Blog - Page 9 of 14 - Fabricare Center

January Newsletter 2022

Happy New Year!

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

This holiday season we spent lots of time entertaining family and friends. We enjoyed festive dinners, lazy days in our pajamas, and family game nights. Now as we usher in the new year, we are greeted with much more frigid temperatures and also a lot of rain. With this less than ideal weather, my family has been hibernating indoors…cozying up in front of the fire, watching movies, enjoying wintertime favorites like soup and chili.

With all this extra time inside, our house has quickly become a mess, especially in part due to our two-year-old son and puppy. Between entertaining over the holidays, school being out for what seems like ages, and spending lots more time inside this chilly winter, our area rugs are certainly starting to show wear.

If your holiday season was similar to ours, your area rugs may have also seen lots of muddy little feet and dirty paws, holiday spills, and some extra wear and tear from all the additional foot traffic.

A good rug is for more than just walking on. Make sure your rugs are as clean as the rest of your house, especially if you’re planning to be cooped inside all season long. Of course, rugs in the highest traffic areas like dining rooms and dens come to mind, but don’t forget about the ones in your kids’ bedrooms, the playroom, or the ones in the formal living room and dining room. If you’re like us, you only use those two rooms for more special occasions.

Our master cleaners specialize in all types of rugs, including wool rug cleaning and oriental rug cleaning. Fabricare Center also provides free pick up and delivery on area rugs within our delivery radius. Rugs are meticulously inspected and cleaned to remove all ground-in dirt and surface stains. From pet dander to dirt and mud, most area rugs need more than just vacuuming to really be clean. Plus, we offer an odor removal service.

Let us get your favorite rugs looking like new. Schedule your free pickup and delivery today. Stay warm this winter and start your new year on a fresh note!

Kind regards,

6 Tips to Keep Pets Safe and Warm This Winter

Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures and weather events of winter, it’s important to remember pets’ needs this time of year. As cold weather sets in,use these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter.

Take Caution When Outdoors

When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, limit outdoor walks and monitoring your pet’s behavior for discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm.

Add Extra Layers

Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather. Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm.

Watch out for Hazardous Chemicals

Products like deicers, antifreeze and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet. After a walk, thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and stomach.

Keep Skin Protected

Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. Try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet’s skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets’ food to help the skin and coat.

Have an Emergency Plan

While creating emergency kits in case of a storm or power outage, don’t forget about your pet’s needs.Gather any other care items your pet may require such as medications, puppy pads, waste bags, litter box supplies and calming spray.

Ensure Identification Information is Current

While winter emergencies may add to the importance, it’s crucial your pet wears a tag displaying your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet with current contact information.

Mediterranean Rice Bowls with Zucchini Fritters

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Brown Rice

2 medium zucchinis, grated

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup canola oil

2 cups diced cucumber

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup feta, crumbled

1/2 cup garlic hummus

Prepare rice according to package directions.

In medium bowl, toss zucchinis with salt; let sit at least 10 minutes. Transfer to colander and squeeze out excess moisture. Return to bowl and stir in eggs, green onions, dill and garlic.

In another bowl, stir flour, Parmesan, baking powder, cumin and pepper. Stir dry mixture into zucchini mixture and combine to form thick batter.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat 1/4 cup oil. Working in batches, drop 2 tablespoons batter into pan for each fritter. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, adding remaining oil as needed. Drain on paper towel-lined tray.

Divide rice between four bowls. Top each with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta and fritters. Garnish each bowl with scoop of hummus.

Substitution: Hummus may be replaced with prepared Greek tzatziki sauce, if desired.

5 Color Trends for a Stylish Home in 2022

A new year brings new opportunities to refresh your living space and add new colors into your life. These five trends are all about incorporating more of yourself and your lifestyle into your home.

Bring in Nature

Soothing earthy tones help bring a sense of calm and balance indoors. When designing with nature in mind, use gray-green tones to connect your aesthetic with the serene elements of the outdoors. Incorporate nature’s palette with greens in fabrics, accessories and even on the walls.

Stylish Sophistication

If you’re aiming to infuse some sophistication with an update to a favorite space, opt for a monochromatic look in a dark (almost black) hue. The approach is simultaneously bold and classic, but the secret to this trend is finding a shade that’s rich and deep, but not quite black, then complementing it with fabrics and furnishings that let the hint of color shine.

Connect with Your Inner Self

Creating a living space that is uniquely yours requires understanding your inner motivations, traits and talents. One source of personal inspiration may be your zodiac sign, a reflection of the earth’s orientation to the sun on your birthday.

Add Comfort and Warmth

Treating your home like a sanctuary never goes out of style, and one way to create a soothing, inviting space is through the use of cozy neutrals. Whether it’s applied to a bedroom retreat or a more bustling space like the living room, a neutral palette can add to the allure of comfort and warmth. Keep the visual interest strong by incorporating subtle patterns, textures and layers of complementary neutral colors.

Go Retro

It may seem counter intuitive, but vibrant retro shades like orange and yellow, and even warmer neutrals, can help establish a calming vibe within your home. The throwback hues can help your mind connect to moments from the past.

Brush on the Color

Using quality brushes can provide you with a smooth, professional finish, but depending on the surface you’re painting, different sizes and types of brushes can help you achieve the desired look.

How Small Businesses Can Attract and Retain Employees

Small business administrators are typically among the most competent multi-taskers, but even the most talented jugglers occasionally end up with too many balls in the air. Attracting and retaining employees doesn’t have to be part of your juggling act; in fact, having the right team can make the rest of your business run smoother. Make employee retention a priority for your business with these practices:

Create a positive work culture
When employees enjoy coming to work each day, it shows. Your customers recognize it, and your internal team can feel it, too. A positive work culture encourages excellence, forgives mistakes, and leaves plenty of room for having fun. You can create a positive culture by making sure expectations are clearly defined and giving feedback that is consistent and fair.

Provide an appealing salary and benefits package
A competitive salary that aligns with expertise is an obvious edge in hiring top talent. You can become a more attractive employer by offering a benefits package that includes paid time off, insurance and other extras.

Allow for flexible schedules
In large part due to the pandemic, employees have learned to juggle their work and home lives like never before. The businesses who recognize this need have an edge, particularly for employees who need flexibility to care for family members. The degree of flexibility you can offer may vary depending on the business model. Communicating with your employees and working to make reasonable accommodations can go a long way toward attracting strong candidates and retaining current employees.

Provide opportunities for growth
Employees typically look for opportunities to learn and grow through additional responsibility, compensation and rewards for performance that encourage long-term commitment. Working with employees to understand their career goals is an important step on a path for growth that is mutually beneficial.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Table Linens

A good rug is for more than just walking on. Whether it’s playing with your children or pets. Make sure your rugs are as clean as the rest of your house. Our master cleaners specialize in all types of rugs, including wool rug cleaning and oriental rug cleaning. Fabricare Center also provides free pick up and delivery on area rugs within our delivery radius.

Rugs are meticulously inspected and cleaned to remove all ground-in dirt and surface stains. From pet dander to dirt and mud, most area rugs need more than just vacuuming to be really clean. Plus we offer a odor removal service.

fcdrycleaners.com/rug

December Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Happy Holiday Season

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

I can’t believe December is already here and the holiday season is upon us! There’s always something fun and festive going on in Atlanta during December, from holiday markets to magical light displays, to ice skating and so much more. Whether it’s gathering around the table for a special meal, visiting with relatives from out of town, or picking out the perfect gift from someone you love, we hope you have many memorable moments surrounded by friends and family this holiday season. Amidst the flurry of gift giving in December, I’m always inspired to find ways to give to those less fortunate. As you may remember from last year, we sponsored a coat drive to benefit Wellspring Living. We are sponsoring the coat drive again this winter and would love it if you’re able to participate.

