Be Free For Me Blog

Sometimes snack time can get so boring. The same-old, same-old day after day. I always try to reach for a healthy afternoon snack – but fruit, veggie sticks, and air-popped popcorn can get so boring.

That is why I loved finding GimMe Roasted Seaweed Snacks.

At first I was shocked to see the words “seaweed” and “snack” together. Don’t get me wrong, I like my seaweed, but historically I have enjoyed it wrapped, rolled and layered around my sushi. But after trying GimMe Seaweed Snacks the words seafood & snacks have been joined together better than peanut butter & jelly or salt & pepper.

Made from seaweed that is grown in an agriculturally protected region of the Yellow Sea, GimMe’s seaweed is gluten-free, USDA certified organic and verified Non GMO. And after checking out the GimMe website I learned that seaweed (which is a vegetable… who would have known?) is loaded with nutritional value and has the highest density of vitamins and minerals of any vegetable on the planet. Good stuff!

The two products that GimMe makes are Roasted Seaweed Crumbles and Sheets. Both are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories.

Roasted until nice & crispy, the Crumbles, which come in three tasty flavors (Cheddar Cheese, Sesame and Honey Dijon) are perfect atop a salad, or sprinkled on vegetables or baked fish; while the Sheets (that come in Sea Salt & Sesame) are great for snacking.

All these tasty & healthy reasons are why I am so thrilled that gluten-free GimMe Seaweed Snacks is this Win-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com.

A total of two (2) BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win a prize exclusive for this contest on BeFreeForMe. This prize pack includes a tote-bag packed with an assortment of GimMe Seaweed Snack products.  One winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST, and one more winners will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 11:59 PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy?

Reply to this blog and let us know which flavor of the Crumbles or Sheets sounds best to you… the Sea Salt, Cheddar Cheese, Sesame, or Honey Dijon.

Good luck, remember to snack on those vegetables (and yes, that does includes seaweed!) … and as always,

Be Free!

Keep in touch and join me in following GimMe Seafood Snacks on Facebook!

Sassy & sweet. Yup… those are the two words I would use to describe the two newest additions to the Kind Bar family. Both of these new additions meld sassy and sweet flavors into one bar to create a perfect taste assembly.

And let me tell you why I love them both…

The Dark Chocolate Chili Almond is spicy and sweet all in the same bite. Just when you catch the sweetness, a little sassiness catches your unsuspecting taste buds off guard. Tricky little bar.

The dark chocolate is pure angel heaven. And the spiciness adds a bit of devilish heat. Absolutely divine.

Then there’s the Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt. I swear the folks at Kind Snacks made this bar with me in mind… a bit sweet, a bit spicy and, yes, even a bit nutty. It’s basically a bit of New England all rolled into one bar. It’s made with real maple syrup, reminiscent of the north woods of New England, that is sea sprayed with the salts of the rugged Atlantic coast.

And, said like a true-Bostonian, “This is a wicked good bah.”

As always, these newest addition to the KIND Snacks family are gluten-free, kosher and perfect for a breakfast on the run or for snacking. Plus, all KIND Bars offer the essential nutrients often lacking in gluten free diets including fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin B12.

All these wonderful, healthy and tasty reasons are why I am so thrilled that KIND Snacks is this week’s Win-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com.

A total of two (2) BeFreeForMe members will be selected to win a prize exclusive for this contest on BeFreeForMe. This prize pack includes twelve bars of EACH of the two newest KIND flavors – Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt and the Dark Chocolate Chili Almond– for a total of 24 KIND bars (retail value of over $45.00). One winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST, and one more winners will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, July 31 and Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 11:59 PM. SO – make sure you enter to win two times!

How can you win?
Easy?

Reply to this blog and let us know which new KIND Nuts & Spices Bar sounds best to you… the Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt or the Dark Chocolate Chili Almond. And if you want… let us know something kind that you have done or something kind that someone else has done for you lately (Me? I stopped my car at road construction and handed a bottle of cold ice water to a police officer who was melting standing there in 100 degree heat =)  )

Good luck, remember to be KIND even in a nutty, sassy and sweet kind of way … and as always,

Be Free!

