Stains are a nuisance for most of us, and they are especially problematic for those who wear uniforms such as a lab coat, to work. A professional hazard of working in a medical office, hospital or laboratory is the numerous types of stain-producing agents that one is exposed to daily. Blood, fluids, chemicals and solvents, ink stains and the daily special from the cafeteria, are common sources of frustration when they wind up on garments. Having to replace permanently stained specialty garments can be very costly, as can dry cleaning.

Here are some of the most common stains and instructions for removing them. Most stains respond best when treated immediately, if time permits, but the reality of working in a hectic, fast-paced environment means that stain treatment usually happens at home. The supplies used are readily available at drug stores and in clinical settings.

Blood, vomit, bodily fluids, meat-based soups – Since they are protein based, this category of stains responds best when treated immediately. Blot as much of the stain with an absorbent paper towel/tissue as possible. Place additional absorbent material underneath garment.
1.    Moisten sponge or cotton ball with enzyme-based cleaner such as Biz Bleach, apply and leave for 30 minutes then flush with water
2.    Next, flush with ammonia/water solution (1 tbsp/1 cup), flush with water and blot.
3.    Follow with white vinegar/water mixture (1:2 ratio) flush and blot.
4.    For additional removal or extra whitening, apply bleach with hydrogen peroxide (3%) using a medicine dropper, add a drop of ammonia solution then flush with water before adding to the regular laundry cycle.

Pen ink stains
1.    Bring glycerine (available in drug stores) to a lukewarm temperature.
2.    Applying firm pressure, blot stain.
3.    Continue to blot as long as ink transfers to blotter, while keeping stained area moist with glycerine.
4.    Flush with water.
5.    Apply mild detergent solution (liquid hand soap/water) with several drops of ammonia. Continue to blot and flush with water.
6.    If stain persists, apply chlorine bleach with dropper. (DO NOT allow bleach to remain more than 2 minutes)
7.    Rinse with water after each bleach cycle and use white vinegar solution to remove excess chlorine from bleach, followed by a flush with water.

Mustard
1. Remove excess mustard, being careful not to smear stain
2. Apply liquid hand soap/water solution with dropper then blot.
3. Apply vinegar/water solution (1:2) then blot again.
4. With dropper, apply enzyme-based cleaner solution (Biz Bleach, ½ tsp. to 1 cup warm water), blot then flush with water.
5.  Apply bleach with dropper to dissolve last traces of mustard. (DO NOT allow bleach to remain more than 2 minutes)
6.  Rinse with water after each bleach application.
7.  Apply white vinegar solution to remove excess bleach, then flush with water.

Lipstick
1. Apply paint, oil and grease remover (available at hardware stores) or dry cleaning solution, if accessible. Blot then repeat the cycle as long as stain is being removed.
Be careful not to spread the stain or to reapply to fabric (use clean blotter each time).
2. Apply detergent solution with dropper and add a few drops of ammonia. Tamp with brush then blot and flush with water.
3. Next apply detergent solution with dropper and a few drops of white vinegar. Tamp with brush then blot and flush with water. Allow area to dry.
4. Sponge with alcohol.
5. Apply bleach solution with dropper to remove last traces of stain. Follow each bleach application with a water flush. Apply vinegar solution to remove excess chlorine from bleach, then flush with water before adding to laundry.

So the next time you get a spill or stain on your labcoat or uniform, don’t fret, just following these simple instructions to keep your uniforms clean!

Kim green has worked in the medical field and has gotten all sorts of things on her labcoats that she has been able to get out using these great tips!

There’s a fine line between imagination and chaos and often that fine line is drawn at a very young age when children are learning to use their imagination to fulfill wild visions of grandeur. When structure is given to these play times it can be a rewarding experience for both the child and the parent. From building forts and playing pirate ship to quiet times on the floor with Magformers any occasion to play is an occasion to learn.

It’s easy to sit back as a parent and watch your children run around like mad men in an unstructured chaos. We call it “children at play” but in reality it’s just pure chaos and you’re children get very little from it in terms of stimulation, education and character building.

