Our Ducks In a Row

THE HOLY GRAIL?

2010-10-09T10:21:00.010-04:00

I can't believe my last post date is April 26. I knew it was a while...but that date feels like a lifetime ago. Though absent from posting, I have been on a journey since Spring and am now ready to sit back and summarize. I started this blog with the intention of never ever discussing doctors or medical issues in detail, even though they dominate the management of a child with food allergies, eczema and asthma. I have never made a recommendation other than cookbooks, loaf pans, cup-a-cakes, etc. And I love those posts, because they string together a life of joy filled with yummy treats, snazzy containers, and numerous nuggets of fun. But for my final post for this blog I must make an exception and discuss our experience for two weeks this summer as participants in the Pediatric Day Program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. And excuse in advance the lengthy post - I am not only making up for lost time, but it is also my swan song!

To begin the journey, I have a journal I just unearthed from a tote bag in my closet that I haven't opened in months. Written across the top it says 2010 My Son's Path To Wellness (it actually says his name but we'll stick with "my son" for the internet!) The first paragraph reads, "On Monday, January 1st, I had an overwhelming feeling while sitting n Whole Foods that I absolutely had to get to the root cause of his allergy, eczema and asthma". That lunch, sitting at a table for two in the Whole Foods dining area with my four year old, was my tipping point. In an enormous, healthy grocery store, where we were infinitely blessed to have the means to buy whatever we wanted, there was nothing I could give him to eat on site other than some ham, ketchup, rice milk and chips. The meal itself was not so bad - it was the fact that it was probably the 500th time he had eaten it, and never before in a setting surrounded by such choice. It was both ironic and devastating. This intense low was followed instantly by what I can only refer to as my "Oprah Moment": I wasn't going to feel sorry for him, or me, ever again - I was going to fix it.

As certain as that last statement looks on the page, it must be clear that I had absolutely no idea how. The only thing of which I was certain, was from that day forward I would do something every day. If I never reached my goal of "fixing it", I certainly couldn't make it worse. From Whole Foods we went straight to Barnes and Noble, which just seemed a logical "step one". I left with one eczema book and a copy of Jenny McCarthy's Louder Than Words (no autism on our front but I longed to read about another mother's journey). The next few months involved some non-invasive energy healing for my son when, finally, a watershed "discussion" with my husband led me to finally commit to take the journey to Denver.

National Jewish Hospital had been generously recommended by a new friend in town who had taken her son, and a loving niece who had sent me a link to this Wall Street Journal article months prior. On July 25th, 2010 my son and I boarded the plane for Denver and both our lives changed forever.

In keeping consistent with both my intense hesitancy to make any medical recommendations, and my desire to keep my son's privacy intact while "spreading the word", I will stop our journey here. If the Pediatric Day Program seems like it could help, please consult with your physician or call the incredible nurses at National Jewish Hospital who are ready to take your calls and answer questions: 1 800 222-5864. As their website states, food allergy, eczema, and asthma are chronic illnesses. They are are daily and persistent, with or without a trip to Denver. But the gift of knowledge, compassion and management that the doctors and nurses at National Jewish Hospital impart is golden. I now understand that there is more than one definition to "fix it". I wish you only the best of luck and much love on your own path to wellness.

RISE AND SHINE!

2010-04-26T21:13:00.007-04:00

Now that Spring has definitely sprung, it's a lot easier to start the day. But there is nothing quite like a cup of morning coffee to inspire that first step out of bed. For a few years coffee was banished from our dairy free house. Without (cow) milk it just wasn't worth having. A few hopeful attempts at dairy free creamers crashed and burned so away it stayed. The morning cup was not the one I REALLY missed - it was those delicious moments shared with a good friend, catching up and sipping away, that eluded me most. These days life is grand thanks to the recent discovery of the amazingly delicious Silk Creamer, available in French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Original. Made with non-GMO soy, and none of the unrecognizable ingredients found in many creamers, I have fallen hard for the French Vanilla. I have found superb results pouring in the creamer first, followed by coffee brewed in my latest obsession: my French Press. And sipping it out of this treasure...morning bliss! PLEASE NOTE: This product has a Kosher Dairy designation. Please contact the company for any allergy information before deciding to purchase and as always consult your Doctor.

"NOT" UP IN THE AIR!

2010-04-05T09:49:00.005-04:00

This is a plea for anyone who travels with a young child with asthma. We are still shaking off the sleep from a 15 hour drive home from Florida after de-boarding the plane because there were no working electrical outlets on board. We use an electric powered nebulizer for my son and when I asked as we were boarding (just to be extra cautious) if there was an outlet available in an emergency, we were informed there were none. We sat in our seats for about 30 seconds and then got off with our two children and headed to the rental car desk. It was a risk that obviously we could not take. I am still in the midst of investigating this whole topic - Do airlines usually have electric outlets as I was told before the trip? Is there a battery powered nebulizer that has enough power to deliver the medicines we use? (I was told before this trip that the answer was no, hence no battery option). Is he still too young for an inhaler? In the meantime, I feel it very necessary for anyone who travels with a young child with asthma who depends on electricity to power the nebulizer to ASK BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF and confirm the wattage needed!

SNOW DAZE!

