Big-Idea Bakeoff Winners!
Well, the votes have been counted and the results are in for the second annual Big-Idea BakeOff, the company-wide competition which gives staff members the opportunity to share their own ideas for the future of our brand. After the seven finalists pitched their ideas, we invited viewers to vote for their favorite idea on this blog. The number of votes was astounding – 625,114 votes total! First place is shared by two winners – Alexis Givens with her allergy-friendly recipe publication idea and Shara Lasky with her idea for a publication focusing on pets and pet crafts. Their prize is to receive their choice of either one thousand dollars in cash or twelve hundred dollars worth of MSLO stock and the chance to help develop their project for the company. It will be most interesting to see where all this leads. Congratulations to everyone!
BIG-IDEA BAKEOFF EXPLANATION
We have received some comments from people who were not happy with the results of the Big-Idea Bakeoff. And yes, it’s true that Alexis did win 57% of the popular vote. However, choosing two winners for first place was a strategic process and was taken very seriously. We absolutely felt that both were such good ideas for the future of this company, and rather than focus on just one concept, we are excited to bring both ideas from the co-winners to fruition.
Co-Winner!
Shara, Associate Product Manager
Special publication for pet lovers/pet food
Big Idea: To create a yearly or biyearly publication focusing on pets and pet crafts, where readers will be encouraged to create their own pet-related products, and we'll also offer tips for including your pet in your life...
My alternate idea is to create a packaged line of Martha-branded pet craft items. This line would vary from holiday-themed products, like a bone-shaped Christmas stocking, to wedding items, like a ring pillow your dog could wear down the aisle.
View Shara's presentation
Co-Winner!
Alexis, Deputy Home Editor
Special publication catering to those with food allergies and sensitivities that would include recipes
Big Idea: To publish a special magazine that offers delicious allergy-friendly recipes, making life for people with food allergies and sensitivities easier and more delicious. Millions of people, including myself, can't eat nuts, dairy, wheat or gluten, and I’d like to empower people to make great recipes even if they can't use all the standard ingredients.
View Alexis's presentation
Co-Runner up!
Barbara, Television Producer
Freestanding Martha Stewart store for merchandising and workshops
Big Idea: A huge Martha Stewart store right here in New York, and soon to come to a city near you! Imagine floors and floors of shopping, learning, creating -- all under one roof. Meet celebrities, join in live demonstrations, get one-on-one help from our editors, advice from our experts, be a guest on our radio shows, eat fabulous food, take a class, make the perfect cappuccino, and maybe even get to drink it with Martha. A store that's everything Martha? It's a good thing waiting to happen.
View Barbara's presentation
Co-Runner up!
Jacqueline, Product Manager
MSLO employee cookbook
Big Idea: To publish an "Employee Cookbook," which will be a collection of the best handed-down family recipes from the 700-plus employees at MSLO. It will feature favorites such as my coworker Sabrina's carrot cake and my fiance's third-generation "Sunday Sauce." I guarantee there will be something for everyone in this cookbook, and it will also help to justify the "Martha 15" that everyone gains when they start working here!
View Jacqueline's presentation
Dear Martha,
Happiest news today -- Pet Project wins its place !
Please stay connected to my blog featuring you and your pet activism this month.
Will do anything I can to support your animal kingdom ventures.
Andrea Spencer
Retired CEO, National Cancer Society for Animals
http://andreajetspencer.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 13th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Congratulations everyone, but especially Alexis, Shara, Barbara, and Jacqueline! They were all wonderful ideas!
Posted by: Heather | February 13th, 2008 at 1:13 am
How could there have been a tie between Alexis's idea and Shara's idea? Martha, you said on your show that Alexis's idea won by 57% Why bother having a vote if you do what you want anyway and not what was voted for?
I guess you can make more money with another pet magazine than an allergy magazine.
Posted by: fluffy | February 13th, 2008 at 2:32 am
although i voted for the martha store, i can't wait for the allergy-friendly recipe magazine. please, please, please, can we it have also in europe??!!
