Showing posts with label GF EXPO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GF EXPO. Show all posts

Friday, September 9, 2011

I am Fine...Are you?

I mentioned on my Q&A post about an upcoming beauty product I wanted to introduce my readers to,  well this is it!

 I was introduced to I Am Fine Pure Skin Products at the GFXCon by Anne Marie Fine. Anne Marie is the CEO and the Founder.  She created the line because she wanted to revolutionize skin care one face at a time, with pure ingredients. Her products are gluten free and amazing. Her credentials are impressive and she has been featured in Martha Stewart twice!

I have been using the Youth Serum since the expo and I have been loving it. It makes my face softer than ever and I cannot think of one negative thing to say. I was worried because it looked oily when you first rub it in and I have very sensitive skin, but I did not break out, my skin remained blemish free. I even received compliments from a friend telling me that I had a glow about me.

I was given the opportunity to interview Anne Marie! Here are her insights on beauty and exciting new news on  her skin care line:

What made you decide to invent your skin care line?

As a environmental medicine doctor, I decided to formulate my skin care line to address the skin stressors resulting from a broad range of environmental toxins, nutrient deficiencies, and UV exposure from the skin- the main contributors to skin aging! As a national and international lecturer on toxins in personal care products, I have done the research to know what is really in those skin creams and lotions out there, and concluded that most skin creams are actually aging your skin due to their poor quality ingredients. My line is focused on being a solution to the problem of both premature aging and the role of toxicity in skin care products.


 I have been using your product for a couple weeks, how long does a bottle of the Youth Serum last?
A bottle of Youth Serum lasts approximately one month.



Do you prefer the Youth Serum or the Purifying Mask?
I like and use them both! The Purifying Mask has been called The 15 Minute Facelift! It lifts, tones, and draws out the toxins while exfoliating and reducing pores. It is a special kind of clay that pulls out environmental toxins and leaves the skin impossibly soft, fresh, and youthful. And the Youth Serum works to deeply hydrate and nourish skin, revealing younger looking skin very quickly. They are best used together!


Are you planning on developing more beauty products to your line?

I am right now formulating more products to be added to the line.



 At what age do you think a person needs to worry about anti-aging products?



I think the question of what age to begin an anti-aging program would be better viewed as when should someone start taking care of their skin. Good skin habits and pure products that aren’t irritating and inflaming the skin are appropriate at any age.



Aside from I Am Fine, what are your top five beauty tips?

1. Use organic, pure products for the face and body.


2. Use sunscreen on your face every day to prevent sun damage which is very aging
3. Detox your face at least once a week.

4. Avoid an inflammatory diet- it will show on your skin!
5. Make sure to include sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in your diet to moisturize from within

 What are your top five health tips?
1. Detoxify, detoxify, detoxify- this is the missing link in health.

2. Adequate pure clean water
3. Adequate sleep- at least 7 hours per night.
4. Move your body everyday
5. Keep stress under control

Is there anything that you see people doing to their skin that it totally damaging? What are the best ways to reverse it?

The most damaging thing people do to their skin today is slather on chemically laden creams and lotions that create inflammation and free radicals- both processes lead to premature aging of the skin.




Thank you so much for the interview and for sharing your words of wisdom with the readers of Gluten Free Gluttony.

Monday, August 15, 2011

GFXCON: Thoughts, praise and a big Thank You to Kristin Carey!

I am so happy I was able to attend the  the first ever GFXCON! Didn't attend? Don't worry! I have it on good authority that there will be more! There was so much to do at this Gluten Free Convention that there was never a dull moment. There was not only the Expo, there was also Conferences, Cooking Demonstrations, and a dinner to close out the night. I missed some of these events due to scheduling conflicts but in the future I know that I will not want to miss out on the fun!

Who is the mastermind behind the GFXCon? Kristin Carey. Why does her name sound familiar? I have mentioned her prior; she is the owner of Nourish. She is incredible. She keeps bringing fourth new ways for the GF/Dairy free/Soy free/Vegan/Vegetarian/Allergen free communities together in exciting ways. This Conference was the perfect blend of food,education, and fun. I want to thank Kirstin Carey for creating such an all encompassing  Conference.

That said, I am a big supporter of all the GF conferences, I think we (Celiacs), should go to every conference  available to us. The more of us that show up and give the GF lifestyle a face; the more conferences that will appear in your area. This is better for us as consumers. Keep that in mind...

Back to the GFXCON:

This is what the GFXCon looks like when you enter. There were a lot of Vendors and they were all very informative. There was not one that was unfriendly. It was great to see familiar faces like Julia from Julia's Bakery!

