57 Hours and 23 Minutes To Go (if you trust a 4th grader's math that is)

To contact us Click HERE
The house is decorated, treats have been made, the kids are off school, all the presents have been bought and wrapped, and we just got 10 inches of snow overnight.  It really feels like Christmas is imminent and in case I lose that feeling in any way, I have two people in my house who are more than happy to remind me, again, and again, where we are in the countdown to the present opening.  Ethan even calculated up the number of hours remaining this afternoon.  I didn't check his math but I think we'll just go with his number.  Here are a few things we have been up to in preparation for Christmas.

A few weeks ago, Drew's special needs class went on a field trip to a local mall.  Our school is the only school in our district which has a deaf and hard of hearing program in addition to the special needs classes and the typical students.  This mall, every year, brings in a special Santa who is trained in working with people with special needs and who also is fluent in American sign language.  It is pretty cool because kids who otherwise would not be able to communicate with Santa can tell him what they want and kids who would have a difficult time with the over stimulation that Santa at the mall can bring get an opportunity to visit with Santa as well. 
This year, Ethan, who is in 4th grade, finally admitted that he is aware we are Santa Claus.  Kevin and I decided to go ahead and tell Drew about Santa, since he is in 6th grade and we are sure all of his regular education classmates are aware that there isn't a fat man living with a bunch of elves in the North Pole.  We had told him maybe a few days before his field trip to the mall.  A few days after the field trip, he was telling me about a toy he was going to ask Santa for.  I reminded him the Kevin and I are Santa.  He said, "No!  I saw him at the mall.  He is real!"  It cracked me up because it is so like him to be so literal.  If he saw him with his own eyes, it has to be real. 

Ethan got these reindeer antlers when his Scout troop went to sing Christmas carols at a local retirement community.  Of course, we had to put them on the dogs.  Tucker was uncooperative, as any self respecting 11 month old puppy would be so he didn't get to be in the picture.  We even had to sequester him in order to get Ella's picture because he seemed to be under the impression it was his JOB to remove those hideous antlers from Ella's head.  Ella had to be bribed with some treats to pose and if you look closely at her expression you can see she is kind of hating me for making her do this. 

Monday, me and the guys made a gingerbread house.  They used every bit of candy and frosting that came with the kit and fully intend on eating that candy off the house as soon as Christmas Day comes.  They are very proud of how their house turned out and I think it looks pretty darn good. 

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and get to enjoy spending some time with your family and friends.  Merry Christmas everyone!

They're Here!

To contact us Click HERE

On March 16th, we welcomed Mason Alexander, weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces, and Henry Tate, weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce, into our family.  Mason, shown on the left, arrived first followed by Henry about 20 minutes later.  Delivery went well and no csection was needed.  Both boys are healthy and were able to come home from the hospital with us a few days later.  Since then, things have been a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless feedings.  Despite the challenges with two, all of us are thrilled to have them as part of our family and are having fun getting to know them and their unique personalities.  Both Ethan and Drew have been big helps and love to feed and hold both babies. 

Valentine's Day is here again...!

To contact us Click HERE
Hi Everybody...
It's that time of the year again!!!
The day that all men dread and all woman love but hate at the same time!!
The day that makes and breaks relationships...VALENTINE'S DAY!!
We hope that have bought your presents and made those all-important dinner reservations...xoxo

If you want to do something extra-special for your gluten-free Valentine...make them this heart-shaped chocolate ganache cakes!!! Trust us, they work wonders :))

Chocolate may appear to be an obvious choice for a Valentine's Day dessert. However, chocolate's popularity at this time of the year only serves to confirm its reputation as the ultimate food of love. For who could argue that chocolate is anything less than the most delicious substance in the world? These Mini Chocolate Ganache Cakes are so easy to make, but they are none the less guaranteed to impress. Baking them in heart shaped pans is just another playful way to let your beloved know that you've got romance on the brain.

Sarah's Valentine Video!!!!




Mini Chocolate Ganache Cakes



6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips)

1 tablespoon heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon almond flour

2 teaspoons GF Flour Blend*

1/2 tablespoon powdered egg whites

1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum

cocoa powder (for dusting)

whipped cream (for serving)



*The recipe for GF Flour Blend is found in our cookbook, see http://www.noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com/. But, since this recipe calls for such a small amount of GF Flour Blend, you can substitute with a different gluten free flour blend you may already have.



Preheat oven to 400°. Grease six 4-ounce mini-cake pans, cupcake pans, or heart shaped pans. Dust the pans with cocoa powder. To make the ganache melt two ounces of the chocolate together with the cream using a double boiler. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until firm. Melt the butter and remaining chocolate in the double-boiler, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. Using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer, beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, GF Flour Blend, almond flour, xanthan gum, powdered egg whites, and sugar until thick ribbons fall from the beater. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and fold until smoothly blended. Pour batter into pans. Shape the refrigerated chocolate ganache into six truffles. Place one truffle onto of each cake and push down gently. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the tops of the cakes are firm. Cool cakes for 5 minutes and carefully invert cakes onto a wire rack. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream or ice cream.


