The Gluten Bigot: January 2014

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

#NewYorkerProblems - A Tale of Buying a Stroller for the City

This started months ago. Months.

One of the main pieces of equipment you buy when you're pregnant is a stroller. Since we are moving after Bricklet arrives, it was actually the primary item we were tasked to buy. Like a good overanalyst I started off with research. Reviews. Blogs. Forums. This list goes on.

Originally, I thought we would be buying one of the full sized models luxury models - the Uppababy Vista, Bugaboo Cameleon 3, and Stokke Xplory were my top picks. We went to BuyBuyBaby. Tried them out. Talked to staff. Researched. Watched YouTube videos. Everything. These all have a huge advantage - they scale really well. You can add a second seat or riding board so when you have your second kid you don't need to invest in a new strollers.

However, these are all multi-piece and all are quite heavy. Fine for when you're in an elevator building in Manhattan and need something to cruise around your neightborhood in. But, when we really talked about it we decided to purchase something oriented to our current needs and travels a bit easier for those times that we take the subway, etc. 

We (and by we I really mean I) refocused and started looking at the single piece options from these brands - the UppaBaby Cruz, Bugaboo Bee, and Stokke Scoot. Also added on to the list after a couple of recommendations was the Baby Jogger City Mini. Last week I decided we really needed to make a call - and it needed to be based on practical applications. We discussed known and potential use cases. From there we established requirements (must haves and nice to haves). Below I will note what I liked/didn't like about our top four. 

UppaBaby Cruz: A few weeks ago I thought this would be the one we would buy. It is a good size, has a good storage basket, reversible seat, peekaboo window, awesome canopy, bassinet option, high seat, and is pretty. It ended up being immediately disqualified for not meeting two must haves: it is heavy (22 lbs), and did not have a single hand fold. 

Stokke Scoot: The prettiest option! I love the look of this stroller, the high seat, the peekabook window, storage basket, compact while open, and color range. We thought it 'drove' the nicest. It was the second most expensive option with the least number of accessory options. It was the heaviest (26.5 lbs) and although it has a one hand fold, it's not an easy one hand fold - I have to put my weight into it. Those two things should have disqualified it, but I couldn't let go of having it as an option so I kept it on the table.

City Mini: From a functionality perspective, my husbands favorite. The easiest fold, the lightest weight (16.5 lbs), it also has an awesome canopy. While it does not have a reversible seat and infant friendly off the shelf, you can get a car seat mount so your little one can ride in it from birth and face you using a car seat. It was the bulkiest option, only has three wheels, and is not pretty. It is also the cheapest option

Bugaboo Bee: Most strollers I saw when I was in London were Bugaboo, including countless Bees. It is lightweight (18.5 lbs), has an easy one hand fold, is pretty and has lots of accessory options, reversible seat with four recline positions, would be easy to carry when folded as you can technically put it over your should (awesome for ascending / descending train stairs), and was the most compact folded. The only thing it did not have was a peekaboo window and the seat is low. It was the most expensive option. Buying on specs/requirements, this was the easy choice.

We took our fourth trip to BuyBuyBaby to make our decision. I was pretty sure we would end up with the Bee. I liked it enough, it was easy to handle, etc. We went on a weekday so it was actually quiet enough that we could line up our three options and compared everything. Actually, my husband had the Bee and City Mini and I brought the Scoot over to include. We looked at the size. Handling. Agility. Open and close. Breaking. Looks. Sturdiness. Everything. We negotiated -  'how important is that really!?" I didn't think he was really considering the Scoot, and that made me really sad which made me realize how much I really wanted it And in a karmatic alignment, I realized something. One color option was an offer. Really good offer. We asked why and found out it was just the color option (dark navy, it looks black) was being discontinued. To me, this lowered the risk of choosing it. We put it on hold to buy us a day to make our final decision.

The hardest thing about making a decision was all the unknowns and wildcards. We are fairly certain we will live on the UWS next. But we don't know if we will be in an elevator building or walk up. We know that we venture to different neighborhoods about one day each weekend or every other weekend, but don't know how much we will with Bricklet, especially when he's an infant. 

Based on everything, we made the decision to get the Stokke Scoot - we like the look the best, and it really did handle the best we though. My husband did tie a caveat to it that if it's a big pain in the ass due to the folding or weight that he will sell it and we will get one of the other options. In our current building and right away we are confident it will work, it's the longevity that's in question. It being on offer created a greater risk tolerance. We both preferred another color (the black melange is seriously gorgeous), but the cost differential vs. how much we cared about the color. 

