I was eagerly reading a story in the Allergy Moms newsletter (www.allergymoms.com) about a study at Children’s Hospital Boston where kids are given shots of the drug Xolair to help eliminate a milk allergy.  The theory is that if you can turn off the allergic reaction to the food, then expose the child to the food, the body will gradually get used to having this food in it’s system, and at some point, you will no longer need the medication to turn off the response.

As an Allergy Mom, I am thrilled to see that research is being done to try and eliminate food allergies, which have become so common and can alienate kids in so many ways. You can read the hospital’s blog and watch video interviews here http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-milk-allergies/. 

Reading about Xolair, though, it seems that this medication has some associated risks, including possible cancer. http://www.xolair.com/important_safety_information.html So I started to wonder: If there was a cure for food allergies, but the cure brought with it a risk of something worse down the road, what would I do? I believe I would skip the drug and just try to keep avoiding the allergens, but there may be other reasons to reconsider that I don’t know at this time.

What about you? What would you do in this situation?

Is it really the most wonderful time of the year? It sure sounds and looks cheerful out there, with festive lights and decorations, upbeat music and a plate of cookies around every corner. But have you noticed that people get pretty nasty this time of year? (I mean nastier than usual. There are some people who are just negative no matter what the season.)

I took an informal survey of my friends, and we all seem to agree that there’s a lot of aggression and hostility going around right now. I am normally a happy and positive person, and I believe most people try to be respectful and friendly in daily life. When I encounter someone who’s intent on being nasty, I assume first that it’s not about me. Maybe they had a fight with their spouse that day, had a bad day at work or were cut off in traffic. Or maybe they’re stressing about the economy, as most of us are. Or perhaps they’re just an overall unhappy or judgmental person. Either way, these are their problems, not mine, so I don’t internalize them.

One real victory that I have had lately is learning that “killing them with kindness” actually works! The principle is that YOU get to pick your mood, and other people get to pick theirs. It’s hard at first, but I have tested it many times over the past several weeks. I DECIDE that I will be kind, loving and positive, and I hold that intent all day. When someone glares at me, I smile back. When they snap at me, I reply calmly and happily. When they look distressed, I offer to let them get in front of me in line or take the item that we both reached for. And when they write nasty, judgmental comments on social media sites under anonymous names, I send them love and light and peace with all my power!

I understand now more than ever that we all have different life experiences, and that creates different perspectives. That’s the beauty of life. By my wearing this understanding on my sleeve, in the way of a calm demeanor, a smiling face and an encouraging word, I have actually seen people’s moods change before my eyes! I”m not saying to be a doormat. You still have to protect yourself and be smart. And this doesn’t change your life overnight. But, I can tell you that it actually helps! It’s hard for someone to be mean to you when you’re smiling and nodding and when they can clearly see that you understand their perspective and are offering yours with love and respect.

It is a powerful feeling to know that you can affect a negative situation, even if in a small way. Think of the ripple effect of a small kindness, and pay it forward. I now know that when someone says or does something nasty to or about me (or my product), it reflects badly on them, not on me. I am sending out love, kindness and positivity to everyone around me – ESPECIALLY the downers, since they need it most!

Thanks for reading! I hope you take away something positive and that you will do your own experiment. Remember, what you send out is what you get back (OR You reap what you sow OR The golden rule OR I’m rubber, you’re glue – however you like to hear it), so send out the good stuff and enjoy getting it back!

I have become somewhat obsessed with having a smoothie for breakfast lately. I have a Vita-Mix blender, which is a DREAM to use, and I appreciate that I can throw just about anything healthy in there and have breakfast in 5 minutes or less.

I have settled on this recipe for most every day, and it’s so good that I thought I would share it.  Improvise with the fruit you like, but this is a great combo. Best of all, my son, who has allergies to nuts and eggs, can drink it too!

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (I use Jay Robb)
1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
1 Tablespoon Flax Seeds
1/2 Cup Plain Fat Free Yogurt
1/4 Cup Acai Juice and 3/4 cup Water (you can use more juice and less water, if you like)
1/2 Cup Frozen Blueberries
1/4 Cup Frozen Cherries
Handful of Ice
Small Squirt of Agave Nectar (to taste- you may not need it)
One Shake of Cinnamon

Blend these until smooth! Think about all that nutrition in one shake, and even if you have fries with your lunch, you’ve started your day with a nearly perfect meal. Omega 3′s, fiber, antioxidants, protein, and it tastes like dessert. Hope you like it!