Keep in touch and join me in following KIND Snacks on Facebook & Twitter!

Elana Amsterdam is one of my favorite gluten-free cookbook authors. Her last two cookbooks, “The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook” and “Gluten-Free Cupcakes” are two of my most go-to, used and perused cookbooks that I own.

And now Elana has created yet another marvelously, scrumptious collaboration of gluten-free, grain-free and dairy free recipes in her newest cookbook addition – “Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry – Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes”.

I’ve heard a lot over the past few months about Paleo cooking, but was never quite sure what it was all about. What exactly is the premise of Paleo cooking? What can you eat? What can’t you eat? Does the diet allow any baked goods at all? And after reading the first few chapters of Elana’s cookbook I discovered the answers to all of the questions I had regarding the Paleo cooking… plus more.

What I learned is that Paleo cooking is free of gluten, grains and dairy. It takes its cue from our hunter-gatherer ancestors and “consists mainly of all-natural low-sugar, high-fiber, and high-protein real foods like fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, fungi, roots, seeds and nuts.” All the things that I love the taste of…  and love to eat!

This cookbook is fantastic for those that have allergies (aka: me!); folks who want to eat “cleaner” and avoid processed foods (aka: me!), or even for those who want to lose some weight  by eating “real” foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber (aka: me!).

After paging through the recipes in this cookbook and already giving several a try ( and can you say delicious?!)  I think I may soon jump aboard the Paleo Diet for a few weeks. I love the way that Elana incorporates almond flour and coconut flour into her recipes to produces high-fiber, soft and yummy baked goods like bagels, Banana Bread, & Blueberry Coffee Cake.

And congratulations to Elana for having this cookbook land on the New York Times Best Sellers List! Kudos to you, Elana!

All of the yummy & enticing Paleo recipes, from one of my favorite cookbook authors, in one easy to read cookbook with fantastic photos and terrific variety are the reasons that I am so excited Elana Ansterdam’s  newest cookbook, “Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry” is this week’s Win-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com. Four (Yes, 4!) lucky BeFreeForMe members will be the winner of their very own copy of this cookbook! Two winner will be randomly selected from all comments / entries received before Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST), and a second winner will be selected from all comments / entries received between Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 12:00 AM (EST) and Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and send your congratulations to Elana for having this cookbook make the New York Times Best Seller List (I will make sure she receives all of your congrats =) ! Good luck, remember gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free (and allergen free!) can be tasty & scrumptious, AND on the New York Times Best Sellers list!… and as always…

Be Free!

Looking for a bar that’s an all-around delicious & decadent treat any time of day? Morning, afternoon or evening? Then look no further than Enjoy Life’s new Decadent Soft Baked Bars.

These all-natural bars are gluten-free and also free of the top eight allergens (dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, fish & shellfish). 

And the flavors! Oh, the delectable flavors! They are sophisticated, yet yummy enough for anyone, of any age, concerned with allergies. Cinnamon Bun is perfect for a mid-morning coffee break snack, Chocolate Sunbutter or the S’Mores is a great afternoon “pick-me-up” and the Cherry Cobbler is a decadent dessert sneaked into a decadent soft-baked bar. And the best part about these bars… each one is drizzled with a  chocolate coating… to tip the scales of deliciousness  even further!

All of Enjoy Life products are made with all-natural ingredients in a dedicated allergen-free facility. They are also verified by the non-GMO project , which means you can feel good, inside and out, about eating Enjoy Life products.  

All of these yummy reasons are the reasons why I am so excited that Enjoy Life’s Decadent Soft Baked Bars are this Win-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com. Two (2) lucky BeFreeForMe members will be the winner of a delicious prize pack of the four flavors of these Decadent Soft Baked Bars. One winner will be randomly selected from all comments / entries received before Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST), and a second winner will be selected from all comments / entries received between Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 12:00 AM (EST) and Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Enjoy Life Food’s Decadent Bar looks best to you. Good luck, remember some things in life can be decadent AND gluten & allergen-free, and as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about Enjoy Life Food’s news and offers? Check out their Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter accounts!

