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“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Dry Cleaning News
(248) 543-0340 | www.janetdaviscleaners.com 27607 Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
NOVEMBER 2024
Less Is More How Decluttering Can Bring Clarity and Focus
Well, here I am, staring at a house full of stuff, wondering how I became a maximalist with a minimalist spirit. I seriously don’t know how it happened — my wife and I love the size and layout of our house, and despite having everything we could want, I was still filling it up with different things. We joke about how I save the extra parts every time I buy something and put it together because you never know what project I could use them for. I’ve got a shirt I wore once for my 30th birthday, and every time I wear it now, it feels like it’s stuck in a time warp. I got to a point where I finally decided it was time to let go of some of the clothes I never wore. Use Less Stuff Day is on Nov. 21 and is dedicated to reducing clutter and eliminating things that no longer serve us. When I started going through my closets to organize and purge stuff from the house, I discovered that decluttering my physical space greatly benefits my mind. Clearing out the things we don’t need is like making room for clarity, focus, and a little more peace of mind.
hadn’t worn in a while, and put them in a box with the date that went down into the basement. If I didn’t open that box after a year, it meant I would donate it to charity. I followed through with my plan, and there was something liberating about seeing my closet newly organized and clear. Then, there were all those old shirts that had become mementos of the past. Some were gifts, and others were clothes I wore some 20 years ago in college and at a different stage in life. I kept one or two of those memories and added them to a storage bin with all these items from my childhood. There are the items we probably all have in our basements, like VHS collections. Do you know how many times I have used my VCR since we saved it nine years ago? Zero. Whatever VHS you think you’re missing out on, chances are you can find it on YouTube. I began to ask myself why I was searching through worthless stuff to find one item of value in a box.
full of stuff. It was mostly out of style, the wrong size, or on its last legs. I didn’t get rid of everything. There were several garments I had tailored and reworked. I almost gained a whole new wardrobe by doing that. Though it may have been as expensive as buying new clothes, I supported a local business and wound up with items that fit me perfectly and made me feel good about how I looked. In the cleaning industry, we call that circular fashion. It goes beyond buying quality clothing; it’s about preserving them and tailoring them to fit the latest styles or as you change sizes. When I got rid of a bunch of the stuff I wasn’t using, it freed up space, improved my focus, and illuminated the things I needed. I’ve been able to focus on quality and re-fill things slowly and carefully. I’m more thoughtful when I’m shopping. Now, instead of having a closet filled to the brim with nothing to wear, I’m surrounded by things that truly add value to my life. It’s not just about having less; it’s about making room for what truly matters. –Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340
To start cleaning out my closets, I went through everything, folded up items I
When I set out to declutter my closets, I was able to get rid of four or five garbage bags
HOLIDAY MAGIC STARTS AT THE TABLE
How you set up your workspace can be the difference between being productive and falling into a pit of procrastination. If you have a cluttered, unkempt, and drab desk and work area, you may lack the inspiration to produce your best work, regardless of the project or task you’re working on. If you’re unsure how to improve your workspace, don’t stress; we’ve gathered a few easy- to-implement tips to help refresh your area. Create a Productive Sanctuary Transform Your Workspace With These Simple Tips
Let Your Tablecloths Steal the Show
As the holidays approach, it’s time to make your favorite festive tablecloths shine for all the family gatherings ahead. Whether you’re battling a gravy stain from a Thanksgiving past or just giving your linens a refresh as they take center stage, it’s the perfect time to prepare these decorative table covers for guests. Get ready to be the host with the most this season because we’re sharing some expert tips on cleaning your tablecloths so they are the perfect backdrop for your family holiday feasts! Tricky stains are one of your table linens’ biggest enemies, and it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible. After your holiday meal, check for any red wine, gravy, or other seasonal stains and blot them with a paper towel. Check the care labels of your table linens to see if they require special care. Most tablecloths can go into the machine without issues, but vintage or delicate tablecloths should be hand-washed. Let your tablecloths air dry on a clothesline or drying rack, and always give them an ironing before you set the table. You should always clean your tablecloths after each use, and you can store them by hanging them or folding them in a well-ventilated closet. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we can make entertaining effortless this holiday season! We know that every linen is different, so when you bring in your treasured holiday settings, we will determine the best cleaning method to make them look their best. Customers have turned to us for years to carefully handle their delicate table linens, ensuring they’re stain-free, perfectly pressed, and ready to impress. Michelle S. said she has been a satisfied customer at Janet Davis for over 20 years, and tablecloths are just one of many items she trusts us to clean. “They are very knowledgeable, skilled, and attentive to care of clothing, bedding, tablecloths and napkins, plus more,” she said. “They have always been available to talk with and kind to work with.” This year, let Janet Davis Cleaners take care of the seasonal stain prep on your holiday tablecloths and linens so you can enjoy more of what this season is all about — time with loved ones and delicious feasts. Contact us today to get your tablecloths Thanksgiving-ready!
