Looking for Gluten-Free Makeup?

Gluten allergies and sensitivities have become very prominent in recent years. It affects most people when they ingest gluten, but some people are also affected by it touching their skin. My daughter's milk allergy is that way - even if it touches her skin, she has a reaction. That's why it can be tricky to find things like lotion, moisturizers, hair products and makeup - even hand soap! - that is safe for her. Thankfully, she's not old enough for most of that, but it does cause us to read every label as we do for food products.

I recently discovered gluten free makeup on accident. I bought some fabulous 3D Fiber Lash Mascara from a Younique presenter and loved it so much, I decided to sell it. 

Once I began learning more and more about it, I realized I had become part of something great! These products are all-natural, gluten free, chemical free, animal cruelty free and so fabulous!!

The reason I'm telling you about it here on this blog is because of the gluten free aspect. 

I know some of you may be looking for a product line like this and I want you to be aware of it! 

If you'd like more info, contact me!! Or go to my website www.youniqueproducts.com/AmyMcCombie 

I love that we have these options!! 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie

I came up with this delicious smoothie Sunday afternoon and just had to share it with you! My husband bought me a Ninja for my birthday a few weeks ago and it is perfect for making smoothies {among many other things}. It just blends it to a perfect consistency!

This is a fairly healthy smoothie so it's pretty much the perfect treat for a warm day. Down here in the Southeast, we've got a lot of those days ahead of us so I'm keeping the freezer and pantry stocked with these favorite ingredients.

Here's what you need:

a handful of ice cubes

1/2 banana, peeled

1 cup of frozen raspberries

1/2 cup of almond milk

a few dark chocolate chips or square of dark chocolate

and the secret weapon...... 2 tablespoons POM juice

Add them all to the Ninja or the blender and pulse or blend it til you get it to the consistency you want. Pour into a glass. Add your favorite straw and sip away!

Makes enough for one 12 oz glass.

This will have a thicker consistency. If you want it thinner, add more almond milk. Thicker, add more banana. If you'd like it to taste more chocolatey, add a tsp or two of pure cocoa powder.

Be prepared to share. Once the family finds out how delicious this is, you'll have to make more.

Hope you love this as much as I do! Thanks for stopping by!

Popcorn Balls {dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

Just in time for Fall parties and celebrations! Last Saturday I had to come up with a dessert for a Harvest Party that would be fun for a group of college students. I wanted something that fit into the 'finger food' category that would also be allergy-friendly for my daughter. In group events where food is involved {when is food NOT involved?}, I like to make something allergy-friendly so my girl can eat what everyone else is enjoying. I was happy to have found this Fall favorite and make it allergy-friendly. So, if you're looking for a quick treat that doesn't require much effort, this is it!

Popcorn Balls {dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

3/4 c light corn syrup
1/4 coconut oil
2 T cold water
2 5/8 c powdered sugar
1 cup marshmallows
5 quarts popcorn, popped {I airpopped mine - delicious}

Heat the first 5 ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Once thoroughly combined, add in marshmallows, stir constantly until melted. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix until coated. Lay wax paper down and form popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to set. I wore disposable gloves sprayed with cooking spray to form the popcorn balls and it worked like a charm. No sticking. These turned out great with very little effort!

Enjoy!

Dum Dum Cookie Pops {Dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

Saturday my oldest girl is turning NINE! I can hardly believe it. I've been thinking of something to send to school with her tomorrow to share with her class, and I wanted it to be simple and non-cupcake related. So, today I was out shopping for her birthday gift and came across a huge bag of Dum Dum Lollipops and I knew I could find something to make with those so I bought them. When I got home, I was checking out Pinterest and found exactly what I was looking for. The only exception is that mine are allergy-free! SO EASY and FUN! Hope you enjoy!

I used the Cherrybrook Kitchen Sugar Cookie Mix {thanks, Dayna!} and followed the instructions on the box using Smart Balance Light {dairy-free}and unsweetened Almond Milk {dairy-free}. Mix according to package directions and drop onto greased cookie sheet.

Then, simply unwrap and press a Dum Dum Lollipop into the center of each cookie dough. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Let cool on a cooling rack. Package up individually for a great classroom treat!

What's not to love?

Buy your ingredients here:
Dum Dum Pops, 200-Count

Fun Valentine's Day Treat! {Allergy Free}

Last week I was doing some Valentine's Day shopping for my girls and came across something fun! I almost walked past them because I was SURE they'd have milk in them, but I stopped anyway and read the label...no allergens! YAY! There are 6 in a pack, so I decided to surprise my 3 girls this morning at breakfast with one each and then we'll still have 3 left for Valentine's Day. After their reaction, I decided to share this fun treat with all of you.

Got Milk? Milk Straws! They have other flavors, too, but with Valentine's Day coming, I decided pink {strawberry} was best for us.