Be Free For Me Blog

August is here and the summer heat doesn’t seem to quit! During these dog-days of summer there is nothing better than an icy cold popsicle. When I was a kid I couldn’t wait for “Pony Boy” to come galloping down my Grandmother’s road so me and my two sisters could get an icy cold and sticky sweet Popsicle.

Nowadays I still crave these summertime treats, but was searching for a “big kid” version of the too sweet version of my childhood favorites. That is when I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own gluten-free frozen treats… with a grown-up twist!

My inspiration to make my own Popsicles came from the Good Housekeeping website which features a bunch of recipes for make-your-own Popsicles… all in big-kid flavors, including Blackberry-Rose Ice Pops, Coconut Carrot Ice Pops, Melon Pops, Raspberry Buttermilk Ice Pops and, of course, the “Adult Only” Happy Hour Ice Pops!

The device that I used to make my own Popsicles was a Tovolo Rocket Pop Mold, which is the Cadillac, top-notch and big-gun variety when it comes to the world of iced pop molds. In fact, I loved my Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds so much I decided to go out and get two more for the winners of this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com!

The Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds let you make homemade freeze pops so easily. They are dishwasher safe, food safe and are BPA free. They are also reusable, which reduces waste. But the best part about the Tovolo molds are the fun that you (and your kids too!) can have making your very own homemade gluten-free Popsicles. Plus, these pop molds are real money savers!  (And did I mention the super-cool rocket shape? What is better than a Popsicle shaped like a rocket?!)

All of these out of this world reasons are why I am so excited to share the Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds to two BeFreeForMe.com members. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 23, 2016at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us a fun summer activity or memory you have (Me? Cape Cod beach visits!) Good luck, remember to relax, enjoy the rest of the summer, chill-out…and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out these links on Amazon.com: Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds (Set of 6)

During the summer months it’s nice to have a quick and easy breakfast in the morning that will fill you up until lunchtime.

That’s why I was so excited to find Nature’s Earthly Choice Chia Goodness Cereal. My two favorite varieties are the Apple Almond Cinnamon and the Cranberry Ginger. Both are packed with nutrients that keep me going from day-break to mid-day.

These cereals are a good source of protein and Omega-3’s. They’re also packed with fiber, calcium and iron. And not only are they gluten-free, but also Non-GMO Certified.

And lucky for all of you there will be two winners of this Win-It-Wednesday. Each of the two winners will receive a package of the Nature’s Earthly Choice Chia Goodness Cereal.

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received before Tuesday, July 6, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us a tip on how you start your day in a healthy way. (Me? I love my morning walks!)

Good luck, Keep the “good” in your mornings, and, as always …

Be Free!

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday blog contest prize is another fabulous cookbook… but this week’s Win-It-Wednesday is all about veggies!

“Gluten-Free Tips & Tricks for Vegans” Cookbook by Jo Stepaniak is a god-send for anyone who eats gluten-free and vegan, as well as anyone who eats a gluten-free diet, and is trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

I love that this cookbook is easy to understand, and gives the readers numerous tips and tricks (as the name of the cookbook implies!) about eating a delicious, yet healthy, gluten-free and vegan diet.

Jo Stepaniak goes over how to keep a gluten-free and vegan diet healthy and nutritious, which can often be difficult considering many gluten-containing grains and proteins are often the nutritional focus of a plant-based diet.

Some of my favorite recipes in this cookbook include Banana Bread, Black Bean Tostadas, Chilled Noodles in a Spicy Sauce and Glazed Lemon Pound Cake (yum!).

The cookbook contains over 70 gluten-free and vegan recipes featuring salads & soups, pasta dishes, ethnic dishes, and delicious desserts.

And lucky for all of you there will be two winners of this Win-It-Wednesday. Each of the two winners will receive a copy of the “Gluten-Free Tips & Tricks for Vegans” Cookbook.

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received before Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us a tip on how you plan on staying healthy this summer. (Me? I plan on eating something that I grow in my garden at every meal!)

Good luck, Keep healthy, and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out these links on Amazon.com: “Gluten-Free Tips & Tricks for Vegans” by Jo Stepaniak

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday is all about baking!

If you ever thought about baking with almond flour, but didn’t know where to start, this Win-It-Wednesday is for you.

Almond flour is one of the easiest gluten-free flours to use. Besides being low-carb and high-protein, almond flour is the perfect flour for those on a gluten-free, paleo, grain-free, low-carb and high protein diets. I also love that almond flour is low on the glycemic index.

