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APPLE GRAPEFRUIT MUFFINS – GLUTEN-FREE

I have to admit, summer is finally gone. The air is cool and there’s a crispness in the air. I put away the shorts and sandles, today and started thinking about winter coats and boots. Brrrrr! I’m not ready for the cold and snow, just yet. I’m going to enjoy the beautiful fall days as long as I can. And enjoy not having the air conditioning OR the heat on. The colder weather always puts me in the mood to bake . . . something. I made a nice big pot of homemade chicken vegetable soup last night. It warmed the insides and tasted great!

However, today I wanted something sweet. I need to keep that sweet tooth satisfied, while still trying to eat healthy. I took stock of the ingredients I had on hand – which wasn’t much in the way of variety. I always have my gluten-free flours and xanthan gum on hand, but I needed something new, something different – something I could make with the limited ingredients I had on hand. The refrigerator held a few carrots – nope, I  made carrot muffins last week. In the drawer were a few green apples and 3 grapefruit. There had to be something I could make with those. The cool, fall days remind me of apple picking. Moist, spicey apple muffins sounded good. But what about the grapefruit? A muffin recipe requires some type of liquid, right? Why not substitute grapefruit juice? Well, if I didn’t try I would never know.

I cut the two of the grapefruit in half, put a fork in the center and squeezed the juice out. I move the fork back and forth when I’m squeezing the juice out so I can get the pulp, too. Truthfully, this was kind of a “by the seat of the pants” type of recipe. Trial and error. Since grapefruits are sour, I knew I needed to add a little more sugar to the recipe. Apples go with cinnamon; oil and eggs are a must. Well . . . the recipe was a success!

If you don’t care for grapefruit, you could substitute orange juice – or cranberry juice – or lemonade (ooh, that sounds different!) – or milk, etc. etc. Let your imagination run!. I hope you enjoy your muffins.

Apple Grapefruit Muffins – Gluten-free

1 cup rice flour

1/2 cup tapioca flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp xanthan gum

3 eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup grapefruit juice

2 cup peeled, diced apples (I like mine diced large so I get an actual bite of apple)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan, or place muffin liners in pan.

Beat eggs on medium speed until creamy. Add sugar and beat until light yellow, about 2 minutes. Add oil and grapefruit juice. Mix on low until blended. Add dry ingredients and mix on low, scraping sides of bowl, until well blended. Add xanthan gum and mix on medium until batter thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in chopped apples. Spoon batter into muffin cups. Muffin cups should be 3/4 full.

Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, or until top springs back when pressed lightly. Enjoy!

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!! Back to School Special !!     ~~ $22.50 ~~

 Our “Back to School Special” includes:

 1 -”I Can’t Eat Your Treats” children’s book (regularly $14.95)

 1 – Insulated Food Carrier (regularly $10.95)

 2 – Celiac Awareness Wristbands (regularly $4.00)

                   (A $29.90 Value)

Help your child explain Celiac disease to their classmates and friends. Our children’s book, “I Can’t Eat Your Treats” is the story of 4-year old Aivah, who has Celiac disease and a casein allergy.

The bright, colorful photos are combined with a story that is easy for children to understand. This book also includes 10 kid-friendly gluten-free, casein-free recipes and a “Notes for Parents” section that discusses Celiac disease, gluten, casein and possible symptoms. This is a must-have book for classrooms and daycares.

13-year old author, Morgan Paulsen, wrote this book to help her sister, and other children with Celiac disease, explain to others why she needs to eat “special” food to stay healthy. Since this book was published, Morgan and 2 more of her siblings have been diagnosed with Celiac disease. There are now 4 Celiacs in the same family.

Our “Back to School Special” includes our reusable, fully-insulated, durable  food carrier. The bright color stands out and lets others know there is something special inside. The carrier clearly states “Allergy Free” to warn others about the dangers of cross-contamination. These bags are great for children’s school lunches, traveling, sleepovers – anywhere you need
to provide safe, allergy-free food.

 

 

Our colorful silicone wristbands are fun to wear and help to raise awareness of Celiac disease.

 

Visit our webpage at  http://www.onthewingsofhope.com/BackToSchoolSpecial.htm to learn more and to place your order, today.

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Avon has over 600 items that are gluten-free. Because they offer so many products, I became an Avon distributor. I use many of these on a regular basis and so does my daughter – who has 4 Celiac children. I have never had a problem with any of these products, and I’m very sensitive to gluten. If you have a local Avon distributor, she can take your order. If you don’t know anyone who sells Avon, you can always go to my website (http://onthewingsofhope.avonrepresentative.com/) and place an order to have it delivered directly to your home.  As with any product, it is up to each individual to determine if a product is safe for them to use. I hope this list will help you find gluten-free products that you can use.

Avon basics

 

AVON BASICS Care Deeply with Aloe Lip Balm 071–763

AVON BASICS Care Deeply with Cocoa Butter Body Lotion
735–069

AVON BASICS Vita Moist Body Lotion 734–957

AVON BASICS Care Deeply with Aloe Body Lotion

Avon Basics Vita Moist Hand Cream 734–832

Avon Basics Silicone Glove Hand Cream 734–536

Dew Kiss lip dew

NATURALS Lip Balm

Flavor savors lip balm

Sweet Spells Lip Balm

 

Makeup  

8-in-1! Eye Palette

ANEW ADVANCED All-In-One MAX SPF 15 UVA/UVB Cream 765–936

ANEW ADVANCED All-In-One MAX SPF 15 UVA/UVB Lotion 736–084

ANEW ALTERNATIVE Clearly C 10% Vitamin C Serum 479–790

ANEW ALTERNATIVE Intensive Age Treatment PM 002–041

ANEW ALTERNATIVE Photo-Radiance Treatment SPF 15 834–481

ANEW BEAUTY Age-Transforming Compact Makeup SPF 15

ANEW BEAUTY Age-Transforming Pressed Powder SPF 15

ANEW BEAUTY Eye Lifting Serum Shadow

ANEW Clarifying Essence 036–216

ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Dermabrasion System 835–640

ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Retexturizing Peel 381–139

ANEW CLINICAL Eye Lift 219–312

ANEW CLINICAL Plump & Smooth Lip System 918–165

ANEW CLINICAL Professional Stretch Mark Smoother 350–073

ANEW CLINICAL Spider Vein Therapy SPF 15 UVA/UVB 358–222

ANEW FORCE EXTRA Triple Lifting Day Cream SPF 15 253–203

ANEW REJUVENATE 24 Hour Eye Moisturizer SPF 25 413–640

ANEW REJUVENATE 24 Hour Eye Moisturizer SPF 25 413–640

ANEW REJUVENATE Dial-A-Glow Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 15
412–826

ANEW REJUVENATE Dial-A-Glow Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 15
412–826

