Rants & Raves of Susan

Feeling The Stress!

For the next month, I really want and need to share with all of you my daily events, trials, failures and successes regarding The Celiac Shacks' new launch.


I've been working for the past month on everything from adding new products, gaining ground on creating our new website, and keeping up with all of my contacts, customers, vendors, and communications. I've also been non-stop interrupted by my four lovely children and life in general. I REALLY need another ME at this point just to accomplish what I want to accomplish!


After working for over a month, I've realized that I am spinning my wheels on many sections of my progress and I'm beyond frustrated. I know any of you that have a business or have worked in a business understand this frustration. I am constantly taking two giant steps back for every baby step I take ahead. My first and foremost priority is my family, and let me tell you that they take a LOT of time! Geeesh...some days I cringe at hearing the word "Mommmmmm"! But at the end of the day, I know that they come way ahead of anything I'm working on and I do what I do with love and compassion...or at least I'm trying to!


I am working on adding new products to our site, which brings me to my question for all of you:

Are you guys looking for frozen and refrigerated food items? Do you purchase pre-made meals that you can pop in the oven? If the replies are yes, then I will incorporate those items into our inventory...if the replies are no, then I want to know what types of items you're looking for and using everyday. 

 I really want to carry items that are going to prove helpful to all of you at a low cost, so I'm really asking for your input here. Your input would greatly help me out. I'm trying to stop spinning the wheels over here and hopefully keep some of my sanity at the same time!


Ok...enough ranting and raving for now. There will be more to follow! ;)


From my crazy home to yours, I wish the best of gluten free days!

Susan :)
The Celiac Shack

Shack Attack!

The Opportunities Are Endless!

2010 is proving to be a fantastic year for The Celiac Shack! We were featured in an article in The Free Press last Sunday, and that article has brought about so many exciting opportunities for us. I've received numerous calls from local physicians and businesses that want to work with us, and we'll be meeting with all of them to see how we can reach our dream of helping even more gluten free families.

The Celiac Shack's mission is to provide real time and in-the-trenches advice, information, recipes and products for living gluten free.

We want to help you live your life with your condition, NOT let your condition live your life!


Updates to follow...

Regards,
Susan ~ The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

"Happy New Year"

2010

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Shack Attack

Closed For Business

Aloha "Shackers"! We are shutting down our website starting January 1st for a major overhaul. We are adding new products and removing the ones that are not a good fit for our customers. We are also streamlineing the usability of the overall site to make it more enjoyable and easier to use. Though you will not have access to The Celiac Shack for most of the month, we will continue to share and communicate with all of you through our social networking websites. If their is anything that you must have, we can be reached via e-mail at theceliacshack@yahoo.com.

We would also like to afford you all the opportunity to chime in and add your two cents on the changes we make. What do you want from "The Shack" in 2010? Tell us about your likes or dislikes about everything from the products we carry, to the overall design and functionality of our pages. We want to hear everything! Without your approval and happiness, we would not be able to carry on. So let it rip and stay tuned for further updates concerning January's closure. Thanks for a great 2009 and we look forward to a fantastic new year.

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Health & Wellness

Understanding Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity is a condition that results from a person's body being unable to properly digest the gliadin protein. People without gluten sensitivity can digest and break down gliadin into very small particles and those small particles can then be easily absorbed by the small intestine and used by the body as a nutritional source.

Those people who are gluten sensitive cannot break down the gliadin protein molecule in to small enough particles. The undigested gluten protein gets absorbed into the first layer of the membranes of the small intestine. But because the food is not fully digested the body's immune systems sees these protein particles as something it needs to attack and destroy, in very much the same way the immune system would attack an invading organism such as a virus, bacteria or parasite. The attack by the immune system is what causes the problems because the surrounding tissue of the small intestine can become severely damaged. It results in two significant problems in the small intestine:

1.The surface area of the small intestine is reduced and the tissue becomes very unhealthy. This results in a condition called malabsorption, which means that the small intestine can no longer properly absorb foods and essential vitamins and minerals.

2.The attack of the immune system directly affects the surface membrane of the small intestine and essentially creates large gaps in the membranes resulting in the membranes becoming permeable to large size proteins. These proteins would not be passing through a healthy small intestine. One of the biggest problems for gluten sensitive individuals is that this permeable membrane will allow the large undigested gluten molecules to enter the blood stream. These gluten molecules can then travel through the bloodstream and adhere to tissues distant from the small intestine and create damage to those tissues. This occurs because the immune system is actively fighting gluten molecules wherever it finds them. This phenomenon explains why gluten sensitivity can create problems throughout the body and may in fact create many symptoms in other parts of the body in addition to or other than the small intestine.