If I Loved You.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SMMNJlpa6I&feature=fvst






http://noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com/

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion at the San Diego Marina

To contact us Click HERE
Hi Everybody!!
I forgot to post this blog from a year ago.  If you haven't tried the prix fixe gluten-free menu
at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion...you must!! That restaurant chain is very dedicated to keeping their gluten-free clientele happy.  The chefs and servers are very knowledgeable and helpful.  I dined at the Roy's Hawaiian Fusion at the San Diego Marina.  The Gluten Free Prix Fixe Menu was amazing and included soup, a main course, and delicious dessert. Here is the Gluten-free menu currently on the Roy's Website: (http://www.roysrestaurant.com/cuisine/pdf/glutenfree/GF_SanDiego.pdf).  I went there in July 2011 while my sister was taking the California Bar Exam!! She was being tortured by testing while I was having a glamorous vacations in sunny San Diego...ha! Anyway, I had the Strawberry Salad, the Filet Mingon, and the flourless molten chocolate cake.  Everything was excellent.  I was especially happy to have a good gluten-free molten chocolate cake.  Chef Jon Sloan was especially concerned about the quality of the gluten-free options and even came to the table to ask how everything was.  Thanks to Chef Sloan for a wonderful meal overlooking the beautiful San Diego Marina.  Do not hesitate to dine at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion.  It is a good value at $35 for the Prix Fixe gluten-free menu.  Just go and have fun :)

Filet Mingon

Molten Chocolate Cake

Strawberry Salad

Corn Bisque

Beautiful Marina View



Please check out my cookbook website: http://noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com

My Cookbook is also available in Hard Cover and Kindle format on AMAZON.COM: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=no+excuses+gluten+free+cookbook


 

To my Earth MAMA Friend that's ready to deliver!

To contact us Click HERE

Camera? Check. Nursing pillow? Check. Baby’s first organic cotton onesie? Checkarooney! Your birth bag’s ready, but don’t forget to pack what you need most to take care of your hurty mama parts after you’ve pushed a baby into the world! Earth Mama Angel Baby makes it easy with safe, natural products that comfort and heal a brand new mama, as well as pure, organic products for your brand new baby.www.sassymia.com

Putting Fear In It's Place

To contact us Click HERE
source
There was a period of time some years ago where I became afraid of flying.  I have been flying since before I can even remember and my family has always traveled so I have gotten on a plane at least once a year for my entire life and it never bothered me.  Then suddenly, every bump, every weird noise, every seat not bolted to the plane floor (word to the wise, never, I repeat never, fly a regional carrier in South America), had me breathing hard and putting a death grip on my husband's leg. 

Was it a rational fear?  No.  I knew that I was more likely to die driving my car than in a plane.  I knew that turbulence is the equivalent of hitting a bump in the road while driving and doesn't bring down a plane.  I knew all that but still told myself there was something to be afraid of.  Eventually, I got over it and now Kevin can sit next to me without getting the circulation to his leg cut off. 

The reason I bring it up now is that lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about fear and how irrational it sometimes is but yet we let those feelings hold us back or cause us angst.  If you look at a very young child, it is apparent that we are born into this world open to all things and unafraid.  Through experience, we figure out what to be afraid of or, more importantly perhaps, what we feel like we need to protect in ourselves and it seems like those impressions are made before we even have the perspective to know if they are justified or not. 

I think it is safe to say that everyone of us has fears.  Maybe you are afraid of rejection, or of not being in control, or of not being worthy of love, or of exposing your inner self, or of being weak.  Whatever it is, we all have them and they can turn into very powerful influences in our lives.  The amazing part too is that certain things we are well aware we are afraid of and other things are so ingrained that we don't even recognize it as a fear.   

In my own self, I can see how at times I have let certain fears motivate me in one direction or a fear will have me deciding something is a certain way before I have even tested it out to see if that is, in fact, a truth.   For example, two years ago when things really fell apart with my back and I was in horrendous pain day after day after day, I started telling myself that my life was over.  That it was never going to go away.  Had any doctor told me that?  No.  Did I know that those things were implicitly true?  No.  But I can't tell you how much time I spent being upset and angry and depressed over something that I didn't really know to be fact.  Kind of a waste of time and energy in hindsight and two years later I know my life was not over and okay, the pain hasn't completely gone away but I am soooooo much better. 

Is it possible to totally eradicate our fears?  I don't think so because some of them are necessary but I would love to get to a place where when fear shows it's face, I can say, "hello fear, I see you there but you are not in charge."  Because I do believe that if you stare something in the face long enough, it loses it's power.

In thinking about all of this, I am working really hard to see my fears for what they truly are and to be open to what the universe throws my way without deciding one thing or another about it.  Just like me no longer getting on a plane convinced that if I am not in control of it something bad will happen (btw how crazy IS that anyway because, um, I have no idea how to fly so how would it be better if I was in control?), I am working to NOT be convinced of things that I don't know are true in every aspect of my life.  I can't say it is always easy or that it isn't sometimes frightening but it is something that I really see as being worth the effort.

Drew's A Biker & A New Family Member

To contact us Click HERE
Last week, Drew participated in Lose The Training Wheels.  LTTW is a national program that helps people with disabilities learn to ride a bicycle.  Kevin and I had tried over the years to teach Drew to ride a bike but our attempts were met by a lot of fear and frustration.  When I signed him up for the LTTW, I wasn't sure how successful it would be but figured it was worth a shot.

