Plus Size Fashion- LuLaRoe Edition from Let the Good Times Roe!

LuLaRoe is known for their
Buttery Soft Leggings in fun prints! 

I'm very excited to share this haul with you guys, because it is from one of my absolute favorite clothing companies- LuLaRoe (aka LLR, or Lula)!  For those of you that have never heard of LuLaRoe, it is a Direct Sales company, with clothing being sold by Independent Consultants. They carry a variety of clothes, mainly for women, but they also have a nice selection of children's clothing and some men's shirts as well.  They are most well known for their leggings, which are buttery soft- and seriously ladies, these leggings are magical!  I literally pet myself, ALL THE TIME when I'm wearing my leggings (which, let's be  honest is almost every day...)  I also hold my leg up to most of my friends and force them to touch the leggings to feel the softness... ok, yeah, sometimes strangers too... not creepy at all...
The softness and comfort of the leggings alone are enough to make me love this company, but let's add on some additional bonus features.
1. The sizes run from XXS to 3XL, yep, that's right curvy girls- you can shop at the same place as your skinny friends, and as your short friends- and you don't even need to go to the separate "plus size" or "petite" section!
2.  COMFORT, man oh man, is this stuff comfortable! The fabrics are soft and stretchy, which basically means you feel like you're wearing pajamas all the time.  Except, you don't look like a slob- you look beautiful!  Plus, since the fabrics are so stretchy, that means you can often wear many different sizes.  For example, I can wear the Perfect tee or the Carly dress in an XL, 2XL or 3XL.  (and, let's be honest, when you're a size 24 and can fit into an XL, that's a pretty good feeling)

Julia Dress with Perfect Tee
in Classic Navy and Stripes

3. Prints- This is the really fun part of LuLaRoe (and maybe also the frustrating part, lol), the colors and patterns are amazing.  In my opinion, one of the most important aspects when making fashion choices is finding clothing that allows you to express your personality.  In order to feel beautiful and confident, you want your clothing to reflect who you are, to make you light up from the inside when you put it on.  With Lula, there is truly something for EVERYONE- if you like bright bold patterns, they've got them, do you prefer neutrals- yep, you can find those too.  Anything you can imagine- animal prints, food prints, paisley and butterflies and geometrics, holiday prints, jacquard, lace, tie-dye. Prints are limited edition,  they make a set number of each print, and when they are gone- they are gone.  Each consultant gets to choose which styles of clothing they carry, and which sizes, but they don't get to pick the prints- they get a random selection.  You never know what you're going to get. The frustrating part, is that if you see a pattern you love, you may not find it in the style or size you want.  But the really fun part is that new prints come out all the time, it is so exciting to see the new colors and prints.
4. Flattering- LLR has styles that flatter all different body shapes, and once you find a style that you love- new prints come out all the time- WIN!
5.  They use lots of curvy girls in their marketing materials.  I'm not talking about the size 10 "plus size models" that we often see, I mean real life, beautiful, curvy women. They also have short women, and tall women, and women with all different body shapes.   There's not one slightly bigger model among numerous tall thin models, there are lots of real looking people- women we can look at and think, "hey she looks like me, and she looks amazing!"
6.  You know who you are supporting.  With Direct Sales companies, you have the opportunity to get to know your consultant.  When I buy LuLaRoe, I know that my money is going directly to the consultant, and that feels good to me. Many LuLaRoe consultants are stay-at-home moms, husband/wife teams, or families- real people are directly benefitting from my purchase, not some big corporate entity.  You also get to choose which consultants you want to shop from.  Which brings me to the haul....

I received most of these clothes for review (some were items I purchased previously) from an absolutely AH-MAZING Consultant- Rachel Newlon of Let the Good Times Roe.
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/LetTheGoodTimesROE/) This is actually a family team.  The team consists of "HR" aka "Mom and Dad" aka Rachel and Michael, and their three sons, the "Newlabros"- Newt, Nathan and John.   I first discovered Let The Good Times Roe when I was searching for Halloween print leggings, and I joined a ton of different consultant groups.  I remember watching a Facebook live sale, and seeing three young guys selling LulaRoe (not a common occurrence), and they were a riot!  They danced, they sang, they did amazing Wookie calls (Newt seriously sounds just like Chewbacca), and they sold their hearts out.  I've gotten to know this family more as time has gone by, and they are without doubt one of my all time favorite consultant teams.  They truly get to know their customers, they find styles and outfits they think you will love, they encourage you to push your boundaries with fashion, and they are just all around good people.  I find myself eagerly waiting for the live sales so I can chat with them, find out what's going on in their lives, and see what new clothes they've gotten in.  Shopping for clothes should be fun- and with this crew, fun is guaranteed.

