Fragrance Product Consumer Alert

I went to the paint department in one of my favorite hardware stores, found this and was horrified.

Is it not only a challenge to be assaulted by the scented plug-ins and candles now we have concern ourselves whether anyone has painted their house with a toxic additive outgassing toxic fumes.

Can you imagine walking into an environment where the walls are murderous coupled with trying to determine why you cannot breathe, eyes are burning, are vomiting, have a #migraine, #chestpain, fragrance induced #asthma attack? Whose marketing idea was this? This is NOT okay!

What would you do add a disclaimer before anyone enters, stating "these walls are painted with a fragrant additive,  enter at your own risk."  Seriously, whose idea was this?

In an effort to navigate this scented world, if you find any products that are ludicrous like this, let us know. All things considered, keep being savvy and scent free.

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Plant

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Plant. @CalifiaFarms bottles are #bpafree and are perfect for reusing and planting. 

Here's my basil garden. I love it!  It is time to make some basil pesto sauce ... without cheese.  I hate that I love cheese.. but my tummy tells me I need to be dairy free.

The next Califia plant bottle will be used to plant lettuce which I hope to continue indoors through the winter season. 

Update: 

While garage sale shopping, I found the perfect planter for these bottles.  What do you think?

#califiafarms #basil  #recycle #reuse #organicgardening  #herbgarden #myfavorite #almondmilk #vegan

Seeking Fragrance-Free Connections

Many of us are isolated because of our allergy/intolerance to fragrance, perfumes, and chemicals, etc.  This allergy/intolerance, I embrace as my superpower. 

Although our illness does not define us, our lifestyles are greatly restricted compared to what they were formerly. Therefore, we find that we are home-bound instead of engaging in social activities or events such as going to the movie theater, mall, conventions, classes, and parties, etc. We want to be out and about but the repercussion of fragrance exposure impedes these social interactions.

Illustration credit to scent-smart.ca

We have friends that are sympathetic to our plight and are willing to change their lifestyle for us, removing air freshener plug-ins and fragrant candles, refraining from perfumes, scented laundry products, colognes, and those dreaded Axe products. To these friends and family members, we are truly grateful, nevertheless, many that have this superpower are somewhat isolated.

These same people who could be suitable employee candidates are in search of fragrance free workplaces and/or legitimate work-at-home professions and opportunities.

Additionally, we are in search of professionals that have fragrance free environments. Professionals you may be missing out on viable clients that need your service.  In light of these requirements, know that the reverse is also true. 

There are professionals that have fragrance free offices that do not allow patients and clients to enter their establishments if they are wearing perfume, fragrance or scented products, etc. We are in search of these people, as well. They could be realtors, doctors, attorneys, estheticians, massage therapists, salon owners, and tailors, etc.

In an effort to find these fragrance free events, professionals, employers, employees we need your help.

 
Contact information for these individuals/companies  are posted HERE on the Scentfreesavvylife blog and Scentfreesavvylife Facebook page. Like our Page on Facebook and post your information. 

Please tweet, blog, or email that Scentfreesavvy at the Scentfreesavvylife blog is searching for:

#‎fragrancefreeevents‬ #fragrancefreeworkplaces #fragrancefreeemployers #fragrancefreeemployees #fragrancefreeclients #fragrancefreeprofessionals

Can you help us find these events, professionals, job positions? 

Scent-Free Savvy Starts a Garden

First of all, my disclaimer: I didn't have a clue of how to get this garden started. Challenged with a chronic illness and food allergies, I have been working on healing my leaky gut so I knew I wanted this garden to be organic. I wanted food that wasn't sprayed or preserved with soybean oil or any  soy derivative and pesticides.  

There were so many questions. What time of the year is the best time to start? What are the best vegetables to plant in this area that can sustain this bipolar weather? 

I tried digging in the soil, digging didn't last long.  It was too difficult because the soil was partially clay.  So, then, I thought, do I till my yard?  Well the first year I decided to have a garden, it rained it seemed all of Spring and I found you can not till in wet soil.  So the time to plant came and went. Although, I did plant herbs in pots on the porch. However, this year I was determined to do more.

I decided to build a raised garden.  I YouTubed how to build a raised garden.  It seemed simple especially when I saw Vanessa on the Craft Gemini's YouTube video.  Don't ask why that didn't go forward.  I don't know.  

