truly safe gluten-free oats (and helping our farmer friends!)

I need your help, friends.

Well, I need your help to help our farmer friends.

I usually don’t ask for help. I’m not so good at that part. But this, this is important. And I can’t do this one myself, so we need to band together as a gluten-free tribe and do this one together. If there is one thing I pride myself on, it’s being part of THE most amazing gluten-free community and the way we come together when one of our own needs us.

We need to talk about OATS. Don’t freak out. I know there has been a LOT of talk lately about gluten-free oats. You’re probably getting sick of hearing about it. (me too) But until I can be sure that all of those big name packages labeled “gluten free” truly are gluten free and people are no longer getting sick from them, I’ll have to keep talking about it. It’s my job as a safety monitor. 😉

I won’t take up your entire day talking to this point, but will direct you to some recent postings with more in depth information:

• Tricia from Gluten Free Watch Dog is the go-to person to the most up to date information on all things gluten-free oats.
• Johnna started us off with this post earlier today and is behind this oat buying extravaganza campaign — her post is FULL of information stated so beautifully, that I won’t reinvent the wheel here — READ IT! (then go buy oats!)
• Gluten Dude explains the difference between purity protocol (clean, real-deal GF oats) grown oats compared to mechanically sorted (people are getting sick) oats.

So… you’ve heard me talk about GF Harvest’s certified gluten-free oats in the past. They are the only oats I use now. There was a time when I would buy Bob’s Red Mill oats, but a few people in our local group were (sensitive celiacs like me that tolerated gluten-free oats in the past just fine) getting very sick from them, so I stopped eating them and vowed to only buy from a company that not only has celiacs in their own family that runs the business, but cares about us enough to be absolutely sure through a very strict inspection and testing process that their oats are indeed gluten-free.

I was lucky enough to meet Forrest several years ago — his story impressed me. He started their company as an FFA project in high school. Yes, you read that right. A high school student, who just so happens to be a fellow celiac, started their company out of their home when he was in high school. They have grown as a company offering quite the selection of products, and like I mentioned earlier, are THE only oats I eat.

I recently shared this article on our local Gluten Free in Milwaukee Facebook page that Gluten Free Watch Dog had shared with her readers. It’s about our friends at GF Harvest. Then ones I want us to help — take a moment to read that article so we’re all on the same page.

When I read the article, I wanted to cry. It made me sick to my stomach. The idea that their 2016 crop may be put on hold because they are losing to the big companies who aren’t following purity protocols, the ones using mechanical sorting…that didn’t seem right.

Not fair. Not right. Not sure what I’d do without my GF Harvest oats! (let’s hope I never have to find out!)

My friend Johnna and I text often about all things gluten-free, bourbon, coffee, and donuts, so I wasn’t surprised to get a message from her shortly after. She was thinking the exact same things as me… but in her true Johnna fashion, had already rolled up her sleeves and was working on a plan!

That’s where you guys come in…

Let’s BUY ALL THE OATS! Cash mob style.

Our friends at GF Harvest have set up a starter pack that includes:

Three packages of their most popular products.

• 20 oz Traditional Gluten Free Oatmeal
• 20 oz Traditional Gluten Free Quick Oats
• 40 oz Traditional Steel Cut Oats

BONUS:  Order Now, and they will include YOUR CHOICE of either one of our trendy “I Make Gluten Free Look HOT!” shirts, or a GF Harvest plastic travel cup. (while supplies last)

All of that for just $29.95, shipping included!

I ordered mine this morning and already had an “your order has shipped!” email by this evening.

I shared this story at our Gluten Free Get Together dinner tonight and one of my favorites, the lovely Melissa said, “I don’t do oats really in general, but I will still buy some, you’ll just have to tell me what I can make with them.” (LOVE that she was already on board and ready to CLICK & BUY!)