Madison Skirt

Rachel picked out some awesome clothing items for me to share with you guys, including styles I have never tried on before.  As I mentioned earlier, I typically wear a size 24, or a 3XL in most clothes.  I am pear shaped and 5'4".  I did receive these clothes for review, but I will give my 100% honest opinion (I may be a bit biased though since I already love Lularoe, lol)

Madison Take 2

First up, we have the Madison Skirt in a 3XL.  This skirt has a pleated waist band and POCKETS!  Gotta love a skirt with pockets- more women's clothing needs pockets.  This one runs true to size, so stick to your normal size.  This is my first experience with a Madison, and I was quite pleased with it!  I personally am pear shaped, with a big booty and hips.  I found the Madison worked best for my body shape when I brought the waist up to just under my bust line.  If I put it at my waist, the back hitched up and the pleats spread out over the booty, lol!  But under my bust it flowed down perfectly, and accentuated my curves.  This is a white skirt with a soft gray pattern over it, which made it very versatile!  I was able to dress it up for a classy look with a green top and scarf belt, but also able to dress it down for a fun and funky look with an off the shoulder rock and roll top, and a fun belt.  This style would also be very beautiful and flattering on women that are apple or rectangle shaped, and will give you more of an hour-glass shape with the pleats.

Amelia- note the pockets!

Next, is the Amelia dress, in a 2XL.  This is basically the dress version of the Madison, so, again, it has pleats and pockets. It also has a zipper on the back.  I can wear the Amelia in either a 2XL or a 3XL.  This style is one of the dressier styles that LuLaRoe carries, and is perfect for weddings or holidays.  When I first tried on an Amelia, I was worried that the pleats would make me look pregnant or bigger- but I actually haven't found that to be the case.  This style hits me just below my knees. I really love the print of this dress, it is very fun and summery, and perfect for me since I live on Maui!  This style works very well for ladies with an hourglass, rectangle or pear shape.  If you're more of an apple shape, you may want to try this one on (find a local consultant so you can try the different styles on and see what you love) to see if you find it flattering or not.  It is not a very long style, so if you are really tall, and don't like to show off your gorgeous gams, then, you may want to try this one on before committing.

Add caption

Next up is my FAVORITE top style that Lula carries, the Perfect Tee, and yes- it really is perfect! This shirt is soft and stretchy (like a nice soft t-shirt material usually), it's fitted through the arms and chest, and then it flares out over the hips, with a slit on either side.  It's a nice length, perfect for wearing with leggings.  Personally, I find this shirt to be so so flattering- it really accentuates my curves in all the right places.  I think this style works on any body shape.  I typically wear the Perfect tee in an XL, but can also do a 2XL or 3XL.  My chest is a smaller size than my hips, which is why I am able to size down 2 sizes, but in general this top does run large so most women can size down at least one size. The Perfect that Rachel sent me was a 2XL, and in colors that are different from what I normally choose (but it's always good to branch out), so I didn't have any matching leggings.  But, as you can see, it also goes really well with jeans!  This is a bold, fun print, so I thought it went really well with my distressed, skinny jeans.  It is a 2XL, which is a little larger than I typically wear, so I used a little rubber band to make a fun little knot and add some flattering ruching.

Ana and Joy 

The last outfit contains an Ana dress and a Joy vest. This was my first time ever wearing an Ana, which is a maxi dress.  The Ana is very similar to the Nicole (my favorite LLR dress style) but is full length.  The Nicole hits me just below the knee, and is a very flattering style, that accentuates my curves.  I wear a 2XL or 3XL in the Nicole.   With it's long length, the skirt on the Ana is heavier, so it ends up being a bit clingier than the Nicole.  The Ana I received was a 3XL, but I found it clung to my belly more than I liked, so I used the same knot trick I used in the Perfect tee, and the ruching helped the dress to fall nicely.  I added a lace Joy vest (full length dress) in a size L over the Ana for some extra style, and also to cover up any spots I was less comfortable with.  Now, I am actually fairly confident and comfortable with my body, and don't mind too much if you can see my curves, but if you are uncomfortable with things being form fitting in any way, then I recommend you size up in the Ana.  Personally, I love the way a long dress or skirt feels on, the way it swirls around my ankles.  I just feel so feminine and pretty!  This particular Ana is not a print I would have picked out on my own, but I ended up really loving it.  The flowers on it remind me of the Truffula trees from the Lorax, and I am a huge Dr. Suess fan, so it makes me smile to wear it.

Anna, Joy and Sarah

Rachel also sent me a gorgeous blue and black striped  Sarah Cardigan (the stripes are very thin stripes, so it looks like a solid grayish blue from far away), which went perfectly with the Ana and Joy.  Sarah is a full length duster style cardigan- and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  Being on Maui, I don't have many occasions to wear a full length sweater (although it does come in some pretty light weight fabrics)- but whenever we have rain or chilly days, I always throw on a Sarah.  It literally feels like you're wearing a soft bathrobe, but is way cuter (oh yeah- and it has pockets!) The fabric is flowy and fun and long, so when you walk fast it kind of flies out behind you- I feel like a super hero or vampire with a cape, or like a bada*s old school cowgirl in a duster jacket.  I find myself walking with long confident strides, and my head held high anytime I have a Sarah on.

