This was a nice change from all the ‘cakey’ snack bars. Totally full of nuts. Do know there are oats listed but they are listed as organic oats and organic dried oat syrup. I may have to get a box to keep in the car in the summer time. Many of my other favorites either crumble or melt in the heat. Got them at Lakewind too.
Glutino Gluten Free Candy Bar November 9, 2009
I tried the chocolate peanute butter one today. It totally reminded me of the Little Debbie nutty bars. Only I wanted to eat the entire box- not a good thing for the waistline!
There are 2 other flavors too milk chocolate and dark chocolate. I got them at Lakewind
Kinnikinnick Personal Sized Pizza Crusts November 5, 2009
Ok, so this pack of 4 crusts may have been out there for awhile but I have never seen them. Sounds like a good deal- 4 crusts for about $8.50.
Have you tried them? If so, let me know what you thought.
Van’s Gluten Free waffles and pancakes on sale November 4, 2009
Lakewind is running a sale on these items. They were on $2.50 so you save $1. Pretty good deal. I stocked up!
Blueberry with White Chocolate Chip Scones November 3, 2009
These have to be my favorite Lakewind Coop scone.
I stopped by there today and yummy- I feel spoiled with this treat.
Remember they have them on Tuesdays!!
I got a call about Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen October 29, 2009
I hadn’t researched all of the Dairy Queen treats in the past -just the cookieless cake. However, my cousin turned 8 this week and wanted to bring dilly bars for his class. My buddy (my cousin’s classmate) in 2nd grade has celiac so his mom called to find out if Sophie could eat it.
YAH she can.
For a list of all Dairy Queen treat… click here then select the allergy brochure!
Great Pumpkin Dump October 28, 2009
I love this event! My kids love throwing (literally) their used pumpkins into the recycling unit.
From October 30th-November 9, a dumspter will be on the west side of the Public Works Maintenance Facility (14900 23rd Ave N) in Plymouth, MN. The ONLY request is to please remove the candles! They will also take apples and gourds!!
What is collected will provide feed for the farm animals at Barthold Farms!
Gluten Free Beer at Lambeau Field October 20, 2009
I had Red Bridge gluten free beer before the game (bottles were sold at a gas station) and inside the game (on tap at Curly’s).
Yum!
October 24th – Make A Difference Day October 18, 2009
So what are you going to do on October 24 to make a difference???
Kyra Sedgwick’s pet peeve is plastic!
What is your pet peeve and how will you make a difference?
My goal that week is to go to 3-5 Caribou and Starbuck coffee shops and ask them to start saving their plastic tops for me. I will in return pick them up weekly and donate to Aveda.
Please share your ideas with me!!
to learn more about this day go to www.makeadifferenceday.com
Gluten Free Donuts (part 2) At Cooqi May 26, 2009
So how funny, the day I posted on my blog about the frozen donuts I like, I got a newsletter from Cooqi in St Paul, MN stated “Fresh Donuts made every Sunday’.
Well I got into the car Sunday morning to get there at 10am when they opened. I got 1 of each flavor- vanilla, chocolate and pecan (I guess sometimes they have apple). Hands down the chocolate was the best. I only complaint was that I didn’t like the sprinkles on them. I did send off a quick e-mail letting them know that.
Betty Crocker- Gluten Free May 5, 2009
Thank you General Mills for the new line of Betty Crocker mixes.
Yes, mixes!
Yellow Cake, Brownies, Devil’s Food Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookies
I hear they are already on the shelves in the east coast but should be everywhere by June 1st, 2009!!
Talk to your grocery store manager to see if they are ordering.
I tried the Devil’s Food Cake on my friends and family— thumbs up from all!!
Check both the cake mix aisle and the kosher aisle for product.
Click here to see what the boxes look like!
Starbucks- Gluten Free Treats May 5, 2009
Today may be Cinco de Mayo but I have a few interesting things to share…
1. Starbucks is launching a gluten free sweet treat–Gluten-free Orange Valencia Cake with Almonds. I will have to check it out tomorrow and give a ‘review’
and
2. It is my dad’s birthday!
How to replace flour in everyday recipes May 6, 2009
Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten Free Pancake & Baking Mix
This is a winner. I always have at least 2 bags at home.
I have used it as a replacement for flours in most of my recipes (1 for 1).
When I was first diagnosed I had to make my own version of this. I love the convienince and freshness of this product.
The Original House of Pancakes- Gluten Free May 7, 2009
My friends at The Orginal House of Pancakes have confirmed for me that ALL 4 Twin Cities (Edina, Eden Prairie, Wayzata and Maple Grove all serve GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES.
I don’t know about you all but pancakes at a restaurant were on the list of things I missed. Sure I can make them at home but eating breakfast out always meant some kind of eggs for me.
To visit their website for location information, click here!
Christos Greek Restaurant in Minneapolis- Gluten Free Options May 8, 2009
Gus and Carol, the owners of Christos, took on the challenge of my gluten intolerance. They have 3 locations- Minneapolis, Minnetonka and St. Paul.
Just ask your wait staff and they will help you find very tasty options.
I am going tonight and always take my gf crackers so that I can enjoy their hummus and rice pudding for dessert.
Gluten Free on the go May 12, 2009
I always keep some snacks in my car.
As a busy on-the-go mother of 2 girls, I find myself hungry while on the run.
I keep small containers of nuts and snack bars. I haven’t had problems with Zone Perfect- chocolate almond raisin, Luna- lemon zest, iced oatmeal raisin, berry almond and sunsire blueberry bliss, and all flavors of Nature’s choice.
Make good choices based on the weather as some of these can melt when it gets too hot in the car.
Gluten Free Communion Wafers May 13, 2009
So I figured there are several of you out there who are catholic (like me) and who had to pass on communion wafers for many years. Well about a year ago, my church started offering Gluten Free communion wafers. They are housed in a special GF drawer along with small cases to place one in prior to attending mass.
I asked my favorite deacon, Deacon Sam, who happens to order these and here is where he get them…
St. Patrick’s Guild—1554 Randolph Ave, St. Paul 55106
If you think your church needs a little encouragement, send me a note and I will get in touch with someone at my church who can help.
To mulch or not to mulch- that is the question? No May 15, 2009
But my question is… what does ‘earth friendly’ mulch come in plastic bags? My friend Meghan, who must be about a week ahead of me with her yard prep for summer, asked me this last weekend. And today as I work my garden, I am wondering the same thing.
Maybe getting bulk delivery next year is the way to go?
It is more work to haul it all around the yard in a wheelbarrow but is it worth it in the end? Maybe I will get a little more exercise with bulk delivery too. 
I am not perfect when it comes to the earth but each day I try to be better than I was the day before.
I am not perfect May 15, 2009
when it comes to the EARTH but each day I try to BE BETTER than I was the day before.
Celiac Walk May 16, 2009
Well this morning is the annual Celiac Walk and it is currently 38 degrees (but smiles it feels like 28).
I am pulling out my winter hat and mittens as the kids and I prepare for our 5K journey.
I am excited for the kids. They have never done more than a 1K fun run so today will be a nice challenge for them.
It sure is great when the whole family supports your life change!
Recycling Twist Tops- Now you Can!! May 16, 2009
I have found that many people to not know that the twist tops (for example-on most plastic drink bottles) can NOT go into the recycling with their bottles. These rigid plastic tops can also cause problems, slowdowns and waste within recycling facilities.
What can you?
1. remove them before you recycle and at minimum throw them away with the regular trash
OR
2. save them and take to an AVEDA salon
For more information check out http://aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.asp
This is a great idea for a daisy, brownie or junior girl scout troop OR a school!!
Fruits and Vegetables- Environne Wash May 18, 2009
I am sure many of you, just like me, pick and choose which items you are going to buy organic when selecting product. Well no matter what you need to wash them before you serve. I started using Environne Fruit & Vegetable Wash on all my produce.
It states ‘proven to remove pesticides, waxes and chemical’. I bought it at Lakewind Coop. http://www.environne.com/
Gluten Free Lasagna May 18, 2009
I made gluten free lasagna for the entire family last night.
I just replace the noodles with DeBoles gluten free rice lasagna noodles AND add a little extra sauce.
No special recipe. I have even made mexican lasagna with them.
Family likes it just as well as the regular especially the second day.
Pantene Beautiful Lengths May 20, 2009
So I did say every once and a while I was going to chat about other stuff.
This is one.
I am so proud of my 10 year old daughter. She just had 9 inches of hair cut off to donate to the Pantene Beautuful Lengths Organization. Amazing it take 6 donations to make a wig. We picked this group as you only need 8 ‘good’ inches vs Locks for Love which is not 10 ‘good’ inches.
http://www.beautifullengths.com/en_US/index_home.jsp
Ener-G Crackers May 20, 2009
Do you dread going to cocktail parties or out for appetizers with friends?
