Cathy's Kitchen Table: Did you know that pets can have problems with gluten, too?

 Thanks Pmuths1956 for the photo!

In a previous post, I talked about how to work around some of the complications of a family member trying a gluten-free diet. I'd like to go two steps further here and talk first about how your pets' food can affect you, and then about pets that may need to make a similar change to going gluten-free.

Generally, people who have decided to go gluten-free don't often think about the fact that what they feed their pets may be affecting their own health, as well as their pets health, because of the gluten in the pet food. A gluten intolerant family member must be very careful feeding pets because of the potential for cross contamination — what your pet eats can affect you. So, if you're gluten-sensitive, always wear gloves when handling their food and use separate utensils. Remember to wash your pets' dishes with separate sponges and be careful of all those “wet kisses” which could contain gluten.

It's also important to note that, just like people, pets can be gluten intolerant. For example, gluten can be a problematic ingredient in pet food — causing stomach upset, itchy skin, and ear infections in sensitive animals. What you might see is excessive licking, sneezing, watery eyes, chewing at feet, or incessant kicking at their ears. If your pet has any of these symptoms, it's always best to get your veterinarians advice first before making a major dietary change to gluten-free.

If your vet recommends a dietary change, remember that it's an adjustment for your pet, too, and it's best to make the change very slowly. Start by giving just 25% of the gluten-free food with 75% of the regular food mixed together. Every day, give a tiny bit less of the “old” food and a little more of the gluten-free until you are feeding a completely gluten-free meal. This could take several weeks to accomplish, but doing it this way should help to make an easier adjustment for your pet. The improved health benefits your gluten-sensitive pet can experience by going gluten-free are worth the time and effort. Then bring on those “wet kisses!”

Finding honest to goodness gluten-free pet food isn't as easy as you might think. Most pet foods are not labeled as to gluten content, so it's very important to read the labels carefully in order to avoid gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, and rye. Unfortunately, “grain free” doesn't necessarily mean gluten-free because there may be other ingredients that do contain gluten in the pet food. If you have any concerns at all about a certain ingredient, call the company directly with your question.

And don't forget to watch for gluten in pet products other than just the food. Pet treats, shampoos and soaps, and even dog or cat toothpaste can contain gluten, so read labels carefully. Gluten-free treats are difficult to find, but they're out there...or you can make your own! Lastly, for the kitties, beware of the wheat (or other grain-based) cat litters. Wheat litter brings wheat powder and dust into your home and can cause problems for people coming into contact with it and for animals that lick it off their paws.

If this is your first experience with a gluten intolerant pet, this might seem overwhelming. But just take this one step at a time. The relief and health benefits your four-legged friend will experience will make your efforts well-worth the time that the process may take.

Next posting, look for gluten-free recipes for both you and your pet!

Wonderful Wild Woolies Felt Birdhouses!

 Are you looking for something extraordinary? And...are you a bird lover?

Come to Terressentials and see our unique Wild Woolie felt birdhouses! We have them in a veritable potpourri of fanciful designs that are sure to put a smile on your face and an “Awww” in the air. And, yes, they can actually be used as functional birdhouses outside! The felted wool acts as a natural water repellant, so the birds and their fledglings will be cozy and snug. If you don't want to put them outside, use them inside as eye-catching and spirited decor!

They are carefully handmade by Fair Trade artisans from 100% natural wool and with eco-friendly dyes, allowing these birdhouses to be totally recyclable. As the birdhouse weathers the wool breaks down and birds then recycle the wool— completing the cycle without waste!

Stop in and see the all of the unique and amusing designs that are sure to bring life to your garden and delight to you or the nature lover in your life, no matter their age!

Your birds will thank you with a cheerful “Tweet Tweet!”

Going Global: Guatemala

Volcan Pacaya puffs out some smoke.

Why visit Guatemala? Anyone familiar with the country's recent history of decades-long civil war might question my choice for a ten-day winter vacation. But, the widespread political violence ended in the late 1990s, thank goodness. And my interest was in Guatemala's much distant past, during the reign of the Mayan empire, between the 3^rd and 10^th centuries AD. I'd been intrigued by several Mayan sites in Mexico and Belize during past travels, and the Mayan ruins at Tikal, in Guatemala, had been calling me for years.