Wellspring Living is a nonprofit in Atlanta, GA. Over the last 20 years they have supported women and children that have been at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation. Wellspring Living needs help this holiday season. To aid those most vulnerable, Fabricare Center has partnered with Wellspring Living to provide warmth through our coat drive.

Wellspring Living programs include residential and community-based programs which provide therapeutic services, educational support, as well as personal and professional development. The hope is to safeguard and uplift as many women and children as they can. By collaborating with the generous community, Wellspring Living provides their participants the tools needed to flourish in life. Consider donating gently used or new coats in sizes small to 4X at either of our two retail locations. We are also collecting coats through our convenient pickup and delivery service, just remember to include a note to let us know what items you are donating.

Whether you donate with Fabricare Center’s partner Wellspring Living or are working with another organization this holiday season we hope you are inspired to give a little back this year and help those most in need.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

Kind regards,

6 Tips to Keep Some Jingle In Your Pocket This Holiday Season

Awe-inspiring decorations. Extravagant family meals. Gift wish lists that seem to go on forever. No wonder the holidays can be stressful for many Americans and their wallets.

However, “Food Network” personality and best-selling cookbook author Sunny Anderson has a few tips that can help you gear up for the festivities while still leaving some jingle in your pocket.

Shop Your Pantry First – You may be amazed by what might be sitting in your pantry that you could transform into an amazing holiday dish or treat. Most people have pancake or waffle mix, food coloring and sprinkles sitting in their pantries. Mix them together to create fun, holiday-themed tree waffles your kids, and even your most gourmet guests, may never forget. As an added bonus, you can get a head start on clearing out your pantry for the new year.

Add Some Holiday Glitz – Make simple holiday treats more enjoyable with festive but frugal flair. Simple candy canes can “heat up” your hot chocolate. Shave portions of the candy cane into the hot chocolate or use one as a stir stick for the holiday classic.

Bring the Outside In – Don’t hesitate to use elements from nature to add a little holiday cheer to your home. Simply place colorful leaves in different sized, shaped and colored glass jars along with pinecones and battery-powered tea lights. These timeless pieces can be added to your dining table, end tables or mantel.

Get Carded – Make the holiday cards you receive from friends and family even more special by making them centerpieces of your seasonal decorations. Use temporary, damage-free wall hooks and a string of white or colored indoor lights to outline a tree or your favorite holiday decoration. Then attach the cards to the tree as you receive them.

Regift Away – This doesn’t have to be taboo. These items are often new, unused things someone you love could use immediately. A simple way to feel better about regifting is to package it with another item you select or make to provide that personal touch.

Give the Gift of Time –Block a series of windows on your calendar throughout the month of December to call friends and family you haven’t connected with in a while. If you want to really give the gift of connection this season, look no further than a brand like Straight Talk Wireless, which offers a wide selection of plans and phones without contracts or mystery fees on America’s largest and most dependable networks. The brand is also embracing the season of giving, offering double data on its $35 plan, which now includes 10 gigabytes of high-speed data with up to 5 gigabytes of hotspot enabled, as well as unlimited talk and text included.

Chocolate Chunk Miso Brown Butter Blondies

Recipe courtesy of award-winning fashion designer and culinary creator Peter Som on behalf of Russell Stover

Yield: 16 squares

1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup white miso
1 1/2 cups roughly chopped Joy Bites chocolate bars, divided
flaky sea salt

reheat oven to 350 F.
Line 9-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
In saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, swirling occasionally, until it turns deep golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Cool on countertop or transfer to sealed container and chill in fridge.
In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; whisk to combine. Set aside.
In large bowl, use whisk or handheld electric blender to combine cooled butter still in liquid state with brown sugar, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract and miso until smooth.
Fold in flour mixture until just combined. Fold in 1 cup chopped chocolate bars. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
Bake 30 minutes, or until top is golden brown and has few cracks. Center will set as it cools.
Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining chocolate bar chunks on top in even layer. Cool completely on wire rack. Top with flaky sea salt. Cut into squares and serve.

Shifting Wellness Attitudes Shape 2022 Fitness Trends

Whether you’re a stylist with an eye for fashion who chooses each garment carefully or the laid-back type who can rock the first outfit you find each morning, the closet provides a location for inspiration. Turning bland closet space into a truly eye-catching room calls for a little planning and DIY creativity.

Plan it out

Creating the perfect closet space begins with your ideas. Think about the details such as how you want the space to look and the amount and type of storage you need. Envision everything from colors and finishes to the physical shape.

Focus on practicality

Once you’ve dreamed up your ideal closet, compare your ideas with the space you have available and adjust your plans to fit your footprint and budget. This step allows you to get creative with ways to maximize your space and use every available inch to create a closet that gives you the function and aesthetic you desire.

Keep it organized

A beautiful closet likely won’t mean as much for you if it isn’t functional, and organization is a key to true functionality. Keep your space organized in a stylish manner with an option like the ClosetMaid Revolution Storage Ottoman, a convenient, easy-to-assemble, multi-use piece designed for closets or any area of your home. Able to hold up to 12 pairs of shoes, its rotating design maximizes storage for functional appeal.

Remain detail-oriented

It’s not just the structure that can bring your dream closet to life; little touches can add up in a big way. Upgrade your light fixture, for example, and look for other ways to personalize the space for a look that’s all yours, such as shelving to display treasured photos or keepsakes, or a spot on the wall for a vision board to draw inspiration from as you begin each day.

Change up the color

Introduce light and personality into your closet with rich color and style. Add accent color on the walls behind your clothes or incorporate color with the structural elements. On-trend finishes can help make the space pop by complementing the colors of your wardrobe.

What to Expect in Travel in 2022

After a couple abnormal years, many families are eager and ready to travel together again, and there are indications some pandemic-influenced travel behaviors will persist in 2022.

Consider these 2022 trends spotted by the travel experts at Vrbo:

Up-and-Coming Destinations

Spots in Ohio, New York and Alaska saw double vacation rental demand over the past year. Within driving distance of major Midwest metros like Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville, Cincinnati was the year’s top emerging destination.

Other up-and-comers include Niagara Falls, a popular choice for those who wanted to experience life at the border. Yorktown, Virginia, the location of the last Revolutionary War battle, allows history buffs to witness a battle reenactment. Adventurous travelers trekked to Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska, to enjoy the wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve, breathtaking glaciers and surrounding mountains.

Chalet All Day

You may have heard of Cabincore and Cottagecore, but chalets are a trending aesthetic that inspires family travel. Chalets saw a nearly 85% increase in demand year over year. Located on lakefronts or nestled in the woods, these charming and idyllic properties are desirable lodging options for many families.

Kids Call the Shots

After being cooped up at home, it may be no surprise parents are letting their kids have a bigger say in vacation planning. Compared to pre-pandemic times, half of the families surveyed said they’re more likely to let their kids decide where they vacation and 43% of parents are more likely to let their kids skip school for vacation.

Traveling with the Pack

Many families adopted pandemic pets because they had more time at home to spend with their furry friends. Now more people are bringing Fido and Fluffy along on vacation; 68% of pet parents have traveled, plan to travel or would like to travel with their pets. What’s more, there has been a 40% increase in demand year-over-year for pet-friendly vacation homes.

