Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 3/3)

Garden of Refreshment
Quench your thirst with delicious beverages and
desserts taken right off your little plot of green

By Wilson Wong | Photos by Koh Boon Wei | reprinted with permission from Home Concepts magazine
Thanks to Hortpark for the venue

Click here to read about the Aloe Vera
Click here to read about the Passion Fruit and Dragon Fruit

The Roselle
The roselle is another plant that can be used to make refreshing drinks. Botanically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, roselle grows as a shrub with attractive red stems and deeply lobed leaves.

The plant grows up to two metres tall and produces yellow hibiscus-like flowers with dark red centres. After the flowers are pollinated, they fade away and fruit production begins.

With time, one will notice a bright red, crown-like, fleshy calyx that forms around the base of each fruit. The useful part of the roselle is this fleshy calyx which is boiled in water to yield a sourish and deep red beverage.

It is best served chilled and sweetened and is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanins.

The plants can be grown in the ground or containers using well-draining and fertile soil. Roselle thrives when grown under semi-shade or full sun. Plants do get straggly over time and new ones can be started from seeds and stem-cuttings.

If the calyces of the roselle plant are not to be used immediately, they can be harvested, dried and stored in a cool and dry place.


COOL RECIPES!
1. Passion fruit juice can be made by blending fruit pulp and some cold water at low speed. Filter seeds away using a sieve. Add sugar to sweeten the drink and more cold water to achieve the preferred taste. Best served chilled.

2. Make dragon fruit jelly by dropping small cubes of the pulp into agar-agar. Some people mash up the pulp and add that instead. Allow the jelly to set and the dessert is best served chilled.

3. Peel away the ‘skin’ of a fresh Aloe vera leaf and rinse away any green sap using water. Cut the translucent gel into cubes and boil them in water with rock sugar to taste. The dessert is served chilled.

4. Boil one part of roselle calyces in three parts of water to yield a dark red decoction. Filter away the calyces and add sugar to taste. Allow the beverage to cool and serve it chilled.

Source: Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 3/3)

Expert Advice On Edible Garden Treats (Part 2/3)

Garden of Refreshment
Quench your thirst with delicious beverages and desserts taken right off your little plot of green

By Wilson Wong | Photos by Koh Boon Wei | reprinted with permission from Home Concepts magazine
Thanks to Hortpark for the venue

Click here to read about the benefits of Passion Fruit and Dragon Fruit

The Aloe Vera
The medicinal aloe, botanically known as Aloe vera or A. barbadensis, is a species of succulent plant that we are all familiar with. A cultivar that is prevalently grown here is Aloe vera var. chinensis, which has numerous white spots on its leaves.

The medicinal aloe is a succulent with a rosette growth habit comprising stiff and fleshy leaves that are studded with white teeth. Mature specimens produce a tall flower spike with pendulous, yellow tubular flowers.

The translucent gel-like substance found inside the leaves of the medicinal aloe is used to treat various skin conditions and injuries. The juice obtained from them is traditionally taken internally to treat digestive problems.

Nowadays, finely cut bits of the gel can be found inside numerous drinks and desserts. The medicinal aloe grows best under direct sun and is a drought-tolerant plant that should be kept on the drier side and grown in well-drained soil.

Harvest the lower and more mature leaves. It is propagated from suckers that appear around the base of a mature plant and can be grown in containers.

Tiny bits of the translucent gel found inside the leaf of the medicinal aloe can now be found as an additive in many beverages right Grow the medicinal aloe plant in a sunny location with well-draining soil to reduce the likelihood of the plant rotting away!

Click here to read about the Roselle and other cool recipes

Source: Expert Advice On Edible Garden Treats (Part 2/3)

Expert Advice On Edible Garden Treats (Part 1/3)

Garden of Refreshment
Quench your thirst with delicious beverages and desserts taken right off your little plot of green

By Wilson Wong | Photos by Koh Boon Wei | reprinted with permission from Home Concepts magazine
Thanks to Hortpark for the venue

BESIDES beautifying our surroundings and purifying the air that we breathe, the plants that we have at home can also provide us with food and medicine. Here’s a selection of four edible plants that are easy to grow in the garden for their rich source of phytonutrients and health-enhancing properties:

The Passion Fruit
Passion fruits are popular dessert fruits where the pulp is eaten fresh, together with the seeds, or blended to yield a refreshing beverage.

