FIRE: THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

2. Keep matches, lighters and the like away from children.

3. Do not hang clothes over a hot stove, and make sure that your kitchen curtains do not get near the stove.

4. When lighting candles, make sure that no inflammable drapery or materials get near them.

5. Do not use inflammable cleaning liquids in a closed room or near a fire.

6. Ensure that cigars and cigarette butts are disposed of properly.

7. If your clothing catches fire, lie down at once and smother the flames by rolling up in a blanket, rug or overcoat, leaving the head uncovered.

8. When getting out of a burning building, or in helping someone else get out, remember that the best air is likely to be 3 or 4 feet above floor level, that leaving doors and windows open will create drafts and make the fire burn more fiercely, and that the air on the other side of the door that feels hot to the hand may be so hot that it will be fatal to inhale it.

9. Do not try to extinguish an oil or grease fire with water. Use sand or salt instead, to smother it.

SAFETY TIPS FOR LPG USERS

1. Have the installation of your LPG done by a contractor experienced on these systems.

2. Periodically examine the color of the flame. A yellow flame indicates poor combustion. Correct according to manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Use your eyes and your nose when detecting a leak in your LPG. Brush on a soap solution and look for bubbles in checking for leaks.

4. Do not look for a leak with a lighted candle, match or other open light.

5. Turn off the LPG at tank and vacate the premises once leak is detected.

6. Ventilate the house thoroughly if a leak occurs.

7. Call your LPG contractor or an experienced repairman to fix the leaks and other problems before using your LPG again.

8. Make sure that there is adequate air for combustion.

9. Don’t refill the storage tank after dark.

10. Don’t open the tank valves and allow vapor or liquid to escape into the air. Use gauge to check gas supply.

11. Don’t allow weeds and grass to grow or trash to collect around the supply tanks.

CARING FOR BED LINENS

We spend about 1/3 of our day in bed. This means that our bed should be comfortable for us to be able to get a good night's sleep and quality rest. Choosing the right bed linens is one step. Caring for these linens is another. Here are a few tips.

Read the care label and follow instructions.

Buy an extra set or two. This will enable you to rotate your bed linens and ensure that they are evenly used or worn.

Change your pillowcases and sheets weekly or every two weeks. Comforter, duvet, and quilts will only need to be laundered monthly.

A mattress pad between mattresses and sheets extends the life of both.

Buy pillow protectors to prevent frequent laundering of pillows.

Machine wash in warm water using a gentle cycle, then rinse with cold water. Do not overload the washing machine.

Use a mild detergent. Pour in the detergent to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, before adding in the linens.

Separate dark colors from the whites.

Avoid using chlorine bleach as it weakens the fabric and cause it to yellow. If white fabrics need bleaching, opt for an oxygen-based bleach.

Machine dry bed linens using low heat, if the care label says it's safe to do so. Otherwise, you can hang them to dry then iron press later on, while the linens are still slightly damp.

When ironing bed linens with decorative details, place it facedown on the ironing board over a towel and iron it, or place a plain sheet over the top of the detailed section and iron over that.

If the label says "hand launder," do so. Use gentle soap and rinse thoroughly in clean water. Do not wring. Hang to dry.

Store bed linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. If you are going to store your linens for a long period of time, wrap them in white cotton, old pillow cases or acid-free paper. Do not store linens in plastic bags or boxes, as this can cause permanent yellowing. Take out your linens from the cabinet/storage once in a while to let them breathe.

GROWING AN INDOOR HERB GARDEN

1. Purchase herb seeds from your local green house or gardening center. Some malls also have stalls that sell these seeds. Ensure that the seeds are of good quality.

2. You may also choose to buy baby plants but it would be more fun and rewarding to tend your own mini herb garden from day 1.