But before making our way to the jungles of El Peten, in northern Guatemala, to experience Tikal, my friend Dave and I explored the beautiful Spanish colonial city of Antigua, tucked between three volcanoes (one of which is active), an hour or so by bus or taxi from the Guatemala City airport. Antigua was the Spanish colonial capital between the mid-1500s and 1773, when it was destroyed by an earthquake. We wandered along cobblestone streets, relaxed in the Parque Central (gathering place for young and old, residents and tourists), and ate traditional Guatemalan food at small, family-run restaurants. We shopped at the colorful outdoor market, and visited ruins of numerous 16^th and 17^th century Spanish churches and monasteries. We learned about coffee production and traditional indigenous musical instruments and dance at La Azotea, a coffee plantation/museum just outside of the city. Antigua contains many Spanish language schools, so its residents are accustomed to foreigners from all over the world. They were the most friendly and helpful people I've ever encountered during my travels.

Getting to Tikal from Antigua is not easy, at least for the budget traveler. There is an airport near Tikal in the town of Flores, but Dave and I were watching our quetzales (Guatemalan currency), so we opted for the rather harrowing 9+-hour bus ride from Guatemala City to Flores. Flores, a town on a tiny island in Lake Peten Itza, is a lovely destination in itself. Although the causeway connecting Flores to the mainland is only about 100 meters long, and the island itself can be perambulated, at a leisurely pace along the waterfront promenade, in less than 30 minutes, Flores manages to embody a laid-back island attitude that transports visitors far from the hassles of every-day life. Hotels and restaurants lining the narrow waterfront street take full advantage of the views, including the sunsets over the lake. Happy hour specials abound, and in some establishments Happy Hour lasts all day long! 

Temple I and the North Acropolis, Gran Plaza, Tikal

We caught the 5:30 am shuttle to Tikal, in hopes of experiencing the sights and sounds of the jungle animals starting their day, as well as beating the crowds, catching the morning light on the magnificent temples and, generally, spending as much time at Tikal as possible before they closed the gates at 6 pm. The animals were not as present and active as I'd hoped – although, by the end of the day, we'd spotted quite a few species, including parakeets and toucans, a paca (large, guinea pig-like rodent), a crocodile, spider monkeys and, most amazingly, a jaguar! The crowds I expected never materialized, so Dave and I wandered the jungle paths between the spectacular ruins virtually alone (hence, our rare encounter with the jaguar!). We imagined the bustling metropolis this must have been during its heyday 15 centuries ago – a center of power and culture in the Mayan world – as we appreciated the serenity of the site during our brief visit. We gazed up at Templos I and II from the Gran Plaza. We climbed around the Acropolis del Norte and Acropolis Central (small temples and, possibly, palaces) to explore the labyrinth of rooms and gain elevated views of the Plaza and temples. We climbed to the top of Templo IV via a wooden staircase thoughtfully constructed by the Park Service (to protect the temple itself and, I assume, careless tourists who would inevitable topple down the narrow and steep steps), and marveled at the view – dense jungle canopy, punctured only by the tops of the tallest temples. It's a view that will be etched in my memory for a long time.

Guatemala definitely has its problems. Crime – mostly robbery – is still a danger in many areas. Certain roads should not be driven at night, and certain hikes are recommended for groups only, not for individuals or couples. Air pollution is an obvious issue, in Guatemala City (as we expected), but also in Antigua, where automobile traffic is surprisingly heavy and emissions controls are not in effect.

But, Guatemala is colorful and friendly. It's geographically and ecologically diverse. It's culturally rich; both the modern (Mayan and Spanish-influenced) and ancient cultures are worth exploring. And, of course, the weather – sunny, 75-90 degrees – is a welcome relief from a Maryland winter. Ten days was not enough – Guatemala merits many return visits.

Terressentials Lip Protector travels well! El Mirador, an ancient Mayan temple site overlooking Lake Peten Itza.

Girl Rising: A Must See Film

Are you tired of women being portrayed as a wimpy character like Stephanie Meyer's Twilight's Bella Swan as a role model for young women? If this troubles you, then there is a rich film about empowering young girls that you simply have to see – “Girl Rising.” This documentary is from Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins and focuses on the stories of nine different underprivileged girls in the world who struggled to gain the joy of learning.

