November 2009 Issue
In this months Issue:
Winter Shoe and Boot Care
Pressed4Time Money-Saving Tip:
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip
Why Should You Worry About Bedbugs?
At this time of year, the weather can really take a toll on shoes and boots, especially in climates that receive a great deal of snow or rain. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way!
*Waterproof your boots before you wear them. This will protect them from the elements. Be sure to check labels and use the waterproofing product that's recommended. Products with silicone are usually best for synthetic materials, while oil-based products are best for leather. Of course, don't use either type of cleaner on suede or nubuck footwear. There are specific products available for these types of footwear as well.
*Nothing can feel as chilly as putting your dry feet into damp winter boots. Before putting your boots on, you can warm and dry them by simply using your hair dryer. Undo any zippers or laces and place the nozzle of the hair dryer in the top of each boot for about five minutes. They'll be toasty and dry in no time!
*Salt often appears as a white line on boots and shoes. Keep a rag that has been coated with petroleum jelly in a sealed plastic container near your boot rack. Every time you leave the house or come back, give the boots a quick rub with the cloth. Not only will this get rid of any salt marks, it will also preserve the leather. Another way to get rid of salt marks is to sponge on a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water and then wipe dry. When the leather is almost dry, apply a little bit of leather conditioner. Salt can stain boots and shoes and weaken the fabric, so don't let salt remain on footwear for long.
*Muddy shoes can be a mess. Let the shoes or boots air-dry, away from direct heat or the sun. Go outside, or hold them over a garbage can, and bang them together to get some of the dirt off. Then use a nylon brush to remove the rest of the dirt and wipe with a damp cloth.
Pressed4Time Money-Saving Tip:
As the fall season wanes and the winter holidays approach, many folks are busy trying to find appropriate gifts for friends and family. And nowadays, appropriate also means gifts that are less expensive yet meaningful. We have a few suggestions to help you buy presents that will be appreciated, but won't break your budget!
*Consider homemade or hand-made gifts. A gift basket could contain cookies, special sauces or mustards, favorite recipes or even dried fruit or pretzels dipped in chocolate. Children can decorate inexpensive picture frames or photo albums and then draw a special picture or place a special photo within; purchase a plant and then decorate a small pot. Knit, sew, or crochet items. Check out a local crafts store for more ideas&even if you're not artistically gifted, there are many options.
*Gloves, hats and scarves are always welcome gifts.
*Decorate a small tote bag and then fill it with books, small toys or games, travel-size items or hair accessories.
*Homemade gift cards are wonderful: give the gift of your time. Offer to baby-sit, teach a skill, make a meal or give a ride.
One type of money-saving gift that we don't recommend: the so-called practice of re-gifting. If you've received a gift that you didn't like, couldn't use or didn't return, is it ever acceptable to give that gift to someone else? Yes and no.
If the gift is in its original condition/box or wrapping; was never used and is free of any gift notes from the previous giver, it can be given to someone else. Do not re-gift food items or anything that could spoil or go bad, and be prepared if the recipient asks to return it or wants to know where you got it! Instead, we recommend either returning the gift and purchasing something more to your liking (if it won't offend the giver), offering it to a friend with full disclosure ( I got this gift and it doesn't suit me; could you use it? ) donating it to a local charity, or, as a last resort, hiding it in a closet or rarely seen area of your house!
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip
Having a hard time keeping your bedroom clean? Here are some simple tips that should help:
Daily: *Collect loose change and small items in a decorative bowl on your dresser or nightstand
*Take a few minutes to put things away or hang them up: clean clothes, shoes, damp towels, etc. and put clothes that need to be washed or dry-cleaned in the hamper.
Weekly: *Change sheets and pillowcases
*Open the window for 15 minutes to freshen the air
*Clean under the bed, using a vacuum cleaner attachment or a dust mop, shake out the area rug and/or vacuum
*Wipe down wall switches and dust lampshades and any pictures or wall hangings
Why Should You Worry About Bedbugs?
For years, folks thought bedbugs had largely been conquered, at least in the United States. But international travel, as well as the decrease in use of certain pesticides, has resulted in a resurgence of these tiny creatures that feed on blood.
Bedbugs, which are often reddish brown and about the size of an apple seed, are found in all climates, although they do well in tropical climates. They're often found in apartments, dorms or hotels; any place where there are a lot of people coming and going. And sadly, your favorite pet can be a culprit: both cats and dogs can bring bedbugs into your home.
Bedbugs tend to be nocturnal and like to hide in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, sofa cushions and other crevices or protected areas. They usually can't be felt when they are biting; the symptoms are small itchy red bumps. Sometimes they may be clustered together, rather than a single bite. Some people develop reactions to the bites, resulting in skin rashes that look like hives, or even inflammation that looks like blisters.
There are some simple preventative tips that can make your life a bit easier. First, when traveling, it's always a good idea to inspect the room you'll be sleeping in, especially the bed. Keep your luggage closed and store on a luggage rack or off the floor. Also, be sure to check your luggage on your return home to make sure you don't have stowaways. If you inherit or purchase furniture from someone else (especially items like upholstered items or wooden items), be sure to inspect the item carefully before bringing it into your house.
If you do find bedbugs, you need to fight back. You can either launder pajamas, sheets and other bedding in hot water, or you can freeze them for at least 24 hours. Vacuum the bed and area around it and freeze the vacuum bags for 24 hours as well. It's also a good idea to hire a professional exterminator to get rid of the infestation.