A Little Gluten Free Treat

I could not have been more excited to find out that Hawkin's Cheezies are gluten-free. Every once in a while I want a salty snack, and I'm not an overly big potato chip eater. I've loved Cheezies since I was a kid; the orange glow on your hands after you eat them is a snack much-enjoyed.

They're made with real cheese, not some cheap garbage flavouring. Of course, this means they're high in fat, but a little Cheezie treat now and then won't kill anyone. If you've never tried these little gems out, grab a bag and munch away. They're to die for.

The Great Debate

Finding a name for a new puppy can be such an overwhelming task. I'm sure there are some who just quickly choose a short name and are happy with it. Since I don't have kids, naming a dog is like naming a kid. I want it to be just right.

We are expecting our puppy to arrive on May 19th. We chose a special dog, a silver labrador. She's just like a normal labrador, just silver in colour. I don't believe the notion that she's "rare" as some breeders like to claim, but I still see her as unique, and that's why I wanted her. And, of course, she needs a unique name.

I chose the smallest of the females out of a litter of nine. I see her as a feminine creature, and thus wanted a very feminine name. Something soft, classic, possibly vintage. I pored over hundreds of names, sketching a list of the ones I thought might be appropriate. Velvet, Grace, Scarlet.

Velvet and Scarlet would be too hard to say repeatedly during training. Grace was at the top of my list for a long time, but as my husband pointed out, it seems a bit biblical. Back to the drawing board.

I'm Norwegian. I explored Scandinavian names, only to find the majority of them are complex (and the non-complex ones just boring), and not feminine enough for my tastes. I posted a photo on Facebook and asked my friends/family to help me out. I received many great suggestions this way: Luna, Ella, Chassy, Olive, and Grace came up again.

In the end, I decided our deep beliefs in nature and the cycle of life were important enough to carry on through the name of what might be our only child. I began looking through online lists of Native American names, and scribbled names feverishly as they appeared in front of me. I loved so many of them. These names were so unique, and were in touch with what we feel about our planet earth.

I chose a name that, upon deeper research, doesn't actually mean what the name lists claim it does. However, I feel strongly enough about the name and how it feels that I will use it nonetheless. It is said to mean "power of the moon," which isn't true, but I will take it.

Her name is Miakoda's Grace (A.K.A. Mia), and she will be in my loving arms one month from today.

Finding Gluten Free Bread

It took me a long time to find a gluten-free bread that didn't completely make me gag. Finding out in my 30s that I have Celiac Disease has made it harder to find replacement foods; I'm just so used to the taste and texture of wheat-based baked goods.

I've tried over a dozen kinds of breads, and thanks to my sister, I found Glutino. I've tried their Premium Corn and Premium Fibre, and it's safe to say they taste the most like normal wheat bread (the Premium Fibre is by far the best one.) The texture is still more dense than wheat bread, but it's nowhere near a door stop like some of the brands on the market today. :)

Make sure you don't over toast it though - it can become very hard. Just lightly brown it, and it's perfect! I haven't tried it as plain untoasted bread though. Try it and leave a comment!

Unfortunately, Glutino's website isn't all that informative, but it does give a basic list of where to buy their breads. I found mine in the frozen aisles of Safeway, where they have most of Glutino's breads, bagels and english muffins. They even have pizza crusts. General gluten-free stores should also have this brand, but call ahead before you make any long treks - it's hit and miss.

Try their crackers, too. Very flavourful!

Day One

Interestingly enough, it is Friday. Upon glancing out my office window, I see the glorious day awaiting my enjoyment. Alas, I am inside, wrapping up some projects. Coincidentally, I decided today was the day I'd start a personal blog.

Growing up, I was one of those girls that kept a diary. I would scribble giggles and tears onto crumpled pages of an overused leather-bound book, and looking back I realize just how therapeutic it has been. Over the past several years (maybe ten) I have kept a very sporadic journal, only making posts when something really needs to be spilled from my mind. It's not enough anymore...

I used to be a writer. I still want to be a writer. I plan to write a book, but a journal is a good start. So here I am, world.