GLUTEN FREE CHAIN RESTAURANTS!

Are you tired of constantly searching for a place to go for dinner that has food you can eat? Are you ready to no longer be plagued by the "Gluten intolerance" inconvenience.  I am excited to announce that I have not only found, but I have even tried a few of these restaurants, and I can share with you, my gluten challenged friends, my yummy findings!

Here is a list to name a few:

• Z PIZZA- The bbq pizza and the margherita pizza on a G Free crust, were awesome! I did take it home to reheat my leftovers, and must say it was better fresh, but I still enjoyed it on day two. 
• PF CHANGS
• BOSTON MARKET
• CHICK FIL A
• CHILIS
• CHIPOLTLE
• CLAIM JUMPER- I tried the flourless chocolate cake, I'll give it a 7.
• DAILY GRILL
• MELTING POT- Hot cheese with raw and steamed veggies,,, YUM!
• OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY!!!!! YEAH!!!  Pasta is my fave food, and I am happy to announce that O.S.F has gluten free pasta! Now I can get the mizithra cheese and noodles! Even the spimoni is GF!  Amazing!!!!
• OLIVE GARDEN
• ON THE BORDER
• PEI WEI
• RED ROBIN
• WENDYS- mostly salad items.
• TRUE FOOD KITCHEN- yes it is good! It just opened in Newport Beach, and I have eaten there 3 times in 2 weeks.. GFREE pasta bolognese, Panang Curry (to die for)! and steak tacos, and had to finish it off with flourless chocolate cake,, ill give that one an 8! very yummy food and a great atmosphere!

There were more restaurant chains on the website, but I am not familiar with the names, If you click the title of this article, it will take you to the very informative site, with links to the restaurants that I mentioned, and the menu items they offer..
Happy restaurant hunting, and enjoy your next dinner out, the GFREE way!

RELEIVING PMS AND STRESS WITHOUT MEDS?

Ladies and Gentlemen, we all know how real and alive, STRESS AND PMS are. They can literally take a normal, happy, sane person, and turn them into the beast that lives down under, and I dont mean Australia!
I can say that for myself, as I have gotten older, and given birth to two humans, my stress has become heightened, and the PMS, has for sure gotten worse!  No one, and I mean no one wants to drive around yelling at the cars in front of you, beside you and behind you, for some sort of "what you think" is a driving violation! And yelling at the kids, dogs, and spouse for LITERALLY everything!!!!

So after my first child was born,(ear infections, asthma, breathing treatments, countless drs appts) and the hubby was deciding on his career,(not fun) I was totally overwhelmed and I sought out help, and reluctantly made an appt at a womens DR's group in Irvine California. "I thought, they'll get me, they'll understand," so I made an appt, had an exam. All was going quite well, until the moment came where I took a breath and got up the nerve to ask for help. "Please, I think I need help to be calmer with my kids, I dont like how I feel and I dont like people driving, or standing behind a service counter or my husband(who by the way, i hate for a week a month!)"
"Please, help me, I need something to make it all a little easier." "So the brick will be removed from my chest."

Are you ready! She suggested what? What did she say?
No more caffeine, (how will I make it thru the day) and start a regular workout regime (in which hour of the day?) and find a way to blow off the steam.. what?  really?  Is this for real?
I went to a specailist, because I was at the end of my rope..
Well needless to say, I kept searching, cause giving up coffee and going to the gym, at this point really wasnt what I needed.. In the end, I was given Prozac in a low dose, and for 6 months, I really felt better, the brick was off of my chest, and it helped me get through a hard time when I truely needed it.

My life 10 years later, is very different, and now I am trying to find foods that have been known to naturally heal humans with an array of different health problems.
So that leads me to this post.

I am on a search to find what other people in the world use instead of Prozac to help. In the past year and a half, I have changed my eating habits so drastically, I have learned how to be a healthier me, with Balance. I don't have Anxiety any longer, but my PMS is still not so good.. just ask my family!...smile..smile. So what I am not adding to my diet. What can I do differently?

So here are a few things thus far, Lets all give some of these a try and let us know how they are working. I will keep you all posted on what I try and how it works.. Happy Destressing, and lets say goodbye to PMS!

