Two years ago

Two years ago, my life turned upside down. As I spent the holiday's at my fathers house, I ate so much gluten-filled food (like I always had). As the New Year came, I started feeling incredibly sick. I bent myself into a ball, cried, and just wanted my stomach pain to go away (this is not a joke). I didn't know what was going on inside this body of mine, but I wanted it fixed immediately. Little did I know, it would take almost six months to figure out what was wrong.

As I cried, my sister called my mother, explained what was going on, and tried to create a game plan of what to do with me. Between my sister, my mother, and my new step mom, they weren't sure whether I needed to go to the emergency room or just take some pain medication. See, at the time, we thought it was something to do with my reproductive system. The pain was so intense and spread out that I wasn't sure where it was coming from. I assumed it was intense female pains. From the symptoms I was explaining, they decided to give me some pain medication to ease the pain and help calm me.

I hadn't ever experienced this type of pain. The pain was so much worse than I could ever try to explain. Stomach aches were something I was always used to, but never talked about. When I went back to Texas, my mom started making appointments with my primary care doctor. I was then referred to four different doctors (women's health, an oncologist, a hematologist, & an endocrinologist) for my symptoms. I was scared to find the underlying cause of my pain. When a doctor doesn't know what is wrong with you, it is terrifying.

I was upset as I found out that none of the doctors could pinpoint the pain, even after having surgery and biopsies. The endocrinologist decided to diagnose me with IBS and told me to take a prescription four times-a-day for the rest of my life. In my heart, I knew something wasn't right. One pill wasn't going to magically heal me.

In my own research, I learned about gluten intolerance and celiac disease. I had so many of the symptoms that I knew it had to be a match. (See, my doctor told me I would be tested for celiac disease through a blood test and through the biopsies, but I just recently saw my medical papers and found out I was never tested...) I talked with my mom, went to the grocery store, and started a gluten free lifestyle for two weeks. Within a week, I started feeling better. The excruciating stomach pain was gone. My headaches, and the feeling of constant exhaustion, were slowly going away. All my symptoms and complaints were disappearing. After two weeks, I never looked back. I find it so amazing that by taking something out of my diet, I can live my life without all the pain and suffering I had before. The times I have been glutened have been rough and long. I've realized that the pain from a "glutening" lasts about three days (on average) for me.

I'm so thankful to have a mother who had such an interest in my health. When I didn't know what to do, she was there to push me. She did research. She was open to finding the culprit of my pain. She knew I was serious about the pain I was suffering from. She's learned about gluten. She's changed her way of cooking. She's accommodated to my needs. Most importantly, she's stuck by my side. I'm so thankful for my health, and it amazes me to look back and see how much has changed in just two short years. I'm looking forward to 2015 and all that it has to offer. Let's make it a good year, a year to remember.

xoxo,
Jade

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

May your day be spent with the one's you love most. I'm so thankful for Christ. Today, we celebrate the birth of our Savior. I'll be spending the day with family, celebrating Christmas, opening gifts, and being thankful for the gift of eternal life. I hope your day is filled with love and celebration.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16

xoxo,

Jade

Merry Christmas Eve!

I'll be spending the afternoon and evening celebrating Christmas Eve with family. I think Santa will be making a trip to the family farm later tonight with presents in tow. ;)

I love this tradition. Each Christmas Eve, Santa surprises the children at the Christmas Eve party and brings small gifts to them. During the night, Santa brings their actual Santa present, but it's so fun to see the children standing with Santa beside the small gift he brought them. 

I hope you have a great Christmas Eve!

xoxo,

Jade 

Sickness for Christmas

I have been sick for over a week now... I have slowly felt like I'm getting better, but this is the longest amount of time that I have been sick. During this time of sickness, I am so thankful for medical professionals... I have taken it upon myself to take natural remedies to slowly get over this sickness, but I have realized that I would've much rather gone to the doctor, taken a prescription, and felt better within days. That's what I've always done. Doctors and prescriptions have always healed me, but I've wanted to see my body heal itself this time.

