Saturday, December 10, 2011

Celebration GIVEAWAY: Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free and Gluten-Free Cupcakes


Today is the first celebration giveaway for the month!


We are celebrating my mom's birthday today. I wish I could be at her house right now, whipping up a batch of cupcakes using coconut flour from Elana's awesome cookbook. I would probably make either the German Chocolate Cupcakes (already made this once for her.. so GOOD! This recipe actually inspired me to make an ice cream version) or Red Velvet Cupcakes or Cookie Surprise Cupcakes or... there's so many good recipes!




Before I get into the giveaway... let me tell you about my mom.


She is a beautiful woman of strong character and a generous giving heart. The Lord has given her many skills and gifts... music, writing and teaching being her three strongest skills/gifts. She has wrote many songs that the Lord has given her to bless those around her. I hope one day these songs will be sung to the world and I'm sure it will... if not here in this world, then for sure in heaven!


My mom has gone through a lot of pain since she was a child, but God is bringing her through a time of healing that is hard, yet amazing to watch.


Often, when I look at her and all that she's been through... I see that she is a beautiful mess that God is lovely and patiently cleaning through.


I've watched her live her life of daily renewing her mind and choosing to believe in God's grace & mercy through everything... God has taught me so much through her!


Even though she is imperfect in so many ways. She is a woman of integrity, faith and prayer... that's what makes her so beautiful. I love you & Happy Birthday Mommo!


Now, the giveaway!


To one winner, I am giving away 2 gluten-free books:



Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free contains over 180 recipes, 140 of which have never been published on Amy's blog, Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free. Her mouth-watering recipes can be made in 20 minutes or less... that's nice for those of you who lead busy lives! Here's a short bio about Amy:

Amy started the popular food blog Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free in May 2008 to share her passion for healthy living. She has abstained from refined sugars and wheat since 2004 and, as a result, is maintaining a 60-plus pound weight loss. Over the years, Amy has learned that eating healthier doesn’t equal deprivation.


In 2012, Amy is launching Nourished (with Jen Cafferty), the first gluten-free and allergen-friendly food blogger conference. Attendees will be able to learn and share with along with other professionals in their field.


In addition to owning a small business, Amy teaches local sugar-free, gluten-free cooking classes. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education, both from The Ohio State University. Amy has also studied Baking & Pastry Arts at The Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Education at Collin College and spent many years working both the front and back of the house in restaurants. Previously, Amy taught elementary school and owned one of the premier pet care companies in the North Dallas area. She lives with her husband and four dogs in Dallas, Texas. If you are interested, you can read more about her here.



You all know how much I love baking with coconut flour. When I first learned that Elana was writing another cookbook using coconut flour... I was already in line to get my copy! Gluten-Free Cupcakes has beautiful photography and delicious recipes that are simple to make, yet look so elegant!

This fabulous book features:
  • 50 gluten free recipes for cupcakes and savory treats
  • 14 recipes for frostings, fillings and toppings
  • 25 cupcake recipes that use coconut flour
  • 9 cupcake recipes that use almond flour
  • 4 flourless cupcake recipes
  • 12 cupcake recipes that use both almond flour and coconut flour
  • 41 dairy free cupcake recipes
  • 8 dairy free frostings, fillings and toppings
  • 5 vegan frostings, fillings and toppings
  • 38 nut free recipes
  • 10 cupcake recipes that use arrowroot powder 

If you are interested in more information, please read here. Like I said earlier, I've already tried her recipe for German Chocolate Cupcakes and they were simply luscious! Next I want to try the Cookie Surprise Cupcakes... oooh yummy. The only downside is not being able to get almond flour. So, I will have to compromise a little  ;o)


How to Enter

Just leave a comment below on what you did today! (1 entry)

To maximize your odds of winning, you can leave a comment every day! (one comment per day strictly enforced)

3 bonus entries:
Follow Amy's blog Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free (1 entry)
Follow Elana's blog Elana's Pantry (1 entry)
'Like' Just Making Noise on Babble (1 entry)

So, you can have a total of 4 entries today and one everyday until December 31st January 14th! This giveaway is only open to US residents and the winner will be selected via random.org at the end of this month. Winner will be contacted in January.