I'm really happy we got it, I think it's lovely and I hope it suits our needs beyond the 3 months we know we will be in our current building with Bricklet. And I'm majorly relieved that we can stop stroller shopping! 

Now to buy the infant bag and car seat and adapter to go with it! 


Monday, January 27, 2014

Gluten Free Bumpdate | Week 35

How far along? 35 week / 36 when this posts!
Total weight gain: I did not weigh myself this week.
Maternity clothes? Still a yes!
Stretch marks? Still a no!
Sleep: The worst yet. One night I was up until at least 3:30am doing the good old toss-n-turn, then slept in 15 minute intervals until 6:00am. The 15-20 minute intervals are killing me. And the next person to say 'Just wait until the baby comes' might have their head torn off. Babies may sleep intermittently - but they generally do so in longer than 15 minute intervals. Once I'm healed post delivery I also won't be on constant pain while trying to sleep on one side (or just saying eff it and rolling over to have my shoulder out of place for the next few days to at least relieve the agony of sleeping on my left side). Give me 60 minutes of good, actual, consecutive sleep and I would feel like a million dollars right now.
Best moment this week: A few! First, we got to see Bricklet (via ultrasound), including his face! In the ultrasound preview he looks adorable of course. Second, my husband and I took a PTO day on Friday as my company does not give MLK Day as a holiday. I really want to enjoy the last few weeks of it being the two of us. It was nice to relax a bit, have lunch and do baby prep stuff. That led to the third highlight - we finally selected and purchased his stroller! Because I think it might be of interest I am going to do a post tomorrow on what we considered, our process to decide, and the needs we found living in the city (which I seemed to be able to find little advise online). 
Miss anything? As always, sleep.
Movement: Still a lot, still sometimes really uncomfortable.
Food cravings: There are still things I'd rather not have more than things I would like. I am still really liking my natural mango popsicles, and just mango in general. But mango is awesome.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Acid reflux is certainly still a thing, and lack of sleep has made me feel really unwell at times.
Gender: Boy!
Labor signs: This could be in my head, but I really think he is lower than he used to be. Also I think I've been having Braxton Hicks (well, feeling Braxton Hicks) - particularly after overexerting myself at work or cleaning my apartment :S
Symptoms: Acid reflux, insomnia, back aches, itchy belly (still growing!), definite swelling so I'm upping water intake and reducing salt, and I would say nesting is kicked in as I'm really focused on things being ready (his laundry done and sorted, things organized, etc).
Belly button in or out? Still in but so weird looking haha!
Wedding rings on or off? On mostly, though I'm not wearing it when I'm at home and typically only wearing the band. In the morning and evening my hands have been swollen so getting it on and off is getting harder, and I don't want it to get stuck!
Happy or moody most of the time: Moodier this week sadly - I'm so frustrated with not sleeping and being tired all of the time. My life coping skills are definitely at an all time low. 
What are you looking forward to? Meeting Bricklet and not being pregnant anymore! We are less than a month away from meeting him - and he's measuring big so hopefully we will get to meet him even sooner! There are no words for how excited I am for new baby cuddles and for my husband to be able to have some 1:1 time with him since I've been hogging him for the past several months :)


Thursday, January 23, 2014

No, Seriously, I *Heart* Risoterria


My professing my love for Risoterria, an excellent super gluten free and allergen friend restaurant in the West Village. I did so here and here. But I am forced to do so once again. Two reasons:

  1. Even though I can't enjoy they have expanded their gluten free beer menu. Like by a lot. This actually happened a few months ago and I kept meaning to write about it. Many of the labels I've never had so can't speak to how good they are - but my favorites are basically all there.
  2. Gluten Free Tiramisu. It was literally heaven. My only regret was sharing it with my husband. I've had dessert there previously and have been underwhelmed, so i usually go for macarons or frozen yogurt instead... but this tiramisu is awesome and I will certainly be having it again! Just look at it (pictured above). Isn't it beautiful!?
Have you been to Risoterria? What your favorite thing on the menu there?