The innovative approach that Robbins took paired each girl with a writer of their home country, including well-renowned authors such as Edwidge Danticat, Sooni Taraporevala, and Aminatta Forna. If these names don't ring a bell, the names of the A-list actresses who provide their voices to the film, such as Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, and Selena Gomez, amongst others, will. But watching the film is only half the experience. The music written by Academy Award winning composer Rachel Portman, in collaboration with Lorne Balfe, will enhance the experience of watching “Girl Rising” much further than just seeing images could.

Are you hooked? There's one downfall: “Girl Rising” isn't on common video hosting sites like Netflix. But there's an even better option out there: Gathr. This movie watching program allows you to look up and schedule screenings of films you want to see out of the ones they offer. If there isn't a screening of what you want to see happening near you soon, you can register a new screening of the video at the cost of a single movie ticket. Gathr then finds movie theaters (yeah, you're not watching movies of the caliber of “Girl Rising” on the small screen) in your area to show the video for you.

Don't you want to see “Girl Rising?” You can learn more about it, more about Gathr, and see the movie trailer for “Girl Rising” at this link.

Deb's Discount Dice Dare!

 

 Photo: Images_of_Money

Vegas may be on the other side of the country, but that doesn't mean that we can't have fun in Frederick too!

 

While you enjoy Vegas Night in downtown Frederick on First Saturday, March 3^rd between 5 pm and 9pm, stop by our store at 100 East Patrick St for a chance to be a high roller!

 

We are featuring Deb's Discount Dice Dare! As you make your purchase, you can throw two dice and whatever numbers are rolled would be the amount of discount you win on a single item of your choice! So, if you roll a 3 and a 2 (which equals 5), that means you get 5% off on an item you select! Just imagine your savings if you dare to use this opportunity on an already discounted treasure such as a winter accessory!

 

Terressentials is also participating in the Merchant 21 game! In this game, if you purchase items from various downtown shops, you can receive a playing card. If you collect enough cards to make Black Jack (exactly 21 without going over!) and, if you're feeling lucky, you can head over to the Downtown Frederick Partnership office (19 E Church St) where you can enter a raffle to win a Downtown Frederick gift card which can be used at any participating merchant! More information can be found here!

Cathy's Kitchen Table: Are you ready to go Gluten Free?

 Photo: plumandjello

Are you or a family member thinking of changing to a gluten-free diet, but you are not sure where to begin? Let's start with “what is gluten?” Gluten is the protein in wheat, rye, and barley, and a few other closely related grains. Think of gluten as a glue-like or sticky substance that gives wheat and other grains their chewy structure. It is not in corn, rice or oats, although oats are sometimes contaminated during processing, so you may need to buy oats that are certified gluten-free if you cannot tolerate gluten at all.

Those avoiding gluten can still eat other grains like corn, brown rice and quinoa. In addition, a variety of fruits and vegetables, potatoes and most dairy products can also be enjoyed. We should strive to eat as much organic foods as we can to insure proper health. Make sure that your food is not processed or mixed with gluten-containing grains, additives or preservatives.

Shopping may take a little longer for you than it used to. It is important to read all product ingredients to be sure they do not contain gluten. If everyone in your household is going to be gluten-free, it is important to clear out all gluten-containing products from your kitchen. If you share your kitchen with gluten-eating family members, it is a good idea to store their food products separately from you gluten-free products. You may even want to have separate kitchen utensils such as sponges, toasters, sifters, bread machines, cutting boards, etc. This is especially important if you use utensils that are made of wood, plastic or other porous materials that could harbor gluten, and possibly contaminate your gluten-free food.

Believe it or not, your bathroom is another place where you might be reacting to gluten. There are many products in your bathroom to watch out for. Body care products such as shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, toothpaste and sunscreen may contain wheat or other hidden sources of gluten. You may not be able to recognize these ingredients on the label! Rest assured, we at Terressentials use no gluten in our products! 