This Win-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com is a new bread and bakery company… All But Gluten. And before you go thinking, “Who needs another gluten-free bread company?” Stop right there!

This new brand of bakery product is different than all the rest because you can find it in the fresh bakery section of your supermarket. Yup. You heard it right. No more taking the trek to the frozen foods department (aka: The Land of the Frozen Solid Gluten-Free Bread). Now you can just head to the fresh bakery section to find your great tasting gluten-free breads and baked goods.

All But Gluten makes all of our favorite breads and baked goods too… savory items like focaccias, pizza shells, breads and sweet treats like brownies and macaroons.  All But Gluten is sure to rekindle our love of baked goods.

And the folks over at All But Gluten have taken strict steps to make sure that all their gluten-free baked goods are gluten-free. They are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility in Canada, meet Health Canada’s gluten-free regulations and are certified by the Canadian Celiac Association’s respected Gluten-Free Certification Program. Plus, all of the All But Gluten items are dairy free too.

And as an added bonus these yummy products are nutritious too. All of them are a source of fiber and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

All of these fabulous tasty, nutritious (and non-frozen!) reasons are why I am so excited that this Win-It-Wednesday is sponsored by All But Gluten Breads & Baked Goods. Four (yes 4!) lucky BeFreeForMe members will be the winner of a delicious prize pack of All But Gluten products. Two winner will be randomly selected from all comments / entries received before Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST), and a second winner will be selected from all comments / entries received between Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 12:00 AM (EST) and Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what All But Gluten product looks best to you. Good luck, let All But Gluten rekindle your love of baked goods and, as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about All But Gluten news and offers? Check out their Facebook and Pinterest accounts!

Note: Be on the look-out for the All But Gluten items in the States soon! In Canada, All But Gluten products can be found in the following stores!

If I had to describe Missy J’s Truffley Treats in five words it would be: Melt in your mouth goodness.

I first discovered these chocolaty squares of goodness at a trade show a few months back. After trying and sampling and eating and picking and grazing my way through the show, I was fuller than I ever had been in my life. I could not eat one. more. single. gluten-free bite.

Until I met Jodi Feinhor-Dennis… aka: Missy J.

With her upbeat, happy and smiley personality Missy J temped me to try “Oh just a little tiny little piece” of what she described as the most indulgent treat ever. A treat with 100% yumminess and 0% regret.

And oh my. That Missy J was right on. Right on, indeed. In fact that “tiny piece” she most graciously offered to me became two whole truffles. Full belly and all.

Missy J’s Truffles come in two decadent gluten-free varieties: Almonds Gone Coconuts and Hazelnut Spice. Both of them are equally delicious, with an enchanting melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is so velvety and delicious.

Another bonus is that these truffles are made without caffeine and sugar, which are common stimulants found in most candy, so they are perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, all the ingredients are non-GMO too.

These truffley melt in your mouth reasons are why I am so excited that Missy J Truffles are this Win-It-Wednesday sponsor on BeFreeForMe.com.

And thanks to Missy J, two (yes 2!) lucky BeFreeForMe members will be the winner of a delicious prize pack of both the gluten-free truffles. One winner will be randomly selected from all comments / entries received before Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST), and a second winner will be selected from all comments / entries received between Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 12:00 AM (EST) and Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what gluten-free truffle variety sounds the best to you (Almonds Gone Coconuts or Hazelnut Spice). Good luck, remember that “Oh, yes you Candy!” and, as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about Missy J’s news and offers? Check out their Facebook and Twitter accounts!

The first thought that came to mind after hearing about the true old-world-style Italian gluten-free foods made by Bove’s of Vermont was “Mangia!”

Eat. Eat. Eat. And love every single gluten-free bite!

If you’re craving really, really good gluten-free sauces and meatballs (YES! MEATBALLS) that are gluten-free, priced really reasonably and are available either in your local grocer or online, look no further than Bove’s.

Bove’s is a 3^rd generation family-run company that produces authentic sauces and meatballs using only the finest all-natural ingredients and time-tested recipes. They cook their products in small batches for that “made at home” taste and stay true to their classic family recipes … recipes that have made them famous and have been in their family for over 72 years.

