MILK ALLERGY MOM

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2017-01-27T11:09:00.002-06:00

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Sugar Cookies {Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Natural Color}

2017-01-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Holidays, celebrations, parties...nothing says "a good time" like festive sugar cookies.

And at our house, making sugar cookies is like baking AND art class all in one because my kids absolutely love decorating them.

But for a few years, as a milk and egg allergy mom, I thought these were completely out for us.

Until I discovered flax eggs.

At that moment our world was revolutionized. Sugar cookies. French toast. Game on!

For a time, this recipe had disappeared from our site, and we didn't know until emails started coming in, "Where is your sugar cookie recipe? It's our favorite!".

Ya'll know how to make a girl feel good. Thanks for loving this recipe!

Obviously, we got it back on the site, and hope many more food allergy families will come to love it as a safe and delicious tradition.

Here are a few helpful tips to make these as perfect as possible:

1. Roll the dough out on sugar, not flour, so the cookies don't get stiff.

2. Pull the cookies out of the oven before they turn brown so they stay soft and chewy.

3. The icing recipe is conducive to both spreading AND piping.

4. For piping the icing, simply use sandwich bags with the corner snipped.

5. The corn syrup causes the icing to harden and become glossy. Great for stacking when set.

6. The corn syrup also makes the coloring vibrant, not muted.

7. GMO-free corn syrup can be purchased, if you're concerned about that.

8. I'm told Target brand powdered sugar doesn't contain corn.

9. I use allergen-free and gluten-free natural food coloring that you might love! {affiliate}

Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Sugar Cookies

2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dairy-free margarine
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg or 1 flax egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325

In a medium bowl combine the flour and salt with a wire whisk. In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well blended. Scrape down sides of bowl, then add the flour mixture. Blend on low speed just until combined. Do not over mix.

Gather dough into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Refrigerate one hour until firm.

On a SUGARED surface, roll out dough to a 1/4 inch thickness.With cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 13-15 minutes, being careful not to brown. Immediately transfer cookies with a spatula to a cool, flat surface.

Colorful Icing that Hardens

1 cup confectioners sugar

3 teaspoons dairy-free milk

3 teaspoons corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

food coloring

In a mixer, beat confectioners sugar and milk until smooth. Then incorporate corn syrup and vanilla extract until icing is smooth and glossy.

This icing can be used for spreading or piping.

You may need to thin it just a tad more for piping, but not much. Start with 1/4 tsp. more of both milk and corn syrup. If you add more, equal parts of milk and corn syrup 1/4 tsp. at a time.

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Original Post: 12-23-10

20 Reasons We Home School {With Food Allergies}

2017-01-20T23:38:00.000-06:00

Original Post 6-23-15

As a mom of a son with life-threatening food allergies, I know one of the most weighing concerns for allergy families is what to do about school.

We pray that our children will outgrow their allergies by kindergarten, and when they don't...panic ensues. How will they be safe so many hours away from us?

The question of schooling for food allergy children often comes up on our Facebook Page, and most of the time the majority of comments suggest jumping into public school with a good 504 plan.

While that suggestion is fine and certainly the opinion of many, I want to write this post for those mamas who have a tug in their gut to dig deeper for other solutions.

Because...I was one of those moms not content with the 504 route. Not everyone is going to be, and other options are out there.

So I'm here to share the idea that other mom friends passed onto me eight years ago.

And that's home school.

I know, I laughed at my friends, too. I actually laughed at them for about two years. Home school was definitely not on my radar, but thankfully good friends pointed me to it anyways!

And that's what I want to do for you. Point you to it...just in case!

To my surprise, home school turned out to be a wonderful, feasible, alternative option for our boys' education. They are thriving in the most important ways, and our whole family is content and satisfied with this road we have chosen.

Yes, we started home school because of food allergies. I won't pretend it wasn't. But eight years in and with a wonderful program that suits us well...our family of four is in unanimous decision that home school is for us. Food allergies or not.

And maybe home school is for you!

Or maybe you will read this post and say no way! But then a year or two down the road, you will be Googling "Milk Allergy Mom 20 Reasons We Home School" because you just can't shake the idea.

That's why I'm writing this post. I know some of you will find and fall in love with home schooling as a result, and that's worth it to me to write this "controversial" post. Every family deserves to find the "perfect fit" for them.

To help you start exploring this possible option, I've listed the 20 reasons that we home school.
Hope this helps you dig deeper as you research educational options.

FOOD ALLERGY REASONS WE HOME SCHOOL

1. PUBLIC SCHOOL TOLD US TO
Our public school told us we should probably home school because they don't want moms volunteering around the school too much.

2. NO FULL-TIME NURSES AT SCHOOL
The public school only had a part-time nurse. We felt this was just not enough support for our food allergy son.

3. SCARY CAFETERIAS
I'm the one who has made all our food allergy mistakes so I certainly don't expect a cafeteria to keep my son safe. Cross contamination, surface residue, and airborne allergens are all concerns.

4. BULLIES
All we have to do is read the daily news to know what an epidemic school bullying has become. Very disheartening.

5. FOCUS ON STRENGTHS, NOT FOOD ALLERGY
My sons are gaining a lot of confidence by being able to focus on their academic, spiritual, personality, and extra-curricular strengths at home.

6. SMALLER, SAFER COMMUNITY
Our home school group is small enough to build relationships and to have a food allergy safe environment where everyone is understanding. Life isn't always like this but why shouldn't it be for now? We believe in baby-stepping into the big wide world.