Well I always pack some Ener-G Crackers to take along.
1- they taste awesome on their own
2- you can put the items from the meat and cheese platter on top
3- there made be a dip or spread you can eat so –spread away
Love them with the hummus from Christos (mentioned this restaurant in an earlier blog)
Gluten Free Donuts May 21, 2009
So 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with celiac, one of the top things I missed were donuts. Why these things of all things? Well that was at the height of the Krispy Kreme craze. People were always bringing warm donuts to work. It was killing me.
Then I found kinnikinnick and their vanilla glazed, chocolate glazed and cinnamon donuts. They are also soy and dairy free. I first found them online at www.kinnininnick.com but now I am happy to report they are available at Lakewind Coop which is only miles from my home.
The 3 R’s are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle May 21, 2009
Well the best one is reduce. How can you reduce the waste from the start?
Anyone who knows me well, knows I love love love fountain pop.
Well I am trying my hardest to bring a cup from home with me to the gas station where I fill up on my caffeine free diet coke. So from the start I am reduce the plastic in the recycling pipeline. OK, so technically that might be a reuse but it my mind it is a reduction.
EVER SMALL step in the right direction is a good step for our earth.
Gluten Free Pizza at Park Tavern- St. Louis Park May 22, 2009
Tonight, I am visiting my favorite spot for restaurant made pizza. This is a huge treat because as far as I know it has only been around about a year at this spot. You can get any gf topping you want on it too. They use crust from Cooqi in St. Paul.
www.parktavern.net
www.cooqi.com
Grow your own veggies May 22, 2009
This time of the year I love starting our very small veggie garden. We don’t do a ton due to space but the kids love this activity. They each get to pick out 2-3 items and they love to watch them grow. Last year my oldest daughter grew pumpkins from seeds she bought. This year, she is using seeds from her last year pumpkins- she is super excited and the seeds were no cost (extra bonus).
I am hoping the hubby and kids build us a trellis for beans this weekend with scrap wood we have. This was a fun idea I found in family fun magazine.
Fabric Softener Sheets May 26, 2009
So these sheets are on my list of ‘things I hope to never buy again’.
I know they aren’t good for me or the environment.
So what to do? Well after some internet research, I have found that adding 3/4 to 1 cup of vinegar during the final rinse cycle is suppose to be the best replacement.
I will try this week and get back to you all. Share your experiences if you have tried!
Recycling Bins May 27, 2009
Today is recycling day in my neighborhood.
I just went for a walk and was totally shocked at how many people use paper or plastics bags to ‘bag up’ their recycling.
Please don’t use any additional bags in your recycling. If your city requires you to separate your paper and plastic/glass/cans, then ask them for a 2nd bin. We don’t need anymore garbage in our garbage
Madwoman Bakery- Gluten Free Sandwich Bread May 27, 2009
I love the name of this bakery. It reminds me of how I use to feel when I couldn’t get any yummy gluten free treats from bakeries or groceries. Well, Madwoman makes a great sandwich bread. I even ate 2 slices without toasting them. I don’t know about you but I seem to always have to double toast my bread before I eat it.
The gentleman behind the counter was so so very nice.
Also note they have many casein free product and a lactose free ice cream counter. I was also eyeing their cookies & cream, cookie dough and apple pie gluten free ice cream. I resisted but only because I wasn’t headed straight home.
4747 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Your Favorite Gluten Free Idea or Earth Friendly Idea May 28, 2009
Please submit via the comment button any and all gluten free and/or earth friendly ideas you have.
I will review your submissions and post under the category as well as under ‘Reader’s Ideas’- a new category I am adding today per a comment I received.
I look forward to hearing all your ideas!
When do you water your lawn? May 29, 2009
It is best to water your lawn in the early morning when the wind is usually the lightest.
You get less waste of the water blowing around.
Also note, you may not need to water your lawn every other day (I know a lot of people who just set their timer and let it go).
I only do it twice a week unless it rains- then I skip a cycle.
KA-ME Pasta May 29, 2009
Pasta and noodles that are gluten free are no all created equally.
I love (and so does my non gluten sensitive family) KA-ME asian noodles. I usually get the Rice Sticks and Bean Threads. They are less expensive or so it seems than official gluten free pasta. They are easier to cook and don’t get gummy. They cook quickly, 3 minutes for the rice sticks.
I use them in all my old pasta recipes that call for pretty much any shape of noodle. Again look for them in the asian food section of your grocery store.
www.kame.com
Pizza Luca- St Paul and Minneapolis June 1, 2009
Did you know the downtown Minneapolis has joined the Tuesday and Wednesday Gluten Free Pizza offering? The downtown Minneapolis location 119 North 4th Street,Minneapolis, MN 55401 is currently being renovated so they haven’t promoted to having Gluten Free Pizzas.
Go and enjoy!
http://www.pizzaluce.com/
Recycling Frozen Food Boxes- Amy’s Kitchen GF June 1, 2009
It is a total bummer that you can’t recycle MOST frozen food boxes.
They have a thin coating that prevents freezer burn and messes up the recycling process.
HOWEVER, Amy’s Kitchen brand (a favorite brand amongst the gluten free crowd) can be recycled. Way to go Amy’s Kitchen!
Namaste Foods- Gluten Free mixes June 3, 2009
These are my favorite mixes for making brownies and blondies. The whole family, well actually anyone who has ever tried them, really likes them and says they don’t taste like ‘those other gf foods’.
In researching their website, they offer tons of other mixes as well. Many are tree nut and peanut free as well as dairy free too
Enjoy! https://www.namastefoods.com/shopping/storefront/cgi-bin/category_list.cgi
School’s Out for the Summer June 4, 2009
Well the kids are done with school as of 11:30 today.
Now it is time to start our home summer education and fun.
One thing the girls do is bring home any uncompleted school workbooks. They work the remaining pages to keep their skills sharp, learn some new things, recycle/reuse the books and last but not least keep the TV from being turned on too often.
McDonalds and Gluten Free June 5, 2009
I know some people don’t like to eat at fast food restaurants but I have not had any problems at McD’s. My ‘without the bun’ order has become much easier since the Atkins diet came along. McD’s didn’t even have a button on their register for ‘no bun’ when I was first diagnosed 8 years ago. I also eat the french fries as they fry no other food!! Chicken nuggets USE to be fried but aren’t anymore so no contamination there! And always remember the ice cream can be served in a cup.
Happy summer dining as I am off for a Wayzata trolley ride today- making a stop at McD’s for lunch with the kids.
Lundberg Family Farms- Rice Chips June 8, 2009
These are a recent find. My sister-in-law found them for me when we were out in Arizona for Spring Break. They look like a tortilla chip but don’t have any corn in them. I found them at my Lakewind Coop in Minnetonka too. I haven’t look at any other groceries for them. The sea salt are awesome. When I recently shopped, I bought the fiesta lime to try next. They also have wasabi, nacho cheese, honey dijon, pico de gallo, sesame seaweed and Santa Fe bbq. Note they do contain milk in case you have problems with that.
We want a gluten free Girl Scout Cookie! June 9, 2009
http://www.girlscouts.org/contact/
I am in the process of trying to find out if the scouts are even working on a gluten free cookie. Please feel free to use the link above to write them a note too. The more they hear from us the better the chances.
Garbage services- who should you use? June 10, 2009
Well don’t know about where you live but in Plymouth, MN you get to pick your garbage service. Many people in my neighborhood have been switching over to a company called Garbage Man Co. so I decided I should look into it. When I called my current company Allied Waste Twin Cities, they stated that even though they don’t communicate it… their service was more green friendly than the Garbage Man. Who to believe? I don’t know but for the time being I am going to stick with my current service. Great link about where garbage should go!
Girl Scout Cookies- Part 2 June 10, 2009
http://www.littlebrowniebakers.com/
I got a nice but generic note back from the scouts saying they were researching with bakers, etc etc.
So I have now contacted the baker for my state who is listed above.
I tossed out some peanut allergy stats vs gluten stats to show the potential is there. They currently have several peanut free varieties (and of course I can’t find that list right now)
General Mills Chex Cereal- gluten free June 14, 2009
How great is it that General Mills has really been going after the gluten free market!! Slowly they converted their basic Rice and Corn Chex cereals to be gluten free and now there are a total of 6 gluten free flavors! (honey nut, cinnamom, chocolate and strawberry) I have eaten 5 of the 6 and love them. I really like the strawberry and chocolate mixed with vanilla yogurt. YUMMY and I don’t have to make a special trip to my coop to get them!
Goodbye to Fabric Softener Sheets- Hello Vinegar June 15, 2009
So after about 2 weeks of using vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of the sheets in the dryer, no a single comment from the family. I wasn’t sure if they would smell a difference or feel a difference but nothing. I was also nervous but I just put in 3/4 cup for a big load in the liquid softener spot in the washer and it takes care of the rest.