• Foods that help-
• Complex carbs (brown rice, whole wheat)
• Licorice is understood to lower estrogen levels and at the same time raising progesterone
• Chaste berries
• bee pollen
• parsley
•  lavender
• flaxseed oil and primrose oil 
• vitamins such as magnesium
• Many women with PMS have high dairy fat and high sugar intake each of which reduces blood magnesium levels
• Calcium
•  zinc
•  B-vitamins such as B6 
• Green Leafy Vegetables and Fatty Fish which are full of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily and changing to a low-fat low-sugar diet with no caffeine 
• two months of taking 1,200 mg of calcium supplements daily had a significant effect on almost every PMS symptom except insomnia and fatigue. Modest amounts of magnesium-300 mg daily-may reduce mood fluctuations and depression. Additionally, vitamin E offers relief along with antioxidant benefits.
• Undesirably high levels of estrogen have also been linked to deficiencies of vitamin B complex, particularly low levels of B6 and B12. Vitamin B6, which is linked to serotonin production, can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  
• Essential fatty acids (evening primrose or borage oil)
• Flax oil
• Fruits
• Legumes
• Raw nuts and seeds

• Foods to Avoid:
• alcohol
• Animal fats
• Caffeine
• Dairy
• Refined carbs and sugars
• Salt
• This is a great handout in a PDF that has alot of helpful natural supplements and foods that help.
• http://www.treelite.com/members/handouts/PMSrelief.pdf

links from articles that have provided this information:
http://pms-relief-explained.com/
http://www.life123.com/health/wom
ens-health/pms/the-abcs-of-pms-natural-relief-for-monthly-symptom.shtml

A JOB I CAN DO FROM HOME!

My girlfriend watched this the other night, and thought i should let all my friends in blog land know about it.. Pretty interesting, and it only takes a computer.  I hope this helps you. please post a comment and let me know..

It's the number one question I'm asked: How can I make money from home? Whether looking for full-time opportunities or a way to supplement their income, more people than ever are eager to bring in the cash without the commute.

CLICK ON THE TITLE TO BE DIRECTED TO THE STORY ON ABC NEWS.

FOODS THAT HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT!

The average adult gains one to two pounds each year, according to various reports. But new research in THE JOURNAL OF NUTRITION suggests a way to prevent this weight gain or even encourage weight loss WITHOUT DIETING!

THE SECRET: eat more fiber..
Is this for real?  eat more fiber i say?

Well, the researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah followed the eating habits of 252 middle aged women for two years and found that those who increased their fiber intake generally lost weight. Women that decreased the fiber in their diets gained.. The scientists boiled the findings into a single weight loss formula. BOOSTING FIBER BY 8 GRAMS FOR EVERY 1000 CALORIES CONSUMED RESULTED IN ABOUT 4 1/2 LBS OVER THE COURSE OF THE STUDY..

Trick is that if you fill up on high fiber foods you crowd out less healthy foods.. so if your consuming 2000 calories a day, aim to increase your fiber by 16 grams.

Here is a list of foods that will help you get your fill!

Raspberries: 1 cup = 8 grams
Chickpeas: 3/4 cup= 8 grams- you can make your own hummus!
Strawberries: 1 cup= 3grams
Green Beans: 1 cup =4 grams
Avocado
Brown Rice
Apples- 1unpeeled= 3.6 grams per serving
Potato with skin = 4.7 grams
Canned pumpkin=3.5 grams- yummy pumpkin muffins made with peanut flour..

original story by Brierley Wright, M.S , R.D

Straighter, Frizz Free hair!

A Brazilian keratin treatment is a procedure done in a salon that straightens all types of hair. It removes frizziness and strengthens the hair through the use of keratin, a protein naturally found in the hair. Brazilian keratin treatments leave hair smooth, glossy, and straight.

.Why Keratin is Good for Hair

Keratin is a protein found naturally in human hair. It fortifies the hair shaft, making it more resilient and less prone to breakage. Curly and wavy hair naturally contains less keratin than straight hair. Brazilian keratin treatment is a natural way to straighten hair by adding more keratin to the cuticle. During a Brazilian keratin treatment, a solution high in keratin is applied to the hair to reinfuse keratin, rendering hair silky, shiny, and straight. In addition to straightening the hair, the treatment fortifies hair with strength and elasticity.

