Celiac Disease -- What it is, what it isn't--knowing the difference

Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue, coeliac disease, non-tropical sprue or gluten sensitive enteropathy) is a chronic and permanent sensitivity to the food protein gluten, found in the grains wheat, barley and rye. Developing celiac disease requires three things: a genetic predisposition; exposure to gluten through digestion; and a trigger that starts an immune system’s injurious response. Celiac disease occurs in people of all ages. It is the most common genetic disorder in North America and Europe, and is found in populations all over the world. 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks itself in an inappropriate immune system reaction. In this case, the reaction is to exposure to gliadin, a protein of the food molecule gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. In most all other autoimmune diseases, the catalyst for starting the body’s inappropriate reaction is not yet known. But celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease for which we know the trigger and therefore can stop it: completely eliminate gluten from your diet. Continue Reading

Temporary Restraining Order on Travel Ban

Influence Happiness - (via Princess Sassy Pants

via Princess Sassy Pants

Huevos Rancheros

Gluten Free Fail

A week ago I had a Gluten Free Success when serving my family a Gluten Free Meal.. they did not notice I used Gluten Free Pasta for Spaghetti...

NOT tonight.... I was called out immediately on the Gluten Free Banana Bread using..... I have to admit I can't taste the difference since I haven't had Banana Bread for 2.5 years.... but my husband and son knew it was Gluten Free by the texture and taste.

This is how the Banana Bread turned out.... It was fine.... for me... but it did not rise like the bread we have baked in the past. I used our Family Beloved Recipe, only substituting the Pillsbury GF Flour vs the standard flour.  So.... bottom line, I will be searching for another GF flour to create the perfect Banana Bread in disguise for my family!. This was not the blend to win them over on GF!!

Lean Mac and Cheese

BAKED CHIMICHANGAS

Mama Squirrel hanging with me this August

This is my pet squirrel Mama. She is my girl. She and I have a bond like no other. She runs to me from the back of my 1/3 acre property when I call her name. Most days, she hears my car(or my son's car) pull into the driveway and is on our deck waiting for us... peaking into our back door, anxiously waiting for her nut that we feed her.

We have been her family for the last 2 years. In that time she has had 6 litters of babies... hence the name Mama.

She won us over 2 years ago by bringing her 3 little itty bitty babies onto the deck with her onto our deck requesting nuts. It worked!! She hasn't left our yard since then, and has a wonderful luxurious nest in our 100 foot hemlock tree.

This girl brings us so much joy!!

She has also invited 7 other squirrels and 5 wild bunnies to be in our family.... our yard is a happening place!!

Mom Bag for College

Mom Bag for College Student

Sending your student off to college this fall? Create a Mom Bag to take care of them in your absence! When your student needs something... have them look in their Mom Bag... most likely it will be there!!

Things I would add to this bag would be OTC pain medication and some laundry detergent!

This bag includes:

Duct Tape

Blue Tape

Stapler

Tape

Pencil Sharpener

Pencils

Pens

Envelopes to send letters

Highlighters

Sharpies

Ruler

Scissors

Eraser

Mini Comp Book for notes

Soap Container

Wash Cloth

Rubber-bands

Playing Cards

Tums

Chap-stick

Emergen C

Airborne

Deodorant

Shampoo

Conditioner

Body Wash

Thermometer

Wet Wipes

Solar Flash Light

Power Strip

Screwdriver

Pliers

Sewing Kit

Adhesive Hooks

Pepto Bismol

Imodium

Combs

Razor

Hair Ties

Bobby Pins

Sunscreen

Skin Cream

Ace Wrap

Neosporin

Band-aids

First Aid Wrap

Aloe Vera Gel

Ear Plugs

Anti-Bacterial Gel

Toothpaste

Nail Trimmer Set

Q-Tips

Rescue Blanket

Batteries

Charger for phone and laptop

Gum

Ziplock Baggies

Better than the Dollar Store!

I love Rite Aid!
These items are in their dollar section, which is pretty darn awesome I might add!

Do you know what makes the Rite Aid Dollar Section better than the Dollar Store? 

I have a Plenti Card, so these items were $.90 each... yes, that's right 90 cents each.

What is even better is that my Plenti purchases earn me points to spend as cash on future shopping adventures.

I am not a paid affiliate being paid to write this post.

Save money with Rite Aid by earning Plenti points and shopping in the dollar section and pay less than a dollar!!

More posts about Rite Aid will be coming soon!!

