A Blogger A Day: Be Free For Me

Name: Kathleen A. Reale
Lives in: Hopkinton, MA

Blogs at: www.BeFreeForMe.com
Tweets at: www.twitter.com/kreale
Like her at: www.facebook.com/BeFreeForMe

Why we’re fans: Kathleen shares plenty of resources and recipes on her site, but her specialty is helping you get free or deeply discounted stuff. Sign up to get free gluten-free product samples and coupons in the mail, or take part in Win-It Wednesdays for a chance to win fantastic (and we mean fantastic) giveaways. Last year, NFCA donated 6 goodie bags to Win-It Wednesdays, and we were thrilled with the response.

Kathleen Reale

Kathleen’s Story: For years, I ran an event marketing and in-store demonstration company that I started in college. After my family members & I were diagnosed with celiac disease several years ago, I discovered that living a gluten-free lifestyle takes preparation, time and money.  I decided to put my food marketing and in-store demonstration experience to work and created BeFreeForMe.com, a savings & sharing community for gluten-free and allergy-free consumers. It is great to be able to merge my passion for celiac awareness with my marketing, promotions and business acumen. I love my job and what I do!

According to Kathleen: The most unexpected part about going gluten-free was how friendly and supportive the celiac community is! If I see a complete stranger in the gluten-free section of the grocery store stocking-up on a new product I’ve been dying to try, or another cruising the aisle with a cart jammed packed with gluten-free items, I don’t hesitate one second to strike up a conversation! Because of this camaraderie, my shopping trips sometimes take twice as long… but all my new friendships make up for it! My new motto? Once a celiac – Never a stranger!

A taste of Be Free For Me:

• Food Allergies, Celiac Disease and the Pursuit of Happiness
• Mom’s Wisdom: Navigation For a Gluten & Allergen Free Life
• Celiac Disease and Food Allergies: The Marathon of Your Life

For more of NFCA’s Celiac Awareness Month celebration, visit www.CeliacCentral.org/awarenessmonth.