Gluten Hates Me but i'm surviving

Fitness Fridays: Get Your Fitness on in the A.M.

2012-01-27T10:12:00.001-08:00

I am really loving your ideas for future Fitness Fridays posts! Keep them coming, and you still have a few more hours to enter into the Blender Bottle Giveaway! Click on over here.

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In this post, I wanted to answer a question that I got by email pretty often. How in the world did I become a morning workout person?!

How did I go from not working out to working out five days a week?

I’ll be honest, I never would have thought it would happen to me. I used to sleep until the absolute last minute I could and still make it to work on time. But two years ago I made a resolution to “stop living for my days off”, and I felt like my morning routine was a big part of that.

I didn’t want my work days to be: wake up, shower, eat, WORK, home, eat, sleep. So I started giving myself a two hour buffer in the morning before I had to start getting ready. Now I had to work up to the two hours, by slowly waking up thirty minutes earlier over a period of a month (week by week), but sure enough my body clock adjusted.

Then last year I made the decision to start working out again, and I knew my morning time slot was the perfect spot to schedule it. It started out as a morning walk/run with Max. And then for me, it meant joining my local YMCA and utilizing their machines. However, gym or not, the following are tips that I found helpful to keep myself focused.

1. Organize your Workout Clothes

I’m a little embarassed to admit how many time I used an excuse like “I don’t have any workout clothes clean” or “I don’t know where my shorts are” to keep myself from working out! So I keep them organized by tops (shirts, tanks, and bras) and bottoms (shorts, capris, pants) and in these fabric bins at arm’s length.

Make them easily accessible.

Each time Target puts the bins on sale, I buy one.

It also makes doing laundry a breeze, because I never have to fold any of the clothes!

2. Plan the night before

I always start planning the night before to make sure I workout the next morning.

I lay my clothes out:

and get my gym bag ready.

I also make coffee the night before (or Parrish does) and make sure I have a protein bar in an accessible spot.

That way I can munch on one on the way to gym if I don’t have time to eat a proper breakfast before.

3. Trick Your Brain

The key part about prepping the night before, and laying out your clothes, is that you’re going to trick your brain. I keep my workout clothes close to my bed (or in my bathroom) so that as soon as I wake up, I put them on.

(anyone want to me make me a headboard?!)

As soon as the alarm goes off, I force my feet onto the floor. No snoozing. That just gives me time to make “deals” with myself. (which aren’t really deals by the way! More like excuses)

That way I can get geared up and ready before my brain can think about how sleepy or tired I am. I try to get as much done in my zombie state, that way as I’m driving to the gym, I munch my protein bar and drink my coffee, already proud that I’m staying motivated.

I wish I didn’t have to trick my brain, because once I’m at the gym and sweatin’ it up, I really do love it! But for now, it seems to be the only thing that gets me there!

4. Keep it Separate

This last step is really only if you’re going to the gym, but for me it was a biggie. I make going to the gym a part of my daily routine, and shower there to get ready for work. I was lucky that the YMCA had a location in between my house and work. (I highly suggest this method!) That way if I’m working, which I do five days a week, then I’m working out.

Keeping it separate is in regards to your necessary shower and beauty items. Buy yourself a cheap and effective organizer, and don’t try to use travel items over and over. Also I don’t recommend repacking and sharing your items between gym showers and home showers, because one day you’re going to forget something…and it may just be your deodorant!

I have separate everything, including a toothbrush! The only thing I keep in travel size is my gluten free EO body wash, but that’s because it’s expensive and you only use a dot!

That way when I pack my bag:

the night before with my clothes for the next day, I know my shower supplies are already inside. No thought necessary!

And note that I do not have a fancy gym bag. It is in fact my old book bag. Everything fits in it and it fits in the locker. That’s all you need! However, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t love a nicer gym bag for…oh…say, my birthday!

But I have to say that the best part about working out in the morning is that it COMPLETELY energizes me for the day ahead. I also make better eating choices because I’m already feeling pretty jazzed up about being healthy.

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Do you have tricks and tips that help you stay focused and motivated to workout?

Share them in the comments!

Go Bestie, It’s your Birthday.

2012-01-27T05:44:00.001-08:00

**Schedule Delay**

The Fitness Friday post will go up around noon today, and don’t forget to enter to win your own Blender Bottle here.

But right now, let’s talk a little bit more about my bestie sister, who is celebrating her birthday!! (edited to add: Her birthday was yesterday! Gosh darn it, this is why you look at your calendar on your days off!)

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I am VERY lucky!

I have been blessed with two older sisters, who are so incredibly loving and supportive of their little sister.

And I talk about her all the time, but my bestie sister is my best friend. (Hence the nickname) And she constantly takes care of me, even now that we’re both “grown up”. She talks things out with me, listens to my ramblings, and gets just as excited as I do about new coffee creamer flavors.