Also, don't forget you can purchase Just Making Ice Cream for a suggested donation of $8 through this month! That is $4 off the original suggested donation.


125 noisy comments:

Katie said...

Mare, have you ever tried making your own almond flour?

Katie said...

Wha did I do today? Lots of things. We cleaned the dorm and it took FOREVER!!!! Lovey ninas! :) 1 comment

Zila said...

Comment...lol...I have been vertually sugar free since July 1. Today I avoided another Christmas baked gift to my work. I really just don't want it anymore. I would eventually like to be gluten free as well, but that one is alot harder! As for what I did...worked 6-330. Fed the kitties and me then journaled n had quiet time knitting and listening to God. That is all today! ;-)

Katie said...

I follow Elana. 2 entry

Katie said...

Mare, I couldn't get the link for Amy's blog to work.

nicole said...

I made gluten free cake for boy #3 so he could eat some cake for his little brother's birthday tomorrow (i am really not kidding). I would love to make a better cake gluten-free cake that everybody would enjoy.

Marillyn Beard said...

Katie- I fixed it... should be fine now. THANKS for letting me know!

kim said...

Gluten-free! That is my new challenge. I am trying a gluten - free diet to see if I experience some improvements in my health. This is cool. Today I went to Pittsburgh with a friend. Shopped in some open area markets and a very artsy part of town. It was inspiring.

Emily c said...

I am just waking up here so far I haven't even had my espresso!

kristin said...

So far today, I've gotten up and had breakfast! But I have lots to do ahead of me, here's hoping to a productive day. :) What a great giveaway, this book has been on my amazon wishlist!

kristin said...

I'm following Amy's blog with google reader now!

kristin said...

I'm following Elana's blog by email now!

kristin said...

I liked you on babble!

afkjl said...

Today, I listened to the news and researched a Christmas present that might help out a friend.

Abby Hilton said...

Oh, these books look so good! I especially love how Elana's recipes are not only gluten-free, but grain-free too. Double bonus! Today I helped juice lots of veggies, and starting soaking cornmeal for taco pie for tonight's dinner :-)

Abby Hilton said...

I just subscribed to the Simply Sugar and Gluten Free blog

Abby Hilton said...

I've also been signed up for Elana's blog for a long time...love it

Tonya said...

I followed Amy and Elana's blog and liked you on Babble. I already own your Ice Cream book and we love it.

Jen said...

Our day has just started so I've made breakfast, done some laundry and dreamed of summer.

Jen said...

I subscribe to Simply Sugar and Gluten Free.

Jen said...

I subscribe to Elana's Pantry.

Jen said...

I 'Liked' Just Making Noise on Babble.

RunnerGrl said...

I didn't do much today - studying mostly.

RunnerGrl said...

I'm following Amy's blog Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free.

RunnerGrl said...

I'm following Elana's blog Elana's Pantry.

RunnerGrl said...

I 'Liked' Just Making Noise on Babble.

Brooke said...

Wow!!! I am humbled and blessed to have such a kind and Godly daughter. I wish you were here too, baking cupcakes. Cathy made me a cake!! I love you with a depth you can't know. Always praying for you and missing you.

Zila said...

ok...i did everything for the extra entries, hope i did them all right as i would have followed the blogs anyway...YUM!!! today i got up at 530 walked dogs (work)at 6ish, had tea and read my Bible till church at 930 came home had chili on baked potato and some popcorn and izze clementine. now i am watching the nativity story and typing my comment! lol good stuff, good stuff!!!

Brooke said...

We went to church this morning and now I am heating up some left over Cheesy Chicken Chowder for lunch. :)

Amy in Simsbury said...

