Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Etsy Shop of the Week: Annali's Jewelry



Recently, I was on the hunt for a birthday gift for a good friend. I decided to peruse Etsy for a cute piece of jewelry, and came across Annali's Jewelry. 



Her shop is the perfect blend of being able to find quality jewelry, without breaking the bank. Below were some of my favorite's




I chose this! 






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Monday, September 16, 2013

Life Proof Case

I don't know about you, but I drop my phone at least 5 times a day. At least. I also use my phone when I go riding and stick it either in the strap of my sports bra or in the waistband of my pants. Both places get pretty sweaty. Oh, and when I go running, I tend to spill my water on my phone while changing songs or just simply taking a drink.


Lets be honest, the iPhone in a bowl of rice doesn't make your phone like brand new.
Aaron got me a Lifeproof case  when I had my old iPhone because I smashed it, twice, within about 2 weeks.  After I got the case I could drop it whenever I wanted! I even took it swimming in Hawaii, in the bathtub for doggie baths and it fell out of my pocket while riding more times then I can remember. Every time people are like, "Oh No! Your phone."  I get to be like, "It's cool, don't worry!"


When I finally upgraded and got the iPhone5, I knew I needed another LifeProof case I wouldn't leave the Verizon store until it was safe inside. I'm pretty sure something would have happened and those darn iPhones aren't cheap.  



Not only is this case my new best friend, but it is super cute and comes is lots of colors. People always ask about it and think it is a different phone. Then they are shocked to find out it is waterproof. I like to brag about it, "my case is totally better than your case."



It is thin, light, dirt and dust proof, spill proof, splash proof, water proof, and drop proof! All the things I need to proof, all while the screen and camera are perfectly functional! (oh and the phone part, that works too)

I'm obsessed with it, because I have not had to pay to fix my phone since I have had it! I also love it because the company is amazing! My first case for the iPhone4 got a crack in the little door that opens to charge the phone. I just emailed them and they immediately sent me a new one and had me send the old one back in a pre-paid package. So easy! I was all ready to put up a fight about it and had a whole speech and everything!


Also, if you do get one of these, a really important part of this case working is having it on. I took it off the other day to try on this cool new camera lens, and dropped it. My heart stopped! I feel like I can never take it off again. I'm not a naturally super clumsy person, so I think iPhones are suicidal.


Do you drop your phone a lot too? Have you had to attempt the rice trick after dropping your phone in the toilet, pool or a puddle? Or maybe you are one of those people with a completely shattered screen that has to put scotch tape over it so you don't get glass in your finger every time you use your phone. Yeah, we have all been there!

Share your phone horror stories with us! Misery loves company after all!


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Friday, September 13, 2013

Some Blog News...





Since the blog has started, we have focused on food, shopping, travel, and fitness - all things that girls love. After much thought, we have decided to take things in a little bit of a different direction, which is to focus on all things food and health. We have such a passion for new foods and recipes, that we really want to dedicate our time to that. 

So, from now on, you can expect more recipes and cooking adventures from us during the week, as well as our food and restaurant finds. We are both gluten intolerant, so all posts will be gluten intolerant/celiac friendly, and we will be opening up about our struggles with health and food related issues. 

Please feel free to comment and let us know what you would like to see more of!

Thank you so much for the continued support, and we hope to get you inspired about the food you eat.


A Girl's Best Friend



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Today on Gluten Free Best Friend we are making Sweet Potato Quesadillas! We found this recipe on the Happy Hemp website.


Happy Hemp is our favorite hemp seed! The raw seeds are great mixed in with just about anything and the toasted hemp seeds are a great snack to much on between meals.

We were introduced to Happy Hemp when we found it a few times inside our Healthy Surprise boxes. After checking out their website we realized they had a lot of really great recipes.

We could their recipe for Happy Sweet Potato Quesadillas and were dying to try it.

Well, we made a few small changes an decided to get crazy and make our own tortillas!

Check out our video!



Ingredients


To make the tortillas we used...
1 1/2 cups corn meal
11/2 cups GF all purpose flour
3 tsp xanthan gum 
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup warm water


For the filling we used... 
2 sweet potatoes
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
2 tbs olive oil
1tsp cumin
1/4 cup raw happy hemp seeds



These turned our really great! We were shocked at how easy it was to make the tortillas too! Give it a try! They are much better than what you can buy in a store. 

The filling is so delicious that you will love it on any tortilla or even just with a spoon!
We hope you give this one a try, enjoy!





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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

BabyCakes





If we told you that you could have a gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, vegan, refined sugar free, and kosher dessert, that was guaranteed to be one of the best desserts you have ever had, would you believe us?

