Just like a Pinot Noir.

September was just about as bonkers as it could have been, but there were no conferences, no travel (at least for me). It was a roller coaster with walks to the lake front, birthdays with friends, a visit from one of my favorite gluten-free ladies, boy drama and the loss of an aunt.

The best parts were the moments where Chicago was just being Chicago. Like the Pinot Noir tasting at Little Goat where we spent an hour learning about the wines and having a great time with the sommolier.

It was the perfect way for summer to end.

That healthy thing.

Yep. At just over a week in to YU30, I am doing OK at this dairy & meat-free thing. I discovered that chia seeds + almond milk make pudding, and I have to say, it makes a mighty nice breakfast. I actually think the not eating meat part is the hardest – I am still seriously craving some bacon.

Yum.

I found some new blogs that I am absolutely in love with this month, apparently being a gluten-free designer is a thing – I think we need to form a club.

Designer/Blogger #1, Meg from Beard and Bonnet. Her food is always beautifully styled and photographed, and it generally makes me hungry. This month, after cutting out dairy and meat, I found myself with a serious pumpkin spice latte craving and she delivered Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Syrup to make vegan PSLs.

Designer/Blogger #2, Beth from Tasty Yummies. I found her blog after going to a design conference in Ohio where her husband was the Emcee/host and then listening to his podcast. Yeah, a long story. But she has lovely photos and a great variety of gluten-free & healthy treats, like this Pumpkin Chai Smoothie (02). Let’s call that winning at breakfast.

Designer/Blogger #3, Sabrina from The Tomato Tart. Ok, she isn’t new to me, but I had to include her (again) because she made this incredible Texas Style Chili (03). It is on my list for one of the first meals I am having when meat is back on the table next month.

And, not a designer, but Jane from the Heritage Cook made these incredible Fully Loaded Green Chili Potato Skins just in time for football season.

Purdy.

My dear friend Kyra wrote a beautiful cookbook (01), you should read my review, then buy it. If you haven’t seen the new collection (02) from Red Apple Lipstick, go check it out and then sign up for their presale. I am kind of obsessed with the new H&M Home line, and I am definitely in need of this apron (03). When I go back to having my own kitchen, I am ordering myself one of these prints that says “People who love to eat are always the best people” (04) from Beth at Tasty-Yummies.

Let’s take a trip

I have a couple of gluten-free events coming up – The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo in Dallas October 26 & 27. I will be there with Erica from Celiac & the Beast promoting her new book (which is now available for pre-order)  and wearing her cool tshirts. I will also be at the Food Allergy Blogger Conference in Las Vegas the following weekend talking about HTML, CSS and some design advice for your blog. There are still tickets available if you haven’t registered yet.

Also, you might have seen me tweet about a trip to India in March – I am going to see my best friend get married, but if you have any tips or advice about traveling to India while gluten-free (or what to get as a wedding gift for someone you once spent 2 hours trying to teach how to make plain pasta), I would love your advice!