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September Newsletter 2021

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

July Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Summer Fun

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

My family has been spending a lot of time outdoors this summer…and boy has it been a hot one! Most weekends, we’ve been taking our son to the pool or to some nearby splash pads as a refreshing way to cool off. When we’re at home, he also loves running through the sprinkler or playing with his water table in our backyard. Anything to help beat the heat!

As the temperature cranks up during these summer months, we tend to shed layers and wear light-weight clothes and more breathable fabrics to help stay comfortable. I know in the summer I trade in my long sleeve button-down shirts for much more seasonably appropriate polo shirts or golf shirts. Whether I opt for quick-dry fabric, linen, pique, or even a light-weight cotton – these types of shirts tend to be my uniform of the summer.

Do you shed some layers this time of year too? Even in breezier clothing, in this heat, we still tend to perspire a lot during these especially hot, few months. Send your polo shirts, golf shirts, and other summer attire into Fabricare Center so we can knock out those deodorant marks, sweat stains, caked on sunscreen or insect repellent, and pesky odors before they set in and become a lingering issue. Though not many people think to dry clean or wet clean their golf shirts or athleisure attire, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to delicate fabrics and the high price of many of these garments.

Whether it’s at the pool, on the golf course, on a neighborhood stroll, or at an outdoor yoga class, enjoy your time outside with family and friends, and be sure and let us keep you looking and smelling so fresh and so clean all summer long!

Kind regards,

Plan a Coastal Road Trip Excursion

If you’ve never traveled along the Pacific Coast, or maybe you’d just like to experience it from a new perspective, there are few things quite like a road trip to take in the sights and experiences that make the journey one to remember.

A road trip lets you set your own pace and enjoy the companionship of friends or family. When you’re ready to explore, outdoor adventures, historical experiences and 99 miles of coastline await in Monterey County, California, which is known as a scenic, beautiful expanse along the Pacific Coast. From wide-open beaches, verdant vineyards and fields to the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains, there’s plenty of room to roam.

Scenic Beauty

Some of the top scenic drives in the world are along California’s coast, where you’ll find a wide range of local topography. One example is Highway 1, where starting toward the north, you’ll see the state’s second largest wetlands, artichoke fields and rolling sand dunes, as well as cypress forests and the craggy coastline. Further south, you’ll encounter towering clis, redwoods and awe-inspiring bridges.

Outdoor Adventure

When you’re ready for some action, there’s plenty to find along the coast. From a captivating 18-mile long recreation trail with coastline views to kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, whale-watching excursions and more, there are numerous ways to whet an appetite for adventure near the ocean. Inland, you’ll find options like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, cave exploring and horseback riding.

Wine Country

Along the California coast, you can find tens of thousands of acres of vineyards producing more than 53 dierent varietals of wine. In Monterey County alone, you can take your pick among 65 tasting rooms set against picturesque backdrops. How you choose to experience wine country is as diverse as the varietals you’ll discover. For example, you might head to the beach with a newly purchased bottle of your favorite wine, jump aboard a wine trolley to let someone else do the driving for a while or schedule a tour that takes you behind the scenes with a winemaker.

Beach Time

No visit to the coast is complete without a visit to the beach, but not all beaches are the same. From white sandy beaches to rocky clis, you could plan an entire road trip around the different kinds of beaches waiting for you to discover their beauty. Enjoy bird spotting, rock collecting, surfing, tide pooling and more.

Wellness for Body and Mind

When you’ve taken in the sights and explored to your heart’s content, be sure to leave time for rejuvenation. From spas and meditation retreats to spending time in nature, it’s easy to make wellness a priority when visiting the California coast. You can even enjoy food that’s as good for you as it is delicious with a growing focus on sustainability by visiting daily farmers’ markets and fish markets, which provide a bounty of locally sourced produce, fresh meat, seafood and hand-made treasures for a truly enriching cultural experience.

Infuse Bright, Nutritional Flavor Into Summer

When families fire up their grills and turn to favorite summer recipes for filling meals, nutritional considerations are often not the focus. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. This year, you can rethink traditional seasonal menus by opting for main courses – and even desserts – that oer healthier returns by incorporating ingredients like whole oranges, which provide a multitude of nutritional benefits.

Adding an ingredient like Valencia oranges to your family’s dishes means you’re including a rich source of vitamin C (70% of the daily value) and an excellent source of folate (20% of the daily value) in your seasonal spread. As a balance of sweet and tart, the extra juicy oranges reach their peak in summer, making them perfect for warm-weather recipes, juicing or as portable snacks to take along on adventures.

When it comes to meal planning, oranges are a highly versatile fruit that can be added to both sweet and savory dishes, as well as beverages, cocktails, sauces, frozen desserts, smoothies and more. To introduce a depth of flavor and burst of nutrition to dishes, add a sprinkle of zest, segments or fresh-squeezed juice, or even grill the fruit to bring out the flavor.

Try combining them with tastes of the Mediterranean for dinner with Orange and Harissa Glazed Beef Kebabs or end your meal with a refreshing sweet treat like Orange Ice Cream the entire family can enjoy.

Orange and Harissa Glazed Beef Kebabs

1/2 cup Valencia orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 California Valencia oranges, zested and segmented
2 tablespoons harissa paste
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
8 ounces beef tenderloin, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch squares
1 red onion, cut into 2-inch squares
16 broccoli florets, raw
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
cooked couscous
mandarin chutney

In mixing bowl, combine orange juice and zest, harissa, honey, oil, mint and garlic; mix well.
Add beef cubes and toss to coat; marinate 2 hours in refrigerator.
Using long skewers, build kebabs, alternating beef, peppers, onions and broccoli on each.
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Season kebabs with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill until vegetables are cooked through and beef reaches desired doneness.
Serve over bed of couscous and top with mandarin chutney.

How Parents Can Help Children Build Social Skills

While adults may joke about needing to relearn how to be around others in a post-pandemic world, children can also benefit from a refresh of certain soft skills – especially young children who may not remember pre-pandemic life.

Building on these skills can also help children prepare for a successful return to school. In fact, data from Mintel shows parents’ top learning priorities for their children prior to entering grade school are how to play well with others (67%) and good manners (66%). “Summertime is a great time for families to help their children focus on social skills that may not have gotten much attention this past year, particularly if families were social distancing or in quarantine,” said Taunya Banta, inclusion services manager for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Parents can set their children up for success when school starts again in the fall by helping them work on these soft skills in relaxed settings like family gatherings and on the neighborhood playground.”

Consider these ways parents can help their children build social skills. Name emotions: Naming emotions is an important part of learning how to regulate them. If your children don’t understand what emotions they’re experiencing, they may be confused or upset by how they feel and that could amplify the feelings and make it more dicult to regulate the emotions.

Talk with your children about your own feelings, or the feelings of characters in books, to help them learn to identify emotions and appropriate ways to address those feelings. For example, “I’m sad, but I know a hug will help me feel better,” or “I’m mad and that’s OK. It’s not OK to hit, but I can punch a pillow or stomp my feet to get the feelings out of my body.” As a family, try practicing some simple emotion regulation strategies like deep breathing. To help younger children breathe deep, hold up two fingers and ask them to smell the flower as they inhale (one finger) and blow out the candle as they exhale (the other).

Play with other children: Play gives children an opportunity to freely express their emotions and thoughts, work out feelings and explore relationships in a safe, lighthearted way. If you feel comfortable and can follow health and safety guidelines, visit a playground or set up play dates with other children of similar ages then take a step back to let the children play together. If your children aren’t ready to play with others, allow them to stay close to you until they feel ready to join the other children.

Once the children are playing together, observe their interactions and talk with your children (in the moment or later) about how they felt. If they had fun, ask what they enjoyed. If disagreements or awkward moments came up, help your children problem-solve ways they could address those situations next time.

“Most importantly, remember children of all ages have an incredible capacity for resiliency,” Banta said. “Just knowing they have a steady base to return to, a safe place where they’re loved and appreciated for who they are, can give children the courage they need to face the challenge of a new or uncertain social situation with self-confidence and courage.”

