Friday, May 29, 2015

Friday Freebies: Gluten Free Ebooks, Organic Crafts and more

   Wow! I can't believe it's Friday already. Where did the week go? I think our NYC escapade last holiday weekend didn't help too.

    Anyway, have you checked the I Heart Keenwah Quinoa Puffs Sampler Giveaway? If you haven't joined yet, there's still a few hours left.  These gluten free snack is so good and yes healthy, I'm sure you'll love it too. 

     Oh, here's my Freebie finds for today. I hope you'll enjoy my selection. Just a little reminder, check the price before downloading as it could change anytime during the day. 

       Have a great weekend.  

- Roz

(Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my full disclosure here.)


How to Work For Yourself by Bryan Cohen


Bad Habits No More by S.J. Scott



Gluten Free Recipe Sampler



Gluten Free Guide



Photography Lighting Techniques by Hugo Benson



How To Make Your Own Organic Perfume 



24 Tie Dye Techniques

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

What I Learned this Weekend as a Parent of Children with Food Allergies

   One of the activities that our family stayed away from after I learned about my children's food allergies was travelling. Even though the Child #2 and #3's reactions were mostly upon ingestion and not through skin contact with the allergens (Thank God), I have to admit that I live in constant fear. 

    What if one of my kids suddenly have a reaction when he or she touch something? What if it's already a sign of anaphylaxis and I thought it is an asthma attack? What if the rescue squad/ambulance doesn't come right away? What if... What if... What if...

    I'm not the paranoid-helicopter type of parent BUT I can't help it. After all, I've seen them grasp for air a few times. We also had occasions wherein Child#3 would cough non stop as though all his internal organs will just come out of his tiny body. Can you blame me if I choose to keep them within the comforts of our small town?

     It has been 5 years since our family had any random trip. After so much coercing from the kids, I finally gave in. We drove an hour away from our suburban town and crossed the bridge to NYC. 


    Here's my Jersey kids'  first Subway ride. You should see how their eyes lit when I mentioned that they will be in the subway. Priceless!  Good thing New Yorkers are used to crazy tourists. The boys in particular,  were quite loud during the short ride. Who knew the underground train can bring so much joy?


       Our next stop was Central Park. It was a bit crowded than what my kids were used to. In fact, they were even hesitant play because they don't know any of the children there. But you know what? After seeing that the other kids were having fun, they blended right in. 


     Walking the streets of Harlem isn't that bad. Right kiddos? Check out their faces after they learned and actually experienced how far 15 blocks is. Oh well, at least they slept really early that night. Who's up for a 5K? 


      For the past six years, my children watched or joined the Memorial Day parade in our town. This year, we did something different. We used that day to make some more memories at the Bronx Zoo. Yup that's day 2 of long distance walking. 

      The weekend getaway taught me so much. Yes, food allergies are dangerous. However, that shouldn't stop us from actually experiencing life.  As a parent, I feel that in order for my allergic children to be safe, I should put them in a bubble. That it is my job to put them in a safe place that is clear of all their allergens.


    Then I realized that the only way for them to thrive is expose them to the real world. No matter how much I try, they will grow up and eventually do things without me by their side. They'll need to go out of their comfort zone and take care of themselves. 

     Instead of making the environment suit them, I have to equip them with the skills that will enable them to cope with their surroundings. I have to empower them so that they'll learn not only to speak for themselves but to make the right choices as well. 

      Yup, they'll be on their own soon... someday. For now, all their medications are still inside this momma's backpack. 

      
- Roz

Friday, May 22, 2015

Memorial Day Deals, Freebies and more

    At last Memorial Day is here. You know what that means right? Summer is just around the corner. 

    After a winter that seemed to go on forever, the warmer temperature is a big treat especially for us here in New Jersey. 

    Before you switch to holiday mode, I'm sharing with you today's deals and freebies. I found shopping coupon codes, free ebooks and even special discounts. Get them now and don't forget to share them to your friends as well. 


     Have a meaningful Memorial Day everyone!

- Roz
(Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my full disclosure here.)  


Special Discounts 

Pay $19 for any course!