7. EFFECTIVE FOOD ALLERGY ADVOCACY
We get to educate a close-knit community about food allergies. And they are then going out and educating others. Think quality over quantity. Jesus and the 12 disciples.

8. LOWER STRESS FOR ALL
Parent and child food allergy stress levels are much lower. Better for our overall health.

9. INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION & SAFETY
We think we can keep our child alive better than a school can. That's a strong reason.

10. TEACH FOOD ALLERGY SKILLS IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
We are walking alongside our son closely and teaching him food allergy management at age appropriate levels. Throwing the baby in the bath water was just not our preferred method for this important training.

OTHER REASONS WE HOME SCHOOL

11. BEING MAINSTREAM ISN'T OUR CONCERN
Instead, teaching our kids to think outside the box is important to us. And home school is definitely "outside the box". We want them to be thinkers, communicators, and leaders.

12. WE HOLD OUR VALUES TIGHTLY
We want to instill values into our children that the school system probably will not. In fact, the school systems may instill values counter to what our family thinks and believes, and I don't want to spend our evenings un-teaching what our kids may learn at school.

13. WE WANT OUR KIDS TO BE KIDS
Getting to sled when it snows, ride bikes when it's sunny, splash puddles when it rains, run in leaves when they fall. Not to mention that no matter how good parents are at home, the influence at school these days can be appalling. In my opinion, society is growing our kids up way too fast. Call me a prude.

14. BEING SOCIAL IS THE LEAST OF OUR WORRIES
Our food allergy son is a competitive club athlete. Our other son is a natural life-of-the-party. We have sports friends, church friends, cousins, neighbor friends, home school field trips and play days. In addition, my kids are learning to socialize beyond their peer group, and that's neat to see.

15. WE HAVE A GREAT PROGRAM
We have found an amazing, nationalized home school program that will take our children all the way through high school. Classical Christian education has been the best fit for us.

16. FAMILY TIME IS IMPORTANT TO US
We don't spend the evenings doing homework, and that means more fun time with dad and as a family. We can take vacations whenever we want, too. Bonus!

17. RELAXED SCHEDULE
We can stay up late, wake up late. Have a slow breakfast. No lunch-packing stress or limitations, and we have time to make nutritious dinners. I love our laid back schedule especially in the kitchen!

18. THE HOME SCHOOL MOVEMENT IS GROWING
Home schooling has grown exponentially in recent years and so has the support network. At our disposal are legal defense, social avenues, online inspiration, and awesome curriculum choices of all varieties! There's no need to go at it alone these days.

19. STATISTICALLY SUCCESSFUL
Home school graduates are scoring above average on national tests, and colleges are starting to vie for these well-performing students.

20. LIFE IS SHORT
We only have our children for a short time. In nine quick years, I will be able to do whatever I want with my life. For now, we are thoroughly enjoying our time with our kids.

Our Teen Home School Friends

SOME MYTHS ABOUT HOME SCHOOLING

ONLY MOMS HOME SCHOOL
Dads can get involved, too, and they do a great job. Good male role models are necessary for our kids and society as a whole.

ONLY STAY AT HOME MOMS CAN HOME SCHOOL
I know home school moms who work full-time or part-time, even outside the home. Doctors, nurses, Chamber of Commerce President, professors, managers, business owners galore.

HOME SCHOOL HAS TO BE FROM 8am TO 3pm
Nope. For one, learning takes half the time when it's one-on-one with your child. And it can be early mornings, evenings, and even weekends.

SINGLE MOMS CAN'T HOME SCHOOL
I know ones who do! They enlist the help of grandparents, family, babysitters, etc. to help get things done. With a good ally, I've seen it's possible

HOME SCHOOL IS TOO EXPENSIVE
It doesn't have to be. There are tons of free or inexpensive resources out there. Our family embraces the classical model of simplicity, and we save a lot of money that way.

I HAVE TO USE PUBLIC SCHOOL BECAUSE I PAY TAXES INTO IT
Well, so do retired people and families in private school. We will be paying money to the schools our entire life as long as we are home owners. Moving to a less expensive district can alleviate some of the tax sting.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOME SCHOOLING

Find out your state laws regarding home school. Some have no regulations. Some do.
Any loving parent can home school. You know your child best.
You don't have to be "religious" to home school. There are all kinds of programs.
There are so many curriculum and methods out there. Choose what's best for your family!
Practice home school during the preschool years. It will help you learn your styles early.
It's never too late to bring your kids home. Kids are so resilient and adaptable.
You don't have to pick one thing and stick to it. Changing curriculum or school decisions is fine. Do what's best for now and be willing to change as needed.
If you have further questions, just leave a comment and I'll try to help!

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Allergy-Friendly Classroom Treats, Prizes, & Goodies

2017-01-20T17:28:00.000-06:00

With Valentine's Day approaching, I thought some of you may be looking for good allergy-friendly classroom treat ideas.

And while I haven't exactly ordered goodies yet for my kids to hand out at home school group, I know where I'm going to get them!

I recently needed some school treats for our home school campus's review carnival, and Oriental Trading didn't disappoint...me OR the kids.

Children always love those scratch-off ornaments, decorative erasers, stickers, glow-in-the-dark bugs...anything to fiddle, play, and craft with!

Purchasing non-food treats is by far the safest route to go when buying "goodies" for school celebrations. Did you know that on average 2 children in every classroom have a food allergy? Better to be safe than sorry.

If you really want to get some kind of edible treat, we have good luck with fruit leathers. Food allergy parents will be happy about the prepackaging with labels so they can double check the ingredients.

