Tomorrow is my 5th wedding anniversary, and since Wednesdays are generally for photos, I'll post some wedding photos then. I've got a lot going on tomorrow, including dinner with my hubby. It's a little bit surreal to think that I've already been married 5 years.
I know it seems like nothing to those of who who have been married for much longer, but I'm still quite proud and excited to have hit this milestone in my marriage.
We've experienced a lot together as a couple. Since beginning to date 8 years ago, we've travelled to France, Egypt, El Salvador, USA (New York, Massachusetts, Washington), Guatemala and Honduras, not to mention spent much time in Ottawa, Montreal and other parts of Quebec. Since getting married, my husband finished his Masters in Economics and I'm on the cusp of receiving my Masters in Education. My husband became a Canadian citizen. We had a son and moved to our new home. We learned about gluten and dairy free living and I started this blog.
I know it's a little bit corny, but I love a milestone. For me, the 5 year milestone is a great opportunity to reflect on where we've been as a couple, and make some plans to work towards some of the dreams that will bring us to where we hope to be in the next 5 years. Tomorrow night we'll take some time to sort through some photos of our life together, and be grateful for what we have.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
A little bit of blog love...
We're heading off to a cottage at the end of the week, and I've been slowly piling up the various items needed for the trip. Shorts, t-shirts, towels, bathing suits, sunscreen.... I always get a little crazy when it comes to products that I put on my son's skin mainly because he reacts to things so easily, but also because frequently there are specific ingredients that give him a rash when he touches them. Who knew there were wheat/gluten/dairy derived ingredients in body products?
Plenty of people, actually. Thanks in part to a friend of mine who just started her own blog. She blogs about natural skin care and cosmetics, and recently did a post on sunscreen. My, ahem, brand that I just purchased for $14 was not on the list. It contains some of the nasty ingredients she writes about though, and so now I feel guilty putting it on my son's sensitive skin. Looks like I'll be purchasing some new sunscreen.
Interested in learning more about natural beauty care and how to avoid some of the nastier chemicals in everyday products? Check out her blog at FemmeSage.
Plenty of people, actually. Thanks in part to a friend of mine who just started her own blog. She blogs about natural skin care and cosmetics, and recently did a post on sunscreen. My, ahem, brand that I just purchased for $14 was not on the list. It contains some of the nasty ingredients she writes about though, and so now I feel guilty putting it on my son's sensitive skin. Looks like I'll be purchasing some new sunscreen.
Interested in learning more about natural beauty care and how to avoid some of the nastier chemicals in everyday products? Check out her blog at FemmeSage.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Gluten Free Weekly Menu Plan
This week's menu plan is a bit abbreviated for two reasons. Wednesday is my 5 year wedding anniversary, so my husband and I are going out for dinner, and Friday we'll be finishing off the leftovers of the week before leaving on a week's vacation to a cottage. Here's what's in store the rest of the week:
Monday: Lidia's Baked Lamb Shoulder and Dairy Free Spinach Risotto
(Lamb has never been a go-to item for me, but this recipe is spectacular)
Tuesday: Gluten FreeSpaghetti with Sun dried tomatoes, walnuts,
spinach and feta cheese (for the adults). The munchkin's version is
cheese-free
Wednesday: Anniversary Dinner
Thursday: White Bean, Spinach and Mini Turkey Meatball Soup
Friday: Leftovers, Leftovers, Leftovers!
Although we'll be at the cottage next week, the cottage edition of the weekly menu plan will be posted on Sunday. As we'll be cooking as we go, photos probably won't be included!
Monday: Lidia's Baked Lamb Shoulder and Dairy Free Spinach Risotto
(Lamb has never been a go-to item for me, but this recipe is spectacular)
Tuesday: Gluten FreeSpaghetti with Sun dried tomatoes, walnuts,
spinach and feta cheese (for the adults). The munchkin's version is
cheese-free
Wednesday: Anniversary Dinner
Thursday: White Bean, Spinach and Mini Turkey Meatball Soup
Friday: Leftovers, Leftovers, Leftovers!
