Gluten-Free Fun

Where to Find Gluten-Free Fun in 2019

2019-01-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm still here... sort of.

While I am not blogging at Gluten-Free Fun, I am still very active on social media and on my website Gluten-Free Globetrotter.

Here are all of my links!

Gluten-Free Fun on Facebook
Gluten-Free Fun on Twitter

Gluten-Free Globetrotter website
Gluten-Free Globetrotter on Facebook
Gluten-Free Globetrotter on Twitter
Gluten-Free Globetrotter on Instagram

If you are looking to reach out to me for my consulting and social media services, you can always reach me through my GlutenFreelancer.com website.

Thank you for all of you checking in on me.

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Gluten-Free Fun (Permanent?) Hiatus

2018-09-18T13:35:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed, I haven't blogged in close to two months. It's not that I don't have anything to say, that's quite the opposite. It is that I have so much to say but have become completely disenchanted with the celiac community... almost to the point where I want to quit entirely.

I am a person that prides myself on honesty, integrity, and outspokenness. I have never shied away from controversial topics in the celiac community. For those of you reading this blog from the beginning, you know I dig deep and speak up when others will not. I give my opinions, but I always try to back up what I say with facts. It seems that facts these days don't really matter in the celiac world anymore. People are believing what they want to believe and are attacking those of us that are trying to help others navigate a gluten-free, celiac lifestyle with these facts. I am now relying on screenshots of posts, tweets, and direct messages to back me up. Yes, it has come to that point.

In addition, too many people are driven by the almighty dollar and not the health and well-being of 1% of the United States population living with celiac disease. These people are not only spreading falsehoods but they are also promoting brands that are NOT safe for those of us with celiac disease. From celiac centers to gluten-free magazines to online forums, the dollar is driving the information and not the ethics of representing a community living with an autoimmune disease. It's really very sad.

Being personally targeted online by a doctor, a dietitian, a magazine editor, gluten-free lifestyle bloggers, a celiac forum, and countless other supporters of these popular people is just more than one person can handle. These people are hiding behind online personas and rejecting invitations to talk about this face-to-face or via telephone. Trust me, I have tried and I am giving up. There are only so many unanswered emails a person can send without being completely exhausted over trying. I am also a person with feelings so bullying me online affects me personally. How can it not? It's sad but all I know is there is only so much on person can take and stepping back is something I need to do for me.

The gluten-free blogging world was much different back in 2007 when I started Gluten-Free Fun. There was no social media, there were no ads, people weren't competing to make their blog a source of revenue. We simply wrote to share our stories and experiences of living with celiac disease. While there are some people today that are still striving to do the same, authenticity among gluten-free bloggers and social media personas is a disappearing characteristic. I praise those who are still being their authentic selves, trying to make this celiac community better.

I have been trying to be that person from the second I launched this blog in 2007 but sometimes, you need to know when to walk away. I think now is that time for me. Maybe I will come back to blogging, maybe I won't. In the meantime, here is where you can find me since I don't think I could ever go entirely silent.

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Gluten-Free Globetrotter

Giveaway! Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest in Brooklyn

2018-07-23T10:51:00.003-04:00

I am giving away 2 tickets to this weekend's Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest at the Brooklyn Expo Center. I am speaking both days and can't wait to see you all. Enter below. Contest ends on Thursday at 11:59pm.

WHEN: July 28-29, 2018

Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Sunday: 10am to 3pm

WHERE:

Brooklyn Expo Center

72 Noble Street

Brooklyn, NY 11222

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Use code ERIN2018 for 15% off online sales.

Topic: Dining and Traveling in NYC and Beyond
Speaker: Erin Smith
Location: Lecture Stage
Saturday, 2pm

“Dining out in New York City or planning a vacation and eating far from home can be a daunting experience. During this session, Erin Smith, native New Yorker and founder of Gluten-Free Globetrotter™, will share how to “eat gluten-free around the world” without ever leaving New York City and how to plan a celiac vacation. She’ll also be answering your top gluten-free questions for both domestic and overseas travel.”