And for the non-edibles, right now Oriental Trading has free shipping on $49 orders and some really cute Valentine items in their clearance section. These adorable Valentine notepads, pull-back snails, and heart eraser cards are just a few of the fun offerings I saw right off the bat.

So if you aren't sure how to pull off cupcakes made free of the Top 8 allergens and want something safe for every student, head over to Oriental Trading for trinkets, toys, and prizes that all the kids are sure to love.

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Auvi-Q Relaunch Coming February 2017!

2017-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ready for some exciting news on the upcoming return of Auvi-Q?

It's coming back on Valentine's Day 2017, according to Kids with Food Allergies.

Heart, heart, heart!

This pocket-sized, talking epinephrine injector was recalled in 2015, and many allergy patients have been anxiously awaiting its return.

I know my eleven-year-old son was less intimidated by this device, and we look forward to its convenient size and helpful talking instructions.

Read more about the February 14, 2017 release.

And hear from the original company and inventors on this important development at Allergic Living.

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Food Allergy Labeling Laws

2017-01-17T00:00:00.001-06:00

Thank the Lord for food allergy labeling laws that were created just 6 months before my son's first anaphylactic reaction to milk. Even though labeling is far from perfect eleven years later, having Top 8 allergens required on the label in plain English was a huge help to this new food allergy mom. This includes colors, flavors, and spice blends.

The allergens in plain English must appear in the ingredient list OR in the "contains statement". But it doesn't have to be in both places so be sure to check both before buying or consuming products if you have a severe food allergy.

"Plain English" for milk, as an example, must say MILK somewhere on the label...not just whey or casein or cream or butter, etc.

It is also important to note that advisory statements are voluntary and not required. So if a label does not have this statement, that doesn't mean there are no processing concerns. You would need to contact the company to get more information on any "may contain", "processed in a plant with", and "processed on a line with" allergens.

You can read more about food allergy labeling laws at the FARE website.

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Dairy-Free Black Bean Soup

2017-01-16T22:29:00.001-06:00

OTHERS MAY NEED THIS, PIN ME!

So I may be going out on a limb with this title, "Black Bean Soup for Picky Kids". But I'm basing this on the fact that my own very picky boy ate this soup tonight and proclaimed it wasn't "too bad".

Soup is one of my favorite meals, but I know it's not real kid-friendly sometimes. Not like chicken nuggets and hamburgers, right?

The key might have been to blend half the beans into the soup, hence...HIDE them. Besides, I use half the beans called for in similar black bean recipes and make the broth more prominent. And the sweet corn is definitely kid-approved.

I gave my son a big hug when he finished his bowl of black bean soup. He made my night. So I'm definitely standing by this title. I hope even your pickiest eaters will like it, too.

Serve with homemade bread, and your kids will love this even more.

Dairy-Free Black Bean Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

1 clove of garlic, chopped

1 tsp of taco seasoning or chili powder

4 cups chicken broth

1 can black beans

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn

1 can black beans

1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

salt & pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic for 5 minutes.

Add seasoning and cook for another minute.

Add broth, 1 can black beans, and corn. Bring to a boil.

In a blender, blend the other can of black beans and the can of crushed tomatoes. Add mixture to the pot of soup.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Bring soup back to a boil, then turn down the heat to simmer until ready to serve.

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Dairy-Free Find ~ YumEarth Licorice

2017-01-16T18:24:00.002-06:00

OTHERS MAY NEED THIS, PIN ME!

Our favorite licorice is made by YumEarth and is milk-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and gluten-free. I love that it's naturally flavored with no synthetic dyes, and is manufactured in a dairy-free and peanut-free facility.

It comes in a variety of flavors including strawberry, pomegranate, and peach.

And conveniently, it can be purchased on Amazon for a decent price.

Watch out, though. This is addicting! :)

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Chicken Quesadillas {Dairy-Free}

2017-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here is yet another another great dish to make with leftover roasted chicken, and our kids really like it. Dairy-free quesadillas are made possible with dairy-free cheese shreds like Daiya and GO Veggie VEGAN variety. We use both.

Just place a tortilla in your skillet or on a griddle, top with cooked diced or shredded chicken, sauteed spinach, and dairy-free cheese shreds. Place another tortilla on top and cook on both sides until tortillas are golden brown crispy and the inside is heated through.

Serve with salsa and perhaps a side of rice or corn.

It doesn't get any easier than this, folks!

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Original Post 3-13

Foods Packaged and Sprayed with Milk Protein Casein?

2017-01-09T20:59:00.001-06:00

Thanks to our helpful readers, it was brought to our attention that the USDA and American Chemical Society (ACS) have been working on a plastic replacement that may cause concern for milk allergy families. And according to an ACS article, it could hit markets within three years.

This alternative plastic prototype is being made from casein, a milk protein.

Even more alarming is that this product would be used specifically for food packaging and food preservation.

Add to this, an August 2016 press conference with the developers revealed that they are testing casein as a preservative spray for foods like cereal.

According to Food Allergy & Research Education, milk is the most common food allergy in infants and young children so I know many families will want to know more about this product made with casein.

Pressing Questions From Our Readers

1. Has this product been proven safe for milk allergies?

2. Will the casein be used on products that are otherwise dairy-free?

3. Would the foods wrapped or sprayed in casein be labeled as containing milk allergen?

I Have Made Some Inquiries

1. I called my Congressman and am in the process of having his office make an inquiry for more information from the USDA.

