Food Allergy Fun

Red Herring Allergy - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-27T07:21:00.002-08:00

Pin It
Inspired by: http://allergicliving.com/index.php/2012/02/08/suns-rays-may-prevent-food-allergies-eczema/

Red Herring: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_herring_(disambiguation)

Punch You - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Organic - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Russian Roulette - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Kids Grow Out of Food Allergies - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

Pin It

If you have allergies, your child has allergies, or you think adults don't have allergies, please check out these two incredibly inspiring adults with food allergies:

Sloane Miller: http://allergicgirl.blogspot.com/

Sandra Beasley: http://www.sandrabeasley.com/

Eww - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

Pin It

P.S. Our favorite milk & egg free cupcake cookbook is this. We adjust the recipes for other allergies, but it's definitely a favorite!

What DO you eat? - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

Pin It

P.S.

Links to our Coconut Milk Ice Cream and Rice Milk Chocolate.

(Safe for US - If you have allergies, please check all ingredients for any new food.)

STILL - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-02-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Again & Again - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-01-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Eat Local - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-01-28T07:58:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Dedicated to @mmh1 for this Food Allergy Advocacy via Twitter:

Actual Responses - Food Allergy Fun Graph

2012-01-26T12:06:00.001-08:00

Blah Blah Food Allergy Blah Blah - Cartoon

2012-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Don't Share - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-01-12T12:10:00.001-08:00

P.S. For a VERY well written, thoughtful, informative blog post about Peanut Butter Cheerios, read The Nut-Free Mom Blog, here: http://nut-freemom.blogspot.com/2012/01/peanut-allergy-news-peanut-butter.html

OMG Peanut Butter Cheerios - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-01-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

New Peanut Butter Cheerios Worry Parents of Allergic Kids:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/01/new-peanut-butter-cheerios-worry-parents-of-allergic-kids/

Hold the presses ~ I'm not worried. Thank you to Cheerios for being clear with allergen warnings, labeling and safety information. As an "allergy mom" this clear information helps me keep my family safe, even if that means not choosing to buy Cheerios. I wish every company was as candid and clear.

From their Website:

Does Cheerios® cereal contain allergens?

"All Cheerios® cereal varieties contain one or more allergens. Common allergens are listed on the nutrition facts panel of each variety." Link to Source

Does Multi Grain Cheerios® Peanut Butter contain peanuts?

"Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter contains peanuts. Cheerios has a commitment to allergen management. We can say with complete confidence that Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter will not cross-contaminate other Cheerios varieties.

Currently, Honey Nut Cheerios, Banana Nut Cheerios, and Oat Cluster Cheerios Crunch contain almonds. Only Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter contains peanuts. All other varieties, including original Cheerios, Multi Grain Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Chocolate Cheerios, Cinnamon Burst Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, and Yogurt Burst Cheerios, do not contain nuts.

As always, If you’re concerned about allergies, we highly recommend that you always consult the allergen listing and the ingredient label on any product you may consume. And for more product info, check out our website: Cheerios.com/products" Link to Source

Sucks to be You - Cartoon

2012-01-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Save me - Food Allergy Cartoon

2012-01-03T21:29:00.001-08:00

"Girl, Friend Save Mom With CPR Learned on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’" via ABC News: -http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/12/05/girl-friend-save-mom-with-cpr-learned-on-greys-anatomy/

How to use an EpiPen (video): http://www.epipen.com/how-to-use-epipen

When to use an EpiPen: http://www.epipen.com/about-epipen/when-to-use-your-epipen

How to use a Twinject (video) : http://www.twinject.com/

Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network: http://www.foodallergy.org/

Redirecting You

2012-01-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

If you wind up here ~ looking for a new cartoon, may I please redirect your time and attention to reading: http://www.loudounallergynetwork.org/2012/01/7-year-old-richmond-virginia-girl-dies.html

Especially right now, please support the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which you can read about in the above post, or via the Food Allergy Anaphalaxis Network, here: http://www.foodallergy.org/page/school-access-to-emergency-epinephrine-act1

Stupid Martha - Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-12-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

Inspired by: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2074302/Gluten-free-diets-welcome-chez-Martha-Stewart.html

Help Needed

2011-12-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Yah, we have food allergies ~ but when it starts feeling overwhelming, I meet someone who undoes me with their bravery and grace.

A family with 8 children is facing a holiday season of bone marrow transplants, and the mother's Christmas wish list is so damn simple and easy to fufill. But, I imagine her heartache writing the list, and knowing the one thing they really want is to have a normal healthy holiday. And then I feel silly for worrying about anything else.

On the family's wish list: Art Materials, Nailpolish, Yarn, Gift Cards for Gas and Target.

If you would be so kind, please send anything you can to Connor's Heros: P.O. Box 2536, Midlothian, VA 23113

Read more about the organization helping children conquer childhood cancer, here.

Food Allergy Cartoon - Moot

2011-11-21T12:19:00.001-08:00

What's my perfect, ideal dinner out in Richmond?
Read 5 Questions with a Foodie: Tiffany Ferreira on Richmond.com

A rare chance to take home my Vegan Cupcake Painting (for a great cause) at Art Karma on December 1st
Plant Zero Event Space
7 — 10 PM
ART KARMA is ART 180's 8th annual silent art auction fundraiser and "good karma party" held Thursday, December 1, 2011. As always, the event will take place at Plant Zero Event Space (0 E. 4th St., Richmond, VA 23224) from 7-10 p.m. Proceeds support [Art 180's] after-school programs in self-expression for people living in challenging circumstances.

Update! The 2011 FAAN Walk in Northern Virginia raised $43,440.16. Thank you!

Questions or Comments, email me: tiffanyglass at gmail dot com

Halloween - Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-10-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2011-10-14T13:55:00.001-07:00

Groupon

2011-10-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Groupon Food Allergy Controversy happening here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Groupon-rethink-bullying-the-allergy-kids-please/294508943908566

Surviving Our Mistakes

2011-08-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm devastated by TWO stories this week of young people dying from allergic reactions, without their emergency medicine - a Kennesaw State University student who ate in a dining hall and a Fifteen-year-old who took one bite of a sample cookie in a Walmart.

I hope more than ever, we'll soon have an easier way to carry epinephrine or a cure.

With young children, whose parents have witnessed a reaction, we rarely leave the house without our emergency "pack". But what about teens? Young adults? Adults? I'm not always going to be there ~ following my kids with their medicine. (Wouldn't that be embarrassing on the first day of college? But, don't think I haven't thought about it...)

My heart breaks for the families that lost their children this week. I'm saving their stories, tucked away in a package for my future young adults to help prepare them for life after mom. I hope their stories will save countless others. But, It shouldn't have to happen like this.

Food Allergy News

2011-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

For example, http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/cristinaodone/100100961/pity-the-child-with-a-parent-on-allergy-alert/

Walk walk cry walk walk walk

2011-08-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

I didn't participate in the 2010 Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) Walk, because I knew I would burst into tears at the sight of hundreds of moms, dads, grandparents, friends and children with our -same- situation. I was still in the "omg this is really happening?!" phase. I wanted to be brave for my kids, and I didn't want them to see me upset. I try to teach them to be safe, happy and grateful, because it could be a lot worse.

But, this year, I can't ignore the opportunity to help find a cure during our lifetime. This year, I need to be braver. I'M DOING IT- with very large sunglasses.

I need your help. You can read what FAAN does for us here, or you can make a donation to our walking team here. After you make a donation, here's the deal:

For each $5 Donation, I'll make you a cupcake. Delivery not included. You have to come over and eat it with me.
For each $25 Donation, I'll send you a Food Allergy Fun Cartoon Print from my collection at www.foodallergyfun.com ~ Or, I'll make you a dozen cupcakes.
For each $50 Donation, I'll send you an original Food Allergy Fun Cartoon, hand drawn and dedicated to you.
For each $100 Donation, I'll send you an Original 4"x4" Acrylic Cupcake Painting.
For the first $150 Donation, I'll give you the -exclusive- sidebar ad on www.foodallergyfun.com for 1 year.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you x 12 million food allergic people you're helping.

