My Chaotic Kitchen

For the past year, I have had some very bad cystic acne, particularly around my jaw line.  I am 32 years old, and I feel like I should be well-past this stage.  I have used lots of over-the-counter products and had varying results.  A few months ago, in desperation, I got a prescription for tetracycline.  Even though I usually don’t like to take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, I was so eager to use it and finally be rid of these cysts!  It worked for a while.   Then, I went off of the antibiotic and the acne came right back.  Just in time for a job interview, I might add!

Up until that point, I believed it was not possible to have clear skin without spending money on a skin cleansing program, or without using certain products specifically created for acne.  But I had finally reached a point where I figured there must be a more natural approach to clearing my complexion.  So, I did a little research.  Here is what I discovered; those cysts are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring yeast in our intestines.   I also consulted my wonderful friend, Anna, an aesthetician.  She does my eyebrows, and does a fabulous job, by the way!  It turns out, I could have clearer skin by simply using some basic ingredients from my own kitchen.  Here is what she suggested:   Take 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar by mouth once per day.  Be sure to chase it with a glass of water.   No, it doesn’t taste good, but it works.  The apple cider vinegar neutralizes the acids in your stomach.  Also, it is highly beneficial to apply the vinegar to existing cysts and blemishes.  Just dip a cotton swab and apply to the trouble spots.  I do this when I feel one coming on.  It works great!

Upon further investigation I discovered that Candida feeds off of sugars in your system.  Cut back on your sugar intake, and all things made with white flour.  It is also recommended that you cut back on dairy products.

I have to tell you, I went to get my eyebrows done the other day, and Anna noticed my skin was clearer, but that it was quite dry.  She said the apple cider vinegar can be drying.  Her suggestion; use olive oil as a moisturizer.  Just a small amount goes a long way.  I put a little on a cotton ball and applied all around my face, with a focus on my under eye area and my lips.  Apparently honey is also great for dry lips.  Anna says I should exfoliate by mixing brown sugar and sea salt with olive oil, and apply as a scrub a couple times a week.  She also recommended a homemade moisturizing mask using plain yogurt mixed with papaya or avocado.

If you experience problem skin, I hope you’ll give these remedies a try before spending time and money on other acne products.  What have you got to lose?!  Everything you need is right in your kitchen!

-Michelle

The kids love Family Movie Night.   It’s sort of a big event around here.  They get their pillows, blankets and their beanbag chairs and gather around the television.  My husband pops in the DVD, gets the kids situated and I make the snacks.  Sometimes we have ice cream shakes, made with soy ice cream, of course.  But, naturally, our movie night staple is popcorn.  

My son can’t have the “buttered” version,  so we eat Orville Redenbacher’s Natural® Simply Salted microwavable popcorn.  The whole gang loves it.  They also make a lime and salt flavor, which my husband and I enjoy, but the kids aren’t too impressed with. 

The next time you curl up to watch your favorite flick, give these a try. 

-Michelle

Chewing gum seems such a harmless little thing, doesn’t it?  Well, for most people, it is.  

Nowadays, gum companies are creating more sugar-free and ADA-Approved chewing gums, in order to appeal to a more orally-conscious public.  We all want whiter, brighter teeth, and fewer cavities.  In order to obtain the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, some gum makers have added Recaldent® to their products.  Recaldent® is derived from casein, a protein in cow’s milk.  This ingredient is perfectly safe if you are lactose intolerant, as it does not contain lactose, but is not at all safe if you are allergic to dairy.   It is important to note, you are more likely to see dairy ingredients in oral care products which claim to whiten teeth.   This applies to some toothpastes and mouth rinses, as well. 

So, be sure to read the labels when shopping for chewing gum and oral hygeine products.   Just for fun, and if you’re feeling crafty, get the kids to help make chewing gum right in your own kitchen!  You may purchase a chewing gum kit at your local craft store or, simply try out a recipe from the internet.  Most recipes contain no dairy products and are a lot of fun to make. 

Have a great day, and remember to keep smiling! 

-Michelle

P.S.  It’s good to be back!

When our family dog, Sadie, passed away last year, my kids had lots of interest and confusion about the ins and outs of death.  My son, who was six years old at the time, understood the situation pretty well.  However, my 3-year-old twin daughters didn’t quite grasp the concept.

I blame myself for their confusion, as I find it difficult to explain such topics shortly and sweetly.   I explained to them that Sadie grew to be very old.  She had lived a very long, full and exciting life and there was nothing more the animal doctor could do for her.  So, Sadie passed away.

“Why did she die?”  Good question.  I told them her body became very old and simply didn’t work the way it should anymore.  My daughter, Shelby, said, “We should get new batteries for her.”  (When you are three and things stop working, it’s almost always due to bad batteries.)  My son, visibly irritated, jumped into the conversation at this point, as if to save me from further confusing my daughters.  He told them, “you can’t put batteries in animals and people.”  He told them that Sadie was just like Great Grandma Corky and Great Grammie… “They just got really old and they died.”

The next question was inevitable, “Where did Great Grandma go?”

I decided to attempt the short and sweet at this point.   So, I told them, “She is in heaven.”  There.  That outta do it.

But, Taylor’s immediate response was, “Is she an angel?”

“Well, not exactly”, I said.  “But I know she is still with us and watches over us.”

Both of my daughters, wide-eyed,  looked all around the room.   ”Where is she?”

I said, confidently, “When people die, we can’t see them with our eyes anymore, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t with us.  They stay in our hearts forever.”  Good answer, Michelle!  I gave myself an invisible pat on the back for that one.

