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How well does your favorite stain remover hold up?

Spring is here and when the weather is warm what do your children like to do? If your kids are anything like mine they love going outside to play in the nice warm weather. In the beautiful outdoors kids pick up dirt, grime, mud and who knows what else. This is the time of year for moms to stock up on laundry stain removers.

Here at Healthy Moms we asked this question, which leading stain remover works the best to take out the tough stains? We tested out three popular stain removers just to see which would work the best.





And three identical 100% cotton kids' shirts.



Then the fun began! Staining the shirts.

First a little grass...

Then some red Kool-Aid...

And finally chocolate...

The bottle of Spray and Wash says to "Rub Spry N Wash Laundry Stain Remover into the fabric...wait 1 to 5 minutes then launder in the warmest water.

OxiClean states, "Spray directly onto spot or stain until saturated. Rub into fabric and let stand for up to 10 minutes. Wash with normal detergent.

The bottle of Shout says to "completely cover the stain...rub the formula in to penetrate stain. Wait 1-5 minutes (just like Spray and Wash) and launder with the warmest water the fabric will accept.

The three shirts were treated with the stain removers and laundered under warm water with a medium load of white laundry.

And the results are in!


(upper left OxiClean, upper Right Shout, bottom, Spray and Wash)


From a distance all three shirts look fine. But if you examined them close up (our close up shots didn't turn out very good) you could still see the grass stains on the one treated with Shout and the one treated with OxiClean. By far Spray and Wash worked the best.

Be sure to visit the Spray and Wash website for product details and to print out valuable coupons.

Grab the Potty Time Tuesdays Code

<a href="http://www.thehealthymoms.net/search/label/Potty%20Time%20Tuesday"><img border="0" style="margin: 125px auto; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ekMBnfV5uJw/Sanin3qVVMI/AAAAAAAABHc/g2KVEyrh_eg/S155/PottyTimeTuesdays.bmp " /></a><br/>

I've mentioned how important having the right potty training tools is. It is especially important if you are potty training for the first time. It's a challenging process and anything to make it easier for the parent helps.


Healthy Moms has teamed up with Baby Signs this week to offer one lucky winner a free Potty Training Kit. (valued at $39.95) This complete kit has everything you and your baby need to make potty training fun and easy! This exciting new program combines the power of the Baby Signs Program with developmentally appropriate practices that help babies easily potty train before the age of 2. Highly motivational products with the "Potty Train" theme make this program ideal for children of all ages. The kit contains:

• Parent Guide - This straightforward guide from trusted child development experts will help you confidently lead your baby to potty success.
  
  
• All Aboard the Potty Train DVD - With its catchy tunes, delightful animation and real kids, this exciting DVD will teach your baby five potty-time signs and reinforce each step of the potty routine.
  
  
• All Aboard the Potty Train Lift-the-Flap Book - Your baby will love discovering the potty-time signs hidden under each flap in this fun and interactive board book featuring the DiaperDoodles".
  
  
• Job Well Done! Stickers - These colorful reward stickers feature fun images and positive messages such as "Good Job" and "I'm on the Potty Train!"
  
  
• All Aboard the Potty Train Conductor's Whistle - Whether to signal it's time to go potty or to "sound the trumpet of success," this fun-to-blow whistle will put a smile on your baby's face when it's potty time.

Visit www.PottyTrainWithBabySigns for more information about this exciting new potty training program that is great for babies, parents and the environment.

Get FREE printable charts, stickers and certificates that will help motivate and reward your child's potty time successes.

Here's the rules to enter the contest:

Visit Baby Signs and leave a comment here stating why you think this kit would be helpful for you and your child. If you want you can point out one item in the kit that you think you would like best. That's it. That is all you need to do.

For extra entries:

Participate in Potty Time Tuesdays this week and tell us a little bit about your child on your blog and link to Potty Time Tuesday and Baby Signs Don't forget to leave your link with Mr. Linky! I will count the link on Mr. Linky as the extra entry. If you don't have a blog you can e mail me at talbertcascia @ yahoo dot com and tell me a little bit about your child and why the potty training kit would be helpful to you.

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E mail the link to our site to a friend (make sure you BCC talbertcascia @ yahoo dot com so I have proof of the e mail)

For every entry including extra entries please leave a separate comment. Winners will be chosen randomly from the comments and e mails that I receive. I will announce the winner at next week's Potty Time Tuesday post. Good Luck!

Outdoor allergies, also sometimes referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever can occur when allergens that are commonly found outdoors such as pollen, grass, and mold spores are inhaled into the nose and the lungs causing allergic reactions. Pollen and mold are the most common triggers for outdoor allergies.

