Be SPOT ON to get the SPOT OFF! Solutions for removing many common stains.

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove. All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove. Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

***Caution*** Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia - fumes are hazardous.

Removing Bleach Stains 

from Upholstery

• Detergent
• White vinegar

1. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears, or no longer absorbed into the cloth.
5. If the stain remains, use mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of cool water.  Sponge the stain with the solution.  Blot until liquid is absorbed. .
6. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Removing Blush (make up) Stains 

from Upholstery

• Detergent

1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

Removing Spaghetti Sauce Stains 

from Upholstery

• Detergent

1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

Removing Furniture Polish, Wax Stains 

from Upholstery

• Dry cleaning solvent

1. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
2. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
3. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.

Removing Dirt Stains 

from Upholstery

• Detergent

1. Mix one (1) tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two (2) cups of cool water.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
3. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.
5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent solution.

Removing Candle Wax Stains 

from Washable Fabrics

• Ice cube
• Iron
• Bleach

1. Rub with ice and scrape off excess with a dull knife.
2. Place folded paper towels over and under stained area and press with a warm – not hot – dry iron.
3. Use clean towels, repeat until no more wax melts.
4. Remove color with bleach or color remover as safe for fabric.

Removing Grease Stains 

from Washable Fabrics

• Pretreatment laundry stain remover
• Heavy-duty liquid detergent
• Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Absorbent paper towels

1. Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol types work better on greasy stains) Wait one minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately.
2. If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.
3. For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning solvent to back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

Removing Scorch Stains 

from Washable Fabrics

• Detergent
• All-fabric bleach

1. If fabric is thick and fuzzy, brush to remove charring.
2. Rub liquid detergent into scorched area.
3. Launder.
4. If stain remains, bleach with all-fabric bleach.
5. Melted or glazed areas on synthetic blends cannot be fully restored.

Removing Toothpaste Stains 

from Washable Fabrics

• Liquid hand dishwashing detergent
• White vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Enzyme presoak product
• Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach

1. Soak for 15 minutes in mixture of one quart lukewarm water, one-half teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse.
2. Sponge with rubbing alcohol, using light motions from center to edge of stain.
3. Soak for 30 minutes in one quart warm water with one tablespoon enzyme presoak products.
4. If color stain remains, launder in chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric, or in oxygen bleach.

Removing Honey Stains 

from Carpets

• Detergent
• Ammonia

1. Scrape off excess foreign material.
2. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water.
3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution.
4. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the stain disappears.
6. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of warm water. (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia – fumes are hazardous)
7. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution.
8. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
9. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Removing Red Wine Stains 

from Carpets

• Detergent
• White vinegar

1. Mix one teaspoon of a mild detergent containing no alkali or bleaches with one cup of lukewarm water.  Blot the stained area.
2. Mix one-third cup of white vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.
3. Repeat step one.
4. Sponge the stained area with clean water. Blot.

Removing Chewing Gum Stains 

from Carpets

• Ice cube
• Citrus based product

1. Freeze the chewing gum using an ice cube in a plastic bag.
2. Shatter the frozen chewing gum with a knife handle and vacuum.
3. Shampoo. Let dry, and then vacuum.
4. Some citrus based products such as De-Solv-It® or Orange-Sol® have been demonstrated to break down the stickiness of gum so that it can be removed.

Removing Crayon Stains 

from Carpets

• Ice
• WD40
• Detergent

1. If the crayon is soft, freeze it by applying an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag, and then scrape off the excess crayon.
2. Spray the stain with WD-40 and let it stand for a few minutes.
3. Tamp the stain.  Wipe off residue with a paper towel.
4. Re-spray with WD-40; then apply liquid dishwashing detergent directly on the sprayed area.
5. Tamp again.  Wipe off the residue with paper towel.
6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 until the stain disappears.

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Source: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/

Stain Solutions was developed by:

Susan Taylor - Former University of Illinois Extension Educator

Happy Labor Day! Take the day off and relax.

Back to School blog

Picture Perfect, First day of School: Photo Prop

Materials Needed:

• Unfinished wooden photo frame (large enough to frame child’s face when held)
• 2-3 cans of different colored spray paint
• 1 can of Chalkboard Paint
• 1 wood star
• Unpainted wooden letters: D-A-Y, O-F, S-C-H-O-O-L
• Elmer’s Carpenters Wood Glue (or hot glue gun)

Directions:
Spray paint the unfinished wooden frame one color. Select a different color(s) and spray paint the wooden letters. Spray pain the wood star with Chalkboard Paint. Add a second layer or spray paint to frame, letters, and wood star if needed. Allow all to dry overnight.

Position wood star and wood letters on the photo frame as desired. Use Elmer’s Carpenters Wood Glue (or a hot glue gun) to attach wood star and letters to the photo frame. Allow glue to dry completely.

