!
Breakfast casserole is also on the list. You may use Gfree potatoes (shredded or diced), sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, eggs, everything and put it in the crock pot or oven, chives, cheese and plain organic greek yogurt are also among the add in and thing you want. You don't have to make it with meat, it's just an option. No crust needed! A great Gfree start of protein to the day!
Yogurt with berries or whatever fruit of the season is in, even homemade applesauce/apple pie filling or pumpkin in the fall
This muffin recipe is THE BOMB...using all organic ingredients, homemade when you can and subbing both cups of flour that are not gfree for Pamela's or your favorite gfree blend and gfree oats....this is an amazing favorite in our house! You can def sub coconut yogurt or your fav non dairy, add nuts if you aren't allergic, flax, chia, or even dried fruits http://reallifedinner.com/the-best-toddler-muffins/
Finally pancake dippers. I reserve these for the weekends. WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE about crispy bacon doused in Gfree pancake????? and dipped in 100% maple syrup?? This you'll need a skillet for. Make your favorite pancake batter, gfree or otherwise and cook the bacon. I choose to cut the bacon package in half and bake the bacon for 20 minutes @350 F in the oven the drain. Put bacon on skillet then drop ice cream scoop sized pancake batter on top of the bacon and cook like a pancake. A little side of maple syrup or agave and YUM!!!
Tomorrow's got Lunches and afternoon snacks!
mom of 4 beautiful children. From teens to toddlers and every food allergy and culinary experience along the way...
My sweet celiac and youngest, Izzy
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Pause Button
Sometimes I wish there were a pause button on life. We are already a month and a half into the school year with my sweet littles, a month into Shelby's senior year and Lana's freshman year of college and almost through our birthday "season" in this house. All the time I thought I'd have once Izzy was in school full time was a farce, lie, total ridiculousness. Fall is always so busy and I know it will calm down soon but then there will be the holidays and the new year and a move. And this time next year I will be sitting here with all of my kids another year older wishing for the same thing....a pause button.
So let's catch up on the last month and a half!
First day of school for the littles was a HUGE success! Izzy's allergies were taken care of quickly, efficiently and lovingly by her teacher and EVERY staff member at our school. Within two weeks she not only had an action plan but a 504 as well. Her teacher is amazing and has such an awesome personality and loving inspiration/environment that Izzy has been thriving! Of course my girl is her usual social self and has made many new friends. Sitting at the food allergy table has been a bit of transition, especially when they have special lunch days like "grandparents lunch" and all of our family is away yet she had no one to sit with, but we are working through the little things because in the grand scheme of things it is a VERY little thing.
Noah is in the BIG 1st grade now and is doing much better as I write this than when we first started school. He has a hard time with change and this year has been difficult for him but he has already shown signs of improvement. We had his 7 year old well check appt. this week to address some concerns his teacher had and I'm very happy to report that we are only looking at some dietary changes, and some other minor changes in his benefit. She does not think that he is dealing with ADHD or Sensory issues or medication of any kind. My heart lifted at that and my faith restored. I have secretly been worrying about this for a month and I am so thankful that even at it's worst it wouldn't be the worst thing. I have two children with such medical issues I thought we'd escaped with the middle two. It's scary dealing with a heart transplant child and a child with an autoimmune disease. Despite that there are 4 kids in this family with really big things going on and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the other things. So I'm happy with the outcome as of now but there might be more to come.
Shelby's senior year is going at warp speed already! She's already applying to colleges and being recruited by a few. She's got all A's and has redone her ACT's and improved her score. So proud of her and all she's reaching to do in her life! She will take college by storm and in turn life. She is so much stronger than she thinks she is and will do amazing things! Watch out world, here she comes!!!
Lana has already taken the bull by the horns and started college and.......LOVES IT! She's doing so amazing! Proud parent moment is that with her new schedule we actually have one on one time that we haven't had in 18 years. I love that she's going to school here right now and loving it as much as she does, here for an occasional lunch while everyone's in school or going to the elementary school to have lunch with her siblings. It's truly been a blessing. She's quite an amazing woman. PS. Her transplant appt's have been fabulous!
