:(

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this entry. My mother-in-law recently messaged me about a connection of gluten and rheumatoid arthritis. For about the last two years, I have been experiencing growing pain and stiffness in my joints, mainly my hands and feet. My foot pain has improved due to custom orthotics from my podiatrist but there is still some pain there, especially when I walk around the house without my orthotics on. However, especially in the mornings, I am unable to move my hands until they have "warmed up." I have never experienced the common symptoms of a gluten intolerance and actually considered myself lucky because let's face it, carbs are delicious. But being only 28 years old and experiencing this much joint pain is a bit alarming. With that said, I am currently on a quest to eliminate both gluten AND arthritis triggering foods.

The real question is, what the heck am I supposed to eat? Am I expected to go from a pizza and ice cream laden diet to RAW VEGAN?! (Which basically covers all my bases...) Cutting out gluten is difficult enough: no bread, flour, oats, and beer (!!). Arthritis triggers include all meats (including eggs), dairy, bananas, potatoes (my absolute favorite), tomatoes and coffee. Doesn't leave many food options that I actually CAN eat.

Unfortunately my will is very weak and for breakfast I had egg whites and almonds (nuts are another no no). So you can say we're off to a rocky start. I think I am going to try gluten free first and see how that goes, I'm no superhuman. I have no willpower when it comes to food.

Fortunately, my little sis (sorority speak) Danielle has been gluten free for some time so you can bet I'll be asking her a lot of questions. My big sis (sorority) Jenna also maintains a gluten free blog, check her out here.

I know there are tons of gluten free bloggers out there. Care to share any recipes? Words of advice? Or just take a moment of silence with me to mourn the loss of my dearest foods.

Apple Toddy Recipe

With temperatures dropping (yes, even in Florida), I thought it would be perfect to warm things up with a Hot Toddy. I served this at our Friendsgiving dinner yesterday and it was a hit. Even the tough military men were huge fans! I served mine with Jim Beam Honey Whiskey and skipped the whip cream. 

Photo courtesy

Photo courtesy

Apple Toddy Recipe
Recipe courtesy Sunny Anderson

Ingredients

1/2 orange, halved
4 cloves
3 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
Brandy, to taste
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Directions

Stud the orange halves with cloves. In a medium saucepan, bring the cider, cinnamon and oranges to a simmer. To serve, add a shot of brandy to a cup. Ladle in the hot cider and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Let me know how it turns out. What other warm drinks are you enjoying this winter?

Hello!

It's been a long time since I've maintained a blog but I've been inspired by my dear friend Melissa, so here goes nothing!

I am a newly wed, military spouse, and recent Florida transplant. I lived in California for the last 28 years where I met my now husband in college. Currently, we reside together in Florida where I am learning how to truly be out on my own. I worked as a registered nurse back home but am currently unemployed as I await Florida licensure which means - more time to blog!

With a wedding reception in June and a husband to care for, you can expect a lot of DIY projects, recipes and my random musings. So, welcome!