Nut Free Life

So long, farewell

2011-10-07T20:24:00.000-06:00

As much as I love writing about my life as an allergic girl,

I'm taking a break from blogging.

Thanks for reading Nut Free Life, and I hope to connect with you again in the future. :)

Chocolate Cake!

2011-09-30T17:14:00.001-06:00

Last night I attended a get-together with 7 other girls. The host, Becky, made a cake for a girl named Lexi who was celebrating her 24th birthday that day. Normally, I can't eat dessert at parties, but this time was different! Our group of 8 included three people with allergies or intolerances - two must eat gluten-free, and I have peanut and tree nut allergies.

It was so good to eat that cake! First of all, it simply tasted good. Secondly, it was nice to be able to eat what everyone else was enjoying. Becky saved the packaging for us to preview before tasting, knowing how important that is for all of us. Isn't that nice? Very few friends are that mindful, safe, and "good" about including those with special diets when party planning.

I liked that cake so much that I went to a local health food store today to buy the mix! It's Gluten-Free Essentials' Extreme Chocolate Cake Mix. I added Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks to the batter to make it extra yummy. The very second they came out of the oven, I dug right in and sliced it. Wow! Every few bites, I'd get a taste of the melted chocolate chunks. Best. idea. ever.

Here's some info about both of these products:

The mix is gluten-free, casein-free, egg-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and soy-free. The ingredients you add to the mix are butter, applesauce, eggs, vanilla, and water. So, if you need dairy-free and/or egg-free cake, then you'll need to use replacers! However, it's really nice to know that the mix is safe.

The chips are delicious, and added so much flavor! Enjoy Life is one of my favorite brands. All of their products are free of the top 8 allergens, and everything tastes so good. These chips are one of Enjoy Life's new products, and I'm glad that I have an easy solution when baking. No need to order online! Enjoy Life is often carried in health food stores and even some of the chain grocery stores. The best part? No one would ever know that these chocolate mega chunks are allergen-friendly. They taste like the real deal, as do all of Enjoy Life's products. That's why I like them so much!

So, the next time you are hosting a birthday party, don't forget to ask your guests if they need accommodations for any food allergies or intolerances. I make everything nut-free, of course, but I try to be very aware of my friends' needs, as well. Consider Enjoy Life and Gluten-Free Essentials!

Really Old Navy?

2011-07-25T18:16:00.000-06:00

Just a head's up!

I was in Old Navy this afternoon to purchase a dress, and they now sell Jones sodas, candy, and snacks at the "cash wrap" (where you purchase your clothes). Many of these snacks contain peanuts and tree nuts! I don't know if this is a temporary thing or not, but there were several snacks that contained nuts. Ugh!

If you'd like to express your opinion, feel free to tweet @OldNavy, and include #peanutallergy (or something similar) in the tweet. Perhaps we'll "trend" on twitter!

A Snack to Beat the Heat

2011-07-25T17:52:00.000-06:00

Whew! This country is experiencing a sweltering heat wave! I don't know about you, but I'm just not comfortable when the thermometer hits 100 degrees. So, let me tell you about my little snack project today. It helped me beat the heat...well, that and my central air conditioning.

Allergy friendly ice cream sandwiches!

These ice cream sandwiches are made from two of my favorite prodcuts. Let me tell you a little bit about them!

Enjoy Life's Crunchy Cookies: I've blogged before about my love for these new Crunchy Cookies. Sugar Crisp remains to be my favorite variety, hands-down, but I've now tried the other three kinds as well: Vanilla Honey Graham (pictured above), Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate Chip. They're all tasty! And, as always, these cookies are free from the Top 8 allergens, gluten-free, kosher-certified, and contain no artificial ingredients, no trans fat, and no genetically modified ingredients. If you haven't yet tried Enjoy Life Foods, get yourself to a health food store and pick up a few items. You won't be disappointed!

So Delicious Coconut "Milk" Ice Cream: This is a relatively new find for me, and boy, am I thankful! I hadn't eaten any ice cream from the grocery store since developing peanut and tree nut allergies three years ago. Although this company makes products that contain my allergens, they have excellent procedures in place to test for the presence of gluten, dairy, peanut, almond, and soy. This information is printed and explained very clearly on the carton (no phone calls, emails, or website research necessary!). You may feel differently, but I feel safe eating this ice crean. It's absolutely delicious and has a short, pronounceable list of ingredients (many of which are organic)- bonus points!

*Please note: I received free samples of the Enjoy Life product, but no monetary compensation for this review.

Great Ad!

2011-07-09T17:02:00.000-06:00

A food allergy awareness advertisement from The Allergy/Asthma Information Association.

High Protein Snacks

2011-07-06T17:52:00.001-06:00

Let's face it, folks! Peanuts and tree nuts are a great source of protein. For those of us who can't eat nuts, there are some great, safe, quick, and easy sources of protein. Here are some products I've relied on:

Beef Jerky

Montanans love their beef! My new find (and current favorite) is by Golden Valley Natural. Here's the scoop on this great brand:
-Organic beef raised without added hormones and without antibiotics
-Beef raised on organic feed
-Cattle are never fed animal by-products
-No artifical ingredients, no added MSG
-No preservatives, no nitrates
-Gluten free
-Low fat
-Low sugar

This beef jerky is definitely more expensive than the non-organic brands. I buy mine at a local health food store, and it was approx. $8.50/packet. However, it's worth it! The flavor is amazing, the quality is unmatched, and each serving has 11 grams of protein.

Greek Yogurt

My favorites are Chobani and Fage, but any brand of Greek yogurt has far more protein than regular yogurt. I really like Chobani's vanilla, blueberry, strawberry, or pineapple varieties, and Fage's no-fat, plain yogurt (which I sweeten with honey). Chobani has 14 grams of protein in a yogurt- woohoo!

Safe Trail Mix

I really like Enjoy Life's Not Nuts! Nut Free Mix in Mountain Mambo. It's a mix of sunflower kernels, pumpkin seeds, raisins, apples, chocolate chips, and cranberries. There are only 4 grams of protein per serving, but that's not too bad for a snack. Sometimes I sprinkle this mix in Greek yogurt- double whammy!

SunButter Packets

These little 1-oz. packets are awesome on-the-go! You can just squeeze them into your mouth, spread the SunButter onto a piece of bread or crackers, or even better, dunk apple slices, carrot sticks, and celery into the packet. My love for SunButter is deep- it has totally increased my quality of life since developing food allergies!

Energy Bars

This is also a new find for me. Did you know that Peanut Free Planet has safe protein bars?!? The brand is EnerPro, and I bought them in the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip variety for my trip to Brazil. I didn't need them there, as all of the food I encountered was 100% safe for me to eat. So, I tried one for the first time this morning for breakfast. Wow! It was really good. There are 10 grams of protein in these bars. Also, those of you with multiple food allergies will be glad to know that the bars are made in a facility that is free from gluten, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, casein, egg, corn, and fish/shellfish.

Do you have any other suggestions for high-protein, nut-free snacks?

Sometimes, it's just not fun

2011-07-04T17:19:00.001-06:00

Although it's become a lot easier to manage my food allergies, there are days when I'd love to press rewind back to 3 years ago, and relive my much easier, more carefree life. Yes, I've learned a lot since developing food allergies. Yes, I've grown. Yes, I can help others who are just starting off in their food allergy journey. But, sometimes it's just not fun.

-It's not fun when a close family member jokes about putting almond extract in the dish after you've put a bite of it into your mouth.

-It's not fun to decline your friends' and acquaintances' home-cooked food at a 4th of July BBQ because you don't know what is and isn't safe to eat.

-It's not fun to check labels of the sunscreen and bug spray you're offered at the rodeo on a hot, summer afternoon.

-It's not fun to call the grocery store deli to see what kind of oil they use to fry their chicken when your grandma brings some over.

-It's not fun to wonder if your sister's dog has been given her medication or dog treats, which contain peanut butter, as she licks your hand.

-It's not fun to say "no, thanks" to the snacks your friends brought in their cooler to the fireworks display, and to have to always bring your own safe snacks.

Each of these incidents happened this weekend! I've been one busy girl, attending 5 social events in three days. And it's truly been a lot of fun! And accommodations (or substitutions, if we're talking about food), can easily be made! And life is good

But, each of you know and understand that despite being away from our jobs for a 3-day weekend, we can never truly take a break from food allergies. Our minds are always at work- asking questions, discerning what could be a potential risk or threat, asking more questions, reading labels, researching companies online, and taking all of the necessary precautions.

I try to maintain a positive attitude about my food allergies, but sometimes, it's just not fun.

Nat'l Ice Cream Soda Day

2011-07-01T10:22:00.001-06:00

We live in such a great country, where dreams come true, freedom reigns, and well, where people with too much time on their hands make up extremely silly holidays!

Yesterday, Americans squeezed in a day of celebration prior to Independence Day weekend. I'm bound and determined to partake in the goodness and glory of it all tonight. Well hello, hello, my dear Ice Cream Soda Day! I didn't even know you existed! Where have you been all my life?!?

This recipe from the How Sweet Eats blog is calling my name! Watermelon and mint and ice cream...oh my!

With one little substitution, this soda treat is a-okay for those of us with peanut and tree nut allergies! Since store bought ice cream is generally unsafe, you'll need to use homemade vanilla ice cream. But, I'm gonna indulge in my new, very exciting find! It's vanilla So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream (which is well deserving of its own post another day). Yummy! It's also soy-free and dairy-free, for those of you who need those accommodations, as well.

Can you even imagine how good that's going to taste?!? Enjoy the soda, and have a safe, healthy, and fun 4th of July!

Brazil

2011-06-24T01:10:00.004-06:00

Dear blog readers, I haven't forgotten you. I've been in Brazil for two weeks!

I had good experiences on three airlines - Frontier, American, and Tam

I ate so many delicious, safe meals.

And lots of bananas!

I slept under the stars in a hammock.

And made new friends.

And I didn't need any of the allergy-friendly food I brought.

The tropical flowers were so beautiful!

Did I tell you how good the food was?!?

And that the beaches were amazing?

Despite all of the different plants and trees, I had no problems with seasonal allergies or asthma either.

Aaahhhh, the good life! Hello Havaianas!

I hope to return soon!

Smiley Cookie

2011-06-23T23:40:00.001-06:00

Have you been looking for the perfect party cookie that is both safe and delicious? I found it! Smiley Cookie is a long-time (20+ years) Pittsburgh-based business that makes fresh-baked, hand-iced sugar cookies in a peanut-free and tree nut-free bakery. They make custom cookies & can ship them to you for birthdays, holidays, and other parties...or just for fun, because who doesn't love a good cookie every now and then? Smiley Cookies can be shipped to all 50 states as well as to AFO/FPO addresses for troops overseas.

You pick the shape, the base icing color, and the face icing color. Each cookie has a cute little smiley face to make your day fantastic!

