Hemp milk is our favorite milk substitute. It's high in protein and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and has a consistency similar to regular milk. If you haven't tried it yet, now is a great time because Manitoba Harvest is offering big savings on their hemp milks.
Manitoba Harvest will suspend shipments of hemp milk to homes during the winter due to the risk of the product freezing. They will resume shipping milk on April 1, 2009. From now until November 2nd, you can order directly from the company and receive 25% off. This special offer is available to you with no minimum purchase requirement.
Click here to visit Manitoba Harvest and place your order today.
Remember to enter coupon code BLISSSALE1008 at checkout to receive your 25% discount!
Free shipping on all orders over $100.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Vote for Lend4Health
As you've read here before, I strongly support Lend4Health. This program, started by Tori Tuncan, facilitates interest-free micro-loans to families working to recover their children from autism using biomedical treatments. Biomedical treatments work for so many of our children and yet they are rarely covered by insurance. Lend4Health makes it possible for struggling families to gain access to much needed testing and treatments. We KNOW Autism is treatable and sometimes reversible. Lend4Health has received national media coverage and has helped bring biomedical treatments for Autism into the spotlight.
Click here to visit Lend4Health. You'll learn about the children being helped with these micro-loans and see that families are not only paying back these loans, but often repay them early.
Lend4Health is in the final running to win $10,000 from Ideablob. This money will help Tori expand and promote the program and therefore bring assistance to many more families. Lend4Health needs a lot more votes to win and time is running out. Voting ends October 31st at midnight.
Click here to visit IdeaBlob and vote for Lend4Health.
I voted for Lend4Health. It only takes a minute and it might just change a child's life.
Click here to visit Lend4Health. You'll learn about the children being helped with these micro-loans and see that families are not only paying back these loans, but often repay them early.
Lend4Health is in the final running to win $10,000 from Ideablob. This money will help Tori expand and promote the program and therefore bring assistance to many more families. Lend4Health needs a lot more votes to win and time is running out. Voting ends October 31st at midnight.
Click here to visit IdeaBlob and vote for Lend4Health.
I voted for Lend4Health. It only takes a minute and it might just change a child's life.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
GFCFSF Blueberry Muffins
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
2 tablespoons pea protein powder (optional)
1 1/2 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
Preheat oven to 425.
Line or grease 12 muffin tins.
Place all ingredients in mixing bowl (except for blueberries) and mix only until well combined. Stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes.
1 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
2 tablespoons pea protein powder (optional)
1 1/2 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
Preheat oven to 425.
Line or grease 12 muffin tins.
Place all ingredients in mixing bowl (except for blueberries) and mix only until well combined. Stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Best Sick Day Ever!
I knew it was coming long before the symptoms became obvious. Last night, Jake looked at me with a brilliant smile and said, "I had fun in the garage with Daddy. I played the drums!" This from the child who can barely put two words together and whose only pronoun is "you".
I did not have to touch his forehead to know. Jake had a fever.
He rarely gets fevers, but when he does, the improvement in his autism symptoms is undeniable. Fewer stims, more cooperation, more affection and better talking. This time we are enjoying the best recession of symptoms we have ever seen. Unfortunately, it comes with the high price of a horrible stomach virus.
Parents have reported fever related improvement of autism symptoms for years. Last year, the journal Pediatrics published a report on this. Click here to read the WebMD article on this topic: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20071203/report-fever-improves-autism-symptoms .
If you have noticed the same type of improvement in your autistic child, know that you are not imagining it. This is real.
For me, this type of improvement is a much needed reminder that our kids most likely comprehend much more than it seems. Jake obviously has more knowledge stored in his head than is apparent when autism gets in his way.
He has said so many new and spontaneous sentences today that I am overwhelmed. I am enjoying our "conversations" and am filled with a renewed feeling of hope that there will come a time when he will be able to talk to me like this every day. It sure takes the edge off of cleaning up all of the gastrointestinal disasters brought on by this virus.
Jake just asked, "Mommy, can we cuddle?"
You bet we can!
I did not have to touch his forehead to know. Jake had a fever.
He rarely gets fevers, but when he does, the improvement in his autism symptoms is undeniable. Fewer stims, more cooperation, more affection and better talking. This time we are enjoying the best recession of symptoms we have ever seen. Unfortunately, it comes with the high price of a horrible stomach virus.
Parents have reported fever related improvement of autism symptoms for years. Last year, the journal Pediatrics published a report on this. Click here to read the WebMD article on this topic: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20071203/report-fever-improves-autism-symptoms .
If you have noticed the same type of improvement in your autistic child, know that you are not imagining it. This is real.