Another added bonus is that the health benefits of adding ¼ cup of almond flour to recipes is equivalent to eating 1 ounce of almonds. What a fantastic way to get your omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, and minerals!

The “Almond Flour: The High-Protein, Gluten-Free Choice for Baking & Cooking” Cookbook by Beverly Lynn Bennett is a fantastic resource for those wanting to start taking advantage of baking & cooking with almond flour.

Some of my favorite recipes in this cookbook include the Snickerdoodle Cookies, Macaroon Crust, Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake and Lemon-Poppy Seed Bundt Cake.

The cookbook contains over 80 gluten-free and vegan recipes feature breakfast, brunch, snacks, and main dishes as well as breads, biscuits, bars, scones, pies, tarts, and cakes. I also love that the author also includes tips & tricks on adapting recipes using almond flour.

And lucky for all of you there will be two winners of this Win-It-Wednesday. Each of the two winners will receive a copy of the “Almond Flour: The High-Protein, Gluten-Free Choice for Baking & Cooking” Cookbook.

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received before Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

How can you win? Easy! Reply to this blog and tell us what your favorite item is to bake?

Good luck, keep baking, and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out this link on Amazon.com: “Almond Flour” Cookbook by Beverly Lynn Bennett

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday continues with the candy theme… and we are featuring Gourmet Gummie Bears from Happy Yummies. Yes… you heard it right… GOURMET!

What makes these gummie bears gourmet are the irresistible and oh-so-yummy flavors. These gummie bears really kick those other gummie bears clear into the forest when it comes to the flavors offered. The  flavors include Pink Grapefruit, Orange, Mango, Lemon, Green Apple, Lime, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Grape, Pineapple, Wild Cherry and Strawberry.

Happy Yummies Gourmet Gummie Bears are gluten free, as well as fat free (PLEASE NOTE: This product is manufactured in a plant that also processes wheat, soy, dairy, egg, peanut and tree nuts).

If you are a gummie bear lover… this Win-It-Wednesday is for you!

There will be two winners of this Win-It-Wednesday. Each of the two winners will receive a bag of the Happy Yummies Gourmet Gummie Bears. What a yummy prize!

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received before Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what yummy flavor of the Happy Yummies Gourmet Gummie Bears looks the best to you. Is it the Grapefruit? Lemon? Grape? Or my favorite, the Mango?

Good luck, continue to keep your world yummy, and, as always …

Be Free!

Ever since I was a little girl my favorite candy has been red licorice. But after getting diagnosed with celiac disease I had to forgo my favorite candy since most brands are laced with gluten. That’s why I was super thrilled to finally, finally, finally find gluten-free licorice!

Just recently I tried Yum Earth Soft Eating Licorice. Besides the chewy texture and the real fruit juicy burst of strawberries, there is so much more to love about the Yum Earth brand of licorice.

For starters… it’s Certified Gluten-Free. On top of that it is vegan, non-gmo, peanut free, contains real fruit juice, is naturally flavored and has no synthetic dyes. Plus… it is soy free, egg free, dairy free and contains no high fructose corn syrup. Wheww! That’s a lot of “free of” stuff! (Note: it is also made in a dairy & peanut free facility)

Yum Earth is the #1 brand that Mom’s & Dad’s trust when it comes to finding a candy that is free of most allergens. Check out what others are saying about the Yum Earth on their website.

And lucky for all of you there will be two winners of this Win-It-Wednesday. Each of the two winners will receive a bag of the Strawberry soft chewy licorice. What a yummy prize!

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received before Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

How can you win? Easy! Reply to this blog and tell us what yummy flavor of the Yum Earth Licorice looks the best to you. Is it the Pomegranate? Peach? Or my favorite, the traditional Strawberry?

Good luck, Keep things yummy, and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out these links on Amazon.com:

Strawberry Licorice

Mixed Variety Pack

There’s nothing like a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a crispy biscotti for dunking. That is why I was so very excited to find Tutti Gourmet Gluten-Free Biscottis.

Tutti Gourmet is a family business that is passionate about creating delectable sweets. They use only natural ingredients and create all of their products with a traditional Europe flair.

The company is located in the town of Hudson, Quebec and was started in 1999. The founder of the company, Michael Kachani, is also the Head Baker. With just one taste of the Tutti Gourmet Gluten-Free Biscottis and you can tell that he pours his heart & soul into his products.

These gluten-free cookies are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and they use an independent laboratory and on-site testing to assure that their products are gluten-free.

The Biscotti comes in four gluten-free flavors: Orange & Chocolate; Pistachio, Almond & Anise; Chocolate & Almond; and my favorite, the traditional Almond.

