Looking for Healthy Make-Up & Skin Care? Mineral Fusion Delivers! by Ann Oliphant, CNC

Sensitive skin most usually goes along with a sensitive GI tract....thus the need for make-up and skin care that cosmetically and dermatologically delivers exactly what you are looking for without all the "extras".  Extras such as parabens, talc and other chemicals that can set off an inflammatory response in those of us with sensitivity issues.  Mineral Fusion and their tag line of "minerals on a mission" prove it is possible to create healthier (and gluten free) make-up and skin care.

So many celiacs and gluten intolerants find they are not feeling as well as they think they could/should on a gluten free diet alone.  The missing link almost always is either in their dietary supplements or....what is going on their skin.  This would include anything you put on your body; shampoos, lotions, make-up and skincare products. This is why pharmaceuticals sometimes use the skin patch delivery method.  It is absorbed through your skin and eventually gets to your bloodstream.  I've heard a number of people say they were never really "well" until these final areas were addressed.  Thankfully, we have companies like Mineral Fusion who provide products without:  gluten, parabens, artificial colors, talc and, as an added bonus...no animal testing!

My favorite product-and also the favorite among the samples I handed out to other zero-tolerance-for- gluten girls is the lip gloss.  When you become so accustomed to being a bit over zealous and anxiety-ridden over what even comes within millimeters of your mouth, you do appreciate a good, clean lip gloss! Not just "clean" but also cosmetically speaking, it ranks right up there with the best.  No gooey, gloppy, hair magnet here-just great color and long-lasting shine.

The mascara was also big--who wants parabens any where near their eye?  No wheat germ oil (i.e. possible gluten itchiness reaction) either. Perfect.  Does everything you want it to too; no flaking, no smudging, no clumping and comes off easily with soap and water. 

The picture of the serum here in this post is a tube that is actually almost empty...which would be mine.  This goes on light and clear...contains all manner of good things like zinc, echinacea, gingko biloba leaf extract, aloe and rosemary not to mention magnesium, copper and natural peptides.  Good stuff without gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and also never tested on animals. 

I really do love this line.  I've ordered from them before and just so you know, usually you will find an added sample or two of other products you might like tucked in your box.  Mineral Fusion can be found at Whole Foods and I believe Earth Fare carries some of their line as well.  You can always order online and see their whole product availability at www.mineralfusion.com . 

Age-Defying Treatment Serum

Minerals on a Mission!

"Enlighten" Lip Gloss

Mascara in "Graphite"

Ready-to-Eat Meals from "GOPICNIC" by Ann Oliphant, CNC

Good news for we gluten-free Charlotteans this Spring!  Whether we are taking our workout outdoors to one of the local trails or once again finding ourselves wandering around the Charlotte-Douglass airport (or any airport looking for something we can eat...) we now have, courtesy of a new product from "gopicnic"...

*ready-to-eat" meals                                                            

*gluten free

*all-natural (could it get any better?!)

*vegan

*atleast one kosher

*atleast one "free of 7 common allergens" (!)

*perfect sized; re-sealable-lunchbox-style containers

*no transfats, HFCS, no MSG

*requires absolutely no refrigeration

*no sulfites; no casein

Now, as to what is inside?  On average, boxes contain a total of 400-500 calories, 9-12g of fiber and 12-25g protein. Perfection.  The "Sunbutter & Crackers" box contains a balanced meal of sunflower butter, multi-grain crackers (yes! gluten free), seed & fruit trail mix, tropical fruit bites and a double chocolate cookie.  As for the "Hummus & Crackers" meal, this contained a "wild-garden" hummus dip, multi-seed crackers, fruit & nut mix, dry roasted edamame and a dark chocolate square. 

We who have food sensitivities and intolerances know just how great it is to have a product like this.  I was told they were available at most Target stores in addition to many airports.  I did not have any luck locating GoPicnic at one local Target store here in Charlotte; my only complaint is these wonderful, save-the-day (and mood!) mini food boxes are not located everywhere.  Off the top of my head, I would say local gyms would also be a great location but as we can all probably agree, the airport food court trumps all!  If these boxes were only located in airports that would be enough but let's hope these are soon made  readily available everywhere so that kids who require special diets also have a "lunch" box they can call their own or parents, who would just like a healthy alternative to similar although full-of-ickiness conventional meal-in-a-box products. 

These boxes can be taken on long car rides and left in the car for a period of time without fear of spoilage--perfect for driving to the mountains for long weekend hikes this Spring. 

All of the products contained in these boxes are also available individually and may be recognizable to many of us; products by Enjoy Life, SunButter and CrunchMaster to name a few.  Be sure and read the boxes when purchasing; GoPicnic does make a ready to eat meal that is not gluten free. 

If you have trouble locating GoPicnic, you can find them at www.gopicnic.com or you may call 773-328-2490. 

New Creations from Udi's Gluten Free Foods, by Ann Oliphant, CNC

A few days ago I received a box full of gluten-free deliciousness from Udi's.  Those of us who have been eating this way for any period of time are most likely already very familiar with Udi's muffins, bagels, pizza crusts and cookies.  Udi's is well known for their great-tasting and even preferred-0ver-similar-conventional-products line. 

I was already acquainted with some of these items and imagined quite a few of you were as well, but there also were some surprises, which I am happy to report fall right in line with the high quality taste and texture we have come to expect from Udi's. 

