I know, mine isn’t nearly as pretty as the original, but I still love it!

I’m a contributor at the new website The Balanced Platter and talking about menu planning this month. Hop on over and checkout that post, and leave your own menu ideas! Links are welcome!

I’ve also got a post on Go Dairy Free on a similar topic, but covering a different perspective. It’s my Six Simple Steps to Dairy-Free (or anything “free” for that matter!).

Welcome to Home for the Holidays

Welcome to Home for the Holidays … Gluten-Free Style, hosted by Shirley at gfe—gluten free easily!

Please join me, Shirley, and 23 other gluten-free bloggers as we make  the recipes that mean both home and holidays to us. You know the ones—one smell or one bite and you’re enveloped in warmth, love, and holiday wonder. Sometimes they’re recipes that have been passed down by generations and now you have succeeded in making a gluten-free version.  Others might be new, naturally gluten-free favorites. But all are ones  that we enjoy sharing with family and friends.

I’ll be sharing my recipe with you on December 18th!

A Ton of Giveaways—including a VitaMix Blender!

In addition to the recipes that say Home for the Holidays, we’ll also be hosting giveaways of the resources you value the most … cookbooks, resource books, apps, and much more.

This event will take place from Monday, November 28 through Friday, December 23. The daily giveaways will be announced each day and there will be a quick turnaround on entering so please follow along closely.

Each entry on all the individual blogs will be eligible for the final prizes. Enter each daily giveaway once and you’ll have 26 entries for the final prizes!

The third prize is a Caveman Cookies giveaway package (an $89 value)!

The second prize is a shopping spree from Free From Gluten (a $150 value)!

And the grand prize is a top-of-the-line Vita-Mix professional blender 5200 Super Healthy Lifestyle package and a free copy of the super cool e-book Eat Fresh and Detox your Life (a $560 value)!

The Lineup for Home for the Holidays…Gluten-Free Style:

Monday, 11/28–Your host, Shirley Braden | gfe–gluten free easily

Tuesday, 11/29–Diane Eblin | The WHOLE Gang

Wednesday, 11/30–Heidi Kelly | Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom

Thursday, 12/1–Ali Segersten | The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

Friday, 12/2–Sunny Busby | And Love it, Too!

Saturday, 12/3–Stacy Toth | Paleo Parents

Sunday, 12/4–Maggie Savage | She Let Them Eat Cake

Monday, 12/5–Melissa McLean Jory | Gluten Free For Good

Tuesday, 12/6–Kim Maes | Cook IT Allergy Free

Wednesday, 12/7–Alexa Croft | Lexie’s Kitchen

Thursday, 12/8–Brittany Angell | Real Sustenance

Friday, 12/9–Elana Amsterdam | Elana’s Pantry

Saturday, 12/10–Kelly Brozyna | The Spunky Coconut

Sunday, 12/11–Ricki Heller | Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Monday, 12/12–Iris Higgins | The Daily Dietribe

Tuesday, 12/13–Stephanie Fourie | Gluten Free by Nature

Wednesday, 12/14–Jules Shepard | Jules Speaks Gluten Free

Thursday, 12/15–Silvana Nardone | Silvana’s Kitchen

Friday, 12/16–Heather | Gluten-Free Cat

Saturday, 12/17–Carol Kicinski | Simply…Gluten Free

Sunday, 12/18–Alisa Fleming | Alisa Cooks

Monday, 12/19–Linda Etherton | The Gluten-Free Homemaker

Tuesday, 12/20–Gigi Stewart | Gluten Free Gigi

Wednesday, 12/21–Zoe | Z’s Cup of Tea

Thursday, 12/22–Lillian Medville | Lillian’s Test Kitchen

Friday, 12/23— Wrapping it up with Shirley Braden | gfe—gluten free easily

What this is all leading up to is My Guest Post on Run to the Finish! Check it out and you will see the strategy I incorporated a couple of months ago to make a lifestyle change. And yes, it is working! I’m just not very good at documenting recipes from meals … so my blog will probably still look like a cookie and snack fest!

Gluten-Free Allergen-Free Expo (Chicago, IL)  – This event was incredible from a social perspective. The amazing AndreAnna of Life as a Plate “was my bitch” (her words, not mine!) for the event, which made it that much more fun. We cruised the expo on Friday, sampling everything that was dairy-free (for me) and pretty much everything for her since the entire expo was gluten-free. My stomach was hating me after that, but getting a taste of the various foods was pretty cool. It was a nice-sized expo, the food served for lunch was actually pretty darn good, and the dessert and drinks party for those of us who were presenting was fabulous. Talk about an amazing line-up of ladies – dozens of bloggers who I am friends with and admire (you all know who you are!). Oh yeah, and the desserts were pretty awesome too. I couldn’t get enough of the frosting on the cupcakes – seriously, dairy-free frosting people … like I’m going to hold back. Throughout the three-day event, AndreAnna and I worked together at the book table where I was honored to have several of my mentors signing books right next to me, and we had a fabulous time talking to the many conference attendees.