For me, this type of improvement is a much needed reminder that our kids most likely comprehend much more than it seems. Jake obviously has more knowledge stored in his head than is apparent when autism gets in his way.
He has said so many new and spontaneous sentences today that I am overwhelmed. I am enjoying our "conversations" and am filled with a renewed feeling of hope that there will come a time when he will be able to talk to me like this every day. It sure takes the edge off of cleaning up all of the gastrointestinal disasters brought on by this virus.
Jake just asked, "Mommy, can we cuddle?"
You bet we can!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Things We Have To Think About
Jacob has a new hobby of climbing on furniture. So far, it has been limited to the coffee table, the back of the couch and the kitchen table. Yesterday he decided to kick things up a notch and left me in an interesting predicament.
I was cleaning up the tornado of toys that came from Sarah's birthday this weekend. When I went into her room with an armload of dolls, I heard, "Hi Mommy!" There was my sweet boy, grinning from ear to ear, and surprisingly at eye level with me. He had climbed on top of Sarah's dresser. Not only had he climbed up there by himself, but I noticed he had pushed a chair next to the dresser to complete the task.
The regular mom in me was thinking, "No! Dangerous! Get down!" The autism mom in me was thinking, "Great use of motor skills! I see an improvement in problem solving abilities!" And, most important, "I'm as proud as you are!"
In the end, I rescued him from the dresser. Told him it was dangerous to climb on it and removed the chair from the room. I reminded him that he could practice his awesome new skill at the park or on the school playground.
Nevertheless, I am still really proud of his accomplishment.
I was cleaning up the tornado of toys that came from Sarah's birthday this weekend. When I went into her room with an armload of dolls, I heard, "Hi Mommy!" There was my sweet boy, grinning from ear to ear, and surprisingly at eye level with me. He had climbed on top of Sarah's dresser. Not only had he climbed up there by himself, but I noticed he had pushed a chair next to the dresser to complete the task.
The regular mom in me was thinking, "No! Dangerous! Get down!" The autism mom in me was thinking, "Great use of motor skills! I see an improvement in problem solving abilities!" And, most important, "I'm as proud as you are!"
In the end, I rescued him from the dresser. Told him it was dangerous to climb on it and removed the chair from the room. I reminded him that he could practice his awesome new skill at the park or on the school playground.
Nevertheless, I am still really proud of his accomplishment.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
You think my son is stupid?
We've had yet another uninformed celebrity spout off about autism. This time it is Denis Leary saying that our kids are "not autistic." He says they are "just stupid. Or lazy. Or both."
Click here for the ABC News report on this story: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/AutismNews/Story?id=6042218&page=1
Yes, I am disgusted and angry. I have already addressed this type of ignorance in my post regarding Michael Savage's equally irresponsible and ignorant comments.
It seems that these misguided celebrities have recognized our power as a community. I believe that is why they make these ridiculous comments. Look at all the free publicity they get! Michael Savage had a crappy radio show to promote. Denis Leary's comments were published in his new book, which has now been thrust into the spotlight. Mr. Leary's adventures in literary mediocrity will likely become a bestseller because people are talking about him.
Perhaps we can use our power for good. Sure, we can get mad every time someone says something stupid about autism. We can spend our time writing angry letters and leaving comments on blog posts. Or, we can get loud about the realities of autism. We can support programs and organizations that are actually making a difference for our children such as Lend4Health, TACA and Generation Rescue. We can make a point of educating traditional pediatricians by detailing our experiences with biomedical and diet interventions. We can help other mothers as they begin their journey on the spectrum. We can do so much together as a community of parents, teachers, therapists and caregivers who KNOW that autism is real and it is treatable. The possibilities are endless.
Okay, I'll come down from my soapbox now. Thanks for reading.
Click here for the ABC News report on this story: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/AutismNews/Story?id=6042218&page=1
Yes, I am disgusted and angry. I have already addressed this type of ignorance in my post regarding Michael Savage's equally irresponsible and ignorant comments.
It seems that these misguided celebrities have recognized our power as a community. I believe that is why they make these ridiculous comments. Look at all the free publicity they get! Michael Savage had a crappy radio show to promote. Denis Leary's comments were published in his new book, which has now been thrust into the spotlight. Mr. Leary's adventures in literary mediocrity will likely become a bestseller because people are talking about him.
Perhaps we can use our power for good. Sure, we can get mad every time someone says something stupid about autism. We can spend our time writing angry letters and leaving comments on blog posts. Or, we can get loud about the realities of autism. We can support programs and organizations that are actually making a difference for our children such as Lend4Health, TACA and Generation Rescue. We can make a point of educating traditional pediatricians by detailing our experiences with biomedical and diet interventions. We can help other mothers as they begin their journey on the spectrum. We can do so much together as a community of parents, teachers, therapists and caregivers who KNOW that autism is real and it is treatable. The possibilities are endless.
