First – Why Gluten Free?

An excerpt on celiac disease courtesy of Eating Gluten Free -

The interior of the small intestines have small, finger-like projections called villi. The villi are used to absorb nutrients from the food that passes through the digestive tract. When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, the villi become damaged when the body tries to destroy the gluten in the intestines. Through time, the villi become blunted and shorter, decreasing the surface area available for the absorption of nutrients. Some people’s intestines are damaged badly enough that they cannot absorb any nutrients. They eat and eat and still look like they are starving to death. This is because they ARE starving to death. The food they eat cannot be absorbed by their bodies and basically goes right through them. Other people seem to have “selective” absorption problems . . . fat gets through all right, but iron (or calcium, or something else) doesn’t seem to make it.

Betty to the Rescue

Betty Crocker offers five gluten free mixes:

• Bisquick
• BC Yellow Cake Mix
• BC Chocolate Cake Mix
• Brownie Mix
• Cookie Mix

Through the end of June, you can save 20% on the purchase of any of the five Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes. Visit http://www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore to buy yours today!

We know baking in a gluten-free world poses its own challenges – as well as sweet rewards – so we want to give you a chance to show off the creative solutions and tasty treats that you’ve created for your family and friends.

Now through June 30th, visit www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge for the chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000. The grand prize winner will also have the chance to be featured on a Betty Crocker^® Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick^® Gluten Free baking mix package and/or be featured in a Betty Crocker publication! All you have to do is submit an original gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread or dessert recipe, using any Betty Crocker Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix.

Recipes will be judged on five key categories: taste, creativity, ease of preparation, consumer appeal and appearance. Plus, we want you to keep baking deliciously, so if you’re one of 10 selected finalists, you will receive a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket filled with baking items and Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes. Even more exciting, finalists’ recipes will be featured on www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge and voted on by the Gluten Freely community to determine the Grand Prize Winner!

For great recipe tips, ideas, and suggestions, visit www.glutenfreely.com to help get you started and learn more about the Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest.

Win a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Prize Pack

Giveaway Rules:

Mandatory entry:

Tell me which Gluten Free mix you’re most interested in trying.

Additional entries:

Like Betty Crocker on Facebook.

Follow @BettyCrocker on Twitter.

Tells others about this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter [you can use the share buttons at the top of this post]

Share the fact that GlutenFreely.com will be running a 20% off sale on all the mixes during June (you may share this via any social networking site just be sure to tell me which one and your user name so I can confirm) – multiple entries possible

do all for extra entries

Please complete the form below to enter this giveaway.

If you have problems with the form, please send me an email with your information [be sure to include Betty Crocker Gluten Free Giveaway in your email] and I will manually add your information to the form according to the time stamp on the email.

Giveaway will end on June 30, 2011 at Midnight EST and is open to residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email. Additionally, I will post the winner’s name on my site in a separate post on or around July 1, 2011. Winner will have 48 hours from the time the email is sent to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

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Disclosure: All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I would not tell you something was wonderful if I did not truly believe it so. Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. I received a copy Betty Crocker Prize pack courtesy of Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark for the purposes of this review.

Baker’s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest + a giveaway for my readers! {closed} is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Last summer Stephen decided to walk to the store and get something to drink. Now we have two choices, one store is about half a mile to the west, while the second store is about five miles to the east. Stephen opted to the latter. Needless to say, this led to him walking in very high grass along the side of the road and him losing his glasses. His only pair of glasses.

After that incident, and advising him to go to the closer store the next time he wanted a soda (we do have something to drink in our house,  just not a lot of soda-type beverages), I wanted to get him a spare pair of glasses.

The process is simple… go to justeyewear.com, find the frames you love, enter your prescription info (including your pupillary distance [PD] – ask your eye doctor for this, or you can measure it yourself if need be), and then order!

If you’ve never ordered glasses online before, it is strongly suggested you start your search by reading the “Guide to Buying Glasses Online“. It explains the basic process of ordering prescription glasses online.

Glasses starting at $7.95

The entire process from ordering to arrival took about 4 – 6 weeks. I even received an email wanting to confirm some of the information given just so they were certain I did not make a mistake when ordering.

The glasses arrived well packaged and Stephen said the prescription lenses were good for him. He even said I did a good job picking out the frames. Score one for mom!