I just received two dozen cookies in the mail, and took them to work to share with co-workers and friends. Whew, I was one popular girl that day! The Smiley Cookies came shipped in a large box with plenty of styrofoam packing to keep the cookies in perfect shape. When I unwrapped the box, here's what it looked like! (above) They'd be a perfect party gift, don't you think?

What I loved about these cookies is that they are REAL sugar cookies! I certainly buy cookies from allergen-free brands; however, I'm only allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. I can have wheat, eggs, milk, and soy. Once you remove those other common allergens, cookies just don't taste quite the same. I'm certainly glad that those brands exist for my friends with multiple food allergies, and I do eat them. But wow, Smiley Cookies are SOOOOO good! They remind me of the sugar cookies I used to buy locally before I developed food allergies.

So, what exactly do Smiley Cookies taste like? They aren't overly sweet, which I appreciate. They have a true sugar-cookie taste, with a hint of vanilla flavor. They're not hard and crunchy, and they're not soft and fluffy- they're honestly just in the middle. They're really good with coffee. I bought a cup from Starbucks, poured in a little half & half, and dunked away. The cookie held together when dunked into the coffee. It's a fabulous way to eat these cookies! Of course, cookies always taste good with milk too.

Each dozen comes in its own box, as pictured above. And, here's some good news - a dozen handcrafted Smiley Cookies start at only $11.99, plus shipping. That's a screamin' deal.

I"m definitely going to order some cookies once NFL starts back up in the fall (fingers crossed for a collective bargaining agreement). I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and I noticed that Smiley Cookies can be ordered in team colors- not just for my Steelers, but whatever your team may be. My black and yellow cookies will be so much fun to take to a Super Bowl XLVI party. I'm optimistic that my boys are going to win a 7th Super Bowl championship in 2012!

Smile! There ARE specialty cookies that are safe for those of us with
peanut and tree nut allergies!

Smiley Cookies are also certified kosher, trans fat-free, and backed by a 100% guarantee.

Bottom line: They are simply delicious.

*Please note: I received free samples of this product, but no monetary compensation for this review.

Afternoon Delight

2011-05-23T18:09:00.001-06:00

Nope, no skyrockets in flight...this is what gave me a kick around 3:00 this afternoon. Double yum!

If you haven't yet tried Enjoy Life's new crunchy cookies, I highly recommend the sugar crisp variety. I haven't tried the others, but these ones were absolutely perfect. To be honest, when I ordered them I thought they'd be dry. They're not! They have a perfect crunch, the perfect flavor, the perfect size, and would definitely be enjoyed by people without food allergies, as well. No one would ever know that they don't contain the Top 8 allergens- they are THAT good (unlike some other allergy-friendly snacks I've tried). I couldn't find this new Enjoy Life product in the grocery store where I buy their small, soft-baked cookies, so I ordered these from Peanut Free Planet to give them a try. Now that I know I love them, I'll definitely be asking my local Albertson's to stock them.

Oh, and an iced latte (quad; no flavor) is my M.O - either from the 1306 Central Avenue Coffee kiosk or Starbucks.

Want to make my day? Hook me up with an espresso-laden beverage and safe, yummy cookies. I will love (or at least "like") you forever.

Money, money

2011-05-23T08:51:00.000-06:00

All of you with food allergies in your family know that allergy-friendly snacks aren't cheap! I just purchased a bunch of snack items for my upcoming vacation. $76.00 later, I have safe pumpkin seeds, trail mix, energy bars, fruit leather, 1 oz. packets of SunButter...and an empty wallet!

Did you know that you can track your allergy-friendly spending for a tax deduction? I didn't. Thank goodness for facebook. It's been a great tool for helping me to connect with allergy websites, bloggers, and even a local support group... and now this!

Lastly, one big shout-out to The Tender Palate for directing me to this tip! Although we're almost 1/2 way through 2011, I think I'll start tracking my expenses for the remainder of the year. What about you?

Ironic

2011-05-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

So, early this morning I went into a gas station to get a bottled water. As I went up to the counter, I noticed a big bag of peanuts, and a smaller bag next to it of shell pieces. Yep, the woman working at the gas station was cracking open the shells and eating peanuts between helping customers. The ironic part? She had a tattoo on her wrist of the medical emblem (with the staff & snakes) with the words "Allergic to Morphine." Seriously. I'm not kidding!

Oh, the irony. I wanted to say "Excuse me, lady, other people have allergies too. In fact, I'm allergic to the peanuts that you're eating." But I smiled, and was nice, and promptly washed my hands, steering wheel, etc. when I got to work.

Unlike morphine, peanuts are everywhere! So, what do you think? Should I get a peanut allergy tattoo?!? Um, no thanks. (wink)

Food Allergy Awareness Week

2011-05-09T08:32:00.000-06:00

It's Food Allergy Awareness Week!

Take some time to watch this 5-minute clip from MSNBC, and share it with others. Although it only covers children with food allergies, it's pretty good. I posted it to my facebook wall, and I'm hopeful that some friends and family members will check it out.

Can you relate to any of the people interviewed: the mom? the principal? the child? the teenager? I can definitely relate to the teenage boy. Those of us with food allergies tend to develop a "sixth sense" to food, constantly aware of what is being eaten around us. And, like him, I don't go anywhere without my two EpiPens.

My only minor criticism was the information presented at the very end about potential reasons for the sharp rise in food allergies. MSNBC didn't mention genetically-modified food (which is also a theory), and I feel like they sort-of blamed the mother - she ate a lot of peanut butter during pregnancy, she had a c-section, and she isn't exposing her kids to germs. I don't like the "mom blame game." At the end of the day, no one knows for sure- there is absoutely no concrete evidence at this time. The interviewer made that clear, at least.

What are you doing to raise awareness this week?

One thing you can do (if you're brave!): The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxsis Network (FAAN) has a news release template that you can print out and attach to your own personal story (or your child's story), and send to local media outlets. Newspapers and t.v. news programs may want to cover Food Allergies Awareness Week, and they need examples from local people who live this life day-in and day-out. Would you be willing to be the voice of food allergies in your community?

Slideshow for Kids with PA/TNA

2011-03-30T23:41:00.000-06:00

I saw this slideshow on Kyle Dine's blog, and thought I'd re-post. This is a great way to show young children what peanuts and tree nuts look like (the shell, and the nut inside), in addition to reiterating some other important educational information about their allergies. Short and sweet, I think you'll really like it!

Guest Blogger

2011-03-21T15:09:00.002-06:00

Hello, hello!

I'm excited to share some news with you. Today, I was featured as a guest blogger on Jenny Kales' excellent blog, The Nut-Free Mom. What an honor! If you don't currently follow her blog, I highly recommend that you do. She's the best!

For those of you reading my blog for the first time, welcome! I'd love to have you follow my blog too. I just started Nut Free Life last summer. It's been a lot of fun to share information and simply journal my life as an adult with peanut and tree nut allergies. My next two posts will be specifically written with the newly diagnosed in mind - one post on the anxiety that often ensues upon diagnosis, and another post about how to clean out your house of all things nutty.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a safe, nut-free day!
Lindsay

Who Woulda Thunk It!

2011-03-19T22:29:00.001-06:00

Shape Magazine asked for a list of her favorite things, and although I can't say I like anything else she mentioned (well, maybe the uber-expensive leopard scarf), Vanessa Hudgens listed one of my personal favorites: SunButter! I've been telling people for a couple years now that this stuff is the best. It's not just a substitution for people with peanut and tree nut allergies, like me, it's for everyone to enjoy!

Anaphylaxsis

2011-03-14T09:40:00.001-06:00

Have you had an anaphylactic reaction? I thought "no" until I read the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases definition.

Potential symptoms:
•Skin—itching, hives, redness, swelling
•Nose—sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose
•Mouth—itching, swelling of lips or tongue
•Throat—itching, tightness, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness
•Chest—shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, tightness
•Heart—weak pulse, passing out, shock
•Gastrointestinal (GI) tract—vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
•Nervous system—dizziness or fainting

Now, here's the kicker: Anaphylaxis is highly likely if at least one of the following three conditions occurs:

1) Within minutes or several hours of the onset of an illness, a person has skin symptoms (redness, itching, hives) or swollen lips and either difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure

2) A person was exposed to an allergen likely to cause an allergic reaction and, within minutes or several hours, two or more of the following symptoms occur:
◦Skin symptoms or swollen lips
◦Difficulty breathing
◦A drop in blood pressure
◦GI symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or cramping

3) A person exposed to an allergen that is previously known to cause an allergic reaction in that person experiences a drop in blood pressure.

So, according to #1 and #2, my first reaction was anaphylactic! Within minutes of eating that Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard, I experienced the following symptoms: swelling of the lips, chin, and cheeks, difficulty breathing, extreme and instant exhaustion, and an uncomfortable "heaviness" in my head.

Swelling + difficulty breathing qualifies me for anaphylaxsis.

I'll write the full story of my reaction and diagnosis another time, but the truth of the matter is this: "Hello, my name is Lindsay, and I'm anaphylactic to peanuts."

Confession

2011-03-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

So, I have to admit something to you, dear readers: I don't wear my medical ID bracelet unless I'm traveling by myself.

Ugh, I hate typing those words, because I know that I should wear one each and every day. I don't know what it is about medical ID bracelets, but they just scream "sick," "weird," or "different," and I guess deep down I don't want to be known as "the girl with peanut allergies" or "the girl with a medical condition." I just want to be Lindsay.

I got a medical ID bracelet from my mom for Christmas in 2009. I wish I was making that up. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to open up, when I picked up the box and knew that there was going to be jewelry inside. Those boxes are just unmistakeable! I hope she couldn't sense my disappointment. I know it was purchased because she loves me, and wants me to stay safe. And I am thankful for it, because, like I said, I do wear it sometimes. I guess it was just a little bit of a reality check for me, and I didn't want to think about that on Christmas day.

Well, I have a solution for myself (and for you, if you're also resistant to wearing a medical ID bracelet): Get something classy that shows off your own personal style! Wear one that looks more like a beautiful piece of jewelry and less like something your dear, lovely Grandma would wear. I mean, you love her to pieces, but you don't have the same taste in jewelry, if you know what I mean. :)

After doing some web searching, I've come up with my favorite company: Lauren's Hope. They also have a facebook page.

I haven't placed an order yet, but what I love about this company is that you can mix it up by getting several bracelets, and then just unclipping the medical, engraved part, and attaching it to a different bracelet. I looked through their winter catalog, and found six that I really like. They have bracelets with really funky beadwork, soft, feminine pearls, classy styles for work, and everything in between. If you type in "C140," that's the one I will probably buy first. They're definitely on the expensive side, but if it means that I'll actually wear it, it's probably worth the investment.

Do you have a confession to make too? Or, are you good about wearing your medical ID bracelet at all times?

Protests?

2011-03-10T10:51:00.001-07:00

Two facebook groups alerted me to the fact that parents in Edgewater, Florida are seriously protesting the inclusion of a severely peanut-allergic girl at a local public school. Picket signs, and all!

My reaction to their protest?