* Information by Dr. Rick Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.)
(Click here to view whole article)

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Travel & Leisure

Wild Wood Art/Gluten-Free Cafe

Let's take a trip down to the lone star state to visit a real gem. The Wild Wood Art Cafe is nestled in Austin, TX. I'm sure you know or have heard about this cities hot music scene, but know little about it's gluten-free side. People everywhere are interested in healthy living from wholesome, alternative food sources. Wild Wood strives to make baked goods that are delicious, yet harmless to the growing community of wheat-, gluten- and carb-free people who love tasty foods.

They remain dedicated to the nutritional welfare of people with food allergies and medical restrictions. Wild Wood produces gluten free foods that are so good, the claim everyone likes them better than ordinary wheat-filled items. That is a tall statement to make in my book. I have tasted some pretty good products before, but as good as the gluten filled counter parts? Wow!!! They have Mexican favorites, salads, cookies, breads, the works! (Menu)

Normally the menu they have created would be enough to peak my intetest, but Wild Wood has more to offer. They have their very own art gallery. What kind of “magic” do the Wild Wood artists offer? One that is grounded firmly in the earth and its precious resources - clay, fibers, metals, woods, and savory flavors... Join them in a virtual – or real – flight to a place where good taste can satisfy all five senses, a place where affordability, adventure and delight are shaken, not stirred...

WOOD: In the steady skillful hands of the Zapotec woodcarvers a mix of imagination, humor, and insight crystalize into wooden sculptures. Smooth or textured, huge or tiny, these art works invite us into the minds and culture of an ancient world. They work with 60 Oaxacan families who use copal wood and other found materials to delight and amaze us.

WOOL: Weavers by trade for more than 2000 years, Zapotecs Indians were introduced to wool by the Spanish only 500 years ago. They create 100% wool, double sided tapestry weave rugs and wall-hangings. They specialize in unique designs and custom sizes. (Gallery)

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!" 

Shack Attack

Aloha Everyone! Below is a special segment from our newsletter "The Pipeline". The lounge focuses on input from our subscribers. In December we asked people to give us their very own personal stories regarding their gluten intolerance. We had a couple of really good submissions that we would like to share with you today. If you like what you read, click on the following link to receive your copy. You will find an assortment of stories, recipes, contests and more! Hope you enjoy it and I look forward to sending you your copy today!

Subscribe: "The Pipeline"

I have a personal story for you. I've always gotten headaches (forever!) but 7 years ago I suffered a spontaneous subdural hematoma and since that time have been plagued by chronic migraines occurring regularly up to four times per week. I've seen countless neurologists, alternative medicine specialists, acupuncturists, and surgeons. Nothing worked and I resigned myself that I would suffer these debilitating headaches daily for the rest of my life. Six weeks ago my 13 year old son was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and my entire family started the gluten free diet with him. My son was rightfully discouraged by his diagnosis but took it in stride saying God gave this to him for a reason, he just didn't know what it was yet. Well, since starting the diet with my son I've only had one migraine! One, in six weeks! I haven't ever felt relief like this. Obviously, I'm very gluten intolerant and just was never diagnosed. I thank my son every day for getting us on this diet. It isn't easy and it isn't fun but, I think he now has his reason for his diagnosis - it was to help his mom. (From: Tami Wessley - Gluten Free Faces)

Hi my name is Mike, and I'm a recovering gluten-holic. My story is somewhat unique, because I do not have the typical "bathroom" symptoms like most people experience. My mom made me get tested, because celiac runs in my family. I was diagnosed with celiac when I was 21 years old, a sophomore in college, and doing all the things 21 year-old college students do: Cold beer in the fridge, Pizza buffet on the corner, and especially the $1 McDonalds double cheeseburgers. Immediately after college, I started a business and worked 24/7. I couldn't resist the temptations and convenience of quick, high carb, meals on the go. After selling my business, my life slowed down a lot, and I could start to see some symptoms that I had previously overlooked. About a week after I switched to a gluten free diet, I could tell a difference. I was in a better mood and more energetic. Since then, the benefits have become even better. I believe success all is about your mindset. You have to make yourself believe that you will never eat "poison" again under any circumstance. If you are serious, your friends and family will also feed off of your new attitude and will begin to accommodate to your needs. To make it easy on myself, in the beginning, I stuck to meats, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Over time, I have slowly added other safe foods into my diet. Yes, you can still go out to eat. Just do some quick research beforehand, talk to your server of chef, or always keep a snack with you. One last thing: get involved! Talk with people on Twitter, Facebook, and people in your community. They will keep you motivated and updated on all the new things going on in the quickly growing gluten free community. (From: Mike Hutchinson - Switch To Gluten free)

I like what you've done with the Celiac Shack...your theme, messages and info are always informative. Keep up the good work! (From: Chad Hines - Gluten Free Faces)

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Shack Attack

From our shack to yours.....

