In The Bag August 2018

In The Bag August 2018

WICHITA’S HANGER

SOAKING UP THE LAST DROPS OF SUMMER

The Bittersweet Back-to-School Season

August 2018

Now that we’ve snuck in our last vacations of the summer, it’s time to get geared up for the school year. As parents, right around Memorial Day, we can’t wait for the kids to be out of school, and neither can they. At the end of the summer, a lot of us are ready for the new school year to begin, and the kids are getting cabin fever. It’s a bittersweet season. I feel happy for the kids to get back into their routines and have more structure again, but I’m sad to send them off and see the summer come to a close. But there’s much to be done now. Shopping for school supplies, gathering uniforms and sports gear, looking over your child’s new schedule, or preparing for the moment when you drop your kindergartner off for their very first day of school keeps you busy until school starts. We know this time of year can leave you feeling overextended as you adjust to the changes that come with it. At our stores, we’re also gearing up for the back-to-school season with our services that are here to make our clients’ lives easier. In fact, that’s the reason we started our wash-and-fold service. I noticed that my wife, Aram, was spending at least a couple evenings a week and Saturdays doing laundry for our family. It made me realize what a big time suck laundry is for people. I started the wash-and-fold-service for Aram, and it was a complete game-changer for her. It’s since become a game-changer for many of our clients as well. This family-oriented approach is a big part of how In the Bag Cleaners has grown up. We come up with solutions to challenges we’re facing with school uniforms or stains on silk dresses. We figure if it’s something that will help us, it’ll probably help others too. Our alteration service is another example. We noticed that kids outgrow their uniforms so quickly that buying new ones each time was crazy. Instead of buying new uniforms, we started looking into how we could alter clothes to adjust to a kid’s growth. Pants can be hemmed, the waist can get taken in or even let out. We also offer small repairs on torn seams, patches, and other little things that can save a pair of pants. It’s better for the environment, and better for your wallet.

Think about the passing Summer baseball season with those trivial white pants or those dingy football camp jerseys. Most folks don’t bring a kid’s uniform in for dry cleaning, but they’re a great item to add to the wash-and-fold services you’re already utilizing. We can get those grass stains out!

August is also a great time to bring your comforters in to be cleaned. After the warmer months, a deep clean will be just what your bedding needs to get it back to feeling fresh and new. We have the right machines for the job. Stuffing it into your home washer just won’t get it clean! We look forward to seeing you this season, and every season, at our stores. When we’re saving you time, we know we’re doing our jobs. Thanks for trusting us to take care of your wash-and-fold laundry, school uniforms, alterations, and bedding!

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Transportation Safety Tips

Protect Your Children During Their Commute

With the school year fast approaching, families are in preparation mode. Parents are busy buying new clothes and school supplies and thinking about the best way to get their kids safely to school. Keeping your child safe on their commute starts with knowing the transportation method that works best for you and the rules that accompany that method. TAKING THE SCHOOL BUS According to the United States Department of Transportation, the school bus is the safest means of transportation to and from school. Buses are built to withstand a hit and distribute the damage throughout the vehicle, keeping its passengers safe and sound. Knowing basic bus safety will help kids be mindful when taking the bus. Before the school year starts, take your children to the bus stop and show them where they should stand when the bus approaches — a

minimum of three large steps or 6 feet from the street. Tell your kids about the importance of sitting still and not standing in the bus while it’s in motion. YOUNG PEDESTRIANS ON THE ROAD Whether your child is biking, walking, or even skateboarding, it’s vital that they know and follow the rules of the road. All children should practice road safety behavior, such as riding on the right side of the road, wearing helmets, stopping at stop signs, and watching out for cars. Internalizing these habits will help them stay aware of their surroundings when traveling to and from school. SHARING THE ROAD When school starts, the roads become even more cluttered than usual. On top of people heading to work, there are large buses making frequent stops, parents rushing to drop their kids off, and young kids biking or walking to school. With the added tension on the road, it’s important to be alert and move cautiously. Slowing down in school zones or around young pedestrians will keep you vigilant and could potentially save lives.

Teach your kids to be prepared and safe on the road to ensure that they have a healthy and safe school year.

Ella Takes the Lead

You might say Ella has grown up at In the Bag Cleaners. She originally worked for the company during high

personal level,” Ella says. “I want them to feel comfortable in what they’re doing. I remember what it’s like to work in a store by yourself. I’m there with them, making sure they feel supported.” When asked about being in this leadership position, she proudly recognizes, “I’m the leader for our team and the person who answers their questions and clients’ questions. I’m here to help with anything they need.” Ella’s favorite part of the job is the people. “I love my team,” she admits. “I love to see all the clients, and I like being in this leadership role. I like all of it.” Outside of work, Ella enjoys downtime with her dog, a Jack Russell terrier-Chihuahua mix she rescued, and her family. “Since I moved back, I spend as much time as I can with my family,” Ella says. “I have twin brothers who both live in Wichita, and I love being an Aunt to two nephews and a niece. They keep me on my toes!”

school and took a quick pause while attending college. She is a proud graduate of Pittsburg State University. After returning to her Wichita roots, Ella also returned

to our company. Her strong dedication and work ethic are clear to anyone she works with.