The only issues I have notice are when washing fleece. There is still static so I may keep a box around in case I have a bunch of fleece jackets and/or blankets to dry.
Gluten Free Living Magazine June 16, 2009
I think <a href="“>this magazine is a must have for anyone with celiac.
I have been getting it for over 8 years and I love it.
It is well worth the investment even if you just read the ads to see what new product is available.
Rose’s Wheat Free Bakery- Evanston, IL June 16, 2009
While visiting my sister last summer I almost crashed my car when I was an awning that said WHEAT FREE. I was so excited. I pulled over and orders a bunch of goodies to take home with me to Minnesota. My favorite was the herbed french bread rolls- yummy- my mouth is watering just thinking about them. They also serve a full lunch menu- pizza and sandwiches, etc etc. Check them out if you are in Chicago area.
Envirosax- Reuse and Reduce June 17, 2009
My sister-in-law introduced me to these adorable, fashionable and compact bags.
How many times have to run into a store for a quick errand and forgot your reusable bag? If you are like me, the answer is too many times to count. I was getting so frustrated with myself that many times I walked out carrying my purchase in my hands vs. getting another plastic bag. Well thanks to Megan, I now have an Envirosax in my purse all the time. It holds up to 44 pounds too!
Bittersweet Bakery Gluten Free in Eagan Minnesota- Cornbread too June 18, 2009
Ok, so if you haven’t already figured it out, I am a sweets girl. Bittersweet has great cookies, bars, breads and more. It is a long drive for me to get there so I was thrilled when I saw they sell some dry mixes too. I made the corn bread the other night and finally had to freeze a bunch of it because it was so good. I kept thinking just one more little bite. Well I am happy to say my freezer now has about 10 squares of corn bread I can pull out and heat up at any time. Yummy!!
Recycled Wood Wall Crosses June 19, 2009
Hand Carved Wall Cross
This link should get you to the rest of the assortment at Celebrate You Faith
Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies June 22, 2009
The website still says ‘this summer’ and ‘june’. If you see it, let me know!
Ronald McDonald collects pop can tabs June 26, 2009
It is great if you recycle your pop cans. It is even better if you pull the pop tops off and take them to a McDonalds. It raises money for the Ronald McDonald House.
This is a great project for your kids to do. Teaches them about recycling AND helping others. For every 100 tops, you raise about $1.00! Little steps to making a difference!!!
Pedal Pub – Minneapolis June 25, 2009
So you want to have a nice night out with some friends? Well instead of driving several cars from place to place… organize a Pedal Pub night.
Biking and drinking throughout Minneapolis- now that is a great summer night! www.pedalpub.com
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce is gluten free June 30, 2009
Yah! I found a worcestershire sauce that is gluten free. Thank you Lea & Perrins
Now with Chex cereal and gluten free pretzels you can make a great snack mix (leave out the bagel bites). We like to add a cupgluten free ‘cheerios’ too- they really take on the flavor!
La Choy soy sauce is gluten free June 30, 2009
Well LaChoy doesn’t state anything on their own website but I can’t find anythink in the ingedients that would lead me to believe there is gluten. I have found it an inexpensive option vs the ones at coops or specialty grocery stores.
Star Tribune and KARE11 cover new Celiac July 2, 2009
Yesterday, Celiac got a lot of press in Minneapolis based on a study conducted comparing current blood samples and samples from the 1950’s. I have some of my own thoughts as to way to rates may have risen as well.. sure I do believe our way of life-food chooses-etc have an impact but what about people being diagnosed earlier today and overall better health of people today.
If you want to read the article, click here!
If you want to see the piece from KARE11, click here!</a>
Recycle your old Mattress July 15, 2009
There are several local places in Twin Cities area where they will recycle your mattress.
Here is a copy of the article from the Star Tribune:
A Minneapolis plant run by nonproft PPL Industries is recycling mattresses that once were dumped in landfills.
By KARLEE WEINMANN, Star Tribune
Last update: July 15, 2009 – 7:11 AM
MATTRESS DROP-OFF
LOCATIONS
• Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station, 8100 Jefferson Hwy., Brooklyn Park
• Coon Rapids Recycling, 1831 111th Av., Coon Rapids
• It’s All About Sleep, 622 E. Main St., Anoka
• McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Av. SW., Hutchinson
Twin Cities residents buy about 350,000 new mattresses each year, according to the International Sleep Products Association. Of the old ones they replace, about half are reused or given away.
But the other half are discarded or dumped, causing problems when the mattresses — designed to last, not biodegrade — take up space without breaking down in landfills. Their sturdy steel springs are so difficult to compress that they can damage compactors, so entire mattresses end up getting dumped in landfills, where they tend to float to the top after other trash decomposes, dirty but intact.
Finally, in an age of increasing environmental awareness, mattress-recycling operations are beginning to crop up. Minnesota now has two, including one in southeast Minneapolis that’s been fully functional since April.
“Welcome to Mattressville,” Douglas Jewett said as he meandered through the basement of a Minneapolis warehouse on 15th Avenue SE., where dozens of mattresses stand on end, waiting to be stripped and gutted so the materials in them can be put to new uses.
A $200,000 start-up boost from Hennepin County helped Jewett — chief operating officer for PPL Industries, a nonprofit that offers hands-on skills training — start the service.
“Everything has to be recycled,” said Jewett, who has a manufacturing background and has led recycling programs before. “The longer you wait, the more it costs to get it back.”
And when mattresses are filled with materials that could have lives beyond their original uses, such as the steel innards and polyurethane foam, finding a way to redistribute those commodities for reuse makes sense, Jewett said.
The recycling process
In the Minneapolis facility, a custom-built machine crams and shapes the mattresses’ bare steel skeletons into a bale, which is then weighed, tagged and picked up, sold and reused. So far, the steel is the most valuable part of a discarded mattress with the most reuse potential. A given mattress’ steel is worth about $16 to PPL, Jewett said.
Many components of a mattress can be refashioned, if properly deconstructed. The steel and foam can be melted down, and the low-grade cotton shows promise for use in oil and storm water filtration, said Tim Hagen, research coordinator for the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute. Hennepin County commissioned him in June 2008 to research new uses for old mattress materials and explore marketing those second-life products.
For now, the shoddy, outer fabric and wood are primarily used to generate heat, but that could change as a push for mattress recycling yields further research, Hagen said.
“Like any recycling process, you’ve got to separate the individual components and properly prepare them for the marketplace,” Hagen said.
Jewett anticipates his program will reach the 40,000-mattress-a-year mark within two years, though he estimated it’ll be about a decade before mattress recycling is integrated in the mainstream of refuse handling.
That’s a reasonable goal, given the size of the metro area, said Greg Conkins, contributed goods manager for Goodwill Industries. He oversees the state’s first mattress-recycling program operated by Goodwill in Duluth.
For each of the past two years, about 17,000 pieces have been processed there, largely drawn through partnerships with 10 counties and their waste management services.
Partners in recycling
The Minneapolis operation, which charges a $15-per-mattress fee, has already partnered with Hennepin and McLeod counties, the cities of Coon Rapids and Anoka, delivery service Suntrax Logistics and furniture retailer Room & Board, all of which bring discarded mattresses to PPL. Jewett expects more cooperation with counties and retailers as the program takes off.
People can bring mattresses to waste drop-off sites and the municipalities will transport them to the recycling plant. The PPL plant will not accept dropoffs from individuals.
Despite anticipated growth, there are still difficulties associated with the emerging industry, now in its infancy.
“Some of the recycling markets have been challenging, but they slowly but surely overcome that,” said Heidi Ringhofer, operations and maintenance supervisor for Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, who since its beginning in 2004 has been involved with the Duluth mattress-recycling operation.
Still, overall the industry is a slow-growing one, Ringhofer said. That’s partly because there’s a limited number of mattresses discarded — unlike the pervasive plastic bottles that people use and toss every day — and partly because of the labor-intensive process of stripping mattresses of their many individual components, Ringhofer added.
“They are big items to recycle, and there are such specific items in there,” she said. “It’s not like when you can recycle glass to glass or aluminum to aluminum.”
Karlee Weinmann • 612-673-7278
General Mills and Gluten Free in Wall Street Journal July 2, 2009
It is a big press day for gluten free product and celiac.
Here is the full article JCuene mentioned in his comment today.
Let’s hope General Mills keeps up the development of gluten free product
By ILAN BRAT
Mass marketer General Mills Inc. is carving out a niche in gluten-free
food after realizing it could reach eager customers without costly ad
campaigns.