Happy Thanksgiving to

 you and your family!

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten-free fun one day at a time!"

Gluten Free Product Info.

DQ Gluten-Free Products

I know this is not typically the time of year you would normally visit an ice cream stand but I couldn't wait to share this awesome discovery with you. Dairy Queen has a huge amount of gluten free items on their menu. How great is that! Okay this may not be like discovering a new dwarf planet with the Hubble telescope kind of find, but as a mother of four children who like their mid-summer roadside ice cream stops, it's pretty cool. The only draw back is the possibility of cross contamination. Let's face it, the teenage kids that usually work these places probably never have heard of gluten, let alone cross contamination. So if you are seriously sensitive you may want to just wave and drive by. They do sell three prepackaged items that are gluten free if you just can't stand the thought of missing out.

They are:

• DQ® Fudge Bar

• DQ® Vanilla Orange Bar

• Dilly® Bar (look for this in a sealed plastic wrap)

For those who like to live on the edge and can handle the possibility of some cross contamination, here's your list. Products: containing no wheat, barley, oats or rye.

• Vanilla and Chocolate Soft Serve
• Arctic Rush™ slush - all flavors
• MooLatté®
• (Please note: This does NOT include Hazelnut Flavored drinks.)

Additionally the following toppings are gluten-free:

• Chocolate
• Hot Fudge
• Marshmallow
• Butterscotch
• Strawberry
• Caramel

They have a few other items and toppings not mentioned on this post. If you would like to find out more, just click on this link. DQ I hope this information helps those sweet tooths in your household.

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Travel & Leisure

Yosemite National Park

Today we are traveling to California to visit Yosemite National Park. The gluten free lifestyle is gaining so much momentum, that one of the most pristine location in America is taking notice. The Yosemite Lodge at the Falls has a chef named Michael Gover that has added items to the menu for people with gluten intolerances. Gover realizes that gluten-intolerance is often associated with other food sensitivities and has made it a point to be knowledgeable about various modified diets. While Yosemite Lodge at the Falls offers a variety of gluten-free options that include rice pasta and GF bread for substitutions, Gover encourages guests to contact him directly prior to their visit to begin a dialogue on how to best meet their gluten-free needs. Gover and his staff will make every accommodation necessary to ensure a gluten-free meal without cross contamination concerns.

Rooted in classical fare featuring organic foods from the region, the Mountain Room Restaurant at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls specializes in eclectic cuisine to cater to the varying preferences of travelers from around the country and the world. Below are a few of the mouth watering dishes they are serving up. Though I like to promote more family locations, this is a place better visited without the kids in tow.


GLUTEN-FREE MENU FEATURES

Rabbit Rillette- House made rabbit confit, golden rain puree
Mahi-Mahi Monterey-Coriander seasoned fillet, jasmine rice, house vegetables, ranchero sauce, avocado crème fraiche
Five-Spice Crème Brulee
Holiday Turkey Gravy

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Gluten-Free Product Info.

Glutino-Introduces G.F. Frozen Chicken Entrees

One of our Canadian followers wrote to me and stated that she tried a Chicken Pad Thai entree last week from this company and said it was really tasty and well priced. Though we don't sell this at our store, my objective with my blogs is to create awareness to our readers. These are not solely pieces for self promotion. Since only two out of the six "Jones Gang" our gluten intolerant, this looks like a quick healthy option for us when I don't have time to cook something different for my son and myself. It looks like the only way to buy it here in the states is on-line at www.glutenfree.com. Yup, one of our competitors. I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but the Canadians seem to be really progressive about this whole gluten-free thing. Yes my husband and three other kids are supportive, but still occasionally miss some of the gluten filled delicacies I used to make. Little do they know I am secretly searching out options to recreate these dishes gluten-free.

Glutino Foods and its brands Glutino and Gluten-Free Pantry are known by consumers living with celiac disease and other food allergies for providing a wide selection of gluten-free and wheat-free products.