Every day last week, Drew, Ethan and I went to our local rec center (luckily, the only time LTTW is in Colorado this year it happens to be only 5 minutes from our house.  Drew's classmates were from all over the state.) where Drew practiced riding for 75 minutes each day.  There were only 8 kids in each session with 2 trainers and 3 volunteers per kid.  The first few days they had Drew riding a bike with a roller thing in the place of the back tire.  In the beginning, the roller is broad making it so the kids can't tip over.  As the kids practice, the trainers swap out the roller for more and more tapered ones gradually giving them the feel of needing to balance.

By day 3, they had Drew riding a two-wheel bike with support from his volunteers but during that same day, he moved from that to this.....


And then to this.......


(While you are watching this, listen to the dad yelling instructions at his daughter.  From day one of the program this guy was telling her constantly what she needed to do better or that "it doesn't count if you don't do it right" and in my video here you can hear her crying saying she is trying.  By the 4th day of this, I told Kevin not to be surprised if I were arrested on Friday for trying to strap a muzzle on that guy.  Just let the kid be successful for a minute for crying out loud!)

He was so proud of himself and Kevin, me, and Ethan are all really proud too and excited to bike together as a family. 

The last day, they had a BBQ where the kids were presented with trophies and they got to show off their new biking skills riding with our local motorcycle police.  Drew loved the police officers and they were super friendly with him and even let him sit on a motorcycle.  Drew also had to tell them that his "mom was caught by them" and Kevin was teasing me about whether I recognized any of them.  Ha ha! 



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other exciting news, I am thrilled to announce the arrival of my newest niece!


Naomi April RehmertJune 26, 20116 lb. 13 oz.
In what is typical behavior for the Icelandic side of our family, she was impatient and arrived 2 weeks early.  She was breech and unable to be flipped (family stubbornness showing already perhaps) and was delivered via c-section, a sight that my brother-in-law Nate never wants to see again.  Mom, dad and baby are all doing well and I can't wait until we can meet her in August.  Drew was very jealous that grandma got to hold her already and is dying to get his hands on her.  

57 Hours and 23 Minutes To Go (if you trust a 4th grader's math that is)

To contact us Click HERE
The house is decorated, treats have been made, the kids are off school, all the presents have been bought and wrapped, and we just got 10 inches of snow overnight.  It really feels like Christmas is imminent and in case I lose that feeling in any way, I have two people in my house who are more than happy to remind me, again, and again, where we are in the countdown to the present opening.  Ethan even calculated up the number of hours remaining this afternoon.  I didn't check his math but I think we'll just go with his number.  Here are a few things we have been up to in preparation for Christmas.

A few weeks ago, Drew's special needs class went on a field trip to a local mall.  Our school is the only school in our district which has a deaf and hard of hearing program in addition to the special needs classes and the typical students.  This mall, every year, brings in a special Santa who is trained in working with people with special needs and who also is fluent in American sign language.  It is pretty cool because kids who otherwise would not be able to communicate with Santa can tell him what they want and kids who would have a difficult time with the over stimulation that Santa at the mall can bring get an opportunity to visit with Santa as well. 
This year, Ethan, who is in 4th grade, finally admitted that he is aware we are Santa Claus.  Kevin and I decided to go ahead and tell Drew about Santa, since he is in 6th grade and we are sure all of his regular education classmates are aware that there isn't a fat man living with a bunch of elves in the North Pole.  We had told him maybe a few days before his field trip to the mall.  A few days after the field trip, he was telling me about a toy he was going to ask Santa for.  I reminded him the Kevin and I are Santa.  He said, "No!  I saw him at the mall.  He is real!"  It cracked me up because it is so like him to be so literal.  If he saw him with his own eyes, it has to be real. 

Ethan got these reindeer antlers when his Scout troop went to sing Christmas carols at a local retirement community.  Of course, we had to put them on the dogs.  Tucker was uncooperative, as any self respecting 11 month old puppy would be so he didn't get to be in the picture.  We even had to sequester him in order to get Ella's picture because he seemed to be under the impression it was his JOB to remove those hideous antlers from Ella's head.  Ella had to be bribed with some treats to pose and if you look closely at her expression you can see she is kind of hating me for making her do this. 

Monday, me and the guys made a gingerbread house.  They used every bit of candy and frosting that came with the kit and fully intend on eating that candy off the house as soon as Christmas Day comes.  They are very proud of how their house turned out and I think it looks pretty darn good. 

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and get to enjoy spending some time with your family and friends.  Merry Christmas everyone!

They're Here!

To contact us Click HERE

On March 16th, we welcomed Mason Alexander, weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces, and Henry Tate, weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce, into our family.  Mason, shown on the left, arrived first followed by Henry about 20 minutes later.  Delivery went well and no csection was needed.  Both boys are healthy and were able to come home from the hospital with us a few days later.  Since then, things have been a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless feedings.  Despite the challenges with two, all of us are thrilled to have them as part of our family and are having fun getting to know them and their unique personalities.  Both Ethan and Drew have been big helps and love to feed and hold both babies. 

To my Earth MAMA Friend that's ready to deliver!

To contact us Click HERE

Camera? Check. Nursing pillow? Check. Baby’s first organic cotton onesie? Checkarooney! Your birth bag’s ready, but don’t forget to pack what you need most to take care of your hurty mama parts after you’ve pushed a baby into the world! Earth Mama Angel Baby makes it easy with safe, natural products that comfort and heal a brand new mama, as well as pure, organic products for your brand new baby.www.sassymia.com

One of the REAL reasons you couldn't lose weight before Xyngular?

