Gluten Free Monthly Favorites: Paleo Granola, Spring Hikes and More!

This post is sponsored by Grandy Oats and their Coconola. 

Another month is gone already! As I've been telling my college friends, time seems to fly by extra quick when you don't have school-scheduled breaks set in place. Luckily, I had some of the best paleo and grain free granola, along with Spring hikes and much more, to keep me busy.

So what did May look like in this neck of the (college celiac) woods? I'm spilling all the details on what I've been eating (including a review of Grandy Oats' new line of paleo granola) and doing in May. Plus, a sneak peek into what I'll be up to in June...including a big giveaway of various gluten free goodies.

Now let's dive on in!

What I'm Eating

Sweet treats fresh out of the oven. I don't know why exactly, but I've been in full-on baking mode this last month. What does that mean? Well, I've been chomping on homemade vegan scones, my dye-free rainbow coconut cookies, lots of crunchy sweet n' salty trail mix, and, as of a few days ago, some gluten free and vegan chocolate chip cookies made using a mix by Sweet Meghan's Bakery. Apparently, May was the month of the sweet tooth! 

Too many snack plates to count. I've been spending so much time baking, my motivation to cook "real food" has been zerrrrro. Gluten free and vegan snack plates to the rescue...especially with lots of mini Yukon potatoes and all the avocado. 

Handfuls of Coconola. When Grandy Oats reached out to me about reviewing their new line of paleo granola, I couldn't say yes fast enough. They already offer gluten free granola using certified GF oats, but Coconola is perfect for celiacs like me who can't tolerate even gluten free oats. 

As the name suggests, Coconola uses coconut flakes instead of oats...and, honestly, you don't even notice the difference! The granola is super crunchy and packed with goodies like cashews, pecans, seeds, wildflower honey and spices. Besides the original flavor, they also sell chocolate chunk and super hemp seed varieties. I've been eating mine on smoothie bowls (duh) and on nightly yogurt parfaits and with banana and sunflower butter, but there's no wrong way to go coco for Coconola.  

What I'm Doing

Enjoying as many sunny hikes as I can. One of the lessons I've learned so far this year is that Colorado Spring's weather is majorly fickle. One week in May, we had several days in the 80s...followed by snow and days in the 40s! So, when we do have pretty weather, I try to take advantage of it. Going on a long hike with my dad (and our dog) was one of the major highlights this month for sure. 

Wrapping up my work with Entity Magazine. By the time you read this post, I'll probably have finished my last day. My time with Entity Magazine was such a blessing. It kept me busy during the crazy grad school response season and taught me a ton about online publishing, writing on a deadline, interviewing experts, SEO and so much more. For those who want to join the Entity family, they are holding a 10-week mentorship program for young women in the Los Angeles area. My work with Entity started as a summer internship...so you never know! 

Visiting with a friend from San Diego! I was so excited to hear that one of my fellow writing major grads was stopping by Colorado Springs in late May. Even better, she was staying only five minutes from my house. So, one (luckily gorgeous) morning, we walked around the Broadmore Hotel (way too many times to count) and caught up. It was awesome hearing how her last semester went and seeing a familiar face. Plus, we got to see our first baby geese of Spring! 

What I'm Planning 

Some day trips to Denver and Boulder! I've only been to Denver once: when I flew in from San Diego last December (wearing my "heaviest" California clothes in the seven-degree weather). Before I head to Minnesota in July, though, I want to see what other parts of Colorado have to offer. And, yes, all the gluten free options in those areas are calling my name too!

Focusing on relaxing as much as possible. As I've mentioned before, I'm not a natural relaxer. When I'm not working, I'm typically working on the blog, working out or trying to decide what to work on next. In my last two months before grad school, though, I know I need to focus on some (mental and physical) R&R. 

Offering a big giveaway to celebrate four years of blogging! I was diagnosed with celiac disease in May of 2013, and I started the blog shortly after. To commemorate another year in the books, I'm planning on giving away an assortment of gluten-free goodies in my pantry. This isn't a sponsored giveaway or anything; I'll be hosting it and mailing the winner(s) myself. So, keep your eyes out! 

Like this post? Tweet me some love by clicking here: "Check out this #college #celiac's #glutenfree May faves, like #paleo granola from @realgranolas. via @collegeceliackc"

To be honest, 2017 is already zipping by. This June, however, I hope to experience every day more fully and deliberately. June is my "calm before the storm" month...and I hope to savor everything - from eats to activities - this month has to offer. 

*I received products from Grandy Oats for free in return for an honest review. However, all opinions, photographs and ideas are my own. Thanks for supporting what supports Casey the College Celiac!*

What are your plans for June? What were some highlights from May? Comment below!