Next Time You Need a New Pair of Glasses, Think Just Eyewear

• Over 900 different styles to choose from.
• Big plastic frames, flex titanium, progressive lenses, Transitions, etc.
• Top notch quality.
• Made in the United States.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Just Eyewear, Top Notch Eyewear on the Web is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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I hit the stores today to pick up a few things and found some awesome coupons for Fage Total 2% yogurt. These were found in the cooler at Walmart in a stack. They are for 50¢ off one Fage Total 2% yogurt in the split container (honey, strawberry, peach, blueberry, & cherry) and I believe they expire in September (I used all 4 I picked up and don’t remember the exact expiration date).

Fage yogurt is on sale at Kroger this week 4/$5 or $1.25 each. If your Kroger doubles coupons then you are looking at some good yogurt at an awesome price.

Image Credit

25¢ Fage Total 2% Yogurt at Kroger is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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For the first time, this promotion will support Tom Thumb, Randall’s, Pavilions, Genuardi’s, and Carrs IN ADDITION to Kroger and its subsidiaries.

• Promotion is Friday, March 4, from 3AM PST (6AM EST) to 6PM PST (9PM EST).
• Users must have a Cellfire account have a supported loyalty card registered with their account.
• Every eligible user that logs in during this time will get a special coupon for either $.50 or $3.
• The special coupon will be among the regular Cellfire coupons and must be clipped.
• Mobile app users must refresh their coupons in order to reveal the special coupon.
• iPhone: Pull down to refresh
• Android and Blackberry: Hit menu button, select refresh option

In cases with multiple loyalty cards, the special coupon will be saved to the card that has been modified most recently.

Super Savings from Cellfire is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s that time of year again…

Summer is only a few months away and it’s time to check out the latest and greatest in women’s swimwear. What will be the hottest of the season? Will it be two piece swimwear? Or maybe a string bikini? As I get older I tend to like the tankinis. I get the freedom of a two piece without the bareness of a true bikini.

If I were a few years younger and much, much toner I would absolutely love this swim suit from

Express.

Find everything from monokinis, to flirty ruffles to sexy self-tie sides and even glam beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware. Personally, I could use all the padding I can get, but for those without this little issue you can easily remove the padding in the tops. And the bottoms fit smaller to size offering moderate back coverage.

Don’t forget swim shorts for the guy in your life.

Express has him covered, too!

Enter to Win a $200 Express GiftCard

Sign up for Express e-mail for your chance to win one of ten to be given away! Make sure you read the official sweepstakes rules for all the details.

Check Out the New Spring Swimwear at Express & Enter to Win a $200 Gift Card is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Starting February 27th and running through March 12th, shop Kroger’s biggest-ever promotion and find the hottest prices around on more than 35 brands, across more than 60 categories.

General Mills, P & G, Nestle, Pepsi and Kroger Banner Brands

During the Cart Buster Savings Event, you’ll find great savings in almost every department at the Kroger Family of Stores.

A sampling of the great brands participating in the event include: Multigrain Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Yoplait, Progresso, Totino’s, Green Giant, Cascadian Farm, Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers, Pantene, Crest, Iams, Febreze, Old Spice, Bounce, DiGiorno’s, Nestle Toll House, Juicy Juice, Coffee-Mate, Edy’s, Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine, Hot Pockets, Nestle Candy, and Purina!

Looking for even more ways to add money to your pocket?

Visit Kroger.com/CartBuster to participate in their “Deal of the Day” promotion! During each day of Kroger’s Cart Buster Savings Event, be one of the first 1000 people to click on the deal link and receive a free load-to-card coupon for the featured daily item.

Bonus: Look for a $25 Kroger Gift Card Giveaway coming soon to AnneOnLife!

Disclaimer: Information & Gift Card for the Kroger Cart Buster Savings promotion was provided to me courtesy of the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills/Nestle/Proctor & Gamble through MyBlogSpark. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Cart Buster Savings Event Coming February 27 to Kroger is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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As the holidays approach many of us will be on the look out for the best deals on those tech items we wish and hope for all year long. This year I really wanted to buy myself a Kindle. I have been considering and researching this for a few years now and heard word of a great sale coming. Well, it came and went and I still don’t have a Kindle. More on that in a bit.

Next up is a laptop. Now, I love my MacBook and have no plans on returning to a PC, but my son is another story. He has to borrow my MacBook if he wants to go online for homework, research, or just playing games. Now I have to decide on what brand, cost, space, speed, and, most importantly, will it last more than a few years.

When it comes to holiday tech shopping I have a few tips to a successful purchase.

1. Do your homework. Before the big sale stares you in the face make sure you know what you’re getting. Not all e-readers are created equal and not all laptops are created equal. Don’t spend your hard earned money on something that is not going to fill you needs.

