Doing Business Gluten Free!

A few months ago I stumbled across a business card for gluten free products at a gas station. I ordered some of the products and my favorite was the Monster bars! Although I am not allergic to gluten, there are millions of Americans who are. Learning to make products that contain no gluten or find foods that are gluten free can be a challenge. Gluten Free Galley is a local company that makes gluten free products without sacrificing taste. Meet Liz Pearce, the owner of Gluten Free Galley.

Q: When did you decide to launch your business and why?

Liz: I decided to launch my business in August of 2010. I had previously worked
for my mom (she owned a Curves), but when my daughter was born it did not
make financial sense for me to go back to work and my mom couldn’t pay me
enough for day care. However, we are really a two income family, so I
needed to work. This way, I could work from home, which would allow me to
be able to be home with my children.

Monster Bars

Q: What were some of the symptoms you had that led you to the discovery of the disease?

Liz: I didn’t have what the medical community refers to as “classic” symptoms. I
had severe headaches almost daily, which went away almost immediately. I
also started to have nausea frequently, and I was extremely fatigued
all of the time.

Q: How did Celiac disease change your life?

Liz: Mostly for the good. The hard thing about it is not being able to just grab
something to eat somewhere. I have to be very careful about eating out
anywhere, as the danger doesn’t just exist in there being gluten in food,
but in restaurants there is a high risk for cross contamination (crumbs,
cutting boards, etc).

But, I eat a lot better than I used to. At first, it seemed like I was
cutting out a huge part of my diet, but then I realized that a lot of what
I ate was naturally gluten free. I used to eat a lot of the same thing, but
then I started looking at the grocery store as an adventure and I started
buying veggies and fruits that I didn’t even know what to do with! It has
made me a better cook all around.

It also made me truly realize the effect that food has on your body, and
how important it is to feed it the right way.

Q: Were you already someone who loved to bake prior to the idea of
creating your own gluten free products?

Liz: No, I really was not a baker. Which was probably a good thing since GF
baking is so different than regular baking. I loved to cook, which was also
a good thing since I cook 99% of what I eat. But I learned to work with
gluten free flours, and tried A LOT of recipes (too many of them were
horrible!) and eventually I found a blend of flours that I liked and went
from there.

Pizza using Gluten Free Galley's pizza mix.


Q: Do you sell your products locally only or do you ship to other places
as well?

Liz: Mostly locally. I currently work with the Whole Foods in Cary, a local
co-op called Farm to Fork Meat, the Upper Crust Bakery on Falls of Neuse
Rd, and another coffee shop in Zebulon called Eclectic Intellectual. And of
course, online. I have shipped some to eastern Carolina. I really don’t
want to ship anything less than overnight, so it works out well for NC as
most places are an overnight trip, which helps keep the cost down to the
customer.

Q: How has owning your own business changed your life?

Liz: It’s taught me a lot!! I look back at what I have accomplished over
the past year and am amazed. I love being able to be home with my daughter,
pick up my son from school, volunteer at his school when I can, etc. Things that if I worked full-time somewhere would be impossible to do.

Q: What is your vision for Gluten Free Galley (5 – 10 yrs from now what milestones do you see overcoming or accomplishing?

Liz: That’s a tough question. I really don’t want to get too big, I think that’s
what makes my products great. If I got too big and started mass producing,
the freshness and the quality would suffer. I would like to expand into
more Whole Foods locations in the triangle. This would be a huge step in
getting my products to more people. I think that really might be as big as
I want to go. Otherwise, I just want to keep focusing on the online aspect
of my business.

Q: How can others who want to try your products contact you (website,
email, etc)?

Liz: Website: www.glutenfreegalley.com,
via email:glutenfreegalley@gmail.com
phone: 919-874-7470

I’m also on facebook Gluten Free Galley, Twitter @gfgalley, and Google +
Gluten Free Galley

I’m pretty easy to find 😉

Q: Is there any advice you want to give to others who may be interested in
developing their own product line?

Liz: Try not to do it all. If you have a few things you do well, focus on those.
It’s better to have a few things that you do well than a bunch of things
that are just okay. Also, be prepared to fail the first time– I worked on my
bread recipe for months before I felt like it was ready to go. And if you
choose to open your own business, be ready to feel all emotions, possibly
even in one day! But if you are patient and are willing to evaluate and
change what’s not working, you will start to see things working in the way
you want.

Thanks Liz for taking time out to share with us! We wish you much success with Gluten Free Galley!

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January in Review

January is such a great month! First I wanted to review the challenge since we started the year off with it. Let me just say the first day was like gossip was on a mission and I was the target. That’s the one thing about starting a challenge, it seems to attract the very thing you are trying to avoid. I developed a game plan to avoid the chatter and it paid off during the rest of the challenge.

A good question was raised concerning the definition of gossip. When you share with someone the events of your day is that considered gossiping? Are good comments about someone else considered gossip? Or is gossip just negative comments about someone made to cause damage to the person’s character? The dictionary defines gossip as “idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others” or “rumor or general talk that is damaging to reputation; it is usually more or less malicious.” This challenge will be revisited!

