MyHodgePodgeLife: Gluten-free Mimi

MyHodgePodgeLife: Gluten-free Mimi
http://www.glutenfreemimi.com/

Gluten-free Mimi

I disappeared from the blogging world to work on my new business - Gluten-Free Mimi.  What started out as baking at farmer's markets and filling special orders is evolving.  I have developed some healthier gluten-free baking mixes - yet another ingredient in the hodgepodge of my life! Stay tuned...
In the meantime, feel free to visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/glutenfreemimi
or my webpage: http://www.glutenfreemimi.com/

Things that rise and fall…

"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore." Anonymous

Most of my blog entries have something to do with water.  As I was reviewing some of my favorite quotes, I thought the above quote was appropriate for today's post.  Every time I "lose sight of the shore," it allows god to move in and accomplish great things.  Whether it's stepping out in faith to go on a mission trip during a time of unemployment - and watching God raise the funds to send my family of six to Venezuela - or it's applying for a job and sending the wrong documents by mistake and thinking "I blew that!" only to have God step in and show His grace... God is faithful in all things at all times - in HIS time.

During these past four months of unemployment, I have attempted to cross various oceans, and IN SPITE of myself, God has deposited me on a new shore.  I start a new job as a financial secretary at a local church next week!

Crossing the oceans of life and losing sight of the shore - and arriving at new shores - has its share of wave crests and troughs.  When researching the diagram of a surfer's wave, I learned that "surfers try to stay in the pit (close to the breaking whitewater) where the face is the steepest for the greatest speed potential."

I've always thought being in the "pit" was a bad place to be, but if I were a surfer, being in the pit is a good spot.  I love the part of the definition where it states "where the face is the steepest for the greatest speed potential."  Makes me think about phrases like "it's darkest before the dawn," "things have to get worse before they get better" and "when you're at your lowest, the only way to go is up."

However, even the surfer doesn't stay in the pit.  His/her ultimate goal is to get out of the pit and into that tube - riding the crests & troughs of the wave to the shore.  

Other things that rise and fall?  BREAD!  I've used a vegan French bread recipe consistently for months without any issues.  All of a sudden, this past week, my reliable recipe has let me down - in more ways than one!  I have made this recipe four times in two days and each time it looks like this: 

In the world of bread baking, I'm currently at the trough part of the ride, but prayerfully, I'll be at the crest again soon.

Surf's Up!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

The Everything Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Cookbook

The majority of my posts have some reference to waves, ocean, water, etc. but, just like a surfer who needs to take a break from the waves, this post will be taking a break from that theme.  We'll  be chilling out on the beach so to speak. What do you do when you chill out on the beach?  I like to read a book.

I'm so excited to share this book review with you! This month, I was honored to be chosen to test two recipes from the now-released (early!) "Everything-Gluten-Free-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook" written by Carrie S. Forbes - aka Gingerlemongirl.

I had a few delays in getting started.  First delay - I had loaned my large slow cooker to a friend in June and had to wait to get it back from her.  Next delay was realizing that during the summer, I don’t eat much canned food, and both recipes I was testing required the use of empty 15-oz cans.  After jotting a message to Carrie, I decided to try wide-mouth canning jars.  Off to Wal-Mart to buy some canning jars, get home, and realize the pint-sized canning jars really are not as wide-mouthed as I needed.  But, since I was running “behind” I proceeded with the recipes anyway…

The first recipe was the Millet Bread on page 45 of the cookbook.  I greased three pint-sized mason jars and divided the batter evenly among the jars, and voila - 3 ½ hours later, I had delicious millet bread!  I loved how the house smelled as this was cooking! 

Since my jar was not truly “wide-mouth”, I had to cut the bread into fourths, like pickle spears, and the sections came out of the jar easily.  This is not what Carrie intended for her recipe, so please do use the cans as she suggests.  Plus, it’s cheaper to buy a bunch of canned beans or vegetables and make a soup with the contents, than it is to buy the canning jars that don’t yield the shape loaf you’re wanting here.

However, the shape does not affect the taste and texture.  My millet bread “spears” had a great texture and crumb factor.  The flavor reminded me a little bit of sweet cornbread, like the Jiffy brand in my pre-gluten-free days, but it was not overpowering.  I will definitely be making this again!