I sampled a ton of delicious foods, drinks and tried a lot of new beauty products. Most of the tables looked like this:

This is the Udi's table. I have spoken about my love of Udi's many, many, many times on the blog. A lot of the tables were set up like the Udi's table. Had I not been chatting so much with the awesome vendors, I would have taken more pictures. I am sorry, I was having such a great time and learning so much that I neglected to take photos.

 At the bottom of the post, please check out some of the links I have included for you to look at.  Additionally, I will be posting a lot of new great reviews of products from companies that I wouldn't have otherwise known about, had I not gone to the Expo.

I also met some amazing bloggers! One that I have followed for years and one that I now am excited to read! Please check out these two awesome blogs:

Stephanie- I read her all the time when she was SkinnyJeans! She was so kind and I was very excited to meet her. I love it when readers come up to me and she was very personable. Please check out her latest blog.

Ken-Ken was so nice and he is GF. He is your go to guy for sustainable living the GF way!


While I was at the GFXCon, I happened to catch three speakers. I saw Dan Maakastad, Sous Chef from Nourish, Kirstin Carey, Owner of Nourish and Dr. Kyle Collins from Upper Cervical. Each speaker brought something very interesting and unique to the table. Dan talked about Grain Free cooking, Kristin talked about how to travel without having to worry about getting sick and Dr. Collins spoke about Eliminating toxins.

The Expo made me very hungry! So before I made my journey home, I ventured to Nourish and ordered a meal to go. 
Teriyaki Wild Rice Bowl with ground beef added. Delish! Also, I love the blackboard quote they have displayed.
I had a marvelous time. I cannot THANK everyone that made this event possible enough. I cannot wait for the next one. I was in the best mood all day because of it. I loved the GFXCon!
Every vendor there was great, please check out these websites because I think that they are amazing:

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Don't Forget! GF EXPO THIS WEEKEND!!!!


Gluten Free eXpo & Conference (and Party)!

 
Here are the details:
 
GFxCon


Gluten Free eXpo & Conference (and Party!)



WHEN: Saturday, August 13th, 10am – 10pm!



WHERE: Optima Camelview Village Event Room & Nourish restaurant. Corner of Scottsdale Road and Highland Ave, North of Fashion Square. (see map at bottom of page) 7147 E Highland Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251



WHY: This one-day-only event will impact your gluten-free, healthy-living life more than any other event you’ve ever attended.



HOW: There are several events you can attend. Attend one or attend them all! It’s your choice!



Space is selling out! Go to the website to sign up! http://nourish123.com/gfxcon/

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Gluten Free eXpo & Conference (and Party!)

I went to dinner with Steve at Nourish recently for  another delicious meal. Pictured above is my Turkey sandwich with fresh mozzarella cheese added and sweet potato fries. DELISH! Anyway, I saw Kristen, the owner and we discussed an event that I had known about for a little while and I wanted to share with you...

Gluten Free eXpo & Conference (and Party)!

The greater Phoenix area now has two Expos to learn more and Celiacs and the gluten free lifestyle and I cannot be more thrilled. I am so excited to attend this event! 
 
Here are the details:
 
GFxCon


Gluten Free eXpo & Conference (and Party!)



WHEN: Saturday, August 13th, 10am – 10pm!



WHERE: Optima Camelview Village Event Room & Nourish restaurant. Corner of Scottsdale Road and Highland Ave, North of Fashion Square. (see map at bottom of page) 7147 E Highland Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251



WHY: This one-day-only event will impact your gluten-free, healthy-living life more than any other event you’ve ever attended.



HOW: There are several events you can attend. Attend one or attend them all! It’s your choice!



Space is selling out! Go to the website to sign up! http://nourish123.com/gfxcon/

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Interview with Arnel McAtee, Creator of Arnel's Originals!


 
 
 At the AZ Gluten Free Expo, I met a lot of Vendors. As I mentioned, a few stuck out as being amazing and one did not. One of the amazing Vendors was Arnel. She was kind, bubbly and really put herself in her product. She lived the gluten free lifestyle 110% and she was excited to share this with every single person at the expo. I didn't just want to do a shout out and say, "Hey, buy her bread, it is tasty!", I wanted you to get a feel for Arnel like I did.
 
Michelle: I remember you telling me that it took you eight years to come up with your final recipe for your bread mix, do you remember how many recipes you came up with before you found the right one?

Arnel:I couldn't even guess how many loafs of bread we consumed over the years that were less than exciting. Since 1996, my only purpose as I baked was to feed and nourish my gluten intolerant family. Creating the business called Arnel's Originals: Good and Gluten Free was only born two years ago, after both our daughters went off to college.  If I recall, right from the git-go I was able to bake a nice and soft loaf with a great flavor using only wholesome ingredients. Later on, I worked on the integrity of the bread structure, (so it wouldn't fall apart after 4 or 5 days,) and moisture retention (so it wouldn't dry out.)