Poolside Picks – Dive into your summer reading list

Laying out on the beach and floating in the pool are true hallmarks of summer. A good book, however, can elevate these relaxing experiences to a new level.

Whether you find yourself looking for a beach read, a book for the pool or something to help you escape while lounging on the couch with the windows open, these sizzling summer reads oer something for nearly every type of reader. From suspense to romance and adventure, you don’t want to miss these books this summer.

Some Secrets Aren’t Meant to Be Shared

From author Meg Mitchell Moore comes a warm, witty and suspenseful novel filled with small-town secrets, summer romance, big time lies and spiked seltzer. In “Two Truths and A Lie” the leader of an idyllic beach town “mom squad” has made surprising effort to include a new resident and her daughter in typically closed-group activities, though they’re not the only ones she’s been spending more time with. A blend of propulsive thriller and gorgeous summer read, Moore’s latest novel is a reminder that happiness isn’t always a day at the beach, some secrets aren’t meant to be shared and the most precious things are loved ones.

Transatlantic Love Story Raises the Royal Stakes

“New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author Alyssa Cole’s second Runaway Royals novel, “How to Find a Princess,” is an Anastasia-inspired romance featuring a long-lost princess who finds love with the female investigator tasked with tracking her down. When a threat to her grandmother’s livelihood pushes the princess to return to Ibarania, the investigator takes her on a transatlantic adventure. When they finally make it, they realize there’s more at stake than just cash and crown, and the princess must learn what it means to fight for what she desires rather than what she feels bound to by duty.

Romantic Adventure Proves Anything Can Happen

No. 1 “New York Times” bestseller Susan Elizabeth Phillips returns to her Chicago Stars series with a romance between a quarterback and one of the world’s greatest opera singers – and a major diva – in “When Stars Collide.” It’s Mozart meets Monday night football as the temperamental soprano and stubborn jock embark on a nationwide tour promoting a luxury watch brand, they engage in soul-searching, trash talk and backstage drama. Threatening letters, haunting photographs and a series of dangerous encounters also complicate their lives and make them wonder if it’s the work of an overzealous fan or something more sinister.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Golf Shirt Cleaning

Keep your Golf Shirts looking like new. The heat from summer weather brings challenges in keeping your active wear looking its best and brightest.

Anti-perspirant, sun screen, insect repellent as well as overuse can dull, stain and degrade fabrics.

Though not many people think to dry clean or wet clean their Golf polo’s it’s becoming increasingly popular due to delicate fabrics and the high price of these garments.

Confidence is the dierence between a bogie and a birdie, putting on a clean and freshly pressed polo can help your mental game before you even set foot on the greens.

Have your golf and polo shirts cleaned to remove stains and perspiration. We’ll have you looking and feeling fresh for your next tee time.

fcdrycleaners.com/golf

June Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Spring Cleaning

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

School is out, camp is in session, and summer is in full swing. We all know how toasty Atlanta gets this time of year. If you’re like my wife and I you’ve recently taken the opportunity to turn over your closet. This time of year means swapping out boots for sandals, pants for shorts, and coats and sweaters for more summer friendly shirts and blouses. We also recently took our comforter and duvet, cleaned it and switched it out for a much more light-weight, breathable quilt for these next few months.

It’s always nice to shed a few layers for summer. When packing up your winter wear and heavy bedding, it’s important to have your items cleaned before storing them till Fall or Winter. There are a number of frustrating stains that can occur if your clothes aren’t properly treated before they are stored.

A few issues we commonly see come fall, are yellow, oxidized and perspiration stains along with insect damage which often appears as small holes in the fabric of a garment. These problems typically occur on fabrics after cleaning them for the first time at the change of season, especially if stains are left on the garment.

In order to inspect damage, it’s important that all food and beverage stains are removed prior to storage. Using moth crystals or balls or storing clothes in a cedar closet or chest can also be really valuable in combating this issue. A variety of moth proofing finishes including moth bags can be used to prevent insect damage. Ask us on your next order and we can add them to your order.

Perspiration stains often appear as yellow or tan stains, streaks, or rings and are typically found in areas that may become damp with perspiration such as underarms, neck, back, and waistband. These stains have a tendency to oxidize over time so it is important to wash and dry clean your garments regularly, so we can remove the stains while they are still fresh.

Yellow stains are another frequent occurrence that we come across. These stains are caused by contact with juices, beer, soft drinks, tea, coee, or other foods or beverages that contain tannin or sugars. The only method of prevention against these stains is to flush these stained areas with water immediately after contact. This is best accomplished by taking the garment to the cleaner as soon as possible and pointed out the stained area. Once the stain has been left in the fabric for a period of time, it can be very difficult to remove.

Oxidized oil stains are mostly invisible when they first contact a fabric, but they oxidize and yellow with age, heat, and/or exposure to the atmosphere. If the stain is fresh, it can usually be removed by professional spotting chemicals and dry cleaning.

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 summer when you pack up your winter clothes and 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 this Fall or Winter.

Kind regards,

Get Ready to Read this Father’s Day

Shopping for Father’s Day can be dicult. From tools to tech toys, some gifts are used over and over again, but thoughtful gifts that match your dad’s interests can make this year’s present a memorable one.

If he enjoys reading, there are options that align with almost every hobby and interest, from advice for hands-on projects to thrilling mysteries and exploration of the challenges many dads face every day, and these picks can provide a reminder of you every time he sits down to read another chapter.

Practical ‘Dadvice’ for Everyday Tasks

From the host of the YouTube channel that went viral, “Dad, How Do I?,” comes a book of the same title that’s part memoir, part inspiration and part DIY advice. Rob Kenney wished he had someone who could teach him the basics – how to tie a tie, jump-start a car, unclog a drain, use tools properly – as well as succeed in life. In this book, he shares his story of overcoming a dicult childhood with an absent father through the strength of faith and family, and oers words of inspiration and hope. In addition, he provides instructions for 50 practical DIY projects, illustrated with helpful line drawings, as well as the occasional dad joke.

A Riveting Race Against Time

“New York Times” bestselling author Linwood Barclay returns with a riveting thriller, “Find You First.” Diagnosed with a terminal illness, tech millionaire Miles Cookson begins a search for the children he’s never known. Somewhere out there, after having been a sperm donor, he has nine unknown kids who might be about to inherit both the good and the bad from him – maybe his fortune, or maybe something much worse. One by one, Cookson’s heirs are vanishing – every trace of them wiped, like they never existed at all.

An Exploration of the Challenges Fathers Face

Growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, Craig Melvin, news anchor of NBC News’ “Today,” had a fraught relationship with his father. Lawrence Melvin was a distant, often absent parent due to his drinking as well as his job working the graveyard shift at a postal facility. A powerful, intimate exploration of fatherhood, addiction and resiliency, “Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father” is the story of their long journey to reconciliation and understanding, as well as an investigation of the challenges facing all dads.

Swimming Safety Tips for Summer

Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water. As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation.

Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children.

Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed.

Wear a Life Jacket.

Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices.

Learn to Swim.

Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%. Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons. By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities.

Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags.

Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark o safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on.

Learn CPR.

If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the quicker CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups. Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.

Kid-Friendly Summer Snacking

Summer sun means it’s time for warm-weather fun for kids of all ages, and all that activity and playing calls for snacks and hydration to recharge. Whether your children like to play poolside or take a bicycle adventure through the neighborhood, the right nutrient-dense foods can keep the fun going all day long.

For an option that quenches hunger (and thirst) without sacrificing nutrition, try an assortment of ways to enjoy watermelon. As a refreshing ingredient or standalone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving) – an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection – than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Plus, it’s made of 92% water, meaning it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to rehydrate during some fun in the sun.

Make watermelon part of a balanced snack plate with this Kids Charcuterie Snack Board including assorted watermelon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced veggies, sliced fruits, crackers, pretzels and more. In addition to the nutritional benefits, the simplicity of this snack means children can help assemble it while showing off their creativity.

