Top 10 Gluten-Free Favorites

1. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta
2. Annie's Mac & Cheese
3. Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking Mixes
4. Bob's Red Mill Pizza Crust
5. Crunchmaster Multigrain Crackers
6. EnviroKidz Crispy Bars
7. GF Pantry Sandwich Bread
8. Glutino Pretzel Twists
9. KinniKritters Animal Cookies
10.Van's Frozen Waffles

We Add Up

WE ADD UP is a global campaign using organic cotton t-shirts that literally “counts you in” to help solve the climate crisis. Every shirt is printed by hand with a unique number. YOUR number is your position in the global count of people who are taking steps to do their part. On the back of each shirt is a word or phrase that describes an action almost anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint - the contribution their lifestyle makes to greenhouse gases - such as, Unplug, Lights Off, Carpool, Hybrid, Bike, Buy Local, and 27 others. You choose which action you are committed to doing and get counted in. Three dollars from the sale of each tee will be donated to a non-profit organization working to implement the solution the shirt promotes.


WE ADD UP is offering free shipping when you buy 2 or more shirts. To check out the website click the link at the top of this blog.

Spread Some Love on Valentines Day

If you are looking for last minute crafts, recipes, printables or party ideas for your kids Family Fun is a great resource. Check out the website at:

http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/

Multigrain Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Leeks

I have made this one a number of times and it tastes so good!









Serves 4

12 ounces multigrain penne pasta
2 tsp. olive oil
3 leeks, sliced and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 c. fresh sage, chopped
2 small sweet potatoes, or butternut squash (1 lb)peeled and cut in 1/2 inch pieces.
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds (optional)

Cook the pasta according to the directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring until softened for about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sage and cook 2 more minutes. Add the sweet potato, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper and cook, covered, stirring twice until just tender for about 6-8 minutes. Stir in reserved cooking water and simmer, stirring until potatoes are fully tender, about 2-4 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and nutmeg and toss. Divide among individual bowls and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

from REAL SIMPLE Magazine

Reflexology

Have you ever been to a reflexologist? I have! Reflexology is a form of massage therapy based on Western anatomical principles. Therapy involves manual pressure to specific areas of the hands, feet and ears called "reflex points” that are believed to correspond to other parts of the body. Therapists believe the foot is "mapped" into 10 different zones that are connected to specific areas of the body which is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Reflexology charts consist of pictures of the soles of the feet with diagrams of corresponding internal organs or parts of the body are drawn. Techniques can be learned and self-administered. Today, reflexology is used to treat a variety of health conditions in the U.S.

Curious? I encourage you to check it out. What an amazing experience.

Earn "Stuff We All Get" at Swagbucks

My bargain-hunting friend Luanne told me about this really great website that actually pays you in gift cards to use their search engine. Swagbucks is an online portal dedicated to digital dollars called "Swag Bucks", which can be redeemed for gift cards and exclusive swagbucks.com merchandise.

Here is how it works:

1. SEARCH
Search the web using Swagbucks and receive results from Google & Ask.com.

2. EARN
Swag Bucks are periodically awarded as you search the web.

3. REDEEM
Redeem your Swag Bucks for exclusive swagbucks.com products and more in the Swag Store.

Other Ways to Earn Swag Bucks
Trading In Cell Phones And Video Games Inviting your friends to join Shopping in our Shop & Earn Mall Sending In Prize Photos and Videos Finding Swag Codes Submitting a Poll idea

Also, when you invite your friends and they earn Swagbucks, so do you. Luanne has been at this for a while now and has already redeemed a few gift cards. I am going to give it a try too. To find out more click on the link to Swagbucks.com under "Really Good Bargains" to join.

Simple Sewing Projects for Baby

My newest sewing book is called Simple Sewing Projects for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter. This is a great book for a number of reasons... First, there are free patterns tucked inside an envelope in the cover. Second, There are pictures and illustrations for us "visual learners" exactly what your project is supposed to look like. Lastly, the projects are fairly simple so a budding seamstress like myself can even handle them. So far I made the Play Quilt with Pocket (p. 97), and the Tag Blankie (p. 80). As you can see from my pictures above, they turned out very nicely! Upcoming projects include the Simple Dress and Bloomers. I'm hoping they turn out just as nice!

I bought my copy (used of course!)from Amazon.com for just a couple of bucks. If you are interested in sewing I highly recommend this book!