To contact us Click HERE

---

A long-established dogma that has made our entire Western world unhealthy is the false belief that "a calorie is a calorie." This simply isn't true. The idea that obesity comes from eating too much and exercising too little has finally been proven to be false.
A new You Tube video,"The Skinny on Obesity" presented by Dr. Robert Lustig, a Pediatric Endocrinologist from the University of California, San Francisco presents a chilling wake up call to facts about weight, weight gain, and chronic diseases like dementia, cancer, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. When you watch it, you'll never look at empty calories and calorie counting the same way again.

The truth is, as our IGNITE program has proven to all of us, you can have the same amount of calories from carbohydrates and protein or even from fructose and fat, but the effect on your metabolism will be entirely different in spite of an identical calorie count.
Dr. Lustig certifies that there are eight major diseases related to this epidemic of metabolic dysfunction including the well-known ones like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, triglyceride problems and heart disease. But what is less known by the general public is that it also contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polysystic ovarian syndrome, cancer, and dementia. 

Obesity isn't really the cause but is rather a marker for these diseases. These eight diseases represent an astounding 75 percent of all the healthcare costs in the United States.

Clearly, this confusion about the quality of our calories affects a clear majority of Americans in a major way, and the faulty dogmatic belief that all calories are equal has contributed to the tragic rise in metabolic dysfunction that is destroying our health not only in the United States but throughout the world.

According to Dr. Lustig even normal weight people can suffer from metabolic syndrome and a rare few of overweight and obese people do not suffer from metabolic syndrome caused by eating too many of the wrong kinds of calories. They will live just as long as they would if they were not obese.

What's the cause of this epidemic metabolic syndrome throughout the world?
Dr. Lustig points out that there are forces at work in our society that go far beyond personal responsibility for eating too much and exercising too little or basic "laziness" or "lack of control" as some would lead us to believe. A lot more infants are now obese, and "laziness" or "lack of control" aren't things you would accuse a developing infant of. These forces in our society include the following:

1. We don't have enough time to prepare and eat healthy food any more.
2. We don't get enough sleep as our stress level has increased.
3. Since the 1960's when we labeled fat as public enemy number one; low-fat, highly processed, nutrient poor foods have taken over. High concentrations of sweeteners were required to overcome the lowering of fat content.
4. Nutrients have been depleted from our soils as industrial farming has replaced the "less efficient" family farms.
5. Our meat, dairy and egg supply has significantly changed as huge factory lifestock operations have replaced grass-fed and free-range animal husbandry practices. This changes the composition of our proteins and causes widespread inflammation. Huge quantities of antibiotics compound the problems.
6. We get far less exercise.

When Xyngular® clients begin to replace the abundance of sugars and all the empty, starchy processed foods we consume with different calories found in LEAN™ shakes and proteins in the IGNITE™ program, It becomes clear that the old paradigm that "a calorie is a calorie" is just not true. A calorie from fat or protein found in nuts or peanut butter does not impact your body in the same way a calorie from the high fructose corn syrup found in a soda does. The metabolic effect is entirely different despite the identical calorie count. Why? Because different calories create different hormonal responses, and those hormones decide, among other things, whether you burn fat or store it.

So empty calories actually trick your body into storing fat by disrupting your metabolism. They turn off your body's appetite-control systems. They don't suppress ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") nor do they stimulate leptin (the "satiety hormone"). Empty calories disrupt your body chemistry and make you want to eat more and develop insulin resistance, an underlying factor of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers.

You don't get fat because you eat too many calories and don't exercise enough. You get fat because you eat the wrong kind of calories that program your body to create and store fat. That's an important reason why the IGNITE system works so well for you.

ACTION STEPS:
1. Begin a collection of labels and articles that promote the "old" way of losing weight by counting calories, lowering fat, and buying "fat-free," highly processed foods.

2. Watch for articles, products and programs that promote the new science. You'll see that the world is changing. And Xyngular is leading the way.

References
The Hidden Reason You Get Flabby (Not Calories or Lack of Exercise). www.mercola.com. April 30 2012 

Visit:
http://www.xyngular.com/lrivera

http://www.leonardo-rivera.com

Start Today! 

"My dad's free from 20 years of major depression"

To contact us Click HERE

---

I began using Xyngular®'s products to lose weight. On January 16, 2012 I started my first round of IGNITE™. I lost 8 pounds and 11 inches. I am now down a total of 14 pounds and 19 inches. It has given me back my confidence.
But the best part of my experience with Xyngular products is how it helped my Dad. He has suffered from major depression for 20 years. He has gone from one medication to the next and from one dose to the next. A product would begin to work but then stop, and he was back to where he started. It was a struggle for him to even get out of bed and shower. It had gotten so bad that he had stopped working.

On February 23rd after hearing Kristi Welch's Mom, Marian Thomas, tell her story, I thought I needed to have my Dad try XYNG™. That night I went home and gave my Dad a sheet of XYNG. I told him to give it a week, so he started it and by the second day he was in the front room on the floor playing cars with my 19-month-old son. He's getting out and going to the movies, going on bike rides, taking his grandkids to the park, and also taking them on picnics.
Xyngular has given my Dad back control of his life. His depression and anxiety are taking a back seat to his life and not driving his life. My son now has a Grandpa! I am so grateful for all of these products.