Thank you for this give-away. Your blog is great. I love your compassionate heart. Hope YOU have a great day!

Amy in Simsbury said...

I also "liked" Amy's blog

Amy in Simsbury said...

Finally, I "liked" Elana's blog. Thank you!

Nancy said...

We went to church this morning and now I'm settling down for hopefully a restful afternoon this Lord's day.

Nancy at mom2jebj@gmail.com

Nancy said...

I signed up to follow Amy's blog.

Nancy M. at mom2jebj@gmail.com

Nancy said...

I signed up to follow Elana's blog.

Nancy M. at mom2jebj@gmail.com

Angela Rose said...

We went to church; ran earrands; now home working. :) Love ya Mare!

Katie said...

This morning we had church and did dorm store. Now I get a break while the teachers watch the kids. :)

Katie said...

I follow Amy's blog

Katie said...

I like your blog on babble. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! :) Blessings to you mi amiga!!

Rachel said...

So far, cleaned the bathroom, vaccumed half of downstairs (so nice to have a vaccum cleaner! We don't have them in China), and made gluten free chocolate brownie waffles! They're from this blog if you're interested: http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com/2011/11/waffle-iron-brownies.html

Really excited about this give away!

Rachel said...

Following Elana's blog!

Rachel said...

Liked you on Babble!

Michelle said...

Well my day in a nutshell. woke up at 6:30 prepared breakfast for the kids that spend the weekend. Prepped lunch then cleaned up the kitchen . Took the whole school caroling at 2 different churches this morning. Came home . Ate lunch. Took a long afternoon nap Then went to the kitchen once again, -- put my sour cream in the fridge , planned menus for the week . Served popcorn for dinner. Hopefully will crawl into bed early. Tomorrow come early.

Toni Dunlap said...

I went to church with my family today and spent the afternoon with friends.

Anonymous said...

I just subscribed to Elana's Pantry

Michelle said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Toni Dunlap said...

I just subscribed to Amy's blog

Michelle said...

I just subscribed to Amy's emil list like I just said (And you can delete the last one I posted) I am going share her website with a friend who can't have any sugar. ( I'm new to all this contest stuff)

Michelle said...

I just subscribed to Elana's Pantry recipes by email. I can't wait to try some of the recipes with the kids here. (some ingredients you can't get here)

Michelle said...

I marked that I like Just making noise on babble and I really do. because I like to see new recipes some have worked for me for where I like and I do have goals of things that I want to make. Sourdough started is being high on my list..

Michelle said...

Good morning today is Monday. The start of the last week of school before Christmas vacation. Slept in till 6:15 then set out to wash laundry (5 loads so far) and made french toast for everyone. planned the kids' chores for the week. and went through my pile of mismatched socks was able to match 25 pairs of socks All this before 9:30 . Now I need to get to school Have a nice day.

turq4 said...

What did I do today? I'm a homeschooling mom who stopped schooling today to enjoy the Christmas season with snuggles, movies, and holiday baking.

Katie said...

What did I do today? Made an Isreali lunch for 50, had a lazy rainy afternoon with my girls, came back to the dorm eary becasue of the rain, now off to bed to rid myself of this cold before it get's to nasty.

RunnerGrl said...

I took two finals for classes today, then worked out and studied.

turq4 said...

Today, I get to eat one of my favorite GF foods--donuts! Who knew you could make these bad boys at home, and without frying them, too! Thank goodness for babycakes!

turq4 said...

I'm so excited to be following Follow Amy's blog "Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free" now. Thanks for the link!

turq4 said...

Now I just followed Elana's blog "Elana's Pantry". I've not heard of this blog before--this should be interesting!

Abby Hilton said...

Today I made chocolate colostrum for breakfast! Raw, grass-fed colostrum, liquid stevia, cocoa powder, and ice...yum!

Theresa said...

Today I am finishing up my allergy free gingerbread house. We are GF/DF/SF and I try to stay dye/sugar/preservative free. Already a member with Elana and Simply Sugar free and I use Elana's recipes constantly.