ANEW REJUVENATE Night Revitalizing Cream 517–883

ANEW RETROACTIVE+ 2-in-1 Cleanser 030–036

ANEW RETROACTIVE+ Youth Extending Cream Night 041–943

ANEW RETROACTIVE+ Youth Extending Cream SPF 25 Day 041–685

ANEW ULTIMATE Age Repair Day Cream SPF 25 211–990

ANEW ULTIMATE Age Repair Elixir 390–603

ANEW ULTIMATE Age Repair Night Cream 546–362

ANEW ULTIMATE Contouring Eye System 994–320

ANEW ULTIMATE Transforming Hand and Nail Cream SPF 15
127–452

ANEW Ultra Cream Cleanser 035–941

Be Blushed Cheek Color

BEYOND COLOR Line Softening Mousse Foundation

BEYOND COLOR Plumping Lip Color SPF 15 with Double the
Retinol

BEYOND COLOR Plumping Lip Conditioner SPF 15 with Double the
Retinol

BEYOND COLOR Radiant Lifting Eyeshadow

BEYOND COLOR Skin Smoothing Compact Foundation

Big Color Eye Pencil

Big Color Lip Pencil

Color Trend Sweet Shine Lipgloss

Cool Pout Lip Gloss

DARING CURVES Mascara

DARING CURVES Waterproof Mascara

DARING DEFINITION Mousse Mascara

Dramatic Focus Kohl Eye Liner

Feeling Fine Ultra Thin Eye Liner

Foot Works

Foot Works Antifungal Foot Cream 651–199

Foot Works Antifungal Foot Spray 651–222

Foot Works Berry Mint Foot Scrub 805–744

Foot Works Berry Mint Moisturizing Foot Cream 804–327

Foot Works Citrus Mint Cooling Foot Lotion 804–312

Foot Works Corn & Callus Softening Balm 459–098

Foot Works Creamy Powder Lotion 577–652

Foot Works Deep Moisture Cream 611–740

Foot Works Deodorizing Foot Powder 651–237

Foot Works Exfoliating Bar Soap 008–748

Foot Works Intensive Callus Cream 651–170

Foot Works Invisible Silicone Sock Cream 413–621

Foot Works Odor Neutralizing Foot Spray 921–980

Foot Works Overnight Renewing Foot Cream 618–266

Foot Works Pedi-Peel 979–954

Foot Works Therapeutic Corn & Callus Remover 714–861

Foot Works Therapeutic ed Heel Relief Cream 651–165

Foot Works Triple Duty Cream 120–060

Foot Works Tropical Coconut Cooling Foot Spray 843–023

Foot Works Tropical Coconut Foot Lotion 843–038

Foot Works Tropical Coconut Sea Salt Foot Scrub 443–590

Foot Works Watermelon Cooling Foot Lotion 136–779

Foot Works Watermelon Effervescent Foot Tablets 136–764

Foot Works Watermelon Exfoliating Foot Scrub 136–530

GLAZEWEAR Diamonds Eye Color

GLAZEWEAR Diamonds Lipstick

GLAZEWEAR Lip Liner

GLAZEWEAR Lipstick

GLAZEWEAR Liquid Lip Color

GLIMMERSTICKS Brow Definer

GLIMMERSTICKS Eye Liner

GLIMMERSTICKS Lip Liner

GLIMMERSTICKS Waterproof Eye Liner

Heavenly Soft Eyeshadow Trio

Hydra Cool Bronzing Stick

Hydra-Radiance Rapid Rescue Mask 858–080

Hydrofirming Drench Recovery Mask 858–276

IDEAL SHADE Concealer Stick

IDEAL SHADE Cream-To-Powder Foundation SPF 10

IDEAL SHADE Fresh and Light Foundation

IDEAL SHADE Liquid Foundation SPF 10

IDEAL SHADE Loose Powder

IDEAL SHADE Pressed Powder

IDEAL SHADE Smooth Mineral Makeup

In A Wink Instant Eyeshadow Sheets

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Horizon Blush

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Horizon Blush

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Horizon Blush

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Eyeshadow

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Kohl Eye Liner

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Mascara

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Retro Rouge

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Retro Rouge

Let It Glow Powder Bronzer

Line N’ Design Eye Duo

Lip Swirls Gloss

Look Alert Eye Brightener

Luster Glow Lip Shine

MagiX Face Perfector SPF 20 578–917

MIni WASH-OFF WATERPROOF Mascara

MistakeProof Mascara

Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion 475–800

MOISTURE THERAPY A•C•E Provitamin Complex Body Lotion
304–570

MOISTURE THERAPY A•C•E Pro-Vitamin Complex Hand Cream

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Body Lotion 439–313

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Extra Strength Cream 254–009

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 310–878

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Mini Hand Cream 330–246

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Moisturizing Lip Treatment SPF 15
012–345

Moisture therapy line

MOISTURE THERAPY Restorative Rescue Balm 524–020

 

Nail Care

NAIL EXPERTS Instant Gel Cuticle Remover 378–963

NAIL EXPERTS Liquid Freeze Quick Dry Spray 005–992

NAIL EXPERTS Mineral Strength 100–362

NAIL EXPERTS Neat Nails Nail Enamel Corrector Pen 005–658

NAIL EXPERTS Nutri-Boost 870–208

NAIL EXPERTS Smooth Beginnings Base Coat 005–768

NAIL EXPERTS Strong Results Length & Strength Complex
005–423

NAIL EXPERTS UV Gloss Guard Top Coat 005–897

PERFECT WEAR All-Day Comfort Lipstick SPF 12

PERFECT WEAR Extralasting Liquid Foundation SPF 15

PERFECT WEAR Extralasting Powder Eyeshadow

PERFECT WEAR Eyewriter Liquid Eye Liner

Perfectly Paired Dual-Ended Lipstick

Perfectly Paired Dual-Ended Shadow Stick

Perfectly Portable Liquid Eye Liner

PERSONAL MATCH Loose Powder 401–545

Plump Pout Lip Gloss

Plump Pout Lip Gloss

PRO-TO-GO Lipstick

Satin Deluxe Blush

Satin Deluxe Eyeshadow Duo

 

SKIN CARE

Smoky Lines Eye Liner

Smoldering Pastels Blush Duo

Smoldering Pastels Eyeshadow Duo

Smooth Mineral Blush

Smooth Mineral Eyeshadow

Smooth Over Eye Definer

Speed Dry Nail Enamel

Spring Delights Lip Balm

SuperFULL Mascara

Supershock Mascara

Tahitian Holiday All-Over Bronzer

Tahitian Holiday Liquid Lip Balm SPF 15

Triple Threat Cream Eyeshadow

TRUE COLOR Blush

TRUE COLOR Eyeshadow Quad

TRUE COLOR Eyeshadow Single

Truffle Delights Lip Gloss

ULTRA COLOR RICH Lip Conditioner 380–166

ULTRA COLOR RICH Lip Exfoliator 576–622

ULTRA COLOR RICH Lipstick

ULTRA COLOR RICH Lipstick in Sparkling Shades

ULTRA COLOR RICH Mousse Lipstick

ULTRA LUXURY Brow Liner

ULTRA LUXURY Eye Liner

ULTRA LUXURY Lip Liner

Uplifting Mascara

WASH-OFF WATERPROOF Mascara

 

Solutions line

Ageless Results Intensive Line Filler SPF 15 363–600

Ageless Results Intensive-A Line Treatment 244–179

Ageless Results Nightly Nutrient Peel 512–619

Ageless Results Overnight Renewing Cream PM 863–855

Ageless Results Renewing Day Cream SPF 15 841–585

Ageless Results Renewing Eye Cream 409–000

Banishing Cream Skin Discoloration Improver 463–374

Botanisource Comforting Cream 962–421

Bust Sculpt Contouring Cream 339–679

Completely Clean Anti-Aging Thermal Cleanser 237–974

Completely Clean Cleansing Cloths 417–301

Completely Clean Micro-Exfoliating Cushions 359–711

Completely Clean Soothing Cleansing Lotion 893–531

Dramatic Firming Cream 463–393

Hydra-Radiance Continuous Glow Daily Moisturizer 391–227

Hydra-Radiance Moisturizing Day Lotion SPF 15 006–009

Hydra-Radiance Moisturizing Night Cream 005–973

Hydrofirming Eye Cream 711–145

Hydrofirming Night Cream 463–317

Lighten Up Plus Eye Cream 580–162

Moisture 24 Long-lasting Hydrating Cream 711–274

Nurtura Replenishing Cream 521–514

Re-Fine Stretch Mark Smoother 339–736

Super Shape Anti-Cellulite & Stretch Mark Cream 339–683

TRUE PORE-FECTION Oil-Free Skin-Clearing Lotion 463–264

TRUE PORE-FECTION Skin Refining Toner 463–226

Clearskin Line

Clearskin Invigorating Cleansing Scrub 168–333

Clearskin Cleansing Pads 037–710

Clearskin Purifying Astringent Blackhead Clearing Formula
156–113

 