    Want to learn a new hobby or language? How about improve your photography or computer stills? Whatever level you are, there's a course just for you. Just this weekend, you can learn a course for just $19. The classes are online. So, you can learn in your own pace at your preferred place.  Isn't that cool? 





Coupon Codes

Memorial Day Sale  - 25% Off All Orders






Ebooks

     As of this posting, all these ebooks are free to download. Please understand that the prices can change any time. That's why I suggest that you check before each download. 


The Paleo Parents' Guide



The Celiac Cookbook and Survival Guide 



Going Gluten Free Without Going Crazy



11 DIY Wedding Centerpieces 



DIY Projects and DIY Household Hacks 


Thursday, May 21, 2015

Quinoa Puffs - A Tasty Snack made Healthier

     One of my guilty pleasures is snacking on those round cheesy puff treats that come in that gigantic plastic tubs. You know what I'm talking about right?

    Before we found out that the kids have food allergies, I confess I used to buy a container every two months. Though generally, we were healthy eaters, back then, that treat was something our whole family looks forward to whenever we have our weekly movie night. Those airy, crunchy and salty snack is so comforting and yes, highly addicting too. Personally, a bowl isn't enough for me.  

    Anyway, those bright orange balls which happens to be a regular on summer gatherings, have always been included in Child #2 and Child #3's wish list. In fact, they often say that it is the first food they will eat once they outgrew their allergies. Really? 

    For years now, I have been looking for a product that will satisfy our family's craving for this childhood comfort snack. Then, with a stroke of luck, I was approached to try a new product called Quinoa Puffs by I Heart Keenwah.  



      What are Quinoa Puffs? Well, basically they are light, airy and crunchy balls (just like the cheese puffs we've used to have as a child). The major difference is that these Quinoa puffs do not contain any artificial colors or flavors and are even loaded with 5 grams of protein. It's basic ingredients are:
  • quinoa flour
  • brown rice flour
  • white rice flour
  • pea protein concentrate
  • baking powder
  • sunflower oil
  • all natural seasonings
(TFM Allergy Alert! The Aged Cheddar flavor contains dairy. There's a notice in the package that indicates that the products were manufactured in a facility that also processes soy, dairy and tree nuts.) 
  
  It comes in 4 savory flavors such as Sea Salt Truffle, Herbs de Provence (Child #2 and #3's favorite), Sweet Chili (husband's fave) and Aged Cheddar (Child #1 and #4's favorite). All varieties are Gluten Free, Kosher and Soy Free. Except for the Aged Cheddar flavor, the rest are also Vegan, Dairy Free and NON Gmo Verified. Does that sound great? 

     As for the taste, each variety is packed with distinct and yummy flavors. All the kids enjoyed the Sea Salt Truffle and Herbs de Provence. They like the Sweet Chili as well but the punch from the jalapeno and habanero peppers was a bit too much for their taste buds. My husband and I loved it though. As for the Aged Cheddar (tried by the two non food allergy kids), they both agreed it's like the regular cheese puffs but is less salty. Yes, this cheese puff loving mom agrees as well.  

      
      Since we are still celebrating the Celiac and Food Allergy Awareness Month, I've convince the wonderful people at I Heart Keenwah to extend a free tasting offer to you. One lucky TFMFriend reader (US Resident) will win a Sampler Pack of I Heart Keenwah Quinoa Puffs. Yup, you'll be able to taste all flavors. Are you excited? Scroll over and get some entries. 

      The giveaway starts today May 21, 2015 and will end on May 30, 2015 11:59 pm EST.  

      Will you be that lucky reader? 
       
- Roz
(Note: I received free products for this review. This however, doesn't have any effect on the opinions I had posted. Everything I've written were my honest opinions so that you, my readers will get a better idea on the products and you can check it if will be a good fit for your needs. Please see my full disclosure here.)  



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Faces of Food Allergies: Hayden's Educational Video

    If living with food allergies is not challenging and overwhelming enough, educating those who luckily don't deal with it can be another daunting task.  