-Michelle Hall

Visit:
http://www.xyngular.com/lrivera

http://www.leonardo-rivera.com

Start Today! 

Don't miss these three super ingredients in our Super Fruit Xyngular Global Blend

To contact us Click HERE

---

Xyngular's Super Fruit Global Blend™ contains a full spectrum of fruits with amazing benefits far more potent and beneficial than other juices on the market. Each ingredient contributes remarkable health benefits. In fact, it takes many articles to describe them all. Here are three of the most powerful.

EUROPEAN PLUMS
Plums and prunes have been the subject of repeated health research for their high content of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These are classified as phenols, and their function as antioxidants has been well documented. They are also high in beta-carotene, which acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Plums and prunes are particularly effective in neutralizing an especially dangerous oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical. They also help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats. Since our cell membranes, brain cells and molecules such as cholesterol are largely composed of fats, preventing free radical damage to fats is no small benefit.

These dangerous free radicals can also damage cellular DNA, causing mutations which can result in the formation of cancerous cells. In addition, free radicals contribute to inflammation which increases the severity of many different degenerative conditions including atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer, and why it has also been found useful for reducing the severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Prunes are also a good source of potassium, which is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function thereby preventing high blood pressure and protecting against atherosclerosis. Potassium may also help to promote bone health.

Historical Benefits
• They help maintain normal blood pressure and heart function to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis
• They help promote bone health
• They increase iron absorption


TART CHERRY
Tart cherries have naturally-occurring nutritional and medicinal value significantly higher than most other fruits. While other fruits have some of the same amazing compounds, tart cherries have a wider variety of them and in greater amounts. Tart cherries are extremely beneficial to our health and wellness.

Tart cherries contain anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation and inhibit tumor growth along with flavonols which also improve blood flow, heart and brain health, and lower blood pressure. They also contain plant hormones that help regulate physiological functions, terpenes that are essential oils from plant elements, and phenolic acids which are powerful antioxidants. 

Phytochemicals (antioxidants) in tart cherries help reduce the risk of major chronic diseases.

Historical Benefits
• Tart cherries reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer disease, cataracts, and functional deterioration due to age
• They improve blood flow, heart and brain health, and lower blood pressure
• They reduce inflammation and inhibit tumor growth


GRAPE SKIN EXTRACT
Key nutrients include such celebrated ingredients as anthocyanins, polyphenolics, ellagic acid, flavonoids, resveratrol and proanthocyanidins.

Many of the health benefits attributed to grapes are due to the pigments that are concentrated largely in the skin and seeds at levels about 100 times higher than the pulp of the grape. Anthocyanins tend to be the main polyphenolics in red grapes while the catechins are the more abundant phenolic in white grapes. The phenolic content of grape skins depends upon the variety, the soil, climate, geography, cultivation practice, and exposure to fungal infections. Grapes are also rich in ellagic acid, a potent flavonoid that helps fight cancer.

The pigments in red, purple and black grapes protect the cardiovascular system in a number of different ways: prevention of blood clots, lowering the likelihood of LDL cholesterol oxidation, reducing homocysteine levels, and properties that reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis. Grapes help relax blood vessel walls, thereby reducing blood pressure. Recent research showed that a Concord grape extract lowered LDL cholesterol, raised HDL cholesterol, and lowered inflammation.

Resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) found in grape skins demonstrates many pharmacological properties including cancer chemoprevention because it blocks many steps in the cancer development process.

ACTION STEPS:
1. Be sure to gather and file these ingredient articles as they appear in the ConneXion to show prospective clients all the powerhouse ingredients in Super Fruit Global Blend.

2. Become familiar with many of the health benefits of the ingredients so when someone talks to you about a degenerative health condition of some kind, you can recommend our Global Blend for its amazing antioxidant and other benefits.

Visit:
http://www.xyngular.com/lrivera

http://www.leonardo-rivera.com

Start Today!

Don't miss these three super ingredients in our Super Fruit Xyngular Global Blend

To contact us Click HERE

---

Xyngular®'s Super Fruit Global Blend™ contains more than fruits. It also has a number of other powerhouse ingredients, making it far more potent and beneficial than other juices on the market. It's a veritable nutritional pharmacy of plant nutrition in one drink. Each ingredient contributes remarkable health benefits. It takes many articles in the ConneXion to describe them all. Here are the non-fruit ingredients:

GREEN TEA
Scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) a powerful anti-oxidant. Besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it also kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. This is important because blood clots are the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Green tea is also linked to the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat and smoking, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that reduces the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol found in grape skins.

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

Historical Benefits

• Reduces the risk of esophageal cancer, inhibits the growth of cancer cells and kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue

• Lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol

• Helps with rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and infection

• Improves immune function, lowers rate of heart disease, prevents tooth decay, helps prevent food poisoning and kills bacteria


WHITE TEA

A 2004 study at Pace University concluded that white tea can help your body’s immune system fight off viruses and dangerous infection-causing bacteria. White tea is also more effective than green tea in killing germs. New studies conducted at Pace University have indicated that White Tea Extract (WTE) may have prophylactic applications in retarding growth of bacteria that cause Staphylococcus infections, Streptococcus infections, pneumonia and dental caries. Studies have also indicated that WTE has an anti-fungal effect on Penicillium chrysogenum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the presence of WTE, Penicillium spores and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells were totally inactivated. It is suggested that WTE may have an anti-fungal effect on pathogenic fungi.
Furthermore, studies indicate white tea contains more polyphenols, the powerful anti-oxidant that fights and kills cancer-causing cells, than any other type of tea.