Kids Charcuterie Snack Board

• cubed watermelon
• watermelon balls, skewered
• watermelon wedges
• watermelon sticks
• flower-shaped watermelon cutouts
• peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, halved
• ham and cheese pinwheels
• sliced veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers and celery
• sliced fruit
• pretzels
• crackers
• small bowl of candy (optional)

Employee Highlight – Melanie Blevins

Client Care Advisor – Team Leader 2 Years of Service

As the Team Leader for Fabricare Center’s Client Care Team, I am motivated to wake up and go to work by the knowledge that, in a small way, I am helping our clients by ensuring that their needs are taken care of, and the quality we present them is the best.

My job entails a little bit of everything. I assist our clients in all aspects of their experience with us, from onboarding, intake, production, to our delivery service.

Having grown up in the northeast I am a huge fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. When I’m not working I’m baking, reading, watching tv or playing music. I enjoy playing a multitude of instruments including the Piano, Viola, Cello, and Harp and play viola for the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra.

My favorite project on the job has been coming up with ideas to make our clients experience with us more personal with our retention and new client kits.

Relocating to Atlanta and being part of the Fabricare Center team has been so exciting and I am so happy to bring joy to our clients lives.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Spring Cleaning

Do you have sweaters and coats that need cleaning before storing for spring and summer?

Let us help!

Our cleaning process removes sugar, oil and perspiration stains that can cause lasting damage to your garments. Even though many of these stains may be invisible, over time these hidden stains will deteriorate fabrics and attract moths (invisible to the naked eye) that feed on the stains and create holes.

fcdrycleaners.com/spring-cleaning

May Newsletter 2021

Fabricare Center Blog , Newsletter

Happily Ever After

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

With spring in the air, we are coming into the peak of wedding season. The breezy spring weather in Atlanta is so beautiful and makes for a popular time of year to tie the knot. It’s not so long ago that my wife and I were celebrating our wedding day here in Atlanta. Unfortunately, over the past year, we and many others missed the opportunity to attend friends’ and families’ weddings. Many were rescheduled, postponed, or done on a much smaller scale, with just immediate family to be in line with the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Now that many people have been vaccinated, people are starting to feel more comfortable being with friends and family and are eager to gather to celebrate special milestones like weddings. I think were all excited to celebrate with one another and see the bride and groom all dressed up for their special day.

There are many ways to treasure special memories from your wedding day. Of course, beautiful photo albums and wedding videos encapsulate the day in a meaningful way. These are two items to be enjoyed for years to come. Many brides will opt for other creative ways to commemorate the day with anything from framing their wedding invitation to having it transcribed on a glass vase or silver plate. I’ve also seen brides have their wedding bouquet preserved and displayed in a shadowbox, a lovely and interesting way to remember the day. Another wonderful way to remember your special day is to have your wedding gown preserved.

At Fabricare Center we offer wedding gown cleaning, preservation and restoration. We like to schedule a consultation with each bride to perform a complete inspection of your wedding gown and review your options for cleaning. Our expert cleaners with over 40 years’ experience will personally hand clean your gown. After a thorough cleaning and pressing, we like to have our brides review their gown before it is preserved and elegantly boxed. With approval from our brides, we then store their gowns in a Museum Quality Wedding Gown Box, allowing them to cherish their wedding dress for years to come. Let us help you treasure the memories from your special day by preserving your beautiful gown.

Kind regards,

Ice Cream Made with Love for Mom

Few relationships are as special as a bond between a mother and her child. There is often so much laughter, so much love and so many good times spent around food and family over the years. From trying new foods together and cooking lessons at a young age to time-honored family recipes, there are few things better than mom’s cooking. This delicious Very Berry and Creamy Coconut Ice Cream was created with mothers in mind. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when it’s made with fresh ingredients right at home for a perfect addition to Mother’s Day festivities.

Very Berry and Creamy Coconut Ice Cream
Yield: 11 cups

Berry Ice Cream:
2 pounds frozen berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt

Coconut Ice Cream:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mint leaves for garnish

1. To make berry ice cream: In blender, pulse frozen berries, sweetened condensed milk, honey and salt until smooth, scraping down sides.
2. Pour mixture into 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Freeze uncovered 4 hours, or until set.
3. To make coconut ice cream: In large mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
4. In medium bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, salt and 1 cup whipped cream until combined. Add remaining whipped cream and whisk until combined.
5. Pour into 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Freeze uncovered 4 hours, or until set.

How to Welcome a New Puppy to the Family

Introducing a new puppy to your household can bring many rewards. However, getting the hang of things can take some time, especially for first-time pet owners.

In fact, it takes the average pet owner almost four months to get into the flow with a new four-legged family member, according to a survey by Royal Canin. Eight in 10 respondents said the first year of pet ownership is the most important, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The survey found 64% believe the first year is also the most difficult and deciding how to train a new pet was cited as the most important decision pet parents have to make.

“Bringing a puppy home is a hugely rewarding experience for pet owners, but it’s also a time of huge challenges and steep learning curves,” said Dr. Jill Cline, pet nutritionist and site director of Royal Canin’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center. “In addition to helping your puppy adjust to its new home, you can support your puppy’s health now and always with a nutritionally complete diet tailored to its specific needs.

Make welcoming a new puppy a rewarding experience for the whole family with these tips.

Arriving Home
Your puppy may be feeling stressed by new sights, sounds, smells and the separation from its mother. Manage the noise and activity to avoid adding to this stress. As soon as you get home, take your puppy to your yard or outside area so it can go to the bathroom. Use positive verbal reinforcement when the job is done. Once indoors, block off a safe area and let your puppy sniff and explore on its own time. Getting acquainted with a new place takes time and lots of exploring. Some puppies can be overwhelmed by too much human contact, so allow your puppy to come to you.

Getting Settled
Puppies like to know what to expect. Plan your routine for feeding, potty trips, exercise and grooming so you can get started on day one. If you know what routine your puppy had before adoption, it’s best to continue for consistency until your puppy is settled. Any sudden dietary changes can cause stress or digestive problems, so for the first week or two, give your puppy the same food as its previous owner, following the feeding recommendations on the package. Nutrition tailored to specific developmental needs can help fragile, young puppies grow into strong, healthy dogs. It’s important to select a high-quality food based on age and expected adult size. Your puppy’s eating spot should be away from where you and any other pets eat. Allow your puppy to eat in peace to prevent it from feeling nervous or protective. Puppies tire easily and need as much as 18-20 hours of sleep per day for healthy development. A crate near where you sleep lets your puppy see and smell you but keeps it from wandering off. Put something that carries your scent in your puppy’s bed along with a blanket to snuggle into.

Remember to schedule regular veterinarian visits and gradually introduce your puppy to new experiences like sounds, car travel, walks and other animals. It’s also important to begin behavior training right away to develop good habits from the start.

5 Tips to Promote Health During Spring

As seasons change, there’s often a great deal of shuffling and movement, including common allergy triggers like trees, pollen, mold spores, dust and dander along with pesky sinus pressure. Combined with changes in barometric pressure and weather patterns bouncing up and down, spring can be one big pain – literally.

“This is the time of year when most of us are excited to see the change of seasons, but millions of allergy and sinus sufferers welcome spring with trepidation,” Dr. Ian Smith, M.D., said. “Common triggers such as trees, pollen, mold spores, dust and dander can wreak havoc for many. With a reliable multi-symptom product stashed in your medicine cabinet, and the combination of simple modifications like being mindful of your indoor climate, eating more fruits and veggies, and staying hydrated, can help limit sinus discomfort this season.”

Take steps this spring to ease the impact of sinus and allergy problems and focus on your overall wellness for a smooth transition with these tips:

Control your allergy and sinus triggers. Knowing what flares your allergic reactions can help prevent discomfort. For many people, monitoring pollen counts and limiting time outdoors on high-pollen days can help reduce reaction

Find some pressure release. When nasal congestion or sinus pressure build, it can feel like a ton of bricks have landed on your head. However, you can find relief with products designed to help clear up your stuffy nose, relieve headaches and thin and loosen excess mucus.

Manage your indoor climate. Even when you start spending more time outdoors, it’s important to keep close tabs on the quality of the air inside your home. If you’re prone to allergy flare-ups or sinus infections, manage the humidity level by using a humidifier or dehumidifier. Also be sure to change filters regularly and use an air purifier for added protection.

