AN INTRODUCTION
BEN FEINGOLD | FABRICARE CENTER OWNER
Hello! For those of you who don’t know me my name is Ben Feingold. I am one of the owners of Fabricare Center Cleaners. I started my journey with the business over 12 years ago joining my Father, David, who celebrates his 42nd year in business. Starting as a delivery driver and working my way through every facet of the business, I have had the opportunity to meet many of our wonderful customers. I enjoy providing a service that provides happiness to so many smiling faces.
Together my wife and baby Charlie, we love to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Cooking is a big passion of mine and I hope to share some wonderful recipes with you. Kids grow up so quickly and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before you start seeing Charlie helping around the store.
Our guarantee has always been simple, we want you to be satisfied with our service. If you don’t like something, anything about your Fabricare Center experience, contact us, we will make it right. We are currently undergoing some radical changes in industry. We want you to know that we’re here for you, whatever your needs are. Thank you for being a client of Fabricare Center. We hope to provide you with exceptional service for many years to come.
Care Label Changes
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is mulling an end to a 50 year old care label law required for clothing.
It says the current ‘Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods’ may not be necessary to ensure manufacturers provide care instructions. This repeal could have a significant and devastating impact not only on dry cleaners but for consumers as well.
It is a routine part of our business to check the care label for cleaning instructions on almost every garment. Yes, there are some basic garments like 100% cotton khaki pants or jeans but sometimes even those, if they contain additional fibers, can cause a problem if the care instructions are not followed. The Care Label Rule is essential to professional garment care. Since garment designers and manufacturers are the only people who know what types of fabrics are used in the garments they construct and sell, it is incumbent upon them to share safe handling instructions. Without a care label it becomes a challenge to guarantee safe handling of items.
Fabricare Center along with many other industry professionals have provided comments to the FTC in favor of renewing this rule. We hope as a protection for you that our voices are heard.
Tips to Get the Whole Family Moving
Consider these tips to keep the whole family motivated and moving you might be surprised to find that exercise can be fun.
With many families stuck at home juggling working remotely, homeschooling and trying to keep everyone happy and healthy, it can be easy to let an otherwise active lifestyle fall by the wayside.
Regardless of age, being physically active provides numerous health benefits. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for adults each week, and 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for kids between the ages of 6-17 each day. Finding ways to move daily can help everyone in the family maintain their health – and prevent them from going stir crazy. Although prioritizing activity in a quarantined environment might be one of the last things on your mind, parents who model healthy behaviors can inspire their kids to do the same.
Go for a walk or bike ride. Incorporating walks or bike rides into your family’s daily routine can help get everyone moving as well as create quality bonding time. If your family is more on the adventurous side, consider venturing outside your neighborhood to find new trails or rougher terrain to explore nature while getting active. While your annual family vacation might’ve been canceled, there are likely hidden trails within a short drive from home.
Take a virtual class. Many fitness instructors and gyms are sharing free classes online designed for the whole family. Simply connect a streaming device to your television and search for virtual classes that are geared toward getting families moving, regardless of fitness level. Fitness instructors and studios are also sharing a variety of workouts – from family yoga to dance cardio in various time increments – on social media that you can find by searching various fitness-related hashtags.
Play a family game. Playing games together is an old-fashioned way to get the whole family moving and having fun. An activity as simple as tag or racing around the house, or even a game that requires some equipment such as soccer or basketball, can get everyone’s heart rate up. You can even create a fitness deck or activity dice to turn working out into a fun game.
Build your own obstacle course. Set out hoops, pillows, rope, ladders, cardboard boxes and other items you find around the house to create a fun and challenging obstacle course either indoors or out. This can be easily adapted to varying levels of difficulty to meet each family member’s level. Don’t forget a stopwatch to see who can complete the course the quickest.
Fruity Fall Flavors for Dessert
Comfort food typically calls to mind soups, stews and hearty meals meant to warm you up on a chilly day. However, you can also turn to tasty treats as a way to end a cold day on a hot note. This Walnut Apple Pear Crisp combines two fall favorite fruits in a sweet and simple yet flavorful nibble.
Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes.
Servings: 4
Walnut Crisp Topping:
1 1/2 cups California walnuts, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, chilled and sliced into pieces
Apple Pear Filling:
4 apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
3 pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon lemon juice
Heat oven to 350 F.
To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground. Set aside in separate bowl. In food processor, pulse remaining 1/2 cup walnuts until chopped. Set aside.
2. In medium bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinna-mon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms.
3. To make apple pear filling: In large bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice.
4. Pour fruit mixture in bottom of 12-inch cast-iron pan.
5. Layer walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit.
Bake 45 minutes, or until fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Life’s Everyday Moments
For many people across the country, carving out time from busy schedules to spend with loved ones can be difficult. However, when opportunities arise to experience bonding activities together, the results can be fond memories and a deeper sense of security.
“Many families, mine included, usually put a lot of energy into planning fun events and special trips to create memories,” said Amanda Mushro, TLC lifestyle expert and fairlife ambassador. “These get-togethers help us cope with challenges and remember to make the most of each day. This year, while disappointing, has revived our chances to slow down a little and savor the little moments that happen at home every day.”
Build Strong Bonds
Life gets busy, and in the shuffle it’s easy to overlook the importance of quality time with your friends, family, and significant others. Commit to regularly (and safely) spending one-on-one time with each loved one as a special treat you can all cherish. Even if it’s just snuggling and watching a favorite show together, crafting or doing an activity you both enjoy, try making an effort to slow down and strengthen your bonds.
Head Outdoors
Leave the technology behind and go for a walk or a bike ride together once or twice a week. It’s a ritual you can look forward to while taking advantage of the time together and the chance to burn some energy. You can take outdoor appreciation even further by planning camping trips to enjoy the joys of wildlife through activities like bird watching, fishing or impromptu scavenger hunts.
Make Meals a Family Affair
Not only does getting the whole family involved make the preparation faster, it’s a chance to squeeze in some time and maybe even some learning and sharing. Kids can help with measuring and other age-appropriate tasks, and the casual setting is a good environment to get kids talking about what’s on their minds. If evenings are too rushed to make an all-hands approach practical, instead try carving out some time on the weekends or once a month for a few hours of baking up batches of a favorite treat. You can also find new and fun family-friendly recipes. Even if the recipe doesn’t turn out well, the time spent doing it together is a treat on its own.
Enjoy Tasty Treats Together
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of ice cream to light up a face and mood so break out the scooper and make some sweet memories. Set up your next sundae bar with a tasty option like fairlife Light Ice Cream, a delicious, lactose-free frozen dessert with a strong nutrition profile compared to traditional ice cream. It comes in seven flavors, so there is something for everyone.
Avoid Life’s Stressors
Outside influences can have a major impact on your mood and ability to enjoy your time at home. Try turning off your phone notifications for a few hours of uninterrupted home time. If clutter is creating havoc, look for ways to improve your home’s organization and get everyone in the house to pitch in to keep things in place.
Schedule Weekly Fun Nights
Designate a night each week to have fun together playing games, watching movies or dancing. Pull out the board and card games or get some fresh air with yard games like croquet or bag toss. Sign up for a virtual cooking fitness class. When it comes to movies, enjoy old favorites together or introduce kids to beloved classics from the ’80s and ’90s and incorporate fun traditions with snacks and special treat.