Although we'll be at the cottage next week, the cottage edition of the weekly menu plan will be posted on Sunday. As we'll be cooking as we go, photos probably won't be included!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Mommy's Little Helper
Whenever I don't feel like watering the plants, I've got the perfect assistant to help me out...
HAPPY SATURDAY!
Friday, July 8, 2011
5 Things on a Friday
This has been a trying week. What we thought were molars coming in for my son actually turned out to be a cut at the back of his mouth that had gotten infected. Thankfully we took him to the doctor to check it out and she put him on an antibiotic to clear up the infection. That didn't help his mood any though, so it's been a little slice of h-e-l-l around my house this week.
Here's what I've learned:
1- It's OK to allow your two year old to watch endless reruns of Dora if it's the only thing that will stop the screaming when your child is sick.
2- The above works even better if there is a fruit juice freezie on hand for the event.
3- Antibiotics make my son sleep longer. He took a 3 1/2 hour nap yesterday. Pure bliss.
4- Apparently fish sticks are the only acceptable meal item in this situation. The gluten free breaded Pollock fillets that I oven bake and serve with ketchup for dipping are all he wanted. I suppose it could have been worse.
5- Somehow a sore mouth = a slide in toilet training. After weeks of no accidents, he had two accidents this week. Now that he's feeling better, I'm hoping things get back to normal this weekend.
P.S.: I just finished reading Colum McCann's book Let the Great World Spin. A good read. Check out all the books I've read this year by clicking on the 100 in 2011 tab above. I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Here's what I've learned:
1- It's OK to allow your two year old to watch endless reruns of Dora if it's the only thing that will stop the screaming when your child is sick.
2- The above works even better if there is a fruit juice freezie on hand for the event.
3- Antibiotics make my son sleep longer. He took a 3 1/2 hour nap yesterday. Pure bliss.
4- Apparently fish sticks are the only acceptable meal item in this situation. The gluten free breaded Pollock fillets that I oven bake and serve with ketchup for dipping are all he wanted. I suppose it could have been worse.
5- Somehow a sore mouth = a slide in toilet training. After weeks of no accidents, he had two accidents this week. Now that he's feeling better, I'm hoping things get back to normal this weekend.
P.S.: I just finished reading Colum McCann's book Let the Great World Spin. A good read. Check out all the books I've read this year by clicking on the 100 in 2011 tab above. I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Why is there sugar in my salt?
I generally use sea salt or kosher salt, for a variety of reasons but partly because I like to be able to grind it to different degrees of coarseness depending on what I'm using it for. I know I'm weird. That's not the point of this post.
In addition to sea salt, I usually keep plain old table salt on hand. It's easy to use, and is great for adjusting the seasoning of a dish once at the table and on your plate. Besides, people think you're crazy when you're grinding up your salt to put in your salad. Other than iodine, I had never really thought about what else is added to table salt.
I assumed nothing else was added. We all know what happens when someone assumes something.
Turns out that sugar is added to table salt. WHAT? I hadn't bought table salt in a long time, and since reading labels has become mandatory in my family's post-gluten, post-dairy universe, I read the label out of habit.
SIGH. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.
I took to my favourite search engine in an attempt to figure out why there needs to be sugar in my salt. Turns out the scientific answer has something to do with preserving the integrity of the iodine added to table salt. Iodine is important for healthy thyroid function, but I doubt that it's overly complicated to get adequate amounts of iodine from alternate sources. I KNOW that it's easy to get sugar from alternate sources.
I don't want salt in my coffee, and I'd prefer not to have sugar on my chicken.
Anybody need a slightly used box of table salt?
In addition to sea salt, I usually keep plain old table salt on hand. It's easy to use, and is great for adjusting the seasoning of a dish once at the table and on your plate. Besides, people think you're crazy when you're grinding up your salt to put in your salad. Other than iodine, I had never really thought about what else is added to table salt.
I assumed nothing else was added. We all know what happens when someone assumes something.
Turns out that sugar is added to table salt. WHAT? I hadn't bought table salt in a long time, and since reading labels has become mandatory in my family's post-gluten, post-dairy universe, I read the label out of habit.
SIGH. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.