So in honor of her birthday, I thought I would share with you guys some of the most important nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned from her and tried to incorporate into my own life!

1. Family First: My bestie always puts her family first, and makes spending time with all of us a priority. She plans get togethers, makes sure there are food options for everyone, and just makes everything more fun! She is by far the LEAST selfish person I know.

2. Make the Most of Every Moment: My bestie is always ready for adventures and exploring, and she definitely embraces life. Feeling too tired? Get off the couch, let’s go. Because she’s knows once you’re up and moving, it’s going to be fun! Sitting in traffic? Don’t get mad. Call someone you love and spend that time catching up with them.

3. Be Flexible: It’s not always going to go perfectly. No worries. It’s your wedding day and someone forgot something? No worries, it’s not going to go perfectly. Grumpy toddler? No problem. My bestie is the queen of flexibility.

4. Be Present: Joan is present with you in every moment, which is one of the reasons she’s such an incredible Mom. She’s not distracted by her cell phone, or worried about the schedule. She’s spending time with you, and it always makes you feel special.

5. Be Funny: My niece Ella is hilarious, and I think a big part of that comes from my bestie. (She’s also a little bit mischievous, which she also gets from my bestie) Joan never takes herself too seriously, and can find humor in anything. Waiting in line at Starbucks? Funny commentary will help with the wait.

I love you Joanie, and thank you for being a constant inspiration to me. I hope that your birthday is just as special as you!

I Love Blender Bottles GIVEAWAY

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

My name is Marlow, and I have a problem.

I am STRAIGHT addicted to blender bottles!

I sort of feel like they knew people like me would see all the different colors and feel the URGE to own more than one!

Seriously though, I own…

FOUR!

two little, one big, and another big one at work! Two pink, one orange, and a blue. AND the other day I saw the red one at Whole Foods and was {---} this close to buying it!

So why do I love them so much?

They are hands down the best thing to put my smoothie in if I’m making it ahead of time…which I almost always am.

For example, I have a TON of car time ahead of me and I’m packing my road cooler. In that cooler: two smoothies. One for breakfast, one for lunch. And the beauty of the blender bottle is that with a few quick shakes, that pre-prepared smoothie will be all…SMOOTH again!

Seriously, have you ever seen a smoothie that has separated? Yuck.

ALSO. If you’re just making a smoothie with mix and milk or water, the little blender ball breaks up all the clumps!

WANT ONE?!

I love them so much, I’m going to give one away! And I promise, it’ll be a new one

BLENDER BOTTLE GIVEAWAY – SPONSORED BY ME!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

What sort of content would you like to see on Fitness Fridays?

Want more chances to win?

Tweet it, Facebook it, Blog about it – and comment back telling me you did so!

Four chances to win! And you know I’m going to throw in some other fun stuff, including a few Gluten Hates Me stickers!

And the winner is:

Rachel T. who said:

I would love to see something like a Friday Fast 15/30. A quick workout you can bust out in 15/30 minutes.
I've wanted a Blender bottle SO badly. The husfriend thinks they are silly. If I win one though, he can't complain!

Congrats Rachel! Email me with your info

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Happy Thursday!

Thank you so much to everyone for the kind emails and comments yesterday! Hopefully by the end of today I’ll have a better idea of what my plans for the next few years are. I hate having so much up in the air, and one of the scenarios just does not make me happy. But I am determined to get my degree. DEE-termined.

P.S. Blender Bottle in NO WAY asked or promoted this email in ANY way. I just freakin’ love them so much!

Tough Times

2012-01-25T04:40:00.001-08:00

Last night was one of those nights.

One of those nights where I had to sit down with my husband and look at numbers, classes, scenarios, and float the possibilities.

It was one of those nights that called for ice cream.

I can’t get into too many details on here yet because we’re still digesting information from last night and thinking through our options, but let’s just say that finishing my degree sucks. And it’s much harder than I thought it would be, but the silver lining is that I could be finished by December. But it would mean huge sacrifices, and I just don’t know if I can make them.

So this morning was one of those mornings.

A two cup of coffee morning! AND a gym morning. I have a ton of reading to do for school, but I made the executive decision that this morning it was more important to get my sweat on.

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P.S. Clemmy’s is the best ice cream ever! 100% sugar free and totally gluten free; I love it!

Arugula?! Yep, Arugula

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

P’s in the kitchen and he is cookin’ uh-huh, uh-huh

oh yes, P’s in the kitchen and he is cookin’ uh-huh

A far better rendition of “Froggy Went a Courtin’” and an even better rendition of sautéed arugula!

Two slices of bacon cooked till crisp, grease reserved. Into the grease, diced garlic and shallot. Sautee while stirring, scraping up the bits of bacon. Once the shallot is nice and translucent: add in the arugula!

Give a stir – letting the greens wilt

While it finishes wilting, crumble the bacon! And…if you have dogs, let them lick your fingers!