Now the great thing about January is that it is the beginning of a new year. It is also my birth month! I had an oyster roast for my special day and the most beautiful and delicious birthday cake one could ever imagine! Sorry I didn’t take the picture of the cake so you can’t see the two chocolate covered strawberries at the top. I LOVE strawberries!

Stay tuned for our next Trailblazer feature!

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Update to Hair Care Regimen

I decided to update my regimen in the fall of 2011 to include very low manipulation. My hair has been in twists most of the fall and winter and I have seen tremendous improvement in thickness and strength so I wanted to share some of the things I have been doing.

I no longer use Shea Moisture. I have switched to One ‘n Only Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Moisture Repair Conditioner. I noticed I was getting more fairy knots than I used to when I was using Shea Moisture so I decided to try something new. So far this product has been good to my hair.

I wear my twists for three to four weeks before taking them out to shampoo and deep condition. I use LeKair Cholesterol Conditioner as my deep conditioner. My hair has always loved this product, but I had stopped using it for a while to try henna treatments. I soon realized I didn’t need anything as strong in protein as henna because my hair did not have a lack thereof. Therefore, I re-introduced my hair to the Cholesterol treatments.

Nature's Blessings

I usually spray the rosemary moisturizing spray in my hair and put either Wild Growth oil on my scalp at night or Nature’s Blessings on my hair. I know many of you may not have heard of Nature’s Blessing, but it is a hair pomade that is supposed to condition and restore the hair and it is also supposed to be a root builder. I only do this once a week. I try and massage my head once a week as well. I have been washing my hair with my twists in and they have been holding up.

I started wearing my twists in October of last year. When I take them out, I usually do a simple style for a week and then I put my twists in again. Since I twist my own hair, I don’t have to worry about the twists being too tight.

I created the rosemary moisturizing spray using a cup of rosemary water, a cup of aloe vera juice, and a third of glycerin and jojoba oil (or another oil of my choosing). Although the measurements may not be the same, the ingredients of this recipe was derived from another site so I can’t take the credit for this creation.

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Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

It is time to say goodbye to 2011 and prepare for amazing things in 2012! Get ready for challenges, more drawings/contest, and more features. I will also share what I have been up to lately.

Stay tuned…

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One Moment One Christmas…

This Christmas is the same as any other yet so different. The reason has not yet been determined. A chance to spend time with loved ones and see friends, yet something is different. I can’t put my finger on it. The memories created with my most cherished loved one awaits everyday. So I decided to take this moment to let her know she was on my mind…

Dear Mom,

I think of you almost everyday as we grow closer to your anniversary. Your smile, your laugh, your voice I hear. There were so many times I thought I would forget, but the memories we created are more vivid than ever. I laugh from time to time at some of your character and habits that have become apart of my own.

So many changes have taken place since we last saw each other. I’m natural now and I know you would like that and I have even learned more about hair care. I know since you wanted to be a Cosmetologist that taking care of our hair and skin was important to you. Don’t get too excited though, I am not trying to go as far as to make it my career. I am just making sure I take care of my own.

I have my MBA and you won’t believe this, but I am a Veteran as well. I also kept my promise to you as much as could be expected. I really wish you could visit so I could cook for you and take you shopping. Of course I would shower you with hugs and kisses too.

Hope you aren’t disappointed, but you don’t have any grandchildren, well at least not from me. Eric and Tiffani are all grown up and adorable. I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to meet Morgan. She is beautiful and the splitting image of sis! They are all intelligent and quite slim. Just like you I am still slim as well.

Well I won’t keep you long, I just wanted to let you know that even though it is your 24th Homegoing anniversary, you are present in my heart. I love you, I miss you, and I look forward to seeing you again. Tell Grandmother I said I miss her as well. It’s midnight now. Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas!

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Christmas Giving Contest Winners

Congratulations to Betty Helpinghands and Janie May on winning the contest!!!!

If you didn’t get a chance to participate this time there are more contests on the way so stay plugged in!

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“Doin’ It Big” in Construction

I am sure most ladies have had this problem of getting their closet organized at one time or another. Well I had reached my limit when I finally decided to get assistance with organizing my closet. I found just the right person to take on the challenge and it was Virgil Ward of WardCo Construction, LLC. I must say I am very pleased with the results, but he doesn’t just do closet organizing so I decided to ask Virgil to tell us about his business…

Q:What are some of the services you specialize in or provide?

Virgil: Restoration and renovations of any kind is our focus.  We also do alot of flooring.

Before Kitchen Restoration


After Kitchen Restoration

Q: Was this something you always had an interest in as a child (creating or improving things)?

Virgil: I would say that I was creative, but I did not have a desire to be in construction as a kid.

Q: How has the downturn in the economy impacted your business, if at all?

Virgil: I can’t say that I was adversely affected by the economy.  My client base is generally existing homeowners and they did not really stop maintaining their homes.  They relaxed on buying new stuff.