Posted by: liisamarja | February 13th, 2008 at 4:39 am
Oh, come on! In times when you're dropping a wonderful print publication like Blueprint, I'd say it would be smart to develop a Martha Stewart Store, rather than something as specific as pets or allergies. The pet magazine might be viable, but allergies? The employee cookbook might be better left just as that. And I'm disappointed that the idea for a line of products appealing to a younger audience didn't see the light of day. Just one person's (well-informed) opinion though.
Posted by: Darryl Moland | February 13th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I would heartily embrace MSLO coming out with a line of pet products. I still have the green pottery dog bowl dish from the old catalog. I've noticed that Whole Foods has come out with organic cotton leashes and dog collars - so the market is ripe for some good quality pet stuff that MSLO could produce.
Posted by: Emmy | February 13th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Congratulations to all!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | February 13th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Okay the pet lover idea where are the dog clothes made out of bright orange safety vest materials with reflective tape now that is a sensible item for people who let their pets run loose and the name of the animal should be visible I don't think the kids name on the backpack rule applies
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | February 13th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Hurray! My choice for allergy cookbook won. We are in great need of some new recipes. can't wait.
Posted by: amy | February 13th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Martha,
I was very happy to hear the results of the big idea bake-off on your show yesterday. As evidenced by the overwhelming vote for Alexis' idea of a publication with recipes for people with food allergies or sensitivities, there is a real need and market for this type of publication. Therefore it was a real shock to me that you have decided to develop the second place idea based on pet projects. I love my dog but am very disappointed that those of us who have family members with celiac disease or other allergies are not viewed as marketable. In my opinion there is a huge market for books, prepared food products and a magazine focused on food allergy topics. A few recipes on your website just doesn't cut it. This certainly is a missed financial opportunity, but more importantly your company could have engendered the good will of thousands of us who were hoping that Alexis' idea would become a reality. Sincerely, Susan O'Brien
Posted by: Susan O'Brien | February 13th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Glad the allergy mag was a co-winner. I write a blog on using agave nectar instead of sugar and have seen quite an increase in readership in the past 6 months since more people have turned to it instead of sugar for diabetic-friendly desserts. Anyway, congrats to all the winners, and to you, Martha for encouraging innovation at your organization.
Posted by: Deb Schiff | February 13th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I am confused. How is it that with 57% of the total vote Alexis was not THE winner? How do you get co-winner? It seems to me that Alexis & her Allergy-friendly publication won by a landslide. The Pet-idea was a runner-up!
Thank you, Alexis, for a super idea. I'm sorry you had to share the limelight. You're the #1 winner to those of us in the Food Allergy community!
Posted by: Nicole | February 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I believe your choices were done with much serious thought. I have great faith Martha Stewart and company will have a postive impact on pets, their welfare and the happiness of both owner and pet.
Congratulations Shara.
Posted by: Margie | February 13th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I picked one of the winners and one of the runners-up so I share their joy. I can't wait to see their ideas come to life and thanks again for asking us to vote! Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 13th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I do really love the pet crafts idea. But I just want to say that I hope MSLO does it right and creates both fun and SAFE items and projects. I have seen some really poorly done pet items in stores lately, not to mention the issues with pet food and treat recalls and pet products tainted with lead and other toxins.
Posted by: Jenna Z | February 13th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Congratulation to the winners and runners-up. All the ideas were great and I am now anxious to see the winning ideas in action.
Linda Gail:)
Posted by: Linda Gail | February 13th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I'm incredibly thrilled that the food allergy idea won! Everyday Food was one of my favorite magazines until I learned about my allergies and intolerances. I'm looking forward to seeing recipes that are more inclusive of people with food allergies in the various MS publications.
Posted by: Sally Parrott Ashbrook | February 13th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Hi Martha, Thanks so much for allowing us to vote for "The Big Idea Bakeoff" competition. Your co-workers certainly come up with great ideas. I voted for the Martha Store but love all of the ideas. Congratulations to all who entered the contest. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 13th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the ideas on the show today! I will make the little chocolate cakes for my sister, who cannot eat wheat gluten. I plan to make the Valentines you made with Abigail Breslin for my nephews (and then make some with them after they open their own). And I was so happy to see Uno, the winner of Westminster, as well as Sharkey and Wishbone. My two dogs watched with interest! Is there a place to find the gold dog bowls like the ones you had on the show?
