What Color is Your Aura?

Today, while procrastinating, I took one of those little quizzes you see your friends taking on Facebook, and I was surprised by how accurate it was. It was called, "What Color is Your Aura?" and the result was, "Violet". The explanation is as follows:

"Violets are the inspirational visionaries, leaders and teachers who are here to help save the planet. Most Violets feel drawn to educate the masses, to inspire higher ideals, to improve the quality of life on the planet, or to help save people, animals and the environment. As children, many Violets imagined becoming famous, or traveling the planet, possibly joining humanitarian causes such the Peace Corp. Violets know they are here to do something significant. However, they aren't always sure what it is."

Forgiveness & Love

Did you all see Miley Cyrus sing at the AMA's? What a great song!!! The world would be a MUCH better place if people lived their lives by the words of this song... Or even attempted to!!!

If you didn't see it, here it is on YouTube.

QOTD

This hits really close to home!!!

"The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."
~ Astrid Aloud

I'm baaaaaack!!!

Hey guys! As you've noticed, I haven't been around in quite awhile. I'm hoping that will change, but we'll see. It all depends on my health, and my ability to set at the computer for any length of time. Right now, just sitting is STILL painful after almost 2 years since I had my gallbladder removed, and for some reason I've been having horrible pains in my hip joints. I pray it's from going off the gluten free diet, but as always, "We shall wait and see," since tomorrow will start Week 2 of my Gluten Free Rebirth!!

Since I've been doing so much research on HS & the affects of a gluten free diet, I've come to learn that many people I know, or someone close to them, suffers from some kind of gluten allergy, sensitivity. One of my sister-in-laws is allergic to wheat, and I never knew. In my defense, I don't see her very often, and I think we've eaten together all of TWICE in the almost 4 years she's been married to my brother. That said, Lesli (said SIL), turned me on to a book called, "The Gluten Connection: How Gluten Sensitivity May Be Sabotaging Your Health (And What You Can Do To Take Control NOW)". I haven't finished it, yet, but so far, I'm so GRATEFUL to have purchased it.

I wish everyone a very blessed & beautil week. Shalom!!!

Words to Live By!

I just got this great quote in my email & I thought I'd share it, because when people ask me, "How can you be so upbeat & still think positively after everything you've gone through & are still experiencing?" this is basically what I say. I believe this with every part of my being!!!

"When life's problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself fortunate."
~ Ann Landers

*Please excuse me if the wording is a bit awkward. I'm still experiencing some symptoms of the flu & Phenergen makes me a little woozy!!!

Mystery Diagnosis

On Tuesday night, Mystery Diagnosis aired an episode about HS in which a former college football standout suffered 16 years with HS before getting a diagnosis. If you want to watch the episode, you can view it here. The title of the episode (number 16) is "The Man Covered in Boils". If it isn't available for viewing yet, it will be soon.

Great Quote

I got this quote from a childhood friend today, and I thought it too great not to share. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

"Give others a piece of your heart, not a piece of your mind."
~ author unknown

Flour Tortilla Recipe

Gluten Free Flour Tortillas
(makes 8 tortillas that are gluten free and casein free)

2 c. Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Mix
1 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water

1. Add the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix the ingredients thoroughly. (I do this with my hand)

2. Add the cup of warm water to the bowl and mix the dry goods into the water with your hand. Just squish it all up until all of the dry ingredients are no longer dry. And then keep mixing a minute longer because it’s fun and we should all be pretend we’re kids once in a blue moon. =)

3. Separate the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place all but one of the dough balls back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap until you’re ready to work with them.

4. Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with a bit of rice flour and then roll you dough ball into a roughly circular shape. Get is as thin as possible. (If you need some practice on rolling out dough, check back here Friday for a tortilla rolling tutorial)

5. Throw the tortilla onto a hot griddle (I use a cast iron griddle on medium heat with just a smidge of shortening or oil) and let it cook approximately 1 minute – or until it has started puffing up and the bottom side is developing those lovely brown spots. Flip the tortilla and cook the other side until is toasty as well.

6. Slide the cooked tortilla onto a waiting plate and repeat from step 4 until you’ve cooked all 8 tortillas. I generally roll one tortilla out while another is cooking, so that there’s is always a tortilla on the gridle.

Cook’s Notes: If you’re allergic to soy, I have substituted Fava/Garbanzo flour for the soy flour with success. If you’re allergic to corn, try tapioca starch instead of the corn starch and almond meal instead of the masa harina.

***My notes: I used Sweet Rice Flour to roll them out & keep them from getting too sticky. It worked perfectly. I also found that you don't need to use very much oil at all. I used butter, because I rarely use it in anything, and even 1/5 - 1/4 of a pad, was too much. It added flavor, but according to my housekeeper, you don't even need it as long as you use enough flour while rolling them out.



THESE THINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!! My housekeeper, who's from Mexico, even loved them. She was so surprised that there was no oil, and asked for the recipe immediately. I really can't tell you how great they are. I'll never have to forego breakfast tacos again. I'm even taking the "fixins" with me to Houston as we go to my aunt's funeral tomorrow...just in case.

Flour Tortillas

I have found a flour tortilla recipe that has rave reviews & I couldn't be happier!!! This girl from Texas is dying without Mexican food. I have yet to try them, because xanthum gum is so darn expensive, but I'm hoping to be able to pick some up today. Once I do that, and if I like it, I'll post the recipe and where I found it. :)

Quote of the Day

People who know me well know that I love quotes & draw strength from them. I believe words have meaning, and even the simplest of words can be very meaningful. This is one of my favorite quotes to live by, especially when things get tough.


"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."
~ Dr Wayne Dyer