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Gluten Free Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Muffins

Nothing beats a simple recipe, or a nice warm cheese/spicy corn muffins! I make these bad boys in large batches, typically leaving half with just cheese as my hubby dislikes jalapenos. 
Here is my recipe which is based on the Sugar Free White Corn Muffin recipe from my favorite cookbook, but I’ve modified it a bit over the years to perfect it:

Cheese and jalapenos
  • 2 cups yellow corn meal 
  • 2 cups hot water 
  • 1.5 tsp salt 
  • 2 eggs (or vegan 2 tbsp flax meal & 6 tbsp warm water for vegan) 
  • 1 cup lactaid milk (or vegan - your favorite milk substitute) 
  • 1.5-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
  • 4 tsp baking powder 
  • jalapenos, bacon/fake’n and cheddar (I like Dubliner) or Daiya to top (optional)
Prep: Set your over to 425F. Mix together corn meal and salt, then add hot water a splash at a time and mix. Beat and add eggs/flax and warm water, then add milk and olive oil. Once all is well as stirred/whisked, add baking powder. Pour into muffin pans pre-strayed/greased with 1/3 cup. Top with whatever you want (or don’t). Bake in oven for 25-ish minutes. Check after 15 if your oven is gas and heats up to like 500F like mine. It makes about 16 (use 1/4 c to make 24 instead).

They are best right out of the oven, so usually when I serve them not-fresh I pop them in the oven for a few minutes for a similar effect. 

Do you have a favorite GF corn muffin recipe?


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Make it Once, Eat It Lots - Gluten Free Beef Stew

If you have been following my blog, or have seen my last post at least, you'll know that I'm expecting. Not only expecting, but soon to be meeting Bricklet. Of course when you have a baby there are all sorts of things to do to prepare... buy baby equipment, clothes, diapering supplies, etc. Many moms-to-be also take the time to make freezer meals. Of course being a gluten bigot planner, I had to be amongst them.

Now, I live in Manhattan - the most convenient city in the world. If I don't feel like cooking, I just need to order a delivery. And gluten free deliver is not hard to find here. However, eating out or delivery gets old (and it not ideal for getting that pre-baby body back). So I decided to make some of my favorite things.

The first thing I made is an old staple - beef stew. I basically always have this in my freezer and have consistently for the past 3 years. It freezes really well and cooks in less than 10 minutes from frozen on the stove top.

You'll need

  • Stewing beef / beef chuck 
  • GF beef broth
  • Garlic 
  • Whatever vegetables you like in stew (for me, onion, potatoes, carrot, peppers and celery).
  • Whatever spices you like, I usually do a couple bay leaf, salt, pepper, parsley, and some onion powder.
  • OPTIONAL: GF beer (alcohol evaporates when cooking so it fine for pregnancy and breastfeeding). I like to use Green's.
Browning Beef
Start by cooking/caramelizing the onions and garlic, then add the beef and spices and brown the meat (don’t cook it all the way through). If using, add about 1 cup of beer, alternate add about 1 cup of beef broth. Let that cook on a medium low heat for 20 minutes or so.
If including potatoes, they go in next along with about half of the beef broth and let cook for another 30 minutes. Then add remaining vegetables and cook for another 30 minutes or so. 
Remember to taste the broth and season to your preferences. 
What’s your favorite heat and eat GF dish?

Monday, January 20, 2014

Gluten Free Bumpdate | Week 34

How far along? 34 weeks / 35 when this posts!
Total weight gain: Up 2 lbs over two weeks - so exactly on track.
Maternity clothes? Still yes!
Stretch marks? Still none!
Sleep: Horrible. Just horrible. I can't even elaborate, it's so frustrating.
Best moment this week: Three great moments this week. First, my husband getting home! Second, some colleagues who were in town. Lastly, we did our birth class which was really informative. 
Miss anything? Sleep and was seriously jealous of my colleagues who got to enjoy some margaritas when we went for a happy hour :)
Movement: Still lots! I don't want to go TMI, however, I also do want to share for the other pregnant ladies who are reading this. If you don't want to know, and/or if you're a dude, skip to Food Cravings now. *Okay you've been warned* I have been taking many more hits than usual down low / in the cervial region. This is a apparently a thing in pregnancy, it has a name (lightening crotch), and it is as horrendous as it sounds. It is probably one of the most uncomfortable things about pregnancy so far.
Food cravings: These natural popsicles in mango and coconut flavor. So good. So addictive.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Acid reflux still.
Gender: Still a boy as far as we know.
Labor signs: Nope!
Symptoms: Sore back, insomnia, acid reflex, a bit of swelling in my feet and hands, tiredness (probably from not sleeping!). And just because my eczema cleared up I had to get a monstrous spot on my chin. 
Belly button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? Still on, sometimes with a bit of force, and I'm not sure it's destiny by the end of week 35.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy - especially since J got home! Even though I'm uncomfortable and exhausted there are lots of exciting things going on in my life personally (like Bricklet's impending arrival) and professionally. 
What are you looking forward to? We have a growth scan this week to see how massive he is; I always get excited to see him, though I'm a bit nervous because he was ahead of the curve in terms of size last scan at 24 weeks. Also just the proximity to meeting him - I have apparently convinced myself he will be a naturally early baby so I basically expect to meet him a couple weekends from now... I'm sure that's wishful thinking since I'm not exactly in love with being pregnant - but really, I know I will be meeting him within the next 6 weeks which is pretty cool.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Gluten Free Pregnancy | Week 33

