The 411 on Gluten Free Stuff

Hey guys. I've had a bunch of people ask questions and talk with me about gluten intolerance and the blog lately. I am by no means an "expert" but I have figured out a few things over the last year. I thought I'd do a post with some helpful information about gluten intolerance and Celiac as well as some gluten free foods that are worth looking for. If you don't care anything about it... feel free to leave now... but... maybe somebody can find this useful.

First things first. Check out this article. Sometimes I feel like being "gluten free" puts me in a funny category. A category that people don't really understand. " You don't eat things with flour? What? Why "can't" you have a beer?" I was at a liquor store (sorry Dadio) in LR this summer and asked the guy at the counter what kinds of gluten free beer they had. He gave me this crazy look and said, "Yuck. Why do you want gluten free beer? Are you on a diet or something?" Hmmm. Not exactly.

I think it weirds people out a little bit when you suddenly don't eat/drink the same things anymore. It messes with your mind a little bit too. You kinda wonder if its "all in your head" but then you make the insainly stupid horrible very bad mistake of eating a cream cheese stuffed pretzel and you realize it is most definitely not in your head. Its in your stomach, actually. And your body does whatever it can to get. it out. But.. that's another story for another day. Its a good one though... parent teacher conferences... going home at lunch and pretty much passing out... throwing up in a cup in my room. Oh yeah. Fun times. 

Anyway, the whole "gluten free" thing isn't a fad for a lot of people. Its amazing how much better I feel and I didn't even truly realize that I felt "bad." That weird pain in my stomach is gone. Those mouth ulcers I would get every month or so are gone. And lets just be real here... other sorts of digestive/stomach problems are no more. Seriously though.. read that article. It has some good points about being diagnosed "later in life" and the similarities between "gluten intolerance" and full blown Celiac. 

 

Let's get to the good stuff... food!

Ahhh. Udi's gluten free bread. Thank you, Lord for this bread. Besides the fact that the loaf is smaller than a normal loaf, you can't really tell much of a difference. The last time I checked (about 2 months ago) the two Whole Foods in Atlanta by my house didn't carry this. I may or may not have convinced my momma and my husband to bring me back bread from LR. I found out last week that Publix carries this in the frozen section. Score!

 

Nature's Own just came out with a gluten free bread as well. It comes in extra-fiber white and mulit-grain. Personally, I like the multi-grain better. Its a little softer. This bread isn't as good as Udi's but it isn't bad. Especially toasted. This is convenient in that I can get it at my regular Kroger.

Next up in the "things you must go buy now" category would be the hamburger buns from Canyon Bakehouse. Amazing! Soft and chewy and pretty much exactly like a "real" hamburger bun. I haven't look in Atlanta for these yet because my freezer is still stocked but I imagine you can get them at Whole Foods. The only downside is that the package only comes with four and they are kinda expensive... but worth it!

These bagels are really good. Especially with a little bit (or a lot) of cream cheese and a cup of coffee. You should be able to get these at Kroger in the frozen "healthy/nature" section. Catch them on sale and stock up!

Hopefully, this helps some of you who are trying out the gluten free thing. Please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck and feel better!

1. Sleeping "late".

2. Lots of coffee.

3. A somewhat clean house.

4. A movie with a friend.

5. Summer Shade Festival with more friends.

6. No work.

Yes, my friends. Today will be a great day.

Some Things I've Realized...

1. I really like my class. My days have been so good lately!

2. I really had fun with Seth Borin camping this weekend. I want to go with some friends soon... Des, Jimmy,  Katelin, Brad...  you in?

3. I really like Diet Dr. Pepper. A lot.

4. I really like being in the lake.

5. I'm  still a little bit freaked out by frogs. Don't judge.

6. Off! Deep Woods insect repellent is some good stuff! I didn't get bit by one mosquito the whole weekend.

7. Is there really anything better than a roasted marshmallow? Nah... didn't think so.

8. How did I take a shower/brush my teeth/cook supper before Pandora on my iPod Touch.

9.  Udi's gluten free bread is amazing! I've been eating turkey sandwiches like they're going out of style.

10.  It's been a year since I figured out this whole gluten intolerance thing and I have never felt better.

11.  Seth Borin and I got up at 5:15 to run this morning and my whole day has been better because of it.

12. Today was the best Monday that I have had in 2 years. 

I just wanted to stop in and say, "Happy Friday!"