Michelle said...

I researched gluten free and sugar free recipes today!

Anonymous said...

I had a busy day with my preschool classes making adorable snowman coasters for a gift for their parents. cindym119@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to Elana's blog. cindym119@gmail.com

Shannon said...

Today, I made GF/DF pancakes for my kids using Better Batter GF all purpose mix. I am looking for a good sugar cookie recipe also. We are in the midst of trying to find out what is wrong with us, digestive-wise. It is so difficult when everyone reacts differently. I love all the GF, real food blogs that offer so much support & info! :)

Shannon said...

I already subscribe to Elana's blog :) I am so thankful for her recipes!

Unknown said...

Today I shopped at my Co-Op--where they have an amazing array of gluten free mixes & items. The best thing I bought was a 10# bag of fresh mandarin oranges--too good to cook with, we will eat them all fresh.

webee said...

what i did today was sleep and ketch up on my e-mails.i have ankylosing spondylitis and low throid so i tend to sleep alot

webee said...

i just subcribed to elanas blog

webee said...

i subcribed to amys blog

webee said...

i just liked you on babble.i never heard of babble before or i would have done this a long time ago

vcnxnerew said...

I had a fabulous day of exploring different websites about gluten free and sugar free! I am neither right now but moving in that direction! xxx - Crystal Starr

Jennifer said...

I spent the day just staring at our newest addition (he'll be 2 weeks old on Thursday). Oh, and doing laundry. Three boys make a LOT of laundry.

Jennifer said...

I follow Amy's blog.

turq4 said...

Today is our family's service day. We'll be doing what we can to help out in our community.

amwernz said...

Today, so far, I checked email, read my bible, made my husband's lunch, went to the gym and now i'm at work :)...at my kitchen table

Katie said...

Today was busy day, taught bible study this afternoon!

Abby Hilton said...

Very productive day...picked up a co-op order, went to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, several other places! Enjoyed a new sourdough bread recipe with dinner :-)

turq4 said...

Today I finish my Christmas shopping! Yay! It will feel good to be finished.

Abby Hilton said...

Today, so far, have made grain-free carrot muffins for breakfast, and have 2 half gallons of yogurt going in the dehydrator...lots more to do!

turq4 said...

Today I will be hosting a "hang out" for my kids. I love it when they get to have time with their "besties"!

Abby Hilton said...

Busy day today, lots of errands!

turq4 said...

Today I will be singing Christmas songs at church with my family and BAKING!

Zila said...

time flies! havent been able to get on for a while but i still wanna try to win these books! this morning was the Christmas program at church and then came home, laundry and worked on my ipod playlists. now watchin football with my hubby! go tebow! lol

turq4 said...

Today, the plan is to clean and make gluten-free cinnamon coated muffins for the very first time!

Zila said...

Got up at 415, read my Bible n had some tea, breakfast at 5the (for me n the kitties) work at 6-5, had some dinner (chili) n now I am commenting! Love this give away! Want to buy the books if I don't win. Did some recipe research yesterday...yummy!

eclairre said...

I made chili and watched dexter!

turq4 said...

Today, I get to spend time with my entire family, as my hubby has a rare day off.

Zila said...

Today looked like yesterday but I worked till 535, talked to dad n then to mom walked dogs now I am in bed commenting. 815 n I am freakin tired! Mare, I am tellin you, you need to make a sour dough e book. That wld b amazing! ;-P

turq4 said...

Today, all Christmas preparations shall be completed, Lord willing. I've made treats family and friends can eat, and today, I finish treats I can eat: GF Peanut Butter Buckeyes!

Zila said...

Again...today looked like yesterday. Waiting on donner (my hubby cooks for me :-)) chicken n green beans. Then church! My cat elwood just swallowed a green bean whole! Lol they both LOVE green beans.

turq4 said...

