December Sanity Kick-Off!

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

I am really excited about our December Sanity Retreat. I see it as a chance to pause…and make sure my time and energy are going toward the parts of my life that are most important to me. I find that when I make more of an effort to make conscious choices, my decisions better reflect ME.

And, as an added bonus, I just got an added nudge to refocus my attention and come up with a “grand master plan” for 2013, and so I’ll be blogging more about that very soon.

As for me, here are my sanity goals:

  • Waiting at least 8 hours to see if I *need* to purchase something.
  • Doing at least one compassion-focused meditation daily, at least 6 days a week
  • Giving myself permission to have my own experience, and let people be who they are (I know this is non-specific, I’ll be posting more about this)
  • Journaling on what I’m proud of for 2012 at least weekly
  • Spending at least 2 hours weekly figuring out where I want to be and coming up with my “grand master plan” for 2013, and contacting various people to find a good fit.

So a recap on the challenge:

It can be on whatever YOU need to work on to stay sane during the holiday season, or whatever you want to make sure to remember so that you are living life to the fullest:

  1. Balancing commitments to others with commitments to yourself
  2. Getting in physical activity
  3. Creating a happy balance around food
  4. Getting enough sleep!
  5. Making wise financial choices
  6. Focusing more on living beings than material “stuff”
  7. Whatever else speaks to you along these lines

The challenge—write up a blog post on what you plan to do to make your holidays sane, happy and healthy.  Make it specific!  Not just “I’ll get more sleep”, but “I’ll get at least 7 hours of sleep, 5 days a week”.  Not just “I won’t go crazy making desserts”, but “I’ll make a maximum of XX desserts, and space them out over XX time”.  You know what you need to do to keep this doable, and writing it down will help you get there!

As a little added incentive, for each post on your intentions and your progress you link back here or one of the other co-hosts, you’ll be entered to receive a $50 gift certificate to Nuts.com  (they are not sponsoring, I just wanted something with healthy gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, etc. options). The delicious Ms. Carrie Forbes of Carrie of Ginger Lemon Girl has also generously donated 2 signed cookbooksGrab the badge, if you like, which was graciously created by Jennifer Yandle Photography & Design. for “The Everything Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Cookbook”. I mean, what could be more sanity promoting than using a slow cooker?

I’ll also be joined by a wonderful group of co-hosts:

Grab the badge, if you like, which was graciously created by Jennifer Yandle Photography & Design.

Last, but not least, we do have a FB group–if you’d like to join, you’re more than welcome. It’s a space to support and be supported, and it’s the same one we used during the last Self-Care Retreat.
To get a “flavor” of past retreats:
http://www.gfgoodness.com/2012/08/05/a-july-self-retreat-recap/
July Self-Care Retreat and the December Sanity Retreat.

Posted in cheryl's musings, December Sanity Challenge | 4 Comments

December Sanity Retreat 2012–Join us!

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

I tend to see the seasons through the lens of a gardener. Spring is where seeds sprout, and everything seems to awaken. All of a sudden, everyone wants to get out, have lunch and go for a walk outside. Summer has everything in full bloom, and it’s hard to resist the urge to explore, travel, BBQ, taste something ripe and luscious. Fall is harvest, change, transition, and we’re so aware of the beauty of the change of seasons. And winter is the silence—where the earth gets quiet and still, where the movement is subtle of leaves breaking down. We want to snuggle up with hot cocoa and a good book, maybe with a fireplace and a purring kitty.

Peace and calm. Time for silence and renewal. Just like the holiday season, right?

It’s ironic that the busiest season of bustling crowds, overspending, overeating, overdoing is perfectly lined up with when the earth takes a nap to recharge. When I even think about Black Friday sales, my only urge is to join G under his blankie.

And so…the December Sanity Challenge was born. It is so easy to get swept up in the tidal wave of doing that it is easy to forget about what is important to you for your health.