Celiac Disease Foundation Conference (LA, CA) – No, I don’t have Celiac and I’m not gluten-free, but lately, I’m beginning to think I’m an honorary member of the gluten-free community. I attended this event as an Attune Ambassador and really had fun handing out organic cereal and probiotic chocolate bar samples (yeah, handing out chocolate samples is REALLY difficult (insert sarcastic tone here)). It was great to talk shop with the varied group of expo attendees, and a few even bought my non-gluten-free book! They had what looked like some incredible speakers at the event, and the expo was very similar in style and size to the Gluten-Free Allergen-Free Expo. I only wish the trip hadn’t been such a whirlwind. I flew in the night before, worked the conference from 8am to 4pm, and flew out at 6pm. Next year I’ll make sure to book some extra time to hang out at Universal Studios.

BlogHer Food (Atlanta, GA) – I really enjoyed being on a panel (that’s me chattering away) at this event, seeing a few great blog friends, and meeting some new faces. I found some of the controversial posts on BlogHer Food fascinating. I definitely didn’t think this event seemed “high school” as several reported. Conferences do involve quick meetings and mingling, which can easily make it seem surface-y (particularly when there are groups of people who already know each other), but you have to take from the time what you can. I met some very wonderful people there, and never felt like anyone was rude. Just a lot of different personalities as one might expect. I did wish that the food during the event and the venue location had been better (Sarena of The Non-Dairy Queen (co-panelist and good friend!) informed me that there are some happening foodie spots like Midtown in Atlanta, but the event was hardcore downtown with virtually no activities, restaurants, or even people and it was the weekend!). However, I thought the after-party on the last day was pretty great, with much better food and a very lively atmosphere. Because the food and venue were so much better at the BlogHer Food in San Francisco, I have to give last year my top vote – but other than that, they were very similar. Overall, the BlogHer Food team is awesome, and I’m looking forward to seeing where they go next (Pick  Seattle! Pick Seattle!).

Straight-up, I won’t be doing three conferences (across the country no less!) in one month again if I can help it. By the third one, I was worn out, pretty impatient, and not able to mingle and enjoy the people as much as I would have liked to. I just wanted to be cuddled up at home in the northwest with my cat and husband. But, now that my exhaustion has worn off, I realize that I don’t want to write off these events forever. I just need to manage the time a little better.

Oh yes, and I’m not done yet! I will be speaking at the Fitness & Health Bloggers Conference in three weeks. I think I will be fully recharged for that one though.
After this month … I’m bound and determined to make it to Expo West in Anaheim next year, I’ve missed it Every. Single. Year. But from there, I’m keeping an open mind, and would love to hear your own thoughts on all of these events that seem to be popping up …

How do you feel about attending blogging and food events / conferences?
Are you attending any in the near or not so near future?
Any that you recommend? Or not?

Shirley, Heidi, Alexa, and Me resting and noshing on healthy snacks at the Gluten-Free Allergen-Free Expo between events.

Thanks to both, as I love these products! The Hip to Bamboo yoga wear (which I actually got in the opposite colors of those above, the top in blue and the bottoms in brown) runs a little large, but works great for light yoga for me, and is insanely soft, lightweight, and comfortable. The earrings have some real presence in size, but are incredibly lightweight. My wimpy earlobes are appreciative for the low impact decor.

This week, I have a giveaway going on Facebook for a very cool Eco-Bowl plus Goodies to fill it …

And Kim is giving away two copies of Simply … Gluten Free Desserts, written by the very awesome Carol Kicinski

Any more giveaways to share? I love blog giveaways, as the odds of winning are pretty high … barring those on the Pioneer Woman of course … that woman has more followers than Oprah! Okay, it’s close anyway.

Healthy? Not so much. But seriously, bakery-made brownies that I could eat … with frosting! How could you expect me to resist this frosting …

I think I just injected like 100 grams of pure sugar into my veins and it was so frickin’ good.