No one chooses a life-threatening food allergy. No parent has hopes and dreams of their newborn child having to live with a condition that requires medical attention, accommodations, medications, etc. for the rest of his or her life. Would these people be protesting a child in a wheelchair? A child with autism? A child with Down's? A child with diabetes? I doubt it. People think we make this stuff up, or that it's "all in our heads." NO! Food allergies are a documented medical condition, verified by test results, physicians and nurses, etc. We don't carry around epi pens, inhalers, and Benadryl for nothing, folks!

Can you imagine how that child feels, when she sees adults standing outside her school with picket signs?
Can you imagine how those parents feel, knowing that people are picking on their daughter?

This makes me sick.

Clearly, the school needs to further educate the families. Perhaps even the doctor needs to step in and support the school. Either way, it's a sad, sad world when adults want to deny a child access to a public school education.

What's been in that jelly jar?

2011-03-09T09:46:00.001-07:00

Late night thoughts are funny! I was lying in bed last night, thinking about how badly I wanted one more Rhode's roll. Just one. My mom had made a full-blown ham dinner on Sunday afternoon, and sent me packing with leftovers galore, which are now long gone...but man, was I craving those rolls!

When my family makes a big dinner, I always eat my rolls plain (which no one seems to ever notice or question). I do this for one BIG reason! The cute little crystal jelly jar on the table contains jellly or jam that was scooped out of the much bigger jar in the refrigerator.

Do you see where I'm going with this?!?

Throughout the work week, I'm quite certain that my dad takes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to work. And, if not, I know for sure that my mom eats peanut butter and jelly on toast in the mornings from time-to-time.

That jar of jelly in the refrigerator, although containing no peanuts on the ingredients label, has been exposed repetedly to a knife dunked in a peanut butter jar.

So, just as a precaution: Although your personal home may be peanut-free like mine, the next time you go to a friend or family member's house, that jar of jelly is not nearly as innocent as it would be in your own home.

To end on a lighter note: Last night I had a delicious SunButter and jelly sandwich with my favorite flavor of jelly (pictured above), and I don't have to worry about dunking my SunButter'd knife right into the jelly jar. :)

Breakfast!

2011-03-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Now, of course I prefer eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns...but that's not practical for a work day. I'm more of a grab-and-go kind of girl.

So, this has been my favorite lately- Chobani vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt, with a good sprinkling (maybe 1/4 of the bag) of Cocoa Sunnies mixed in.

I stuff these in my purse, drive to my favorite coffee kiosk for an americano, and enjoy my breakfast from my desk. Nut-free and super yummy!

Available on Peanut Free Planet

The Waiting Game

2011-02-28T00:17:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, guess what I did tonight? I ordered Sloane Miller's book, Allergic Girl: Adventures in Living Well with Food Allergies. I can't wait. Seriously. After buying it, I looked at the sample pages on iBooks and almost broke down and purchased the e-book too. I know I'm going to relate to so many of her experiences, and that the book is going to affirm my desire to live a full life, in spite of food allergies.

Ok, postal service, make my week! Can I please have this in my mailbox by Saturday?!? Pretty please?

p.s. As soon as I zip through the book, I'll post a review.

Here's the video promo for the book:

The "New Look"

2011-02-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Some blogs are just so cool-looking. Mine is not. I have no idea how to make it really cool. But I did try to jazz it up a bit today.

A couple questions for you:

1) Do you have any favorite make-my-blog-look-cool websites?
2) Have you ever tried Google AdSense?
3) What would you like to see on Nut Free Life?

Goodnight, blog friends. I hope your weekend has been fun & safe. We may not have a free life, but we can have a full life!

Canada's new labeling laws

2011-02-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

I just saw some great news on Allergic Living magazine's website. It passed! It passed! Although they won't go into effect until August 2012, Canada's newly passed labeling laws are a major step in the right direction! I don't know about you, but it's frustrating to see things like "seasoning" or "natural flavors" on products, and not know exactly what the item contains. Kudos to Canada for doing the right thing- informing consumers!

Now, if only the U.S. will step up and do the right thing! Sadly, I'm not holding my breath.

Side note: I know it's a minor detail, but do people think food allergies do not affect adults? (read the linked article, above, and you'll understand my question).

How do I love thee?

2011-02-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I placed my very first order at Peanut Free Planet. Oh my goodness! Can I just say "HELLO! Where have you been all my life?!?" Remember that Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem that says, "How do I love thee, let me count the ways"? Well, let me just count five ways that Peanut Free Planet made my weekend.

1) I can't get enough Dare brand cookies. I'd never seen or heard of this brand before, but as soon as I noticed their maple leaf cookies online, I knew I was going to place an order. Then, I decided that if I was going to place an order for one box, why not try a few more varieties while I'm at it? So far, I've only opened up two of the four boxes I ordered - the maple and cinnamon danish; but, both are excellent-tasting, as well as peanut and tree nut free (of course). Thank you, Canada, for this excellent brand.

2) Freeling sticker! I love how Peanut Free Planet calls those of us with peanut allergies "freelings." It's just cute. They even threw a sticker in the box with my order.

3) Valentine's Day coloring page...another cute add-in that Peanut Free Planet put in my shipment. Even though I'm long past the coloring years, I think I might color this page tonight while watching a movie...well, that is, as long as I can find some crayons! It's been two decades, folks. ;)

4) Special, deals, etc. With my order, I received a free chocolate cake mix from Cherrybrook Kitchen. They advertised this on facebook, so if you're a frequent facebook-checker like me, make sure to add Peanut Free Planet as your friend. You never know what they'll advertise!

5) Prompt delivery: I placed the order on February 4th, and it arrived on February 11th. This is pretty quick, considering that I live in one of the most rural states in the nation. Orders often take a long time to get to Montana!

I could count a few more ways, but I think you get the gist. Peanut Free Planet is awesome! Happy Valentine's Day, readers. Life is really all about LOVE!

Favorite Food Allergy Blogs

2011-01-27T11:50:00.001-07:00

SunButter has a facebook page. Did you know that?!? Recently, they asked their "friends" this question: "What are some of your favorite food allergy blogs?"

I thought I'd share my three of-the-moment favorites, so that you can get connected to these excellent bloggers and their advice, stories, support, tips, etc.

The Nut-Free Mom Blog : Jenny gives practical advice and great tips for holidays, family dynamics, and managing a child's PA/TNA allergies well. She also keeps up on national news regarding food allergies, passing along info to readers. I've learned a lot from her, and I like that she focuses on peanut and tree nut allergies, since that's exactly what I have. Therefore, I really do implement her tips, shop for the same products, etc.

The Allergic Kid : Libby has excellent school lunch ideas, colorful photography, and a great, clean blog "look." She posts tons of recipes for parents of children with multiple food allergies, so if that's what you're looking for, you're in luck! I read her blog mostly for her healthy lunch ideas, and make reverse-substitutions (if that makes sense), since I can eat eggs and dairy.

The Food Allergy Mama: Kelly is a published author and has become a passionate advocate for inclusion, which is what I enjoy about her blog. Her son has multiple food allergies, so I don't necessarily need the same tips, but I love keeping up with what's going on in the food allergy world in general. After reading her posts, I'm always inspired to get out into the community and raise my voice!

Readers of this blog: Do you have favorites? If so, please post a comment. I'm always on the lookout for new blogs to follow!

Sun Cups

2011-01-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever miss Reese's peanut butter cups? I do. My mom recently found a close-tasting alternative for me, and I'm in love! They're WAY more expensive than Reese's (she bought them on sale for $2.15, while Reese's are .69); however, they are definitely worth it when you need the fix. They seriously taste so close to Reese's, which was my favorite candy until I developed peanut and tree nut allergies.

They are made by Seth Ellis Chocolatier, in a completely nut-free facility. Here's the website: http://www.sethellischocolatier.com/

Got canned pumpkin?

2011-01-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

So, I don't know about you, but I have some extra cans of pumpkin in my pantry that I'd like to use up before winter is over. These are the absolutely easiest recipes ever, if you're in a pinch and want to make a quick dessert. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookies
1 box of cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist in Golden Vanilla tonight)
15 oz. can of Libby pumpkin
1 cup of chocolate chips (I only use Enjoy Life chocolate chips - nut free!)

Mix all ingredients together.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes on a greased cookie sheet
I dropped approx. two heaping TBSP of cookie dough for each cookie

Pumpkin Loaf Bread
1 box of cake mix
15 oz. can of Libby pumpkin

Mix together and bake in a greased loaf pan at 375 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Roll you eyes, laugh, or check it out (literally)

2011-01-13T00:26:00.001-07:00

Tonight I went to my favorite health food store to buy my monthly stash of nut-free snacks and a couple of staples. While flipping through a magazine, I couldn't believe what I saw advertised - a whole website devoted to online dating for people with food allergies!!! My reaction? Well, to be honest, a roll of the eyes and a few laughs. I can't stand the thought of online dating, food allergies or no food allergies. So, no thank you.

But, to each his own. I linked the website above so that you can check it out...as in "check him out" or "check her out." (wink) Goodnight blog world.

Video Series- teens with food allergies

2010-12-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

Check out these short youtube videos that show great tips for teenagers on traveling, dating, and attending high school successfully with food allergies. They also have a website specifically for teens.

Thanks Anaphylaxis Canada! These are really well done!

Is shea okay?

2010-12-27T10:10:00.001-07:00

According to this Allergic Living article, shea is most likely okay for those of us with tree nut allergies. But according to the FDA, shea is a tree nut. Hmmm... sound similar to the question about coconut?

I've successfully managed to avoid buying products containing shea butter for almost 3 years, and I don't feel like I've missed out at all. I don't need shea. At the same time, I don't want to eliminate more than I need to.

Here's the Fox News coverage, as well. So far, I believe it's the only major American network to cover the story.

What are your thoughts on shea?

Contest!

2010-12-24T10:21:00.004-07:00

Dear Readers,

This is my 50th blog post! YAY!
And it's Thankful Thursday! YAY!
And, on top of that, it's also Christmas Eve! YAY!

So, I'm going to have a little contest. This will be fun, so I hope you participate. I'll be giving away peanut-free and tree nut-free products, so that you and your family can have some fun and safe snacks to start the New Year off right. The box will include:

-Enjoy Life
-Yummy Earth
-Tootsie

And maybe a few other things! ALL SAFE!

So, here's what you do:
Just leave a comment with these 3 things:
1) What you're most thankful for this Christmas;
2) Your favorite SAFE snack, &
3) Your email address (so that I can contact you if you win)

I'll keep the contest open until 10:00 p.m. MST (my time zone) on Christmas Day, and notify the randomly-selected winner via email to get your mailing address. One more thing...as much as I love international readers, this contest is only open to U.S. residents, simply for shipping reasons.

Merry Christmas!

* CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! *

Blog recommendation

2010-12-22T12:33:00.002-07:00

I just found "The Allergic Kid" blog today, and am now following it. The main reason? Yummy school lunch ideas for kids. Seriously. I want to make each and every one of those lunches for myself...who cares if I'm 30?!?