Overall, I really do love this clothing line, and have found that almost every style I have tried has been both comfortable and flattering.  I have heard a lot of women say that LuLaRoe has gotten them excited about clothes (some for the first time ever), and I whole-heartedly agree with that.  I plan to do many more LLR blogs,  so please let me know if there are any styles you would like me to try on for you all, if you need sizing tips, want to know what styles will be most flattering on your body shape,  or if you want me to show you any specific styling tips (different ties, layering, pattern mixing, etc.).

I want to send a big Mahalo (Thank you!) to Rachel and the Newlabros at Let The Good Time Roe for sending me these products to share with you all.  You can find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/LetTheGoodTimesROE/) and Instagram @letthegoodtimesroe

Also, big thanks to Morgan for doing my make up and taking photos(find her on Instagram @myl_makeup)!

Curvy Fashion- Some of my Personal Tips and a few Stores and Brands that I love!

One of the biggest complaints I hear from my fellow curvy girls is that it is they have a hard time finding clothes.  Many stores don't carry plus sizes (although I have noticed more and more stores starting to expand their sizes! THANK YOU).   Plus, a lot of plus size clothes currently on the market are not very flattering- I cannot even count the number of times that I've heard women say everything they've tried on was either a shapeless tent or "frumpy".

Even worse, many BEAUTIFUL curvy women hate shopping because they don't like the way they look.  For many many years, magazines, ads, movies, etc.  have been telling us that thin is beautiful, and people with extra weight are shamed and criticized.  All of this can result in shopping trips that are frustrating, disheartening and sometimes completely depressing.

I am fortunate because I have always LOVED shopping and fashion.  While many shopping trips were frustrating, and occasionally ended in tears (not gonna lie!), for the most part, I was always able to find things that I really liked.  Over the years, my personal style has changed and morphed, but one thing has always remained true- I love bright colors, and I love to stand out!  No shy little flower here.  Through my many many shopping trips (including online shopping of course!) I have come up with the following tips and suggestions to help make shopping and finding clothes a bit nicer (hopefully!) Who knows, maybe you will also soon start to love shopping as much as I do!

1.  Find your own personal style.  Your clothes should be a reflection of your personality.  You want to look at your clothes and be excited to put them on!  If you are an upbeat, fun person who loves bright colors and patterns, but end up always wearing black and navy because "it's camouflaging" you're probably not going to be very excited to put your clothes on every morning.
Ask yourself the following questions:  What do you like?  What colors speak to you, what sort of patterns do you like, what kind of fabrics? Are you a casual jeans and t-shirt kind of gal?  An elegant dresses and heels lady?  Are you sporty chic?  Comfy in leggings and tunics?  A free spirit in flowy skirts?   Knowing what style you like will help you narrow down the stores you shop at.

2.  Find styles that flatter your shape/silhouette.   This requires first determining what your shape is! Are you an Apple, a Pear, Rectangle, Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass?  Absolutely no idea what I am even talking about?  Certain styles really flatter your shape, while other styles don't do much for you at all.  There are some really good guides online to help you figure out both what shape you are, as well as providing tips for which styles are most likely going to work well for you.  These are usually pretty accurate and can help if you are unsure of what styles to try, but think of them more as guidelines and not hard fast rules.  Here's a link that explains body silhouettes and styles:  http://www.joyofclothes.com/style-advice/shape-guides/body-shapes-overview.php
 (P.S. Let me know if you guys are interested in a blog post dedicated to finding your shape and what styles work well)

3.  Do not get stuck on a size! This one gets a lot of people, especially with the negativity around "going up a size".  It is mentally challenging to put on something that is a size bigger than what you normally wear.  The problem with this is that different brands size things differently!  While you may be a size 20 at most stores, there may be one store that you need to wear a size 24, and another where you wear a size 18.  Further, different styles may fit you differently based on your shape.   For example, I am pear-shaped (smaller in the chest, and bigger hips, booty and thighs), so in a peplum top that flares at the waist I can probably size down, but in a tunic style top that goes straight down, I am probably going to need a size (or two) larger to fit over my hips.  If you are fixated on only wearing "your size", you can either end up wearing clothes that are ill-fitting, OR miss out on a style that would work really well because you don't want to size up.  This is not an easy thing to get past, trust me, I know, but do yourself a favor, and stop looking at the size on the tag as some sort of a magic judgemental number.

