How to Organize Your Wardrobe

5 tried-and-true stylist tips to unclutter your closet!


Own a closet full of clothes but got nothing to wear? It's about time you give yourself a wardrobe overhaul. Set aside one weekend, and follow these advices from professional stylists to organize and put together a wardrobe that screams effortlessly effective.

1. Separate your clothing according to usage. Your wardrobe may be bulging with loads of items, but how many of those have actually been worn within the past year, if at all? Clothes and accessories that are hardly ever worn should be tossed out to clear the space.

The key is to pare down your wardrobe to the pieces that really work for you - keep only the stuff you regularly use within easy view (and of course, reach). Otherwise, they'll be hidden under the piles and you'll soon forget that you have them in the first place.

Start by sorting all your clothing into 3 piles:

* Items that are regularly used and which you feel comfortable in.
* Garments that you have a sentimental or emotional attachment to.
* Clothes that need mending, don't fit, make you look fat or, for some other reasons, haven't been worn for more than a year.


2. Hang your clothes by categories. Arrange your regularly used items in the front of your wardrobe so that they are easily accessible. Sort them in order and categorize them.

Professional stylists suggest hanging your items by style then by color. For instance, your hanging sequence may be like this:

# Tops from tube tops to sleeveless to short sleeves to long sleeves.
# Skirts from short to mid-length to long.
# Pants from short to long.
# Jackets from casual to work to dressy.


Then arrange by color within these sub-groups.


3. Storing clothes that shouldn't be hung. For space efficiency and fabric care reasons, some clothes are best stored away folded.

Foldable Clothes. Keep foldable clothes like T-shirts, jeans and knits in shelves. As well as saving wardrobe space, folding - instead of hanging - delicate fabrics such as knits will keep them from stretching out of shape on the hanger. And remember, keep the pile minimal - large piles tend to collapse very easily. If shelf space is a problem, you can easily get additional mini drawers and stackable boxes from DIY stores at affordable prices.

Sentimental Pieces. For those precious or expensive items that you rarely wear but want to keep, fold them away in drawers with chemical desiccants such as calcium chloride to absorb moisture and prevent mold and mildew. Take care not to let the desiccant touch the garments.


4. Deciding which to toss out. From the pile of 'unwearable' clothes, you can judge whether to keep or to throw:

Simple Mending. You know what to do with clothes that have fallen hems, missing buttons, etc. Spend some time sewing them back and you'll have pieces that feel as good as new.

Ill-fitting Clothes. Clothes that no longer fit, or never have. Pants that can't zip shut unless you lose some weight. Bargain pieces that aren't flattering at all. Just toss these or give them away to your friends or family members.


5. Extra storage ideas for your accessories. Now that you've successfully sorted out your clothing, here are more tips on how to keep your accessories organized.

Belts. Get a men's tie rack and hang your belts on it.

Handbags. Stuff the bags with smaller bags or crushed magazine pages (save trees - don't use brand new paper for this) to retain their shape. Store them in a big see-through plastic zipper bag so that the dust won't get on them.

Hats. Install hooks on the inside of closet doors to hang your hats.

Scarves, stockings, and other accessories. Keep each category in a clear plastic stackable box, so you can see the items from the outside.

Shoes. Store your shoes in a shoe organizer. Or keep them in their original shoe box, to store them in neat stacks. Write a description of the shoes with a marker pen on each box so you can easily find the right pair without needing to rummage for it. You can even stick a photo of the shoe on the box - it may sound extreme but stylists reveal that some hard-core shoe fanatics actually do this!


Copyright © ShoppingLifestyle®

Ironing 101

Good tips provided by Family:May 2005 (Enlarge to see)