Okay, I'll come down from my soapbox now. Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Healthcare
We pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment for our private health insurance premium. In addition, the deductibles are so high and the coverage so minimal, we often wonder if we would be better off risking life without it. Don't even get me started on the fact that none of the autism related therapies or treatments are covered.
Healthcare is a major issue in this election though it is being overshadowed by the economic meltdown. I urge my fellow autism parents to learn more about the candidates' views on healthcare and help keep this issue a priority.
I just read a good article on iVillage that clearly explained the healthcare plans of our presidential candidates. Click here to read it:
Healthcare is a major issue in this election though it is being overshadowed by the economic meltdown. I urge my fellow autism parents to learn more about the candidates' views on healthcare and help keep this issue a priority.
I just read a good article on iVillage that clearly explained the healthcare plans of our presidential candidates. Click here to read it:
Of course, we have a t-shirt for this:
http://www.cafepress.com/spectrumhopeSunday, October 12, 2008
Fried Apples
If you fry it, they will eat it.
Here's simple recipe for an old favorite.
Fried Apples
6 apples, diced
2 TBS coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 TBS brown sugar
Melt coconut oil in frying pan. Add remaining ingredients, stir and saute until apples are tender.
Here's simple recipe for an old favorite.
Fried Apples
6 apples, diced
2 TBS coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 TBS brown sugar
Melt coconut oil in frying pan. Add remaining ingredients, stir and saute until apples are tender.
GFCF Pumpkin Muffins
GFCF Pumpkin Muffins
3/4 rice flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 egg (or equivalent replacer)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup canola oil
Combine dry ingredients in bowl and whisk well. Add wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spoon into greased or lined muffin tins.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Makes 6 muffins.
3/4 rice flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 egg (or equivalent replacer)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup canola oil
Combine dry ingredients in bowl and whisk well. Add wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spoon into greased or lined muffin tins.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Makes 6 muffins.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
October Surprise Mini Muffins (GFCFSFEF)
Strange name, huh? Let me explain. The "October" portion of the name reflects the pumpkin and the apple in the recipe. The "Surprise" part is because I can't believe it worked. Keep in mind that just 18 months ago, I thought the oven was merely a decorative homage to the pre-microwave era and not a functional appliance. So, whenever I make up a recipe and it works...I am truly surprised.
These nutrient dense muffins are loaded with protein thanks to the quinoa flour. The pumpkin adds a lot of vitamin A. These mini-muffins can be enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast.
Pumpkin Apple Quinoa Mini-Muffins (GFCFSFEF)
1 cup white rice flour
3/4 cup quinoa flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
3 TBS brown sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used Libby's)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup apple juice
1/4 cup canola oil
Combine dry ingredient in a large bowl and whisk well. Add wet ingredients and stir until well mixed. (You can also use an electric mixer, just be careful not to over mix).
Spoon mixture into greased or lined mini-muffin tins.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Makes 36 mini-muffins.
These nutrient dense muffins are loaded with protein thanks to the quinoa flour. The pumpkin adds a lot of vitamin A. These mini-muffins can be enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast.
Pumpkin Apple Quinoa Mini-Muffins (GFCFSFEF)
1 cup white rice flour
3/4 cup quinoa flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
3 TBS brown sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used Libby's)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup apple juice
1/4 cup canola oil
Combine dry ingredient in a large bowl and whisk well. Add wet ingredients and stir until well mixed. (You can also use an electric mixer, just be careful not to over mix).
Spoon mixture into greased or lined mini-muffin tins.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
Makes 36 mini-muffins.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Un-Stuffed Peppers
GFCFSF UnStuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rice
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
3 green peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp garlic
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste
3 tsp GF flour
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Cook rice according to package directions.
Brown beef, drain and set aside.
Pour olive oil in large skillet. Over medium high heat, cook onions and peppers until onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, ground beef and seasonings.
Mix GF flour and water. Add to beef mixture and stir well.
Stir in cooked rice.
Optional: Top with your favorite GFCF cheese substitute.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rice
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
3 green peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp garlic
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste
3 tsp GF flour
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Cook rice according to package directions.
Brown beef, drain and set aside.
Pour olive oil in large skillet. Over medium high heat, cook onions and peppers until onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, ground beef and seasonings.
Mix GF flour and water. Add to beef mixture and stir well.
Stir in cooked rice.
Optional: Top with your favorite GFCF cheese substitute.
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