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“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Dry Cleaning News
(248) 543-0340 | www.janetdaviscleaners.com 27607 Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
SEPTEMBER 2024
resist tinkering with. I had to modify all my past cars. I remember the 2005 Mustang GT I bought new after college. I changed the manual shifter, added a better air filter, and did everything I could within my budget to improve my ride. I learned how to build and rebuild equipment by breaking things. The most aggressive project I ever did was a computer for my wife after we first got married. We got the best $200 computer we could find. I had big plans for it. I upgraded the basic processor to the same one they put in MacBook Pros. I just scoured eBay for good deals, and suddenly, this slow computer was faster than the MacBook of that year. There was some serious disassembly with that one. My skills have come in handy over the years at Janet Davis Cleaners. I was able to wire our entire network and upgrade the RAM and hard disks on most of our computers. By doing it myself, I can save money and have better functionality. When things break, I can troubleshoot them and rarely worry about hiring someone to fix them. To anyone interested in tinkering and building better bikes or computers, you just have to start breaking things. If you have something that is broken, whatever it may be, figure out how to fix it. As for me, there will always be this oh-no moment in every project, whether big or small, where I say, “I’ve ruined it.” There will always be a moment of “I should have just left this thing alone.” But, I always find myself on the next project, tearing apart a perfectly good thing yet again. –Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340
A Tinkerer’s Tale
The Joy of Rebuilding Everything I Can Get My Hands On
Back in elementary school, my parents got us a used Apple IIe computer, and I was always looking for ways to improve it. There wasn’t too much we could do with that model, but when we got our first PC, there were upgrade kits you could buy to amp the processor up in megahertz. I guess you could say I got the bug because tinkering with things and improving them has been my favorite pastime ever since. September has multiple holidays dedicated to hobbies, like National Collect Rocks Day. So, I wanted to share a little about my unusual hobby of building computers, bikes, cars, and anything else I can get my hands on. After those early computer projects, when my parents told me to pick out a computer for college, I asked, “How about you give me a budget to build one?” That was the first time I finally got to go all out on a computer build. I wasn’t satisfied picking out the best parts and putting them together. I had to take it to the next level. I water-cooled it, and as I cut the tubes for the water cooling, I also earned my first
stitches. My parents did help me with that project by driving me to urgent care.
In college, I earned the nickname of Nick Burns, the company computer guy in a Saturday Night Live skit who would come in and just be ornery as he fixed employees’ technical problems. While I didn’t have the same attitude as Jimmy Fallon’s character, I became my friends’ go-to for campus computer fixes. I never charged anything, but I always accepted a proper beer donation. My passion for taking things apart and rebuilding them extends past computers. In 2021, I got a bike, and the seller did a great job hiding some maintenance problems. I had to replace a couple of parts, but of course, I was already trying to figure out how to improve it. Flash forward, and three years later, I upgraded the shifter, derailleur, gears, and just about every other component to create a faster, better ride.
I can’t leave my cars alone either, except my current one, which I have managed to
After a great camping trip, you may want to hold onto the memories for a lifetime, but the last thing you want is for the memories of campfire smoke to linger in your sleeping bags. Keeping your sleeping bags and pillows clean and fresh can be a game-changer for a good night’s sleep on outdoor adventures. Say goodbye to musty smells and stubborn stains as we reveal expert tips that make maintaining these essentials a breeze. SPOT CLEAN As long as your sleeping bag isn’t completely soiled or dirty, a spot cleaning is enough to freshen it up. You can make a paste from non-detergent soap and water and use a toothbrush to scrub the shell or exterior of the bag gently. The main areas that need attention are the hood and collar, where oils from the skin and hair accumulate. You can also spot clean pillows by blotting the affected area with a clean cloth or sponge in soapy water. WASH If your sleeping bag has darkened and needs a full clean, you can either wash it in the laundry machine or hand wash it. Make sure to use a gentle soap designed for materials like down and synthetic- filled items. Check the washing instructions and follow them as closely as possible. If you are using a machine, it needs to be large enough to allow the bag enough room to tumble. Aim to machine wash your pillows on a delicate cycle every three months. The Ultimate Guide to Fresh Sleeping Bags and Pillows FROM CAMPFIRE TO CLEAN
Everyone deserves a little pampering, but you don’t have to make an expensive trip to the spa to treat yourself! With a bit of creativity, you can transform even the smallest bathroom into a personal oasis without straining your budget. Get ready to relax with an at-home spa day using these cheap bathroom decorating hacks. Spa Day on a Dime Easy Hacks to Turn Your Bathroom Into a Serene Escape
ADD PLANTS
Bring life to the space by adding fresh plants or
flowers. Plants bring in natural elements and a serene feel while also cleaning the air in your bathroom. To maximize limited space in a small bathroom, hang plants from the ceiling or use ledges. This is an easy and
inexpensive addition that instantly elevates the room.