4.  Avoid wearing clothes that are too big or too small.  This tip seems pretty obvious, but our mental trips can really get in the way with this one too.  Many people mistakenly believe that wearing something really big will either make them look smaller or will hide them.  The truth is that most of the time if you wear something that is too big, it's just unlikely to be flattering and isn't going to do much for you.  Now don't get me wrong- some styles are meant to be oversized, and this can be very comfortable!  I am not totally opposed to oversized clothes, but as a general rule, try to find clothes that are well fitted. Similarly, things that are too small can be uncomfortable and unflattering.  We can get caught up in the desire to fit into a smaller size, and get excited if we can.  This can result in wearing clothes that don't quite fit simply because it feels good to get into that size (similar to tip #3).

5.  Find Stores that carry clothes that fit your style and flatter your shape.  This is HUGE!  Once you find stores or brands that you know work well for you, it becomes so much easier to find things you love.  At the end of this post, I will list a few of the stores and brands that I personally like best!

6.  Be Confident and wear your clothes with pride.  This is much easier when you find things that are flattering, comfortable and suit your personal style.  If you feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable.  If you feel happy and confident, it will show in your smile, your eyes, your walk and yes, your clothes.  Personally, I think this is the most important tip, but also one of the hardest because it has to come from within.  Learning to love yourself is not an easy task for many people (and this has nothing to do with size, shape, age, sex, etc.- I know so many phenomenal, beautiful people that do not like the way they look and judge themselves harshly- this is not limited to plus size women!).  We are taught from a very young age to be self-critical and to find our flaws.  This is so ingrained, that learning to love what you see can feel impossible.  To start with, I suggest making a list of the things you love about yourself- this list doesn't have to be all physical traits but should include at least one physical trait.  I know, it may be hard at first, but force yourself to do it anyways.   If you are having a hard time making a list, ask your best friend, your mother, your partner- I guarantee they will have some great things to add!  Then, whenever you hear that negative judgmental voice in your head, look at your list.  This will help you start to build up confidence.  Over time, add to the list, I bet you will start to notice more and more of the phenomenal things that make you special.  Great clothes can also help to build your confidence, so finding a few pieces that make you feel amazing can really help you on your way.     (I plan to do many posts on body positivity and learning to love yourself, so stay tuned).  


A few Stores and Brands that I LOVE
Note- at the time of this post I am not sponsored by any of these companies, just sharing some of what I've found works great for me.

Lularoe- This is my current personal FAVORITE!  About 70% of my wardrobe consists of Lularoe.  This is a consultant based business (I will be doing plenty more Lularoe posts, and will be sharing information from some of the Consultants that I have found to provide excellent customer service!)
What I love about this brand is that the clothes are all really really comfortable.  They are most well known for their buttery soft, super cozy leggings (see several of my pictures above for samples), but they have tons of different styles- shirts, dresses, skirts, kimonos, etc.  I have found several of the styles to be very flattering for my particular shape, and they have clothes that flatter every possible body type.  The clothes run from XXS up to 3XL, and most are generously cut with stretchy fabric.  This means that if you find a style you like, you can often wear it in multiple sizes.  The patterns are limited edition and constantly changing, so the variety is amazing!  The best way to find consultants for this brand is to go on Facebook and do a search for it.

Torrid- I have been a fan of Torrid for at least 15 years!  Unfortunately, there is no Torrid on Maui, so I do most of my shopping online.  This is a store that is exclusively plus size, with sizes ranging from 10 to 30.   Torrid has a lot of fun and funky clothes, which is something that I personally love. They are a sister store to Hot Topic, so, if you enjoy alternative fashion (punk, goth, retro, etc.) Torrid is likely to have items that you will like.  This is a great place to get pop culture items (Disney, Marvel, Dr. Who, Barbie, Hello Kitty, Harry Potter, etc.)  They also have plenty of classic and popular styles, so don't be intimidated if you don't like bolder styles.

Maurices- When I was in High School and College, Maurices was one of the stores that I loved to shop in, but rarely found clothes that would fit.  Fortunately, they expanded their sizing and now carry up to size 26!  Maurices has a lot of good basics (jeans, leggings, tanks, tees, etc.) and carries current popular trends.  I think that most people can find something that they like from Maurices.    I have always had good luck with the fit of items from Maurices, and they are one of my go-to stores.

Old Navy- Similar to Maurices, Old Navy has a lot of good basics and appeals to a wide audience.  Another great thing is that their prices are pretty reasonable, and you can often find some really great clearance deals.  Old Navy plus sizes are only available online, but stores carry up to an XXL, and the clothes are typically generously sized.

Lane Bryant- Lane Bryant is another exclusive plus size clothing store.  I don't shop from Lane Bryant that often anymore because there are no stores on Maui, but when I lived in Minnesota I used to shop there quite a bit.  Lane Bryant is a bit more expensive, but the quality is great.  I find Lane Bryant to be really great for professional and dressy attire (something that I don't really need to wear much these days).  I also really like their undergarments.

