7.25.2012

Almond allergy

So friends, if it's not one thing, it's another.  I'd really like to just catch up to life.  I know Peanut allergies are one of the leading allergies in the country.  I have never in my life been allergic to anything, well, until now.

Let's rewind to Friday, July 13th, my grocery shopping days.  I decided that I was going to start eating cleaner, more fruits, veggies, nuts, lean means, etc.  While shopping I picked up a bag of Raw Almonds, no big deal, I've eaten cocoa almonds like they were going out of style, so I didn't think anything of it.  I got home, and popped a handful in my mouth, they weren't great, but they were plain.  Later Friday afternoon, my stomach had the worst pain, I wasn't sure what it was, but passed it off that I would be fine.  I took 4 tums, and went about my evening, they didn't touch it, my stomach hurt for about 6 hours.

Saturday I went about my day, no stomach pain, good thing!  Sunday afternoon I was hungry and eating clean leaves snacks to, nuts, fruits or veggies, so I had a handful of my almonds.  Later in the afternoon I had stomach pain something fierce!  No position, or anything  I did made it go away.  Like Friday it lasted for at least 6 hours.

Monday morning I called the doctors office, I knew something was wrong, but still hadn't put it together.  I went in Tuesday morning, he said it felt like a blockage in my stomach, he wanted me to get a CT to see what it was.  Wednesday morning they called and said it was clear, there was nothing there.   My poor boys, I don't know how I got through getting their dinner on the table.  I sat against the wall balled up and cried it hurt so bad. Wednesday evening I took myself to the Emergency room with the worst pain I've ever felt, mind you I've had three kids!  I would have rather given birth without an epidural than deal with the stomach pain!   They hooked me up to an IV, gave me pain meds and took blood to figure out what was going on, and like the CT, everything was clear, at least the pain meds took away the horrible pain!  I asked about possibly being allergic to Almonds.  The doctor said, "no, if it were an allergic reaction, it would be more skin or breathing related."  I left still unsure of what was wrong.


Calling the Doctor Thursday morning, he was sure it was my gallbladder so he scheduled me a HIDA scan for Friday morning.  I did a lot of research Thursday, the first thing I looked at was that scan.  The HIDA scan injects Nuclear meds into your system.  That threw a red flag for me.  I'm still nursing, I can't have Nucs in my system.  I called the Pediatricians office and they said that I wouldn't be able to feed the baby for 5 days after the test.  Oh, hell no!!!  I would figure out the pain on my own, they weren't putting that poison in my system!  I wasn't going to not be able to feed my sweet boy, and he hates the stored stuff!

I spent the day researching.  Gallbladder was definitely possible.  I would avoid all trigger foods, find home remedies in case I got an attack, and take even better care of myself.  Come on, I eat right, walk/run 4 days a week, there is no way something like a Gallbladder is going to get me down.  I continued researching, talked with Steve about what I ate, and looked into raw almond allergies.  After the trip to the ER, I haven't eaten 1 raw almond, and my stomach is completely fine!  Here is what I found on Raw Almonds:


Raw Almonds

The skin of raw almonds contains enzyme inhibitors which make them difficult to digest, and this can be another source of stomach pain. However, raw almonds have more nutrition than roasted almonds, so many people prefer eating them in their natural state. Soaking the almonds first removes the enzymes. Put 4 cups of almonds and 2 tsp. of salt in enough water to cover, and let them soak for several hours. Drain and allow them to dry for a day.


Read more: 



http://www.livestrong.com/article/294643-stomach-pain-after-eating-almonds/#ixzz21e7HCue4




There should be a warning on Raw Almonds,
May cause Serious Stomach Pain!!! 
and you may not be allergic to anything else, but you can be allergic to Raw Almonds!

Hope you all are having a great week!  xoxo

7.19.2012

How to Have a Relaxing Day

sometimes a simple stop to your favorite diner, cafe or coffee shop does a body good!

