the rare personal blog...

only two more days until i am driving all the way to Chicago-land and then driving all the way back home with this boy. seriously cannot wait. i purposefully scheduled a HUGE photo shoot tomorrow night for RVA so that i will be very busy and i won't get anxious. :) mind games. 

so i am very very excited. i've missed him a lot this month. 

this week i was a little bit depressed because on Monday i found out the official word on my food allergies (after about 10 years of knowing i was allergic something, but never quite taking care of the situation). this was good news because now i am going to have an opportunity to FINALLY take care of myself! it was also just a little sad because i am on a whole new diet that i am going to have to get used to. for now i won't be eating any of these... 

i think maybe it's just the girl in me, but i can get emotional about food. this isn't something that i'll be blogging about often (at all!) but i wanted to mention it because it was such a major part of my week and i haven't said it out loud yet except to my family. i feel like the initial burn of it is wearing off and i am REALLY thankful that i have a chance to be healthy and that i know the facts about what is good for my body. so i am looking forward to making this change completely positive because i think that it's going to be worth it! 

in other news, we are prepping for our winter photo shoot tomorrow evening. i am really excited to work with a new photographer, a makeup/hair artist and two new models. it's going to be tons of fun. we are doing a pretty massive shop update next week (date TBA... i can't decide if i should do it before, after or on my B-Day...what do you think?). It's a completely fresh batch of goods this time and i seriously can't wait to share pics with you! 

Anyway.... I think I might do an all nighter tonight...it's been a while! What are you up to? XO. e 

Comments

[Danielle]

Yay for your love coming home! I am anxiously awaiting Hank...countdown is three hours now! haha.

And about the allergies, congratulations on figuring out what is going on. It may be hard at first, but your little bod is going to be sooo grateful and happy once it's all regulated!

Have the best night Elsie! <333

[Emily]

are you allergic to the red dye or is it the cupcake/gluten/etc? i'm allergic to red dye and it's been such a bummer for me. added to that, i get horrid migraines and my doc started me on a new daily medicine that makes anything carbonated taste terrible (which is a big what the heck side effect), so my coca cola addiction had to stop abruptly. i totally understand getting emotional about food. big hugs to you, lady <3 xoxo

[Tracey]

Hey Elsie,
You can still eat cupcakes! Check out Babycakes NYC cookbook. I am allergic to wheat among MANY other food things. And they are tasty!!! It's a bit of work and takes some getting used to, but it is worth it.

Take care!!!

[Samantha Adams]

I'm sorry to hear you have had a rough week, but those always make the good weeks that much better.

Yay for Jeremy being home tomorrow! I hope you have a great night of crafting!

[Kayleigh]

I'm sorry Els, food allergies are NOT fun.

Same qq as Emily - Is it the Gluten, or red food dye?

[geek+nerd]

Oh man - the return home from tour! That's the best! When my hub came back from touring this summer, I thought my heart was going to slam it's way out of my chest when I picked him up at a bus station. That's the best!!!

[Brianna]

I love reading about you and your guy! It's so nice to see positive relationships! Plus, I'm in a happy relationship, so everytime you write about your guy I think about mine and get all oogly. :) So, thanks!

Good luck with the new diet and everything! Food alergies are not fun at all. E-hug!

[Rhonna Farrer]

love you, hun!
You can do it!
xox
R

[Samantha]

I bet you are going to find a whole bunch of new favorite foods!

Also. I think you should do the update before your birthday so you get to relax for the big day!

[mrs boo radley]

If it's wheat/gluten, fear not...right beside my computer I have a hot fresh-out-of-the-oven slice of marble cake, made with eggs, honey, butter, almond (meal) and rice (flour). I would share if there weren't mountain ranges and time zones separating us.

The marble cake is saying to me:
"Don't hate me because I'm decadent."

Okay. I must finish devouring it now...

If it is indeed gluten, check out my "grain-free in '93" label on my blog...I even make quick bread out of coconut flour and five eggs (well, and a few other ingredients).

After writing all this and gushing about marble cake and quick bread I really hope it's not eggs or butter that you're allergic to. :)

Best wishes to you as you navigate allergy-free waters.

[elsie flannigan]

thanks everyone! really. :)
Emily. i am mainly allergic to bakers yeast... but also dairy and soy (and a bunch of other small things).

thanks for the kind words.