How Allergies Effect Children

An allergic reaction is the body's immune system response to certain elements in the environment. Children with allergies tend to react to certain substances that may not cause reactions to other children.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, approximately 20 percent of Americans, one in every five adults and children, have allergies which includes allergic asthma. About 80 percent of children with asthma have allergies and food allergies occur in 8 percent of children younger than age six.

Children are usually more vulnerable to allergies than adults. Food, dust mites, animal dander and pollen are the most common childhood allergies. These substances can cause the child to have rhinitis, asthma and eczema.



Genetics and Allergies

A child has a 75 percent chance of having allergies if both parents have allergies and only a 50 percent chance if only one parent suffers from allergies.

Allergy Symptoms

When the body releases special antibodies called immunoglobin E, symptoms of an allergic reaction occur. These antibodies trigger the release of chemicals hat can cause the physical symptoms and changes associated with allergies. These include:

Hives
Runny nose
Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Upset stomach, cramps, bloating or diarrhea
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Anaphylactic shock - a life threatening body reaction which requires emergency care

If you believe that you or your child is suffering from allergies your doctor can do an allergy test to find out what is causing the allergic reaction.



Skin prick tests are the most common form done to test for allergies. The doctor will introduce small amounts of allergy triggers through the skin of the arm or back by pricking or puncturing the skin wiht a needle or similar device. If the patient is allergic to a substance a raised red itchy bump will appear. These reactions usually appear within 15 minutes. The size of the bump is important. The bigger it is the more sensitive the patient is to that particular substance. Your doctor may advise that you discontinue certain medications, especially antihistamines for several days prior to testing.

Your doctor, or allergist may choose to perform a blood test to check for allergies. This is usually performed if the patient has a skin rash which will make it difficult to see the reaction to the skin prick.

Treatment Options for Allergies

The most common form of treatment for allergies are over the counter and prescription drugs. Antihistamines are a broad class of drugs that block the inflammatory effects of histamine. These drugs prevent histamine from interacting with the cells which causes inflammation. Common over the counter antihistamines include: Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton. Although, these may cause drowsiness.

Other alternatives which may not cause drowsiness are also available over the counter and by prescription. These include, Allegra, Claritin, Alavert and Zyrtec. You can also get these antihitamines with an added decongestant. Do not combine these medications or mix with alcohol. Also avoid opperating heavy machinery while taking these medications.


25 Natural Ways to Relieve Allergies and Asthma


Nasal sprays are another treatment option for allergies. These can clear out excess mucus and particulates while moisturizing the nasal cavities. Antihistamine nasal sprays are also available. These include, Astelin and NasalCrom.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are hormones normally released in the body by glands called the adrenal gland which helps you manage stress. These are the most effective medications for allergies because of their powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the nasal tissue. They are also often the first medications perscribed. Corticosteroid nasal sprays include, Flonase and Nasonex.

If you believe that you or your child may be suffering from allergies see your health care professional to get proper testing, diagnosis and medication.

For more information on allergies visit these great sites:

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Booster Shots
Karina's Kitchen
The Good, The Bad and The Food Allergies

Nick Jonas, teen pop sensation from the Jonas Brothers and Bayer Health Care has teamed up to make a difference for people with diabetes by releasing these limited edition dog tag modeled after the one warn by Nick.

These dog tags, designed by Nick, feature a lyric from "A Little Bit Longer," the song Nick wrote about his diabetes. They have two different versions of the dog tags, one for people who would like to support the cause and another especially for people with the disease. The dog tag for people with diabetes has the lyric on the front, but also has the word, "diabetes" on the back. These limited edition dog tags are available at Nicks Simple Wins.com for a donation of $5. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jonas Brothers' Change for the Children Foundation while supplies last.

"The dog tag is a cool, fashion-forward symbol of inspiration, and you don't have to have diabetes to wear one," said Nick Jonas. "My brothers and I are grateful to Bayer for this additional opportunity to raise money for our foundation."



"Nick is a fantastic partner to Bayer and a wonderful role model for people living with diabetes, and we're happy to support his efforts to raise funds through the Jonas Brothers' Change for the Children Foundation," said Nancy Katz, head of North America for Bayer Diabetes Care.

The Jonas Brothers started the foundation to provide support to charitable programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and a will to succeed.

Nick who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 13, has teamed up with Bayer to provide young people and their families with the motivation and support they need to help simplify life with diabetes. He hopes to inspire other young people with diabetes to achieve Simple Wins: small, everyday victories for managing the disease that can lead to beg differences over time.