Naturals

NATURALS Raspberry lotion

NATURALS Antibacterial Hand Gel Peach, Vanilla, Cucumber,
Sea, Gardenia

NATURALS Apricot & Sunflower Refreshing Body Lotion
040–894

NATURALS Apricot & Sunflower Refreshing Body Spray
040–928

NATURALS Apricot & Sunflower Soothing Cool Jelly
Moisturizer 040–822

NATURALS Cucumber Melon Antibacterial Liquid Soap 618–759

NATURALS Cucumber Melon body lotion

NATURALS cucumber Melon body spray

NATURALS Cucumber Melon Creamy Yogurt Body Wash 048–364

NATURALS Cucumber Melon Hand & Body Lotion 618–816

NATURALS Gardenia body lotion

NATURALS Gardenia body spray

NATURALS Lavender & Chamomile Body Lotion 736–687

NATURALS Lavender & Chamomile Shower Gel 736–672

NATURALS Lavender 7 Camomile body spray

NATURALS Lip Balm

NATURALS Mandarin & Jasmine Body Spray 736–710

NATURALS Mandarin & Jasmine Shower Gel 736–706

NATURALS Mandarin and Jasime Body Lotion 618–820

NATURALS Mango 7 Passion fruit body lotion

NATURALS Peach Antibacterial Liquid Soap 618–763

NATURALS Peach body lotion

NATURALS Peach body spray

NATURALS Peach Cool Jelly Moisturizer 516–561

NATURALS Peach Creamy Yogurt Body Wash 048–350

NATURALS Plum and Nectarine Moisturizing Hand and Body
Lotion 858–300

NATURALS Plum and Nectarine Moisturizing Milk 858–329

NATURALS Plum and Nectarine Moisturizing Shower Gel 858–295

NATURALS Plum and Nectarine Refreshing Body Spray 858–314

NATURALS Raspberry body spray

NATURALS Strawberry & Guava Body Lotion 999–007

NATURALS Strawberry & Guava Body Spray 999–045

NATURALS Strawberry & Guava Shower Gel 998–990

NATURALS Vanilla Antibacterial Liquid Soap 618–744

NATURALS Vanilla body lotion

NATURALS Vanilla body spray

NATURALS Vanilla Creamy Yogurt Body Wash 047–760

NATURALS Vanilla Hand and Body Lotion 618–835

NATURALS Vanilla Shower Gel 089–580

NATURALS Peach Shower Gel 088–291

NATURALS Banana & Coconut Milk Body Lotion 126–949

Naturals Peach Hand Cream 964–496

Naturals Vanilla Hand Cream 964–500

 

Miscellaneous

AVON Bubble Bath

Home Fragrance Collection Room Sprays 032–555

Honeysuckle Room & Linen Spray 009–691

Hot Apple Pie Room and Linen Spray 921–631

Lavender Blossom Room & Linen Spray 239–503

Strawberries & Cream Room & Linen Spray 371–040

 

Hair Care

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Curl Defining Liquid Gel 339–277

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo &
Conditoner 616–024

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Anti-Frizz Capsules 771–809

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES CelloShine Treatment 039–583

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Color Protection Lock-In Treatment for
Color-Treated Hair 100–764

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Color Protection Restorative Mask for
Color-Treated Hair 616–039

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Color Reviving Conditioner 822–276

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Color Reviving Shampoo 822–257

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Dry Ends Serum 202–765

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Grey Root Touch-up

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Hair Spray 325–619

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Mirror Shine Spray 593–063

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Purifying Treatment Shampoo 038–960

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Salon Curl Refreshing Spray 064–689

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Salon Luminous Anti-Brassiness Spray
938–849

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Salon Skinny Serum ADVANCE TECHNIQUES
Shaping Gel 484–447

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Smoothing Conditioner 822–333

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Smoothing Shampoo 822–314

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Sun Dimension Highlight Builder for
Highlights 422–584

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Super Straight Smoothing Balm 450–530

ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Volumizing Mousse 825–586

 

AVON Wellness

Healthy Remedies Antibacterial Hand Gel 387–290

Healthy Remedies Celadrin® Extra Strength Roll-On 504–667

Healthy Remedies Detox Patches 363–471

Healthy Remedies Green Tea Extract 619–626

Healthy Remedies Headache Relief 116–315

Night Time Aromatherapy Mask Set 500–862

PLANET SPA African Shea Butter Brown Sugar Body Scrub
619–740

PLANET SPA African Shea Butter Foot & Elbow Cream with
AHA 619–808

PLANET SPA African Shea Butter Hand & Cuticle Cream 619–736

PLANET SPA African Shea Butter Whipped Body Balm 619–793

PLANET SPA Hawaiian Thermal Volcano Massaging Body Lotion
619–645

PLANET SPA Hawaiian Thermal Volcano Paraffin Hand & Foot
Treatment 619–650

PLANET SPA Hawaiian Thermal Volcano Warming Face Mask
619–630

PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Conditioning Hair Mask
619–789

PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Firming Neck & Chest
Serum 044–780

PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Hydrating Body Wash
619–721

PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Whipped Body Cream
619–774

VitAdvanceTM Flat Stomach 619607

VitAdvanceTM Purified Fish Oil 500–456

 

Kids

Avon Kids Bath Time Body Paints

Hannah Montana 2-in-1 Shampoo 100–601

Hannah Montana Hand Cream 100–635

Hannah Montana Lip Balm 100–582

Hannah Montana Shower Gel 100–415

High School Musical Bubble Bath 407–141

High School Musical Hand Cream

High School Musical Lip Balm

GF products Liiv line

liiv botanicals Rejuvenating Body Wash 068–024

liiv botanicals Rejuvenating Facial Cleanser 927–572

liiv Botanicals Vital Day Cream with SPF 20 267–153

liiv Botanicals Vital Night Moisturizer 267–096

by liiv Botanicals 484–231

 

