Here are 15 really good reasons why Sara Lynn should be chosen as a Judge on Iron Chef America:

1. I love food more than life itself
2. I can’t think of any better way to spend a Sunday?
3. There would never be any leftovers at the judge’s table with me there
4. My Golden Retriever, Kaiser, has taught me to appreciate a discerning palette (despite the fact he finishes whatever he’s eating in less than a nano second)
5. I am cuter than Jeffrey Steingarten and plan to write a book one day entitled “The Woman Who Ate Everything”
6. I have no current personal relationship with any of the judges that might create a conflict of interest
7. I would promise to offer intelligent commentary that rivals Ted Allen’s
8. If you squint your eyes and have a shot of tequila while watching Iron Chef America you’ll see how much Cat Cora and I look alike
9. I would be perfectly happy to work overtime and judge a “cook off” if there is a tie – I am that dedicated
10. I promise not to look constipated or uptight (like a judge I won’t mention) and never to comment with my mouth full
11. Iron Chef Bobby Flay thinks my songs are hot – not as hot and spicy as his southern cooking but then we’d need to have a fire extinguisher & an ambulance on call
12. I would encourage the use of sugar as the “secret ingredient”
13. They would be able to expand the number of courses from 4 or 5 to at least 10…. for starters  (yes, I’m quite capable of eating that much in one sitting)
14. I would likely take the winner home with me as my personal chef leaving Iron Chef America the option of welcoming a new challenger
15. Last, but not least, they would have to prepare only gluten free food and I could create more awareness about Celiac Disease.
16. (This one’s unofficially listed) They would be crazy to have me on the show as a chef, so being a judge is my only “in”.  LOL!

I will wait by the phone for Mark, the Chairman, to call and invite me on the show. I can hardly wait!

During my journey of self discovery and recovery from a Celiac Diagnosis, I’ve learned a few things about living healthier and enjoying a slower pace. It’s always important in life to have dreams and chase after them; but, it’s equally as important to stop and smell the roses while doing it. For me, that has meant taking more time in preparing my meals and enjoying them, focusing on calming excercise like yoga and meditation, and getting outdoors into the fresh air.

Let’s rewind! Five weeks ago I could barely get myself out of bed, experienced nausea and dizziness on a daily basis, had major anxiety about eating (afraid of the consequences), had little or no tolerance for the pressures of the world, absolutely no energy, no interest in my personal appearance, and a lack of passion for the things I love to do. I had hit pretty much rock bottom. This was a place I had never personally been from a health perspective. It was an extremely painful and frightening experience. Simply ensuring a gluten free diet did NOT appear to be a quick and easy solution for me. All the GP or specialist could tell me was that for some people it takes more time to heal than others. That’s it?! So here I am unable to meet any of my obligations or do any of the things I love to do (including a much anticipated CD Release and Tour) and that’s all you’ve got for me?! It wasn’t long before I became very disappointed and critical of myself. It wasn’t like me to falter before a challenge. Pushing myself to get well seemed only to make matters worst. I felt pretty helpless in those  five weeks or so of really acute symptoms. Five weeks seemed interminably long to me….. Then, thanks to my GP I received an unexpected referral to an Ayurveda Consultant.

For those of you who have read “Revelations of a Celiac” Part I, you would know that I owe a lot of my recovery to a Clinical Ayurveda Specialist, Wendy. This is an Eastern medicine philosophy focused primarily on nutrition, life balance, and self healing. Wendy used therapy through the five senses to help me heal my body, mind and spirit. Together, we explored my daily routines, habits & rhythms as well as ayurvedic nutrition. I learned how my diet & daily experiences have an overall affect on the balance of my constitution. Wendy gave me the tools to gain back control of my health and well being, and keep it there! Something that most general practitioners of traditional western medicine don’t have the time to do, or the knowledge of nutrition required to be effective. After dealing with acute symptoms for some time, Wendy was able to teach me to turn things around and noticeably feel better within about 3 weeks. Am I completely recovered? There’s still some work to do… but I finally feel more like myself and I can finally say I’m on the road to full recovery. I’m not sure I would have believed it possible 3 weeks ago.