10 Money-Saving Tips

1. Draw on the Bank: Its products and services, that is. Open a savings account for just that - your savings. Decline the ATM card, and arrange for an auto-transfer of five to 10 per cent of your salary every month into this nest egg. Keep your household and personal expenses separate.
2. Keep the Change: Get yourself one of those cutesy piggy banks and slot in all the coins you have at the end of every day. Pretty soon, you might have as much as three months' worth of living expenses saved up - that's how much financial managers recommend you should set aside for emergencies.
3. Go the Auntie Way: Go for offers and stalk for special buys. Buy supplies in bulk from the neighbourhood stores instead of the supermarket. Check out exhibitions and fairs for electronic equipment, computers, jewellery, even furniture. Buy holiday packages from travel fairs. Seasoned bargain hunters like the heartland aunties all manage to translate these discouts into bigger bank balances.
4. Be a Hypo-Impulsive Shopper: Hypo is the opposite of hyper, read: steer clear of impulse buying. Don't give in to those insane urges that take hold of you. Ask, "Do I really need another clingy black camisole?" Give yourself a few days to mull over the question, and if you decide you want it, return to the store. The little black devil will still be there.
5. Say No to Debts: Refuse to be saddled with monthly interest payments that eat into your budget. Pay off any outstanding loans quickly, using the extra cash that your year-end bonus or performance-based incentives represent.
6. Cut the Credit: Apply the scissors to cards you don't need, and you'll also rid yourself of the annual fees, temptation to use credit unnecessarily and high-interest loans.
7. Reuse, Recycle: A battered old table can be dressed with a texture tablecloth to brighten up a drab corner of the house; you don't need to buy a new piece of furniture. Be creative when redecorating: a small potted plant or an ensemble of family photos can do wonders. Make use of colour, get to work on some art and craft - you get the idea.
8. DIY: Streak your own hair. Jazz up your own nails. Whip up your own gourmet meals. Choose your own portfolio of stocks and shares. Don't know how? Check out the library or the Internet for info, or scan magazines and other related journals.
9. Find Alternatives: Substitute those coffee binges at a premium outlet for some good ol' kopi at the corner coffee shop. Look for cheaper restaurants (like the neighbourhood zhu chao) that give you the same quality of food.
10. Divert those Straying Eyes: What the eyes don't see, the heart won't yearn for. Spend your weekends exercising and keeping fit at the neighbourhood park or the beach. Your eyes won't be staring at more oh-so-cute thingamajigs at the mall. And it's far healthier too.

Text: Eileen Chan

Extracted from Family:March 2005

Basic Table Manner

• Take small bites.


• Chew and swallow before you speak.


• Avoid the overwhelming temptation to play with your food.


• Pay at least some attention to the person you're dining with.


• Refrain from PDA (Public Display of Affection).


• Sit up straight at the table.


• When you are not eating, keep your hands on your lab or resting on the table (with wrist on the edge of the table). Elbows on the table are acceptable only between courses, not while you are eating.


• Do not season your food before you have tasted it.


• Do not slurp from a spoon. Spoon the soup away from you when you take it out of the bowl and sip it from the side of the spoon.


• If food get caught between your teeth and you can't remove it with your tongue, leave the table and remove the food from your teeth in private.


• If you need something that you cannot reach easily, politely ask the person nearest to the item to pass it to you.


• If a piece of your silverware falls onto the floor, pick it up if you can reach it and let the server know you need a clean one.


• If food spills off your plate, pick it up with a piece of silverware and place it on the edge of your plate.


• Never spit a piece of bad food or tough gristle into your napkin. Remove the food from your mouth using the same utensil it went in with. Place the piece of food on the edge of your plate. If possible, cover it with some other food from your plate.

Dining Situations

{Bread and Butter}
Break bread into moderately-sized pieces, or use a long serrated bread knife to cut a piece. After using the master butter knife to place butter on your bread plate, use the individual butter spreader to spread enough butter for a bite-sized piece.

{Soup}
Bouilion soup can be drunk from the 2-handled cup it is often served in or your can use teh bouilion soup spoon to consume. A cream soup is consumed using a round, or an oval soup spoon.
{Salad}
A lettuce salad that is served in large pieces can be cut one bite at a time using the knife. If salad is the main course, use the entree fork to eat it with. If it is served prior to the main course or after, use the smaller salad fork to eat with.

{Chicken}
Chicken is never eaten with fingers in a formal dining situation. In an informal setting, you can eat the smaller pieces (wing, leg, joints) with fingers. Larger pieces from the body (breast, thigh) are eaten by cutting the meat off with a knife or steak knife, and leaving the rest on your plate.

{Fish}
Ideally, your table will have a fish serving fork & fish slice to serve the serving plate to the dinner plate. Also, individual fish knives are a great addition to place settings.

If a sauce is served seperately, use a small ladle to place it on top of your serving and return to the sauce dish.

{Potatoes, French Fries}
When served a baked potato, cut in half and add seasonings, butter & sour cream to taste. If you are served mashed potatoes and gravy is being passed, simply use the gravy ladle provided to top the potatoes. French fries can be eaten with the fingers or a fork.

{Cheese}
When cheese is served alongside a fruit dessert, cut it with the cheese knife and place on the plate and place on the plate with the fruit fork. The cheese, if bite size, can be eaten with fingers.

{Fruit}
The best sterling silver items to have for eating fresh fruit are the fruit knife and fruit fork. Cut large fruits into quarters, and peel before eating. Of course, peeling the fruit is an option. Place any seeds & the peel on the side of the plate.

