Yeast Free Bread – Version #3

I have posted about the yeast-free bread recipe that I have used along with my first variation.  Today I decided to try another version (version #3).  Here is how I changed the recipe (followed by my thoughts):

YEAST-FREE BREAD (Version #3)

1 1/4 Cup Almond Flour (changed this from 1 1/2 cups)

3/4 Cup Coconut Flour (changed this from 1/2 cup)

2 tsp. Guar Gum (or Xanthum Gum if you don’t have a corn allergy)

2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Gelatin (or agar-agar)

1 tsp. Salt

Added 1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

3 tbs. Sugar or Honey (used raw coconut nectar)

2 Eggs

1 Cup Milk (any kind) (I used coconut milk)

1/4 Cup Melted Butter or Oil (I used the Butter)

Mix all ingredients and place in greased loaf pan at 375 degrees for about 35-45 minutes.  Cool, remove from pan and slice.  Best when toasted.

(My thoughts:  The bread tasted fine, it was a little doughy in the center which might still be okay when toasted, and didn’t rise much.  I am going to do some research in working with almond flour which is more dense.  I may need to add more baking powder.  Also, I am still searching for smaller loaf pans.  The ones I have are 6 x 9 which makes a very shallow size loaf.  To remedy this, I may need to just double the recipe to fill the loaf pan better.)  If any one finds small loaf pans out of either glass, stainless or ceramic, please share the information with me.

Follow me on Facebook

I have been talking about my book cover and the upcoming webpage.  Along the way I had started an author Facebook page but never made it public.  In order for my webpage to have a working link to Facebook, it had to be a published page.

Long story, short, I have worked on it and it went live last night.  I am sure there will need to be some tweaks before it is the way I want it.  Please stop by and “like” my page.

WE ARE FAMILY

I have mentioned so many times about my isolation. I have also mentioned that I have become strong enough that I can make a 20 minute journey (only with my mask on) into Target to grab an item or two as long as I don’t make a habit of it. Usually I don’t go by myself unless it is very early in the morning and the store is pretty much deserted. Recently I needed two graduation cards and my Seventh Generation Laundry Soap. I got up early and headed for the store. I managed to get the cards without a problem. Then I needed to get my laundry soap. The problem is that all laundry soaps are in the same area (including my Seventh Generation) along with all other fragranced household products.

As I made my way towards that section of the store, I worried about a reaction that might render me brainless and coughing and gagging. When my daughter or husband is with me I just stay a few aisles back and let them fetch my soap. Hmmm. Suddenly I saw a Target employee. I said, “Excuse me. I need some help.” He asked what I needed and I pointed to my mask and said that I have a very hard time with chemicals and could not go to the cleaning section to get my soap. Without any hesitation he asked what I needed and went off in search of my soap. A few minutes later he returned with my exact brand and size. He told me not to hesitate to ask for assistance any time I needed help.

Fast forward and I have made a quick trip with my daughter to pick out some party supplies and leave. Suddenly I hear someone ask if I need help getting anything. I turn around and see the gentleman that helped me weeks before. I said I was fine and he again reminded me that any time I needed assistance to feel free to ask for it. This made my day.

As we celebrate National MCS Awareness Month, I found it encouraging that not only did the gentleman help me but that weeks later he recognized me (Okay how could he miss me with my white charcoal mask with strings hanging down on the sides?), offered to help and once more reminded me that I should never hesitate to ask for help. While it is difficult to get out and do these short trips, I believe I am bringing some awareness to the plight of those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity and environmental illness. I also I believe that I am showing my strength by venturing out in public with this mask covering my face, walking tall, and not allowing the mask and the looks on the faces of others to make me feel less than I am.

We who suffer with MCS and other environmental or “invisible” illnesses are much stronger than we realize. This is evidenced by the stance we take and the growing number of blogs and articles being written to raise awareness. We are STRONG and we will continue to raise awareness one blog or one article at a time. As I type this post, I am reminded of a song by Sister Sledge.

YES, WE ARE FAMILY!

MCS Awareness Month / Fragrance Sensitivity

Reblogged from Ichigo Ichie:

May is national MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) month.  Briefly, MCS is defined as suffering “multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances.”