So here’s the scoop on the December Sanity Challenge.  It can be on whatever YOU need to work on to stay sane during the holiday season, or whatever you want to make sure to remember so that you are living life to the fullest:

  1. Balancing commitments to others with commitments to yourself
  2. Getting in physical activity
  3. Creating a happy balance around food
  4. Getting enough sleep!
  5. Making wise financial choices
  6. Focusing more on living beings than material “stuff”
  7. Whatever else speaks to you along these lines

The challenge–blog on on what you plan to do to make your holidays sane, happy and healthy.  (if you don’t have a blog and want to play, email  me and I’ll post your goals!) Make it specific!  Not just “I’ll get more sleep”, but “I’ll get at least 7 hours of sleep, 5 days a week”.  Not just “I won’t go crazy making desserts”, but “I’ll make a maximum of XX desserts, and space them out over XX time”.  You know what you need to do to keep this doable, and writing it down will help you get there!

As a little added incentive, for each post on your intentions and your progress you link back here or one of the other co-hosts, you’ll be entered to receive a $50 gift certificate to Nuts.com  (they are not sponsoring, I just wanted something with healthy gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, etc. options). The delicious Ms. Carrie Forbes of Carrie of Ginger Lemon Girl has also generously donated 2 signed cookbooks for “The Everything Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Cookbook”. I mean, what could be more sanity promoting than using a slow cooker?

I’ll also be joined by a wonderful group of co-hosts:

Last, but not least, we do have a FB group–if you’d like to join, you’re more than welcome. It’s a space to support and be supported, and it’s the same one we used during the last Self-Care Retreat.

To get a “flavor” of past retreats:
http://www.gfgoodness.com/2012/08/05/a-july-self-retreat-recap/
July Self-Care Retreat and the December Sanity Retreat.

And THANK YOU. Self-care is so primary to me, and I find that our retreats are such a great reminder to myself of the need to focus on what I value most. So whether you’re hosting, reading, posting or just stopping by, I appreciate that you’re joining us.

 

Posted in December Sanity Challenge | 19 Comments

A Pictoral Thanks-giving

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

This year was a lovely one–here are some pictoral highlights of a few of the many things that have brought me joy this year.

The last at our house to keep its beautiful red leaves

 

Baby kale

Wonder whose pumpkin this one is?

Pie!

Foxy lady

 

Baby squee!

Mah boyz (2 out of 3)

Last winter’s (one!) snowstorm

And, of course, I’m grateful for all of you…that’s what makes blogging fun!

Much love to each of you.

Posted in about, cat pictures, Foxy family | 2 Comments

Celery in Chestnut Sauce (UN stuffing)

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

We’re on a Thanksgiving kick here! If you missed it, I just posted a super duper Sweet Potato Pie which is delicious and very allergen friendly.

I adore celery in chestnut sauce, and I’ve been making it for many years. I learned pretty early that most of the “stuffing” part of stuffing-bread, rice, quinoa, buckwheat—was not my friend. But I love celery and this way I get the good stuff.

Please note this is really a non-recipe recipe—the cooking time and broth is so dependent on the firmness you like and the stove top temp. But hopefully this is enough to get you started.

I will be making this for T-day for sure, but I do make this on a regular basis. Love it!

  • 1 Tablespoon oil or rendered fat
  • 1 large celery head, stalks chopped into ¼ inch pieces (no leaves)
  • 2.5 cups good quality homemade broth, or more if needed
  • 2-3 sprigs thyme
  • 1/3 cup chestnut flour
  • 1 tsp smoked sea salt (regular works, too)

Heat oil in large pan, toss in a handful of celery until it starts browning, 3-4 min. Stir, add in the rest of the chopped celery, the broth and the thyme. Simmer for 20 min more for crisp tender, up to 35 min for softer celery. Add chestnut flour and stir every minute for 4-5 min until the flour is fully incorporated. Add in salt as desired.

That’s it!

I’m submitting this to Diet Dessert and Dog’s Wellness Weekend, Thanksgiving edition! Hop on over to see other vegan tasty dishes.

Posted in recipe, vegetables | 6 Comments

Sweet Potato Pie-Vegan, Grain-Free

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

Just in time for Thanksgiving! I am so tickled. I have been experimenting with this one for quite some time and I’m delighted that I finally got it right. The “rejects” were delicious, of course, but just didn’t hold together well enough. So extra thanks that this came together in time, because there’s nothing quite like a pie. Gluten-free, dairy free, egg free, soy-free, nut free, no grains–and really simple to make.