Pantry List Printables

Wildtree is a Direct-Sales company whose all natural gourmet culinary blends, infused Grapeseed oils, dressings and sauces are sold through Home Tasting Parties

did you hear? wildtree is organic!

•  No GMOs

•  No Insecticides

•  No Pesticides

•  No Irradiation

•  No Preservatives

•  No Food Dyes

•  All regulated by the

USDA and certified organic by Quality Assurance International

What does organic mean?

Organic crops are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and without the use of GMOs. The set of laws governing certified organic crop production and handling is called the National Organic Plan and is administered by the USDA.

What products are organic?

All of Wildtree's certified organic products are displayed in our catalog and on our website with the USDA organic seal. We are continually working on certifying all of our products, with the goal to have every one of our products certified organic.

Are your products GMO free?

ALL of Wildtree's products are free from GMOs.

Carrot Seed is great for more things than skin care

Broccoli Nutrition & Health Benefits - Natural Cancer Prevention

Healing Food Facts - A one-cup serving of broccoli has the same amount of protein as one cup of corn or rice, but with less than a third of the calories.
Broccoli Nutrition & Health Benefits - Natural Cancer Prevention

Coconut Whipped Cream Recipe | Minimalist Baker Recipes

Coconut Whipped Cream Recipe | Minimalist Baker Recipes

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is not the liquid from inside the nut, but the extract of freshly grated coconut flesh. 

The flesh is first soaked 
in hot water, then allowed to cool, after which the liquid is strained off. 

This process that yields both coconut milk and coconut cream. 

The two liquids will separate when left to stand: the thick white cream will rise to the surface of the liquid leaving the clear watery milk below. 

Coconut milk gives a distinctive taste and smoothness to curries, sauces and rice.

Coconut Milk Chicken Breasts

INGREDIENTS

6 tablespoons canned coconut milk

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or other citrus on hand)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

¾ teaspoon ground ginger

¾ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 chicken breasts - cut in half to make fillets

Bake at 350 degrees

Mix together all ingredients, place chicken in 8x8 dish, cover with mixture. combined.

Bake uncovered 40 minutes, or until chicken is done.

Adapted from 

Italian Pasta Toss

This quick and easy recipe for chicken, pasta and vegetables is ready in minutes, especially if you are using leftover chicken.

Ingredients

1 box (16 oz) pasta (such as farfalle, penne or rotini)
2 cups chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 breasts)
1 tsp salt
1 cup Italian salad dressing
16 oz frozen vegetables of choice
optional: grated Parmesan

Preparation

Prep time: 20 min | Servings: 4

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Warm salad dressing in a large skillet. Add vegetables and cook until heated through.
3. Add chicken and pasta and warm until heated through.
4. Serve with Parmesan cheese

Meet MyChelle

MyChelle’s scientifically advanced formulas are based on clean, natural bioactives that provide unmatched, professional results.

All MyChelle Dermaceutical products are Vegetarian,Cruelty-free, and Free of Phthalates, Parabens, Sulfates, Ureas, ArtificialFragrances and Colors, Petroleum, GMOs, and Gluten.

A Cruelty-Free Company

Here at MyChelle, we’re not just nature lovers but animal lovers, as well. We believe that as beautiful as the Earth itself are the many creatures who call our planet home.

MyChelle is proud to be on PETA’s list of certified cruelty-free companies. This means that we have verified that we do not conduct, commission or pay for any tests on animals for ingredients, formulations, or finished products, and also that we have pledged not to do so in the future.

In addition, MyChelle has partnered with the WILD Foundation to support their efforts to protect wildlife and wilderness around the world—and we love discovering like-minded individuals and companies who share our passion for and commitment to Mother Earth and all of her children

Choose the Right Sun Protection

Hello Beautiful | Ask Our Esty: How do I choose the right sun protection, help I need a guide!

There are two kinds of rays that penetrate the ozone: UVA and UVB. UVB rays can cause superficial damage, like sunburns, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and cause mayhem, breaking down the collagen and elastin that holds your skin in place. UVA rays are responsible for the aging aspects of sun exposure like wrinkling, loss of firmness and hyperpigmentation.