For this week’s Win-It-Wednesday I picked up two extra bags of the Tutti Gourmet Gluten-Free Biscotti for two lucky winners of this contest!

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win a bag from the entries received before Tuesday, April  26, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, April 27 and Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Tutti Gourmet Gluten-Free Biscotti looks the best to you. Is it the Orange & Chocolate? Pistachio, Almond & Anise? Chocolate & Almond? Or my favorite, the traditional Almond?

Good luck, Keep a little sweetness in every day, and, as always …

Be Free!

On a cool Spring day I love a sweet cup of hot tea in the afternoon. And my favorite sweetener for my tea? Honey, of course!

But carrying around a container of honey to add to my tea while on the run, can become one big messy, sticky mess. That is why I was so very excited to find Melville Candy Honey Spoons to make sweetening my tea quick, easy and as sweet as can be. All I need to do is dunk the honey spoon into my hot tea, stir it up a bit and wait about one minute to enjoy my perfectly sweetened tea.

For this week’s Win-It-Wednesday I picked up two gift sets of the Melville Candy Honey Spoons for the two lucky winners of this contest! Each gift set of Melville Candy Clover Honey Spoons each contains 6 honey spoons made with real honey on wooden ball sticks. The Honey Spoons are all natural and gluten-free.

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win a bag from the entries received before Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us something sweet in your life! (Me? All my friends and family!)

Good luck, be a sweetie, and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to Buy Now? Check out this link on Amazon.com for the Honey Spoons and buy some today!

If you’re looking for a something a little sweet for an afternoon pick-me-up, Gem Gem Chewy Ginger Candies are for you.

These kettle cooked chews are gluten-free, non-GMO, all natural and contain real Indonesian ginger.

Gem Gem says in their website that their chews are “a treat for the senses and the body”.  The spice, sweetness and chewy texture make for a tasty snack, while the ginger itself is known to help with many ailments including upset stomachs, morning sickness, motion sickness and nausea.

Their website continues to say that “Gem Gem use the highest standard to produce their candy. Most people believe that candy is junk food and unhealthy, but our company set out a goal to change that perspective. We believe candy can also be health benefiting product.”

And my favorite tagline on their website… these ginger chews are “Jam-Packed with Positivity”!

Gem Gem makes three varieties of Ginger Chews: Orange, Mango and my favorite, the good ‘ole Just Ginger.

For this week’s Win-It-Wednesday I picked up two bag of the Just Ginger Gem Gem Chews for two lucky winners for this contest!

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win a bag from the entries received before Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, March 30 and Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Gem Gem Chewy Ginger Candies looks the best to you. Is it the Orange? Mango? Or my favorite, the Just Ginger?

Good luck, keep yourself jam-packed with positivity, and, as always …

Be Free!

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday is keeping the cookie theme going! The prize for this Win-it-Wednesday is Klara’s Gourmet Coconut Macaroons… one of my favorite cookies of all time.

I love the soft chewiness of these macaroons. That combined with the coconut and a hint of vanilla & honey make them one of my top, all-time favorite cookies. The result is that Klara’s macaroons are just as good as fresh bakery macaroons.

Klara’s cookies are also verified Non-GMO.

Along with the Coconut Macaroon’s, Klara’s Gourmet also makes a great gluten-free Chocolate Macaroon too!

And the story behind Klara’s is a good one. If you check out the Klara’s Gourmet website, they tell of Klara’s story: “Klara Sotonova hails from Chrast, a village of 5,000, two hours southeast of the historic Czech capital city, Prague. At age 19, Klara emigrated to the U.S., with the dream of owning her own business – one that honored her family’s long tradition of home-baked, traditional Eastern European sweets.

In 2009, Klara settled her business in the small New England town of Lee, Mass., where she has been sharing her family traditions ever since – with you, her retail customers, and as a wholesaler to grocery stores and specialty retailers around the country. Using natural, organic, non-GMO ingredients wherever possible, Klara’s Gourmet brings pure, authentic flavors to her family heirloom of sweets.”

And lucky for all of you I have picked up two extra boxes of Klara’s Gourmet Coconut Macaroons for the prizes for this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com!

One (1) winner will be randomly selected to win a box of Coconut Macaroon cookies from the entries received before Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Klara’s Gourmet Gluten Free Macaroon Cookie looks the best to you. Is it the traditional Coconut? Or the Chocolate? (I’m more of a traditional gal and love the good ole’ Coconut favorite!)

Good luck, remember that a cookie a day keeps you smiling away, and, as always …

Be Free!