{Dessert}
There are many different sterling silver items to eat dessert with, including dessert spoons, ice cream forks, fruit spoons, fruit forks, strawberry forks, parfait forks, pastry and cake forks.

Cake and pie are usually eaten with a salad fork, if cake or pastry forks are not available. If it is served "a la mode", the teaspoon is also used (although the ice cream fork offers the best of both worlds).

{Tea Bags}
When served a cup of tea with a bag in it, wait until it steeps to the desired strength and remove the bag to the saucer. When dining in a restaurant, they usually serve the tea in a pot of hot water. Place the tea bag into the pot and allow it to steep to the desired strength, then remove the bag to the saucer on which the pot sets.

When you are served tea from a teapot in which loose tea has steeped, you will need a sterling tea strainer to prevent the leaves from going into your cup. Place the silver tea strainer on top of your cup and pour the tea into the cup.

Attack the PC Virus

When your computer gets a deadly virus, be ready to fight back. By Asiya Bakht

how do i know it's a virus?
If your computer is running much slower than usual, that's one sign. Or it may stop responding, lock, crash abd restart a lot. Also applications or printers may not work.

where did i catch it?
Probably the Internet. Most viruses are passed through emails. The best rule: don't open email attachments from unidentified sources or download software from uncertified sites. Try not to click on pop-ups too.

what to look for
Key virus types:

• Computer Virus the most common type, this is a small piece of software that attaches itself to a programme and rus each time the programme's in use.
• Email Virus runs in emails and automatically mails itself to lots of people.
• Worms use the computer network and security holes to replicate.
• Trojan Horse is more recent one in the form of a computer programme which can actually erase the hard disk.
• Spyware is an infection where every keystroke, website and conversation can be recorded by the hackers.

can i get rid of it?
You can, but viruses like Spyware often reinstall themselves even after they've been removed, so it's vital to check all files. Download antivirus tools from the Internet. Make sure you get the latest updates as viruses constantly update themselves. Confused over terms such as freeware and shareware? Freeware gives you all the software functions for free, shareware gives you most of its functions for a period of 15-30 days. Freeware is tempting as it's free back-up support. Shareware is a good way to test the software and back-up support - you need to pay for it but it has lots of support and free updates.

who sells the virus protection?
You can test-drive it before you buy. Download a few different packages on trial and get familiar with them. Visit review sites such as CNET to find out the best packages available. Better-known companies include Microsoft, Symantec and McAfee.

get help!
The newspapers have classifieds sections with contacts for computer pros. But check that they have the required anti-virus or anti-spyware programmes. Insist they reformat your whole computer to guard against a bigger infection.

protect yourself now
Get all the latest updates. Systems like Windows XP automatically ask if you want updates - go for it. You need industry standard anti-virus software - keep it updated.

Norton Anti-virus and MacAfee's Anti-virus detect viruses, worms and Trojan Horses and remove them. The latest versions can also detect spywares and non-virus infections. Good anti-spyware is a must - get free versions on the net. There are also Internet firewalls, which filter information coming into your computer system.

But nothing is foolproof so for guaranteed protection, make back-ups of your important files!

ZAP VIRUS WITH THESE DOWNLOADS

• Computer updates: http://update.microsoft.com/
• Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Genuine Windows download and Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
• Online Scanning for viruses: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
• Anti-virus software: http://www.avast .com/ Or: http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/us/tpl/tpl01
• Scanning for adware, spyware, malware: http://www.symantec.com.us.index.html
• Download Ad-aware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
• Download Firewall Zone Alarm: http://www.zonelabs.com/
• Limited free edition Firewall: http://www.kerio.com/kerio.html

tip!
Microsoft's Internet Explorer is a well-known browser but new ones like Mozilla Firefox seem "safer" - get free versions online.


Extracted from Simply Her / November 2005

Are Your Things in a MESS?? De-CLUTTER THEM!!

You're not alone when it comes to clutter. That's comforting. Disarray is wasted space, energy and time. Wiping out all the jumble you've accumulated over the years needs organisation, persistence and perseverance. It's very easy to give up when you feel overwhelmed. YOu may find some measure of motivation in the feng shui belief that clutter stagnates and blocks the flow of qi that may cause misfortune in areas of your life. Even if you are not a fan of feng shui, you know how good it feels when you don't have to compette for space with your junk.

1. start a routine
Decide on a Schedule Once a month is best, neither too frequent to make you want to give up, nor too spaced out to allow clutter to build up. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't overdo it and wear yourself out.

Focus Doing the whole house in one day may be overwhelming.You can make it less taxing by going room by room on a fortnightly basis: storeroom, pantry, living room, etc.