Passion fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and dietary fibre. The purple passion fruit, botanically known as Passiflora edulis, is the species that is commonly grown here.

The vine bears round to egg-shaped fruits which turn purple when ripe. It also produces very attractive, large, white flowers with purple centres.

The passion fruit vine, which needs to climb on an outdoor trellis, loves direct sunshine and soil that is moist, well-drained and fertile. Harvest the fruits when they turn purple and wrinkles have appeared on the rind. New plants can easily be propagated from stem-cuttings.

Apartment gardeners who wish to have them at home can also try growing a small vine in a large container under a sunny spot.
The Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruits are borne by cactus species that belong to the Hylocereus genus. Hylocereus undatus produces red-skinned fruits with white flesh while those of H. costaricensis have red-skins and red flesh. Hylocereus megalanthus is rarely encountered locally and has white flesh with a yellow skin.

In general, ripe dragon fruits are sweet and low in calories. It is said that the fruits of H. costaricensis are particularly rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as fibre, phosphorus and calcium.

Look out for the large, showy and fragrant flowers of the dragon fruit plant as they open for only one night.

The dragon fruit plant loves the sun. It is large and adopts a sprawling habit and must be given a strong support outdoors to grow on.

New plants are most easily propagated from stemcuttings and prefer to be grown using well-drained and fertile soil that is enriched with organic matter.

In general, ripe dragon fruits are sweet and low in calories

Click here to read about the Aloe Vera

Source: Expert Advice On Edible Garden Treats (Part 1/3)

Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 3/3)

Rest and Recline (Part 3/3) (click here to read previous chapter)

To get a good night’s rest, you need to start with a good mattress, followed by a good pillow. Michelle Ane Ng, Marketing Manager from Simmons, tells us how to find – and maintain – that perfect cradle

By Grace Chan | reprinted with permission from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine

WHAT ARE THE TELL-TALE SIGNS THAT YOUR MATTRESS OR PILLOW NEEDS TO BE CHANGED?
For hygiene purposes, it is generally a good idea to change your mattress every 10 years even if there are no tell-tale signs.

As for pillows, it is advisable to change them every two years or when they get worn out. Change them when they get flat or when you feel a strain on your shoulders or experience continuous neck ache, which may serve as signs that the pillow is too low and lacks the spinal alignment.

SIMMONS HAS JUST LAUNCHED ITS FIRST POCKETED COIL PILLOW, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The Simmons Beautyrest NeckCare Pocketed Coil Pillow is permanently soft and plump as there are 296 gallons of air pockets inside each pillow, which means that there is no need to puff up the pillow. Also, the air climate inside the pillow creates an ideal micro air climate around the head and face to improve sleep quality.

With its pocketed coils, this pillow can adjust and adapt to any head shape, weight and neck movement. This ability customizes the ideal resting posture for the sleeper, and the different degree of firmness keeps one comfortable regardless of the sleeping position.

click here to read Part 1

Source: Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 3/3)

Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 2/3)

Rest and Recline (Part 2/3) (click here to read previous chapter)

To get a good night’s rest, you need to start with a good mattress, followed by a good pillow. Michelle Ane Ng, Marketing Manager from Simmons, tells us how to find – and maintain – that perfect cradle

By Grace Chan | reprinted with permission from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine
WHAT ARE HYPOALLERGENIC MATRESSES AND PILLOWS?
These are ones with fabric made of natural material that are breathable and mite-, mildew- and mould resistant.


HOW SHOULD THE MATTRESS BE MAINTAINED?
Do not fold, bend, stand or jump on the mattress. Use a quilted mattress protector to protect the mattress from getting soiled. A soiled mattress/box spring can negate the warranty. You should also not remove the white cloth law label or the mattress satin trade labels. These labels serve as a means of identification to establish your warranty rights.