Now I can face the future with optimism, confidence, and anticipation. My batteries are recharging and I have a renewed interest in pursuing my passions. As a friend of mine said recently, “I see you’ve got your sparkle back”. You bet! I’m making my way back slowly but surely!

Anyone who’s Celiac knows it can be very stressful dining out at a restaurant or even at a friend’s house. How do you know that the person preparing your food knows to take the necessary precautions not to cross contaminate your food? Have they checked all of the ingredients labels they need to? Do they fully understand all of the “hidden” gluten ingredients? Do they understand how permanently sick I could become if there is even the smallest of trace of wheat, rye, gluten, or barley? Will they be offended if I ask lots of questions about my meal, or will they understand my need to ensure a safe meal and peace of mind? After all, it is I who will suffer the consequences of being ‘glutened’ for the next 2 days following if they fail. The sad fact is that most Celiacs rarely eat out when invited for exactly these reasons. I’ve decided to undertake a proactive approach on this front. To that end, I’m going to keep a list in this blog of all the restaurants I find to be “Celiac Friendly” in the Lower Mainland of BC, Canada. Most of my focus will be in the Fraser Valley area, rather than the downtown Vancouver area, simply because the suburbs are my ’stomping grounds’. I will only list venues where I’ve personally dined, or that have been highly recommended to me by people with a full understanding of Celiac Disease. Venues are as follows:

• Joey Tomato’s Mediterranean Grill (Coquitlam & Vancouver) has a Gluten Free Menu. Visit http://www.joeysmedgrill.com
• The Boathouse (White Rock) has a large variety of GF menu options including dessert. The service I received set my mind at ease and it was clear that Celiac Disease was not new to the kitchen or service staff.  http://www.boathouserestaurants.ca
• The Hart House (Burnaby) has a large variety of GF menu options including dessert. All of their gravies are made gluten free.  It was clear that Celiac Disease was not new to the kitchen or service staff.   http://www.harthouserestaurant.com
• The Swiss Chalet (Burnaby, Langley, & Surrey) has a brochure in the restaurant listing all gluten free menu options including dessert, dipping sauces, & salad dressings.  http://www.swisschalet.com
• Milestones Restaurant (Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Surrey, & Vancouver) has a PDF of allergy information right on their website listing the GF menu options. It was clear that Celiac Disease was not new to the kitchen or service staff.  http://www.milestonesrestaurants.com
• Mountain Top Cafe & Bakery (North Vancouver) has ALL GF foods.  You can also order online.  http://www.emountaintop.com
• Rebellious Gourmet Organic Pizza (North Vancouver) has a GF pizza.  http://www.lynnvalleycentre.ca/RebelliousTomato.htm
• The Celiac Scene Guide for the Gluten Free. This is a website which talks about and recommends various restaurants in BC and when travelling in Canada and the U.S.  http://www.theceliacscene.com
• Silly-Yak Bakery (Qualicum Beach) has all products baked on-site with all natural ingredients in a gluten free bakery.  They are the only bakery I know of who make home-made GF perogies!  http://seniors101.ca/silly-yak.html

I will continue to add “Celiac Friendly” venues to this list as I come across them. One thing that I always do after a positive experience in a venue is leave them a great rating and review on the various internet sites available. I do this for several reasons. If they realize how many Celiacs dine in their restaurant they will continue to offer GF menu options. If they understand how appreciated it is by the Celiac community perhaps they will expand their GF offerings. We all win! I encourage all of you to do the same.

As always, I clarify that I’m not an expert in the medical field on Celiac Disease but I am someone who is experiencing it first hand. I merely offer the information in this blog to help others and share information. Please leave me comments and information here! I would love to hear from you.

Like to tweet? Tweet me @saralynnmusic and tell me your favourite songs from my new album, “Don’t Call Me Angel”. You can listen to them by launching the player at www.saralynnmusic.com. There is also a player here on my blog.

If you’re not into twitter fun but you like to post on Facebook, send a post out to your friends letting them know your favorite songs from my album. Let me know you’ve done it. I’ll enter you in a draw to win a fan pack!

