AllerMates Review

Disclosure: I received the below products in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own. 

AllerMates

AllerMates was created by Iris, a mom of three children. Her son Ben was diagnosed with severe food allergies and asthma and she wanted to find a way to help teach him about his health concerns in a way that was fun and wouldn't intimidate him. One day she drew up a few allergy-related characters and wrote funny stories and poems about them. Her children loved helping her come up with silly names for her characters. Soon her friends were asking to see the characters that her and her children created again and again, until they too knew all of their names and stories by heart. This showed her that kids are eager to understand health issues when there is a friendly engaging way to learn about them. 

It dawned on Iris while she was creating these fun things for kids to help educate and protect them that parents could benefit from having easy-to-understand info too. "Let’s face it… most of us do not have PhD’s to decode what our doctors tell us!) As Moms and Dads, we are our children’s first and best educators, and teaching them about their health is one of the most important things we do. It builds confidence and assists in keeping them safe as they navigate an unpredictable world."

Thus leading to today - the AllerMates community is made up of thousands of parents, children, caregivers and educators who rely on the simply, friendly and reliable resources to do just that. AllerMates popular medical alert bracelets are now available in over 5,000 stores and in several counties! 

A FEW of AllerMates Products!

We received a lunch bag full of awesome products from AllerMates. 

Our lunch bag included: 

AllerMates "I'm Wheat Gluten Free" Lunch Bag - $12.99ARV

AllerMates Wheat Gluten Free Snack Pack, Small - $6.99ARV

MultiCharm Package: Includes Multi Bracelet plus Six Allergy Charms - $16.99ARV

I Have Allergies Silicone Bracelet - $7.99ARV

AllerMates Peanut Allergy Bracelet "P. Nutty" - $6.99ARV

AllerMates Dairy Allergy Bracelet "Pint" - $6.99ARV

AllerMates Wheat/Gluten Free Bracelet "Professor Wheatley" - $6.99ARV
AllerMates Diabetes Bracelet "Tab" - $6.99ARV

AllerMates Asthma Bracelet "Puffer" - $6.99ARV

Wheat-Gluten Free Alert Stickers, 24 pack - $4.99ARV

AllerMates Wheat/Gluten Alert Labels for Food Packages, 24 pack - $4.99ARV

AllerMates Activity & Coloring Booklet - $3.99ARV

Lunch Bag & Snack Pack

AllerMates Lunch Bag and small Snack Pack are perfect for sending safe foods and snacks with your child whether they are in school, going to camp or even for a day trip with grandparents and other relatives. AllerMates has Lunch Bags for Wheat/Gluten allergies/intolerance, a basic "I have allergies" in Aqua and Purple and Blue for boys and girls to choose which color they prefer. The Snack Packs are available in multiple colors as well for basic "I have allergies" as well as a Gluten/Wheat allergy/intolerance and also for those who are Vegans. The Snack Packs are available in small ($6.99ARV) and tall ($7.99ARV). 

Ezio doesn't go places often without me so we currently use his lunch bag to hold his Epi Pen and oral antihistamine. AllerMates also has Medication Bags specifically for this, but this works for now until we get one. 

The Lunch Bag is an insulated lunch tote that helps raise awareness of your child's wheat or other allergies. The Wheat/Gluten Lunch Bag features Professor Wheatley which is both practical and fun. There is a side pocket with an allergy info card that slides into the clear pocket to help alert others of your child's healthy concerns, you can also write other important information on the back of the card. There is a front zipper pocket and a mesh pocket on the back. 

The Snack Packs are a single zipper closure pouch. We use this for taking safe snacks to the park, parties and other outings. It's always good to have safe snacks on hand. 

Health and Food Package Alert Stickers/Labels

The Alert Stickers/Labels are great for labeling foods for younger children, as a reminder to your child and others which foods are safe or not safe. Say a babysitter is watching your child, you probably left a note of what your child can or can't have, but lets face it, teenagers probably are not going to sit in your pantry and read every label. These stickers will help make finding safe foods easier for everyone in your home, maybe even yourself if you're in a rush and need to grab a quick snack for your child. 

AllerMates also offers other labels and stickers for various allergies and intolerance. The one above is perfectly amazing! While it doesn't have all of my son's allergies on it, it would still help a ton! Often times, my 9 year old daughter and even 5 year old son love to help get their little brother a snack, but they don't always know what hidden ingredients are in these products, these stickers would help make that easier on them while keeping their little brother safe. 

Bracelets! 

AllerMates medical awareness bracelets are kid friendly and fun as well as designed to be noticed. These bracelets are perfect for reminding others of your child's allergies or other health concerns. The bracelets are adjustable with snaps and fit most children from age 3 and up. They are also BPA, phthalates, nickel and latex-free. 

AllerMates offers bracelets in a MultiPack as well as individual bracelets for specific alleriges or health concerns. The multipack is perfect to help keep children safe who have multiple allergies. The charms allow you to customize the bracelet with all or most of their allergies/concerns. The multi pack comes with a bracelet and six of the most common allergens: Peanut, Nut, Dairy, Egg, Wheat and Shellfish. The bracelet holds up to six charms. This bracelet is perfect for easily adding, rearranging or even removing charms if your child outgrows an allergy. 

