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Yesterday many articles surfaced regarding Frito-Lays. A few months ago, I had called them to see if there were any peanuts/traces in their facility and I was told “No, we do not use anything to do with peanuts in our factory, however we cannot guarantee “cross-contamination” if a worker were to have traces on them. But we will list any allergens present if any.

Well, my family is a complete “label reading” family as our son has a severe peanut allergy. Though he does not eat chips, we have this brand in our home for parties and such as we believed it was safe. No mention on the label of peanuts anywhere. They even went as far to say “We pride ourselves in using Sunflower Oil” so that these are safe for many and that separates them from other brands. I’m sorry, but that’s obviously a complete lie or they need to do some MAJOR training at their facility so their customer service workers really understand.

I will never buy any Frito-Lay product again as I have lost all trust in this company. I know many other families have also lost trust for they all considered this a “safe” product. How is it that a company can say one thing (that it’s safe) when there is contradictory evidence. Seems to me that Frito-Lays needs a little education, not only on severe allergies but the potential legal repercussions this may pose.

This is the article…http://www.fritolay.com/your-health/us-products-containing-nuts-andor-produced-with-nuts.html that put me on alert.

What if I were to give my son a chip and he reacted, especially after I was told by their company that their product is safe? There website says something completely different from the staff who answer the phones! I called them again only to be told the same thing “We do not use peanuts in our facility, however we can’t guarantee cross-contamination.” I then asked “Would you label otherwise” and she replied “Absolutely, we take allergens very seriously.” I asked her, “Could you clarify why your website says one thing, and customer service says the other as far as allergens go?”  She didn’t follow so I read to her what the website said and she said that they have to list any chance of cross-contamination including on their website. It completely contradicted what she had told me. And she advised that I write the company explaining my further concerns. Thank you very much Frito-Lays…I will no longer buy your product. How about you?

Another Blog you may want to look at is this…http://blog.onespotallergy.com/2011/03/frito-lay-allergy-alert/

So my husband was given a gift certificate to the Keg for his birthday. We very rarely go out because of Bubs’ allergy, but we had been there once since Bubs’ diagnoses (but he ate his own food) and they were pretty good with us and careful with out food regardless. So we went out Sunday night to give it another go.

When we arrived we asked to speak with the chef/manager regarding allergies (something I’m still getting used to). The staff was completely fantastic. A few minutes later the manager, Darryl came out. He asked what kind of allergy we were affected by and then proceeded to tell us what he will do to ensure safe food. He said we have a designated spot that we cook in for those with allergies where the equipment is completely cleaned and will only touch our food. He excused himself after then returned with a book of ALL allergens. In the book it lists EVERY ingredient and dish they serve and says where the allergen may be present, or is present, or possibility of cross-contamination. The only item he mentioned that they couldn’t guarantee the cross-contamination factor was the fries, because they’re made in the deep-fryer (which was fine since I don’t order fries).

Throughout the meal he would come back and check on us every few minutes. Bubs ate happily and he was fine (phew!). I think he was excited actually, because he hasn’t eaten restaurant food since discovering his allergy and I think he liked it that much more because it was “new”.

It was definitely a nerve-racking situation at first, but we understand that we need to try a few new things. It’s funny though because even if it’s from a “peanut/nut free” place we still get nervous and hesitant to feed him something I didn’t make. So although we let him eat out yesterday, I can say it won’t become a habit just yet.

However with that being said I was so happy with the way they accommodated our situation and were so helpful and thorough. They went above and beyond any of our expectations. So if you’re in the metro-Vancouver area specifically, try the Keg Coquitlam. The managers name is Darryl and he’s very aware and confident in working with life-threatening allergies. I’m sure all Kegs have similar protocols though.

The past few months have kept me busy, a lot more than I imagined. There has just been so much to do on top of being a mother to a very active toddler, a wife to a wonderful husband, and so much more. However I can say with confidence that I have found a balance that works quite well.