2. I also left a message at the American Chemical Society for more information, and am waiting for a call back.

3. I contacted the leading scientist at the USDA on phone and email.

Update From the Scientists at the USDA

After playing phone tag with Dr. Bonnaillie, the lead USDA scientist on this project, I was able to get some helpful information from her via email. First, Dr. Bonnaillie sent me to two articles that mentioned precautions for milk allergy in the making of these casein films. Here are the articles:

Newsweek Sep. 2016

Smithsonian Aug. 2016

In addition, Dr. Bonnaillie gave me permission to quote her email saying:

"Dear Jamie,

We have been emphasizing the use of these coatings on foods that already contain dairy, however it may ultimately be up to food manufacturers to decide what they want to do with these milk-based films and coatings, if they adopt them. Please be certain that if they are added to any food that does not already contain milk protein,the new ingredients will be clearly marked on the package, by regulation.

In addition, coated cereal would most probably not replace regular cereal flakes and other low-cost cereals, but would instead be used to create NEW value-added products that could be advertised as “Protein cereal”, etc.

Safe foods will remain safe!"

Comment with Further Questions or Concerns

We are grateful for Dr. Bonnaillie answering our concerns for Milk Allergy Mom readers. if you have further questions or comments that you would like passed along, i know she has checked this post, and I have her on email and phone.

Please leave a comment in this post if there is more you would like to know or relay. Communication will be key in making sure milk allergy children and adults are kept safe in the midst of these new innovations.

We Will Keep Our Readers Posted

If we get further information, we will let you know. The best way to get our updates is through our email list, and we would love to include you.

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3 Free Knife Lesson Videos for Kids

2017-01-09T11:25:00.001-06:00

Hey friends, today I've got something that I know is important to you all. Whether you're a home school family, a food allergy family, or simply have children in your home...getting your kids in the kitchen is something that's probably been in the back of your mind for awhile now. I know it's been in mine.

Children helping in the kitchen has too many benefits to not pause, consider, and take action...so read on.

4 Reasons For Children to Help in the Kitchen

One, getting kids in the kitchen at an early age benefits the health of the children. I didn't even know how to boil a pot of noodles when I graduated from college. And guess who quickly gained that freshman 15, had to get on acid blockers by her senior year, and who's gallbladder shut down after two pregnancies? I blame most of this on not knowing how to prepare healthy foods for myself when I left home. I don't want this for my kids.

Two, food allergy children especially need to know how to prepare safe foods for themselves...the sooner, the better. If you're a food allergy parent, you know how debilitating it can be to imagine your food allergy child leaving home and trying to fend for themselves. Nothing is more important than teaching them to advocate AND cook at a young age. I'm certain these classes are going to pay incredible dividends for our food allergy journey.

Three, home school families can use the extra time they spend in the kitchen as more learning time together. You're going to be in the kitchen making three meals PLUS snacks on most days, so why not count it as home ec?! The life-skills learning I did with my boys during our monetessori preschool time at home was so fun. No need to stop this important skill-building at elementary age, I'm ready to bring things up a notch.

Four, having kids take responsibility in the kitchen frees up a lot of time for us moms in the long run. And free time for mom equates to time for so many other special things: Bible study, caring for neighbors, sending notes to friends, keeping an organized planner, an old hobby we want to pick back up, more time with our husbands, and yes...quality time with our kids! So many of these are my goals for 2017, I just didn't know a kid cooking curriculum would help me meet them. Sweet!

Kitchen Stewardship is Offering Kid Cooking Lessons

I met Katie, founder of Kitchen Stewardship, at a blogging conference this past fall. She's a former teacher who has incredible attention to detail, and knows how to teach! That's how she's put together a very successful cooking curriculum for kids, complete with video and printables. Her full curriculum has different paid levels to included as many families as possible. But she kindly offers a test-drive for free with no obligation. And the free part is one of the most important elements from the curriculum. Using knives!

3 Free Knife Lessons for Kids Ends January 18th

Before our second semester begins full force, I have started the free knife skills course with my boys. When they saw me watching the parent video and asked if they could take the class, how could I say no?!

Funny story, I freaked Katie out with my apple cutting technique when we were staying together this past fall. Apparently, I need this free course, too!

Katie's free Knife Skills Course ends January 18, 2017. So you will want to sign up today like I did.

Optional Full Kids Cooking Curriculum for Purchase

The free Knife Course is just one of the cooking courses Katie has to offer. The rest are paid lessons, but there is no obligation when you sign up for her free knife course.

The full, paid curriculum is being offered through January 18, 2017 so we will need to decide by then if we are going to dive in!

I am certain we will be taking the rest of the courses offered by Katie at Kitchen Stewardship. My husband would love to join us for these life-skills, allergy-important, curriculum-counting, more-time-for-mom lessons. And having dad involved will be such a treat!

Once purchased by January 18, there's no time crunch to get the lessons done. We will have indefinite access to the videos and printables. Thank goodness!

If my family can't get it done this semester, there's always summer, right?!

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Milk-Free Find ~ Pascha Chocolate Bars

2017-01-08T23:36:00.000-06:00

Well friends, my gig is up. Now you know what I spend my time doing at soccer games while cheering on my son. Eating chocolate, of course! It's good for stressful situations, I'm pretty sure.

I've been needing to share this amazing brand with you for quite some time. It's my 11-year-old son's favorite chocolate bar. I'm not sure if that's because it's twice the size of Enjoy Life or actually based on taste.

But who cares. We've got dairy-free chocolate bar options for my anaphylactic milk allergy son, and that makes this mama very happy. Obviously, I indulge, too.

I love that this brand is allergy-free, including no soy.

