Tag Archives: Senate

~ Culture & History, ~ In the Library, ~ pop culture

On this Day … Moby Dick Published

11/14/2023 Nativegrl77

On this day in 1851, Moby-Dick, a novel by Herman Melville about the voyage of the whaling ship Pequod, is published by Harper & Brothers in New York. Moby-Dick is now considered a great classic of American literature and contains one of the most famous opening lines in fiction: “Call me Ishmael.” Initially, though, the book about Captain Ahab and his quest for a giant white whale was a flop.

Herman Melville was born in New York City in 1819 and as a young man spent time in the merchant marines, the U.S. Navy and on a whaling ship in the South Seas. In 1846, he published his first novel, Typee, a romantic adventure based on his experiences in Polynesia. The book was a success and a sequel, Omoo, was published in 1847. Three more novels followed, with mixed critical and commercial results. Melville’s sixth book, Moby-Dick, was first published in October 1851 in London, in three volumes titled The Whale, and then in the U.S. a month later. Melville had promised his publisher an adventure story similar to his popular earlier works, but instead, Moby-Dick was a tragic epic, influenced in part by Melville’s friend and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, neighbor, Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose novels include The Scarlet Letter.

After Moby-Dick‘s disappointing reception, Melville continued to produce novels, short stories (Bartleby) and poetry, but writing wasn’t paying the bills so in 1865 he returned to New York to work as a customs inspector, a job he held for 20 years.

Melville died in 1891, largely forgotten by the literary world. By the 1920s, scholars had rediscovered his work, particularly Moby-Dick, which would eventually become a staple of high school reading lists across the United States. Billy Budd, Melville’s final novel, was published in 1924, 33 years after his death.

history.com

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican-led House tries to force their Family Values Platform on Americans -no right 2choose&affordable hc at risk – the Senate confirms Pres O’s nominees 3yrs later &Joint mtg with Pres/Republic Of Korea

10/13/2023 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET October 13, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until
12:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with
the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their
designees with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority
controlling the second 30 minutes.
At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the
following nominations:
- Calendar #251, Alison J. Nathan, of NY, to be US District Judge for the
  Southern District of New York
- Calendar #252, Susan Owens Hickey, of AR, to be US District Judge for the
  Western District of Arkansas, and
- Calendar #253, Katherine B. Forest, of NY, to be US District Judge for the
  Southern District of New York.
There will be up to 2 hours of debate on the nominations equally divided and
controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use
or yielding back of time (approximately 2:00pm), the Senate will vote on
confirmation of the nominations. Two roll call votes are expected; the third
nomination is expected to be confirmed by consent.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2:00pm), the Senate proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations. The Forrest nomination is expected to be confirmed by voice vote. Therefore, 2 roll call votes are expected at approximately 2:00pm on confirmation of the Nathan and Hickey nominations.

At 4:00 p.m., His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, the President of the Republic of
Korea, will address a Joint Meeting of Congress from the Hall of the House of
Representatives in the U.S. Capitol. Senators should begin to gather in the
Senate Chamber at 3:30 p.m. to depart at 3:40 p.m. for the procession to the
Hall of the House.
The Senate has confirmed Executive Calendar #287, Sung Y. Kim to be
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to
the Republic of Korea by unanimous consent.
Also by unanimous consent, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader,
in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive
Session to consider Executive Calendar #78, Heather Higginbottom to be Deputy
Director of the Office of Management and Budget with four hours for debate
equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the
Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on confirmation
of the Higginbottom nomination.

VOTES

2:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of
Alison Nathan, of New York, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District
of New York; Confirmed: 48-44

2:25pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of
Susan Owen Hickey, of Arkansas, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western
District of Arkansas. Confirmed: 83-8

LEGISLATIVE
ITEMS

Adopted S.Con.Res.31, Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a
correction in the enrollment of S.1280.