Ella was recently promoted to a leadership role we know she’ll excel in as Retail Team Leader. She steps into the role with her characteristic positive attitude and determined spirit. In starting her new role, Ella notes, “It’s nice to know how the stores run and understand the process.” In addition to carrying out all the day-to-day duties of a team leader, Ella has been focused on getting to know her team like any good leader should. “I make time to interact with them on a more

We’re so excited to see Ella grow and thrive in her career at In the Bag Cleaners. Keep up the great work, Ella!

2 • In The Bag Cleaners • inthebagcleaners.com • (316) 267-3407

Is It Time to Donate Those Pants? Think Again With Alterations

Summer Grilled Halibut

Kids outgrow their clothes at an amazing rate. Last season those pants fit just fine, but now they’re suddenly up to your child’s ankles and could pass for capris. That school uniform is not going to make it another year. But before you donate them or toss them out, consider a better option.

Ingredients

Inspired by Bon Appetit magazine

THE BENEFITS OF ALTERATIONS

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1/2 cup hearts of palm, drained Basil leaves, for garnish Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

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4 boneless, skinless halibut fillets, about 5 ounces each 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

As your kids grow, clothes become snug in certain places and don’t fit right in others. By making small alterations, we can make those clothes fit again. By taking a waistline in or out, the life of those pants is extended for at least another year. And hemming pants can make them the perfect length for a younger sibling. We can also patch minor rips and tears on clothing. When you’ve already made an investment by purchasing these clothes, the price of an alteration will cost much less than buying a replacement. Alterations aren’t just for kids. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the fit of a jacket that you love but doesn’t quite suit the shape of your shoulders, consider how a few small stitches might make it into something well-suited to you. According to New York tailor Miguel Zabludovsky, “Alterations are the equivalent of performing maintenance on any piece of equipment; you need to do it to ensure it runs properly.” Our team can give your clothes the fit you desire and breathe new life and modern updates into clothing that you considered past its season. You’ll be amazed by what our team can do. From small tears and complete refittings to untraceable reweaves, we have all mending and tailoring services covered. We know military patches, hems, and tapering, and we have in-depth tailoring knowledge for weight loss and gain. We know that purchasing a whole new wardrobe is expensive, but with alterations, you don’t have to buy new clothes. We’ll help you adapt to your new physique. Call In The Bag Cleaners today to see how we can save your clothes. A BETTER FIT

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1 lemon

2 pounds mixed tomatoes, sliced

Directions

1. Lightly oil grill grates and heat grill to medium. 2. Grate 1 teaspoon lemon zest onto halibut fillets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 3. Grill halibut, turning just once, for about 5 minutes on each side. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, hearts of palm, juice from lemon, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish salad with basil. Spoon salad over grilled halibut. Serve.

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1951 N. Ohio Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 (316) 267-3407 | www.inthebagcleaners.com

INSIDE This ISSUE

The Bittersweet End of Summer

Keep Your Kids Safe on the Way to School Meet Our Great Team!

The Magic of Alterations Summer Grilled Halibut

The Strangest Holidays in August

August’s Silliest Holidays Are These on Your Calendar?

AUGUST 17: NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY Thrift shops are a staple of American commerce, so it makes sense that there is a day devoted to them. Take the day to hunt for lost treasures and screaming deals. Many thrift shops also benefit nonprofit organizations, giving you even more reason to frequent them.

February has Valentine’s Day; September has Labor Day; December, of course, has Christmas; and August has, um, National Raspberry Cream Pie Day. August may not host any major holidays, but it doesn’t lack for some of the goofiest on the calendar. AUGUST 6: NATIONAL WIGGLE YOUR TOES DAY While the origin of this holiday is uncertain, it’s held every year on August 6. To celebrate, people are encouraged to wear sandals, flip flops, or other toe-exposing footwear. You can also frolic barefoot in the grass or simply stretch those digits throughout the day. Just don’t expect to see any Hallmark cards devoted to National Wiggle Your Toes Day anytime soon. AUGUST 13: LEFT-HANDERS DAY About 10 percent of the population is left-handed. Lefties may be stuck in a right-hand-dominant world, but on August 13, they rule the roost. Originally founded in England, Left-Handers Day has taken off in the U.S. Righties are encouraged to try out a left- handed approach for the day. Lefties, for their part, are free to be themselves.

AUGUST 27: NATIONAL ‘JUST BECAUSE’ DAY This celebration is really scratching the bottom of the holiday barrel. Joseph J. Goodwin created National “Just Because” Day in the 1950s. It’s a

day to do something “just because.” Be spontaneous and have a little fun. There’s no one way to celebrate, which is fitting, given that the existence of the holiday seems to defy logic altogether.

4 • In The Bag Cleaners • inthebagcleaners.com • (316) 267-3407