Ideas for your new GF Harvest oats when they arrive:

• Grandma G’s Monster Cookies  (or Monster Bars!)
• Overnight Oats
• Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Bars
• Banana Nut Oatmeal Bites (breakfast cookies!) 
• Pumpkin Spice Granola
• Cherry Crisp 

Buy for you. Buy for your gluten-free friends. Buy up these oats so they can get started on their next crop! Then ASK FOR THESE OATS at your local grocery story — just take this form to the store and ask nicely.

(By the time I had finished the story tonight at our event, there were cheers of, “SAVE OUR FARMER FRIENDS!” followed up by, “SAVE FORREST!”)

They need our help, friends. Please help me help them. Help me SAVE FORREST! 😉

 

GF Harvest didn’t ask us to do this — this is the generous work of my girl Johnna reaching out to a company we love and want to support and asking what WE could do for THEM. I’m not getting compensated. There are no affiliate links here. I just want to do the right thing and need your help to do so. THANK YOU in advance! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday To Do List — what to buy, spy, and try! (or sometimes cry about)

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list…

• Once upon a time, I got to meet THE Pioneer Woman — I talked a mile a minute telling her what a big fan I was and that I had found out about her wonderfulness through Shauna from Gluten Free Girl and the Chef. Although I don’t follow along as closely as I used to, (I’m still sad that Google Reader is no longer!) I’m still a big fan, have a couple of her books, make her baked beans recipe by request, and will probably end up buying a piece from her new collection because it’s so dang pretty. (she is too and she’s hilariously down to earth)

• And speaking of Gluten Free Girl… they have a new cookbook coming out this week! Their recipes have never let me down and I’m guessing this one will not disappoint: American Classics Reinvented. It’s already in my cart to buy on Amazon.

Gluten Free at the Minnesota State Fair (with photos)

Looking for gluten-free options at the Minnesota State Fair?

You’re in the right place!

I set out with my girls to enJOY a gluten-free fair experience. We wanted to have more options than corn on the cob — not that there’s anything wrong with corn, we’re all big fans and corn was actually on our list, but we ended up stuffed to the brim after a day of gluten-free goodness, so corn will have to wait until next year.

Luckily my friend Amy from The Savvy Celiac had already done all the work to find the GF options at the fair — in addition to having a GF awareness booth in the Health Fair 11 building, she also has a list of gluten-free options and their locations waiting for you at the booth. Or you can print out the list and bring it along by clicking HERE.

I had grand plans of getting to ALL of the places on the list, but let’s get serious…there were waaaaaaaaay too many to get to and sample, even with four of us snacking! (this is a very good problem to have) The GF options list is TWO pages of gluten-free goodness, so bring friends or stay for days.

Here it is….gluten free at the Minnesota State Fair!

Tuesday To Do List — what to buy, spy, and try! (or sometimes cry about)

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list…

 

• Have you tried the new breads from Schar yet? (adding it to my list too!)

 

•  I spy a new gluten-free line at Coborn’s grocery stores — celiac sista is especially excited because there is one right down the road from her in MN. Their baking headquarters is in St. Cloud, MN. They even make donuts! (adding those to my request list next time I see the fam!) From celiac sista: “The chocolate chip bars with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips are *just* like the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies!” The husband wasn’t as excited as me about this review… he of course *could* eat a Little Debbie anything right now if he wanted to so we can’t consider his thoughts. 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(photo from Coborn’s Instagram) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(photo from celiac sista’s kitchen table)

• Before you buy the new GF Cheerios… be sure to read the latest from Gluten Watch Dog. I will confess: I spied, bought, and tried both honey nut and regular Cheerios and survived, BUT now I’m a fraidy-cat and probably won’t buy them again until things change. I probably got lucky and it is one of the riskiest moves I’ve made as a celiac, but wanted to be honest with you. The way they are currently testing makes me nervous. My fingers and toes are still crossed that they make changes and improvements for the future. Stay tuned…

 

• Anyone tried Do-Rite donuts? GFFs (gluten-free friends) from Milwaukee are making the trek down to Chicago for these babies — and it is on my to-do list as well!

