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‘HOT OFF THE PRESS’ Dry Cleaning News
‘THE HILLS ARE ALIVE ...’ (248) 543-0340 | www.janetdaviscleaners.com 27607Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072 | 3645 Maple Rd., Bloomfield, MI 48301 My Teenage Foray Into the World of Music
AUGUST 2019
While there is some confusion surrounding his date of birth, famous trumpeter, composer, and vocalist Louis Armstrong was born on Aug. 4, 1901. While I may not have quite reached Armstrong’s level of fame, I did spend years playing multiple instruments and was even part of the school band and jazz band for a few years. I was in the 7th grade when my parents decided it was time for my brother and sister to start learning to play the piano. I decided I wanted in on it, too, but I didn’t stop at the piano. I was going to learn to play the saxophone simultaneously. When I think back on my choice to start learning two completely different instruments at once, it makes me laugh because it’s emblematic of how I approach learning two trades as an adult now: Make the task as complex as possible, and then jump in with two feet! I took in-home lessons for the piano, and I remember my instructor really wanted me to focus on chord progression, but all I wanted to do was master full songs. The one I set my sights on was
Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” a nice sounding song everyone would recognize — if the song’s title doesn’t immediately ring a bell, a mere second or two of listening will jolt your memory. For the next several years, I continued to develop my skills, learning several classical songs. I was immensely drawn to one composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff, but I could never fully conquer his dark and complex piano concertos. One day when I retire, I’d like to try my hand at them again. My experience playing the saxophone was a bit shorter-lived but still enjoyable. I was in the middle school jazz band at the time, and I’m not entirely sure why I picked the sax. Looking back, learning the clarinet might have been a little easier, if only because it would fit in my backpack! I was always lugging that huge saxophone on and off the bus and to friends’ houses after school. I played in band until 9th grade, but I had to choose between marching band or cross country, and, since running was (and still is) my absolute favorite pastime, I opted out of band and focused on sports.
Although it’s been some time since I’ve practiced playing, everything I learned about jazz and classical music during those years has made me much more open to different genres of music as an adult. While I like some tunes better than others, I can find merit in songs of any genre and appreciate the creativity and talent of the songwriters and performers. Even in genres like country or heavy metal screamo, which I tend to shy away from, I can still detect melody and distinct chord progressions in some artists’ songs. I’ve even recently started to like techno/EDM, a genre I may have never considered if I hadn’t studied music. While I do a little more listening than playing nowadays, I’ve decided that once I have a little more free time (which is not anytime in the near future), I’m going to spend much more time at the piano. Maybe I’ll even squeeze in some practice runs before then.
“When I think back on my choice to start learning two completely different instruments at once, it makes me laugh because it’s emblematic of how I approach learning two trades as an adult now: Make the task as complex as possible, and then jump in with two feet!”
–Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340
Staying ‘Cool’ With Your Canine ENJOY THE WEATHERWHILE KEEPING YOUR PUP COMFORTABLE
Everyone’s dry cleaning needs differ. For example, some people utilize dry cleaning services every week while others need only occasional service for special items, like an extra-large comforter or a fancy cocktail dress. Regardless of your needs, finding someone you can entrust your belongings to can be a difficult process. That’s why our team of experts has compiled some tips to help you find a reliable and trustworthy dry cleaner. DETAIL YOUR CRITERIA. What requirements do you have for a dry cleaner? Do they need to be located close to your home or your place of work? What does their price range need to be? What types of items will you be bringing to them? Do they need to offer pickup and delivery services? DO YOUR RESEARCH. Once you have determined your ideal criteria for a dry-cleaning service, take to the web and start looking around. Read what past clients have said about the services various companies provided. You can even ask associates at high-end retail stores or wedding boutiques for recommendations. START WITH A TEST. Before dropping off a special item like a wedding dress, see how the provider handles a single item of clothing to which you aren’t particularly attached. Evaluate how they treat stains and whether you like the condition in which your item is returned. ACCEPT REFERRALS. Most importantly, ask your family and friends if they’ve used a service in the area and would recommend it. Here at Janet Davis Cleaners, a great number of new clients come from referrals, and that’s our No. 1 way to obtain a new client! To those of you who have recommended us to others, we can’t thank you enough. FINDING A RELIABLE DRY CLEANER Doesn’t Have to Be Hard!
With all this late-summer sunshine, it’s the perfect time to take your dog out for some fun. And while spending time basking in nature’s beauty can be a great source of fun and exercise for you and your pets, it’s important to keep a careful watch on your dog’s core temperature to prevent heat exhaustion. There are several detectable signs of heat exhaustion that you can watch for, including abnormal lethargy, vomiting, or a brightly colored blue or red tongue. Here are some tips to keep your canine cool this summer. WATER IN ALL ITS FORMS While certain dog breeds thrive in hotter climates, all pups need a little extra care when it comes to staying hydrated during the summer. For starters, always make sure they have ready access to drinkable water. If you are going on an adventure, consider bringing a collapsible water bowl. If you are doing some backyard chilling, consider filling up a small wading pool with water for your pooch to splash or lounge in. SOME INVALUABLE INVENTIONS There are many contraptions to help you keep your canine cool in the summer heat. Booties to insulate their toes and protect their paw pads from the hot asphalt, cooling vests that reflect sunlight off darker fur, and pressure-activated cooling pads are just a few of the gizmos you can purchase to stave off those scorching temps. The Dog People, a website powered by Rover.com, also recommends making frozen “pupsicles,” a yogurt-based frozen treat that can satisfy doggy cravings while keeping them cool. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE While fun water toys and helpful cooling inventions are great, the best thing you can do to keep your dog cool is be careful about when you decide to go outside. Taking your pup out in the early morning or later in the evening, when the sun isn’t at its highest point in the sky, will help keep them cooler in the long run. Additionally, keep in mind that some breeds deal with the heat better than others. If you’re unsure, do a little research to determine your dog’s susceptibility to heat exhaustion. Just because the heat is sizzling doesn’t mean your dog should be! Keep these tips in mind before taking your canine out in the summer sun. They will thank you for it!
