Friday, June 27, 2008

Summer tips from Mommy docs!

Ok we all know its summertime and with our busy schedules and lives we tend to forget things. here are some tips from our friends at www.mommydocs.com and the clorox company:

1. Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.

2 Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
3 Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
4 High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
5 Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.

Also there are more summer tips, podcasts and health Q and A on www.mommydocs.com a site for parents by parents who are also pediatricians. check it out its very cool

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber!

Ok I had the opportunity to try the new Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber. It is so awesome and works effortlessly! As you know my husband is a Mechanic for a car dealer so when he comes home from work he has to hit the shower and maybe soak in the tub which leaves grease and grime that came from the cars. ewwwwwww! The scrubber took the grime out of my tub and my sinks from that toothpaste that someone and I will not say who, did not rinse all the way down the drain. Anyway I was amazed that my hands and arms were not sore after using this and I did not have to work as hard to get my tubs and sinks sparkly clean.

Read it for yourself if you do not believe what I say even though I speak the truth. I took some info from the scrubbing bubbles web site http://www.scrubbingbubbles.com/products.aspx?product=action-scrubber

Action Scrubber
Tear through soap scum and grime quickly and easily.

New Scrubbing Bubbles® Action Scrubber™ has a specially designed handle that's easy to grip and attaches quickly to a disposable pad. Each pad contains tiny scrubbing fibers and concentrated Scrubbing Bubbles® formula.

As you clean, the concentrated formula creates penetrating foam that loosens, dissolves and lifts away soap scum and grime in your tub and shower.

Remove the pad from the handle to clean tight spaces, like in corners and around shower fixtures. Action Scrubber™ cleans without gritty chemicals, so it rinses away easily, leaving a brilliant shine.

When you're finished cleaning, simply toss the pad in the trash along with the dirt and grime.

Benefits
- Powerful cleaning with less scrubbing
- Concentrated cleaners rip through soap scum and grime
- Easy-grip handle flexes for curves and contours
- No more spraying or messy sponge to store
- Cleans without gritty chemicals so it rinses away easily, leaving a brilliant shine

Effectively Cleans
Tile,
Tubs,
Shower,
Shower Curtains,
Shower Doors.

Strawberry Season



It is Summer and that means its strawberry season and you know what that means, more pies, cookies, cakes, jams and jellies. More fun!

Anyway I have run across a great receipe for Strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberry sauce its so delicious and it came from the good folks at the California Strawberry Commission. here is the receipe and a link to the site www.calstrawberry.com
California Strawberries
The Ripe Ingredient



Classic Strawberry Shortcake w/ Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Classic Strawberry Shortcake w/ Fresh Strawberry Sauce

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups cold whipping cream
Fresh Strawberry Sauce

1 pint basket (12 ounces) California strawberries, stemmed and halved)
Sugar, to taste
1 pint basket (12 ounces) California strawberries, stemmed and sliced
1 1/2 cups whipping cream, whipped and sweetened with sugar, to taste
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. To make shortcakes, in bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Gently stirring with fork, gradually mix in cream until just combined. Mixture should barely hold together. With hands, form dough into 6 balls; place 3 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in center of oven 25 to 30 minutes until light golden brown, cool on baking sheet. Meanwhile, to make Fresh Strawberry Sauce, in blender container, puree strawberries until smooth. Sweeten to taste with sugar; cover and set aside. Split shortcakes horizontally. Divide sauce among six dessert plates; top each with a shortcake bottom, ¼-cup sliced strawberries and ¼-cup whipped cream. Cover with shortcake tops. Spoon remaining strawberries and whipped cream over shortcakes, dividing equally. Garnish with mint sprigs.


Nutritional Information

662 calories; 45 g fat; 163 mg cholesterol; 679 mg sodium; 60 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 7 g protein.



Also there is another site you can go to for fun games and strawberry facts for the kiddos to enjoy. www.strawberryville.com

Monday, June 2, 2008

Accuclean Air Filtration

wow there is a air cleaner that you can get installed into your home to keep your air clean and fresh and your home smelling nice. This sounds like something I need in my home with three cats and being by the beach with the sand in the air. Plus Jason and I have severe seasonal allergies. I bet this would take care of the dust that accumulates in my home not completely but a good help :)

taken from the website: http://americanstandardair.com/HomeOwner/LatestUpdates/AccuClean.aspx

Nothing cleans your indoor air like the AccuClean Whole Home Air Filtration System. It removes up to an unprecedented 99.98% of unwanted particles and allergens from the filtered air in your home. Standard 1" throwaway filters and ionic-type room appliances can't even begin to match that.

The health benefits to clean air are obvious, but how can up to 99.98% allergen-free air make you more comfortable?
Removes allergens: AccuClean filters airborne allergens like mold, dust mites, pollen, even pet hair and animal dander, before they can land on your rugs, floors and upholstery.

Prevents odors: The majority of irritating particles like cooking grease, even smoke from burnt food, can be removed from the air.
And now AccuClean™ is also proven to remove more than 99% of the common flu, or influenza A virus, from the filtered air in your home. learn more