KEEP IT CLEAN A cluttered,
disorganized, and dirty workspace will distract you no matter what. So, take a few hours
at the beginning or end of every week to clean up your area by wiping down surfaces
and putting everything in its home. A great way to make this easier is to have
organizers or trays for all your items. That way, you won’t have pens,
papers, or other items all over your desk. Additionally, keep a small trash can in your room, preferably under your desk, to prevent garbage from piling up. PERSONALIZE If you want your workspace to inspire you, it needs to reflect your goals, personality, and values. Add items to your workspace that make you smile, whether pictures of loved ones, candles with scents you enjoy, or even a few toys like your favorite action figure or Funko Pop! Another great thing to include in your workspace is a vision board outlining your future goals and desires. Looking at something to inspire and encourage you can go a long way toward accomplishing your goals. ADD COLOR Avoid the dreary blues and blacks that make up most people’s workspaces. Instead, add your favorite colors to the area through your keyboard, mousepad, and decor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add string lights to the bottom of your desk to give your workspace a colorful glow.
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AIM FOR CLEAN How to Wash and Store Your Hunting Essentials
and stay organized by storing your gear in plastic storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags. Add a box of baking soda or natural elements like pine boughs to ensure your gear doesn’t pick up smells that could blow your cover if prey catches a whiff. SAFETY FIRST Whether you clean your favorite hunting clothes yourself or take them to a professional, remember that ammunition and dryers don’t mix! Always check your pockets and game bags for ammo, and remove bullets before washing or drying your items. If they go through the wash, it could damage your clothes, machine, or bullets. If you want to focus on your aim this hunting season, let us handle the cleaning game! Contact Janet Davis Cleaners to keep your gear in top shape!
The hanger shortage is still an issue, and we will continue collecting your hangers! Instead of sending them to the landfill, let us put them to use. We offer a cardboard hanger recycling tote you can request to fill with the hangers you no longer need. It can also help you organize your closet. Thank you for all your help. THE HANGER SHORTAGE CONTINUES
Hunting season is here, and to ensure your best hunting jackets, blankets, and other gear last through years of exciting hunts, it’s crucial to wash and store them properly. From removing stubborn stains like grass and blood to checking for stray bullets before tossing them in the wash, these items need special care to keep them in top condition. Whether you’re prepping for your next hunt or packing away your gear until next season, these three tips will keep your gear clean, organized, and ready for action! HUNTING JACKETS AND BLANKETS Before washing your hunting blankets, jackets, and camo, check the care labels to see
what detergents and care your items require. There are products made for outdoor gear; if the item is waterproof, look for products specifically designed to make those materials last. Treat stubborn stains like blood, oil, grass, and rust before you wash your clothes. It’s a best practice to wash your hunting clothes as soon as possible after using them so stains and odors don’t set in. You’ll want to dry these items at the lowest setting, and if your jacket or blanket is made of wool, let it dry on the line. PROPER STORAGE Properly storing all your hunting gear when the season is over will keep it well-maintained and ready to go. You can save space
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
SUDOKU
Fennel Gratin
INGREDIENTS • 2 cups heavy cream • 2 shallots, roughly chopped • 4 garlic cloves, smashed • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper • 3 large fennel bulbs, cored and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F with one rack in the center and one about 4 inches from the heat. 2. In a small saucepan, bring cream, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, for another 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. 3. Arrange fennel wedges, slightly overlapping, in a large cast-iron skillet or broiler-safe 2-quart baking dish. Pour cream mixture over fennel. Roast on center rack until fennel is tender, about 40–50 minutes. 4. Remove skillet and increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over fennel. Broil on upper rack until top is browned, 1–4 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
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1 The Art of Letting Go (of Stuff) 2 How to Optimize Your Workspace for Success (248) 543-0340 www.janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607 Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
Make Your Seasonal Linens Look Their Best
3 Don’t Let Dirt Spoil Your Shot
Fennel Gratin
4 Curb Your Cough: Discover the Soothing Power of Hot Tea
QUELL YOUR COUGH WITH HOT TEA
EXPECTORANT EFFECTS An expectorant can lubricate your airways and thin the mucus in your respiratory system. This, in turn, makes your cough more productive, easing discomfort, expelling bacteria, and helping heal your airways more quickly. Teas containing ginger and mullein offer this benefit. OPENING AIRWAYS Some of the most popular herbal teas also help ease cold symptoms. Eucalyptus teas can help open up constricted airways, and teas containing peppermint and thyme also relieve sinus and cold symptoms. In all cases, you can amplify tea’s therapeutic benefits by adding a spoonful of honey! Honey’s throat-coating consistency soothes irritated tissues.
The rattle of coughing is the soundtrack of winter, and about 1 in 5 adults suffer from coughs during the peak cold and flu season. While coughing can signify
inflammation in airways. Licorice root also has anti-spasmodic properties that can help calm irritated tissues, and it is an ingredient in many leading tea brands, including Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, and Pukka. However, it’s best to consume licorice root tea in moderation. While the U.S. Food
serious illness, sufferers need short-term relief more often.
You should always ask a health care professional for advice when you are ill. But simpler, natural treatments for an irritating cough may be as close as your kitchen cupboard: A steaming cup of hot tea can
and Drug Administration deems licorice root safe, consuming large amounts can cause side effects, including high blood pressure.
soothe irritation in your throat and chest. As winter draws near, consider stocking your shelves with teas offering these therapeutic effects. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES Licorice root, chamomile, elderberry, and green tea are all linked to reducing
SOOTHING, LUBRICATING TEAS While mucilage may sound like the name of an old-fashioned glue, it is actually a viscous, gelatinous plant substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues. Mucilage is found in teas containing licorice root, marshmallow root, and mullein.
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