Early Bird Bookers

If 2021 was any indication, families will continue booking their vacations further in advance. Booking activity occurred an average of 2-3 months earlier than usual for several major travel seasons. Families booked summer travel in February, holiday trips in July and snowbirds got a head start on booking warm weather stays for 2022. In fact, 60% of survey respondents said they plan to book their vacations earlier than they did in pre-pandemic times with nearly half making plans 3-5 months in advance.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Table Linens

Fabricare Center Cleaners has partnered with Wellspring Living to make giving this holiday season, easier than ever.

Wellspring Living is a nonprofit in Atlanta, GA. Over the last 20 years they have supported women and children that have been at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation. Wellspring Living needs help this holiday season. Consider donating gently used or new coats in sizes small to 4X at either of our two retail locations. We are also collecting coats through our convenient pickup and delivery service, just remember to include a note to let us know what items you are donating.

fcdrycleaners.com/give

How to clean a beaded dress?

Fabricare Center Blog

How you care for your more delicate dresses can add years on to their life. And with dresses featuring beads or sequins, this becomes even more important. And if you’re looking to do the cleaning yourself, it becomes even more important to know what you are doing. So below we’ll cover how to clean a beaded dress and keep it looking like new for years to come.

How to clean a beaded dress?

Spot Treat Dirty Areas

The idea is to avoid cleaning the whole dress and spot treat any stains or dirty areas directly. There is no need to risk washing the entire dress if only the skirt is dirty. To do this you can follow the hand washing directions below.

Hand Wash or Professionally Clean Only

Most more intricate and beaded dresses will recommend either hand washing or dry cleaning the garment. You don’t want to put your dress in a home style washer and dryer. So make sure you properly hand wash or have your dress professionally cleaned.

How to hand wash a beaded dress?

Fill a tub or sink with cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Placing your dress gently and using a light swishing motion. Slowly plunging the area of the dress in and out of the water. You want to avoid rubbing the dress together or roughly with your hands.This can damage the beads or fabric. Rinse the dress in several cool water bathes or under a slow soft flow.

Drying a Beaded Dress

Start by flipping the dress inside out. Now get a long towel and lay the dress on top of it. Now you are going to roll the wet dress up with the towel. Gently squeezing. Repeat as needed. Next flip the dress to the right side out and then lay on a clean flat surface on another clean dry towel to dry.

Have Questions?

Please let us know if you have any questions please feel free to send us a message! Click here to visit out contact page.

November Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Winter is in the Air

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

The last few months of the year always seem to fly by. It seems like a marathon of holidays, between Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, and the New Year. Before you know it, we’re packing up our holiday décor, making resolutions, and heading into January.

I try to savor the holiday season each year, knowing how fleeting it is. Now that Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is the next big one on tap. We’ve got family coming in from out of town, so it’ll be a busy week, trying to pack in as much family time and fun as possible. My son’s second birthday is also Thanksgiving week as is Hanukkah, this year. All that being said, we’ll be hosting a lot of celebrations and gatherings for our friends and family at our home this month.

With family coming in, we have lots of prep to tend to around the house. The house needs be cleaned, yard needs to be spruced up, menus need to be picked, and food and gift shopping needs to be done. There is also decorating and planning fun excursions. While we can’t help you with everything on your to-do list, we can definitely take a few things off your plate.

Need us to your refresh your towels and bed linens? We got it. Want to steam and press your table linens (table cloths, runners, placemats, napkins, etc)…no problem, we’re on it. Planning to turn on those outdoor heaters and dust off the fire pit so you can entertain outside? Go ahead and send in your patio cushions, pillows, and outdoor rugs…we’ll take care of them for you.

Bottom line, we can help with all of your dry cleaning and laundry needs during this fun but incredibly busy time of year! This way you have more time for the fun tasks like cooking and shopping, and most of all more time to spend with your loved ones. Early Thanksgiving wishes to you and yours!

Kind regards,

Create a Healthier Home Through Smart Updates

Many homeowners looking to improve their living spaces seek out upgrades that can add visual appeal, improve functionality or increase resale value. However, some updates can also benefit the mental and physical health of those who occupy the space.

While making your home healthier can involve simple steps like decluttering, swapping out cleaning products for natural versions and opening windows to let in more fresh air, there are other projects that can be done to create longer-lasting results. Consider these ideas to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also impart a sense of well-being.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Changing the color of a room can transform your space while also positively impacting your mood. Bright, warm colors like yellow may be uplifting while cooler shades like beige, pale green and soft blue can be soothing. Repainting can also help prevent mold and mildew growth on walls while repelling dust and allergens.

Upgrade Your Flooring

Made of natural materials, hardwood flooring is not only attractive but is a hygienic, easy-to-clean choice. The organic beauty and grain of the wood creates an intrinsic connection to nature. You can set the foundation for your living spaces with an option like artisan-crafted Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. Each floor is handcrafted, one board at a time, from sustainably sourced timbers.

Add Natural Light

If your home lacks adequate natural lighting, adding or replacing windows and skylights can allow more sunlight into your living space. This offers several benefits, including an improved sense of well-being and increased productivity, not to mention the potential cost savings when you install energy-efficient versions.

Modernize the Kitchen

From appliances to countertops, there are a variety of kitchen upgrades that can make your space healthier. Incorporating automated technology like a touchless faucet can reduce the amount of contact with germs while a water filtration system can improve the quality of your drinking water. Updating your countertops with a non-porous material like quartz, which replicates the look of natural stone, provides a contemporary aesthetic, and the antimicrobial surface will not harbor bacteria or viruses.

Create a Bathroom Oasis

Even a small space like the bathroom can benefit from wellness-focused updates. Soaking tubs and spa showers with hydrotherapy showerheads can help reduce stress and provide a mental respite. Additionally, a heated towel rack not only brings a touch of luxury but can reduce energy usage and keep towels free of mold and mildew between washes.

Healthy Holiday Baking Swaps

Many holiday hosts tend to pull out their most treasured family recipes when entertaining loved ones. After all, taste is the most important aspect of most holiday spreads, particularly when it comes to favorite baked goods and desserts.

Lemon Cake
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Servings: 30

1 1/3 cups Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil, plus additional for oiling pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest, plus additional for garnish (optional)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup limoncello
Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Dried sweetened lemon rings, for garnish (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F.
Oil 8-by-12-by-2-inch pan with olive oil and line bottom with parchment paper.
In bowl, whisk flour, sugars, salt, baking soda and powder.
In another bowl, whisk 1 1/3 cups olive oil, milk, eggs, lemon zest, juice and limoncello. Add dry ingredients; whisk until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 60-75 minutes until top is golden and cake tester comes out clean.
Transfer cake to rack and let cool 30 minutes.
Run knife around edge of pan, invert cake onto rack and let cool completely, 2 hours.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon rings right before serving, if desired.

5 Steps to Design a DIY Dream Closet

Plan it out

Focus on practicality

Keep it organized

Remain detail-oriented

Change up the color

How to Make the Holidays Less Stressful for the Whole Family

Between changes in routine and visiting family (or having them visit you), the holidays can be emotionally overwhelming for children and adults alike, even in “normal times.” Add in inclement weather, the desire for a perfect holiday and parents still working, and you have a perfect cocktail for emotional meltdowns.

“The key to enjoying whatever this holiday season brings is to acknowledge the range of emotions the entire family may be feeling and hold space for those feelings,” said Ariel Acosta from KinderCare’s Inclusion Services team. “By working on a few key things now before the heightened expectations and busyness set in, families can build a toolbox of skills that will help make the season less stressful for everyone.”

Consider these tips to help families prepare for a less stressful holiday season.