Commit to revisiting regularly. It’s easy to let clutter and disorganization slide when you get busy with life’s demands. Once your spring cleaning
and reorganizing is complete, commit to reassessing your home on a monthly or quarterly basis so you can make small adjustments along the
way, rather than face a major project every year.

Update your medicine cabinet. A seasonal change is a good time to take stock of your medical supplies and medications to ensure you have what you need for the months ahead. Discard any expired prescriptions or over the counter medicines and be sure restock common spring and summer essentials like bug bite ointments, sunburn spray and multi-symptom products

5 Tips to Enhance Your Wedding Decor

Wedding days are meant to be filled with love and celebration, and what better way to ring in the new stage of life as newlyweds than with a well-decorated venue to match the joyous occasion. Whether a couple is on a tight budget or picky when it comes to theme ideas, these decorating tips can help add more flair for the big day.

Use a natural venue. Many couples choose wedding venues that require immense amounts of decorations, but a venue with organic scenery or a beautiful view can help alleviate the stress. Consider having the ceremony near a garden or beach with enough natural surroundings to keep guests in awe.

Make the cake a centerpiece. Wedding cakes are almost guaranteed to be filled with flavor, but they can also serve as a decorative centerpiece for the reception. Choosing a cake topped with flowers, highlighting bright colors and placing it in a prominent spot at the reception can grab guests’ attention while also keeping them eager for a bite.

Choose table accessories that pop. Leave guests in amazement as they make their way to their seats for the reception with beautifully decorated tables. Table accessories can be anything ranging from patterned table runners to flowers in full-bloom placed in simple, elegant vases. If you are not having a formal sit-down reception, try using paper lanterns or hanging flowers from the ceiling to create an eye-catching atmosphere to remember.

Add classic lighting. At times, finding the right lighting to match the mood of a wedding venue can be tricky. In this case, less may actually be more. Try opting for a classic candlelit ceremony or reception to create a more romantic setting. This can save both money and countless hours spent attempting to configure elaborate light fixtures, and also provide a timeless feel.

Place engagement photos around the venue. With any wedding, you want the day to feel personal and intimate for the couple and guests alike. Consider decorating the venue with engagement photos of the soon-to-be spouses as they popped the question. This can allow the newlyweds to reminisce while guests view those cherished moments and revel in the occasion.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Wedding Gowns

Let our cleaning and restoration experts help you make your wedding dress look like new again. Then keep it safe in our museum quality wedding gown box.

Every gown is inspected, hand cleaned, reviewed, pressed and preserved by the owners David and Ben.

Get started today by scheduling a consultation with our master cleaners.

fcdrycleaners.com/wedding

April Newsletter 2021

Newsletter

Spring Forward

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

Spring is upon us and that means spending more and more time outside with family and friends. And thanks to daylight savings, we get to take advantage of it staying lighter out so much later. This is always such a welcome change with the dawning of a new season.

With the nicer temperatures, my wife and I love grilling out, playing in the backyard with our little boy, and entertaining guests for picnics or for dinner on our patio. Spring in Atlanta really cannot be beat! Well, except for the pollen, that I know we could all happily do without.

If you’re like my family and plan on spending lots of time in your backyard this Spring, 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. Protecting the environment is one of Fabricare Center’s core values. With Earth Day only a few weeks away, on April 22, 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 spring has sprung, get outside, start enjoying nature’s beauty, and create special memories with family and friends!

Kind regards,

Give Spring Salads a Fresh Spin

With spring and warmer weather comes salad season, oering a perfect canvas for creating refreshing meals and appetizers centered around tasty greens, juicy tomatoes and crave-worthy dressings. Give your salads an update by avoiding the same tired mixes and instead create tasty meals fit for the season.

Chimichurri Chickpea Salad
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

1 cup fresh cilantro
2/3 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 bag Baby Kale Mix
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, diced
1 medium avocado, diced
4 tablespoons Avocado Ranch Dressing

In food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, red
wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse until sauce is smooth.

Place chimichurri sauce in small bowl with chickpeas and crushed
red pepper flakes; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, if
possible.

Divide kale, tomatoes and avocado between four bowls. Top each
bowl evenly with marinated chickpeas. Drizzle with avocado ranch
dressing and serve.

April 22 – Mother Earth Day

How You Can Help

BECOME A WASTE WARRIOR: Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed.

PLANT A TREE: Roughly 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year, so help oset that loss by planting a tree of your own.

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS: Try conserving electrical energy by using only what you need.

LIMIT YOUR WATER USAGE: Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day.

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning isn’t just about purging dirt and grime. It’s also the
perfect opportunity to take inventory of items around your home. As you
tackle this season’s cleaning, look for ways to improve your overall living
space, from getting rid of things you no longer need to adding items that
can work harder for you.

Consider these six ways to tackle your home inside and out this spring.

Make organizing easier. As you clean each space, look for easy ways to
reduce unsightly messes and improve organization. If your entryway
always becomes a jumbled pile of shoes and coats, consider adding a
storage bench and hooks to bring some order to the area. If the kids’ toys
always accumulate in the living room, add a storage chest or large
baskets to store them when not in use. If tools and equipment make the
garage unusable, install shelving units to keep everything in place.

Eliminate the excess. Spring cleaning is also an opportunity to declutter
and make way for something new, either by donating or selling unused
things. Whether it’s last season’s fashion and accessories or unused tech and fitness gear, that item you never used – or haven’t used in a while –
may be exactly what someone else is looking for. Online platforms can make the process easy and be a way to earn extra cash or help fund other
home upgrades. Look for marketplaces that help you maximize your return; eBay, for example, is giving sellers 200 free listings every month,
meaning you only pay after your items sell.

Reimagine your living space. If one area is becoming too crowded or doesn’t serve your family’s needs, consider items you can repurpose for
another part of the home. For example, move an unused chair in your living room into a bedroom to create a reading nook. Keep your focus on
function as you make changes that accommodate your lifestyle.

Shop for Multi-Purpose Items. When upgrading your arsenal of gadgets, tools and small appliances, look for items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, many vacuums can transform into steamers or include mop attachments and some pressure cookers can also be used as air
fryers.

Keep Sustainability in Mind. Keeping functionality in mind and buying like-new items not only saves you money now and in the future but can also
help protect the planet by extending the life of products and reducing unnecessary waste.

Simple Tips for a Better Wedding Registry

For some couples, the idea of registering for wedding gifts is an exciting
way to start planning for the home they’ll be sharing as newlyweds. For
others, the registry is just one more chore to check o the wedding to-do
list.

Regardless of where you fall on the love-it-or-hate-it spectrum, most
experts agree a registry is a good idea, especially for couples who will be
setting up a home together for the first time. Keep these tips and
etiquette guidelines in mind to get the most out of your registry.
Take inventory of what you have and what you need. For couples who’ve
lived alone or together, the registry may be a way to fill in gaps for
necessities neither of you already have. It’s also a good way to begin
upgrading the less expensive kitchen items and furnishings you had as
college students or singles. Make a list of your needs and wants so you
don’t forget any essentials. If you’re still in doubt, request a checklist from
the store where you’ll be registering so you can do some planning.

Register for things at a wide range of price points. The whole purpose of a registry is to make it easy for your guests to get you things you’ll like and
need. Part of making it easy is recognizing your guests have diverse financial situations. While it’s customary to gift the bride and groom, not
everyone can aord an extravagant gift, especially if they’ve spent money on travel and attire to attend. While it’s a good idea to oer modest
options, don’t shy away from bigger ticket items that a small group might chip in on together.

Keep access in mind when you choose where to register. Avoid stores that are local or regional if you have many guests who live out of the area.
Also avoid the temptation to choose online only options, as some guests will prefer to see what they’re buying. Aim for a mix of large national
stores and online retailers.

Plan to block o at least a few hours for an in-person registry. It will take time to get everything set up. Traveling through the store, debating
options and making your selections could take longer than expected. Also be sure to ask how you can add to or edit your registry after your initial
visit.