Fan packs include a CD and T-shirt gift wrapped in pink tissue and ribbon. I will be choosing a winner every day between now and March 15, 2010.  Help me share my music!

Tweet! Tweet! Have fun!

The Olympic festivities are well underway here in Vancouver and since I’d like to do my part to put a “spring” in everyone’s step I’ve been busy baking up a storm. I’ve added a dash of swinging jazz, a sprinkle of dance and pop, a pinch of folk and americana, and then folded in some electro and chill-out. After baking at sizzling hot temperatures I pulled my creation from the Digital Sound Magic Studios Oven, frosted it with beautiful photos from Erich Saide, and artwork by Roanna Clark Alto and Todd Ostrowercha, and now present it to you.

If you’d like to win a fan pack of my latest CD and a T-shirt from my collection all you have to do is listen to my music and write a review at www.itunes.com/saralynn before March 1st. Do that and be entered in a draw to win! The draw takes place March 1st. If you are declared the winner we will arrange to send your fan pack to you… good luck!!

Be sure to share this contest with your friends and keep your eyes open for more fun giveaways like this in the next few months.

Here’s What Reviewers Are Saying About My New CD!

“SARA LYNN Don’t Call Me Angel (Steel Jack)
Lynn isn’t the most distinctive singer but she is a provocative, versatile songwriter, capable of rootsy rock with a blues inflection (courtesy co-producer Tim Hearsey, guitarist), soul balladry, rock and modern pop. She’s good enough to take more chances next time. C+”
- Tom Harrison – The Province Newspaper
www.the province.com

“A real musician with vocals that remain in your head after the CD is done. I have listened to this album 3 times and it gets better every time. Sara Lynn is the total package and this album shows that. My favorite track is “Storm Crow”.”
Michael Friedman – Skope – CEO
www.skopemag.com

“For those unfamiliar with her sound it is one of eclectic tastes and styles wrapped up into emotional lyrics. Sometimes raspy to suit the mood the harmonies all fall into place with this Canadian chanteuse. Bouncing in her production and writing capabilities from rock to danceable much like Nelly Furtado and sliding into warm soulful ballads similar to Sarah McLachlan, Sara Lynn can be marked up beside these artists on any chart with great confidence. On the Shadows Remix which is a great dance floor track much like the days of Madonna’s reign in the mid 90’s it just shows how Sara Lynn can diversify her sound and her many talents. Already known in the USA through indie and country chartings starting early 2010 she will be escaping across our continent to showcase her many inspiring songs along with newer material.”
Marc LaCasse, Earshot Magazine
www.earshot-online.com

Check out my collection of internationally-flavoured tracks that mine the rhythms and traditions of swinging jazz, dance, pop, soul, folk, electro, chill-out and Americana. My new CD “Don’t Call Me Angel” is now available! Visit my store at www.saralynn.com/store to purchase a copy. If you purchase this CD prior to February 15, 2010 you will receive two exclusive song downloads including the “Won’t You Walk Me Home (Rich Dolmat Remix)”.

“Don’t Call Me Angel” comes in a CD jewel case with beautiful album artwork and full liner notes that include lyrics for all 10 tracks: 1) Won’t You Walk Me Home 2)Shadows (Song Lab Remix) 3) Storm Crow 4) Don’t Call Me Angel 5) How Long 6) Gorgeous Imperfection 7) The Shape I’m In Carried Away 9) A Love Like This 10) I Love This Ride. Visit my home page and launch the music player to listen. There is also a player on my blog home page.

Interested in one of our funky T-shirts?!  Save yourself $5.00 by buying the fan pack which includes the T-shirt (retails at $25) and the CD (retails at $12) for only $32.00. We’ll include a celo bag, pink tissue, and a pink satin ribbon for you to wrap it up. Great gift idea!

Downloads of songs from the album are now available at places like iTunes and Amazon. Visit www.itunes.com/saralynn

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary…. & Cat’s

My girl Sara has given me a little computer time. It has taken a while to type this as I’m all paws but here it is….. someone sent this to me in an Email. I think it gives a clear insight to the character of both dogs and cats. I suppose I’m slightly biased….. but I think this is based on “true” information.