Find ways to destress as a family – Throw on some music and have a dance party. Incorporate some simple yoga moves or stretches into your day to create mindful moments. Help your children create a list of calm-down techniques to choose from when they start to become overwhelmed or as a way to reset after an outburst, such as taking a deep breath.

Set expectations for greetings – Talk with your children about your family’s expectations around greetings and help them think of and practice different ways to say hello, such as a hug, handshake, high-five, wave or verbal greeting. Giving your children options ahead of time allows them to choose the greeting that feels most comfortable in the moment. To lessen the pressure, make sure family members and friends understand what you and your children are comfortable with. For example, “It looks like Zazil doesn’t want a hug right now, Auntie Mei. Perhaps a high-five would be better.”

Give your children (and yourself) grace – Talk with your children about the range of emotions you feel throughout the day. This can help them learn emotional literacy and flexible thinking. It also normalizes feelings. When a big feeling does happen, remember to connect before you correct by labeling and validating your child’s emotions: “I can see that you’re really sad we have to leave the party. Leaving makes me feel sad, too. What would help you feel better?”

If your child is engaged in unsafe behaviors, like hitting, wait until after everyone is calm before talking about what could be done differently next time.

“How you handle your mistakes can be a powerful example for your children,” Acosta said. “Once you’re calm, explain what happened to your children. Start by naming your emotion, apologize if you didn’t handle your feelings well and let your children know what you plan to do differently next time. ‘I was really mad you two were arguing and I yelled. I shouldn’t have done that. Next time, I’m going to try to remember to take some deep breaths to help me speak more kindly.’”

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Table Linens

With the holiday season just around the corner it’s time to make sure your table is ready to shine for your family and friends. Let our master cleaners professionally clean your table linens and tablecloths. Making sure that your table is set to impress and add to the holiday memories.

Contact Fabricare Center Cleaners to schedule a free pickup today.

Get 20% off
with code: Table20

Limit 1 per customer. May not be combined with any other offers. Only valid on table linen service. Expires: 11/30/2021

fcdrycleaners.com/linen

Should you Wash Clothes Before Wearing Them?

Fabricare Center Blog

One of the most common questions we get in regards to new clothing is, “should you wash new clothes before wearing them?” And while I’ve heard arguments for both sides. We here at Fabricare Center Cleaners always recommend that you wash new clothes before wearing them. So let’s find out why!

Should you wash clothes before wearing them?

According to clothing manufacturing expert Lana Hogue, she told Elle magazine “You should absolutely wash clothes before you wear them, especially anything that is right next to the skin or that you will sweat on.”

As it turns out the process of making clothes can involve more chemicals (some toxic) than most people realize. Of course the clothing you wear will be covered in dies. But clothes are also often sprayed with an anti-mildew agent. And depending on the country of origin, these can contain chemicals like formaldehyde.

These chemicals are low enough in concentration that it is assumed they will dissipate over time through washing. But if you don’t wash your clothes and wear them first. Your sweat can cause those chemicals to come off onto your skin.

So forget worrying about the people that tried on the clothes before you. The real reason to wash your clothes before wearing them is to remove anything left over from the manufacturing process. And this is even more important with cheaper clothes made in certain foreign countries.

Should you dry clean clothes before wearing them?

Many dry clean only clothes go through the same manufacturing process as mentioned above. And it goes to reason that you would want to get those chemicals off of your clothes. So yes, dry cleaning your clothes before you wear them is a good idea. Just make sure your cleaners are using an eco-friendly dry cleaning detergent, like us. This is important when looking for the best options for your skin and the planet. You can find out more about the Green Earth detergent that we use by clicking here.

And if you’re in the Metro Atlanta area we offer free pickup & delivery on wash & fold and dry cleaning.

October Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

The Leaves Are Changing

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

Fall is here and that means spending lots of time outside with family and friends. The sweltering summer temps are on their way out making it the perfect time to entertain outdoors again. The crisp autumn weather is always such a welcome change with the start of this new season. With the nicer temperatures, my wife and I love dining al fresco, playing in the backyard with our little boy, and entertaining guests for football games, pumpkin carving, and other fun festivities that make this time of year so much fun. Autumn in Atlanta really cannot be beat!

If you’re like my family and plan on spending lots of time in your backyard this Fall, let Fabricare Center help spruce things up by cleaning your patio cushions. Our expert cleaners will spot treat your cushions for mold, mildew, and grease spots. Our alterations department will also take a look to see if they have any tears or loose threads or ties that need to be resewn. We will send your cushions back to you looking as good as new. Give your patio the refresh that it needs this season!

As I mentioned, we get immense joy from spending time outdoors. Many weekends this time of year you can find us taking hikes in the North Georgia mountains or at some of our favorite spots closer to home. Protecting the environment is one of Fabricare Center’s core values. We thought we’d share a little bit about our best environmental practices with you.

Fabricare Center is proud to use GreenEarth cleaning solution to treat our garments. Silicone based, this environmentally non-toxic, non-hazardous solution is extremely gentle and a great alternative to petro chemicals. This solution is designed to ensure the best possible result for fabrics and the environment. Using GreenEarth is just one way we can do our part to protect the beautiful planet we live on.

Now that fall is upon us, get outside, savor those cooler temps, enjoy nature’s beauty, and create special memories with family and friends!

Kind regards,

5 Eye-Catching Ways to Update Your Home

Your home is a reflection of you, and your decor should match your tastes. With some simple home upgrades, you can create the perfect space for you and your family, even if your design preferences change over time.
Consider these ideas to get started:

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint – One of the easiest home improvement projects, a fresh coat of paint can change the entire look of a room. Whether you choose to paint the entire space one new color, opt for an accent wall in a vibrant shade or simply freshen up the trim, paint can go a long way toward adding visual appeal and reflecting your personality. Patterned wallpaper, board and batten, stone and tile can also be added to create textured accents.

Bring Warmth and Ambiance with a Fireplace – More than 3 in 5 homeowners have a fireplace or other hearth product in their homes, according to the HPBA, and including a fireplace in your construction or renovation plans is a gift of warmth, comfort and ambiance you can give yourself. Whether it’s a centerpiece for your living room or family room, or an accent to your bedroom, bathroom or study, a fireplace can provide an artful design element for your home and a safe, reliable heat source in the event of unexpected weather.

Update Lighting Fixtures – Proper lighting can bring rooms to life and make spaces look larger and more welcoming. You can brighten up your home in a variety of ways, from strategically placing table and floor lamps that fit your design style to replacing older ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures with more modern styles.

Give Cabinetry a Fresh Look – There are numerous easy ways to update your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to create a more updated look. One of the easiest is swapping out older cabinet pulls and knobs for more modern options. With a variety of finishes – stainless, bronze, brushed nickel, black, copper and more – and styles available, you can match your cabinets to nearly any design style in a matter of minutes. Adding a coat of stain or paint is also a relatively quick and easy way to update some of the most-used spaces in your home without completely replacing the cabinets.

Upcycle Furniture – You can breathe new life into your current furniture by making simple changes. The easiest would be simply rearranging your pieces and moving some to different rooms to create an updated look. You can also add decorative covers to sofas, chairs, throw pillows and more, or take your upcycling a step further and refinish a bookshelf, table or other wooden furniture with a fresh coat of paint or stain, or give it a more weathered look with some sandpaper.

A Plant-Forward Twist on Taco Night

Try something new, by making tacos featuring walnuts as the star ingredient. Packed full of flavor, “walnut meat” turns taco recipes into plant-forward options you may have never though of. Try these Walnut-Stuffed Korean Street tacos, and let us know what you think.