I hope that these stores give you a good starting place to begin searching for new clothes and that my tips are helpful.  There are many many more awesome stores that cater to plus-size ladies, and I hope to explore more brands and stores in the future.  Please let me know if you have any favorite stores, I would love to check them out!

Halloween Alternatives for Families with Food Allergies

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays!  I love to dress up, put up spooky decorations, carve pumpkins (and eat everything pumpkin flavored!!), and watch creepy movies.  As a kid, Trick-or-Treating was one of my favorite parts of Halloween.  Getting dressed up in costumes and going door to door in our small town, seeing all the amazing decorations, and of course, filling a plastic pumpkin with CANDY!  Unfortunately, for kids with food allergies, what should be a fun activity can quickly become a night of exclusion, disappointment, tears and danger.  Candy is full of allergens- nuts, milk, corn, eggs, soy and wheat just to name a few.  For kids with severe allergies, even coming into contact with  allergens can be life threatening.  Trick-or-Treating can also be difficult for families that follow special diets for other health concerns, religious beliefs or moral reasons.  These factors can make this favorite past-time tricky to navigate for many families, but fear not because with a few guidelines and ideas, Trick-or-Treating can still be a blast no matter what your dietary needs are!

Look for the Teal Pumpkins!  
The Teal Pumpkin project is an awesome campaign by the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).  Their goal is to help all kids enjoy a safe and fun Trick-or-Treating experience, as well as to help raise awareness of food allergies.  The idea is very simple- people who want to participate will provide NON-FOOD treats for trick-or-treaters, fun things like glow-sticks, small toys, bubbles, stickers, etc.  Then, put out a Teal Pumpkin, to let Trick-or-Treaters know that they can get safe treats from your house.  Don't have time to paint a pumpkin teal?  No big deal, you can find printable signs on the Teal Pumpkin project website (link above).
If you have kids with food allergies and want to know where to find local people who are participating, the website has an interactive map so you can plan out your route ahead of time.  Let your friends, family, and neighbors know about the Teal Pumpkin project, and encourage them to provide fun items your kids can enjoy.

Switch Witch!
Halloween candy can be Switchcrafted by a Switch Witch.  Late on Halloween night, after you have finished trick-or-treating and are tucked in bed, your Switch Witch will take away your candy, and exchange it for a special surprise!  A Switch Witch will come and live in your house for the month of October, you may or may not ever see your Switch Witch- they are all different, some are secretive, and others are friendly, some are playful and mischevious, while others are helpful.   Switch Witches don't only visit children with food allergies, they can visit any children who wish to exchange some or all of their candy for a special surprise.  Kids can write a letter to their Switch Witch, letting her know what sort of things they would want, and how much candy they would like to exchange.
The following websites have additional details about how you can have a Switch Witch come to your home:
http://switch-witch.com
http://switchwitches.com

The Great Pumpkin and the Halloween Candy Fairy are also magical beings who can come to your home and exchange candy for special surprises.  Every family has different traditions, so find an option that works best in your house!  This offers a fun, exciting option for kids who can't eat Halloween candy, or for families that prefer to minimize sugar intake.

Host a Halloween Party or Plan another fun activity
Instead of going Trick-or-Treating, plan a fun, safe night at home!  Have your kids invite their friends for a great night in, where you can control the food.  Buy candy and make treats that you know are safe, and let other parents know what food items are ok.  Watch Halloween movies, decorate pumpkins,  play Halloween games, have a costume contest with awesome prizes, and set up stations throughout the house for kids to "trick-or-treat" at.

Don't feel like organizing or hosting a party? Plan a different fun activity- find a corn maze, go out to a Halloween movie, go to haunted house, see what events and activities are happening in your area, and find an alternative that doesn't revolve around candy.

Prepare Ahead
Above all else, prepare ahead of time, and discuss Halloween plans with your kids. Remind kids with food allergies not to eat ANYTHING without checking with you first.  Talk about which candy items are safe, and which are dangerous. The Bay Area Allergy Advisory Board has lists of candy that are free of different allergens.  Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to have safe items to give to your children, and plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time. Decide if you would like to ask a Switch Witch, Great Pumpkin or Halloween Candy Fairy to come to your house to exchange candy.  Find out if your kids would rather do a different activity.

Let them be a part of the decision, it is hard enough feeling left out when your friends are enjoying Halloween, give your kids the opportunity to decide how they want to make Halloween unique and special.

I remember one Halloween when I was little and we got a huge snowstorm, so we couldn't go trick-or-treating.  My mom bought Halloween candy and set up stations in our house.  My brother and I got all dressed up, and then went "trick-or-treating" in our own house.  While we didn't get to go out with our friends, we had a great time at home celebrating as a family.  The effort that mom put into keeping our Halloween fun, despite the storm, made the night extra special.  Your kids will appreciate your desire to create a safe, fun Halloween!

