January 2004 Issue
In this months Issue:

Happy New Year
A New Year’s Cleaning Kit
Time Management Tip
Home Laundry Tip

Happy New Year

At this time of year, everyone makes resolutions. They’re often about losing weight, treating people better, and exercising regularly. Here’s a twist: How about some New Year’s resolutions relating to your clothes?

Start the New Year off right by getting rid of the clothes and items that are gathering dust in your closet or in the back of your drawers!

Try your clothes on and see if they fit correctly. Whether it used to fit you or you bought it wishing it would fit you, get real…and get rid of it. After all, if you do lose weight, wouldn’t you rather have some new clothes anyway?

“But it’s my lucky shirt!” Maybe it’s the pair of pants you wore on your first day of work, or it’s your favorite T-shirt from when you were 17 years old, but if it’s just taking up space, take it out. If you just can’t bear to part with it, put it in storage somewhere!

“I know I haven’t worn it in a long time, but it’ll come back in style eventually!” Here’s our rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn it in two years, it’s time to say goodbye.

“It looked great in the store.” Also known as “It was such a fantastic bargain I couldn’t pass it up.” Everyone makes fashion mistakes, but they don’t have to haunt you forever!

“Once I have some free time, I’m going to take that to be fixed.” Missing buttons, pants or sleeves that need to be hemmed, broken zippers…resolve today to stop procrastinating and get this stuff fixed. Bring those items to us and we’ll be glad to take care of them.

One final note: please don’t just throw out clothing that could be used by someone less fortunate. There are many organizations that would love to have your discards. Feel good about yourself and be sure to donate your used items to the charity of your choice.


A New Year’s Cleaning Kit

Looking to give someone a great “new home” or apartment gift? Create a “laundry emergency” basket or bucket! Using a large basket or bucket, add an old butter knife (to scrape off stains) and two or three white terrycloth towels (nope, they don’t need to be new!). Add in an off-the-shelf cleaning solution like Shout or Zout, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide (3% solution is best) and some diluted chlorine bleach (you can make this yourself in a small plastic bottle or container).

All of these items will come in handy when dealing with everyday laundry problems. And you don’t have to wait for a special occasion… you can always put together a basket like this as a present to yourself!!


Time Management Tip

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to get along better with others, particularly co-workers. When you work with other people, what you say and how you say it makes a big difference in getting the job done.

How many times has someone asked you, “Do you understand?” or “Are we all set with this, then?” Your first impulse (like most people) is to say “yes” even if you don’t completely understand the assignment or the task. Here are some tips to help you achieve your New Year’s resolution of better communication:

Keep it simple. Don’t use bigger words than necessary. Avoid jargon and use familiar words.

Be concise. Keep it short and sweet. Use as few words as possible.

Be direct. Say what you mean and ask for what you want. Use specific language and avoid assumptions. If you have a deadline, state it clearly and make sure everyone knows it.


Home Laundry Tip

Now that most of the holiday parties are over, it’s time to think about cleaning all those fancy outfits. Yes, you can actually wash beaded and sequined dresses and blouses at home. First, check the label! Many beaded outfits carry labels that say “spot clean only.” If this is the case, use a little (and we mean a little!) club soda and then use a hairdryer to dry the spot quickly so you won’t get a “moisture ring.”

If the item says it can be washed at home, button all the buttons and turn the clothes inside out. Set the machine on the gentle cycle and wash for approximately two to three minutes in cold water. Be sure to use mild detergent. If the item says it can be handwashed, you can use mild detergent or even try a little shampoo. Be sure to use cold water. No matter what, always air dry by hanging or lying the item flat. Never dry these items in the dryer.