Historical Benefits

• Anti-fungal effect, retards growth of bacteria and kills germs

• Anti-viral

• Helps prevent the growth of dental plaque


EXTRAMEL

Historical Benefits

• Impedes the production of primary free radicals


ADARTOGENS:

ELEUTHERO ROOT

Historical Benefits

• Helps the immune system by stimulating the production of the t-cells (the specific white blood cells that attack any bacteria or virus that enters into the body).

• Restores energy/strength and improves appetite. 

• Reduces stress and enhances mental attentiveness.


ALMA EXTRACT

Key nutrients include tannins, polyphenols, vitamin C, adaptogens, flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid and gallic acid.
Amla has a reputation as a powerful rejuvenating herb. The Amla fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural-occurring substances in nature. Amla studies suggest that it has potential efficacy against inflammation, cancer, age-related renal disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

A human pilot study showed that amla reduced blood cholesterol levels. Another very recent study with diabetic rats given an amla fruit extract has shown significant lowering of blood glucose as well as triglyceridemic levels and an improvement of the liver function caused by a normalization of the liver-specific enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) activity.

Historical Benefits

• Amla has shown potent antioxidant properties against oxidative stress.

• It has also been known to help control inflammation.


GINSENG

The power of ginseng is celebrated throughout the world. Ginseng allows the body to withstand higher levels of emotional and physical stress, increases levels of alertness and mental clarity, reduces fatigue, improves memory and wards off colds, flu and other infections.

Ginseng has also shown promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and stimulates the immune and nervous system. It has been shown to help with diabetes and reduces the growth of certain types of cancer cells. It also increases testosterone levels and sperm production.

Historical Benefits

• Improves the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems.

• Assists the function of the adrenal glands during exercise to build strength and endurance. 


PROPRIETARY PRIMARY ANTIOXIDANT COMPLEX

Glutamic Acid is the precursor of GABA but has somewhat the opposite function; it is an excitatory neurotransmitter. It is one of the few nutrients that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is the only means by which ammonia in the brain can be detoxified. It is considered to be nature's "brain food" by improving mental capacities. It is used in the treatment of depression, ADD and ADHD, fatigue and chronic fatigue, alcoholism, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation and schizophrenia.

Cysteine is a precursor to the antioxidant amino acid glutathione recommended for liver detoxification. This provides an anti-aging effect — even reducing age spots. Another impressive function of cysteine is the breakdown of mucus in the respiratory tract which can help in bronchitis, emphysema and tuberculosis.

Glycine supplies additional creatine to muscles and is used to construct DNA and RNA. It functions in skin, connective tissues, the central nervous system and prostate. A proper level of cellular glycine produces more energy.

ACTION STEPS:

1. Be sure to gather and file these ingredient articles as they appear in the ConneXion to show prospective clients all the powerhouse ingredients in Super Fruit Global Blend.

2. Become familiar with many of the health benefits of the ingredients so when someone talks to you about a degenerative health condition of some kind, you can recommend our Global Blend for its amazing antioxidant and other benefits.

Visit:
http://www.xyngular.com/lrivera

http://www.leonardo-rivera.com

Start Today!

To my Earth MAMA Friend that's ready to deliver!

To contact us Click HERE

Camera? Check. Nursing pillow? Check. Baby’s first organic cotton onesie? Checkarooney! Your birth bag’s ready, but don’t forget to pack what you need most to take care of your hurty mama parts after you’ve pushed a baby into the world! Earth Mama Angel Baby makes it easy with safe, natural products that comfort and heal a brand new mama, as well as pure, organic products for your brand new baby.www.sassymia.com

Drew's A Biker & A New Family Member

To contact us Click HERE
Last week, Drew participated in Lose The Training Wheels.  LTTW is a national program that helps people with disabilities learn to ride a bicycle.  Kevin and I had tried over the years to teach Drew to ride a bike but our attempts were met by a lot of fear and frustration.  When I signed him up for the LTTW, I wasn't sure how successful it would be but figured it was worth a shot.

Every day last week, Drew, Ethan and I went to our local rec center (luckily, the only time LTTW is in Colorado this year it happens to be only 5 minutes from our house.  Drew's classmates were from all over the state.) where Drew practiced riding for 75 minutes each day.  There were only 8 kids in each session with 2 trainers and 3 volunteers per kid.  The first few days they had Drew riding a bike with a roller thing in the place of the back tire.  In the beginning, the roller is broad making it so the kids can't tip over.  As the kids practice, the trainers swap out the roller for more and more tapered ones gradually giving them the feel of needing to balance.

By day 3, they had Drew riding a two-wheel bike with support from his volunteers but during that same day, he moved from that to this.....


And then to this.......


(While you are watching this, listen to the dad yelling instructions at his daughter.  From day one of the program this guy was telling her constantly what she needed to do better or that "it doesn't count if you don't do it right" and in my video here you can hear her crying saying she is trying.  By the 4th day of this, I told Kevin not to be surprised if I were arrested on Friday for trying to strap a muzzle on that guy.  Just let the kid be successful for a minute for crying out loud!)

