ABOUT US

Hi friends! My name is Pat, and our teen, Lily, has multiple food allergies. Over the past 10+ years, we’ve lived in an allergy-safe home by avoiding nuts, sesame, and shellfish. Our journey has led us to create this blog, where we share our experiences about our travels, favorite restaurants, foods we love, and much more. This platform is more than just a collection of stories; it’s about an expression of creativity, inspiration, and the spirit of adventure. My goal is to celebrate the fearless kids like Lily who face food allergies head-on every day. Through our site, we aspire to offer a helping hand, making life a tad easier for families like ours. Read on to learn more about us and our mission!

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Welcome, food lovers and soon-to-be foodies. Whether you’re here to try a recipe, find a restaurant, or get advice on managing food allergies, you’ve come to the right place. My name is Lily, and I love food, with a passion. From a young age, my passion for food has been evident—sometimes through my creative descriptions, and other times through the huge smile on my face.
I am a fearless foodie, so I’ve been told. I have four of the top nine food allergens recognized by the FDA: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and shellfish, as well as mango. Eating out can be a real challenge, but I didn’t fully appreciate that growing up. Diagnosed with food allergies at two years old, my parents were determined not to let this stop me from enjoying dining out like any other kid. Growing up, I’d hear them recite the same spiel, something like: “We have food allergies to all nuts, sesame, and shellfish. Could you please let the kitchen know and make sure that there is no cross contamination?” They even avoided my allergens so I could share their food as well. When I went to birthday parties and couldn’t eat the cake, they always took me out for a special treat afterward, making sure I never felt left out. I always looked forward to this. Their support and persistence helped me see my food allergies as a minor challenge rather than a major obstacle.
As a teenager traveling to new places, my eyes are opened to the challenges of finding safe foods. I’ve traveled to regions like parts of Asia where my allergens, like sesame, are commonly used. Having experienced allergic reactions both in the U.S. and abroad, I’ve come to realize how my food allergies have shaped my personality. I’ve become a natural advocate, not only for myself, but also for my friends and family. I tend to be the “prepared” one of my friend groups. As I continue through high school, I am driven to be a resource and leader in advancing safety for those affected by food allergies.
I want to use this platform to show that food allergies don’t have to be a barrier to exploring the world and trying new foods. I believe that safely managing your food allergies as you adventure and explore the world will raise awareness and promote a safer, more inclusive world for everyone.
As I navigate high school and advocate for myself and others, I’d love for you to join me and my friends in the joys of traveling, eating, and fighting for a safer future.

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OUR GOALS

• Celebrate: Celebrate and honor the many kids fearlessly navigating food allergies 
• Cultivate an inclusive community: Raise awareness and provide resources for people with food allergies to support informed and inclusive food choices
• Inspire and empower: Motivate a new generation of informed consumers, chefs, producers, and educators to enjoy and celebrate food from around the world together

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OUR VALUES

• Food is Fun: We’re passionate foodies who explore diverse culinary experiences and share the joy of food
• Food is Community: We unite people through food and proudly support all inclusive culinary businesses and women, LGBTQ, and BIPOC-owned establishments
• Food is Culture: We respect and embrace diverse diets influenced by taste, economics, politics, religion, and health

 

Through sharing and education, we can make better choices for our health, well-being, and our communities. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes!

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DISCLAIMERS

• Legal Disclaimer: Please be aware that this information is not a replacement for professional medical advice.  If you suspect you have a food allergy, you should see a food allergy specialist or other healthcare professional.
• Our Perspective: This website conveys our personal experiences, opinions, and stories to illustrate what has proven effective for our family. It’s important to recognize that not all of these strategies may be suitable for everyone. We strongly advise conducting thorough research, seeking guidance from qualified healthcare professionals, and maintaining vigilance regarding ingredient information, as it is subject to continual change.
• Our Food Allergy Approach: Our family manages food allergies by exclusively consuming foods free from allergens. If there are recipes we share or recommendations we make, it is your responsibility to ensure that the ingredients you use are safe for you. We cannot be held liable for any consequences resulting from using information from our website.
• Medical Concerns: If you have medical concerns, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or seek professional medical treatment. Never disregard the advice of a healthcare professional or delay medical attention due to information you’ve come across on this site. In the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 or request immediate medical assistance.