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary……

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary. ..

Day 983 of my captivity…

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am.
Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.
However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…………….

Visit Sara’s Store to purchase some of her brand NEW merch. Support independent music!

Steeljack Group presents…

Sara Lynn’s “GORGEOUS” Tour Vancouver
At The Caprice!
Thursday January 21^st
Doors 8pm
Tix $15 at Clubzone (limited tix at the door)

To Book VIP Booths with Bottle Service please call Todd at 604.328.4621.

• Hosted by DJ Supafly of 94.5 The Beat!
• Sara Lynn performs Live!
• Jacqueline Conoir Collection Fashion Showcase
• Drink specials all night
• Over $2000 in exclusive door prize giveaways including
  • 2 VIP Days to Molson Canadian Hockey House (valued at over $1000)
  • Gift bags to the first 100 people thru the door
  • $300 Jacqueline Conoir Collection Gift Certificate
  • Bloom Essentials Spa Gift Basket
  • Firefly Hair Company Product Gift Basket
  • Jewellery from Lolo
  • Sappho Makeover and Makeup
• Sample fashion products and services.

Sara Lynn’s “GORGEOUS” Tour Vancouver event is a unique music, fashion & entertainment extravaganza that will take place on Thursday January 21st at the Caprice Nightclub. The theme, “Beauty & Empowerment”, gives a little peak into what guests and celebrities attending the event can expect, creating a one-of-a-kind platform of exposure during the tour to promote the fashion apparel, cosmetic and accessory companies that Sara Lynn supports.

Hosted by 94.5FM The Beat’s DJ Supafly, this exciting audio and visual affair will feature a live performance by dynamic Steeljack recording artist Sara Lynn, while the spectacular fashion couture of the Jacqueline Conoir Collection is being simultaneously showcased. It is an exciting concept in the world of live performance; a concept that fits perfectly with Sara’s “GORGEOUS” tour theme.

With the theme “Beauty and Empowerment” in mind, partners and staff will be dressed for the occasion – all fun and glamour – as they interact with guests throughout the evening and present their products and services. Partners including It’s Our Secret, Expert Recruiters, JC Studio, Bloom Essentials Spa, Firefly Hair Co, Lolo Jewellery and Sappho Cosmetics have combined to generously contribute over $2000 in exclusive raffle door prize giveaways.

Enhancing the evening and creating a unique and festive atmosphere, guests will be able to enjoy cocktails, sip champagne, rub elbows with notable celebrities and dance the night away to the latest hits.

Singer/Songwriter Sara Lynn Set to Release Eclectic New CD: “Don’t Call Me Angel”

Canadian songstress shows unending passion and an independent spirit on her new disc

Sara Lynn’s sophomore release, Don’t Call Me Angel, is filled with diverse and powerful tracks that evoke such musical mavens as Portishead, Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Adele and Natalie Merchant. The CD will be released on January 21, 2010 and available on iTunes as well as many other online music retail sites.

Don’t Call Me Angel can best be described as an eclectic mix of songs that hug the curves of multiple genres.  With the help of co-writers Richard Dolmat, Jason Nickel and Juno award winner Tim Hearsey, Lynn explored electro, swing, jazz, dance, pop, soul, folk, chill and Americana to create a disc that is said to be “full of surprises.”

Although she is a Vancouver, BC native, Lynn is no stranger to American music charts.  Her debut release Thing for You featured two tracks that charted on the Music Row Breakout chart and New Music Weekly’s main Indie charts.  But this release proves that she is not one to be pigeonholed into a particular style or musical genre.

Don’t Call Me Angel features tracks that span a variety of thought-provoking issues. The disc’s first single, “Gorgeous Imperfection,” is a song about loving yourself for your own personal beauty. It has been described as a sensual, hypnotic, electro-pop groove… a musical message that unites body and soul.  Calling on inspiration from such strong female musicians as Pink, Bonnie Raitt and Chrissie Hynde, “Gorgeous Imperfection” dramatically conveys Lynn’s declaration of female empowerment.

Lynn is currently planning for the CD’s release and subsequent tour in early 2010. Her first single “Gorgeous Imperfection” has been released to Canadian radio and her new disc will be featured on the Audio on Demand section of Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment system in November and December of this year.