Adopted S.Res.293, celebrating the 10-year commemoration of the Underground
Railroad Memorial, comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit,
Michigan and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

EXECUTIVE
ITEMS

Confirmed Calendar #253, Katherine B. Forrest, of NY, to be US District Judge
for the Southern District of New York by voice vote

Confirmed #287 Sung Y. Kim – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea

—————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 13,

2011 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 14, 2011.9:59:29 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:59:11 P.M. -Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.7:59:52 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:56:37 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:55:35 P.M. -H.R. 2250Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:55:35 P.M. -H.R. 2250On passage Passed by recorded vote: 275 – 142 (Roll no. 791).7:48:27 P.M. -H.R. 2250On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 246 (Roll no. 790).7:32:01 P.M. -H.R. 2250The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.7:22:05 P.M. -H.R. 2250DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor motion to recommit. The instructions in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to require the EPA Administrator not delay action to reduce air pollution from waste incinerators that are within 5 miles of any nursing home, assisted living facility or hospital. The amendment also states that any facility that will have regulation of its air pollutant emissions delayed is required to notify affected communities no later than 90 days after the date of enactment.7:20:43 P.M. -H.R. 2250Ms. Castor (FL) moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.7:19:06 P.M. -H.R. 2250Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2250 — “To provide additional time for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters, and incinerators, and for other purposes.”7:18:51 P.M. -H.R. 358Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:18:50 P.M. -H.R. 358On passage Passed by recorded vote: 251 – 172 (Roll no. 789).7:12:12 P.M. -H.R. 358On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 173 – 249 (Roll no. 788).6:47:55 P.M. -H.R. 358The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.6:40:17 P.M. -H.R. 358DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions in the motion seek to report the same to the House with an amendment to add language stating that no hospital or health care provider can be exempted from any Federal or State law that requires them to provide any medical examination, treatment, referral, or transfer to prevent the death of a pregnant woman with an emergency medical condition.6:39:54 P.M. -H.R. 358Mrs. Capps moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.6:39:31 P.M. -H.R. 358The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.5:20:54 P.M. -H.R. 358DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 358.5:20:15 P.M. -H.R. 358Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 358 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted.5:20:10 P.M. -H.R. 358Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 430. H.R. 358 — “To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to modify special rules relating to coverage of abortion services under such Act.”5:19:50 P.M. -PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS IN RECORD – Mr. Pitts asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record of today. Agreed to without objection.5:19:40 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 13.4:53:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.4:53:34 P.M. -JOINT MEETING DISSOLVED – The Speaker announced that the Joint Meeting was dissolved. The House remains in recess subject to the call of the Chair.3:49:33 P.M. -JOINT MEETING – The House has reconvened in Joint Meeting with the Senate to receive an address by His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, President of Republic of Korea.3:48:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 13.2:27:32 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess The House will reconvene in Joint Meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, President of the Republic of Korea. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.2:26:50 P.M. -H.R. 2250POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 2250 were postponed.2:25:38 P.M. -H.R. 2250The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.2:25:24 P.M. -H.R. 2250The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2250.2:25:00 P.M. -H.R. 2250On agreeing to the Energy and Commerce amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.2:25:00 P.M. -H.R. 2250Amendment in the nature of a substitute reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.2:24:23 P.M. -H.R. 2250On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 250 (Roll no. 787).2:07:59 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:07:19 P.M. -H.R. 2250The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.2:07:08 P.M. -H.R. 2250Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2250 — “To provide additional time for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters, and incinerators, and for other purposes.”2:06:20 P.M. -H. Res. 430Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:06:18 P.M. -H. Res. 430On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 248 – 173 (Roll no. 786).1:43:01 P.M. -H. Res. 430The previous question was ordered without objection.12:24:59 P.M. -H. Res. 430DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 430.12:24:58 P.M. -H. Res. 430Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 430 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 358) to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to modify special rules relating to coverage of abortion services under such Act.”12:23:12 P.M. -H. Res. 430On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.12:22:09 P.M. -H. Res. 430At the conclusion of debate on the Moore point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.12:01:48 P.M. -H. Res. 430POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Ms. Moore stated that the provisions of H. Res. 430 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by imposing an unfunded mandate and made a point of order against consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?12:00:48 P.M. -H. Res. 430By direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Foxx called up the resolution, H. Res. 430, and asked for its immediate consideration.11:33:47 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.11:33:37 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on October 13, 2011 at 9:20 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, and H.R. 3080.11:32:21 A.M. -The Speaker recognized Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan for one minute for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.11:31:39 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hochul to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:31:34 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:31:23 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Jesse Reyes, San Jose Catholic Church, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.11:30:17 A.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 13.10:44:00 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today.9:30:42 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 11:30 a.m. for the start of legislative business.9:30:27 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven M. Palazzo to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:30:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the 27th amendment

05/07/2023 Nativegrl77

What is the 27th Amendment:

“No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.” –

See more at: http://constitution.laws.com/27th-amendment#sthash.XQKBlcAs.dpuf

Date Proposed:

The 27th Amendment was first proposed on September 25th, 1789

Date Passed:

The 27th Amendment was passed May 7th, 1992

President of the United States Bill Clinton was the President of the United States during the ratification of the 27th Amendment

Stipulations of the 27th Amendment The 27th

Amendment is the most recent constitutional amendment passed; as of 2011, there have been 27 Constitutional Amendments passed with regard to the Constitution of the United States of America

The 27th Amendment addresses the salary rate of members of Congress, which is comprised of a bicameral legislature – the Senate and the House of Representatives The 27th Amendment stipulates that members of the Congress are not permitted to adjust their respective wage earnings in the middle of a term; in the event of a proposed wage adjustment, members of Congress must address any or all concerns with regard to wage adjustment prior to the starting of a new Congressional term

27th Amendment Facts

The 27th Amendment has never been cited within a Supreme Court Hearing The 27th Amendment addresses the adjustment of costs of living with regard to inflation The 27th Amendment is considered to be the Constitutional Amendment with the longest duration of time between the initial proposal and subsequent ratification; the 22nd Amendment is considered to maintain the second-longest duration of 4 years between proposal and passing

States Ratifying the 27th Amendment

1. Alabama 2. Alaska 3. Arizona 4. Arkansas 5. California 6. Colorado 7. Connecticut 8. Delaware 9. Florida 10. Georgia 11. Hawaii 12. Idaho 13. Illinois 14. Indiana 15. Iowa 16. Kansas 17. Kentucky 18. Louisiana 19. Maine 20. Maryland 21. Michigan 22. Minnesota 23. Missouri 24. Montana 25. Nevada 26. New Hampshire 27. New Jersey 28. New Mexico 29. North Carolina 30. North Dakota 31. Ohio 32. Oklahoma 33. Oregon 34. Rhode Island 35. South Carolina 36. South Dakota 37. Tennessee 38. Texas 39. Utah 40. Vermont 41. Virginia 42. Washington 43. West Virginia 44. Wisconsin 45. Wyoming

States Not Participatory in the Ratification of the 27th Amendment

1. Massachusetts 2. Mississippi 3. Nebraska 4. New York 5. Pennsylvania – See more at: http://constitution.laws.com/27th-amendment#sthash.XQKBlcAs.dpuf

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House conduct a study for alternative ways to commemorate/interpret role of Buffalo Soldiers/debate&vote on Giffords bill HR3801 – the Senate back 1/26

01/26/2023 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET January 26, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will begin consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar #294, H.J.Res.98, a joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President’s exercise of authority to increase the debt limit with the time until 12:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
At 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res.98 (majority threshold).

**************************************************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 25, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on January 27, 2012.12:11:15 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.12:11:00 P.M. -Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.11:10:36 A.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.11:01:41 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.11:00:19 A.M. -The House received a communication from Representative Giffords wherein she notified the House that she had submitted a letter to the Governor of Arizona detailing her intention to resign as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives effective at the end of January 25, 2012.11:00:16 A.M. -H.R. 3581Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the Committee on The Budget have until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 30 to file a report on H.R. 3581. Agreed to without objection.11:00:15 A.M. -H.R. 3578Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the Committee on The Budget have until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 30 to file a report on H.R. 3578. Agreed to without objection.11:00:00 A.M. -H.R. 3582Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the Committee on The Budget have until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 30 to file a report on H.R. 3582. Agreed to without objection.10:59:01 A.M. -Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, January 27, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.10:59:00 A.M. -Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012. Agreed to without objection.10:55:10 A.M. -United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to Section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), as amended, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Daniel M. Slane, Ohio, for a term to expire December 31, 2013 .10:54:39 A.M. -H.R. 3801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:54:38 A.M. -H.R. 3801On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 0 (Roll no. 11).10:47:00 A.M. -H.R. 3801Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3801 — “To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and for other purposes.”10:17:01 A.M. -H.R. 1022Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:17:00 A.M. -H.R. 1022On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 338 – 70 (Roll no. 10).9:45:50 A.M. -H.R. 1022Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1022 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and for other purposes.”9:44:55 A.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 25.9:38:41 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.9:38:24 A.M. -H.R. 3801At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.9:16:31 A.M. -H.R. 3801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3801.9:16:29 A.M. -H.R. 3801Considered under suspension of the rules.9:16:18 A.M. -H.R. 3801Mr. Reichert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3801 — “To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and for other purposes.”9:15:41 A.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.9:02:43 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.9:02:28 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cicilline to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:25 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:01:21 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:50 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Jason Chaffetz to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:00:35 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ pop culture