Get your partner involved. There are bound to be some parts of the registry your partner may not care about, but asking for input and making
decisions together lets you both share in the excitement. Focus on things you’ll each find useful as you settle into your new home. For example, the
person who will be responsible for taking out the trash should get to pick the new kitchen trash can.

Fabricare Center also sells gift certificates which can make for a great gift to use for a bride’s wedding gown preservation, she’ll have to cherish for
years to come.

Employee Highlight – Ros Hambrick

Client Care Advisor
21 Years of Service

As a Client Care Advisor, I work every day to provide excellent service. Whether it’s assisting in person or on the phone I’m always there to help. I’m very passionate about my job and love seeing the smiles on our clients’ faces when they leave our store. We want everyone to feel and look good in what they are wearing and I love knowing that I did my part.

My typical day consists of following up with client concerns, welcoming new clients to Fabricare Center, and assisting with our production department. I’m always asked “how soon I can get my garments back?”, and I’m always quick to say that our goal is to meet your expectations but if we can have 2-3 business days we will have you looking your best.

Having grown up in Atlanta, graduating from Archer High School, I have always loved this city, its people and food. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband, rooting on our Falcons, and getting out and meeting new people.

Fabricare Center has been my home and welcomed me as family for over two decades. I’m happy to be a valued team member bringing smiles to everyone I meet.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – 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

March Newsletter 2021

Newsletter

ALTERING OUR DAILY LIVES

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

Over the last year we have all made many alterations to our lives, whether it has been attending virtual school over zoom, streaming a favorite workout class online, doing curbside pickup for anything from groceries to dinner, to even library books. We have all made slight adjustments to our routines to accommodate the changing world that we live in.

For many of us, through all of these changes, our style and wardrobe has been altered too. Maybe it has stemmed from a new diet or new exercise routine. Maybe as priorities and habits have changed, your sense of fashion has shifted too. Spring is the perfect time to take a look through your closet to see what items need a refresh.

At Fabricare Center our alterations team is ready to tailor your wardrobe to fit your new daily needs and to elevate your look. The secret to fashion isn’t in how much you spend, it’s in how well the clothes you have look and fit.

Whether you are looking to hem a pair of pants, let the waist in or out on a garment,need the elbows patched up on your favorite blazer, or want a zipper or buttons replaced on your go-to pair of jeans, our skilled seamstresses have got you covered.

Let us handle all of your major and minor alterations needs to have you looking and feeling like the best version of yourself. Step into the season with a new spring in your step!

Kind regards,

Lucky Mint Brownie Perfection

How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year.

Mint Brownies
Servings: 9-12

Nonstick cooking spray
1 box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch
3 tablespoons water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg

Filling:
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup whipping cream
5 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
5 drops green food color

Topping:
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter

Heat oven to 350 F.
1. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

3. To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.

4. To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.

SAFE DISTANCES

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, finding safe ways to celebrate special events like birthdays can provide a boost for mental health. Whether you’re celebrating a kid or a kid at heart, planning a socially distant birthday party is a way to enjoy some camaraderie and honor life’s important milestones.

For Kids
Younger party-goers may be more difficult to corral than adults who have a better understanding of social distancing guidelines. That’s why it’s a good idea to host kids’ parties outdoors.

Art Far Apart – Use the sidewalk or driveway as a canvas and have each kid (and parent) spread out. Provide trays of supplies like chalk or washable paint and encourage kids to interact with sing-a-long songs and games.

Driveway Performance – Many kid-friendly entertainers who made a living with special appearances at schools, libraries and other family events have modified their performances to accommodate small, private crowds. Look into local musicians, magicians and other kid-friendly performers who might set up in your yard or driveway while guests lounge on blankets and chairs from a comfortable distance.

Birthday Parade – If getting together isn’t practical, you can still make a little one’s day special by hosting a drive-by parade. Allow the birthday boy or girl to dress up in his or her birthday best and create a throne to sit on while watching friends and family drive by and wave from cars decorated with streamers and balloons. (If you live in a smaller community, check with the local police or fire station to see if they’re willing to get in on the fun with a guest drive-by appearance.)

For Adults
Like kids, many adults are simply craving personal interaction, so even the simplest of gatherings can make a birthday feel special.

Wine Tasting – Set up a series of seating areas around the backyard where same household groups can gather. Use disposable shot glasses to serve flights of wine samples to each group or ask guests to bring their own and use flowerpots filled with ice to keep bottles chilled.

Pool Party – While kids young and old are likely to enjoy a party set poolside, an older crowd is more likely to keep some distance in the water. Scatter some shade umbrellas around so each group has its own home base and plan on single-serve refreshments or ask guests to bring their own coolers.

Driveway Dinner – Simply hanging out feels like a treat these days, so set up lawn chairs and let everyone place a delivery order. Add some background music and individual desserts then let the good times roll.

VACATION PLANS

After a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation for later this year can give you something to look forward to. Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your next adventure. Consider these tips for planning a future trip – even if you’re not certain exactly when you’ll take it.

Research Travel Restrictions
For any kind of travel, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on any restrictions your potential destinations may have in place. Though the vaccine may help lessen restrictions in some places, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain updated guidance and travel warnings based on the risk level of certain areas, which can help you make decisions. Once you’ve booked travel plans, it is prudent to check in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan.

Account for High Demand
Many hotels, vacation rentals and resorts may already be booked for summer in popular locations due to optimism around the vaccine, increased demand for domestic travel and families planning multiple trips this year. In fact, travelers are locking in private Vrbo vacation homes at top summer destinations earlier in 2021. Less than half of vacation homes in some locations are still available for July, which is a more than 25% increase in demand year-over-year. To better your odds of securing your desired travel dates, accommodations and activities, booking earlier can help off-set the increased demand.

“In years past, we’ve recommended families book their summer vacations by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book,” Vrbo President Jeff Hurst said. “These signs are telling us families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before options become more limited.”

Take Advantage of Deals with Longer Stays
Many sectors of the travel industry offer special deals for reserving trips in advance, and some of the best deals can be found by bundling airfare and lodging or booking extended week- or month-long stays. These longer vacations can lead to fewer available dates to choose from, but some travel companies offer search filters that help travelers find discounts for staying longer periods of time.

Opt for Flexible Booking
If you’re eager to plan a vacation right away, be sure to review and understand cancellation policies for your preferred accommodations, airline and activities. Many have changed their policies due to the pandemic, so be sure to know how long you have to cancel or change dates without incurring additional fees or penalties. For example, when booking a vacation rental through Vrbo, where hosts set their cancella-tion terms, you can use the “free cancellation” filter to search for properties with flexible policies, some of which allow cancellations up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund.

Start Saving Now
While it may not be practical for everyone to save money amid uncertain times, setting even a small amount aside for your vacation can be worthwhile. Consider setting up a dedicated travel savings account or directing the change from each transaction made with your debit card to a separate account. Being able to periodically check the balance of the account can also help increase excitement for your upcoming adventure.

Improve Wellness with Bathroom Upgrades

Wellness is at the forefront of nearly everyone’s mind, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small, but important, spaces like the bathroom can benefit from changes with wellness in mind. A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC toward creating a healthier lifestyle. These cost-effective measures can turn your bathroom into a more practical, functional space that promotes your well-being.

Switch Up Surfaces
The countertops in your bathroom, much like the flooring, must be able to withstand a lot of water. Nonporous vanity tops, such as those made from quartz, hold up to being wet constantly and can help keep germs from breeding. In addition to being easy to clean, a solid-surface option like quartz never needs to be sealed or polished, making it an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting option.

Clean Green
Bathrooms are often hot and steamy places, and water vapors in the air can carry potentially harmful chemicals from cleaning products. Green cleaning products are made to control the spread of bacteria and viruses using safe and effective means. Not only are they helpful in preventing asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, but they are a low-cost way to improve overall indoor air quality.

What you use to clean yourself is just as important. Using green or organic personal care items can help reduce toxin exposure and lessen the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Reduce Humidity
All that steam can affect your health in other ways, too, since it creates a humid environment that encourages mold and mildew. A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mildew, therefore benefiting indoor air quality.