And…then wash your hands!!

Top the wilting greens with the crumbled bacon, and continue stirring. You still want the greens to reduce by half the size above^^ Once finished, serve immediately!

I recommend serving with THIS SALMON and roasted broccoli.

Best part?

Start to finish, this meal took 30 minutes to prepare! And the salmon was on sale at the Teeter. AND it was taaaaa-aaasty.

What’s your favorite way to prepare salmon?

Gluten Free Breakfast in Five Minutes Flat

2012-01-23T05:08:00.001-08:00

I can’t believe it’s been nearly half a year since I’ve had a waffle for breakfast. But between all the bowls of oatmeal, and Nature’s Path not being on sale at Harris Teeter, I guess I forgot about how yummy these little babies are!

“Isn’t She Lovely” strawberry topped waffle

The ingredients are simple.

One toasted gluten free waffle topped with 1/4 cup 0% fat Fage Greek Yogurt, 2 strawberries sliced, and 1 tbsp. slivered almonds.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, top with a flavored chobani. I bet the Chobani Honey-Nana Champion would be REALLY good!

I love the delicate crunch slivered almonds add.

And if you’re thinking you would rather top your waffle with syrup…think again!

The pillow like layer of yogurt brings a creamy, tangy touch that will woo you away from sugary syrup. But if you do miss the warmth of syrup, drizzle (not drench) the top with 1/2 tbsp. of your favorite syrup or honey.

Don’t have any berries? No problem! It’s just as good with plain yogurt on top.

And fast! Super fast!

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I am officially addicted to Scramble with Friends! I went to bed last night thinking about words!

Fitness Fridays: Smoothies

2012-01-20T03:06:00.000-08:00

Smoothies are kind of funny sometimes.

While I’ve never made one that didn’t taste yummy, I have made more than a few that didn’t look like they would taste yummy. Sort of like when you’re dying Easter eggs and you and your brother think you should try mixing all the colors together…yeah, they turn out brown. (why you tried this year after year, I’m not so sure)

But smoothies are my favorite post workout treat! And luckily the best smoothie doesn’t turn brown when you mix it all together.

It’s bright green!

1 cup Vanilla Soymilk

1 cup Orange Juice

One dollop of Oikos Vanilla Yogurt

3 handfuls of Spinach

2 strawberries halved

Colors: Red, Green, Orange

Want to add more protein?

James Dean meet Gluten Hates Me

2012-01-19T05:09:00.001-08:00

Blog, meet James Dean.

James Dean is my new (as of a week ago) Canon Rebel T3 DSLR camera! And much like James Dean, he’s a rebel who’s mysterious and hard to understand.

Luckily I have two fur babies who make for pretty willing models. Bonus: they work for treats.

Hazel is pretty unsure of the sound that comes from the shutter.

Modeling makes Max sleepy…and hungry.

^^ What are you doing Mom?

^^ I’m really bored with this Mom. Let’s snuggle.

Luckily once the dogs get tired of modeling, I have plenty of other models who don’t seem to mind.

Although Honey Bear does have pretty steep sitting rates.

So then I have to turn the lens on myself. I bought a new red lipstick on Monday, and I’m still pretty unsure about it. When I wear lipstick I feel like a kid playing in my Mom’s makeup, but I’m a married woman! I can wear lipstick too!

I mean…I’m a grown up…right?!

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Happy Thursday!!

Last night Parrish and I had breakfast for supper and it was such a treat! I made up a batch of gluten free french toast, and I have to say that I’m still thinking about it this morning!

Creamy (Hidden Greens) Gluten Free Pasta

2012-01-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

This dish checked TWO things off of my list! The first, it was a healthy meal after…all that chocolate cake, and the second: this is my new vegetable recipe for the week! I love when I take a step towards a New Years resolution! (makes me not feel so bad about those TWO pieces of chocolate cake!)

This is a recipe in progress, so while I will tell you what’s in it, I’m not recommending it yet. Don’t get me wrong, it was DELICIOUS. But towards the end of the meal Parrish had the idea to top it with lemon zest (great idea) and we were even throwing around the idea of adding bacon. (although not the day after eating chocolate cake) Feel free to play around with this recipe on your own too; let me know how it goes!

I started by cooking up two servings of Tinkyada gluten free elbows. Use whatever noodle you like, the shape really doesn’t matter. While that was cooking, I readied my food processor. Don’t have a food processor? You could use a stand blender or immersion blender.

Into the food processor: two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and two cloves of garlic. Processed on high for around 30 seconds. Then I added in one avocado, pitted and sliced. Processed for about 10 seconds. Then I added in two cups of fresh spinach. Processed for about 30 seconds to a minute (or until creamy) Then I added 1/2 tsp. of salt and processed again for 30 seconds.

Voila!