For more information about Sara Lynn, please visit: www.saralynnmusic.com.

JC Studios

Who is RozeMerie Cuevas?

RozeMerie Cuevas is the creator of the signature label Jacqueline Conoir Collection which she named as a tribute to her mother. Canadian born, but technically cultured in France, her focus has remained local even with national and international success. Her coveted collection is an infusion of strength and femininity, classic tailoring with modern detailing. Her creative talent has been recognized in an array of distinction awards and acknowledgments. She has secured exclusive wardrobe contracts with entertainment and media personalities, and her collections are seen regularly in feature films. The best testament to her success is her loyal clients who have been wearing Jacqueline Conoir for the past 20 years.

www.jcstudio.ca.

“JC Studio, home of the Jacqueline Conoir Collection, and its entire team has chosen to be a part of Sara Lynn’s “GORGEOUS” Tour because we are a think out of the box type of business. We are a fashion house but also an innovative company that has changed the way we do retail by preparing and being part of fabulous events. We are proud and honored to be a part of this exciting event!”

RozeMerie Cuevas, Designer, JC Studio

Bloom Essentials Spa

At Bloom Essentials, we’re just a little more fun.  From relaxing facials to award-winning pedicures (with hand painted art none-the-less) we’ve got all your basic spa needs covered.  A casual atmosphere, warm receptionists and exceptional team of estheticians will take excellent care of you whether you’re here to be pampered by yourself, with a friend or are taking over the whole spa for one of our Bloom Bashes.

www.bloomessentials.com

“Participating in the opening event for Sara Lynn’s “Gorgeous” tour is an awesome opportunity to highlight local businesses with the spotlight on a local artist…and well, who doesn’t love a party?”

Kimberly Critten, Owner, Bloom Essentials

Expert Recruiters

“Exceeding expectations…one placement at a time”

EXPERT RECRUITERS is a service driven personnel agency with a commitment to exceptional service.

EXPERT RECRUITERS has been a leader in the staffing industry for over 11 years.  We recruit for all levels of office, accounting and event staff for a variety of BC’s industries.  From Receptionists to CFO’s we have access to an exclusive client and candidate base.

Our committed team of professionals is dedicated to excellence.  The EXPERT RECRUITERS boutique personalized approach ensures you are treated like a VIP.

www.expertrecruiters.com.

“Sara Lynn is beautiful, powerful and follows her dreams. She embodies the spirit of the clients we represent.”

Darcia Bower, Managing Director, Expert Recruiters

Firefly Hair Co.

Firefly Hair Co., an industry leader in hairdressing in Vancouver, boasts a highly skilled team with a wealth of experience in all areas of hairdressing.  Working from a beautifully designed salon near the up and coming Broadway and Cambie area, Firefly has created a fun and friendly environment for clients and staff alike. Preparing for our fifth anniversary Firefly would like to thank our customers for their continued support while we look forward to an exciting future.

www.fireflyhairco.com

“Firefly Hair Co is excited to participate in Sara Lynn’s “Gorgeous” 2010 Tour, a forward thinking event that combines music with the fashion and hair industries.  This exciting format will give Firefly an opportunity to demonstrate our artistic talents while participating in an entertaining evening.  We look forward for a chance to connect with many new faces!”

Brian Burke, Owner, Firefly Hair Co.

It’s Our Secret Luxury Handbag Rentals

It’s Our Secret is Vancouver’s premier online luxury and designer handbag, accessory and luggage service.

It’s Our Secret luxury handbag rentals goal is to provide Canadians online access to authentic designer handbags at a fraction of the cost of owing one.

We offer an array of services for the designer handbag lover.  Shop and rent one of our luxury handbags for a week, two weeks, or a month for a fraction of the retail cost.

www.itsoursecret.ca.

