It's an honour to judge the Free From Food Awards and I love doing it every year. I think I've been doing it now for about ten years which seems incredible to imagine. Things were a little different this year with some judging panels conducted over zoom, for the Packaging and Labelling Category. Two huge boxes to navigate with judges notes to complete, all conducted via … [Read more...]
Coeliacs and Vegans have it easy
At the risk of alienating half my audience and many close friends... this is a rant that has been boiling for a while. I'd like to say firstly that I love you all very much... I'm just venting some frustration. All of my vegan and coeliac friends are amazingly accommodating of me and my allergies, probably because they understand what it's like having limited choice and also … [Read more...]
Patch testing for allergies and eczema triggers
Patch testing is done to ascertain what contact allergens e.g. chemicals, cleaning products and cosmetic and skin care ingredients could be causing allergic reactions and eczema. Small metal dishes which are pre-filled with different things are stuck to the back of the patient. The metal discs are kind of meshed into the sticky plasters in batches of about ten. I had … [Read more...]
Free From Hero Award Finalist!
OH MY GOD! Guys I can't believe this is happening. I've been nominated as a finalist in the Free From Hero Award 2021! I love these awards and have been judging, supporting and trawling the winners for many years now so this has blown me away. I've discovered so many new favourite brands that are now part of my regular free from shop (more on that in a future long overdue blog) … [Read more...]
Scared to eat out after lockdown?
You are not alone. I'm really feeling the anxiety building and that's OK. It's a good thing actually because it keeps me vigilant and alert. After too many mistakes when eating out, all caused by poor communication, lack of training, awareness and knowledge of the seriousness of allergies, I'm always a little nervous Having not had to worry about my allergies apart from … [Read more...]