Topic: Dating with Dietary Restrictions
Speakers: Erin Smith and Sloane Miller
Location: Lecture Stage
Sunday, 1pm

“Dating can be fun while still being allergen-free and gluten-free. Allergic Girl, Sloane Miller and Gluten-Free Globetrotter, Erin Smith will tell you how! We will be talking about the emotional and practical challenges of dating with severe life-threatening food allergies and celiac disease from the viewpoints of a single woman and a newlywed.”

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Use code ERIN2018 for 15% off online sales.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cross Country Celiac Take 2

2018-07-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Today is the official start of my second cross-country road trip. This time I am driving from California to New York City. If you follow me on social media, you might know I am moving back home after living in California for the past two and a half years. To say I am excited is an understatement.

I hope you follow my drive from west to east on all of my social media channels. I will be using #crosscountryceliac for you to easily follow along. I will be posting all of my pictures on my Instagram and Instastories over at @glutenfreeglobetrotter. Head over and like my page and then follow me as I eat my way across the country. Not on Instagram? I am also posting on my Twitter account as well as my Facebook page!t

Healthline: Favorite Healthy Finds with Gluten-Free Fun

2018-05-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

I got to share my favorite gluten-free travel snacks and hacks with Healthline! I picked some of my top gluten-free brands and my must-haves for travel. If you follow Gluten-Free Globetrotter, you will know I just got back from Singapore. I had Bubba's Fine Foods and Krave Jerky and a million other snacks in my carry-on for my 19+ hours of flying. Read on for more details about how and what I pack when I travel

Our Favorite Healthy Finds: Gluten-Free Fun

Traveling with a food allergy can be a tricky puzzle to solve, especially if you have Celiac disease. Gluten is in seemingly everything, and more so when you’re on vacation or looking for a quick bite to eat. But take it from Erin Smith, blogger behind the gluten-free lifestyle website Gluten-Free Fun. You can still go on adventures and see the world without a drop of gluten getting in the way.

From snacks to hacks, Smith curated her favorite picks for gluten-free traveling. And it’s really a must-save for any gluten-free traveler. Read on for more food-friendly ways to turn your fun times, whether it’s a picnic in the park or a camping trip by the lake, into stress-free, treat-filled getaways.

Click here to read the whole article on Healthline!

Families Needed for Study on "Ripple Effect" of a Gluten Free Diet on Members in Household

2018-05-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

Researchers at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University and Teachers College are conducting research on how families navigate celiac disease and the gluten free diet in their household. We are inviting you to participate because you may have a child that is a patient affiliated with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.

Participation includes a 1-2 hour interview with multiple family members and 3 brief surveys about your experience with celiac disease.

To be eligible to participate:

• The family has a child (8 - 18 years old) with physician-diagnosed celiac disease living at home and it has been at least one year since diagnosis.

• The child with celiac disease follows a gluten free diet.

• Family members are comfortable speaking in English

• Family members including children are willing to be interviewed to discuss their experience with celiac disease and following a gluten free diet. Interviews will occur separately.

• The parents of the child with celiac disease do not have celiac disease themselves. This study is only for those with a child (or multiple children) with celiac disease.

Participants will receive $50 per family. If interested, please contact Carrie Russo at 201-292-4583 or email gfdstudy@gmail.com

How to be a CeliACTIVIST

2018-05-07T10:21:00.003-04:00

May is Celiac Awareness Month and I am celebrating by showing how everyone and anyone can become a celiACTIVIST! ⠀
⠀
Celiac disease is serious and affects an estimated 3 million Americans, but many people still don’t know about it. Now is a chance to educate and enlist the support of our family and friends in ways that fit your lifestyle.⠀
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One out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease, equivalent to nearly 1% of the U.S. population. Unfortunately, 83% of the 3 million Americans living with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder, meaning that it passes from parent to child via DNA. In some cases, stressful events such as pregnancy, surgery, infection, or severe emotional distress can trigger the onset of the disease.⠀
⠀
With a wide variety of symptoms associated with celiac disease, gaining an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. To determine if a patient has celiac disease, a physician can screen by using a simple antibody blood test, sometimes combined with a genetic test. If a celiac diagnosis is still suspected, the doctor will likely perform a small intestinal biopsy for confirmation.⠀
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Learn more at https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-awareness-month/.