Fashion tips … Handbags

11/14/2022 Nativegrl77

7 Tricks to Ensure Your Handbags Will Last for Years

Who What Wear

November 8, 2014

By Allyson Payer

We’re more willing to splurge on a beautiful designer handbag than on any other wardrobe component, justifying our purchase by saying, “Well, this’ll last me for years,” which brings us to today’s subject: learning how to preserve and properly care for these investment items. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your precious satchels are kept in mint condition for years to come.

Scroll down to see our tips, and to shop gorgeous investment bags that you’ll want to protect!

1. Protect The Material:The Blonde Salad

Want to shield your new bag from spills and dirt before they happen? Scotchgard Fabric will do the trick for fabric panels, while Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck is a great water and oil repellant for suede. Both Collonil and Chamberlain’s make great leather-protecting products. Apply product with a clean white cotton cloth, followed by a dry cotton cloth to buff. Use products regularly on heavily used bags. With any products, test a small patch on the bag to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Collonil Leather Gel

Chamberlain’s Leather Milk

2. Store Them Properly:

Le 21eme

Do your bags get tossed onto a haphazard heap at the bottom of your closet? They’ll last longer if stored the right way, ideally in an upright position in their dust bags or a cotton pillowcase. Never store them in plastic or vinyl, which traps moisture inside. Stuff your bags with scarves, sweaters, or acid-free tissue paper, or use a handbag insert made for this purpose. Cross the handles over each other to avoid wear on the bag and unclip any removable straps for long-term storage.

The Container Store Quilted Handbag Shapers

The Container Store Linen Handbag Storage Bin

3. Remove Stains the Right Way:

Athens Streetstyle

The first step is to know what type of stain you’re dealing with, as that will dictate the removal method. See specific techniques below!

Food stains: Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. Brush off with a clean cloth in the morning.

Oil stains: Put cornstarch on the stain immediately, rubbing it in to create heat from friction, which will help the oil absorb. Brush the powder off with a clean cloth after you’ve rubbed it in—don’t let it sit on the stain.

Ink stains: If the stain is fresh, use a white eraser to immediately erase the spot, without applying too much pressure so that the color doesn’t come off. If the ink is already set, you’ll need a professional (see tip #7). An eraser also works for dirt stains.

Water stains: Blot water stains, let them dry naturally, and bring your bag to a professional for removal.

Odor removal: Keep a plastic bag filled with baking soda inside your handbag. Zip the handbag or place it in a larger bag that seals if it doesn’t zip. Keep the baking soda in the bag for one or two days to absorb the odor. Another option? Place a couple of dryer sheets in the bag for a few days.

4. Protect the Lining:

A Love is Blind

Use pouches to store cosmetics and liquids, which will protect the handbag lining from spills and keep you organized to boot. Avoid click pens at all cost, opting for pens with caps instead. Better yet, put those in your pouch too, in case of dreaded ink leaks.

Comme des Garçons Star Embossed Small Pouch

5. Keep Metal Hardware Shiny:

A Love is Blind

Do your best to keep away jewelry and zippers that could scratch your bag’s metal hardware. A go-to household item, Mr. Clean’s Magic Erasers, do a great job of cleaning up tarnished and grimy hardware.

6. Practice Routine Maintenance:

Athens Streetstyle

Here are a few best practices when it comes to daily handbag maintenance:

1. Avoid handling your bag if your hands are dirty or have lotion or cream on them.
2. Keep your bag out of direct sunlight.
3. Rotate which handbag you carry regularly so that they don’t wear out too quickly.
4. Use a suede brush to clean and revive suede.
5. Regular use of a leather moisturizer will keep the leather supple and free of cracks.
6. Wipe your bag down on a weekly basis (when in use) with a soft cloth.

7. Take It to a Professional:

A Love is Blind

For stains and wear and tear beyond your handbag maintenance skill set, take it to a handbag repair professional. Most shoe repair professionals also work on handbags. They’ll treat it for you, clean it, and restore color as needed. If your bag doesn’t have metal feet on the bottom, it’s wise to have those installed, as they’ll protect it from scratches and dirt.

Shop Investment Handbags: