Saturday, August 22, 2009

The Tasting Party Planning

I have been quite busy contacting companies to offer them the opportunity to direct market our allergy group with samples, coupons, and literature. It really could be a win-win situation with our group members finding new products to use in their home and the sponsoring companies finding new customers.

At the end of the day though, it is just lil' old me, contacting business persons that do not know who I am. I believe in what I am doing. I know how liberating it can be to discover a product that your family can safely eat and that will reduce your time in the kitchen. Let's face it, we allergy mamas spend A LOT of time in the kitchen. But it's still just me.

I have been honestly overwhelmed by the the level of support that many of the companies have shown. Especially the smaller businesses. They have been so willing to work with me. It is touching that they can appreciate the life of a mama who has food allergic children, and offer to help make her life easier. One bite at a time.

As samples roll into my house, I am continually like a kid on Christmas morning. Giddy with the anticipation of sharing tasty treats with other families. Anxious to taste a few myself, as they are not all familiar to me. I am bubbling with excitement at the prospect of linking an allergic family with a new and unfamiliar product that they will love at their house.

And I have a plan. For all of you who wish you could make it, but can not. I will be sharing with you, virtually, every taste and texture that is present. Ingredients too. So maybe you can be inspired to take your taste buds on a tantalizing new trip. Watch over the next month for product reviews and opinions from tasters present.

And no, none of them are paying me. Really. Unless you count their generosity and kindness. Sincerely, I want to support any company that understands the importance of supporting an allergy mama and her allergic family. I want to keep our allergy friendly options open and advancing, which means helping these budding companies find their target market.

Stay tuned.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

An allergy friendly tasting party

I know that I often look at products in the store and think "Wow, that looks good. We'll have to try that." On days when the budget is feeling generous, I may grab an extra random item or two. On days when I know that I will need to talk nicely to my debit card to prevent it from laughing at me, I keep on moving.

You know how that goes. And it is especially true with allergy friendly products, which tend to carry a higher price tag. Don't get me wrong, I will happily pay for knowing that I can offer my family safe treats. Totally worth it. But. I hate getting excited about a new product, paying a steep price to try it out, and discovering the kids hate it.

If only there was a way to try it before you buy it.

With that thought in mind, I am going to *attempt* to host an allergy friendly tasting party for my food allergy support group. My goal is to have a multitude of allergy friendly foods on hand for them to try. And coupons to encourage that first purchase, to make trying a new item less of expenditure and more of an adventure.

That being said- what item is a go-to food in your house? What's the weird discovery that you found on the bottom shelf that you now can not live without? What food would you like to try but have not found the money to manage it? PUH-LEEESE! I am begging you here: send your wish list, your recommended list, and your suggestions.

As suggestions roll in, I'll talk to the companies that make the product, and see if they would be willing to share. After all, who wouldn't want a foot in the door with a target market of interested and loyal consumers?

Thanks for helping out! I look forward to hearing from you.