3. Some good choices are oregano, rosemary, basil, mint, chamomile and lavender, as they grow well indoors.

4. They thrive in indoor window sill herb gardens.

5. You may use a small, fancy pot for your indoor herb garden, or even just the ordinary ones.

6. Make sure that there is proper drainage in your containers .

7. The soil is also crucial so make sure the soil is mixed with sand and lime so the herbs have great soil conditions allowing maximum growth.

8. Choose an area where your plants can have at least partial sunlight. Preferably, place your plants by the window.

9. Fluorescent lighting may also supplement the lighting during non-sunny seasons.

10. Bring your plants outdoors once in a while for direct sunlight and fresh air.

11. Give your plants a good soak once or twice a week. Do not overwater.

12. Make sure that your plants are not infested by small insects.

13. Harvest with care. Clip out just the right amount of herbs you need.

MAINTAINING A CLEAN WASHROOM

1. Washroom maintenance should be scheduled regularly, preferably when traffic is at a minimum.

2. Empty all waste receptacles. If possible, wash the receptacles clean.

3. Pick up waste materials, including loose hair strands from the floor.

4. Sweep all loose dirt.

5. Clean the urinal and the toilet bowl thoroughly, using your trusted liquid disinfectant cleaner. Work the liquid into all recesses and around the water outlets.

6. Clean top and underside of the toilet seat as well as the exterior of the bowl surfaces and fixtures. Rinse, wipe and leave toilet seat up.

7. Clean sink with a disinfectant cleaner. Be sure to include fixtures as well as hardware and pipes under the sink. Rinse with clean water and wipe water spots off with a clean cloth.

8. Spot-clean tiles, walls and ceilings and remove marks and smudges. Include the windows and other surfaces on which dust and dirt accumulate.

9. Note if there are burned out light bulbs, leaky faucets or other irregularities that need attention.

10. Clean the mirror.

11. Refill all dispensers with paper towels, bathroom tissues and soap. Make sure that these dispensers are clean before replenishing them with new supplies.

WHAT TO DO DURING TYPHOONS

1. Keep your radio open and try to get the latest bulletin and weather update.

2. Get extra food. Stock up on those which can be eaten without cooking or with little preparation. If emergency cooking facilities are necessary, be sure that they are in order.

3. Store water as water service may be cut off.

4. Have a flashlight in working condition and keep it handy,

5. Keep a stash of spare battery for your flashlights or radio. Charge all your cellphone batteries while there is still electricity.

6. Check on everything that may be blown away or turn loose.

7. Be sure that windows and doors can be opened on the lee side of the house – opposite the side facing the wind.

BASIC FENG SHUI FOR YOUR HOME

The term feng shui (pronounced "fung schway") literally means "wind-water". It was originally used as a technique for choosing plots for palaces, as well as burial sites for the rich. Nowadays, people use feng shui as a technique of "working with nature", in the premise that the environment affects the way we feel and the way we act. Feng shui educates us on the importance of how positioning objects in the home or business can create a harmonious atmosphere.

Here are some basic and practical feng shui tips for your home.

1. Remove clutter. Keep your surroundings clean and orderly. Dispose of things that are no longer being used.

2. Choose items of regular shapes and sizes.

3. Wind chimes, bells and crystals dispel negative energy and attract and invigorate the "chi".

4. Choose plants with rounded tips instead of those that are edged or sharp.

5. Position mirros with care, as what you see doubles. Mirrors placed opposite walls or money pots is good, because it doubles your space or money. Never place a mirror opposite a toilet. A mirror placed opposite your bed could lead to infidelity.

6. Happy family photos should be placed on the south-west wall.

7. Fish tanks and fountains are good fortune enhancers.

8. Always display in pairs to ensure relationship success.

9. Never have your bed face the door. Lying in bed with your feet facing the door is known as the "coffin position".

10. If you need to have a fireplace, position it on the south wall, never on the north or north-west wall.

ORGANIZING AT HOME

1. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its proper place. Let every member of the household know where to find and return things.