7.12.2012

3 simple drinks using Whiskey, Tequila and Rum

Good Thursday morning pretty people.  I know I've been bad about posting, and I'm sorry about that, but I'll make it up to you today with 3 yummy recipes for your summer spirits!

When I drink, I don't really like using tons of ingredients, I like to keep it simple.  So here are 3 of our favorite drinks, for the 3 liquors we have in the house.


Whiskey-Evan Williams Honey Reserve
11/2 oz Honey Reserve
Fill with Lemonade over ice

Tequila- Margaritaville Tequila
1 1/2 oz Margaritaville Brand Tequila
Fill with Margaritaville Brand Margaritaville Mix over ice, or blend
add a splash of grenadine
(you must use Margararitaville Brand, or trust me, it's not as good)

Rum- Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
1 1/2 oz Parrot Bay
Fill with Pineapple Juice over ice

Stir all ingredients and Enjoy!!! These are our favorite drinks for summer, and I know if you like those 3 liquors, you'll love these cocktails!

Leave us a comment with your favorite drinks!

Join me today in some twitter conversation and hash tag #ib4mtwitterhop

xoxo

7.05.2012

Happy 4th of July and thank you

I hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July.  I wanted to say thank you to all the soldiers over seas right now fighting for us.  
Instead of lounging by a pool or lake drinking beer and grilling out some good ol' American burgers and dogs, they are sweating their asses off in the desert, thinking about it.  
I hope they are all safe and are in good spirits.  Hopefully this war will be over soon and we can all embrace the ones we love!  
Thank you all, and we love and miss you!  Special love goes out to the solider and his crew in this picture.  He is a friend of mine and we are ready for you to be home!  Stay safe, we look forward to your safe return!! xoxo

7.03.2012

Red White and Blue treats

I found these adorable recipes, and thought they were just too cute not to share.

Red Layer

1
cup sliced strawberries
3
tablespoons lemonade, chilled
1
teaspoon sugar
White Layer
1
container (6 oz) Yoplait® Original 99% Fat Free French vanilla yogurt
3
tablespoons lemonade, chilled
Blueberry Layer
1/2
cup blueberries
1/2
cup lemonade, chilled
1/2
teaspoon sugar
  • 1In blender, place red layer ingredients. Cover; blend until smooth. Spoon 2 tablespoons mixture into each of 6 (5-oz) paper cups. Cover cups with foil; insert craft stick into center of each pop. (Or fill ice pop molds according to manufacturer’s directions.) Freeze about 2 hours or until frozen.
  • 2When first layer is frozen, remove foil from pops. In small bowl, mix white layer ingredients until smooth. Spoon about 2 tablespoons mixture in each cup over frozen layer. Return foil to pops to support sticks. Freeze about 2 hours or until frozen.
  • 3Meanwhile, in blender, place blueberry layer ingredients. Cover; blend until smooth. When white layer is frozen, remove foil from pops. Spoon about 2 tablespoons blueberry layer mixture in each cup over white layer. Return foil to pops to support sticks. Freeze at least 6 hours until frozen.  via

 

Red Cake Layers
1
box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
1
pint (2 cups) strawberries, stems removed, pureed in blender or food processor to about 1 1/4 cups
1/3
cup vegetable oil
3
egg whites
1
teaspoon Betty Crocker® red gel paste food color
Blue Cake Layer
1/2
box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)
1/2
cup blueberries, pureed in blender or food processor
3
tablespoons vegetable oil
2
whole eggs
1/2
teaspoon Betty Crocker® blue gel paste food color
White Cake Layer
1/2
box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)
1/2
cup water
2
tablespoons vegetable oil
2
egg whites
Frosting and Sprinkles
3
containers Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
Betty Crocker® red, white and blue sprinkles, as desired via
If you have a recipe that you would like to share and have featured, email it to me at DATSSOCUTE(AT)GMAIL(DOT)COM, and we'll feature it over at iBlog4.me