There are some fabulous things happening with these kids and I'm so happy to see them flourish and develop their own personalities and traits. What an amazing life...I want to pause right now.
New recipes to come!
So let's catch up on the last month and a half!
First day of school for the littles was a HUGE success! Izzy's allergies were taken care of quickly, efficiently and lovingly by her teacher and EVERY staff member at our school. Within two weeks she not only had an action plan but a 504 as well. Her teacher is amazing and has such an awesome personality and loving inspiration/environment that Izzy has been thriving! Of course my girl is her usual social self and has made many new friends. Sitting at the food allergy table has been a bit of transition, especially when they have special lunch days like "grandparents lunch" and all of our family is away yet she had no one to sit with, but we are working through the little things because in the grand scheme of things it is a VERY little thing.
Noah is in the BIG 1st grade now and is doing much better as I write this than when we first started school. He has a hard time with change and this year has been difficult for him but he has already shown signs of improvement. We had his 7 year old well check appt. this week to address some concerns his teacher had and I'm very happy to report that we are only looking at some dietary changes, and some other minor changes in his benefit. She does not think that he is dealing with ADHD or Sensory issues or medication of any kind. My heart lifted at that and my faith restored. I have secretly been worrying about this for a month and I am so thankful that even at it's worst it wouldn't be the worst thing. I have two children with such medical issues I thought we'd escaped with the middle two. It's scary dealing with a heart transplant child and a child with an autoimmune disease. Despite that there are 4 kids in this family with really big things going on and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the other things. So I'm happy with the outcome as of now but there might be more to come.
Shelby's senior year is going at warp speed already! She's already applying to colleges and being recruited by a few. She's got all A's and has redone her ACT's and improved her score. So proud of her and all she's reaching to do in her life! She will take college by storm and in turn life. She is so much stronger than she thinks she is and will do amazing things! Watch out world, here she comes!!!
Lana has already taken the bull by the horns and started college and.......LOVES IT! She's doing so amazing! Proud parent moment is that with her new schedule we actually have one on one time that we haven't had in 18 years. I love that she's going to school here right now and loving it as much as she does, here for an occasional lunch while everyone's in school or going to the elementary school to have lunch with her siblings. It's truly been a blessing. She's quite an amazing woman. PS. Her transplant appt's have been fabulous!
There are some fabulous things happening with these kids and I'm so happy to see them flourish and develop their own personalities and traits. What an amazing life...I want to pause right now.
New recipes to come!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
IHP, 504 and more.....oh my!
Well yesterday was the meet and greet/ orientation for Kindergarten. All I can say is wow. Sometimes all of the preparation in the world is not enough and you get caught off-guard. I'm very excited about being in this new school and having the kids on a year round schedule but apparently they had not received our records from the traditional school and had no idea about Izzy's allergies and as her teacher said to me, "I have no idea what celiacs is, I look forward to reading your letter". My scariest moment was talking with the school nurse about lunchtime and listening to her say she could eat with everyone else. But do not be discouraged. Remember that you are your child's advocate and because things did not go as planned does not mean that they are not going to work the way they should. I sent the school nurse and teacher an email with my letter attached and received great feedback same day. They have already started the process of IHP with her doctors and are looking into a 504 plan for her in the future.
IHP- Individualized Healthcare Plan is a plan put in place between the doctors, educators, parents and the school nurse to ensure your child is in a safe environment. An IHP will detail what measures the school team will take to reduce the risk of allergen exposure, recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat symptoms of exposure (Izzy reacts differently than an anaphylactic child but it will be recognizable just the same) . For instance, Isabelle will eat at the "allergy table" at lunchtime so that she will limit her exposure to gluten. She will also have a designated area of the classroom where she will be able to play without worry of playdough or some other form of gluten coming into contact with her.