My good man and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon to go camping for the weekend. (So excited!)

I'll take pictures and fill you all in.

Goodnight!

Confession Time

Let me start by saying that I realize I will get flamed big time by certain members of my family for this post. (You know who you are. Go ahead. I deserve it.)

Next, let me say that I have mostly always been a "country music" kinda girl.I still consider myself a country music kinda girl but I've run into a problem. I'm getting a little bit tired of hearing the same stuff over and over again.

Atlanta, no offense but your classic country station cannot hold a candle to the classic country station in Little Rock. It just can't. You play the same songs (that really aren't even "classic) over and over. The "new country" stations have gotten so "poppy" I don't really like you either. You've forced me to keep my radio on "scan."

Ever since I got the iPod Touch, I listen to Pandora constantly. I have it on whenever I can whether I'm cooking supper or brushing my teeth. Now, here is where my confession comes in.

This summer, as I worked on the bathroom, I had Pandora right there with me and I got sick and tired of my country stations. I decided right then and there to do a little throwback.

I have made two "questionable" stations and have listened to them a lot lately. The stations may or may not be centered around two "groups" who may or not be considered "boy bands" who may or may not have been popular from the mid 90's to early 2000's. Don't judge me. I can't help it. It's like a blast from the past. I know all the songs (and admit that they are "craptastic") and don't have to worry about hitting "like" and "dislike" to make the station.

Ahhhh that feels good to get it off my chest.

I'm going to bed now because I want it that way.

Hanging out with my Seth Borin and doing fun things (like going to IKEA), drinking a crazy amount of coffee, buying some new clothes from Ann Taylor Loft, having breakfast for supper, talking to my mom, dad, sister AND brother, and going to bed with a clean house have all contributed to a pretty fun Saturday.
Ready for church tomorrow,our class coming over tonight and another day with my good man.
It's way past my bedtime so goodnight!

School Days, Part 2

Today was the first day of school and it was amazing. (Did I just say that about the first day of school?) Yes. Yes I did. The girls are precious and smart and funny. The year will obviously have challenging moments and of course, my patience will be tested. But as of right now... I'm feeling good. Here are a few pictures of the room. I've completely changed it around and like the new set up. That class this summer really changed my whole perspective on things. Okay. I'm exhausted and am hitting the hay. Goodnight!

 

Check out that rug. Garden Ridge special... $59. Score!

P.S. Is there anything better than the feeling you get when your old kids stop by to give you a hug on their way to their new classroom? What about when they scream your name down the hall when they see you? 

I don't think so.

P.S.S. My good man is in AR for the week so lets throw in a picture of him. 

School Days

So. For the past two years I have cried on the way home from the "Meet and Greet" at school. You know... that thing where parents and kids come and meet their teacher. This year, I just about cried but for a totally different reason. The tears would have been tears of J.O.Y.

I have 1st grade again this year but I have all girls. (I'm at a Charter School. Had K Boys my first year and 1st grade Co-Ed -which is rare at the school- last year). The girls I met today were the cutest little things I've ever seen. And their parents! Oh my goodness, the parents were so nice. And eager to help and excited about the year. And ALL of my volunteer slots are FULL!

I can now let out a major sigh of relief. I know there will be challenges and things that come up along the way, but as of right now...August 5, 2010...10:59 pm (past time for bed) I am pretty excited.

 Excuse me while I go back to 6th grade with a loud and obnoxious, "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS."

Thank You Lord For...

for helping me get my lazy but out of bed so I can go to work and make that money.

And thanks for

 

that makes my break a little better while I'm at work trying to make that money.

And, thank you most of all for

my good man who comes up to school and helps me put together book shelves and move stuff around so I can make that money.

(Sorry the picture is kinda old, but I like it. )