To learn more about Nick's personal experiences, read his blog about his latest activities and purchase a dog tag (ovver available to U.S. residents only; only adults may purchase), visit Nicks Simple Wins.com.

Grab the Faith Filled Sundays Button Code

<br/><a href="http://www.thehealthymoms.net/search/label/faith"><img border="0" style="margin: 125px auto; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px;" alt="" src="http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm172/healthymoms/th_button8.jpg" /></a><br/>



Like most parents these days I am scared and worried about my children's futures. Jobs are hard to find, the US government is spending our children's money on too many programs. They are also giving free handouts to banks who are just spending the money sending their executives on expensive retreats and huge bonuses. Like most Americans we are having a hard time paying our bills, saving money and some weeks, putting food on the table. When I am scared and worried I call Matthew. This passage should give you hope.



Matthew, 6 19-34

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."

"The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be."

"No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about your clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat' or 'What are we to drink' or What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek, Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."


"Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself." That passage is so important and means so much. I'll admit I worry a lot and I need to pray that God gives me the grace to worry less and accept how my life is today.


Dear Lord,

Times are tough for a lot of people. Families are struggling and some of us are worried and scared. Please give all parents the strength and the grace to worry less. Help us to understand that the frustrations and anxieties of today are only temporary. Help all parents to hide their worries from their children so that we are able to enjoy the happiness on their tiny faces. Give us hope for their future.

Amen









Are you potty training your child? Join us every Tuesday for Potty Time Tuesdays a carnival of potty training parents sponsored by Healthy Moms.
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Save even more on these nutritional supplements for optimal health.

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This recipe is fun and so simple that your children can help too! Our three-year-old helped roll out the dough.

Low Fat Home Made Tortillas

2 cups of flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp oil
3/4 cup warm water














Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Place on a flat floured surface and kneed the dough. Divide dough into ten balls and let the balls rest for 15 minutes. Roll each ball into a flat round shape. Place on a 300 degree griddle and cook until bubbles form on one side. Then flip. Cook for another minute. Store under cloth. Repeat until all are cooked.

Prayer Chain Button Code
<br/><a href="http://www.thehealthymoms.net/search/label/prayer%20chain"><img alt="”Healthy" src="http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm172/healthymoms/th_button9.jpg" width="125" border="0" height="125" /></a><br/>

I again would like to thank everyone for participating in the prayer chain. If you are new to this you shall find what you can do to help spread the prayer chain and how you can add your prayers. I update the list every Sunday. Please help spread the prayer chain because I should be getting hundreds of new prayers every week. If you know anyone who is in need of prayers be sure to add them to the list.

If you want to spread the prayer chain on your blog all you need to do is add the prayer chain button and blog about this once a week. Ask your readers to post their prayer intentions as comments. Then you can either e mail those intentions to me at talbertcascia at yahoo dot com or post them as a comment on my prayer chain post. You can also direct your readers to this post so they can post their prayer intentions directly to my site. This is the first week that I will be including a Mr. Linky on the bottom. If you intend to list prayers on your site please add your link so we can find those prayers.

I should have hundreds of comments from people that need prayers. I know they are out there. When you say your prayers at night, in the morning, or whenever you pray visit our chain and read the intentions. God is listening.

Here's the latest list.

Please pray for:

The mother with the child with Asperger's and Asthma and her son.
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For my health, the health of my unborn baby and all pregnant women and their unborn babies throughout the world.
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Please pray for Baby Stellan. If you havn't heard or don't know the story behind Baby Stellan, he is the five month old son to a wonderful Mommy Blogger from the upper midwest. Before he was born the doctor's thought that there was something wrong with his heart and he wouldn't live long. It was declared a miracle that his heart problem was virtually gone at birth. A few months later Stellan was in the hospital with RSV. After millions of prayers and a few days in the hospital his health improved and he went home. This was another miracle. At five months Stellan is back in the hospital with the same heart problem he was diagnosed with in the womb. Stellan and is family need your prayers. You can visit his mother's blog at My Charming Kids.net for updates on her baby's health. Also you can post your own prayer for him at the prayer vigil site they have set up here: prayingformckmuffin.blogspot.com. You can also follow MckMama on Twitter for more updates.

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Comments from readers
"My grandson is on his way back from Iraq and I'm praying for him to return safely. He is due back in the states on January 6th and I'll breathe relief when he's back.

This was his second seven month tour in Iraq as a marine.."

Dorothy from grammology
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1>Gracie Martin-age 95,still at home with her family but she has gotten very ill and alzheimers is bad.pray for her family as well.