Heated towel racks like those from Amba Products come in a variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your decor. For smaller spaces, the Radiant Small is a space-saving choice, and freestanding models are available if wall space is at a premium. Another advantage: Since the racks dry towels, they’ll stay mildew-free longer and don’t need to be washed as often, which helps save valuable natural resources.

Enhance Air Quality
Creating a green, spa-like oasis with plants can bring wellness benefits that don’t break the bank. Indoor plants help rid the environment of pollutants, and the energy and ambiance they add may have mental health benefits, too. Plants like mother-in-law’s tongue or peace lily are popular options to incorporate as natural air purifiers.

Explore Color
A bathroom’s color palette can also play a role in your wellness goals. Warmer shades like red and orange enhance energy while cooler colors like green and blue can be calming.

Service Spotlight – Alterations

This is a true story. A client washed a load of delicate items with a coat hanger and her favorite sweater ended up with a dozen holes in it. That sweater is this client’s reach-for piece when shes trying to look her best.

From a small tear to refitting or an untraceable reweave, we have your mending and tailoring needs covered. We’re pros with military patches, hems and tapering, and we have in-depth tailoring knowledge for weight loss and gain.

With Fabricare Center, you won’t throw out beloved pieces because of a rip or hole. And you won’t need to purchase a brand new wardrobe to fit or adapt to your new lifestyle. Try us. Call or schedule a pickup today!

fcdrycleaners.com/button

February Newsletter 2021

Newsletter

STAYING CONNECTED

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

If this past year has taught us anything, spending time with friends and family and doing what you love is really what matters most. As a society, we have also gotten more creative, finding many ways to communicate and even celebrate with our loved ones, from afar. In the past year my family has celebrated baby showers, weddings, and birthdays over Zoom. We have enjoyed game nights over Zoom with friends, had standing FaceTime calls with family, and even found opportunities to connect with old friends or relatives that we hadn’t been the best about staying in touch with. If not for being cooped at home, we likely would have prioritized the minutiae of daily life and neglected some of these valuable relationships. This year has allowed us to slow down a little; to reassess our priorities and how we want to spend our time. While chores and errands are certainly important realities of life, they are not what most of us want to fill our days with. And when it comes to checking those items o the to-do list, we all want the quickest method possible.

At Fabricare Center, we aim to simplify the dry cleaning and laundry process to give you more of your day back so you can spend time doing what makes you happy. We have implemented many convenience measures into our process to ensure everything runs as efficiently as possible. When it comes to scheduling a pickup, there are many quick and easy ways to get in touch with us.

Did you know you can call ahead or send a quick text message letting us know you are on your way to Fabricare Center? Our retail staff can pull your order so it is ready and waiting for you when you pull up. Shave a few extra minutes off of your trip to the cleaners.

Route and locker customers can easily schedule a pickup through our online portal on our website or through our Fabricare Center app. More of a texter? We send out text reminders the night before your next scheduled pickup day to let you know we are coming by. If you have a pickup, you can simply reply YES or NO to alert our driver of your needs.

Have any questions or concerns? You can always give us a call, send us a text, email us, message us through our online portal or mobile app, or even send us a Facebook message. Did you know we also offer a convenient chat feature on our website? Our customer service representatives are standing by ready to answer any questions you may have.

Want to alert us of your dry cleaning preferences? Through the online portal and our app you can easily share notes with us. Let us know about stains to look out for, your starch preferences, specific mending needs, if you like your shirts folded or hung, etc.

At Fabricare Center, we hope one of these quick and easy ways of getting in touch with us suits you. We want to help simplify your life. Life is too short to get bogged down with errands – let our team cut down your to do-list and give you more time back to spend with family and friends. If we’ve learned anything this past year, we now know those relationships are what matter most.

Kind regards,

The Perfect Pancake for Your Valentine

Finding something unique and special to do on Valentine’s Day for your significant other can be a challenge. Every year, the day to celebrate love rolls around and every year it may seem like you’re out of ideas. Many people feel the same way. However, with just a couple bowls, a cookie cutter and a skillet, your Valentine’s Day could start o a lot sweeter.

Try these Red Velvet Heart Pancakes, which are one of a kind and a delicious way to spend your morning with your loved one. Celebrating the day of love has never been easier. Valentine’s Day is a big reason to celebrate. You don’t have to stick to the same flowers and chocolates as last year. Mix it up with this delectable recipe meant to spread some love on a significant day.

Red Velvet Heart Pancakes
Servings: 8-10

1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for garnish
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
30-40 drops red food coloring nonstick cooking spray syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries, for garnish

1. In large bowl, whisk our, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

2. In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; whisk until combined.

3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine.

4. Spray heart-shaped cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray and place in skillet. Add enough batter to ll heart. Cook 2 minutes. Remove heart cutter. Flip pancake and cook 1 minute.

5. Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries. Note: If mixture is too thick, add water until desired consistency is reached.

Wedded Bliss in Times Like This

During pre-COVID times, wedding concerns like venue capacity had far more to do with budget and vision than with the health and safety of guests. It’s a different world today, but with some careful planning you can still find ways to safely celebrate your love.

As the vows say, marriage is in good times and in bad. It may simply require some flexibility and creativity to make your dream day a reality.

Enlist help from an experienced coordinator. If you weren’t planning to use a wedding coordinator, the pandemic is a compelling reason to reconsider. Keeping track of changing mandates and how they affect gatherings, crowd sizes and more is a job in its own right. Allowing your coordinator to keep tabs on the latest recommendations, and adjust arrangements with your vendors accordingly, may save a great deal of time and frustration.

Be realistic about your invite list. A year ago, it would have been unthinkable to create a tiered guest list and even consider making cuts even after invites go out. Today, that decision may be out of your hands. Rather than waiting until you get news that you’ll have to make cuts, take time now, with a level head and less emotion affecting your decisions, to segment your list.

Understand expectations. Vendors are required to enforce local guidelines, so ensure you’re clear on what measures they will implement on your day. This may include everything from masks and distancing to whether you’re allowed to use a dance floor during the reception.

Keep guests informed. If you haven’t already, create a blog or send out regular updates about wedding plans to guests. If circumstances require you to uninvite someone, be conscious of timing and give plenty of notice so travel can be canceled, if necessary. As the event approaches, be clear about expectations so guests can arrive prepared or bow out if they’re not comfortable with what you’re planning.

Make safety convenient. Providing masks, gloves and sanitizer can all go a long way to help make guests feel more secure at your event. A personalized hand sanitizer holder might even be a practical gift that guests can use and think fondly of your wedding day.

Forego traditions, for now. The pandemic won’t last forever, but while it’s still here, consider skipping high-contact traditions like photos that bring multiple households together or a receiving line where everyone is in close contact

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.

Give the gift of time & freedom this Valentine’s Day, for a limited time we have reduced our Wash and Fold 4 bag plan to just $150 for one month of service.

For More info, check out fcdrycleaners.com/wash

January Newsletter 2021

Newsletter

CUDDLE UP TO CLEAN

2021 is finally upon us, and you know what that means…time to give 2020 the boot. For many, the new year brings a fresh start, with the hopes of what could be. We often set goals, in hope of achieving those essential aspirations we have been longing for. This can be quite daunting when everything around us has been so chaotic, and even when our best laid plans can have good intentions. What it all comes down to is the habits that we create that will allow us to reach our milestones creating a happier, healthier you.

While goals rely on motivation, habits are routine. They literally rewire our brains. When pursuing change in our lives, it is best to form positive habits, rather than focusing on a specific goal. It could be a new diet, a way to be more organized or even the act of keeping things clean.

Sometimes it’s the most frequently used spaces that we often neglect but keeping things clean and organized is good for you, and science can prove it. A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who make their beds every morning are 19 percent more likely to report regularly getting a good night’s sleep. In addition, 75 percent of people said they get a better night’s rest when their sheets and bedding are freshly cleaned because they feel more comfortable.