Fragrances

ALWAYS Body Moisture 086–542

ALWAYS Body Rinse 085–785

ALWAYS Eau de Parfum Spray 056–737

ALWAYS Shimmering Body Powder 303–320

Candid Cologne Spray 106–925

Candid Perfumed Skin Softener 111–806

Candid shimmering body powder

Celine Dion Spring in Paris Eau de Toilette Spray 356–492

Christian Lacroix ROUGE Body Lotion 105–512

Christian Lacroix ROUGE Eau de Parfum Spray 603–290

Christian Lacroix ROUGE Shower Gel 106–303

Crystal Aura Body Lotion 291–180

Crystal Aura Eau De Parfum Spray 118–208

Crystal Aura Pearlized Shower Gel 289–275

Crystal Aura Shimmering Body Powder

Far Away Body Lotion 924–540

Far Away Eau de Parfum Spray 215–393

Far Away Pearlized Shower Gel 127–907

Far Away shimmering body powder

Fire Me Up Eau de Toilette Spray 545–901

Flower by Cynthia Rowley Body Lotion 133–583

Flower by Cynthia Rowley Eau de Parfum Spray 229–597

Flower by Cynthia Rowley Shower Gel 133–799

Goddess Body Cover 136–620

Goddess Eau de Parfum Spray 316–350

Goddess Pearlized Shower Gel 136–730

Goddess shimmering body powder

Haiku Body Lotion 104–430

Haiku Eau de Parfum Spray 102–972

Haiku Shimmering Body Powder 236–580

Haiku Shower Gel 468–649

Imari Bath and Shower Gel 051–630

Imari Body Lotion 051–625

Imari Eau de Cologne Spray — 1.2 fl. oz. 051–610

Imari Perfumed Skin Softener 211–144

Imari Seduction Body Lotion 889–399

Imari Seduction Eau de Toilette Spray

Imari Seduction Shower Gel 889–403

Imari Shimmering Body Powder 265–700

Make Me Smile Eau de Toilette Spray 552–273

Make Me Wonder Eau de Toilette Spray 545–916

Mesmerize For Her Eau de Cologne Spray

Mesmerize for Her Perfumed Skin Softener 579–220

Mesmerize for Her Shimmering Body Powder 552–747

Night Magic Evening Musk Perfumed Skin Softener 108–841

Night Magic Fragrance Spray 473–659

Odyssey Cologne Spray 011–650

Odyssey Perfumed Skin Softener 111–863

Odyssey Shimmering Body Powder 274–439

Petal by Cynthia Rowley Eau de Toilette Spray 234–482

RARE GOLD Body Lotion 303–148

RARE GOLD Eau de Parfum Spray 296–948

RARE GOLD Shimmering Body Powder 292–077

RARE GOLD Shower Gel 470–349

RARE PEARLS Body Lotion 054–347

RARE PEARLS Eau de Parfum Spray 318–003

RARE PEARLS Shimmering Body Powder 054–309

by liiv Botanicals 484–231

SOFT MUSK Eau de Cologne Spray 080–090

SURREAL Body Lotion 496–758

SURREAL Eau de Toilette Spray 582–280

SURREAL Shimmering Body Powder 644–611

SURREAL Shower Gel

Sweet Honesty Cologne Spray 012–307

Sweet Honesty Perfumed Skin Softener 111–882

Sweet Honesty Shimmering Body Powder 237–989

Tahitian Holiday Eau de Toilette Spray 091–548

Tahitian Holiday Exotic Body Mist 093–942

Tahitian Holiday Shimmering Glow Body Lotion 094–839

Timeless Cologne Spray 011–626

Timeless Perfumed Skin Softener 111–825

Timeless Shimmering Body Powder 275–359

TODAY Body Moisture 012–493

TODAY Body Rinse 012–417

TODAY Eau de Parfum Spray 325–920

TODAY Shimmering Body Powder 302–730

TOMORROW Body Moisture 074–079

TOMORROW Body Rinse 073–288

TOMORROW Eau de Parfum Spray 270–543

TOMORROW Shimmering Body Powder 302–945

TrueGlow Body Lotion 325–399

TrueGlow Body Powder 325–198

TrueGlow Eau de Parfum Spray 997–760

TrueGlow Shower Gel 325–111

U by Ungaro for Her Eau de Parfum Spray 441–396

Wish of Happiness Body Lotion 520–518

Wish of Happiness Eau de Toilette Spray 795–206

Wish of Happiness Shower Gel 520–522

Wish of Love Eau de Toilette Spray 794–449

Wish of Peace Eau de Toilette Spray 795–191

 

Skin So Soft line

SKIN SO SOFT BUG GUARD PLUS IR3535® Cool ‘n FabulousTM
Disappearing Color SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 616–297

SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus IR3535® EXPEDITIONTM Pump Spray
616–450

SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus IR3535® EXPEDITIONTM SPF 30 Aerosol
Spray 617–054

SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus IR3535® EXPEDITIONTM SPF 30
Aerosol Spray 617–054

SKIN SO SOFT BUG GUARD PLUS IR3535® Gentle Breeze SPF 30
Sunscreen Lotion

SKIN SO SOFT BUG GUARD Plus PICARIDIN Aerosol Spray 616–445

SKIN SO SOFT BUG GUARD Plus PICARIDIN Pump Spray 617–040

SKIN SO SOFT BUG GUARD Plus PICARIDIN Towelettes 616–832

SKIN SO SOFT Fresh & Smooth Facial Hair Removal Cream
569–108

SKIN SO SOFT Fresh & Smooth Hair Removal Cream 616–259

SKIN SO SOFT Fresh & Smooth Hair Removal Cream in Tropical
Fruity Scent 335–032

SKIN SO SOFT Fresh & Smooth Hair Removal Microwave Wax
For Face and Body

SKIN SO SOFT Fresh & Smooth Post Hair Removal Soothing
Gel 616–263

SKIN SO SOFT Fresh & Smooth Silky Stay Shave Gel 422–599

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Nourish Dual Softening Body
Oil 075–845

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Nourish Dual Softening Body
Wash 075–587

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Replenish Dual Softening
Body Moisturizer 075–405

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Replenish Dual Softening
Body Oil 078–055

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Replenish Dual Softening
Body Wash 189–827

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Sensual Dual Softening Body
Moisturizer 066–639

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Sensual Dual Softening Body
Oil 075–572

SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Soft & Sensual Dual Softening Body
Wash 332–970

SKIN SO SOFT Original Bath Oil 063–955

SKIN SO SOFT Original Bath Oil 184–438

SKIN SO SOFT Original Bath Oil Spray 063–989

SKIN SO SOFT Original Creamy Body Wash 242–970

SKIN SO SOFT Original Gelled Body Oil 616–225

SKIN SO SOFT Original Moisturizing Shower Gel 202–932

SKIN SO SOFT Original Replenishing Body Lotion

SKIN SO SOFT Original Whipped Body Oil 616–206

SKIN SO SOFT Renew & Refresh Age-Defying+ Corrective
Neck & Chest Treatment

SKIN SO SOFT Renew & Refresh Age-Defying+ Rejuvenating
Body Cleanser 413–617

SKIN SO SOFT Renew & Refresh Age-Defying+ Renewing Body
Moisturizer 413–598

SKIN SO SOFT Satin Glow Body Firming Moisturizer for Fair
Skin Tones 216–150

SKIN SO SOFT Satin Glow Body Firming Moisturizer for Medium
Skin Tones 216–170

SKIN SO SOFT Satin Glow Continuous Mist Airbrush Spray for
Fair Skin Tones 102–308

SKIN SO SOFT Satin Glow Continuous Mist Airbrush Spray for
Medium Skin Tones 102–365

SKIN SO SOFT Sensual Shape Targeted Firming Treatment
616–278

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Relaxed Night Bath Soak 590–050

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Relaxed Night Body Cream 767–116

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Creamy Body Wash 151–384

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Foaming Oil Body Moisturizer
555–397

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Foaming Oil Body Wash
552–292

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Gelled Body Oil 616–210

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Moisturizing Shower Gel

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Replenishing Bath Oil
063–261

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Replenishing Body Lotion
033–255

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Replenishing Hand Cream
616–187

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Roll-On Anti-Perspirant
Deodorant 040–330

SKIN SO SOFT Soft & Sensual Whipped Body Oil 033–183

SKIN SO SOFT Summer Soft Cooling Gel Moisturizer 349–308

SKIN SO SOFT Summer Soft Refreshing Body Wash 349–111

SKIN SO SOFT Summer Soft Revitalizing Body Spray Lotion
349–312

SKIN SO SOFT Wintersoft Hand Cream 063–367

SKIN SO SOFT Wintersoft Hand Wash 481–888

SKIN SO SOFT Wintersoft Intense Concentrate 481–892

SKIN SO SOFT Wintersoft Intense Concentrate 481–892

 

Mens

Black Suede After Shave 083–342

Black Suede Hair and Body Wash 462–803

Black Suede Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 105–709

BLUE RUSH After Shave Conditioner 866–524

BLUE RUSH Eau de Toilette Spray for Him 044–172

BLUE RUSH Hair and Body Wash 061–015

BLUE RUSH Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 050–614

Christian Lacroix NOIR After Shave Conditioner 106–614

Christian Lacroix NOIR Eau de Toilette Spray for Men 106–050

Christian Lacroix NOIR Shower Gel 106–576

Derek Jeter Driven After Shave Balm 403–954

Derek Jeter Driven Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Stick 156–898

Derek Jeter Driven Black After Shave Conditioner 135–992

Derek Jeter Driven Black After Shave Conditioner 135–992

Derek Jeter Driven Black Body Wash 136–013

Derek Jeter Driven Black Eau de Toilette Spray 715–891

Derek Jeter Driven Body Wash 233–429

Derek Jeter Driven Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 404–051

Derek Jeter Driven Eau de Toilette Spray 302–672

Derek Jeter Driven Foaming Face Scrub 403–992

Derek Jeter Driven Oil Control Face Wash 403–969

Derek Jeter Driven Ultimate Shave Gel 404–028

HisStory Eau de Toilette Spray 644–789

HisStory Hair and Body Wash 462–689

Mesmerize for Men Cologne Spray 137–498

Mesmerize for Men Hair and Body Wash 462–822

Mesmerize Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 105–656

On Duty Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Perceive for Men After Shave Conditioner 191–311

Perceive For Men Cologne Spray 194–550

Perceive for Men Hair and Body Wash 462–660

Perceive Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 105–823

PROSport Daily Performance Sleek Glide Shave Gel 679–031

R.P.M. After Shave Conditioner 191–307

R.P.M. Eau de Toilette Spray 296–398

R.P.M. Hair and Body Wash 462–837

R.P.M. Intense Eau de Toilette Spray 463–169

R.P.M. Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 105–842

TOMORROW For Him Roll On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 499–632