In addition, it is important to use a right base/foundation. The base unit such as the foundation box, box spring, or bed frame is built to work with specific mattress construction to maximize the benefits of a particular mattress and to valid the warranty. The base unit boasts high durability and acts as a shock absorber to minimize movement and enhance sleep. An inappropriate base unit may not provide sufficient support and will gradually cause the mattress to sag. This will invalid the warranty.


Also, flipping and turning will help to relieve the compression on the upholstered materials that work with the coils to provide comfort and support.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS BE CLEANED?
There is no fixed number of times to clean a mattress. Ways to clean a mattress include brushing, vacuum-cleaning and airing. The best way to protect your mattress from stains or from being soiled is to use a mattress protector.

Simmons mattress protectors feature the unique Expand-A-Grid benefit to hold the mattress protector firmly to a 15-inch mattress. Its glove-like fit also allows proper sheet fit. Filled with polyester fibrefill and antimicrobial-treated fabric, it helps to eliminate household dust mites and protect the fiberfill from the growth of mildew, as well as control odours. It is made of 100 per cent cotton, is very comfortable and adds an additional layer of breathable comfort to your mattress. It is also machine washable and dryable. You can wash the mattress protector each time you change the bed linens.


Simmons Beautyrest NeckCare Pocketed Pillows cannot be washed as there are coils inside. You can keep your pillow clean and sterile with a pillow protector (available at department stores) in addition to the pillowcase.


HOW SHOULD THE MATTRESS BE CLEANED WHEN SOILED?
Baking soda is a simple way to spot clean your mattress. Simply apply it to the soiled area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Vacuum and repeat as needed. It’s also a good idea to air the mattress as much as possible. Never use dry cleaning fluid or any liquid cleaning solution on your Simmons mattress or foundation as it may damage some of the materials and void your warranty.

Click here to read Part 3

Source: Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 2/3)

Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 1/3)

Rest and Recline (Part 1/3)

To get a good night’s rest, you need to start with a good mattress, followed by a good pillow. Michelle Ane Ng, Marketing Manager from Simmons, tells us how to find – and maintain – that perfect cradle.

By Grace Chan | reprinted with permission from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine

AN AVERAGE person spends approximately a third of his life sleeping, and what he sleeps on makes a big difference in the quality of sleep he gets every night. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. A good mattress should maintain the same natural spinal alignment you have when standing, while one without enough support for your spine and neck can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night’s rest.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET?
Under the coil constructions mattress range, there is the open coil mattress and the pocketed coil mattress. The open coil constructions consist of Bonnel and continuous coil, just to name a few, and is typically connected by helical wire. The original simmons Pocketed coil mattress is barrel shape, pre-compressed and joined in the middle to deliver the independent movement of coils and provide resilience and support for one’s back. The other types of mattresses in the market include latex mattresses and viscose-elastic mattresses.

There are many types of pillows including feather, down, cotton, polyester, latex, and viscose-elastic. However, Simmonsis the only brand that carries he pocketed coil pillow called the Simmons Beautyrest NeckCare Pillow. It also boasts four levels of firmness(soft, medium, firm and ultra) to suit different head size and shape, neck and shoulder length and width, as well as sleeping patterns.

HOW SHOULD ONE GO ABOUT SELECTING A MATTRESS?
Do your research. It is always good to know your existing mattress type. Such as it’s firm of soft, or a foam or coil mattress, etc. your choice should not deviate too far from the firmness of your existing mattress as the body needs time to adjust to the feel and firmness of the new mattress.

A visit to the store and testing the beds in the showroom will help you determine your personal comfort preference. Lie down on each mattress to help you decide which model is best suited to your needs. Many components make up the feel of a mattress. They include the coil unit construction, foam and upholstery layers, and cover fabric.

Ultimately, the mattress you choose will depend on your personal preference and the sleep benefits the model delivers. You may also want to try a maximum of three mattresses at any one time. Anything more would simply confuse you. To safeguard your interests, you should purchase the product at the brand’s gallery, a reputable department store or through the brand’s appointed authorised dealers.