Then, my childhood friend, Kay suggested I go onto Craigslist and search for free bricks or concrete pavers, so I did and I found. All I had to do was pick them up. The photo to the left shows the raised garden bed I built. 

Earlier in the May, I went to a local nursery and picked up organically grown seedlings.  As my crop grew, though, I found that should have spaced the seedlings as suggested on the identification tab which,  in some cases, should have been planted 6 to 12 inches apart.  I was trying to fit as many as I could in the garden bed and now I have a jungle, however the plants are still growing and I am harvesting.  

Another question I had was, what would I do if there was an infestation.  I certainly didn't want to use any pesticides.  I think one of the things I was afraid of were insects.  I hate spiders and bugs.  I decided as long as they didn't eat the plants "live and let live".  I was in their environment now and they deserved to live.  My reasoning is as long as they stay out of the house, I'm good, unless they want to pay rent.  So far I have had only one type of pest.  At first I thought it was a "cute" butterfly.  After the the upteempth YouTube video, someone finally revealed that this "cute" butterfly was actually a white moth and it was eating my leaves, or rather its offspring.

Moth eaten leaves

White Moth

  






At first, I used a food grade diatamaceous earth as suggested by a YouTuber as I thought I had a different kind of infestation.  Diatamaceous earth is a white powdery substance used on insects with an exoskeleton.  

However, this culprit seemed to react more from the mixture of neem oil, Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds and water. These moths are relentless. They lay eggs, that turn into larva and then caterpillars that eat your leaves.  
 
Growing this garden has been very therapeutic, as I check its progress and water early every morning, with the exception of rain, of course. It has truly made me appreciate Jehovah's creations and how plants grow.  

Zucchini in progress

I didn't know the bees had to pollinate the zucchini flowers or any of the flowers that preceded the actual vegetable that would grow.  I have enjoyed this experience tremendously.  I could almost find myself becoming a vegetarian.

Enjoying the fruits of my labors, eating green beans, grape tomatoes, juicing collard and brussell sprout leaves.  This is very satisfying.

The collards greens are not quite  ready to harvest for the typical collard green recipe. 

Lessons learned:  

• Just do it.  Don't over think the process

• Give your plants room to grow. Don't cram to much in an area

• "Life will find a way" (yeah, I did just quote Jurassic Park) 

•  Give more thought to fertilizer and follow packaged directions.  Don't over fertilize

• YouTube, YouTube and YouTube (In some areas YouTube is a University) 
• Learn to Grow
• Growing Your Greens
• California Gardening

• Get enough trellises for your cucumbers to climb (I had a tragedy this morning)  

Certainly, I have a lot more to learn, however, there is no turning back for me.  Next year, I will continue on in my growth curve in  learning how to garden. Who would have thought that seeing the transformation through gardening would bring peace to my being.

Sweel Basil from the porch herb garden

First green bean and grape tomato harvest

First harvest with gluten free pasta by Rotoni with a pesto sauce I made from the sweet basil harvested.

Cabbage

Collards Greens

 

Scented Crayons... Really!

It is back-to-school time and I was looking in the Sunday paper for back-to-school coupons and found this.

Is it me, or am I the only one that think this is a "bad" idea?

Whose bright idea was this...scented crayons!  With the influx of ADD, ADHD, OCD and asthma illnesses in our children.   Why would I hyper a child more with a potential phthalate exposure from scented crayons.  I don't know whether any of the Mr. Sketch's products contain phthalates or BPA, however, with my existing chronic illness, even if a product is labeled non-toxic, I do know scents make me ill and irritable.

Watch out parents and teachers it may be a bumpy ride this semester.  I won't be purchasing this product anytime soon. 

I'll be on the watch assisting you to be savvy and scent-free.

Down to the Wire to Attend the Gluten-Free Allergen Friendly Expo 2016

We are down to the wire for opportunity to attend the Gluten-Free Allergen Friendly Expo 2016 in Schaumburg, IL. 

Getting excited yet?  The Expo is almost here.  Below are few of the Exhibitors:

I have two (2) TICKETS* as a GIVEAWAY. Leave a comment and let me know if you're interested in attending the Expo.

*tickets are good for 1 day of the expo either Saturday OR Sunday (you can choose which day you want to attend)

20% off Tickets can be purchased here to the GF and AF Expo until May 13 in Schaumburg, IL (Chicago). 20% off expires at midnight May 13 (tickets $20 @ door). You can print tickets or have tickets sent to your phone.