Taken at 33w 6d - nevermind my DSLR remote :)
How far along? 33 week / 34 when this posts :)
Total weight gain: Not sure, hopefully I'm not continuing to pack it on lol!
Maternity clothes? Most certainly, yes.
Stretch marks? Still none! My veins are very obvious in my belly though which looks gross - but that is due to it being huge and will thankfully not be permanent!
Sleep: What sleep? Except for one night...
Best moment this week: The night I slept! On Friday night I fell asleep somewhere between 1 and 2am and woke up at 7am - but I slept solidly for once! I decided to laze about in bed for a while to at least be getting rest, and I fell back asleep from about half 8 to 10am! It was amazing. 
Miss anything? My husband! He needs to get home (I have a countdown)!
Movement: Lots. Less rolls than the past few weeks, probably on account of him running out of space. He's also seems to be getting the hiccups more.
Food cravings: Not so much a craving but I just can't stay away from the chocolate almonds in my office. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Reflux. Aside from being huge, I think this is probably the aspect of pregnancy I will miss least. Also, food aversions definitely back - I ordered a GF Sweet Potato sushi roll for the dinner the other night and had to force myself to eat half, which was the absolute most I was going to be able to get down.
Gender: Boy.
Labor signs: None.
Symptoms: Acid reflux, insomnia/exhausted constantly, sore back, sore belly (still growing), some swelling in my feet and hands.
Belly button in or out? Still in. 
Wedding rings on or off? On, but tighter than usual.
Happy or moody most of the time: Much happier this week! It's nice to be home and getting some things accomplished! My allergies have cleared up (yaaay!) and my eczema is almost gone - both things that make me very happy! 
What are you looking forward to? My husband coming home! We also are signed up for birthing classes at the weekend, and that has been a looming 'when are we going to get that on the calendar thing' since week 27 really. I'm not sold on getting an epidural, and I'm not sold that these things really prepare you for pushing a human out of your own body, but I hope to learn a few things and I think it will be nice to meet other expectant parents in our area.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Gluten Free Pregnancy | Week 32


How far along? 32 weeks / 33 when this posts
Total weight gain: It was a bad two weeks - clearly there was too much sugar at my disposal... I gained 4 pounds between visits! It's been a challenge the past few weeks as I have basically been on the road - add to that the holidays / bad food choices being easily available, and for a week having a treat cupboard available to me (I rarely keep non-fruit/veg snacks/nuts at my apartment since I lack self control - especially while pregnant!). Clean eating is a go now!
Maternity clothes? Still yes :)
Stretch marks? Still none!
Sleep: Still terrible!
Best moment this week: Coming home. I feel like I haven't been here in ages and I am quite delighted to not have to go anywhere for the next few months! I also scored at TJ Maxx and Marshall's; we have lots of clothes but had few of the things we really needed, so I was excited to be able to stock up on things like hooded towel and burp cloths on the cheap there! Even better there were a few things I was going to get in Buy Buy Baby and on Amazon that I got there (exact same items) way cheaper.
Miss anything? Breathing properly. I'm still recovering from allergies.
Movement: Lots. And he still prefers my right side and I laugh at having a lopsided belly. Bricklet is getting big... and having found my ribs and sticking his arse out has made me really uncomfortable. 
Food cravings: Fruit. I just want to eat at home and nothing to do with the rubbish I have been eating.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Thought of having any more crap food.
Gender: Still a boy.
Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Acid reflux and eczema are settling down now (yay / knock on wood!), sore belly from growing, frequent trips to the loo, increased appetite, and I am so tired! So tired. I'm constantly exhausted, probably from all the not sleeping, which really wore me down this week. I would also say I hit 'nesting' this week - I urgently want to have everything ready for him.
Belly button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or moody most of the time: Sadly more on the moody side again this week. Not feeling well / allergies really threw me off. Add to it my tiredness and my husband going on a 2 week business trip to another continent. So I'd say 30/70 split happy vs. sad/mad/other.
What are you looking forward to? The end of pregnancy! I'm working on the assumption he's showing up early, and I just can't wait to 1. meet Bricklet and 2. not being pregnant anymore.  Also looking forward to my husband coming home, I hate being away from him.

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