The sun is shining and the flowers are starting to bloom. Wishing everyone a lovely Spring!

You're elated that your child's slide into homebase cinched the game; you're not so happy about the grass stain that you need to remove when you get home. Keep these stain-fighting tips handy so you can meet common household stains with a plan of attack.

To remove grass stains:
This tip should help save Junior's uniform: As soon as possible, pretreat the grass stain with liquid detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If the garment can be bleached (check the label), then soak the garment in a diluted solution of bleach and water for no longer than fifteen minutes. If you'd prefer to steer clear of bleach, you can try rubbing a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda into the grass stain, letting it sit, then rinsing.

To remove oil-based stains:
Oil-based stains include mayonnaise, salad dressings, cooking oils, butter, face creams, and grease. First, apply talcum powder or cornstarch directly to the stain; this will help absorb the oil but may require several applications. Scrape or brush off the powder between applications, then toss the garment into the wash on a regular cycle.

To remove sweat stains:
Sweat stains are equally embarrassing and stubborn, but can be conquered if you follow the correct steps. Attack the stain with a cocktail of equal parts water and lemon juice, then hang the garment outside in the sunshine. (You'll need nice weather for this one.) The sunlight will help bleach the stain.

17 Easy Stain Removal Tips [Lifescript]
The Entertainer’s Guide to Stain Removal [Real Simple]
Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal [Ohio State University]

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Need a java fix? How about a java fix and a bite to eat at 3 a.m.? If so, Epoch Coffee is a popular go-to place in Austin — and it's open 24/7!

Free WI-Fi with plugs available at every table means it’s a great place to study, work or just to surf the web. In short, Epoch is a great spot to chill out with a beverage while you catch up with friends or just relax with a killer coffee drink. Visit and have their baristas whip you up a café latte, cappuccino or café mocha swirled with hot milk. They’ve also got refreshing blended drinks like the Mango Mania, Wildberry Beast and Razz Cranberry. Need a bite to eat? Enjoy a tasty sandwich, wrap, or pizza. Epoch also offers bagels, croissants, cinnamon rolls and muffins.

Check out Epoch Coffee's website to learn more about this Austin coffeehouse.

Epoch Coffee
221 W. North Loop Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 454-3762
http://www.epochcoffee.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/epoch-coffee-austin-2

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