504 Plans are a little more extensive. It gets its name from the 504 section of the ADAA regarding disabilities. It's purpose is very similar to an IHP but can allow for things such as extended absences due to a gluten exposure. It also would benefit her if her auto immune symptoms worsen in the coming years for other accommodations that I don't expect we will need but are there as a safety net if they are.
No matter which plan is instituted, make sure all of your concerns are in writing. It is so important for the school staff to understand their role in keeping your child safe. Make sure the plan addresses key issues that require attention in the classroom (like Izzy needing a playdough/food free zone to play) as well as other areas (like the lunchroom).
Stay excited, prepare your child like I said earlier in the week, make the new line of communication in a new school a positive one. Izzy already feels comfortable knowing I've spoken to the teacher and the school nurse and is excited to go to school on her first day. School is supposed to be the most amazing experience and journey, allow that.
On our celiac journey I also wanted to note that there are some key things your immunologist/doctor should be looking at, that I was unaware of. So, whether you are gluten sensitive and/or have celiacs or are just on a strict g-free diet your doctor should be testing some levels regularly. Iron, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin D (We got plenty of Vitamin D this summer in FL;)). I don't like my sweet girl getting stuck but it's important with most celiacs absorption not at a level it should be.
IHP- Individualized Healthcare Plan is a plan put in place between the doctors, educators, parents and the school nurse to ensure your child is in a safe environment. An IHP will detail what measures the school team will take to reduce the risk of allergen exposure, recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat symptoms of exposure (Izzy reacts differently than an anaphylactic child but it will be recognizable just the same) . For instance, Isabelle will eat at the "allergy table" at lunchtime so that she will limit her exposure to gluten. She will also have a designated area of the classroom where she will be able to play without worry of playdough or some other form of gluten coming into contact with her.
504 Plans are a little more extensive. It gets its name from the 504 section of the ADAA regarding disabilities. It's purpose is very similar to an IHP but can allow for things such as extended absences due to a gluten exposure. It also would benefit her if her auto immune symptoms worsen in the coming years for other accommodations that I don't expect we will need but are there as a safety net if they are.
No matter which plan is instituted, make sure all of your concerns are in writing. It is so important for the school staff to understand their role in keeping your child safe. Make sure the plan addresses key issues that require attention in the classroom (like Izzy needing a playdough/food free zone to play) as well as other areas (like the lunchroom).
Stay excited, prepare your child like I said earlier in the week, make the new line of communication in a new school a positive one. Izzy already feels comfortable knowing I've spoken to the teacher and the school nurse and is excited to go to school on her first day. School is supposed to be the most amazing experience and journey, allow that.
On our celiac journey I also wanted to note that there are some key things your immunologist/doctor should be looking at, that I was unaware of. So, whether you are gluten sensitive and/or have celiacs or are just on a strict g-free diet your doctor should be testing some levels regularly. Iron, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin D (We got plenty of Vitamin D this summer in FL;)). I don't like my sweet girl getting stuck but it's important with most celiacs absorption not at a level it should be.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Back to square 1 and back to school
Life can be so funny sometimes. Two years ago our trip home left me feeling like I couldn't wait to leave and get back to the Midwest. This summer's trip left me feeling like all I wanted to do is be home again for good. Izzy's food allergies have been a very similar circle as well. Two years ago we were certain of celiacs, then another allergist introduced a another possibility(FPIES) as well as another food allergy (egg), now on our way home from Florida we had an appointment with a pediatric GI specialist that brought us right back to celiacs. The auto-immune affects that go along with that were suddenly overwhelming me all over again as if we had a new diagnosis. Suddenly my writers block of the last year or more is free flowing again. It's as if I was waiting on confirmation of something I already knew. All in all, my sweet angel who seemed so tiny when I started this blog for her and Lana, is starting school on Friday and that just introduces a whole other set of crazy emotions. My oldest graduated high school as my youngest graduated preschool and heads to a whole new world in a whole new school. It reminds me of all the hidden dangers for her, new people to train on her allergies and not wanting her to feel different. It hit me today, my best defense is a good offense so just as I did 13 years ago with Lana, I'm writing the teacher a letter to educate her a little more on Izzy's allergies and what it means to have her in her class. It occurred to me there are a lot of us dealing with the back to school blues (or celebrations;)) right now and I have a few tips to keep yourself organized and keep our allergy kids safe.