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | February 13th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
So excited about the food allergy publication. I am vegan and would love the "Martha-esque" recipes written in a way I can enjoy them!
Posted by: Wannabe | February 13th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I was very dissapointed that though the allergy publication was the clear winner, it will not get it's own publication. I know many parents of children with allergies who feel cheated.
Posted by: Marty | February 13th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Yeah! I will be so excited to see recipes and articles re: food allergies! Martha you can definately have my vote for Best thing to Happen for those with food allergies this year! People do not realize how incredibly scary and small your world becomes when diagnosed with these allergies. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Something awesome to look forward to one of the "Good Things" to come for food allergy sufferers. Have a Beautiful Week!
Posted by: Cynthia Stephen | February 13th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I must say I am more then a little surprised that Allergy idea wasn't the clear winner. How can 57% not be the majority? A tie wouLD be the same amount of votes! It appears to me that the decision had nothing to do with the voting. It is fine if you wanted to do a magazine about Pets ,but it is pretty crummy to ask for popular vote & then ignore the results!
It would have been really nice if this contest would have been fair!
Posted by: Sheila Vuckovich | February 13th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
PET SUPPORT
ORANGE REFLECTIVE JACKETS inquired about by HARDBOILED EGG -- See one of our Weimaraners wearing his safety hunting jacket on my blog, which this month supports Martha's animal activism, publication and product ideas.
Her prospective magazine could perhaps create templates for 'designer' safety gear, right down to reflective doggie hiking boots and turtleneck oranges, reds and yellows with LCD go green light strands sewn in. Who says being safe, can't be pretty!
If JENNA Z is looking for quality pet products, see if Martha would establish a magazine advertising connection with Pupperware. If you think Tupperware weathers the years, have a look at this pet line that my company endorses! Call "We Are The World Productions" at 508-622-0415. Also, ask Martha to start a screening line on safe and sturdy pet products.
As for toxic pet foods and recalls, see if Martha would dimensionalize her prospective magazine with a grand opening educational outreach symposium on Pier 94. National Cancer Society for Animals doctor friends from Tufts, Angell Memorial, Animal Cancer Foundation and Smith Ridge will tell you what's killing our animals, and saving them too!
Andrea and the Weimaraners
http://andreajetspencer.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 13th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I am so Happy about the allergy-friendly recipe magazine!!!
Chocolate ,Chocolate it is everywhere!!!!!
Please,Please Martha, make some yummy CAROB foods. Cake, Candy, Puddings!!! The caffeine type substance in Chocolate is a allergen for me and many.
Carob is so sweet and we need chocolate Substitutes. Even some white chocolate things....
I went to Raw Chef school and love natural foods as well. So maybe a healthy cake with whole grains and natural sugars???
You are my main source for recipes.
I Love you and your shows!
Deirdra
PS I have a art blog because of one of your guests!!
I also love your "Blueprint" zine
Posted by: Deirdra Doan | February 13th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
My support will always be for the Martha Stewart Store, which would have a far more concrete, visible and inclusive presence in the marketplace than a niche publication about allergy-friendly foods, an idea that is multi-tiered, mulit-faceted and 'omnimedia' in its concept.
Truly, it WAS the big idea.
I'm sure you've crunched the numbers, but I won't be buying an allergy-friendly magazine, nor a pet magazine.
Kudos to the ideas and winners, though!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | February 13th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I hope you do have a magazine that is for those with allergies.
I have celiac disease and am always looking for recipes I can use.
Martha, your Feb. magazine, MS Living is wonderful. The tribute to your dear Mother was so lovely.
I also loved all the good ideas in the magazine. Thank you for such a wonderful magazine.
Posted by: Anna Robinson | February 13th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
OK ~ your vote was a great idea. But how disappointing! Does the world REALLY need another PET publication? An allergy-friendly magazine would have helped countless people (my family included) with the day to day struggle of preparing healthy, appealing, delicious and acceptable food that our allergic loved ones can eat (and enjoy!).
