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(248) 543-0340 | janetdaviscleaners.com 27607 Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
OCTOBER 2025
Family, Folklore, and Fire-and-Ice Landscapes Our Epic 10-Day Iceland Family Adventure
It’s rare to take a trip where it feels like you saw and did everything possible. But, in the 10 days I spent with 14 family members in Iceland, that’s exactly what we did. We circled the whole country: glacier hikes, horseback riding, puffins, whales, waterfalls, underground bakeries, you name it. If it’s on a postcard or in a travel book, we probably stood in front of it. Iceland really is a land of fire and ice. One day, you’re strapping on crampons to climb a glacier, and the next you’re tasting rye bread made from the steam of a natural hot spring. Between the volcanic history, arctic wildlife, otherworldly landscapes, and friendly people, it was not like anything I have ever experienced. While most people back home were celebrating the Fourth of July lakeside, my family and I were exploring Iceland, a place my wife had traveled to for work and loved so much she wanted to return. Right away, we went on a puffin cruise where you could see the birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them. The next day, we rode Icelandic horses, unique animals with two more gaits than any other horses. I’m not a huge fan of horseback riding, but the “tolt,” a gait between a walk and a trot, was smooth even at a decent speed. When the rest of my family arrived, we had an incredible private driver and tour bus that took us around the coast. During the entire drive, there were views on
top of views, with mountains, glaciers, oceans, 100-year-old farmhouses, and impressive waterfalls. (Fun fact: Under Icelandic law, if you own the land, you own the waterfall.) Many parts of the country are scarcely populated by people, so you see horses, sheep, and cows everywhere.
The culture and people of Iceland are just as fascinating as the landscapes. We learned about the country’s equivalent of Rosie the Riveter, girls who were responsible for herring operations from the 1920s to ‘80s. We also checked out a community center with water slides for the kids and hot tubs for adults. It was inexpensive
We also went snorkeling between tectonic plates out in the glaciers in a crack about 70 feet deep and 12–15 feet wide. You had to wear full dry suits to withstand the cold, though your head and hands weren’t covered, and you could feel them go numb. The water was so clear that you could see all the way down. Nothing can quite prepare you for hiking the glaciers. In my head, I envisioned walking out across a frozen lake, but you actually had to climb a mountain to access where it was nestled. You had to wear crampons, spiky things on your feet, as the guide cut in steps. It was a serious hike that took a couple of hours to finish. Every day was an adventure, and it’s almost impossible to remember everything we saw. There was the diamond beach, where little glacier trunks sparkled like gems when the sun hit them. You could spot shooting locations for “Game of Thrones,” and visit small fishing villages. We got to see whales and porpoises up close.
and impressive how many people came together to enjoy it. We visited historical sites that told the story of when Norway attempted to claim the country as its own. That’s all just a quick snapshot of the sights we took in, and it’s hard to imagine what we would add to the itinerary if we returned. Our tour guide was terrific and had tons of historical information and folklore, as well as suggested stops to share. Whether he was showing us lava tubes created hundreds of years ago or teaching us about Yule lads, their version of Santa Claus, it made every moment interesting. Iceland is a place that leaves you full of wonder, memories, and the feeling that you’ve been somewhere extraordinary. It gave us all shared moments that will last a lifetime. –Kyle Matthews
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This time of year, we’re all looking for ways to make our homes cozier. Colder weather and fewer hours of sunlight have many of us inside more and craving indoor comforts. Coziness isn’t about square footage or designer furniture. It’s about creating a space that’s easy to live in and somewhere you want to be. And while Pinterest boards are full of staged rooms and expensive upgrades, you can make your home feel warmer without spending that much. The Secret to a Cozier Home Add Comfort Without Spending Much
Protect Your Cashmere, Wool, and Knits Before the Chill SWEATER WEATHER SURVIVAL
Pumpkin spice, leaf peeping, and the return of your favorite cozy knits: sweater weather is approaching! Though these knitted garments are a mainstay for the season, keeping them looking their best can be tricky. From stubborn piling to mysterious shrinking, the most common fabrics of this comfy wear come with their quirks and challenges. Knowing the proper care for these cold-
Start by thinking in layers. No matter how nice the furniture is, a bare room will feel cold. But drape a blanket
weather cardigans can ensure they stay vibrant and protected throughout the year. Bundle up, as we unravel why these beloved pullovers need more than a quick spin in the wash. Sweaters, knitwear, and coats are typically made from more delicate fabrics like cashmere and wool. These natural fibers are prone to clothing woes like shrinking, piling, or losing their softness and shape. Often too weak to handle a powerful cycle in the washing machine, many sweaters need to be hand-washed, dry-cleaned, or spot-treated to preserve their quality. A spilled coffee or soup stain can make it even trickier to clean your winter garments, as scrubbing or using the wrong technique can quickly turn this seasonal staple into a fabric fiasco.. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we know a solid sweater or warm coat is an investment that will keep you toasty as the cold weather hits. We are experts in cleaning your cashmeres, wools, and knits so you can continue to count on them as you enjoy all your favorite fall activities. When recent customer Tanya’s cashmere sweaters were damaged, she thought they might be ruined forever. But we were able to refresh, restore, and give them a new life. “I brought in a bunch of cashmere sweaters; some were pilling and looked horrible after the last dry cleaners I used,” she said. “I asked if this was something that could be fixed, and sure enough, my sweaters look brand new. Exceptional service and care! So happy I finally found a dry cleaner I can trust.” Don’t let sweater season catch you off guard. Bring your delicate knits and coats to Janet Davis Cleaners and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert care. We can help keep your fall wardrobe fresh, comfy, and ready for every chilly Michigan morning.
or two over the couch, toss a couple of textured pillows on the chair, and add a shaggy rug underfoot, and suddenly everything feels softer and more inviting. Texture is a shortcut to comfort, and bringing more of it into your space doesn’t cost much.