 

• And while we’re talking traveling for good gluten-free food — add Bunky’s in Madison to your list. Headed there soon and will have a hard time deciding between pizza and lasagna. Not to mention the LIST of options from their list of gluten-free pastry and cakes!

 

• Been wanting to try homemade tortillas for a while — as soon as the temps cool down a bit (I’ve been eating cold, garden fresh veggies like it’s my job!) I’m all over these tortillas from my girl Jules. 

 

• When I was home in MN, we had a super sub night — I kid you not, one of THE best subs I’ve ever had, gluten free or not. Try one out on Molly’s Gluten Free Bakery hotdog buns like we did…

 

(also buy some of this Strongbow with honey, loving it!) 

 

• Or maybe try making these sub rolls to recreate them at your house?

 

• SAVE the DATE: the Wisconsin GF Expo is coming up! Saturday, September 26th from 10-3 in West Bend.

 

Until next week, my friends….

 

 

Tuesday To Do List: what to buy, spy, and try! (or sometimes cry about)

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list…

 

• I spy some snickerdoodle bars I need to try! (and maybe even buy the new fall baking cookbook from Simply Gluten Free?!)

• Go check out Elizabeth Barbone’s updated site: glutenfreebaking.com  She has been one of my go-to people since day one of my gluten free adventure and I still use her baking book every year at the holidays. Tip: there are some fun fair foods on her site that you should try before summer slips away!

• You’re buying Lakefront’s New(er) Grist with Ginger, yes? Add a slice of orange or lemon for a treat.

• I’m all about trying new super simple summer drinks to sip — try saying that five times fast after a few of these!

(Add Tito’s vodka to orange or lemon San Pellegrino)

 

• Trying my hand at some canning this year — there seem to be two kinds of canning people: those who do it with ease and never break a sweat, and those who are terrified and usually skip it all together. 😉  (I’m somewhere in the middle, but finding my way!)

(dilly beans from Ball’s Complete Book of Home Preserving)

 

• Gluten Free in Sioux Falls, SD: should you find yourself waaaaaaay over to the west… be sure to try Chevy’s in Sioux Falls. I somehow kidnapped celiac sista for a sisters’ night out and we celebrated with margaritas and mucho queso. They have a separate GF menu and will keep the chips and salsa coming!

• I’ve been buying Califia Farms coconut-almond milk blend lately — have you tried it? I don’t drink milk by the glass, but I do like putting it into my iced coffee. Have also had it over cereal. I had tried their almond milk in the past and wasn’t a big fan, but something about the blend of both gives it good flavor. Next on my list is to try their Horchata!

(I call this “liquid sunshine” — cold brewed coffee, slightly sweet chai from Oregon Chai, and milk of choice. Just trust me on this one.)

• My final hurrah of summer is a trip to the fair — have you been gluten free at the Minnesota State Fair? Do tell. I know the lovely Amy Leger from The Savvy Celiac joins forces with other area organizations to put together a list of treats to try. Let me know if you’ve been and what we should get our hands on first! (and I’ll put up this year’s list as soon as it goes live!)

• Want to try THE best enchiladas in the area with me next week? Join me and other GFFs at Cocina DeLeon in Brookfield for our August Gluten Free Get Together event. RSVP via the Facebook invite and bring your appetite!  #glutenfreeinMKE

 

And stay tuned… I had such a good experience being gluten free in Rochester, MN and I’ll tell you all about it soon!

 

Tuesday To Do List — what to buy, spy, and try! (or sometimes cry about)

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list…

Three cheers for three weeks in a row! Big summertime commitment.

Speaking of commitments — last week we celebrated our FIVE year anniversary of Gluten Free Get Together events in and around Milwaukee. Each month I organize a dinner, event, or field trip and am joined by other gluten-free friends in the area. This group has become like family, I love them so.