How It Works

As the solution sits on your hair, small keratin molecules penetrate the hair cortex. These molecules work inside the hair shaft to reinfuse it with strength and improve texture. This is what causes the straight, glossy look the treatment is known for.

While the small molecules are working inside the hair shaft, the large keratin molecules coat the outside of the hair shaft. They form a protective barrier that further strengthens the hair by warding off environmental damage and helping to protect against stresses like heat styling.

What to Expect

At a salon, your hair will first be shampooed. A stylist will then apply a solution to your hair, coating all strands from roots to tips. This is the Brazilian keratin treatment. After the treatment has had maximum impact on your hair, the stylist will blow-dry and then flatiron your hair. Flatironing seals the keratin into the hair shaft and completes the treatment. The whole process will take about two hours, but will vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair.

Do not wet your hair or use any product for four full days after the treatment. Adding anything to the hair, even water, could reverse the effects of the treatment.

Typically, a keratin treatment lasts about three months. The effects will not wear off during those three months, meaning you'll have straight, shiny hair every day without the aid of heat styling or flatirons. Price varies by location, but on average, it costs around $300, as of June 2010.

Ideal Candidates for Brazilian Keratin Treatments

Anyone who wants smooth, sleek, straight, shiny hair is an ideal candidate for Brazilian keratin treatments. Pregnant and nursing women are advised to avoid this treatment.

Before keratin treatments were widely available, a Japanese straightening technique was popular. Because it was so damaging, Japanese straightening could only be performed on non-colored hair. Unlike Japanese straightening, Brazilian keratin treatments can be performed on any type of hair, including highlighted and colored hair.

A Word of Warning

Some earlier forms of the treatment contained formaldehyde. The treatment was discovered in Brazil by a mortician who noticed that corpses' hair was straightening during the embalming process. This was attributed to formaldehyde, which was used in the original formulas of the Brazilian keratin treatment. Before the procedure begins, confirm with your stylist that the treatment you are receiving is formaldehyde-free.

For a complimentary consultation, call Janna at:

Ty Alexander Salon
230 Newport ctr. dr.  suite 90
Newport Beach, Ca 92660 
1-714-609-5225 
or send me an email with your questions at tiptonconn@gmail.com

Mention this ad, and receive your first treatment for $200.00..

Happy defrizzing!

.

Help working moms afford the college degree they need.

I found this article through CNN news, and thought it would be interesting for all of my friends out there that have had to reenter the workforce, or are going back to school to accomodate what was once a dual family income. If we all try to help each other out, especially us moms, we can truely make life better. Good luck!

 The financial crisis has brought about new kinds of challenges for many Americans. High gas prices, foreclosures and low wages are some well-known symptoms. One of the biggest obstacles, however, has been the feeling of uncertainty we encounter on a daily basis, whether it be our job stability, our family budgets, or even our ability to save for retirement. With layoffs across a multitude of industries, many adults are taking action against this cloud of uncertainty by going back to school.

To read this article in its entirity, click on the title of the article for the link.

Why Julia Roberts refuses to get botox.

photo by Getty Images

She is such an american beauty, and i love her reasons for not getting botox.. It makes me rethink getting mine... well, maybe not!  Id rather trick everyone into wondering whether or not I'm in a good mood! 

Click on the title and read the original story!

New O.C. bistro pushes 'wellness' foods | food, restaurant, true - Life - The Orange County Register

Hellllooo Friends! I am very excited to announce the opening of my new favorite restaurant called True Foods! I ate dinner there last night with my bestie, and it was awesome! I am Gluten intolerant and they have a fabulous selection for those of us that need to avoid it. I tried the Steak tacos,, can i say YUMMY! My Bestie had the Panang curry dish, that was, i have to say, " TO DIE FOR". I had to force my self to keep my fork out of her bowl... Then came desert! GFREE- flourless choclate cake! it was fab with the merlot i had with dinner... The next time i eat there (which will be this friday after work)- (Im addicted)! i am going to try the Turkey Penne Bolognese- also GFREE! and they offer GFREE beer which i cant wait to try! Oh ya, i forgot to mention, the restaurant is already so hot, that there was a 20 to 30 minute wait on the 2nd night of being open...We were lucky enough to get seating at the bar, which we liked anyway....great vibe,, great decor,,,,great experience! New O.C. bistro pushes 'wellness' foods food, restaurant, true - Life - The Orange County Register

What is a public page?

