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“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Dry Cleaning News
(248) 543-0340 | www.janetdaviscleaners.com 27607Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072 | 3645 Maple Rd., Bloomfield, MI 48301
MARCH 2018
THE BEST OF BOTHWORLDS
all completed some level of higher education. In fact, my great-great- grandfather was the dean of a junior college in Sweden. You could say the bar was set high for my siblings and me before we were even born. My Parents Are My Role Models
My mom is data-driven, and she is the most organized person I know. Her job is perfect for the level of organization she lives by, which is why she has been so successful in her field. When I was growing up, she always told me that there is a place for everything and everything has its place.
My parents have always modeled a loving, healthy relationship for my siblings and me.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, my dad follows his gut. He can function in a world where things are slightly messy. As you can imagine, my parents drive each other crazy sometimes. However, both of my parents are successful in their methods, and they balance each other out beautifully. When I think about my own work style, I have to laugh. I inherited attributes from both of my parents, but if you asked either of them independently, each would tell you I’m exactly like the other. My dad has been working in the dry cleaning industry since before he could even drive, and he is the hardest-working person I know. No matter what he’s doing, whether he’s at home or at work, he puts everything he has into the task at hand. He’s always been that way. My dad is also the best technical dry cleaner I have ever met; he probably has forgotten more this afternoon than most people will ever know. My parents have been married since 1981. They truly love each other, and they’ve modeled for me for as long as I can remember what it means to be a good spouse and parent. I am truly thankful for everything they have done for me and for the example they continue to set.
My parents met at Western Michigan University. They didn’t start dating until after graduation. A few years after getting married, they had me, followed by my brother and sister (who are fraternal twins). My parents aren’t retired yet, but they do spend their free time during the summers golfing and water skiing. Meanwhile, in the winter, they love to go snow skiing. My maternal grandmother actually lives with my parents, so she gets to see her great-granddaughters a lot more often than when she lived on her own. My parents have always modeled a loving, healthy relationship for my siblings and me. As I’ve became an adult myself, I realized they couldn’t be more different. My mom is the controller at a large fire-suppression company. The company she works for creates and installs large sprinkler systems for manufacturing plants and more sophisticated systems for the computer rooms of companies of all types.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
–Kyle Matthews
With “only” a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she is actually the least-educated member of her family. Her other three siblings have
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Finding the perfect babysitter can be daunting. But as most parents know, sitters are a necessity. Here are some tips to help you find the best sitter for your family. HOW TO FIND THE FOR YOUR FAMILY
Many people turn to family friends or neighbors to find a trusted sitter, but searching for a candidate online is also a great option. No matter where you look, you should start by creating a short list of potential caregivers and screening them for your family’s needs. Review their experience, education, certifications, and hourly rate. If you have online candidates, you can read parent reviews
JANET DAVIS CLEANERS’ 3 RESPONSIBLE CLEANING METHODS
Did you know we can dry clean your “dry clean only” garments utilizing any of our three unique methods? Each of them have different advantages, and with the three, we are able to clean a wide range of spots and stains off a wide range of garments and materials. The first method involves our traditional dry cleaning machine. Although we have the latest-generation machine, we’ve used this basic process for a long time. Garments enter and exit the machine dry so that no solvents are released into the air. The solvent is distilled for purity after each load, and the discharge is sent to a registered recycling facility. The machine also sits on top of a tray so that any leaks will be properly contained. We’ve taken the method that is still the best available for consistently removing spots and stains and use it in the most responsible way possible. The second method makes use of a brand-new dry cleaning machine, the Union HL-860. We’ve paired this new machine with a synthetic hydrocarbon solvent called DF-2000 made specifically for dry cleaning. This combination retains all of the features of our more traditional dry cleaning machine (and process), but it’s even more gentle on your garments and is considered more eco-friendly. Plus, it increases the range of delicate fabrics my team is able to clean — it’s great with beaded silk items, for instance. Finally, we are proud to have been on the leading edge of professional wet cleaning —not to be confused with washing. While delicate fabrics, such as wool and silk, would normally be damaged when they are cleaned in water, advances in technology have made it so that damage can be avoided with the right additives, proper equipment, and the right programming. This professional wet cleaning capability allows our team to clean more spots and stains out of an even greater range of materials and fabrics. The best part about this method is that it is considered to be the most environmentally friendly cleaning option, and everything has been certified to be 100 percent safe to go down the drain. With these three distinct technologies, Janet Davis Cleaners can better serve our customers by getting more things clean while also protecting the environment.
to get a better idea of a sitter’s performance and
personality. Make sure to run a basic background check on each candidate.