And so do the generous companies who helped me fill GF swag bags for our event. The love they sent this year has left me speechless. (and we know that’s rare.)

Today’s to-do list is a shout out to ALL the companies who made our party such a huge success.

Please go spy, try, or buy ANY of these companies’ products! (some may even make you cry — tears of JOY that is)

 

Red Apple Lipstick — I’ve been singing their praises since I first tried their lip glosses. Now most of my make up bag comes from them. I have converted many friends and family members to their Lash Project Mascara. (read all about it HERE) The ladies were thrilled with the lipsticks and ralleye balms in their bags!

(Isn’t Katiekins just gorgeous!? She’s a Red Apple girl for sure!)
The Gluten Free Bar (the GFB) — Marshall and I have been in touch since he first started his company. Stories like this make me smile. He started with just a couple of bar flavors and has now expanded the business and is making his way across the country into stores. Kudos to him and his team!

Sentry in Delafield — Kerry and her team at the store are all about making our community happy. Their GF aisle and freezer section is impressive and their willingness to order new goods is appreciated. It’s my go-to store in the area!

GF Harvest — Another story that makes me smile every time. Forrest started this company in high school, yes high school, as a school project. I have been ordering their certified gluten-free oats for years and am always on the lookout for their new product lines. (like yummy granola!))

 

 

 

G.H. Cretors popcorn — they sent bags of their “Chicago Mix” and boy am I glad they did. AH.mazing.

Lovely Candy Co. — I’ve had a couple of their licorice products and was just as impressed with their caramels. Melt in your mouth!

Fahlstrom Farms — three cheers for this “Minnesota Nice” company that sent FULL sized bags of cheddar biscuit mix! If I’m going to buy a brownie mix, it will be theirs.

Ciderboys — Thanks to their bottle openers, we’ll be sipping cider all summer!

Cup4Cup — As you know, I’m a long time fan of Cup4Cup. For me, it’s worth the cost to have my family recipes convert over and turn out every single time.

Pamela’s — Game changers in the gluten-free s’mores world! The new mini graham-like crackers are too good. (meaning I could eat the whole box in one sitting!) The crowd gobbled these up for dessert. (my mamasita thinks these  will make excellent dippers for pumpkin dip!)

Jovial — the perfect pasta in gluten-free land! When I can use a pasta in a cold salad, I get excited. And when the husband asks for it, you know it’s good. Someday I hope to take my celiac sista on their GF trip to Italy!

Sweet Ali’s Bakery — we are BIG fans of Sweet Ali’s around here. We even take field trips down to the bakery (it’s not too far) in Illinois to get our fix. The dessert tray was gone in no time!

The Better Chip — my mama found these chips years ago and we have been eating them ever since. Their unique flavors: beets, jalapeno, spinach & kale, corn, and chipotles keep us on our toes. My nephews call the kale ones, “the green chips” and ask for them often. (they’re 3 and already on the kale train!)

Canyon Bakehouse — I just mentioned their deli rye style bread in last week’s post and am still raving about it. LOVE their breads. Period. (and everyone gets to try them now with the coupons they sent!)

Jones Dairy Farm — we love Wisconsin companies! The coupons they sent will be used on our breakfast menu soon.

Freedom Foods — they make a version of GF fruit loop-ish cereal that I eat by the handful. Their coupons will be put to good use!

 

And a special shout out to Marty’s in Delafield!!! (not to be confused with their Brookfield location — this safe, amazing service comes from Delafield only) We had to move the location of the event at the last minute and Duane, Maynard, and our fantastic servers made us feel right at home. (they even went out and got Lakefront New Grist for one of our GF peeps!) The pizzas were perfect, the salads were spot on, and the wings were baked rather than fried, just for us! THAT is the kind of safe service the gluten-free community deserves.

Head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and all their websites — give them some Milwaukee gluten-free love and let them know how you liked their products. (also sign up for email lists to be up to date on their latests news and deals!)

Here’s to another five years of fun — thanks for being part of it all!