The company’s Betty Crocker brand is rolling out gluten-free mixes for
cookies, brownies and cakes. The mixes are the first gluten-free
offering from a major, mainstream brand in the cake-mix aisle. Gluten is
a key protein in wheat, but many people react badly to it.
Ann Simonds, General Mills’s president of baking products, says the
company decided to pursue gluten-free products last year after its
customer-relations department noticed that customer inquiries about food allergies and sensitivities most frequently centered on whether items contained gluten.
“It used to be, as a marketer in the food industry, you needed a $50
million idea to make the business model work,” says Ms. Simonds. “Today, you can meet an unmet need that will be a $5 million business . … That would be worth it for a company like General Mills.”
Last July, General Mills released a gluten-free version of its Chex
cereal, and the company received thousands of grateful emails and phone calls.
Doctors increasingly are diagnosing Celiac disease — in which ingesting
gluten causes the body to damage the digestive system. Moreover, a diet fad is focusing on reducing gluten consumption.
Although only about 1% of the U.S. population has Celiac disease,
General Mills says its research shows about 12% of U.S. households want to eliminate or reduce their gluten intake, although some doctors say it’s nutritionally important for those who aren’t sensitive to it.
General Mills won’t disclose how much it’s spending for the gluten-free
marketing, but says it’s much less than what it normally dishes out for
national product launches.
The company’s move also reflects consumer goods makers’ growing use of digital tools to market less expensively to niche segments of consumers. In recent years, companies such as Procter & Gamble Co., candy-maker Mars Inc. and others have launched new products without marketing through TV, magazines or newspapers.
Instead, big marketers have relied on Web sites, toll-free numbers and
direct sales to customers such as doctors and specific retailers to
introduce some new products, says Alison Chaltas, a marketing consultant with Interscope LLC.
The Betty Crocker brand plans to spread the word by sponsoring online
marketing, advertising in gluten-free lifestyle magazines, and
participating in gluten-related events. In early May, Betty Crocker
sponsored a booth at a Celiac Disease Foundation event in California.
The company paid for product links to show up more prominently when
people search “gluten-free birthday cake mix” and “gluten free dessert
mixes” on Google. The company also sent hundreds of product samples to bloggers who write about Celiac disease, motherhood and related issues.
General Mills, which reported higher-than-expected fiscal fourth quarter
earnings per share of $1.07 on Wednesday, plans to launch more than 50 new products — the gluten-free items among them — in the first half of the recently started 2010 fiscal year.
Even though retailers have been focusing on trimming products from their shelves recently, the new gluten-free products could get a welcome reception. “Gluten has increasingly become an area of dietary focus and concern for consumers, and we want to ensure our stores are able to meet their needs,” says Haley Meyer, a spokeswoman for grocery giant Supervalu Inc., some of whose stores are now carrying the new Betty Crocker products.
Currently, mostly small food companies supply gluten-free products.
Producing gluten-free cookie, brownie and cake mixes that consumers
would recognize as Betty Crocker products wasn’t easy. Gluten in wheat flour makes dough springy, helps cakes rise in the oven, and keeps cookies together. Most traditional baked goods contain at least 30% wheat flour.
From September to December, General Mills food scientists baked more
than 1,000 pans of brownies, cookies and cakes while conducting about 75 experiments with different formulations, says Jodi Benson, director of baking products research and development.
In initial experiments with yellow cake, the rice-flour mix wouldn’t
rise, leaving flat, dense and moist matter in the bottom of the pan, Ms.
Benson says. The mix needed something to trap air.
They tried removing some water, substituting butter for oil and upping
the egg ratios among other things to get the batter to rise in the oven.
After adding testing procedures in its own factories to assure a
gluten-free environment, General Mills is rolling out the new mixes
across the country. The mixes will sell for about $2 more than the
traditional Betty Crocker mixes.
“We refer to [the customer base] as narrow but deep,” says Dena Larson, marketing manager in the baking products division. “This may be the only brownie [a customer] buys.”
Write to Ilan Brat at ilan.brat@wsj.com
Green Clean Carpet Cleaners July 6, 2009
We had this company out to clean 2 of our rooms. They used green friendly solutions for most all cleaning needs (a few exceptions are rust stains and if they can’t get their water source to a room- think high rise apartment building).
They were so friendly. Jason, an owner, took my call, answered all my questions and scheduled my appointment. Then today Rhett(I think he is also an owner) and Bruce came to do the cleaning. So nice! So thorough! and So reasonably priced!
They have been in the carpet cleaning business since 1996 and in January changed their name to reflect their eco efforts that have always been part of their business.
Da Lucianos in Chicago has Gluten Free Menu July 6, 2009
ok, so first I must admit I haven’t been here but plan to on my next trip to Chicago. This restaurant is located in River Grove which is sort of near O’Hare Airport. Then gluten free menu looks fabulous!
The 350 Project July 8, 2009
I am across a flyer at our local swim shop. This organization sounds really cool. I like the concept and also think it could be considered a shop local organization.
The idea… think of 3 independently owned businesses that you would miss if they closed. go a buy something there and let them know you care THEN if we could get 50% of the population to go and spend $50 there, we would create $42.6 billion in revenue.
To read more about this group click here!
Plastic Water Bottles – a win for the future! (Reduce) July 9, 2009
It was reported that bottled water sales were flat last year vs previous years of double digit growth.
That is great news! We use Sigg water bottles at our house.
My girls also picked them out for their grandparents for Mother’s/Father’s Day presents this year.
Disney Friends for Change- great for your kids to learn July 9, 2009
This look like a nice site to teach kids about ways they can reduce, reuse and recycle. And even better all their favorite stars are talking about it.
Check it out! Click here (you would have thought it would be www.disneyfriendsforchange.com but it isn’t)
More Celiac Info from Mayo Article on MSNBC July 11, 2009
There is a little more infomation in this article about the research the Mayo Clininc doctor performed vs the KARE 11 and Star Tribune Articles.
To read, click here.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatre has gluten free options! July 13, 2009
I went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last night. First of all, the show was wonderful. But second of all, I was thrilled to have a Brownie a la mode that was gluten free. The staff was great when my mom called to order the tickets (I think she asked them about 20 gluten related questions- and yes that is one of the many reason I love her). And the wait staff was great too.
Next up Oklahoma in October or November at Chanhassen- I can’t wait for the kids to see this one! more info- click here!
Green Bone Chew Toy- Reuse July 17, 2009
after a good session of chewing
I did buy her some great chew toys so she avoids the kids arms, legs and socks. Green Bone is a eco friendly chew toy. They are make of Bamboo and Hemp then filled with sutffing made from recycled plastic bottles. I found them at Pet Smart (can’t find a website to share)
Gluten Free Pizza July 17, 2009
More places in the Twin Citites to share… thanks to my husband for finding out this information for me
Add two more restaurants to the list offering gluten-free pizza. Diners at Eden Pizza in St. Paul and Galactic Pizza in Uptown Minneapolis now have the option of ordering pies made with crust from Cooqi, a gluten-free bakery in St. Paul.
In the past year, Cooqi has started making wheat-free piecrusts for several restaurants, including Pizza Luce (St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis), Park Tavern in St. Louis Park and Leonardo’s Pizzeria in Mahtomedi.
Harvesting your home grown goodies yet? July 20, 2009
Our tomato plants are getting full– fuller than we could ever eat so we have 2 options. 1- canning them for winter sauces, stews and soups and/or 2- coming up with a place that could use them. So we are going to donate some of our abundance to our favorite local food shelf. We love all the folks down at IOCP in downtown Wayzata. To learn more, click here.
Van’s Frozen Waffles July 22, 2009
Just like everyone else, I get too busy to make home made breakfasts. I love Van’s waffles. They come in 6 flavors. They are available at my ‘regular’ grocery store- no special coop trip needed!! And I love to toast them once, load on my topping and then microwave for about 15 seconds. They seem to absorb more syrup from the heat.
Happy and quick morning to all!
KinniToos Chocolate Sandwich Creme July 23, 2009
Kinnikinnick was one of the first brands I found that I really liked back in 2001. They use to only be available via mail order. Thank goodness the times have changed! ONE- my local co-op Lakewind carries a bunch of their stuff and TWO- they have added a gluten free Oreo cookie. I love them straight up as well as sometimes I soften ice cream and make my own version of cookies and creme! They also come in vanilla.
Link to site- click here.
Carpooling- it’s not just to your office- REDUCE July 25, 2009
This morning, my hubby, 2 kids, sister-in-law, 2 cousins and a boyfriend all piled into 1 car to drive north for a cabin weekend. In the past, this group would have usually taken at least 2 if not 3 cars. I am proud of their carpooling efforts!
You might ask why I didn’t go… well the puppy is too young for that big of a group AND bonus for me, I get a day and a half to do some power cleaning of the kids’ rooms.