USE MATCHING BOTTLES Keeping things clean and cohesive is the key to creating a soothing salon feel in your bathroom. Find attractive, matching bottles to hold your shampoo, body wash, and other beauty care products, then create beautiful labels for them. You can go further and store your mouthwash in a glass decanter. DECORATE YOUR TUB If you have a bath, turn it into a luxury experience by adding a chic wooden bath tray or caddy. Load the tray with your favorite beauty products, soaps, candles, and a favorite book. These are small and compact, so you can leave them displayed while not in use or stow them away until you’re ready for a soak. You can also add a bath mat to the tub for a splash of color, texture, and comfort. SPRUCE UP SHOWER CURTAINS The shower can dominate the space in a small bathroom, so make your shower curtains an eye-catching focal point. Use curtains that feature soft colors, a cool design, or interesting textures. You can also use two curtain panels instead of one to highlight the shower fixtures and frames. With these budget-friendly tips, your bathroom will look so good that you’ll enjoy pampering yourself under your own roof. Creativity and design can go a long way in creating an at-home spa without spending a fortune. Go ahead, treat yourself!
DRY If you’re drying your sleeping bag in a machine, use low heat, as high heat can cause the materials to melt. You can add two or three wool balls or tennis balls to the dryer to help the process along. Alternatively, you can lay a wet sleeping bag outside in the sun or shade to air dry it. Air drying is best for pillows, and you should ensure they are completely dry before replacing the pillowcases.
With these simple yet effective cleaning tips, you can ensure your sleeping bags and pillows remain fresh and ready for your next adventure. Regular maintenance extends the life of your gear and enhances your comfort, whether you’re under the stars or snuggled in your bed at home.
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REST EASY WITH FRESH, FLUFFY BEDDING How to Make Your Bedspread and Shams Look Brand New
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
You can transform your bed into your comfy oasis with beautiful comforters and decorative pillows, but if you don’t properly wash them, your sleep sanctuary can turn into a nightmare! Using the right techniques to clean your favorite bedspreads and shams can make all the difference in making a relaxing space for your family or guests. So, whether you’re tackling stubborn stains or just giving your bedding a seasonal pick-me-up, remember these expert tips to keep your bedding looking fresh and luxurious. Some of the biggest challenges when washing bedding are the fabrics used and decorative details like lace, quilting, or applique embellishments. Check your items for care instructions to avoid damaging the fabric or fading the colors. You can hand wash or machine wash bedspreads and shams, but opt for a gentle detergent. If your pillow shams do have decorative elements, it’s best to hand wash them so you don’t damage them. High heat can also harm bedding, so use cold water and keep a low-intensity cycle on your machine.
At Janet Davis Cleaners, we can help you lay down your head at night without a worry! We offer cleaning services for your coziest bedding items so you can focus on catching some restful zzzs. We take extra care of comforters and bedspreads with the most modern technology and professional detergents so they maintain their colors and quality. Your pillows will be cleaned, fluffed, and deodorized to eliminate oil, dust, or allergens.
Our customer Kathleen Bolio turned to us when she was preparing her guest room for company:
“I’m expecting out-of-town company in a couple of days and wanted to have my quilted bedspread and shams washed. I was so hoping they could be done by the time the guests arrived, and they were! They turned out beautifully! Thank you so much.” Let us help you drift off to dreamland with fresh, comfy bedding! Contact Janet Davis Cleaners at 248-543-0340 today to start snoozing in style.
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
SUDOKU
This comforting dish, packed with seasonal flavors, is perfect when the weather starts to get chilly.
INGREDIENTS • 2 apples • 1 fennel bulb • 8 raw, flavored sausages • 2 red onions cut into wedges • 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp honey • 2–3 oz dry white wine
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into six wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
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1 My Love for Building Better Bikes, Cars, and Computers 2 Budget-Friendly Bathroom Bliss (248) 543-0340 www.janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607 Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
Say Goodbye to Musty Camping Gear
3 Discover How to Keep Your Bedding Beautifully Clean and Cozy
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
4 Family Fun at the Tailgate
SCORE BIG WITH KID-FRIENDLY TAILGATES
PLAN A FEW DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. Your kids will get bored if there’s nothing to do at the tailgate besides listening to pregame coverage and talking to others. Invest in cornhole boards or other games, and see if someone in your group is comfortable with face painting. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but having a few kid-friendly activities prepared will keep boredom at bay.
Football season is underway, and many Americans will start spending their Saturdays and Sundays tailgating in stadium parking lots. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to an NFL or college game; tailgating is a great way to spend time with your friends and family before the big game. While many tailgates consist of adult activities like drinking alcohol and blasting loud music, many prefer to make it a family affair.
ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THEIR TEAM.
If you plan to have kids at your tailgate, you need to ensure they have everything they need to have fun. Here are a few ways you can help your kids make the most of their day at the tailgate!
Whether you’re a fan of the home or away team, you and your kids should wear the right colors to show your support. Let your kids pick out a shirt, jersey, hat, or other team-affiliated apparel to help them get involved.
BRING KID-FRIENDLY SNACKS AND DRINKS. The average tailgate lasts a few hours, and most people enjoy at least one meal during that time frame. While most tailgate foods are simple appetizers and easy-to-make dishes, ask your kids or any kids attending if they want anything specific. Fill one of your coolers with sliced fruit and juice boxes to ensure your kids have a healthy food option and child-friendly drinks.
Finally, don’t forget about your child’s need for a nap. Be sure to bring pillows and a blanket for them, and set up a comfortable spot for them to rest when needed. Doing so will allow everyone to enjoy the upcoming game to the fullest.
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