So why is it so difficult to keep up with our cleaning habneedsits? Organizing and cleaning just one room takes a LOT of time. When faced with the prospect of organizing your entire home, you might be tempted to give up before you start. How are you supposed to keep up with your career, your family, and your hobbies if you’re spending all of your time doing laundry and cleaning? So why try and stuff your comforter in your home washer and dryer without knowing if it’s really clean. Take some time for yourself and let Fabricare Center do the heavy lifting.

You’ll rest easy knowing you did your part to eliminate all the invisible dirt, germs, allergens and dander brought to your beds, without having to do all the cleaning yourself. We’ll do our part to extend the life of one of your home’s most important style statements through commercial cleaning, and help you keep up with your routine. All spots are pre and post treated as necessary, and your comforters, sheets and bedding get the ultimate clean from the space and professional action of our large-capacity machines.

Regardless of the how we stick to our goals and maintain our routines, it’s clear that staying clean and organized is a good thing, it helps us feel better about ourselves. The next time you bemoan having to keep up with your cleaning, remember we’re here to help. I promise you’ll feel much better when everything is cleaned and organized.

Kind regards,

Nutritional Inspiration for the New Year

A new year brings new opportunities for personal changes and improvement from taking steps forward in a career to bettering personal relationships and – perhaps most common – starting on a path toward better health. For many, the worthwhile challenge of enhancing physical health begins with the foods and beverages you eat and drink.

Step one is to leave behind the habit of turning to unhealthy meals and instead focus on dishes that call for fresh fruits and veggies. Making nutritious choices goes beyond just your meals, however. Take your commitment to the next level with beverages that don’t cancel out your effort to eat healthy.

Quinoa Salad with Orange Cilantro Salad Dressing
Yield: 2 cups

Dressing:
1/2 cup Zevia Orange Soda
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 avocado
1 teaspoon garlic

Quinoa Salad:
1 cup quinoa
leafy greens (optional)
1 orange, cut into pieces (optional)
1 grapefruit, cut into pieces (optional)
1 lime, juice only
1/2 avocado, diced (optional)
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)

To make dressing: In food processor, pulse orange soda, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, avocado and garlic until consistency is smooth.

To make quinoa salad: Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool.

Once quinoa is cool, add to bowl with orange pieces, if desired; grapefruit pieces, if desired; lime juice; avocado, if desired; feta cheese, if desired; and diced onion, if desired. Top with orange cilantro salad dressing.

KIDS CORNER – Polar Bear Fun Facts

Polar bears live along shores and on sea ice in the icy cold Arctic.

Polar Bears are strong swimmers, and their large front paws, which they use to paddle, are slightly webbed.

When sea ice forms over the ocean in cold weather, many polar bears, except pregnant females, head out onto the ice to hunt.

Polar bears weight up to 1,600 pounds, can be 8 feet long and live up to 30 years.

In fall pregnant polar bears make dens in earth and snowbanks, where they’ll stay through the winter and give birth to one to three cubs.

5 WAYS TO GIVE YOUR FURRY FRIEND A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE

Pets have a unique ability to make their owners’ lives happier, offering unconditional love, companionship and even health benefits. In fact, studies supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute and National Institutes of Health have shown pet ownership can positively impact physical and emotional well-being, in addition to building social relationships and connections among communities Because pets can have such a positive impact on owners’ well-being, it’s important to periodically take a step back and show appreciation for all they oer. Consider these tips and tricks to thank your pets for the joy they add to your life.

Give Your Pet Something to Call His Own
The companionship and love pets oer can help transform a house into a home. To show gratitude for your furry friends, make sure they feel at home as well. Make a point to create spaces and give them their own belongings, such as a bed or their own toys. Small gestures like these can help them feel like part of the family.

Train with Treats
Another way to thank your pets for the fun they bring into your life is through treats. For example, giving your cat an enjoyable treat can be a welcome surprise for your pet and bring him running to play with you. You can use treats as incentives to learn new tricks or as a reward for good behavior.

Pencil Your Furry Friends into Your Schedule
Many people set aside time for meetings, hair appointments or brunch with family or friends, but the same can be done for pets to make them feel like a priority. Setting aside intentional time just for your pet and identifying unique new activities, like a play session with a new toy or a hike on your favorite trail, can strengthen your bond and ensure your pets get to enjoy quality time with you.

Practice Daily Well-Being
Taking time to monitor and maintain your pets’ well-being can help them live their healthiest, happiest lives, and finding ways to make their healthy habits more enjoyable is an easy way to show your pets you care. Try finding grooming brushes that relax them while removing excess hair or giving them dental chews like Greenies Dental Treats to support oral health. They’’ll think it’s just a treat, but you’ll know you’re helping keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean.

Give a Gift
To show appreciation for your furry family members, try offering them surprises to let them know you’re thinking about them. There are many toys that can keep your pets entertained and stave o boredom. Finding the right one can be exciting for your pets and an opportunity for you to share quality time playing together.

How to Create Your Dream Closet

Creating the closet of your dreams could be in closer reach than you may think if you’re willing to take matters into your own hands. With a little creative inspiration and some basic DIY skills, you may be surprised by the stylish space you can design by yourself.

Start With a Vision
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. In need of a little inspiration, grab ideas from Pinterest and Houzz.

Get Practical
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.

Create Closet Zones
An envy-worthy closet isn’t just a stunning space, it integrates functional elements so seamlessly that they blend right into the design. When it comes to storage, a stylish and easy-to-assemble system balances form and function in almost any space. Tower-based closet systems, can be a perfect option for projects on tighter budgets, they combine multiple tower sizes and corner units to create a completely custom DIY closet system. The system also accommodates a wide range of accessories for more customization such as stylish doors and drawers, angled shoe shelves, jewelry trays and tie and belt racks.

Pay Attention to Details
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.

Keep color in mind
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.

5 Steps Schools Are Taking to Help Feed Children During the Pandemic

Nearly 30 million children in the United States rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of food-insecure children has increased 20% to 1 in 4. Although many schools are operating remote or hybrid models, most are still open full-time for feeding students.

An issue-framing report by GENYOUth, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating healthier school communities, addresses what’s at stake for schools today, progress that has been made, challenges they face and key opportunities that exist. It concludes that although the role of the school building has changed this year, health-promoting schools supporting the “whole child,” including ensuring children receive proper nutrition, matter more than ever for students to live full, productive lives.

Due to COVID-19, school nutrition professionals, bus drivers and volunteers are taking measures to distribute and deliver school meals through a variety of methods that enable social distancing, including grab and go, bus stop drop o and drive-thru pick up.

Creating Extended Meal Pickup Times During the initial lockdown, many families were home and had greater flexibility to pick up meals during a narrow window of time. However, as people return to more typical work schedules, their availability to take advantage of provided meals is compressing. Some districts are expanding, even doubling, their pickup windows to provide greater access for families.

Eliminating Barriers to Providing Meals School feeding programs are typically required to collect income eligibility applications from families to determine if children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Due to the pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture is allowing schools to waive those requirements and oer free meals to every student. In addition, many school feeding sites don’t require students to be present to pick up food; parents, siblings or caregivers can collect the meals.

Raising Awareness of Options and Locations In response to crisis-level food-insecurity, GENYOUth, working with multinational software corporation SAP, engineered the SAP4Kids digital school-meal locator app so families in need can find food and other resources near them amid the pandemic while also providing ways for organizations to offer additional support.

Providing Multiple Meals at a Time Scheduling is also a factor, leading some schools to offer multiple meals at a time. Whether it’s meals for a full day or enough food for several days, offering multiple meals at a single pickup time streamlines scheduling for both the school and families. In addition, it reduces points of contact, helping to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Seeking Assistance and Support Federal funding continues to support school meal programs, but schools are also partnering with a wide range of organizations committed to students’ nutrition needs. One example is GENYOUth’s Emergency School Meal Delivery Fund, which has provided thousands of schools with millions of dollars in grants and in-kind support.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Area Rugs

Spring is right around the corner and its just about time to start the pesky task of cleaning. While year after year we clean out the linen closets and those odd drawers we have around the house, we often forget about those larger items that we use every day. Area rugs can be one of those few things we forget about even though we wind up walking on them almost every day.