We’ve all seen the child who has trouble differentiating from playtime and the times where we need them to behave like proper young children. If you happen to have a child like this you know just what I’m talking about. At any time you are certain your child will morph into Super-Man and run off to save the world. They’ll most likely hurt their siblings and make them cry in the process. This is not only embarrassing for parents it’s destructive behavior that can affect your child for their entire lives and it’s also a learned behavior that can also affect younger siblings in a very negative manner as well.
The good thing is, most of these behaviors can be modified easily by implementing several small tactics that can keep children interested and stimulated as well as developing motor skills, knowledge and social skills. Don’t get me wrong, any time you try to add a little structure to chaos you’ll find pit falls and brick walls but the end result will be a child who can play and function in a manner that benefits everyone.

Trying to build character through play time is one of the most rewarding experiences a parent will have with their children because it’s time you get to spend simply having fun. The first step is to set clear ground rules for the game. For example, setting time limit, or sharing requirements will help you with the structure aspect. Just like adults, children benefit from structure because it gives them parameters to work within.

When playing imagination games (being a pirate trying to recover lost treasure) be prepared to teach. The definition of a parent should be “teacher” because it’s up to you to make sure your children are being mentally stimulated and not just running through their day mindlessly. Before getting involved with kids toys, a new game or adventure with your child, do a little research on your own so you can bring interesting facts or stimulating questions to fun time. This keeps your child mentally involved in playtime and also helps to build on their knowledge. In the world of video games and televised stimulation playtime is rare and when your child does engage in it you can get 10 times more from it by using education to enhance the fun.

Building motor skills is another area that is often overlooked but very crucial in your child’s development. The term “idol hands” is very true in the fact that when your child gets bored, they get into trouble. We’ve all seen it a hundred times. So when you’re down on the floor playing with those Magformers, challenge your child to build something specific and build one right along side of them. This gives then sensory stimulation and it keeps them involved in the process. Once you build that pirate boat you can float on over to your Playmobil Toys village and search for that elusive gold. Your child will appreciate having a swash-buckling partner to help them and they will be more constructive in the process.

Author Kimberly Green has 3 children whom she loves to buy fun and interactive kids toys for. They are a useful tool for imaginative play and learning.

Sometimes you get pleasantly surprised about what you discover at a concert. There is nothing better than showing up to a venue early, finding your place on the floor and then sitting back and enjoying the show. Maybe your earliness will be rewarded and you find an opening band that just blows you away and you instantly become a fan. It’s happened to me many times and there is no better feeling in the world than this type of discovery.

But sometimes it isn’t the bands that pique your interest, sometimes it’s the audience. There are no better people watching then at a concert. Concert venues are full of some of the most interesting people with great clothing and accessories all for your viewing. For example, last month I was at a show and saw a girl wearing all black (not gothic, the dress was contemporary and fashionable), including a black head band and even a black diamond ring and a black diamond necklace.

Black diamond jewelry seems like a new and exciting option for people who love jewelry. When I first noticed the black diamond on the concert goers finger it automatically peaked my interest so I went home and took a look at the black diamond jewelry for sale on the internet. When I began my search was pleasantly surprised with how expansive the selection was.

While it might still be on the fringe (most people still view black diamonds in reference to ski runs), the sleek looking, smooth stones are being used in any jewelry designs that might have previously been made with white diamonds. One website had a sultry looking tennis bracelet with a full center line of white diamonds surrounded by black diamonds for a beautiful contrast (though at nearly $4000 it might also be outside of most people’s price range). A white gold and black diamond heart ring is perfect for those who like hearts and the basic black diamond earrings are simple and beautiful. A black and white diamond cross is a bit less subtle but still classy and one ring even pairs white and black diamond’s with yellow sapphires.

Other websites feature simpler rings that pair small black diamonds with such brand new metals as titanium and steel. Don’t be confused by the simplicity of the rings though, they are stylish and elegant and are able to pull of the very tough look of being both classic and modern at the same time.  In addition to black diamond rings, this website also offers beautiful black diamond bracelets, black diamond cufflinks (which looks amazing) and even black diamond dog tags.
Take a look: you’re going to be interested in what you find.

Author Kimberly Green and her husband both have matching black diamond rings and love the fashion statement they make!

