Chicago Expo!

I know that it is pushing the limits of the Expo but there is some great things happening that I want you to know about. Holy Crap! is the sponsor of the bloggers lounge this weekend and they have a few giveaways that they are doing.

The first 25 people into the Expo each day will receive a bag of their cereal. (Free stuff!!)

Second they are having a drawing each day of the Expo for a great prize package. It includes a Holy Crap apron, a bag of Holy Crap cereal, Kathy Smart's Gluten Free Book: Live the Smart Way (signed!), and an official space pen. Holy Crap cereal is served at the International Space Station, thus a pen that has been up there with them. How cool is that?!

My bags are packed and so is the car. I will see you tomorrow at the Expo!

DIY Slow Spill Cups

I wasn't exactly sure what to call this but I wanted to share with you something that has helped my family out. Caden no longer wants "baby" cups (sippy cups) but he would sometimes spill regular cups. After thinking over the problem for a few days, this is what I came up with. It makes him happy that he has a regular cup and I'm happy because it doesn't spill as easy. It will still leak if knocked over but it is a slower leak through the straw.

What you need:
Press 'n Seal
Cup
Straw
Sharp knife
                                                 

Step 1
Fill the cup with desired drink and cover with the Press 'n Seal.

Step 2
Take the sharp knife and poke a small hole in the middle of the Press 'n Seal. Ideally you want the hole to be smaller then the straw so you can wiggle the straw in for a tight fit.

Step 3
Place the straw in the hole.

I hope this tip helps your family keep the peace as much as it has helped mine!

I'm so excited!!

I am so excited that I am going to the Gluten & Allergen Expo in Chicago April 20-21!! This year I am part of the official Chicago GFAF Expo blogger team! (Can you tell I'm excited?!)
I had a blast last year and I'm sure this year will be just as fun. I loved the ability to talk to both companies that I am familiar with as well as new companies selling gluten free items. Many companies have samples that you can try of current and new products. I loved the fact that I was able to try out so many different products free! I also brought my boys with me and I loved that I was able to have them try out products. This saves wasted money on buying products that they won't eat.
It was also great to be able to see and try new products. I was then able to request that my local stores carry the new products. While some products have taken almost a year to make it to stores near me, it was worth the wait. Can you say allergy friendly pop tarts! My kids are in heaven and enjoying their treat.
One unique treat of having so many companies in one place is the ability to talk to the companies. It was so beneficial to talk face to face to different companies and ask questions. This year I will be asking about GMO's, how they are preventing cross contamination in their factory and how can I get some of their products to you.
Another great benifit to coming to the Expo is the speakers. These are people who know what they are talking about when it comes to what we are all going through. I learned so much last year from the speakers and I am excited to learn even more this year. You can follow the Gluten & Allergen Expo on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date on speakers, what companies will be at the vender fair and which bloggers will be there.
I can't wait for the Expo and I hope to see you there!