Eggs make most custard-y pies work. Without eggs…it’s just not the same. Flaxseed usually doesn’t cut it. And I do have a sweet potato pie with gelatin, but I just cannot get over the idea of gelatin. Sue me.

The one downside is that you really do need a high powered blender (ie Vitamix or Blendtec).  I would really assume that it would be too grainy in a regular blender. If anyone tries it, please do let me know how it works.

Pie crust:

  • 1 3/4 cups almond flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 TBSP arrowroot
  • 1/4 cup of oil
  • 3 TBSP agave nectar or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Mix crust ingredients, pat into the pan, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 325. Put the top ingredients in the Vitamix and let it do its magic. It will get hot, and takes about five minutes. Pour into a separate bowl and stir in sweet potato, pour into pan and voila! The separate mixing is because otherwise you get whipped pie, which is yummy, but the texture is just wrong for a normal sweet potato pie.

Bake for 20-25 min. It will still be jiggly and will firm as it cools. Allow to cool & enjoy thoroughly.

I’m submitting this to a blogging carnival, hosted by:

Posted in dessert, recipe | 6 Comments

The WHOLE Gang Calendar Giveaway

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

Diane of the Whole Gang let me know about her new venture—a Cookbook Desk Calendar. And you can win one below!

The first thing I noticed is that Diane is a truly amazing photographer! The photos are really quite stunning, and the colors, shapes, etc. really jump out. The photos here are Diane’s.

I was also surprised it’s such a compact calendar, just about the size of a CD case. So it can brighten up even the smallest or most cluttered desk at work or play.

From Diane:

Features of the 2013 Cookbook Desk Calendar: 

  • 12 beautifully designed months in a clear CD case specially made to stand-up and display on your desk or countertop.  Size – 4 5/8” x 5 3/8”
  • Gorgeous color photos of each dish with easy-to follow recipes on the back.
  • All recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free!
  • Vegetarian, Vegan and Paleo directions for each recipe to fit any diet!
  • BONUS!  Secret access code for a hidden page full of insider tips, tools, resources & 28 additional recipes on The WHOLE Gang website.
  • To order:  http://www.thewholegang.org/2013-cookbook-desk-calendar/  Cost is $14.95 each plus shipping.  Discounts for orders of 10 or more.

Diane was gracious enough to let me give away a copy of the calendar to a lucky reader below. So if you just *know* that was meant to be you, please leave a comment below. And if you’re not sure, one way to find out!

Open to people in the US & Canada. Contest runs until November 18th (Sunday) at 8pm EST. Please make sure you include contact info.

Good luck!

Kari S said: This is definitely meant for me :)

She was right! Kari, I look forward to hearing from you with your contact info ASAP.

Posted in contest | 11 Comments

Thanksgiving Veggies & Menu Plan

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

Many thanks to Heather of Celiac Family for getting us rolling on the Thanksgiving theme! First, I’m thankful that we’ve got power and heat and all those things we take for granted. Many people on LI still don’t have heat or power, and it inspired me to put together an G-free emergency food preparedness list.  Please consider donating if you are so inclined! The NY region still needs help.

If this is your first g-free thanksgiving or even your 10th, I’ve recently put together g-free tips and gobs of recipes for each course here. Hopefully after this roundup, I’ll have more recipes to add in!

I have to admit, we tend to do really mellow Thankgivings, and this year won’t be an exception. Basically, instead of putting together a big feast, I’ve promised to make each course over a month or so. So Mr. Dude gets his  Pecan Pie (one of former very favorites), I get my sweet potato pie, we get our My Cranberry Fresh Fruit Relish, apple sauce from Carrie’s new cookbook, etc. And turkey. There will be turkey! But I’m just not doing it all at once…2 pies for 2 people is overkill.

My favorite veggie dishes are more of “non-recipe” recipes: sautéed celery in chestnut sauce, and green beans with almonds. I did promise myself I’d make them and post, and then I got some sort of bug, so everything is sitting in the fridge. E is headed out of town and I get to be an UNcook when he does, so I don’t see it happening soon.