2010-02-26T09:49:00.007-05:00

Here we go again...another snow day! As creativity begins to wane after surviving several of these cozy cooped-up days, don't forget about that old reliable - playdough. While it may not have been an option in the past due to the wheat content in the Crayola version, behold Colorations Wheat and Gluten-Free Dough! Sold exclusively on-line at www.discountschoolsupply.com, this British import comes in 8 vibrant colors. As listed on their site, this product does not contain Dairy, Casein, Egg, Gluten, Latex, Peanut or Tree Nuts. Keep a few tubs on hand and bring on the snow!
***Other Coloration dough products sold on the site as well so make sure to stick with the Gluten-Free version. Contact company directly for allergen information.

SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT BABY!

2010-02-16T15:13:00.011-05:00

With the sight of snow falling for several days now, this seems an apropos post! It's a simple "secret", yet yields an abundance of satisfaction. Stock up on some confectioners sugar and fill up a shaker. Shake atop a warm plate of allergy friendly waffles, brownies, apple cinnamon cake...the list goes on (especially in Sophie Safe Cooking). With just a few shakes, take the ordinary to the sublime - and look like a pro!

SHARK ATTACK!

2010-02-03T11:19:00.008-05:00

One of the greatest joys in life is reconnecting with dear friends, which I was lucky enough to do last week. And a very unexpected and added perk to my visit was learning about the Shark Steam Mop! I have been on a one-woman mission these past few weeks to become as knowledgeable as I can about the underlying causes of my son's allergies, eczema and asthma. While I am so grateful to "manage" his care, my goal now is to try to eliminate them at their root. Lofty a goal as it is, it feels good to be proactive. And one step I have taken joyfully is to bring the Shark Steam Mop into our home. Just plug it in, fill up the steamer with tap water, wait 3o seconds for the Shark to heat up, and clean away any sealed hard floor surfaces - the Shark "tackles tough grime, stubborn dirt, scuff marks, sticky messes and muddy footprints and features s a 10 1/2-inch cleaning path and leaves floors virtually dry." Just wash the pads after use in the washing machine in their own load and the Shark is ready again. Best part of all, "there's no refills or toxic, messy chemicals required making it environmentally friendly". Additional pads are sold separately and come with colored tabs to dedicate to specific rooms (bathroom, kitchen, etc.). Removing toxic chemicals from the home may not be the cure, but it's a step in the right direction!

A CLEAN SLATE!

2010-01-06T13:15:00.007-05:00

Ahhh...nothing like a New Year! Resolutions and reflection are always a good thing in my book, and no time like the present to get cracking. The start of this year serendipitously began with the introduction of two wonderful books in my life - one old and one new. I was hesitant to post about them, because they are not specific to allergies, but the realization that motherhood is all encompassing prompted me to color outside the lines. The first, Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry (a savvy sister-in-law referral from a few years ago) was rediscovered in a guest room purge and it was honestly like finding a million dollar treasure. The second, Raising Bookworms, was a lucky catch from NPR and has already had life-changing effects (at least on Mom). There's no doubt that cultivating moments of peace and gratitude can do wonders for the anxiety of day to day allergy living. And sharing the pages of Willy Wonka can bring the whole family together like none other. Cheers to 2010, and may yours be filled with much health and happiness!

LOAVES AND FISHES!

2009-12-21T08:55:00.007-05:00

Finally! I have been so eager for this post topic - but the baking pan I use is no longer in stock anywhere so I couldn't do it. Until now - I just found a replacement on-line and it looks even better! The concept of baking multiple loaves at once has been such a life changer since discovered a few months ago. From the nursery school snack I bring in for the kids twice weekly (separate post coming!), to the hostess gift that was devoured with delight on a weekend visit, or the warm slices of pumpkin bread and hot cocoa that thawed yesterday's "post-sledding" chills in an instant - there's no better way to bake. More bang for your buck (and effort!) than ever before. For some holiday goodies galore, stir up a quick batter of Apple Cinnamon Bread or Pumpkin Bread from Sophie Safe cooking and then sit back and enjoy the sweet smell of those multiple loaves baking away! Bon Appetit!

'Tis The Season!

2009-12-01T16:53:00.008-05:00

Ta ta turkeys...it's time for Season's Greetings! And I am over the moon this year to be able to include a chocolate advent calendar in our festivities. We scrounged years past with a fabric one filled with Dum Dums but to have the real deal this year will make for a true Joyeux Noel! This allergy friendly find is thanks to Amanda's Own which has a variety of Christmas and Chanukah goodies for the 2009 season. Check out the ingredient information here and Happy Holidays to all!!!

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING!

2009-11-16T20:35:00.003-05:00

The smell of homemade waffles wafting through the air is certain to wake the sleepiest of sleepy heads! Easy enough for a "before the bus breakfast" and decadent enough for a "Sunday Special", the waffle maker has now gained cult-like status in our kitchen. Not wanting to become a total "gear gal", I try to choose wisely, but the waffle maker is now a must have. I have not had any luck with a recipe from scratch (please send along!) but the good people at Cherrybrook Kitchens have two amazing gluten free mixes, an original and a chocolate chip. Make a bunch on the weekend and keep a yummy stockpile in the fridge or freezer. Tips: Practice makes perfect so disregard if it takes a few waffles to get the gist! Follow directions on your waffle maker regarding seasoning the griddle with vegetable oil even it it is non-stick (I do it each time). And on the back of the mix boxes be sure to follow the waffle directions which differ greatly from the pancakes.***Cherrybrook Kitchens makes wheat products as well as gluten free so, as always... read labels carefully!