ANY TIPS FOR CHOOSING A GOOD PILLOW?
First, you need to relax and lie down in your usual sleeping position to try the pillows available in the stores. Then, ask yourself if you are comfortable and if there’s any strain around your neck and shoulder area. Check for comfort, firmness and the height of the pillow at the neck area to ensure that it gives you good spinal alignment. A good pillow should not be too high such that you feel a strain at your shoulders or too low such that it gives you a neck ache. Also, the pillow material should promote good airflow to help keep you cool. The four key factors for consideration when making your purchase are your head size, height of neck, width of shoulder (sloping or broad) and sleeping position (back, side or stomach).

Click here to read Part 2.

Source: Expert Advice On Beds And Pillows (Part 1/3)

Great Expectation: How To Plan For Your Family’s Future (Part 3/3)

How To Plan For Your Family’s Future (Part 3/3)
No matter what your income level is, early planning for financial security is always the best course of action. Here, some tips on how to get started!

Click here to read Part 1

Click here to read Part 2

TIP 5: TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TO ACHIEVE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS
With your goals identified, you can start exploring the available financial solutions to achieve these goals. For example, when building up savings for your children’s education, you could consider:

1. Putting an appropriate amount of savings in a bank deposit
2. Buying an endowment plan or investing in another longer term investment product
3. Investing long term in some blue chip stocks or funds

As can be seen from above, different financial solutions are available to achieve the same goal. For example, if you plan to buy life insurance to give you and your family financial protection against death and permanent disability, there are a few types of common insurance plans such as whole life plans, endowment plans, term insurance or investment-linked plans to consider.

You should shop around and understand the key features of each product before deciding which product best serves your needs.

CHECKLIST FOR A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

1. Set up a monthly budget.
2. Set aside an emergency fund consisting of six months of your monthly salary.
3. Identify your financial goals and objectives.
4. Know what your net worth (assets minus liabilities) is.
5. Protect your family and yourself against risks such as accidents and loss of income.
6. Know how much you need for your retirement and know how much CPF savings you will have when you retire.
7. Have a proper plan to reach your financial goals and objectives.
8. Put aside some money in investments to grow your wealth.
9. Review your financial plan regularly.

Some families may be more comfortable developing their own financial plan. However, it might be appropriate to engage a financial adviser (FA) to assist with planning if you need expert advice. However, do take note of the following when engaging a FA:

1. Deal only with FA regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
2. Engage an FA with proper qualifications and experience
3. Make sure you ask for documentation and keep your documents safely
4. When in doubt, always seek clarification and ask for more information
5. Beware of verbal promises and guarantees of unrealistic returns

Remember: Ultimately, your financial plan belongs to you and your family. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand your plan and stick to it.

You can also log on to www.moneysense.gov.sg and check out The MoneySENSE Guide to Planning for Your Family’s Financial Future for more information and tools on how to get started.

This information is provided by the Insurance and Financial Practicioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS) and Life Insurance Association (LIA) as part of the MoneySENSE national financial education programme.

Source: Great Expectation: How To Plan For Your Family’s Future (Part 3/3)

Expert Advice on Home Security (Part 1/2)

Securing The Home…And Peace Of Mind
The importance of home security can never be overemphasised and goes beyond the brick-and-mortar of our house. We hear from Corinna Choong, Senior Vice President, Group Marketing & Communications of Certis CISCO, on how to keep me and mine safe and sound.

By Nadya Huang | Photos courtesy of Certis Cisco |
reprinted with permission from "Expert Advise" by Home Concepts magazine


WHAT BASIC FEATURES SHOULD A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM HAVE?
For homes, a security system with an intrusion detection feature is a musthave. The system will be triggered if a door or window is tampered with. Some homeowners may install a CCTV to monitor home situations where there are elderly parents, young children and maids.