2. Invest on a good quality chest of drawers. Sort like colors of shirts, have a drawer for socks, another for underwear, knick-knacks and so on. This will save you from wasting your precious time looking for that lace camisole.

3. Add more storage boxes or plastic containers and label them accordingly. You may keep seasonal clothes – your bikini or winter clothes in a plastic container that fit right under your bed, to save space.

4. Used clothes must be placed in the laundry basket or clothes hamper, and not to be left hanging elsewhere.
5. Give away or sell toys, books or clothes that you haven’t used for a long time. Allow others to enjoy them, instead of having them collect dust in your house.

6. Refrain from buying and collecting small figurines unless you have a glass cabinet to store them in. These items collect dust easily and are very tedious to clean.

7. Use decorative boxes to store your trinkets, sewing materials and other small tools. These boxes not only stash and keep your small items in place, they also double as decors to an otherwise boring room.

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD AND MILDEW STAINS ON YOUR FURNITURE

1. Dry out wet/soiled clothes before throwing them into the laundry basket or clothes hamper.

2. Do not use starch on linen that is to be stored for long periods, or don’t store clothes that are unclean.

3. Once in a while, leave closets, cabinets or drawers open to freshen air and to keep interiors dry. You may also use a handy hair dryer to prevent moisture build-up.

4. Brush thoroughly upholstered furniture or rugs that show mildew. If possible, do this outdoors to get more sun and fresh air. Should mildew stains remain stubborn, sponge lightly with thick suds, then wipe clean with damp cloth. A half-and-half solution of alcohol and water may also help, but remember to use this solution sparingly to avoid discoloration, and then dry very well.

5. Wipe moldy leather with half-and-half solution of water and alcohol, then air dry before an electric fan. Once dry, apply a thin coat of paste wax for protection as well as to restore shine.

6. Dust cornstarch or talcum powder between the leaves of damp books, and let it stay until all moisture has been absorbed. In damp weather, keep a small electric bulb open in closed book case, so that the books stay dry.

KEEPING YOUR HOME RAT-FREE

1. Keep garbage cans tightly closed.

2. Keep your basement or storage room floors free of piled boxes or litter. Store things 10 or 12 inches above the floor.

3. Keep your food in closed containers.

4. Screen openings such as windows, doors and ventilators with ¼ inch wire mesh. Keep doors closed when not in use. Close holes around pipes or drains with concrete or sheet metal. Keep floor drains tightly fastened.

5. Outside the home, keep spaces under porches and steps open and clean. Don’t pile wood against the side of the house or garage. Keep lumber or other stored materials off the ground, with space underneath for cleaning.

HERBS AND SPICES 101

Starters in the use of herbs and spices might wish to try a little at a time, until they get accustomed to using them as part of their cooking ingredients. Here are a few set of herbs and spices to start your kitchen adventures with:

Herbs: basil, bay leaves, parsley, rosemary, thyme, mint, marjoram, chives and sage.

Spices: pepper, ginger, garlic, curry powder, nutmeg, dry mustard, paprika and cinnamon.

Flavoring extracts: vanilla, peppermint, lemon, maple, almond, orange.

Here’s a list of what you can use to flavor meat, poultry, fish and eggs.

Beef: bay leaf, lemon juice, mushrooms, dry mustard, nutmeg, onion, green pepper, sage, thyme, currant or grape jelly

Poultry: basil, bay leaf, lemon juice, marjoram, onion, pepper, rosemary, sesame seeds, sage, thyme, cranberry juice

Lamb: curry, garlic, mint, onion, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, mint, jelly, broiled pineapple

Pork: garlic, lemon juice, marjoram, sage, applesauce, spiced apples, cranberries

Veal: bay leaf, curry, dill seed, ginger, marjoram, oregano, summer savory, currant jelly, broiled apricots or peaches.

