Top 8 Food Allergy Friendly Treats to Give Out this Halloween

      Are you ready for Halloween?  Whether you are a food allergy mom or not, I'm sure you will agree with me that the next few days will keep us busy.  From costumes to decorations and food, October 31st is exciting for the young and young at heart.

       Even food allergies haven't stopped my kids from having fun.  Yes, we also go Trick or Treating.  With a little twist though.  You can see how we do it here.

       
        Though there are so many candies to choose from, it is quite a challenge to find something that is free of the Top 8 allergens (wheat/gluten, dairy, egg, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish). I think the last two are easier to avoid. Anyway, here's our family's top pick.
        

       

1. Yum Earth Organics

          This brand has individually wrapped lollipops, candy drops and even gummies. Aside from being free of the top 8 allergens, their products are also do not contain artificial flavors and colors. It's also organic.

2. Dum Dums
             A childhood favorite.  Who knew these are food allergy friendly as well?  If you have a soy allergy, please check out their disclosure. (see the Saf T Pops description below)

3. Enjoy Life Decadent Bars

         These bars are a real treat!  Not only for the kids but for the grown ups as well.  If you're the type who gives the regular size candy bars, these are way better.  

4. Surf Sweets

        Who doesn't like Jelly beans and sour gummies? These are also organic, without corn syrup and vegan.  

5. Saf-T-Pops

            Also from the company that makes Dum Dums, these lollipops have a unique handle that makes it friendly to younger children.  Though it is labelled Top 8 allergen free, the company website declares that  "the product may contain traces amount of soy oil, a processing aid in making candy. The soy oil has been refined, bleached and deodorized, a process that removes the protein that can cause an allergic reaction. But individual sensitivities vary, however, we have chosen to list soy oil."

     

6. Smarties

           Another all time favorite candy that's also food allergy friendly.  Their factory is also free of the top 8 common allergens. Since the company also sells their products to other re-baggers, their website says that "As consumers, we should check the UPC number on the packaging to be sure that the candy we are buying are not at risk for cross contamination.  Specifically, we should look packages with a UPC that starts with "0 11206" to make sure that it was packaged in their manufacturing facility.

7. Tasty Brand Organic Fruit Snacks

         I found a big box of these at Costco.  It's also vegan (doesn't use gelatin) and made without artificial colors and flavors as well. 

8. Home Free Cookies

             Made in a dedicated tree nut, wheat, dairy, egg, peanut and gluten free facility.  While some cookies such as mini vanilla, mini double chocolate, big oatmeal and the new gluten free large chocolate chip are soy free, their other varieties contain soy lecithin.  

         Do you have a favorite food allergy safe candy that did not make it on the list?  Please let me know so that we can check it out.  

August 2014 Reading list

      Last stretch of summer. Before I think about and even get ready for the next school year, I would like to get some "me time" and enjoy some reading.  Okay, these aren't exactly novels that will take me to places unknown.  I chose these for inspiration, motivation and even practical tips.

    

1. The Blender Girl - Easy and healthy recipes that will make that blender work harder.  I can't wait to try those sauces and dressings. 

2. Eating Wildly - A novel and a recipe book rolled into one.  This contains more inspiration for healthy eating and living.   

3. Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time -  This book is loaded with tips on how to manage our household.  From practical solutions to self improvement, this book aims to help busy moms and dads from being stressed out.  

       How about you?  What are you reading this month?


 - Roz

January 2014 Healthy Reading list

      Welcome 2014!  This year, I promised myself to be more organized so that I can find time to really enjoy one of my favorite things to do which is Reading.  I confess, I often have barely read books laying around the house which I always meant to finish but never seem to have the chance to. This eventually gives rise to feelings of regret and resentment.  Often leading to the question, "Why can't I do something for me?"  Can you relate?  

       To solve the issue, I decided to plan ahead and pick my top 3 books every month.  That way, I  can focus on the topic and eventually prevent some book and mind clutter.  Sounds good right? So without further intro, here's this month's list.

     

     First, is this book our family received last Christmas eve from our parish.  I am a practicing Catholic since birth and was even an active church group member for years. After the arrival of my fourth child,  the challenges of running a big household and daily activities have taken a toll in my spiritual life.   I have to say, this book came in at the right time.  

      Next is this book by Nutrimom, Tracy Bush.  As a mom of children with multiple food allergies, there is no such thing as too much information.  It is a daily learning process. I heard there are some bonus recipes included here.

     Lastly, this book by Money Saving Mom, Crystal Paine.  As you may have known, the diagnosis of my children's multiple food allergies has tremendously affected my life not just a mom but as a person in general. Literally, my lifestyle changed overnight.   For 2014, I promised myself that I'll find ways to make daily home management less stressful and yes, give myself quality Me time.  Some of the things that this new book aims to help me with.

   

      Has anyone read any of the above mentioned books?  I love to hear your thoughts about it.  If you haven't, will you  join  me this month? 

- Roz