Next, check out your potential sitter’s references. Online profiles almost always require them, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Call their references and check your sitter’s other social media profiles to learn more about their personality and hobbies. Finally, run an enhanced background check through your local police department or through a private online service. Once you have compiled a list of candidates, it’s time to conduct interviews. When communicating with candidates you don’t know, remember not to give out too much personal information. Set up phone interviews for the first round, and if you like the candidate, set up an in-person interview in a public place. Your questions should be geared toward your lifestyle and the expectations you have for a sitter. Make sure you’re on the same page about job specifics, discipline, and responsibilities. If you’re still sold on the candidate after the in-person interview, consider introducing them to your kids to get their opinion on the sitter. Once you’ve decided on the perfect babysitter, make sure to monitor the relationship and ask your sitter and child open and upfront questions after every session. The most important thing to remember is that your sitter must be compatible with the needs of your family. Sometimes, you learn that a perfect candidate is not the right fit for your family. But that’s okay! Once you’ve gone through the process once, finding another sitter will be a breeze.
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Dry Cleaning
YOUR MENSWEAR
Dry cleaning your clothes has several benefits, including saving you time and improving your attire. Here are four tips to remember when taking care of your menswear. TAKE YOUR SUIT TO THE CLEANERS WHEN IT’S DIRTY Choosing to dry clean instead of washing at home will keep your expensive suits in perfect condition. Even if you don’t wear your suits often, dry cleaning will keep them in pristine shape so they are always ready for the next special occasion. PRESERVE YOUR SUIT This may come as no surprise, but taking good care of your menswear means you won’t have to take it to the cleaners as often. Some people wear suits twice a week, while others wear them twice a year. No matter how frequently you wear yours, make sure you clean and store it properly to preserve its integrity. You can protect your menswear from damage between cleanings by investing in a steamer to lightly extract wrinkles, storing your suit in a garment bag, switching between suits if you wear them regularly, and hanging your suits on wooden hangers.
IMPROVE YOUR LOOK AND CONFIDENCE According to the Journal of Experimental Psychology, research has shown that wearing a suit can improve a man’s confidence. Clothing not only influences how you look, it can also influence how you feel on the inside. Dry cleaning your menswear prevents fabric wrinkles and maintains the suit’s pristine shape. POINT OUT STAINS This is an important step in the dry cleaning process. If you don’t point out stains to your dry cleaner, your suit may not receive the best possible treatment. If your cleaner knows a stain exists, they will take the appropriate steps to remove it.
Protecting your suit doesn’t have to be a pain. Follow these steps to make your menswear last a lifetime.
SUDOKU
This simple and delicious one-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight. It only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on work, but will taste like you spent all day building flavors. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s sure to delight eaters of all ages. BRAISED CHICKEN and Spring Vegetables
INGREDIENTS
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4 large carrots, cut into sticks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon sugar
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8 small bone-in chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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Salt and pepper
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12 radishes, halved
DIRECTIONS
broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. 4. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15– 20 minutes. Finish with chives.
1. Heat olive oil in a large
saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6–7 minutes per side. 3. Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat. Add
Recipe inspired by Real Simple
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(248) 543-0340 www.janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
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My Parents: The Best of Both Worlds
Finding the Perfect Babysitter
Our 3 Distinct Cleaning Technologies
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Facts About Dry Cleaning Menswear
Braised Chicken and Spring Vegetables
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The 3 Best Places to See Beautiful Flowers
Earth’s Most Beautiful
FLOWER DISPLAYS
Spring is here, which means flora will soon be in full bloom. Flowers can be an easy pick-me-up or a great way to add color to your home, but some people take their flower obsession to the next level by planning botanical-themed vacations. Here are some of the most impressive gardens and flower displays in the world. THE NETHERLANDS Holland, most famous for its tulips, always draws visitors at the first sign of spring. One of its most famous destinations, Keukenhof, located in Lisse, is among the world’s largest flower gardens. The park is 79 acres and boasts approximately 7 million flowers each year. This colorful garden is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, but mid-April is the ideal time to see the tulips. WASHINGTON, D.C. Besides the monuments and historic buildings, one of the biggest attractions in Washington, D.C. is the cherry tree blossoms. Travelers who visit the Tidal Basin during the spring can witness 3,000 trees, which were a gift from Tokyo in 1912, flaunt their beautiful pink blossoms. The best time to see the spectacle is from the end of March through the end of April.
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK Desert lavender, flowering cacti, pygmy poppies, and rock daisies are just a few of the many wildflowers decorating Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The various native species are often seen weaved together to form a colorful carpet over any barren patch in the park, which is located just two hours from San Diego. In addition to flowers, visitors often spot bighorn sheep. Wildflower blossoms vary in intensity each year, but they typically begin to bloom in late February or early March.
Next time you’re planning a spring trip, consider visiting one of the world’s most beautiful flower displays. No green thumb required.
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