Gluten-Free Allergen Friendly Expo 2016

My enthusiasm is heightening as I look forward to the Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo coming back to Schaumburg, IL (Chicago) May 14 and 15, 2016. 

This year, like 2015, I have the opportunity to attend as an Official Blogger. This time last year I was transitioning gluten out of my diet. I have been basically gluten free for over a year, however, I have slipped off the wagon, so to speak, mainly due to difficulty finding egg-free gluten free bread and some other gluten free items especially when traveling.

Since the elimination of gluten, I have noticed the difference in the way this gluten intolerance has on attacking my muscles, joints and my gut which includes less intestinal infractions. 

Besides the "free" samples at the Expo my focus this year is on learning more from the classes about diet and supporting a healthy immune system. A few of the classes are “Can your Food Allergy or Gluten-Free Diet Cause Other Health Problems?","Sneaking Ancient Grains into Everyday Life", and "How to Use the Low-FODMAP Diet to Ease Symptoms of IBS".

GIVEAWAY!

I have two (2) TICKETS* as a GIVEAWAY. Leave a comment and let me know if you're interested in attending the Expo.

*tickets are good for 1 day of the expo either Saturday OR Sunday (you can choose which day you want to attend)

20% off Tickets can be purchased here to the GF and AF Expo until May 13 in Schaumburg, IL (Chicago). 20% off expires at midnight May 13 (tickets $20 @ door). You can print tickets or have tickets sent to your phone.









EVENT DETAILS from Eventbrite

The GFAF Expos are the greatest events on earth for those living a gluten-free or allergen-friendly lifestyle. You will sample products, receive coupons and discounts, attend informative classes, and be with thousands of people just like you. We often hear "this place is better than Disney" from kids attending. The Expos are a fun, family-friendly, educational and safe place made just for you!


What do you get with your Expo Ticket?

• Entry into the vendor fair with over 100 exhibiting brands
• Valuable coupons from the best gluten-free and allergen-friendly brands
• FREE samples from exhibitors- baked goods, pizza, healthy options and much more
• Discounted products available for purchase
• Informative classes related to the gluten-free and allergen-friendly lifestyle
• Free reusable bag to carry your goodies
• The chance to meet your favorite brands, restaurants, authors and bloggers

*All sales are final. No refunds.

GFAF Expo Sponsored by Udi's Gluten Free and Glutino

  

Gluten and Nut Free Area Presented by Enjoy Life Foods

*All ticket sales are final, no refunds.

#GFAFEXPO  #Chicago

Did Your Pharmacist Tell You This?

I am still reeling from some information I received from my Pharmacist consultation this week.  After entering the time continuum stage where hormones are in an uproar your dialogue changes.  You know that stage of life where a woman is losing her nurturing hormones and where the dialogue used to go something like this, “oh, sure you need that done, okay, anything to help sweetie.”  Now the dialogue is like this, “you need that done, well, over there are the washer and dryer, do it yourself…I’m over here having tea.” (And this is the nice version.)

 

Actually, the doctor said I had no progesterone and very little estrogen.  No problem...compounding “bioidentical” replacement therapy (BHRT) to the rescue.

“Are you going to hold your pet later,” she asked.

When you begin a new regimen, the pharmacist usually consults with you on how to take your medication. How hard can this be? Let’s see, a few pumps of the estrogen cream, rub it in and away you go. Then she asked me, “are you going to hug anyone or hold your pet today?” With a puzzled look on my face, she repeats the question, “are you going to hug anyone or hold your pet later?” So was thinking…husband and daughter are out of town, actually I’m the one out of town. Still thinking...I don’t usually hug with the fragrance allergy I have... I don’t like to risk transference (see my blog post here).  A friend has adopted our cat, so “no”, I said.  Then I asked why. She then informed me that especially when you hug your husband or anyone for that matter, you need to be careful in not transferring the estrogen cream on to them. Remember, the estrogen is being absorbed through your skin, it can also be absorbed through his skin and he can develop female mammary glands (men breasts.) I’m like, uh… good information to know.  

Baffled, I had never heard that before, though, it makes good practical sense as I pass this scent-free savvy tidbit along.

I thought my biggest hurdle was to be assured that the bio-identical hormone cream was soy, egg, and fragrance free. The possibility of unwanted mammary glands for my husband or pet…well, I didn’t see that one coming. Therefore, I will wear my estrogen cream proudly and take precaution… as I continue to be savvy and scent free.