2.>Pray for my friend linda s.,she is 45 and has lung cancer.She is still trying to work and spend as much time with her 3 grandkids as she can...

3.>Dorothy carter-hurt her back at work and they found what they thought may be tumors on her back during xrays-she is 43 and just had her first grandbaby

4.>Rita b.-strength to be a single mom of 3 and a way to come so that they can get a vehicle for the family.

5.>johnny n.-health problems

6.betty r~simply southern-to get rid of this awful congestion in my chest.been fighting it 2 weeks..little summer also has this,it is rough on her at times.she is only 6 mos old.thank you"

Betty from Simply Southern
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"I have one to list..

The family of Barbara C. She just lost her battle with cancer."

Felicia from Go Graham Go!
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"i'd also like to add my prayer...

please pray for the soul of Al my neighbor (15 yrs old) who passed away last saturday. (January 10) he had bone marrow cancer."

Liza from hMoms... Check Nyo
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"What a great thing you are doing here.

My aunt has a best friend who just got a bad cancer report."

Thanks,
Toni
It Is Nap Time

Update from Toni
Just wanted to say that my aunts friend has found a study that will take her so that is some good news.

I would like to add my moms cousin who has cancer and is not doing well at all. Her name is Mandy. She has a 2 year old and I am sure she would appreciate all prayers for her and her family.
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"You are a person with a warm heart!

I want pray for all people who still live in the disaster area of China WenChuan earthquake, Hope they all have warm place to live and warm food to eat!

It's the first Chinese new spring festival after earthquake, I hope they have a happy new year!"

IWalk
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"Hi Cascia. I'm the one who won the labor looks gown from your contest. Our baby was born on January 7th, and he is doing really well. But my labor and delivery did not go as planned or as we'd hoped, and I ended up with a partial 4th degree tear from an emergency forceps delivery, other wounds from 4 hours of intense pushing more than 36 hours after my water broke, and an infected abcess/hematoma in the same spot along the tear site. More than 3 weeks after my son's birth, several heavy-duty medications and 3 surgical procedures later, I am just now "out of the woods". But recovery is going to be very slow, and the emotional struggle is starting to get intense now that the physical struggles have lessened. In a week, my mom will be heading home, and I'll be on my own while my husband works. Normally, that would be okay, but with the unique issues from my complications, it is going to be hard. (I can't even sit or walk properly. And certain muscles in that area will need physiotherapy to get back to normal functioning.) Basically, I need healing of body and mind, as well as the ability to fully care for my son and somehow do household things that my husband cannot do with his schedule. (He does a ton and is the best, but his energy and time don't allow for taking care of my entire load.)

My other struggle right now is being able to see and feel all the zillions of positive and good things happening around me right now, and I seem stuck on the negative. I do see God's handprints all over this situation, especially in the way my maternity doctor has cared for me both physically and spiritually, going above and beyond the normal role of medical physician. So there are many "Ebenezers" I see and cherish. But this journey is still hard, and sometimes finding Jesus beside me in all of this is not easy.

Thank you for praying."

Inkling's Public Blog
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Comments from message box

"Hi Cascia, my 60-year-old 2nd-brother has been in ICU since 30Dec08. Chances are 50/50. Let's pray that he will make it thru. Jus me, Wenny of Inside My Bubble Today."
Please pray for Wenny's family. Her brother passed away on January 7.

Liaa (guest): Hi, I am a mother of 2 boys, ages 2 and 7mos. Sometimes I'm just overwhelmed with motherhood and most of the time i'd be stressed. Please pray for me. Thank you.

If you have prayers you want to add to the prayer chain please leave a comment or message me in the prayer chain box. If you want to promote the prayer chain on your blog all you need to do is blog about it along with our list of prayers and a link back here. You can use the button code to link back to the prayer chain. I made a new button so if you have the old one on your site you might want to grab the new code. When you are saying your prayers at night or whenever you pray don't forget to add the intentions on the Healthy Moms prayer chain.




If you are planning on listing prayers on your site please add your link so we can find them.



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Are you potty training your child? Join us every Tuesday for Potty Time Tuesdays a carnival of potty training parents sponsored by Healthy Moms.

Catch the Spring Sale at Disney Shopping.com. Save up to 40% off on these great items perfect for spring!



Cars Mack Truck Carrier Toy



Double-Sleeve My Friends Tigger & Pooh Tee for Toddlers


Ballerina Princess Cinderella Costume


Don't forget to shop the Easter Boutique at Disney Shopping.com. Put a little Spring in your heart at the DisneyShopping.com Easter Boutique. Valid through 04.12.09.