However my day starting with finding an exploded pop can in the basement frig, so after cleaning that all up I lowered the setting on the frig- save a little energy too!
D’Amico and Son helped me eat gluten free July 27, 2009
D’Amico and Son offers free kids meals on Sundays as well as bottomless glasses of wine! Great for most but after a while I get a little tired of the pot roast.
Well, last night I took a box of my own gluten free pasta to the restaurant. The cook was very helpful and boiled a fresh pot of water for my dinner. I felt like everyone else. I was so excited I didn’t even care that I paid full price+the price of my noodles.
Thank you Wayzata D’Amico and Son!!
Grandma Ferdon’s cinnamon rolls- gluten free July 28, 2009
I tried the cinnamon rolls from Grandma Ferdon’s. They are in the freezer section of some coops and a store called U Bake. I opinion- not enough flavor. Maybe they needed some frosting or something. Plus there were no warming/heating instructions- frustrating.
It has been about a week since I first tried and wrote the blog above. This time I put a little left over frosting on top of them after I had warmed them up (about 20-25 sec on microwave). Yum, much much better this time.
Glutino Lemon Wafer Cookies July 28, 2009
Today I was gluten free shopping at Fresh & Natural in Plymouth, MN. My youngest daughter was so excited to see the lemon wafers (she does NOT have celiac). We had to buy a box AND open them in the parking lot. Yum!! A true treat!!
French Meadow Fudge Brownie- Gluten Free July 30, 2009
Yummy! This brownie was very good. It is also lactose free.
I got it at U Bake but am sure it is available other places too.
Overall though, I would recommend making your own brownies with either Betty Crocker or Namaste mixes then freezing them. Buying an individual serving brownie can get very very expensive. This one from French Meadow was $1.79.
Wood from the Hood- Reuse July 30, 2009
Saw a cool article today in the Star Tribune about reusing urban trees from Minneapolis that were lost due to storm, construction, reclaiming or disease (that seems a little odd).
They are making cutting boards out of maple. Each board is labeled with the zip code of the tree’s old location.
To learn more about the company- click here!
The article states that they are currently being sold at Seward Co-op, Linden Hills Natural Home and Mother Earth Gardens
Litter- recycle July 31, 2009
Yesterday, I was taking my dog for a walk along with my kids and a 3 year old neighbor girl. Earlier that day, several different ‘inserts’ were left in the neighborhood newpaper slots. Due to the wind, they were littering the yards.
However surprised and thrilled I was when our sweet little 3 year old neighbor said “LITTER!” and ran to pick it up. We had fun with it and tried to pick up all the litter on our way there and back. THEN she put it all into the recycling bin.
Start your kids young and make it fun!
Pamela Products Cookies- Gluten Free August 3, 2009
So I got a few samples of Pamela’s Cookies and I just am not that thrilled. I remember trying some several years ago when it was really one of the few in-store options. I didn’t like them much then. They seem very dry and almost chalky to me.
Note they are also 80% organic.
KARE11 Extra on Tuesday August 4th- Composting August 3, 2009
“Turning Trash in to Treasure” is the name of this tuesday extra at 10 pm. They will be talking about composting. I will come back to this entry and link the report!
Link to their preview- click here.
Glenny’s Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies August 5, 2009
I found a new product (at least new to me) on the shelves at Lakewind Coop yesterday.
I bought a box of Glenny’s oatmeal cookies.
Yummy and just like the box says “moist and chewy”.
I would recommend for those who miss oatmeal cookies-they state their oats are gluten free.
McCormick Spices- odds are they are no longer fresh August 4, 2009
I always seem to be buying a special spice I need for one recipe then never use again BUT never throw out. Are you in the same position? Did you notice most spices don’t have freshness dating? Well I went to McCormick’s website to see what they have to say about it…most spices that are crushed or ground shouldn’t be kept more than 3 years. That would mean I need to throw out about 75% of my spices However, I guess those that are 7+ years should probably go- right?
If you have McCormick Spices, you can check how old they are using this link and the code on the bottom of the bottle.
Cherrybrook Kitchen Sugar Cookies- Gluten Free August 4, 2009
This is a nice sugar cookie mix that I can even find at Target. I recommend cooking them a few minutes longer than noted on the box. Mine seem to fall apart when they are cooked in the 12-14 minute range. I also add a little colored sugar on top- just to make them look a little more special.
Cherrybrook Kitchen also offers chocolate cake mix, chocolate chip cookie mix, and chocolate and vanilla frosting mix that are gluten free.
They have other product that is nut free, peanut free, egg free, and dairy free product.
More about this company, click here.
Vintage Clothes = Reused and Recycled August 6, 2009
There are 3 types of ‘previous owned’ clothes stores in my mind
1. those who sell their old clothing using the word vintage- ex: Tatter’s at 2928 Lyndale- sale this Sat/Sun 50% off
2. those who consign their old clothing using words like designer and branded- ex: Turnstyle
3. those who sell whatever is left over- ex: Goodwill Store
All serve a purpose and all save those clothes from being in a landfill.
Today, I am visiting 2 of these places as well as passing some clothing on to my friend who has a daughter and 2 sons. It is a great excuse for us to get together 2-3 times a year (when a bag fills up, it reminds me it is time to call Carolyn)
Maple Grove Farms of Vermont- Gluten Free Pancake and Waffle Mix August 7, 2009
I decided to try a different pancake mix the last time I was at Lakewind. I bought Maple Grove’s mix. I would say it is a more cake-like pancake than others I have tried. I made the smallest serving and I think I have about 1/2 the mix leftover because I am already full. They absorb a lot of syrup too.
I am interested in making the pineapple upside down cake recipe on the back of the box. That cake was a childhood summer favorite.
The box notes you can write to them for coupons (bummer they aren’t online) at 1052 Portland Street, St Johnsbury, VT 05819
Frito Lays- Gluten Free listing August 10, 2009
Well back when I was first diagnosed, I read every label. Then as time went on I got comfortable with my favorite foods and didn’t read their labels. Well I was surprised when I found out some of my tried and true chips had gluten in them. (Making the changes to the labeling requirements sure does make my life easier).
Click here is the list from Frito Lay of what is gluten free. Maybe some day they will change the cheesy doritos so we can eat them!
Verizon- Recycle your old cell phones August 11, 2009
Do you ever wonder what to do with your old cell phone when you get a new one?
Well put it to good use! Verizon refurbishes or recycles the phone to aid domestic violence.
For more information, click here!
Lands End recycled water bottle Lunch Box August 12, 2009
My daughter picked out a new lunch box that is made from recycled water bottles- pretty cool for a 9 year old to even notice this! Ok, so does she really need a new one? Could last year’s one work again this year? Answer, no way. It was a bad buy on our part- too small- hard to clean.
I am hoping this one (click here to see) works better!
Used clothing sales August 13, 2009
You may not like to buy used clothes from consignment or dontation stores but you can…
1- go to your friends garage sales
2- hold a clothing swap with friends- great with a glass of wine
3- have an uniform sale with people from your school
4- set up an exchange with a friend who has older and younger kids- you return after you are done
Ben and Jerry’s Fair Trade Certified August 15, 2009
I like Ben and Jerry’s coffee heath bar crunch so I was surprised that when I learned they used Fair Trade Coffee to make the ice cream. I don’t know why I was suprised as this company has been a leader in combining corporate with environment and activism. Their dairy comes from a coop. They use cage free eggs.
To learn more from their website, click here.
Ben and Jerry’s Gluten Free Flavors and Cakes August 15, 2009
Ben and Jerry’s does not post a gluten free ice cream list however, here is what they say about it…click here.
I say just ask the folks behind the counter.
I also noticed when I was doing my research that some store will make their ice cream cakes gluten free. I know we have done this at Dairy Queen too.
Are we all so desperate for free stuff? August 16, 2009
Sometimes it feels like all I am doing is picking up and throwing away all the free stuff my kids get. Some of it I do donate but most of it is junk I would want another house to have to deal with too.
Sometimes the freebies are practical and useful like the usable bags I got at a recycling event or the business card I could plant to grow flowers. Sometimes the freebies are exciting and tasty treats so they don’t come home with us. Most of the time they are plastic (yuck) or so cheap they don’t work for the start or break easily. I wish companies would truley look at how they are spending their money and what they are putting into the recyling/garbage stream.
This post was due to an article in the Star Tribune that I will link- click here!
Happy Birthday to me! August 17, 2009
Today is my birthday. I have been having flashbacks to my 21st. No crazy party night. I was mugged the night before I turned 21 and spend a good chunk of the day with the police etc. Today, I woke up to find that our house had almost been broken into. Almost you say? How can you almost? Well our puppy Lucy must have scared them out the door. They did spend alot of time in the garage looking through our glove boxes etc. They did look in all our garage cabinets- sorrry dudes we aren’t like 17 and hiding drugs and alcohol in our garage. Thank goodness they didn’t touch my hubby’s bikes.