A sound home security solution should give you round-the-clock protection, monitoring against break-ins, fire and other dangers. Linked to Certis CISCO’s 24-hour alarm monitoring centre, our home security solution has the following features:

• Signage (Deters burglars)
• Siren (Alerts your neighbours and discourages further attempts)
• Alarm monitoring (Notifies you and sends help when alarms are set off)
• Duress alarm (Enter a duress code instead of the access code to disable the alarm; a duress signal is sent to the centre for help)
• Smoke detector (Alerts you to a fire when you are home; ensures the SCDF is notified promptly)
• Panic alarm (Sends a signal to the centre when activated via the control panel/key fob. Help will then be sent your way)
• Pendant panic button (Ideal for the elderly or infirm; can be clipped onto clothing or mounted by the bedside)

WHICH ARE CURRENTLY THE MOST COMMON AND POPULAR SECURITY GADGETS?
For homes, the most common and popular security gadgets would include RFID readers, card readers, PIN readers, and magnetic locks for doors and alarms.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON MYTHS ABOUT HOME SECURITY? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ENOUGH ABOUT HOME SECURITY?
There is a general complacency and mindset that “it will not happen to me”. As Singapore, by world standards, is still relatively safe, Singaporeans may not be overly concerned about home security. But we do see an upward trend of people seeking professional advice and service to safeguard their home and loved ones.

HOW DO YOU THINK HOME SECURITY TRENDS ARE GOING TO CHANGE? WHICH IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT?
I believe that homeowners will benefit through education and awareness of the crime situation and that cost-effective solutions are available. With greater education and awareness, homeowners will be more likely to invest in home security systems to protect their loved ones and home.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE PERSON INSTALLING OUR SYSTEM IS TRUSTWORTHY?
Engage a reputable security company. Such organisations will have strict Selection criteria for technicians and engineers. For example, at Certis CISCO, our engineers are recruited through a rigorous selection process. When [they] conduct site surveys or install systems, customers can verify their identities through uniforms and the company-issued photo ID. Upon installation, our engineers will always advise customers to change the default password to a personalised one.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE MAINTAIN OUR SECURITY SYSTEM?
Home security systems should be periodically tested to ensure they are in good working condition. As good practice, security systems need to be maintained every six months.

Click here for Part 2

Source:Expert Advice on Home Security (Part 1/2)

Expert Advice: Choosing Fabrics For The Home (Part 1/2)

How To Choose A Fabric For Your Home (Part 1/2)

Colour, design and texture may be foremost on your mind when choosing fabrics for curtains or upholstery. But there's also fabric mix, durability and flammability to consider.

By Grace Chan | reprinted from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine

WHEN selecting curtains or any other upholstery, fabric is one of the main considerations and is essential to the overall design and practicality of your home.

The cost of a fabric, or how heavy or substantial it feels, is not necessarily an indication of its suitability. However, it should always resist ignition from a lit match or cigarette.

Over and above the aesthetic aspects, fabric care is also vital to the durability of your furnishings. Sending them to the professionals for dry cleaning may be the best and easiest way out. However, should you prefer to do your own washing, you need to check carefully if the fabric allows for machine wash, tumble-dry, bleach and ironing.

Atmosphere has over 1,300 different fabric selections in its store and has its own mill in Bangalore, which is among one of the largest and most modern in the world. With a multinational team of designers working in their fabric design studios in New York and Bangalore, there is no doubt that Atmosphere's fabrics are contemporary and innovative.

Dolly Mirpuri, business manager of Atmosphere, has been in the fabric industry for the past 10 years and has this to share.

HOW ARE FURNISHING FABRICS NORMALLY USED IN THE HOUSE?

Curtains, upholstery, cushion covers and bedspreads are traditional ways of using fabrics in the home. Wall panelling, bed runners, table runners and Roman blinds are more innovative methods of using the fabrics.

WHICH TYPES OF FABRICS ARE SUITABLE FOR CURTAINS?

Light or heavyweight fabrics can be used for curtains depending on the look and style required. Using silk fabrics, for example, will reduce noise inside the home as it has the ability to absorb sound and ‘breathe'. Breathing allows movement of air via the fibres in the fabric, enabling its surface to stay cool and within the range of atmospheric temperature.

For Roman blinds, heavier weight fabric will give a better drop. Curtains are also often used together with sheer fabrics which are translucent. Even when drawn, sheers allow some light into the room, unlike curtains which cut off light significantly.

WHICH TYPES ARE SUITABLE FOR UPHOLSTERY?