I'm also going to make her granola this weekend, if I have time.

Wow, I really like this blog! I think you will too.

Teen death- peanut allergy reaction

2010-12-21T20:37:00.002-07:00

I follow the "Beyond a Peanut" website and facebook fan page, and saw some very sad news posted a couple of hours ago on facebook. A thirteen-year-old girl named Katelyn Carlson died on Friday in the Chicago area, following a peanut allergy reaction. It sounds like she was given Chinese food by a teacher at her school. Although the article in The Chicago Tribune states that several phone calls were made to the restaurant to ensure that there were no peanuts in the food, I'm surprised that the teacher would even think about choosing Chinese food, considering the potential for cross-contamination. Oh, how my heart breaks for the girl's family!

I also have a lot of questions, and want to follow this story as more details are revealed.

Did she carry EpiPens at all times?
Was she able to self-administer during this particular reaction?
Why is the school not allowed to administer EpiPens, and only allowed to call 911? (considering that every second counts!)
What is the school going to do to better protect their food allergic students in the future?

I did see on the Chicago Sun-Times article that on January 1st, all Illinois schools are required to have food allergy policies in place, "developed and released by the state Board of Education, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health." It makes me wonder if other states have implemented policies and procedures, although, as you and I know, these are meaningless words on documents that are quickly shelved if teachers and/or other adults in the schools are not properly educated and trained.

Bottom line: If you are a parent of a PA/TNA child, never feel like you are asking too many questions, or providing too much information to the teachers, administrators, school nurses, cafeteria staff, and parents of your son's or daughter's classmates. Communication is key. Do not feel guilty. Do not feel like a nuisance. Your child's health and safety, by-and-large, depends on your willingness to be the advocate. And hopefully the teacher will be fully supportive of your "food rules" and abide by them. After all, you know your child and his or her allergies best!

p.s. The gray-colored ribbon is for allergy awareness.

Gummy Worms and Candy Drops

2010-12-21T18:59:00.001-07:00

I found another safe candy while browsing at my grocery store today, and boy, are they good!!! Yummy Earth candies are produced in a peanut-free and nut-free facility. Safe! Yes! Woo hoo! Two thumbs up! I'm uber-excited, because this adds another option for my uber-sweet tooth.

And although candy is never healthy, this brand is about as close to healthy as can be. Here's what you might be intersted in knowing:

Real fruit extracts
100% natural and certified organic
No high fructose corn syrup
Wheat, soy, dairy, gluten, egg, peanut, and tree nut FREE
No artificial dyes
Vegan
Kosher
No MSG

Pictured are the two products I've tried so far. I really liked them, as did my fellow peanut and tree nut allergic friend, Gary. You'll definitely want to check them out!

What is your favorite peanut-free and tree nut-free candy?

Gingerbread house kit

2010-12-19T18:52:00.002-07:00

Whenever I see a gingerbread house kit in local stores, I immediately look at the ingredients list and allergen warnings. So far, I've NOT found a safe kit! So I was excited to see this today, while browsing the internet. Thank you, A & J Bakery for being allergy-friendly. I'm definitely going to order one next fall!

Readers: If you've bought one, I'd love to hear your review.

Alcohol & Tree Nut Allergies

2010-12-19T18:29:00.001-07:00

Sure, it's pretty & festive...but what's in it?!?

With Christmas and New Year's Eve right around the corner, chances are that you'll be offered alcoholic beverages at parties with friends, company holiday dinners, and family gatherings. I thought I'd post a list of alcohols that contain tree nuts. This list is not comprehensive, but I hope it helps you to make wise choices and stay safe.

Southern Comfort ("contains derivatives from tree nuts")
Frangelico (hazelnut)
Amaretto (almond)
Bombay Sapphire gin (almond)
Beefeater gin (almond)
Bailey's Irish Cream ("may be of nut or nut origin")
Kahlua (I'm not sure about the original Kahlua, but they do make a Hazelnut Kahlua variety)
Nocino (walnut)
Nocello (walnut, hazelut)
Kahana Royale (macadamia nut)
Dumante (pistachio)

Personally, when I'm out at parties, I drink beer, wine, and/or champagne only. It's better to be safe and have fun, than to worry about what's in the mixed drink you were served.

It's Time!

2010-12-17T20:49:00.002-07:00

I'm gonna do it. It's been almost 3 years, but tonight's the night. I'm going to watch a movie... in a theater. When I first developed peanut and tree nut allergies, I wasn't sure if I'd ever go to a movie theater again. I was afraid that too many people would be eating nut-filled chocolate around me, and that I'd have a reaction. Fear led me to purchase a Netflix plan and host movie nights at my house. But I can't hole up forever! So, tonight's the night. I'm off to see a movie with one of my best friends, Brook. Hopefully, the theater won't be super packed, so we can change seats if someone sits down next to me with a Reese's.

p.s. I can't wait to see "Tangled." Who cares if we're 29 & 30 years old?!? It looks so cute!

Question of the Day: If you or your children have peanut and tree nut allergies, do you go to movie theaters?

Christmas Crunch

2010-12-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

I've blogged before about my love for Junior Mints (and the Tootsie company in general)! So when I came across these last week, I absolutely HAD to get them. Although they don't taste any different than regular Junior Mints, I think kids with peanut and/or tree nut allergies will especially love the red box, red sprinkles and slightly different texture. I imagine that it's tough to be a kid with food allergies around Christmastime. The selection of safe candy in grocery stores is so limited, so make sure not to miss out on these when you do your holiday shopping! It would make a great stocking stuffer.

For the love of Coco

2010-12-04T00:12:00.002-07:00

Did anyone see Coco in jeggings? Personally, I laughed so hard that I shed a few tears. I missed him during his hiatus from late-night t.v.

I think I'm going to make these fun Conan cupcakes (nut-free, of course!) and have a viewing party at my house sometime this winter. It's really too cold to do much else, and everyone loves staying in and enjoying some sugary treats and hot beverages when the weather outside is frightful.

On a more serious note: Do you like to have people over to your house for socials, simply so that you can provide the food? That's one little trick up my sleeve.

Going to dinner parties, movie nights, or other in-home events can be a little bit stressful when food allergies are involved. It's hard to be the guest who asks for accommodations, and I usually avoid doing that. Sometimes I'll bring my own nut-free snacks in my purse, just in case I can't eat what's served. Sometimes I eat pre-party (and come late) or plan to eat post-party (and leave early). Other times I simply pick at the chips, fruit, and raw veggies, while everyone else is enjoying the full range of dishes and desserts. All of these are okay options, but not much fun. If you want to eat everything that the others are eating, host and prepare all of the food yourself. That way, you can relax, enjoy every second of the party, and just be you...whether or not you wear jeggings and have a huge head of flaming red hair! (wink)

What are some of your tips for the holiday season (where every event seems to revolve around food)?

A celeb reaction

2010-11-23T22:40:00.001-07:00

Do you have a t.v. guilty pleasure? Something that you'd never admit to watching, but kind-of secretly like? Mine is definitely Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Oh the family drama of that crazy Kardashian/Jenner clan!

I just heard today that Kourtney Kardashian's 11 month old baby, Mason, was rushed to the ER by ambulance on Friday for an allergic reaction to peanut butter. Poor thing! It was Mason's first time to try peanut butter, and he instantly started throwing up and getting hives on his face.

Kourntney said that he is now "totally fine," which is great to hear, but I don't think she realizes just how much this is going to impact their lives!

Is there a safe ice cream for nut allergies?

2010-11-16T09:54:00.003-07:00

This past summer, I wrote about how much I love my red Cuisinart ice cream maker. And I do. But I'd also love to be able to just go the grocery store and pick up a pint of ice cream like everyone else.
Does anyone know of a safe brand?

I've seen on Blue Bunny's website that you can search for products by allergens (click on the link, and then go to "more options"). When I checked "nut-free," a whole host of products come up. However, I would need to do some more research to find out if these products are made on separate lines or in separate factories, because I definitely cannot have a trace of peanuts or tree nuts in my food.

Aaahahhhh... does anyone else just get plain ol' tired of the research? Label reading is no big deal, but I do get weary of having to call or email companies, especially when the response leaves me with further questions.

To not leave this post on a sour note, I have to shout out some thanks, even though it's not Thursday:
-I'm thankful that my allergies are not severe.
-I'm thankful that I have a great quality of life, even with food allergies.
-I'm thankful to have found some excellent nut-free products (Enjoy Life & SunButter).
-I'm thankful that I haven't had to use an epi pen.

Okay, have a great day, blog friends! And please let me know if you've come across safe store-bought ice cream!

Need a laugh?

2010-11-05T10:07:00.001-06:00

I promise this will make you laugh out loud!

Go to "Directions" on Google Maps

Enter Japan as your starting point, and China as your destination.
Look at #43

Then, enter America as the starting point, and China as your destination
Look at #29

Nutty, I tell ya! Nutty! Have a great weekend. :)

"No means no"

2010-11-03T15:51:00.001-06:00

One of my biggest food allergy frustrations is when I decline food, only to have someone say "There are no nuts in it," or "But I made it without nuts especially for you?," or "Why not?" Can't they just accept that "no means no?"

I call these people "food pushers," and I've referenced them in a previous blog post. As adults, we teach children that "no means no," especially in regards to inappropriate touch, bullying/teasing, and harrassment, but why do adults not follow the same advice that they are trying to impart to children?!?

Ultimately, we are responsible for our own safety. We are the ones who know what's safe and what has the potential to be unsafe. We know the rules of label reading, we know the brands, we know about cross-contamination, and we know our own personal comfort level in regards to accepting food from others. We are the managers of our food allergies, and we know our boundaries. Even if it causes some discomfort to others, we must be insistent that "no means no."

So, the next time you encounter a food pusher, do not feel guilty for saying "no" kindly, but firmly. After all, "no means no."

Salty, Sweet, & Sunny

2010-11-02T16:02:00.005-06:00

Oh, the spin!

2010-11-01T23:43:00.001-06:00

Charlie Sheen... wow! So, when has an "adverse allergic reaction" caused someone to get naked and trash a hotel room? Oh, and then fly home on a private jet the next day? Um, we're not buying it. ;)

Trick or TREAT!

2010-10-31T16:16:00.001-06:00

The Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond) is my hero. If you've never heard of her, you'll definitely want to check out her website and pick up a copy of her cookbook...especially if you daydream about living on a working ranch with your very own Marlboro Man (Ree's name for her husband...not about icky smoking). The horses, the country kitchen, the big family, the dogs. Yep, she had this Urban Cowgirl hooked from my very first visit to her blog.

Today, I noticed these cute treats, which I plan on making later this week, with only a couple small substitutions. I'm not sure if the Halloween Oreos are safe or not, so I think I'll stick with the regular oreos. And, since Halloween will be over, I'm going to pipe the top with pumpkins or maple leaves instead of cobwebs. Cream cheese, pumpkin, and Oreos... oh my! A little piece of heaven on earth, cowpokes.