Michelle: What makes your breads and mixes stand out from the others?
Arnel:Besides using mostly organic grains and making sure the bread is also free from dairy, soy, and corn products,  the bread can be toasted and eaten for a sandwich many hours later. It's that texture, combined with a great taste and heightened nutrition, that sets my bread apart from the rest. The first ingredient in the bread is Organic Buckwheat, which is amazingly nutritious. Buckwheat is actually a seed which contains the eight essential amino acids. I would never use it, however, if the flavor weren't just divine. I know of no other gluten free bread that tastes, behaves, and nourishes the body so well.

Michelle: You were so cheerful at the Expo! How many Expo's do you average a year and what is your advice on a cheerful disposition?
Arnel:Many of my passions are rolled up in what I do for the gluten free world and my "cheerful disposition" as you call it, is just the joy I feel for what I do. I've always enjoyed cooking and creating but its being of service to others that feeds my soul. I get to do that weekly when I greet customers at the weekly Farmer's Market in Ojai, California and of course when I attend gluten free or health food conferences a few times a year. 

Michelle: You went gluten free after your daughters did, are there any gluten products that you miss sometimes? 
Arnel:I can honestly say that I don't miss anything made of gluten. I always loved eating bagels but not any more; they make me feel awful. Occasionally, I come across a food item that I recall with fond memories. When that happens, I saunter over to that food, lean down, and inhale slowly. That wonderful aroma fills me with contentment and I am good to go. Because I get a central nervous system reaction  (anxiety for one) along with digestive and arthritic discomforts, I am never tempted to eat gluten.  

Michelle: What advice would you give to someone new to the gluten free lifestyle? 
Arnel: If eating gluten wrecks havoc with your body, it won't go away, and as you age, it will become harder and harder for your body to bounce back. Sometimes gluten causes permanent damage to your intestines.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, deprived, and perhaps angry about needing to be on a gluten free diet, remember that those feelings are temporary; they will dissipate.  Here's the advice, "Don't let your feelings guide your actions,"  use your logic.  With so many choices now a days, eating gluten free is no big deal. I would say that it is a "little deal" and at best a minor inconvenience, which a small price to pay for good health. I was diagnosed at age 43 and in the last 15 years of living without gluten, I have never felt better or been happier. Take care of yourself; you're worth it!

Gluten free mixes (Bread, All Purpose Flour/Pie Crust, and Pancake/ Breading ) are available through  web site or can be obtained without shipping costs at the GF Country Store in Gilbert AZ and 20 other stores in California.Fresh bread can only be purchased at the Ojai Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings. I would like to thank Arnel for taking the time to be interviewed.

Friday, April 22, 2011

AZ GLUTEN FREE EXPO VENDOR THAT NEEDS TO LEARN A LESSON:

Before I give praise in upcoming post to select vendors for their amazing dedication to the gluten free community (most vendors were excellent but select few deserve extra recognition) there is one that was so rude, I must call them out. A different vendor praised gluten free bloggers, called us their bread and butter and thanked me for my work as a gluten free blogger. It felt great to hear that from a vendor that gave up their Saturday to be at a busy Expo.

Anyway, the vendor that I want to discuss is:
While their food isn't bad, their customer service skills are absolutely horrible. They have been rude to me on the phone in the past and dealing with them at the Expo was no exception. I was shocked. The Expo would be the place for Gluten Free Creations to expand their base not alienate it with rude behavior and taking a lack of interest in their clientele. I have driven to Fountain Hills for one of their Eclairs, I wont do that again and I wont eat their products again. I tried to engage in conversation with the female representative there and she was cold and rude. I stood back and watched, she was rude to about 6 other people at the expo. Stupid move, they were placed right next to the better quality UDI's table. Maybe she was just bitter because UDI's bread taste better and the people at UDI's are actually capable of human interaction. I don't normally write mean things on my blog, but maybe a bad review will wake up Gluten Free Creations and they can recreate their public image because they have lost a customer in me and some of the other people at the expo that day.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

AZ GLUTEN FREE EXPO!

Last Saturday was the Gluten Free Expo! I saw many familiar faces and I met many readers! It was so wonderful.
The second I walked in, I saw Traci and her husband. I love the Expo!

A warning to those of you planning to attend next year, the Expo is crazy packed with amazing Gluties! So, come hydrated and hungry! You will leave full!

This is the only photo I managed to take inside the Expo.
This is just when the Expo opened and most of the vendors were still setting up. About 20 minutes later the room was pretty full.

I will do some vendor spotlights during the upcoming weeks, so look out for that!

I also met one of my favorite GF bloggers, from Gluten Free Frenzy, Chandice. She is so sweet and awesome!


The Expo was amazing. I cannot wait to spotlight my favorite vendors and my least favorite vendor.

Last but not least, this is the best part of the Expo...
The goodies! The amazing loot! I cannot wait till next year!