 

Tuesday To Do List — what to buy, spy, and try! (or sometimes cry about)

Tuesday To Do List is my newest attempt at bringing you tidbits from the gluten-free world each week. This will continue until my mind-that-doesn’t-rest comes up with another way to entertain you guys. Cross your fingers I am back here next Tuesday with another list…

 

TWO weeks in a row. *applause*

This week’s to-do list should keep you busy until next week. 😉

 

• Pretty please try this mustard from Mustard Girl.  I’m putting it on sandwiches, pretzels, and everything in between. Made in Wisconsin for bonus points!

• In the very near future you’re going to be able to buy gluten-free Cheerios. And things might get a little confusing — you see, they are using mainstream oats in these Cheerios, (not certified gluten-free oats that we’ve been told are the only ones safe to eat) using a mechanical sorting process. They have spent a great deal of money on this project and my fingers and toes are crossed that they come off the production line indeed testing safe for us to eat.There are many opinions on this matter, if you’re interested in learning more about gluten-free Cheerios, you can click on any of the links below. Take the time to do your research before deciding to buy.  (the picture below is from Instagram — she found them in Ohio)

• Gluten Dude talks GF Cheerios.
• April from Gluten is My Bitch weighs in.
• Gluten Free WatchDog is watching closely and will be testing them once they hit shelves — stay tuned for these results, that will be my big deciding factor.
• UPDATE 7/23/15: latest information from Gluten Free WatchDog — PLEASE READ before purchasing and stay tuned for her test results!CLICK HERE: https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/…/gluten-free-cheerios-…/

 

 

 

• I spy, with my little eye… RASPBERRIES! They are the “berry of the week” here at the Nielsen household. I would have to stop eating them every morning right off the bush if I actually wanted to make something with them. (I don’t see this happening.)

 

 

• If you haven’t already tried Canyon Bakehouse’s gluten-free deli rye style, add it to your grocery list now. THE best rye-style bread I’ve had.

 

• Want to try some new gluten-free dessert recipes? Add http://www. allglutenfreedesserts.com to your bookmarks. More gluten-free recipes than you’ll know what to do with!

 

• Think Mr. CITC will read this and buy me a subscription to Bon Appetit? The August issue cover has me drooling and dreaming of all things tomatoes! (just click the link and join me in tomato dreamland)

 

• Traveling this summer? Be sure you’re following Anna from Gluten-Free Jet Set for all things gluten-free travel. I check her site first after booking flights. She’s in the middle of producing some awesome gluten-free travel guides that you’ll want to buy. (I used many of her recommendations in Paris and London…can’t wait to see her NYC guide!)

 

• Every try making your own dairy-free coffee creamer? I had leftover canned coconut milk, so I decided it was the perfect time to match them up with some dates in the freezer and go for it.

 

GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE COFFEE CREAMER

Puree 4-5 dates (remove pits) with ¼ cup hot water to form a sweet paste. Add half a can of coconut milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Feeling fancy? A few dashes of cinnamon. Blend for several minutes. Done.

I wanted mine super smooth so I poured the creamer from the blender through a very fine strainer into my bottle to store in the fridge. EnJOY!

 

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Somehow summer is slipping away fast… hope you are enJOYing it as much as we are!

xoxo

As much as I wish I were getting paid big bucks to add these links to my page, I’m not. They are not affiliate links. I’m just sharing to share. 

The Real Jules, Real Good Giveaway: gluten-free flour mix & sandwich bread

1/13/15 WINNER UPDATE: congrats to Cindy and Nicole — you both get to choose either the bread mix or the all-purpose flour mix. Please contact me within 24 hours at celiacinthecity@gmail.com to claim your prize! (if I don’t hear from the winners, I’ll draw again!)

 

________________________________________________

You know how you feel when a company has products you love and then stops making them? The worst. Right?