Lolo Jewellery and Accessories

Classic, timeless and versatile are words best to describe Lolo Jewellery and Accessories. Since 2003 Lolo has been locally designed and hand-crafted by designer Lorena Ponis and her team. Inspiration comes from the high-quality materials selected for each collections creation. Materials such as Swarovski Crystals, 14k gold-fill, sterling silver and various precious stones are combined to create the elegant styles that have been often compared to those worn by fashion icons Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Lorena and Grace Kelly. Lorena’s passion for design has inspired her to develop a line of leather handbags. Lolo Jewellery and Accessories will be launching these Canadian made handbags for spring 2010.

www.lolo.ca

“Lolo is excited to participate in Sara Lynn’s “Gorgeous” 2010 tour. To be a part of a promotion for a successful female entrepreneur who supports Canadian women in fashion and business is an honour. We’re excited to help support the event and to also benefit from the well organized PR and media attention it will attain.”

Lorena Ponis, Designer, Lolo Jewellery and Accessories

Sappho Cosmetics

Introducing a new, eco conscious, organic and mineral based makeup line. Free of synthetic chemicals, each product has been chosen for its purity, ease of application, quality and beauty. Packaged for utility and recyclability and made in North America, Sappho represents eco-luxury – green and gorgeous. In all cases Sappho Cosmetics promises full disclosure of ingredients – meeting or surpassing EU standards.

www.sapphocosmetics.com

“The time has come to appreciate that ‘natural’ can be synonymous with creativity and beauty and so what better event to feature Sappho Cosmetics than an evening of celebrating music, fashion and entertainment.”

JoAnn Fowler, Owner, Sappho Cosmetics

I have to say that my head is about to spin right off my body like in the movie “Beetlejuice”.  Sure, I’ve known plenty of people with severe allergies to peanuts, wheat, dairy, etc. but I suppose I never actually thought I’d be one of them.  In fact, except for trying very hard (and often not succeeding) to eat healthy foods with no refined sugars or flours I figured I’d be a person who would fail miserably if ever I had to seriously diet.  NOW, I’m about to be put to the test.  After a simple blood test and biopsy (coupled with a telling family medical history) I have just been diagnosed with Celiac disease which basically means that I can never again have any food that contains wheat or gluten.  If you want more information, visit www.celiac.ca/celiac.php.

If you are not a celiac yourself the rest of this particular blog post may not be of interest to you.  This is very personal to talk about in such a public forum but I do so in the hopes that perhaps some of my information could help a fellow Celiac out there or at least let them know that there is yet one more person in the boat with them. Actually, I think there is an entire shipload of us.

After the shock wore off of thinking “I’ll never be able to eat perogies,  sourdough bread, or pizza ever again” my brain went into affirmative action.  In only the first few hours, I tapped into the power of the internet and the Email inboxes of several friends I know to also be Celiac. I was overwhelmed by the response of so many people with great advice on which products they preferred, which recipes worked, and which didn’t.  I went crazy browsing forums riddled with questions from Celiacs on which alcoholic beverages they could still consume now that beer was no longer an option.  I lamented to family and friends how awkward and outcast I will now feel every time I visit a trendy restaurant and have to grill the server on any menu offerings that might be suspect for my “blacklist”.   I made a list of my favorite foods and then proceeded to cross off about 70% of the items on it.  Dim Sim (not likely), Sweet & Sour Pork (nope), perogies (not), garlic bread (yeah right), an ice cold beer (Nyet), need I go on?!

A week has passed since the news and I’ve had several visits to the Organic Grocer, Choices Foods, Safeway, and Save-On.  This quest for good food has become a bit of an obsession and I feel I can’t rest until I have an arsenal of food in my pantry that will satisfy my love of good food!  Although, I was relieved that what others had told me was true – there are many alternatives of gluten and wheat free products available nowadays – I still remained skeptical any of them would taste any good.  My skepticism has since been challenged. Just today I tried a strawberry/rhubarb pie made in a pie crust of brown and white rice flour with potato starch and sundry other non-wheat/gluten ingredients.  The crust tasted like a light shortbread cookie with my favorite filling in it.  Mmmmmmmmm.  I also recently tried Tinkyada’s elbow macaroni pasta made with rice bran. To be honest, there was little taste difference between the white flour pasta I was used to and this new pasta. I went to Milestones for lunch the other day and was pleasantly surprised to find a comprehensive PDF Download of allergy information on their website. All menu items were listed and next to them checklist columns of the various potential allergies linked with that menu item from nuts to wheat. What a novel concept! After actually dining there for the first time as a Celiac, I was assured extra care was taken with my meal and I could enjoy it worry free.  I LOVE you Milestones! On a sadder note, according to a customer service rep via the Starbucks 1800 # they have taken the stance of never guaranteeing that any of their products are wheat or gluten free (except the bottled Frapps and some sort of Powerbar).  I still hold out the hope that perhaps Blenz will offer some wheat free hot chocolate for when I need an emergency “pick me up”. LOL!

