Hello May! It’s a busy month and a wonderful time of new beginnings…and spring cleaning! In our May newsletter, you’ll get four great reasons to shed some winter weight–in your carpeting–by having them professionally cleaned. You’ll also find out about the many May celebrations, a tip from Joel about cleaning up a greasy mess on carpeting, and some thoughts on improving your well being in Healthy talk. Of course the downloadable issue of Jensen’s Healthy Home News includes the Mega Trivia Question—the first six people who call with the correct answer will win a $15 gift certificate to Grapevine Cafe. Here are some highlights:
Four reasons to shed some winter “weight” in the month of May
Hello friends and clients. Isn’t this an exciting time of the year? When we shed the “weight” of winter and make way for those long, lazy summer days… And we’re not talking about literal “winter weight” that we may have picked up from one too many Christmas cookies or too many nights on the couch with a good movie and a pan of brownies.
No. The winter “weight” we’re referring to is lurking inside your carpet. Did you know that there can actually be up to 8 lbs. of dirt and grime that gets pulled out of your carpets when they are professionally cleaned? Yuck! And if that isn’t enough of a reason to call us then here are four more…
Reason 1: Your carpet warranty requires it. You know, your “warranty,” that little thing that holds the manufacturer responsible for the quality of your carpet. Well, it can actually become “void” if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain and maintain your carpet properly. The majority of carpet warranties state very simply: “Have your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 months.”
Reason 2: Your carpet requires it. That’s right. Simply put, your carpet will wear out and look terrible very fast if it is not properly cleaned at least one time per year. Even if you vacuum your carpets daily, you cannot remove all of the dry soils and oils that build up in your carpet from daily living. The dry soils actually cut at the carpet fibers and can create permanent “traffic lanes.” And oils, even from our skin, get on the carpet fibers and attract dirt that breaks down carpet fibers. Only professional cleaning can remove this dirt and oil buildup and restore or prevent your carpet from looking worn before its time.
Reason 3: Your health requires it. Even if your carpets do not look dirty, they are. Once they appear dirty you have let them go too long. Can you imagine if you never cleaned your bedding because it didn’t look dirty? Gross! The same can be said about your carpets. Cleaning them professionally maintains the overall cleanliness of your indoor living environment, sanitizes the carpet, reduces allergens and improves indoor air quality.
Reason 4: Your pocketbook requires it. Yes, if you don’t call us this month not only are you putting one of your home’s most expensive investments (your carpet) at risk, but you will also be passing up a great opportunity to grab one of our best “Spring Specials”. May is one of our busiest months and we expect to be very busy this spring. Call us at 920-393-4062 today and grab YOUR spot before it’s gone.
Click on the “MONTHLY SPECIAL” button for our May offer:
• $20 OFF carpet cleaning*
• 33% OFF Carpet Protection!**
*Some restrictions may apply. Minimum charge always applies. Not valid with other offers. ** Must be in combination with carpet cleaning.
Mother’s Day tidbits
Different countries celebrate Mother’s Day on various days of the year because the day has a number of different origins. Some claim the day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece, who held a festival to Cybele, a great mother of gods, and the wife of Cronus. The Romans also had another holiday called Matronalia, which was dedicated to Juno, and mothers were usually given gifts on this day.
In the United States, Mother’s Day was inspired by the English version, by social activist Julia Ward Howe, after the American Civil War, with a call to unite women against war. She wrote the famous Mother’s Day Proclamation.
According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother’s Day is now the most popular day of the year to dine out at a restaurant in the United States. In the UK, the day now simply celebrates motherhood and thanks mothers.
In most countries, Mother’s Day is a new concept copied from western civilization. In many African countries, the idea of one Mother’s Day has its origins in copying the British concept, although there are many festivals and events celebrating mothers within the many diverse cultures on the African continent that have been there centuries. In most of East Asia, Mother’s Day is a heavily marketed and commercialized concept copied straight from Mother’s Day in the USA.
Your May calendar
May 1 is May Day. Mark the return of spring by bringing in branches of forsythia, lilacs, or other flowering shrubs from your region.
May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii. Leis are garlands or wreaths that are often made with native Hawaiian flowers and leaves. Nowadays, they are given as a symbol of greeting, farewell, affection, celebration, or honor, in the spirit of aloha. Lei Day originated in 1927, when poet Don Blanding proposed a holiday to recognize the lei’s role in Hawaiian culture. Writer Grace Tower Warren suggested May 1 for the date because it coincided with May Day, a celebration also linked to flowers. She coined the phrase, “May Day is Lei Day.” The first Lei Day observance occurred on May 1, 1928. The following year, it was made an official holiday in the territory. (Hawaii did not become a state until 1959.) Today, Lei Day celebrations may include music, games, exhibits, and lei-making demonstrations and contests.
May 5 is Cinco de Mayo (“The Fifth of May”). This day celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862.
May 8 is Mother’s Day — don’t forget! Do you have something planned to show appreciation for your mother?
May 21 is Armed Forces Day, which honors those who serve in all branches of the United States military. May 22 is National Maritime Day. Created in commemoration of the first transoceanic voyage via steamboat (completed by the U.S.S. Savannah in 1819), this holiday recognizes the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine during both war and peace.
May 23 is Victoria Day in Canada. This holiday celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819. The holiday is observed on the penultimate Monday in May.
May 30 is Memorial Day — a poignant reminder of the tenacity of life. It’s tradition to raise the flag on this day; know how to fly your American flag properly.