HAPPY HAUNTING!
~Erin the Allergista~

Product Review- Miss Jones Organic Frosting- Corn free, Soy Free, Gluten-free, Vegan

Now don't get me wrong, home-made frosting is absolutely amazing and much preferred, but sometimes, you really just need something quick and easy to throw on a cake (or eat with graham crackers, mmmm- super easy treat!  I've got a super easy oat flour graham cracker recipe that I will post in the near future).

Most store-bought frostings are full of unnecessary ingredients (that also happen to be common allergens), like high fructose corn syrup, and soybean oil.  Even homemade frostings usually contain dairy (another common allergen), although it is fairly easy to substitute alternative milk and shortening options to make frosting either allergen-free or vegan (depending upon your needs!).  These common ingredients make it difficult to find an easy frosting option when you have special dietary needs, so I was very excited when I learned about Miss Jones Organic frosting.  Please note- this post is in no way sponsored,  I just found the product at Target, and was pretty shocked when I read the ingredient label, and discovered I could actually eat the frosting- definitely a rarity with my particular allergens!

My local store had the Vanilla Buttercream frosting, and the Chocolate Buttercream frosting, so I bought one of each.  Both products were soy-free, corn-free, vegan, dairy free, nut free (and made in a nut-free facility), and gluten-free.  The price was definitely higher than other brands of frosting, but that is to be expected with an Organic product. They were, fortunately, on sale when I bought them, and I was also able to utilize iBotta to get an extra rebate!

Overall, I was very impressed with both products, and would love to try the other flavors (they also have Cinnamon Sugar, Salted Caramel, and Cream Cheese frosting).  The consistency is very light, fluffy and creamy.

The vanilla flavor reminded me of the middle of an oreo- but fluffy and soft, I served it on my Grandma's Eggless Chocolate Cake recipe, and it was really tasty- I got rave reviews from some Vegan friends who rarely get to enjoy frosting- or cake.  This frosting is definitely fluffier than standard buttercream frosting, and not as sugary sweet (I actually prefer that it is a bit less sweet).  The texture is a little bit more slippery, most likely due to the use of a vegetable shortening rather than butter (I know slippery sounds weird, but I don't know how else to describe it!  It's not a bad thing, just a bit different from standard frostings).  The chocolate frosting had a nice deep chocolatey flavor and the same texture/consistency as the vanilla flavor.   I used the chocolate frosting on a chocolate cake, with some caramel drizzle, and caramel buttercream frosting (I made that frosting from scratch).  Both frostings went on the cakes very smoothly, and it was easy to decorate with them.

Overall, I was very impressed with the product, and plan to keep a container on hand at all times, you know- for baking emergencies!

A few other things that I thought were pretty cool about the brand:
1.  Their products are USDA certified Organic, non-GMO and plant based (great for Vegans!)
2.  All of their products use only Rainforest Alliance certified Palm Oil (hooray- save the rainforests!)
3.  Miss Jones Organics is an American company, and their products are made in San Francisco, California

Food Allergies Suck... Or Do They?? alternate title: Rockin' Food Allergies Like a Boss!

Anyone who has food allergies, or who has kids with food allergies can attest that they certainly do make life more difficult, and scary.  Allergies are greatly misunderstood and trying to find foods that don't contain your particular allergens can be trying.  It is frustrating when people assume you are just following some current fad, or that you can "just have a little this time".

I was shocked when I got my allergy tests back from the doctor.  I had no idea that I had food allergies, and as I looked over the list of my allergens (wheat, corn, soy, rice, egg, tomatoes and peanuts) I wasn't sure if I should cry or laugh, and so I sat in a sort of bemused silence, nodding that I understood, and agreeing as the doctor explained about how I should start by cutting out all the allergens and begin a food journal.  "Are you alright?" the doctor asked me, "You seem to be taking it very well.  Most people are extremely upset when they get these kind of results."  Honestly, I was a combination of confused, surprised, and relieved to finally have an answer as to why I had been so sick.

Like many people, I had very little understanding of food allergies.  I assumed that they either caused extreme digestive upset, hives, or anaphylactic shock.  Food allergies in my mind did not result in congestion, respiratory distress, and asthma.

After leaving the clinic, I immediately contacted a few people- family and friends, who, like me, had been waiting to hear the results of my allergy tests.  The responses were all similar- "Wait, What?,   How are you allergic to all those things?  Who the hell is allergic to RICE?"  One friend laughed at the absurdity of it- "What are you going to eat??"  Ummm- fruit, vegetables, potatoes, oatmeal, and cheese??  I laughed with her, and then I cried, as I thought about how pervasive Corn (corn syrup anyone?), Soy (ever heard of soy lecithin- it's in everything!) and Wheat are in our society.  We sat and brainstormed the foods that I could still eat, rather than focusing on what I couldn't eat.