• Dozens of New Dairy-Free Products Announced at Expo West (Part 1)
• Dozens of New Dairy-Free Products Announced at Expo West (Part 2)
• Dozens of New Dairy-Free Products Announced at Expo West (Part 3)
• Dozens of New Dairy-Free Products Announced at Expo West (Part 4)
• Dozens of New Dairy-Free Products Announced at Expo West (Part 5)

Truthfully, I probably won’t try too many of these products myself, but there are definitely a few that I’ve already tried and some that I am super-excited about:

• I tried the new Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - Oh. My. Amazing.
• I’m definitely going to have to sample the Silk PureCoconut to see how it matches up to the So Delicious Coconut Beverage, which I like.
• My interest is peaked by the Earth Balance Coconut Spread. I haven’t seen the ingredients yet, and am curious if it is more “pure” than their other margarines. Confession: I love the taste of margarine and am thankful there are more virtuous brands like this one.
• Yep, we like vegan mayo too (we’re weird), and I’m looking forward to spotting the new soy-free Vegenaise in stores to give it a whirl.
• Larabar has added Blueberry Muffin to their flavor list, and I’m sure I will buy it if I see it on sale.
• I did try the Chocolate Dipped Coconut LunaBar and wow, sweet! Much more like a candy bar than what I think of as a snack bar.
• Coconut Bliss is a bit out of my ice cream budget, but I might break down if I see some of those awesome new flavors in store.

But there are so many more new products to choose from (non-dairy Greek-style yogurt, new vegan pizzas, even dairy-free mozzarella sticks!), see those links above on Go Dairy Free and enjoy!

What new products have you tried and liked lately? What new products are you excited to try? Did any in the articles above catch you eye?

But first, I want to share my schedule with all of you, and find out who will be at these great events …

Gluten & Allergen-Free Expo in Chicago (April 29 – May 1, 2011) – This will be a very fun event and it is open to the public! There will be a vendor fair with exhibits and goodies to sample … and a stage where several of us will be doing presentations! I’ve been asked to speak on dairy-free living and do a couple of recipe demonstrations. You will have to show up to see what I’ve got cooking. My presentation will be from 12:45 to 1:45 on Sunday May 1, but plan to be there the whole day on Sunday, as my friends Kelly Brozyna (The Spunky Coconut) and Carol Kicinski (Simply Gluten Free) will take the stage after and before me (respectively). We will each be on hand throughout the vendor fair to chat too. Just look for us in the “book” section. To get tickets to the fair (just $10 online) and find out more info, visit www.gfafexpo.com.

Now, for those of you who want the whole shabang, there will be cooking classes at the Expo too. These cost a bit more to attend, but will include superstars like Stephanie O’Dea (Make it Fast, Cook it Slow), Cybele Pascal (Allergen-Free Cuisine), Shirley Braden (Gluten Free Easily), and Amy Green (Simply Sugar & Gluten Free). Check out the full schedule of classes here.

CDF Conference in Los Angeles (May 14, 2011) - This is the Celiac Disease Foundation Annual Education Conference & Food Faire. No, I don’t have Celiac Disease (that I know of), but I’m pretty down with the gluten-free community, and have been asked by Attune Foods to help them out at the food faire. I won’t be speaking at this one, but I will be hanging out noshing and available for book signing. This is my “mellow” conference, but I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and picking up some knowledge from the various speakers they have scheduled. If you are in the L.A. area and have interest in Celiac disease, this is the premier conference.

BlogHer Food in Atlanta (May 20 – 21, 2011) – So it seems I just couldn’t get enough of BlogHer Food in October. Just 7 months later, I’m heading back. This time it will be a wee bit different, but more on that later. For now, if you are going to BlogHer Food, drop a comment, it would be great to meet some of you in person!

Fitness Blogger’s Conference in Boulder (June 24-26, 2011) – This is a brand new conference, and I’m pretty excited about it. It is three full days and did I mention it is in Boulder? Seriously cool little city. Anywho, the conference covers a range of topics and offers some good physical activity too. Interestingly enough, I won’t be speaking on food or fitness at this one, but will be speaking on publishing and self-publishing along with my good friend Elana of Elana’s Pantry. I’m guessing many of you haven’t heard about this event since it is the first year, but check out the agenda on their website – you may not be able to resist attending!

Sleeping, Swimming, and Sunning Summit in B.C. (July 1 – ???) – Where I’ll be sans electricity. Sorry, this event is not open to the public. I love you all, but sometimes a girl has got to disconnect, and I think I will need a little R&R by then.

So what about you? Will you be at any of these events? What other awesome events are there this year? Do tell!

But, this is the first time I have every unknowingly been quoted, and alongside quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein, and Rita Rudner. Yeah, we famous folk are an eclectic group. And we seem to have a great sense of humor …

Sorry, I couldn’t fit the full-sized version on my computer; I know it is hard to read. The original is here on Lola Lollipop, and much easier to read. Isn’t her stuff too cute! I think this is a fun medium for sending your message. All Lola Lollipop cartoons have a vegan / vegetarian slant, just so you know. But even if you aren’t vegan, I thought they were quite fun, and wanted to share.