Once your noodles are cooked, strain and then back into the pot with your yummy green sauce. Stir well and serve!

I also suggest topping with a bit of lemon zest, and serving immediately!

Creamy, tart, bright with a garlicky finish! This is definitely a recipe that I will continue playing around with. Man, I wish bestie wasn’t allergic to avocados!

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Happy Wednesday! I had some strange bug yesterday and was home with nausea for the greater part of the day. ^^This supper really hit the spot last night, and I’m hoping to shake off whatever it was. I’m honestly a little worried it was a sugar coma from the cake…and too much True Blood.

A Slice of Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

2012-01-17T04:04:00.001-08:00

It’s all about balance right?

Yesterday I tell you guys about how I like to make sure I have a healthy, nutrient dense breakfast to start my day….and today I’m going to tell you about the chocolate cake I made last night for no reason other than it was a Monday.

A few weeks ago I found a box of Better Batter cake mix at Home Goods of all places, and of course snatched it up!

And I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical about this cake mix, because all you add to the mix is water, egg, and oil.

35 minutes later, my fears were gone! Although, I will say that the cake didn’t rise as much as most cakes. But the cake itself is spongey and moist, with a great texture.

What do I suggest you serve with your decadent slice of chocolate cake?

An equally decadent episode of Gossip Girl. Two guilty pleasures at once is the only way to go!

Oatmeal and Me (and You)

2012-01-16T06:05:00.001-08:00

You know, as far as healthy eating goes…we’re all actually pretty lucky.

Unlike most folks who are re-starting their healthy eating habits and dealing with a daily battle against fast food temptations, we aren’t tempted by breakfast biscuits, burgers, and fried chicken. We can’t eat it.

However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t have my very own battle some mornings between my cravings for all things potato, and my brain that knows that hashbrowns do not a balanced breakfast make.

Oatmeal is my favorite healthy, good for me breakfast. All that soluble fiber helps my cholesterol, keeps my blood glucose in balance, and digests slowly which keeps me fuller longer. Fiber is good friends, and oatmeal is an easy way to give yourself a boost!

Gluten Free? Yep, but make sure your oatmeal says gluten free on the package. Commonly processed on the same equipment as wheat, some oats are even grown in adjoining fields. So be careful!

My favorite brand is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free. I love their rolled oats and their steel cut. My favorite on the go instant oatmeal brand is Glutenfreeda.

But you have to keep it interesting! Eating the same bowl everyday can be…boring. And I have to be careful. Since I’m still in a weight loss mode (13 pounds down, 20 more to go) I can’t go overboard with the nut butter toppings, granola, and what nots. With that said however, I do love toppings. And I feel like if I add about 50 calories of nutrient dense toppings, then I’m good.

…but one of my favorite bowls was topped with cheesecake! So, it’s everything in moderation!

Can’t eat oatmeal? Try breakfast quinoa!! No joke, read more here.

Gluten Hates Me: Favorite Oatmeal Bowls

Creamy Blueberry Oats

Strawberry Cheesecake Oats

Crustless Peach Pie Oatmeal

Honeymoon Oats

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Want to find more ideas for gluten free breakfast?

Just click on ‘gluten free breakfast’ in the tag cloud on the right hand side of this blog!

Fitness Fridays: Inspiration Boards

2012-01-13T04:00:00.001-08:00

I have to admit…I sort of always thought inspiration boards were silly. Not the collage part; I LOVE collaging. I guess I just didn’t really think that it would ever really inspire me.

Then Parrish and I spent a few days in Christmas Quarantine, and by the middle of that stent, I was BORED! I had spent the morning cleaning, and I had a huge stack of magazines to recycle. Perfect for collaging!

And as I clipped, I realized that I did see phrases and pictures that embodied some hopes that I had for the coming year. So…inspiration board it became!

Are you surprised to see food on there?

I did actually have a lot of fun making it, and what has surprised me the most:

It has gotten my booty to they gym, not once, not twice, but three times! I was struggling for motivation (it’s cold outside friends!!) but one good look at my board and I was pulling on my tennis shoes.

I keep my board in my closet on top of my chest of drawers. I see it first thing in the morning and it has actually been a very nice reminder of things that are important to me.

The phrase that has gotten me to the gym:

Take EVERY Advantage.

Powerful words if you reflect on them. I do have a lot of advantages in my life. I have no real physical disabilities. I have a gym membership. I have a car to get to the gym. I have lungs that work hard for me, and strong legs.

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How do you motivate when you’re feeling uninspired?

Inspiration boards; Yay or Nay?

Gluten Hates Me: Daily Essentials

2012-01-12T05:01:00.001-08:00

Week to week, my daily eating routine varies. Dependent on leftovers from suppers, hunger levels, and schedule workouts, some days I make sandwiches for lunch. Other days I pack a Kettle Cuisine soup (White Chicken Chili hello!?!) or a salad.