Source: momalwaysfindsout.com

Lunch Boxes they will Love

This reproduction of a vintage tin lunch box is all modern with it's trendy design from Clairebella. A chalkboard inside the lid lets you send a love note from home with their tasty lunch. 

*All personalization is custom ordered exactly as entered below, please use upper and lower case as you would like to see on the finished piece and note that text is case sensitive according to chosen font. Max 10 characters.

Click to Order Now

Yummy and Healthy Kids Lunch Ideas

For more fun lunch ideas

Click Here

It's hard to predict how a child will handle separation on the first day of kindergarten. Some kids will cling to their mom in terror, while others will skip happily off without even a parting glance in mom's direction. If your child leans toward the former behavior, don't be alarmed. Starting kindergarten is big step for children, and the anxiety they experience is a perfectly normal part of the developmental process. Nevertheless, there are ways you can make this transition easier for your child.

Discuss Kindergarten

In the weeks before school begins, discuss kindergarten with your child. Express enthusiasm and excitement at all she is going to learn. Try to evoke responses from your child to see how she may be feeling. Don't overdo it and don't force the topic, if your child is not interested or seems unwilling to discuss it. The main idea is to make kindergarten something exciting to look forward to, rather than something to fear.

Try Time Away from You

Before your child starts school, you can gauge how he deals with separation anxiety with a trial run. Try leaving him with a relative or close family friend, or suggest a sleepover at Grandma's house. See how your child reacts to being without you in a safe and supervised environment.

Set Up Playdates

Many schools distribute phone lists for each class of students before the school year begins. If you have such a list, try setting up playdates with your child's future classmates. That way, when your child walks into class on the first day, she'll see some familiar faces - her new friends.

Source: school.familyeducation.com

Prepare yourself

Many moms spend so much time preparing their children for school that they forget to prepare themselves for the rush of emotions surrounding this life transition. Give yourself some time to think about how you may respond when it's time to drop your child off, and come up with a game plan to make the transition easier.

Sandy Oliver from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, knew she might cry when dropping off her son for the first time, so she made plans that would distract her and lift her mood. "I applied lots of mascara before we headed to the school to remind myself not to tear up. Then, I gave myself 15 minutes to drop off my son and speak with the teacher before immediately leaving to meet my sister for coffee and pedicures. Giving myself something to look forward to was the perfect distraction to get me through that first day."

Melissa Daughtery came up with a similar plan. "I work full time, so I'm used to being away from my daughter during the day -- but it's still hard when I think of how fast she's growing up. I decided to take the first day of school off from work so I could really invest some time into both of us. I took my daughter out to breakfast, took her to school, then I went to the gym. After a great stress-relieving workout, I picked my daughter back up from school, and we spent the afternoon playing at a park. Spending that time with her helped me adjust to this new phase of life."

PREPARING FOR
A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Late nights and family vacations make summer fun, but they can also make it hard for kids when it's time to go back to school. As summer winds down, taking the time now to begin preparing for school can make the new school year easier on your entire family. From starting on a school sleep schedule to cleaning up your computer, discover six tips for getting your household back to school ready.

TRANSITION INTO BACK TO SCHOOL SLEEP SCHEDULE

A week or two before school starts, move your kiddo's bedtime back 15 minutes each night until they are hitting the sack at the time they would during the regular school schedule.

GET YOUR FAMILY CALENDAR ORGANIZED

Bust out your calendar and start organizing your family's activities agenda when preparing for school. From sports practice to music lessons, it will be easier on everyone if you work out who needs to be where before you head back to school, especially when it comes to arranging pickups and drop-offs.

LOOK INTO CARPOOL OPTIONS

Whether it's an arrangement with your child's classmate or an schedule with your hubby, partaking in a carpool will save you time and gas money, so plan ahead to optimize your schedule with your kids' school schedule.

COMPLETE BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING

On top of a new school wardrobe, backpack and lunch box, chances are teachers are asking for school supply donations as well. So, jump on back to school sales on school supplies now for your kids' classrooms during the school year.

DUST OFF A STUDY SPACE

Giving your school-age child a clear, quiet place to do homework and study is the key for a successful school year, so clear off summer books and projects from a designated study space when preparing for school time.

CLEAN UP YOUR COMPUTER

When preparing your kids for the new school year, making sure your PC is ready for back to school time is just as important. Deleting old files will make room for your youngster's new homework and reports, and updating programs to arm your kiddos with the latest technology tools will make the new school year run smoother.

Source:www.sheknows.com

More back to school links:

Dorm Décor and So Much More...

Children's Bedding

Children's Furniture

Children's Rugs

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Ava Rose is 5!