But now think about if THE person who came up with those products left the company (because her whole heart is with the gluten-free community and she refused to settle for nothing less than the best for us) and started a NEW COMPANY and is re-launching her amazing products, but the old company was still out there using her name? Confusing to say the least. Frustrating for those who just want that darn product they love.

That’s what’s been happening with our friend Jules Shepard from gfJules™  formerly Jules Gluten Free — she is no longer with that company and does not endorse those products, yet they are still selling the products with her name and logo on the package. (until March, pursuant to the legal settlement)

The most confusing thing for most people is that there is a Living Social deal being circulated (and even shared by local GF peeps) for the old products and people get excited about the deal, not realizing these are not Jules’ products.

I was just talking with another GF friend about Jules’ new mixes and she was so excited to try them, but had the same reaction as many others, “it’s just confusing — I don’t know which ones to buy!” (she had also seen the Living Social posts selling the old products, thinking they were the new ones)

So that’s where you guys come in!

We need to spread the good word about THE gfJules and her new product line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(don’t you just adore the new packaging?)

And what better way to do so than to have you guys try them out for yourself — it’s GIVEAWAY time! Before I give you the details, check out some shots of us LOVING the goods we made with the flour mix.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made my Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for Thanksgiving and my twin nephews were fighting over them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His response when I asked for a little bite? “Noooooooooo!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cookies lasted one day. 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mix is a combination of finely ground flours, which I love. It worked well in several different cookies, but also as a thickener for soups. I’m adding it to my short list of GF flour mixes I rotate through for baking. It’s CITC approved!

And my girl Jules doesn’t joke around, she has the highest standards:

• All gfJules products are free of the Top 8 food allergens
• All gfJules products are made in a dedicated GF and allergen-free facility
• Jules’ flour is non-GMO
• 7 of Jules’ 11 mixes are non-GMO (the others are at least 96% non-GMO)
• gfJules flour & mixes are available in 2 sizes
• If you don’t love it, and we can’t find a way to help you love it, then we’ll refund your purchase price

And the sandwich bread? My oh my. You need this bread!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can think of nothing better when the thermometer reads -2 than a big bowl of soup with a thick slice of warm bread like this to dip into it!

There was NO way I was waiting for it to cool — can you blame me with a rise like that of golden gluten free goodness?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also used it for breakfast sammies and the husband could not get over how good it was.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Straight from the mouth of Mr. CITC:

• “This is the best gluten free bread has ever been!”
• “It’s so squishy. Not dense. Actually fluffy. There’s a fair amount of air pockets relative to others and it rises to a ‘real’ size, not a mini loaf.”
• “We should just start the weekends making a loaf and use it for everything.”

This is serious stuff. A non-GF, very-picky-about-his-bread, real life review. You read it here, folks.

But don’t just take our word for it, you can WIN your own right here!

TWO lucky winners will receive either the sandwich bread mix OR the all-purpose flour mix pictured above in this post. (two winners, each one gets to decide on one box of gluten-free goodness) 

Here’s how:

1. Leave a comment below telling me the first thing you would make on that delicious bread, or the first recipe you’d tackle with the flour mix. (please leave your email address so I have a way to contact you) 

That’s it. You don’t have to like 324 pages or follow 23 people on IG, Twitter, or MySpace. I just want to know what YOU would do first with your prize.

I won’t lie though, I would LOVE for you to go check out the new gfJules site. Need recipes? Click HERE. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter — just go show her some GF love from MKE. She is one of the sweetest, kindest, most sincere people I have met in the GF community. She’s a VERY big deal (read my previous post on her HERE) but you would never guess how big of a deal from hanging with her. She’s down to earth. And she goes to bat for this community all.the.time.

Let’s show our gratitude by spreading the good word about THE gfJules — if you see those Living Social deals for the “other” company, SAY SOMETHING! I did. And I’ll keep doing it. Join me!

*Contest runs from today through January 13th at 10pm CST, with TWO winners being announced as an update at the top of this post. Winners will have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing address and then will receive a shipment with the prize from my friend Jules herself. 