Happy Celiac Awareness Month 2018

2018-05-01T09:30:00.000-04:00

It is Celiac Awareness Month. Now is your time to celebrate!

No pity parties here! Now go eat some gluten-free cake.

NYU Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders Program 3rd Annual Family Day

2018-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

The 3rd Annual Family Education Day hosted by the Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone is headed to the Natural Gourmet Institute on May 6th. I had the pleasure of speaking at their 1st annual event a few years ago. This is a fun, hands-on gluten-free day for families with celiac disease. Adults are welcome but they must be accompanied by a child between the ages of 7 and 13.

For more information ant to RSVP, please contact Kenza Hill at kenza.hill@nyumc.org

Podcast: How to Plan a Gluten-Free Wedding

2018-04-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Me with my handsome groom!

I cannot believe that tomorrow has been exactly one year since my wedding. Time flies when you're married, I guess! Just in time for my anniversary, I recorded a podcast with my friends Mike and Cam over at The Celiac Project. I share my top tips for planning a gluten-free event including what to ask, how to alleviate fears, and most importantly, how to enjoy your big day.

Take a listen!

If the embedded player doesn't work, click here.

10 Surprising Gluten-Containing Foods

2018-04-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Gluten can lurk in many places. Reading labels is a part of life when you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. This infographic from Delicious Living is a good reminder about where to look for hidden gluten.

Gluten-Free Fun at 40!

2018-04-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday. I honestly cannot believe I am entering a new decade. I've been writing this blog more than 25% of my entire life!!! I was hoping to finalize my redesign by now (yes, I know, it's dated) but life is busy and the blogs never take priority. Plus, I am really putting my efforts into Gluten-Free Globetrotter these days. Yes, I write TWO blogs. Make sure to give a look if you haven't seen it before!

As you may have noticed, the blogging has slowed down a bit but the social media is busier than ever. Make sure to follow Gluten-Free Fun on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Join me there. In the meantime, I am going to dig into this gluten-free cake from my husband!

Upcoming Celiac Disease Events March-May 2018

2018-03-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this gluten-free and celiac-related events coming soon to a city near you this spring. The calendar is very busy this year! Which events are you planning on going to?

APRIL

Schaumburg Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo
Saturday, April 7 and Sunday April 8, 2018
10am-4pm CDT

Schaumburg, Illinois

Tickets start at $5

Use code ADVANCE for 20% off through April 6th

Spring Flours™ Gluten-Free Gala
Benefiting The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
Friday, April 20, 2018
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CDT
Chicago, Illinois
Tickets start at $250

Gluten-Free Connecticut Spring 2018 Expo
Sunday, April 22, 2018
11am-4pm EDT
Wallingford, Connecticut
Tickets $5-20

Denver Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo
Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, 2018
10am-4pm MDT

Denver, Colorado

Tickets start at $5

Use code EARLYBIRD for 30% off through March 20

Use code ADVANCE for 20% off through April 20

Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest
Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, 2018
10am-4pm EDT

Columbus, Ohio

Tickets start at $15 for adults

Use code Erin2018 for a 15% discount

MAY

Celiac Disease Foundation National Conference and Gluten-Free Expo

Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, 2018

10am-4pm PDT

Pasadena, California

Expo tickets start at $10 for kids, Conference (includes expo) are $40

Celiac Disease Awareness 5k

Sat May 12, 2018
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM CDT

Cabot, Arkansas

Greater Philly Gluten-Free Expo
Saturday, May 19, 2018
10:30-4:30 EDT
Oaks, Pennsylvania
Tickets start at $10 (on sale March 15th)

Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest
Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, 2018
10am-4pm CDT

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tickets start at $15 for adults

Use code Erin2018 for a 15% discount

Atlanta Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo
Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, 2018
10am-3pm EDT

Atlanta, Georgia

Tickets start at $5

Use code EARLYBIRD for 30% off through April 18th

Use code ADVANCE for 20% off through May 18th

First Annual "Going Against the Grain" Gala
Sunday, May 20, 2018
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM EDT
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Tickets start at $40

Mid-Hudson Walk for Celiac Disease
Sunday, May 20, 2018
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM EDT
Poughkeepsie, New York
Registration: $20

Gluten-Free Garage
Sunday May 27, 2018
10:30 am to 4:30 pm EDT
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
$10 for people 12 and older

Do you have an upcoming event? Please email me and I will add it to this calendar!