FIRST OF IT'S KIND!

2009-11-08T21:24:00.006-05:00

We all know how invaluable our girl friends can be...but thanks to one of mine, I caught wind of a very exciting and groundbreaking online and mobile service in the works - Food Contents Alerts. Developed by TAXI New York, Food Contents Alerts "provides critical information and personalized data management both at home and on-the-go for the nearly 70 million people in the United States and Canada alone suffering from food sensitivities." The charter sponsors of Food Contents Alerts are Enjoy Life Foods, Twinject Canada and Guardian Angel Foods. The online and mobile food management tool is free of charge, available worldwide, and provides users with "safe, reliable online and mobile tools for creating customized databases, recipe boxes, shopping lists and food sensitivity profiles." Scott Mandell, the president and founder of Enjoy Life Foods says “There is a growing need for this type of safe and reliable information that is easily accessible through the Internet and mobile phone. The number of people dealing with food sensitivities is growing daily, and we have partnered with FCA for the help it can provide consumers." Now that's what friends are for!

BACK TO BASICS!!!

2009-10-21T08:17:00.005-04:00

It has been a while but unfortunately we had an allergy emergency last week. All is well now, thank goodness. The situation was not made any easier or calmer by the fact that my cell phone was not charged. It doesn't matter that every other night I put it on the charger, what matters is that in this instance the battery was very low. It was okay because I was at home so I could use a land line, and I was able to take another family member's cell phone for the trip to the hospital. But I was lucky. Phones should be charged every night to wake up to a full battery. Car chargers should always be in the car (no matter how many times they are lost or broken - still repurchase!!) It's basic, and it is probably already a part of your daily routine - but remember to keep it up each and every day!

SAVED BY THE SLOW COOKER!

2009-10-06T10:07:00.010-04:00

Brisk days...pumpkins...mums, and as of last week - the slow cooker! It is a wonderful time of year in the North East watching the seasons evolve. Somehow it always seems to happen at just the right time. After chatting with a friend about crock pot recipes, I dusted mine off and opened my Sophie Safe Cooking hoping for a recipe. There it was - a delicious pork roast! A divine combination of potatoes, pork roast and apple juice (I opted for cider and added some onions), sat cooking the day away. By nightfall, the aroma was dreamy and dinner was done...and we've had it three times since! I have been scouring the Internet these days for some more allergy friendly crock pot recipes, but as usual there's always a main ingredient that just won't work for us. I know they exist, so I'll keep looking. In the meantime - crack open your cookbook, turn on your crock pot, and enjoy those falling leaves! *** Update: Check out Emily's Ramblings ( the author of Sophie Safe Cooking) for some great crock pot ideas she just posted.

LET'S CELEBRATE!

2009-10-01T16:36:00.007-04:00

Upon discovering let's do...Sprinkelz, I'll find any excuse for a party! Which is perfect timing for back-to- school, which means "back-to-birthdays" too. Sprinkle with joy atop your favorite cupcakes, cookies, cakes or frozen goodies. Available in chocolatey brown or carnival colors, there is no need for artificial ingredients in these parts...only dairy free, gluten free, all natural goodness to brighten up your favorite treats. Thanks to let's do...Sprinkelz, along with the superb cupcake and frosting recipes found in the epic Sophie Safe Cooking, the variations of cupcakes, frosting, and toppings seem endless now! And don't forget about cupacake.com. ***Contact Edward & Sons at 805-684-8500 to confirm Sprinkelz meets your allergy requirements.

COZY FROM HEAD TO TOE!

2009-09-15T09:38:00.010-04:00

It's back to school and back to Fall. Goodbye sleepy summer mornings, hello alarm clocks! For all of us, especially the children, a good night sleep is more important than ever. One allergy offshoot that looms large in our house is eczema. After many sleepless, itchy and frustrating nights for our son, the hunt began in earnest to find some footed pajamas in 100% cotton. Sounds easy enough? For babies and toddlers certainly, but after what seemed like hours at a time of net surfing I was still empty handed for kids. Until the glorious discovery of...the aptly name footypajamas.com! A few clicks and a few days later, a packaged arrived - that night my son sailed to sleep swathed in the coziest cotton footed pj's made by Skivvydoodles. No more socks to pull off and scratch away the midnight hour, only to awaken to a world of discomfort. Of course the underlying cause for that itch is a constant focus, however, until peace is made, these jammies are some sweet relief. Don't need footies but looking for some great organic options? The fabulous Luxaby Baby will soon be carrying organic pj's by New Jammies up to size 6 - along with lots of other superb finds. Sleep tight!
(P.S. contact kim@footypajamas.com or call 650-347-3699 if your item appears out of stock - new arrivals often).

A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN!

2009-09-01T11:37:00.007-04:00

The title above applies not only to the gorgeous blankets pictured here, but to the amazing island on which they are handwoven by Allison Herr in her Nantucket home. I discovered her beautiful throw blankets at a craft fair last year. I saw them from across the room and was completely taken in by their beauty, and after speaking with her I was overjoyed to learn that they are 100% cotton...yes cotton! Unfortunately wool is not our friend in our house due to allergies, so to imagine cuddling up my son (and yes, me!!) in one of her cozy throws was a delight. And the good news doesn't stop there - they are also machine wash and dry. The throw blanket is the perfect size (34"x52")for a snuggle on the couch, a cozy tuck into bed, or a comfy car ride. Their beauty is what caught my eye, but the cotton and easy wash combo, make these blankets a true treasure. Allergies or no allergies, every house should be filled with an HerrLoom for sure! Visit www.HerrLooms.com for a real treat. Handwoven Throw Blanket Pricing: $75 + $5.00 shipping. Contact: herrlooms@gmail.com.

THE MAGIC OF A MINI FRIDGE!

2009-08-12T08:54:00.008-04:00

With travel still on the mind, I must acknowledge the blessing that is a mini fridge! As suggested to me by an allergy friend/guru, our hotel stays now always include the addition of a pre-requested fridge in the room (so far, free of charge). Start the trip with the previously posted travel cooler, and when you arrive on the scene you are all set to store your allergy friendly perishables (from Sophie Safe Cooking, of course!) And while currently on vacation with lots of fantastic family (who arrived home yesterday with this super cool mini fridge), any fear of cross contamination in the main refrigerator is gone. It's quiet, space saving, energy efficient, has automatic defrost and available here. Vigilance must be on super high alert while on vacation, as well as day to day, and keeping food separated is a great help.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE LUNCHOPOLIS!

2009-08-06T18:53:00.014-04:00

The wonders of the Internet are a constant amazement to me...today, especially, as I write this post on vacation 30 miles out to sea! I felt compelled to post about today's item - the fabulous lunch box by Lunchopolis - because it has been a humongous help over the past few days. Made of a great soft material with cool colors, it is what is stored inside that are the real gems. Four separate containers stacked with precision are the perfect size to transport full meals. Also included is a beverage bottle that stands upright. Not only is the Lunchopolis bag and it's contents a fantastic addition to any "meals on the go" arsenal - it is dishwasher and microwave safe and super environmentally friendly. I also came across the fab RePEaT Utensil Set that looks like it would make a great match. In a previous post I mentioned the great bags by Scout. At times I feel some "lunch box guilt" usually reserved for a an over filled shoe closet. However, when transporting allergy safe food is a way of life you can never have too many ways to stream line the process! Both lunchbox and utensils available for purchase here.

TODDLER NUTRITION

2009-07-20T09:35:00.007-04:00

One of the most challenging aspects of raising a food allergic toddler is making sure they thrive physically - meaning gain weight and grow appropriately for their age. That can be very difficult to achieve on a severely limited diet- "weigh-in" visits at the pediatrician's office can become a dreaded event. After months and months of difficulty and frustration in this area - an allergist nutritionist introduced us to Neocate's E028 Splash by Nutricia, "a nutritionally complete, ready-to-drink amino acid-based medical food for children over the age of one. EO28 Splash is conveniently packaged in ready-to-go drink boxes and is available in three great tasting flavors: grape, tropical fruit and orange-pineapple." This product is considered a medical food so it must be used under a doctor's supervision. If you too face struggles in this area and it has not yet been suggested as a product, you might bring it to your allergists attention and follow the recommendations he or she gives. It is very expensive but the website (www.neocate.com) has funding assistance information. ***Please note this is meant only as a product suggestion to be used under medical supervision if it would benefit your specific situation. Consult with your doctor before proceeding in any way!

123 GLUTEN FREE...YIPPEE!!!

2009-07-14T08:16:00.009-04:00

Does the thought of a freshly baked southern biscuit sound like an impossibility in your home? Me too, until this past Saturday that is! I often pick up box mixes in the supermarket that look promising but once cooked up at home the final product does not live up to the hype. Not the case at all for 123 Gluten Free Southern Glory Biscuit Mix. And even if you don't share my biscuit thrill, "this dough can be used for cinnamon buns, pigs-in-a-blanket, chicken and biscuits, strawberry shortcake or whatever else you might use biscuit dough." Read the side of the box to find the alternative recipe to make the biscuits dairy free and remember to substitute all necessary ingredients with your own allergy friendly options. I was unable to mix the ingredients to a consistency where they could be rolled out on a baking sheet and cut out as per the instructions - so I just improvised with a spoon and made old fashioned (and easier!) drop biscuits. Best news of all...the product is manufactured in a dedicated facility free from Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Casein, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs and Soy! Check out the 123 Gluten Free site for lots of their delicious sounding goodies - I've got my eye on the Delightfully Gratifying Bundt Cake!

PLEASE PASS THE WIPES!

2009-06-22T15:17:00.015-04:00

For most moms, the rite of passage of their child from diapers usually signifies the passage from baby wipes as well. When it comes to food allergies however, the wipes are in it for the long haul. They are a godsend when on hand - and a nightmare when missing. With an older child you don't have the built-in luxury of toting a stocked diaper bag teeming with wipes. Here is the answer! ...Behold the adorable diapees and wipees - the perfect answer for the post baby years when food allergies mandate that wipes must still be on hand at all times. And in the season of ice cream our wipes are in full swing! In an assortment of colors and fabrics, including some waterproof options for the beach and pool, the perfect pattern awaits (think "disco dots" and "flamingo camo"). While they are meant to be filled with a few diapers and wipes, without any diapers it's the perfect fit for a thick refill pack of your favorite wipes. with this item stashed in your purse or beach bag, it's a joy to carry those wipes! Available at www.diapeesandwipees.com.