WWW.MOMZINTHEMIX.COM A FORUM FOR LADIES THAT ARE MOTHERS! YOU CAN FIND ORIGINAL CONTENT, STRAIGHT FROM THE PERSON THAT EXPERIENCED IT.

How a stay at mom got whiter teeth for under $5!

Have you always wondered how celebrities get their teeth to be so white?

                    

Photo Skin Beautiful Medical Spa

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get that bright, celebrity smile. Pure White smile provides fast-acting results without draining your bank account. Now you can have the vibrant, white smile you deserve with Pure White Smile.

People seeking better smiles spend billions of dollars each year on expensive teeth whitening systems and procedures. Often the first thing people notice about you is your smile, and first impressions are everlasting. A bright, healthy smile will not only significantly enhance your appearance, but also boost your self-esteem, both personally and professionally.

Get the attention you deserve and flash your pearly whites. All you have to do is take advantage of our exclusive trial offer. Then, you are on your way to a whiter, vibrant smile in just days!

Heres the article about the Mom on a budget that lives to talk about it, see what she has to say!

http://www.consumersdigestweekly.com/?n=206&k=Suite+101

SO HERES THE SKINNY ON MY PART, I HAVE ORDERED THE PRODUCT, FOR THE INTRO PRICE OF 2.95. I NOT ONLY READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, BUT I CALLED, AND YES A REAL PERSON ANSWERED IN ONLY 10 SECONDS ON HOLD.(THAT PART WAS IMPRESSIVE).

 BUT IM NOT SOLD YET, THE CANCELLATION PART IS WHAT I WANT TO CONFIRM FOR ALL OF YOU. ONCE MY PRODUCT IS RECEIVED, ILL GIVE IT A TRY AND ILL LET ALL OF YOU KNOW HOW IT WORKS,,, IF YOU CAN'T WAIT AND YOU DECIDE TO ORDER IT AS WELL, PLEASE COME BACK AND POST A COMMENT TO LET ALL OF US KNOW HOW YOU DID....

 OK WHITE TEETH SEEKERS, ILL TALK TO YOU ALL LATER!

CLICK ON THE HEADER TITLE TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO THE PURE WHITE SITE!

Brazillian Blowout! It's the rage!

Ladies, if you havent heard of the Brazilian Blowout, then you havent heard of the new rage! This Keratin treatment, can reduce your frizz by approx 50%. It cuts your drying time in half. The next time you go for a walk on the beach, you wont have to worry about the big hair.. This product helps your hair fight the big hair urge. Try the brazilian blowout, and give yourself back the time spent each week drying your hair..
Happy Brazillian!
If you'd like to book a treatment, call Janna at Ty Alexander Salon
714-609-5225 tiptonconn@gmail.com

Quinoa? How do you say it?

QUINOA!!!!! (KEEN WAH)

Ok, I know so many of you have either heard of it, or read about it, and like me, you said it wrong. Most people call in quin o ah? Nope.. it is pronounced (KEEN WAH) THATS IT Quinoa!

This is the most amazing part of Quinoa!

A recently rediscovered ancient "grain" native to South America, quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas," who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Not only is quinoa's amino acid profile well balanced, making it a good choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this "grain" may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

To read more about its health benefits, like helping those plagued by migraines, go to this link... http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice

For a great recipe, look in my previous posts and youll find a great black bean and quinoa recipe!

enjoy!

Vanishing Veggies? Start you own garden!

Ever wanted to taste a tomatoe that was eaten during the Revolution War Times? Who would have known that the tomatoes we eat today aren't even from the same seeds. Those seeds are extinct!

Do they taste different?

Let's order seeds from one of the seed exchanges, and see how they taste. Keep me posted, and I will do the same.

Save the Seeds!Three things you can do to help preserve endangered fruits and veggies:

1. Donate. Give to Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org), a nonprofit dedicated to saving rare produce, or join the organization to receive discounted seeds.