I also love that the Bove’s pasta sauces are made with ingredients like crushed tomatoes, spices, fresh hand-peeled garlic, fresh onions, wine, premium cheeses and extra virgin olive oil… basically ingredients that you have in your kitchen cabinets or refrigerator. No fake tasting, corn-syrupy, modified food starch fillers are in these sauces. Bove’s uses only the best ingredients. Nothing artificial… Ever!

Getting hungry? Their line-up of pasta sauces: include: Vodka, Alfredo, Roasted Tomato, Marinara, Roasted Garlic, Mushroom & Wine, Three Cheese & Tomato and Basil. And I’m not the only one who loves these sauces. Here are some praises & applause from others:

The Vodka sauce was featured on the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay and was Voted Best Vodka Sauce by Family Circle Magazine.

The Roasted Garlic sauce was on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” with Melissa D’Arabian who is the host of Ten Dollar Meals. And Real Simple Magazine voted it “One of the Best Tasting Garlic Sauces in the Country”

And the MEATBALLS... where do I start? They are SO delicious! These flame-broiled then frozen meatballs are made with grass-fed & hormone-free beef, rice flour, fresh garlic, finely diced onions, Pecorino Romano cheese and non-GMO spices. Gluten-free goodness hand-rolled for topping your gluten-free pasta, or to snuggle into a gluten-free roll for a meatball sub (yup… remember those?).

By far these are the best tasting frozen meatballs available AND they happen to be gluten-free. Yay for us!

All of these reasons are why I’m so excited that Bove’s is the sponsor of this WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com.

And thanks to Bove’s, two (yes 2!) lucky BeFreeForMe members will be the winner of a delicious prize pack of two Bove pasta sauces of their choice. One winner will be randomly selected from all comments / entries received before Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST), and a second winner will be selected from all comments / entries received between Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 12:00 AM (EST) and Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what your two pasta sauce choices will be if you win. (Me? 1. Three Cheese & Tomato and 2. Basil) Good luck, remember that being natural, fresh and traditional like Bove’s is a great thing, and, as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about Bove’s news and offers? Check out their Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Want to buy Bove’s products? Check out this link to find a retailer near you.

Despite all the good, great and countless intentions I often forget to take my calcium supplement each day. Shame on me.

One. Little. Tiny. Thing. … and for some reason I can’t seem to remember to take it. Double shame on me.

That is why I was thrilled when Adora Calcium Supplements sent me a care package of their Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate supplements. Packed with calcium and all-natural chocolate these little yummy calcium chocolate powerhouses make taking my calcium supplement not something I forget, but something I crave.

Isn’t it funny how adding some rich, premium, all-natural chocolate can turn the mundane into a delicious “treat with a reason”… full of flavor and full of calcium.

These calcium supplements have only 30 calories per piece (gotta love that!) and taste just like a piece of chocolate. No chalky, vitamin aftertaste or tell-tale signs of being packed with a high quality USP-grade of calcium carbonate, vitamins D3 and magnesium.  

I love that Adora was created by Thompson Brands, a chocolatier with a rich, celebrated heritage of making fine products since 1879. I also love that Adora Calcium Supplements are gluten-free, certified kosher, contain no artificial sweeteners or corn syrup, and also have no Trans Fats. In a nutshell: Adora Calcium Supplements are good stuff, made by good people.

All of these yummy “I can’t wait to take my calcium” reasons are why I’m so excited that Adora Calcium Supplements is the sponsor of this WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com

And thanks to Adora, two (yes 2!) lucky BeFreeForMe members will be the winners of a delicious prize pack of the Dark Chocolate and the Milk Chocolate Adora Calcium Supplements. One winner will be randomly selected from all comments / entries received before Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST), and a second winner will be selected from all comments / entries received between Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 12:00 AM (EST) and Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST).

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Adora Calcium Supplement (either milk or dark chocolate) looks the best to you. (Me? I’m a dark chocolate girl all the way!) Good luck, remember that a daily dose of chocolate can be a great thing, and, as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about Adora’s news and offers? Check out their Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Want to buy Adora products? Check out these links to order the Dark Chocolate and the Milk Chocolate online or check out this link to find a retailer near you.

