Winter Wednesday!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Well we are having another storm.  It sounded like our roof was coming off last night and kept me awake for the longest time.

I do love the snow though and especially any type of storm at night and usually sleep well during them but not the case last night.

Hope everyone has a safe drive in this morning.  It's a mess out there.

Now I want to update everyone on some "gluten-free news".

I've mentioned in the past about "Udi's" bagels which I've always bought at Whole Foods.  Well they're now available at Loblaws in the freezer section and $1.00 cheaper than Whole Foods.

Also, I bought the President's Choice banana loaf (which doesn't need to be frozen) and it's delicious.  Best way to enjoy it is to butter lightly and stick in the microvave.  You won't regret it.  I had heard on TV (actually on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon") that Dunkin Donuts is now offering gluten-free pastries.  So I checked the web to see if we have any Dunkin Donuts here in Canada and the only place is Quebec.  Oh well.  You can get fabulous gluten-free macaroon cookies at "Timothy's" but the other coffee chains are still not on board as of yet.  Hopefully that will change in the near future.

 

Me and Hubby

 

 

Will keep doing my research on gluten-free products availability and keep you updated but until then,

Keep safe and Ciao...

Another Wacky Wednesday!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Why wacky Wednesday?

Well let's start with an issue that's bothered me for a long time.  People and their "allergies".

Now I know a lot of people suffer from "legitimate"allergies of one sort or another.  I have no problem with that.  I myself, as a child, suffered from seasonal allergies (grass, ragweed, pollen, etc.) which thankfully I've outgrown.  I took my medication and carried on.

What I want to address is the ever-growing popularity of these "so-called"allergies.

Years ago I participated in a study on allergy medication.  Before I started I had to be tested for any allergies I may have.  I was told that I'm allergic to peanuts (I eat peanut butter from the jar), cats (I've had them for years and have had no reaction), dogs (well I have a dog), shellfish (I've eaten with no reaction) and the list goes on. 

 Also, I asked about cigarette smoking as I've listened to many people whining that they were "allergic" to cigarette smoke.  Well according to the allergist and he chuckled at my question, there is no such thing.  He said people may not like the smell but you can "not" be allergic to it.  There you have it.  More ridiculous claims from people (obviously non-smokers) who are not allergic at all to cigarette smoke but just don't like it.  Another ludicrous claim.

I also worked in an environment where I had to watch a whole floor held hostage because of one person's so-called food allergy.  Ridiculous and my opinion was shared by the majority of co-workers but not apparently by the powers that be.

I had to witness so many silly things go on in the office where I worked that I'm surprised I didn't bite my tongue completely off.  Again, common sense seems to be foreign in a lot of people's minds.

Also, I don't remember any kids in school dropping dead from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich so what has changed?  No one fainted at the smell of a strong perfume or cologne.  Was our resistance stronger or is it that we have created a generation of whiners?  I lean towards the latter.

If you have a legitimate allergy take your medication and don't make everyone around you suffer in the process.

Just sayin'...

Until later

Ciao

Birthday Wednesday!!!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Today is my son's 39th birthday (a.k.a. "the boy").  Wow does time fly. 

The boy entered this world on Wednesday, February 13, 1974 weighing in at 9 lbs. 9 oz. at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.  The minute I laid eyes on him, I was in love and that love has never diminished.  I remember it like it was yesterday... I had a son.  Wow!

This past Saturday, hubby, the kid and myself went to my son's place to celebrate.  We got to spend some time with our adorable granddaughter and of course "the boy" (star of the show) and his better half.

Me and Hubby

 



The Boy and Hubby

 

 

Rhonda's Masterpiece

 

 

The Boy and His Girl

 

As you can see, we had a great time.

 

Love you son!!!

 

Until later,

 

Ciao everyone!



 

 

Gluten-free Monday!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Okay, first off, I have to tell you that Loblaw's President's Choice (Gluten-free)Mini Brownies are to die for.  I bet you will not be able to tell the difference between regular brownies and these gluten-free ones.  Amazing. 

Also, hubby and I went to "Whole Foods" on the weekend where we buy my gluten-free bagels when we noticed a kiosk set up with samples of glten-free bread and coconut spread.  I couldn't resist trying the bread because I've been searching for years for a gluten-free bread that actually tastes like "real" bread and doesn't leave a powdery aftertaste in your mouth.  Success!  I couldn't believe it.  Its called "Rudi's" sandwich bread and yes it has to be kept in the freezer like other gluten-free breads but the taste is amazing.  We bought a loaf using a dollar off coupon - net cost - $6.99 (not cheap) but worth every morsel if you love bread the way I do. 

When I got home I mad a toasted ham and cheese sandwich and I was in heaven.  You would have thought I was dining on a T-bone steak but it's been years since I have had a sandwich that tasted like a sandwich.

Hopefully the price of gluten-free products will go down in time because if you have more than one family member who has to stick to a gluten-free diet it can be ridiculously expensive.

Now for some sad news.

A lady who I worked with for years, passed away on Saturday from a massive heart attack and brain haemorrhage.  I'm in shock because for all accounts this was a healthy vibrant lady.  It does bring home the fact that we have to cherish what time we have on this planet of ours and never take anything for granted.  Our time here is very short.  If you love someone, tell them.  If you're angry with someone, talk it over and then let it go.  Remember that what you say to someone may be the last thing you say to them.