New Glutino Frozen Chicken Entrees:
Tuscan Chicken with brown rice
Chicken Ranchero with brown rice
Chicken Pad Thai
Chicken Penne Alfredo

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten-free fun one day at a time"

Travel & Leisure

Anello's and Wildflours

One of our followers sent me an e-mail the other day to recommend two completely gluten-free places to eat and shop, The first stop on our gluten-free journey takes us to Portsmouth N.H. for a quick visit to Anello's for lunch. Their menu is pretty simple with salads, sandwiches, pizza and a variety of baked goods. She says that the pumpkin donuts,rolls and fruit squared are to die for! They do not have entrees because they are only open from 12-5 and closed Mondays & Tuesdays.


Anello's Gluten-Free Cafe
Home of Gluten Free Cuisine
Anello’s is also Peanut-Free
41 Congress Street, Portsmouth NH 03801
T: (603) 319-8122 F: (603) 319-8123
Web: http://www.anelloscafe.com/


WildfloursMarket and Bakery is a small completely gluten-free store and bakery based in Brunswick, Maine. The store has a good variety of gluten-free groceries: cookies, flour, macaroni, salad dressings, etc. The bakery portion is amazing! They have gluten-free whoopee pies, Twinkies, squares,and muffins.They also came up with a French bread that is awesome!!!

Both places are unbelievable and worth a trip to find. I hear that you can even call ahead if your are a regular and they will have your favorite waiting for you. So if you happening to be traveling in the North East on a Fall colors tour, stop by for a quick bite.


Wildflours Market and Bakery
1 Mason St
Brunswick , Maine 004011
Phone number (207)725-7973
T-W-Th- 9-6 and Fri-Sat 9-4 with no difference
Web: http://www.wildflours.com/

Regards,
The Celiac Shack

"Making gluten-free fun one day at a time!"

Gluten-Free Product Info.

Gluten-Free From A Mainstream Company

If you are like me, it is hard to always make it out to specialty stores for my gluten-free food. Though I prefer to use certain brands, I compromise on occasion when I'm in a pinch. Though there are many companies with large offerings, I am going to concentrate on Hormel Foods. This is a familiar name that we all have used or seen over the years. I know what you are thinking, meat that has been processed to the hilt or canned for use in fallout shelters. That is not necessarily the case. Many brands fall under the Hormel umbrella of products. Brands such as Chi-Chi's, Lloyd's BBQ, Spam, Jennie-O and more. I wouldn't fill my cupboards with these products on a regular basis, but it's good to know when you need something to fill a hole in your daily menu. Click on the link below for a complete list of the gluten-free items offered by this brand. (Hormel Foods Gluten-Free List)

Hormel's disclosure about the list:

We are providing the following list of products as a general guideline for those presently produced and distributed in the United States with formulas that do not contain gluten in the form of wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Although our products are labeled in compliance with government regulations, it is always necessary to read the labels on the products to determine if the food product meets your required needs. Parents and individuals with food allergies and/or food intolerances are responsible for reading the label of all products they intend to use regardless of how the product is represented on this site.

Hope this information is useful in your everyday gluten-free lifestyle!

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

*Note: In no way is The Celiac Shack receiving anything from Hormel for this blog.

Kids Corner

Gluten-Free Play Dough

If you are like most people, you would never imagine that play dough could possibly ever hurt a child. Unfortunately that's not the case when it comes to our gluten-sensitive kids. It's full of gluten that is harmful to children with gluten intolerances. Once I found this out, I quickly donated my cupboard full to our neighbors. What to do now? The kids love it and I have all these darn plastic accessories with nothing to smash through them. I soon found out that there were a couple of options. The first option was to go out and buy some gluten free play dough from a store. I have included two links if you would like to explore this option. Aroma Dough & Colorations. They look like great products, but I chose a more cost effective measure for the "Jones Gang". I did a search on the web and found a recipe that's so easy, it's crazy! So give the following a whirl. I think you'll find out that the kids will never know the difference. Enjoy!

Homemade Gluten Free Play Dough Recipe


Ingredients:
•1/2 cup rice flour
•1/2 cup corn starch
•1/2 cup salt
•2 tsp cream of tarter
•1 cup water
•1 tsp cooking oil
•Food coloring, if desired
Preparation:


Mix ingredients. Cook and stir on low heat for 3 minutes or until mixture forms a ball. Cool completely before storing in a sealable plastic bag.


Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes

Regards,
The Celiac Shack

Life at The Celiac Shack

When I decided to begin my journey with the gluten free lifestyle, I knew that I had to create a destination for other moms. I knew I wanted this destination spot to be honest, sincere, and above all else, useful in daily life. I created The Celiac Shack, and it has taken most of my time for the past year to get to the point where I'm now. I've poured myself into this project and I am proud of my results thus far. I knew that it was going to be an uphill battle to get the word out about The Celiac Shack, but I didn't expect it to be as difficult as it has been over the past month.