  As food allergy families, I'm sure we have already acquired numerous stories regarding misinformation and struggles with school officials, teachers or fellow parents. Some were even labelled as "difficult", avoided or worse left out.  

    We may have different experiences on how our community has accepted our child's condition. One thing however, holds true and that is we our children with food allergies be safe and have a normal life.  Something we can only achieve if we help educate others about this topic. 

     Today, I was very fortunate to see this video by one of my online mom friends, Emily Wrann. It features her son Hayden who's another Face of Food Allergies.  This video though less than four minutes long is a powerful tool that we can use to teach young kids and even grown ups on how it's like to deal with someone with food allergies.  
   
     


     Is there something special you or your family is doing to celebrate Food Allergy Awareness Week? Please let me know by posting a comment below or send me a message at thefrugalistamom@gmail.com.  

      I'm sure many parents and siblings would be happy to read about it.  

      Together, we can make a difference. 

- Roz

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Are You Choosing the Better Green Tea?

    For centuries, green tea has been considered as one of the healthiest drinks in the world.  It has been used in traditional Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicine since ancient times.  Though tea in general, is the most consumed beverage in the world next to water, it only became popular here in the United States recently. 

    Growing up in an Asian household, I have to say, I became very familiar with tea at young age. I can't even remember my first sip of tea. All I know is that, it is healthy and there's a specific tea for a particular occasion or symptom. 

    Though I've had countless teas as a child, it was only after college that I got the chance to enjoy Matcha. Unlike today, pure Matcha tea before is not readily available. It was reserved for special events only.  On top of that, high quality Matcha tends to be pricey or should I say really pricey.



     For those of you who are not familiar, Matcha is a fine green tea powder used for drinking or cooking. It is different from loose leaf teas because the whole tea leaf is consumed instead of just infusion. (from Midori Spings website) 

   Since Matcha is made from un-oxidized leaves and is less processed, it contains the most antioxidants and health properties compared to most teas we drink today. Specifically, Matcha's benefits include: 
  • Natural energy booster without the crash we get the caffeine in coffee.
  • It reduces stress and improve mental alertness.
  • It improves metabolism and helps lower cholesterol, blood sugar and even weight loss.
  • It helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation/
  • It helps the body cleanse of harmful toxins. A natural and powerful detox machine. 

     What makes Midori Spring Organic Matcha? Well, not all teas are created equal. Not only is it made from the finest young tea leaves, it is also certified organic and kosher. It is also vegan friendly and does not contain any additives such as gluten, dairy, soy or nuts. (Take note: Though they don't have those allergens in their product and facility, they still can't label it as allergen free. They are not yet certified in those categories.)   That's why when I was asked to try it, I didn't think twice.




     One of the first things I noticed when I opened my can of Midori Spring Matcha is the creamy and almost sweet aroma.  I can compare it to the smell of a really good green tea ice cream. Take note, there's no sugar or any cream added in each can. It is just pure Matcha.  

    When I prepared my cup of Matcha, I'm very happy to see a vibrant fresh green color. What a big difference from the diluted or almost yellowish green hue found in most green teas! 

    As for the taste, Midori Spring Matcha is not bitter at all. Just like what it smelled, it has a creamy and sweet after taste. It is refreshing and relaxing at the same time. Plus it is loaded with more of the health benefiting properties found in regular green teas. 

     Who says you have to sacrifice taste to be healthy? Give Midori Spring Organic Matcha a try and see for yourself why I'm so excited about it. Oh,  and a little goes a long way. They even have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That means if you are not completely satisfied, they will gladly give you a refund or exchange.  Isn't that a sweet deal?

- Roz

(Note:  I received a free product to review for this post. This however doesn't affect my experience and opinions about the product. Always remember that You, my readers comes first to me. I wouldn't write something that I think will not benefit you. Also, this post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here. Thank you so much for your support.)

   

     

Monday, May 11, 2015

The Allergy Free Pantry Book Review & Giveaway

    Did you know that May 2015 is a big month for us? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) for years has declared it as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month". Also, the National Foundation of Celiac Awareness has chosen this month to be the "Celiac Awareness Month" as well. Wow! Talk about double celebrations. 