[elsie flannigan]

boo radley, you're sweet!
yes, i thought i was allegic to gluten all year last year, but it's other things in the bread. still REALLY REALLY sweet of you. you're the best.

[cupcake.trash]

Sorry about your food allergies. Can't wait for the update.

http://cupcaketrash.blogspot.com

[Tiffany]

Elsie-got special plans for your birthday (or to celebrate your birthday)? Just wondering if you have certain traditions or plan it all out or just take the day off and relax or what :)

[Nikki Davis]

awww, bummer about the allergy. no fun but glad that u now know what the allergy is. well, i'm headed to springfield tomorrow and told my bff lizzie i wouldn't come to RVA with out her and we'll go together in Dec but i think i have to take a secret sneaky peak at the store on saturday....shhhh dont tell her, lol. hope to see u then!!!

[tiffany.]

ive learned that a lot of the things our mind/and mouth love... our body actually hates. im with you on the missing of certain things. ive been a vegetarian for over 13 years and i LOVE it but sometimes i wish it were easier. RED VELVET cake!!? I hope you can go back to enjoying my favorite thing to put in my face soon!
xo.

[Kristel]

Yay! Glad you'll be reunited with your love. :-)

And sorry to hear about the food allerigies. :-/ I would be bummed if I had to abstain from some of my favorite foods too. But you're right, now you'll be able to be healthy and this is going to be a great positive change for you.

Take care!

[Sarah]

so sorry to hear. I have a Dairy/Soy allergic little boy and we have all changed our diets in solidarity. And we are vegetarian too boot! But I understand having to mourn a little, its not that there isn't great tasting option, just no one wants to have to think about it all the time. I hope you much better health.

[Emily]

as with anything, you'll get used to it and then if/when you do get the chance to have a taste of whatever it is that you haven't had in forever, it won't taste good or you'll realize the horrible effects it has on you and decide that it feels better to just avoid it altogether. i drank half a coke yesterday (there was a meeting at work and that's all they had to drink, so i was kind of stuck) and it tasted horrible and i hadn't had one in 3 months and it just didn't feel right. you'll find other things to take the place of what you can't have, and it will all even out in the end :) good luck <3

[Sara]

If it's celiac, my friend has a lot of good posts on her blog about dealing with it. Recipes and such, including baked goods. http://alltheprettyflowers.blogspot.com/search/label/gluten%20free%20diet

Good luck. My husband has tummy troubles and had to cut out a lot of favorites, like coffee and popcorn. It's a bummer! But he does feel better.

[corrina]

i don't know the full extent of your allergies, but for dairy free baking i say look no further than the vegan food blogging community. yes, there can be a lot of soy in the veg diet, but there are a lot of people with allergies in the community, too, including soy. as an example, you don't add yeast to cupcakes, so pretty much every recipe in "vegan cupcakes take over the world" could potentially be fair game (i'm not sure of your other allergies). the author defaults to soy milk/margarine but it is so easy to substitute another non-dairy milk (i prefer almond milk) and I'm pretty sure Earth Balance, the gold standard of vegan, and therefore dairy-free, margarine just came out with a soy-free option (so, you can have your buttercream, too). i highly recommend at least looking at the book to see if it meets your needs; every cupcake i've made from it has been flawless.

[Dawn Bryson]

Oh Elsie, I am glad you know what is up with the allergie thing, if it's gluten, don't be afraid to talk about it, it may encourage someone elese to look into it, eat better or be informed, sharing yourself is always good, it opens the mind and releases the soul!

[virpi]

dairy AND soy?! double bummer :(

[Julia]

Hey Elsie, that month went quick! Seems like you were just telling us Jeremy was leaving. I you accomplished your goal list.

How did you find out you were allergic to these foods? I have horrible stomach aches way too often and know it's something I'm eating but have no idea what. It would be so nice of you to share.

[Kristi]

Sorry your week has been less than fab! I highly recommend the book "The Joy of Vegan Baking" by Colleen Patrick-Godreau of compassionatecooks.com!

[Becca Pirwitz]

elsie, i'm sure that you'll come up with some terribly creative way of getting around your allergies! you're good at that! :)
i also think that you should post the update before your birthday. relaxing for you but the sooner we can feast on the goodies, the better!!! :) :) :)
i really hope the rest of your week is superb!
:)

[Jen Strange]

I turned 30 this year, and I'm just now starting to pin down the things that I'm allergic to or have bad reactions to - including chocolate (eep!), peanut butter, soda, and yellow dye. 'doh!!!

feelin' ya ...