We find these Pascha bars at Hy-Vee, County Market, our local health food store, and on Amazon. This is my son's favorite flavor and wow, the price really is good online! Guess I'm stocking up! You can never have enough chocolate.

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Our Favorite Natural Foods at Aldi

2017-01-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

I know many are often intrigued by the low prices at Aldi, and now the organic and natural offerings are icing on the cake!

Many of the natural foods have been safe for our milk and nut allergies, and I thought I'd point them out since we often get asked.

Prices on these products are amazing, too. From 79 cents for organic canned beans to just $4.99 for 14 ounces of organic coconut oil, we save a ton of money shopping at Aldi.

Here's a disclaimer, though. My son did have a milk reaction to Aldi brand pretzels, and we since have learned that not all the companies producing foods for Aldi label shared facility or shared production line information. For that reason, we are very careful about what processed foods we buy there. Make sure you check labels and contact Aldi with any questions you need answered.

Aldi produce and these natural products are becoming staples in our home, though. Check labels yourself, and I hope this helps!

Our Favorite Aldi Natural Foods

Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes

Simply Nature Organic Coconut Oil

Simply Nature Organic Salsa

Simply Nature Organic Black Beans

Simply Nature Unsweetened Applesauce

Simply Nature Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Simply Nature Organic Honey

Simply Nature Organic Pinto Beans

Simply Nature Organic Ketchup

Live G-Free Coco Loco Bars

Simply Nature Organic Marinara Sauce

Live G-Free Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Please comment with any other natural processed foods you buy at Aldi. I would love more things to look for.

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Original Post 6-16

Free Planner Course for Erin Condren Planners

2017-01-07T10:19:00.000-06:00

PIN ME! SHARE ME!

Christmas is over. You took care of everyone on your list. And now it's time to think about YOU.

What are your goals for 2017? What are you hoping to accomplish better than ever this year?

Did you know that the best success comes when goals and progress are tracked...on paper?

Paper planners are an amazing tool for getting you to where you want to go, and I absolutely love my Erin Condren planner for this very reason.

What's great about this planner compared to others is that there are so many extra places to track whatever you want, to customize, and to write in your own headings, titles, and dreams. This is what makes it worth the extra cost in my mind.

You can read more about exactly what's in the new 2017 planner at this blog post or check out my video tour on YouTube!

Anyways, I have learned to customize my planner to track everything from schedules to calendars to health to budgets to journaling. And I get asked so often how I do this and what my favorite tools are. So I decided to offer a free course on Facebook!

The Facebook group is so convenient and easy. You can jump in at your leisure, anytime in January, to follow my 30 days to setting up your planner and setting up good planner habits.

To join the class, all you have to do is order your Erin Condren Planner at this referral link, and I will invited you to the class! Plus, you get $10 off your planner when you order through this link, as well. It's a win/win for you!

$10 off and a free course to make sure you set up and use your planner to its maximum potential. And to YOUR maximum potential. What are you waiting for!

To join class, order your Erin Condren through my referral link anytime in January. The class lessons are posted, numbered, and saved through February so latecomers can catch up. The free FB class will be removed on March 1st. So don't delay!

I look forward to seeing you in class!

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Allergy-Friendly Granola Bites

2017-01-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

PIN & SHARE!

When your neighbor asks for a recipe that her daughter came home raving about, you know you have a winner.

One day I dished these granola bites out to all the neighbor kids, and they were completely devoured. I'm so glad they wanted more at home!

The kids certainly didn't realize how nutritious these are or that they are actually allergy-friendly.

Easy, delicious, and no-bake. And kids can help make them!

These work wonderfully for a quick breakfast or a snack during the day.

See us make these on Facebook Live.

DAIRY-FREE GRANOLA BITES

1 cup quick oats (gluten-free if needed)

1/2 cup peanut butter (nut or seed butter if needed)

1/2 cup honey

1 cup rice crispie cereal (gluten-free if needed)

1/4 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls. I use my melon baller to just scoop out little balls. If the scoop starts sticking, wet it under water and keep scooping.

If the bites aren't sticking together well enough, add more honey one teaspoon at a time until they do.

Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to one week.

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Original Post 6-12

Crock Pot Short Ribs {Dairy-Free}

2017-01-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

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I know I'm a lot better at posting baking recipes, but rest assured that we do eat protein in this house, too.

We are blessed to have access to local, grass fed beef, and we fill our deep freeze about twice a year with an abundance. Fortunately, my milk allergy son can eat beef. I know some milk allergy people can't.

For the longest time, I left the short ribs in the bottom of the freezer because I wasn't sure what to do with them. But after a little Googling, I came up with a recipe that my husband and boys tell me not to change. The gang is happy!

And that's saying a lot considering my husband likes very few things in the crock pot. He's a "fry it on the stove" or "roast it in the oven" type of guy. I can't just throw anything in the crock pot and get away with it.

But these short ribs definitely pass the crock pot test, and that means I can add one more thing to my "I don't have to cook it" list! I hope you can add these to your easy cooking list, too.

The recipe calls for Tamari. I get this from our local coop. But I think soy sauce or even Worcestershire sauce would work.

Crock Pot Short Ribs

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 small can of tomato sauce

2 Tbs. tamari or soy sauce

1 Tbs. vinegar

1 Tbs. water

10 beef short ribs

Combine the brown sugar, tomato sauce, tamari, vinegar, and water. Place short ribs in the crock pot and pour the mixture over the top. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. These are good served over rice with a side of steamed vegetables.