I know what I have. It's the same thing I get every time I am sick... Sinus infection and double ear infection. This is what I have had since I was a baby. I'm used to it. It's nothing new to me; therefore, I wanted to try all I could to "heal" myself.

I tried hot bags of rice on my ear to drain fluid.... It didn't work.

I used all sorts of essential oils to work some magic on my ears... It's helped, but not healed. It helps with my allergies and allergy shots though.

I tried natural ear drops... It hasn't worked in healing me, but has helped some.

I've taken over-the-counter cold and sinus medication... It's helped, but not healed.

I've realized that I have gotten somewhat better through natural remedies, but I know that my immune system isn't strong and doesn't do well when it is fighting infections.

My dad is picking up a prescription for me today, and I am hoping I am finally going to start feeling 100% again. It's not fun starting off Christmas break with sickness. I've traveled to Oklahoma and will be spending Christmas with my dad's family. It is going to be interesting, stressful, and nerve wracking being out of the comfort of my home for the holiday. This is my first holiday at my fathers house where I have to worry about gluten. Every gluten free holiday has been spent at my mothers house. My mom knows gluten and the importance of knowing exactly what goes into each dish that is being served. Holidays at my moms consist of every dish being made gluten free; however, she usually has two gluten-filled pies and gluten-filled rolls for other family members. It's easy and stress free at my mom's because I'm also in the kitchen helping or cooking everything. For Thanksgiving, I cooked all the dishes. My father and his wife are trying hard to make my visit stress free. They are slowly learning about gluten and trying different products. The dishes we are bringing for Christmas are going to be gluten free, but it will be interesting to see what everyone else is bringing. I know I will be fine, but I'm out of my comfort zone. I don't like stressing. I like having everything planned out. I like knowing that the person behind the dish can ensure that gluten is not in the dish I'm about to eat. I know I will be fine. I'll make it work.

I hope you all are having a great Christmas Break! I hope your Christmas holiday hasn't started with sickness. May your Christmas and holiday season be filled with tasty food, family, and friends. This is my favorite time of the year. I truly believe that giving is so much better than receiving. I love putting time and thoughts into each gift that I gather for others. Giving someone a gift and watching them open it just fills me with such joy.

xoxo,
Jade

Gifts under $15.00

Winter is my favorite time of the year. There's something about the cooler weather, sweet smell of peppermints, the Christmas music, and the joy of giving that makes this season so perfect. I have always loved shopping, but purchasing gifts for others is so much better! I've compiled a list of some items that I think are perfect for the college girl! Many of these little items I have purchased for my own friends. They are all great for stocking stuffers.

Bath & Body Works

These body creams are absolutely wonderful! They last for a long time & there are so many scents to pick from! For Christmas, I purchased these creams on sale. The sale I used was Buy 3, Get 3 FREE! I also used a $10 off coupon. Originally, it would've costed $75.00+tax. With the sale, it was $37.50 +tax and after the coupon, I paid $27.50 +tax. I managed to get six little gifts for around $5.00 each! The Limited Time Sale is still going on, so purchase while it lasts!  I went back to Bath & Body Works this week to purchase more. I'm going to keep them in my closet to go with future gifts. :) 

Essie Polish

Essie Polish is such a great gift for girls! The polish runs about $8.50 and can be purchased from many stores around the country. I am a huge fan of the variety of colors that they offer and the price is quite inexpensive. 

I know that I can always use a Starbucks gift card. During the semester, I drink coffee quite often & it shows in my bank account. ;) A gift card, even if it's just $5.00, will pay for their coffee!

Pashmina Scarves, Haye's Houndstooth, Polka Dot Pride, Grateful Stripes, Sandrine Tassel, and Preppy Plaid.

All of these adorable scarves can be found at Charming Charlie's! They are so cute and many can be used for all four seasons. The prices on most of their scarves ranges from $10-$15 and they always have coupons/sales!

These are just a few of my favorite little items to gift! What do you love to give to other people?

Do you have a go-to item that always manages to be a part of everyone's presents?

xoxo,

Jade 

School's Out & I'm sick!