Wow time goes fast. My baby girl turned 5. She is turning into a little girl with every changing day. Everyone said it goes fast, enjoy every second and they are right. I do enjoy every second. This year Ava Rose selected her birthday party theme...a Carnival! She got the idea from a pretty little dress she had on early in May. She gets so excited planning her birthday party it is so cute. She talks about the decorations and wants to select everything with me. She goes over the list making sure I include everyone she can think of. She gets excited when the invitations arrive and she helps to mail them.

We had a fun time this year with the Carnival theme. We researched on Pinterest in the evenings and went shopping for things we decided on. Her favorite was the elephant centerpieces which she helped set up with her aunt and uncle. The highlight of her day was when her favorite ponies arrived Coco Puff and Sweetie Pie. It has become a tradition for the ponies to attend Ava Rose's party. She met them when she was 2 at a fair and fell in love. The day turned out beautiful and I know for sure I am enjoying every second watching my little rose grow. Happy Birthday Ava Rose!

Animal Pillows for a Purpose.

Farm Sanctuary was founded in 1986 when Farm Sanctuary President and 

Co-Founder Gene Baur rescued Hilda from a stockyard dead pile. 

Since that time, we’ve met, loved, and provided refuge for thousands of animals. 

Many people see two classes of animals: 

The animals with whom we share our homes, and everyone else. 

But other animals are not different in any way that matters morally 

from the dogs and cats with whom so many of us share our lives. 

At Farm Sanctuary, we share our lives with farm animals -

chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and cattle. 

And we can tell you from personal experience that farm animals 

have the same range of personalities and interests as cats and dogs.

Farm Sanctuary website

Animal Pillows for a Purpose!

5 different screen printed animals to choose from.

Owl, Sheep, Goat, Cow and Pig.

Looks great as a full collection.

Super cute and cuddly farm animals. Soft and cozy pillow.

Top-quality linen gets a whimsically rustic treatment in these cheeky original pillows from Eric & Christopher. 

Screen-printed by hand from original photographs. 22" x 22" 

Content  100% linen.

Care Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; line dry. 
Do not bleach. Do not iron.

Pine Cone Hill 

Wilbur Decorative Pillow

Pine Cone Hill 

Hoot Decorative Pillow

Pine Cone Hill 

Billy Decorative Pillow

Pine Cone Hill 

Bonnie Decorative Pillow

Pine Cone Hill 

Bessie Decorative Pillow

Dorm Décor and So Much More...

Pine Cone Hill Happy Yellow

Pine Cone Hill Savannah Linen White

Pine Cone Hill Mel Stripe

Pine Cone Hill Box in Box

Pine Cone Hill Candlewick Fuchsia

Pine Cone Hill Twiggie

Pine Cone Hill Cubix

Laundry Basket

Box in Box Rug

Thinking of you Pillow

Cabana-Stripe Curtain

Personalized Mouse Pad

Personalized Memo Board

Monogram iPad Case

Office Organizer



Inspired from an antique well pulley, these office organizers hold it all. Made of zinc and recycled sheet metal with a weathered surface, they will hold pens, pencils, standard sized magazines and envelopes plus more. Aidan Gray Travail Quatre Office Organizer.
BUY NOW at Lavender Fields

Chair Pocket


Create extra space for your books and school supplies by slipping this cool storage pocket onto the back of your desk chair. From your calculator to your water bottle, it fits it all! (aussiepouch.com)

Footlocker with Tray

Made by a long-time manufacturer of premium luggage, the Footlocker with Tray is built to last. Whether used for storage or travel, this hard-working trunk provides a generous capacity for clothing, linens, books or personal treasures and features a removable tray.(www.containerstore.com)

Privacy Pop Tent

Designed to fit a standard twin size mattress. 

The innovative tent that fits around a bed and provides privacy in shared rooms. Create a private space to sleep and relax in with the Privacy Pop Tent. This pop up tent is a versatile choice that can be easily added and stored away.www.privacypop.com

1. Lofting beds: Lofting beds isn't always an option, but if it is, it's a great way to free up floor space.

2. Double up the desks: At some schools, you're allowed to bring your own desks, which means you can purchase something streamlined and sleek. 

3. Curtains: Hanging in front of your bed can give you privacy. A simple curtain hides shelves that are sure to get messy.

4. Butting beds: Just like with the desks, sliding beds over to the side of the room gives everything a more spacious feel. Plus, you end up with a sort of daybed/sofa vibe

• Laundry hamper is a must-have for any dorm room closet. Pop-up hampers are ideal for tiny closets – the mesh material is flexible, so it can be squeezed into tight spaces. 
• Hanging shelves will give you more storage for your clothing. They take up a small amount of space in your closet.
• Shoe racks are ideal, it will keep all your footwear neatly organized in one place. Over-the-door versions are roomy and can hold lots of shoes, but not all dorm closets have doors. 

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