MOMMY RX

2009-06-16T23:32:00.004-04:00

Caring and nurturing the health of our children comes naturally. We make sure all appointments are kept and we are up to date on all things medical. With allergic children doctor visits can be more frequent: allergists, dermatologist, pediatricians, nutritionists and more. For a mom though, these visits can be deceiving. While it may feel like you are "always at the doctor", remember it is not for you. You must take the time and effort to schedule your own visits with the doctors and practitioners appropriate for your own health and well being. Time can pass in the blink of an eye, especially when you feel overwhelmed meeting the health needs of others. Prevention and early detection are key factors so don't put your own health on the back burner. Mommies are as invaluable as our dear loved ones so keep current to stay healthy.

HAPPY TRAILS!

2009-06-02T09:26:00.008-04:00

This past weekend we were lucky enough to spend an overnight with great friends at the beach followed by a very special family brunch in NYC. And the entire trip was made much easier with this handy rolling travel cooler. Given to me by a dear friend from whom I am so grateful to learn the "allergy ropes", this cooler made traveling around with two days worth of allergy friendly meals (breakfast, lunch and dinners!) a breeze. As simple as it is to have in your trunk, it's can also serve as carry on for airplane travel, assuring you always have the fresh food you need for your trip right by your side.

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND!

2009-05-27T21:02:00.011-04:00

Spending Memorial Day Weekend with a few close friends at our house was very special for our family. With the kids crew slip and sliding the day away as we sat and watched with amusement, I realized how incredibly lucky we are to have friends who are willing to sacrifice some major food groups for the weekend (three days of rice milk in coffee for some!). I also depended greatly on the gems in the fabulous Sophie Safe Cooking to keeps us all well fed (corn muffins, chocolate chip pancakes and chocolate frosted cupcakes). Once the ground rules were set in advance of the visit, smart choices and menu planning kept food safety the highest priority. All the kids ate the same allergy friendly meals so no one felt "different", including apple juice pops on the parade sidelines! With the right combination of fabulous friends willing to sacrifice, winning recipes to meet allergy needs, and some lucky weather - lots of fun can be had by all. Happy Memorial Day!

BIRDS OF A FEATHER!

2009-05-18T18:37:00.011-04:00

When it comes to food allergies, it's obvious that there will be lots of food to avoid. What's not so obvious, is that many children also have severe allergies to pets. That's the case in our house, and as true dog lovers at heart, the company of a furry loved one can be sorely missed at times. As a way to fill that void, we have been having lots of fun this Spring watching out the window as all our "pet birds" come and eat their meals as we do! All day long we see Carolina Chickadees, Cardinals, and the occasional Woodpecker (to name a few family favorites!) as they settle in for a snack. With a basket by the window stocked with binoculars, the Sibley Guide to Birds, and a super handy local bird guide from the Pocket Naturalist Series, there is lots of fun to be had seeing all the creatures big and small with whom you share your home. Keep a family journal of the birds you see... and the ones you hope fly by for a visit!
***Remember as always to decide if this is safe for your family. Bird seed may contain allergens. Hang the feeder far out of reach and keep all seeds stored out of sight.

THE POWER OF A MOM

2009-05-11T12:15:00.014-04:00

After celebrating a beautiful Mother's Day with the people I love most, I felt compelled to bring attention to another mother out there - someone who is a complete stranger to me. Robyn O'Brien is the author of the just released book entitled "The Unhealthy Truth - How Our Food is Making us Sick and What We Can Do About it". I hesitated to post about a book I haven't finished, but it just came out this week and I couldn't wait. As described on her website, Robyn's book details how "the deregulation of the American food system created a boon for industry. As governments around the world tightened regulations over chemicals added to their food supplies, we loosened ours in order to enhance industry profitability…to the detriment of our nation of 300 million eaters." I don't doubt the debate will continue rage as to why the allergy epidemic continues to rise, right along with asthma and autism, but I look forward to continuing to explore her research and her argument. I have been frustrated by snarky articles questioning the validity of soaring allergy rates. Anyone who experiences the management of a life-threatening food allergy understands first hand that those types of misinformed people spread very dangerous information and adversely effect public perception of what these children face. I am inspired by a mom who decided to dive in headfirst and will heed her call to action. Robyn is also the founder of allergykids.com which strives for universal food allergy awareness. Thank you to all the mothers out there who advocate on our behalf!

ONE SCOOP OR TWO?

2009-05-04T11:14:00.006-04:00

After the heat wave we had a few days ago I fell in love all over again...with my Cuisinart Ice Cream maker! It was an allergist recommended purchase since I have not been able to find any dedicated manufacturers of ice cream or sorbet (if you know of any please email!) It is beyond simple to use and with the right combination of rice milk, sugar and allergy friendly chocolate chips my little guy is over the moon for his vanilla "ice cream". It is a joy to hear him call out for seconds! I intend to get more creative as we head in to summer because it is also a sorbet machine - I'm also on the hunt for some allergy friendly cones. And check out these cool pop makers to turn your child's favorite juice into the perfect summer treat!