Heavyweight fabrics which are durable are suitable for upholstery. Upholstery fabrics sold under our brand, Atmosphere, pass the International Rub Test for durability and therefore each upholstery fabric has been categorised as either light or of dual usage (curtain and upholstery) depending on its suitability for use as curtains or upholstery.

WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS FOR A FABRIC FOR THE HOUSE?

The fabric selection would depend on the style and design of the home. During the selection process, you have to decide on the appropriate colour after picking out the fabric design. If the house is too bright, it may require shade curtains.

Also, the type and quality of fabric matters. If there is strong, direct sunlight, some dark-coloured fabrics may not be practical as very dark colours tend to fade under direct and harsh sunlight. However, this problem can be solved by using a suitable blackout fabric lining. Customers may also opt for silk cotton blends.

Fabrics from Atmosphere have designs inspired from all parts of the world, so whether your home has a Far East or a minimal-and-modern New York classical or contemporary look, we will always have a suitable fabric for you.

WHICH ARE THE TRENDY FABRICS USED FOR CURTAINS IN MODERN HOMES?
This, again, depends on the décor. For a home with an airy and casual feel, linen is great as it hints of the tropics especially when the place comes with lots of greenery. Dramatic patterns work best as accent pieces. Textured fabrics are interesting and add depth to the fabric. Two-sided fabrics could be used on throw pillows with the reverse side for the back or on light sliding panels as a divider between spaces.

Click here to read Part 2

Source: Expert Advice on Choosing Fabrics For The Home

Expert Advice: Choosing Fabrics For The Home (Part 2/2)

(Click here to read previous chapter)

Colour, design and texture may be foremost on your mind when choosing fabrics for curtains or upholstery. But there's also fabric mix, durability and flammability to consider.

By Grace Chan | reprinted from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine

CAN YOU TELL US WHICH FABRICS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE?

Plain and textured fabrics are perennials. They are easy to match and are safe as they never go out of style. Silk as a category has been popular for the last 2,000 years. Fabrics that have fine linen, cotton and pure yarns will always be evergreen favorites as more and more people around the world prefer organic and pure fabrics rather than polyesters. Blended fabrics are durable and elegant and timeless, too.

WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT FABRIC DESIGNS?

For a small apartment, avoid big prints. Use small patterns, textures and lighter shades of colour. If there is a need to use big prints, use them only as accents. Big patterns for a big area will sit better than a small patterned fabric. Smaller prints may end up looking too busy if used to fill a big area.

WHAT DURABLE MATERIAL WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?

Cotton, polyester and acrylic fabrics will be more suitable for them. These fabrics are more durable, easy to maintain and are washable at home.

WHICH MATERIAL ARE BEST SUITED FOR SOMEONE WITH A DUST ALLERGY?

Avoid heavy velvets and chenille. Cottons, silk blends with polyester or acrylic fabrics are suitable when you have a dust or allergy problem.

WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE IS NEEDED FOR CURTAINS AND UPHOLSTERY?

Regular vacuuming and periodic dry cleaning is required. Using Scotch-Guard treatment helps to protect it further. All curtains and Roman blinds must be lined with good quality lining fabric. This helps in good draping and extends the durability as the sea wind and sun tend to reduce the life of fabrics.

CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO REMOVE STAINS ON FABRIC SOFAS?

Leave it to the professionals to do the dry cleaning. There are specialists who do spot cleaning for upholstery. For curtains, take it to your trusted dry cleaner.

WHEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED, HOW LONG WOULD QUALITY FABRICS FOR UPHOLSTERY AND CURTAIN LAST?

When well maintained, fabrics can last for several years. While fabrics may last long, they can look dated if not changed once in say, two years.

WHAT ARE FIRE RETARDANT CURTAIN FABRICS?

Silk is inherently fire retardant as silk is a protein fibre and not a cellulose like cotton. We do fire retardant treatments on our non-silk fabrics, if so required; it takes about two weeks for the treatment.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY FABRICS?

Linen, silk and cotton are eco-friendly. Our fabrics are silks and blends of silks and cotton and are all environmentally friendly.