Red Apple Lipsticks presents: Christmas Collection 2014

There’s a super sale on gluten-free makeup starting tomorrow from our friends at Red Apple Lipstick. 

Before I go into detail about how much I LOVE their products, here’s what you absolutely need to know, even if you don’t read any further:

• Sale runs 11/17-11/24 (and it’s a private, VIP sale so just REGISTER HERE and you’re all set and will be enjoying the goods before the general public)
• I know, I know, registering seems like a lot of work, but it’s not! You just enter your name and e-mail and then they offer you a buy-one-get-one offer you don’t want to miss.
• Use code CITC for a 22% discount on your order — this is better than the VIP monthly discount! 
• All products will be guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas!
• The Christmas Collection is AH.mazing! (don’t just take my word for it, check out the “look book” by clicking HERE — aren’t they all just stunning?!)
• They are having their sale early this year to allow their employees to enjoy time off for the holidays. That alone makes my heart sing and motivates me to support this company that supports their own.

It’s no secret that I am a BIG fan of every single product I have gotten my hands on from Red Apple Lipstick. And the new Christmas Collection is no exception.

You should have seen me when I opened the package from them — it was like Santa had read my mind and delivered!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As much as I wanted to keep them all to myself… I had to share with some of my girls!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just look at my best gal Katie — she can pull off ALL of their bold colors with such ease. She’s glowing in Back to the Fuchsia. (remember you can see all of the colors by view the look book HERE.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s my soul sister, Kristi in Gypsy Soul. (fitting, yes? my soul sister in gypsy soul) 😉  She was impressed by the color, but even more so by the texture — when she first put it on she said, “oh, it’s so smooth.” She is my go-to girl for all things makeup, (she did my makeup for our wedding) so when she’s impressed, you know it’s good — and I’m pretty sure I will have her hooked on RAL after this sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And me? I’m a Red Apple girl. I just am. Not because they send me free goods to try out and tell you about, that’s a lovely perk of being a blogger friend with Andrea and Jay, but because they make quality, gluten-free products that make me feel beautiful. And although I get to try some things for free, I also place orders with them throughout the year using my VIP code they send each month.

I don’t have to worry about reading their labels. I know they are safe: no petroleum, no animal bits, no gluten, soy, dairy, corn, harsh chemicals or GMOs.

And they’re good people. Down to earth. They want you to be happy. (they give a ridiculously generous SIX month money-back guarantee on their products) And they moved their sale up this year to be sure their team is home with their families for the holidays. That may not seem like a big deal to some, but to me and my family who watch our mama work every single year during the holidays, it is a VERY big deal and I admire the gesture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wake up with Ooh La La and coffee. (my favorite lipstick color of the new collection) And the eye shadows? Oh my minerals. They are gorgeous! And on days when I’m feeling lazy I at least grab my Mint 2 Be gloss and The Lash Project mascara — there are two new glosses in the Christmas Collection. (read all about The Lash Project HERE and then add that to your cart!)

 

Now… when YOU wake up tomorrow … GO SHOP at www.redapplelipstick.com  and use code CITC to save 22% on your order through November 24th. What are you picking out first? Lipstick, gloss, shadows, or one of each?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Apple Lipstick presents: The Lash Project (with a giveaway)

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UPDATE 7.31.14: CONGRATS to Kate Biwer, winner of the prize package!

Don’t worry, if you didn’t win, remember you can still use code CITC to save 22% off your $50+ order!
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Next week, our friends from Red Apple Lipstick launch THE LASH PROJECT: a gluten-free lash conditioning mascara. Basically the product I’ve been waiting for my whole mascara wearing life!

My lash envy has gone on for years — I have girlfriends whose eye lashes look long and full BEFORE they even put on their mascara.

Here are my sad little lashes without mascara.