IT'S SHOWTIME!

2009-04-20T19:24:00.008-04:00

Earlier this year at the supermarket, a chance conversation led me to a fabulous purchase - an Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper. Not only did it make me nostalgic for my youth (I forgot how much I loved ours as a child!), but it has opened up a whole new world for us at home. The non-options of microwave popcorn are long forgotten. Pour in some corn kernels, turn on the machine and in just two minutes the glorious smell of popcorn wafts through the house! Topped with dairy free margarine and sea salt the result is divine. And thanks to my fabulous sister-in-law we each get one of these adorable containers for our yummy treat. Don't tell the theatre manager, but I sneak in a bag or two from home so we can still enjoy popcorn at the big screen too! ***As always, remember to check all your ingredients to make sure they meet your allergen requirements. Also check with your doctor to confirm it is age appropriate for your child to be eating popcorn as it is a potential choking hazard.

A ONE STOP SHOP!

2009-04-13T18:31:00.021-04:00

A wonderful part of our Easter this year was the bountiful baskets our children received from the Easter Bunny- thanks to Amanda's Own there was much chocolate-filled joy! That has not been an option in the past, and would still not be were it not for a wonderful website I discovered by chance - Free From Market, "the single destination for all major and hard to find allergen free groceries, pharmaceutical grade supplements, chemical free household cleaners, natural health and beauty products, high tolerance air purifiers, etc". It was by surfing this site that I found the chocolate product.

Inspired by their two daughters who have several allergies (food, animals, plants), Celiac disease and asthma, Peter and Shelly DeRousse just opened their store in Chicago and also (thankfully!) offer online shopping as well. Frustrated by the prospect of shopping at 4-5 different stores to meet their needs, it seemed to them that there should be a better way - and Free From Market was born.

I had an opportunity to ask Peter a few questions and was enlightened by his responses. He says, "We saw and experienced the great gulf and steep learning curve that exists between diagnosis and leading a life of optimum health with allergies or Celiac disease. We also realized that U.S. distribution of allergen free foods is very provincial. Beyond exhausting the distributors that serve our region, the aim was to cull directly from the best east and west coast brands. Finally, we never understood why those with food allergies seem to neglect their environmental allergies. It only leads to exacerbating the real dangerous food problems or asthma or both. It just makes sense to put it all together."

In describing their mission for the store Peter says, "Our look is clean, lively and fun. There is much doom and gloom surrounding food allergy. Yet, most of the food allergy people I meet are much healthier than the average person, because they tend not to eat fast food or out of the center of the grocery store (i.e. the same 5 ingredients in different combinations). There is much to celebrate about returning to the art of cooking and optimum health, and we wanted to create a place that removed the fear and the feeling of being deprived. Still, I have experienced the worst that anaphylaxis can offer – almost – 7 times, so I am dead serious about labeling, cross contact and advocacy. We have a peanut and gluten-free facility."

What is fabulous for the rest of us about their venture is that they are consumers as well, "We use the things we sell. We know how they perform in the kitchen. When substitutions work and don’t work. My wife Shelly still spends weekends dreaming up excellent dairy, gluten, egg and soy free meals."

Because of his vast exposure to products and foods I asked what are a few of his favorite items. He responded, "I like the Blue Air ECO10 Air Purifier. It is dead silent, emits no ozone and helps prevent us from waking up with asthmatic symptoms. It also runs on 10 watts. Breads from Anna Mixes are hard to beat, as are Sunflour Baking Co. Shortbread cookies. I am also a fan of antibiotic-free, hormone-free, free range meats. Personal care products are really tricky especially for people with allergies (and ought to be given more attention even by the non-allergic population), but brands like Keys, Noli ‘n’ Nali and Terressentials use no nonsense, full disclosure labels, they work excellently and have no downstream footprint"

Peter summed things up by stating "Cheer up folks! You are not deprived." I try to remember this often...how true it is!

"HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL!"

2009-03-30T08:08:00.007-04:00

It's almost Easter, and for the first time in a few years our house will have two Easter baskets filled with chocolate goodies!! Thanks to the great people at Free From Market (more on them next week) I have discovered Amanda's Own Confection s. I have been tempted in the past to purchase some allergy friendly chocolates but was never quite convinced. When you visit Amanda's site - the very first words you read are the following: "Welcome to the home of great tasting chocolate that is completely dairy-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, egg-free and gluten-free!" And check out the FAQ page for more allergen details. All sorts of adorable chocolate goodies await - tons of holiday and "all occasion" options. Various types of cute packing included. Enjoy!

YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ!

2009-03-23T10:33:00.008-04:00

It's not headline news that managing food allergies involves an incredible amount of time thoroughly reading food labels - many times of the same product over and over because ingredients can change without any warning. However, what was news to me is how very unregulated and remiss the food labeling laws are in our country. My experience in "cyberspace" creating this blog has led me to learn about the incredible people all over the United States, and beyond, who have chosen their own path of advocacy to better the situation for severely food allergic children.

