HAWMC Day 16, Pinboard

Today's challenge topic is, Pinboard; Create a Pinterest board for your health focus. Pin 3 things. What did you pin? Share the images in a post and explain why you chose them.

I will admit I am more than a little bit obsessed with Pinterest, it is so addicting. It's one of my guiltiest pleasures but it can be a real time sucker as well. There has been lots of talk about Pinterest and copyright lately. I won't get into the details here but if you want to learn more here are a few great articles, The Great Pinterest Divide: To Opt Out or Not (plagiarismtoday.com) and Avoiding Copyright Pitfalls on Pinterest (savingforsomeday.com). 

So here are the three things I pinned today on my Allergen Free Living board:

GREAT U! NFCA's digital publication specifically for gluten-free college students (and prospective students). This guide has so much wonderful information about living a gluten-free lifestyle while at college and is a must read for college students, prospective students and their parents. 

The Gluten-Free Restaurant Guide from the Gluten Intolerance Group. It is a wonderful database that helps you find restaurants that provide safe options for the gluten-free community. You can search by state and it brings up all of the safe restaurant options in your area.

A Beginners Guide to Going Gluten-Free from celiac.com. This is great resource when you are just starting out on your gluten-free journey. 

I know these are not necessarily pictures but they are great resources for anyone who is going gluten-free and Pinterest is a wonderful way to share and keep track of them. I hope that you enjoy!

Check me out on Pinterest!

Are you on Pinterest? What types of things do you pin?

posted by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me! at 12:37 PM 0 comments

HAWMC Day 15, Writing with Style

This post continues the month-long series called the Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge (#HAWMC), 30 posts in 30 days, created by WEGO Health. I'm so excited I've made it to the halfway point! Honestly, it's been touch and go a few times but this challenge has really pushed me in ways I would never have gone without it. I'm so happy I am participating. I hope you are enjoying these topics and they have given you a chance to see a different side of me!

Today's challenge topic is, Writing with Style (writing inspirations); What is your writing style? Do words just flow from your mind to your fingertips? Do you like handwriting first? Do you plan your posts? Title first or last? Where do you write the best?

I don't really think I have any type of formal writing style. Most of the time when a topic comes to me, I usually just start to type whatever comes to mind about the topic. Once I get all the ideas out of my head I try to go back and unscramble them so they make sense to someone other than myself. Often times I leave a lot of blanks that I have to go back and fill in. If I think too hard on a sentence or sentence structure I lose where I was going and what I wanted to say. Next, I read through what I have written again usually rearranging things, adding and erasing others. Then, my secret weapon, my wonderful husband. I pretty much make him read through all of my posts before I publish them. I'm not the greatest with grammar and punctuation so he is my unofficial editor (well I guess now he is official)! Then comes the title and usually a picture of some sort. Those are the finishing touches before I publish my post. 

I never handwrite any of my posts first, I am a bit of a perfectionist and I hate my handwriting so it would just make me depressed. I love journals and diaries, I have a bunch of blank ones that are collecting dust and feeling completely ignored because I have never written in them. I've deemed them too pretty to mess up with my ugly handwriting! However, I love the idea of keeping a personal journal or diary and I know it would be therapeutic; it is something I am trying to work on.

I feel my writing voice is most times pretty casual. My hope is that a part of my personality comes out in my writing and I think as time has gone by I'm getting better with that. My husband says I can sometimes get too focused on defining things and end up with posts that read more like dictionary entries than what I'm really wanting to convey to my readers. I just find that sometimes when I am stuck it helps to inspire me to define what I am writing about before getting too deep into a topic. 

I always type my posts on my laptop, whenever and wherever I can find the time; as of late it's been when my daughter is taking a nap. Sometimes this can actually help me because I know I have a time limit. Ideally I would write in a space that I find creatively inspiring, which could be a space I have created in my home or another space such as a bookstore, coffee shop or library. When we lived in Fairbanks, I did most of my writing at Barnes and Noble mostly because we didn't have internet in our cabin and they had free wifi. Other reasons I liked Barnes and Noble  include its wonderful reading space in front of a giant fireplace, comfortable chairs, the relaxing sound of fire crackling in the background, and the smell of coffee and books; it doesn't get much better than that. I don't miss much about Fairbanks, but I do miss that space.  

Where do you find inspiration? What inspires your creative style when you are writing, crafting, woodworking, cooking, gardening, etc?

posted by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me! at 1:53 PM 0 comments

HAWMC Day 14, My Dream Day

Today's challenge topic is, My Dream Day; Describe your ideal day. How would you spend your time? Who would you spend it with? Have you had this day? If not — how could you make it happen?

