Amy Green
TBP’s Friday Favs: Celiac Awareness Month and Cupcakes!
This guest post is from Beth Hilson, the President of American Celiac Disease Alliance and the author of Gluten-Free Makeovers.
May is Celiac Awareness Month
I am Celebrating with Cupcakes
Last year I was part of the team that built the world’s tallest gluten-free cake in Washington DC. The purpose was to bring attention to the need for gluten-free labeling regulations and standards. The FDA replied and we now await the regulations that should be out by the end of September.
This year, in place of a huge cake, we (the American Celiac Disease Alliance) invite everyone to make cupcakes to honor the personal impact this rule-making will have on each of us.
Make your cupcakes, take a picture, and share it with the community by posting to the ACDA’s Facebook page. Vote for your favorite cupcake by “liking” the photos. Prizes will be awarded in categories like best presentation; most unique decorations; most years being gluten-free; and kids categories. The winners will receive products and coupons from gluten-free companies.
Get out those whisks and mixing bowls. The more “likes” we receive, the more voices will be heard from our virtual community. Go to 1in133 for guidelines.
Let’s Eat Cupcakes Last weekend, I made 56 chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting; 36 for me (see photo above) and 19 for my son, Jeremy. That’s a lot of cupcakes. Let me tell you. But, I’ve seen, firsthand, the power of community. When a standard for gluten-free on food packaging comes out, I can say I had a hand in making it happen. I can say that I did something that will make my son’s life better. I hope you’ll join me in that effort. It feels good. And, besides, you get to eat cupcakes!
Who’s Making Cupcakes?
For starters, you are. More than 100 people have already posted photos on the ACDA Facebook page, or they are busy frosting their cupcakes and they will soon be up. And there are 20 days left – - plenty of time to get baking. So please join us in a Cupcake Party for a Good Cause.
More Things You Can Do
Labeling of Gluten in Drugs
Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan and New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey have introduced legislation that will require drug manufacturers to label the source of drugs’ inactive ingredients. This is huge! All five of the national celiac organizations are united in support of this legislation. We need our congressional members to have that same shared voice and put forward a bipartisan message:
The safety of our constituents matters; and gluten in medicine must be labeled so individuals and their healthcare providers can make an informed, safe choice.
You can write to your member of Congress and ask them to support the bill, HR4972, by going to the Take Action page on the Alliance web site.
More than 6200 people have already sent letters to Congress. Congratulations! But we are continuing to look for co-sponsors. Don’t stop writing.
ACDA Asks USDA For Commitment on GF Labeling
The celiac community has spent years pressing the FDA for a gluten-free labeling standard. Last year, FDA leaders gave us a commitment to have a standard by the end of 2012. This year, we’re focusing on the need for labeling at USDA on meats and cold cuts. Learn more here.
Most importantly, take action! Make cupcakes and send letters to your congress person. Together we can make a difference!
Farmers’ Market Veggie & Quinoa Stir-Fry
This guest post is from Cara Lyons from Cara’s Cravings.
In my next life, I’m going to live somewhere with year-round farmers’ markets. Heck, I keep telling my husband we’re going to do it in this life but we haven’t bit bullet. That’s what happens when you get comfy in a home that’s not too far from all your family and friends. But if they knew what they were missing, wouldn’t they pack up and come along with us?
What is so special about farmers’ market veggies? They are…
- Prettier than anything I see in the grocery store, even with their naturally quirky imperfections
- Colorful and sweet smelling, the way only freshly-picked, less-traveled produce can be
- Lovingly grown by people who care just as much about what’s going in your body as you do
Here in New England, we’re still a month away from farmers’ markets, but that doesn’t stop me from choosing what’s most seasonal and organic in the grocery store. When summer and early fall roll around, I’ll be giddily filling up my reusable bags with more locally-grown, seasonal produce than my husband thinks we can eat. What’s my secret, besides giant salads and nutrient-packed smoothies?
Blueberry Breakfast Cake and Balance – or Lack Thereof
Balance has taken on a whole new meaning since the birth of our first and only son eight weeks ago. Before Nate was born, I knew balance was something I could work toward, and some days my life even looked like maybe the scale was evening out.
But once he got here – forget it.
Nothing seemed even close to being balanced. Our house was messier, the laundry got done a little slower, getting dinner ready could take hours because he needs a meal or a diaper change. Exercise the morning after sleepless nights had no appeal at all. And, I craved me time. You know, those 30 minutes I used to get all to myself in the morning before Joe got out of bed. Or, the quiet time I’d take for myself in the middle of the day with a hot cup of coffee.
Now, when he’s asleep I’m either napping too because we were up all night or I’m trying to catch up on laundry or finish something on my blog.
There are the moments, though, when balance doesn’t matter. Like when he looks at me with his big blue eyes and smiles the biggest grin. Or when he’s fussy and only Mommy knows how to calm him. And my heart always melts when he cuddles up on my chest and falls asleep. Exercise, dinner, laundry, and the blog can wait. I would stop time forever to hold on to those precious minutes.
There have been a few times, too, when it looks like balance might be trying to creep back in. I’ve had 15 minutes to read a book while he napped on my lap. A few times he’s actually enjoyed the Moby Wrap long enough for me to get through a recipe, beginning to end.
It was one of those moments when I made this Blueberry Breakfast Cake. He was content to move around the kitchen with me while I mixed, scooped, and baked. He eventually dozed off and all was well in our world.
I was reminded that sometimes being out of balance is a gift, a short detour that moves me to deep gratitude for the very simple things in life. You know, silence, clean clothes, a good nap, and a simple, healthy recipe.
Stop by the Attune Foods Blog where I’m sharing my Blueberry Breakfast Cake recipe.
What kind of balance is going on in your life?
TBP Friday Faves: Nourished Food Blogger Conference
Last Friday, April 13th, the first gluten-free, specialty food blogger conference was held in Chicago. Over 10o bloggers gathered at Nourished to learn about all aspects of on-line life and more importantly, share their one commonality – an unconventional diet.
The conference isn’t just for those blogging about a gluten-free diet. There were health-focused bloggers, allergy-friendly bloggers, dairy-free bloggers, vegans, and industry professionals.
According to the attendees, the event was a smashing success! Twitter was buzzing last Friday with tips and tidbits shared by the elite presenter line-up. Make sure to follow Nourished on Twitter to keep up to date with the conference, tips on how to make your blog better, and upcoming Tweet Chats. You can also follow Nourished on Facebook.
Nourished 2013 will be held in Dallas sometime in September. The date will be announced soon.
Read more about Nourished!
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