Well I am off to the MOA with a family group for the day!
The Wedge Gluten Free Torte and Cake August 18, 2009
Yummy yummy! Last night for my birthday the family shared 2 different slices for dessert from The Wedge (just south of downtown Minneapolis). My Husband picked up their Gluten Free Chocolate Pecan Caramel Torte (my youngest wants this now for her birthday and she doesn’t have celiac) and Gluten Free Almond Reapberry Cake (light and flavorful- my husband’s favorite). I like them both for different reasons. They are spendy but most single slices of specialty cakes are ($3.70-$4.00 a slice) but the 2 were plenty for all 4 of us.
The Wedge info- click here.
FDA says Gluten Free Beer can be labeled Gluten Free! August 19, 2009
The FDA says gluten free beers can now put gluten free on their label. Prior to now, beer was defined as beverages made of malted barley and other grains. Well we know gluten free beer has no malted barley.
Now beer that is gluten free can be clearly labled.
Looking for some names… New Grist, Red Bridge, Klisch’s Lakefront and Bard’s Tail.
I have never been a beer lover (even before celiac hit).
Do you have a favorite one? Please send a comment so others know what is good out there!
A link to the full USA Today article- click here.
Pottery Barn – Environmental Committment August 20, 2009
I was recently shopping for a new duvet cover. I figure after about 10 years we were due for a new one. I was surprised and thrilled as I continue my EF quest to discover that Pottery Barn has an environmental commitement page on their website. OK I discovered it after I had ordered the cover I fell in love with AND ironically it is made of organic cotton. So fate must have intervened on my final selection (I brought 3 home to let my hubby have some input) as only 2 of the 3 ended up being organic.
Their organic cotton is only 1 of many things they are doing- to see more click here.
Junk Bonanza 2009 August 20, 2009
The annual Junk Bonanza kicks off both kids going back to school and the official beginning of my Christmas shopping. I will be interested to see how it works at Canterbury Park in Shakopee vs the Medina Ballroom (bummer that was only 5 miles from my house). The event runs from September 17 through 19. I don’t pay the extra for the early bird but do try and get there around 10am the first day. A great event of reused and recycled items!
Wondering if my ’smart women’ friends will join me this year???
More details… click here!
Sometimes you just need to use a plastic Ziploc Bag August 23, 2009
Well, I am happy to say that Ziploc has created a bag called Ziploc Evolve that are ultra light bags made with wind power and 25% less plastic. With school starting up in the next few weeks, I find it hard to not use some plastic baggies. Some field trips require bagged lunches and I don’t want any of our ‘good’ storage to be ‘accidentially’ thrown away or left behind.
Thanks Ziploc for at least starting to make a different in the plastic world.
Mr. Tidbit give his review of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mixes August 24, 2009
Mr. Tidbit rarely has something nice and almost always complains about the price. Well our new gluten free mixes from Betty Crocker (General Mills) got a pretty standard review from him.
Cookies- thinner, fragile and grainy than regular – I say welcome to gluten free Mr. Tidbit, I would take grainy over charboard everyday which is what most gf cookies are.
Brownies- liked the taste but too pricey- again I say welcome to the gluten free world!
If you want to read his write up…click here and then scroll down as there is another topic prior to this one.
More about Gluten Free Beer at Haskells August 27, 2009
I contacted a local Minneapolis and surrounding area liquor store to find out what gluten free beer they carry. I was impressed with the list and may stop in soon to get a few ciders to try.
Here is what Haskells has…Lakefront “New Grist” Made with Sorghum & Rice
Tommyknocker Bards Sorghum Beer
Green’s Discovery
Green’s Endeavour
Green’s Quest
Red Bridge (I believe this is Budweiser’s Gluten Free beer)
Plus ALL cider’s are typically gluten free.
Thanks Beau for your help!! Click here to view Haskells site.
Minnesota State Fair – green at the fair August 27, 2009
So many green things to do and see at the fair.
Kim Palmer did a great write up in the Star Tribune.
To read it… click here!
School Supplies- Recycle August 31, 2009
School starts for my kids a week from tomorrow.
When the list of supplies came out, we first went through our craft supplies and checked the condition of their ‘ongoing’ supplies like binders, scissors and headphones to make sure all were in good working order.
Another cost savings measure you can take, buy extras of those well used items while they are on sale. Store them until after the first of the year when you inevitably need like pencils and markers.
Happy back to school!
Minnesota State Fair- gluten free August 31, 2009
What did I eat yesterday at the fair???
Spirals chips from the food building – my family’s favorite
Shared cotton candy and had a sip of my daughter’s snow cone
Kettle corn
My new find- BACON on a stick- it is near WCCO- yummy
corn on the cob
What did you eat???? Please share
New Gluten Free Items at Cooqi September 1, 2009
Honey Oat Bread and limited supply/trial basis deep dish pizza crust
I will try and get there this weekend to get 1 of each (and I may pick up a donut too) so I can try them and let you know what I think.
for the Cooqi website… click here!
Udi Bread at Lunds and Byerlys September 3, 2009
So a school mom friend told about this new bread- she learned about it at the fair- Udi bread from Denver, CO. She had heard it was good even when it wasn’t toasted. I personally haven’t liked any bread untoasted since I went gluten free, so this was a huge challenge/opportunity for me.
I found it at the 50th/France location yesterday. I bought white sandwich and whole grain. I tried both and so did my picky non gluten-free daughter and we really liked them both. I could not tell a huge difference between the 2 and we compared labels and there was very little difference in the fiber and sugars.
It is on sale this month for $4.99 a loaf (12 oz.)- September!
For more about Udi… click here!
September Sale at Lunds and Byerly’s on Gluten Free September 3, 2009
Amy’s Soups 2/$5
Barbara’s cereals $3.99
Nature’s Choice granola bars 2/$7
Udi’s Bread $1 off now $4.99
You will also find coupons for Amy’s entrees $1 off 2 in their organic &natural magazine this month
Running your car?? September 4, 2009
With school just around the corner, the endless driving cycle begins for many of us. How long should you keep your car running while waiting vs turning it off and restarting? SURPRISE, only 10 seconds. It is better to turn your car off and restart. Don’t create more pollution. Don’t use more gas. Happy driving (P.S. see if you can get some carpools started for those kid activities)
Bulldog NE has Green’s Gluten Free Beer September 4, 2009
Green’s Amber Ale is for sale at the Bulldog Restaurant in NE Minneapolis-401 East Hennepin Avenue
Thanks again to my sister-in-law who is always looking out for these great finds for me and all of you.
They also have very yummy food- great nachos and yummy fancy burgers. My kids love their tater tots and hotdogs too.
To see more… click here (beer is under high end Belgium Beer).
Deerfields Bakery is all gluten free September 6, 2009
For my birthday (ok is was almost 3 weeks ago but I save a savor my gluten free treats) my sister brought me 2 items from this bakery. I have had the Lotsa Chips Cookies and Triple Chocolate Bronwies. I microwaved the lotsa chips to see if they would soften up (my kids were eating sweet martha cookies for the state fair and I was totally jealous). I heated for about 15 seconds. Yummy! I am not a huge mega choc chip personal but these were good dunked in cold milk. I also liked the triple choc brownies though after my sister told me the price- they were either too small or too expensive. They made 10 different cookies, cheesecake, coffee cakes, breads and choc cupcakes. I will have to visit the next time I am in Chicagoland area.
Note they are also a bakery working to keep green!
To learn more… click here!
Nature’s Choice vs Glutino breakfast bars September 10, 2009
I did a little comparison pricing on these 2 brands breakfast bars. I have eaten both brands many times and really don’t think there is that big a difference in their taste. However, the last time I was stocking up on bars, I noticed there are only 5 bars in Glutino box vs 6 in Nature’s Choice and Glutino was more expensive per box. Bar size is about the same but Glutino does have more fiber (3 vs 1).
At the end of the day… Glutino was $1.15 a bar and Nature’s Choice was $.68. Putting on my green friendly hat too, 6 bars to a box is a better use of the cardboard too.
I FEEL SO STUPID!!!!! SEE MY ADDED NOTE BELOW
After a great comment from a reader…. Nature’s Choice are Wheat Free not Gluten Free. I will have to advise the store where I bought them because silly me I didn’t read the label and they had it shelved in their gluten free section
Funny article- Confessions of a Plastic-holic September 13, 2009
Well the first week of school is over, the coffee for 30+ people and the garage sale, so what I am doing with my time but catching up on the newspapers from the week.
This article made me laugh. The author tried to go 6 days without using plastic. It really made me realize how much I didn’t realize about plastic and it’s expansive coverage of my life. Before I starting reading this, I thought ‘oh I could do this too’. After reading, I can see I would never make it.