Walnut-Stuffed Korean Street Tacos
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Walnut “Meat”:
2 cups California walnuts
2 tablespoons gochujang (red chili paste) sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Marinated Vegetables:
4 green onions
ice water
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 English cucumber, sliced thin
1 watermelon radish, sliced thin
1 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
fresh cayenne peppers, sliced thin (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons black sesame seeds

Crema:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon hot chili sauce
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
8 whole-wheat tortillas
1 bunch cilantro
2 fresh limes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup California walnuts

To make walnut “meat”: In food processor, pulse walnuts to coarsely chop. In skillet over medium heat, add gochujang sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Add walnuts and stir. Turn to low heat, cover and keep warm.
To make vegetables: Cut whites off green onions and discard. Slice greens into thin strips and place in bowl of ice water. In bowl, stir vinegar and honey. Add cucumber; radish; carrots; peppers, if desired; and sesame seeds. Stir to combine.

To make crema: Mix yogurt with chili sauce and salt.
Warm tortillas. Scoop 1/8 walnut meat into each tortilla. Spoon cream on top of walnut meat. Add marinated vegetables and green onions.

Top tacos with cilantro, squeeze of lime juice and walnuts.

4 Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle with Your Pet

While every pet is unique in looks and needs, a responsibility shared by all pet parents is to make sure their four-legged friends stay in good health. A pet’s health can reflect that of its owner, so living alongside your pet in a healthy way can help you both thrive.

Keep it Clean

Good grooming and hygiene habits can help keep you and your furry friend in good health. Baths can help kill fleas, ticks and parasites that may be in your dog’s fur, which protects him or her and your home. However, washing a dog too frequently can lead to dry skin. Different breeds of dogs require different amounts of time between washings, so be sure to check with your veterinarian to see what is recommended for your specific dog to keep everyone happy and healthy.

Dig into Something Nutritious

A well-balanced diet can be part of a healthy lifestyle for both you and your pets. Out of all the ways to keep your pets healthy, watching what they eat (and how much they eat) is one of the most critical. Look for dog foods that are rich in nutrients and full of flavor, which contain a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb and salmon and a medley of 15 superfoods, like brown rice, flaxseed, sun-ripened blueberries and more. These ingredients are not only healthy for dogs, but humans as well, so opt for recipes and dishes that feature these ingredients for yourself, too.

Grab the Leash Instead of Your Car Keys

Even if you live in a big city, a hiking trail or dog park may be just a short distance away. Make time to head outside with your dog. This not only gets in some quality bonding time with your pet, but also brings exercise into your day. If you don’t have enough time for a hike, take a few minutes for a quick stroll around the neighborhood or play fetch with your furry friend to get you both moving.

Don’t Over-Treat

Sometimes a treat is deserved. Rewarding both yourself and your dog after a task, in moderation, is a healthy way to recognize a positive action and promote happiness. When choosing the right treat for your furry friend, look for an option that is not only tasty, but also helps support his or her health.

Decorate Your Way to a Howling Good Halloween

Along with costumes and candy, decorating is a fun way to set the mood and add a little extra excitement in the weeks leading up to the holiday. These spooktacular ideas will help give you some easy ideas on how to add some holiday spirit.

Pumpkins aplenty: A glowing jack-o’-lantern is one of Halloween’s most iconic images. And pumpkins can be used in plenty of other fun ways for the holiday. You can dress them up with glitter and ribbon for a more elegant look or group a series of pumpkins in varied shapes and colors for a seasonal centerpiece. Or you can paint your pumpkin with a coat of chalkboard paint. Then you can change the face every day!

Creepy kids’ crafts: Get little ghosts and goblins into the Halloween spirit with hand-made decorations that make your seasonal decor equal parts sweet and spooky. Fold a black piece of construction paper down the middle and trace a child’s hand and wrist, with the wrist extending over the folded edge. Cut along the traced line, leaving the fold intact, and when you unfold the paper, you’ll have a bat to decorate. Add eyes and attach string to the top of the wings to hang and display.

Gross and ghoulish: Some of the best Halloween displays have something in common: attention to detail. Get creative with your props and decorations to incorporate some unexpected attention-grabbers like brains in a jar. Place bunches of cauliflower in a clear glass container and cover with water died red.

Spooky serving: If you’re entertaining guests this Halloween, make sure to incorporate spooky decor with your food and drinks. Keeping the theme going throughout the party. You can use cauldrons as serving bowls and skeleton hands as serving spoons. Adding plenty of cobwebs is always easy and other spooky accents on table and shelves go a long way. Search for easy recipes that fit your theme. A fun idea for the kids is baking sugar cookies in fun Halloween shapes. Then serving them with a selection of food-safe syringes pre-filled with colored frosting.

Ghostly greetings: All the decorations indoors make for plenty of good spirit. But don’t forget to set the Halloween mood outside, too. Dressing up your front door lets visitors know you’re into the holidays. And is an unexpected treat. A haunted graveyard scene in the front yard or a spooky spider den around the door with lots of critters dangling from fake cobwebs are sure to show all who dare to enter that a howling good time lies ahead.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Outdoor Patio Cushions

Mother Nature can really take a toll on your outdoor furniture and patio cushions, in screened-in areas and outside. As spring approaches and the weather warms up, get your outdoor areas ready for guests.

Before you set up your patio cushions for friends and family to enjoy for the season, send them to us for a deep clean. It’ll be like getting all new patio furniture this spring.

We’ll spot clean and remove grease, mildew, and mold spots. We’ll also do
an expert assessment of tears and ties that have come loose and need to be resewn. We’ll send your patio cushions back to you looking as good as new!

fcdrycleaners.com/patio

Atlanta Dry Cleaning Tide Cleaners vs Fabricare Center Cleaners

Tide Cleaners vs Fabricare Center Cleaners – Atlanta Dry Cleaning

Fabricare Center Blog

Today we are going to take a look at the two most popular delivery dry cleaning brands in metro Atlanta. One is the big name on the block. With franchises in over a dozen cities and a recognizable logo. The other is local classic. With over 40 years in the dry cleaning business.

At first glance there are some major differences between the two brands. But what about the services? Let’s take a look at some of the key features and what offerings each of the brands provide to their customers.

Tide Cleaners vs Fabricare Center Cleaners – Atlanta Dry Cleaning

Options	Tide Cleaners	Fabricare Center Cleaners
Free Pickup & Delivery	No	Yes
Does their Own Cleaning	No. Tide drops your clothes off at one of their independently owned franchisee or the cheapest available cleaner. This can be a different location each time and there is no over site quality control from anyone at Tide.	Yes. All of cleaning is done onsite at Fabricare Center’s owned factory in Sandy Springs.
Highest Rated Cleaners	No. Tide Cleaners currently does not list a “location” in google to receive reviews. And their yelp reviews are 2.5 stars or lower for every Atlanta location.	Yes. Fabricare Center is on Google reviews. And is metro Atlanta’s highest rated cleaners.
Mobile App	Yes	Yes
Phone & In-Person Customer Support	No. Tides general customer support will not be at the same location or have been involved in cleaning your clothes	Yes. You can call or visit Fabricare Center during business hours.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee	No	Yes
Family Owned & Operated	No. Your clothes will be cleaned by a privately owned franchisee or another facility that offers the cheapest rates.	Yes. They been family owned and operated for over 40 years.

Conclusion

It has come to my attention after writing this that Tide Cleaners (who also owned PressBox) has closed its Atlanta cleaning locations and now not listing any Metro Atlanta dry cleaning facilities on their website. It seems as though between the bad reviews and pandemic that they could not survive.