Gluten-Filled Dreams and Nightmares

2018-03-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

The other night, I woke up startled. It was after a night full of (dream) eating gluten.

In my dream, I was walking down the street eating a regular baguette. I was chewing it, sucking on the bread, spitting it out, and then rinsing my mouth. The person I was with (can't remember who was walking next to me) kept asking me if I was supposed to be eating that bread. I said no and I knew it was full of gluten but that I couldn't stop eating it. In my dream, the bread tasted SO. DAMN. GOOD. It was warm, it was chewy, it was bready, and it was full of gluten. I knew it was bad for me yet I couldn't stop eating. I knew rinsing my mouth out would do nothing and that I would probably be sick in minutes, but I couldn't stop eating. I could almost smell the bread when I woke up, it was that good. Lucky for me, it was just a dream and I didn't get sick. Unlucky for me, it was just a dream and I didn't eat a real baguette.

I've read about these gluten dreams in the past, but I never experienced one myself. I think that comes from going gluten-free at the age of 2 1/2 years old. I really don't remember life before going gluten-free. My celiac family members were diagnosed as adults as were many of my celiac friends. They know life with gluten, I do not. This dream caught me off guard and made me wonder how often people with celiac disease dream about eating gluten so I took my question to Twitter. The response was OVERWHELMING to say the least.

You all dream about eating gluten A LOT!

It is so crazy to me how our celiac brains work. We know gluten is bad for us, yet we dream about eating it. Some people enjoy the moment while others panic about eating gluten and wake up sweating. Have you ever had a dream about eating gluten? If so, what happened? Leave a comment below!

Celiac Disease Center's International Symposium Coming to NYC

2018-02-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University is hosting an international symposium in New York City on March 2-3, 2018. The theme of this year's symposium is "Celiac Disease, now and the future."

There are two tracks for this two-day event: a clinical track for patients and healthcare professionals and a track specifically for physicians and scientists. The topics vary widely from quality of life with celiac disease, new therapies on the horizon, immunopathology, pediatric celiac disease, and so much more. This is sure to be an informative weekend with some of the top celiac doctors from around the world.

Register for the Clinical Forum here.
This track is for patients, dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals

Register for the International Symposium here.
This track is for physicians, scientists, and industry leaders.

Here is a list of the scheduled speakers:

Armin Alaedini, PhD Columbia University Medical Center USA

Robert P. Anderson, BMedSc, MBChB, PhD ImmusanT, Inc., USA

Julio C. Bai, MD Hospital de Gastroenterología

Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Argentina

Cynthia Beckman Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Govind Bhagat, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Carolina Ciacci, MD Universita Federico II, Italy

Edward J. Ciaccio, PhD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Richard B. Colletti, MD University of Vermont, USA

Amy R. DeFelice, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Luca Elli Universita degli Studi di Milano, Italy

Paul Frohna, MD, PhD Bioniz Therapeutics, Inc, USA

Daniel Getts, MBA, PhD Cour Pharmaceutical Development Co., USA

Peter Gibson, MD Monash University, Australia

Thomas A. Grace Bia Diagnotics, LLC, USA

Peter H.R. Green, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Claes Hallert, MD, PhD Linköpings Universitet, Sweden

Arnold S. Han, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Bana Jabri, MD, PhD University of Chicago, USA

Tim Johnson, PhD UCB Biopharma Sprl, Belgium

Chaitan Khosla, PhD Stanford University, USA

Frits Köning, PhD Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands

Suneeta Krishnareddy, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Kalle Kurppa, MD University of Tampere, Finland

Benjamin Lebwohl, MD, MS Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Anne Lee, EdD, RDN, LD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Daniel A. Leffler, MD, MS Takeda, USA

Francisco Leon, MD, PhD Celimmune, LLC, USA

Joseph Levy, MD New York University, USA

Suzanne K. Lewis, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Jonas F. Ludvigsson, MD, PhD Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