However, there are TEN items that I always keep “in stock” that help me through the pinches. Some mornings I accidentally oversleep and end up more rushed but with my essentials on hand I never feel overwhelmed.

It’s all about the planning!

1. Tasty Bite Madras Lentils: How often have I blogged about these tasty lentils? Too many to count, but I love them! Friends, you can heat them up IN the package! No bowl required. Not to mention it literally tastes like the best homemade chili. LOVE.I always stock up when they’re on sale or when I go to Costco.

2. Bananas: Or any other quick to go fruit such as tangerines, apples, or pears. A piece of fruit is typically just what I need to get through the 4-5:00 hump.

3. Babybel Light: Quick. Easy. Protein.

4. Quinoa: Cooks fairly fast (while I’m in the shower) and it’s so versatile. Add in salsa or olives with feta or roughly chopped carrots and celery…whatever!

5. Water: I am always packin’! Never underestimate the power of being hydrated! Skin, face, hunger level, mood: so many ways you can help your health with water.

6.. Greek Yogurt: this week it’s Chobani (10 for $10 at Harris Teeter) but next week it could be Fage. Either way, it’s always Greek. Full of protein, I prefer plain and vanilla because of sugar content. Snack, breakfast, dessert: it works!

7. Food Bar: another item where the brand changes but the concept doesn’t. I ALWAYS have a food bar in my purse. Parrish can attest, I suffer from the unfortunate condition of the hangries. (so hungry you’re angry) Having a food bar makes sure that never happens.

8. Fruit & Nuts: I love dried fruit and nuts, but I can’t trust myself with a whole bag. The tiny ball jar above is the best for serving size. In the mix: cranberries and walnuts.

9. Blender Bottle: Makes smoothies quick! With the little ball inside, smoothies that separate can be made smooth again in a second. You can even make smoothies the night before, just give it a good shake before you drink.

10. Slivered Almonds: If I’m feeling munchy (and crunchy) and I start thinking about potato chips, I just slip my hand into the almond container. It’s usually crunchy enough and filling enough to get chips off the brain.

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What are your essentials? Share in the comments section!

Gluten Free Cheesy Quinoa Cakes

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

KEEN-WAH.

Say it with me people. My lord, how I love this grain…errrr…seed!

Quinoa is the best. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s the powerhouse in my pantry and it doesn’t contain gluten. Miss my first encounter with my love? Catch up here!

This past week I was perusing Pinterest (big surprise I know) when I ran across a picture entitled Cheesy Quinoa Cakes.

Done and Done.

Cheesy Quinoa Cakes

I followed the recipe here, and I just subbed in gluten free all-purpose flour for the regular flour and Robusto cheese for the fontina.

And I skipped the aioli and went with my own favorite drizzle:

Wishbone Buffalo Ranch – so good ya’ll and yep, it’s gluten free to boot!

I found this a few weeks ago on a random trip to Target and swear, I could drink it. I literally have to force myself to measure out a tablespoon serving!

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Happy Hump Day!

My spring semester starts today! Eeep! I’m trying out a new workout schedule this semester…here’s hoping I can make the 6am wake up call!

Gluten Free EASY: Oven Chicken Risotto

2012-01-10T04:35:00.001-08:00

I feel like I have posted this recipe before, but in a quick search I couldn’t find it. But if I have, it’s okay because this recipe deserves a second posting!

This recipe uses ONE PAN, cooks and is on your plate in 45 minutes, and is DELICIOUS!

Oven Chicken Rissotto; adapted from a recipe told to me from my bestie

You’ll need:

2 tbsp. butter

2 1/2 cups chicken broth (be sure it’s gluten free! I like the Pacific brand)

1 cup Arborio rice

1/2 small yellow onion, diced

8 oz. mozzarella, cubed (I used the Sargento block and cut it in half)

1 container cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bag spinach, roughly cut into smaller bite size bits

1 cup diced, cooked chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken – aka lazy man’s chicken)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large (and deep) brownie pan or roasting pan, add the butter and pop into the oven to melt. Once melted, add in the onion and give it a good stir.

Then add in the broth and rice. Stir to combine and then cover your pan with aluminum foil.

Bake for 35 minutes. While this bakes, prep the rest of your ingredients.

After the 35 minutes, remove the pan from the oven carefully, and remove the foil. Fluff the rice with a fork. The liquid should be sucked up and the rice cooked. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, stirring well to combine.

Pop back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes, to wilt your spinach and melt the mozzarella.

Parrish and I like a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of ours.

Last night, I doubled the recipe because this dish re-heats beautifully!

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ALSO can I just tell you that for…oh…ever, I have been pronouncing Arborio rice as:

Are-bow-ree-row

!!!!!!!!!!!

Which I didn’t realize was wrong until I was at Chef Collini’s house on Saturday! It’s amazing that all this time when I looked at the box, I saw it being spelled like Arboriro!?! Sometimes your eyes see what they want to see!