TOMORROW for Men After Shave Conditioner 499–651

TOMORROW for Men Hair and Body Wash 499–670

WILD COUNTRY After Shave 002–993

WILD COUNTRY After Shave Conditioner 029–184

WILD COUNTRY Cologne Spray 086–466

WILD COUNTRY Hair and Body Wash 462–818

WILD COUNTRY Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 105–766

 

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mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder 036–895

mark Comb Out Lash Lifting Mascara

mark Crystal Shimmer Hook Up Powder

mark C-Thru-U Beautifying Sheer Tint

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mark Curl Curling Mist With Conditioning Sunflower 060–243

mark Curl Silkening Serum 124–578

mark Curl Styling Cream With Conditioning Sunflower 060–516

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mark Face Xpert Flawless Touch Makeup

mark Flip for it Fall 2008 for Eyes, Lips, Cheeks

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SPF 30 558–252

mark Get Clearance Anti-Acne Blemish Treatment Gel 582–571

mark Gleamstick Hook Up Lip Color

mark Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint 218–210

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mark Glow Xpert Face Shimmer

mark Good Glowing Custom Pick Powder Blush

mark Good Glowing Mosaic Blush Custom Color Palette

mark Gorgeous Eye Trio

mark Hooked on Kits 358–720

mark I-Glimmer Illuminating Eye Color

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mark Instant Vacation Greek Isles Fragrance Mist 016–484

mark Invisible Touch Perfecting Concealer

mark I-Sheer Hook Up Creamy Eye Shadow

mark Jewel Body Cream 482–664

mark Jewel Eau de Toilette 078–199

mark Juice Gems

mark Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint

mark Karmala Eau de Toilette Spray 369–651

mark Kiss Dry Goodbye Lip Smoother 602–992

mark Kiss Therapy Super Soothing Lip Balm

mark Kiss Therapy Super Soothing Lip Balm SPF

mark Light Bright Lighten & Depuff Eye Gel 575–334

mark Lip Gloss Triangles

mark Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara

mark Matte Chance Mattifying Lotion 564–273

mark Matte-nificent Oil-Absorbing Powder

mark Mega Volume Hair Spray With Soothing Geranium 060–501

mark Mega Volume Next Day Spray 427–677

mark Mega Volume Root Lifting Spray With Soothing Geranium
060–430

mark Mega Volume Spray Gel With Soothing Geranium 060–482

mark Mini Mark-It Stick for Lips

mark Mist Opportunity Multi-tasking Refresher 564–364

mark Need a Shrink? Pore Minimizer Lotion 602–988

mark On The Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner

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mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation

mark Powder-Matic Go Anywhere Loose Powder

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mark Pro Gloss Hook Up Plumping Lip Shine

mark Pure Body Soufflé 004–829

mark Pure Fragrance 219–528

mark Salon Straight Anti-Frizz Serum With Invigorating
Orange 060–573

mark Salon Straight Pre-Style Protector 102–642

mark Salon Straight Shine Spray With Invigorating Orange
060–463

mark Salon Straight Smoothing Balm With Invigorating Orange
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mark Sassy mark Dry Oil Mist 222–281

mark Sassy mark Eau De Toilette Spray 148–491

mark Scanda-Lash Hook Up Mascara

mark See Things Clearly Brightening Moisturizer 525–649

mark Self Sanctuary Chocolate Orchid Body Butter 524–054

mark Self Sanctuary Chocolate Orchid Dry Oil Mist 524–088

mark Self Sanctuary Chocolate Orchid Moisture Milk 524–073

mark Self Sanctuary Chocolate Orchid Scent Mist 524–035

mark Self Sanctuary Chocolate Orchid Shower Wash 524–069

mark Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Body Butter 516–777

mark Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Dry Oil Mist 516–781

mark Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Moisture Milk 516–739

mark Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Shower Wash 516–724

mark Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Body Butter 588–379

mark Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Dry Oil Mist 588–383

mark Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Moisture Milk 588–364

mark Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Scent Mist 588–345

mark Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Shower Wash 588–350

mark Self Sanctuary Violet Berry Shower Wash 881–728

mark Sheenstick Hook Up Lip Balm

mark Shimmer Bars

mark Shimmer Cubes lip gloss

mark Shimmer Tubes Hook Up Gel Blush

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mark Speedway Do Everything Makeup

mark That’s Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser 525–600

mark Tinted Sheenstick Hook Up Lip Balm

mark Winkstick Hook Up Eye Shadow Stick

Mark. Metalluscious lip cream hook up 369–503

 

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I am generally very healthy and haven’t had to see a doctor for a very long time. I’ve had my checkups and mamograms, but haven’t needed a prescription. Until today. The last prescription I had was a few years ago – “pre-Gluten-free”. I’ve researched gluten-free prescriptions for our website (www.onthewingsofhope.com), and for my grandchildren. I have a long list of prescription brand names and manufacturers. But I’ve never had to walk down the long, long road of actually obtaining a gluten-free prescription. Until today. I discovered it was a long, long, frustrating walk down that road.

It actually began last Saturday with shampoo. I washed my hair with a new shampoo in the morning and accidentally got shampoo in my right eye. I will admit, it’s my own fault. My own fault for not being careful and letting the shampoo drip in my eye. I immediately rinsed it out and thought nothing of it. It stung a little, but hey – it’s soap. Soap in the eye always stings. By the afternoon, my eye was a little itchy. Again, I thought nothing of it. It’s fall and allergens are in the air; I stay up too late and tired eyes get itchy; I had eye makeup on and must have gotten some in my eye. (Yes, it’s gluten-free make-up from Avon – by the way, did you know Avon carries over 600+ gluten-free products? That fact is why I am now a distributor for Avon. You can check out their products at http://onthewingsofhope.avonrepresentative.com/. I would be happy to send you a list of their gluten-free products.)

When I woke up on Sunday morning, my eyelid was a little swollen and itchy. Within an hour after getting up, I started to experience the symptoms I get from cross-contamination. Severe diarrhea, terrible abdominal cramps, migraine, nausea and brain fog. Since I manage to be cross-contaminated about once a month (because even after 4 Celiac grandchildren and being gluten-free myself for over a year and a half I still mess up), I try not to give in to the symptoms. I’m getting pretty good at appearing fine when what I really want to do is crawl under the covers for about 48 hours. I refuse to let gluten get the best of me. I followed my Sunday schedule, picked up three of my grandchildren and we drove the 90 miles to visit my mother in the nursing home. After our visit I dropped my grandchildren off at their home and drove the 55 miles back home. I worked at home until the evening. By this time, most of the symptoms had lessened (not gone, but livable), so I assumed it was a very small gluten contamination. I hadn’t been able to determine the source of the gluten, yet, because I assumed it had to be food. I’m very sensitive to gluten and even eating a gluten-free product that has been manufactured in the same facility as wheat can make me very sick for 2-3 days. When I first start experiencing symptoms, I always take 2 slipper elm bark (to slow down the diarrhea and calm the abdominal cramps) and 2 acidophilus (to balance the internal flora and calm my stomach). My eye was very irritated and itchy by Sunday evening, and seemed to be getting worse. I had been mentally backtracking everything I had eaten since Friday. I can usually pin down what I’ve eaten that has made me sick. I knew all my food had been safe, so I started going over all the other products I had used in the past 2 days. When I realized I had used a new shampoo (without reading the ingredients first), the light came on. Bling! I read the ingredients on the new shampoo and found “hydrolyzed wheat protein”! Well, DUH! That explained the eye irritation and a day of gluten symptoms.

“They” say gluten can’t be absorbed thru the skin, but it can certainly enter the body through the eyes. If I get gluten on my skin (makeup, hair spray, lotion or a food product with gluten in it) I don’t get the intestinal symptoms, but I do get itching and blisters wherever the gluten has touched my skin. Unfortunately, the eyes aren’t sealed and gluten CAN enter your system through your eyes.

Needless to say, on Monday my eye was still very irritated, red, crusty and so itchy I wanted to rub it like crazy. It was probably a good thing it was too sore to touch, or I may have been tempted to do just that. However, when I awoke this morning, my eye was swollen totally shut. It looked like I had run into someone’s fist. It felt like it, too. It was painful just to touch my finger to my eyelid. Obviously, it was time to see a doctor. The diagnosis was Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) caused by gluten. I had my list of gluten-free brand names with me and the Dr. prescribed antibiotic eye drops.

