Forget Peanut Allergy: Things I'm Loving This Week #1

I'm sure it's premature to say, but I think Fall may be arriving soon here in Northern California  - I tried to wear summer clothes yesterday and was chiiiiiillly!  But, now that I've typed that, we'll no doubt have a hot spell in early October (just like we always do).

Here's something new.  Non peanut allergy related.

Things I'm loving this week:

The BEST Artichoke Soup

Source: Saveur Magazine

Glass Beaches 

Source: Anthology Magazine (via Flickr)

Big Sur

Source: Hiking in Big Sur

Stitches West 2013
Yes, I'm a knitting nerd. Signed up for this today with my best friend and I couldn't be more excited.  

Source: Knitting Universe

Oahu
Another trip planned - cannot wait!

Source: Haleiwa Town

Tom Bihn Bags
I want, no, I NEED this bag.  Anyone got any spare change hanging around for this beauty? The organizational FREAK inside of me lusts after this:

Source: TomBihn.com

Makeshift Society
How cool is this?  I want to join!

Source: Anthology Magazine

Curried Chicken and Coconut Rice
Um, yummmmmm!?

Source: Shutterbean.com

And, last but NOT least, my boyfriend - ain't he cute?  

Danny reading a putt for Angela Stanford in
Alabama yesterday.  They tied for 3rd. (Source: Getty Images) 

How about you?  What are you loving this week?

G

Peanut Allergy: Life Lists?

Do you guys keep a life list?  I do, and I'm tempted to share it here - would that be weird? I don't think there's one thing about food allergy on there.

Maybe I'll be brave and post it, we'll see.

For now, here's something I couldn't pass up.

The Things We Forget Blog

The last year has been ALL about this, trust me.

Too cute.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Gabs
xxoo

Happy September!

How did THAT happen?  It's been 3 months since I posted, and for that I am sorry.  Truth be told, most of my posts have been on Facebook (have you liked my page yet - you should!) - it's just easier than a blog post.  Lazy, I know!

So what's new???

B started 3rd grade - nope, not a typo.  THIRD grade.  She was pretty happy and check out her outfit - is she a trendsetter or what? I love those Boden yellow pants (they are SOOOO bright - this picture doesn't even begin to show the yellowness)!

First Day of Third Grade!

We've had an eventful few months.  

B has had some major anxiety issues this year - to the point of Separation Anxiety Disorder - it had become almost unbearable until we started therapy and found this book:


What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety



B's anxiety stems from a lot of things, but primarily our divorce as well as her allergies.  Even though she's in a safe environment both at home and at school (her teacher and school are pretty great) she still just worries, plain and simple.  But these worries were affecting her quality of life (and ours) so we needed to do something.

If you have a child with anxiety issues, buy it.  I can't put into words how highly I regard this book. We still have a ways to go, but after just a week we were seeing tremendous changes in B.  These exercises, coupled with a more structured schedule as well as a lot more sleep in her life have made a huge difference.  Each week we are seeing a stronger, more confident (and worry free) child emerge. 

The other issue we dealt with this summer was Alopecia Areata - have you heard of it?  Luckily, at this point she has a mild case of this.  She had a small patch about the size of a silver dollar (remember those LOL) at the top of her head that has thankfully grown back, but boy was that scary! I've seen things online that indicate that kids with allergies and eczema are prone to this.  And kids with stress in their lives (hmm that sounds familiar).  If your child had this, can you leave me a comment?  I'd be interested to know how you treated it.  Ironically (am I using that word correctly? probably not), once we STOPPED using the cream the doctor prescribed, her hair starting growing back.  I think working on her anxiety and stress worked too.  We'll keep an eye out, but at this point she's in the clear for now.  Whew.

Other than that, things are good.

Still (technically) married, but that shouldn't be the case by the end of the year.  Divorce, in case you didn't know, really sucks.  Even when you agree on everything financial, custody, support, etc.  It takes forever (at least it seems like it does) and there's so much paperwork.  I don't recommend it if you can avoid it.