To read the entire article… click here!
Recycling- make it easy and they will come September 13, 2009
Maple Grove’s new recycling program is taking off. They now have 80% of the households recycling (use to be only 60%).
Plymouth recycling can be mixed too but I don’t think our stats are this good. Many people don’t realize they can mix it all and still do all the sorting.
My hope still is that the manufacturers are all challenged/required to only sell product in plastic that can be recycled. I hate that I love eating yogurt!
To read the entire article… click here!
Use both sides of your paper September 15, 2009
With school beginning again, it is a good time to remember to use both sides of the paper. An old spelling test can become next week’s practice test sheet. A math worksheet can become your grocery list next week. Sounds easy but it is hard to do (or sometimes to get the kids to do). Let them use a marker or colored pencil on the ‘other side’ so they don’t get confused!
And always always recycle that paper when all the lines are use up!
Old Chicago- Bring your own crust September 16, 2009
I lunched yesterday with a girl friend at Old Chicago in Plymouth.
I asked the waitress about them making a gluten free pizza.
I had heard from a friend that you could bring in a crust and they would top and cook it for you.
Her answer to me…. YES they would make it and cook in a separate pan (not separate oven) and they would only charge me for the toppings!! Yah! Sounds like a plan to me- I will bring a Cooqi crust there the next time I go.
HAPPY EATING!
For Old Chicago locations… click here!
Get rid of 50 things that are clogging up your mind and home September 17, 2009
I read a great article today about relieving stress and reducing clutter. Clutter is sometimes caused by the silliest things and if you can try and tackle the 50 worst in your home (worst to you not your other family members) maybe some of that underlying stress will go away. So I am going to keep adding to this posting as I work through my list.
1. the old red secretary desk (sold at garage sale to a girl out of college) 9/12
2. the ‘topless’ cookie jar that we kept full of candy from holidays, etc (tossed in the garbage along with 2 Christmas lollipops)-now stored in an empty container I already had 9/16
3. pipecleaners and threading puff balls (giving to the 3 year old next door) 9/17
4. clean out ever cabinet in the kitchen- full 1 1/2 tupperware bins 9/25
5. I had 2 cuisinart food processors- I asked my mom to determine which to keep and which to sell! 9/25
6. took 6 outfits to a consignment store 10/9
7. hung 5 photos I had framed years ago 10/8
University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center’s Annual Free Blood Screening September 18, 2009
I FOUND THIS IN AN ARTICLE>>>
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 10
You’re eligible for a free screening if:
You eat a regular diet (you haven’t excluded wheat)
You have a close family member with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease
You have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
You or a close family member has type 1 diabetes
You have a related autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
It’s free, but preregistration is mandatory. Call 773-702-7593 or go here for more info.
WHEAT ALLERGY: An allergic reaction to gluten.
Symptoms: Hives, difficulty breathing, nausea or a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
How to test for it: Doctors use a variety of tools, including a food diary, an elimination diet, a skin test or a blood test, or a food challenge, which involves eating capsules of the food under supervision.
GLUTEN SENSTIVITY: An immune system reaction to gluten.
How to test for it: There isn’t yet a test for gluten sensitivity. If you’ve tested negative for both wheat allergy and celiac disease but still react to gluten, you may have gluten sensitivity.
Going Gluten-Free in the Chicago Tribune September 18, 2009
Nice article by Julie Deardorff about living wheat free and gluten free.
Discuss intolerance levels, alternatives and hidden gluten items.
To read full article… click here!
Plymouth Magazine to feature EFGFMom Blog September 27, 2009
If you live in Plymouth Minnesota and get the free publication of Plymouth Magazine, look for quotes from me in their upcoming October Mag 2009.
If you don’t live here but want to see, I am hoping you can find online at their website… click here!
Gluten Free at Wrigley Field September 20, 2009
May be old news to you but new to me.
Click here to see what all they have and where it is located within the stadium!
Fresh and Natural host a Gluten Free Food Fest September 19, 2009
Fresh and Natural is hosting a gluten free food fest over the next 2 Saturdays.
Today in Shoreview from 11-3
Next Saturday (the 26th) at their Hudson and Plymouth locations from 11-3.
Ad lists discounts, samples and prize giveaways.
I also found in their ad in Star Tribune a coupon for $3 off/$30 purchase and $5 off/$50 purchase.
End of Season Yard idea September 21, 2009
Do you own a mulching lawn mover? Well now might be a good time to buy one as it is the end of the season or maybe see if there is an attachment you can buy for you current mover. We have one and it is great. No grass to pick up- little to no mess left on the driveway- even with the new dog, very little cut grass gets tracked into the house. The worst offender is my hubby but he is right behind the mover so I guess that totally makes sense and he does leave his tennis shoes in the garage.
Mulching lawn mover also feed your lawn for free, eliminate the need to haul it away or pay for curbside pickup of clippings.
Extra bonus, it saves you time too since you don’t have to bag it!
HAPPY TRAILS!
Declutter your house September 25, 2009
OK, so I have only eliminated 3 things at home and am still going for the 50.
However for those of you who think 50 is too much but want to do a good fall clean up and out.
Grab 2 bags- fill one with trash/recycling and fill the other with donation/resell items.
You will get that great satisfaction of purging!
How to stop getting the Yellow and White Pages!! September 22, 2009
OMG! I was so excited to find this website. I feel so horrible when I directly recycle those huge books. Who uses the yellow pages anymore when there is dexonline, etc?
Today I am liberated! I stopped them!!
Join the fun by clicking here!
Taking green to the extreme September 28, 2009
Have you heard about Colin Beavan?
Well, good for Colin and good for our planet but could you do it too? I don’t think I could.
He and his family gave up electricity, processed food and even toilet paper over the course of a year.
To find his book and blog… click here.
Teach your kids to be earth friendly- Games! September 30, 2009
Nickelodeon launched a site aimed at kids and being earth friendly.
Kids can play games with Sponge Bob, Naked Brother Band, iCarly and more.
www.biggreenhelp.com
for a link… click here!
Recycle your garden pots and trays October 2, 2009
What do you usually do with your flower pots, hanging baskets and trays when you buy your annuals?
I save some for planting seeds of my own the following spring HOWEVER I usually have some still left over.
Now Otten Brothers in Long Lake will take them through November 1st.
Note for the future Bachman’s took them on 2 days in September so in 2010 I bet they will take again on the 3rd weekend.
Plymouth MN Recycling of those hard to get rid of items October 4, 2009
Are you looking to recycle batteries, carpet, fluorescent bulbs, tires, or electronics?
Plymouth is not hosting a special collection day this fall. Instead they are providing us with a list of places we can use year round to properly dispose of our ‘junk’.
Batteries- City Hall Building 3400 Plymouth Blvd or Maintenance Facility 14900 23rd Ave N
This is the one I am going to use today.
For the rest of the list… click here!
My Target (rockford rd) had a Gluten Free end cap October 1, 2009
Wow was I shocked today when Target on Rockford Road in Plymouth MN had a gluten free end cap.
What did they have? Glutino bars, Mi-del ginger snaps and animal crackers, Tinkyada Pasta Joy, Annie’s Mac and Cheese and gummy bunnies, Allergaroo, Envirokids cereals, Pamela’s mixes, some Bob’s Red Mill oats and pizza crust, and Mary’s crackers. Funny they didn’t include the new Betty Crocker mixes as they carry all 4 or Cherrybrook mixes. FYI Betty Crocker mixes were on sale for $3.99!
Let me know if your Target is doing this too!
Mi-Del Ginger Snap Crust for a Pumpkin Cheesecake October 2, 2009
Do you miss cheesecake and pumpkin pie?
Why not merge the 2 together and make a pumpkin cheesecake with Mi-Del Gluten Free ginger snaps (replace graham crackers) for the crust.
Also I always bake a pumpkin pie when the holidays roll around. I don’t like making my own crust so I go crustless which works great since the pumpkin pie fillings holds itself together. Pile on the homemade whipped cream and yummy yummy- can’t you just taste it!
Flourless Chocolate Lollipops October 3, 2009
My parents attended an event late last week at Macy’s. Tim Scott made the flourless chocolate lollipops that can also be made a cupcakes. My mom said the version made with semi sweet chocolate was great (she isn’t a dark chocolate fan). I think using frango mint could be quite tasty myself. I will have to make in the next few weeks (I am trying to watch the sweet treats due too much fun this summer with all my new gf finds)!
for the recipe… click here!