Photo: Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman

On another note... my dream ranch is for sale. Only 4.6 million. But a girl can dream, can't she?!?

Ahoy Matey!

2010-10-30T20:34:00.001-06:00

Shiver me timbers. This here lass has found the motherload!

Although there are no dressed-up pirates for Halloween in my household this year, I did consider buying the dog a costume. But it's just plain mean to put a dog in an outfit, and frankly, kind-of creepy, don't you think?!?

No, I just wanted to share a little nut-free snack with you! Guess what I learned this weekend? Pirate's Booty is safe to eat. This would make a great, somewhat healthy Halloween snack for your little pirate (or butterfly or Superman). Furthermore, they not only come in a large bag, but also small snack-size packets, which are perfect to put into your kids' school lunches on Monday instead of all that nasty nutty Halloween candy. Aarrrggghhh you excited?

Here's their website: Pirate's Booty

Under "Company Information" is a FAQ, which states that they are a peanut and tree-nut FREE factory. As always, be a smart Buccaneer and check every label every time- only Scallywags buy Booty without proper label checking.

Have a safe & swashbucklin' Halloween, mateys. Yo, ho, yo, ho...the pirates life for me!

SunButter Balls

2010-10-24T20:15:00.002-06:00

Hello blog friends!

I don't know about you... but I love, love, love SunButter. One of their guest bloggers posted a recipe last week that sounded so good - SunButter Balls! I made them yesterday, and they are delish. I shared some with my parents this afternoon, and with one of my best friends tonight. The three of them do not have food allergies, yet they all loved it. To me, that says that SunButter is just plain great! It's not solely a substitution for peanut butter. It stands on its own.

Then tonight, I got online and a friend posted a comment on my facebook wall, telling me that she bought SunButter this weekend at WalMart. She saw it on the shelf, remembered me ooohing and aaahing about it a few months ago, and had to give it a try. I hope she loves it as much as I do.

Let's just say that I'm slowly converting the world to SunButter... one person at a time. HAHA!

Recipe: SunButter Balls
p.s. I cut the recipe in half. I also covered some balls in milk chocolate, some in dark chocolate, and then left some of them plain. I think the chocolate coating adds a lot.

If you make these too, let me know what you think!

Thankful Thursday - Allergic Living magazine

2010-10-07T22:00:00.001-06:00

I got my first issue of Allergic Living magazine in the mail today. I can't wait to dive-in! I have high expectations for this publication, and hope that it will be just as helpful for U.S. readers as it is for Canadians. I'll let you know what I think! Goodnight blog world. Here's to another day of successful nut-free living! Cheers! (I'm raising my Nalgene bottle of lemon ginger iced tea and pretending you're here to toast...clink, clink)

Safe Cookie Mix!

2010-10-04T22:19:00.001-06:00

I'm so stinkin' excited!

Thanks to the Nut Free Mom blog, I found out that Betty Crocker's sugar cookie mix is SAFE for those of us with peanut and tree nut allergies. I also did a little web research about Betty Crocker's frosting, and sure enough, there are safe flavors!

So, guess what I did tonight?!? Yep, "C is for cookie, that's good enough for me." Oh boy, I'm in trouble. I ate three cookies...well, four... okay, five.

Note: As always, check labels each and every time you purchase these products, or any other packaged products. They are not always guaranteed to be safe, as companies may change their factory lines, facilities, products, etc. at any time.

He did what?!?

2010-09-29T23:26:00.002-06:00

So, I can't believe that this man thought it would be a good idea to go through a full peanut allergy reaction without taking proper medication to alleviate his symptoms! It is not smart, in the slightest. However, when people ask what an allergic reaction is like, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Disclaimer: Every reaction can be different in severity. So, never take such a huge risk by doing what he did!

Video: Peanut Allergy Reaction

Is "allergic" the new "fat"?

2010-09-29T23:13:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the new Zoosk ad? Um... yeah, kind-of funny on the surface, but also a bit of a jab at people with food allergies- that we are somehow less desirable just because we can't eat shellfish (in this case) or be around pet dander. Did it remind you a bit of the allergic reaction scene in the movie Hitch with Will Smith?

I want to flesh this out in a more complete blog post, but it's too late tonight. Overall, I'm just wondering if the dramatic spike in peanut allergies, increased media attention to food allergies in general, and the accommodations PA folks are requesting (and essentially require) are not only creating a nasty backlash by certain ignorant people who seem to think we are getting "special treatment," but are also subtly influencing comedians, writers, etc. to make "allergy jokes." Essentially, is "allergic" the new "fat"? - the people-du-jour of the moment that it's "okay" to poke fun at? What do you think?

Peanut Butta Lovin' Pooch

2010-09-27T21:23:00.002-06:00

I love my parents, and always enjoy dog sitting for them while they are out of town. First off, I'm just plain happy to help, considering how much they've done for me over the years. Second of all, I really love their dog. In fact, I miss living with a dog. We always had dogs when I was young, and it feels weird not to have one now. Maybe someday my life will slow down, and I can get a Border Terrier (the dog of my dreams). For now, I get to enjoy my parents' little terrier by taking her on daily walks, keeping her well fed and happy, worn out from playing fetch, and snuggled in bed next to me at night.

My mom and dad are very sensitive to my peanut and tree nut allergy needs, and go above and beyond to make sure that their house is safe for me. When I dog sit, they make sure that all almonds, peanut butter, Nutella, and other nut products are tightly sealed and put away in the appropriate cupboards. They don't store any nut products in their refrigerator. My dad even makes sure to take out the trash, regardless if the trash bag is full or not, just in case there are remnants on a paper plate from his peanut butter and jelly sandwich the day before. Around the holidays, they don't put out a bowl of nuts and nutcracker like they used to. They even put their nut & fruit granola bars, which are sealed, into a gallon Ziploc bag. Like I said, they are very sensitive to my allergies.

In addition to being so good to me, my parents also spoil their "4 legged daughter." My mom goes to a local dog bakery (yep, you read that right) to buy organic, high quality dog treats. And I know this sounds a bit gross, but when I've looked through the ingredients lists on those treats in the past, I've come to the conclusion that it would be okay, maybe not good-tasting, but definitely okay and edible for human consumption. This past weekend my Moo Moo girl-dog was being so good and sweet. I went to the laundry room to find a treat, and was thankful that I read the ingredient list first before giving her a pumpkin cookie! I was quite surprised to find that it contained peanut butter! Had I not seen this, I would've opened up the bag, given her a treat, and inevitably have a rash on my face or hand a few minutes later when I got a "thank you" lick from my peanut butta lovin' pooch.

All of this to say... don't forget that nuts can show up in the strangest places. My parents are so careful, but there are going to be things that get overlooked. Over the past two and a half years of living on "high alert," I've noticed nuts in outdoor bird food, plant fertilizer, and now dog treats. It made me wonder where else it could show up. I found this list online, and it's been so helpful! Scroll a few posts down to see a comprehensive list from "rebekahc": http://allergy.hyperboards.com/index.php?action=view_topic&topic_id=46

A little piece of peace

2010-09-27T19:50:00.001-06:00

The first year I lived with food allergies was rough...real rough. I've never dealt with so much anxiety, and I never want to again. I was overwhelmed by reading labels and researching companies. I was scared about what could happen. I was hurt by people's reactions to my allergies, and their expressed frustration over making accommodations for me. I was tired of explaining myself, and I was fearful of food. Overall, I was a complete emotional wreck.

I found that it really helped to have a few phrases I could say when my thoughts were out of control. Most of the time, I would be at work and I'd just think them in my head. But if I was at home, I would turn off my t.v., sit still for a bit, breathe deeply for a couple of minutes, and say some words aloud that are very meaningful to me.

As a Christian, mine were from the Bible:

-Be still and know that I am God.

-Take every thought captive.
-For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
-I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.

Here are some general phrases I came across online:
-This too shall pass.

-Tomorrow is another day.

-Just breathe.

Are there any phrases that you say when you're feeling overwhelmed by living with food allergies? Has it helped you de-stress?

When to Have "The Talk"

2010-09-24T10:43:00.001-06:00

Nope, I'm not referring to the uncomfortable "birds and bees" talk your mom or dad mumbled and fumbled through back in the early 90s.

Now it's "When do I tell my date that I have food allergies?" And, to be honest, how much do I tell him without scaring him off?

As if the dating scene isn't hard enough after the age of 30, those of us with food allergies have to figure out when it's best to break the PA/TNA news. A recent Allergic Living magazine article suggests "before the first kiss."

Really? In the first couple of dates? So, I guess it's not about whether I have fresh breath, the perfect head tilt, and soft, supple lips for the dreamy guy whose eyes are piercing my soul. Now it's, um, well... did he eat peanut butter at lunchtime? Is that a little piece of almond caught between his teeth? Or, as Sloane Miller (from the article) unfortunately experienced "cashew residue caught in her date's beard." Oh my. I'm a romantic girl, and I want the magic of the first-kiss moment (the rush! the thrill! the jitters!), but things may have to be a little bit more grounded if I really do need to have "the talk" with him first.

Perhaps I'm taking it a bit far, considering that my allergies are not super-severe. But it is difficult to know exactly when Mr. Date can handle that type of news. If I bring it up too soon, he might jump to a conclusion that I'm weird, complicated, or high-maintenance and not take the time to get to know me. But, on the other side of the coin, I also don't want to keep it a secret and then suddenly break out into hives or swell up like a balloon either.

Back in my pre-allergy dating days, my biggest dating dilemmas were essentially who, where, and when. And, being a girl, I also cared about what to wear, what our kids were going to look like (if I liked him), and how to have "something come up" (if he was boorish and awful). Those were the easy days! Now I have to suggest restaurants that are safe, ask questions before ordering, hope and pray that the cooks are careful about cross-contamination, inform him that I carry epi pens and Benadryl at all times, and ask him what he ate earlier in the day. Geez!

Welcome to the 2010 complicated dating world of the PA/TNA hip writer chick and the (fingers crossed!) smart, kind, handsome, oh-God-I-like-him male suitor that I hope walks into my life tomorrow. Until then, I guess I'd better be putting a game plan in to place. That way, when he does show up on my doorstep, I know when to have "the talk."

Article referenced: http://allergicliving.com/index.php/2010/07/02/food-allergy-celiac-dating-kissing-issues/?page=1

Thankful Thursday - Tootsie

2010-09-23T21:46:00.003-06:00

My "Thankful Thursday" post is quite simple today. As of two hours ago, I learned that Tootsie Rolls are safe. Hallelujah!

Tootsie has a little nut-free logo below the list of ingredients on their products. As I looked into Tootsie's website, I've been quite surprised to learn that Sugar Daddy, Junior Mints, Caramel Apple Pops, and Blow Pops are safe too!

I may be in trouble (wink!)

Here's a link to confirm: http://www.tootsie.com/products.php

Click on the product you enjoy on the left-hand side of the page, and then you will see a "Health and Allergen" link on the right-hand side.