Lighting matters, too. Overhead lights often feel harsh, especially in the evening. Try switching to a floor lamp with
a soft bulb or stringing fairy lights above a reading chair. When you’re trying to make things more cozy, it’s more about glow than brightness. Indirect lighting, candles, and a shaded lamp or two can change the entire mood of a room. Scent is another layer people often overlook. Remember, coziness is as much, if not more, about what you feel as it is about what you see. A familiar scent can settle the body and mind, whether a stovetop simmer pot, an oil diffuser, or a favorite candle. It also helps to make space for the things you enjoy. If you love to read, set out a book you’ve been meaning to finish and keep a blanket nearby. If you journal or sketch, leave your notebook where it’s easy to grab. And don’t forget the other little touches, like your favorite slippers or a comfy sweater. Ultimately, coziness goes beyond a style trend. It’s a way of being more comfortable at home and doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply start with what you have and build from there.
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Grabbing your laundry pile and tossing everything into the washing machine is easy, but a one-clean- fits-all approach won’t cut it. From detailed or missing care labels to heavily embellished touches and sensitive fabrics, we’re sorting through the signs telling you to pause before you add clothes to your home machine. CARE LABELS The care label inside each garment is an essential guide to how to wash your clothes. If the instructions state your item should be dry-cleaned or hand-washed, that’s an indication that the fabric, colors, or details are too weak or delicate to withstand a powerful round in the washer. You should always follow the instructions on the tag if you want to protect your clothes. If you are unsure how to clean a piece and it’s missing the care label, that’s another convincing reason to hold off on washing it yourself. MACHINE MAYHEM Signs to Push Pause Before You Toss Clothes in the Washer
FRAGILE FABRICS Certain fabrics can be ruined more easily than others during your machine’s agitation process, even on the delicate cycle. Materials like silk, satin, lace, and chiffon can snag or shrink, and embellishments like sequins can loosen in hot water or tear. Sweaters can be tricky, especially those made of cashmere or wool, so they should be dry-cleaned or hand-washed. If you toss suede or leather into your machine, you risk getting water stains or cracks, so it’s best to hold off and spot clean or take them to a professional. UNUSUAL SIZES Oversized or tiny objects, like comforters or baby socks, should also be cleaned outside your machine, as they could damage your home equipment. Big items can be tough to get completely clean in your washer, and when you overload it, the motor can overheat and strain or damage the drum belt. Small items can obstruct hoses or vents, sometimes flooding your machine. When in doubt, avoid the machine and let us take out the guesswork. Contact Janet Davis Cleaners for expert care to protect your favorite clothes and your washer.
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
INGREDIENTS • Olive oil • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 3/4 cup flour • 2 large eggs, beaten Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets
Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com
SUDOKU
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • 1 oz ranch seasoning, store- bought (1 packet) or homemade • Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil and set aside. 2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 3. Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the eggs to the second bowl. Mix panko, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning mix in the third bowl. 4. For coating, dip seasoned chicken breasts in flour, coating both sides. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs and, finally, the panko mixture. 5. Place each coated chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. 6. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 F and is golden brown.
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1 Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates and Hiking Glaciers 2 Make Your House a Home Without Breaking the Bank (248) 543-0340 janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607 Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
Fall’s Favorite Fabrics Deserve Expert Care
3 Wash With Caution
Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets
4 Wicked Wanderlust
HAUNTED HORIZONS A Halloween Travel Trio
If your idea of fun seasonal travel is touring a spooky castle in October rather than hitting a sandy beach in July, here are three vacation ideas that will take your Halloween fun to spine-tingling new heights this year! WHERE WITCHES WANDER When it comes to Halloween-themed adventures, no other place on the East Coast offers more macabre merriment than Salem, Massachusetts. Known for its infamous witch trials of the late 1690s, the city transforms its dark past into a destination that balances historical facts with tongue-in-cheek kitsch. The weeks leading up to Oct. 31 are filled with more magic shows, tours, special events, and Halloween-themed shopping opportunities than you can shake a broom at. If you decide to partake in the area’s devilish fun this year, visit the Salem Witch Board Museum, which boasts the world’s most extensive Ouija board collection, and the Salem Witch Museum. BOURBON BONE-CHILLERS If you want to add Southern charm to your Halloween chills, a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, is in order. From above-ground
cemeteries and ghost tours to ghoulishly adorned shops in the French Quarter (including the must- visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo on Bourbon Street) and an annual Halloween parade, The Big Easy will surely put you in touch with your spooky side. DETOUR TO DRACULA’S DEN From the classic 1922 film “Nosferatu” to the Francis Ford Coppola-directed cinematic masterpiece “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” that premiered 70 years later, our cultural interest in vampires has spanned decades and, in the case of Transylvania, Romania, centuries . Anyone with a passport and a desire to catch a glimpse at the real-world aesthetic that helped define the image of Dracula and other distinctive undead characters should visit Bran Castle, an amazing monument of Gothic architecture and the long-rumored residence of infamous 15th century-era prince and mass murderer Vlad the Impaler, who is widely believed to be the real-life inspiration behind the Dracula character. While many of the legends associated with Transylvania may be more fiction than fact, the locale remains the go-to spot for anyone with an affinity for apparitions.
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