NEWSLETTER APRIL 8, 2011

Getting ready to start wearing all your bright spring and summer colors, but worried about keeping them looking new? Washing your clothes in cold water can help preserve the colors, and gets your clothes just as clean as washing in warm or hot water. Did you know that some stains can even become set in when using warmer temperatures? Hot water can also shrink some of the more delicate and synthetic fabrics.

If you're worried about getting your gym clothes really clean, look for cold-water specific detergents. These help break down protein stains (blood, sweat, etc.) and get our clothes clean. Regular clothing will work fine with just regular detergent.

Not only will washing in cold water preserve bright colors, it prevents your reds from bleeding and even saves energy and money. If you're worried about getting a specific stain out, look at the inside of your washer lid. Most new washers give tips right on the machine itself!

Chale A woman I met recently said her amythest stone on her desk doesn't seem to be working lately. I asked her "When was the last time you cleaned it?" "Cleaned it?" she questioned. "Yes, you need to clean or charge your gem stones." The following are easy ways to do this - (1) Rinse in a river, lake, or body of water you enjoy. (2) Let them bask in the sun or quietly receive the energies from a moon beam. The full moon is best and will be here on April 18th. A bath in salt water does the trick too!

Jill Bates News A must see website: www.cleanmomma.com. Make the most out of your time. Improve your body, declutter your home, and find your "me" time!

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 17, 2011

MEN AND FASHION

John Updike once compared the male body to a bank account: as long as it's healthy, a man doesn't think much about it.

For men, more than ever, looks count. In Vogue and Men's Health alike, modern-day Adonises sell everything from protein powder to Armani cologne. One simple way to keep your look up to par is to care for your neckties. Like it or not, if you’re a man, you will wear a tie at some point in your life. And if you have children, you will probably receive one as a present – they are THE Father’s Day gift.

Here are some **tips to help you care for your ties whether you wear them every day or once a year:

• Let water spots on silk ties dry and then rub it briskly with the same fabric.
• When ironing ties, make certain the roll along the tie edge is not pressed flat. If possible, use a steamer instead of an iron. You can purchase a hand held steamer for about $29.99.
• Always hang your ties on a rack except knitted or crochet ties, which should be rolled and stored in a drawer. This will keep them from getting wrinkled.
• Give your ties at least two to three days of rest before wearing them again, to allow wrinkles to hang out.
• Do not unravel the knot by pulling on the small end. Always reverse the knot itself.

Following these simple tips will help make your ties last longer.

**Tips from The Neckwear Association of America

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 26, 2011

Looking for a new way to stay trendy, while also keeping warm, as we drop to subzero temperatures this winter? One cold weather accessory you should pick up is a trapper hat. Never heard of it? Chances are, you probably have seen them around. This season, retailers all over have started selling trapper hats in different colors, patterns and different variations. Men and women both have several options to choose from when it comes to these accessories. So next time you bundle up to go outside, don’t forget your trapper hat!