I have learned more in the past month than I have ever thought possible about Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Blogging, LinkedIn, etc... I have spent countless hours typing, emailing, speaking with people, and I have really enjoyed every step of this journey thus far. I am looking for suggestions as to how to get The Celiac Shack's name out to more people. I'd like to extend a thank you to all of the supporters who are following me on all of my sites, and would love to receive input or suggestions from everyone. It is not easy to go up against some of the "big guys" out there on the web, and I would love nothing more than to prove that The Celiac Shack community is something different than what the "other guys" have.

I will continue to provide you with everything I can to make your gluten free life easier, and I welcome all of your comments. Help me spread the word about The Celiac Shack...mention us to a friend, sign up for our newsletter, The Pipeline, comment on our blogs, follwing us on Twitter, and help me make The Celiac Shack's community the biggest and best around!

June's Gluten Free Cookie Challenge!

Aloha ~

Thanks to everyone for all of your support for The Celiac Shack's Grand Opening!

Today I am celebrating our grand opening with my kids (The Jones Gang) by making them some awesome gluten free cookies!

I am using our Tastefully Gluten Free Multi-Purpose Cookie Dough Mix and added in our Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips!

Here is the recipe to show how simple this product is to use!

*******************************************************************
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

You will need:

1 1/2 Sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp. gluten-free vanilla
2 cups of our Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips

(You may add M&M's or peanut butter also)

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy.
Slowly add dry mix and beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla
and beat until creamy (1-3 minutes). If mix is too crumbly,
add additional softened butter. Roll dough into 1" balls or drop by
the teaspoon onto cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 10 minutes,
or until slightly brown around the edges.
Let cool and enjoy!

********************************************************************
FLOWERS IN BLOOM ~ TIME FOR COOKIES IN JUNE!

June's Cookie Challenge ~

If you have a great gluten free cookie recipe that you'd like to submit to us, you can win a FREE gluten free cookie mix!

We will review all of our cookie recipe submissions and if your recipe is the best of the bunch, we will send you a FREE cookie mix and announce you the "WINNER" of the June Cookie Challenge in our newsletter, "The Pipeline"!

You may submit your recipes to our e-mail: theceliacshack@yahoo.com

Make them big, make them great, make them unique, just be sure to submit your best recipe into us no later than

June 19, 2009 and you could earn cookie bragging rights here at The Celiac Shack!

REMINDER: Sign up for "The Pipeline" today so you can see some of the great recipes we've received and to
learn some really creative tips for using our products in your kitchen daily!

Of course, the most important reason to sign up today is to see if you're the lucky WINNER of June's Cookie Challenge!

The Celiac Shack ~ Making Gluten Free fun one day at a time!

Aloha

Welcome Shackers!

I’m Susan Jones. I am the mother of four crazy children, I and one of my sons have complications from gluten, and I am the real deal when it comes to learning about and living with gluten issues. I have spent hours reading about gluten and even more time reading about how to avoid gluten. I’ve stood in the grocery store blankly staring at the gluten free aisle feeling confused about what I was supposed to be buying. I am an intelligent woman and I have always thought the transition into a gluten free lifestyle is way too complicated. So I did what most intelligent people do when faced with a difficult task, I procrastinated.

Well, I’m tired of trying to connect the dots and fill in the blanks. I have decided to finally be the change I wish to see in the gluten free world. My personal goal is to make this easier, as it should be! I want everyone who has an interest in living gluten free to have a place to come where we can learn, share and grow together. I want a place where Mom’s of autistic children can share stories and have a shoulder to lean on. I want a place where people can come for the perfect recipe for dinner, and to be able to purchase products at a reasonable price. I have been where all of you are, and I’m done feeling helpless, confused and I’m ready to make a change.

The Celiac Shack is my contribution to you. This community will maintain the highest code of ethics, honesty, and sincerity. The Celiac Shack is the solution for so many of you that want to make a difference in your family’s health and life. This is a site for you to share, learn, and inspire others in this gluten free journey.

Together, we can turn “We’re having what for dinner”? into “What an awesome dinner”!

I invite you to take this opportunity to make this change by becoming part of this community. All it takes is some great people like you and I to make living gluten free a destination spot.

With this, I’m excited to welcome you to The Celiac Shack and to begin this adventure with you!

Celiac Shacker Susan
theceliacshack.net