First off, the letter. The teacher is just as overwhelmed at meeting all the new kids as well as parents as we are sending them off. She doesn't really have time to listen to all you have to say about the allergies while you are in orientation or on the first day. So a letter is perfect. She'll know exactly the hidden dangers in the classroom and can ask you questions via email as needed. Secondly, ask her for a list of the kids birthdays in the class so that you can send in a safe treat for your child and they don't feel left out. Keep "safe snacks" in the classroom as a back up, labeled with your child's name. Find out the schools policy for lunchtime on where your child sits (allergy table or in classroom, etc) and prepare your child so they aren't surprised the first day. As with celiacs, Izzy can't even play with playdough so the teacher needs to be aware of that and I'll either make a batch of safe playdough or send in moon sand for her to be able to manipulate in the classroom safely. Forming a relationship and partnership with the teacher as well as the school nurse and other school administrators is key. The best thing though is preparing your child. "No food sharing/trading" should be a rule no matter where you are but especially in the school setting.
Prep breakfasts and freeze extras for easy mornings (muffins, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches or wraps are all easy to freeze and reheat). Look for fun alternatives for lunch boxes so not only does everyone else want what they have but they don't get bored with the same old thing.
These are just a few tips, as the week progresses I'll post more and some recipes too.
First off, the letter. The teacher is just as overwhelmed at meeting all the new kids as well as parents as we are sending them off. She doesn't really have time to listen to all you have to say about the allergies while you are in orientation or on the first day. So a letter is perfect. She'll know exactly the hidden dangers in the classroom and can ask you questions via email as needed. Secondly, ask her for a list of the kids birthdays in the class so that you can send in a safe treat for your child and they don't feel left out. Keep "safe snacks" in the classroom as a back up, labeled with your child's name. Find out the schools policy for lunchtime on where your child sits (allergy table or in classroom, etc) and prepare your child so they aren't surprised the first day. As with celiacs, Izzy can't even play with playdough so the teacher needs to be aware of that and I'll either make a batch of safe playdough or send in moon sand for her to be able to manipulate in the classroom safely. Forming a relationship and partnership with the teacher as well as the school nurse and other school administrators is key. The best thing though is preparing your child. "No food sharing/trading" should be a rule no matter where you are but especially in the school setting.
Prep breakfasts and freeze extras for easy mornings (muffins, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches or wraps are all easy to freeze and reheat). Look for fun alternatives for lunch boxes so not only does everyone else want what they have but they don't get bored with the same old thing.
These are just a few tips, as the week progresses I'll post more and some recipes too.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Lunch Bunch - Mommy and Me
So tomorrow a fantastic friend, Stella, and her sweet, adorable kiddos are coming for a playdate and lunch. For some people this can be stressful...DO NOT WORRY, feeding friends can be easy and less time consuming that you think. We're talking 30 minutes or less. What's on the menu? Sweet and Smoky Pork Tenderloin and sweet pea salad for the adults and homemade "lunchables" for the kiddos. For me, it's always important for me to have something a little more elegant for the adults and a little more kid friendly for the kids when I have people over for playdates and lunches....this does not mean twice the work. I will prep this meal while I cook breakfast in the morning and it will take no time at all.