Fingers Crossed that we finish inventory today at work! I am ready to put that puppy to bed!

Supper with at the Collini’s

2012-01-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

What. A. Weekend!

Saturday night Parrish and I had big plans at Chef Collini’s house, and I couldn’t have been more excited! My brother-in-law, while not a chef by career, is AMAZING in the kitchen! I would choose a meal at his house over a meal in a restaurant any day of the week.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with a tasty appetizer:

Antipasti platter – My favorite part:

baby zucchini marinated in Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar (super fancy…from Trader Joe’s)

In addition to the platter above, Chuck also served a very simple platter of blood oranges dusted with salt:

Bright and Juicy!

There kitchen is so cozy (and gorgeous). It is so much fun to sit at the table with their hilarious young’uns floating in and out of the conversation with a plate of yummy apps and a glass of GOOD wine. And it never stops there.

The entire time you’re enjoying yourself, savoring the simple but perfect flavors, Chuck is effortlessly standing over his stove putting together supper.

And this supper was a new dish for me:

Paella!

Turns out…I love paella!

Rich, complex layers of flavor with tasty bites of chicken and mushroom. Love! Love! Love!

Even better? My BIL and SIL are SUPER careful about gluten. I never worry when I eat at their house. It helps that their youngest has some food allergies, so they are more aware than some of hidden allergens and such.

But we all know that I’m blessed with an incredibly thoughtful family, and for that I am thankful!

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Happy Monday!

I’m hoping to try out my two Costco finds today at work:

maybe these little highlights will make the drudgery of inventory less….drudgey.

Fitness Fridays: Sports Bras

2012-01-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

As exercise became a regular part of my daily routine, I struggled with finding it's spot here on the blog. I don’t write detailed day-to-day posts as much anymore (exhausting much?!) but I do want to go into more detail on my workouts, the Y, and everything fitness related!

So = Fitness Fridays!

I thought I would start this new series off appropriately with….

BRAS!

Or more importantly, what I’ve learned about sports bras!

First off, my absolute FAVORITE:

C9 by Champion Seamless Racerback Sports Bra

I absolutely LOVE this bra. I’m not a super chesty gal (did I seriously just type that?) but I do have…enough…that I need a good sports bra. Love this one ^^^^

Which brings me to my second note about sports bras:

Never wear the same dirty one twice. Never.

I used to re-wear my sports bras. And I should tell you that I never leave the Y without sweating through my shirt. But the bra was dry by the next day, and if it passed the sniff test, then I would re-wear.

Enter: Chest and Back Acne

I started getting breakouts. At first I thought that maybe it was my pj’s or hormones, but then I realized that it was always in the range of my body covered by my sports bra. My dirty sports bra.

So I bought five. I now own six and never re-wear. And I started a new shower ritual after my workout:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash!

I use a dime sized amount in the shower after my workout, on my chest, shoulders, and upper back.

Between the bras and the wash: acne be gone!

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What about you? Do you have a favorite sports bra?

New Veggie Recipe: Kale Fried Rice

2012-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hmmm…seems like I’m not the only one who hates the dentist and wants to keep their house clean with less work!

I really loved recapping my resolutions here on the blog. It really helps me focus on my motives, and ultimately makes it more likely for me to reach my goals! And this past Tuesday, I accomplished #1: Try a new vegetable recipe once a week

Kale Fried Rice with Crunchy Bacon Bits!

Wholesome, Healthy, and completely DELICIOUS!! Also gluten free, obvi

You’ll need:

A big ol’ bunch of kale

2 cups cooked brown rice

1-2 tbsp. gluten free tamari

2 cloves garlic- minced

3-4 pieces of bacon (Applegate Farms Sunday Bacon is ahh-mazing!)

Start by cutting your kale from the stem. Just drag your knife along both sides of the stem, so you have the leaf without the stem. (Discard the stem) Then chop your kale leaves into small bite-size bits. Steam the kale for 10 minutes. While the kale is steaming, cook your bacon and reserve the grease.

In the reserved bacon grease, start cooking your garlic for two minutes. Shake out excess liquid from the steamed kale and then add it into your garlic and bacon grease. Cook for four minutes, and then add in your rice. Give it a good stir to incorporate and add in 1-2 tbsp. tamari. I like 2 tbsp. but I also have strong taste buds!

Serve with crumbled bacon!

Don’t do bacon? Just cook the garlic in 3 tbsp. olive oil!

YUM.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this dish because of the huge amount of kale. I love kale chips, but I’m not big on raw kale. Turns out, steamed kale is tasty!

What’s your experience? Kale: yay or nay? And if nay: have you tried it steamed?

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Tomorrow, a new feature on Gluten Hates Me: Fitness Fridays!

