Did You Know: The History of the Sewing Machine

An invention that has had a profound impact on our use of fabrics and on the nation's economy was patented on this date in 1851 — the home sewing machine, developed by Isaac Singer. The idea of the sewing machine — and some working models — went back to nearly a century before 1851. But Singer's simple, sturdy machine was the first to be a commercial success. While far fewer people sew at home as avidly as was done in the 19th century, the modern and industrial versions of Singer's machines are the thread that runs through the nation's nearly $150 billion a year apparel and piece goods industry. Some 15,000 establishments employ about 180,000 workers in the manufacture of clothing. You can find current data on the country's economy by downloading the America's Economy mobile application at www.census.gov/mobile.

Crafting with Epsom Salt

While Epsom salt is hundreds of years old, now there's a new way to use it: making crafts.

The Epsom Salt Council has added a new page to its website (http://epsomsaltcouncil.org/salt-crafts/#) with instructions for a variety of craft projects. Frost your windows, decorate champagne glasses or make sparkly Easter eggs. Whether it's Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Halloween, the Holidays or just an uneventful day at home, Epsom salt can help you celebrate and have fun.

"Using Epsom salt as a craft medium is becoming more and more popular," said Amanda Formaro, a former craft expert for Disney's Kaboose.com who now runs the websiteCrafts by Amanda, which offers easy tutorials for kids and adults. Formaro offered guidance to the Council as it created its new web page.

"Epsom salt is perfect for creating pretty textures for all sorts of projects," Formaro said. "And it's an inexpensive material that's readily available at discount stores, dollar stores, pharmacies and groceries."

Among the projects featured on the Epsom Salt Council's new web page:

• Shimmering luminaries – Add sparkle to candleholders at a party or even a wedding. 
• Greeting cards – Customize a homemade card for someone you love. 
• Early frost fall decor – Coat your pumpkins and gourds, making an attractive fall display. 
• Holiday jars – Paint them red, white and blue on the Fourth of July or choose different colors for other holidays. These are great for holding napkins, straws and utensils, dressing up your celebration. 
• Snowballs – You can hang them as ornaments or place them in a basket or vase for a winter-themed centerpiece. 

"There are so many fun crafts you can do with Epsom salt, and this is another reason why it's always been one of the most versatile household products," said Epsom Salt Council Vice President Mark Vincent. "Whether it's creating a craft, relaxing with an at-home spa treatment, soothing aching muscles, boosting your garden, or nurturing your health, we are pleased that people keep finding new benefits of Epsom salt."

About Epsom salt
Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – is one of the most versatile household products, with uses ranging from creating at-home spa treatments to soothing aching muscles to helping start or improve gardens to nurturing your health. It's been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, and it's gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, economical alternative in a sea of expensive, over-the-counter remedies. Epsom salt is easy to use, easy to find in your local pharmacy or grocery store and it costs about the same per use as a cup of coffee. For more information, please visit either www.epsomsaltcouncil.org or www.facebook.com/epsomsalt,

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Creative Christmas Cash

Looking for extra Christmas money or just a creative, inexpensive way to stuff stockings? Sign up to be an Avon Rep. Yes! Seriously! Here’s why:

• Automatically earn 40 percent of your first FOUR campaigns of $100 or more. For example, if you submit an order of $100, you earn $40. After that the percentage you earn is based on sales, but I’m averaging 30 percent with very little effort. Thanks to some awesome customers, I was able to fill three of my family’s HUGE Christmas stockings for only $4. 

• Even if you submit only one $100 for yourself for each of those four campaigns, each order only costs you $60 (plus shipping). A huge chunk of your Christmas shopping done! Your bathrooms restocked! 
• 
  
• You can order full-sized “demo” products for 20% off of clothes, jewelry, etc. or 40% off most cosmetics, skin & hair care with a minimum $50 order. If you’re order is less than $50, you still get 20% off “demo” products. 

Avon is comparably priced to Wal-mart on the cosmetics, hair care and skin care products you use every day. And the quality is comparable to high-end department store products!

Because everyone knows the Avon name, it’s very easy to sell to friends, family and coworkers.

It only costs $10 to sign up (compared to the $100s of dollars for other direct sale brands). You can do this as a hobby, just for Christmas, or make a business out of it. That’s totally up to you! You can go it on your own, or get as much help and support you want.

NO HASSLE, online sign up! Nobody will call and bug you. Email me for the link and sign up code. It’s that easy!

(Questions? Of course, I’ll be happy to tell you anything you want to know)

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Home Canning Is Season's Hottest Food Trend; Consumers Preserve The Fresh Flavors Of Summer In Growing Numbers

I've used Ball Jars for lots of things, not just canning. Check out Ball's website for some great jam recipes! 

Home canning is this summer's hottest food trend with Jarden Home Brands, makers of Ball® brand fresh preserving products, reporting a 31 percent year over year* sales revenue increase in Ball® Brand glass canning jars, year to date.

"With a growing interest in eating fresh and local foods, it's no surprise consumers are turning to home canning to preserve the summer's delicious fruits and vegetables," said Steve Hungsberg, Sr. Brand Manager of Marketing for Ball® brand fresh preserving products. "Home canning allows consumers to capture the summer's best produce at peak season and preserve it to enjoy year-round."

Younger canners are fueling the trend as innovation and social media are making it easier than ever for new canners to get started. In fact, over 60 percent of the nearly 50,000-strong Ball® Canning and Recipes Facebook community (www.Facebook.com/BallCanning) are under the age of 44. The page connects new canners with seasoned pros who share canning knowledge, tips and recipes.

This spring, Jarden Home Brands released the Ball® FreshTECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker, an innovative appliance that lets consumers create fresh jams and jellies in under 30 minutes. At www.FreshPreserving.com, where web traffic is up 22 percent year over year to date**, consumers can find hundreds of recipes to preserve the summer's best tomatoes, cucumbers, berries and more.

"It's been a strong sales season for us as so many new consumers embrace home canning as they learn to preserve the best seasonal produce," continued Hungsberg. "We're passionate about teaching consumers how simple yet fun and rewarding home canning, freezing and fresh preparation can be."

Beyond fresh preserving, the stylish Ball® brand glass canning jar is setting the table for summer parties nationwide. From weddings to garden parties, consumers are discovering inventive uses for the iconic Ball® brand glass mason jar while entertaining. The Ball® Fresh Preserving Pinterest page (http://pinterest.com/ballcanning/) showcases some of the best summer canning decor as well as recipes, tips and more.

For additional information about Ball® brand fresh preserving products, visit www.FreshPreserving.com.

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