He was so proud of himself and Kevin, me, and Ethan are all really proud too and excited to bike together as a family. 

The last day, they had a BBQ where the kids were presented with trophies and they got to show off their new biking skills riding with our local motorcycle police.  Drew loved the police officers and they were super friendly with him and even let him sit on a motorcycle.  Drew also had to tell them that his "mom was caught by them" and Kevin was teasing me about whether I recognized any of them.  Ha ha! 



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other exciting news, I am thrilled to announce the arrival of my newest niece!


Naomi April RehmertJune 26, 20116 lb. 13 oz.
In what is typical behavior for the Icelandic side of our family, she was impatient and arrived 2 weeks early.  She was breech and unable to be flipped (family stubbornness showing already perhaps) and was delivered via c-section, a sight that my brother-in-law Nate never wants to see again.  Mom, dad and baby are all doing well and I can't wait until we can meet her in August.  Drew was very jealous that grandma got to hold her already and is dying to get his hands on her.  

57 Hours and 23 Minutes To Go (if you trust a 4th grader's math that is)

To contact us Click HERE
The house is decorated, treats have been made, the kids are off school, all the presents have been bought and wrapped, and we just got 10 inches of snow overnight.  It really feels like Christmas is imminent and in case I lose that feeling in any way, I have two people in my house who are more than happy to remind me, again, and again, where we are in the countdown to the present opening.  Ethan even calculated up the number of hours remaining this afternoon.  I didn't check his math but I think we'll just go with his number.  Here are a few things we have been up to in preparation for Christmas.

A few weeks ago, Drew's special needs class went on a field trip to a local mall.  Our school is the only school in our district which has a deaf and hard of hearing program in addition to the special needs classes and the typical students.  This mall, every year, brings in a special Santa who is trained in working with people with special needs and who also is fluent in American sign language.  It is pretty cool because kids who otherwise would not be able to communicate with Santa can tell him what they want and kids who would have a difficult time with the over stimulation that Santa at the mall can bring get an opportunity to visit with Santa as well. 
This year, Ethan, who is in 4th grade, finally admitted that he is aware we are Santa Claus.  Kevin and I decided to go ahead and tell Drew about Santa, since he is in 6th grade and we are sure all of his regular education classmates are aware that there isn't a fat man living with a bunch of elves in the North Pole.  We had told him maybe a few days before his field trip to the mall.  A few days after the field trip, he was telling me about a toy he was going to ask Santa for.  I reminded him the Kevin and I are Santa.  He said, "No!  I saw him at the mall.  He is real!"  It cracked me up because it is so like him to be so literal.  If he saw him with his own eyes, it has to be real. 

Ethan got these reindeer antlers when his Scout troop went to sing Christmas carols at a local retirement community.  Of course, we had to put them on the dogs.  Tucker was uncooperative, as any self respecting 11 month old puppy would be so he didn't get to be in the picture.  We even had to sequester him in order to get Ella's picture because he seemed to be under the impression it was his JOB to remove those hideous antlers from Ella's head.  Ella had to be bribed with some treats to pose and if you look closely at her expression you can see she is kind of hating me for making her do this. 

Monday, me and the guys made a gingerbread house.  They used every bit of candy and frosting that came with the kit and fully intend on eating that candy off the house as soon as Christmas Day comes.  They are very proud of how their house turned out and I think it looks pretty darn good. 

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and get to enjoy spending some time with your family and friends.  Merry Christmas everyone!

They're Here!

To contact us Click HERE

On March 16th, we welcomed Mason Alexander, weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces, and Henry Tate, weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce, into our family.  Mason, shown on the left, arrived first followed by Henry about 20 minutes later.  Delivery went well and no csection was needed.  Both boys are healthy and were able to come home from the hospital with us a few days later.  Since then, things have been a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless feedings.  Despite the challenges with two, all of us are thrilled to have them as part of our family and are having fun getting to know them and their unique personalities.  Both Ethan and Drew have been big helps and love to feed and hold both babies. 

Valentine's Day is here again...!

To contact us Click HERE
Hi Everybody...
It's that time of the year again!!!
The day that all men dread and all woman love but hate at the same time!!
The day that makes and breaks relationships...VALENTINE'S DAY!!
We hope that have bought your presents and made those all-important dinner reservations...xoxo

If you want to do something extra-special for your gluten-free Valentine...make them this heart-shaped chocolate ganache cakes!!! Trust us, they work wonders :))

Chocolate may appear to be an obvious choice for a Valentine's Day dessert. However, chocolate's popularity at this time of the year only serves to confirm its reputation as the ultimate food of love. For who could argue that chocolate is anything less than the most delicious substance in the world? These Mini Chocolate Ganache Cakes are so easy to make, but they are none the less guaranteed to impress. Baking them in heart shaped pans is just another playful way to let your beloved know that you've got romance on the brain.

Sarah's Valentine Video!!!!




Mini Chocolate Ganache Cakes



6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips)

1 tablespoon heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon almond flour

2 teaspoons GF Flour Blend*

1/2 tablespoon powdered egg whites

1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum

cocoa powder (for dusting)

whipped cream (for serving)



*The recipe for GF Flour Blend is found in our cookbook, see http://www.noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com/. But, since this recipe calls for such a small amount of GF Flour Blend, you can substitute with a different gluten free flour blend you may already have.