2012 Resolutions–Part Two

2012-01-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Ummm…how ‘bout it’s day four in the new year, and I’ve already been checking things off my resolution list! Today I went to the gym (#3), ate a healthier stress food at work (#12 – tbsp. almond butter), and then came home tonight and prepared a new vegetable recipe! (#1 – kale fried rice; I can’t wait to share this one tomorrow)

Not to shabby if I do say so myself….and I do!

So let’s delve into the second half, and keep this motivation train running!

Miss my the list of my first six resolutions? Catch up here!

7. Clean the house using a daily routine

Having a dog just makes your house dirtier. Between the mud on their paws and the dander…ugh. Having two dogs…disgusting. And so when I wait the two weeks until I can’t take it anymore (or a month) then it takes an entire day to clean our house properly! Not to mention my sciatica will kill by the time I’m finished. So I’m researching methods of cleaning one room a day each week for 15-20 minutes; it sounds good right?

8. Forgive myself

Toughest resolution ever. From guilt over not working out, to people that I’ve unintentionally hurt in the past, I never forgive myself. It’s like my brain enjoys pulling up these memories and dwelling on them. It’s the worst type of negative talk, because I did actually do things that I’m not proud of, but the past is in the past. And as long as I’m keeping myself in check, and working towards not doing those things anymore, then I need to let past offenses go. I’m not 100% sure how to do this, but I know that I really, really want to!

9. Save $500 personal dollars by December

I want a Canon Rebel. This is the only way I know that I will ever get there. It’s $42 a month. I can do this!

10. Floss Daily

Why is this so hard?

11. Go to the dentist

Necessary, and sorely overdue. I hate going to the dentist. When I had braces, I went to the WORST orthodontist. He always had new assistants, and thus they were always fresh out of school, and somehow couldn’t keep themselves from stabbing and jabbing my gums. I always left with a bleeder, and so now anytime I sit in the dental chair, my entire body tenses up. I even find myself holding my breath. Gas may be needed.

12. Healthier Stress Foods

Yes! I am a stress eater. Long morning of school work followed by a longer day at work? Hand me the french fries. First day off in ten days? Give me chips and dip. I never own up to what I’m doing before and during, but afterwards I am so aware, bringing on the guilt (hello #8) and ultimately those pesky pounds I just can’t drop. You know the ones. They like to hang out where your abs should be.

But it’s proven that comfort foods release feel good chemicals, and how can my body say no to that? Welp, we’re going to find a way. I believe exercise is part of the solution, but finding better, healthier trigger foods is going help too.

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Tomorrow, kale fried rice!

2012 Resolutions–Part One

2012-01-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Three days in!

I didn’t say this yesterday, but I am honestly BLOWN AWAY that it’s January already?! I feel sort of stuck in October, and all the while November and December were flying by. I’ve heard that the older you get the quicker the clock moves, and I didn’t used to believe that, but it’s starting to seem true.

So let’s delve deeper into those resolutions! That way, in a few weeks…or months, I can read over my reasoning and re-fuel my fire.

1. Try a new vegetable recipe once a week

This is pretty obvious. Veggies are important, and I always try to make my meals as colorful as possible, but I’m running out of recipes to make them exciting. If I try one new recipe a week, then at the end of this year I’ll have 52 new vegetable dishes (main entrée or side dish) to mix it up! If you have a recipe you love, be sure to share!

2. Run a 5k in less than 30 minutes

I have now ran three 5k’s but I have never trained for any of them. I’m ready to push myself and work on speed. My goal this year is to run at least one 5k in less than 30 minutes. And hopefully this will help me work up to a 10k.

3. Continue going to the gym regularly

Joining the YMCA this past year has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Working it into my daily routine has been…a miracle. But I love the way it makes me feel! Juggling school and the gym (and work) was a little bit harder, and my workouts went from 5 times a week to 3 times a week. I want to pick it back up, and be more creative to make it work with my schedule. I’ve lost 12 pounds since joining, but I still have about 18 more I’d like to work off.

4. Make a baby plan

Yep. We didn’t do this last year, and so it’s staying on the list. I say 1 to 2 years, Parrish says 2 to 3 years…we need a plan!

5. Stick to the budget!

Ugh. Between Whole Foods trips mid week and the ease of buying books on my Nook, I have strayed from the budget. Re-evaluations will be made, but after the final draft is decided, this is going to be the year of sticking to it! Tips? Anyone?

6. Less TV

I actually started this resolution in November, and have found it to be easier than I thought. However, I have to continue to be intentional and mindful about this, because I can very easily be pulled in to watching something on TV that doesn’t even interest me. Two hours later I haven’t accomplished anything other than wearing out the sofa.

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Tomorrow we’ll cover the second half….and quite possibly the hardest resolution: forgiving myself. Ugh. This is going to be a hard one!

January 2nd and It Feels So Good

2012-01-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

You knew it was coming….