When it comes to food labeling, I am learning so much from the not-for-profit foundation Eat, Learn, Live (ELL). A trip to their website reveals the following mission statement: "Every child has an innate right to safely consume manufactured foods and to safely engage in learning environments. Every child must be provided the right to eat, to learn and to live safely without jeopardy to one’s life. " Among many other advocacy efforts they are spearheading in government, school and community arenas, I was most interested to discover that part of ELL's primary mission is to "to maintain a database of information that better informs consumers of incidents where a major allergen is not properly labeled on a product". The alerts you may already receive (and often!) about cross contamination in food products from FAAN, or elsewhere, involve VOLUNTARY recalls AFTER the FDA has been notified of the contamination. According to ELL, those VOLUNTARY recalls by manufacturers represent only 7% of allergic contamination!!!

Scroll down on their website to check out their Allergy Incident Report and Advisory Labeling Report. Their goal is to create a database where parents can report suspected contaminations instantly without having to HOPE for the manufacturer to voluntary recall their product. Prior to ELL that was the only system in place.

Finally, check out the Labeling Complaints link to learn about the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Although it requires manufacturers to identify in plain language the presence of any of the 8 major food allergens it also has many frightening shortfalls. All of ELL's efforts are "on behalf of the more than 12 million Americans and 2.2 million school-aged children who have a food allergy."

Thank you to Eat, Learn, Live and all the advocates around the world!

BON VOYAGE!

2009-03-17T10:00:00.007-04:00

Chances are if you have school age children they will soon be on Spring Break, and be it a trip to a nearby carousel, a museum in the closest city, or a week long stay at the beach, you will probably be seeking out ways to entertain your brood! Wherever you find yourself, I have an amazing suggestion for what tote bag to use! Having just spent four days visiting friends in Florida I can say with all certainty that the Scout by Bungalow Pocket Rocket Tote was a huge help in keeping the vacation feeling like a vacation! On the plane or on the ground, as anyone who manages a child with food allergies already knows, I had to have on me, at absolutely all times, an epi-pen and all necessary allergy meds- and additionally a plug in nebulizer and various asthma meds. Then the regular goodies: an extra pair of pants in case the potty training hits a snag, sunglasses for all, sunscreen, swimsuits for spontaneity, my own necessities (wallet, needlepoint in hopes of a free minute!), and best of all - a place to hold the golf cart key which was our delightful mode of transportation most days! Storage abounds with six outer pockets and the zipper top secures the inside items. The water resistant, poly woven fabric is thankfully wipe clean! Dimensions: 15"(W) x 14.5"(H) x 5"(D) And don't forget all the food needed to travel. Small snacks can fit in the bag, but when I needed to bring a full meal (which was often since my youngest with allergies has yet to eat any restaurant food) I had a matching mini Cooler Bag which makes mealtime a lot more efficient and fun. Wherever life happens to take you, this bag will keep your necessities right alongside!

DECEPTIVELY... DIVINE!!!

2009-03-09T14:09:00.010-04:00

For those of you who have read this blog before, you have heard many times over how HUGE a fan I am of Sophie Safe Cooking by Emily Hendrix. I love the idea of baking from scratch and her delectable, simple recipes allow for that joy. Sometimes, however, you really just need a quick fix and I have found none better than Cherry Brook Kitchen products. The gluten free versions of their boxed cake mix, and pancake mix are fantastic...my most recent moment of kitchen euphoria came from their vanilla instant frosting! Bake up a batch of their Sugar Cookie mix, spread some frosting on top and watch those cookies disappear! With their cake mix and frosting in your pantry you are always ready to celebrate - even at the last minute. And with the pancake mix it can still feel like a weekend breakfast on the most hectic of school-day mornings. As always, please read the detailed allergen information provided on their website and read the product labels carefully because not all Cherry Brook Kitchen products are wheat and gluten free.

...IN LIKE A LION...OUT LIKE A LAMB!

2009-03-02T20:03:00.010-05:00

While a major snow fall like today can make the approaching spring a joyful notion, in our house it also means the onslaught of seasonal allergies (i.e. dreaded pollen). What this means exactly is lots prescriptions to stock and maintenance protocols to follow. Getting through the upcoming season with a minimal comfort level for my child means managing the necessary doses of antihistamines, nasal spray, nebulizing, and topical creams - and let's not forget vitamins!- throughout the day, every day. It can keep me running in circles, but I have found that having two "hubs" in the house is a big help (both of which must be impossibly far out of reach from children of course!). Everything I need medicinally is stocked in a lined basket in the kitchen. A second "hub" in my child's room is filled with all the same items. Now it's straight from the tub to the bedroom and once again all necessary items are right on hand. No more running downstairs for a nighttime dose or a jar of Vaseline! Although you might consistently use one hub more than the other, for the few times you do need both it is so peaceful to have it right at your disposal. Just remember how important it is to keep track of what your using in both places so you never have the frustration of being empty handed or worse - without the medicine you need in an emergency.

MENU PLANNING - THE KEY INGREDIENT!