2. Plant. Purchase seeds from Seed Savers Exchange or websites such as rareseeds.com, heirloomseeds.com, or heritageharvestseed.com to grow in your garden.

3. Discuss. Chat with gardeners about heirloom produce via online forums such as idigmygarden.com. Link

also, click on the title, to ready the story in it's entirity.

Having Trouble Sleeping? Try this SUPER FOOD!

Cherries as sleep aids- and their gluten free!

Along with walnuts, cherries are one of the few good food sources of melatonin: a bodily potent antioxidant produced in the pineal gland, which regulates the body's circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Tart cherries contain 13.5 nanograms (ng) of melatonin per gram (Burkhardt 2001). Prominent melatonin researcher Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D. of the University of Texas speculates that eating a handful of tart cherries may help increase melatonin levels in the blood, thereby promoting restful sleep. Melatonin may also help protect the vascular system, lessen inflammation, and reduce ischemia and reperfusion injury associated with surgery (Tan 2000 and 2003, Cuzzocrea 2001, Lissoni 1997, Reiter 2001 and 2000). A study by Dr. Reiter and researchers from St. Marianna University of School of Medicine in Japan found that feeding chicks a diet containing plants rich in melatonin indicating that dietary melatonin is absorbed into the bloodstream and can binding to sites in the brain and other tissues (Hattori 1995).

Click on the title and follow the attached link to read more about cherries and their numerous benefits, from anti aging and cancer fighting, to incredible brain power! We all can use more brain power!!!

I found a site that you can order dried sour cherries.. I personally havent ordered from this site, but I think it looks pretty good, and they discuss the cherries health bene's..so that's a good thing!http://www.nutsonline.com/driedfruit/cherries/sour-tart.html?gclid=CLap76iYiqMCFRxEgwodqW2QaA

Cooking Gluten Free Pastas!

Gluten-Free Pasta -Tricks of the Trade- How To Buy, Cook, and Prepare noodles without Wheat or Gluten

Pasta for me was the most missed food, next to bread, when I went Wheat Free. I think I can help you learn how to buy, cook, and enjoy gluten-free pasta. Rice, Corn, Or Quinoa? Most gluten-free pastas are made from rice, corn, or quinoa. I have to say, that rice is my favorite!

· Rice pasta is one of the most easily accessible. It tends to absorb other flavors, which works especially well in dishes like baked ziti or macaroni and cheese.

· Corn pasta tastes a bit like a cross between popcorn and spaghetti. I love corn so I enjoy the great flavor of this pasta.

· Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”), a grain notably once popular among the ancient Inca, is a complete source of protein. That means it contains all the amino acids that the body doesn’t produce on its own. This gives it a nutritional edge. Unfortunately, my kids weren’t a fan of its unique flavor.

Note: Spelt and kamut are varieties of wheat that are sometimes misleadingly marketed as wheat alternatives. Although some people can tolerate spelt and kamut better than other varieties of wheat, people with wheat allergies, and those on a gluten-free diet, need to avoid these products. Now remember, quality and texture of gluten-free pasta can vary from brand to brand, so test several kinds for your family till you find one you really like. Your kids will be the perfect test kitchens!

Shapes and Sizes: Gone are the days when gluten-free pasta only came in one type of noodle. You can now find gluten-free spaghetti, angel hair, lasagna, rotini, shells, spirals, linguine, elbows, and even fun shapes like animals. I am not a big fan of the prepared ones, like Mac and cheese, my kids, haven’t liked the cheese flavor of any brand to date. My homemade version is still the winner.

Where To Buy: Most Health food stores often have sections devoted to gluten-free pastas. Large grocery stores may also carry them. My favorite store to purchase rice pasta, is Trader Joes, they have a large variety, and great prices! If you don’t have a health food store or section in your area, you can order gluten-free pasta online.

How to Cook:

Make sure and follow the cook times on the package. It definatley takes longer to cook rice pasta than the others, but make sure not to over cook it. If it says to cook for 15 minutes, start checking the pasta at approx 12 minutes, when it is somewhat easy (aldente) to cut with a fork, it is ready, make sure and rinse the pasta, and leave it in the colander until ready to use. I have found that adding it to the prepared sauce on the stove and cooking it together for a few minutes, cooks the pasta a little further making it perfecto!