Fast Food News

2010-09-19T15:33:00.001-06:00

Hello blog readers! I just found out that we'll soon have 2 new chain restaurants in my town: Qdoba and Sonic. The first thing I always do when I hear about a new restaurant is check out their website for allergen information.

Good news about Qdoba!
I can potentially eat everything on their menu except for their pesto sauce and brownies. I will just ask the staff to inform the cook to be extra-careful that no pesto gets near my food, and I will probably ask him/her to switch gloves (just in case). Also, I may wait until they've been open awhile before trying it out, because I think there is probably a greater chance for cross-contamination when it's super-busy. But I'm glad to hear that I can *most likely* eat here. http://www.qdoba.com/Allergen.aspx

I have mixed feelings about Sonic. I've seen their commercials, and I know that they serve lots of ice cream desserts that contain peanuts and tree nuts. At the same time, I have eaten their hamburgers safely. And I love their perfect, crunchy little ice in a large diet coke, my beverage of choice. Obviously, I would never eat any of their desserts or blended beverages! That would just be dumb. Hmmm...I'm not sure if I'll eat at Sonic or not once it comes to my hometown. Stay tuned, I guess. http://www.sonicdrivein.com/pdfs/menu/Sonic_Allergen_Table.pdf

Do any of you eat at these restaurants? Or, do you stay away if there is one peanut or tree-nut containing item on the menu?

One thing I can say: Cheers to both restaurants for publishing allergen information on their websites!!!

Ignorant

2010-09-19T14:27:00.001-06:00

Ignorant. Really rude and ignorant.

So, this morning I went to Starbucks before heading out-and-about for the day, and while waiting for my latte, I noticed a barrel full of snacks next to the "pick-up-your-drink counter" (I'm not really sure what Starbucks calls it, but you know what I mean, right?). They looked pretty good, so I thought I'd just pick up a package and read the label for kicks.

Side note: When you have to read labels all of the time, you just get into a habit of doing it, even when you're not interested in buying the product, right?!? I know I'm not the only one.

The bags of snacks were called "Fruit Picks," and the company is called Peeled Snacks. They had apple, cherry, pineapple, mango, etc., and they have really cute, friendly packaging. The snacks are essentially dried, organic fruit bits, without anything else added (no sugar, preservatives, etc.) This is something I would've picked up, back in my pre-allergy days, for sure. http://www.peeledsnacks.com/

So, after reading through the list of ingredients, I looked for an allergen warning label. Sure enough, there was one notifying the consumer that the company also processes "nut products." I'm not sure if they produce peanuts and tree nuts, or just one. I wish they'd be a bit more specific than "nuts", since some people can have tree nuts but not peanuts, or vice versa. But to me, it's no biggie since I can't have either one.

But then, my eye catched something with the allergen statement, that kinda rubs me the wrong way. After saying that there may be pit and shell fragments, it says, "Hey, it's real food."

It's just so snarky. Why on earth would a company essentially assert that we (who have allegies) do not eat real food?!? I just can't eat peanuts or tree nuts, for goodness sakes! I wasn't offended. I wasn't angry about it. I'm not going to write a nasty email to the company. I think it's just a tad mean-spirited. What do you think?

Just a FYI

2010-09-17T18:03:00.002-06:00

So, I went through the Starbucks drive-thru today and asked what flavorings were used in their Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (because, c'mon... doesn't that sound delicious?!?) Truth is, I wouldn't have ordered it anyways, because I'm really careful with chocolate. I always get the same thing at Starbucks- a double, tall, non-fat latte.

But, just so you know, take a big guess at what the baristas said?!?
"Chocolate, caramel, and toffee nut."

Yep, it's off-limits for those of us with tree nut allergies. Boo hoo! But I'm definitely going to look online for a salted caramel no-nut dessert recipe, because it sounds like the perfect cool-autumn-Montana-weather-yummy-goodness that I'd love to devour right now. Happy weekend, blog readers!

Thankful Thursday - Oh, for the love...

2010-09-09T19:37:00.000-06:00

...of cereal!

I've recently re-introduced cereal into my diet, and I'm one happy girl! In fact, now all I feel like eating is cereal! Ok, that's exaggerating it a bit, but I have seriously been eating cereal almost every morning on my way to work, and occasionally for a quick snack. Man, did I miss you, Cheerios! Wow, I love you, Kashi!

Let me back up: When I first developed allergies, I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of research involved in figuring out how companies label products. It would be so nice if there was a standard procedure, but that's not the case. Some companies have "may contain" statements, and some would only list the ingredients. Personally, I was not comfortable eating cereal with only a listing of the ingredients. I wanted to know what else was processed in the same facility, and if there was any chance of having trace amounts of peanuts or tree nuts in the product. So, I thought I might as well look online at the companies' websites, but didn't always find what I needed to know. Like the boxes in the grocery store, it was hit-and-miss. Some companies have great ingredient and nutritional guides online, and some do not.

I ended up making a pretty drastic short-term decision: Because most cereals have a nut variety, and because I didn't feel comfortable eating something until I knew whether or not it was truly safe, I decided to not eat any cold cereal until I could take the time to do the appropriate research.

Well, folks! This summer, I had time to start looking online/calling/emailing. I have much more to figure out, but I have safely eaten 3 cereals since June: Chocolate Cheerios, Multigrain Cheerios, and Kashi Organic Promise Island Vanilla.

One thing I appreciate about Kashi is the information I found online. Many of their products contain nuts, and some of you may not feel comfortable eating their products at all because of it. I completely understand. However, they seem to be really allergen-friendly and aware. As I read this statement below, taken from their website's FAQs, I was encouraged and impressed!

"Our production lines are thoroughly cleaned between allergen containing products and we follow good manufacturing practices. We have validated (through testing) our allergen cleaning processes in all of our facilities. We are very concerned about food allergies and want to ensure that our products are safe for food allergic consumers to eat. Scientific evidence has shown that consumers with peanut and tree nut allergies can have a severe reaction to amounts that are below the current detectable limits based on existing technology. For this reason, we have chosen to warn consumers allergic to peanuts and tree nuts of the potential for extremely low levels by using a may contain statement.

For all other top 8 allergens - if the product contains the allergen, it will be listed below the ingredient statement. If it is not listed below the ingredient statement, we are confident that the product is safe for consumption. Please trust the labeling and continue to check it for any changes."

Goodnight, blog readers! I can't wait to head home from work, pour a bowl of cereal, and relax. Life is good!

Epi Pens

2010-08-27T18:41:00.001-06:00

Hello dear readers,

Here are some basic epi pen tips that may save your life should you ever need to use your epi pen.

-Practice administering an epi pen with the "practice pen" that comes with your prescription. There is no needle and no drugs in the practice pen. Knowing how to properly use your epi pen is critical. In a severe allergic reaction, you don't have much time to think through the steps of what to do. There is a DVD that you can get from your doctor that shows you how to use it, if printed instructions are confusing to you. You can also find video instructions online.

-The people you live with should know how to use it, as well.

-Make sure that all of your doctors (beyond your allergist) know that you carry epi pens in case of a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Since it's not a pill we take every day, it's easy to forget about it when listing medications at a clinic.

-Mark your calendars for two weeks before the expiration date of your epi pens. That way, you'll have time to get a new prescription before they expire. Or, you can register your epi pens online and you will receive an email notification when it's time to get new ones. Go to: http://www.epipen.com/ and click on the CAS (Center for Anaphylactic Support).

-Make sure to store them at room temperature (I keep mine in my purse, which I carry at all times- no exceptions!) Do NOT store them in your car or any place that will get either too cold or too hot. There is an optimal temperature for epi pen storage- it's 77 degrees. 59-86 degrees is acceptable.

-The liquid in the epi pens should look clear- if it's cloudy, discolored, or if there are solid particles in it, you need to get new epi pens (even if they haven't expired).

-If you have to use an epi pen, go immediately to the ER afterwards!

-Note: About 85% of the liquid in the epi pen will STILL be there after using it. This is normal.

Do any of you have other tips on storing, carrying, or using an epi pen? Feel free to share them in the comments section.

Thankful Thursday - Ice Cream

2010-08-26T10:22:00.001-06:00

Ice cream is my absolute favorite summertime treat. In fact, I remember saying, years ago, that I could give up all other desserts if I could have a small bowl of ice cream every now and then. I think it goes way back to the days when my mom was pregnant with me and indulging cravings for Baskin Robbins' Praline Pecan ice cream (which was also my favorite ice cream, pre-nut allergies).

Sadly, I have yet to find a nut-free ice cream brand since being diagnosed. Sure, you can find plain vanilla ice cream, but the company probably also produces Rocky Road or Chocolate Peanut Butter, or some other flavor that contains nuts. And ice cream shops are worse, considering that the same scoops and blenders are used over and over again all day long. In fact, my first nut allergy reaction was at a Dairy Queen, so ice cream shops are "out" for me. That being said, I haven't had any ice cream bought from a grocery store or ice cream shop in about 2 and a half years!

Last summer, Cuisinart saved the day (and satisfied my ice cream cravings). One weekend in July, I was playing tennis 3-5 hours/day in the hot, afternoon sunshine for a local tournament. Nothing felt better after a match than cranking up my air conditioner, laying on the couch, and eating bowl and after bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream. This machine costs around $50.00 in most stores, but I've seen them at Costco for under $40.00. It's really quick and easy, as long as you store the bowl in the freezer. The only downside, so far, is that you can't really make a low-fat version - I've tried and it failed miserably. Since you're making ice cream in approximately 30 minutes, heavier cream and milk is needed to make it "thick."

Bottom line: I'm thankful to once again enjoy ice cream from time-to-time. Thanks Cuisinart! p.s. Although this machine comes in white, don't you think red is much cuter?!?

Thankful Thursday - Friends

2010-08-12T17:52:00.001-06:00

Tonight, I'm thankful for my friends. I'm on my way out the door to a bachelorette party for a friend who will be getting married later this month. When I called the host to ask about the food being served at the party, she said, "Oh, that's right. I would've totally forgotten about your allergies. Let me check with the bride." I wasn't calling to ask for accommodations, only to find out what would be served. If the bride wanted to have nuts, I would've simply dropped off a gift earlier in the week. The host called the bride, and she said, "I want Lindsay to come!" Awww.. how kind! So, the host decided not to have a bowl of mixed nuts next to her homemade cheesecake at the party.

Have people made accommodations for you? If so, thank them. If your close friends or family members make accommodations for you over and over again (birthday parties, BBQs, movie nights at their house, and everything else you do together), consider handwriting them a letter about how much it's meant to you over the years, and how kind and thoughtful they are. Nothing says "thank you" in today's electronic world like a good, old fashioned, detailed letter to express your appreciation. I'm thankful for my dear friends. Are you?

Stone Fruit Situation

2010-08-12T10:30:00.000-06:00

If you are allergic to almonds, do you eat stone fruits? If you don't know what that means, don't feel silly... I didn't either. A fruit is fruit (or so I thought). So, what's a stone fruit?