2. Don’t bow to peer pressure. Just because you hear about people standing in line at the electronics store hoping to get one of five laptops marked down to a ridiculous price doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. It may be, but is losing your valuable family time really worth fighting over something you may not even need let alone want? Just because Johnny jumps off the bridge doesn’t mean you have to.

3. Wants vs. Needs. Sometimes we get a little carried away with the holiday spirit. Advertisers work hard to get our attention and our kids start doing chores without being asked. It’s enough to make a sane person rush out to buy the latest video game system, add-on, or mega pack when we don’t even need it. Stop and take a deep breath. Ask yourself ‘do I need this or want this?’ If it’s a want, then you must weigh the cost and how much use you and/or your family will actually get out of this. There are many options out there, be sure to refer to tip #1 & tip #2.

4. Ask around. I really want a Kindle, but my daughter recently received a Nook for her birthday. I also have noticed many of my online friends have Nooks and a few have Kindles. Asking around to see why one was chosen over another will help me decide which one is best suited for me.

5. Don’t go for broke. That great deal doesn’t look so great once the bill comes in and you can’t pay it. Set a budget and stick to it. I know the news tells us the banks are tightening the credit belts; don’t believe it. They want you to shop and will make it as enticing as possible. So, whenever possible pay cash. If you must charge, then make sure you don’t charge any more than you can pay back in no more than 2 months time. No one wants to pay for the holidays all year long.

High Tech, Low Tech

No matter what you are looking to buy this holiday season, be sure it is what you want. Buying something you don’t need (or even want) just because it’s a “good deal” is not a good deal. And buying a high tech item like a laptop or an e-reader or even a video game system is not cheap. Make sure it is what you want, what you are will to pay, and what you need before you plunk down your money.

I still want a Kindle, but I’m going to wait a bit longer. Who knows, maybe I’ll win one. Wouldn’t that be nice?!

image credit

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I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

5 Tips for Holiday Tech Shopping is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I love this time of year.

Time to break out those boots that have been gathering dust in the closet, shoved under the bed, in storage in the basement or attic. I adore my boots and make sure they get plenty of wear when the weather turns cooler, but I don’t enjoy the creases and cracking that occurs.

Boots are an essential part of a girl’s wardrobe now more than ever, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a city girl or cowgirl, it’s worth keeping them in great shape. Booty Shapers are an inexpensive and simple way to preserve your investment. Simply inflate these great little shapers and insert in any boot.  Don’t leave boots crumpled at the bottom of your closet or tossed into a corner. They keep boots in shape when they’re not being worn – simple.  They

• Keep boots crease and fold free
• Help boots retain shape during summer storage
• Ensure boots stay in shape during travel

My thoughts…

I was sent a pair of Booty Shapers to test drive, so to speak. And I knew just the pair of boots I would test them in, too. My favorite knee-high brown boots. These have been gracing my feet and legs for the past 6 years and still look good. Well, they look good except for the creasing that happens when I take them off and put them away for future wear.

My boots hit just below my knees. As you can see from the images above, Booty Shapers are plenty long enough for your thigh-high boots, too.

It is recommended you take the Booty Shapers out of the packaging and let them air out a bit before using as they do have a bit of a plastic smell. I just blew these up the old-fashioned way, but a small bicycle or exercise ball pump would work well, too. Once pumped up insert into your boots tapered side down. And you’re done!

Buy it

These retail at $9.99 and are available all over the country and can be ordered through nationwide retailers or online.

• Amazon.com
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• CVS.com
• Drugstore.com
• Annie Sez
• Container Store
• Organize.com

Win a Pair of Booty Shapers (2 Winners)

Giveaway Rules:

Mandatory entry:

Follow @AnneOnline on Twitter
OR
Like AnneOnLife on Facebook
OR
Friend me on Facebook

do all for 3 entries

Please complete the form below to enter this giveaway.

If you have problems with the form, please send me an email with your information [be sure to include Booty Shapers Giveaway in your email] and I will manually add your information to the form according to the time stamp on the comment.

Giveaway will end on December 10, 2010 at Midnight EST and is open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age or older. Winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email. Additionally, I will post the winner’s name on my site in a separate post on December 11, 2010. Winner will have 48 hours from the time the email is sent to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Review & Giveaway: Booty Shapers – Keep Your Boots Upright & Crease Free (2 Winners) {closed} is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dual Electronics. All opinions are 100% mine.