Source: Expert Advice on Choosing Fabrics For The Home

Securing The Home…And Peace Of Mind

The importance of home security can never be overemphasised and goes beyond the brick-and-mortar of our house. We hear from Corinna Choong, Senior Vice President, Group Marketing & Communications of Certis CISCO, on how to keep me and mine safe and sound.

By Nadya Huang | Photos courtesy of Certis Cisco | reprinted with permission from "Expert Advise" by Home Concepts magazine

WHAT BASIC FEATURES SHOULD A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM HAVE?
For homes, a security system with an intrusion detection feature is a must-have. The system will be triggered if a door or window is tampered with. Some homeowners may install a CCTV to monitor home situations where there are elderly parents, young children and maids.

A sound home security solution should give you round-the-clock protection, monitoring against break-ins, fire and other dangers. Linked to Certis CISCO’s 24-hour alarm monitoring centre, our home security solution has the following features:

• Signage (Deters burglars)
• Siren (Alerts your neighbours and discourages further attempts)
• Alarm monitoring (Notifies you and sends help when alarms are set off)
• Duress alarm (Enter a duress code instead of the access code to disable the alarm; a duress signal is sent to the centre for help)
• Smoke detector (Alerts you to a fire when you are home; ensures the SCDF is notified promptly)
• Panic alarm (Sends a signal to the centre when activated via the control panel/key fob. Help will then be sent your way)
• Pendant panic button (Ideal for the elderly or infirm; can be clipped onto clothing or mounted by the bedside)

WHICH ARE CURRENTLY THE MOST COMMON AND POPULAR SECURITY GADGETS?
For homes, the most common and popular security gadgets would include RFID readers, card readers, PIN readers, and magnetic locks for doors and alarms.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON MYTHS ABOUT HOME SECURITY? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ENOUGH ABOUT HOME SECURITY?
There is a general complacency and mindset that “it will not happen to me”. As Singapore, by world standards, is still relatively safe, Singaporeans may not be overly concerned about home security. But we do see an upward trend of people seeking professional advice and service to safeguard their home and loved ones.

HOW DO YOU THINK HOME SECURITY TRENDS ARE GOING TO CHANGE? WHICH IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT?
I believe that homeowners will benefit through education and awareness of the crime situation and that cost-effective solutions are available. With greater education and awareness, homeowners will be more likely to invest in home security systems to protect their loved ones and home.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE PERSON INSTALLING OUR SYSTEM IS TRUSTWORTHY?
Engage a reputable security company. Such organizations will have strict selection criteria for technicians and engineers. For example, at Certis CISCO, our engineers are recruited through a rigorous selection process. When [they] conduct site surveys or install systems, customers can verify their identities through uniforms and the company-issued photo ID. Upon installation, our engineers will always advise customers to change the default password to a personalized one.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE MAINTAIN OUR SECURITY SYSTEM?
Home security systems should be periodically tested to ensure they are in good working condition. As good practice, security systems need to be maintained every six months.
OTHER MEASURES TO TAKE TO MAXIMISE HOME SECURITY

• Avoid being complacent and be vigilant of and report suspicious characters loitering in the vicinity of your home to the police

• Keep abreast of the latest modus operandi of criminals. Examples include deception and impersonation of government officials/ regulatory authorities; gaining entry through false ceilings, ventilation openings, rubbish chutes; using adjacent properties as a platform to break-in, etc.

• Ensure that all family members especially the young and senior citizens are periodically reminded not to allow strangers into the home

• Ensure all doors and windows are secured when leaving the home even for a short while

• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash and valuables in the home

• Change locks when keys are misplaced and/or when given to renovation contractors

SHOULD YOU BE AWAY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME, AVOID GIVING SIGNS THAT YOUR HOME IS UNOCCUPIED

• Cancel your newspaper and magazine subscriptions; avoid leaving notes to indicate your absence even for short durations; use timer switches to turn on the lights to give the impression that your home is occupied

• Ask neighbours and/or trusted persons to keep an eye on your home while you are away and to remove unsolicited brochures left outside the entrance of the home

• Inform your Neighbourhood Police Centre that you will be away from home

Source: Securing The Home…And Peace Of Mind