Make it a Habit Pick up and discard immediately things lying around that you don't need, eg used envelopes, magazines, newspapers, junk mail. Reclaim your space.

Empty Out Everything Whether it's a cupboard, drawer, shelf, box or whatever surface you want to work on, clear it. Be ruthless, harden your heart and resist the temptation to put things back. Concentrate on what you really love and need. You'll soon forget about the "maybes" and "what ifs".

Give Clutter a Home Books belong on the shelf or in the cupboard, not on the dining table. Clothes belong in the wardrobe or drawers, not on the floor. Those things that do not belong in your home belong somewhere else - the Salvation Army, a friend's home, or in the dump if the item is utterly useless or broken.

Get 3 Boxes Mark them Throw Away, Give Away, Store Away. It can be that simple. Don't allow yourself second thoughts.

Get 6 Boxes If you want to put the clutter into even more specific piles, mark them: Throw Away, Recycle, Give Away, Sentimental, Undecided, Elsewhere.

Create Ownership Get the whole family involved and let them know their part in keeping the clutter away. Create a Claim Box for things belonging to the others - things they must retrieve and put in their rightful place. Give a week for items to be retrieved.

Optimise Use of Space Add shelving for reference books and manuals. Add space extenders in desk drawers. Buy full-suspension file cabinets. Use stacking bins/boxes. Use the wall to hang up photographs and paintings.

2. identify clutter
Be tough. Be objective. Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used this item?
• Will I be lost without it?
• Who can benefit more from it?
• Does it enhance the home?
• Where else can I put it?

3. get help
Call the karang guni man or go to
Cash Converters and convert your trash into cash.
Ask a friend to help you organise a garage sale or put the items on an online auction.
Start a clutter support group where friends help one another decide what to discard. Make meetings fun with tea and cookies.


Extracted from Simply Her / March 2005

How to Remove Fabric Stains

The longer you wait, the harder to remove the stain, so act no - identify the stain and pick the solvent.
By Pam Yeo

No matter how hard you try to prevent it, somhow stains of all sorts - from candle wax to ink or crayon stains - manage to find their way onto your sofas, cushions and worst, that designer dress! It's a big job to tackle, but the longer you leave it, the more hardy the stain will be.

key steps

1. Identify the type of stain.
2. Determine how long it has been there.
3. Next, prepare solvent resistant gloves to protect your hands from strong chemicals.
4. Decide on the type of brush to use for the fabric affected.
5. For washables, turn them inside out for cleaning and lay a clean, absorbent cloth underneath.
6. Apply the right solvent or stain remover to stain. Always read for further instructions. For spray-ons, it's best to wear goggles to protect eyes.
7. Leave the stain alone for the solvent to be absorbed before washing thoroughly.

tip!

Do use fabric protectors, such as Scotchgard Fabric Protector ($16.85, from Home-Fix), to help protect and repel spills and stains on clothing and upholstery. That way, you won't worry so much about stains in future!

common stains

candle wax Allow the wax to harden and break off as much as possible. Put the affected part of the fabric between two sheets of paper. Apply a warm iron gently over the area and remaining wax should come off onto the paper. Repeat until wax is gone. Wash with hot water.

red wine Pour a little white wine over stain and mop excess liquid with a cloth. Put in cold water and solvent. Soak for 30 minutes, then wash.

vomit Sponge with warm water containing a little ammonia and soak in a diaper wash or sanitiser containing sodium percarbonate. Wash in hot water and detergent.

tea and coffee Rinse out washables with boiling water. Use a drop of diluted lemon juice on the stained area. Dab the stain and work it between hands before washing.

lipsticks and other cosmetics Apply laundry pre-soak on the mascara, eyeshadow or pressed powder stain. Rub liquid soap on the stained area. Rinse and wash in warm water.

stickers Allow sticker lifter to penetrate. Use a soft-edged tool to lift the sticker (or chewing gum). Allow the stain to sit after application. Blot with white cloth and rinse with washing detergent.

water-based inks Place a paper napkin under the stain to absorb excess ink and blot the area. Repeat until most of the stain is gone, then use ink remover solvent before wash.

crayons Rub WD-40 onto the stain and leave it for a few minutes. Turn the cloth over and apply WD-40 to the other side; again, let it sit for a few minutes. Work dishwashing detergent into the stain on both sides. Wash in hot water with a detergent containing colour-safe bleach.

deodorants & anti-perspirants Apply a laundry pre-soak (spot stain remover) and warm water on the dry stain. Rinse off. If some stain remains, use a bleach containing chlorine.

mystery marks Treat it with cool water and sponge on a liquid laundry solution before rinsing. If stain remains, create a mix of part methylated spirits and ammonia. If colour runs, remove ammonia. As a last resort, use mild bleach that contains sodium percarbonate.

know your solvents

Absorbents Powder, cornstarch or salt soaks up excess grease and oil stains before solvents are applied. Make sure you check fabric label for dry-clean only and washables.

