March 2010 Issue
In this months Issue:
Finding the Right Pair of Jeans
Cleaning the Guest Room
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip: Bath Mats & Rugs
Pressed4Time Money Saving Tip - A Stich in...
Finding the Right Pair of Jeans
For years, they were taboo in offices, but in today's world, many businesses allow jeans to be worn. Of course, with some of the high-style designer jeans costing more than $150, it's hard to discriminate against these comfortable pants. Full cut, boot cut, low rise, mid-rise&what's best for you?
You don't have to spend tons of money to get good fitting and long-lasting jeans. The good news is that, these days, there are styles to suit just about any body type. Finding the right pair, however, may take some work (and some time). Consider your height, weight and body shape to get the right cut of jeans. And if you do find a pair that fits, be sure it complements your body or enhances your best assets.
Most jeans are made of 100 percent cotton, although some are 50/50 blends and some are now made with spandex or nylon for better comfort. Always wash jeans before wearing in cold water and do so separately the first few times, since the dye can rub off before setting. Some people recommend washing them inside out and the first time throw in some salt to prevent bleeding!) Some jeans, especially more expensive types, should be dry cleaned (Just ask your Pressed4Time rep!) Remember, most people wear jeans at least 3-5 times before washing (as long as they still look and smell clean).
When choosing jeans, be sure to look for quality details. Check belt loops and seams and make sure the fly is sturdy, can be zipped up and down and the button can be easily released. Check stitching and any other decorative details to ensure seams are straight, there are no threads hanging and linings are finished. A darker wash is most slimming; embellishments and big pockets can add curves or bulk. Remember, too, that jeans will shrink when washed yet will loosen up on wearing. So don't buy them too big!
Cleaning the Guest Room
Whether you're lucky enough to have a spare room solely dedicated to guests, or whether it's a dual use room like an office, den, basement or even kid at college room, many people have an area of the home that doesn't get used as often as others.
Rather than doing a massive cleanup right before a relative or friend arrives, it's a good idea to clean this area at least every month or so. Do the basics: if there's a bedspread or cover, toss it in the dryer (along with the pillows) for about 10 minutes to remove dust and kill any dust mites. Grab a microfiber cloth and dust wall hangings, lamps and furniture and your blinds or shades; shake out area rugs or do a quick sweep or vacuum.
If you know guests are coming, it's a good idea to clean the room a day or two before they arrive. You want to make your guest feel welcome, so if it's a shared space, remove or store children's toys or other personal items. Open a window and use an air freshener; clear some space in the closet and make sure there are a couple of free hangers or a free drawer or shelf space. Be sure to leave a set of towels on the bed or pull-out sofa (and be sure to check that sofa for crumbs or lost items in the crevices!). If guests have their own bathroom, be sure it's clean and equipped with soap, toothpaste and extra toilet paper, just in case. You might even want to add a special touch: a couple of chocolates or some fresh flowers can be a thoughtful gesture and not too expensive.
After guests leave, be sure to strip the bed and wash all the bedding, towel, etc. Then you'll be ready for your next visitors!
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip: Bath Mats & Rugs
When cleaning your bathroom, don't forget your area rug or bath mat that you use in your shower!
If you have a rubber-backed bath rug, check the washing instructions: most can be washed separately in the washing machine in cool water with a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Before washing, however, check the rubber area to make sure it is not peeling or breaking apart. Loose pieces of rubber can end up clogging your machine! Never put a rubber-backed rug in the dryer; air dry by hanging it, rubber side up, or drying flat. If the rug does not have a rubber backing, it can likely be dried on a low heat setting.
To clean your rubber bath mat, scrubbing with a brush and some liquid detergent or even dish washing liquid is usually the best method. Be sure to get the bottom, suction-area since that can quickly mildew if it's not removed occasionally and cleaned. Some rubber mats can be cleaned with bleach or an oxygen-stain removal product; be sure to check the care instructions first and NEVER mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning products. Soaking the mat in the bathtub with warm water and a tablespoon full of bleach can be effective.
Pressed4Time Money Saving Tip - A Stich in...
In the old days people (mostly women) learned to sew from their mothers or grandmothers. If a pair of child's pants got torn, they were patched; socks with holes were darned, worn-out elbows were mended, and old items were reshaped into something new.
Unfortunately, sewing and mending is not the norm today. While some baby boomers may have learned a little in home economic class, fewer people enjoy the benefits and savings of home sewing and mending. Today, even basic tasks like sewing on buttons or taking hems up or down are often left to tailors. (Here at Pressed4Time, we're happy to help you with any minor tailoring or mending!). That doesn't mean, however, that you can't learn the basics: it's true that sewing and mending skills can save you money, and can help you learn a valuable and enjoyable hobby.
Learning how to do some of the basic tasks can help you save money; if you find you have a skill or aptitude and take a course or find a talented friend or relative to teach you, you can purchase a reasonably priced sewing machine and actually save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year, not only sewing or fixing clothing but creating gifts and useful items. Large retailers often offer great bargains on fabrics, sewing machines are a great resource, and of course the Internet can help with everything from how to videos to bargain-priced patterns. And men, sewing isn't just for women anymore: don't be afraid to try!
Of course, some people just don't have the time, interest or skills to learn anything more than the basic fast fixes (yes, ANYONE can learn to sew on a button!). Again, remember that we at Pressed4Time are ready and willing to help you with any of your alteration needs. Just ask us!