The link to our Walk Team page is: http://www.foodallergywalk.org/goto/iknowtiffany

FAAN Walk

2011-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Live in Virginia? Want to walk together at the 2011 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy? Join our team here: http://www.foodallergywalk.org/goto/iknowtiffany

Prevented Allergies - Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

The real news about food allergies, here. (1 in 12 children are food allergic)

Thinning the Herd

2011-06-20T14:55:00.001-07:00

Do people really say stuff like this to parents with food allergic children?

Yes, Here. (See Comment #6)

Link List

2011-06-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Whaaat? Another day without cartoons, but in the meantime, these links struck a chord with me this week. I can't promise they're all funny, but I'm glad I read them.

A story of a First Ever Food Allergy Reaction that I could have written, but didn't, and I'm glad Sarcelay did:
http://www.averageallergymom.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-first-er-visit-from-food-allergies.html

Fat Free Ginger Melon Pops by Mollee Sullivan:
http://www.mybrokenstomach.com/?p=1508

A thoughtful post by Alex Iwashyna about Sexting that I read with my husband:
http://www.lateenough.com/2011/06/when-does-talking-becoming-cheating/

A GREAT post by Thanita Glancey called Ten Things I Wished I Asked the Allergist Upon Diagnosis:
http://advocatebyfate.blogspot.com/2011/06/10-things-i-wish-i-asked-allergist-upon.html

Download Food Allergy Guidelines for Parents from FAAAN:
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/faan-and-fai-endorse-food-allergy-guidelines-for-patients-families-and-caregivers

Clear and helpful tips to avoid food allergens from Food Allergy Mom Doc:
http://foodallergymomdoc.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/at-home-allergy-scare/

A list of Household Tips from Becky McNeer that I wish I could memorize: http://homesandbabies.blogspot.com/p/tips_15.html

A cute idea for Teacher Gifts (or any gifts) that I would love to try: http://www.justmakestuff.com/ndg/2011/06/ive-come-to-the-realization.html

Food Allergy Fun flashback ~ Cheating Candyland (How to win in 5 minutes after playing for hours):http://foodallergyfun.blogspot.com/2010/11/cheating-candy-land.html

Also, I highly recommend Busch Gardens on a Tuesday night, with no lines and lots of courage:

What did I miss? Share a link in the comments.

Wednesday Treats

2011-06-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ta-da! An allergen friendly frozen treat I didn't know existed until this week:

How surprised am I when I find something we CAN have in the grocery store?

I wrote the store an email... something like,

----------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Grocery Store,

Thank you for actually carrying a product we can have! And stocking it in the normal food section!! When my kids see the aisle of 1000 ice cream varieties, I usually explain we can't have ANY ~ but suddenly, I saw it (practically glowing from the shelf). It was a colorful box of totally non-healthy, deliciousness labeled "Nut-free facility". Yay!!

We'll be back,

Happy Mom/Grocery Store Lover

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you tried PhillySwirl? Here's a link to the company's website. Looks like they're everywhere (why wasn't I in the loop until now??).

This isn't an ad, just a happy mom :)

Smash Banana Bread Mini Cupcakes

2011-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post recipes, but this is too good not to share.

Ingredients
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Spectrum Palm Shortening
3 ripe bananas, mashed

Preheat oven to 350F

Kids help fill a "Mini Cupcake Pan" with liners (optional: spray the liners with (Canola) Oil for quick and easy release)

In one bowl, kids help stir sugar, flour, baking soda and salt.

In another bowl, kids help SMASH bananas with forks and/or a potato masher. Once sufficiently smashed (some bits OK), combine bananas with Spectrum Palm Shortening until well blended.

Kids help add dry ingredients to wet in small batches and stir.

Parents use a tablespoon to fill cupcakes liners.

Parents bake 8-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out dry.

Before you begin, check these great kitchen safety tip for kids from KidsHealth.org: http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/safe_in_kitchen.html

Sugar & Salt

2011-06-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is not a cartoon, it's a 10 second preschool food allergy experiment:

You'll need:

1 teaspoon of sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

a dark plate

First, keep the sugar and salt separate, on opposite sides of the plate.

Questions:

Which one is sugar?

Which one is salt?

Can you tell by looking?

Then, Taste test.

Conclusions:

We don't know ingredients by looking.

We have to ask and read ingredient labels.

Other observations encouraged.

Next, mix the sugar and salt together.

Questions:

Can you see the sugar?

Can you see the salt?

What happened to the ingredients?

Conclusions:

When ingredients are mixed together, you can't see them.

We have to read ingredient labels to know what's inside food.

Other observations encouraged.

We're always talking about food and ingredients.

Secret Family Recipe

2011-06-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

Food Fight - Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

Sour Teacher - Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Allergic to Television ~ Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Gotta Avoid Nuts. Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

I Can't Believe... Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

What's more American? Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Outside Food. Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Is that a NO? Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Someday - Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Breathing is Optional? Food Allergy Cartoon

2011-06-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sweet Frog

2011-06-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

Meet the Food Allergy Mom Army

2011-06-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to the Food Allergy Mom Army, over a dozen tweeting Moms with food allergies in their families.

@lissaRFAK @VickysIckies @aparentleigh @RockerMom1998 @AllergyBird @TheAllergicKid @CybelePascal ... These women are amazing.

Day after day, they share resources, heartaches, alerts, discoveries and virtual cups of coffee (and wine!)~ to help each other and fuel a network of support that spans the country.

I read their updates to glean their knowledge, and to see what lies ahead. Some days are great, and some days surprise us. Hearing their good news and the bad reminds me to be prepared and grateful for each day.

If you don't have a Twitter Account, you can find food allergy "tweets" by searching Twitter for #foodallergy (one word, with the number sign, called a hashtag.)

But Moms, if you have food allergies in your family, I highly recommend starting a Twitter account and "following" these savvy Food Allergy Moms.

I taught my kids

2011-06-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Smell like nuts.

2011-05-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Dangerous Cupcakes

2011-05-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sharing with you NEW PAINTINGS, in a series to be called Dangerous Cupcakes:

Originally I was calling them the Deadly Cupcakes ~ but I chickened out. Although my son's food allergies are considered life threatening ~ I haven't explained THAT consequence to him yet. For now, we describe potential reactions by saying, "You'll have to go to the hospital and get medicine, including shots.", which is enough, for now.

At what age do you tell kids they could die if they eat a cupcake with an unlisted ingredient?

When do I share the news reports of a child killed by peanuts in Chinese food, or a 7 year old who had a heart attack from a hidden hazelnut in chocolate candy ~

Last week I watched a friend cut open a cookie to "see what's inside", before declaring it nut free. Guess what? It doesn't work like that!

By painting these cupcakes, with a total of 300 my goal, I hope to continue this conversation with my children without fear, without shame, without embarrassment. It's just a fact, some cupcakes are dangerous, some cupcakes are safe ~ and you can't tell which one by looking.

We can be careful, and eat our cupcakes too.

I don't eat cats.

2011-05-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Plastic Doesn't Replace Candy

2011-04-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

I spent hours (and hours) talking about a "safe" community Easter Egg Hunt for food allergic kids. I suggested non-food treats for egg prizes, explained allergen free alternatives and looked forward to the big event since last Halloween. We had local news coverage, online articles and parents' attention nationwide.

It was a hit, but I have to admit, it was still stressful. We carried our EpiPen, double checked the contents of each egg. They were delighted to find crayons, art supplies, magnifying glasses, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, stickers and other non food prizes in the eggs. All around us, children were happy. Yay!