I'm still coaching folks - it's going really well!  I was really overwhelmed by the number of folks that have contacted me.  If you're interested in a session, shoot me an email - I'd love to help you out.  I have something in the works for folks with tight schedules - look for an announcement in the coming months (here of course, but sooner on Facebook, who am I kidding?).

Take care everyone - Happy September!!!

Gabs

Peanut Allergy: Peanut-Controlled Zone at Upcoming White Sox Game

The nice folks at the Chicago White Sox emailed me recently about a peanut-controlled game scheduled for July 6th.  It really warms my heart to see organizations stepping up to create safe zones.  Here are the details:

WHITE SOX HOST A SECOND “PEANUT-CONTROLLED ZONE”For the Second Time, Reserved Seating Area Will Provide Haven for FansWho Suffer Severe Peanut Allergies CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox will host a second “Peanut-Controlled Zone” on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 7:10 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays. To provide fans who suffer from severe peanut allergies with the safest environment possible, no peanuts, nor anything containing peanuts, will be allowed or sold in three reserved sections of the Club Level at U.S. Cellular Field.   The concession stands closest to those special sections will not sell peanuts and the area will be meticulously cleaned and inspected prior to the game. “Every individual fan experience is important to our organization,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox senior vice president of sales and marketing.  “We are very pleased with the turnout and fan feedback from the game in April and want to give these fans another opportunity to enjoy White Sox baseball in a peanut-controlled area at U.S. Cellular Field.” Along with tickets specially priced at $47, fans have the option to add $10 in “Bonus Bux” that can be used to buy food and beverage at any permanent club level concession stand and a $25 parking pass to their orders. Additionally, fans will enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game.  There are approximately 200 seats available, so fans are encouraged to order tickets early. For the least peanut-exposed path to the game, the club suggests entering through the Chicago Sports Depot near Gate 5 on the north side of 35^th Street. From the second level exit of the store, escalators lead up to a bridge over the street which ends at the Club Level concourse. Fans interested in purchasing tickets and seating in the peanut-free section should email or call Dustin Milliken at dmilliken@chisox.com or (312) 674-5186.

Thank you Chicago White Sox for looking out for the peanut free peeps!

G

p.s. Interested in details regarding efforts to create a peanut free zone for the San Francisco Giants?  Visit and 'like' the San Francisco Giants Fans for Peanut Free Baseball page!

Peanut Allergy: Would You Eat This?

I was going through the blogs in my feed reader and stumbled upon this:  Jif is now making Hazelnut Spreads.


I know what you're thinking - ugh, peanutty!

But not so fast there, tigers!

Being the chocolate lover concerned Peanut Free Mama that I am, I decided to investigate.  Things might not be so bad. Here's the label from the Chocolate Flavor:

I found this REALLY interesting.  Mainly because under the allergy information, peanuts aren't listed as a 'may contain' item.  Frankly, I was shocked.  And I know what you are going to say:  You're not going to eat that are you?! What about cross contamination with all those tree nuts and sunflower and wheat and soy???  

Well, yeah, there's that.  I didn't say it was allergen free.  

BUT IT IS PEANUT FREE - AND IT'S FROM A COMPANY THAT MAKES PEANUT BUTTER!!!  Is this progress or what??

Oops, sorry for shouting - I was just a little excited about a PB company having dedicated lines for non-pb products (I am assuming this - I haven't called them so I don't know for sure - but I can hope, otherwise why wouldn't they list peanuts in the may contain statement?).

We don't avoid 'may contain' warnings when it comes to tree nuts (and our allergist supports this) so technically, B could eat it.

But would I buy it for B instead of Nutella which I am more comfortable with her eating?  Probably not, but maybe I'd buy the mocha cappucino flavor for me.  There's no way B would eat that :)

I'll keep you posted.

p.s. have any of you seen this on the shelves?  tasted it?  do tell!!

Peanut Allergy Product Review: Allermates

I think this smile says it all, yes?

Last week, when I got home, at my door was a big box.

I LOVE big boxes (and I cannot lie)!