In a flurry of activity earlier today I ordered two gluten and what free recipe books that had been recommended to me, “The 125 Best Gluten-Free Recipes” & “More From The Gluten-free Gourmet: With More Than 256 New Recipes”. I can hardly wait to receive my new books and start trying out some cool cooking and baking. A friend recommended these books as some of the best out there. She also suggested that I try the Kinnikinnick’s line of All Purpose Gluten & Wheat Free Flour mix to make dinner rolls. Allegedly, both her hubby and father think that they are pretty ‘hot buns’, better even than buns made with wheat.  Still, I’m not entirely sure the whole comment was about the actual rolls. LOL!  I’ll let you know my own opinion once I have a chance to take it for a spin in my Easy Bake Oven.   Venturing out alone initially, I already had attained Pamela’s Wheat Free and Gluten Free Baking & Pancake Mix. I wanted to make pancakes for dinner.  Delicious! Thanks Pamela. They get the Sara Lynn stamp of approval. Oh, and a new light at the end of the tunnel has surfaced.  A friend at work told me that “The Silly Yak Bakery” in Qualicum Beach makes homemade gluten free cheese and potatoe perogies….. now if I can just figure out how to get a courier to pick them up and deliver to the mainland without letting them thaw out. LOL!  Truly, I think the fact that they actually exist and might even taste good restores my faith in humanity. They thought of something I didn’t know I needed til now.   I hope that if there is anyone else out there with a line on gluten free perogies in the Vancouver Lower Mainland that they’ll leave me a comment and hook me up!

The latter part of the afternoon flurry was a string of Email blasts I sent to all of my favorite product companies enquiring about whether or not natural or artificial flavors on their ingredient list included wheat or gluten.  Pretty tricky huh?!  I’m happy to say that Hunt’s Tomatos actually stated on their website the following:

“Which of your products contain gluten? We are sorry to inform you that we do not have a source that lists the gluten content of our products. However, our product labels list common allergens, such as wheat, for those allergic to wheat gluten.”

Well, at least I know if there was wheat they would list it outright…. this was a gift…. I can still use my favorite Hunt’s tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and paste in my sauces. *sigh of relief*

I went to my local MAC cosmetic store and lo and behold they actually keep an entire “bible” of ingredients on each of the cosmetic products available for sale in their retail store.  The lovely cosmetic artist working in the store that day, Julia, spent 1/2 an hour with me going through my favorite cosmetics to see if I could continue to use them.  Who knew that there was wheat in some pressed powders and bronzers. But, there was good news too and the folks at their head office are working to put a more comprehensive response together for me.  Fortunately, I recently heard about a new cosmetic line called Sappho Cosmetics.  They are a new, green, eco conscious, organic based makeup line free of synthetic chemicals. I have been assured that they do not contain wheat or gluten in any of the makeup line products. Additionally great, they are packaged for utility and recyclability, made in North America, and all are cruelty, paraben and phthalate free. Whohoooo!!!!!!! I am happy to say they are joining me as one of the partners at my upcoming Vancouver CD Release Party kicking off the Gorgeous Tour.  Here’s a link in the meantime:  www.sapphocosmetics.com.  This could be useful to those of you with other types of allergies besides wheat so check ‘em out!

Now, I’m off to finish off another piece of that mouthwatering strawberry/rhubarb pie.  I will leave you with this last thought for today’s post:

“Is there any wheat or gluten in Bailey’s?”

It would be nice to know since I like to have it in my hot chocolate. Ah, yet another Email need go out…….

- Sara Lynn