Then I attended another egg hunt ~ with candy and prizes that could hospitalize my kids (fortune cookies, packages of M&Ms, peanut butter cups and other chocolate candy). Before the hunt, we talked to our kids about bringing the eggs to us and we walked with them during the event. We packed a small bag of our own plastic eggs, with treats we could safely have: Divvies Chocolate, Surf Sweet Jelly Beans, Annie's Bunnie Fruit Snacks, and small pieces of Enjoy Life Chocolate Bars wrapped in foil. At the end of the hunt, I swapped the eggs and my kids were delighted. It was that easy.

Between the two events, I felt safer bringing my own treats. I also felt better leaving with our reused eggs and carefully selected treats (i.e. no oriental trading company plastic pieces of crud). If the alternative to candy is plastic ~ forget I asked.

Maybe next year I'll pull the food allergy card and start a new tradition without -any- egg hunting. It's kinda surreal searching for plastic eggs with an egg allergic child. What about a four leaf clover hunt? a heart shaped rock hunt? a dandelion hunt? a buttercup hunt? a bird watching walk? Or we'll just pack our treats and enjoy being different.

What do you think? Did you have a fun Easter Egg Hunt this year? What made it special? What prizes are the most coveted?

P.S. I am grateful for the cooperation of Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (and specifically the Youth Programs Coordinator Megan Liles) for their compassion and creativity in planning a "safe" family event for food allergic kids. Every mom should be so lucky to find support when they ask.

VMFA Egg Hunt Forgets Candy

2011-04-07T05:01:00.001-07:00

Thanks to WRIC Channel 8 in Richmond, Virginia for this segment about Food Allergy Awareness, featuring information about VMFA's upcoming Eggcellent Family Day:

The family event will feature music, arts and crafts, "Hoppity Rabbit" and a candy-free egg hunt. Last year, VMFA family program coordinators chose to fill plastic eggs with creative prizes (including stickers, art supplies, games, and small toys) ~ and I noticed it was "safe" for my food allergic kids to participate. This year they're filling the eggs with even more cool stuff! Trust me: it was fun for EVERYONE, and no kids noticed the lack of candy. Hope to see you there next week!

Questions? Email me: iknowtiffany@gmail.com

Cartoon: Drama Queen

2011-03-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Me Too. Peanut Protest Cartoon, Part II

2011-03-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Parent Protest Cartoon, Part 1 here: http://foodallergyfun.blogspot.com/2011/03/parent-protest-cartoon.html

Confession: I don't think this cartoon is funny.

I find the whole "Peanut Allergy Protest" totally upsetting ~ from the parent attitudes on TV, to the comments popping up on articles, to the doctors claiming serious reactions to food allergies are "rare". Tell that to any parent who's administered an EpiPen, visited an ER with their child during a reaction, or heard a frightening allergy diagnosis from an doctor.

So, yes, it's not fair that food allergies affect our children. I totally agree.

My child IS NOT allergic to peanuts, but we still use Sunbutter (and love it!). If such a simple switch can make the playground, classroom, picnic table or lunchroom a safer place for even one child with a life threatening allergy, why not?

Parent Protest Cartoon

2011-03-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

At an elementary school in Florida, parents are protesting food allergy accommodations, including hand washing. Read all about it here: http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2011/03/little-more-education.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheAllergicKid+%28The+Allergic+Kid%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Question, Challenge, and Question Some More.

2011-03-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Desiree Rose

What ingredients does your family avoid?
Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish and more.

How did you first learn about your family's allergies?
The first time we learned about food allergies was when my husband and I started dating.. He is the first allergy person in our family.. I guess I thought in the great scheme of things it could skip the kids but atlas no... Our first son avoided peanuts and chocolate til he was 3 but then we slowly started in a controlled environment and we passed YEA!! When our second son David came along we thought maybe we would be lucky again... NOT SO MUCH! He started out struggling with weight issues and nursing which should have been the first clue but it took til he was 15 months and failure to thrive for them to do allergy testing.. Ironically we were using Almond M&M's as calorie boosters during the test and found out that day that he was MOST allergic to ALMONDS!! Nice.. Talk about not earning Mother of the Year award here!!

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family? Is there more than one? FEAR! I guess since I have two that we avoid nuts with it has become so common to NOT have them around that when they do come around they make my panic level raise.. I can be out without the allergic members of my family and still feel my insecurities rise when people eat it around me.. But the part that scares me the most is that we have identified all of my 4 year old's allergies.. Allergies evolve every 6 months some times and that can be scary all to itself.. We have found allergens in all the wrong ways.. Like for example his OT suggested we try Quinoa as a replacement for wheat since it is SO healthy and has protein... This ended in an ambulance ride and the SCARE of a lifetime for us with the ambulance staff saying that was really really scary we have never seen that type of BLACK TONGUE swelling reaction!! Thanks for educating us.. If only we were not the guinea pigs!

For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys. Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or something good that's happened because of food allergies? Awareness is key! I have to say that I feel more confident in standing up for my child's health care. I do not take what the doctors say as the gospel. I question, challenge and question some more when I do not feel they are on the right track. Also it has educated my children on diversity of people. We are all created unique and God gives us each special qualities to make us loved differently!

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? Trust your instinct... So many new mom's feel like they have to believe everything the doctors are tell them. This is not the case. You are your own child's advocate. Sometimes the gut feeling we have that things are just not right can often help you discover health care issues that need to be known. You do not have to avoid birthday parties, school events or other places you can educate teachers, staff and cafeteria workers to make the environment safe for everyone.. And as hard as it is to stand up to that mom that says her child ONLY eats peanut butter crackers for snack well you can do it because YOUR child or you should not be bullied by unaware people to this tragedy of Food Allergies!!!!

Do you have any additional comments or questions you'd like to see posted?
Just today I encountered a woman in Chickfila that was feeding her child a peanut butter sandwich in the play area!! Since we were just wasting time I choose to leave the area not saying anything other than "Come on David I see PB so let's go!" The woman spoke to my son not me and said "Well maybe your mama shouldn't bring you to Chickfila since they cook everything in Peanuts!" My response was collected to say well ma'am actually it is refined peanut oil that does not contain fragments so therefore safe for some children with allergies.. (But thanks for passing judgement on me!! is what I was thinking) This just goes to show that there are so many people out there that DO NOT understand what food allergies mean.. There is no generic pattern that every child follows.. Food Allergies is not a one size fits all avoid here type of disease!! Awareness is KEY! Thanks for giving me this chance to share, it was most healthy!!

Our son does not just have food allergies, he has eosinophilic esophagitis a rare and new disease that is hard to diagnosis with out biopsies being taken.. Our son had biopsies taken every three months for the first 3 years of his life to make sure his disease has not progressed! It has been a long road but an educational road! I feel more confident in being an advocate for my children not just a parent!

Wanna Trade?

2011-03-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

Recently I got an ironic (and too common) "Awww, poor kid." response from a well meaning person when I pulled out my son's packed lunch. Meanwhile, their kid was having 12oz of orange soda, chips dripping with nacho "cheese" and Dippin Dots.

It's not that bad... Is it?

With or without the food allergies, companies like Easy Lunch Boxes offer containers and creative ideas for an easy, fast and safe "alternative" meal on the go for the whole family.

And by the way, it saves money. That other kids lunch was $12, and I guarantee they're hungry and grumpy when that sugar/carb buzz wears off.

Their super lunch idea gallery: http://bit.ly/fJgnDv inspired this food allergy cartoon. There's not ONE picture of cardboard nachos, fake cheese and freeze dried ice cream.

Cow Hugger

2011-03-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

We talk about ingredients every day, so it shouldn't surprise me when my 4yo son looks at his plate last night and asks, "What kind of meat is this?"