That said, Tide Cleaners is still operating lockers at many office and residential buildings. These “Tide” boxes are not serviced or cleaned by Tide Cleaners. Another company is servicing them under the Tide name. So where are your clothes really going?

On the other hand, Fabricare Center Cleaners has been in business in the Atlanta area for 40+ years, are Atlanta’s highest rated cleaners, and do all of their own cleaning at their own facility.

Which service would you trust more?

5 Reasons to Love Wash & Fold Delivery in Atlanta

Fabricare Center Blog

If you’re looking to save time and energy, all while keeping your clothes looking better than ever. Then you might just find these 5 reasons to love wash & fold delivery in Atlanta as the perfect answer to your problems.

Let us take one more thing off your plate. And spend less time doing laundry and more time enjoying life!

5 Reasons to Love Wash & Fold Delivery in Atlanta

Free Pick Up & Delivery to your Home or Office

That’s right! Pick up and delivery is free to both your home and office. With contactless options available. Making our service extremely easy and convenient. Just schedule a pickup through our app, online, through text, or over the phone!

Save Time on Washing and Folding

Did you know it takes an average of 40 minutes to do a complete load of laundry? That time adds up really quickly. Now imagine if someone could save you 2-4 hours a week of doing laundry. Well that’s exactly what Fabricare Center Cleaners wash & fold laundry service can do or you!

It’s Cheaper Than You Think

Especially when you take into account the cost of doing laundry at home. Did you know the average cost of laundry done at home is $500+ per year! Our most popular plan, is 4 bags per month for $100. That’s roughly one bag 16lb every week, 10+ loads of laundry at under $1.60 per pound. But start as low as $30. And we provide everything. Therefore, reducing the price you pay for high end detergent, water and energy involved in running your washer and dryer. Lowering the average cost over the year.

On Your Schedule

We’ll pick up your laundry 5 days a week. With on demand service available through our app, online, text and over the phone. We only come when you need the service.

Get Metro Atlanta’s Highest Rated Cleaners to your Home

Fabricare Center Cleaners is proud to be the highest rated dry cleaners in the Metro Atlanta area. Serving the the area’s for 40+ years. And one of the reasons for that is that we own our own factory in Sandy Springs. Doing all of our own cleaning in house allows 100% control over the process. With our master cleaners watching over the process.

In conclusion, now you don’t have to come to Sandy Springs or Dunwoody to get areas highest rated service. We’ll come to you with free pickup and delivery! What more can you ask for?

Click here to see all of our wash & fold laundry service pricing!

September Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Ready for Fall?

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

Labor Day has come and gone, which means Fall is upon us! This is my family’s favorite time of year. The start of football season is always a high note. We love to get up to Athens for a game or two each season. Go Dawgs! Heading up to North Georgia for a nice hike, a visit to the pumpkin patch, and a day of apple picking is always great too.

This time of year is chockful of fall festivals, chili cookoffs, and festive treats like pumpkin bread and apple cider. The start of Fall also helps signal that holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner. There are so many fun things to do to help usher in the new season, and personally I can’t wait!

Another exciting aspect of Fall is the changing leaves and crisp, cooler temperatures. This often inspires us to switch out our closets. For many of us, that means cleaning and storing our summer garments and getting our Fall wardrobe ready for the season ahead.

We also switch out our more light-weight summertime bedding for heavier quilts and duvets for the cooler months ahead. As we trade in our linen and cotton for flannel and corduroy or trade out our bedding, it’s important to prioritize cleaning last season’s wardrobe and household items before storing them.

There are a number of frustrating stains that can occur if your items aren’t properly treated before they are packed away. Many stains may appear invisible to the naked eye but they do oxidize over time, making them harder to remove. So the moral to the story is to be sure and send in your garments, bedding, etc. on a regular basis. The sooner we clean the garment and treat the stain, the better the odds are that we’ll be able to remove it.

So this fall when you pack up your spring and summer clothes and light-weight bedding for the season, don’t forget to send them in for one last cleaning. Then you can breathe easy knowing your items will look good as new when you pull them back out of storage next year.

Hope you have a festive Fall, full of fun, family, and friends – good food, and football too!

Kind regards,

5 Simple, Natural Ways to Boost Immunity

Your body’s immune system protects against illness and infection, fighting off threats before you even know there’s a problem. Even though your immune system usually does its job automatically, you can give it a boost with habits that promote wellness and support immunity.

Eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Although you may not be aware they contain flavonoids, these phytochemicals found in some fruits and veggies are a vital part of maintaining health. Flavonoids are found in colorful fruits and vegetables like cranberries and elderberries. When it comes to power foods, elderberries’ exceptional flavanol levels make them an immune system powerhouse. Especially important during cold and flu season, elderberries can also be enjoyed in a cup of warm tea for instant comfort.

Reduce stress with outdoor activity. Keeping physically fit provides numerous health benefits such as reducing stress by being one with nature through taking a walk outside. The sun’s UV rays help your body produce vitamin D, which is important for your bones, blood cells and immune system, as well as helping absorb and use certain nutrients. Yoga and massage can also be used to help stimulate the immune system and promote well-being.

Keep a regular sleep schedule. Sleep gives you an opportunity to recharge. This is when cellular regeneration and other healing is most efficient. Keeping a regular routine helps signal to your system that it’s time to rest so you can fall asleep easier and reap the whole-body benefits of a healthy sleep cycle.

Wash hands frequently. Especially during the school year, when germs are rampant and easily carried from school to home, you can give your immune system a hand, literally, by frequently scrubbing away germs before they have the chance to attack.

Rely on natural remedies. Modern, stressful lifestyles and exposure to environmental pollutants can put immune systems under pressure. However, some of your existing soothing rituals can actually support better health, too. One example is relaxing with a hot cup of tea. The natural and organic ingredients found in Buddha Teas provide numerous health benefits. Options like Mushroom Wellness, Divine Immunity, Elderberry Tea and Reiki Mushroom blends all contain immunity-boosting ingredients.

While they’re not an obvious ingredient, mushrooms have been incorporated into healing practices for thousands of years for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties. There are several powerful medicinal mushrooms but one stand-out is the reishi mushroom, known as the “mushroom of immortality” and “divine plant of longevity.” This anti-inflammatory powerhouse is known to promote healthy cell growth and healthy blood pressure, along with improving immune function.

Sweet and Savory School Day Snacks

As children head back to school and parents work to balance hectic schedules, it can be difficult to maintain a meal plan that doesn’t consume too much time. Make your morning meals, lunchbox packing and meal prepping easier by including time-saving hacks like easy-to-use ingredients and recipes.

Getting back into a routine can be stressful, but Cheesy Quinoa Bites oer a kid-friendly, parent-approved breakfast option that can be enjoyed at the kitchen counter, on the way to school or as a snack during the day. Try making them Sunday evening then simply reheating throughout the week for an appetizing way to encourage kiddos to eat their veggies and start the day strong.

Ready in just 10 minutes, Success Boil-in-Bag quinoa and rice are the keys to these quick and easy recipes with a no measure, no mess process that makes cooking simple. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike, they’re made using high-quality ingredients to help you and your loved ones enjoy hassle-free school days from start to finish.

Cheesy Quinoa Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa
2 cups aged cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
2 eggs
3/4 cup broccoli florets, cooked and finely chopped
1/3 cup orange bell pepper, finely diced
3/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease 12 mun cups. Cook quinoa according to package directions; let cool slightly.

Stir together quinoa, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, eggs, broccoli, bell pepper and salt. Spoon mixture into prepared mun cups. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.

Bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let cool slightly in pan on rack; invert onto rack and let cool completely or serve warm.