Eco Friendly Fragrance Free Salon in New Hampshire

After seeing a post on Facebook at the website Women's Voices for the Earth about Moira's Story: Fragrance & Formaldehyde, we reached out to Moira to ask if we could include her fragrance free salon on our blog page "Scent-Free Professional & Retail Establishments.

After Moira began having symptoms to chemicals at work, she found it necessary to open her own fragrance free salon. 

Seeking a healthy and safe environment, in 2011 she opened Earthly Roots Hair Studio. Please read her full story HERE. We applaud you Moira.

People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) or that have fragrance allergies and sensitivities need safe service providers and vendors.  We are in great need of people that provide personal care and services such as hair stylists, dentists, doctors, attorneys, insurance agents, realtors.  In addition, we need retail establishments that are fragrance free. In places such as these, it can be difficult to shop or get services when we are inundated with fragrant odors.

As well, we are looking for employers that have a fragrance free policy established or looking to establish a policy. If you know of any employer, professional or retail establishment contact us at scentfreesavvy@gmail.com and continue to be savvy and scent free.

Way to Go Califia Farms®

When I first saw this Pure Cold Brew coffee with almond milk by Califia Farms®, I couldn't contain my excitement. I'm so happy... I'm so happy.  For me I am ecstatic to have allergen friendly non-GMO alternatives.

When my friend's son came in with this coffee drink, I noticed that the product was soy free, dairy free, GMO free, bpa free and vegan.

Whaaat! Now you are talking my language.  I can get a coffee product without aggravating my allergies.  I was hooked at almond milk and soy free. All the allergen friendly/non-toxic ingredients is a bonus, so I am shouting from the mountain tops.

I finally found two cold brew varieties at Wal-Mart. Recently, I found Califia Farms® almond milk and the combined coconut and almond milk combination at the local grocery store.

Earlier today, I checked their website (I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner) and I found a variety of coffees, almond milks, and juices.

For those allergic to almonds these products may not be for you.  But check out the website for juice alternatives.

The website states that all of their products are now 100% carrageenan free, this includes the juices people (the coffee products I photos that are shown are prior to this change.)

The coffee drinks, I found at Wal-Mart and Target. My friends found them at Costco in smaller bottles. I found the almond milk at the local grocery stores in California such as Ralphs and Vons.

"You Can Hug Me"

Are you a hugger? I'm a hugger. I like hugs. I think hugging is more than a mere show of affection. To me it can be therapeutic and comforting. With a fragrance allergy you can be are cut-off from the physical affections of others, like a simple hug. 

My friend Ashley gives these giant bear hugs so strong you might lose a bit of oxygen if only for a moment. I miss those hugs as she lives thousands of miles away. You see, Ashley doesn't wear fragrance or perfume of any sort. 

Drawing by Lana Willison.  Copyright, All Rights Reserved

I found as my fragrance allergy worsened, I was not able to give or receive hugs from others wearing perfume or cologne because the toxic chemicals would transfer to my clothing, face or hair and I would be sick the rest of the day. I found myself not being able to find the oxygen in the air, my chest would compress and my breathing would be compromised. 

Sometimes Benadryl® would help, however that is not a viable alternative if I am the designated driver. I'm a Realtor® and mom of an 11 year old. I'm on the road quite a bit. 

At times, I would have to go home, shower, change and go to bed. As I say to my family I'm "done for the day." 

This "transference" can pose a huge problem if I am some distance from home or in a situation where going home is not possible.  Now, before I hug, I've learned it is best to stop and ask if a person is wearing perfume or cologne. 

Recently, overcome by not seeing a long time friend, I went in for the "Ashley bear hug".  Unfortunately, that mistake...that hug led to "transference". I had to immediately change plans, go to the nearest retail store which in this case was "Ross" and purchase a new blouse just so I would not be ill on the drive home.  My symptoms can range from vomiting, a headache, chest pains and excessive spitting.  I know, I know "gross" as my daughter would tell me. 

So even though I haven't seen a person in decades, I've found it best to let them know I love them, not hug and be as the old cliche says "better safe than sorry".

Some years back, there was an incident that changed me forever.  At weekly meetings that I attend, I was having a particular wearisome time coping with this fragrance allergy. One day, a friend, whom we affectionately call Grandma Kate pulled me aside and said, "you can hug me today."  I know I had a perplexed look ~ to hear someone say that to me, I didn't understand.  She said again, "you can hug me today, I stopped wearing perfume for you". 