Me: "Beef, from a cow."
Him: "It used to be a cow?"
Me: "Yes. Sometimes people eat cows."
Him (crying): "What about the cow's family?"
Which sounded more like: "Whhhaaaaaattttt aaaabbbbboooouuuutttt thhhheeeee coooooooowwwwsssssss faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmily????"
Me: "Whaa? Der. Um. Errrr. Some animals are food sometimes."

While my vegetarian friends may cheer ~ Managing his allergies, we have lived without eggs, milk, wheat, soy, nuts, peanut butter, store bought bread, prepared cakes, doughnuts, deli meat, ice cream, chocolate, cheese and more.

Thankfully, right now we are "only" avoiding food containing or contaminated with milk, eggs and nuts. I may starve if he starts a meat protest in this house.

Vegan Cupcake Painting for Lewis Ginter

2011-03-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm donating this Vegan Cupcake Painting to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's CHEERS to ART!. The event will take place on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 6-9:30pm, with food, drinks and more than 100 works of art available by silent auction. It was really fun last year ~ Many of the artists were there to celebrate and support the growing opportunities Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden creates for children (and their families!)

Since before my kids could walk, they've loved Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. It's so easy to push a stroller through their paths. Now I'm chasing them up the ramp to the treehouse, through the water play area and watching them climb the 100 year old Mulberry tree. They're having fun learning how plants grow and change ~ and so is their mom.

More CHEERS to ART! information & tickets are available on their website.

They are posting images of donated art, and event updates, on their Facebook Page, here.

Alternative Party Cartoon

2011-03-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Click to enlarge:

So, what are "alternative" classroom rewards?

Extra Recess Time

New Pencils

Fun Hat Day

Pick-Your-Own-Seat Day/Week

Music

Homework Passes

Bonus Points

Teacher Trick Performance

Morning Announcement Recognition

Rotating Trophy

Video Message from Local "Celebrity" or Costumed Parent

Lunch Picnic

Printed Certificate

Non-Food Treats

Or find a food treat that is safe for everyone (possibly fruit?)

Please give your suggestion in the comment section below!

This post is inspired by, and dedicated to @harriet75

Whoa. Abnormal Cupcakes.

2011-02-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before the birthday party, someone asked me if I would provide a "normal" cake along with my son's "allergy cake". Nope.

Thanks to the cookbook "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World" and decorating inspiration from A Cake to Remember for this moment:

It didn't turn out exactly as I planned, but it was pretty awesome. Proving an egg free, milk free, nut free cake isn't the same as a "normal" cake. It's better, because we can eat it together.

Happy Painting

2011-02-23T11:28:00.001-08:00

HOW?
Mixing colors on a canvas helps my kids understand that combining elements (colors) changes their appearance. While painting, we talk about colors mixing and disappearing, similar to hidden ingredients in treats. My goal is to reinforce the idea that sometimes we can't see the ingredients inside the food we eat.

THE BASIC PLAN:

1. Use quality acrylic paints with non toxic ingredients ~ For example: Crayola Acrylic. Don't use a water based tempera, water color paints, finger paints or Crayola "Kids Paints" on a canvas. It will dry chalky, not stick, wash off or crack once it's dry. You will treasure your child's painting for the experience and the final artwork if you use good materials.

2. Get a good canvas with gallery wrapped sides (not staples in the sides). You won't HAVE to frame it, although it will look great if you do. It's also fun to get a BIG canvas, large enough for the child to get ON and play (or put several medium canvases together).

3. Prepare a safe area ~ Either use a drop cloth or paint outside. Actually, use a drop cloth outside.

4. Plan for your exit strategy ~ Imagine how you will get your paint covered child from the painting to the bathtub/sink/sprinkler. Water from the hose is COLD. On a hot day, I fill a plastic baby pool with water before we start, to let the water warm up ~ think outdoor bath. You'll need soap.

5. Wipe up wet paint before it drys to avoid permanent spots on the floor/wall. If it dries on a hard surface, you can sometimes peel it off. If you let acrylic paint dry on carpet, clothes or paintbrushes ~ it's nearly impossible to remove it.

6. Forget the aprons. Find OLD clothes for everyone & take off your shoes. This includes checking to make sure the clothes YOU are wearing CAN get paint on them. The less you're worried about staying clean, the more fun you'll have.

Questions? Comment below or email iknowtiffany@gmail.com

Tips for Baking with Preschoolers

2011-02-03T06:50:00.000-08:00

Imagine cooking with a drunk monkey to prepare for the experience.
Gather ingredients on a counter top, out of their reach.
Put a small table (coffee table, play table, etc.) in the center of the kitchen for their work surface. For us, this has been easier (and safer!) than pulling up a stool or step ladder.
Print a copy of your recipe, or write a simple version on a piece of paper. Why? Trying to protect your cookbook or the-only-index-card-copy-of-the-recipe is stressful.

Talk about e-v-e-r-y ingredient, and e-v-e-r-y "missing" ingredient. For example, "These cookies are safe for you because we are not using eggs! Always check with me before eating a cookie so I can check the ingredients."

Talk about measurements: cups, half cups, teaspoons, etc.

In small amounts, let the kids taste "safe" ingredients: salt, sugar, flour, palm oil spread, soy butter, etc. One great thing about cooking without eggs is that we don't worry about "raw" batter.

Be careful with the oven and hot pans (of course!).

Don't force other people eat the allergen-free foods you make.

A few favorite cookbooks (you can Google): Vegan College Cookbook, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, Sophie Safe Cooking.

Hide & Seek w/ Safe Candy

2011-02-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

GOAL : A role playing game to encourage young children to bring you the enticing candy they "find".

MATERIALS: "Safe" Candy, Aluminum Foil
Note: "Safe" candy varies depending on allergen. Always research treats for your child. Pay close attention to "May contain" warnings on labels. Be prepared for reactions when trying new things. For us, safe candy includes "Enjoy Life" chocolate, PEZ and Divvies.

HOW TO PLAY:
1. Wrap three pieces of allergy safe candy in aluminum foil (or other unmarked decorative wrapping).

2. Hide the pieces "in plain sight" in one room while your child waits in another room.

3. Ask your child to go into the room, find the candy and bring each piece to you (without eating it!). Explain that you have to check every piece of candy they find to make sure it's safe for them.

4. Cheer madly every time they bring you a piece of candy. Remind them of their specific allergens, for example: "You are allergic to nuts. Some candy has nuts as an ingredient. I have to check all the candy you eat to make sure it's safe for you. If you eat candy with nuts, you will have to go to the hospital."

5. After the child has found all the pieces, let them eat one. Explain "You found one piece of SAFE candy this time!".

6. Use the remaining pieces to play again until the candy is gone.

Food Allergy Fun Comic

2011-01-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Food Allergy Fun Cartoon: Both

2011-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Artist Inspired by Food Allergies

2010-12-27T07:37:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I make art with children to talk about food, safe foods, ingredients and social situations.

Pomegranate Seed & Watercolor Paintings by a 3yo and 18mo

Sometimes I paint cupcakes to share our unexpected joys and spread food allergy awareness.

4" x 4" Vegan Cupcakes on Canvas, Exhibition TBA

Sometimes I draw cartoons to laugh about the things that happen.

Food Allergy Fun Cartoons on CafePress

Also, I'm working with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to plan an allergen free family event: Easter "Eggs-travaganza" on April 16. As of this post, information has not been posted on their website, but behind the scenes, it's coming together. Mark your calender if you're interested.

Questions? Email me iknowtiffany@gmail.com

Don't Beat Yourself Up

2010-12-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Guest Post by Cori
Family Allergies: Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Wheat, Fish, Corn, Meat, Other

How did you first learn about your family's allergies? We found out my daughter was allergic to cow milk at about 6 weeks of age. By 18 months we found out her allergies were milk, eggs, corn, peas, beef and pork. At 2 1/2 she added green beans, carrots, garlic, wheat, rye, barley, and turkey. After several new reactions we have had to eliminate fish, shellfish and tomatoes. We also have never introduced nuts or tree nuts.