Knut E.A. Lundin, MD, PhD University of Oslo, Norway

Govind Makharia, MD All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Markku Maki, MD, PhD University of Tampere, Finland

Maria Teresa Minaya Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Milka Monegro Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Chris J.J. Mulder, MD, PhD VU University Medical Center, The Netherlands

Joseph A. Murray, MD Mayo Clinic, USA

Norelle Rizkalla Reilly, MD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Maria Ines Pinto Sanchez, MD McMaster University, Canada

Carol Semrad, MD University of Chicago, USA

Jocelyn Silvester, MD Harvard University, USA

Ludvig M. Sollid, MD, PhD Oslo University Hospital, Norway

Jack A. Syage, PhD Immunogenx, LLC, USA

Juli A. Tomaino, MD United States Food and Drug Administration, USA

Melanie Uhde, PhD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Elena Verdú, MD, PhD McMaster University, Canada

Jennifer A. Sealey Voyksner, PhD Immunogenics, LLC, USA

Randi L. Wolf, MPH, PhD Columbia University Medical Center, USA

Shireen Yates, MBA Nima Labs, Inc, USA

Click here for the full symposium program.

Certified Gluten-Free Cheryl's Cookies and Brownies

2018-02-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

It has been forever since I posted a product review, but I just couldn't keep this a secret. Last week, I was sent a free Gluten Free Have a Sunny Day Gift Tin from Cheryl's Cookies. Most people with celiac disease would run the other way from a cookie company, but I asked all of my celiac questions before agreeing to the samples. The person who responded to me could answer every question, provide me with details about production, and gave me a full list of all ingredients. I felt comfortable with their response and happily accepted the free cookies.

Here is what they had to say:

"The Cheryl's Cookies Gluten Free assortments contains walnuts, eggs, milk and soy. They are all produced in a dedicated gluten free kitchen on shared equipment with eggs, milk and soy. The gluten-free products are certified by the Gluten Free Certification Organization to be less than 10ppm, 50% lower than the FDA regulations and are individually wrapped and labeled with the certified gluten-free logo."

These cookies were INSANELY DELICIOUS! My husband and I could not stop eating these cookies. The cookies were thick, chewy, and "awesome" (so says my husband). My personal favorite was a toss up between the snickerdoodles and the chocolate chip cookies. But the brownies and the walnut cookies were just as good. The buttercream frosted cookies were good but a little too sweet for me. My husband said they tasted just like our gluten-free wedding cake. Let me remind you that he eats gluten and he loved these cookies as much as I did. We finished the tin in less than a week and literally rationed out the very last one. They were that good.

Besides being certified gluten-free and delicious, I love that we have options at Cheryl's Cookies. There are 17 different gift tins, cookie towers, and even a monthly cookie club. I highly recommend these cookies to anyone looking for a treat for yourself or your favorite gluten-free friend. (My b-day is in April, hint hint).

To see all of the options, visit the gluten-free cookie page on the Cheryl's Cookies website. Here are your options:

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie - Rice and Tapioca Flour, Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, an Emulsifier, Natural Vanilla Extract), Light Brown Sugar (Sugar, Cane Syrups), Butter (Milk), Sugar, Eggs, Honey, Corn Starch, Water, Vanilla Extract, Salt, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum.
Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Cookie - Sugar, Rice and Tapioca Flour, Butter (Milk), Eggs, Powdered Sugar (Corn Starch), Nonfat Dry Milk, Cornstarch, Water, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Xanthan Gum, Baking Soda, Salt, Cream of Tartar (Calcium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Adipic Acid, Corn Starch).
Gluten Free Buttercream Frosted Sugar Cookie - Powdered Sugar (Corn Starch), Butter (Milk), Rice and Tapioca Flour, Sugar, Eggs, Evaporated Milk (Milk, Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Vitamin D3), Nonfat Dry Milk, Cornstarch, Water, Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavors, Xanthan Gum, Baking Soda, Salt, Cream of Tartar (Calcium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Adipic Acid, Corn Starch).
Gluten Free Brownie Walnut Cookie - Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Vanilla Bean Seeds), Sugar, Eggs, Rice and Tapioca Flour, Butter (Milk), Walnuts, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa (Alkalized), Cornstarch, Water, Natural Flavor, Baking Soda, Salt, Xanthan Gum.
Gluten Free Fudge Brownie - Sugar, Butter (Milk), Eggs, Rice and Tapioca Flour, Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Vanilla Bean Seeds), Chocolate Liquor, Corn Starch, Nonfat Dry Milk, Water, Natural Flavor, Salt, Xanthan Gum.