It was from a company called Allermates - they sell products that help identify your child's allergy, but in a cool way.  They make wristbands, dog tags/necklaces, lunch boxes, and shirts.  The company was started by (what else?) an allergy mom.  Here's what they are all about:

"With allergies on the rise and many of my friends and family members facing similar issues, I realized that there was a great need for kid friendly allergy awareness products. I decided to create products that would not only help protect kids with allergies, but ones that would also make them feel good about themselves regarding their allergies. Products that were fun, colorful and, let's face it "cool". I noticed how most kids I knew, including my own, were absolutely fascinated by colorful characters. Next thing I knew, I was writing bios for fun, cartoon like allergen charcters that came to mind. And so P.Nutty and the rest of the gang were born. 

I'm confident that the AllerMates images and stories will appeal to kids of all ages and make them feel good about themselves regarding their allergies. Most importantly, our products will help identify and safeguard kids with allergies and give their parents and caregivers some peace of mind." - Iris Shamus, Founder


The folks at Allermates were kind enough to send us the following items to review:


Bracelet - I honestly didn't know if B would be into this, but she immediately put it on and wouldn't take it off.  Ringing endorsement, right?  Every Food Allergy mama I know has had issues with their child keeping their medical id bracelet on - this one looks like it might stick.  Not heavy, adjustable to different wrist sizes, and super cute.  And great colors!



Necklace - I loved that they use a rubber necklace here.  B loved this one too since she has other necklaces just like it and this will blend in with those.




Dog Tag - These dog tags are adorable.  The characters that Iris came up with are really cute.  It's also not too big and doesn't have the big medical emblem on it that prevented B from wanting to wear her other medical id's.




Lunch Bag - They promote this as a lunch bag OR a medicine kit. It is big enough for bottle of water (or metal reusable bottle) and food for the day.  As a medicine bag it would be great, since it's insulated.  You could also put a photo in the laminated side pocket.



What I love about these products are:

• Price Point - The prices on these items are reasonable and they wont break the bank.
• Quality -  The quality of these products is amazing.  They are really well made and I KNOW that the lunch bag, for example, isn't going to fall apart in a week.  
• Cool Factor - many of my issues with allergy related apparel and products is that they are WAY too cutesy.  These are kid friendly without being over the top.  I mean, look at that photo - B is at an age where COOL is everything and she LOVES this bracelet (and has made me PROMISE that she can use the lunch box at school next year).  
• The Little Things - On the side of the lunch bag (which you can see here on the website) there's a place to check off your child's allergy, but also a place for EXTRA allergies (sesame?  coconut?  melon? no problem!).

I highly recommend Allermates to you guys - so proud of this fellow food allergy mama for creating such a great product line!

Thank You Allermates!

Gabs

Peanut Allergy: Need some help? It's HERE!

Hi Guys!

I wanted to tell you about a new chapter I'm starting in my life.  I'm adding a new feature to this site - coaching!  I've already gotten my PAC/ELL training certification and I'm working towards my Life Coach certification this year.

Am I quitting my day job?  Nope.  So why the coaching?  Well, more and more, I have been getting emails from parents who need my help.  Creating an action plan for parents new to food allergy was the logical next step in my mission to help those struggling as much as I did when B was first diagnosed.

My goal is to help families new to food allergies cope with the avalanche of information, questions, and anxieties that inevitably go along with being 'food allergy' parent.  I'll help you navigate the changes that need to take place in your lives and how to deal with things like school, babysitters, special events, and those 'well meaning' family members who offer lots of advice.   At the end of this program you'll feel more empowered to manage those food allergies (and not let them manage you)!

Sessions will be in-person and/or over the phone/Skype and will include informational packets to guide you each step of the way to becoming a strong food allergy mama/papa.

Does that sound like something YOU need?

This program is in the beginning stages and I'd love to have a few 'beta' testers.  If you are interested in complimentary coaching sessions, please email me at gabrielle@peanutfreemama.com.


UPDATE:  All my beta testing slots are filled, but I'd still love to help you with (reasonably priced) coaching sessions.  Email me at gabrielle@peanutfreemama.com for more information.