Q:What areas do you cover ?

Virgil: We currently travel from Chatham county – Johnston county.

Q: What advice would you give to those interested in becoming a contractor or starting their own construction company?

Virgil: Be prepared!  Be prepared and oh by the way, Be prepared.  Prepare for the down time and prepare for the people.

Q: How can those interested in your services contact you (website, etc)?

Virgil: www.wardcoconstruction.com or email me at virgilward@wardcoconstruction.com and wardco97@yahoo.com or call @ 919-593-2526 or office @ 919-794-7911 or fax their request to 919-382-9559

Thanks so much for sharing with us Virgil! I will definitely let you know when I am ready to tackle the hardwoods! To learn more about WardCo Construction be sure to check out the website.

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Christmas Giving Contest

Hi Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday and had the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Now is the time to finish preparing for the Christmas holidays! It is the season for giving and helping others. Therefore, we are having a Christmas Giving contest for the opportunity to win one of three prizes. The prizes are the following:

  1. $25 gas gift card
  2. $25 gas gift card
  3. $25 department store gift card

To enter the contest, the following rules are:

  1. Subscribe to www.learn2simplifylife.com or “like” us on Facebook (please use the Facebook icon in the right sidebar, it should lead you to the website’s Facebook page).
  2. Share with us on the site or on our Facebook page what your plans are for Christmas (this refers to charity work such as sponsoring a family, etc) or share with us your favorite Christmas holiday memory. When you share, be sure your comments reflect under the Christmas Giving Contest post.
  3. You must be located in the U.S. (we look forward to some of our future contests including our internationally located blog family).

The contest starts on December 1, 2011 and ends on December 14, 2011. The winners will be chosen randomly and each winner will be unique (the same person cannot win more than one Christmas Giving Contest prize). For those who have already subscribed to the site or “liked” us on Facebook; you can still enter by following step #2.

The winners will be announced on the 16th. I will be contacting the winners for your information so that the gift cards can be sent out prior to the holidays. My goal is to have all gift cards sent out by December 20, 2011.

Catch the Spirit of Giving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! Enjoy spending time with your family and please drive safely when traveling to and from your destinations.

Be Blessed!

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How Do You Measure Growth?

How do you measure growth? Is it the change in how you dress or the music you listen to? Is it your change in conversation or what you subject your eyes to on television and the movies you watch? Or maybe its the size of your homes and the make of the vehicle you drive.

Some may say it is all of the above. Whatever the case may be, the answer may depend on your personal beliefs, spiritual growth or how you were raised. Knowing your limits and embracing them may also be a sign of growth. So lets have a flashback…..

During the younger years it was all about education, fun times, and exerting confidence. We were grateful for our beautiful long legs, “junk in the trunk”, and healthy chest so much so that we didn’t mind flaunting it in the clothes we wore. Songs with crazy lyrics and crazy videos with artists leaving almost nothing to the imagination (like D’angelo) was in. Did we understand all the words in the songs? No and it didn’t matter as long as it had a great beat!  Can you picture your younger years?

We were never phased by the stares or what our elders said because we were fabulous and free! We worked after school and started partying on Friday night. Then when we started college the partying began on Thursdays. Do you have the glimpses of the past resonating through your mind yet? Oh the good old days.

We vowed to never do some of the same things our parents did, yet as time goes by we began to see the resemblances. Now we are sensitive to the music and we actually listen to the words, lol. “Did he just say that?! Time to change the station!” No more watching scary gory movies, especially if you are single and live alone.  No dressing up for Halloween.

We become self conscience in the things we wear and our idea of what’s sexy changes. You know, that shift from showing your goods to covering them up yet still revealing sex appeal in a more tasteful classy fashion. We still get the hair and nails done though, at least on special occasions.

We trade our shades for glasses and thanks to the internet, we keep up with politics and all that’s going on around the world. Not that we weren’t interested in some things in our younger years, but our thirst for this type of knowledge wasn’t as powerful as it is now. Our conversation changes, but sports is still on the tip of the tongue (yes some things never change).

Back then it was all about bigger houses, cars, and name brand clothes. But now the less house we have to clean the better. Keep it simple, we want safe, dependable cars, not just flashy ones.

We see the world through different eyes, grown eyes who understand now what all of the fussing our parents did was all about. The need to protect us so we could have a better life and not make the same mistakes they did or at least teach us how to survive when things get rough. You know, when economic downturns take place such as this recent one and we need to budget and watch how we spend and keep a positive image by how we carry ourselves.

We began to think about our 401k and if we have saved enough for retirement. Which one of us will be in a better position to take care of our parents. Or better yet, will you be the only one they can depend on when the time comes.  The tough decisions are not as far off as they used to be.

Now we understand why Mothers were so against eating out and cautious about eating other people’s cooking. Yes, there is always a “method to their madness” and so that trait starts a little early in the game, but by adulthood it is in full force.

Now wake from the past and come back to the present. Can you see how much you’ve grown? How do you measure your growth?

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