Thank you Cheryl's Cookies for this gift tin. We will definitely be buying these again in the future!

Although I was sent free products from Cheryl's Cookies, all opinions are my own.

Celebrating 11 Years of Gluten-Free Fun

2018-01-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

You guys, I missed my own (blog) birthday. On January 4, 2007, Gluten-Free Fun was born.

I am not really sure how it happened, but January 4th came and went and I didn't acknowledge a HUGE milestone for this blog. My blog is celebrating it's 11th year!

My good friend David encouraged me to start my blog way back in 2006 and I made it a resolution to start writing in January 2007. I could never have imagined that my very first post way back in 2007 would lead to the celiac life I lead today. I have literally traveled the world sharing my celiac disease story with friends and strangers.

I've written a whopping 1,200+ posts over the past 11 years! I've been left thousands of blog comments from readers across the globe. I've connected with even more of you via social media which didn't even exist when I launched this blog back in the day. I have connected with so many of you at gluten-free conferences across North America and I am always so humbled when you come and say hello.

While my writing isn't as frequent as it used to be and the blog looks a little bit dated (the longest redesign in the history of the interwebs is still happening), I'm still here being the best celiac advocate I know how to be. I write this blog for YOU. If it weren't for my dear readers and friends, Gluten-Free Fun would never have lasted 11 years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Really, truly, THANK YOU!

Even if my blog goes quiet from time to time, you can always connect with me via email, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I look forward to hearing from you!

Gluten-Free 2017 Holiday Gifts: Books

2017-12-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Don't know what to get your favorite gluten-free gal or guy? Worried about buying them something they can't eat? Buy them a book! Whether it is a cookbook or a how-to live gluten-free for your newly diagnosed friend or family, you can't go wrong with books!

I am very lucky to have some talented friends and colleagues as well as appear in many of these books! I personally own them all and some are well-used in my kitchen. I hope your favorite gluten-free person enjoys these books as much as I do! Don't delay, order now to receive these books in time for Christmas!

Note: These are Amazon affiliate links and I may receive a small compensation if you buy a book.

4 Ingredients Gluten-Free: More Than 400 New and Exciting Recipes All Made with 4 or Fewer Ingredients and All Gluten-Free!

by Kim McCosker

Allergic Girl: Adventures in Living Well with Food Allergies

by Sloane Miller

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism

by Nadine Grzeskowiak

The Complete Guide to Living Well Gluten-Free:
Everything You Need to Know to Go from Surviving to Thriving

by Beth Hillson

The Art of Great Cooking With Your Instant Pot: 80 Inspiring, Gluten-Free Recipes Made Easier, Faster and More Nutritious in Your Multi-Function Cooker

by Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri

The Gluten-Free Revolution: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know about Losing the Wheat, Reclaiming Your Health, and Eating Happily Ever After

by Jax Peters Lowell

Gluten Free: The Definitive Resource Guide

by Shelley Case

Gluten-Free Baking Classics: The Heirloom Collection

by Annalise Roberts

Gluten-Free T-Shirt Holiday Sale

2017-11-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

GF Alphabet t-shirts on sale now for $15 plus S/H*
Buy two get one free!

Email gfreefun@gmail.com with your sizes.

*Shipping and handling is only $1.99 per t-shirt; US orders!

Sale ends December 1, 2017

Gluten-Free Allergen Friendly Expo in San Mateo

2017-11-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

We are less than two weeks away from the Gluten Free Allergen Friendly Expo in San Mateo, California. This is the first Northern California expo in more than three years and my first time attending this event on the West Coast. I've been the GFAF Expo in New Jersey many times and it is always a great show.