Substitution: Use finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, black olives or pickled jalapeno peppers for orange bell pepper, if desired.

Navigating a Dynamic Work Environment with Children

Before the pandemic, the choice for most families looking for child care was relatively simple: they either found a center close to work or close to home. As employers share their return-to-work plans, many parents are re-evaluating their child care arrangements and trying to find solutions that support their family’s unique needs. Some are returning to the office full time while others have the flexibility of hybrid work schedules, splitting time between the office and remote work.

“Our Parent Confidence Report found 62% of working parents have or are considering taking a job that pays less but has more flexibility so they can be more available for their children,” said Tom Wyatt, CEO of KinderCare Education. “That’s why we’re increasing our part-time care offerings. We know how vital flexible schedules are to parents and how important consistency is to young children. By staying with the same provider, even if their time is split between two locations, children can still benefit from a consistent classroom routine and curriculum, which leaves them free to focus on learning and growing.”

Consider these tips to help choose a flexible child care solution for your family:

Know the research and advocate for yourself. According to Accenture and Forbes, more than 63% of high-growth companies already use a “work from anywhere” model and more than 83% of workers in the United States said they prefer the flexibility to work both from home and the oce, which means “hybrid work” is here to stay. Even if your job requires being onsite, it is still a good idea to explore your options to find out what level of support your employers can provide. As you advocate for yourself and your family, look at what similar businesses offer their employees in terms of flexible schedules and paid leave for child care needs.

Determine what kind of child care arrangement works for your family. As many families learned amid the pandemic, caring for children at home while also trying to work can be challenging. Even enrolling your children in part-time care could alleviate some stress and give them opportunities to spend time with their peers. If you’ll be working a hybrid schedule, splitting your time between two centers – one close to home and one close to work – could also be a solution that fits your family’s needs and schedule.

“The silver lining to the pandemic is it gave many working parents opportunities to spend more time with their children,” Wyatt said. “According to our research, 65% of working parents say they’re able to be more involved in their children’s lives because their work schedules are more flexible. Parents don’t want to return to their previous schedules and commutes and give up all that precious time with their families, so they’ll be looking for innovative ways to balance family time with work time.”

New Homeowner’s Moving Checklist

Now that you’ve closed on your first house, you’re officially a homeowner. However, before you can get comfy in your new place, you need to actually move in. If you’ve never moved into a new house, there are a few things you may not be aware of.

As you make plans to move into a house for the first time, consider these tips as you begin to get settled.

Have the House Cleaned
You have two options: either roll up your sleeves and do a complete top-to-bottom cleaning before moving in or hire a cleaning service. While both options work, one will save you money and the other will save you time.

Tackle Any Small Projects
If you already know you want to make some changes, it’s best to do that before you move your things in. Your home inspector can go over your entire house and suggest possible renovations and improvement projects.

Meet Your Neighbors
Even if you’ve never taken the time to introduce yourself to your neighbors before, you’ll likely want to get to know the folks who live next to or near your new home. Consider stopping by with a simple gift like cookies to break the ice, say hi and get things started on the right foot.

Check Out Community Activities
Every community has its own personality. That includes the local hotspots, activities, seasonal celebrations and recreational options. You may have looked into some of this while you were shopping for your new home, but now that you know where you’ll be living, this is a perfect opportunity to sign up for a recreational sports team or put the annual festival on your calendar.

Make Sure You Have Power
When you move into a new home, it’s up to you to contact the electric provider for the area to set up an account and ensure the power is on. Do not count on the former owner to leave the power on for you.

Replace the Locks
Rather than assuming you have complete control over who can get in your home, it’s best to go ahead and change all the locks. This simple step isn’t overly expensive and can give you peace of mind.

Consider Eco-friendly Appliances
Going green can reduce your energy costs as well as your carbon footprint. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make your house eco-friendly. There are energy-efficient appliances to suit every price range. Plus, simple changes, like LED bulbs and a smart thermostat, can further reduce your energy bill.

Make Your New Home Safe
At a minimum, you should check every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm to ensure they work. If not, replace them and purchase a fire extinguisher or two for added protection.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Comforters

Routine cleaning has never been more important these days. We spend a third of our life in bed. So clean bed linens should always be top of mind. Think of the drool, sweat and dandruff you leave between the sheets.

You shed 500 million skin cells a day. Many slough off while you roll around in bed. All those dead cells pile up on your sheets in between washings. Tiny dust mites love to feed on the shed cells. The critters can trigger allergies, asthma, and cause your itchy eczema to flare.

Do you sleep with your fur baby? Rover or kitty’s hair and dander on your bedding become extra buffet fare for dust mites.

Fabricare Center delivers quality comforter cleaning ready to handle the toughest stains. Complementary storage bag included with each comforter.

fcdrycleaners.com/bed

August Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Back to School

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

Every year it seems like school starts earlier and earlier. It’s hard to believe we’re already in August, summer has come to an end and the kids are on their way back to school. The days at the pool and camp are now traded in for new teachers, new classmates, and a new routine for the school year ahead.

By now, you’ve probably spent the better part of the last few days of summer sifting through your kid’s dirty laundry. Families with children returning from sleepaway camp have duffel bags full of stinky clothes to tend to. It’s time to get a handle on the endless piles of laundry and move on, so the kids can start the new school year off with clothes looking and smelling like new.

One of the most fun highlights leading up to a new school year is purchasing new clothes and picking out what you’ll wear on the first day of school. My wife and I have enjoyed shopping for our little boy as he gets ready to start school for the very first time. We’ve been diligently labeling his clothes, blankets, and other items in anticipation of his first day!

With the start of the school year, many after school activities, such as football, soccer, baseball, dance, and gymnastics will soon begin. This means another whole set of clothes to add to the seemingly endless laundry rotation.

While technically summer has come to a close with the start of school, it’s still August…in Atlanta, and the weather is hotter than hot. Let us make sure your kids’ new wardrobe, uniform, jerseys, leotards and more are looking and smelling fresh for the year ahead. We are big believers in the “look good, feel good” mentality. So take one more thing off your endless to-do list and take advantage of Fabricare Center’s wash & fold service today. Spend time doing what you enjoy with those you love, and leave the overflowing piles of laundry to us!

Kind regards,

Lessons from Expert Educators

Each school year offers exciting opportunities for little learners to discover and explore new topics, make friends and master new skills. While much of the focus is on families during the back-to-school season, it’s also an important time for educators, especially those who are working with young children or are just starting their careers. These tips from award-winning and long-term educators can help new and aspiring teachers prepare for a successful start to the school year and their careers.

Communication is Key

Making time to connect with families gives teachers opportunities to build bonds, which is essential for success. Communicating and understanding their unique needs shows you have their children’s best interests at heart. By regularly sharing stories and observations about each child’s progress, teachers can also provide families with a sense of reassurance their children are being recognized and cared for as the unique people they are.

Never Give Up on a Child

Each child faces unique hurdles as he or she climbs the educational ladder, with some facing more challenges than others. While at times it can be frustrating to tailor lesson plans to meet each child’s individual needs, Joan Coberg, a teacher of 40 years, recommends one important trait: patience.

Set Boundaries for Success

Similar to open lines of communication with families, getting to know your students individually can help build relationships necessary for a successful school year. Jami Vandegrift, a prekindergarten teacher and 2018 KinderCare Teacher of the Year, “As you build relationships, you will start to establish boundaries and routines, “Once you feel comfortable with the kids and the room, you can start bringing in the curriculum. Starting as a new teacher, I always thought I had to do it all at once. I’ve learned over time to start small and build each week on something new.”