Here are some facts and tips for preventing sun damage throughout the year:

• Seek out the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. This is when the UV index is at its highest and you are more susceptible to the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays.
• You should always use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For all of your fun outdoor activities, use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• The SPF level specifies the amount of time you can spend in the sun without burning, not how strong a product is. An SPF 30 is not tougher than an SPF 15; it just means you won’t need to reapply it as often.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
• You should reapply sun protection at a minimum of every two hours, but if you’re swimming or working up a sweat, reapply immediately. It’s better to be safe than burnt and sorry.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths, because this is where you are just asking for wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, age spots and, in extreme cases, skin cancer. Just one indoor tanning session alone increases users’ chances of developing melanoma by 20%, and each additional session during the same year boosts the risk almost another 2%. (1)
• Try to wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. The fashion selections and options are endless!
• Don’t forget the kiddos! Keep newborns out of the sun, and remember that sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Self-checks are important, so examine your skin head-to-toe every month and see your physician every year over the age of 35 for a professional skin exam.

MyChelle has an array of über-safe, natural sun protectants that will guard against both UVA and UVB rays. Titanium Dioxide and clear Zinc Oxide offer clean, broad-spectrum defense that helps prevent the signs of aging, and research has even shown that Zinc Oxide can shield against ultraviolet rays as well. What’s more, our sun products are vegan friendly and loaded with skin-benefiting nutrients that are suitable for all skin types.

Discover the perfect MyChelle Sun Protection for you:

• Moisturize and protect

Use Daily Defense SPF 17, which hydrates the skin while providing full spectrum UVA/UVB protection. A favorite item for those with normal to oily skin.

• Safeguard your skin

Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented is a full spectrum UVA/UVB sun defense that offers powerfully effective protection and is non-irritating. Perfect for those with sensitive skin.

• Coconut-enriched protection

Sun Shield SPF 28 Coconut is also a full spectrum UVA/UVB sun defense that offers powerfully effective protection, but this product has a delicious natural coconut scent. A must-have for coconut lovers!

• Boosted benefits

Try Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30, which will avert photo-damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and maintain moisture levels – this high level sunscreen protector does it all! Great for anyone looking for added benefits from their sun protection.

(1) Boniol M, Autier P, Boyle P, Gandini S. Cutaneous melanoma attributable to sunbed use: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2012; 345:e4757. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e4757

____________________________________________

Catie Wiggy is the Director of Education for MyChelle Dermaceuticals. She has been working in the skin care industry for over 13 years as a makeup artist, brand educator, manager, innovator and licensed esthetician. She holds several certifications in esthetics and has hands-on experience with chemical peels, microdermabrasions, acne management and anti-aging treatments.

Hello Beautiful | 5 Signs Your Skin Needs Love

Hello Beautiful | 5 Signs Your Skin Needs Love

When the mercury and humidity plummet, that means it’s time to provide all the love your skin needs to avoid dehydration, flaking, and redness. Here are our quick and effective solutions that smother your skin with affection!

1.    Dry Patches.  In dehydrated skin, the cells start to lift, causing skin to flake and peel. The answer- add Argan Oil to your regimen in the cold winter months.  Why?  Your skin’s protective barrier is comprised of fatty acids that dry, cold weather strips away.  This lightweight oil easily penetrates skin replenishing lost moisture and protecting against damage.  Follow with a super hydrating cream to hold in the moisture and plump the skin.

2.    Itchiness.  Sometimes stinging and discomfort can be a sign of sensitivity to harsh ingredients and irritants.  When it comes to skincare, less is always more. Cleansing with an Aloe and Sea Buckthorn based cleanser to sooth sensitive skin, using a simple Hyaluronic Gel to hold in moisture and soften skin and a gentle, ultra light, but hydrating cream is all that’s needed.

3.    Breakouts. Blemishes can pop up for a number of reasons, including stress, lack of sleep, or overexposure to occlusive products this time of year. Wash with a mild cleanser that targets blemishes, but doesn’t dry out skin.  Then spot-treat blemishes to reduce redness and speed up healing with a product like Clear Skin Spot Treatment. Look for products with salicylic acid – it’s and anti-inflammatory and much less irritating than benzoyl peroxide. And don’t forget Retinal in the PM- it chemically exfoliates, kills bacteria and cleans pores.

4.    Dullness. Anything that stimulates collagen production and evens out skin tone is going to help radiance.  The number one dermatologist recommended, hero ingredient is Retinal to help cellular turnover and illuminate skin.  In addition, use a natural AHA exfoliator or peel twice a week to help slough off dead skin cells and help thicken the collagen layer. Using a Peptide-based serum will also help stimulate your cells to produce more collagen.