My husband would describe my dream day as the following; sitting outside at a French cafe, drinking an espresso, eating a jambon-buerre et fromage (a ham and cheese baguette sandwich) while people watching. And honestly, he pretty much hit the nail right on the head (I guess he does know me after all)! I might also add a good book to read after I tire of people watching or good company to chat with. I would take a stroll through the shops or pop in a museum or sit in a park and eat a picnic lunch or dinner and drink a good bottle of wine. We would end the evening with a nice stroll, arm in arm with my husband and my daughter while we watch the sun set across the Seine River. Now my perfect day doesn't have to necessarily take place in Paris, but there is just something about the atmosphere in France that is hard to recreate anywhere else.   

What would your dream day be? 

posted by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me! at 12:03 PM 4 comments

HAWMC Day 13, 10 Things I Couldn't Live Without

Today's challenge topic is, 10 Things I Couldn't Live Without; Write a list of the 10 things you need (or love) most.  

Over the past couple of years I have learned I can live without a lot of things that most people (myself included) might deem "essential". Living in a 'dry' cabin in Alaska has taught me, sometimes even when you think things are essential they actually may not be. For those of you who are unfamiliar, a 'dry' cabin is a cabin without running water which means, no sinks, no shower, no flushing toilet, no dishwasher, no washer and dryer; nothing that requires running water to function. Yes, I'll admit at times the inconvenience of having to haul our own water, boil our water to hand wash our dishes, and shower at public showers was sometimes more than a minor annoyance. But most of the time I didn't give it a second thought, it became just a way of life. The whole experience as a whole helped me realize I don't need many material things; honestly I am happier without most of them. I've found the things that I value most in my life weren't necessarily things at all. Thus, the things in my list are more things that I love that I feel improve the quality of my life.

My List:

1. My family; This covers my immediate family to my extended family and friends. I can't imagine going through life alone.
2. Good food (including a good glass {or two} of wine). 
3. Nature; Flowers, trees, animals, insects. What a dreary world it would be without nature and all of mother earth's spectacular wonders.
4. A good book; My husband and I have a bit of an addiction to our public library. Every time we go we come home with a huge stack of books. We like to read. Since we don't have a TV, we read a lot.
5. Music; Music can be physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual all at the same time. Music helps improve health. It's used to improve memory, reduce stress, support exercise, help with concentration, lower blood pressure, reduce pain and anxiety, etc.; the list of benefits is endless. It's a wonderful thing!
6. Love; The word love has a variety of different meanings to everyone. Love represents human kindness, affection, and compassion. Without love what is the point of life?
7. Laughter; Laughter produces endorphins. Endorphins make us happy, can reduce stress, and relieve pain.  Laughing boosts the number of antibody producing cells in our bodies, which leads to a stronger immune system.  
8. Hope; Without hope there is despair. I'd rather live in a world full of hope rather than despair.
9. Health; Our overall mental, physical, social, financial, and spiritual health affect everything we can and want to do in life. Maintaining good health in all aspects (not just handling our food allergies) often has benefits that each us can reap immediately and well in the future.
10. Some bad days and occasional rough times; Without them, we would not appreciate all the things I listed above quite as much. Plus, I truly believe that without some stumbles along the way we wouldn't learn, grow, and feel confident that we can push ourselves toward new adventures.

What are the 10 things you couldn't live without?

posted by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me! at 8:34 PM 0 comments

HAWMC Day 12, Stream of Consciousness Day

Today's challenge topic is, Stream of Consciousness Day; We challenge you, start with this phrase: “Today I looked in the mirror and…” (Or another sentence you come across.) But be sure to – Keep writing. Don’t stop for 15 minutes. Don’t edit. Post. Go!

Here is my stream of consciousness post for today...

“Today I looked in the mirror and…”

Today I looked in the mirror and I see the reflection of myself holding my daughter, she is wearing a navy blue and white polka-dot headband with a navy blue and white striped dress and navy blue leggings. My husband is in the background telling me, "Polka-dots don't go with stripes, even I know that!" But I think it looks pretty darn cute and from the smile on my daughter's face as she looks in the mirror, so does she. We have just started our day: I am still in my pajamas, my husband has just got back from his morning run, and my daughter is the only one that is dressed and ready for the day; it's how most of our mornings start. I asked my daughter, "What should mommy and daddy have for breakfast this morning?" She just smiles back at me like I had just told her something funny. We go to the kitchen and I scan the fridge for something quick to make for breakfast. My husband chimes in he wants pancakes. I look at him and say, "Really? You don't like pancakes". He replies, "Yes I do, just not everyday." So I hand my daughter to him and start to make the syrup and pancakes. After breakfast is over it is time for my daughter's morning nap. We head into her room and sit down to read a book; her new favorite is a touch and feel puppy book {that we apparently stole from my parents house over Easter weekend, (mom and dad - if you are reading this, I'll bring it back next time we are up!)} She starts to get fussy and we finish up the book. We sing a few songs, 'BINGO' and 'Where is Thumb-kin,' and she drifts off to sleep. Now my husband and I can start to get ready for our day. As I look in the mirror before I hop in the shower, I see my reflection, a happy (maybe a bit tired looking) mom, who can't wait to see what the day will bring.