I have spent years asking which mascara they are using, running out to buy it at Target, Sephora, or a department store only to end up with clumpy lashes that leave me with raccoon eyes by afternoon. I toss them into the “rejects” drawer in hopes of trying them again someday to pull off the look I saw on a friend. (never happens) I have spent a ridiculous amount of money on mascaras that don’t work for me. I pull out lashes trying to get the gunky mascaras off — they make my eyes itchy, watery, yet I keep buying new ones in hopes of finding the one that works.

For my wedding I let someone talk me into a tube of mascara that was over $30. Big mistake. Spidery lashes. Smudging. Another reject. (into the drawer)

See the pattern here?

The Lash Project mascara is unlike any other mascara I have tried. Sometimes when you hear claims like that, they sound fake or overused, but I honestly feel that way about this product. (and you guys know I’m 100% honest about products I try, if I don’t like them, believe me, you’ll know!)

Full disclosure: I was gifted a tube of The Lash Project mascara to try out, share with all of you, and even give away a gift set that also includes a Red Apple Lipstick color. Jay and Andrea are super generous in that way and I have never seen anyone stand behind their product (or get as excited about it) like they do. Knowing how much I have loved all of their other products, I will tell you I still had doubts about this one at first.

It’s $42, my friends. And for some, that may seem like a deal breaker at first thought.

But my lashes want you to know….it is worth every single penny and I will be continuing to use it for the rest of my mascara wearing life!

It’s that good.

Here are just some of the highlights…

The Lash Project 2-in-1 (conditions and brings beautiful color) formula is: Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Corn Free, Soy Free, Vegan (synthetic beeswax, not the stuff from real bees), Cruelty Free, Dairy Free, Plasticizer Free, GMO free, Glycol Free, Nut Free, & SLS free

 

They have solved:

• Clumping (my biggest mascara pet peeve)
• Spidering (gross)
• Smudging (hello humid Wisconsin problems!)
• Flaking
• Eye Irritations: itchy, scratchy watery eyes (then I rub them and it gets worse!)
• Puffy and red eyelids (ouch!)
• Short, stubby lashes (totally me, notice the first photo)
• Lashes that grow in weird directions
• Lashes that fall out (all.the.time)
• Mascara that’s hard to remove (now you can just use coconut oil or soap and water)

And if you try it out and aren’t as impressed as I have been? They will give you up to SIX months to get your money back or exchange it — that never happens with cosmetics!

One coat would give me the look I would wear to work each day. And if we want to go with a few coats, we’re ready for a night out!

I have been using it for about a week now and my lashes are stronger already! This shot is from this morning, no mascara.

But don’t just take my word for it, try it out for yourself!

I’m giving away a little prize pack: 1 Lash Project conditioning mascara AND a lipstick color of your choice. (I’m currently loving Vogue and New York)

Thanks to RAL, this prize can be YOURS! The giveaway runs until July 31st which is THE launch date — so you can wake up on the morning it launches and know if you’re a winner!

 

But what if you don’t win?

No worries!

You can use my code: CITC to save 22% on your order from RedAppleLipstick.com!!!

This is the highest discount you will see during their launch campaign, so stock up on lipsticks, glosses, (love me some Mint 2 Be in Honey Badger) and eye shadows — I have never been disappointed with their high quality products. (and they always offer that six month unheard of return/exchange policy)

Then do yourself a favor and become a VIP with Red Apple Lipstick and they will send you coupon codes to use each month, so you will continue to get a discounted rate on The Lash Project mascara as well as any of their other products.

Your to-do list:

• Enter to WIN the prize pack below — just CLICK ON the “a Rafflecopter giveaway” link where you’ll have FIVE chances to win! (cross your fingers and toes that you win!)
• Go over to RedAppleLipstick.com and become a VIP and sign up for an email reminder to get your Lash Project Mascara on their launch date, July 31st.
• Use code CITC to save 22% on your order of $50+ to stock up on RAL goods.

Good luck from my lashes to yours!

a Rafflecopter giveaway