I took to my favourite search engine in an attempt to figure out why there needs to be sugar in my salt. Turns out the scientific answer has something to do with preserving the integrity of the iodine added to table salt. Iodine is important for healthy thyroid function, but I doubt that it's overly complicated to get adequate amounts of iodine from alternate sources. I KNOW that it's easy to get sugar from alternate sources.
I don't want salt in my coffee, and I'd prefer not to have sugar on my chicken.
Anybody need a slightly used box of table salt?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
My friend Joelle and her husband came to stay with us over the long weekend, and she took some incredible photos while she was here. Enjoy!
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| On the swings |
 | |||
| More swings! |
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| My dad and I at the park |
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| My husband and his friend Abhinav |
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| The photographer herself, Joelle |
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Joy of Molars
My son is getting his big boy molars. This has meant sleepless nights, endless crying and a refusal to eat or drink until he can't hold out any more. Last night he was up about 5 times. He finally fell asleep after two, but was back up early this morning.
We've tried every combination of remedies suggested to us: topical pain medication, pain and swelling medication, freezies and popsicles, etc., etc., etc. and nothing is working.
I picked him up from daycare at lunch today because he spent the entire morning miserable and in tears. I brought him home where he then spent the afternoon miserable and in tears in my arms, watching episode after episode of Dora. He doesn't particularly care for Diego. There's no real reason why.
Now he's upstairs with my husband, kind of half whining, half blubbering in that way that only tired children who are fighting sleep can do. I hope the molars all erupt at once, so that the pain doesn't drag on any longer than necessary.
For both his comfort and my sanity.
We've tried every combination of remedies suggested to us: topical pain medication, pain and swelling medication, freezies and popsicles, etc., etc., etc. and nothing is working.
I picked him up from daycare at lunch today because he spent the entire morning miserable and in tears. I brought him home where he then spent the afternoon miserable and in tears in my arms, watching episode after episode of Dora. He doesn't particularly care for Diego. There's no real reason why.
Now he's upstairs with my husband, kind of half whining, half blubbering in that way that only tired children who are fighting sleep can do. I hope the molars all erupt at once, so that the pain doesn't drag on any longer than necessary.
For both his comfort and my sanity.
Monday, July 4, 2011
A Tale of Two Cafés (Or where to take your gluten and dairy free two year old)
This long weekend, we visited two separate dessert cafés with our guests from Montreal. On Friday, we stopped by La Paloma Gelateria and Café, and on Saturday we had dessert at Demetre's. At both locations, I was able to order something gluten and dairy free for my son. That being said, one location definitely won out over the other for variety.
Caffé Demetre is an Ontario franchise specializing in dessert and coffee. I've been to several locations over the years, and they are all really well decorated, with comfortable seating and a huge menu. It's a popular dessert place that's open late and is both date and family friendly. We arrived before the rush on Saturday evening, and were seated quickly.
While the menu is extensive, I was disappointed to find that there were almost no items suitable for my gluten and dairy free child.
The exception? The Granitas, fancy slushies made with crushed ice and fruit puree. They are available in about 5 or 6 flavours, but we went with the strawberry. It came in a tall glass with a straw, and kept him busy for the rest of our visit. Although we were happy to find something that he could enjoy, I was disappointed to find no other options on the menu except for a fruit cup. Since he's only two, the specialty coffees were not suitable.
Verdict: If you are just gluten free, the huge assortment of home made ice cream and pastry-free desserts is worth checking out. If you are like my son, and must avoid both gluten and dairy, with the exception of a few beverages, the granitas and a fruit cup, you're out of luck. My husband and I will be keeping this café as a date-night treat from now on.
On Friday, we visited La Paloma Gelateria & Café. Similar to Caffe Demetre, La Paloma is an Ontario based chain serving mainly Italian Gelato but also sandwiches, pizza, specialty coffees and juices. The atmosphere is a little more casual, with cafeteria type seating and TVs showing soccer most of the time. Although La Paloma has a smaller menu, I was surprised to learn that about 1/3 of their "ice cream" flavours are actually dairy free fruit-based purées.
Of the three freezers displaying different flavours, an entire freezer was dedicated to dairy free options. There were over a dozen flavours to choose from. In addition, they offer 4 soy based flavours: plain soy, soy with nuts, chocolate and vanilla. Although my son couldn't have his ice cream in a cone, he enjoyed two scoops of mango and peach using the little spoons that he thought were hilarious.
