GFAF Expo San Francisco 2013!

Where to begin...such a FABULOUS weekend!  Kevin and I recently got back from the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo in San Francisco.  It was our first time attending a gluten expo and it by far exceeded our expectations!  One of the funnest weekends for Kevin and I!  As in, I wish we could go again, right now.  It is seriously a must for anyone with celiac's or gluten allergy.  There are vendors after vendors, passing out samples to try.  Loading your bags with goodies.  Many of the products I had never even heard of!  Some of them were so new on the market that we were the first to sample them.  It was quite convenient that each company had a visible list of all the major allergens in their products.  Even avoiding dairy, eggs, and some nuts, I was still able to enjoy so many yummy treats.  On Saturday we didn't even eat lunch because we were so full from all of the awesome gluten free samples!

Now the eating part of the expo was deliciously awesome, there were also some classes to attend too.  I didn't get a chance to attend all of the ones I wanted to, as I spent most of my time connecting and networking.  I did check out Kyra's baking class, from Crave Bake Shop, and it was delightful!  I loved that the Expo provided so much information and help to those living a gluten free lifestyle.  It can be so hard and overwhelming, so support is huge.  The GFAF Expo really reminds that you are not alone and that there is much out there for you to enjoy.  Living gluten free isn't so bad, not at all!

I must say that the best part of this weekend, was being on the blogger team.  So sweet!  I was able to meet so many wonderful people from the gluten free community.  Sitting at the blogger/author table was Erica, from Celiac and the Beast, and her non-GFBF.  It was friendship at first chat.  Kevin and I hung out with them lots that weekend and they are just the coolest (wish they didn't live so far away).  I also got to chat and get to know Cybele Pascal, who is The Allergy-Friendly Cook.  I was just so encouraged by the authenticity of these fellow gluten free bloggers.  It feels so wonderful to be a part of such a generous, supportive community!

I have to give a huge shout out to the amazing team/sponsors that put on the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo!  You rock!  If I could, I would attend the upcoming 4 other GFAF Expo's this year.  If you are close to one, or even not so close, do whatever you can to get there.  Drive, ride your bike, take a plane.  It is so worth it!

I feel so official.

My celiac husband was in heaven!

Experiencing the GFAF Expo with him made it pretty special.

My little Sarah Bakes Gluten Free Treats display.  

I got to hang out at the blogger/author table.  So fun!

I was able to pass out LOTS of my business cards, which was awesome!

I passed them out to people I would meet, as well as product vendors.

 One of the many sponsors of the event...Enjoy Life!

All of their products are GMO-free, gluten free, and free of the top 8 allergens.
Safe for just about everybody!

 My most favorite chocolate chips.

I may be bias, but So Delicious had one of the best booths at the Expo!

They were giving out mini coconut milk fudge bars, cookie dough ice cream, and almond milk.
But don't forget about my new addiction, single-serve chocolate coconut milk.  So good!

 Kevin and I fell in love with these cookies from Home Free.
We miss the classic Nilla Wafers and were pleasantly surprised to find their Mini Vanilla Cookies. They taste just like them, but are EVEN better!

Introducing the CheeCha Puff.  A healthy, gluten free and air-baked chip.
They had so many flavors to choose from, but I think my fave was the Luscious Lime!

I love this sign for so many reason.

Freedom Foods is a great company out of Austrailia with many tasty cereals and snacks.
Best part...organic, GMO free, free of just about every allergen and delicious!

 Bob's Red Mill...gotta love 'em!  I know this baker sure does!

They passed some awesome samples at the expo and were really great to talk with.

I make my flour blend using all of their flours.  Thanks Bob's!

 Just hanging out with Alison from A Girl Defloured.  My gluten free buddy.
So great to finally meet her in person!

Woodchuck Hard Cider.  Every style is good.
We've only recently discovered hard cider, but Woodchuck is the best around.

This beautiful lady is Kyra from Crave Bake Shop, a delicious gluten free bakery in Oregon.
Kyra is also the only gluten free champion on Cupcake Wars!  Super cool!
So nice to talk to and hear about her journey to gluten free.

Brand new, not even available to purchase...cake mixes from Crave Bake Shop!
I got to take home a box of the Snickerdoodle Cake Mix.  Yum!

Way Better Snacks tortilla chips.  Sprouted.  Organic.  Non-GMO.

I recently discovered these and seriously, they really are WAY better!

Thanks to Schar for providing a super awesome bloggers lounge! 
It was such a great place to meet so many fabulous people and make new friends.
The snacks were pretty great too.

Brandy from A Spoonful of Wellness and Mrs. Northwest, as well as Lauren-Lucille who is none other than The Celiac Diva!  Both of them were just as sweet as can be.

My new gluten free girlfriends.  So thankful to have connected with each of them!
Mary Fran of Franny Cakes and Erica from Celiac and the Beast.

Did I mention the hotel where the expo was held, was right on the bay?

Gorgeous.  Such a cool place to have such an amazing event!

Gluten and Allergen Free Expo...so sad to see you go.

Can't wait to attend next year!

Now because I was loaded up with SO MANY free products, samples, and coupons (seriously, it's rediculous) I couldn't go and keep it all to myself.  I promised you a good giveaway when I returned from the Expo...so here it is!  This GFAF Expo Sample Pack includes...

• yummy gluten free product samples
• coupons, coupons, and more coupons
• official GFAF Expo tote bag

To enter the GFAF Expo giveaway, you must sign-in using the box below and leave a comment as well.  Be sure to share your favorite gluten free product that you've recently discovered.  You can receive extra entries by liking GFAF Expo on facebook, following me on twitter or tweeting this giveaway (be sure to enter your extra entries below).  The last day to enter is Monday, February 25 at midnight.  Lots of great gluten free samples and coupons...enter today!

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