New Year, New Resolutions!

The right side are my resolutions from 2011…

and the left side are my new ones for 2012! 11 in 2011 and 12 in 2012.

I keep my resolutions in a sticky note on my desktop, so I always have a small reminder of my goals.

I did OK for 2011, completing # 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11. More than half, not too shabby!

But Floss daily is making the list again, and I am determined! As is making a baby plan, and hopefully I can accomplish these in 2012!

Tuesday and Wednesday, I’ll go in to further detail on the above list, but for now I’m dying to know:

What are your resolutions? Do you even make them? Share!

Gluten Free French Onion Dip

2011-12-29T04:53:00.001-08:00

Can you believe that it’s almost 2012?!

I know most blogs are already talking about their resolutions and getting a jump start on a healthy new year.

And…I don’t want to say that I’m going in the opposite direction. What I’m about to propose to you isn’t…entirely unhealthy.

But it ain’t healthy.

However, if you make this recipe for New Years Eve, whether you’re at a party or at home, just be sure to share! That way, you’ll have an appropriate serving = healthy!

Because friends, this dip is so dang good! And your friends and family will slap eat it up! And they’ll think that you’re a genius. Win Win.

From Scratch – French Onion Dip

Originally posted here.

I love French Onion Dip. I usually just go for Dean’s French Onion Dip, but since I was off work yesterday I thought I would try to make my own. I’m so glad I did! It is so much creamier than store bought premade. The onion is rich with the perfect amount of salt. It was a big hit at the potluck and so simple to make.

You’ll need:

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

4 cups chopped yellow onion

3/4 tsp. salt

1 3/4 cups mushroom broth

2 tsp. onion powder

2 tbsp. white vinegar

1 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt (I used Fage so it would be creamier)

Start by heating your oil and chopping your onion. I ended up using 2 large onions to get to 4 cups. Add the onions to the hot oil and the salt, cook on medium-high heat and stir occasionally until it begins to brown. (10 minutes) Add the broth and scrape up any of the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer until it is almost evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the onions are deep golden brown, 7 minutes. Stir in onion powder, then stir in vinegar and cook until evaporated, 5 minutes max. Remove from the heat and let cool for 20 minutes.

Combine the sour cream and yogurt in a medium bowl. Add in the onion mixture. Cool dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, so the flavors can meld.

Make sure you read the ingredients listing on your mushroom broth carefully; broths can often have gluten.

Everyone loved the dip! It serves great with chips and veggies. It would also be AWESOME on a steak sandwich.

Christmas Eve–Gluten Free

2011-12-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everyone for the well wishes! I never fell over the ledge and got fully sick, but poor Parrish is on day FOUR of a SUPER sore throat! He had a strep test come back negative, but he’s taking antibiotics just to be safe.

Finally! Christmas Eve recap!!0

There are so many reasons that Christmas Eve is special in my family, but one of the biggies for me this year, was getting to see twinsies!

Obligatory Christmas Eve photo that shows how much TALLER than me he is! Seriously, what happened in that womb?!

I was also so excited to spend time with my Sissie and her family:

and really, just ALL the family! Even my fur-sister Wucy.

We had snackies per usual, and I made the Cranberry Walnut cheese log and Potato Skin Sliders for everyone. Also in the spread: cocktail weenies, meatballs, and a bangin’ taco dip!

AND same as last year, twinsies brought a little…something…to spice up the punch!

Sake Green Punch! Sake to me

Sake really is the perfect addition to green punch.

And just like last year, the entire spread was gluten free! Woo to the Hoo!

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What about you? Was your spread gluten free? What was the best dish?!

Christmas in Quarantine

2011-12-26T11:26:00.001-08:00

Christmas in Quarantine.

Parrish has either a severe head cold or strep, and has been sick since Christmas Eve. I am teetering on the edge, and drinking Umcka like it’s my life force. The worst part? NO Collini Christmas Supper; which I have been looking forward to for weeks.

So…I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap of Christmas Eve. Until then, comfy blankets, pulled shades, and endless HBO movies.

The Eve to the Eve

2011-12-23T05:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

I can’t believe this Christmas season is almost over

It’s my MOST favorite time of the year…although I don’t love my crazy work schedule, getting home after 8 every night.But there’s just something about this season that makes me….all warm and fuzzy inside.

WHICH is exactly how I was feeling when my blogger Secret Santa gift arrived yesterday!

My Secret Santa spoiled me!

LOVE it!

I hope everyone who signed up has received their Secret Santa gifts as well!

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I’m working today and tomorrow, but then it’s FAMILY TIME! I can’t wait!!

Missed previous GHM Christmas Eve’s? Catch up!

December 2009 – Twas the Night Before Christmas

December 2010- Gluten Free Christmas Cheesecake

December 2010 – Twas the Night before Christmas - GF

December 2010 – A Collini Christmas Supper