Let's get started:
Sweet and Smoky Pork, Sweet Pea Salad
1 lb pork tenderloin
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 16 oz frozen sweet peas
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
half a red onion thinly sliced
1 red pepper chopped
1/2 organic baby carrots chopped
1/4 c feta crumbled
3Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 Tsbp olive oil
salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. remove pork tenderloin from packaging and rinse, pat dry. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine then rub all over the outside of the tenderloin. Put the pork tenderloin in a lightly greased baking dish and cook 20-30 minutes. Pull out and let rest. Meanwhile steam the sweet peas according to package directions in steamer or microwave and let cool, I love to add a dash of garlic and onion powder and salt while they steam for flavor. Chop lettuce and add the next 5 ingredients and toss plus the green peas. Combine the Red wine, oil and salt/pepper in a small bowl and toss at the last minute. Slice the pork on the biase and plate salad putting the pork across the top in bite sized pieces and serve.
Homemade Lunchables:
sliced gfree deli meat of choice or variety (ham/turley/salami), cut in cookie cutter rounds that will fit on crackers
sliced cheese of choice (our fav is munster but cheddar or swiss also works) cut out for crackers as well
2 pkgs gfree glutino crackers (multi grain, chddar or veggie)
cucumber thinkly sliced
cherry tomatoes halved
1Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice
salt/pepper
8 oz strawberries, hulled and halved
Take a 1 inch cookie cutter and cut the meats and cheeses into rounds that will fit on the crackers.
One a plate take a mi of meats, cheeses and crackers. Combine the cucumber and tomatoes along with the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Add a side of strawberries as well. I love to add a frozen tube of organic frozen yogurt as a "dessert"
Perfect mommy/daughter lunch with friends!!!!!!
Let's get started:
Sweet and Smoky Pork, Sweet Pea Salad
1 lb pork tenderloin
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 16 oz frozen sweet peas
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
half a red onion thinly sliced
1 red pepper chopped
1/2 organic baby carrots chopped
1/4 c feta crumbled
3Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 Tsbp olive oil
salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. remove pork tenderloin from packaging and rinse, pat dry. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine then rub all over the outside of the tenderloin. Put the pork tenderloin in a lightly greased baking dish and cook 20-30 minutes. Pull out and let rest. Meanwhile steam the sweet peas according to package directions in steamer or microwave and let cool, I love to add a dash of garlic and onion powder and salt while they steam for flavor. Chop lettuce and add the next 5 ingredients and toss plus the green peas. Combine the Red wine, oil and salt/pepper in a small bowl and toss at the last minute. Slice the pork on the biase and plate salad putting the pork across the top in bite sized pieces and serve.
Homemade Lunchables:
sliced gfree deli meat of choice or variety (ham/turley/salami), cut in cookie cutter rounds that will fit on crackers
sliced cheese of choice (our fav is munster but cheddar or swiss also works) cut out for crackers as well
2 pkgs gfree glutino crackers (multi grain, chddar or veggie)
cucumber thinkly sliced
cherry tomatoes halved
1Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice
salt/pepper
8 oz strawberries, hulled and halved
Take a 1 inch cookie cutter and cut the meats and cheeses into rounds that will fit on the crackers.
One a plate take a mi of meats, cheeses and crackers. Combine the cucumber and tomatoes along with the olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Add a side of strawberries as well. I love to add a frozen tube of organic frozen yogurt as a "dessert"
Perfect mommy/daughter lunch with friends!!!!!!
Product Praise #1
I'd like to start a Product Praise portion of my blog to help you guys love some wonderful companies making amazing allergy friendly but specifically gfree products that help us and are good for us. So I want to hear from you! What is your favorite Gfree product that you CANNOT live without?
