Matthew's Puzzle and a mom putting it all together

5 Things I’d Love to Give My Husband This Father’s Day

May 22, 2012 By Maryann

5 Things I’d Love to Give My Husband This Father’s Day – Or what I really wish for him!

With Father’s Day fast approaching I was thinking of what I would really like to give my husband if only I could. These would be the best Father’s Day gifts ever.

A Good Nights Sleep – my husband never sleeps well, and with 3 little boys, one with autism, he hasn’t had a decent nights sleep in over 7 years. If I could I would give him the best nights sleep ever so he could really get some rest on Father’s Day.
Peace of Mind – Being a dad can be stressful, and being a good dad takes a lot of hard work. But being a good dad to a child with autism weighs on ones mind and requires strength one never knew they had. If only I could I would take all those worries away and erase the stress that comes with parenting a special needs child. The daily fears would be wiped away and the future would be bright, at least on Father’s Day.
A Trip to Vegas – He just likes Vegas. So I’d love to send him for a week. Simple as that. How about Father’s Day in Vegas!?
A Good Pillow – This ties in with #1, but my husband can’t find a decent pillow to save his life. Too thick, too thin; just not quite right. I’d love to find him the perfect pillow.
Time – Time to do what he wants or needs. Time to exercise daily. Time to play. Time to just be him.

These would be the perfect gifts for Father’s Day, if only I could give them. Instead I’ll probably get him some shirts. He needs them, but they really aren’t as exciting as Vegas!

Gluten Free Angel Food Cake Recipe Casein Free

May 18, 2012 By Maryann

For Mother’s Day my husband wanted to make me a special dessert that the whole family would enjoy, gluten free and diabetics, alike. He settled on Gluten Free Angel Food Cake. He actually served it with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, raspberries (my favorites) and blueberries. After searching the internet he found this recipe for Gluten Free Angel Food Cake and decided to try it. Luckily we had all the ingredients on hand as we keep a pretty well stocked Gluten Free pantry. This is probably the best tasting Gluten Free Angel Food Cake I have ever eaten. It tastes like traditional Angel Food Cake, and the texture was perfect. It also held up to the whipped cream and berries nicely. We thought it may actually hold up in a trifle if it was served immediately. My middle son liked it so much we were thinking of using it for his upcoming birthday. Wouldn’t that make a great birthday cake, Gluten Free Angel Food Cake?

The original recipe can be found here, at A Taste of Home.

Ingredients – Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

1-1/2 cups egg whites (about 10)
3/4 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup white rice flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup potato starch
1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted fresh fruit, optional

Directions

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sift 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, flours and potato starch together twice; set aside.
Add cream of tartar, salt and vanilla to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through the batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned and entire top appears dry. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.
Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. Top with fresh fruit if desired. Yield: 16 servings.

Editor’s Note: Read all ingredient labels for possible gluten content prior to use. Ingredient formulas can change, and production facilities vary among brands. If you’re concerned that your brand may contain gluten, contact the company.

Nutritional Facts 1 slice (calculated without fruit) equals 101 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 1-1/2 starch.

This was the perfect ending to an amazing meal and I suggest you try this Gluten Free Angel Food Cake recipe from A Taste of Home! We will be keeping this one for years to come.

Wordless Wednesday – My Mother’s Day Gift

May 16, 2012 By Maryann

This is how my Mother’s Day started.

With 3 of the cutest flower bearers ever.

I am one pretty lucky mom!

Adventures Unlimited at #Brandcation

May 12, 2012 By Maryann

Brandcation was amazing. I fell in love with the #GulfCoast and Pensacola. The area was beautiful, the shoreline pristine and the water blue. But what really drew me in was the day we spent on the Coldwater Creek with Adventures Unlimited.

I had never been ziplining before and although I was very excited I was also a bit frightened. The idea of zipping over a creek at 35 miles per hour really got my heart going. But the folks at Adventures Unlimited were kind, friendly and knowledgeable. My group (my condo roommates) were the first group out and we zipped with guides, Kevin and Jacques. It was only Jacques’ second day on the job, but you wouldn’t know it. He was a real pro. He even joked with me when after I ran the first real zip line and I was scared to death, and I ended up calling him honey. He said that was just fine. Flirt! We did 7 runs and by the time we reached the last one, a 900 foot run from 65 feet in the air, I was begging to go again! I could have done that all day.

After a box lunch, also provided by Adventures Unlimited, of deli sandwiches, soda, water, chips, cookies and the best Cara Cara oranges I have ever tasted (we were in Florida of course), we headed down the Coldwater Creek for a leisurely tubing ride. Of course I can’t do leisurely so my friend Paula of Frosted Fingers, and I decided to race down the river. We certainly got a workout as she and I “paddled” almost the entire 3+ miles. We were the first ones back. I’m sure that deserved some sort of trophy.

I truly loved Adventures Unlimited. The grounds are huge. They have private and group cabins, camping sites, and the Schoolhouse Inn (a restored school house turned inn with author themed rooms. Kevin’s favorite is the Dr. Seuss room). You can tube, canoe or kayak on the river, go ziplining, or try a ropes course. The place is just plain fun!

Thanks to Adventures Unlimited for a great Saturday on the #GulfCoast!

I was given this trip for free but all opinions are my own.