The most common stone fruits in the U.S. are: cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and yep... almonds. Almonds are actually not a nut, but a "drupe" (which is in the fruit family). Interesting, huh?

My doctor told me that I should either avoid or take caution with foods in my allergic categories, because once you are allergic to one item in a particular category, you have a higher risk of developing another allergy in that category. So, for the past two years, I've really pared down my eating of stone fruits (I'm allergic to almonds) and legumes (I'm allergic to peanuts), and I've not had any tree nuts whatsoever (I'm allergic to hazelnuts).

I'm curious if other PA/TNA adults also avoid the foods in their allergic categories, or only avoid the actual allergen(s).

Eating His Words

2010-08-12T10:04:00.001-06:00

2009: Joel Stein writes a very mean-spirited article for the L.A. Times about kids with nut allergies & their "yuppie parents" who just want their kids to be "special."

2010: Joel Stein's 15-month-old son, Laszlo, is rushed to the ER by his parents. As it turns out, he had an anaphylactic reaction to tree nuts and seeds.

Although many food-allergy bloggers are saying, "It serves him right!" or "He got what he had coming to him!," I just can't. First off, he supposedly apologizes in his "Aw, nuts!" article in the August 9, 2010 issue of TIME magazine (I'm going to try to track that down later today), and, more importantly, we're talking about the medical condition of a young child. I wouldn't wish food allergies on anyone! I do, however, hope that Mr. Stein will choose his words more wisely and become a more compassionate man because of this incident.

Thankful Thursday - 2 Great Snacks

2010-08-05T09:03:00.001-06:00

In the past week, I've tried two new (new to me, that is) nut-free snack products. My highest recommendations go out to SunButter & Annie's Bunny Grahams. Thanks to these two brands, I have additional snacking options:

1) Apple slices and carrot sticks dipped into SunButter, SunButter on toast with banana slices, SunButter & jelly sandwiches for lunch, even just a spoonful of this stuff! I love it! SunButter is produced in a completely peanut-free and tree-nut free facility. I can't wait to try the other varities and see which one I like the best.

2) Annie's Bunny Grahams with a glass of milk- yummy! I've tried four varieties of these cute little bunnies - chocolate chip, honey graham, chocolate, and cheddar - and I liked them all! If you're looking for a substitute for Goldfish, the cheddar ones taste similar. My favorite is the chocolate chip. In addition to being nut-free, Annie's bunny grahams are all-natural, 75% organic, have no cholesterol, no saturated or trans fat, lots of calcium and whole grains, and no additives or preservatives.

I've only tried the natural variety, but it comes
in creamy and crunchy too.

Costco has a great price on snack-size packages
(4 varieties)

Quick Tip Tuesday - Salons

2010-07-27T11:11:00.001-06:00

I've never been one to enjoy manicures, pedicures, massages... all of those things that most women love! Even before developing PA/TNA, these types of things were just not relaxing to me. Give me a morning off from work, a hot cup of coffee, and a new book, and I'm one happy girl! Strangers touching my toes and kneading into my back!?! No thanks!

However, in the past year, I've had two manicures given to me- one for a wedding (I was the "maid of honor"), and one for a birthday gift. It was well-intentioned, for sure, and I expressed my genuine appreciation for these gifts, but right away I thought "Can I even get a manicure?"

If you're the kind of woman who loves getting your "nails did" or a torturous (oops, "tranquil") massage, and you have tree nut allergies, here's a quick tip: Bring your own products!

Manicures
hand soap
lotion
cuticle oil
emery board
manicure set/tools
polish, base coat, & top coat
quick dry spray

Massage
massage oil

Of course, you can always call the nail tech or masseuse in advance to see what types of products they use, and if they contain nut products. However, keep these two things in mind: 1) Many beauty products list ingredients on the packaging (which is soon thrown into the garbage) instead of on the product itself; and 2) Many nail products contain nut oils. My nail tech used products by Creative Nail Design (a popular brand), and almost everything she would've used on me contained almond oil.

Overall, I felt much safer bringing in my own stuff, and had no allergic reactions!

Showing off our manicures on the wedding day!

Food allergy commercial

2010-07-26T11:46:00.001-06:00

Last night, I had my t.v. on in the background while doing dishes, and heard something about food allergies. Instantly, my ears perked up and I ran to the living room to catch the tail end of it. The commercial gave a web address at the end, so I scribbled it down and got online this morning.

The website was: ready.atriskevaluator.com

Hmmm... I'm disappointed. I assumed the website would a) help parents recognize the symptoms of food allergies; and then b) encourage parents to visit an allergy/immunology physician if their child presents symptoms. Instead, the tool begins with your child's diagnosis, then asks questions about symptoms, and finally leaves you with questions to ask your doctor.

My other concern is that there is no mention whatsoever about the commercial sponsor. If it were sponsored by Epi Pen, FAAN, or another reputable sponsor, then I'd feel more comfortable with the information presented in the advertisement. But because no one is claiming responsibility for the ad (and because I can't seem to find anything about it online), I'm confused and disappointed. The only thing worse than a lack of awareness about food allergies is misinformation.

Have you seen this ad? What are your thoughts?

Thankful Thursday - Safe Foods

2010-07-22T16:55:00.004-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for the foods I can eat. It's easy to get caught up in the challenges of living a "Nut Free Life," but there are still a lot of delicious,

healthy, and safe foods to enjoy!

Here is a collage of some of my favorite foods.

What are your favorite nut-free foods?

The Happy Homebody

2010-07-21T10:04:00.004-06:00

The past two years, I've really enjoyed being at home and doing homebody-type things. Cooking, doing laundry, watering my plants, entertaining friends, arranging furniture, watching t.v., organizing drawers and closets, and figuring out exactly where I wanted to hang that picture- heck, even cleaning the bathrooms! - it's all become really enjoyable for me. My once adventurous life just wasn't as appealing anymore, but I didn't really know why.

I assumed it was because:
a) I bought my house around that time, and figured that investing in a home financially led to a certain appreciation for being at home and doing the tasks that keep it nice, comfortable, and welcoming;

b) I couldn't afford to do as much, because I'm paying a mortgage. Now, I really have to value an activity to sign up for lessons, for example, since I'm on a tight budget; or,

c) All of my close friends were married with children and, therefore, spending more time at home. Maybe homebody-ness (I know I'm making up words here!) is more related to age and "settling down" in life than your marital and family status.

My life has really changed since 2008. The more I thought about it this summer, the more I figured out what was truly going on! It was not just the 3 points above, which really do factor into my utter contentment to be a homebody. It's also that I developed peanut and tree nut allergies around that same time. In fact, it was only two months after closing on my house.

Bottom line: My home is a safe haven.

All day at work, and in my 2-3 evenings commitments/week, I've got a continual "sixth sense" about everything going on around me. If I hear a wrapper crinkling, I look to see who is opening up a treat and what it is. If I hear someone munching, I want to know what they've got in their hands. If I smell something baking or a co-worker's lunch heating up in the microwave, I wonder if it has nuts in it. If I go to a staff meeting or party, I call the host of the party or our catering department in advance to see what will be served. If I am a part of a project planning team, I offer to take care of the hospitality details (secretly, it's about making sure that nuts are not involved!) In my line of work, there are people coming in and out of my office all day long, and there are hundreds of people in the building. They don't all know about my nut allergies, so I'm on a constant watch. I think that this constant awareness of what is going on around me is far more physically and emotionally tiresome than I even realize. My mind, thoughout the day, is never at rest when I'm out and about in the world... and that's exhausting.

So, when 6:30 rolls around and I turn the key, kick of my shoes in the entryway, and walk into my home, it's not just the relaxing feeling that all adults experience at the end of a long day. There is also a sense of peace and a release of energy (like a giant deep breath) in knowing that my house is safe. Living by myself, I don't have to worry about what's being brought into my house, because I'm the only one coming in and out on a daily basis. I can sit down on the couch and watch t.v. or read a book without a care or concern on my mind. I can cook in my kitchen, knowing that all of my ingredients are safe, because I'm the one that purchased them. I can clean without any fear, because I've long-ago checked the labels for nut oils. I can entertain friends at ease, because I'm the one providing the snacks at the party. I can wash my hands with the unmarked soap by the sink, because I know it's okay to use. My home is the one place in life where I feel completely safe and relaxed.

Now of course the Happy Homebody lifestyle can go too far. I have to check my thoughts and feelings, and make sure that I'm not isolating myself or living in fear, because those are two things that I do not want for my life. And, dear reader, I don't want you to think that I never go out and do things, because I do go to parties, take road trips, and eat at new restaurants from time-to-time. Dang right I do! But the "Nut Free Live" demands a hyper-vigilance about the food and environment around me in a way that the non-allergic could never fully grasp, and that, my friends, is part of the reason why this chick is a very Happy Homebody!

The Ultimate Mama Grizzlies

2010-07-19T10:51:00.002-06:00

I love to read blogs. I especially like when following one blog leads to another fascinating blog through the power of linking, posted comments, etc. Lately, I've found a lot of great information from nut-free moms, who are blogging their thoughts and experiences in raising children who have PA/TNA. Although it was overwhelming and very emotionally draining when I was first developed food allergies, I can now really enjoy reading these blogs, and I continue to glean a lot of important information.

If I could only say one thing, it would be: PA/TNA moms are awesome! I know that all moms are very protective of their children, and many do a lot of praying and training/instructing to keep their children safe from predators, busy street traffic, and all of the other potential dangers out in the world, but mothers of children with food allergies also have to worry about every drop of food, every surface (to avoid contact exposure)...heck, even the air! This is a 24/7 concern, because every snack, meal, and party poses a threat. Every classroom, church, mall, grocery store, and friend's home poses a threat. Every sports practice, concert, and street fair poses a threat. Seriously allergic kids cannot go to movie theaters, baseball games, ice cream shops, or the neighborhood bakery. They ask a lot of questions, they read every label, and they sometimes need accommodations. They wear medical ID bracelets and carry epi pens and benadryl at all times, no exceptions. Travel is a challenge, to say the least. The amount of time and energy these moms put into not only making sure their children are safe, but also educating the people around their child, is enormous! Talk about sacrificial.

I know it sounds silly that I'm reading these mom blogs, considering that I'm not a mom. But I hope to be a mom one day! And since I have nut allergies, that means that whomever I marry and our future children will, by-and-large, also need to be nut-free. It's a tall order for anyone, and I acknowledge that this alone may prevent any man from wanting to date me, let alone marry me. I've come to the conclusion that The Hubs will either have to a) be nut-allergic himself; b) be a doctor or nurse; or c) be up for an adventure.

But I'm off-topic. My main point is that since I developed food allergies at age 27, I didn't deal with all of this as a child, and I need to know how to do this life with kids. Nut-free moms have given me lots of great tips. They are, in many ways, the ultimate Mama Grizzlies.

Oh Mickey D's!

2010-07-15T19:16:00.004-06:00

Why, oh why! McDonald's recently introduced a new McFlurry, and I'm not too happy. Yep, you guessed it: Reese's Peanut Butter cup.