Bleaches Remember to check fabric for coulour fastness. Use a drop of lemon juicce diluted with one part water or a bleach pen for whites before applying detergent on stain. Don't use bleach for coloured fabrics.

Detergents or Soap Mix with water to dilute the strength of the solvent. Adjust the intensity of the mixture according to the type of fabric. Softer fabrics such as silks and satins require less intense mixtures.

contact the experts Send your stain to the professionals if you feel that you are not ready to take that risk on your favourite designer top.

Cotton Care Tel 6747-7844, www.cottoncare.com.sg

Just Relax Laundry Service Tel 6255-4222, www.justrelax.sg

(Voted Best Value by Simply Her in Jan 2006)

Amahs On Wheels Tel 6837-2708, www.amahonwheels.com

Extracted from Simply Her / May 2006

Remove Stains From Various Material

Leather
GENERAL INFO

1. Leather breathes, so wipe it often to stop dust particles from penetrating its pores.
2. Use a leather conditioner (available at DIY and most furniture stores) to protect and keep the material supple. Pay special attention to arm rests and head rests.

SPOT CLEAN

• Discoloured Patches Wear and tear can cause parts of your leather set to become lighter or darker. Spray on a "leather" spray in a similar colour.
• Small Oil Stains Using fingertips, rub cornstarch lightly into the stain until you feel heat from the friction - the heat "break up" the oil. Vacuum or brush powder mixture off. Larger stains require professional treatment.
• Ink Stain Spray spot with either a non-oily hair spray or Armour All, a popular car product. Wipe with soft cloth.
• Candle Wax Place grease paper over the spot and press with a warm (not hot) iron. Continue until all the wax is absorbed. Tip: Try it out on an inconspicuous spot first.

Wood

GENERAL INFO

1. Remove surface dirt with a damp flannel dust cloth.
2. Polish regularly using a wood polisher like Lemon Pledge. Or make your own: one teaspoon light olive oil to half cup white vinegar. Shake well before applying.
3. Want more shine? Gloss with vinegar before polishing.

SPOT CLEAN

• Water Rings Apply an oil-based wood polish with a soft cloth before buffing. Or, apply mayonnaise liberally on the stain. Wipe off the next day. For stubborn marks, apply a thick paste of cooking oil and salt. Leave on for 15 minutes before wiping. Gloss over with wood polish.
• Polish Build-up To get rid of build-up, mix half cup vinegar and half cup water. Give the furniture a once-over, using a dust cloth moistened with the solution. Wipe dry.
• Scratches Look into your kid's crayon box for a colour that's closest to your furniture. Melt down a small amount and work it into the scratch until concealed.

Fabric

GENERAL INFO

1. Remove loose cushions and vacuum sides, arms and under the seat where crumbs and dust love to settle.
2. Give fabric a light wash with your own cleansing agent: Blend a quarter cup laundry detergent with one cup water till suds resemble whipped cream. Do a spot test first. Using a clean cloth, rub the whipped suds gently onto a section of a sofa. Blot with a damp cloth and let dry.

SPOT CLEAN

• Liquid Stains Mix one teaspoon mild detergent with one cup warm water; rub gently onto spot, blotting with clean cloth to dry. Never rub the stain as this can damage the fibre.
• Red Wine Blot the fresh stain immediately with kitchen towels and sponge (don't rub) with warm water to dilute. Blot again and add talcum powder to the stain, letting it stand for two to three minutes. Brush off powder and repeat sponging and blotting till stain fades as much as possible.
• Stubborn Stains Blot with a solution of half cup white vinegar and half cup warm water. Dry with a clean cloth and brush lightly when fully dry to restore texture. Wipe up spills fast to prevent it soaking into the fabric.

tips!

1. Keep fabric, leather and wood furniture away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. Vacuum upholstered furniture weekly using a crevice tool extension to prevent abrasion.
3. Dust all leather and wood furniture weekly with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Move cushions and pillows around weekly to redistribute wear and tear.
5. Have fabric and leather furniture professionally cleaned from time to time.
6. Do not leave newspapers or other printed materials lying on upholstery.
7. Take special care with drinks, food, cigarettes, candles, etc, around your sofa.
8. Make sure plants, sharp objects, chemicals (like nail varnish) and wet surfaces do not come into contact with your sofa.
9. Keep a clean cloth and kitchen towels handy for fast blotting of spills.
10. Prevent pets and children from climbing and bouncing on the sofa.