If you've never been to a gluten-free expo before, now is your chance. It is a great chance to try gluten-free products before you buy them and connect with other gluten-free friends. You will not be disappointed.

If you are looking for more of an educational experience, I highly suggest you attend on Saturday. The Stanford Education Day is being hosted by the Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California in partnership with Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children’s Health. There will be top celiac doctors sharing a variety of topics including myths about celiac disease, gluten-related disorders, and more.

I am an official blogger for the GFAF Expo which means I get to host a giveaway! Enter to win two tickets to the GFAF Expo on the day of your choice. Each winner will get two tickets so you can bring a friend! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Winners will be notified on November 11, 2017.

If you see me there, please say hello!

Saturday, November 18, 2017; 10am-4pm

Sunday, November 19, 2017; 10am-3pm

San Mateo County Event Center Fiesta Hall

1346 Saratogo Dra

San Mateo, CA 94403

Buy your tickets today
20% off w/ code ADVANCE (thru 11/17)

If you would like to volunteer for the show, fill out this form if interested. Volunteers get free entry and a t-shirt in exchange for working a shift of the show.

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Strike for Celiac Fundraiser in New York

2017-11-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

Register today for the Strike for Celiac fundraiser on Sunday, December 3rd in Syosset, New York. This fundraiser for the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University includes unlimited bowling, gluten-free food, a silent auction, and guest speakers Dr. Peter Green and Dr. Amy DeFelice both the Celiac Disease Center.

For additional information and to register, please contact Cynthia Beckman at the Celiac Disease Center.

The Celiac Project Podcast: Live From Indy

2017-10-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

When I was in Indianapolis for the Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest last month, I FINALLY got to meet Michel and Cam from the Celiac Project Podcast in person. I say finally because I've spoken to these guys both on the phone and over Skype but we never met face to face. These guys are the best and I felt like I was meeting my long-lost celiac brothers. Both Michael and Cam are truly genuine, friendly people and amazing celiac advocates. Their mission to spread information about living with celiac disease, eating gluten-free, and everything th. If you aren't already listening to their podcast, you should be.

Michael, Cam, and I at the Indianapolis GFFA Fest

Join Mike and Cam for their first podcast recorded live on location with their special guests, Erin Smith (Gluten-Free Globetrotter and Gluten-Free Fun) and Margaret Clegg (MI Gluten Free Gal). We have a spirited round-table discussion about all things celiac and gluten free. This is part 1 of our exciting, interactive presentation in Indianapolis. We answer great questions from the audience as well.

Take a listen to part one of the "Live from Indy" Celiac Podcast here:

National Celiac Association Fall Meeting

2017-10-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

The National Celiac Association is hosting it's fall meeting on Sunday, October 29, 2017 in Norwood, Ma. It will feature presentations by nutritionist Melinda Dennis, MS, RD, LDN and endocrinologist Partha Sinha, MD and Emma Clerx, an intern living with celiac disease.

What Celiacs Need to Know!

How bone health, nutrition, and self-management affects celiac disease

Sheraton Four Points Norwood, MA

1125 Boston Providence Turnpike

Norwood, MA 02062

Sunday, October 29 1-4pm

Here is the meeting agenda:

1:00 – 1:30 Check-in
1:00 – 1:30 Visit with vendors
1:30 Lee Graham: Introduction
1:40 Dr. Sinha: Maintaining a healthy skeleton in celiac disease
2:10 Endocrinology questions & answers
2:20 Emma Clerx: How long until truly gluten-free?
2:40 Questions & answers
2:50 – 3:10 Break, visit with vendors
3:10 Melinda Dennis MS, RD, LDN: A summary of current topics (arsenic, probiotics and non-responsive celiac disease)
3:40 Nutrition questions & answers
3:50 – 4:00 closing

Tickets start at $20 for the whole day. Visit the National Celiac Association website for more information and to buy your tickets today.