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family? Is there more than one? My daughter is the only one with food allergies and the worst part would have to be all the unknown reactions she has. We are always left wondering what caused the reaction.

For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys. Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or something good that's happened because of food allergies? I think it is great that we have come to realize what kind of stuff is in prepackaged food and we are a lot picker about what we put into our bodies.

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? I would tell myself that most family members won't understand allergies so don't beat yourself up trying to make them understand and taking it so personal.

Note from Tiffany: Cori ~ Thank you for sharing your story. I agree, we are pickier about our food, even after we've "grown out" of some allergens. I also can relate to people not understanding allergies ~ family, friends, strangers and even politicians. Becoming your child's advocate within your family is preparation for being an advocate at the school, the church and the community. We really don't have a choice, because our kids' safety depends on not taking it personal (as you said.) You're so right. It's important to develop that "thick skin" and expect disbelief. Thanks again :)

Food Allergy Fun Cartoon: Free Cash!

2010-12-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

Food Allergy Fun, "Never heard of it."

2010-12-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

It's Not You (Cartoon)

2010-12-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Food Allergy Fun Comic: "Who's Google?"

2010-12-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

Food Allergy Fun Comic #3

2010-11-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

Food Allergy Fun Comics

2010-11-30T04:49:00.000-08:00

10 Things to Give a Food Allergic Child for the Holidays

2010-11-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

This is my idea list, inspired by our young kids (preschool-Kindergarten). If you have other suggestions, or links to gifts you'd endorse, please leave a comment below. Thanks!

1. A Cool Lunchbox, like this one from Goodbyn
We have to bring our food everywhere, sometimes the container adds excitement to the contents.

2. A Variety of Play food.
I play "kitchen" and "restaurant" with my kids WITH FOODS THEY CAN'T HAVE. For us, it's important to talk about the things they can't have in a normal conversation, and act out making choices between safe food and unsafe foods. We divide foods into safe and unsafe shopping bags, talk about cross contamination in the kitchen, and bake dangerous cupcakes. My son loves saying, "EEEEEEW!!!!!", when presented with the fake cookie we made with fake peanuts.

3. Safe Art Materials from Crayola
Please avoid discount art supplies and "dollar bin" crayons. Did you know Crayola Art Materials do not contain: Peanuts & Legumes, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Egg Shell, Milk, Casein, Nut, Nut Oil or D&C Red Dye #40. Note: Playdoh does contain wheat. Building creativity and acts of self expression are valuable for any child, food allergies or not. Stock up on paints, paper, crayons & markers.

4. A cool Food Allergy book like The Bugabees.
A great book for PreK-2nd graders ~ this rhyming story of bug friends with common food allergies includes fun activities at the end.

5. Allergy awareness clothing, like Allergy Apparel
Stylish and educational, wearing a message of food allergies throughout the year can help remind friends, family, teachers and strangers that food allergies are always present.

6. A family subscription to Allergic Living Magazine
We don't get this magazine, yet. But, it's on my wish-list for the holidays. I've heard many good things about it, and it's the only printed publication focused (in part) on food allergies.

7. Sew-on Patches, like these from Blue Bear Aware
Durable and reusable, I can see these being useful for backpacks, coats or jean pockets. Ask parents for specific allergens.

8. Music about Food Allergies, like this from Kyle Dine.
Warning: Kyle's song, "Food Allergies Rock!" will get stuck in your head f.o.r.e.v.e.r. ~ and your kids will insist on playing it over and over and over. FIVE stars.

9. A Family Membership to Food Allergy Anaphalaxis Network (FAAN)
FAAN works to build public awareness of food allergy through the media and through education, advocacy, and research efforts. Every food allergic family should be familiar with their resources.

10. ASK THE KIDS.
Every gift should not revolve around food allergies. While it's a GREAT idea to be supportive, remember that kids with food allergies are really normal kids ~ they want soccer balls, video games, matchbox cars, dolls, Legos, pillow pets (whatever those are), and all the normal stuff other kids want. Don't let food allergies take over your holidays.

While you're thinking about food and holidays, consider giving to the Central Virginia Food Bank (CVFB). Information from their website:

CVFB was founded in 1980 to procure and distribute food efficiently and effectively to feeding programs. Since then, the Central Virginia Food Bank service area has grown to include 31 counties and five cities in the Central Virginia region. Presently, [they] distribute food through a network of more than 500 network partner agencies, which includes more than 130 child care providers serving needy children. In addition, we serve as many as 4,000 daily meals in the summer and 2,000 daily meals during the school year to needy children through our 42 Kids Café and 13 Café for Kids programs.

Take the Trainer with You

2010-11-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Does your child have an EpiPen like this?

If you're traveling or eating with family for the holidays, take the EpiPen trainer with you. You probably know how to use it, but teach your friends and family too. First, they may need to know how to administer the EpiPen one day. Second, if you explain the response (preloaded needle + 911) to eating an unsafe cookie, maybe they'll help prevent contact with unsafe cookies (or unsafe foods in general).

If you don't know how to use your EpiPen, there's a GREAT resource here: http://www.epipen.com/how-to-use-epipen

If you have expired EpiPens ~ take those too and let family give an Epi shot into an orange or grapefruit. Whoa! It's different from the trainer, because obviously there's a needle. PLEASE be careful (of course!). If you're not interested in triggering your expired EpiPen, but want to see what the needle looks like, you can watch this "Food Allergy" episode clip from a Dr. Oz show, here.

Love them, most important

2010-11-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

Originally posted on my other blog on October 22, 2010, with a recent shout out on Mediband's website, here. This is not an ad. This is just a thing we found that helps us.

I just bought these Food Allergy Alert bracelets from Mediband, and I love them for a many reasons:

1. My son loves wearing them. He's proud. It's wonderful to see him confident about his allergy, instead of scared.
2. They weren't expensive, and they seem like they'll last a while.
3. They list his specific allergies ~ which we read together each time he puts them on. It's helping him learn to read THOSE words, and reminding him daily. 4. I ordered about 8, and put two on the doorknobs going out of my house. This is great because we remember to wear the bracelets ~ AND the bracelets remind me to bring the EpiPen.

It's not on my list that other people will see the bracelets, like friends or teachers, because I think it's more important (for us, right now) that HE'S keenly aware and able to communicate his allergies. If other people get the message, great. But, most important, I'm educating him.

Trust No One and Plan Ahead

2010-11-20T05:28:00.000-08:00

By Guest Blogger Marci Rubin
Family Allergies: Milk, Eggs, Other

How did you first learn about your family's allergies? My daughter vomited so much from her first bottle of milk formula, we ended up in the ER. She had a taste of hummus at 9 months and her face swelled from a reaction to sesame. She sadly also had an allergic reaction to the egg white frosting on her 'dairy free' birthday cake on her first birthday. It took three foods for her to referred to an allergist.

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family? Is there more than one? We have adjusted pretty well when we can prepare and control what Rachael eats at home. I hate eating out or going to parties or family gatherings. There are so many potential possibilities for her to eat or be fed the wrong thing away from home. But, I have learned a few lessons over the years: Trust no one and plan ahead. Most friends, caregivers, and family members are not as versed at reading labels! Bring your own food and keep it simple. Don't apologize for controlling what your child eats. It is for health and safety. Be prepared for sympathy that makes things worse, "Oh, I couldn't live without ice cream or pizza. How terrible!" Have a positive response like, "We can enjoy soy ice cream, and Rachael's food allergies are one way that God made her unique and special".