Finding a reliable dry cleaner can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by giving our experts a shot! We’re sure you’ll love the results!
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WE’VE REACHED THE PEAK OF CAMPING SEASON
How Are You Caring for Your Sleeping Bag?
With National Campfire Day on Aug. 3, it’s safe to say we have officially reached the peak of camping season. These days, more and more people are expressing interest in camping in all of its forms. According to the 2018 Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) North American Camping Report, 6 million new camping households emerged in 2014. Furthermore, in 2017 alone, there was another increase of 2.6 million camper households with representation among all backgrounds. With so many families turning to the great outdoors for a healthy dose of summer fun, proper maintenance of camping gear is necessary to make these nature excursions yearly traditions. Perhaps the most important camping accessory, your sleeping bag, requires specific and attentive care to maintain function over time. If your sleeping bag is darkened with grime, then it’s time to give it a good washing because the buildup of body oils and dirt over time will migrate into the fill
and begin to compromise your bag’s loft and warmth. You don’t want to launder your bag after every trip, but cleaning it at the end of your camping season is certainly a good idea. You might find your washer and dryer at home aren’t big enough to fit your sleeping bag. If that’s the case, then you have a couple options. You can either bring it down to our experts at Janet Davis Cleaners, and let us do the dirty work, or you can find a laundromat equipped with commercial equipment and do it yourself. If you choose the latter option, here are some tips to keep in mind. instructions (on a label or online). 2. Get the proper cleaning product for your type of bag. 3. Use the gentle cycle, and avoid using hot water to protect your bag’s plastic zipper. 1. Consult your bag maker’s
4. Take the bag out of the washer carefully to avoid ripping seams, and gently squeeze out excess water. 5. Place it in a commercial-sized dryer on low heat. You can expect the drying process to take awhile, but don’t crank up the heat or you risk ruining your bag. 6. Make sure it is 100% dry before storing it. If you’re worried about damaging your gear, let us take care of it for you! Give us a call at 248-543-0340! Summertime GAZPACHO
SUDOKU
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 lbs. ripe tomatoes; cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 small cucumber; peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 red bell pepper; cored,
• 1 small Vidalia onion, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup basil leaves • 1 clove garlic, peeled • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry vinegar • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
seeded, and sliced into ribbons
DIRECTIONS
1. Place a blender and medium mixing bowl on your workstation. 2. Divide the tomato chunks, cucumber pieces, and bell pepper slices evenly between blender and bowl. Place entire onion in blender. 3. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to blender. Blend on low, gradually raising speed to high until smooth, about 2 minutes. 4. Add blender contents to bowl and mix until just broken up, about 10–20 seconds. 5. Let mixture sit in fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Transfer to bowls and serve. 3 (248) 543-0340 Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
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1 My Teenage Foray Into the World of Music 2 Staying ‘Cool’ With Your Canine This Summer Tips for Finding a Reliable Dry Cleaner 3 How Are You Caring for Your Sleeping Bag? (248) 543-0340 www.janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
Summertime Gazpacho 4 Not Your Average Vacation Lodgings
When Airbnb was founded a little over a decade ago, the developers hoped to provide an alternative to traditional travel accommodations. Today, with annual revenue in the billions, the service is an industry unto itself. While most people use Airbnb to “live like a local” while traveling, you can find some truly wacky lodging options if you spend some time searching the platform. Here are just a few of the many contenders for the title of “Weirdest Airbnb in the U.S.” For ease of searching, the listings here have the same titles as they do on Airbnb. Brand New Studio Earthship | Taos, New Mexico Earthships, houses run by clean energy and featuring reused materials, are a fixture of the Taos area. This one, which looks almost like a crashing wave with a living space in its undertow, combines the rustic charm of truly getting away from it all with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and in-home laundry. It’s a truly unique living space surrounded by pristine nature and not far from the historic Taos Pueblo. ManCave Apartment/Airplane Hangar | Geneva, Florida Airbnb super hosts Dan and Deborah have no shortage of quirky properties for rent — including yurts and treehouses — but their America’s Weirdest Airbnbs THIS AIN’T MOTEL 6!
apartment fashioned out of an airplane hangar surely takes the cake. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a theme restaurant featuring eclectic aviation. Memorabilia lines the walls with a bar front and center, and the bed is in a loft high above the ground. Dog Bark Park Inn B&B | Cottonwood, Idaho As you approach the Dog Bark Park Inn, you won’t have to guess if you’re in the right place. After all, how many buildings are shaped like beagles? When describing the space on Airbnb, the hosts make no bones about who this rental is aimed for. “Stay in a giant dog!” they say. In addition to being inside a massive wooden dog, you’ll find canine-themed games, books, and more. Talk about ruffing it.
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