I tried a little scoop and found both flavours delicious; definitely not a downgrade or an option to "settle" for when nothing else is available.
Verdict: For our family outings, La Paloma is the winner. With so many flavours to choose from, my son can have something different every time. He can also choose from the soy-based ice cream if he isn't in the mood for fruit. For someone who is both dairy and gluten free, it's simpler to find something suitable at La Paloma, without feeling like you're compromising or relegated to a very narrow number of options.
Caffé Demetre is an Ontario franchise specializing in dessert and coffee. I've been to several locations over the years, and they are all really well decorated, with comfortable seating and a huge menu. It's a popular dessert place that's open late and is both date and family friendly. We arrived before the rush on Saturday evening, and were seated quickly.
While the menu is extensive, I was disappointed to find that there were almost no items suitable for my gluten and dairy free child.
The exception? The Granitas, fancy slushies made with crushed ice and fruit puree. They are available in about 5 or 6 flavours, but we went with the strawberry. It came in a tall glass with a straw, and kept him busy for the rest of our visit. Although we were happy to find something that he could enjoy, I was disappointed to find no other options on the menu except for a fruit cup. Since he's only two, the specialty coffees were not suitable.
Verdict: If you are just gluten free, the huge assortment of home made ice cream and pastry-free desserts is worth checking out. If you are like my son, and must avoid both gluten and dairy, with the exception of a few beverages, the granitas and a fruit cup, you're out of luck. My husband and I will be keeping this café as a date-night treat from now on.
On Friday, we visited La Paloma Gelateria & Café. Similar to Caffe Demetre, La Paloma is an Ontario based chain serving mainly Italian Gelato but also sandwiches, pizza, specialty coffees and juices. The atmosphere is a little more casual, with cafeteria type seating and TVs showing soccer most of the time. Although La Paloma has a smaller menu, I was surprised to learn that about 1/3 of their "ice cream" flavours are actually dairy free fruit-based purées.
Of the three freezers displaying different flavours, an entire freezer was dedicated to dairy free options. There were over a dozen flavours to choose from. In addition, they offer 4 soy based flavours: plain soy, soy with nuts, chocolate and vanilla. Although my son couldn't have his ice cream in a cone, he enjoyed two scoops of mango and peach using the little spoons that he thought were hilarious.
I tried a little scoop and found both flavours delicious; definitely not a downgrade or an option to "settle" for when nothing else is available.
Verdict: For our family outings, La Paloma is the winner. With so many flavours to choose from, my son can have something different every time. He can also choose from the soy-based ice cream if he isn't in the mood for fruit. For someone who is both dairy and gluten free, it's simpler to find something suitable at La Paloma, without feeling like you're compromising or relegated to a very narrow number of options.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Weekly Gluten Free Menu Plan
Sorry about the late post, but we had guests this weekend so the cooking started later than usual. This week I didn't have a chance to do a proper grocery shop, so the menu plan was designed to use up all those bits and pieces left in the cupboards and fridge. The exception of course comes with the vegetables from our local harvest food box delivery. The ragout recipe features Ontario mushrooms, yellow zucchini and white eggplant, and the salad ingredients are all local as well.
Monday: Taco Spice Beef over Corn Tostadas and Fried Plantains
Tuesday: Gluten Free Pizza and a Garden Salad (I'll prepare this
on Tuesday. I don't like GF pizza when it's been made too far in advance)
Wednesday: Chicken & Rice Soup with Mushrooms and Leftover Garden Salad
Thursday: Mushroom Ragout over Steamed Rice
Friday: Chicken Fingers and Sweet Potato Fries
Monday: Taco Spice Beef over Corn Tostadas and Fried Plantains
Tuesday: Gluten Free Pizza and a Garden Salad (I'll prepare this
on Tuesday. I don't like GF pizza when it's been made too far in advance)
Wednesday: Chicken & Rice Soup with Mushrooms and Leftover Garden Salad
Thursday: Mushroom Ragout over Steamed Rice
Friday: Chicken Fingers and Sweet Potato Fries
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