5.    Hyperpigmentation. The message on sun is clear: it damages skin.  Even in winter, the aging UVA rays wreck havoc on our skin cells, making broad-spectrum everyday production (UVA and burning UVB rays) a MUST.  To help correct the damage, treat your skin to a revitalizing dose ofVitamin C. This daily skincare staple not only improves the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, it evens out skin tone, and brightens the complexion.

Retinal vs. Retinol

Hello Beautiful | Retinal vs. Retinol

Happy 4th of July

Patriotic Fruit Pie - Recipe - Do You Bake?

Patriotic Fruit Pie - Recipe - Do You Bake?
Sweet sugar cookie bottom, topped with your favorite pudding filling. This patriotic fruit pie is finished off with a medley of berries, arranged in patriotic flag fashion. Fantastic for both brunch, lunchtime sweets or dinner treats. Great addition to any 4th of July table setting. This impressive dessert is simple to make and delicious.
Recipe

Hypothyroidism? Why You Should Absolutely Quit Gluten Now | Celiac Handbook

It is estimated that approximately 90 percent of hypothyroidism in the United States is caused by an autoimmune condition. In these cases of autoimmune hypothyroidism, known as Hashimoto’s, antibodies attack the thyroid, resulting in thyroid tissue destruction. There is evidence showing gluten plays a significant role in driving the antibody attack against your thyroid.

Gluten tricks your body into attacking itself

The protein portion of gluten, known as gliadin, enters the bloodstream through the gut in those with sensitivities or intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Your immune system recognizes this protein as non-self and creates antibodies against gliadin.  In a process known as molecular mimicry, gliadin closely resembles the thyroid gland, leading the gliadin antibodies to mistakenly attack the thyroid. So, your body’s response every time you eat gluten is to make antibodies to the gliadin molecule – antibodies that then attack your thyroid.

If you have Hashimoto’s, you are producing thyroid antibodies. If you have thyroid antibodies and are eating gluten, you are driving your body to attack your thyroid.

Hypothyroidism? Why You Should Absolutely Quit Gluten Now | Celiac Handbook

Education | essentialoilblogging

Education | essentialoilblogging

Safe Essential Oils For Children | essentialoilblogging

Safe Essential Oils For Children | essentialoilblogging

Influence Happiness : Photo

Influence Happiness : Photo

Dear World: Celiac is More Than Just ‘Gluten-Free’

Dear World: Celiac is More Than Just ‘Gluten-Free’ | New Voices

DIY Spring Aroma Sprays

Mountain Rose Herbs

Spring is upon us and with it comes many adventures from cleaning out all the nooks and crannies of your home to long road trips exploring faraway trails.   When I’m coming out of winter blues I need something to help reawaken my spirits, refresh my mind, and help me smell wonderful on the go!  I sat down with our lovely aromatherapist Christine Guerts to put together some spring aroma blends for each moment of this blossoming season.

Each of these recipes produces just a small amount, a test batch let’s say. If you have been dabbling your toes in the aromatherapy world, this will be a fun opportunity to play around with making a small test batch and then multiplying it for a recipe of your choice.  Below each of the recipes is a suggested use for the blend – by no means are those suggestions the limitations of this scent!  Enjoy them however you’d like, use each recipe in a different way, or try all of the blends and pick your favorite to use in all of these recipes.

Recipe 1: Out to Play

A sweet and playful blend bound to excite the senses.  Benzoin is a cost effective replacement for vanilla in recipes and excellent for gentle DIY skin care products. The fruity carrot seed and sweet orange combination make this an exciting and delightful blend, perfect for wearing on your body, especially during sunny adventures!

Ingredients

4 drops organic Benzoin essential oil

4 drops organic Sweet Orange essential oil

3 drops organic Carrot Seed essential oil

Suggested use: Great as a solid perfume or mixed with jojoba oil in a roll top bottle which can be found here.  If you want to make a solid perfume, you can follow our balm base recipe here and simply replace the organic essential oil blend with the Out to Play recipe, multiplying the ingredient measurements above by 7.  If blending for a roll top bottle, make sure your essential oil blend doesn’t constitute more than 1-2% of your total blend.  This means in a 1 oz bottle you would want no more than 6-12 drops of essential oil. If you have questions or want to learn more about converting drops to ml to oz you can check out our handy conversion guide!

Mountain Rose Herbs

Recipe 2: Soft Clean Breeze

This is a soft smelling and cleansing combination of powerful citrus laced with the delicately spicy nutmeg, topped off with a touch of fresh fir needle.