Extracted from Simply Her / April 2005

Organise Your Fridge

Simple storage tips to keep your foods fresher and fridge neater.

1. Arrange items according to height. If the family-size jar of pasta sauce blocks your new tub of yoghurt, you'll probably forget the yoghurt's there. That's a tub of spoilt yoghurt and money down the drain.
2. Keep it cold. Each time the door is open and warm air rushes in, it takes some time before the temperature is stable again. A three-quarters filled fridge is better than a full one - with an overpacked fridge air cannot circulate properly.
3. Store washed, dry veggies in airtight plastic or ziplock bags or container. Leave crisper drawer slightly open to prevent moisture bulid-up. Fruits can be kept on the lower shelves instead of the crisper for easy access.
4. Group similar foods together, eg canned drinks on one shelf, or different cheese in one box. If you have kids, create a snack box for each child (and place on a low shelf) - it'll prevent little hands from rummaging other shelves to look for fave foods.
5. In the freezer, divide raw foods like meat into individual sealed portions and take out just that out just that one portion before cooking.
6. Store leftover food in lidded containers to prevent it drying out and to keep the smell and flavour from permeating other items. It's worth investing in quality containers and airtight bags to avoid unnecessary spills and retain the food's freshness. Use transparent ones for easy reference.
7. Check your fridge every two days and throw out stale items - when in doubt, toss it! Do this also before each trip to the grocery store.

tip!
Tired of washing a mug everytime someone in the family takes a sip of water? Put lidded beverage cups (each with water, juice or any fave drink) in the fridge - one of each member of the family - to sip from throughout the day. This way, you'll only need to wash once at the end of the day.



Extracted from Simply Her / April 2005

How to Choose Your Bedlinen

We spend more than a third of our lives in bed, so the right bed linen will protect you, your mattress and home hygiene.
By Brigette Teo

COMFORTER/DUVET
They provide warmth, colour and volume to your bed. Often doubling up as bed covers, the duvet is a convenient, fold-free way to make the bed - just throw over and go!
Best Fabric These range from white down (very expensive and best for cold climates) to polyester (cheaper and easy to machine wash). If you're willing to spend the money, silk fillings are ideal for warm weather as they're so airy and cool. The duvet's warmth is measure in togs - the higher the tog, the warmer the comforter. In the tropics, you won't want a tog higher than 4.5.
Spend From $49 to $150 for a queen size comforter and from $10 for a cotton cover.
Colours & Patterns Plain coloured duvets are more versatile, especially those with reversible sides so you can flip them over to get a bright or dark look. Darker colours like navy, maroon or brown give a heavier, warmer look than white, cream or light shades.

QUILT
From Ikea's practical designs to antique patchworks, these come in every fabric, texture and pattern. The quilt is used as a decorative bed cover to protect the blankets, sheets and linen underneath from dust. Quilts are not to be confused with quilted bed protectors, which protect mattresses under bedsheets.
Best Fabric Anything from cotton to silk, but non-allergenic is useful if you suffer allergies.
Spend From $20.
Colours & Patterns From patchwork to modern chintz.

BEDSHEET
The quality depends on the number of woven threads per square inch. A higher the thread count means the sheets will be softer, smoother and more durable.
Best Fabric Cotton is the most popular. It can be pure, or cotton mixed with linen or polyester. Some luxury options include pure or hypoallergenic silk and satin. The best quality is Egyptian cotton because of its strength and smoothness. Top brands are around 250 threads per square inch. Next down is Percale - cotton or cotton-polyester mix with a thread count of at least 180 threads per square inch.
Spend From $49.90 to $162 for a queen size bedsheet.
Colours & Patterns It's best to match bedsheets to the colour and style of your covers.

BED SPREAD
Bed spreads give instant elegance and character to plain bedsheets. A bed spread is thinner cover than the quilt, but a sensible, lighter option as a protective cover for your sheets and blankets in the tropics.
Best Fabric The best options: cotton, satin or silk.
Spend From $12 for a basic throw to significant amounts for designer options.
Colours & Patterns Bed spreads and sheets should complement each other.