2009-02-24T07:33:00.007-05:00

For me, meal planning makes all the difference for sanity in the kitchen. And when paired with crowd-pleasing recipes like those found in Sophie Safe Cooking by Emily Hendrix, it makes for a winning combination! (See my very first post for a detailed review of this gem!) Cooking with allergies made me feel overwhelmingly limited in my options, but I created a simple 3 step process which has been a tremendous help in turning wishful thinking into wonderfully satisfying home cooked family dinners. I choose to keep our kitchen allergy free and my goal is to make one dinner for the whole family five nights a week (two nights for leftovers or spontaneity). I hope you find these three forms (found here) as helpful as I do. Form 1 is for "Brainstorming" - I find that by writing down the breakfast, lunch, snacks and treats that are already staples in my rotation, combined with new ones I am eager to try, I can better visualize the depth and breadth of my mealtime possibilities. Refer to this each week for a motivation boost when you sit down to plan. Under wish list keep track of any allergy free meals you are hoping to find (i.e. spaghetti and meatballs) so when you have a free moment you can do a quick search or try to convert an old recipe with allergy friendly ingredients. Form 2 is the "Planner" - representing five dinners for the week (print extra to use for breakfast and lunch). As you peruse your recipes of choice, jot down the ingredients needed to make the meal. Take stock of your fridge and pantry, crossing out what you don't need, and write the remaining items in the last column for marketing. Form 3 is the "Market List" - transfer the items you need to purchase to make your meals, and add all the other products needed for the week. Save a few weeks worth of Market Lists and create your own master list! Hopefully with some planning shopping will be a breeze, dinner a joy, and lots of yummy meals in between! Don't forget to keep a clippings folder of all those great recipes you find in the newspaper, magazines, or on-line. When you settle in for a fresh week of menu planning it's always nice to have some inspiration on hand! As always, I'd love to hear your helpful mealtime tips at ourducksinarow@gmail.com. Happy planning!

HOME SWEET HOME!

2009-02-16T08:40:00.008-05:00

While this post is not specific to raising a child with food allergies, in my opinion, it can make a tremendous difference in quality of life. For some of you this post will be one that you bypass because it simply does not apply. But for others who feel they could use some help "decluttering and organizing your home and life" I highly recommend checking out FlyLady.net. The best part is... it's free - but the knowledge gained is invaluable. There's a lot of work that goes into raising a happy and healthy family and chaos can intrude into any life to make it feel overwhelming - families with allergies included. Having safe food at hand, keeping prescriptions stocked, and being emergency ready at all times can feel mind-boggling without a system in place. As the website states, "This system will work for anyone; it doesn’t matter if you work outside of your home, stay home with children, retired or work at home." FlyLady's simple "babysteps" approach allows you to implement your own morning, night, and weekly routines that can open up a whole new world. The goal of the FlyLady system is to take care of business in a way that opens up much more free time for playing and having fun with the ones you love!

PRICELESS PEACE OF MIND!

2009-02-08T20:09:00.017-05:00

The Kitchen Folio by momAgenda has been such a welcome relief! The post-its and memos I used to write over and over again for the babysitter are now a thing of the past. In this neatly bound folio, tucked by the phone, are the detailed special care instructions for our children. Fill out the handy information forms included and in the empty pages store your doctor provided emergency action plan. Emergency contacts, neighbors, and schools are all a fingertip away - along with the paper minutiae that make our family tick but before now had no home. Class lists that surface every time you don't need them, but never when you do (not to mention yoga schedules and take out menus!) now await snug inside the page protectors of this organizing treasure. Check out www.momAgenda.com for the myriad possibilities that await. I swear by the Day Planner too - loving the leopard! Happy organizing!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

2009-02-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

I recently found another gem! This time it is the adorable "Cup-A-Cake" container, a small plastic holder for transporting a single cupcake with ease. Those birthday parties and class parties keep on coming, and so does the allergy friendly cupcake we need to bring for our kids (see my post last week about the amazing Chocolate Cupcake recipe). Say goodbye to smushed frosting at cake time - throw the fabulous Cup-A-Cake in your purse and it will "hold a frosted cupcake in place in such a way that the cupcake will not move within the container if jiggled or turned upside down." Designed and patented by mothers to solve the age old problem of transporting cupcakes, they have created a fabulous product...and at a great price! Available in lots of cute colors and sold in single packs ($2.99) or 4-packs ($4.99) at www.cupacake.com.

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

2009-01-26T07:05:00.004-05:00

Trying to provide 3 meals 365 days a year for your food allergic child and the rest of your family can be quite a daunting task, at least for me it is. That is why when I first held Sophie-Safe Cooking by Emily Hendrix in my hands for the first time a few weeks ago, I was overjoyed. As Emily states, it is a "collection of family friendly recipes that are free of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish" and "the ingredients are all common everyday foods." They happen to be delicious to boot! With over 100 recipes included, the Chocolate Cupcakes and the Creamy Frosting are two that have already become household staples. Thank you Emily! For more information please check out her website sophiesafecooking.com. Remember, as always, you must verify the safety of ingredients and recipes with an allergist or other doctor.

LOOK NO FURTHER!

2009-01-26T07:00:00.009-05:00

Coming soon!...An informative allergy blog dedicated to all that is good in life! Here you will find weekly tips to manage life threatening food allergies. From a mom who knows, and struggles, will come products and ideas that work! A life living with food allergies can still be upbeat, energetic, positive and joyous, all the while dealing with the reality. By spreading the word about my "allergy tips" I hope to grow a community filled with yours as well!