Very very disappointing...
Posted by: Wendy | February 13th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I am disappointed. The allergy magazine was a clear winner. There are lots of information and items available on pets. But recipes and ideas for people with allergies are hard to find. I so wanted to have a magazine devoted to that topic, and I'm disappointed with so many votes for this idea that you don't plan to produce the magazine.
How sad.
Posted by: Valerie | February 13th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Congratualtions to ALL the winners.... I think you made great choices for the future of Martha Stewart... and that ALL of them will enrich our lives in more ways than one
JO
Posted by: JO | February 13th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
oH pLEASE THE ALLERGY IDEA WON BECAUSE OF THE INTERNET AND E-MAILS ALERTING PEOPLE TO ELECTRONICALLY STUFF THE BALLOT BOX ALL KINDS OF CHAT ROOMS KICKED AROUND THE NOTE TO GO TO mslo AND VOTE FOR IT
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | February 13th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Bravo! So many were excellent ideas. It is good to see both rewarded as it sounds like you will be trying to develop or use both ideas. A win-win for all concerned. Congrats to the winners and thanks to all the contestants for putting such thought into ideas with the consumers in mind.
I'm so excited to know that MSLO and all your publications (and hopefully your shows) will put some effort into developing decent allergy-free versions of your recipes. Maybe I can look forward to food as a celebration again. (Please don't forget about those who must be both gluten free AND egg free.) And thanks.
Posted by: Meg | February 13th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Glad you picked 2, and I'm glad you picked the pet mag-The allergy thing seems really...limited.
Posted by: bburlew | February 13th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I'm incrediably disappointed. I was so looking forward to a mainstream publication featuring food allergies and gourmet safe recipes. There are countless pet magazines and not one food allergy magazine in the US.
A recipe or article here or there is nice, but not as nice as a whole magazine would have been.
Posted by: Heather | February 13th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Did I hear you mention on a recent show that you feed the donkeys bread?
We have 4 buffalo and they love bread. Also I have 2 Belted Galloway cows w/ calves who will leave the round bale of hay when they hear my truck coming to eat bagels, etc. from my hand.
A great training tool especially with buffalo.. They can't be driven like cattle! (When they escape from the pasture they will follow a trail of bread home)
Posted by: Sue | February 13th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I love your blog Martha. Great contest as well. I've become addicted to your craft products and have made some pretty cute stuff. Check out my blog @... http://www.minasdecorandfashion.blogspot.com
Mina
Posted by: Mina | February 13th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Dear Martha,
I've been crafting for years, and just love your show and magazine. My son is at your Valentines Day show with his partner today. I'm so excited. In honor of that, I made some cards and a special box for you. He tells me audience members can't bring gifts, so he took some pictures, and I wanted to share them with you. Happy Valentines Day!
http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/mtl/valentines_by_drenda
Posted by: Drenda | February 14th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Everyone at Crafty Critters is looking forward to the pet publication!
http://network.bestfriends.org/crafts
Posted by: JoyM | February 14th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Dear Martha,
While I can certainly understand the strategic move to expand into the pet market, I can't help to think that you went back on your word. If there are 2 winners, then both ideas should be given the same treatment. I will still support your publications but feel that the allergy publication supporters did not get first place treatment.
Posted by: Carolina | February 14th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Something for Shara's idea from our State of Wisconsin, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. You may be able to link to it from your "Biscuits" page. Congratulations to all the winners for such great ideas!
Suzan - Madison Wisconsin (Suzanvidajan)
http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/press_release/result.jsp?prid=2130
Posted by: Suzan Acre | February 14th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
in terms of the bottom line, the pet market far surpasses the food allergy one. The stats just do not support justifying a stand alone food allergy mag. Any demand for one could be easily incorporated into the existing brands of MLSO rather than starting a brand new untested product. It's a no-brainer.
Posted by: tori | February 14th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Thanks for putting this to the vote, however if you already knew what type of publication you wanted you shouldn't have bothered. How can you have a "tie" when one good idea gets double the second place idea? Yet another pet publication? How many do we need? More pet products? Please.