How to clean bedlinen

• Change bedsheets and pillow cases at least once a week in our weather. Have at least three sets of sheets per bed to rotate.
• Some comforters and quilts can be machine washed but others need to be dry-cleaned or laundered, especially if they can't fit into your average washing machine.
• Wash sheets in cool water under 40 degree Celsius.
• Set wash cycle on "gentle".
• Use mild detergent and avoid using bleach as it breaks down fabric fibres.
• Remove sheets from dryer while still warm and fold them immediately so they don't wrinkle.
• If sheets are wrinkled, tumble for another 5 to 10 minutes with a damp washcloth to "unwrinkle".
• Store linens in cool, dark, dry spots. If storing in garment bags, use cotton, linen or muslin (not synthetic).
  
• To brighten yellowed linen, dissolve denture-cleaning tablets in a tub of warm water and soak for 20 minutes.

where to buy?
AUSSINO 290 Orchard Road #04-41, Paragon Shopping Centre. Tel 6887-5718. With 10 outlets islandwide, Aussino has a wide selection of bed linen: queen size sheets from $25-$100; quilts $40 to more than $250.

ISETAN SCOTTS 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House Level 4, Living Department. Tel 6733-8366. Wide range of imported bed linen, from Paris, US, Italy. 330-thread count queen size sheet by Urblanc Maison costs from $55.

JOHN LITTLE 277 Orchard Road, Specialists' Shopping Centre, 4th level. Tel 6737-8222. A one-stop shop for great value bed linen especially during seasonal sales. Queen size bed sheets range from $58 for Elle Paris and $65 for the same by Friven.

BARANG BARANG 1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-35 Great World City. Tel 6738-0133. The feel here is ethnic, with a selection of sheets, throws and bed spreads. The Cavelli Jacquard Collection's fine queen size bedsheets have 700 per square inch threadcounts for around $130.


Extracted from Simply Her / November 2005

Shoe Shopping Tips

DO...

• Shop in the late afternoon or evening - feet swell over the course of the day.
• Size their feet while they're standing up and fully weight bearing. There should be 1 to 2 cm (about one "Mum's thumb-width) of room at the front of the shoe and the widest part of the shoe should match the widest part of the foot. Good shoe brands may also have cleverly built-in three to six months' growth room for each shoe.
• Have them walk around for a few minutes wearing the shoes with normal socks. Make sure the heels don't slip out.
• Make sure the insoles are made of absorbent material. You may want padded insoles but most kids don't need arch support. Feel the inside for staples and irregularities.
• Invest in a good pair of sneakers for daily wear. This pair will take a lot of pounding. Leather holds up better than vinyl, and stitching lasts longer than glue.
• Look for sturdy, thick but flexible soles that are not sticky. Also, trace your child's feet and compare the outline with the sole of the shoe.
• Choose leather, canvas or the newer mesh (rather than plastic) materials to allow foot to breathe..
• Consider shoes that make a squeaking sound - they encourage the child to walk and allows you to track their movements!

DON'T...

• Overspend on the cutest, trendiest designs as kids outgrow shoes quickly.
• Buy shoes more than one size too large for your child. They can cause him to trip and develop foot problems. Many kids have two different sizes - buy the pair that fits the larger foot best.
• Make kids wear hand-me-downs. They are moulded to the original owner's feet.
• Buy heel! While they may look cute, always avoid heels on children's shoes as they are particularly bad for proper foot development. Flat soles make it easier to begin walking. For older kids, heels should be no higher than 2cm as this can cause the foot to slide forward, cramping the toes.

pre-walkers (crib to 9mths)

• Wait until your child starts to walk. Healthy, well-developed feet come about from learning to walk barefoot. Warm booties or skid-free socks will do.
• When it's time for baby's first shoes, take your well rested, recently fed child to a quality kid's outlet such as Clarks at United Square, where staff are specially trained to fit children's feet.
• Measure the length and width of both feet. many infants have an extra wide foot and may need a special size. Good shoe companies like Clarks have footwear ranges that cater not only to the stages of foot growth, but sizes that come with different widths too.
• Footwear should be soft and pliable to let new walkers feel the ground.

walkers (9 mths to 2 yrs)

Once your child begins walking, a sturdier shoe is needed.

• Opt for breathable, flexible and soft natural leather innersoles. Their feet sweat twice as much as an adult's.
• It is not true that high-top shoes support ankles better. Leather or canvas tie shoes are also more secure and stay on better.
• A smooth sole is less likely to "grab" the floor, which may cause falls.
• Make sure there's a 1cm space from the toes. Most early toddlers (under 16 months) grow more than one-half a foot size in two months.

runners (2-3 yrs)
Toddlers from age 16 to 24 months grow about half a foot size every three months. From 24 to 36 months old, they grow about half a foot size every four months. Get a firmer, but still flexible shoe or bootie. A lightweight shoe is a good idea since they really dash about a lot at this age.

school-goers
A firmer, flexible shoe and possibly athletic type shoes are common. Children over three years grow about half a foot size every four to six months. At this age, you can choose from athletic shoes, sandals, hiking shoes, etc.

when to change their shoes
Children will require new shoes every three to four months. But look out for:

• Worn areas or stressed seams - eg if sides are bulging, they're probably not wide enough.
• Toes that bend upwards are also a sign of shoes that don't fit properly, and worn out toes or heels can also mean it's time for a new pair of shoes.
• Calluses, sores or other foot problems (you may need to consult a doctor)
• If your shild keeps removing his or her shoes, they may be uncomfortable.

