If you’ve read “The Girl Behind The Blog” you’ve easily figured out that I’m allergic to A LOT. I carry an epi-pen with me at all times and usually have my inhaler on me too…oh yeah, I have asthma. Did I mention that too? With all the necessary health necessities it’s hard to find the perfect small purse when I go out. I love a large bag, but rather not tote it around when a clutch or wristlet is more fitting.

Here are some of my specifics and the food I’ll be leaving out of my recipes that I share:

FOOD:

• Peanuts – the killer legume, no they’re not a nut…A LOT of people don’t know that, it’s okay.
• Peas
• Beans
• Lentils
• Soy … are you seeing the trend – I’m allergic to all legumes
• Dairy
• Clams
• Mussels
• Oysters – no I’m not allergic to all shellfish, I can eat scallops and the crustacean {shrimp, crap etc} variety

NON-FOOD ITEMS:

• Penicillin, every other med ending in ‘cillin’ & codine
• Mold
• Dust Mites
• Grass
• Trees
• Other Pollens
• Cats & Some Dogs {thank goodness NOT my Lola Bear}

My allergies really aren’t as bad as they seem, though believe me I have had my fair share of ER visits and the “oh no!” immediate knowing of there’s something in the food I ingested and my throat feels funny or like it might start to close instances.  But really, my allergies are just little challenges in everyday life that I’ve always lived with and it’s normal for me.

Allergies can definitely challenge the dating scene. A kiss can turn scary if you don’t know what the guy may have eaten prior to being in your company. Or, when you’re first dating, the guy may not be used to avoiding certain things. That is normal, but what if you find they’re not willing to give up or avoid certain foods for you? As a seriously allergic girl, this can put a halt to the butterflies and can be a deal breaker. The more serious my relationship with my boyfriend has gotten the more he’s come to understand my allergies and he stays away from what may make me sick. THAT is love! Allergies can also put a damper on being social – “Oh sorry I can’t eat there.” “Are you ABSOLUTELY sure y’all don’t use any peanut oil?” “Is there a chance of cross contamination?” “Can you wash your hands before you touch that, please?” It’s pretty easy to feel like a freak of nature when you are the only one at the table with a laundry list of questions for the waiter and they have nothing to do with the specials. But, once again…it’s normal for me.

I read food & product labels like it’s my job. Grocery shopping can be a chore because of how long it can take, but I’ve learned about allergy friendly brands and keep most of my diet from the perimeter of the grocery store – the fresh, non processed foods.

Friends tease that I should live in a bubble. Maybe. I think I’m doing fabulous without one though.

Here are a couple funnies about allergies that had me laughing