The allergy publication got over 356,000 votes. How much additional revenue would 356,000 additional subscribers gained you? Plus offering your own baking mixes and allergy friendly good things? You have really missed a true marketing opportunity. Even if you had decided to make it a mainstay section in a magazine I would have considered subscribing, but alas, that is not the case. I hope that someone else picks up this idea and runs with it - clearly there are hundreds of thousands of people wanting this magazine and would be willing to pay for it.
Posted by: Laura E | February 14th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Dear Alexis,
Please do everything in your power to help those of us in the "real world" dealing with food allergies. I really don't think those without food allergies get it. My son is 3 years old and I am constantly aware of what goes in his mouth due to the fact he could die by eating the wrong thing. Flying on an airline that serves peanuts is risking his life...I don't think Martha gets it either. That is why you received 57% of the vote...the need is there...if you build it we will come. We need you to get this published...don't just hide recipes in your other publications...take a stand. Show the world what we are dealing with.
Posted by: Elisa | February 14th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
One year ago I would have thought that the allergy magazine was for a limited market. I think we are all that ignorant until we are affected by a food allergy. I know with my son's food allergies, I would buy the magazine, as would many members of my family. They want to keep him safe and well fed, too.
Food allergies in children has been rising exponentially in the last 10 years. This is a market on the move and if Martha doesn't get on at the ground floor, someone will. I saw that Rachel Ray's show showcased Enjoy Life cookies today. They are allergen free and delicious!
Don't get me wrong, I love my dog! But if I have to choose between a orange vest for her and avoiding anaphylactic shock in my son...guess who is going to win?
For those of you who are so opposed to the idea, try googling "compassion" or buy some on Amazon. It is folks like you that make life more difficult for Mommy's like me!
Posted by: Carla | February 14th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
carla,
I am not opposed to the idea. It just makes more business sense to include a dedicated section for food allergy recipes in the brands that already exist at MLSO. What is wrong with that decision? If anything, by including these recipes and introducing them to a larger market, it would increase awareness and accessibility for people who might never have thought to look at these recipes.
Looking at the numbers, it seems that about 3% of the population in the US have a food allergy-give or take. I just looked up the stats on pet ownership...37.2 households own dogs and 32.4 own cats.
Please don't call me ignorant or say that I lack compassion just because I don't think a stand alone food allergy mag will fly.
Posted by: tori | February 14th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
It makes me quite sad that there are so many hateful people out there towards those of us with food intolerances or allergies in this world. It is due time that more people pay attention to things like celiac disease and severe food allergies and I fully believe that a major allergy free publication would be a fresh innovative idea for the company due to the fact that no one else has had the nerve to do it yet and this could set the standard for those to come in the future. It's not much fun being told by head of you college foodservice that because you have celiac disease you are nothing more than a profit loss to them and that they do not have to provide food for you to buy on campus while you are trying to get a degree just like everyone else. It is because of ignorant people like this who refuse to even think somewhat "out of the box" that allergies and intolerances have not been brought into the spotlight sooner. Thank you for giving us a chance Martha, please don't give up on us.
Posted by: Sara | February 14th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Dear Martha,
I am excited about your food allergy magazine. My son in 17 yrs and for the last 3 yrs he has suffered with eczema (skin becomes red, oozes and crusts over, then peels) after eating anything with any amount of dairy. It has been extremely frustrating to remove these products from his diet, since dairy is at the top of his list. This idea will help mothers, such as myself, to find new hope and give them back the joy of cooking/baking something tasteful for a family member who feels trapped by food allergies. Thank you for helping an enormous audience.
Michelle M., Kona, HI
Posted by: Michelle M | February 14th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I am so happy the food alergy publication won. I only recently discovered that I am gluten sensitive (after 5 miscarriages and no clear reason until now). Only after going off of gluten as a trial did I realize that I have had this issue my entire life and had NO idea that what I was feeling and how I was digesting food was not normal - my chronic sinusitis is gone, I am sleeping better, I have more energy, oh, and digestion is easy now - no belly aches, no tums.