Today's products are all about hair care, body wash and make up:
Izzy has always had issues with soaps and laundry deteregents and anything coming in contact with her skin that is perfumy or unnatural. In the last year she started having major issues with her scalp and eczema. It was severe and she itched ALL the time. As I started to do research on this I learned that it was likely her shampoo and conditioner but even more so her detangler. Almost every detangler on the planet has a gluten ingredient in it. Not sure why but it must have something to do with the way it works. If you've seen Izzy's pictures you know she has VERY curly hair and a detangler and good conditioner is a must. There are several grocery store brands like Suave, Dove and Garnier Fruictis who are supposedly Gfree but as we tried some of these they had either perfume that irritated or something in them that just did not work. I called my amazing hair stylist who started researching, I called one of my BFF and celiac friends who has issues with relaxers that are not Gfree, Henrietta, and I then started searching myself. Henrietta found my answer. Jennifer Esposito wrote a blog about a shampoo and conditioner line that was not only gfree, paraben free, cruelty free, sulfate free but also was color safe (not that Izzy needs that now but maybe someday) and has no synthetic fragrance. BINGO!!!! DING< DING< DING, we have a winner! They have shampoo, conditioner and DETANGLER. The winnnig award for this amazing product of praise is ACURE. You can buy it at Whole Foods, Amazon and several natural food stores. It is pricier than the Dove, etc. brand but it is worth every cent in my book. We've been using it for 6 months and it has been the very best thing for her. It smells good and has Keratin, Moroccon Argan oil and stem cells as well as CoQ10 + Omega 7. AMAZING.
As for body wash and lotion, since she is still little, not sure it will matter to those of you older than she is... but we are using an amazing body wash called CACOON BABY. Also Gfree, paraben free, sulfate free. It is so mild and helps skin conditions like eczema with it's natural oils. Her skin immediately cleared up and has stayed clear even through the winter months which is pretty awesome now that we live in a climate that it is dry.
The last and final thing to talk about is make up. Although we have not yet crossed that bridge with Izzy, I would like to promote another company that has some amazing products as well. Red Apple Lipstick out of Houston has a wide range of natural make up that is in a dedicated gfree facility. They are gfree, paraben free, cruetly free and vegan. They are mineral based with a wide range of colors. I have enjoyed sampling some of the things they offer and I know Izzy will be a fan far sooner than I'm ready for her to be:)...
SO, I want you guys to tell me ALL about your favorite gfree product that you can't live without. I will try the product and review it and you will be entered into a GFREE giveaway. More details to follow!
The great thing about dreaming is it's always allergy friendly;)
Today's products are all about hair care, body wash and make up:
Izzy has always had issues with soaps and laundry deteregents and anything coming in contact with her skin that is perfumy or unnatural. In the last year she started having major issues with her scalp and eczema. It was severe and she itched ALL the time. As I started to do research on this I learned that it was likely her shampoo and conditioner but even more so her detangler. Almost every detangler on the planet has a gluten ingredient in it. Not sure why but it must have something to do with the way it works. If you've seen Izzy's pictures you know she has VERY curly hair and a detangler and good conditioner is a must. There are several grocery store brands like Suave, Dove and Garnier Fruictis who are supposedly Gfree but as we tried some of these they had either perfume that irritated or something in them that just did not work. I called my amazing hair stylist who started researching, I called one of my BFF and celiac friends who has issues with relaxers that are not Gfree, Henrietta, and I then started searching myself. Henrietta found my answer. Jennifer Esposito wrote a blog about a shampoo and conditioner line that was not only gfree, paraben free, cruelty free, sulfate free but also was color safe (not that Izzy needs that now but maybe someday) and has no synthetic fragrance. BINGO!!!! DING< DING< DING, we have a winner! They have shampoo, conditioner and DETANGLER. The winnnig award for this amazing product of praise is ACURE. You can buy it at Whole Foods, Amazon and several natural food stores. It is pricier than the Dove, etc. brand but it is worth every cent in my book. We've been using it for 6 months and it has been the very best thing for her. It smells good and has Keratin, Moroccon Argan oil and stem cells as well as CoQ10 + Omega 7. AMAZING.
As for body wash and lotion, since she is still little, not sure it will matter to those of you older than she is... but we are using an amazing body wash called CACOON BABY. Also Gfree, paraben free, sulfate free. It is so mild and helps skin conditions like eczema with it's natural oils. Her skin immediately cleared up and has stayed clear even through the winter months which is pretty awesome now that we live in a climate that it is dry.