There are a few gluten-free items that are true keepers. Products that once you try them, you fall in love, want to tell the world all about them.

Joan’s Great Bakes products are one of these keepers.

Made in New York, Joan’s Great Bakes is a family-operated business that puts love and care into every one of their products. Some of the baked goods they offer are Italian bread, Joan’s Sicilian Pizza, Corn Toaster Muffins (I love these toasted and smothered with butter and honey!), Calzones (Yes… gluten-free CALZONES, my friend!), fantastic Double Chocolate Muffins, and my favorite, Joan’s signature English Muffins… real English muffins that have creeks and crevices that grabs a hold of the melted butter. The kind that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The kind that looks and tastes like an English muffin and not like a crumbly cake disguised into an English muffin shape. True love!

All of Joan’s Great Bake products are gluten-free (made in a dedicated gluten-free facility) and many are dairy-free and corn-free too. All products are also preservative free and have no trans-fats.

Some big news is that Joan’s Great Bakes products can now be found in the freezer section of Whole Food Markets in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and Northern Connecticut. So all of you New England folks should be wicked happy to hear about that! (Note: If you don’t find Joan’s Great Bakes in the Whole Foods in the states mentioned above ask a grocery team member to help you find them or have them order for you!)

All of these tasty reasons are why we are so excited that Joan’s Great Bakes is the sponsor for this WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com. Two lucky winners will win a delicious prize pack of Joan’s Great Bake products… full of baked goods…  perfect for breakfast, dessert, dinner or snack times!

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Joan’s Great Bake item is your favorite (if you’re lucky enough to have tried them before) or what Joan’s Great Bake product looks the best to you. (Me? I am the number #1 fan of the English muffins with the Corn Toasters and Calzone’s close behind.)

Good luck, keep those true-keepers in your life, and, as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Want to be the first to know about Joan’s Great Bakes news and offers? Check out their Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Want to buy Joan’s Great Bake products? Check out this link and order online!

As I am writing this blog post, I am traveling on a JetBlue airplane. It’s been a frantic morning of packing, getting to the airport on time, and getting through the crazy security lines at Logan Airport. But finally, the big bird is in the sky… and there is a glimmer of love in my eye. Why, you ask? The answer is one simple word: Oloves.

JetBlue has a gluten-free “meal box” option on their planes. (YES… GLUTEN-FREE!… and also vegetarian and kosher). It is called the “Shape Up” box, and this gluten-free box of snacking goodness contains one of my favorite snacks of all time… Oloves.

Yes. I do have a love affair with olives. When others are grabbing a bag of chips, jelly beans or peanuts I am cracking open a can of olives. That is just how much I love them.

But what is an on-the-go-olive-loving gal to do when she needs an olive-fix on the go? Oloves to the rescue!

I am so excited that Oloves, snack packs of perfectly marinated olives that are the perfect grab and go nibble, is the sponsor of this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com. And Two (Yes 2!) lucky winners will each win a prize packed with 10 packages of Oloves!

At only 50 calories per pack, these quick, easy, healthy, low calorie and tasty olives are full of flavor and do not contain any of the major allergens, or gluten. They are perfect for travel, lunchboxes, picnics, and an office afternoon snack. No stones, no fuss… Oloves are the perfect gluten-free snack.

I have only tried the Tasty Mediterranean variety, seasoned with basil & garlic, but Oloves also make a Hot Chili Mama, heated up with habanero peppers, and the Lemony Lover, packed with lemon and garlic.

How can you win?
Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell me how you “Share the Love”? (Me? I was at the market yesterday and gave the young cashier who was on her break, and in-line in front of me at the register $2.00 to pay for her muffin when her debit card was refused. Why? Because every time I am in that market she is smiling & friendly).

Good luck, share the love and goodness in your heart, and, as always…

Be Free!

P.S. Not traveling on Jetblue? No worries! Ask your local grocer for them… or you can also find Oloves on Amazon.com. =)