This is where the “fun” began. When I went to pick up my prescription, I checked it to be sure it was the brand name, not a generic. Nope – the pharmacy automatically fills prescriptions with the generic form. I explained that my swollen eye was caused by gluten in my eye, which is the reason I needed to have the brand name, gluten-free medication. The pharmacy told me they didn’t carry the brand name – just the generic form. When I asked the pharmacist if the generic was gluten-free, he didn’t know, but offered to call the manufacturer to be sure. . He tried to call the manufacturer a couple of times, but kept getting put on hold and then being disconnected, so gave up (they were very busy in there today). He told me he could transfer my prescription to another pharmacy, if I could find one who carried the brand name. So, of course, I thanked him and visited two other pharmacies – to no avail. It seems everyone carries the generic form (and no one could tell me if it was gluten-free or not) but no one carried the brand name. I went back to the original pharmacy and asked for the name of the manufacturer, their phone number and the correct name of the generic antibiotic drops. So far, I had spent over two hours trying to get my prescription filled! I went home and called the manufacturer – and got put on hold and disconnected, redialed and was put on hold again for 15 minutes. When I finally reached a person, she was able to verify that the generic form is indeed gluten-free. Wonderful!

I called the original pharmacy and told them that the generic form is gluten-free and would be over to pick up my original prescription. That should be the end of this story, right? Nope – this was not a good day. I picked up my prescription, thanked the pharmacist for his help and went home. I opened the bag with my prescription and read the usage instruction. The first words that I read were “Instill 4 drops in the ear(s) four times daily for 10 days.”  IN THE EAR??? Under the precautions, it stated in large, bold letters “DO NOT GET THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES”. Aw, geez. I get ear drops for an eye infection.

Of course, I then had to call the doctor’s office (it takes 10 minutes of various recordings to get to a real person.) I explained what happened (plus the fact that I just paid a $10 co-pay for a medication I can’t use.) The nurse puts me on hold to talk to the doctor . . . . . . . . 15 minutes later she comes back on the line and tells me he “oh, just called in the wrong prescription, but now he’ll call the right one. But you might want to wait a little while to pick it up because the doctor’s office is closing and they’re going to finish closing before they phone in your prescription.” Great – 3 hours later and I still don’t have my prescription. I called the very nice pharmacist and explained that I had received ear drops instead of eye drops and that the doctor would be phoning in a new prescription. I also asked him about the $10 co-pay on a medication that I can’t use – and that the pharmacy can’t take back because I left the store with it and they can’t verify the safety of it, even tho I haven’t opened it and the seal is still intact. As I said, this is a very nice pharmacist and they agreed to waive the co-pay on the new prescription even tho it was the doctors screw-up and we all know I won’t be successful in getting the $10 out of the doctor or his office. Like I said, a very nice pharmacist. I told him I would wait about an hour before I came to pick it up – to allow the doctor’s office time to close and actually phone in my prescription.

Guess what??? About an hour later, the pharmacist calls me and informs me – they don’t have the brand name OR the generic of the eye drops in the store! AAAAGGGGHHHH! They can transfer my prescription to another pharmacy, if I can find one that carries it . . . . . is this sounding familiar?? OR they can order it and it will be available tomorrow. I told him I’ll take door number 2 and stop in after work tomorrow to pick it up. I’ve had this fat, swollen itchy eye for 4 days now – what’s one more day? I’m just too tired 4 hours later to run around and call around trying to find someone who has the prescription in stock!

I really hope the medication works. I’d hate to go through all this just to end up having to go back to the doctor again. And believe me – I’m going to work very hard at staying healthy from here on out. And be much more vigilant about reading ingredients on EVERYTHING before using it!

Quick & Easy Mango Salsa

Due to some family issues, we’ve been “out of touch” for the past month and a half, but we’re back now.

Last week, our local grocery store had mangos on sale 10 for $10. So, of course, I had to buy 10 of them! Finding mangoe for $1 each (in MN) is exciting! For me, anyway. I LOVE mangos! However, after a few days of eating mango slices, I wanted a new way to prepare them. Sometimes, I’m happy to eat something I really like the same way, day after day. Some foods you can freeze to save for another day. Mangos do not freeze well. (I speak from experience here.) I had 6 mangos left and knew they would only stay fresh just so long. I didn’t want to waste them and throw them out, but I didn’t want to eat sliced mangos any longer.

As I was searching my cupboards for an inspiring ingredient to try something new and different (and looking for a good snack while I was at it), I came across a bag of corn tortilla chips (gluten-free, of course). Chips and salsa sounded like a nice snack. I satisfied my snack, but it didn’t solve my mango dilemma. Why not add chopped mangos to the salsa? That was a good start, but I wanted more. Mangos covered in salsa didn’t quite tingle my tastebuds. I searched the refrigerator for additional ingredients. I always keep fresh fruits & vegetables on hand, so there must be something more I could add to the salsa. I found fresh pineapple, a few stray strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and onions. I wondered what would happen if I chopped them up and put them all together? What happened was a somewhat sweet, yet spicy chunky salsa that is great on tortilla chips!

I liked it so much that this past weekend I told my grandchildren (4 of 7 are Celiac) that Nana had a new recipe we were going to make. We had so much fun making salsa! Of course, they all had to take turns adding the ingredients (with that many turns, it took awhile to get the salsa made). The oldest chopped and the younger ones added the ingredients to the bowl and took turns stirring.  I know they all had just as much fun eating it as they did making it. The salsa is a healthy alternative to candy and cookies, is full of vitamins and minerals from the fresh fruits & vegetables. And of course it always tastes better when you get to help make it. It’s has a sweet tang from the mangos, stawberries and pineapple, with a little spice thrown in from the peppers, onions and cumin (not too much for young tastebuds).

Quick & Easy Mango Salsa

1 mango (peeled & chopped)

1/2 fresh pineapple (peeled & chopped) (you can use 1 small can of pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple)

6-7 strawberries (chopped)

2 Roma tomatoes (chopped)

1 small onion (chopped – about 1/4 cup)

1/2 red pepper (chopped)

1/2 green pepper (chopped)

1/2 yellow pepper (chopped)

3/4 C chunky salsa (we use Pace mild chunky salsa to hold it all together and add a little spice)

1/2 tsp ground cumin

Stir all ingredients together in medium sized bowl. Eat. (That’s how “Quick & Easy” it is.) If you don’t have all the ingredients (such as strawberries or colored peppers, change it up a little for an entirely different flavor. Maybe add chopped peaches, or chopped apples  . . . get creative! ) Enjoy!

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The upper Midwest has a new, wonderful Celiac Center! The Celiac Center of Minnesota is located in Bloomington, MN. They opened their doors last October, and served over 250 people at their Grand Opening Cookout. There is a definite need for organizations like the Celiac Center!

The Center is a great place for newly diagnosed Celiac families and individuals who choose a gluten-free lifestyle. They offer a 30-minute orientation class on Mondays at 6:00 pm. This class is free and open to the public. It will provide you with a basic overview of your new lifestyle and arm you with the tools you need to make sound choices in the grocery store and in your kitchen.

They also offer a wonderful learning and teaching program for children – the Gluten Detectives. This class is offered at 6:30 pm on the first Monday of each month. The hour long class is filled with educational and support activities geared towards children, to help them understand their new gluten-free lifestyle. Each child receives an official Gluten Detective I.D card at their first class! Gluten Detectives – from age 3 -17 – learn about their gluten-free lifestyle, how to read ingredient lists, what foods are safe for them to eat, etc. They are taught how to take control of the foods they eat and what is safe for them.

I wish I had been able to write this blog about a month ago, because this week, the Gluten Detectives are joining each other for three days of Gluten-Free Camp. This camp isn’t just a camp where they play and have fun and just happen to eat gluten-free foods. At THIS camp, the children “Investigate, Advocate and Celebrate” their gluten-free lifestyle. Camp includes games, activities and cooking classes all centered around learning to be gluten-free. There will be guest speakers, gluten-free cooking classes and team building activities. I am so impressed with this camp because they will be teaching the childrenn how to be responsible for their gluten-free lifestyle. Be sure to mark you calendars to be included in next year’s Gluten Free Camp!  To find out more about the Gluten Detectives, visit their website at http://www.celiaccenterofminnesota.org/The_Gluten_Detectives.html.