Today I get to see a beloved college student who is on Christmas break and spend the evening with her. I am a youth pastor's wife, and I love it when former students come back and open up their hearts and lives! It's just so amazing to see what God is doing with the generation coming up after me.

Zila said...

So, life looks like it has the past few days...but tonite was a little dif! After din I made some gluten sugar free brownies. The first batch was according to the recipe n the second was a little improvised. I haven't perfected them according to my hubbies taste (or mine) but they are pretty good none the less! Of course it was a recipe from the newest blog I follow...thanks mare for sharing! Lol

turq4 said...

Today, I get to go to an ugly sweater Christmas party. Never been to one of those before!

turq4 said...

Today, I get to cook some of my family's favorite foods to have them ready for our day off tomorrow. I'll have "safe-to-eat" varieties for myself, as well! Namaste's gf cinnamon muffins, "manicotti" with rice noodles and organic dairy, and chicken soup (hold the noodles), with the family having all the gluten (including dumplings in the soup) they could want!

Abby Hilton said...

Getting ready to head to some friends' to play games and snack :-)

turq4 said...

Today I am opening presents with my family and going to church to celebrate God's Son coming to dwell with man. Immanuel! God with us! Merry Christmas everyone!

turq4 said...

Today, swim lessons begin at my house.

Youthful One said...

Today I ran errands, searching for just the right gifts for my soon-to-be 11 year old's birthday.

Youthful One said...

I'm already subscribed to Amy's SS&GF blog.

Youthful One said...

I've subscribed to Elana's Pantry blog.

Youthful One said...

I 'like' JMN on Babble!

turq4 said...

I get to work on a photo album with my littlest creative kiddo. It's our first time doing one together!

Katie said...

Oh bother, I've been forgetting to enter. today I visted Gaby! :) And picked up Vania so she can spend the night with the girls.

Zila said...

Wow! My week got away from me. I am training someone to close so I am working 6-6 mon - fri. Yesterday I got to watch kids for wed nite service. Mon n thurs I walk dogs at 8pm. Sat is a half day so I will be off bout 3.

turq4 said...

Today, my littlest gets to exchange gifts with one of her best friends. How cute!

Ruth said...

My sister and I made 50 pounds of sauerkraut!

turq4 said...

Today, our church hosts an overnight New Year's party for student to keep them out of trouble and share the gospel.

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

turq4 said...

Today, I recover from a lock-in and celebrate New Year's quietly with my family.

Happy New Year everyone!

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

Wendi and Matt said...

Today I cleaned my house, started soaking my rice, tried making butter(my arm got tired :( and labeled jars in my fridge to know what the heck they are :)

Wendic22@yahoo.com

Wendi and Matt said...

I follow Amy's blog!

Wendi and Matt said...

I follow Elana's blog too!

Thanks!

Katie said...

I hang out with my family today!

turq4 said...

Today, I found out that this giveaway's date was extended, so I posted this comment, since I didn't want to lose out on the opportunity to win.

;-)

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

Liz H. said...

I'm home most of the day, reconfiguring our budget for the month, and playing with toddlers!

Liz H. said...

I follow SS & GF via email.

Liz H. said...

I follow Elana's pantry via email.

Kelly said...

I took my son to the Science Center today, then for pizza and then shopping. Yeah, my son likes to shop!

Ruth said...

My sister and I made 50 more pounds of sauerkraut!

turq4 said...

Today is piano class and errands, and I'm hoping to try Udi's cinnamon rolls for the very first time!

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

turq4 said...

Today, we get to spend time with another family. I'm looking forward to it.

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

Ruth said...

Today I am working on labeling our 2011 pictures.

Kelly said...

Today we took it easy...

turq4 said...

Today I'm visiting family out of state.

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

turq4 said...

Today I get to see old friends of the family.

theswitalas@roadrunner.com

Katie said...

I got to talk to my mama.

turq4 said...

Today we are traveling through snow with a sick kiddo. :-(

theswitalas@roadrunner.com