Over the next few days, I began to realize that those allergens were in even more products than I had thought.  Almost every single gluten-free product contains rice flour (again- who the hell is allergic to RICE??), and many natural or organic products utilize brown rice syrup instead of sugar (I can eat sugar people!!).  Corn starch or corn syrup or soy lecithin are in the most surprising of products.

It became apparent, that my life was going to change dramatically.  I felt like I had two choices- I could focus on how difficult this was going to be, and what I would no longer be able to eat  OR I could look at this as a challenge, an opportunity to discover what I could eat.  Never being a glass- half-empty kind of person, I chose to view it as an opportunity.  For the last few years, I have been working towards developing a healthier lifestyle, with a goal of moving away from processed foods, and eating more natural foods.  With my particular allergies- eating processed foods just got a whole lot more difficult, and maybe that's not a bad thing after all.

I am fortunate that I have always enjoyed cooking and baking, and have generally had great success in the kitchen.  I am also fortunate that I love a good challenge- tell me I can't do something, and I am bound and determined to prove to you that I can!

I began to look for foods that I loved, and that I wasn't allergic to.  I started to search for substitutions for favorite food items.  I used Pinterest (who doesn't love Pinterest??) to find recipes and thought of ways I could tweak recipes to make them allergy-friendly.  I found out what items were going to be served at parties and barbecues, and figured out what I could make and bring so I wouldn't feel left out.  I prepared items well in advance, so that when the cravings hit, I had something ready and available that didn't contain any allergens.

And when the days come that I feel frustrated that I "can't eat what the other kids are eating" (insert pouty face and whiny voice here), I remember how awful it felt when I was sick all the time, and how scary it was when I developed asthma and breathing became extremely difficult (really, of all the things I could suck at- I suck at breathing??).

Food allergies have given me the push I needed to make healthier eating choices.  Food allergies have challenged me to try new things. Removing allergens has given me more energy, made it easier to breathe, and has eliminated a lot of nausea, digestive upset, and chest and head congestion.  I feel better, I have an answer to why I was sick. I have made a decision to make the best of my illness and use it to better my life, and to spread awareness and help others in any way that I can.  I am Rockin My Food Allergies Like A Boss- I am an ALLERGISTA!!

For anyone out there who is struggling with food allergies or intolerances, I challenge YOU to make the most of it, to see difficulties as an opportunity, and to become an Allergista (or Allergisto, that doesn't flow quite as well, but I am all about equal opportunity ).

I hope that my blog can be a source of support for others, please let me know if there are any topics that you would like me to cover, recipes to try to convert, or products to review.

With Aloha
~Erin the Allergista~

Tomato-Free Marinara Sauce

When I was first diagnosed with food allergies, I knew that I would have to give up certain foods.  Corn chips are pretty much out of the question if you have a corn allergy,  and quiches are obviously a no-no when you're allergic to eggs.  However, I refuse- yes REFUSE- to give up pizza and pasta.  That delicious combination of carbs and sauce and cheese......  Nope, no way am I giving that up

I am very fortunate to not be allergic to dairy, so the cheese part is easy.  Oat flour works well for pizza crust, so I knew I could create a tasty crust. I am still trying to find a good pasta alternative, and have just ordered some chickpea pasta (that miraculously doesn't contain rice or corn).  But the tomato sauce... how does one create tomato sauce with a tomato allergy??

There are of course alternatives to the standard pizza or pasta sauce- alfredo, olive oil and garlic, etc. and those certainly work well when the mood strikes,  but sometimes you really just need a delicious marinara.  So I did some research, and found an alternative-  turns out other vegetables also work well to make a tasty marinara sauce- shocking I know!  I looked through a few different recipes and came up with a combination that I really enjoy.  This sauce is thick and smooth and delicious.  It is made with pumpkin and beets, which are very mild and readily take on the flavors of the garlic, onion, and herbs you mix in, so it makes an ideal substitute for standard tomato sauce.   I found it worked perfectly on my pizza, and can't wait to try it on pasta as well.

Tomato-Free Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

1 medium onion diced
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
1/3 cup olive oil
3 Tbsp red wine or lemon juice
1 Tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar
1/2 cup canned or fresh roasted beets
15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
2 tsp Italian seasoning (or any combination of basil, oregano, thyme, etc. to taste)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3/4 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 1/2 tsp tapioca starch (cornstarch or arrowroot powder also work) moistened with 2 Tbsp beet juice (or broth)

OPTIONAL
-Mushrooms and/or bell peppers

Instructions

-Puree the beets with a little bit of liquid until very smooth and set aside (this can be done with a blender or food processor).
-Heat oil in a large frying pan, and saute onion and garlic (you can add mushrooms and bell peppers at this point if you like) until translucent and golden, stirring frequently.
-Stir in red wine/lemon juice and vinegar, and simmer for 5 minutes, continue to stir frequently.
-Add beet puree, pumpkin puree, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Stir to combine.
-Whisk in broth, and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add more broth if the sauce seems too thick.
-Stir in tapioca starch mixture, and simmer for 1 minute.
-Adjust seasonings as needed.