Until later...

Ciao

Gluten-free Tuesday!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Yes I know I get off topic occasionally.  Ranting about issues that bother me greatly.  I have stated though that besides my blog being about Celiac disease and related topics, I also use this as a journal of sorts.  I do apologize if I get carried away...

Now on a lighter note.  I've been noticing more gluten-free products hitting the shelves.  Finally.

Loblaws now offers fluten-free baked goods (that aren't in the freezer section).  Grant it there are limited choices but at least it's a start.

I personally love the coconut cookies and the double chocalate muffins are tasty although very filling.  They also offer a banana loaf which I will try next even though I usually make my own.  there are also chocolate chip cookies but ever since I tried the Pillsbury dough ones nothing compares.  I've been spoiled (of course that was in my pre-gluten-free days before getting diagnosed).  this week these items are $1.00 off.  Still expensive but hopefully the prices will go down in the future.

There are also gluten-free restaurants popping up.  In particular, "Victoria's" which my sister-in-law told me about and will definitely try and then post the details of my visit on my blog.  Address and directions can be found online.

On another subject I must tell you how much I enjoyed "Les Miserables".  If you haven't seen it then you're missing out.  I believe it's the best movie I've ever seen.  Long but worth every second.  Not only were the actors superb but the music was fabulous as well.  Who knew Anne Hathaway had such a powerful voice?  The special effects were breath-taking and be prepared to cry (a lot).
Watch for Sacha Baron Cohen as the sleazy innkeeper married to Helena Bonham Carter. 

Another great movie is "Flight" where Denzel, as usual gave an outstanding performance.  Very real and gritty.  The movie centers on addicion and redemption.  Powerful stuff.  A must watch.

One of the funniest movies I've seen lately is "This is Forty".  Star-studded cast and again "very real" about the relationship between husband and wife.  Hilarious!  Make sure you watch the outakes at the end of the movie.  Also, John Lithgow (one of my favorite actors) is in the movie, a definite bonus.

Happy movie watching and have a fabulous although freezing day!

Ciao

Serious Wednesday!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I call this post "Serious Wednesday" because I want to touch on something that's near and dear to my heart.

Yesterday, I was watching BBC Canada World News which covers in depth international news which doesn't get a lot of coverage here in Canada.

If you've been following my blog you know I feel passionate about animal cruelty.  I've talked about illegal shark hunting that's going on to get their fins which in turn are sold to Chinese nationalists for their shark fin soup.  These poor fish are slaughtered by the thousands for "soup".  Sound ridiculous?  Well it's a profitable business.  The Asian market lures poverty-stricken fishermen to butcher these fish promising a huge payout.  They keep ther hands clean and take little risk.

I watched a documentary  showing the capture of sharks and how their fins are savagely chopped off while they are alive and then the carcass is kicked overboard.  Very humane don't you think?

Well it's not just sharks.

I watched coverage on the BBC Canada network on how ivory is still in great demand and once again the Chinese are paying huge amounts of money to poachers in Kenya and Nigeria for their "tusks".  The poachers just want to survive and do it for the money.  The lure of the dollar is too great to say no.  The ivory is used to make jewellery and carvings not food or other necessities of life.

Do you know how they get the tusks from the elephants?  They cut off the face in order to get them and leave the carcass to rot in the blazing heat.  Nice, eh?

It's time we held people accountable for their actions.  I use the term "people" loosely because these are not people but souless creatures with too much money to spend.

Of course nothing is done because China invests a lot of money in a lot of projects worldwide.  Heaven forbid we upset them. 

If I sound angry and upset well I am.  In society today we are so concerned about being "politically corrrect" and not "rocking the boat" because of the fear we may upset international relations that we have have lost all common sense. 

If nothing is done and we turn a blind eye, certain wildlife species will become extinct. 

Let's not lose "our souls" in the process.

Ciao

Tiring Thursday!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Well it's been a week since I last posted.  Still plan to continue with my childhood journey but at a later date.

I called this post "Tiring Thursday" because I've been quite fatigued lately.  I don't know if it's post holidays weariness or my Celiac.   I do know I need to keep going in order to accomplish what needs to be done.  Also, my mom is not well so I have to put myself on the back burner for now.

She is in the hospital which is where she needs to be right now.  I've been trying to convince her to go for the last couple of weeks.  She hates hospitals with a passion so I know this isn't easy for her.  I'll keep you updated on her progress.

I'm so over winter right now and looking forward to the warmer weather.  I really only love the snow at Christmas and that's it.  I hate the cold.  I miss my patio and tending to my garden.

The kid has a few days off so just waiting for her to get back from her errands and maybe go grab a bite to eat if she's up for it as she's been fighting the flu.

Me and the Kid

 

 



Ahh Rome!

My favorite city in Italy is definitely Rome but I am envious of relatives of ours that are going to Venice for the festival next month.  I loved Venice and celebrated my birthday there but my heart belongs to Rome.  Besides I can't make it to Venice or Rome this year as I'm saving for my trip to Ireland with a close friend of mine. If I could do both believe me I would in a heartbeat.

Venetians in Costume

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it.  Ireland not Italy for 2013.  That's okay though because I want to see where my mother's family grew up and will not pass up the opportunity.  Next...Edinburgh, the birthplace of my grandfather.

 

Have a fabulous day everyone and unitl later...

 

Ciao