Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions, all in one place!
PERSONAL
How old are you?
45 years young! My four children are ages 9 to 20 – our home is a very very busy (and blessed!) space.
Where do you live?
While I was born and raised in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University, I have lived most of my adult life in Louisville, Kentucky – home of the Kentucky Derby!
What do you eat in a day?
Living life with an allergy to Balsam of Peru has made eating a bit of a challenge. Iʼve began to hit my stride though thanks to several foods I have found to be allergy-free and keep on hand. I usually begin my day with an egg-white-protein drink (free of my allergens). Midday, I have a protein and veggie meal or possibly a sandwich on my favorite wheat-free bread. For dinner, I try to cook a meal for my family of six and have something I can eat as well mixed in there. If my family is eating something with a ton of spice, then I have an alternate meal. However, to make my life easier, I usually cook something we can all eat. Fast food is basically out for me since most items are heavily spiced.
What are your go-to beauty products?
Iʼm definitely a beauty-product gal! However, being diagnosed with extensive Allergic Contact Dermatitis allergies has proved a challenge to create a beauty regime that keeps me reaction-free. I look for products that are clear of any botanicals, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, fragrances, and benzoates. Look for a post in my blog with a full list of what Iʼm loving recently.
How often do you work out?
I had a delivery injury with my youngest kiddo that resulted in a total pelvic floor repair. OUCH! It was an extensive recovery with a talented womenʼs pelvic floor health professional. Under her recommendation, I work out 3X a week alternating between Pilates Reformer and Barre3 workout classes.
What Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergies do you have?
My list of ACD allergies are:
- Sodium Metabisulfite
- Balsam of Peru
- Cinnamic Aldehyde
- Tincture of Benzoin
- Propolis
- Fragrance Mix I
- Formaldehyde
- Gold
Do you have any other allergies?
I do, actually. Not everyone with ACD allergies has Type I Histamine-Mediated allergies, but unfortunately, I do. I suffer from mold, tree, smoke, pollen, dust mite, and cat and dog allergies. I also have asthma which is made worse by these allergies. I do a pretty good job managing them, though, as I don’t have many flareups unless I go to someone else’s home with many of my allergens.