I don't think she truly understood what that selfless act meant to me. She put aside her own wants and preferences for my safety. I gave her a huge hug. I wanted to do and say more, however, I don't think I could truly respond in the way I would have liked without actually sobbing and going into the ugly cry. I understood that statement to signify, "you matter to me", "I love you". Grandma Kate I will forever love you and what you did for me that day. Thank you for allowing me to hug you free of fragrance and harm. 

Without hugging, we can assure our friends that we love them so as not to compromise our health and enjoyment of day by stopping, asking and then resuming the hugging position. 

So if you are a hugger, like me, hug in a way that you can be savvy and scent free. 

Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Preservative-Free Sausage... I Found Swaggerty Farms

Oh my, I absolutely am ecstatic to find Swaggerty Farms gluten-free, soy-free, and preservative free sausage.  This sausage has no nitrates, no BHT, no MSG... look at the package. 

Fresh Thyme in the Chicagoland area has it. As of yet, it is quite shocking to find that no Southern California store carries this product. Usually, I can find most natural, gluten-free products in the L.A. area.

Get the word out to @sproutsfarmersmarket or +Whole Foods Market sales reps. This is the best sausage I have found. Making sausage from scratch...so far for me, has been an epic failure. However, since I found this product I am super happy, especially since it is soy free and does not contain BHT. 

Being extremely sensitive to foods, preservative free products work well for me. This is now my go to product for breakfast sausage.  Deliciously, looking forward to experimenting with dinner recipes using this find.  If you have a delightful recipe using Swaggerty Natural Sausage, please share. 

Check out this YouTube video HERE from Swaggerty Farms!  HERE is their Facebook page and they also have a coupon club HERE.  

Let me mention, I do not get paid for referrals for this product. If you are like me ~with food allergies~ consistently you hunt high and low for eatable foods and can appreciate why I find it important to spread the word. 

Enjoy and let me know if you found it and what you think.

I'm Done With Theme Parks

Years ago, my first indication not to get on certain rides at theme parks were the signs that read "remove your hearing aid and your earrings."   In my younger days, I loved roller coasters. Now has come the time, as my body warned, unless you have the chiropractor appointment set the next day "don't do it"; so I resolutely listened.

California Adventure was the first stop on our complimentary theme park day at California Adventure and Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.  It looks like this may have to be my last visit to the "happiest place on earth".  I've read several posts that Disneyland is accommodating to people with food allergies and food intolerances.  Even so, my focus in the morning was that I had enough soy-free, gluten-free snacks to get me through the day. However, I entirely forgot that with a large, crowded environment that I would encounter a perfume saturated assault to my senses.  Two years ago, when we blew through our "leaving California" bucket list with my friend Rhonda and her children, I don't remember having this difficulty.   

Right now I am done.   My husband and daughter are off to their own devices and I will sit on a bench and enjoy the 90 degree weather and type this blog post.  

With too much fragrance, lotions and potions, and waiting in the long lines, my legs have given out.  I decided to ask one of the guest services personnel if the theme park started spraying deodorizers throughout the park. She assured me that was not the case.  Of course, I realize the park has no control over the thousands of guests who decide to overindulge in their right to wear scented products.  They want to "smell good" and unbeknownst to themselves are affecting not only people like me who would like to enjoy a day out, but cannot because of our sensitivity to the toxic output of their choice but children's health and behaviour as well.  

Theme parks like this draw many children to their doors, remember it is best to keep it light or better, not at all. Although I am happy that on this trip my daughter had the opportunity to visit both theme parks, for me it is not worth the pain and ensuing fragrance fallout I will experience. 

The next time, I must remember, I too have a choice as those who choose to wear fragrance, for me it is to save myself and not patron the "happiest place on earth."  Seeking a breath of unadulterated air, I now wait for my family at the side of Starbucks in the back by the lockers at Disneyland as I encourage you to be savvy and scent free.

Take Your Power Back From Food Allergies

Ever felt powerless at the entrance of a grocery store when you realize you don't know what you can eat? You find that the food that you had been purchasing for years is now making you, or your family member ill.  Especially when it is your child that is ill, you become an avid, somewhat obsessive, label reader.

After several bouts of "food Russian Roulette" you or a family member have been diagnosed with food allergies.  