I am looking forward to seeing what lovely veggie dishes y’all come up with! (somehow I just typed desserts. Goes to show where my brain is at!)

Monday:
Roasted cauliflower with a coconut curry sauce

Tues:
Kalamata hummus and baby greens

Weds
Some kind of simple soup. Hopefully with kale.

Thurs:
Chicken with roasted broccoli & carrots

Fri:
leftovers, as usual

Weekly treat:

I’m making my Intense Cocoa Almond Bites–I”ve been craving chocolate and they are super quick. They’re

part of a contest by Almond Board, and I love the idea of winning a tablet!

 

 

And everyone else?

Heather of Celiac Family joins us with a pictoral meal plan as usual. Her Sweet Potato Casserole looks like the kind of thing Mr. Dude would adore, so we may have to try it! Her quinoa with broccoli and mushrooms looks like a winner, too.

Paige of Not Missing a Thing shares an allergy friendly pumpkin pie. She’s got a “cozy” wintertime menu, including Honey Mustard Chicken.

Samantha of Awkward Girl Gets Fit hasn’t started Thanksgiving plans yet, but she has a week all planned, using the Practical Paleo protocol. She has fun things planned, like lemon artichoke chicken.

 

 

Posted in menu plan | 9 Comments

G-Free Food for Sandy

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

I don’t know about you all, but Sandy missed us. Lots of wind, lots of twigs, but at the end of the day, no biggie. However, NY & NJ got hit hard. MOST STILL DON’T EVEN HAVE POWER and I’m sure you can imagine how hard that is for people on a gluten-free diet.

Erin Smith of Gluten-free fun has places you can donate online on her website, and be sure to check out the comments—you can order foods through Amazon and have them shipped, too.

The gluten-free community tends to be so supportive and giving—let’s not forget about our friends up north. I haven’t lived on LI for a good 15 years, but it makes me so sad to know the boardwalk where I used to run Thanksgiving Turkey Trots is gone and there’s been such destruction of so many places I knew and loved.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Pumpkin Carving Party 2012

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

 

Ah, what a fun party. And what a tasty party.  And just for the record, that is Mr. Dude’s pumpkin carving prowess on display above,  not mine. I’m assuming everyone has done the Halloween thing yet, but if not, I bet there’s still time for spooky meringues!

The food highlights:

Drink:
Hot mulled cider

Appetizers:

 

Food:

Desserts:

And the actual pumpkin carving was pretty cool, too! If you’re curious, here’s the link.

 

Posted in about | 2 Comments

Menu Plan Monday-A party menu plan

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Cheryl Harris

Ah, how I’ve missed menu planning. Life has been so busy so many meals have been last-minute affairs…and this week will be no exception.  However we are having our annual pumpkin carving party this weekend, so at the very least ONE day’s meals http://celiacfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Nuts.pngmust be planned to avoid unpleasant last minute scurrying.

Although I love our party, it’s a little—um—special—that I am teaching on Food and Mood on Weds, and have 2 articles due this week, one with recipes and pictures! (of course, in addition to seeing clients) Now, I’m a good cook/baker, or at least I think so, but magazine-quality photos are outside of my comfort zone. So although I’m very excited, there’s some nervousness in there, too!

Our theme for this week is nuts. Ahem. I will not be nuts this week. For sure. But I will be eating nuts, as I do pretty much every day. Heather of Celiac Family is hosting, so stop on by for her roundup.

Hopefully our party menu may inspire…and it may also evolve before Saturday, too! If you are truly curious, we’ve got pictures from past parties here, and some of the past menus, too.

Drink:
Hot mulled cider (make during the party)

Appetizers:
Raw Caramel Dip from Whole Life Nutrition with Honey crisp apples (apples bought, dip will be made Fri)

  • Salsamole (make Saturday)
  • Crudites: Baby carrots, peppers, etc. (either E chops or I buy chopped. We shall see)

Food:

Desserts:

Dunno. Maybe Mint Brownies? I never know how much is enough or too much.

*update* How did I miss Heathers’ Spooky Meringues? I know a winner when I see it!

Posted in menu plan | 2 Comments