My gluten-free life: perfume

Ever since finding out I had a gluten allergy over two years ago, I stopped using perfume....along with any other body product that might possibly contain gluten/wheat. I am so sensitive that I put something on my skin that had gluten in it, then I would have a reaction....which for me was itching, redness, and within a few hours also joint pain and fatigue. Needless to say, it hasn't been easy trying to find products that are safe for me to use. I even have to take my own shampoo and conditioner when I go to get my haircut because the salon I go to doesn't have gluten-free haircare products.

I was so thankful when I recently discovered that a local company here in Portland, OR called Pacifica, made perfumes, soaps, and lotions that were gluten-free! I saw on their website that the pure grain alcohol that they use in their perfumes is corn-sourced and gluten-free. Hallelujah! And they also use natural ingredients and oils, so I wasn't putting other icky stuff on my skin either. They just came out with a lip tint that is also gluten-free so I'll have to check that out soon as well.

So for all y'all out there going though this too, there is hope! It takes time and research because our options are so limited, but there are more and more companies jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon when comes to health and beauty products....you just have to do your homework. :D

Breakfast anyone?

I've realized my need for heartier breakfasts on studio days since I never eat a "real lunch" when working. I get in the midst of creating and I find it hard to stop...especially when I'm having a "good" day where things are flowing and coming together quickly (and you other creatives out there all know how that goes...the whole ebb and flow thing). How 'bout you?

This morning I made myself a fresh strawberry and coconut milk smoothie with scrambled egg on gluten-free toast (Udi's brand is my fave and it was on sale this morning at Safeway) with a smidgen of apricot preserves. I like to keep things as simple as possible these days when it comes to food. I've found that for me, it keeps me eating healthy. If its too complicated, I'm less likely to stick with it. :)

Well, I'm off to get a shower (the boys used up all the hot water this morning, so mine had to wait), then I'm off to the studio for a few hours before I have to pick up the kiddo from school. Have a good one y'all! xoxo