Preheat oven to 400°. Grease six 4-ounce mini-cake pans, cupcake pans, or heart shaped pans. Dust the pans with cocoa powder. To make the ganache melt two ounces of the chocolate together with the cream using a double boiler. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until firm. Melt the butter and remaining chocolate in the double-boiler, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. Using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer, beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, GF Flour Blend, almond flour, xanthan gum, powdered egg whites, and sugar until thick ribbons fall from the beater. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and fold until smoothly blended. Pour batter into pans. Shape the refrigerated chocolate ganache into six truffles. Place one truffle onto of each cake and push down gently. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the tops of the cakes are firm. Cool cakes for 5 minutes and carefully invert cakes onto a wire rack. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream or ice cream.


If I Loved You.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SMMNJlpa6I&feature=fvst






http://noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com/

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion at the San Diego Marina

To contact us Click HERE
Hi Everybody!!
I forgot to post this blog from a year ago.  If you haven't tried the prix fixe gluten-free menu
at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion...you must!! That restaurant chain is very dedicated to keeping their gluten-free clientele happy.  The chefs and servers are very knowledgeable and helpful.  I dined at the Roy's Hawaiian Fusion at the San Diego Marina.  The Gluten Free Prix Fixe Menu was amazing and included soup, a main course, and delicious dessert. Here is the Gluten-free menu currently on the Roy's Website: (http://www.roysrestaurant.com/cuisine/pdf/glutenfree/GF_SanDiego.pdf).  I went there in July 2011 while my sister was taking the California Bar Exam!! She was being tortured by testing while I was having a glamorous vacations in sunny San Diego...ha! Anyway, I had the Strawberry Salad, the Filet Mingon, and the flourless molten chocolate cake.  Everything was excellent.  I was especially happy to have a good gluten-free molten chocolate cake.  Chef Jon Sloan was especially concerned about the quality of the gluten-free options and even came to the table to ask how everything was.  Thanks to Chef Sloan for a wonderful meal overlooking the beautiful San Diego Marina.  Do not hesitate to dine at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion.  It is a good value at $35 for the Prix Fixe gluten-free menu.  Just go and have fun :)

Filet Mingon

Molten Chocolate Cake

Strawberry Salad

Corn Bisque

Beautiful Marina View



Please check out my cookbook website: http://noexcusesglutenfreecookbook.com

My Cookbook is also available in Hard Cover and Kindle format on AMAZON.COM: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=no+excuses+gluten+free+cookbook


 

They're Here!

To contact us Click HERE

On March 16th, we welcomed Mason Alexander, weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces, and Henry Tate, weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce, into our family.  Mason, shown on the left, arrived first followed by Henry about 20 minutes later.  Delivery went well and no csection was needed.  Both boys are healthy and were able to come home from the hospital with us a few days later.  Since then, things have been a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless feedings.  Despite the challenges with two, all of us are thrilled to have them as part of our family and are having fun getting to know them and their unique personalities.  Both Ethan and Drew have been big helps and love to feed and hold both babies. 

CA Liquor Licenses For Sale? What's Up With That?

To contact us Click HERE

One question that we frequently hear from our California clients is, "Why can't I just get a liquor license directly from the state?" In some cases the answer is, you can, but for those who wish to sell a full line of alcoholic beverages it's not so simple. The reason is that in California full liquor licenses are considered 'quota' or 'grandfathered' licenses and, with one notable exception, must be purchased from a private seller. And this means that the value of such licenses vary from county to county and is based, like real estate, on supply and demand.

Liquor licenses are considered personal property and can be traded, sold or given to others with the proviso that the state reserves the right to deny unqualified persons the privilege of being licensed. So again, applying for a liquor license does not guarantee an automatic approval. The review process is designed in large part to protect communities, as much as possible, from unscrupulous operators. While the stringent review procedure, which is a vestige from the days of Prohibition, is cumbersome and time consuming, in many ways this old fashioned approach is still useful as a deterrent.

So assuming you get past the regulators, the next question we hear a lot is, "What is the cost of a liquor license in California?", and the answer is, it varies. Each of California's 58 counties has it's own pricing for both the type 21 off sale license (liquor store or supermarket) as well as the on sale general type 47 (restaurant). In addition, prices vary according to market availability so they do not remain static. The best approach, once you've decided to apply for a liquor license, is to give yourself a minimum of 90 days ( and ideally 180 days), and begin your search and negotiation for the type of license you need in your county. By giving yourself this much lead time, you're as sure as you can be that your Grand Opening will include sales of alcohol.

And what about the 'one notable exception' mentioned above? It's this: each September the CA ABC conducts a two week 'priority drawing', also known as the state liquor license lottery. This is the only exception to purchasing a liquor license on the open market and it's only available if certain conditions apply. You can find out more about the requirements by calling the CA Alcoholic Beverage Control or brokers who handle these matters such as The American Liquor License Exchange, http://www.Amlex.com

The first business project is getting a liquor license This will allow your establishment to make good money & bring in many more people. Be certain to use a reputable company to help with completing the paperwork for your liquor license and making sure you will not have problems with you state and local governing bodies. I am Jon C Meija of The American Liquor License Exchange, call me today at 800-711-2114.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com