Vacuuming up surface dirt is a great way to prevent excessive dirt from building up it is no substitute for a professional cleaning. Fabricare Center provides a deep cleaning that will help to remove the dust, dirt and grime that builds up over time. With attention to detail, we finely look over the rug for spots and stains and focus on those areas that need more TLC.

December Newsletter

Newsletter

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH THIS SEASON

Nearly half of low-income Americans reported that they or someone in their household experienced some type of income loss during the pandemic, according to information published by Pew Research Center. Because more people are facing hardship this year due to the impacts of COVID-19, many families in our community will likely be in need of assistance this holiday season and into 2021.

Wellspring Living is a nonprofit in Atlanta, GA. Over the last 19 years they have supported women and children that have been at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation. Wellspring Living needs help this holiday season. Assistance this year for many nonprofits has already been strained. Companies and individual donors have been stretched thin, providing donations to many organizations effected by the pandemic. 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 is able to provide their participants the tools they need to flourish in life.

Consider donating gently used or new coats in sizes small to 4X at either of our two retail locations in Dunwoody or Sandy Springs. 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!

Happy Holidays

Pair and Pour Some Festive Holiday Cheer This Season

While holiday traditions and celebrations will likely look different this year, the season is still special. Set the scene for a celebratory occasion by mixing festive cocktails or creating the perfect spread to complement your wines, beers, cheeses and even chocolates.

You can help make your spread delicious with these pairings and seasonal cocktail ideas:

Light and Refreshing – With aromas of Meyer lemon and flavors of fresh green apple and white peach, the crisp Landshut Riesling has a touch of delicate sweetness while still being juicy and refreshing. For a savory-and-sweet combination, try pairing it with a Goat Cheese Log and Milk Chocolate Domino Cubes.

Rich and Decadent – Indulge your senses with the aromas of butterscotch, warm baking spices and the velvety dark fruit notes of the Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrel Red Blend. This decadent red blend offers a smooth finish, similar to mulled wine without the extra work. The rich flavor pairs well with a smoked cheese like Smoked Gouda as well as Dark Chocolates with Caramel and Sea Salt.

Savory with Brew – If a craft beer is more your style, consider a rich and creamy dark ale like a stout. Its robust flavors of roasted coffee beans and bittersweet cocoa combine for a sweet yet savory, earthy finish. Serve it with rich flavors like English Truffle Cheddar and add a touch of chocolatey sweetness with Cocoa Dusted Truffles.

Signature Libations – Up the ante on your holiday celebration with a special yet simple cocktail you can mix at home with confidence. The secret to making the Mistletoe Mule is the 3-2-1 method: just pour wine for three counts, ginger beer for two counts and pomegranate juice for one count.

Mistletoe Mule
Servings: 2
Sugar
4 1/2 oz Brut Sparkling
3 oz Ginger Beer
1.5 oz Pomegranate
Juice
lime juice
fresh cranberries,
for garnish (optional)

Rim two glasses with sugar.

In separate mixer or glass, combine wine, ginger beer and pomegranate. To serve, pour over ice in prepared glasses then top with fresh lime juice. Garnish each glass with cranberries, if desired.

EAT AND DRINK SMART TO FEND OFF COLD AND FLU SEASON

It’s no secret that a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies can deliver important vitamins and nutrients for better health, but many of your favorite foods can actually help support your immune system, too. In addition to precautions like avoiding people who are sick and washing your hands often, you can influence your immune system through what you eat and drink.

Stay hydrated. Keeping well hydrated can be difficult during the winter months, especially if you spend most of your time indoors. A warm drink like this flavorful Orange Spiced Tea provides a strong dose of vitamin C along with a delicious dose of hydration.

Keep the produce going strong. Fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies often come to mind during warmer months, but produce like citrus, leafy greens and root vegetables are plentiful during cold and flu season, too. “Consuming the whole fruit is the best way to ensure you gain the maximum nutritional benefit,” Dr. Poonam Desai said. “When speaking with patients, I recommend seeking nutrients like vitamin C from whole food sources, rather than supplements, especially with a vitamin C-rich fruit like California oranges.”

Get a natural boost of vitamins. Vitamins A and C, found in fresh citrus, are two key nutrients that support your body’s natural line of defense, your immune system. Just one orange offers 90% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, and California Navel oranges are in their peak season – just in time for the height of cold and flu season.

Smart Holiday Gift Ideas

Many of the season’s most popular gift ideas can generally be classified as “tech.” From smartphones and gaming systems to digital photo frames and smart home devices, tech junkies and technophobes alike can delight in the options available to help enhance daily routines and make tasks easier.

Whether you’re looking to introduce your intended recipient to the smart home concept with a foundational device like a smart thermostat or want to take home automation to the next level, there are upgrades that can work in every area of the home. From the kitchen to the garage and the bedroom to the patio, homeowners can control everything from televisions, appliances and lights to the temperature in a specific room and home security cameras with their voices or smartphones.

Consider these smart devices that can work in harmony to help make day-to-day life simpler.

Intelligent Home Monitoring

If you want to give the gift of a safe and secure home this holiday season, consider an option like ecobee Haven including the SmartCamera with voice control and the SmartSensors for doors and windows. Instead of adding more devices and tasks to ever-expanding to-do lists, the plug-and-play home monitoring platform works with your smartphone to deliver peace of mind and eliminate the need for keypads, programming and single-use gadgets. In one app, you can automatically arm and disarm your home, distinguish welcome guests from intruders and use your activity feed to see when family members arrive or depart.

Automated Home Comfort

Help keep your home comfortable this winter even while you’re on the go
with a gift like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Because every home heats and cools differently, the thermostat works with your schedule, occupancy and desired comfort settings to deliver a personalized energy model that automates home comfort, reduces energy consumption and saves you money. It’s easy to install and help save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling costs, giving you the power to do your part to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising your lifestyle.

4 Tips for a Productive 2021

This year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive when offices and homes blend into one. As the calendar turns to 2021, consider these key products and processes to stay productive next year.

Find a system (and stick to it): Creating an organizing system is an easy way to ensure your at-home workspace is ready for optimal productivity. Designate space to house all your work items – a drawer, cabinet or box – and keep work items organized by type (pens, papers, computer gear, etc.) At the end of each day, transitioning to “offline hours” can be easier when you have a place to stow your work items.

Start your day clean: Studies have shown cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. Yet, many people struggle to find the time and energy to clean, especially at the end of a busy day at home. An option like a all-in-one robot vacuum provides a hands-free cleaning experience, complete with the time-saving benefits of vacuuming and mopping. Easily controlled via an app, just set it to clean before bed and wake up to a tidy workspace.

Break up your day: With so many hours at home in front of a computer, workdays can get a little monotonous. Break up the day to make working from home feel as “normal” as possible – shower in the morning, take a walk or drive to coffee then make time for at least two breaks throughout the day. Some people have found success with the Pomodoro Technique, which is breaking your day up into 25-minute chunks of work, with 5-minute rest periods. If you continue to work until you feel like taking a break, odds are you’ll overwork yourself until it’s too late to take the “big break” you had in mind.

Bookend your days with mindfulness: At the beginning and end of each workday, do a 3-5-minute mindfulness meditation. Before signing on to work for the day, allow your mind to fully focus on the day’s tasks at-hand. Sign-off by doing another mediation to end the day and let go of any worries or stresses you might have. Incorporating this tactic into your daily routine can help create a natural boundary from work and home while also restoring peace of mind.

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.

If I ask most of our clients what they want more of, the first answer is time and the second answer is money. In the spirit of providing exceptional value and savings this holiday season, for a limited time we have reduced our Wash and Fold Large plan to just $150 for one month of service.

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SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Area Rugs

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH THIS SEASON

Pair and Pour Some Festive Holiday Cheer This Season

EAT AND DRINK SMART TO FEND OFF COLD AND FLU SEASON

Smart Holiday Gift Ideas

Intelligent Home Monitoring

Automated Home Comfort

4 Tips for a Productive 2021

Service Spotlight – Wash & Fold