Today was my last final. Woohoo!! I am so happy that the semester is over, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to start my journey at Texas A&M University. I have made so many memories, joined many organizations, created lifelong friends, and absolutely love what I am learning. I couldn't imagine going to any other school, and I am so thankful to have found such an amazing school!

Yesterday, about halfway through the day, I quickly went down hill and started feeling sick. Within thirty minutes, I went from feeling perfectly fine to feeling weak, feverish, and super sick. The rest of my night was spent laying in bed and I plan to do it today as well. I'm feeling much better today, but still not anywhere close to 100%. Whatever this is, it has got to go!

Good luck to all those taking finals this week! Get some sleep and avoid getting sick!

xoxo,
Jade

Peppermint Bark

During the winter, I love the smell of peppermint & enjoy eating all things pepperminty. This is a great recipe to make for parties, neighbors, or for yourself. I made this for my sorority christmas party and came home with just a little bit of bark. I made both semisweet chocolate peppermint bark and white chocolate peppermint bark.  I love white chocolate peppermint bark.

Ingredients:

• 24 oz. chocolate of your choice (milk, semisweet, dark, or white)
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• crushed candy canes

Directions: 

1. Microwave the chocolate in a microwavable bowl in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until melted. 
2. When mixture is smooth and melted, add the peppermint extract. Stir completely. 
3. Pour chocolate on a large foil baking sheet to about 1/4 inch thick. 
4. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Press candy canes lightly into the chocolate using a spatula.
5. Refrigerate the bark for 15 minutes until firm and chilled.
6. Using a knife, cut the bark. (I try to cut it in little squares; however, it usually doesn't happen. I end up with some squares, a ton of triangles, and a few irregular sizes.) 
7. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Jade

Toufayan Wraps {Review}

While vacationing in Florida, I came across these at the Orlando Walmart. Over the past (almost) two years, I have been living off of corn tortillas.... Before having to eat gluten free, I never really ate corn tortillas. I hated them. I've gotten used to them and like them now, but I had to try these. I thought they looked perfect for a loaded breakfast burrito or quesadilla. Every morning, I made an egg and bacon breakfast burrito. Some mornings, we'd throw in some potatoes or sausage with the eggs. Wow. This stuff was so good! I'd warm the tortilla up in the microwave for about 20 minutes and then add the eggs, bacon, and cheese. 

The wraps never once ripped or fell apart on me. They had a great texture. When leaving Orlando, we stuffed the bag of wraps in one of our suitcases and brought it back to Texas. There were only three wraps left and I am now so sad that all the wraps have been eaten. I'd love to try the other flavors and create more food using these wraps! I'm on a mission to find them over the break. I'll be going to Denton and Oklahoma City, so I'm hoping I can find them somewhere. If I do, I'll stick them in my travel ice chest and bring them back to Texas, just like I do with my Three Bakers bread. :)

Have you tried these? Where did you buy them from? If you haven't tried them, try to find them in a store near you and buy some! They are so delicious!

xoxo, Jade

Chex Puppy Chow

Please tell me you've heard of puppy chow. It's the most delicious treat ever and it's so easy to make! This week, I have so many Christmas parties to attend so I've been making all different treats and individually wrapping them. Puppy Chow is always a hit at parties! I always go home empty-handed. It makes me so happy to see people enjoying my gluten free foods, especially if they don't know they are gluten free! ;) This recipe I have adapted to make party-size puppy chow. It uses the whole box of chex and serves a huge group. I'd say that it would serve about 20 people. This stuff is addicting and a family favorite! It's super easy & so fun to make! This is a great recipe to make with children! They can be in charge of shaking. ;)

Ingredients:

• 1 box of Corn Chex (any type is fine, I think Corn stays crunchy better)
• 1 1/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 5 Tbsp. butter 
• Powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Measure Chex and put into a large bowl.
2. In a large microwavable bowl, microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30 second intervals. BE SURE TO DO IT IN 30 SECOND INTERVALS SO IT DOESN'T BURN. 
3. Stir after each interval.
4. Once it is melted and stirred smooth, pour it into the bowl of cereal. Softly stir the mixture to coat the cereal and to avoid breaking the cereal. 
5. In a gallon-sized bag, scoop some powdered sugar into the bottom of the bag. Slowly add some cereal. Zip and shake the bag. Keep adding the chex in intervals. Add powdered sugar as needed to coat the cereals. 
6. When the bag starts to get full, start a second bag. Shake as you go. (It's a serious arm workout people!)
7. When all the chex is coated with powdered sugar, pop them in the fridge for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to cool. 
8. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

**Keep them in a container to avoid them going stale. I like to put them in individual bags for parties or in a large bowl. At home, we keep them in a container in the fridge.***

xoxo,
Jade

So sorry!

So sorry that I haven't posted in a week. As we are coming up on finals, I have spend the past week completing one major paper (47 pages), two smaller papers, two group projects, and one personal project. Wow! As of last night, all assignments are complete. I am now in dead week & will be catching back up on posts later today! Forgive me for getting behind. :) I'm planning on catching back up over the next few days before I start finals on Friday and Monday.

This is just one of my projects I have been working 

on for a personal school project. :) I'm pretty 

excited to get my projects back so I can put these 

little 6x6 canvases up throughout my room. 

xoxo,
Jade

JetBlue

When booking our flight, we chose to fly with JetBlue. For four people, we payed less than $1,000 for round trip flights. We took a non stop flight from Austin International Airport to Orlando International Airport and then back to Austin when coming home. It was such a great experience! Both times, the plane was running a bit late, but the flight attendants were great about getting off the passengers who needed to catch another flight first. During the flights, I was able to watch the Aggie football game, watch movies FOR FREE on DirectTV, and use my computer with FlyFi (wifi) for absolutely no cost! It was amazing because it allowed me to work on my major project, get information from my friends, and check my email. It made the flight go by so fast! As we were leaving Florida, my mom ran to one of the little convenience stores for a quick drink and found WOW Baking cookies!!! She surprised me with a HUGE chocolate chip cookie, so during the flight we all shared the cookie. 

JetBlue offers many snacks and drinks to choose from. They also allow their customers to have unlimited snacks and drinks! I ate my cookie, snacked on my food from home, and drank tons of water and gingerale. :) A great thing about JetBlue is that they offer a snack pack for just $6.00 that is gluten free! This is great for people who fly and forget to bring gluten free snacks! It is called the Shape Up Box. 

It includes hummus, olives, chickpeas, crackers, 

raisins, a mint, and a cookie! :) 

I will definitely fly with JetBlue again! It was such a great experience and I had over enough leg room! 

Who do you fly with? Do they offer gluten free snacks?

xoxo,

Jade

The Cheesecake Factory

For my little brother's 13th birthday dinner, he wanted to go to The Cheesecake Factory. The last time I went was over two years ago, so we decided to give it a try. I'm so glad we went. Everyone enjoyed their meals and I had a great experience. No reactions from gluten, great service, and I even ate cheesecake--Gluten free, of course.

For my meal, I ordered the lunch portion of Gluten free Four Cheese pasta. I was so hungry that I forgot to take a picture of my meal before digging in. It was plated so nicely and one of the chefs brought it out to me. You see, Reno ordered the same exact thing as I did but with gluten. It was comforting to know that they cared enough to have a chef bring out my plate and my brothers. The chef handed me my food, specified that it was gluten free and then handed Reno his gluten-filled. :) The noodles were spirals rather than penne, which was also comforting because it was an obvious sign that the meals were different. The lunch portion was huge and could easy last two meals.

For dessert, I had the Godiva Flourless Chocolate Cheesecake.... It was amazing. I took it to go and ate half of it last night and the other half after lunch today. It was so rich and loaded with chocolate. It was definitely a hit in our house. I loved eating at the Orlando Cheesecake Factory and I hope that other's will have a great experience like I did. Have you tried the Cheesecake Factory? If so, how was your experience?

xoxo,
Jade