     To kick off these two significant campaigns,  I would like to share with you this book by Colette Martin called The Allergy Free Pantry.  Released last year (2014), this cookbook has become one of my good friends in the kitchen.  

 
     As we all know, one of the biggest challenges of living with food allergies is finding safe food. I remembered the first time I went grocery shopping after my children were diagnosed with their allergies.  I spent more than two hours reading labels.  After what seemed to be an eternity, I almost cried when I realized that there were only three items in my cart.

      Since I can't go home with nothing to feed my family of 6, I breezed through the outer sides of the grocery store (the part where fresh fruits, vegetables and meats are located).  That's when it hit me.  If I want to keep my sanity and my family fed, I have to start cooking every food we eat from scratch.

     I confess it was way easier said than done.  If you have been following my blog for a while, I'm sure, you are familiar with my meltdowns from pancakes to brownies and more.  Do you remember these brownies?



      Basically, I spent the first twenty four months post food allergy diagnosis experimenting in the kitchen.  I can't imagine how much tears, money and time I've thrown away before I was able to come up with a decent repertoire of safe things to eat.

   Then last year, when I learned about Colette'sThe Allergy-Free Pantry: Make Your Own Staples, Snacks, and More Without Wheat, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy or Nuts, my immediate response was "Where were you three years ago?"

     This cookbook is a great resource for any person with food restrictions.  It contains 105 recipes of the most basic things we realize we take for granted. My favorite chapter is the condiments section. I can't believe how easy and cheaper it is to make my own food allergy safe mayonnaise, ketchup, ranch dressing and even barbecue sauce!

      From breakfast, lunch, snacks and even treats, this cookbook will definitely make a food allergy mom's life so much easier.  It even includes so many tips on gluten free flour choices, egg substitutes, non dairy milk making, long term storage and even canning.

    The instructions are simple and easy to follow. I'm even challenging myself to try to make homemade gluten free pasta and pizza crust. Yes! This book has a full chapter on this subject too.
   
      Did I make you really curious?  Well, I talked to Colette and she's very happy to give a free copy of her book,The Allergy-Free Pantry: Make Your Own Staples, Snacks, and More Without Wheat, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy or Nuts  to one of my TFM Friends.  That's one of you my beloved readers. Simple check out the rafflecopter below for options on how to get free entries.

    This giveaway is open to all US based readers ages 18 years old and up. It starts today May 11, 2015 and will end on May 24, 2015 11:59 pm EST.

      Good luck and don't forget to share the giveaway to your friends as well.

       Have a great week!

- Roz

(Note:  I received a free copy of this book to review. This set up  however, doesn't have any effect on  my opinion about the product. Also, this post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure here.)
       


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, May 1, 2015

Friday Freebies and Deals: Urthbox, Gluten Free Products and more

     Happy 1st of May! Can you believe that winter is finally done? 

     Whether you enjoy being outdoors or indoors due to seasonal allergies, one thing I know is true --- we all like deals.

    Check out these amazing things I found for you today. 

    Oh, before I forget, for this month, I would need some help from you my beloved TFM Friends. If you know any food allergy friendly sales, coupons and deals that you like to share and be include in our Friday Freebies and Deals, please give me a buzz.  I'm sure many fellow TFM Friends will be thankful for it.  As I always say, let's all share the love. 
       
      Have a blessed weekend.

- Roz

(Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my full disclosure here.)


Gluten Free Coupons

Get 40% OFF Gluten Free Products, Samples & Kits at GlutenAway Online Expo
       Coupon Code : MAYEXPO


Get $1.00 OFF Printable Coupon for Tasty Bite Product 



Subscription Box Deal


Get $10 OFF Urthbox Subcription with Coupon Code : CRUNCHWEEK


Ebooks

      These ebooks are free to download at the time of posting.  However, the prices can change anytime so please, check before you download.  


Freedom from Sugar Cravings by Jessica Meyer




Paleo for Beginners




The DIY Kitchen Cookbook by Melanie Zook




Herbal Tea Recipes 



Mindfulness by Alisa Reddy 
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