Blog entry on NFCA

I wrote a blog article for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). The article discusses the importance of a gluten free club on campus, how to approach dining services, and the importance of surrounding yourself with GFFs (Gluten Free Friends).

Check it out here.

Much Love,

Emily

Gluten Free Happiness

All too often it seems we like to dwell on the bad stuff. But this morning I woke up realizing how many wonderful things happen in my gluten free world that I forget to remember.

• Friends: Friends, Friends, Friends and more friends. GFFS are the BEST! I am a summer camp counselor and on our last day of camp I received a special gift. My co-counselor (who is 16 years old and has heard me discuss how easily I get sick) went all the way to our Gourmet Girls Gluten Free bakery on the complete opposite side of town to buy me a cupcake and gift card! Even more, she drilled the staff about whether or not they washed their pans and were careful not to get any gluten in my cupcake (even though it's a dedicated gf restaurant :) ) What a wonderful friend!

• Boyfriend: My boyfriend is about as sweet and understanding as they come when it comes to me being gluten free. We went to Five Guys one night and he was so concerned about me the whole time but was so excited I could have french fries. I told him the fryer was dedicated and it didn't look like the fried anything else and he responded saying, "Yeah and did you notice that the buns look like they are pretty far away from the fryer?" <3 I love his support. Obviously I was taking a risk-night eating there, but he tried to help reassure me and pay attention to their kitchen.

2013 Summer Road Trip

• Family: My aunt and cousin came to visit in June. Every summer they get excited to help me make something new and gluten free. They are just really supportive and wonderful family that I have. Even better, my aunt just texted the other day with a story about a co-worker who was having lots of medical issues and my aunt mentioned me and CD. She got tested and come to find out she has Celiac! It's a great feeling when your story is spread and others can be helped.
  I was also able to visit my brother and sister in-law in Denver and go to a celiac event there. Their freezer was stuffed with Udi's food for me and we went to breakfast at Le Peep 2x and Udi's Cafe 2x! I love my family... and Denver!

Family at Dove Mountain in Tucson

Le Peep "Peasant Potatoes"

Udi's Cafe Margarita Pizza

Le Peep French Toast

• Community: What an awesome community we have. My mom and I recently went to the Phoenix Celebrate Celiac event with Gluten Free Calendar and I was able to attend the Denver event with my brother! At the Diamondbacks Celiac Awareness Game the announcer talked about our auto-immune disease and how serious it is. They have a separate gluten free concession with so much wonderful, safe food. The line was super long with all the celiac and gluten intolerant folks. It was a great night :)

Chandice from Gluten Free Frenzy

Katie from Udi's Gluten Free Foods

My mom and I at the Diamondbacks Game

Much Love,

Emily