The second recipe was the Easy Chocolate Cake on page 269.  Anything with “chocolate” in the title gets my attention, so I was really glad Carrie gave me this recipe to try.

I again used a pint-sized canning jar for part of this recipe, and I used my 1-quart slow cooker for the remainder, which made this cute “personal size” cake. 

This size slow cooker makes two very generous servings of cake or four regular size -a perfect sized cake for those celebrations where the celebrant does not want a lot of cake left over.

I added the mini chocolate chips per Carrie’s “tip box”. After all, you can never have too much chocolate, right? I also love Carrie’s suggestion at the top of the page about using this mix as a “gift in a jar”.

This cake was definitely easy, and oh-so-moist!! Not runny like some “moist” gluten-free cakes.  It held up to the frosting.  It was delicious and satisfied that cupcake craving and chocolate craving at the same time.  How exciting to think you can mix this up before you leave for work, and when you get home, dessert is ready!

BOTH of these recipes "travel well" - I threw them in "ziploc" bags and took them to various functions over the weekend, and they held up nicely.  They did not fall apart or turn into crumbs, and they only "protection" they had was the bag.

A few days after testing the recipes, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that cookbook orders were shipping early from Amazon.  I started tracking my order, and then anxiously looking out the window all day long on the day of delivery.  It felt like Christmas!  As soon as it arrived I started leafing through the recipes.  My first thought was - “so many recipes - where to start?” and my second thought was “I need to buy more slow cookers!”

I love everything about this cookbook!  I love that Carrie uses easy-to-find ingredients and gives dairy-free ingredient substitutions.  I love the trivia, tips and suggestions she peppers throughout the book.  I LOVE that the nutrition information is included at the bottom of the page for each recipe - so helpful for those who are on diets where they need to know that information.  I even love the index of this book! You can find recipes very easily. For example, the “Easy Chocolate Cake” is found under “chocolate”, “desserts” and “easy chocolate cake” sections in the back.  This may sound trivial, but believe me, there are some cookbooks that make it very difficult to use their index.

Everything-Gluten-Free-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook

Even if you don’t have to eat gluten-free, you’d enjoy this cookbook.  As of today’s blog post, this cookbook is available at Amazon for an unbelievable price - less than $10!  So hurry on over to Amazon or your local bookstore and buy this cookbook for yourself and several to give as gifts!

As for me, I’m off to buy or borrow more slow cookers so I can try more recipes!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

Surfer wannabe

Have you ever surfed a wave - or at least body surfed on a boogie board? I'm a surfer wannabe!  

Yesterday as I was gliding through my swimming pool, cherishing one last swim before closing the pool for the winter, I thought about surfers.  How awesome it must feel to ride along the top of a wave, to "carve" (turning on a wave)  or - the ultimate - to be in the barrel or "tube"!  According to Surfer's Dictionary, "a barrel is where the wave is hollow when it is breaking. For some surfers, it's the 'be all and end all' of surfing." 

Some of my favorite surfing pictures are of those taken of a surfer inside the tube.  That spot can be exhilarating and frightening at the same time. That's the spot I find myself today.  As I ride this unemployment wave, I've been baking gluten-free goodies and selling them at the local farmer's market.  I knew I couldn't pay the bills with the income from the farmer's market, but I thought it would give me a good "feel" for the supply/demand of my local gluten-free community.  As the has summer progressed, I've also contacted local stores and restaurants to request that they carry my gluten-free bread and cookies, and I've dreamed of riding even bigger waves.

Just like the churning and swirling energy and activity that takes place during the the swelling of a "bomb" wave (a really big wave), the anticipation of this new venture has my mind swirling.  Some days I'm focused and staying on my "board", staying inside that tube, and other days my mind is going in so many directions, I crash into the wall of that tube and I wipe out.  Some days the ride is exhilarating.  Other days it is frightening... and other days it is frustrating and depressing.

But, like that dedicated surfer who wipes out and gets back on the surfboard, I, too, will get back on the board and ride the next wave... and I'll try to avoid low tide. LOL  In the meantime, I'll continue to coordinate our gluten-free support group, CEGIS and help educate others about gluten - and of course bake some delicious gluten-free goodies...

Here's a picture of the delicious, fluffy hamburger buns I've been marketing to the stores: 

Want a teaser about what my next post is about? It's about whitewater rafting and slow cooker cooking.  What a contrast right?   I'm honored to be chosen to test two recipes from GingerLemonGirl's cookbook that will be released in October. Go ahead and preorder several copies of this book - they make great gifts and you can't beat the pre-order price! 

