Gluten-Free Heaven: The GFAF Expo!

There were so many wonderful moments at the Gluten-Free Allergy Free Expo, so before I jump into all the product reviews I am going to share some of my favorite moments with you. This event was completely overwhelming, but not in a bad way by any means. It was my first gluten-free food event, so when I walked into the expo for the first time I was in gluten-free heaven, and didn't know where to start! There were so many moments I enjoyed. When my parents asked me my favorite part of the trip, I simply said all of it! Today, I am going to share with you the many things I loved about the GFAFexpo!

1. The People:  It was so wonderful to meet people that were so passionate about their products or service they provided. They were all so willing to talk, were interested in what I had to say, and truly cared about the gluten-free community. It was fascinating to hear  some of the stories of why these individuals got into the business they are in. 

2. Meeting the Companies I love: It was so great to meet the people behind the companies that I have grown to love. 

3. Being opened up to so many new products: I walked away from this expo experience knowing that there will definitely be new products in my shopping cart. 

4. The feeling of safety: Though this was a gluten-free expo there were still things I couldn't eat due to my dairy intolerance. However, everything was clearly labeled so I knew what was off limits. There are not many times that I can say I have a piece of mind when going to events that revolve around food, so it was an absolutely amazing experience to be in such a safe zone! 

5. Sharing the experience with my parents: I'm the only one in my immediate family that  is gluten-free. When I was first diagnosed, my mom immediately supported me, tried new products, and was an advocate for me. While I always had my dad's support, it took him a little longer to "get it." With time though, he has come around and will actually eat gluten-free foods. 


They have both tried their fair share of gluten-free foods; the good and the not so good. As they walked around the expo they enjoyed many foods, and both agreed that the gluten-free industry has truly made great strides. 

Dad enjoying a sample of Bard's Beer!

6. Sitting in on the presentations: Throughout the day, free presentations about issues pertaining to the GF life style were given. I sat in on a presentation by Gluten-free Gigi and Melissa Jennings of Stockpile Moms. Both were great and I walked away with a wealth of new knowledge.  

7. Baking Blissful Class with Mom: My mom and I share a love for baking, so it was wonderful to be able to attend this class with her. We both felt like we were sitting in on a taping of a show that would appear on the food network. Sadly this was the last year that the expo will be offering classes, so I was happy I got to have this experience. 

The Peace Baker

8. Meeting Kelly aka The Peace Baker: At the baking class I sat next to Kelly, we started talking and then exchanged business cards. After I gave her my business card, she couldn't believe I was "Embrace G-free," and was thrilled to meet me since she has been following my blog and Facebook page since the beginning.


I was thrilled to meet Kelly and I was absolutely blown away by this experience. I often say I am a "small fish in a big pond" when it comes to the blogging world. I was so touched by her kind words. We were both nearly in tears because we were so thrilled to meet one another. BTW Kelly will soon be opening New Orleans' first gluten-free bakery! 

9. This list wouldn't be complete if I did not mention the food. There was so many fantastic things I tried, and there was very little I didn't like (says a lot coming from a picky eater). I by no means eat the way I did at the expo, so by the end of the weekend, my tummy was not only full of g-free goodness, but I had to stop myself from sampling foods because my body couldn't take any more of the sweets and carbs. 

10. The pure excitement and joy on my face: This was my mom's favorite part of the weekend. After the tough few weeks I had prior to coming to the expo, we were all so thrilled to be able to have a great weekend. My face lights up when I talk about the gluten-free community, and it brings me so much joy. I was absolutely glowing all weekend and left the event on such a "blogger's high!" 

Taken in downtown Chicago. Had to include because I love this photo so much! 

Be sure to check out more of my photos from the expo on my facebook Page, and if you haven't done so already please "like" my facebook page! My birthday is Thursday and I am trying to hit 300 fans by that day!