Stanford Health Day at the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo

2017-10-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

The Gluten-Free & Allergen-Friendly Expo is coming back to California for the first time in more than three years. In addition to this weekend-long expo, a key component of this year's event is a Stanford Health Education Day. This information-packed day will include topics such as celiac disease symptoms, treatments, follow-up, and future therapies. These speakers are presented by Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children’s Health in partnership with the Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California

To attend these wonderful lectures, you must purchase a ticket to the GFAF Expo. Today is the last day for 30% off with code EARLYBIRD (thru 10/17). If you buy your tickets after today, use code ADVANCE for 20% off your ticket prices.

When: November 18 & 19, 2017
10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday the 18th
10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Sunday the 19th

Where: San Mateo County Event Center-Fiesta Hall
1346 Saratoga Drive
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 574-3247

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Stanford Health Education Day at the Gluten-Free & Allergen-Friendly Expo
Saturday Speakers and Topics

“Demystifying Celiac Disease – From Symptoms to Diagnosis”10:30AM-11:30AM
Presenters: Nasim Khavari, MD, MPH & Nielsen Fernandez-Becker, MD, PhD
Overall classic celiac “diagnosis and treatment,” presented by the directors of the Stanford Celiac Disease Program, Dr. Nasim Khavai and Nielsen Fernandez-Becker. The presentations will include discussion specific to celiac vs. NCGS/NCWS/FODMAPs, highlighting all the services available within the Stanford Celiac Disease Program.

“Gluten-Related Disorders: Follow-Up Treatment & Future Therapies”
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Presenter: Peter H.R. Green, MD
After a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity – what’s next? Dr. Green will discuss clinical management of gluten-related disorders (celiac and non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity), including follow-up visits, vaccinations, and poorly responsive and refractory celiac disease. He will also review the exciting array of non-dietary therapies that are under development.

“Debunking the Myths Around Celiac Disease and Food Allergies”
1:30PM – 2:30PM
Presenters: Dr. Nasim Khavari, MD, MPH, Dr. Nielsen Fernandez-Becker, MD, PhD, Sayantani (Tina) Sindher, MD, Andrea Gilbaugh, RD, Neha Shah, MPH, RD
The expert panel will discuss gluten-related disorders (celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, non-celiac wheat sensitivity, low FODMAPS), allergy and immunology responses in both pediatric and adults patients, while inviting audience questions and participation!

“Food Allergy Facts – What Helps to Improve or Worsen Your Food Allergy Symptoms”
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Presenter: Sayantani (Tina) Sindher, MD
A focused discussion around nut and overall food allergies (including gluten), including interesting facts around the science of immunology.

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Celiac Disease Foundation New York 5K Turkey Trot

2017-10-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

My friend Craig is at it again organizing an awesome event for the celiac community. Join Craig and the Celiac Disease Foundation on Saturday, November 4th in Oyster Bay, NY for the 2nd Annual New York 5K Turkey Trot. Read on for more details.

Celiac Disease Foundation is excited to host its 2nd Annual New York 5K Turkey Trot run/walk on Saturday, November 4, 2017, in Oyster Bay, New York. This year's 5K event will again take place at Theodore Roosevelt Park.

The 2nd Annual Turkey Trot is sponsored by Namaste Foods.

Registration will begin at 8am, and each participant will receive a Team Gluten-Free t-shirt, enjoy music, and take home post-race gluten-free snacks to enjoy. The 5K run/walk will start at 9am, rain or shine, and medals given out to the top finishers in four different age brackets.

Proceeds from this event go directly toward driving diagnosis, treatment, and a cure for celiac disease.

We have partnered with Island Harvest Food Bank and are asking that participants please bring canned or non-perishable food to donate to families in need.

Early Bird Registration is now available through October 13th.

For more information, contact Craig Pinto at craig.pinto@celiac.org.

If you cannot attend in person, you can always donate online at:
http://tgfturkeytrot.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1175597

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GF Alphabet t-shirts on sale now for $15 plus S/H*Buy two get one free!

Email gfreefun@gmail.com with your sizes.

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Strike for Celiac Fundraiser in New York

The Celiac Project Podcast: Live From Indy

National Celiac Association Fall Meeting

Stanford Health Day at the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo

Celiac Disease Foundation New York 5K Turkey Trot

GF Alphabet t-shirts on sale now for $15 plus S/H*
Buy two get one free!