"Everything-Gluten-Free-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook"

Until the crest of the next wave rises...

"Jesus is King over the flood"

I saw the above post on Facebook today, and thought how appropriate God's timing is in everything. Just had to share!

Waves crashing

There are times when the sound of the waves crashing on the shore is very comforting and peaceful... and there are times when that sound can be scary, like during a violent storm or hurricane.  Life is similar to that. Things that bring beauty and joy can also wreak havoc and cause pain.

This summer I've been riding many different waves, the main one being suddenly unemployed and thus loosing my "business" of 12 years.  Not only is the much-needed income gone, but part of my identity is gone too.

As the waves have peaked and crested - and crashed - I've explored ways to combine the things I love to do with earning a living.  One of those options has been to start baking gluten-free goodies and selling them at the local farmer's market. While I haven't made a profit yet, I have made new friends with some local folks who cannot eat gluten and we've had some interesting talks.  It's a comfort to discover there are more "like us", and it is very fulfilling to know I've made a positive impact on someone's life by giving them some helpful tips or selling them a delicious gluten-free baked good.

(Wondering what I'm talking about?  Click here: Gluten-free Mimi )

I also attended two gluten-free expos this summer - one in Charlotte and one in Raleigh.  At the expos, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of my gluten-free "heroes" like Jules Shephard and  Lee Tobin, as well as many wonderful gluten-free bloggers that I admire!

 

I'm loving the peak of this wave - meeting so many people from the gluten-free community who are cookbook authors, bloggers, business owners, etc.  There is a true sense of community among these folks!  I've gotten lots of great feedback and advice from folks like Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl, Liz at Gluten Free Galley and Noreen at The Celiac Cakery! (THANK YOU!)

I would not have had the pleasure of riding this wave had I not been diagnosed with a gluten allergy 14 months ago, so, as the Bible says in Genesis 50:20, "what man intended for evil, God meant it for good."

As I wait for this wave to arrive at the shore - with a pleasant splash or a violent crash, I do not know - I take comfort in knowing that God is directing the current of the wave, just as He is directing all things in my life... in the meantime, I'll try to remain calm - and have a cupcake -or a donut (gluten-free, of course!)

MyHodgePodgeLife: Riptide

MyHodgePodgeLife: Riptide

Riptide

Have you ever gotten caught in a riptide/current?  My youngest daughter got caught in a strong undertow once, and it was a terrifying event.  My brother-in-law almost lost his life that same day while rescuing his children from the powerful riptide.  Riptides seem to hit us out of nowhere - just like events in life.

The definition of riptide or undertow is " a strong undercurrent in the ocean, contrary to the direction of surface water."

Receiving the shocking news earlier this month that I will lose my job at the end of the month was as unexpected as someone at the beach who gets caught in a riptide.  The direction I thought I was going is contrary to where the current of life is leading.

What are we supposed to do when we get caught in a riptide? Several Internet searches yield the following advice:

"Do not swim toward shore.

You will be fighting the current, and you will lose.
Swim parallel to shore, across the current.
Generally speaking, a riptide is less than 100 ft. wide, so swimming beyond it should not be too difficult.
If you cannot swim out of the riptide, float on your back and allow the riptide to take you away from shore until you are beyond the pull of the current.
Rip currents generally subside 50 to 100 yards from shore.
Once the riptide subsides, swim parallel to shore and then back to shore."

What do we usually do when we get caught in a riptide? Panic!  We forget everything we've read or learned, flail our arms and fight the current.  Most drowning deaths during riptides are due to exhaustion from fighting the current.

I know this riptide of my life does not come as a surprise to God.  Rather than panic and fight the current, exhausting myself, I'll follow the advice given to those who get caught in a riptide.  I'll "rest in Him" and try to relax as this riptide takes me away from the career I've had for the past 12 years.  As the shock of the riptide subsides, I'll swim "parallel to the shore" and I will get back to shore in God's timing.  That shoreline will look different than the one I left, but it will be the shoreline God intends me to land on.

Maybe this is the next shoreline God is leading me to?