Topping the list, and disappearing the fastest in our home were the new "Brownie Bites".  Everything you love about a brownie?
This is it.

Also, the new and very clever "Blueberry Oat Muffin Tops"...that's right, "tops" as in no more tossing the bottom half or eating a whole muffin when you really just want to get to the best part...now the best part is actually all there is to these moist, perfect-sized and individually wrapped "tops".  Very portable too, which is huge when your on-the-go "energy boost" must be gluten-free!

In our pantry, Udi's Granola is a mainstay and the new Cranberry Granola will be a welcome addition.  It is the best granola, hands-down, and in my opinion, better than any conventional brand out there.  The new Cranberry is very good and having the variety is nice but the favorite here is the "Vanilla".  Keep any of Udi's granola on hand to create a quick and easy yogurt parfait; for those of us who are also casein sensitive, try Redwood Hill Farm's Non-Fat Goat Yogurt.  Layer with fresh berries, Udi's granola, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of raw, organic Agave syrup. Even the pickiest of eaters will not turn away!

Udi's was also gracious enough to include their pizza crusts which when placed in front of you is like having a great white canvas, ready to top however you wish.  Following a gluten-free diet does not feel limiting at all when you create something like this:

Oh the possibilities!  Organic tomato sauce, goat cheese, baby kale, gluten-free/nitrate/nitrite free pepperoni, organic portabello mushrooms, organic red pepper flakes & all  manner of antioxidant rich herbs; basil, oregano and of course, garlic.  In the 400 degree pre-heated oven for 10 minutes and...healthy, gluten-free perfection!

Thank you Udi's for sharing your newest offerings...the g-free
community is much appreciative! 

Udi's products can be found locally in Charlotte at Earthfare and other natural foods stores.

Charlotte, NC Bloggers Needed

Live in Charlotte, NC?

Live the Gluten Free Lifestyle?

Interested in helping others in your city?

If you have any questions or interest writing about Charlotte please email me.

Gluten-Free MeetUp Anyone?!

I have had some extra time on my hands. This is not usually the norm for me, so I definitely took advantage of it. It has left me moments to think and boy have I been thinking! My thoughts are directing towards an idea:

A meetup, of sorts, at a gluten-free establishment for those of us in the Charlotte area to get together and enjoy a fun night of safe food, drink and lovely conversation.

This idea has been done before, but not many people have ever joined in. I used to love going out and meeting up with others for gluten-free fare when I lived in NYC. Now, I want to translate that to the Charlotte area.

Whose in?! Leave a comment and let me know. Your response matters - knowing you'll attend is a huge part of this idea actually working.

So excited to possibly meet you all:-)

Chelsea Clinton, Fiance, Family & Friends Dine on Gluten-Free Cake

I am not sure if anyone else caught this little tid bit of information, but someone very important and known for her famous parents got married this weekend...and she had a gluten-free cake!

Yes, I swear I am not lying - Chelsea Clinton said her I do's then spent the rest of the night sharing an all vegan menu and gluten-free cake (from La Tulipe Bakery in NYC) with her guests. While she is not gluten-free, nor is her fiance, they are mindful of what they eat.

Check out a write-up about Chelsea's wedding choices here:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38500111/ns/today-today_weddings/

Here is an article more about the all-alternative banquets increasing in request - great news for us gluten-free kids: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38474741/ns/today-foodwine

As many people say, "Any press is good press". In this case, it really is!

My Udi's "Breakfast of Champions"

Some people eat cereal and others do omelette's, waffles and/or pancakes for Sunday morning breakfast, I on the other hand had Udi's Double Chocolate Muffins and Udi's Cinnamon Rolls. The true breakfast of champions! My mission was not complete and these treats were 2 more out of the 4 items I needed to try. Besides the sugar rush I experienced so early on in the day, the efforts were well worth it.

To begin this "breakfast" of mine, I started with an Udi's Cinnamon Roll. It was straight out of the fridge and still very cold, which made for a slightly harder Roll. To soften it up some, I placed it in the oven on hi broil for a few minutes or just until brown and giving to my touch. While the Roll heated through, I took the very convenient frosting pack which comes with a box of 4 Cinnamon Rolls (2 frosting to every 4 Rolls) and heated that in the microwave so it would spread smooth. The cold frosting is very hard to spread so I recommend heating it. After both were ready, I squeezed the frosting on top of the Roll and spread it all out (I love a ton of frosting so I usually make a pile on the side for dipping as well :-) ) Then I unraveled the whole bun and ate it layer by layer - my favorite!

Overall, the Cinnamon Buns were very good. I think they need a good heating prior to eating for best results, but otherwise leave my taste buds satisfied and sometimes begging for more.

For the second portion of my breakfast, I sank my teeth into Udi's Double Chocolate Muffins. If nothing else, they were choco-tastic! My preference is a heated muffin with gooey chocolate, but I did try it as is and they weren't bad. The muffin is flaky and easy to break apart, a bit dense though. Once I heated them in the oven on hi broil they were at their best. The chocolate was runny, the outside a little toasty (muffin tops anyone?!) and the flavor was spot on. Definitely a winner that I would eat over and over again.

The best part about both of these Udi's treats is they can be eaten as is, microwaved for a quick heated treat and/or toasted in the oven for an anytime tasty delight. Keep in mind as well, another great perk to all of Udi's great foods is they are not just gluten free, but soy free, dairy free and nut free. Seriously allergy friendly, tasty delicious, wonderful treats!