First and foremost, I’ve finally joined everyone else in this decade and now have an Instagram. Follow me! It’ll let you keep up with more of my day-to-day life being gluten-free using photos and blurbs rather than complete blog updates here or on tumblr (you should follow me there, too).
Also, I’m trying to save up for a Mac with all the Adobe CC programs and Final Cut Pro, both to run a freelance graphics business from home and to be able to work on blog videos and photos at 2am when I can’t sleep. However, every time I get some cash saved, something happens. Last month I got sick twice with super-strep (yes, some strains are antibiotic-resistant, and it’s scary stuff), and the second bout sent me to the ER with a fast, irregular heartbeat. Then my car needed four new tires, so I had to get those. I’ve also started seeing an allergist, and have just started getting allergy shots. So yeah, lots of extra expenses last month, and fewer hours because I was out sick. I swear I inherited my mom’s bad luck. I think she crossed the wrong voodoo witch doctor at some point, who then cursed the entire family.
Finally, I’m currently applying to graphic design and marketing jobs, and I’m seeing a lot of interest from employers. In the past two days, I’ve had two interviews, and I’m still applying and getting more calls. I don’t know how many of you have been job hunting recently, but just to remind you if it’s been a while, it’s an exhaustive, time-consuming, and sometimes disappointing endeavor. Some of you may be wondering why I’m job-hunting if I want to start my own business. Well, self-employment is never guaranteed, and if I have to relocate in the future, I’ll need to show that I earn enough to pay rent and bills before anyone will sign a lease with me. Also, I may need that job to pay for the Mac and software and taxes and introductory advertising and other startup costs for my personal business. As soon as I get that new job, I’ve got friends on speed-dial (does anyone understand that reference anymore?) ready to take over for me at my current position, so I’ll just need to put in my two weeks and train my replacement.
So sorry that the blog has fallen to the wayside while all that was going on, but I need to make sure that I can still afford to eat, first and foremost. Ingredients to make the dishes I feature on my blog cost extra, and I’ve already been putting more on my credit cards the last couple months than I’ve been able to pay each billing cycle, and it’s starting to add up. But I did recently get a slight raise and more work to do at my current position (which means more hours), and I’m looking for a new position with higher pay, so I’ll get all that paid off again soon enough one way or another. Then I can get my Mac and software and post on my schedule rather than being slave to the lab hours on campus, which still won’t open again for another few weeks.
Now, let’s get into some stuff that’s less depressing: awesome gluten-free options!
1. All Chex cereals except Wheat: Rice Chex? Gluten-free. Corn Chex? Gluten-free. Cinnamon Chex? Gluten-free. Chocolate Chex? Gluten-free. All varieties except Wheat Chex are gluten-free. Unfortunately Chex Mix contains pieces like rye crackers and pretzels, so you can’t have the pre-packaged varieties, but you can always make your own mixes and snacks using common gluten-free pantry staples that you probably already have. Available at all major grocers.
2. Angry Orchard hard cider: I like all the flavors except the original Crisp Apple. That one is just sweet and apple-y with no complimenting flavors, and it’s just kind of boring. My favorite is probably the Apple Ginger flavor, though. It’s got just a little extra kick from the ginger that’s perfect. Available at most major grocers and liquor stores.
3. Xochitl tortilla chips: Best tortilla chips ever. You can try to argue the point, but you’d be wrong. I get mine at Publix, and at the time of writing this post, their site is under construction. So I don’t know which other retailers carry their brand. Also, some search results indicated that they do use GMO corn in their products, so if that’s an issue for you, then that just means more chips for me. Serve with La Mexicana salsa available in some grocers’ refrigerated produce section (I also get the salsa from Publix. #Florida).
4. Amy’s gluten-free products: Amy’s is a natural foods company that has produced excellent frozen, canned, and pre-packaged items for years, and includes a large selection of gluten-free options. Please note, gluten-free items may come from a factory that is not dedicated gluten-free, meaning some gluten particles may end up in their gluten-free products. The FDA allows up to 20ppm of gluten in products for gluten-free labeling. Always read labels carefully before purchase and look for the “may contain traces of wheat” warning. They claim to be constantly improving their production processes to further eliminate risk of contamination, but flour particles can hang in the air for up to 24 hours after use. Personally, I still risk it, and I love their gluten-free Macaroni & Cheese, Black Bean and Tofu Enchiladas, and Cheddar Burritos. I accidentally grabbed the gluten-free, dairy-free mac & cheese one time, though, and it was the worst thing I’ve probably ever tasted. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, don’t eat Amy’s fake cheese sauce, it’s just an oily disgusting mess. Selection of gluten-free Amy’s products can vary from store to store, but I’ve found them at Publix, Nutrition S’Mart, and Target. As far as I know, Walmart doesn’t carry Amy’s, so no mac & cheese at 3am if you get a craving. Actually, I haven’t seen any gluten-free options in the frozen section of Walmart, which is disappointing, because there’s a lot of times I don’t feel like cooking or just don’t have time to prepare a hot meal.
5. All But Gluten bread: I haven’t tried any of their other products yet, but so far this is the best store-bought gluten-free bread I’ve had. It isn’t frozen, and it’s actually fairly soft compared to Udi’s and Rudi’s. It still falls apart pretty easily if you use any kind of wet condiments on it (my salmon salad sandwich didn’t hold up too well), but it isn’t totally cardboard-like, either. It’s still small and pricey compared to regular bread, but to be able to enjoy grilled cheese again is absolute bliss. I’ve seen it at Publix in the bakery area on a free-standing display, but their website offers a store locator to find your local retailer.
Phew, that’s a lot of words. If you stuck with me until the end on this one, then I really have to thank you for your dedication as a reader. You’re the reason why even when life is hectic, I still try to post something here.
So that’s what’s been going on with me lately, and updates will be more frequent once the lab re-opens and I can do some work there again. I hope you enjoy the gluten-free options I mentioned in today’s post, and please leave your thoughts in a comment below, or get in touch with me directly by filling out the form on the contact page.
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