This is a wonderful resouce for those who need to, or choose to, follow a gluten-free lifestyle. You can also find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Celiac-Center-of-Minnesota/193652217338260. Their Facebook page provides tons of information about Celiac disease, local eateries that offer gluten-free choices, information on their up-coming classes – check it out! You don’t need to live in Minnesota to access their information.

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This month’s contest is “Your Favorite Chicken Recipe”. There are so many ways to prepare chicken – fried chicken, baked chicken, chicken patties, chicken strips, chicken nuggets, chicken burgers, chicken chili, chicken covered with sauces like mushroom sauce, spagetti sauce, pizza sauce . . . .  the possibilities are endless!

Send your favorite Chicken Recipe to joycen@onthewingsofhope.com (or use our “Contact Us” page on our website at http://www.onthewingsofhope.com/ContactUs%20WOH.htm) or post your recipe on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/onthewingsofhope. This contest will run through Saturday, July 23. Winner will be announced on Sunday, July 24 – on our contest page, on our Facebook page and in our blog. The winning recipe will also be posted on all 3 sites!!

The only restriction is that the recipe be gluten-free. Send in your entry now!! 
This wonderful prize will be sent to the winner on July 25!

   

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Karen, at “Avoiding Milk Blog” has graciously provided a guest blog for us today about food proteins that can be found in non-food products such as fabrics, clothing and yarn. Be sure to visit her blog for information about dairy and other food allergies. Karen has a very informative blog.

“With the environmental movement growing, so are the use of plants and milk proteins they are being used to make environmentally friendly goods. I am not against environmentally friendly products.  I would like to see them better labelled for both the green and allergic consumer.

The line “made with vegetable-based material that is 100% biodegradable” does not tell the allergic consumer what allergens are used to make the product, in this case most likely corn.

Making gluten free meal, and have it served on a disposable biodegradable plate, made from wheat fibre, for many can cause problems.  Reactions have also been reported from plastics made from corn.

The bio diesel industry is also growing thanks to the environmental movement, and prices of conventional fuels.  The first diesel engine was powered by peanut oil, though the main allergen in bio diesel, namely ethanol, currently is corn.  Reactions from pumping gasoline, have been reported by the corn allergic, who have had air born reactions from this product.  Much to the dismay of the nut allergic, peanut oil is being re experimented with as a fuel source.

George Washington Carver (1864-1942) invented over 300 inventions using peanuts.  Fire logs made from peanut and groundnut shells have made a comeback with companies developing long lasting burning logs made in part from nut shells an agriculture by product.

Use of food proteins in non food products are viewed as environmentally friendly, by some, but allergy hazard by others.  Ardil is wool like fibre made from peanut proteins.  Casein fibres used in milk yarns and milk fabric in products such as clothing, blankets, and yarns still carry milk proteins.  Corn fibre has also made its way to market.

More about the history of allergy, and history of allergens in products:

http://www.avoidingmilkprotein.com/history.htm

Article from Karen of Avoiding Milk Blog

http://avoidingmilkprotein.blogspot.com“

 

 

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This is a very long blog, but it is a very important blog:

There are more companies producing gluten-free foods today, than at any other time. On one hand, this is good because there are more gluten-free choices available. There are many companies that manufacture high-quality gluten-free products. They understand how vitally important it is to use products that do not CONTAIN gluten and how equally important it is to
avoid cross-contamination during the manufacturing of their products. These companies understand that following a gluten-free lifestyle can actually be a matter of life and death for many Celiacs.

On the other hand, there are many companies who have “jumped on the bandwagon” of gluten-free products in an effort to increase sales dollars. The companies on this “other hand” don’t understand Celiac disease, cross-contamination or the reason those of us with Celiac disease need to eat gluten-free foods. “Gluten-free” has become the new “Fad diet”. People who don’t
NEED to eat gluten-free because of health reasons have been led to believe that a gluten-free diet will help you lose weight. By removing many gluten foods, they are also reducing their intake of carbohydrates and sugars – which could cause weight loss. I believe this “fad diet” has led to an increase in the number of gluten-free products available. However, many of the companies who have “jumped on the GF bandwagon” are making false and misleading claims concerning gluten-free foods.

One company in particular is SnackHealthy. Until yesterday, I was a distributor for SnackHealthy products. Their freeze-dried fruits and microwave popcorn are gluten-free. They are actually healthy, tasty products.  Today, I no longer distribute their products because of statements made by the company in a recent distributor newsletter in regards to what gluten-free foods can and cannot do, and in turn, what their gluten-free foods can do.

SnackHealthy made false and undocumented statements about specific results that could be expected from eating gluten-free foods.  The statements that were made could be dangerous and cause harm to some individuals, if they believed the statements. These statements were sent to distributors to be used in marketing the SnackHealthy products. Distributors who are not educated about Celiac disease or the need for a gluten-free diet will be using these statements to promote their products, creating an increase in sales dollars. I wrote a letter to the SnackHealthy company about these statements and pointed out how inaccurate and dangerous they are. I asked for a retraction of these statements and an apology to everyone who NEEDS to follow a gluten-free lifestyle for health reasons. It’s only been 24 hours, but I have heard nothing back from anyone at SnackHealthy.

The statements in questions, and my comments to the company, are as follows:

1. “It is also known to cure certain health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, thyroid and other autoimmune diseases.” A gluten-free diet cannot CURE anything. It cannot cure autism – it cannot cure celiac disease – it cannot cure any autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is the result of a reaction by the immune system to “something” – the body’s immune system becomes misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect – this cannot be CURED by eating gluten-free. It CAN, however, stop symptoms of Celiac disease – symptoms such as diarrhea, migraine, nausea, dermatitis herpetiformis, swollen joints, fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc. The symptoms go away, but you still have Celiac disease. Nothing can CURE Celiac disease. Each time you ingest gluten – whether it’s because a food contains gluten, or because the food you ate was cross-contaminated by a gluten product – your symptoms are back ten-fold – because there is no CURE for Celiac disease.

Autism affects three areas of development – social interaction, language and behavior. A gluten-free diet cannot CURE Autism. It can, however, help with behavioral and social interaction difficulties people with Autism experience. Nothing can CURE Autism. Ask any parent who has a child with Autism.

2. “A Gluten free diet can discount the seriousness of celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder.” A gluten-free diet cannot discount the seriousness of Celiac disease – Celiac disease is always serious. It only helps to manage the SYMPTOMS of Celiac disease.

3. “Many studies showed that a gluten free diet decreases any kind of allergies or even symptoms among children.”  A gluten-free diet can only help decrease an
allergy if your allergy happens to be to WHEAT, RYE or BARLEY. If you have an allergy to peanuts, a gluten-free diet WILL NOT help you. Only a nut-free diet will help. Imagine a person with a nut allergy believing your statement that a gluten-free diet will CURE their nut allergy – they DON’T eat gluten, but the DO eat nuts – and go into anaphylactic shock and die. This also applies to allergies to other foods – “any kind of allergies” and seasonal allergies. Unless you are allergic to gluten or grains, a GF diet will NOT help you. The comment “or even symptoms among children” makes no sense – symptoms of WHAT?? I would also like to know what studies you are referring to when stating “many studies”. Who conducted the studies? How many people were involved in these studies? Who wrote the paper stating the results of these studies? Where are your facts to back up this statement?

4. “A Gluten free diet is a priority for people who are looking for severe weight loss, as its absence in the diet helps in reducing fat from the body.” A gluten-free diet does NOT reduce fat from the body. Gluten is not related to fat content. People who do not NEED to follow a gluten-free diet MAY lose weight because they are cutting out starches and carbohydrates – not fat. Carbohydrates and starches turn into sugars which add calories which cause people to gain weight. Cut out the starches and carbohydrates and you lose weight. It has nothing to do with the absence gluten.