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Banana Bread {Dairy-Free & Egg-Free}

2017-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

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Simple, moist, versatile...this banana bread recipe does not disappoint. That's why it's one of our top 5 blog posts year after year! And it's a very regular recipe in our own anaphylactic food allergy home. From toddlers to tweens, my sons have absolutely loved having banana bread in the house for breakfast and snacks alike.

Our recipe is especially nice because it doesn't even call for milk so no substituting is needed. And it requires just one egg that is easily substituted with 3 tablespoons of applesauce without messing up the recipe. Feel free to use one egg instead of the applesauce if you can.

Although it doesn't need it, you can also spice this banana bread up by adding dairy-free chocolate chips, nuts, or brown sugar sprinkled on the top before baking. You can always leave it as is, too. I promise it will be gobbled up no matter what.

This recipe is so versatile that we have also used it as the base for other quick breads.

Zucchini Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Apple Bread

Now gather up those brown bananas and turn them into something delicious!

DAIRY-FREE & EGG-FREE BANANA BREAD

Oven 350

1.5 c. all purpose flour
1.5 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt

1 egg or 3 Tbs. applesauce
1 c. mashed bananas
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. cooking oil

Grease a loaf pan or use my favorite non-stick USA bread pan.

In a medium bowl, mix the first set of dry ingredients and make a well in the center.

In a small bowl, mix the second set of wet ingredients.

Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened.

Spoon the mixture into your bread pan.

Bake 40-50 minutes until a wooden toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container.

The flavors will meld better on the second day, but who can really wait that long?

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Original Post 10-16-08

Milk-Free Find ~ Campbell's Tomato Soup

2017-01-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

Meals in a pinch can be hard with food allergies so I wanted to share one of our favorite milk-free "convenient foods".

Campbell's Tomato Soup. My boys love it.

And while this isn't the healthiest option in the pantry, I add homemade chicken broth instead of dairy-free milk or water. Now THAT'S healthy and flavorful!

We serve tomato soup with dairy-free crackers, peanut butter sandwiches, or dairy-free grilled cheese.

Some may want to call the company for cross contamination and processing information. Always check labels, ingredients can change.

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Original Post 3-10

What Kind of Doctor for Food Allergies?

2017-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

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Today we are featuring another popular reader question from our Facebook page.

"Does anyone see an allergist for their dairy allergy? And do they actually help more than just advising against consuming milk?"

Yes, allergists are specialists and will help you learn much more about your allergy. At least a good one will, so make sure you find one that is knowledgeable and willing to educate you. Our allergist tests each year, knows our history, helps us make and adjust our allergy action plan, and takes my calls anytime we have an allergy or asthma issue. This help is empowering and can be life-saving. I highly recommend finding a good allergist to walk alongside you.

Here is what our readers said:

Loriel S
Our daughter's allergist practiced as in pediatrics for 15 years before he went back to school and specialized in allergies and asthma. I look at it this way: I wouldn't go to a general surgeon for heart surgery...

Becky H
Good question! We see ours in a few weeks for the first time and I often wondered this.

Kelly T

Lauren S.

Megan M.

Amanda B

We have an amazing pediatrician and an amazing allergist. They both look after my daughters health in their own way. Find a good allergist and they will be so worth the extra visit. Milk is very hard to avoid and exposures can happen.

Laura C

Kim B
My son does. Yes they advise, but he also does testing to watch levels of IGg which helps to determine if you are "out growing" the allergy. It is nice because they do have different food challenges depending on level of your dairy allergy. Just my opinion - but dairy is just one of many, so we do see him for all the allergies

Mei S
Our allergist is great. She advises us what to avoid and what to look out for. Told us how to control a reaction. She didn't give us any false expectations (like when my child will "outgrow" his allergy). Also if we have any questions before our next visit, I can just email her in stead of setting a new appointment.

Bailey B
We see an allergist once a year after he gets his blood withdrawn to see if his dairy allergy number has decreased

Debbie M
I have been to 3 different allergist, and don't find them helpful at all. My son was diagnosed at 7 months and he is now 11 years old. I love our pediatrician. We do RAST testing every few years. I refuse to put my child through any more skin testing.

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Monster Cookies {Dairy-Free & Egg-Free}

2017-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

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Move over chocolate chip cookie, there's a new cookie in town. I can't believe I successfully made my anaphylactic milk allergy son a monster cookie!

White chocolate chips and allergy-safe M&M's...on top of our usual, safe chocolate chips. That's right! These cookies were MONSTERS! And he loved every bite.

To make these, I simply used our chocolate chip cookie recipe and pressed No-No candies and white chocolate chips into the top of the cookies before baking.

I actually made these on Facebook Live so you can check that out.

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Milk-Free Find ~ Daiya Frozen Pizza

2017-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just had to share real quick one of our new dairy-free pizza finds. While our son really likes his Tofurky Pizza and Tofutti Pizza, we have excitedly added a new option to our Friday night take-out.

Daiya now makes frozen pizzas, and my kiddo enjoyed his first supreme pizza...after I explained what "supreme" meant.

Here are the ingredients, and you can learn more at their website.

Gluten-Free Crust (water, tapioca starch, brown rice flour, white whole grain sorghum flour, potato starch, olive oil, cane sugar, milled flax seed, yeast, psyllium, sea salt, xanthan gum), Tomato Basil Sauce (water, tomato paste, olive oil, onions, basil, salt, garlic, xanthan gum, spices), Daiya Mild Mozzarella Style Shreds (filtered water, tapioca starch, non-GMO expeller pressed canola and/ or non-GMO expeller pressed safflower oil, coconut oil, pea protein isolate, salt, inactive yeast, vegan natural flavors, vegetable glycerin, xanthan gum, lactic acid (vegan), titanium dioxide (a naturally occurring mineral), yeast extract), Beyond Meat Italian Sausage- style Crumbles (water, pea protein isolate, non -GMO expeller-pressed canola oil, natural flavors, garlic, spices, calcium, sulfate, paprika, potassium bicarbonate, caramel color, yeast extract, salt, onion), Crimini Mushrooms, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion.