Click here for info: Gluten-free Mimi

"Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them." Psalm 89:8-9

Riding the wave of Extreme Couponing

When I was a newlywed, I had an aunt who showed me how to coupon.  What a priceless gift she taught me! I have been a big fan of couponing ever since and now continue in her tradition by teaching others how to use coupons. 
In the past two years, it has become trendy to ride the "wave" of couponing.  There are notebooks, coupon binders and many other accessories you can buy to look "fashionable" at the grocery store. We've come a long way from  the shoe box and old photo album that I used to use to hold my coupons!  There are many blogs and websites that deal solely with coupons and matching up sales with coupons. I am so grateful for these people who put in so many hours and post this information for us to use for free!  They have helped significantly decrease the amount of time I spend preparing to go grocery shopping, and increase my savings at the check-out lane.  It has been so exciting to see my children get involved in this, too, and I love it when they call or text to say "guess how much I spent on $100 worth of groceries?" and the answer is $30!  Way to go!  Here's a picture of one of my shopping trips around Thanksgiving that shows a great example of that type of shopping trip:

With the increased couponing activity and media coverage, it was inevitable that television would get involved.  Along came the reality show "Extreme Couponing."  I haven't been able to watch the show yet, but from what I've heard, it is a typical "reality show" - not truly depicting reality.  Keep in mind that part of the title of the show is "extreme" - the people who are featured on the show do not shop that way every time they go to the grocery store.  Also, most couponers are not hoarders.  They stock up enough for their family but also share their savings with their friends and family, and with  food pantries, homeless shelters and other outreach ministries.

Here is a link to one of my favorite couponing sites (afullcup.com).  Today they had a guest blogger submit a great article about what they don't show on the reality show.  I couldn't agree more!

Extreme Couponing -what they don't show or tell you

Mom’s Lego Table -

I have GOT to make one of these before I have grandchildren! I'm already getting a nice collection of Legos from having Bryson around...

Ruffle Shirt Refashion

Here's my first posted shirt refashion! Quick and easy.  I wanted a comfortable, casual shirt to wear to a missions fair where I was respresenting Wonderzone.  I wanted a blue shirt that matched the blue on the Wonderzone bookmarks and surprisingly found one that matched perfectly at Goodwill for $3.75. 

Shirt before:

Since I have never sewn on a stretchy knit fabric before, and my time was limited, I decided to use "Heat 'n Bond" to attach the ribbon to my shirt.  I have a ribbon fetish and just happened to have some ribbon that matched perfectly, too!

Shirt after:

I received lots of compliments on this shirt. Everyone said it was the ribbon that made the shirt special.  I guess this could be considered an "anthropology knock-off" shirt!

Whirpool

Does life sometimes feel like a whirlpool, twirling in a circle and then disappearing into the abyss? 

The definition of a whirlpool is "a swirling body of water usually produced by ocean."  What a great comparison to life!  The chaos in our lives is produced by the tides of life - the ebb and flow of everything that surrounds us.

That circle that disappears into the abyss?  The proper name for that is "Vortex." That word has a negative connotation for me.  The Vortex is the name of a roller coaster my oldest daughter rode over 50 times one day when she was making a commercial for Carowinds.  Just watching her ride the Vortex made me nauseated! 

Sometimes it seems as if life hits you full force, like an unexpected bad storm with hurricane-strength winds. Unlike a bad storm where time seems to stand still, the past month has flown by.  It's been over a month since I decided to start a blog and there have been some thunderstorms and choppy waves along the way.  I'm hoping to get back on course soon! Through the twists and turns and "dramatic drops" of life, isn't it good to know that storms do not last forever?

Psalm 107:29-32 says "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind."

Calmer seas and sunshine are on the horizon!

Surfing

For years I have contemplated blogging and have wondered if I really have anything new to offer.  The Internet is filled with lots of surfers these days, but it seems the swell of the wave has yet to crest... so I've decided to grab a board and ride the wave. 

Remember the famous movie quote “Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get”? That could be the motto for MyHodgePodgeLife. Some days I might share freebies and sales/daily deals.  Other days, I might share crafting ideas or great repurpose/recycle ideas, pictures or memories from my travel journals, or whatever the Lord lays on my heart. 

This is probably the closest I will ever get to surfing the waves. I pray you'll grab a wave or two with me.  Let's encourage one another and enjoy the ride! Surf's up, dude!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the (song) of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” Psalm 19:14