According to MCS-America, MCS affects over 48 million men, women and children of all races.  There are many substances that affect those with MCS, some of which include fragrances, cleaning products, laundry products, air fresheners and scented candles, secondhand smoke, pesticides, paints, solvents, certain foods, preservatives, beauty and personal care products, etc, etc. 

Read more… 946 more words

Another great blog about Chemical Sensitivity. There is a lot of information in her links. Since this is MCS Awareness Month I am including this in my awareness campaign.

Allergic Living Spreads Awareness with Six Steps Poster

Reblogged from Toxic Lasagna:

This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) and Allergic Living magazine is one of the organizations leading the awareness charge. Today I spotted a neat new poster from the magazine that gives some easy-to-remember advice for spotting a reaction, treating it with epinephrine, and getting the patient safely to a hospital.

One of the things that struck me about the poster is that it notes that feeling faint and having a drop in blood pressure could be the only symptom of anaphylaxis.

Read more… 174 more words

I have been in this situation before and had to use an epi-pen.

More Reason To Crank Up The Stereo!

There was an article in Conscious Living linking music to increased immunity.  When I am down, I want to listen to music.  Not just any music.  I want music from my high school and college years.  Music from before I got sick.  Songs that when heard can transport me back to a very specific time in my life; a carefree time when I am healthy.

My friend Liz recently told me that she had heard about music therapy and Alzheimer’s Patients.  The theory was that if music was played from a time when the patients were younger, thought memories could be evoked.  I found this information on the Alzheimer’s Foundation (Most people associate music with important events and a wide array of emotions. The connection can be so strong that hearing a tune long after the occurrence evokes a memory of it.)

This is all the more reason for me to blast the oldies when I am home by myself or to download a few of these to my ipod and stick my ear buds in my ears and listen even when I am not by myself. I hope you enjoy my selections from my past.

Maggie May by Rod Stewart takes me right back to a local drive-in hanging out with friends from school. 

There are many more songs that can take me back to a particular time and place. Recently my sister and I were talking and reminiscing about songs on our drive back from the Daffodil Festival and Daffodil Hill. One of the musicians we began thinking about was Gordon Lightfoot. As we drove home, we tried to remember all the words to this song. I was a senior in high school about this time and my sister was a sophomore.

From my college years is Roberta Flack

I was reminded by Roberta Flack from acflory at Meeka’s Mind and again about Gordon Lightfoot by Anneb54

So what songs would you BLAST from your stereo? What kinds of memories would they bring back to you?

Awareness

My dear friend Jennie Sherwin has written an article for Conscious Life News about developing awareness.  This is a small excerpt from Jennie’s very helpful article on awareness: “How many times a day do you catch yourself talking to yourself? None, you say? Then here’s a little test. The next time you are in the shower, bring your attention to your feet and hold your focus there. How long can you do it before your thoughts intrude? I really need to give Mom a call. We haven’t spoken since last Wednesday, and she’ll think I don’t love her…Why did Frank ask me to stop at the cleaners after work? Doesn’t he remember Dale’s soccer game starts at five? I’ll barely make it there as it is…………………..If you are not talking to yourself, who is talking to you?”

The very same day Angela, a fellow blogger at angchronicles wrote a post which to me also talks about being  balanced and aware of ourselves.  Angela, also a fellow “list” maker.  At the end of the day instead of worrying whether she crossed things off her list she asks herself if she sharpened the saw.

I think you will enjoy the pieces of both of these wonderful women.

 

No Joke – PSA about food allergies

Please check this out from grateful foodie.  I am passing this on.

MCS Awareness

I promised to post more about MCS during May’s National Multiple Chemical Awareness Month and I have not done a very good job and we are nearly halfway through the month.  I apologize.  My head has been in so many places lately.

In my inbox I received notification of a new post from the-labyrinth.com.  Miche wrote a lovely post about multiple chemical sensitivity and how she contributed to awareness at Victoria University in Australia.

Thank you Miche.

Humor and Chronic Pain- A Top 10 List

Reblogged from Oh What a Pain in the...:

When you are living with CHRONIC PAIN, it is vitally important to try to have a sense of HUMOR about your situation.

I live with pain and I know that it is no laughing matter, and this is not intended to make light of a difficult situation, but I have also learned that if you don’t laugh about the challenges in life, you are likely to cry.

Read more… 195 more words

I loved this list from "Oh What a Pain in the.... I hope you enjoy it as well.