Back to School Tradition – Now Gluten Free

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Nana

It started more than 20 years ago when my daughters Kristina and Danyell were both experiencing their first day of school, 2nd grade and Kindergarten respectively. I was most certainly in the group of mothers who, while very proud, got all mushy when letting go of my child’s hand and seeing them walk into that new context of independence without me. Now they would both be gone all day! Needing a distraction, I decided to bake a batch of our favorite cookies. We call them “monster cookies” for two reasons, first because of the large assortment of goodies that go in the mix, and second because I make them for my little monsters. That day I made another reason to… [read more]

Chipotle: Food & Service with a Gluten Free Smile

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Nana

If you are gluten Intolerant, going to a restaurant can be an incredibly stressful experience. I remember one of the first times we went out to eat after I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. It was a family event in another town and I was already very self-conscience and didn’t want to be the center of attention. When I told the server I was gluten intolerant and asked if they could accommodate me, she made it clear to everyone at the table that people like me are simply too much of a problem to serve. I was mortified. If you have ever experienced an unexpected harsh rejection then you understand the feeling that was welling up in my stomach at… [read more]

Making New Friends: Amy Begley

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Nana

If I had to reduce the things that are most important to me down to a single word it would be “relationships.” If I trace back to the motivation for just about everything I do, it always has to do with some aspect of a relationship that I have with someone. People interest me, intrigue me, and give me purpose. Sometimes we have the good fortune to meet an individual who just radiates a great vibe. They exude such an air of quality that you can simply tell right away that they are the real deal. These people live lives of significance. You can feel it in their handshake. You can sense it in their smile as they make solid… [read more]

Nana Has Lunch with Tula

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Nana

I really enjoy variety and trying out new and different locations to eat is always fun. The big challenge for me has been finding places that are safe for someone with celiac disease to eat without being contaminated. This past week I had a wonderful experience at Tula Gluten Free Baking Company in North Portland. I had a delicious lunch with my husband and my new friend Amy. As we Wandered in the side entrance, the hypnotic aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies drew me directly to the counter where the words “Oh please kind sir, may I have a cookie?” had to have been written all over my face. At that point of maximum vulnerability they could have… [read more]