We have recent scientific evidence showing us that gluten intolerance is an inheritable condition. This means if one family member is gluten intolerant other family members may also be gluten intolerant. Gluten sensitivity may be present with differing severity and you will need to find out through trial and error what works best for you. Switching to a gluten-free diet is a big change, may be a bit challenging, and may take some time getting used to. Initially, you may feel deprived by the restrictions, but also pleasantly surprised to find many tasty gluten-free foods, and body care products that are available. The improved health benefits of a gluten-free life make the challenge worth the time and effort! Your body will thank you for it!

Did you know gluten sensitivities do not only apply to humans? What about your pets? Stay tuned next month for ideas for a gluten-free life for pets!

Breezy Binh Minh Color

 

Notice the weather lately?

 

One day below zero, the next day a balmy 60 degrees. What's a person to do? Which scarf do you choose? The warm wooly winter one or the light and breezy summer one?

 

Well, how about one in between...

 

Our Binh Minh Shawls from Vietnam are the perfect year round accessory no matter the iffiness of the weather. The shawls are woven from silk and cotton threads. The silk makes them comfortable to wear in cold weather by keeping warm air close to the skin. The cotton's breathability will keep you comfortable in warmer temperatures.

 

These shawls are hand-dyed and woven in the Village of Binh Minh in Vietnam. In the native Vietnamese language Binh Minh means "morning sun." The town is just a few miles from the shore of the South China Sea, from which the people welcome the sun each and every morning. These winsomely fine shawls come in a splendid array of every shade under the sun. They are perfect for wrapping yourself in something soft and silky and yet, they are thin enough to gather and wear as a scarf.

 

So, the next time you stop in Terressentials, no matter if it's a blustery cold winter day or a warm and balmy winter(a kind of Spring-just-around the-corner day), ask about our Binh Minh Shawls!

Category Confusion!

 

In either of our Terressentials stores or on our website, you'll notice how we make a big deal about our USDA certification. That's because USDA certification is a big deal. That's why we have big signs in our stores that feature the USDA organic seal and the following words surrounding it: “If it doesn't have the seal, it ain't the real deal.”

 

There are many “organic” and “natural” body care product companies out in the world that will happily fraudulently use the term “organic” without the USDA seal on the labels of their products just to get more customers. And we think that's just wrong.

 

Here at Terressentials we have a different philosophy. Our goal is to educate the world about the word “organic” and the standards that go along with it.

 

When it comes to USDA certified organic labeling, there are three categories. The first is “100% organic”, the second is “organic”, and the third category is “made with organic (materials).” Under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) federal law, these labeling categories are strictly enforced.

 

On the front panel of a USDA certified product, the label can say the following:

 

• If a product is 100 % organic it can say “100 % Organic [xyz]” and it can display the USDA organic seal. In this labeling category all the ingredients within the product must be certified 100% organic.
• If a product is 95 % organic or more, it can say “Organic [xyz]”, its percentage of certified organic ingredients (such as 95% or 98% organic), and it can bear the USDA seal. The remaining 5 % of ingredients must be listed on the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances.
• If a product is 70% organic or more, it can say “made with organic (blank) and (blank)”, its percentage of certified organic ingredients (such as 70% or 85% organic), and it can bear the certifying agent seal. It can never bear the USDA organic seal.

 

It is important to note that many organic ingredients are legitimately certified in other countries. The labeling categories of those countries differ from those of the US in that they have just one labeling category – organic. Unfortunately, this does cause confusion crafting products in the US as the USDA NOP requires all ingredients in a 100 % certified organic product to be certified as 100% organic.

 

Though we have numerous products in which every ingredient is certified organic, the inconsistency in the US NOP does not permit us to call our products 100% organic.

 

So, as you see, Terressentials is a different kind of company. We're a company that cares about our customers and wants the best for them – by educating them and providing chemical-free body care product alternatives to the conventional products that can be found on the shelf of any general and specialty food store. We challenge you to read more about the chemicals that are often put on human skin and are washed into our waterways to contaminate the earth we must take care of.

 

Not sure where to start with your personal education? Don't worry! At Terressentials we have many informative news articles to our website, especially this one that has a short list of ingredients to be aware of in personal body care products.

 

To see a USDA produced explanation about labeling categories, see this link and head to page 27!