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“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Dry Cleaning News
(248) 543-0340 | janetdaviscleaners.com 27607 Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
DECEMBER 2025
When it started to die, I talked my mom into upgrading it from 100 megahertz to 133. And I had the world’s biggest heart attack a middle schooler could when it didn’t work. My mom said, “Since you broke it, you might as well fix it.” It ended up just being a bad part, and my first taste of building a computer. A couple of years later, we lost all our family photos to a bad tech support repair; they simply reinstalled Windows without backing up any images, which was our whole issue. I decided I would get good at computers so we never had to deal with that again, and my skills took off. By the time I got to college, laptops existed, but they were pretty clunky, big, and barely held a battery charge. My parents agreed to let me take the budget they were going to spend on a computer for me to build my own. My dad referred to my creation as the “Pentagon computer.” It was top of the line with the second-fastest processor out there, and I specced everything out to the max. I had a cable from my computer to the TV so we could watch DVDs or videos we downloaded from the internet, which was pretty novel back then. I had one of the first flat screens and couldn’t stop there. I built a water cooling system from parts I bought at the hardware store, which you can order from Dell now with the push of a button. I got my first six stitches building that thing, but it was an incredible experience to create that machine all on my own. After that, I built computers for everyone. Technology is everywhere today, even in the world of dry cleaning. Though you don’t have to build your own Pentagon computer like me, if I could share one piece of tech wisdom, it would be this: Don’t be scared of computers. Unless you’re using a CD tray as a cup holder, computers are actually really hard to break. As computers become more intelligent with AI, we all have to work on our questioning and statement skills. Technology and AI aren’t going away, and you may as well embrace them and figure out the best ways to use them before deciding it’s not for you. And if you do break it, you can always figure out how to fix it and maybe get a couple stitches in the process. –Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340
THE MAKING OF A COMPUTER GUY
When my grandma’s older brother got his first car, a Ford Model A, his dad made him take apart the whole engine and put it back together before he could drive it. With all the sensors and new tech, if you asked someone to do that today, they wouldn’t be able to. Computers aren’t that much different. My generation falls into a sweet spot with them that is likened to the skillsets people in the ‘50s had with cars. Those before me didn’t have much hands-on know-how, and those after me grew up in a world where computers have nannies and safeguards on them, making it difficult to tinker with them. I grew up at the perfect time, with enough chances to break computers that I learned to fix, rebuild, and upgrade them. Dec. 7–13 is Computer Science Education Week, and looking back at my long personal history with computers, I realize that many people never had the opportunity to develop the same abilities due to the ebb and flow of technology. My first computer was a thirdhand Apple IIe. It was basically a black-and-green screen with a keyboard that used a floppy disk to boot up. Flash forward a few years, and we got a compact computer with Windows 3.1, a predecessor to the well-known Windows 95.
Home Design That Flows
THE SECRET TO SPARKLING EVENING GOWNS The Power of the Curve Shine Bright This Season
Ever notice how some spaces feel better than others? You can walk into a room and instantly feel more relaxed, even if it’s unclear why. It turns out that a room’s shape might have more to do with that than the furniture inside. Lately, curved architecture is trending in residential home design, and one of the main reasons is the positive shift in mood these curves bring to a space. Studies show that people prefer curves and rounded edges to hard angles. It makes sense when you think about it. Nature is full of curves. You see them everywhere: tree canopies, rolling hills, river stones, and even our bodies. Familiar forms put our minds at ease. Some research links curved spaces to reduced stress, a feeling of safety, and a boost in mood. In home design, curves promote good flow and soften transitions between spaces. And builders today have more ways to bring rounded elements into a home. CNC machines, 3-D printers, and new drywall framing systems make creating soft-edged interior spaces and design elements easier and more affordable. But you don’t have to renovate your house to bring in the curve. You can ease into it. A round mirror in the hallway changes the way light bounces. A lamp with a soft arc can pull a corner together. Swap out a square coffee table for a circular one, and suddenly the flow of a room changes. If you are remodeling, consider an arched pass-through between the kitchen and dining room or a rounded edge on the kitchen island. Built-ins with curved shelving or banquette seating can soften a space without taking over the entire layout. What matters most is how your eye travels. Curves can guide you through a room, and simply adding a few to your home’s layout can change how it looks and feels. That’s a design choice we can all get behind.