For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys. Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or something good that's happened because of food allergies? I think I spent my life with a milk sensitivity without being aware of it. Going dairy in our home free helps me feel happier and healthier as well as giving support to our daughter. I think learning about food allergies has made us more aware of what we put into our bodies as a family. We eat healthier and read labels. We eat more fruits and vegetables because they are allergen free! My daughter is only three, but she already has a lot of maturity in choosing what to eat and communicating her food allergies. It makes me very proud. Also, baking "vegan" cookies and cupcakes has been a challenge and joy. I love finding and sharing recipes. And it is perfectly safe to eat the batter or cookie dough! What fun!

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? Listen to my instincts and educate myself more from the start. When my daughter was a baby, she didn't want the milk formula I tried to give her. I had a feeling she refused it because it was cows milk. My husband said it was probably because it wasn't breast milk. I should have trusted my instinct. Also, sesame is a growing allergy, but I wasn't aware of it until my daughter had a reaction. I would have educated myself to avoid sesame. I didn't even know hummus had sesame (tahini) in it. Hummus just seemed like a perfect soft baby food to try. Now, I tell lots of new moms about the rising sesame allergy just to spread some awareness because hummus seems so simple but can be dangerous.

Do you have any additional comments or questions you'd like to see posted? Love your blog. Thanks for creating a space for families to share the positive side of food allergies.

Note from Tiffany: Marci ~ Thank you for sharing your story! I hope another mom out there, struggling with the same situation in their newborn, will find your story and gain insights and courage from you. I can relate to wishing I had more knowledge about food allergies in the beginning, because figuring out the cause of the problems was the first step to a happy baby (and happy family) for us. Also, it's wonderful to hear your confidence when faced with the common, "Oh! Food Allergies? How terrible?". I totally agree with you, children are each special and unique, with potential for happiness well beyond cheese pizza. You're an inspiration to me, and other moms who struggle with our common challenge. Thank you!

A really happy meal... 10 tips for eating out.

2010-11-18T08:30:00.001-08:00

There are some people who will never understand why we avoid eating OUT with food allergic preschoolers. Want to have lunch with us? Come over ~ pack all your food, or pick something up on the way. What? It's not convenient when eating lunch requires preparation and thought? Ditto. BUT, sometimes we have to cave, especially for family.

10 tips for a really happy meal when eating out with food allergic preschoolers:

1. Bring your EpiPen or other emergency preparation.
2. Bring baby wipes to clean your child's seat and table area and/or
3. Consider using one of these cool TableToppers.
4. Bring containers, utensils and cups, etc. I like these, because the compartments don't leak:

5. Pack your child's -portable- favorites.
6. Try NOTHING new while dining out.
7. Bring a few plastic bags (ex: ziploc) for extra food, messy spoons, etc. Just stick stuff in the bags and sort it out/clean up AT HOME later.
8. Remind guests/child that they cannot eat anything that doesn't come from home.
9. Then, drop it. Don't spend the meal talking about food allergies. Answer questions directly, without storytelling. It will be on your mind throughout the entire meal, but try to relax and enjoy your company.
10. Pack a surprise for your child like one of these $3 Playmobil toys*. (*Whoa, $5 shipping? Yikes. There is a small toy store near me that sells Playmobil toys ~ usually several of these are on sale for $3 each. They're quiet, don't roll off the table, take a few minutes to put together, encourage imagination and the entertainment lasts through the meal. If it seems excessive to pack a new toy for your child ~ don't. For us, we eat out rarely. It's a special treat. And, we're not spending any money on the restaurant kid's meal.)

Any other suggestions? What makes your meals out manageable?

Creative Spoons

2010-11-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

This was not my idea. This was HIS idea:

That is the arm from a "Mr. Potato Head", and it gave us 15 happy minutes of corn eating. I'm guessing it could also work with mashed potatoes, rice, sweet potatoes, peas, quinoa, Thanksgiving stuffing, etc.

I searched online for other cool spoons and found:
1. Lego Spoons
2. Construction Equipment Spoons
3. Posable Figure Spoons
4. Super Hero Spoons
5. Beginner Chopsticks

Or pull the arms off Mr. Potato Head like us, just make sure you wash them first.

A Shocking Cookie (Pilsbury Revenge)

2010-11-16T19:23:00.001-08:00

Shopping at the grocery store, my son spotted Pilsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Him: Get those!
Me: Lets check the ingredients.
(Reading from the label) Eggs, Milk, Walnuts, Tree Nuts.
Him: I'm allergic to that!
Me: yah.
Him: Can you make me some?
Me: Sure. (Me, Thinking: What? I can't make Chocolate Chip cookies! From scratch? Without eggs or milk?? Or, wait... I miss chocolate chip cookies. I want some too. Yummm, warm chocolate chip cookies...)

I took my favorite vegan gingerbread cookie recipe, used corn syrup instead of molasses and Enjoy Life chocolate chips instead of gingerbread spices. I also added a teaspoon of vanilla.

I AM STILL IN SHOCK that it worked!

Here's a few tips:

1. Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl (Canola oil, sugar, corn syrup, soy milk & vanilla)

2. Use a mesh strainer over a bowl to sift the dry ingredients together (flour, salt, baking soda & baking powder).

3. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix them up & add the chocolate chips last.

4. Spray/rub your hands with canola oil before shaping the dough into discs on a cookie sheet. It will be a little sticky. Maybe you could chill the recipe in the fridge to firm it up? But, we wanted it ASAP.

5. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they're browned.

P.S. I used a mini-muffin pan, but NEXT time I'll use a cookie sheet (like, tomorrow) because my son pointed out that they weren't EXACTLY like the ones he saw, and I'm up for the challenge.

Here's a link to original gingerbread cookies & ALL the ingredient measurements.

Thank 105 of You!

2010-11-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the 105 people who became fans of the Food Allergy Fun Facebook Page last week. You all rock.

My Dad's a fan, and my Aunt ~ but 103 of you are not related to me, and still like the page. That's truly inspiring.

The posts, discussions and questions are helping me in more ways than I think I'm helping any of you. Because of you all, I've bought fondant cake decorating instructions, planned a gingerbread house, sent cupcake prints to seven states, learned to make graham crackers and met some pretty amazing people. I've learned that sharing our common experiences and challenges can help us and our children.

I'm extremely grateful for your continued support. If you're not already a fan, here's a LINK.

Cake Challenge

2010-11-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

True story: I worked at a pizza restaurant in college, and used to shape the dough into little faces of customers. We'd run the tiny people through the oven and watch them grow HUGE as the dough baked. Finally, THAT skill is going to come in handy.

Three questions:
1. Could I really make a milk-free, egg-free, nut-free cake that looks (kinda) professional, like THIS?
2. Using a vegan fondant recipe, like THIS?
3. And a vegan cupcake/cake recipe, like THIS?

Why do parents with food allergic kids focus on the desserts? It's the biggest of the celebration dinner where a child feels left out. Imagine Thanksgiving:

Me: You can't have these peas, they are made with butter.
Kids: OK.
Me: You need to eat the mashed potatoes we brought from home.
Kids: OK.
Me: You have to skip the traditional incredible-delicious-pie-with-whipped-cream-on-top.
Kids: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!

That's how I imagine the holidays if I cannot make a professional dessert complete with fondant flowers, fall leaves and miniature icing bugs. That gorgeous fall wedding cake (link above) didn't have icing bugs, I'm sure... but OH, ours will.

Cheating Candy Land

2010-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

Ready for the fastest game of Candy Land EVER?!

The card drawing order goes like this:
1. Kid
2. Unsuspecting Adult
3. You

The Unsuspecting Adult actually jumps ahead, then travels backwards while the kid wins in 4 moves. You'll stack the deck like this (left to right):

HAHAHA... it's so funny.

Of course, we played six consecutive games before this lightening round. It may be the only time we travel through PEANUT ACRES.

We talk about the candy icons and which items are safe or not safe.