The last and final thing to talk about is make up. Although we have not yet crossed that bridge with Izzy, I would like to promote another company that has some amazing products as well. Red Apple Lipstick out of Houston has a wide range of natural make up that is in a dedicated gfree facility. They are gfree, paraben free, cruetly free and vegan. They are mineral based with a wide range of colors. I have enjoyed sampling some of the things they offer and I know Izzy will be a fan far sooner than I'm ready for her to be:)...
SO, I want you guys to tell me ALL about your favorite gfree product that you can't live without. I will try the product and review it and you will be entered into a GFREE giveaway. More details to follow!
The great thing about dreaming is it's always allergy friendly;)
Let's talk turkey....uh I mean Italian
So those of you that know me and follow me frequently know that somewhere in our heritage there is Italian or at least Mediterraean lineage and I cook it alot, not the typical heavy pastas all the time but light, fresh and lovely. Well, sometimes you just have to have Spaghetti and meatsauce and sometimes you just need Mozerella sticks. I make my own sauce (or gravy as some northern Italians like to call it) and I love to lighten it up with ground turkey. Some traditional sauces use lean ground beef or full fat ground beef, lamb or even italian sausage but this is how we eat our sauce lightened up MOST of the time when we eat red sauce. Also, I'm including our low fat, gluten free and now EGG FREE Mozerella sticks recipe, for the marinara sauce to dip it in just scoop a little out before you add your meat.
Stringfellow Spaghetti:
1 TBSP olive oil
1 onion finely diced
1 finely diced carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I buy the fire roasted, organic and /or San Marzano whenever I can)
1 small can tomato paste
2 tsp Italian dried seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chopped fresh basil
fresh grated parmesan to taste
vegetables of preference (optional)
(some italian families use a teaspoon of sugar to cut the acidity but I do not, if you prefer you can add)
(for a "drunken sauce" add a 1/4 C Chianti or other favorite red wine to pan after sauteing the onion and garlic and tomato paste - for this sauce we also add kalamata olives or capers)
1 12 oz gfree spaghetti or 1 halved, roasted with olive oil spaghetti squash that you turn over and run a fork down long ways for spaghetti type noodles
Warm the olive oil in a heavy pan or dutch oven, add carrot and saute onion until translucent then add garlic and stir until fragrant. I like to add my tomato paste at this point and run it around the pan to warm it. If you are adding wine you would now, otherwise add your tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add seasoning and reduce to low. I typically put my sauce on in the morning and let it cook on low, developing flavors all day. You can scoop some out at this point for marinara or add vegetables like mushrooms, olives, zuchinni, whatever your preference. Just before dinner I will boil a large pot of salted water and throw in the gfree pasta (if using spaghetti squash I typically roast it while I make the sauce so it has some time to cool before shredding it into the "noodles"). To a nonstick fry pan I brown the turkey or whatever meat I am using, drain and add to sauce. I will then wipe the nonstick pan, add enough of the meat sauce to coat the spaghetti and add the cooked noodles to the pan to soak up the sauce. I then freeze the rest of the sauce for a later date. Add sauce about 1 cup at a time until desired coating. Serve hot and top with Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.
Low Fat - Allergy friendly Mozzerella Sticks
12 sticks weight watchers mozerella sticks or other reduced fat mozerella sticks, cut in half and frozen
1 c gfree all purpose flour of choice
1 c unsweetend almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 c very fine gfree breadcrumbs of choice (there are some available in stores or you can take your leftover gfree bread and make breadcrumbs OR Glutino has some yummy crostini now available that you can grind finely in your food processor for instant breadcrumbs)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
It is very important for you to know that the mozerella sticks MUST be frozen prior to making this recipe or you will have one big mess on your hands. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Have 3 shallow bowl or pans ready with flour, milk and breadcrumbs with italian seasoning mixed in. Take the frozen sticks out of the freezer and working quickly dredge them in the gfree flour, then allow them to soak up the milk a little and roll them in the bread crumbs and place on the cookie sheet. once you get all 24 sticks rolled and on the sheet place in the oven for 5-8 minutes watching carefully for a sign they will bust. You should be able to turn them at this point and let them go another 3-5 minutes, just watch them closely. They should end up golden brown and beautiful. Take them out and allow to cool and enjoy with marinara sauce as a great appetizer before the spaghetti OR as an after school snack.