Now, I'm not one to eat a lot of fast food, and ever since watching the documentary "Super Size Me," I've pretty much avoided McDonald's. But when I'm on the road for work or vacation, and every now and then for fun, McDonald's has been a great place to grab breakfast. My favorite is their Sausage McMuffin with hashbrowns and milk... just in case you're curious.

Prior to this new McFlurry, McDonald's was a safe restaurant for me, considering that the only nuts in their restaurant were packaged. Darn it all! I guess I won't be eating at McDonald's until they remove this item from their menu.

If you have nut allergies, please consider writing a customer comment via email. That's what I did. Perhaps if they get enough negative feedback from those with PA, they'll consider going back to the pre-Reese's McFlurry days! For now, I'll just stick with Wendy's.

Here is the response I received from McDonald's:

Hello Lindsay:

Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's regarding our Reese's Peanut Butter Cup McFlurry dessert. We are offering a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup McFlurry in our U.S. restaurants as part of the Shrek and "100 Days of Summer" promotions. Following these national promotions, this item may remain on menus in local markets.

The Reese's Peanut Butter Cup McFlurry contains peanut butter (peanuts) which is one of the top 8 allergens recognized by the Federal Drug Administration. In preparation to offer the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup McFlurry, we provided additional operations and crew training to reduce the risk of cross-contact with other products. This includes dedicating special containers and scoops for these products. However, all flavors of McFlurry utilize the same equipment.

The safety and well-being of our customers is a top priority at McDonald's. Therefore, in an abundance of caution, we wanted to make customers with peanut allergies aware of this promotion so they can make whatever decisions they deem appropriate in visiting our restaurants.

Again, thank you for your interest in McDonald's.
Jessica
McDonald's Customer Response Center

The sh-- word

2010-07-15T18:50:00.003-06:00

Nope, it's not the sh-- word that you think! People with tree nut allergies have a new naughty sh-- word... shea.

Lately, I've seen a lot of commericals that advertise products containing shea, including baby wipes, lotions and hand creams, facial tissue, and haircare products. Because it's worded "shea butter," or "butyrospermum parkii," consumers might not know that it is derived from an African nut. Shea is great for people who can use it- it's very moisturising, natural, and good for excema, dry skin, wrinkles, chapped lips, stretchmarks, and a whole host of skin issues. That being said, if you have tree nut allergies like me, you might not want to use it. So, make sure that you look closely when purchasing personal care items (particularly those that are labeled "organic" or "natural", or those that are new to the market, considering how popular shea has become in the United States).

A couple products I've noticed, are:
L'Occitane Shea Butter products (hand cream, lotion, soap)
Huggies Shea Butter (baby wash, wipes, and cream)
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition (hair products)
Puffs Plus with Lotion (facial tissue) *This one really surprises me!*
Johnson and Johnson Shea & Cocoa butter (baby products)
Aveeno Hydrating Fig & Shea products
Palmer's Shea butter formula
Jergen's Shea Butter lotion
Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Shea Butter lotion
Philosophy body lotion
The Body Shop shea butter (body butter)
Victoria's Secret (some of their body products contain shea)
Bath & Body Works (some of their body products contain shea)
Burt's Bees (some of their body products contain shea)
Yes to Carrots (some of their body products contain shea)

This list is not meant to be comprehensive, and I realize that many of these products say "shea" right on the front or in the name of the product, so it's easy to recognize. However, sometimes it's not so clear, so always read your labels if you intend to avoid sh--... oh, that naughty word!

Tips for the Non-Allergic

2010-07-15T12:46:00.004-06:00

Drumroll please! Just as David Letterman has his Top 10 list, I've compiled some tips for the non-allergic people out there in Blog Land. If you know somone who has food allergies, here are some things to keep in mind:

1) Food allergies are different than food intolerances. If you'd like to know more about this, just ask me and I'd be happy to explain it to you.

2) Please don't tell me about so-and-so who knew so-and-so who died from a food allergy reaction. I know this happens. I don't really need to dwell on it by hearing stories.

3) For special occasions/events, I always ask if peanuts or tree nuts will be served, but I do not expect people to cater to me. Baby showers, bridal showers, and wedding receptions tend to have a "nut dish". If the bride wants nuts, she can have nuts! It's her day (well, and the groom's day, of course)! I have no problem coming to just the ceremony and skipping the reception, or sending a gift instead of attending a baby shower. I'm just calling to ask about it, not to demand that you make changes for me.

4) Even though I haven't had a life-threating reaction, I do have a life-threatening allergy. Reactions can be mild one day, and more intense the next time. There is no way to determine the intensity beforehand.

5) There are no such thing as allergy shots for food allergies.

6) I don't always accept food, even if people have used precautions in preparing it for me. Please don't be offended! It's hard enough that I can't always accept my friends' food, but I have to put safety ahead of hospitality. Someone who doesn't have food allergies cannot imagine all of the precautions we take.

7) Some people with food allergies are less careful and have more reactions. They're okay with that, but I'm not. It's just a matter of personal preference. Better safe than sorry is how I roll! :)

8) If I say "no thanks" to a food item, I'd appreciate it if you just accept that answer, and not try to be a "food pusher". I try to blend in as much as possible, especially in a situation where I'm meeting new people for the first time. I don't want to put all of the focus and attention on me and my food allergies. Think about it: Would you want your own personal medical issues to come up in the first conversation you have with someone?

9) A food allergy that has been diagnosed by a physician is a medical condition, not some sort of exaggerated, fear-based quirk. If you are a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker, and I've told you about my food allergies (and kindly asked you to not bring peanuts or tree nuts into my home, office, etc.), I'd greatly appreciate your cooperation. I'm not talking about special events here (see #3), but just everyday life. I realize it might be an inconveniece to you. I know that this makes me a bit more high maintenance than the average person, but it's not because I want to be difficult. Believe me, I'd rather not have food allergies.

10) Food is not my only concern. People with PNA/TNA do not use any lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, body wash, cosmetics, hand soaps, etc. that contain nut oils. When I was first developed allergies, I had to not only throw out a ton of food, but also a ton of beauty products. So, common cosmetic ingredients like almond oil, shea butter, macadamia nut oil, arachis oil, hydrolyzed plant protein, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein are definitely not safe. We have to read labels and take precautions on pet food and treats, planting soils and fertilizers, ant and mouse traps, furniture polish, and so many other run-of-the-mill household items. This is not a comprehensive list, but I hope this will help you understand that living with PA/TNA is about a whole lot more than just the food we put into our mouths.

What would you put on your Top 10 list? I'd love to hear your tips for helping the non-allergic understand your PA/TNA.

Chocolate cravings

2010-07-13T12:10:00.001-06:00

Oh for the love of chocolate! This past March I came across the Vermont Nut Free Chocolates website, and couldn't wait to place an order. It had, after all, been almost two years since I'd had a candy bar! But what to choose?!?! So, I splurged and got chocolate covered pretzels, fudge, smurtles (their nut-free version of turtles), AND mashmallows on a stick (which are marshmallows covered in chocolate, caramel, and sprinkles)... all processed in a peanut and tree nut free facility!

I looked at their website today, and I couldn't find the marshmallows, so maybe it's just a seasonal thing. But let me just say... YUM-O! Everything was excellent!

This company is GREAT for speciality chocolates, candy, and baking products such as cocoa powder and chocolate chips. You'll pay a bit more to get a shipment of their chocolates in the summer, so I'm anxiously awaiting the return of cold weather to indulge again.

Time for celebrities to go public!

2010-07-13T09:08:00.001-06:00

Considering that peanut allergies have tripled in the past 10 years (yep, you read that right!), I really wish that a celebrity would come forward to help raise awareness and money for research. Here is a list of celebrities with peanut and/or tree nut allergies:

Joshua Jackson
Serena Williams
Ray Romano
Kelis ("My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard")
Clay Aiken
Barbara Bush
Alex Kapranos (from Franz Ferdinand)
Tom Poti (NHL athlete)
Swoosie Kurtz

Just think of the impact! You can't hear something about Parkinson's Disease without linking it to Michael J. Fox, and so many men and women finally recognized the importance of getting colonoscopies because Katie Couric, who rallies against colon cancer, got one on-air. We need to figure out what's going on and why so many children are developing peanut allergies (or food allergies in general). I think a celebrity spokesperson would certainly help!

My personal vote? Serena Williams, only because I play tennis, or Joshua Jackson, because he's just so darn cute! Ok, ok... on a serious note: Ray Romano! You can't beat a funny man.

Enjoy Life Foods

2010-07-13T08:23:00.002-06:00

Last month, I came across a new aisle in my grocery store- the "organic and health food" aisle. Typically, I would never shop in this section, because let's face it: 1) nuts are healthy; and 2) most health food stores contain a lot of homegrown products without the type of labeling I need to feel safe. I know that this is rapidly changing, as more and more people are seeking organic and/or whole foods, and formerly small family companies are big businesses today. But I remember shopping at the Wild Oats Market with my parents back in the 80s, and the one image that sticks out in my mind is the bulk bin of almonds. Weird, I know, but nuts and co-ops just seem to go hand-in-hand.

As I neared the end of the aisle, I noticed a section dedicated to gluten-free products. My friend Brook is trying to eat gluten-free right now, questioning whether the stomach problems, headaches, chest discomfort, and other symptoms she has experienced point to a gluten intolerance or even celiac disease, although no doctor has been able to properly diagnose her with any condition for almost 2 years (IBS? Ulcer? Anxiety? Acid reflux?) So, I thought I'd look at the products a bit and suggest Brook make a little trip to this particular store.

That's when Enjoy Life products caught my eye, and let me just say, enhanced the quality of my snack life! In large letters at the top of the Soft Baked Chewy Chocolate Chip cookies box, I read "nut and gluten free." So, of course, the first thing I do is flip the box over to read the label, and, voila! Let's just say that a box of these cookies and a box of their Chewy Cocoa Loco bars ended up in my grocery cart that afternoon.

Since that day, I've probably bought 10 boxes of cookies and bars at that same grocery store. Yesterday, I made calls to two local health food stores that carry Enjoy Life products (I guess I'll be going into those stores after all!), and found out that one of them carried Enjoy Life granola. Right after work, I bought out their entire stash! The Cranapple Crunch granola is so good that I had it with milk for a snack last night and then again for breakfast this morning!

Finding safe, pre-packaged snack foods can a challenge, so my little discovery of Enjoy Life foods felt good! I know that's hard for people to understand if they don't have food allergies. For the vast majority of adults, they think more about the fat, sugar, or sodium content of boxed food, but at the end of the day, they can eat it from time to time... no biggie. One of the hardest parts of developing nut allergies as an adult has been the time it takes for me to prepare almost all of my meals and snacks from scratch. Now, if I know it's going to be a long day at work, or if I need a quick snack before heading to the gym, Enjoy Life is there for a quick pick-me-up!

I cannot brag about this company enough. Check out the "where to buy" link on their website to find a grocery store near you that carries their products, and give it a try!