For example:
Peanuts: Not safe
Ice Cream: Not safe unless from Mom.
Gingerbread: Not safe unless from Mom.
etc.

A good time is had by all :)

Official Candy Land web site HERE.

Are oranges in oranges?

2010-11-11T20:18:00.001-08:00

We talk about ingredients every day:

Me: What ingredients are in strawberries?
Him: strawberries?!
Me: yes.
Him: Are oranges in oranges?
Me: yes.
Him: what else?
Me: nothing.
Him: that's good!
Me: yeah.

Do you know exactly how much fruit and vegetables you need to eat per day? Here's a link to a quick calculator provided by the CDC. You enter your age, gender and physical activity, and they tell you to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Also from the CDC, this common sense publication to affording healthier eating (30 tips that will make you giggle, groan or remember something helpful):

VMFA to Host Allergen Free Easter Event

2010-11-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

It's not even Thanksgiving, but I am SO EXCITED FOR EASTER.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is "hatching" an allergen free Egg-cellent Family Day event ~ and as far as I know, it's never been done before.

The typical "egg hunt eggs" will not contain candy, but instead, they'll be full of stickers, toys, art supplies, creative prizes and more.

DO NOT tell your kids anything is missing ~ they won't notice. They will have a super time: enjoying egg hunts, live entertainment, games, art activities and inspiration from Picasso. The incredible Picasso exhibition will be on view ~ the ONLY venue on the east coast to see the collection from Paris.

The Egg-cellent Family Event tickets are $8 for kids, (accompanying adults are free) with discounts for members. Call 804-340-1405 to register. Note: Tickets for the family event do not include tickets to the Picasso exhibition. As of this post, registration is not open for the event & there is no Egg-cellent Family Event information on VMFA's web site, but it was published in the VMFA Spring Advertising Insert in Style Weekly.

Full Disclosure: I worked (past tense) with VMFA for nearly ten years as an art teacher and education program coordinator. Almost three years ago, I quit my full time job after discovering my son's food allergies. For me, preparing food without milk, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat was totally overwhelming.

Last year we attended a VMFA family event and I noticed most of the prizes were not candy. Why? Megan Liles, VMFA's Children's Program Coordinator is incredibly creative, smart and thinks "outside the box". She took great care to provide age appropriate prizes and interesting treats ~ but not because she was catering to food allergic kids. It was just a coincidence that the prizes were safe for us.

When I noticed an online conversation about the lack of Halloween Events where food allergic families could be safe, I asked Megan if she could plan an upcoming event without candy, and she agreed. Her compassion for children struggling with food allergies, diabetes, food allergies, gluten intolerance, food dye sensitivities or other dietary restrictions is amazing. Don't you agree?

Here's a list of VMFA contacts, including the director, visitor services, membership, education department (her boss), and more. Call someone today, and tell them Megan Liles rocks. If you appreciate her efforts to provide a creative, safe, awesome family event ~ spread the kudos to your friends, family and community.

If you have questions, post them here, or send me an email iknowtiffany@gmail.com

P.S. More importantly:
Megan Liles email is megan.liles@vmfa.museum
Her boss, Della Watkins email is della.watkins@vmfa.museum

Focus on Wonderful People

2010-11-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Guest Post by Jenny Schweigert
Website: http://www.themagicfarmhouse.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@AMagicMama
Family Avoids: Peanuts, Tree Nuts

How did you first learn about your family's allergies? The discovery of our son's first food allergy was truly a blessing. Unfortunately, due to a medication I was taking, breast-feeding wasn't an option. We began using Enfamil formula plus iron and experiencing some severe reactions. Although I had been exposed to reflux with our first son, I wasn't prepared for the amount of gagging and projectile vomiting our second son was presenting. The second day home we decided to return to the hospital where we were again provided with a diagnosis of GERT. I was no stranger to the medication provided and knew that it would only reduce the burning of his esphagus rather than treating the problem. Very frustrated we followed-up with our pediatrician the following day. He ordered allergy testing and was under the assumption that we were dealing with a milk allergy.

The test returned negative for a milk allergy but positive for a peanut allergy. Not what we expected but a moment that could have potentially saved his life. I truly believe this was a blessing in disguise. Along with the peanut allergy the blood tests showed he was lactose intolerant. Once we changed to a lactose free formula life was much, much better.

Last fall he began his first year of Preschool. The summer was a constant battle to keep his skin allergies under control. Just before school we decided we needed an extensive review of his allergy panel. It showed he was still allergic to nut and much more. It was a relief knowing exactly what allergens should be avoided. We plan to test him again before the end of the year.

At age 5, he is now in Pre-K and looking forward to attending full day Kindergarten where he will eat in the cafeteria and with numerous, potentially exposing him to nuts.

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family? Is there more than one? Probably the lack of peanut butter in our home. Our oldest son LOVES peanut butter and isn't very fond of several alternatives we've provided. The other concern is making sure our middle son receives enough protein each day.

Overall, I feel the public isn't always informed and therefore we can sometimes be viewed as an inconvenience.

For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys. Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or somthing good that's happened because of food allergies? Due to his allergies we've met some wonderful and generous people. In fact, one of my closest mom friends has a son with multiple food allergies. Had I not sat with her at a PTO meeting, I may not have fostered this relationship. Although life can be challenging, I try to look at the positive, count our blessings and focus on the wonderful people we've met through this experience.

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? RELAX...it will be alright and manageable!

Do you have any additional comments or questions you'd like to see posted? Thank you for providing such an inspirational and positive environment!!

Note from Tiffany: Jenny, I loved so much of what you said. As a mom looking for the silver lining, I appreciate your attitude about counting our blessings. Meeting parents with food allergic children, there is always someone in the group with more limitations than ours, and I'm reminded how lucky we are. Also, I'm with you ~ awareness will help foster compassion from other people and parents. Facing school, family, events and eating out (one day!), I'm hopeful that more conversation will reduce judgement, jealously and misunderstanding. Also, Thank you for sharing your experience with testing. In the beginning was reluctant to have our son "panel tested", because I didn't understand the procedure and worried it would hurt him (it didn't). I thought I could manage the allergies based on the bloodwork and elimination diet alone (I couldn't). I wish I had known someone like you then, and I hope your story encourages someone out "there" ~ listen to your instincts, find an allergist, get tested and things will be so much easier. Looking forward to learning more from you on your website: http://www.themagicfarmhouse.wordpress.com

Cookie Controversy

2010-11-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

Shortened Article Link: http://bit.ly/dvoI6d

Full Article Link:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_708212.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

"New nutrition rules may be no party for students" By Jodi Weigand
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, November 8, 2010

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/SarahPalinUSA/status/1767335392186368

What do you think? Should school districts set guidelines for classroom treats?

Fear of the Unkown

2010-11-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

By Guest Blogger Erin Smith
Family Allergies: Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts and Other

How did you first learn about your family's allergies? My daughter had a reaction after having the flu shot (It contains eggs and may have had contact with latex). Looking back we now know why she was always so sick. Her 1st ER visit was at 8 weeks when I must have eaten an allergen prior to nursing her. My other daughter never had a reaction as I pushed for testing the minute that she developed her first rash.

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family?
1. Fear of the unknown. When will she test her limits? She is only 3. Right now she believes us, but I know that one day she is going to challenge our authority. I fear that she will try foods just to see what will happen as she does not truly understand the severity of her allergies.
2. Walking the line of educating her about her allergies. I don't want her to grow up hating food or being fearful of trying new things. She is only 3 and does not understand the consequences (possible death).
2. Feeling stranded. We would love to fly to Disney Land or across the country to see family; however, her allergies limit us to driving and taking our own food everywhere we go.

For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys. Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or something good that's happened because of food allergies? Our family has been very understanding. They look up new, fun recipes to accommodate us. We have explored foods that we never would have even thought about.