He's pouting, but this is the best and least blurry picture I have of him wearing his customizable charm bracelet. 

The bracelets are my favorite products from AllerMates as Ezio not only has many food allergies, but he is also a runner and a very friendly little guy. Aside from the obvious fears of not knowing where your child may be when you are searching for them, there is also "Is someone feeding him something he shouldn't have?!". While I have taken all steps that I can to prevent him from getting out of the house and we always insist on holding his hand, it's still an extra ease of mind for him to be wearing his bracelet. Things happen and some kids do run, while others do not. Also sometimes while we're at the park some parents try to be friendly and share their child's snack with other children, I hope that this bracelet will be noticed by these parents and ward them off from giving him anything. Although I do appreciate the sharing, if you're a parent who does this please always check with the parent! 

AllerMates GoodieBox

The current goodie box is a graduation box or just for fun! 

Kick off the summer with fun and safe snacks and more! 

HURRY! You can order the June box now through June 15th.

Order Here

 AllerMates

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GoodieBox

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Does your child have any allergies or health concerns that AllerMates could help with keeping them safe? 

What AllerMate product do you like the most?

Aflac #Duckprints Childhood Cancer Awareness & $50 Restaurant.com GC Giveaway! US 5/11

Disclosure: This giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Aflac. I was compensated to participate in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. I hold no responsibility for the fulfillment of the giveaway prize.

About Aflac Duckprints

Aflac Duckprints has a great mission which is very simple, to eradicate childhood cancer. 

Did you know that 75% of childhood cancers can be cured due to the donations made to the research and treatment of these disease? Aflac has passionately supported the fight against childhood cancer for nearly 20 years now! By donating more then $80 million to the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Aflac's Footprint represents the impact that they have made and the legacy they are creating. 

Aflac Cancer Center

The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorder Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest childhood cancer centers in the country. This center is committed to providing childhood cancer patients a bright future through advanced medical treatment, family-centered care, a child-friendly environment and innovative research. Aflac is proud to have donated more then $87 million to the Aflac Cancer Center with the goal of reaching $100 million by the end of 2015. 

Childhood Cancer

Per the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rates for all childhood cancers combined increased from 58.1% in 1977 to 79.6% in 2003. In 2007, approximately 10,400 children from the age of 15 and younger were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by illness in the U.S. for people age 15 and younger. Aflac Duckprints is commited in its mission to eradicate childhood cancer. Thanks to donations made to research and treatment of this disease, 75% of childhood cancers can now be cured! 

How can you HELP?

Now through Mother's Day (this Sunday, May 11th) Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for a variety of social media Duckprint activities using hastag #Duckprints. 

Aflac Duckprints will donate $2 for every Duckprints tweet or retweet using #Duckprints on Twitter! 

Also, $2 will be donated for every Duckprints post or sharing using #Duckprints on Facebook!

Trisha Henry Gaffney's Story

Trisha Henry Gaffney is a Cancer Survivor and mom. On Valentine's Day 1996 at 19 years old Trisha was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive tumor usually found in the head, neck, hands or feet of young children. Trisha's was the first reported case to occur in the right ureter, the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. 

After going through surgery to remove her right kidney, ureter and a portion of her bladder, Trisha spent a year at the Aflac Cancer Center undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. 

Following her treatment for this rare form of cancer, Trisha Henry Gaffney was eager to put her health problems behind her. The last thing she wanted to do was dwell on the effects of her illness. She was eager to get back to school and in January 1977, she went back to Illinois, where she was a student and scholarship swimmer at the university of Illinois, to finish the last few months of chemotherapy. 

Her treatment ended in April 1997, and she was ready to put her focus on all of the positive forces in her life. During her treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center, Trisha had started dating Andrew Gaffney, a fellow swimmer from high school. She had a big group of friends in Champaign, Ill. she looked forward to seeing again. In addition, she became a journalism major with the goal of focusing her energy on telling others' insporational stories of overcoming obstacles. 

In 1998, a friend encouraged Trisha to visit the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center. The Aflac Cancer Center provides specialized, long-term follow-up care and helps identify and treat problems associated with the efects of cancer treatment to help survivors lead a full life, including school, work and a family of their won. However, the idea of going to even more doctors didn't sit well with Trisha. 

"You don't want your cancer to define you," Trisha said, "but as you get older you realize it plays a much bigger part in your life then you're willing to admit."

Hearing More Bad News
After several years of going to general doctors for check-ups, Trisha finally made an appointment with the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center. 

"After college, I devoted myself to my work and being normal," Trisha said. "I put cancer behind me. Then it reared its ugly head at 32."

During her first appointment she received her health records. She was able to gain a broad understanding of her entire healthy history, including her treatments and the issues they could cause, called late effects. After meeting witht he Medical Director, Trisha went to a fertility specialist, who delivered some devastating news. 

The lab work showed Trisha's chemotheraphy and 23 radiation treatments had wreaked havoc on her body. Only one ovary was functional, and the radiation had damaged her uterus, she was approaching an early menopause and she would not be able to carry a child.

