Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan March 31-April 4, 2014

Usually my meal plan is up on Sundays, but this weekend was my niece's birthday party as well as my husband's birthday, so it's up a day late. Forgive me? Here's what we're eating in our gluten free house this week.

Monday: Gluten Free Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

The Eggs Factor is Back! Feed a Child, and Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

This year marks the third anniversary of the Egg Farmers of Ontario's "The Eggs Factor" contest, where contestants of all ages can decorate a virtual egg, and be entered into a contest to win an iPad mini!

Product Review: Tiger Nuts

A while back I was sent a bag of Tiger Nuts to try out. Tiger Nuts are not actually nuts; they are tubers that grow in the ground, and then are dried and packaged as sweet little snacks. I had never heard of them before being sent a package to try, and I wasn't sure what to think when I opened up the bag to check them out. They look a bit like nuts, but they come peeled and ready to eat.

Before trying them, I did a bit of research and was surprised to find out that they are actually quite good for you. A staple in some countries around the world, these little powerhouses are high in fibre, several vitamins and minerals, and are thought to protect against a host of illnesses. They can be eaten dried and raw like in the Tiger Nuts packages, or they can be soaked to create a kind of nutty-flavoured, dairy free milk.

Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan (March 24-28, 2014)

Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan (March 24-28, 2014)

Spring is here! Let's hope Mother Nature gets the memo!






Monday: Ribs & Roast Broccoli (I baked the ribs in Cattleboyz BBQ Sauce at 375F for about an hour.)

Rudi's Happy Camper Winner!

First, I want to thank everyone for entering this giveaway, but especially to those who helped their children enter for the chance to win a scholarship to camp this summer. It's such a wonderful opportunity, and I can't wait for my son to be old enough to attend one of these incredible camps!

A Lifestyle Change for my Birthday!

Today is my birthday, and I was greeted by my husband and my kids for a great morning that involved gluten free cupcakes (which my sons pretty much ate in one bite). I don't get as excited for my birthday these days as I used to, but I still like to celebrate and enjoy the day with the people I love.

This year, I'm giving myself a gift for my birthday: A lifestyle change!

Actually, the truth is that I've been gradually changing my lifestyle over the past few months, but it's time to kick it up a notch. Since having my boys, my health has never quite gone back to what it was pre-pregnancy, and I don't just mean my weight (although, yes, I need to lose some of that).  Since my oldest son was sick pretty much since birth, it was easy to just put all my focus on his health needs, even though I was feeling less than my best.

Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan (March 17-21, 2014)

Monday: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

St. Paddy's Day Four Leaf Clover Shake (Dairy Free)

Most people remember those green shakes from a certain fast food chain that showed up each year around St. Patrick's Day. Since we no longer each much fast food, especially since very few chains offer gluten free options, I have no idea if those shakes are still available.

Still, I found myself wanting to make something similar for my son, but since a whole shake with milk or ice cream would be too much dairy for his belly to handle, I decided to experiment with a healthy version. Judging by the way he scarfed it down, I would say it was a success!

This version is quick to throw together, is gluten and dairy free, and is a healthy shake that has that perfect green hue without any dyes or food colouring.

Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

I'm not going to lie. I spent years HATING Brussels sprouts. I found them bitter and gross and would beg to not have to eat them. Then, a few years ago, I signed up for a produce delivery from a CSA, where each week I would receive local, in season produce.

Part of the delivery for a few weeks included Brussels sprouts. Since I try to avoid throwing away food whenever possible, I tried making them several different ways until I found a few I really liked.

This particular recipe is one of my favourites because it's easy, it only involves 3 ingredients (plus salt & pepper), and my kids will actually eat them. You may never look at Brussels sprouts the same way again.

Book Review: How to Find the Perfect Vacation Rental

How to Find the Perfect Vacation Rental 

by Gillian Duffy

In the last few years there has been a huge rise in the use of vacation rentals by travellers and yet I still meet people in my day to day life who have no idea that this is possible. They don’t know what is available, aren’t familiar with which vacation rental websites to use, and are overwhelmed by the searching and selection process. 

In How to Find the Perfect Vacation Rental I explain what a vacation rental is and who they are best suited for. I honestly state what the benefits and drawbacks are and include a cost comparison case study to show the financial value of vacation rentals. The bulk of the book, though, is written to combat the feeling of overwhelm that people face when searching for a property. I break down the criteria selection process, compare vacation rental websites, compile a list of questions to ask, and walk the reader through the exact process we use to find and enjoy vacation rentals around the world. 

In How to Find the Perfect Vacation Rental you will learn all that we know about renting short-term vacation rentals around the world. You'll discover the benefits of renting short term apartments, houses, cottages, or bungalows versus paying for regular hotel rooms and whether you are a good fit for this option. You'll be able to set up a list of criteria to use when looking for a property to save time, frustration, and hassle. You'll know what you're looking for before you start searching. You'll learn how to go about finding the perfect vacation rental, how to find rental websites, and how to use them so that the process isn't completely overwhelming. 

You'll see a comparison of some of the top vacation rental sites out there and see which ones are recommended. You'll get answers to the questions and concerns you have so that you'll feel comfortable and confident in the process and will be sure that you have found the perfect vacation rental for you. And you'll see the exact process we use to book vacation rentals ourselves. You can be sure that if this process works over and over for us that it will work for you too.