If you are curious here is the recipe for my gluten-fee, egg free, dairy free pancakes I made for breakfast this morning!

G-Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free Pancakes

by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Keywords: breakfast gluten-free vegan soy-free

Ingredients:

2 1/3 cups gluten-free flour mix*

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups milk (I used rice milk)

3 tablespoons butter, melted or  oil (I used earth balance the red soy-free one) 

2 eggs, (6 tablespoons warm water and 2 tablespoons ground flax seed mixed together)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla    

*The gluten-free flour mix I used for this recipe is:

2 cups Brown Rice Flour

1/3 cup Tapioca Starch (also called Tapioca Flour)

2/3 cup Potato Starch (NOT flour)

—>Mix well in large plastic container and store in cool place or fridge.

How to Make It:

• Combine the first four ingredients in a large mixing bowl and give it a few whisks. 
• Mix up the warm water and flax to make a gel, let sit. 
• Add the milk, butter, and vanilla to the dry ingredient mixture and whisk again. (I wasn't patient enough to wait for the butter to melt so I just added it cold, but it would mix better if it was at least soft)
• Pour the flax gel into the mixture and stir until the ingredients are combined.  Stir the batter until all of the flour is mixed in. This should just take a few seconds – there will still be lumps in the batter and that is okay. 
• Put the batter aside while you heat up the griddle.
• Put some oil (I use grapeseed) on your griddle or non-stick skillet and heat on medium. 
• Once the skillet is warm using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, dip the batter out of the bowl and pour onto your skillet.
• Let the pancakes cook and do not touch them until you see bubbles popping in the middle of the pancakes.
• Now, flip the pancakes. They will only cook for a minute or two on the second side, and you can use your spatula to peek and see if they are as brown as you want them.
• Put a tiny bit more oil on your skillet and repeat the cooking process
• Enjoy!

posted by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me! at 1:40 PM 0 comments

HAWMC Day 11, Theme Song

Today's challenge topic is, Theme Song; Imagine your health focus or blog is getting its own theme song. What would the lyrics be? What type of music would it be played to?

Okay, well I'm not exactly sure I would call this my theme song, but it is funny nonetheless! It's a parody on Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith. If you haven't heard Red Solo Cup you can watch the music video. **Disclaimer, this video is not appropriate for all ages!

Here is my version of Red Solo Cup:

Now, brown long grain rice is the best of digestibles

For gluten free meals, state fairs and festivals

And you, folks, do not need a pair of spectacles 

To see the last grain on your plate

Hey, brown long grain rice is cheap and digestible

And in a short time it is easily prepareable

And unlike my money, it is replenishable

Wall Street jerks can kiss my toe. Whoo!

Brown long grain rice, I steam you up

Let's have a bowl full, let's have a bowl full

I love you, brown long grain rice, you fill me up

Proceed to eat more, proceed to eat more

Now I really love how you're easy to cook

But I really hate when you fall in a nook 

'Cause when rice gets struck in a place hard to look

Well that my friends is quite yucky

But I have to admit that folks are smitten

Admirin' how well my rice dishes are sittin' 

In their stomachs by mouthfuls without much skippin' 

Boy they are so very lucky

Brown long grain rice, I steam you up

Let's have a bowl full, let's have a bowl full

I love you, brown long grain rice, you fill me up

Proceed to eat more, proceed to eat more

Now I've seen you in white and I've seen you in black 

But only you, brown, is for this celiac

'Cause you are my substitute to Cheezy Mac 

And you are the sole to my shoe

Brown long grain rice, you're more than dynastic 

You're more than amazing, you're more than fantastic

And believe me that I'm not the least bit sarcastic 

when I look at you and say

Brown long grain rice, you're not just a grain 

(No, no, no, gosh no!) 

You're my, you're my 

(friend?) 

friend

(friend, friend, friend, life long!) 

Thank you for being my friend

Brown long grain rice, I steam you up

Let's have a bowl full, let's have a bowl full

I love you, brown long grain rice, you fill me up

Proceed to eat more, proceed to eat more

Brown long grain rice, I steam you up

Let's have a bowl full, let's have a bowl full

I love you, brown long grain rice, you fill me up

Proceed to eat more, proceed to eat more

Brown long grain rice, I steam you up

Let's have a bowl full, let's have a bowl full

I love you, brown long grain rice, you fill me up

Proceed to eat more, proceed to eat more

Brown long grain rice! I love you! 

I hope you enjoyed my parody. If you had a theme song what would it be?

posted by Allergy Free and Cheap Like Me! at 12:12 PM 0 comments