Fish: lemon juice, onion, mustard, garlic, bay leaf, mushrooms, pepper, paprika, dill

Eggs: basil, chives, mustard, parsley, green pepper, diced tomato, rosemary, mustard, curry

Vegetables can be enhanced by the following herbs and spices:

Asparagus: lemon juice, caraway, unsalted chopped nuts

Green beans: lemon, rosemary, onion, dill, marjoram, nutmeg, slivered almonds

Corn: parsley, chives, green pepper, tomato, pimiento

Peas: onion, parsley, mint, mushroom, green pepper

Potatoes: onion, parsley, green pepper, chives, mace

Squash: ginger, onion, oregano, basil, mace

Sweet potatoes: cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar

Tomatoes: basil, oregano, parley, marjoram, sage

Note: Always add a dash of sugar while cooking vegetables to bring out flavor.

KEEPING YOUR HOUSE CLEAN AND ORDERLY

Keeping your house clean is one thing, keeping it orderly is another – these two are different, but having a clean and orderly home is ideal. Together, these two will make us look forward to coming home after a long day at work.

Get help. Involve everyone in the household. Assign a specific task on each member of the household or allow them to choose a task that they enjoy doing. This gives a sense of responsibility and accountability as each one has a role in making your home clean and orderly.

Choose a household cleaning product that suits your needs best. There are quite a lot of products in the market to choose from. Remember to always read product labels and instructions before buying and using them.

Keep a stock of cleaning aids such as scouring pads, protective gloves, sponges, brushes, spray bottles, etc.

Have a well-organized cleaning closet. Place items you use for daily cleaning on the front where they are most accessible, and those for weekly or monthly usage behind.

When cleaning your house, have everything you need handy. This will save you energy going back and forth your storage area. Sponges, cloths, cleaners, brushes, recycled supermarket plastic bags for litter, should be in one handy tote or basket.

Organize household items, decors, furniture, clothes, etc. Sort items depending on its use (i.e., linen must all be in the linen cabinet, food must be stored in the pantry, tableware must be kept in a safe cabinet, etc.) and keep everything in its proper place. Use plastic containers to store similar items and label each container for easier retrieval of your household supplies.

If you live in a two-storey home, have a separate set of cleaning materials upstairs and downstairs. This will save you time and energy and will not spread kitchen germs inside your bedroom and vise versa.

Protective mats or rugs at entrances will minimize tracking in of dirt into the house. Keep a rubber or rubber doormat outside where gritty soil or mud is a problem.

Replace and wash used linen and curtains every two weeks maximum. This will protect you from allergy-causing dust.

Apply the clean as you go policy at home. This way, your home will always be clean, and you need not do a one-time, big-time cleaning session.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE SAFE WHILE YOU ARE AWAY

1. Shut off electricity and gas; disconnect all appliances.

2. Bring down curtains and draperies, and store them.

3. Close all windows and make sure they cannot be forced open. Lock all doors and secure other possible points of entry.

4. Lock all closets and cabinets, especially those where valuables are stored.

5. Dispose of perishable food.

6. Discard inflammable material such as old newspapers, cleaning fluids, varnishes, etc. and don’t leave matches lying around.

7. Check all faucets and shut off water connection.

8. Cover your furniture with dust sheets to protect them from dirt.

9. Clean the house before you leave, and spray with insecticides to minimize pest infestation.

10. Leave duplicate key of the house to a trusted neighbor for emergency purposes.

MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK COOL AND FRESH DURING SUMMER

1. Decorate your home with potted plants. Greens bring a feel of instant freshness.

2. Open your windows to let the air inside your house. You may also drape your windows with curtains made of very light materials to make it look more flowy and breezy.

3. Change your linen. Use colors that are fun and light. Green, yellow, white and blue are the best choices for pillowcases, bed sheet and table cloth.

4. Shells, crystal clear vases, and bamboo sticks also give a summery feel. Decorate your rooms with these items and get an instant summer vibe.

5. Remove the carpet. Let the natural beauty of your floors shine this season.