Happy Gluten Free Mother’s Day!

by gfcritique Posted on 05/12/2013

Mother's Day FlowersA big happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. It’s hard being a mom to begin with. It’s a little harder when you have to focus on taking care of yourself due to diet constraints such as Celiac. And it’s even harder to take care of your little ones with dietary restrictions. Moms work so tirelessly year round to make sure everyone is taken care of and that all those special needs are met day in and day out.

My sweet boys picked out two different bouquets for me along with two adorable cards they selected themselves. Makes me feel appreciated for all those days when I feel like I’ve run a marathon by 9am and wish I could just go back to bed. Continue reading →

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Walmart Gluten Free Selection

by gfcritique Posted on 04/16/2013

wal-mart supercenterI am historically not a big fan of Walmart. I had looked at Walmart’s gluten free selection a few months ago and wasn’t that impressed. They didn’t have a significantly larger selection than other stores in the area and the pricing wasn’t that much better (at least not enough to offset the further drive).

I’m sure different locations vary in what they carry, but I happened to look again on my last trip there and was pleasantly surprised at the expanded dry goods selection. They had brands of crackers not available at my local grocer and even some I don’t recall seeing at Sunflower Market or Sprouts (which aren’t convenient locations for me). AND for a great price in my opinion. They also have some good cereal options. Continue reading →

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Tommy Bahama’s Gluten Free Dining

by gfcritique Posted on 03/06/2013

Tommy BahamaTommy Bahama has to be one of the best restaurants from an ambiance standpoint. Their stores smell heavenly, the dining and patio areas are always nicely decorated and the food is presented beautifully. The overall experience makes you feel like you’re on vacation in the Bahamas (their goal I’m sure). Oh, let me not forget the amazing drinks as well. Continue reading →

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Happy Gluten Free New Year!

by gfcritique Posted on 02/14/2013

[RFEE3 ELSHAN ♥♥♥♥♥♥ ]This is my official Happy New Year / Happy Chinese New Year / Happy Mardi Gras / Happy Birthdays / Happy Valentines Day post. Whew.

January was a complete whirlwind. A fun one, but the month basically blew by. First there was my birthday on January 5th. Total sidebar here, but it is not pleasant when you’re driving down the road 2 weeks prior to your birthday and it dawns on you, you’re actually a year older than you thought you were going to be. Where the hell did the missing year go?? Continue reading →

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Gluten Free in Flagstaff

by gfcritique Posted on 12/27/2012

Polar Express Train in Flagstaff, AZWe had a magical time in Flagstaff last weekend taking the kids to the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express. It’s one of their favorite movies and watching them experience “the real thing” was priceless.

The kids and many adults wear their pajamas and slippers. I always get the boys new slippers each Christmas and Grammy and Grandpa had sent new PJ’s for Christmas. It just so happened they were matching train PJ’s, which couldn’t have been more perfect. Continue reading →

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Happy Holidays from Gluten Free Critique

by gfcritique Posted on 12/12/2012

The Polar ExpressJust a quick post wishing you a fabulous holiday season (what’s left of it) and a happy and healthy New Year!

The neighbors around the corner have their yard lit up like the Griswald’s, including a snowman with digital countdown (including seconds) to Christmas. The kids want to drive by every night to see the lights and how many days are left until Christmas. While I’m in awe of the effort and detail of their yard, I have to admit it’s kind of stressing me out a little. Nothing like being reminded daily how little time you have left to get everything done. Continue reading →

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MyChelle Provides Gluten Free Blemish Control

by gfcritique Posted on 12/02/2012

MyChelle Gluten Free ProductsMyChelle is quickly becoming a new favorite skin care line. MyChelle is cruelty free, gluten free, vegetarian (in most cases vegan too) and utilizes pure and non-toxic ingredients.

If you’ve read much of this blog, you know I’m particular about product scents.

I really love MyChelle’s natural scents. They are subtle and refreshing.

I tried two different face washes and the toner initially and liked all of them. Next I ordered the Vitamin A Plus Serum. Also a hit. I went back for more. The latest round included the Clear Skin Serum and Sunshield SPF28. Continue reading →

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Healthy Goodies at the Carefree Farmer’s Market

by gfcritique Posted on 10/21/2012

Claremont Farmers´ Market - November 2006 Arizona was originally known for the 5 C’s – Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Climate and Citrus (agriculture in general, really). Despite a year round climate where most all fruits and veggies can be grown at various times all year long, summer is largely “off-season” in AZ for Farmer’s Markets. Not due to a lack of fresh produce, but convincing locals to brave the heat to shop for food outside when you can do it in an air conditioned store instead. Most farmers markets shut down for the summer and reopen in October.

So for me, farmers markets have been somewhat out of sight, out of mind for a few months. Running errands this past Friday, I stumbled on the Carefree Farmer’s Market in full swing. Continue reading →

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The News: My Son Has Food Allergies

by gfcritique Posted on 10/08/2012

Doctor OliverI admit it. I’ve put it off. Some of it was due to various insurance changes. The balance of it was due to me dreading the appointment and the news.

Last Thursday I took my boys (3 and 4) in for allergy testing (the doctors wanted them to be past 3). I had to hold my youngest, screaming, flailing and hysterical while they did the scratch testing. I was practically in tears with him. My oldest did much better. He was terrified from watching what his little brother had just gone through. We counted along while they did the skin test and he was a trooper. Continue reading →

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Pita Jungle Offers Healthy Gluten Free Options

by gfcritique Posted on 09/14/2012

Pita Jungle Mediterranean SaladI love Greek food. My parents were friends with a Greek family who owned a restaurant when I was growing up so we would go frequently to support their business. Fond memories that make my mouth water. Like one of my few favorite desserts: baklava. I’m on a new mission to find or make a gluten free baklava, but that’s another post.  Continue reading →

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