It's devastating when you can't have a family," Trisha said. "I froze my eggs that year. I thought, 'Screw you, cancer! I want my own kid."

So Trisha Took Control and Moved Forward
After her sister's best friend offered to be a surrogate, Trisha and Andrew, now her husband, became parents to Isabella in April 2013. 

 Isabella just celebrated her first birthday, and this Mother's Day will mark Trisha's second, thanks to the Aflac Cancer Center and its programs. 

The impact of the Aflac Cancer Center isn't lost on Trisha. Without the intervention of doctors and nurses in her health, her life would be incredibly different. 

"If I hadn't had my friend telling me to go the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center," Trisha said, "I wouldn't have my daughter."

Armed with the knowledge about her medications, treatments and the potential challenges ahead, Trisha is empowered to be an advocate for her own health. She knows it is survivorship that defines her, not cancer.

She encourages surviviors to take advantage of the resources available through the Aflac Cancer Center so they can become healthy, happy adults and parents if they choose. 

"It is great that in this day and age, children will most likely live," Trisha said. "But once they do, they're going to have some expectations about that life."

Connect with Aflac Duckprints

Duckprints Website

Facebook

Twitter @Aflac 

GIVEAWAY!

 Aflac and Double Duty Divas would like to offer a $50 Restaurant.com gift certificate so you can treat your mom to a delicious Mother's Day dinner. This giveaway is an incentive for you to get engaged with this post and help share it across your social media sites and this will also help increase awareness and donations to further aid in the mission of Aflac Duckprints. this giveaway is open to US residents and will end at 11:59pm on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11th.

Entry-Form

CARD.com Autism Awareness Visa Pre-Paid Debit Card Review

Card.com is the fashionable, fun and fair solution for your online banking needs! With Card.com you can choose the design that fits YOU the best. Having a debit card from Card.com is much safer then carrying around cash, I don't know how many times I've accidentally dropped cash while pulling something else out of my pocket or the diaper bag. Not everyone is honest and willing to give you your cash back if you drop it, they may just keep it and then your out that money. So keep your money safe with Card.com! It's truly as easy as using cash! All of your loaded funds are 100% FDIC insured. It's easy to load your money in many way, but they are convenient! You can cash checks at Western Union and add money to your card through direct deposits from your employer or federal benefits. You can also transfer funds from one card to another. Use ATMs and shop near your home or all around the world!

You will receive a routing and account number with your card. Card.com are issued through the Bancorp Bank. These debit cards are accepted everywhere that a Visa card is accepted worldwide.

Loading Card Members get VIP access and rewards focused on the passion pictured on their card. If you choose a card with your favorite band on it you might get early access to concert tickets or limited edition merchandise or free MP3s from them! If you choose a card for your favorite Cause you might help provide clean water to a community in need or support cancer research. Through this Card.com lets you represent the things that you care about and gain awesome perks along the way.

Aside from my love of all the different designs you can choose from, I also love how they clearly display and let you know about all of their perks. What might they be?

-No credit check

-No check cashing fees

-No overdraft or late fees

-Access to ATMs worldwide

It is super easy to get a debit card from Card.com. Just view their designs here and choose your favorite one, then follow the simple sign-up steps and enter your information which is all secure. Wait for your card to arrive, set up your direct deposit or load money on how you wish and enjoy worry and hassle free online banking. The card is as simple to use as any other card, just swipe and sign if applicable. 

I chose the Autism Awareness card. I know several children as well as a few adults who are Autistic and my son, Cade who is 3 years old is currently being evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

You can view your balance and recent transactions online at Card.com and just sign-in. You can also call to find out your balance or check recent transactions. You will be charged a $5 maintenance fee if you do not have $800/month in direct deposits.unlike other pre-paid cards in which often charge you a $5-6 fee each time to load money onto the card with limited places for doing so. 

I have tried other pre-paid cards and none have been smooth processes! From trouble loading the card to money missing from my card and so much more! I gave up for a while as I am horrible with bank accounts and usually end up forgetting something when I balance my check book and then I end up overdrafting and most banks charge you a $25-35 fee each time you overdraft. It can become ugly, really quickly! So I am very thankful that I discovered Card.com and can enjoy worry free banking!

I have had successful direct deposits, one of which was from Google, as well as successfully using this card at many different places. I've used my card at several gas stations, fast food restaurants, grocery store and even at Game Stop. I have not had an issue other then running the card as debit by accident the first time I used it. We reran it as credit and it was smooth sailing from there!

Disclosure: I received a $25 credit to my Card.com card in exchange for my honest review of Card.com and their services, this compensation does not at all change my opinions about Card.com.All opinions and experiences are my own and may differ from those of your own.

Shop for a Cause at Stella & Dot through October

Please join me and Stella & Dot in promoting breast cancer research and awareness. For the month of October, Stella & Dot is promoting a Breast Cancer Awareness Collection, there are six wonderful pieces to choose from and for each one purchased all net proceeds will go to the Noreen Fraser Foundation. You will feel good when you Shop for a Cause!

Breast Cancer Awareness Collection

     
Shop for a Cause   Disclosure: This publication may contain affiliate link(s).