5. “Going “Gluten Free” is rising in popularity and SnackHealthy offers some great snack solutions for anyone on this type of diet.” Part of the reason the gluten-free diet is “rising” is because of more public awareness of Celiac disease and better methods of diagnosis. There are more people who NEED to follow a gluten-free lifestyle – because it’s a matter of life and death. 1 in 100 people have Celiac disease – and many don’t even know it – because the symptoms of Celiac disease are similar to many other illnesses and diseases and it is very often mis-diagnosed. There are a much smaller number of people who want to jump on the “gluten-free bandwagon”. They do it because they WANT to – not because they NEED to. The only benefit for those of us who NEED to follow a gluten-free lifestyle – from the people “on the bandwagon” - is there are now more gluten-free products available to those of us who NEED to eat gluten-free. (Because more companies are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon in order to make an extra buck). Some are good – some are not.

6. “A gluten free diet is a diet, which is completely free from the protein of cereals, wheat etc.” For those of us who NEED to eat gluten-free it is NOT A DIET – it IS a lifestyle. A diet is a means to lose weight. We don’t eat gluten-free to lose weight. We eat gluten-free to avoid becoming very sick and to stop future celiac-related health issues such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, inability to conceive and intestinal, stomach or colon cancer – to name a few.

Gluten IS a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Most oats are cross-contaminated in the field, by the machinery during harvesting and in the manufacturing plants. “the protein of cereals” is an inaccurate comment – cereals contain the proteins from the grains in the cereal – wheat, rye or barley. Cereal is a food make from grains – Cereal is NOT a grain that contains gluten. 100% pure corn cereals do NOT contain gluten – not the type of gluten that affects Celiacs. All grains contain different types of gluten and many types of proteins – however, Celiacs are affected by the protein GLUTEN which is found in wheat, rye and barley.

I have a company, website, blog and products dedicated to individuals with Celiac disease. I have Celiac disease as do three of my grandchildren, my sister and my mother. I am very serious about Celiac disease and the accuracy of information about Celiac disease.

I am also a distributor for SnackHealty. The freeze-dried fruits and the popcorn are good products for Celiacs – because they are gluten-free. If SnackHealthy is going to “jump on the GF bandwagon’, in an effort to sell more products – they will be joining a long list of companies doing the same thing. If SnackHealthy is going to make false statements concerning Celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle – what it can do, why people eat gluten-free, etc. – in order to make that extra buck – I no longer wish to promote SnackHealthy. I cannot, in good conscience, promote a company that does not research their information before making broad, inaccurate statements – just to sell a product.

I would like to see a retraction of the statements made in The Skinny – #28 and an apology to all Celiacs. People – your distributors and customers alike – who are not familiar with Celiac disease (or Autism or any other health issue you mentioned) might actually believe the information in your newsletter. This is how inaccurate information is passed on and on and on.
These false statements discredit those of us who need to follow a gluten-free lifestyle and encourage people to “pooh-pooh” Celiac disease and the seriousness of the disease.

I have cancelled my distributorship with SnackHealthy.

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I’ve written about the importance of having family members tested for Celiac disease, if at least one family member has Celiac disease. However . . . I only mentioned blood tests. I would like to remind everyone that the Celiac blood tests are only 30% – 40% accurate. A case in point – my granddaughter Morgan (who is 13) and my grandson Carter (who is 10).

My 4 year old granddaughter, Aivah, was diagnosed with Celiac disease and a casein allergy 2-1/2 years ago. I was diagnosed in May of 2010. I also have a sister who has Celiac disease. Because of the number of Celiacs in the family, and knowing that not everyone has the digestive issues or DH (dermatitis herpetiformis), my daughter had her remaining 6 children tested for Celiac disease. She had the Celiac panel run on all 6 children. The Celiac panel measures your immune system’s response to the gluten in the food you eat. The blood tests consist of :

tTG-IgA or tissue transglutaminase-IgA
AGA-IgG or Antigliadin IgG
AGA-IgA or Antigliadin IGA
Total IGA

The anti-gliadin IgG and IgA are the “anti-gluten” antibodies. Ig stands for “immunoglobulin” or  “antibody”. The anti-endomysial IgA and anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA are specific to diagnosing Celiac disease. The tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody is often abbreviated as “tTG”. Each antibody test varies widely in its sensitivity and for predicting whether Celiac disease is present.

However . . . these blood tests are only 30% – 40% accurate. Morgan’s and Carter’s numbers were BELOW the normal range with the first blood test. Morgan was to have a second blood test 2 days later. She stuffed herself with gluten until the next test. (She was not a healthy puppy! She said the “overdose” of gluten products gave her nausea, diarrhea, headache & brain fog.) The results of her second blood test rose up to the normal range. So, her blood tests would suggest she DIDN’T have Celiac disease – she was in the “normal” range.. Carter did NOT change his eating habits before his second blood test. The results of his second test were the same as the first – below normal. So, just because the “numbers” aren’t high, doesn’t mean you don’t have Celiac disease.

The kids have a wonderful doctor who is knowledgable about Celiac disease and knows the blood tests are not accurate. She agreed with my daughter that the kids should follow a strict gluten elimination diet for 2 weeks. An elimination diet for gluten consists of eliminating ALL gluten for two weeks. No sneaking, no cheating, read all the ingredients, know what other names gluten is called on ingredient lists – this includes food, soaps, toothpaste, shampoos & personal care products. At the end of two weeks, you eat a food that contains gluten and see what the reaction is. If there is a definite reaction (diarrhea, headache, rash, brain fog, etc.) your body is telling you the blood tests were wrong. You do have Celiac disease.

Morgan didn’t need to eat gluten at the end of two weeks. She was cross-contaminated by a friend of hers towards the end of the first week. She shared her water bottle with a friend who was eating a sandwich on wheat bread. The friend left enough gluten on the opening of the bottle to contaminate Morgan. Morgan suffered the above symptoms for two days. Morgan’s symptoms before her elimination diet weren’t severe. At least we didn’t think they were. She had felt lousy for so many years, it was just “normal” to her and she didn’t complain. Many of her symptoms were “explained” by puberty – rashes, mood swings, brain fog. It wasn’t until she was gluten-free for two weeks that she finally realized she had been sick for a long time, and now knew what it felt like to feel healthy!

Carter didn’t have drastic symptoms, either. He never had the digestive problems of diarrhea or constipation. We didn’t think he had brain fog. He did have mood swings and occassional frustration, but hey – he’s 10 and lives in a family with 10 children in the house. My daugher noticed some improvement in his behavior during the two weeks, but was questioning whether or not he had an issue with gluten. Once the two week elimination diet was up, Carter ate a sandwich on wheat bread. Within 2 hours he was nauseated and pale, developed a belly-ache and the “Celiac headache” and had definite brain fog for a day and a half. He did NOT have any intestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation. Not everyone does, which is one reason it can be hard to diagnose Celiac disease. Everyone thinks you have to have intestinal issues.

Their doctor agreed that the elimination diet is 100% accurate. Both children have been diagnosed with Celiac disease. Thankfully, neither of them seem to have an issue with dairy. Their little sister has a Casein allergy and I’m lactose intolerant. Had my daughter only taken the results of the blood tests, both children would still be eating gluten. And still getting sick. It might have taken years to diagnose them. It might have done considerable damage before they received a diagnosis. I was 57 when I was diagnosed.

Blood tests are not the only medical tests that can be performed. Enterolab performs stool test samples. I have spoken to numerous doctors who use Enterolab to test their patients for Celiac disease and have been told the stool sample tests are 80% – 90% accurate. There are saliva tests and blood tests for the Celiac genetic markers. There is also the duodenal biopsy – this used to be the “gold standard” in Celiac testing. The problem with the biopsy is, if there is no damage to the small intestine in the spots they take the biopsy from, the test will show negative results. Or, there may not be any damage to the small intestine, especially with children. Personally, I feel the easiest, least expensive test is the elimination diet. If you don’t have issues with gluten, going without it for 2 weeks won’t hurt you. Two weeks is not enough to eliminate all the gluten from your system, nor will your body recover from the gluten you have eaten – in two weeks. It can take up to 6 months for your digestive system to recover – each time you eat gluten. However, two weeks with no gluten is long enough to find out if you have any reaction when you DO eat gluten.

If you have one family member with Celiac disease, I urge you to try a gluten-free diet for two weeks.