Gluten Free Baked Spaghetti October 6, 2009
1 1/2 bags KAME rick stick vermicelli (red bag found in asian food section)
1 egg
1 bag shredded mozarella
2 jar sauce
1 pound ground meat
1 cup milk
Pizza topping like pepperoni, olives, oinions, peppers Or not if you are unsure with kids
Boil noodles
in 9×13 pan whip egg, milk and 1/3 of cheese (I usually add a little garlic too)
pour over noodles and mix
brown meat, drain and mix with sauce
pour over noodles, top with cheese and any other toppings.
bake 350 for 45 min to 1 hour
freezes real well
What Plastic can I recycle? October 7, 2009
Here, a cheat sheet.
Only #1 and #2 are accepted in Plymouth, MN
No. 1: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), the most widely recycled plastic, is used for soft-drink bottles and is also commonly found in textiles, which explains why a bottle can be turned into fleece.
No. 2: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used for detergent bottles and grocery bags.
No. 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) is what salad-bar containers are made from.
No. 4: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used for dry-cleaning and fresh-produce bags.
No. 5: Polypropylene (PP) is what makes bottle caps, yogurt cups, and drinking straws.
No. 6: Polystyrene (PS) is also known as Styrofoam.
No. 7: These “other” plastics, such as polycarbonate baby bottles, are generally not recyclable at most centers.
Green Pregnancy October 8, 2009
Grab a book… Smart Mama’s Green Guide – click here!
Or just check out this article from the usa weekend… click here!
An Awesome Green Baby Gift October 10, 2009
Green to Grow Welcome Home kit
The kit can be found at … www.bumblebeeboutique.com or click here!
Includes:
•2 5 oz regular neck bottles
•2 10 oz regular neck bottles
•1 package of intermediate regular neck nipples
(3 – 6 months)
•1 package of expert regular neck nipples (6+ months)
•1 organic cotton baby cloth (colors vary)
2nd Ranked Bike Communting City- Minneapolis, MN October 12, 2009
Isn’t it too cold to bike to work here about 4 months out of the year? How in the world does Minneapolis rank #2. It is totally great that we do rank #2. The only city to beat us in Portland where it rains like 300 days a year. Go figure- why can’t Seattle, San Fran or Sacramento beat us?
Well I guess people want to ride to work when the weather is great here and people here are focused on improving the enviroment and want to make save some $$ too.
Congrats Minneapolis!
Carbon Footprint of Product– will this be the next evolution like the recycle symbol October 14, 2009
Green Math an article by Jeffrey Ball was published back in September. I am finally catching up on a back log of reading – you moms know what the first few weeks of school can do your schedule?!?!
Did you know the recycle triangle was created by a college student trying to win a contest.
Maybe the labeling and process for determining carbon footprint should be another contest thrown out to students!
To read Jeffrey’s article.. click here!
What does Wikipedia have to say about Gluten Free Diet October 9, 2009
I realized after 8 1/2 years, I have never checked out what wikipedia has to say about gluten free diet. This should be a great starting place for anyone.
Check out what they have to say…. click here!
Buttermilk substitute October 8, 2009
I hate buying a container of buttermilk for a recipe and then only using a small part of it. What a waste.
So now I make my own buttermilk by pouring 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or distilled vinegar) into a measuring cup then filling it to the 1 cup mark with regular milk. PLEASE make sure you let it sit for 15 minutes then you are good to go!
Recycling Crayons October 13, 2009
If you have a child…. you have too many crayons in your house— right????
Well here is a place that will recycle your old ones and create new ones.
It is even located in Wisconsin.
This is a great school project!!!
To learn more… click here!
Getting your house ready for fall- Be Green October 16, 2009
Here is a great check list for getting your house ready for fall.
I know I just changed my furnace filter- still need to schedule the annual cleaning!
To see the list created by Karen Youso… click here!
Our Precious Water October 17, 2009
I was reading Redbook and comes across this list of stats I just had to share…
70% of the earth is covered in water
1.7 billion people in the world without access to clean water
21.7% of US water goes to washing our clothes (makes you think you could maybe wear a few things twice before you wash??)
$11billion is the amount Americans spend on bottled water a year
10% of plastic water bottles are recycled- HOW CAN THAT BE???
Please tell a friend!!!
An article about celiac from Health and Medicine Magazine October 13, 2009
My aunt forwarded this to me…. a large part of it was over my head but overall promising find to help ‘cure’.
UM scientists pinpoint critical molecule to celiac disease, possibly other autoimmune disorders
Published: Monday, September 7, 2009 – 16:32 in Health & Medicine
It was nine years ago that University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers discovered that a mysterious human protein called zonulin played a critical role in celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Now, scientists have solved the mystery of zonulin’s identity, putting a face to the name, in a sense. Scientists led by Alessio Fasano, M.D., have identified zonulin as a molecule in the human body called haptoglobin 2 precursor. Pinpointing the precise molecule that makes up the mysterious protein will enable a more detailed and thorough study of zonulin and its relationship to a series of inflammatory disorders. The discovery was reported in a new study by Dr. Fasano, published the week of September 7, 2009 in the online version of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Fasano is a professor of pediatrics, medicine and physiology and director of the Mucosal Biology Research Center and the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Haptoglobin is a molecule that has been known to scientists for many years. It was identified as a marker of inflammation in the body. Haptoglobin 1 is the original form of the haptoglobin molecule, and scientists believe it evolved 800 million years ago. Haptoglobin 2 is a permutation found only in humans. It’s believed the mutation occurred in India about 2 million years ago, spreading gradually among increasing numbers of people throughout the world.
Dr. Fasano’s study revealed that zonulin is the precursor molecule for haptoglobin 2 — that is, it is an immature molecule that matures into haptoglobin 2. It was previously believed that such precursor molecules served no purpose in the body other than to mature into the molecules they were destined to become. But Dr. Fasano’s study identifies precursor haptoglobin 2 as the first precursor molecule that serves another function entirely — opening a gateway in the gut, or intestines, to let gluten in. People with celiac disease suffer from a sensitivity to gluten.
“While apes, monkeys and chimpanzees do not have haptoglobin 2, 80 percent of human beings have it,” says Dr. Fasano. “Apes, monkeys and chimpanzees rarely develop autoimmune disorders. Human beings suffer from more than 70 different kinds of such conditions. We believe the presence of this pre-haptoglobin 2 is responsible for this difference between species.”
“This molecule could be a critical missing piece of the puzzle to lead to a treatment for celiac disease, other autoimmune disorders and allergies and even cancer, all of which are related to an exaggerated production of zonulin/pre-haptoglobin 2 and to the loss of the protective barrier of cells lining the gut and other areas of the body, like the blood brain barrier,” says Dr. Fasano.
“The only current treatment for celiac disease is cutting gluten from the diet, but we have confidence Dr. Fasano’s work will someday bring further relief to these patients. Zonulin, with its functions in health and disease as outlined in Dr. Fasano’s paper, could be the molecule of the century,” says E. Albert Reece, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., dean of the School of Medicine, vice president for medical affairs of the University of Maryland and John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. Dr. Fasano, as a physician scientist, fulfills two of the core missions of the University of Maryland School of Medicine: making basic science discoveries that can impact human health, and finding ways to translate those discoveries into treatments and diagnostic tools.”
People who suffer from celiac disease have a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, and suffer gastrointestinal distress and other serious symptoms when they eat it. In celiac patients, gluten generates an exaggerated release of zonulin that makes the gut more permeable to large molecules, including gluten. The permeable gut allows these molecules, such as gluten, access to the rest of the body. This triggers an autoimmune response in which a celiac patient’s immune system identifies gluten as an intruder and responds with an attack targeting the intestine instead of the intruder. An inappropriately high level of production of zonulin also seems responsible for the passage through the intestine of intruders other than zonulin, including those related to conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and even allergies. Recently, other groups have reported elevated production of zonulin affecting the permeability of the blood brain barrier of patients suffering from brain cancer.
“We hope pre-haptoglobin 2 will be a door to a better understanding of not just celiac disease, but of several other devastating conditions that continue to affect the quality of life of millions of individuals,” says Dr. Fasano. “This is quite a remarkable molecule that was just flying under the radar. We would have never have thought it would be the key. Now that we have identified this molecule, we are able to replicate it in the lab to use for research purposes. We hope to learn much more about it and its potential for treating and diagnosing celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions. This molecule has opened innumerable doors for our research.”
Smoreables by Kinnikinnick October 15, 2009
It is getting to the end of the season but I know we still do lots of outside fire pits this time of year.
We love to eat smores.
This year, I found a great ‘graham cracker’ to use. Before I only ate the chocolate and marshmellow.
Smoreables are yummy. I haven’t tried them in a crust yet but.. I like to eat them sandwiched with leftover frosting/icing!!
To see what the box looks like… click here!
Trader Joe’s Grocery Open Friday November 6th in Minnetonka October 30, 2009
I just passed the new store and found out they are opening Friday November 6th.
It is located between Dick’s and Land’s End near Ridgedale.
Happy Shopping!