For those of us who love jewelry, it becomes somewhat of a hobby to find brand new designs and colorations for classic pieces. Everywhere you go you keep your eye out for something new and exciting, something that stands apart from the typical jewelry which is still nice to look at, but might lack a little bit of the pizzazz you might be looking for.

One of the more interesting pieces I’ve encountered lately was during a party at a close friend’s house on Memorial Day. One of my good friends came out of the closet last summer and she brought her new girlfriend to the party for all of us to meet. After introductions and the traditional small talk that comes along with meeting a new friend’s partner, I noticed that both of them were wearing beautiful matching rings. The rings were black with a rainbow strip running down the center of them.

After the small talk had ceased and everyone got more comfortable I commented to my friend on how beautiful the rings were. After thanking me, she said that her new girlfriend had bought them for their three month anniversary and that they were actually black titanium. In addition to the ring, she said that she also received a beautiful rainbow sapphire necklace that was also crafted from titanium. I have since seen the necklace and it is beautiful.

When I got home from the party I was curious about her rainbow jewelry as I’d never run across it before. I did a brief search online and found that many companies have begun to sell rainbow rings, necklaces, pendants and more aimed towards the gay and lesbian community. Options run from standard black, silver or gold bands with rainbow streaks down the center or a more complex design with sapphires or diamonds adorning the piece.

Titanium and steel jewelry seems to be a big seller in the rainbow jewelry market. One online store features steel rings, necklaces, bracelets and even body jewelry with rainbow colors adorning them in either flag form or multi-colored stones. Titanium is becoming a hip option thanks to buzz and jewelry buffs interest in trying something different. The titanium rings come in silver or black colors and while they might seem a bit “industrial” in some deigns, the addition of the rainbow stones or lines really make it come alive.

So keep your eyes out for these new rainbow designs. While they might not be for everyone you have to admit that they are very beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Kimberly Green is loving the new rainbow jewelry collection on the scene today!

Chances are unless you have a baby or have someone close to you who has just been blessed with a child of their own, you probably don’t pay a lot of attention to baby clothes and accessories.

While they have their own sections at stores like Wal- Mart, Target and K-Mart, chances are if you’re not specifically looking for baby clothes or gifts you’ve consistently skipped that section on the way to electronics or bathroom supplies. Because of this, you’ve probably missed the fact that baby clothing has been getting pretty fashionable lately.

Gone are the days of plain colors and cookie cutter designs, children’s clothing has been getting serious attention from some of today’s hottest designers. It’s not just for the celebrity mom either, fashionable prints and interesting color schemes are showing up everywhere from high-end baby clothes boutiques to your favorite mega stores.

This is good news for both new parents as well as those looking for baby gifts as there are now many more options to match both the a parent’s and child’s personality. By just scanning the website of a baby specialty store you’ll noticed a large and intriguing selection of clothing for babies. A few of the options include:

-    A onesie featuring soft florescent colors with the words “punk rock” on it.
-    A onesie featuring a Japanese style tiger with a leaf background.
-    A full line of fashionable shirts featuring such phrases as: “all natural”, “fat and happy” (my personal favorite), “uber snuggler”, and “peas out” with green peas on it.

Clothing such as sundresses and pajamas have also modernized by utilizing new and exciting colors and styles while continuing to feature such classic patterns as polka dots and straight lines. Colors like black and white are now being paired with pinks and purples to make contrasting designs that really stand out from the crowd. One of the more adorable dresses I came across has a repeating pattern of pink and green flowers.

On the accessory fronts, those looking for a new and exciting gift have much to choose from. Bibs come in all different fabrics and colors and many companies have coordinated the colors and designs of their baby clothes and their bibs. In fact, most companies offer matching towels, hats, bedding and even diaper bags so parents can plan a color scheme and stick with it. Even hair clips, pacifiers and footwear are now designer made and make really wonderful gifts for any occasion. There really are so many cool ideas when it comes to finding baby gifts!

So there you go. If you ever find yourself in a position to buy a gift of baby clothes or accessories you can use your full fashion sense for your purchase. Next time you find yourself near the baby aisle at your favorite shopping center take a look inside, you might be shocked at what you see.

Kimberly Green can always come up with cool ideas when it comes to getting baby gifts