[Rebekah]

ugh, bummer about the allergies. I found out about five years ago that I am allergic to dairy, eggs and wheat - gasp! it hasn't been easy but making the decision to feel good for myself is empowering so best wishes as you navigate the diet stuff...good luck this evening too I am pulling a late one working on my jewelry for an upcoming show in NYC!

ps. I don't know if I have ever officially said hello here but I love your blog so and am always inspired by you Elsie! xo

[Visible Voice]

Elsie I hear your pain. I'm allergic to dairy, soy and eggs...and some other things but these seem to be the hardest to avoid. And the kicker is I don't live near a proper grocery store (1 1/2 flight away) so I too really understand how hard it is. But for sure it's worth it to know and you'll do great and still be able to find treats that will be okay for you. Good luck. Keep us posted...it helps for us readers to know we're not alone as well :) I think we may have some similar allergies so if you ever want tips give me a shout.

[Kim White]

I'm always inspired by your blog and look to it when I need a lift! I too have environmental and food allergies and have had weekly allergy shots for two years. I have since switched to daily allergy drops. This is working for me, as well as avoiding the foods I am allergic to-corn and cherries! It can be challenging to change your diet, but it is worth it. You are a "planner" like me and that will benefit you in this allergy journey! Best of luck!

[Vanessa]

Aww !!! but those are the best! I'm sure you'll find some creative way to get around it though! ;)

[amber]

Elsie...5 years ago I finall took that step and did the food allery test. I am highly allergic to dairy and gluten! It was very very hard for me in the begining but it has gotten a lot easier.

If you are allergic to either of these things and want to shoot me an email I can give you some recommendations. Alot of that allergy free food is very expensive and honestly gross!! It takes a little planning but it is so worth how great you will feel.

Good Luck and seriously let me know if you need any recommendations!!
XOXO

[shirin]

wow elsie! ur the best dont forget about my email and my team lovely request. thank u again for keeping me smiling over here in la la land. :) (la california)

[shirin]

ps i hope u feel better and everything is ok!

[Amy Lynn Scott]

I have had to watch my sugar intake since 7th grade and it sucks! Like sometimes i cant just got eat a cookie or a piece of cake or candy or anything with high sugar content, ha, without making sure i have eaten a meal or a piece of bread, i know its crazy, but ill pass out and get super duper shakey and lose all of my energy, it sucks and use to happen often!!!! but now that i relized I dont want those things to happen I eat right and no fainting for me in random places!!!!!

[pang]

I sure hope you feel better!!! food gets me emotional too!

...so should I shop today or wait till the update?

[Katja]

oh, first of all: good that you will have jeremy back! :) i can totally understand what it feels like to miss someone that bad and then having him back <3

and about the food thing... well, i also have some food allergies and i thought "well, i'll just not eat food with these ingredients". but then you realize that there's muuuuuuch food where those things are used. -.-* But you will learn about it and read a lot about it and then you will find great things to eat. Without my allergy, I wouldn't EVER have discovered my favourite: homemmade chocolate-mint icecream. :)

I just hope you will make the same experience. It's hard in the beginning but now that you know, all the worries are gone and you can find out what's good for you. <3

[sq]

oh elsie!
i feel your pain! after knowing for many years too about food allergies impacting my health, i've gotten down to the basics and just have a fruit/grain or veggies with protein three times a day.

it has given me piece of mind to just focus on these simple foods and not use energy to re-create what i use to love with alternative ingredients. (that took up every waking hour back when i would plan on how to make vegan corn dogs with no refined sugar/no wheat!!!).

i'm embracing the simple life and it's giving me more space for my creativity to flow and show up!

thanks for sharing so we know we're not alone!

xx,
sq

[elsie flannigan]

thanks for all your kinds words, thoughts, advise and links! really means a lot to me.

lovelove, elsie

[Molly]

I'm allergic to dairy and soy too, among a lot of other things. It's not the worst thing ever - try hemp milk and almond milk. They are super yummy - and hemp milk and coconut milk make amazing ice cream treats! Try to keep your spirits up, you'll be thriving soon, even more than you already are!

[sofia]

So sorry to hear that you have food allergies. At the same time it must be such a relief to know what foods that are causing your trouble. I have no experience of this but I'm sure that there are good alternatives to dairy and that you will learn to live with this. You are such a positive and resourceful person. Take care of yourself!