The holiday season means a calendar filled with festive office parties, New Year’s galas, seasonal soirées, and fancy dinners. But before you slip into your evening gown or cocktail dress, you must ensure it’s photo-ready. With delicate details and fabrics that require specific washing techniques, it’s crucial to check the care label so your party outfit sparkles throughout the season. Get ready to celebrate in style. Evening gowns and other formal dresses often feature embellishments like lace, beading, or sequins, which can become loose or damaged easily. Because of this, many gowns need professional dry cleaning to ensure every detail stays pristine. The fabrics of choice for these garments also need gentle treatment. Silk, satin, and chiffon can snag, fade, or lose their airy quality if they are cleaned improperly. With all the champagne and tasty food at a party, accidents can happen. If something spills on your gown, it’s best to try to tackle it right away. Blot the stain with a napkin (no water, hairspray, or alcohol), being careful not to rub, as this can press the stain deeper into the fabric. For spots that have already set, a professional cleaner can ensure the proper methods are used to remove them. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we’ve been making special gowns shine for years, no matter their shape, style, or age. We will thoroughly inspect your dress to choose the best method to clean it safely and pretreat it if there are any stains. One of our recent customers had a stubborn spot on her gown that she couldn’t safely remove on her own. We were able to refresh it and get it ready for a night out again. “I had a great experience at Janet Davis Cleaners,” she said. “I took an evening dress to remove a sunscreen stain, which is very hard to clean if you’re trying to do it DIY at home. They did a great job removing it, and the dry-cleaning work was perfectly done.” No matter what festive celebration you’re attending this season, we can help your gown sparkle in every photo and memory. Contact us today and let Janet Davis Cleaners take care of your holiday wardrobe before the big event.
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THE HISTORY BEHIND YOUR FAVORITE PULLOVERS
Every winter, we instinctively reach for our favorite pullovers and hoodies, but have you ever wondered how these cozy staples came to be? From rugged cloaks that braved ancient times to eco-friendly knits today, the story of coats and sweaters is woven through time, style, and innovation. Our outerwear has come a long way over history, evolving from purely protective to stylishly warm. Let’s travel back a stitch in time and explore the evolution of winter wear. KNIT TO SURVIVE Before they made any fashion statements, sweaters and coats served a functional purpose: protecting early humans from the elements. Examples of historical outerwear date back to ancient times. Leopard skin cloaks have appeared in depictions of Egyptian priests from the eighteenth dynasty, and ancient Greeks wore fabric rectangles called himations over their tunics to stay warm. In the Middle Ages, the first tailored outer tunics, called cotes, grew in popularity, foreshadowing the modern coats we know today. TAILORED THREADS TAKE OVER From the 18th to the 19th century, tailoring became more refined, and the Industrial Revolution helped mass produce sweaters and
coats, making them more commonplace. New textiles became available, and the knitting machine was invented, making these garments more readily available and affordable. Athletes, soldiers, and outdoor workers started wearing them commonly. There was a significant shift from people making all their clothes to purchasing them during this era. CASUAL RULES THE 20TH CENTURY By the 20th century, outerwear was an essential wardrobe item and a casual statement piece. Military uniforms inspired popular styles like trench coats, and designers began experimenting with knits. In the 1920s, Chanel introduced knitwear into women’s fashion, and by the ‘30s and ‘40s, sweaters, like V-necks, became staples of Hollywood stars. Film and culture would continue to inspire outerwear from the 1950s to the 1990s, where we saw the rise of styles like leather jackets, preppy knits, and hip-hop sportswear. This is when sweaters officially become about style and personality, not just warmth. Your favorite sweaters and coats took centuries of style and evolution to make it to your closet. If you want to preserve them for years, contact us at Janet Davis Cleaners.
DIRECTIONS 1. With a pestle and mortar,
crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together.
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
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
2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract.
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef • • Gravy • 4 tbsp flour • 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring,
and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
3 (248) 543-0340
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(248) 543-0340 janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607 Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
1 What Tinkering Taught Me About Tech 2 A Softer Approach to Modern Living
Professional Care for a Picture-Perfect Look
3 Cozy Through the Ages
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
4 3 Train Trips to Take Today
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A EUPHORIC EUROPEAN ESCAPE While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s-era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A SYMPHONY OF SWISS SCENES For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest Tracks and Treasures Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding
express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. AN ALASKAN ADVENTURE If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing.
The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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