December 2003 Issue
In this months Issue:
Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season
Cuddle Up With a Warm Comforter
Give a Gift Thats Truly Special
Home Laundry Tip
Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season
What a wonderful opportunity for us to thank you, our customers, for your loyalty and trust in us. We appreciate your support and will continue to work hard and provide you with quality, dependable service.
Too often during the year, we are all so busy that we dont appreciate what really counts: family and friends. No matter how pressed for time you are, be sure to make time for the important people in your life.
We wish you, your family and co-workers much happiness and joy, not only during the holiday season, but also in the coming year ahead.
Cuddle Up With a Warm Comforter
The holidays this month keep us busy with family and professional obligations. January, however, is traditionally the time of new beginnings. Its also the time for white sales! Thats right, many retailers pinpoint January as the time for sales of bedding and linens. Why not take advantage of these great buys next month by purchasing a new blanket or comforter? Its not too early to start planning.
For years, people slept under blankets. Nowadays, comforters are also popular for a more casual, layered look (plus its easier to make the bed!). With normal use and good care, a quality comforter can last for years. You can purchase a plain one and a comforter cover, called a duvet, or a comforter with a pattern. If you do purchase a patterned comforter, watch out for stains. Many comforters say they are washable, but theyre often so large and bulky that they cant fit into regular-sized washing machines and need professional cleaning care.
For warmth and long wear, choose down. Many quality comforters also use materials like silk, wool and cotton.
When purchasing a comforter, consider how warm you want to be at night, since comforters come in a variety of designations. The so-called fill power ranges from 400-550 for moderately priced comforters to 600-700 for luxury versions. The most versatile comforters are light and moderate weights. Also, consider the thread count: look for at least 230 threads per inch for a smoother and softer fabric.
Construction of the comforter is important to consider, too. There are three different stitch types: karo stitch, which looks like open-sided diamonds and lets the stuffing shift a little; ring stitch, which allows the stuffing to move a little more; and square stitch, which holds the filler in place. Larger squares allow more stuffing to be used, which means a warmer comforter. Thats why many people look for square stitching when they buy a comforter.
Last but not least, consider the size. Traditional comforters are made according to standard size mattresses and may not drop down more than 12 or so inches on each side. If you prefer a comforter to drop down more (especially if you share the bed with someone who hogs the covers!), you might want to purchase one size larger (a king size comforter for a queen size bed, for example) or one of the new, supersize comforters that are now available.
Give a Gift Thats Truly Special
If youve been trying to figure out what youre going to get everyone on your to buy list this holiday season, weve got a simple solution.
Gift certificates or gift cards are wonderful because they allow the recipient to pick out something they really want, plus you dont have to worry about size or color! Also, at this time of year when time seems so short and the lines seem so long, gift certificates or cards can truly streamline your gift-buying task.
You can purchase gift certificates or gift cards online or at retail locations; some malls even offer gift certificates good at any store there. Gift certificates for items like toys, candy, sporting goods and even new bath towels are always wonderful and thoughtful. You can also purchase health club or spa certificates, hotel or motel getaway certificates, or even restaurant gift certificates. Nowadays, you can even purchase gift cards for the supermarket, post office, or telephone company.
Heres one gift certificate idea thats sure to be s winner: gift certificates from Pressed4Time. Its a gift that will truly be appreciated by friends and family. Just ask us, and well provide you with more information about our gift certificate options.
Home Laundry Tip
Company is coming for the holidays, and your shower curtain is looking pretty dingy. Is there any way to clean it up, or must you purchase a new one? Before you toss your plastic shower curtain because of unsightly soap scum or dirt, try this: take it down, remove the plastic rings or clips, and wash the curtain in the washing machine with a couple of old, light-colored towels. Add about 1 and 1/3 cups of white vinegar and your regular detergent, fill the washer with warm water, and use the gentle cycle. Take the curtain out right away and hang it up. If mold or mildew is your problem, just replace the white vinegar with the same amount of liquid chlorine bleach and follow the directions.