Extracted from Simply Her / November 2005

Bookends . Your Tips from Simply Her / May 2006

prevent foot blisters
Apply moisturiser to the part of the shoe that caused blisters, eg straps or back of a heel. The moisturizer will moisturize the feet as the shoes are worn instead of causing blisters when there's abrasion. - Dawn Lee, 31, secretary

Bookends . Your Tips from Simply Her / December 2005

lessen washing creases
To lessen creaases in washing machine washes, wrap clothes in a piece of muslim cloth before placing in washing machine laundry bag. Don't ask me how it gets rid of post-wash creasing, but it really works! - Julie Koh, 42, manager

freeze out your silk wrinkles
To make ironing easier for your silk blouse, put it in a ziplock bag, then place in freezer. Remove it when it's cold. Magically, creases disappear. - Rebecca Galster, 48, homemaker

Bookends . Your Tips from Simply Her / November 2005

clean your silver
Want a quick, cheap way to keep silver jewellery sparkly? Here are two ways: Dunk them in hot, soapy water and wipe them with a lint-free cloth, Alternatively, immerse them in water used to boil potatoes. Then wipe dry with a cloth. Works like a dream! - Ng Mui Hoy, 60, homemaker

charcoal dehumidifier and deodoriser
You can either buy or use leftover charcoal from a barbecue. Break the charcoal into palm sizes, then wrap them up in weave cloth or put them in small plastic bags (untied). Place them in areas you want to dehumidify or deodorise such as show cupboards or wardrobe. - Simon Neo, 36, sales manager

condensed milk without mess
Get that last drop of condensed milk without the sticky mess! Pierce two holes opposite each other and tilt one side (with hole) into a container. Clean and neat, no wastage, and it only takes five minutes to empty the can. - Audrey Koh, 30, sales coordinator

Bookends . Your Tips from Simply Her / September 2005

wrapping paper holder
Cut open a cardboard toilet roll or kitchen towel roll to form a "cuff" that will easily slip around rolls of loose sheets of wrapping paper, keeping them neat and wrinkle free. To pretty them up, you could wrap each "cuff" with leftover wrapping paper. - Lynn Lee, 34, stay-home mum

clot-free mascara
Hate the clots you get when applying mascara> The clots are often a result of excessive coating on the wand. Wrap the wand with tissue and gently compress it to remove excess coating before applying it to the lashes... viola! - Kris Lee, 32, sales executive

speedy iron
Line aluminum foil on the ironing board under the cover - it reflects the heat and speeds up ironing time. - Joanne Ong, 30, marketing executive

nail whitener
Soak nails, stained yellow by nail polish, in a solution of denture cleaning tablet and warm water - your yellowish nails will turn white. - Angelyn Tan, 27, director

Bookends . Your Tips from Simply Her / April 2005

Sagging cane furtniture?
Scrub with soap and water, then rinse with a warm water salt solution. Put it out in the sun to dry and it'll regain its shape. - Priya Chandiramani, administration assistant

Easy Peel Lup Cheong
A quick way to peel off the layer of wax on a Chinese sausage:
1) Cut sausage in half.
2) Soak in hot water for about 10 seconds.
3) Just peek off the skin. - Rose Ng, homemaker

Portable Butter
To keep butter packets fresh for a picnic, carry them in a thermos flask, half-filled with crushed ice. - Kiran Udeykumar, student

Bookends . Your Tips from Simply Her / March 2005

Murky glasses?
Preven dust from collecting in those seldom-used champagne flutes by stuffing them with paper towels. - Anne-Marie, 28, restaurateur

Smelly shoes?
Stuff newspapers inside the footwear. Newspaper seems to keep them dry and absorb smells. - Jen Lee, 35, freelance writer

Stop crying!
Eyes tear when you cut onions? Not if you leave them immersed in a bowl of water while slicing them. - Yeo Sok Leng, 31, marketing assistant

Clean with toothpaste
If you don't have a special cleaser for silver, squeeze toothpaste on a cloth and simply wipe! - Koh Ah Huay, 60, homemaker