About four years ago the radio in my Malibu was going bad. It would work, then it wouldn’t. Turns out there was an issue with the antennae connection, internally of course. Not one to drive in silence, I started looking for a suitable replacement.

I wanted something that would have a few bells and whistles, but not a high price. I bought a Dual.

I liked it so much that when I bought my Jeep and started making plans on replacing the installed radio (a selling point to the dealer, but not to me) I again looked for a Dual.

Now, my tastes in stereo systems run a to the simple side, but for many others a little more something something is desired.

Dual Electronics today announced its new line of mobile
amplifiers is now shipping to retailers nationwide.

introducing the XPE series

The three amps feature MOSFET power supplies, variable crossovers, 2 ohm stability and with their low-profile chassis, make installation a breeze, even in small spaces.

All models include performance-matched output transistors for maximum power transfer and feature black anodized extruded aluminum heatsinks for dissipating the heat. Direct-wire inputs eliminate the need for extra terminals while ensuring a more positive connection through increased wire contact. In addition, thermal overload and low-impedance circuits provide protection for even the most demanding applications.

According to today’s press release:

The XPE1700 ($199.99) mono amplifier has a CEA power rating of 240 Watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms, 400 Watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms and total dynamic power of 1000 Watts. Features include a variable low-pass crossover (50-500Hz), 12dB/octave crossover slope, 0, 6 or 12dB bass boost, subsonic filter, phase switch (0-180) and RCA low level inputs.

The XPE2700 ($119.99) 2-channel amplifier has a CEA power rating of 50 Watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms, 75 Watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms, 150 Watts x 2 (bridged) at 4 ohms and total dynamic power of 400 Watts.

The XPE4700 ($179.99) 4-channel amplifier has a CEA power rating of 50 Watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms, 75 Watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms, 150 Watts x 2 (bridged) at 4 ohms and total dynamic power of 800 Watts. Both feature variable high-pass crossovers, variable low-pass crossovers, 12dB/octave crossover slope and 0, 6 or 12dB bass boost. For installation flexibility, both models include high-level and low-level inputs – accommodating connection to OEM and aftermarket head units alike.

Dual is a name I can wholeheartedly recommend.

If you or someone you know is looking to enhance their mobile listening, then any one of these Dual amplifiers should be tops on your list this holiday season.

Note (11/19/10): This post was originally written after an offer through Social Spark was made for my services. Unfortunately, there has been some glitch or something as my site does not meet the qualifications of the sponsor. I do believe in Dual products and have (and will continue to) purchase their radios for my vehicles (as needed or desired). As such, I am leaving this post with the modification showing I was not compensated in any way.

Dual Electronics Announces Its New Line of Mobile Amplifiers is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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Thursday, November 18 log in to Cellfire and access your Kroger or Kroger-owned store loyalty card and you just may be rewarded with an extra $1, $5, or even $10 off coupon.

The promotion will run for 24 hours starting this Thursday at Noon (Pacific time) and run to Noon Friday with 10,000 coupons given away.

Participating Stores Include:

Baker’s, Cala/Bell, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Hilander, JayC, King Soopers, Kroger, Owen’s, Pay Less, QFC, Ralphs, Scott’s, and Smith’s

Here are a few of the great coupons you can find. Head over to Cellfire, or clip directly from my sidebar to find more. Add them to your card and start saving today.

• Save $1.00 when you buy any two bags of HERSHEY’S KISSES chocolates 7.5oz. or larger.
• Save $0.75 when you buy Colgate® Wisp (4 count or more) disposable toothbrushes.
• Save $.60 when you buy THREE any variety Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables.
• Save $.50 when you buy TWO CANS any flavor Progresso® Soups.
• Save $.50 when you buy TWO any variety Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers® frozen vegetables.
• Save $0.75 when you buy ONE BOX MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal.
• Save $0.30 when you buy TWO any size/variety Refrigerated Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits.

Want to know more about Cellfire and how it works? Check out Cellfire’s FAQ page or leave me a comment below and I will get back to you right away.

Cellfire is more than just grocery e-coupons. Check out their offers for video rentals at Hollywood Video and savings at 1-800-FLOWERS.

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Kroger Catalina Deals at Southern Savers.

Disclaimer: Affiliate links used. What does this mean? If you click through one of my affiliate links I will earn a small amount. My wallet thanks you.

Deal Alert: 10,000 Cinderella Cellfire Coupons is a post from: AnneOnLife where life happens quite regularly. If you liked that, you'll love me on and .
© AnneOnLife 2008-2010

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