Probably not. And you would be wrong. 

Meet BabyCakes. 


BabyCakes is where the health conscious and food sensitive can indulge themselves. With a menu that includes cookies, muffins, donuts, cupcakes, cakes, loaves, and brownies (just to name a few), in just about every flavor you could ever want, there is something for everyone. 

(One of my favorite's is the blueberry donut)

Fortunately for those of you in Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando, you can peruse their sweet treats in person. 




For those of you in other areas, BabyCakes has two in-depth cookbooks on the shelves, and several products you can purchase in their online store (I've made the chocolate chip cookies, and they are delicious). 


I am currently in the process of ordering the vanilla cake mix. Don't judge me.  


You will most likely not understand the greatness that is BabyCakes until you try it for yourself. 




 So get to work! 






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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Alex and Ani

I was recently introduced to Alex and Ani when I received an adorable charm bracelet as a gift.




Not only was the bracelet super cute, but I was told it was an eco-friendly positive energy bracelet. That was it, I needed to find out more! 

So, thanks to modern technology and google, it didn't take long for me to have all the info I needed on Alex and Ani. I also had about 10 things in my shopping cart while looking though their site!

Before I show you all the goodies I want to buy, I must share their fabulous Mission Statement.

"Alex and Ani, LLC offers eco-friendly, positive energy products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind and empower the spirit, designed by Carolyn Rafaelian and made in America. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world and by incorporating powerful symbolism and designs into each (+) Energy piece, Alex and Ani provides a vehicle for the wearer to express their individuality in an organic, spiritual way. She believes it is her life's work to support communities and organizations while inspiring her customers to relish what is unique and authentic about themselves, revealing the beauty within."

I just love it, a great positive message, how can you not want to support a company like that!


Well, just in case you are not yet sold, they also have a fabulous program called Charity By Design.
Alex and Ani work with organizations to create charms to help support non-profit groups share their message as well as get a portion of the proceeds! 

OK, now that I have told you all about this great company, its time to show you my wish list!

I already have the OM bracelet but I think I need more!


"Om is an intonation, a sound resonating throughout the body into the soul. It signifies God, higher power, and the oneness of all beings in life's cycle. The past, the present and the future are all represented in this one sound. Adorn yourself with the Om to connect with your inner spirit, accept serenity, and embrace your faith."


Endless Knott

"Representing the interweaving and ever-changing spiritual path, the endless knot expresses boundless wisdom and compassion. It illustrates an eternal pattern in its design, connecting one's destiny bound by time and change. Wear the Endless Knot Charm to remind you of life's journey and the entanglements of faith."

Tree of Life
"The Tree of Life represents strong roots, consistent growth, and fruition. An acknowledgment of our commitment to nurture, love, and preserve the beauty of nature, wearing this charm evokes the eternal connection between mankind and Mother Earth."

Path of Life

"Emblematic of life's zenith and nadir moments, the Path of Life is representative of an infinite number of possibilities and expressions of love. Illustrating life's twists, turns, and unexpected winds, wear the Path of Life Charm to proudly celebrate your own willingness to travel towards life's fruitful moments."

Star of Venus
"Venus, the jewel of the sky, was once known as the morning and evening star because it shined the brightest. Associated also with the goddess of love, the Star of Venus Charm is a reminder to uncover your soul's beauty by allowing it to evolve and illuminate."


I also love the rings. I can't decide which one I want! 

Empress of Earth
A woman of influence and authority, the empress, leads her community with strong abilities and passionate actions. Symbolizing our connection to nature, wear the Empress of Earth Ring to remain thoughtful, reliable, and patient in all environments.

Empress of Fire
"A woman of influence and authority, the empress, leads her community with strong abilities and passionate actions. Symbolizing fiery empowerment, wear the Empress of Fire Ring for the energy to ignite a powerfully heartfelt difference."

Empress of Water

A woman of influence and authority, the empress, leads her community with strong abilities and passionate actions. Symbolizing the purity of individual expression, wear the Empress of Water Ring to keep a serene nature and to openly share your point of view.


Do you have any of Alex and Ani's jewelry? What should I order? 



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Etsy Shop of the Week: Milloo


If you've been wanting to vamp up your bag collection, but not break the bank, Milloo is the place for you.


Milloo, out of Athens, Greece, sells all types of bags, not just handbags, and I especially love their cosmetic bags. They are made with quality leather, and have great color and style options. 


Oversized leather clutch in grey 


Leather makeup/cosmetic bag 

Partial leather makeup/cosmetic bag 

Blue leather wallet 

Floral makeup/cosmetic bag 

And now for the splurge...a beautiful leather messenger bag!  



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