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Rice Crispy Treats {Dairy-Free & Soy-Free}

2017-01-02T14:50:00.000-06:00

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Rice Crispy Treats, classic right? I remember realizing that I could make these dairy-free years ago, and being so pleased with myself. These are a great "normal" treat for guests and potlucks and don't take up any expensive dairy-free chocolate. Win!

To make these soy-free, use Earth Balance buttery spread that's soy-free. Not all Earth Balance is soy-free so be sure to get the right version. Or use Melt, it's our new favorite!

Dairy-Free & Soy-Free Rice Crispy Treats

1 10 oz. bag of marshmallows

3 Tbs dairy-Free, soy-free butter

6 cups of rice crispy cereal

Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pot over medium heat, stirring constantly. When melted, remove from heat and add 6 cups of rice crispies. Fold the cereal and marshmallow mixture together using a spatula.

Pour into a greased (dairy-free, soy-free) 9x13" pan. Press into pan with clean, wet fingers.

Let sit 15 minutes before cutting.

Store in an airtight container.

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Kitchen Aid Homemade Bread {Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free}

2017-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

As an allergy mom, I know it can be very hard to find dairy-free and egg-free sandwich bread at the store. Add in needing something soy-free and you're pretty much out of luck.

That's why I love this Basic White Bread recipe that came in my Kitchen Aid cookbook.

And yes, I make this bread in my Kitchen Aid Mixer! It's already on my counter top and so versatile for mixing up our dairy-free and egg-free cookie dough, cake batter, and incredible cinnamon rolls.

No need to drag out yet another kitchen appliance like a bread machine. The Kitchen Aid does so much!

The Kitchen Aid, with a dough hook, perfectly kneads the bread dough for me. All I really have to do is mix ingredients together, make sure the yeast happy, and be patient enough to wait for two rises. But that's it. This recipe is easy.

To make this Basic White Bread allergy-friendly, use dairy-free butter, dairy-free milk, and soy-free butter. I used almond milk and buttery spread made by Melt.

The recipe makes two loaves so there's enough bread to last for days. Just store it in an airtight container or bag.

Here is a video on how to work with yeast and how to get your bread to successfully rise.

Now put your Kitchen Aid to good use and make some homemade bread today!

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Frozen Bagel Pizzas {Dairy-Free}

2017-01-01T10:34:00.000-06:00

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Working alongside Money Saving Mom for her Freezer Lunchbox Series has been loads of fun as we eliminate the dairy for those who are like us.

For her Homemade Pizza Rolls from Picklebums, we decided to simplify and skip homemade pizza crust. The homemade crust looks amazing and is a dairy-free recipe if you want to go that route. But I used Thomas bagels as a shortcut. Be sure to check labels because not all their products are dairy-free.

With milk allergies, pizzas are a big deal around here. And having some frozen and ready to go is pretty special for my kiddo. This is one of his favorite lunches.

FREEZER BAGEL PIZZAS

INGREDIENTS
Bagels
Onions
Tomatoes
Burger or Applegate Pepperoni
Dairy-Free Cheese Shreds
Pizza Sauce

PIZZA SAUCE

1 small can tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. dried garlic

Assemble your pizzas by spreading pizza sauce over the bagels. Then top with your favorite toppings and finish off with dairy-free cheese. Bake pizzas in the oven on 350 until heated through and the bagels brown. Serve fresh or freeze according to instructions below.

TO FREEZE
Place baked pizzas on a cookie sheet and freeze in the freezer.
Then place frozen pizzas into a freezer baggie or freezer container & store in freezer.
Pull out individual pizza bagels as you need them. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Original Post 9-12

How to Do A Classical Conversations Review Carnival

2017-01-01T01:11:00.000-06:00

Each January, my Classical Conversations Campus enjoys a very productive, fun, simple, and organized Review Carnival the week before second semester starts. This is a great way to get the students caught up and on track half way through the school year and is actually a great launching point for potential memory masters!

Here are helpful steps for putting on a review carnival.

1. Put the event on your calendar before the school year even starts so parents can pencil it in.

2. Two weeks before the event, email parents for RSVP's. Invite dads and all students.

3. If there are enough parent volunteers to cover the proofing stations, put 1-2 in the childcare room. Or find a childcare volunteer if need be.

4. Print station signs to put at each station. Also make sure you have a bell to ring for rotating stations.

5. Put together simple goody bags to hand out at the end of the event. I like to do a couple organic suckers along with stickers and maybe a coupon to a local business. I've gotten ferris wheel rides donated by Scheels before.

6. Plan to pick up a dozen helium balloons the day of the event. Balloons make everything fun.

7. Pray about and talk to parents about what subject they are comfortable proofing.

8. Pray about the student teams you need to assign.

9. Send out an email like this one to participating parents one week before the event with an urgent subject like like, "PLEASE READ ASAP! IMPORTANT CARNIVAL INFO".

Dear Parents,

Our anticipated Review Carnival is next week, and it's going to be a blast! Please read all these details below so you know how it works and so you can best prepare. I assigned every parent a role in helping make this go as smoothly as possible.