I think there are many millons of people out there who are in the same boat and over time will start to realize they have food intolerances, and having this publication available will be a godsend to them - in fact, it may help some folks realize they have these intolerances and suddenly feel better and heal lifelong ailments. The reason so many people who voted heard about it from food intolerance support boards is because it is so difficult to get information on how to cook, dine out, etc - we are a very strong connected group, but we are just the beginning- expect more and more to be diagnosed in the next few years. While going off of gluten was scary for me, I have never looked back because I suddenly have more energy, absorb vitamins taht never seemed to "work" but now do, and hopefully I will be carrying a pregnancy to term. Bravo for moving forward with this idea.
Posted by: Jean | February 14th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Dear Martha,
I am so happy to hear about the magazine for food allergies. People don't know how hard it is to have them. My daughter is now 4 and was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at the age of 1. The first year was so hard. The cost of gluten-free food is crazy and hard to find. If more commerical companies became aware of this disease and other allergies and food intolerances and tried to market products geared towards alleries/food intolerances, people would buy them. I think that is more important than a devoting a magazine geared towards pets. Animals are important too, don't get me wrong, but allergies are a life or death situation. I look forward to seeing it. I would definitely buy it.
Posted by: April-The Woodlands, TX | March 12th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I have been living gluten-free for about 2 1/2 yrs now due to allergies. However, this week I was also given my new allergy test results and now in addition, I am soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, yeast-free and have to avoid other fruits and vegetables. I am so thankful to find out that Alexis proposed such a wonderful idea for a magazine. It makes me even more happy that she won. I applaud her for her idea and also Martha for making this happen for all of us that have food allergies. Can't wait to find get my own subscription!
Posted by: Lori | April 7th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Is the food allergy magazine actually going to have it's own publication, or are you going to publish the info in your other magazines.. that was the impression I got when I watched the show. I have a daughter who is allergic to 7 or the 8 top allergens and a husband that is allergic to 2 of them. It's hard enough to pull information together, I'm not going to buy several differnt magazines just to get a little information. Please let us know!!!
Posted by: Amy Munson | April 16th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
The idea for a food allergy magazine is fantastic! Those of us who deal with food allergies every day search for easy, delicious meals to serve our family and friends. My best moments are when someone says, "This tastes fantastic! How can it be free of dairy and eggs?" For some recipes to help get you started, see http://www.foodallergyassistant.com.
Posted by: J. LaSpina | April 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 am
I have pets, 4 currently and they are furry family members. I love all animals. I also have Allergic Family members, I know how personally life changing an allergy diagnoses can be. I am currently struggling to learn how to bake with alternative flours (GF & rice & corn are out)and baking without butter/margerine..
I am learning the difference between sticky flours & protein flours.
The allergy magazine is something that hundreds of thousands of us need. It could literally help make the lives better of thousands of us by taking us out of this overwhelming new life and helping us make sense of the kitchen which has suddenly become an enemy at every counter and every meal.
57% is the majority and should be the clear winner, making a positive change in the lives of thousands of people is something to be proud of,,,,
Posted by: Karen | August 27th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I am very interested in the Food Allergy Magazine Idea... I was wondering what has become of this idea and will it go into publication? I would love an update.
Posted by: Kathy | March 29th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I'm thrilled that the voters so greatly supported your allergy-friendly magazine endeavor. I hope you still do the same. As an adult with many food intolerances (and friends in the same boat), I know what it's like to be constantly searching for ways to make and buy good food that won't make us ill. There are many, many of us out here and we're craving a publication like this. Please don't make us wait any longer!
Posted by: Tamara | October 26th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Hello!
I received my January issue of living last week. Today prepared thechicken recipe in your "Dinner in no Time Flat'. It was delicious. I added mushrooms and capers to the lemon and we loved it.
thank you for a great idea! I love to cook and am alway looking for something like this.
Happy holidays! Your magazine is greta!
Mary Mullally
Posted by: Mary Mullally | December 20th, 2009 at 9:33 pm