About Me
My life changed when I was diagnosed with celiac disease, a severe gluten intolerance, after almost dying from severe anemia in 2011 . I was vegan at the time, and almost everyone I encountered thought there was no way I could be both gluten free and vegan. But I’m an animal lover and did not want to give up my veganism for the sake of eating a larger variety of gluten-free foods, as many gluten-free replacement products were, and continue to be, made with eggs or dairy. Plus, I hate it when people tell me I cannot do something.
I’m happy to say, despite my first attempt at grocery shopping with the gluten-free restriction ending in tears, it is possible to be both gluten free and vegan and still eat deliciously and nutritiously.
So, why this blog? For several reasons, actually.
One: The first question I get when I tell people I’m gluten free and vegan is, “What do you eat?” I’m not saying I’m sick and tired of answering it, but it’s definitely losing it’s novelty.
Two: I’m really, really proud of all the gluten-free and vegan food I make. And when I tell people about my creations, everyone tells me to get a blog.
Three: I have a life of knowledge to share with people, some of whom could be where I was at six years ago. It’s also wayyy more difficult to not only grocery shop, but also to dine out at restaurants (where the fear of cross-contamination always looms), travel and hear about new products and whether they are actually good or not.
Because of that last reason, this blog contains more than just my latest and greatest recipes. It has reviews of my gluten-free and vegan finds– although, I have also discovered a soy allergy and that I’m not able to tolerate gluten-free oats, so know that the products I review meet those requirements, too. I also provide helpful advice about traveling while gluten-free (yes, it is possible to bring the dreaded liquid and gels, such as hummus, aboard planes) and gluten-free friendly travel destinations (gotta love Disney World!) There is also a rundown of my personal experiences while navigating this culinary world, which is really an all-encompassing lifestyle as well. That includes restaurant reviews and dining out advice, and what knowledge I can pass along in the cooking realm. Finally, there’s Rynoa’s Corner. Rynoa being my beloved puppy. Believe it or not, there’s lots of gluten-free goodies (not necessarily vegan, but I don’t like dealing with gluten-laden treats) out there for the canine crowd. I share my latest vegan-approved finds, and provide her opinion of those, in addition to my homemade treat recipes.
This blog was almost subtitled “A Daily Journey of Discovery” because that’s what I believe every day is for me. I learn more and more as I go along. New recipes, new cooking techniques, new products, new gluten-free and vegan-friendly restaurants… the list goes on. It’s that journey that I love being able to share with you.
On the bio side, I live in Michigan and I’m pursuing a marketing/ advertising career. I have a burning desire to help make the world a better place for the people and animals that inhabit it. When I’m not cooking or watching food shows for recipe ideas, I enjoy participating in CrossFit classes, reading (primarily narrative, non-fiction) books, writing stories and, of course, playing with Rynoa and her three cat sisters.
Gluten Free and Vegan 
Hello! Finally looked up your Blog and liked you on FB. Keep up the good work!
Jacquelyn Whitesel
Whole Foods
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Thank you, Jacquelyn!
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