Taylor scowled and Shelby looked down her shirt, apparently searching for Grandma.  I began to develop a headache at this point.   My son, again quite irritated, said curtly, “Shelby, she isn’t really INSIDE you!  She is in heaven.  You can’t see her.  Heaven is far away.  It’s way, way, way, way, WAY, WAY up there!”  He pointed upward dramatically.

It was at this time that my husband walked in and asked what was going on.  “Oh sure”, I thought.  “NOW he shows up.”  I told him we were discussing what happens when people die.  Taylor said confidently, “Yes, Daddy.  You can’t put batteries in people, so Grandma Corky died and she is WAY, WAY up in the ceiling.”

Shelby nodded her head and added, “With Sadie.”

I am so glad I cleared things up for them.

-Michelle

I have several New Year’s resolutions this year.   They range from the cliche’, “start working out again and lose 10 lbs.”,  to the only slightly less self-absorbed, ”reduce stress in my daily life”. 

As it pertains to My Chaotic Kitchen, my resolution is to be a more avid blogger.  I want to make this blog a useful tool for people with allergies to eggs and dairy products.  In order to make this happen, I am currently researching for a post about additives in processed meats, and also coming soon, a post dedicated to the topic of soy cheese and cheese alternatives.   Oh yes, my friends!  Can you feel the excitement?  Of course, there will be more recipes shared, and I also hope to periodically post pictures. 

I am preparing myself  for an exciting new year and new adventures in blogging!  I hope you will check in with me throughout the year to see how things are progressing here in My Chaotic Kitchen. 

May 2010 be a year of greatness for us all.  Happy New Year!

-Michelle

Wow!  This month has just blown right by.  It is hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve!   I love the holidays, but it feels like I’ve been running around in circles.  

Our PTA  hosted a holiday gathering at the school last week and we all made graham cracker gingerbread houses and got a visit from Santa.   My girls also had a holiday party at preschool last week, so my mom and I went with them and made MORE graham cracker gingerbread houses!  Then, my sister-in-law and I decided it would be great to get all the kids together (she has three boys) to frost and decorate cookies and then go see Christmas lights on Monday night.  SO, they all came over and we frosted so many cookies, I am about to upchuck just thinking about it. 

Aside from the chaos of several sugar-induced tantrums, we’ve had a whole lot of fun this season.  The decorating, the baking, the shopping, the eating.  And I discovered that some of the ready-made sugar cookie dough which you can buy in the grocery store, doesn’t contain dairy!  It does, however, contain eggs.   Since I’m the only one around here allergic to eggs, this works out just fine for me.  Bring on the Bourbon Balls!

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

-Michelle

I absolutely LOVE chocolate.  It has always been a weakness of mine, and milk chocolate has always been my favorite.  When I need a little mood booster, I can grab a chocolate bar at the supermarket checkout, and be on my way.  For my son, milk chocolate is not an option.   So, when it comes to baking, I started replacing milk chocolate morsels with 100% vegan dark chocolate.  The taste is not as sugary-sweet as that of milk chocolate, but I like it, and it is better for you than milk chocolate.  This works wonderfully in recipes for chocolate chip cookies and such.  Look around your grocery store or health-food store for dark chocolate bars, and read the labels carefully.  You’re bound to find a good, vegan dark chocolate.  

Another possible alternative is carob chips; usually found in your health food stores.  However, many brands contain a dried milk powder, so be very careful. 

All of the evil that people have thrust upon chocolate, is really more deserved by milk chocolate, which is essentially contaminated.  The closer you get to pure chocolate liquor (the chocolate essence ground from roasted cacao beans) the purer it is, the more satisfying it is, the safer it is, and the healthier it is.”   -Arnold Ismach, “The Darker Side of Chocolate”

If you are looking for an extra special treat, there is a company located here in the Phoenix area that specializes in the most delicious varieties of dark chocolate.   Their products are organic, vegan and use Fair Trade cocoa.  Check out their website: http://weiofchocolate.com/    My favorite flavor is their own ‘Inner Peace Dark Chocolate’, blended with lavender, lemongrass and coriander.  It really is more than just a piece of chocolate, it is a chocolate experience! 

-Michelle

What a wonderful time of year!  We gather together as family and friends to eat, drink, and give thanks for all the goodness in our lives.  

This year, we are heading to my in-laws’ home.  My father-in-law makes a delicious brined turkey, which happens to be allergy-friendly; at least, for us.  There will also be milk-free mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and lots of yummy pies, cookies and whatever else we can manage to fill the kitchen with.   I have recently discovered a recipe for a non-dairy whipped cream, which I am eager to try, and will certainly keep you posted on the results!  

This Thanksgiving, wherever you go, whatever you do, I wish you happiness and a full belly! 

P.S.  If you are able, please remember to to make a donation to your local food bank.  Food banks nationwide are expecting a higher-than-average turnout this year for those in need.   Let’s help them out, shall we?  Visit: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx to find a food bank in your area.

-Michelle

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”  – Virginia Woolf

Welcome to My Chaotic Kitchen!  As you can see, I am just getting started on this blog, but I hope it soon becomes a helpful destination for families with food allergies.  I am not a doctor, nor do I possess any certification relating to the health industry.  However, I am an “expert food allergy sufferer”, and the mother of several experts-in-the-making.   I will share with you my recipes and tips on how to ease the challenge of feeding a family with allergies.   I am glad you stopped by!  Be sure to visit often.

-Michelle