Now you may be wondering where “there” is?? Well as some of you may know, my husband and I are organizing BC’s first “Run, Walk and Stroll for Anaphylaxis.” A condition that is very near and dear to our hearts. We were inspired to do this by FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) in the states. I contacted them in hopes that there was a “Walk for Food Allergies” in Canada. They got back to me promptly and informed me that there was not, but had forwarded my inquiry to Anaphylaxis Canada. Two weeks later, we found ourselves taking on this amazing role of organizing a similar event in the metro-Vancouver area.

We have learned so much through this experience, and will continue to do so. And we are overwhelmed by the willingness and help from so many individuals that are not only in Canada, but the states as well, who have helped us along the way. I personally had no clue how to pull this off and wondered so often “Did I bite off more than I can chew?”  But as I take things one at a time, and manage my time I know that we, and our committee can and will pull this event off. And I know it will be a great success. I completely feel like this is a full-time job however, and I’m busier now than I was when I was actually working at my job. Granted, I’m a mother now which doubles everything.

Honestly though, to all the food allergy parents out there who have known of their childs diagnoses for some time, or have recently found out, you really can do anything. When we found out, sure I wanted to sit and sulk about Bubs’ condition, and even cry. But I decided to do something about it. Educate myself, so I can educate others and Bubs. And that’s exactly what I did. My husband and I started our facebook group as a start, and from there it has brought us to organizing the amazing event. And we want this to only grow and continue. I want to be able to speak not only to others who are unaware, but educate the community. Get the message out there and raise awareness.

Someone who I look up to and consider an inspiration , mentioned to me not long ago that they “thought Canada was light years a head of the US”. I was confused as I really didn’t understand that as I thought it was the other way around. I heard about FAAN and they seemed so well established that I was baffled. I started looking into it and sure enough Anaphylaxis Canada has done a fantastic job at creating awareness. They have met with numerous companies and schools and so on, to get the message out there. They’ve worked on proper food labeling, labels mentioning the top allergens not only in the ingredients but as a side note underneath as well. And there are so many “peanut-free” signs on many products. And the companies are only becoming more aware and many places want “peanut-free” items. It’s fantastic, and Canada is considered one of the “safest” places to live for people with severe food allergies.

So I am very happy to be doing this event for Anaphylaxis Canada. And I only hope we can provide them with thousands so they can continue on the education path. And I hope to continue doing this event to also keep raising awareness.

All things are possible, right?

Well I feel that I am at such a great place in my life. I have a wonderful and loving husband, and an amazing little boy who is strong and happy. I am doing something I’m passionate about, raising awareness for my sons condition (and others in his situation), and so much more.

I have to say that after having Bubs, there were many things I struggled with. Having a child really tampers with you emotionally, physically and even mentally. I felt like for at least a year I had “baby brain” where I couldn’t remember anything you told me days ago (i was always very good at remembering), along with the baby weight, and the hormones all crazy. It was good times, let me tell you! Haha. But I am now at a place where I feel “normal” again. My brain seems to be working more normally, I’m able to control my emotions again, and I have finally dropped just below my pre-baby weight!! I measured myself this morning for the first time in months ( i was obsessed and did it weekly for like a year after he was born) and am finally able to fit in my pre-baby clothes that actually have buttons. Although, the only thing I can’t fit into (yet) are my jeans, my hips are just a touch bigger still but am working on those.

Anyway, regardless I am happy where I am. I have energy and don’t always need naps when Bubs naps anymore, and I can see clearly now!! To all those newer moms, who know what I mean, you WILL get there!! It may take a while but it will happen!!  Granted my situation was different (as many are). I had a difficult pregnancy that included bed rest so I gained more than I wanted to, a lot more. But I worked out, got a trainer for a bit (www.taskforcefitness.com), and continued to eat well and get my weight down gradually. The more I shed the better I felt, and still continue to do so. I think I’m at the point now where if I am blessed with another pregnancy I will be able to keep active and hopefully not gain too much. But if I do, at least I know how long it will take and what I need to do to get there.