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? Trust my instincts. Our doctor did not want to do allergy testing so early when I suggested a possible milk allergy. Had we not eventually tested her she may have had a much more severe reaction to one of her other allergens.

Do you have any additional comments or questions you'd like to see posted? I'd love any advice on schooling children with allergies. Any tips or things to avoid. I'm very apprehensive about kindergarten!

Note from Tiffany: Thanks Erin for sharing your story! We took our first overnight-hotel trip this summer and preparation was key (bringing all the food, plates, utensils, hot pot, hospital info, etc.). We haven't tackled flying, although it sounds like you have family at a distance. That must be difficult. I've seen a good discussion about schooling children on "Kids with Food Allergies", here. From our FAAN sponsored support group meetings, I hear parents suggest being highly involved, requesting to be the "room mom", and being prepared to bring in treats. Also, another parents suggested having a "safe treat" box in the classroom for unexpected celebrations, and establishing a "no food unless mom sends it in" rule. You might also find ideas for safe treats on the Enjoy Life website, here. If you don't have a Food Allergy Support Group in your area, you could start one. There's a link to a current list, here. Best of luck to you! Thanks again :)

The Love & Hate of Food Allergies

2010-11-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

by Guest Blogger Jeanne
Family Allergies: Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts

How did you first learn about your family's allergies?
With my 4 year old son, we learned of his egg allergy at around 1 year of age after giving him scrambled eggs for the first time. We learned of his peanut/tree nut allergies upon testing for the egg reaction. Looking back in hindsight, while breastfeeding him, he had eczema patches throughout his infancy that went away when the egg & nuts were eliminated.

With my 1 year old son, I knew there was something he was reacting to in my milk right from the start. My experience (and newfound knowledge on food allergies and the breastfed baby) with my oldest son led me to believe he was reacting to milk because this was the only thing I ate continuously. He had terrible eczema from head to toe. He had contact dermatitis that started as cradle cap. He had rashy cheeks that lasted for several months, and no ointment or cream would clear it up. When I eliminated milk, he appeared to be getting better. Upon testing at 10 months, we discovered that egg was the culprit. I didn't think I had been eating much egg (as we generally don't around my oldest son, and I occasionally would when he wasn't around) to cause a problem, but I was wrong. Once egg was eliminated from my diet, his skin condition cleared within 3 days.

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family? My husband and I hated having to give up the foods we loved to eat, but we have made the sacrifice for the safety and well being of our children. I hate the holidays with family. I hate that even after nearly 4 years of dealing with food allergies, we have family that still doesn't get the danger of having the offending foods around. I hate how my children will be excluded at school and be made to feel different because they can't be around the other kids in the lunchroom. I could go on, but I'll step down off my soapbox now. ;)

For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys. Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or somthing good that's happened because of food allergies? I always said (before I had kids) that I was going to go to my local supermarket to buy their birthday cakes. I had no desire to bake their cakes and I was happy with that approach. Then, God gave me not one, but two boys with severe, life threatening food allergies. I've had to learn to bake their cakes from scratch each and every time. I've taken cake decorating classes, and I've found that I love doing this for them. It gives me great pleasure to see the excitement on their faces when they see the cake I've made with love and hard work. My 4 year old just loves picking out his cake each year. It's a very exciting time!

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? It's not the end of the world. I often tell new parents of food allergic kids that they will come off as the overprotective mom. They will seem crazy for going to every extreme to protect their kids from a reaction. But it doesn't go unnoticed. Your child will thank you one day.

Note from Tiffany: Reading this reminded me of being pregnant with my oldest, while I was still working full-time. Planning my maternity leave, I insisted I'd return to the job because I didn't want to "bake cookies all day". It's a painful memory of my own misunderstanding of becoming a mom. Those words sometimes creep into my head while I'm happily baking cookies for my food allergic child, and I wonder why I ever felt defensive about caring for my family. I can relate to finding joy in unexpected places, and challenges with family members. We're lucky that our son's first allergic reaction happended during his first birthday party, with witnesses. I've also taken pictures of him at the hospital during reactions. I have to add that I hate when people think we're getting/giving attention, and respond with jealously. It makes no sense to me. Thanks to Jeanne for sharing your story, advice and struggles.

I'm looking forward to reading more on Jeanne's blog, http://www.texasgirlinnc.blogspot.com/

Super Great Books

2010-11-07T06:12:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Allergic Child for sharing a spectacular list of books and references (for all ages) on their website, HERE.

For my preschooler, I was especially interested in the "No Biggie Bunch" books, and found their website, HERE.

Our FAVORITE book right now is the "The Bugabees: Friends With Food Allergies", which you can order from an online company ~ but don't miss their website, HERE.

Do you have any other book recommendations? What are your favorites?

Song, Dance, Joy

2010-11-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

Ready for the holidays? If you have food allergies, you've gotta watch this super cute (and talented!) performance by the "Peanut-Free Players":

If you can't see the video clip above, watch it on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCTSahPdg8k

Or read all about it here: http://www.eggfreeepicurean.com/blog/

Relax, You're Not Alone

2010-11-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

By Guest Blogger Brenda

What ingredients does your family avoid? Milk, Eggs, Soy, Peanuts, Soy, Wheat, Food Coloring and Meat.

How did you first learn about your family's allergies? Breastfeeding my son when he was a newborn. He had hives & rashes constantly. The dr called it "baby acne" but this was WAY worse than any baby acne I had ever seen. I did my research and started eliminating foods from my diet. Within 3 days of elimination, his skin was dramatically better and he was much happier.

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family? Oh dear. Where do I start... Going out to eat is nearly impossible. We have to bring our food everywhere we go. Label reading is a constant. Getting them to eat period is hard as the allergies are mounting. For us, food allergies has lead to many unexpected joys.

Can you share one positive thing that you've learned or somthing good that's happened because of food allergies? Lots of joys- they have super healthy diets. They only get good organic food with minimal or no processing. I love cooking nutritious, wholesome food that they like.

If you could travel back in time, to when you first learned about your child's food allergies, what advice would you give yourself? Relax- I am not alone. They will be fine!

Do you have any additional comments or questions you'd like to see posted? Please post kid friendly recipes that you have success with.

Note from Tiffany ~ Wow, reading how you discovered your son's food allergies is very similar to my own experience. I was told I was overreacting when I called the doctor about my son's skin rash on his face. When I took my son into the pediatricians office, they told me it was "bad baby acne", and suggested I use Oxy-Wipes or alcohol. They said it would eventually go away. I looked online, and found a description similar to his condition, linked to an article about milk allergies. When I stopped drinking milk, his rash went away within a few days. On our next "well visit" I mentioned how the rash cleared up when I stopped drinking milk, the doctor called it a coincidence. When my son was 5 months old, we gave him yogurt for the first time, and he broke out in hives all over his body. It's no coincidence we changed pediatricians.

Thank you to Brenda for sharing her story. I love her advice to relax and be confident that we're not alone. If you'd like to share your story, click here.

The Worst Part of a Peanut Allergy

2010-11-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

By Guest Blogger Angi Marshall

What ingredients does your family avoid?
Peanuts

How did you first learn about your family's allergies?
I gave my daughter a peanut butter sandwich

What's the worst part of having food allergies in your family?
Not being able to eat out and being fearful that she will eat something with peanuts.

Note from Tiffany: Thanks to Angi for taking time to share this. I can relate to being frustrated with the lack of nut-free dining options. I used to think it was hard for us when we're invited to celebrate with friends or family, but now I'm finding it's harder when we aren't invited. With so much joy shared around food, and with many special occasions taking place in restaurants ~ I wish at least ONE restaurant was nut free. Just one.

Do you have questions for Angi? Ask in the comment below.
If you would like to contribute to the blog, click here.