Ingredients

5 drops organic Lavender essential oil

6 drops organic Grapefruit essential oil

4 drops organic Fir Needle essential oil

1 drop organic Nutmeg essential oil

Suggested use: This blend will work great as an air freshener.  A perfect way to diffuse essential oils in your car is by using one of our Terra Cotta Pendant Diffusers. Simply place a couple drops of this blend onto a pendant and enjoy the luxurious car scents for weeks to come!

Recipe 3: Awakening

A wonderfully sharp and penetrating combination of petitgrain, uplifting rosemary, with balancing and energizing eucalyptus. Great for pulling your spirits right out of that winter muck.

Ingredients

5 drops organic Petitgrain (combave or regular) essential oil

3 drops organic Rosemary essential oil

2 drop organic Eucalyptus essential oil

Suggested use: Drip oils together in a glass spray bottle and mix by rolling the bottle between the palms of your hands. Pour 1 oz organic witch hazel extract to the top of the bottle and shake well. Spray in the air or on the body when in need of a smile.

Recipe 4:  Spring Flowers

A royal blend of floral scents because nothing says “spring!” like blossoming flowers! If you are lucky enough to have both of these luxurious essential oils around your house, get ready for a treat.  If you have one or the other or don’t want to overindulge on your essential oil collection, you can replace lavender for either of these floral oils to create an impressive scent, sure to please guests from far off lands.

Ingredients

4 drops organic Neroli essential oil

2 drops Jasmine Absolute esssential

Suggested use: In a diffuser of your choice, add 1-2 drops at a time of the blend and diffuse per the instructions. Enjoy!

Mountain Rose Herbs

Top 10 Ways to Recover After Gluten Exposure | Celiac Handbook

Top 10 Ways to Recover After Gluten Exposure | Celiac Handbook

Symptoms of gluten exposure can vary widely and may include:

• Muscle and Body Aches
• Joint Pain
• Fatigue
• Bloating or Gas
• Nausea or Stomach Cramps
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Rashes, Acne, or Other Skin Disturbances
• Headaches or Migraines
• Depression or Anxiety
• Brain fog
• Irritability
• Exacerbation of Existing Disease Processes

The severity of symptoms from gluten exposure and the length of time it takes to recover depends on numerous factors, including the amount of gluten exposed to, length of time from last gluten exposure, degree of gluten intolerance, presence of celiac disease, health of the digestive tract, existing inflammation or infection in the body, and overall health status.  Some people find that they can recover from gluten exposure within a few days, while others may experience significant setbacks in their health that last weeks to months.  For those with celiac disease, it may take years for complete healing of the small intestine after gluten exposure, although outward symptoms may resolve much sooner.

Regardless of what symptoms you experience from gluten exposure, there are some steps that you can take to aid the recovery process:

All You Need to Know About Gluten Free Living

All You Need to Know About Gluten Free Living

New Study: Why This Common Food Has Radically Increased Celiac Disease, Autism, Alzheimer’s,

The use of glyphosate, the active ingredient in the broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup, has dramatically risen over the past 15 years, right in step with the use of GE crops.

According to Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), glyphosate appears to be strongly correlated with the rise in celiac disease.

Dr. Anthony Samsel and Dr. Seneff produced some phenomenal research on this connection, which was published in December last year. Previously, she has investigated the relationship between glyphosate and the development of a wide array of modern diseases, including autism.New Study: Why This Common Food Has Radically Increased Celiac Disease, Autism, Alzheimer’s,

Heimlich Maneuver for a Choking Pet

Heimlich Maneuver for a Choking Pet

Sources of Gluten - Celiac Disease Foundation

Sources of Gluten - Celiac Disease Foundation

The following grains and their derivatives are sources of gluten:

• Wheat
• Varieties and derivatives of wheat such as:
  • wheatberries
  • durum
  • emmer
  • semolina
  • spelt
  • farina
  • farro
  • graham
  • KAMUT® khorasan wheat
  • einkorn wheat
• Rye
• Barley
• Triticale
• Malt in various forms including: malted barley flour, malted milk or milkshakes, malt extract, malt syrup, malt flavoring, malt vinegar
• Brewer’s Yeast
• Wheat Starch that has not been processed to remove the presence of gluten to below 20ppm and adhere to the FDA Labeling Law*

Read more at http://celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/sources-of-gluten/#xg9PYh0bLmpf15q1.99