Life is good…and so is my baby!! I swear, he is the reason I got where I did. Once he started walking, running, dancing he totally kicked my regime up more than a notch and the weight really started to fall. It’s fantastic because you’re constantly working out and you don’t even realize it, so when you do actually work out it helps that much more.

Why is it though that women are always so self conscious of their weight? Why do we feel insecure and “gross” especially after having a baby…when the excuse for gaining and losing weight is expected. For the longest time I would look at people and think “I used to be skinny”. I was doing everything I could to try to get there and it took forever, I’d look in the magazines and see celebs (ie. Heidi Klum) who were flaunting their skinny bodies weeks after delivery. It sure doesn’t make “normal” women feel good. But that’s our society I suppose.

Okay, so I know we all have those days where we wake up in the morning and our eyes don’t want to open, or our bed is so warm, soft and cozy, or we just plain and simple want 5 more minutes before we face our day.

However, if you’re a parent…I think those days are even more common since sleeping in is rarely an option. Unless you have an amazing spouse who likes to let you sleep in, especially on weekends. Lately I just can’t seem to get caught up no matter what I do or how much my wonderful husband lets me sleep in. I’m constantly tired and wanting more sleep (no I am NOT pregnant). Sure things get busy and you rarely have time for yourself, especially if you’re a working mom or dad (which I’m not really, however I do take care of little ones during the week, on top of my own and I am planning this amazing event (Run, Walk and Stroll for Anaphylaxis)}. So I do keep busy, but even still…I’m always wanting 5 more minutes of time, whether it be sleep, alone time, work time, family time.

I vaguely remember the days when I was a kid. I could play all day and never get tired. Then I’d fight when I had to go to bed because “I wasn’t tired”. Then when I was a teenager I could hang out with my friends (especially on weekends) all day, all night, driving around to wherever the road took us, out all hours, and still be able to keep going. Then after graduation, work, hang out with friends, work sometimes hung over on 2 hours of sleep, and I could still manage to work, then go hang out and do it all over again. Haha, those were the days.  But if only that energy existed as a parent!

The constant demands of our little ones leave us with little energy, however we still do manage to keep going. But it’s different. You’re functioning for them, not really yourself like you were use to.  We were really blessed with our Bubs. He has always been a really good baby. And still is. However as he gets older he’s almost more demanding than he was when he was an infant. Wake up, change him, hand him his milk. After his milk, wants to play, or read, or dance, or sing, or his favourite “go outside!”  Then after he tires out a bit he wants his blankie, then his milk, then he has his nap. Sweet silence!! Wakes up, wants to play, or read, or sing, or dance, or yes “go outside!” I know this doesn’t sound demanding, and rather more like a routine, but in between he’s saying “what’s that” or “what’s this” or “eat please” or “a ball” or “cheese, mmm” or “a car, a car” or “outside” or again “what’s that, what’s that”. So even though he can play on his own he’s still wanting my attention and in a sense needing it. Although it’s wonderful that he’s got such a great vocabulary and is able to communicate better, we as parents (and I’m speaking for all parents who can relate) still never get those 5 more minutes of silence or alone time. Our days are our kids days. We go according to their schedule. Whether it be driving to music class, swim lessons, play dates, the park, going for walks (then taking you for a walk more like) or what have you. And when they’re really little it’s wake up, eat, change their diaper, maybe play a little bit, snuggle, sleep and repeat.

I know I may sound like I’m complaining, I’m not. I truly LOVE being a mom and Bubs is such a wonderful little boy who I enjoy spending my days with. But sometimes I just want to “breathe”. They consume us, we invest so much in these wonderful little beings to make sure they’re properly nurtured, educated, yet allow them to be their self. But don’t you ever want, just 5 more minutes?

Today, I am going to try to take 5 more minutes to myself. Where I’ll set aside cooking, cleaning, laundry, and event work. And I’d love for you to be able to do the same. Let’s make it happen, and enjoy those amazing 5 more minutes!