RECIPE: Fun with Fruit

My boys LOVE eating things that are in the shape of something.  This is my first attempt of getting on my 'creative' side.  Hopefully it gets better from here!

-Elizabeth :)

EpiPen®

Important Safety Information
EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you inject into your outer thigh. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEIN, BUTTOCK, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you take the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr. Auto Injector.
The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest.
Talk to your healthcare professional to see if EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector is right for you.
Indications
EpiPen® (epinephrine) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are intended for immediate self administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment after use.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

RECIPE: Super Easy Allergy Free Meals

I cook an allergy free dinner every night, from scratch, using whole foods.  Okay, maybe not EVERY night...but at least 27 days out of every month.  Some nights I go by a recipe with a ton of ingredients that takes what seems like forever to make.  Other nights I want something super simple, which means quick and easy to make and easy to clean up.  The super easy meals are convenient on nights the kids have extra curricular activities or when I'm just plain tired!

Blog Hop

I’m starting a blog hop for any blogs relating to allergies, asthma, esinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and eczema. I got this wonderful idea from It's an Itchy Little World.  Now I'm sharing the info to all of you.  

If you want to join, please add a comment below and I’ll add you. I just ask that you reciprocate the favor and continue the blog hop on your site as well. 

Let's get this blog hop rolling...errr...hopping.  :)

ALLERGIES: Put Some Meat On Their Bones

I have such great news!!!  As you know, there are many struggles that we face being allergy parents.  One of our struggles is getting our son with allergies to gain weight.  Because of his limited diet it is very difficult to put much meat on his bones.  His little body has been at 30-32 pounds for about two years now.  I would be more than willing to share some of my fat with him but unfortunately it doesn't work that way.  Bummer.  A recent doctor appointment put him up to 36 pounds! (mind you, this was with clothes and shoes on...but I'll take what I can get).  WOO HOO!!!  I am jumping for joy!!!! 

So what are some ways we put weight on our son? 

RECIPE: Bubba's Brisket

THE BEST BRISKET

Living in Texas gave us an appreciation for good barbecue.  We tried the ribs and brisket in almost every restaurant within 45 miles.  In our opinion, the best ribs were at The Gristmill.  It was located in a small town called Gruene, home of the oldest dance hall in Texas.  The best brisket was at Rudy's.  They served it on waxed paper with all the white bread you could eat.  Mmmmm...was it good!  Fattening for sure...but delicious! 

RECIPE: Granola Bars

Granola Bar Recipe

Allergy Statistics

In 2008 the Department of Human Health and Services - Center for Disease Control and Prevention released the following statistics:

• In 2007, approximately 3 million children under the age of 18 years were reported to have a food or digestive allergic reaction in the previous 12 months.
• The prevalence of food allergies increased 18% among children under the age of 18 years between 1997 and 2007.
• From 2004 to 2006, there were approximately 9,500 hospital discharges per year with a diagnosis related to food allergy among children under the age of 18 years.
• Four out of every 100 children have a food allergy.

ALLERGIES: Manufactured On Shared Equipement

Many people ask me why I made the choice to not allow my son to eat products that are manufactured on the same equipment as peanuts or milk.  I'm not sure if they're just curious or if they think I'm overreacting.  I'm a mildly defensive person, especially when it comes to my children.  I must have Mama Bear Syndrome or something.  But it really does aggravate me when companies think that "good manufacturing policies" are good enough for this allergy parent to continue to purchase their products.

RECIPE: Valentine's Day Treats

I spent a good portion of my day making valentine's day chocolate treats.  My Mom found heart shaped chocolate molds that were just big enough to add filling.  I decided to go with strawberry jam for a filling.  I also had smaller molds that filling can be added to so I made those into sunbutter chocolates.  YUM!  They were made with no dairy, no nuts, no soy, no egg, no wheat, no corn, no fish...maybe it would be easier for me to write the ingredients instead of writing what's NOT in it. :)

This is what I did...

ALLERGIES: Luke's Peanut Reaction

This allergy reaction story was submitted by Melinda in Virgina.

ALLERGIES: Your Reaction Story

The more we know, the better prepared we can be!

I am currently accepting severe allergy reaction stories which will be published here on EasyBreezyFoodAllergies.com.

Get your kids to WANT to help!

I'm noticing that from time to time I have things to share with you all that have absolutely nothing to do with allergies.  This is one of those times. 

RECIPE: Fun Filled Pockets

Today I made some yummy calzone pockets.  I try to clean out the fridge of leftovers to make these.  So for today's pockets we had: Turkey Cutlet, Sunbutter Fruit, and Apple Maple Fruit.  I buy dough from the grocery store that does contain wheat.  For those of you who need a gluten free version, Namaste and Bob's Red Mill both make decent pizza dough.

Fresh Air

Today we took the kids on a small hike.  We packed up a lunch, put on our ski pants, hats, scarves, mittens, and boots and drove a couple miles down the street to a local apple orchard.  It was by far the best choice we made all weekend. 

Food Allergies: There IS a Bright Side!

Here I am, sitting in the middle of a crowded restaurant with my family, with tears streaming down my face.  Our allergy child (who was four at the time) looks up at me with those big brown eyes and a look of concern written all over his face.  He walks over to me, puts his little hand on the side of my face and says “What’s wrong Mommy?  What is it?”

Rewind ten minutes earlier.