Puree the beets until they are very smooth

Sautee the onions and garlic until they are translucent and golden

Stir in the pumpkin, beets, and spices

Delicious Tomato-Free Marinara!  It even looks like tomato sauce

Perfect Pizza Sauce 

(this is a buckwheat pizza crust, it's ok, but not my favorite- I'll post a pizza crust recipe once I have one that I love!)

Homemade Marshmallows (Corn syrup free)

No summer is complete without delicious campfire roasted marshmallows and warm toasty s'mores!

People are often surprised that marshmallows can be made from scratch, they seem like a magical ball of fluffy goodness, that only comes in a package from the store.  Homemade marshmallows are surprisingly easy and more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts. Marshmallows don't have a lot of allergens, but they do contain the ever-dreaded CORN SYRUP!  Homemade marshmallows can also be customized with different flavors, colors, and shapes, making them extra fun.  This recipe doesn't toast quite as well as the store bought kind, and tends to melt a bit more quickly. You can still enjoy a tasty toasted marshmallow or s'more with them though, just watch carefully, and make sure they don't slide off your roasting stick.

So, whether you have a corn allergy, are trying to avoid highly processed foods, just want to find out what homemade marshmallows taste like, or want to impress your friends with your kitchen prowess (let's be honest, who doesn't want to wow their friends with homemade marshmallows?  Think, tasty chocolate coated marshmallow pops... I'm drooling right now!  No seriously, I just had to wipe drool off my keyboard...) here is a simple fun recipe:

*I am still trying to find a good vegetarian/vegan option, and will post if I find one!

Magical Marshmallows

Ingredients:
-3 tbsp gelatin (most gelatin packets contain 1 tbsp, so 3 packets)
-1/3 cup cold water
-3 cups sugar (I like to use organic cane sugar)
-1 1/2 cups water
-1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (feel free to experiment with other flavors- almond, strawberry, lemon_
-1/3 cup powdered sugar (if you have a corn allergy, make sure this is CORNSTARCH FREE, Wholesome brand is a good option)
-1/3 cup tapioca starch (if you don't have a corn allergy, you can use cornstarch instead)

OPTIONAL: Food coloring, flaked coconut

Directions:
-Prepare your gelatin by soaking it in 1/3 cup cold water in a small bowl (I usually just mix it in the liquid measuring cup).  Just sprinkle the gelatin on the top of the water, and allow it to swell for 10 minutes. 

-Dissolve the sugar in 1 1/2 cups water in a saucepan over low heat, stir frequently.
-Pour the prepared gelatin into the sugar solution, stirring to dissolve.
-Increase stove to medium-high heat, and bring to a boil.
-Boil steadily for 15 minutes (just a low boil, not rolling boil) don't stir.  If you haven't worked with gelatin much, be prepared, it doesn't smell the best, but don't worry the final product will smell and taste fine
-Remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature. Your mixture will be a translucent tan color, don't worry, it will turn lovely white when it is whipped.
- Pour your cooled mixture into a bowl or a stand mixer (I have a kitchenaid stand mixer, and it makes life so much better!).  Add your vanilla extract (or other flavor).
-Whip it, Whip it good!  This is where the magic happens, and your thick liquid turns into fluffy deliciousness (that is totally a technical cooking term......).  Beat the mixture until it is very thick, white and shiny, and about tripled in size. This takes a while, so I highly recommend using a stand mixer if you have one!!  Mix in food coloring now if you want colored marshmallows
-Grease a 9x13 pan, you can also lay down a layer of cling wrap or waxed paper and then grease that for easier removal.
-Pour your fluffy, thick marshmallows into the baking pan, and allow to set.  I live in the tropics, and the heat and humidity can make it take a long time to set, so I usually put it in the fridge.
-Once the mixture is set, and no longer super sticky to the touch, you can cut it into shapes.  Squares are easy, but feel free to use cookie cutters if you want fun shapes.
-Mix together the Powdered Sugar and Tapicoa starch, and dust your marshmallows, this helps keep them from sticking together.  I like to put the sugar/starch mixture in a plastic bag, add the marshmallows and shake it up.  You can also add flaked coconut at this point if you want coconut coated marshmallows.
-Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
-ENJOY!!

Allow the gelatin to dissolve and soak for 10 minutes

The cooled gelatin/sugar mixture will be tan in color

Whip the mixture until it is thick, white, shiny and tripled in size

Pour your marshmallows into a 9x13 pan, and allow to set