"God, to me, it seems, is a verb, not a noun, proper or improper."
- Richard Buckminster Fuller
- Richard Buckminster Fuller
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Monday, August 16, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Flameless candles! What next - chocalate free Mars Bars?
I have been emailed about the wonders of these flameless candles, but can't help wondering what's next ... milk-free milk cartons, meat-free Big Macs or alcohol-free wine? Oh that's right, all those things already exist. Anyway, these candles are for those who don't want to deal with fire risks or replacement costs of a wick candle."Fixed with quality LED lights powered by household batteries the candles flicker and cast dancing shadows just like a real flame!Made from 100% paraffin wax this stunning collection includes a selection of pillars, tea lights and votives," promises the press release. I still prefer a real candle, or am I just missing the point?
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Friday, August 13, 2010
Q&A: Cheap makeovers for bad kitchens
Q. My kitchen looks like it threw up all over itself - there are tiles from the 1970s on the splashbacks, '60s timber cabinets and a laminate benchtop circa 1992. Help!
A.
Long-term rental properties are notorious for containing bitsy, piecey renovations - perhaps due to landlords being able to deduct the improvements as "repairs" rather than capitalise renovation costs? Whatever, tenants either have to shut their eyes or do something to make it bearable. You don't want to spend a lot of money but there's plenty you can do. Shiny new accessories can brighten a bad room instantly - a new dish drainer, tool storage and tea towels in the kitchen; or try getting creative with the overhead cabinets. If they are timber, unscrew the doors and openly display your nice things to draw the eye away from the rest of the kitchen. The backs of the cupboards may be unfinished timber or plywood, so buy cheap, sturdy paper or decorative card to tape over the top of the cupboard backs. Hanging a pot rack or pegboard is usually within renters' rights and will give you more storage. You'll need to keep the doors (and screws) somewhere safe to reattach when you move out.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Laminex: more eco than you think
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Well blow me down with some melamine, Laminex has become the first Australian company to achieve Chain of Custody certification from the oh-so-eco Forest Stewardship Council. Essentially, that means the wood fibres in those white panel doors pictured above are legally sourced and traded. The Forest Stewardship Council is a super strict independent body which offers certifications to encourage responsible management of the world’s forests. Its trademark provides international recognition to organisations that support responsible forest management. The low pressure melamine board is available in 15 decorator colours and can even have a FSC-certified timber veneer over the top if required.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Now here's a watering can
I love my courtyard. I hate my watering can. It's blue. It's plastic. It's ugly. Oh I've tried those swanky looking glavanised watering cans that look nice. The spout falls off. They don't sprinkle nicely. And they are too heavy to lift. Big W just sent me this Jamie Durie-designed watering can. I like it. I like that it's only $12.98 even more.
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Monday, August 9, 2010
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
- Leonardo da Vinci
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
HOME HINT: How to fold a fitted sheet
My mother has bought a motel and I thought I was being most helpful by folding the laundry that came out of the dryer. Alas, the housekeeper slapped my wrist and told me I had no idea how to fold a fitted sheet. She was right. I am used to fitted sheets being a bunch of horror in my linen press and I didn't realise there was a knack to it.
To fold a fitted sheet so it doesn't bulge out of the shelf requires skill and a love of corners. You kind of have to tuck the true corner of the sheet (as opposed to the elasticated edge) into each other.
STEP ONE TO FOLD A FITTED SHEET: Have the sheet with gathered edge facing up and long sides at the left and right. Pinch the lower right corner with your right hand and turn it inside out with your left so the seam is exposed and the corner has folded over your right hand like a loose glove. Bring the corner up to meet the upper edge of the sheet and tuck it inside the upper right folded corner. Repeat with the lower left and upper left corners. You should have a squarish shape. Smooth creases and straighten the left, lower, and right sides.
STEP TWO TO FOLD A FITTED SHEET: Pinch the upper right corner and turn it inside out. Bring the right corner over to meet the left corner and tuck the right corner inside the left. This is what I mean about the edges fitting into each other.
STEP THREE TO FOLD A FITTED SHEET: Smooth any creases. You should have a slightly rectangular shape with two straight edges and two curved edges. Fold the sheet in half lengthways with curved edge on top. Fold in half again. Fold the two short edges in to meet in the middle and then fold once more for a neat finish that will surprise and delight even the sloppiest housekeeper (IE, ME!).
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