Me, well, I found avoiding soy, eggs, kelp, gluten, and dairy is challenging.  So that means no store bought breads, cheese, soups, snacks and more.  At age 11, my daughter seems to have outgrown most of her allergies/intolerances yet she still must avoid pepper, red dye and almonds. 

I make most of my foods, snacks, hair and body products from scratch, thereby avoiding or lessening the "break-down" at the entrance of the grocery store.  Besides, I now have more knowledge to search and find the ingredients to confidently eat in safety.  I am still working on a few baking projects, for instance, making bread that doesn't collapse since I cannot use an egg in gluten-free recipes.  I will eventually search for and purchase a gluten, soy and egg free recipe book, but it's more enjoyable experimenting. 

I recently made my own granola snack and can't get enough of it. I will forever love the granola from "Bakery on Main" (their granola make my neurons happy) but making it myself is truly fun and economical. 

I first Googled "how to make your own granola"  and found this link... http://bit.ly/1LvWUxJ, a blog post from the gluten-free goddess.  Below is my version. 

"I'm Not Powerless Anymore"
 

I first used gluten-free rolled oats and black mission figs from Trader Joe's and also found organic oats from Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets.  I found the Gluten-free Crunchy Rice Cereal at ALDI's.   I like Hadley Pitted Deglet Noor Dates. I get these from Jon's Marketplace in the San Fernando Valley in California or you can find them here. 

Like Karen at the Gluten Free Goddess I found this recipe can be vegan-friendly or not.  However, "friendly" is determined by which sweetener you choose. So far in my granola recipe I've used raw honey, maple syrup, molasses and organic raw cane sugar as sweeteners or combinations. 

Choose whichever sweetener suits you. However, this version is tailored to be soy-free and gluten-free.  Can I say, I don't always measure so you don't have to be exact. 

Janet's Gluten-Free Granola Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups organic gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup or so of Chia seeds
• 1/4 cup of Flax seeds or Hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup Gluten-free crunchy Rice cereal
• 2/3 cup rough-chopped organic pecans or nuts of choice (I need to avoid almonds for my daughter's sake)
• 1/4-1/2 cup of chopped pitted dates
• 1/4-1/2 of chopped dried figs 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup pure organic maple syrup or use a combo of raw honey and maple syrup, raw honey and molasses.  Molasses by itself may be too bitter.  So it needs another sweetener to lighten the taste.  My next batch will be a combo of organic raw sugar and molasses. 
• 2/3 cup coconut or olive oil (be careful, contrary to the bottle label, not all olive oil is soy free.) As with the volume of ingredients you choose you may need to add a bit more to coat not saturate. It depends on your quantities of ingredients.  I made a larger batch this last time...

 

Add-in after baking: 

1 cup dried cranberries and blueberries (less dried blueberries than, cranberries) after your original granola has cooked. 

I stir the cranberry/blueberry combo into the glass container I mixed the syrup and oil in and marinate until I am ready to use.

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325º. Find a baking dish large enough to hold the granola mix.  (I don't like Teflon anymore, but that is me.) You may need to use two baking dishes depending on the sizes you have on hand.  You want the granola not to stacked.  Set baking dishes aside for now.  Coat bottom with a small amount of oil. 

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dates and figs, pecans, crunch rice cereal, chia and flax seeds and stir.

 

In a glass measuring cup, combine the your sweetener of choice, along with oil, and vanilla. Mix well with a fork. 

Then, drizzle the syrup/oil mixture over the oats, and stir as you go. Gently keep stirring until all the oats are coated with the syrup/oil blend.

Spread the granola mixture onto your baking dish. Bake in the center of the oven for roughly 25-30 minutes until golden and toasty. Stirring half way through is recommended.  

Remove the baked granola from the oven and allow the pan to cool a bit. I add the dried berry combo (that has been marinating in the left over oil/syrup mixture) shortly after removing from the oven mixing into the already baked granola.  I do this when it is still hot, however, not necessarily hot enough to cook the berries.  Since my baking dish has a cover I usually keep it in that container, however, it is important to stir so your baked granola before it completely cools so as not to stick to the bottom of the pan.  

You can pour the cooled granola into an airtight container and maybe if you are like me, it is gone is a few days... so my original container works fine.

Update:  cold molasses, raw sugar and coconut oil do not mix well... oops!

When you try this recipe, let me know what you think.  

Don't let the food allergies and food intolerances overtake you, your power and well being.  Get your power back too!  Become that avid, somewhat obsessive, label reader and feel better.  Have fun with it and as always be savvy and scent free!