Big hug!

[vera markesteijn]

Hi Elsie,

It's a good thing to share!
I know the feelin' I have a lowsugar.. thing.. don't know how to call it in your language?! But that means i have to eat reguarly & healty food and very important: almost no sugar!

I really had to adjust but once you to this you don't know any better. It made me feel a lot better & that's very important. It's sooo important to take good care of yourself! It's difficult because the reactions of people aren't always nice or understanding :( Take care Elsie & you have a save trip and get your mister back yay :D xoxo

[drummbellina]

Elsie I know how you must feel. I don't know what symptoms you get from your allergies but just wanted to share that I have really bad psoriasis on my arms and legs which I can only get rid of by cutting out wheat, gluten, dairy, caffeine - basically all of my favourite things! :( I'm still trying to start the healthy diet but keep messing it up every week - it's tough! But I'm determined to get there so I don't have to feel like a scabby monster anymore lol :)

[Anna]

Yay for boys coming home! I totally understand getting emotional about food as well. What allergy do you have? I have family members that have random food allergies but still love sweets and random yummy things, so we have had to search high and low for some good recipes that cater to them. If you want my of them yet me know! (I don't think I could live without red velvet cupcakes either...)

[Jillian Pye]

Who knows if you will make it all the way down to this comment, BUT I've been meaning to tell you that my husband (who plays music) knows your bf from playing in Springfield a while ago---he's close friends with Nathanial Carroll (who also plays music and is from Springfield.) Anyway, we're going this weekend and Owen (my hubby) is playing a show at a library there on Saturday, as well as playing at a church on Sunday. I'm hoping I'll get to stop into Red Velvet! :)

[katie]

aww bummer about the food allergy. i recently found out i'm gluten intolerant and that i have blood sugar probs and since diabetes run in my family that it's good idea to stay away from sugar. since i'm a TOTAL carb and sugar addict, this was HORRIBLE news. so i totally understand this being a huge bummer for you. i have adjusted to the news and found alternatives to eat. and i feel A LOT better, health wise. so it feels worth it after a while to make diet changes. and then i have eventually given myself permission to have gluten or sugar as a treat occasionally. depending on how strong your allergy is, you may be able to do that as well. hang in there! i feel your pain!!! :)

[Jessica West]

my fiance is allergic to bakers yeast...but he has been able to find some amazing bread at trader joes that is yeast free

also I believe Angels food cake is yeast free. I am going to double check with him, he has a whole list of yummy things he can eat.

[Anjeanette]

I am so glad you let us know! I adore your blog and look forward to seeing what great things you are making. I'm glad that you shared this with us because it makes you so much more real. It is nice to know that other people have real life issues going on too. And think of all the people you reached too, that can relate directly.

We have major food allergies in my family. My son and I both have Eosinophilic Esophagitus. It is basially food allergies that cause our esophagus to get really sick. My 3 year old is tube fed because his allergies are so severe, and his food issue is part of our daily life as are mine.

My allergies include dariy, wheat, apple and a big handful more. I love to bake. I have been terribly frustrated because I can no longer bake all the yummy things I love.

I am learning that there are lots of great blogs (I'm thankful for bloggers sharing thier ideas and recipes) that are great resources. There is a site www.kidswithfoodallergies.com that has recipes for people with severe food allergies. They have cakes and cookies and main dishes etc for people with varied allergies. You enter the foods you want to avoid and it shows you their recipes. You may have to pay to see all the recipes. http://www.elanaspantry.com/recipes/ This is my favorite blog. She is fabulous and the recipes so far are all delish, not just good, but foodie-fabulous-baker good.

You will just need to learn how to make your beloved cupcakes in a new way that won't make you sick. And they aren't always yucky.

Take care and thanks for being real and letting us all know you have real struggles like the rest of us;)

[teddi]

it's amazing the things that are out of our control that we can endure. it always shows how strong we all are. with food it's hard because you have to eat in order to live. it looks like i and many others understand all about it. knowing you are not alone helps. love is spread throughout the air.

[Desiree Schwartz]

Sorry to hear about your allergy, but the good thing is that there's so much food out there that even if you have to give something up, you can always find something new to swoon over! :)

Oh, and do your update before or after is my advice. Make your B.day a day off!