Be Willing to Change

Consistency and structure within the classroom setting are important for establishing routines, but it’s also helpful to have an open mind and to stop an activity when children lose interest. Be observant, flexible and willing to rethink schedules, classroom arrangements, transitions and more. Stopping to observe and ensure students are engaged can help promote success as many children learn best when fueled by personal interests.

Let Children Choose Their Paths and Recognize Accomplishments

School days often include activity time when students can explore interests like art, music, physical activity and more. When it’s time for activities, try letting children choose what they’d like to do first. This can help foster independence while easing transitions, according to Hattie Mae Covington, a toddler teacher of 45 years. It also opens the door for teachers to cheer on their students for succeeding in activities of their choosing.

“Kids, especially young children, love to be recognized and rewarded for doing good work,” Covington said. “High fives and smiley face stickers go a long way toward encouraging them and helping them be successful. Celebrating students for their accomplishments can be a meaningful way to create bonds that support their ongoing interest in learning.”

Deliver Flavor & Nutrition Despite Busy Schedules

As kids and parents return to busy schedules full of sports, homework and weeknight activities, building a plan for nutritious and easy meals can be challenging. Piecing together a menu that fuels active minds without spending hours in the kitchen is a common goal for many families.

These recipes require minimal prep and call for on-hand ingredients like dairy food favorites that provide nutrients people of all ages need to grow and maintain strong bodies and minds.

Chopped Chicken Taco Salad

Recipe courtesy of Megan Gundy of “What Megan’s Making” on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

Dressing:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup buttermilk, plus additional (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice, plus additional (optional)
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Salad:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 head leaf lettuce, chopped
1 avocado, chopped into bite- sized pieces
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican) tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for topping

To make dressing: In small bowl, stir yogurt, buttermilk, lime juice, cilantro and taco seasoning until combined. Taste and adjust lime juice and cilantro as needed. If dressing is too thick, add buttermilk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To make salad: Season chicken on both sides with taco seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken to pan and cook on both sides until outside is golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and slice into strips.

On large platter, heap chopped lettuce. Sprinkle chicken over top. Add avocado, beans, corn, tomatoes and shredded cheese. Drizzle dressing on top and sprinkle with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.

Tips from Teacher for Choosing Quality Child Care

As families across the country get ready for back-to-school season, many are also preparing to return to in-person work, which means finding the right program to support their children’s ongoing learning and development. According to “The Current State of Scientific Knowledge on Pre-Kindergarten Effects” report, choosing a quality preschool helps children start elementary school prepared for success.

Knowing what to look for when choosing the right child care provider for your family can be stressful. However, these insights from KinderCare teachers with 40-plus years of classroom experience and Teacher of the Year honorees can help remove some of the mystery.

Make a list of what matters most: Before beginning your search, take some time to think about specific wants and needs for your family and children, whether that’s kindergarten-readiness, social and emotional development or convenient location. Write down the things that matter most to your family and refer to that list when you’re speaking with potential providers and asking questions.

Put yourself in your child’s shoes: When you look around the classroom, be sure to look for child-sized furniture and age-appropriate books and toys within children’s reach. This can help inspire their natural curiosity, encourage independence and build confidence. It’s also important to know how play is incorporated, how it’s facilitated and to see purposeful opportunities for play in each classroom.

“There should be areas set up with enhancements that incorporate toys, blocks, art materials and dramatic play,” said KinderCare Teacher of the Year Sara Fouriner. “Teachers should share how they’re fostering social and emotional skills, executive function, problem solving, language and regulation skills in children by oering clear examples and putting evidence of learning on full display.”

Ensure safety and quality are priorities: Health and safety took center stage in 2020 and remain top priorities for many families. Ask questions about each potential provider’s safety rules and practices in addition to their curriculum. It may also be beneficial to ask if their programs are accredited by a third-party agency, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accreditation means the center’s program is held to high standards and exceeds basic requirements set by state licensing.

“As a mother, grandmother and teacher, I believe families should look for a center that is clean and accredited,” said Dorothy Ellison, an early childhood teacher of 40 years. “Families should also inquire about child-to-teacher ratios, sta training and hiring practices, supervision, emergency prep, illness policies, communication and the quality of caregivers in each program.”

Look for teachers who love what they do: Great teachers have a natural ability to connect with every child in their care. If children love their teachers and school is a safe, happy place for them, there are typically few limitations on what they can learn.

“High-quality education starts with open, caring teachers who understand the expectations of the age group they represent,” said Dana Davin, a KinderCare Teacher of the Year and center director. “A genuine welcome when children arrive, a clean and engaging classroom and a culture of inclusion all stem from great teachers who believe in what they do.”

Create a Home Office that Works

Although a growing number of businesses are reopening their in-person office spaces, many are maintaining remote work-forces or implementing hybrid schedules. While the shift signals steps toward more traditional, familiar work environments, it also presents some challenges.

If your temporary remote work schedule is headed for a more permanent status, or if you’ll be straddling both worlds indefinitely, it may be time to make some changes to ensure your home office is up to the task.

Do Your Research: Before making any significant purchases, do some digging to learn all you can about the devices and equipment you’re considering, especially if you’re planning to create an efficient setup using smart technology. While many devices work well together, that’s not always the case. You should also be aware of the controls and how you’ll manage smart functions; choose the setup that’s most intuitive for you and fits best with your workflow. Identify

Unique Requirements: A successful home office needs to reflect the needs of your particular job, so you may need special equipment or tools specific to your role. For example, 63% of desk-based workers said having to collaborate with colleagues virtually is either a challenge or major barrier to working remotely, with 24% saying it is a major barrier, according to a survey by HP. If your job typically relies heavily on collaboration, you’ll probably need a video conference setup.

Another common challenge: access to a printer. More than one-fourth of desk-based workers ranked having access to the office printer among the top three things they miss about the in-office experience.

Start Small: Establishing a well-equipped home office takes time and money. Identify the equipment and essentials you need to get started then create a wish list with other items you can add over time. As you’re setting priorities, remember it can pay to invest in quality products from the get-go. If you have to make repairs, or upgrade or replacement equipment, you may actually spend more in the long run.

Get a Strong Network: At the office, you probably had an IT department responsible for keeping your network up and running. At home, you may still have some level of tech support, but your home connectivity is likely your own concern. A good network starts with a quality router. You’ll also want to shop for an internet provider with the best speeds at a rate you can afford. Just be conscious of any restrictions on volume or speed that could hinder your ability to do your job.

Keep Security in Mind: Smart devices collect a lot of information and because much of the technology is still so new, it’s relatively vulnerable to hackers. Get familiar with privacy settings on all your devices and adjust accordingly so you’re not divulging proprietary data or other information that could be used inappropriately.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Wash & Fold

Our #1 goal is to serve our clients and team members. And we have learned that the pain point most clients struggle with the most is not having enough time.

Kids are back in school, work schedules are in full swing and so are our daily routines.

Our wash and fold service is simple and easy. We have two plans to choose from a small bag which holds 2-3 loads of laundry or a large bag which hold 4-5 loads of laundry. Both plans allow you to send the bag in 4 times a month and they work like a subscription service. You are billed monthly with no contract, so you can cancel anytime. Once you sign up, we will deliver a Fabricare Center laundry bag. Then, just fill the bag with laundry and schedule your pickup. It’s that simple!

We want to save as much time for you as possible so you can do other things that are more important to you. And we want you to feel great so you can live your life to the fullest. Stop into our store, sign up online, or call (770) 396-5325. You’ll never be asked to sign a contract. You can always count on a consistent price and amazing value with each plan!

fcdrycleaners.com/wash

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