Children's Experience

The main goal is to give the children practice in how Memory Master proofing works. They will be grouped up and will rotate between 9 stations.

The proofiing will happen first at each station. The kids may or may not know the answers. They have partners to help make the experience as easy as possible. And at the end of proofing each station, they will get to play a quick game as a reward for participating and trying.

The hour and a half of proofing stations goes very quickly. The kids like the pace and the games a lot. They don't get bored, that's for sure!

Schedule
12:45-1:00 Set Up (parents set up their stations)
1:00-1:10 Opening Session (instructions for children)
1:10-2:45 Proofing and Games
2:45-3:00 Group Limbo, Photo Booth, and Goody Bags

Parent Proofing
I'm pairing two parents at many stations so one can quiz and one can mark sheets. Each parent will have just one subject to work in. Parents bring your own proofing questions and answers like foundations guides, flash cards, or written out. Parents proof first, then offer a game as a reward for trying. Please plan your own game. If you have a partner, contact them to coordinate your game. Each group will be in your room for approximately 10 minutes. I ring the bell at each rotation time and give 30 seconds for the kids to move to the next station. Please get to proofing right away when students enter your station.

Here is a link to the proofing sheets each child will have and carry with them. You can print and practice at home if you'd like.

https://halfahundredacrewood.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/mmproofstickerbook.pdf

Mark proofing sheets with a CHECK if they knew it, even with prompting. And mark with a SMILEY FACE if they tried.

Prompting is ok with most of the students if they aren't seriously practicing for memory master. If your child IS really working for memory master, have them tell each proofer that they don't want prompts as those aren't allowed in real MM testing. It will be good practice for aspiring memory masters.

The kids will not be taking turns answering and you aren't quizzing them individually. They will answer together as a group.

But we will be marking proofing sheets based on individual performance within the group. It's a little tricky, that's for sure. But we did manage better than expected last year. It's not going to be 100% accurate of course, but what we did manage on marking the sheets was still a huge help to the parents and students.

Here are some helpful tips. If one child chimed in the answer while the others didn't, mark one check and two smileys. If they all jumped in and answered, give them all checks. If one knew the answer, but the others did too only because their friend helped them along, give them all checks. Knowing the answer with prompting is perfectly fine for most of our young students.

If the few who are really trying for Memory Master want more serious and accurate markings, that's fine, too. Parents, just make sure they are telling the proofers they want marked individually and accurately as possible for MM practice.

Station and Subject Assignments

1. Timeline (2 moms)

2. Presidents (1 mom)

3. Geography (2 moms)

4. English (2 moms or dads)

5. Math (2 moms)

6. History (2 moms or dads)

7. Science (2 moms or dads)

8. Latin (2 moms)

9. Fun Room (2 moms or dads)

Childcare (2 moms or volunteers)
Timer, bell, and rotation supervisor (director)

Games

These should be quick, easy games that can be put down quickly to rotate. Again, they should be used as a reward to be done after quizzing.

Ideas include magnet fishing, nerf and target, bean bag toss, washers, bucket ball toss, potato sack race, balancing a plastic ball on a spoon, etc. It doesn't have to be elaborate. But something physical is good. Even a crab crawl race and standing on their heads as long as possible are great contests that don't require any supplies.

Feel free to use items in the church for games. Just put them back when you're done.

Please respond back letting us know your game so we don't have duplicates.

CC Younger Siblings to 4-Year-Old's

We have a childcare volunteer to watch the youngers in Tina's classroom. They will not rotate or proof. This will be a great time for them to meet each other for possibly starting CC next year!

CC Student Groups

Here are the assigned groups of 2-3 students with varying ages and abilities within each group. Often there is one aspiring Memory Master in each set. I prayed over these pairings, and trust they will work out well.

Wrap-Up

At the end, we will all meet in the assembly room for one big game of limbo to one of our CC songs. Then I will hand out goody bags when the children show me their proof sheets and the kids are free to get pictures together in Tina's classroom with our props. It's a photo booth of sorts and moms just take pictures with their phones. If you have props, feel free to bring them

Clean-Up

Parents just clean up your own station and game and that should be the extent of our clean-up. I will check bathrooms and do final checks. And make sure your kiddos go home with their proofing sheets to look over with you later.

Proofing Practice Tips

Science - ask the question and students give the list.

English -

Latin -

Timeline - Most kids will sing it. Dates are not part of MM and need not be perfect. Order of the events is what we are going for.

Presidents - This has not been introduced yet. It's week 24 in Timeline. But it's part of MM every year. You can find the song on your CD's. It will be good review for students who were in CC last year, but it will only be an introduction to new students at that station. They will listen to the song and look at the pictures of the Presidents to go along with it. And earn smiley faces. It's a lot to learn in one week on week 24 so I thought an early intro would not hurt.

Math - Students who are 10 as of January say the times tables. The others just sing the skip counting songs. The two proofers in this room will want to divide and conquer on this one, separating the skip counting and time tables students.

History - Singing the songs is perfectly fine.

Geography - Parent points to location and student names place. Or parent names place and student points to it. Memorizing the list of places with the heading is not part of MM. Students need not know anything about the headings on the geography cards. This is a very time consuming station. Just do the best you can. Letting students point is usually fastest.

Please refer to the Memory Master Guide for more info on how to proof the subjects. If you have any questions, just let me know. The goal is to proof like it's memory master. Singing is ok.

Thank You for Serving!

Thanks to all for helping make this fun event happen!

I pray this helps you put on a wonderful Review Carnival for your own campus. If you have any questions, just leave a comment on this post and I will answer.

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