Isabelle has had issue with dairy in the passed and is not a fan of cheese usually BUT she loves these sticks and asks for them regularly. You could also use this method to make fish sticks with strips of tilapia or your favorite white fish.
Buon Appetito!
Stringfellow Spaghetti:
1 TBSP olive oil
1 onion finely diced
1 finely diced carrot
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I buy the fire roasted, organic and /or San Marzano whenever I can)
1 small can tomato paste
2 tsp Italian dried seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chopped fresh basil
fresh grated parmesan to taste
vegetables of preference (optional)
(some italian families use a teaspoon of sugar to cut the acidity but I do not, if you prefer you can add)
(for a "drunken sauce" add a 1/4 C Chianti or other favorite red wine to pan after sauteing the onion and garlic and tomato paste - for this sauce we also add kalamata olives or capers)
1 12 oz gfree spaghetti or 1 halved, roasted with olive oil spaghetti squash that you turn over and run a fork down long ways for spaghetti type noodles
Warm the olive oil in a heavy pan or dutch oven, add carrot and saute onion until translucent then add garlic and stir until fragrant. I like to add my tomato paste at this point and run it around the pan to warm it. If you are adding wine you would now, otherwise add your tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add seasoning and reduce to low. I typically put my sauce on in the morning and let it cook on low, developing flavors all day. You can scoop some out at this point for marinara or add vegetables like mushrooms, olives, zuchinni, whatever your preference. Just before dinner I will boil a large pot of salted water and throw in the gfree pasta (if using spaghetti squash I typically roast it while I make the sauce so it has some time to cool before shredding it into the "noodles"). To a nonstick fry pan I brown the turkey or whatever meat I am using, drain and add to sauce. I will then wipe the nonstick pan, add enough of the meat sauce to coat the spaghetti and add the cooked noodles to the pan to soak up the sauce. I then freeze the rest of the sauce for a later date. Add sauce about 1 cup at a time until desired coating. Serve hot and top with Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.
Low Fat - Allergy friendly Mozzerella Sticks
12 sticks weight watchers mozerella sticks or other reduced fat mozerella sticks, cut in half and frozen
1 c gfree all purpose flour of choice
1 c unsweetend almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 c very fine gfree breadcrumbs of choice (there are some available in stores or you can take your leftover gfree bread and make breadcrumbs OR Glutino has some yummy crostini now available that you can grind finely in your food processor for instant breadcrumbs)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
It is very important for you to know that the mozerella sticks MUST be frozen prior to making this recipe or you will have one big mess on your hands. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Have 3 shallow bowl or pans ready with flour, milk and breadcrumbs with italian seasoning mixed in. Take the frozen sticks out of the freezer and working quickly dredge them in the gfree flour, then allow them to soak up the milk a little and roll them in the bread crumbs and place on the cookie sheet. once you get all 24 sticks rolled and on the sheet place in the oven for 5-8 minutes watching carefully for a sign they will bust. You should be able to turn them at this point and let them go another 3-5 minutes, just watch them closely. They should end up golden brown and beautiful. Take them out and allow to cool and enjoy with marinara sauce as a great appetizer before the spaghetti OR as an after school snack.
Isabelle has had issue with dairy in the passed and is not a fan of cheese usually BUT she loves these sticks and asks for them regularly. You could also use this method to make fish sticks with strips of tilapia or your favorite white fish.
Buon Appetito!
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