June 2006 Issue
In this months Issue:
Socks, Socks, Socks
Wedding Gowns
Trying to Save Time?
Home Laundry Tip
We all wear them and most of us have the same type of problems with them. We're always losing random ones, we can't keep them clean enough and they do tend to develop holes.
Yes, we're talking about socks. And we've got some tips to help you have a longer, happier co-existence with them.
To prevent them from disappearing into the little-understood "sock void" try pinning socks together, investing in a plastic socks holder sold in some catalogues or stores or use a clothespin (yes, you can still find them in a hardware store or discount department store). You can even try washing socks in inexpensive drawstring mesh bags...consider having a small bag for every member of your household. Mesh bags also work well for pantyhose, nylons or lingerie.
Still have the problem of finding non-matched socks? Set up an "odd sock" drawer or bag that you weed through every six months. If the "match" hasn't shown up within six months, it's time to give up.
And here's an interesting tidbit: sometimes those odd socks actually turn up in the outlet valve; they literally get sucked in there (or so says our repair person). One way to avoid this problem is to put the small items, like socks, on the bottom of the washing machine and put the heavy items on top.
Other sock problems: yellow or gray socks that used to be white. If you're tired of dingy white socks, combine the juice of half a lemon with hot water. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Or try soaking the socks in baking soda and water before washing in the machine.
When it comes to stockings, hand washing is best if you want them to last longer (plus nylon stockings dried in the dryer create mega amounts of static cling, and who needs THAT problem?) Instead, rinse nylon stockings with a regular bar of soap and line dry.
Wedding Gowns
When women and young girls picture their wedding, typically they imagine themselves in a long white dress. (Sometimes they actually see the dress in their mind before the young man, who is the main accessory to the dress!) You might think that a white wedding dress is some long-time tradition that's been valued for generations and symbolizes purity and virtue, but actually, the trend has only been popular since the 1950s here in the U.S.
It turns out that the origins of the white wedding dress can be traced back to Queen Victoria, who married Albert of Saxe in 1840 in a long white gown.
Rather than signifying purity, a long white dress initially was a symbol of wealth and extravagance, since most people could not afford to buy or make a dress that would only be worn once. So Victoria didn't exactly start a huge fashion trend and although white was still favored by the rich, most women were married in a variety of styles and colors. Later, white was seen as virginal or a symbol of childhood innocence.
The wedding dress has undergone many transformations, often reflecting the styles of the day. Coco Chanel, the famous designer, introduced a short wedding dress in the 1920s, while during the Depression, women often didn't have money for a fancy, one-time-use outfit and instead wore their "best" dress. In the World War II years, women often got married quickly before their sweethearts shipped out and didn't have time to buy a fancy dress, so they wore a suit or nice dress, if they had time. In the 1950s, however, the public became fascinated with celebrity and royal weddings, especially the marriage of movie star Grace Kelly to the Prince of Monaco. The tradition of the long white wedding gown became all the rage, and the rest is, as they say, history.
Today, white or cream-colored wedding gowns are still extremely popular, although styles vary from simple to elaborate, with embroidery, beading, lace and trim. And not every bride wears white: for example, traditional Chinese and Indian brides wear a red dress.
No matter what style wedding dress you choose, your Pressed4Time representative is your wedding dress expert. Whether you want to store your dress as a keepsake or wear it again for special occasions, we can help you preserve your memories of that special day, and that special dress.
Trying to Save Time?
One of the easiest ways to save time is to get rid of your blankets and invest in a comforter for each season. Then, when you get up in the morning, all you have to do is pull the comforter up, arrange the pillows, and you're ready for the day.
Comforters come in a variety of colors and fabrics. Most comforters are too large or bulky to wash at home or even in a commercial machine. Ask us about our great prices for cleaning comforters!
Home Laundry Tip
Worried about keeping your baby's toys, teething ring or rattle clean and sanitary? Look no further than your dishwasher! This is a great idea if your child has been ill and you want to give these items a good cleaning. Just put the items in the top rack or in the silverware basket and wash with your usual dishwasher detergent. You can also try boiling some hot water and soaking the items for a few minutes with a few drops of disinfectant soap.