Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 2/2)

IS IT A HOME OR AN OFFICE? (Part 2/2)
‘The office is not just a workplace, it’s a reflection of the company, the face of the firm’

By Alexis Pabasi | Photos by James Liang
Repinted with permission from Home Concepts Magazine

Click here to read Part 1 and more photos

THE DIRECTORS' OFFICE FEATURES A QUAINT LIBRARY.

“WE occasionally hold sit-down luncheons or dinners for guests and we will get chefs from different restaurants to prepare the food at our kitchen,” Khaiz shares.

At the end of the first floor is an exhibition gallery, which is used for hosting events such as property launches.

This space, together with the conference area, used to be the interior courtyards of the house. To retain the flavour and character of the place, Khaiz kept the original air wells and skylights, which also allow natural, light to flood the entire space.

“As the house is long and deep, we have to make sure the space is not dark and cramped, hence the use of a light colour palette for the walls and floors and lots of skylights.”

The second floor houses the company’s trading and management offices, which seat a total of 12 people comfortably; a side staircase allows staff to enter these offices without having to cut through the first floor.

The company’s three directors occupy a large, open-concept office in the front section. Brimming with personality, this space features authentic Peranakan furniture from Malacca which are sourced personally by Khaiz and Jerry, both of whom are avid antique collectors.

Inside also is an intimate living room to host private meetings with clients.

Taking a departure from the Asian design influences on the first two levels, the third floor and attic are inspired by New York loft apartments.

These light-filled spaces are the private lounge areas for the fortunate staff and the third floor even comes complete with shower facilities and a cutting-edge Vitalife massage chair, which was specially imported from Europe.

Originally intended as a private suite for the directors, Khaiz says that the space eventually became the staff’s chill out area for them to unwind, hold parties and even sleep in.

THE TOP FLOOR HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A STAFF LOUNGE.

Says Vincent Wee, personal assistant to the company’s directors: “This office ensures that we have a healthy work-life balance. Even though we work in an exciting, high-stress industry, the staff lounge gives us a quiet, warm, ‘family’ environment to relax in.”

Khaiz leaves one tip for people keen on transforming their office spaces: “The office is not just a workplace. It’s a reflection of the company, the face of the firm. I would like to think that when people think of Jerrytan Residential, images of our luxurious, residential-looking office space come to mind. To give your space a unique personal touch and show your clients your personality, include accent furnishings like antiques, carpets and even captivating artworks.”

Source: Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 2/2)

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 Home Security (Part 2/2)

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

Click here for Part 1

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 neighbors 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 Neighborhood Police Centre that you will be away from home

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

Expert Advice on table Setting

Setting It Right
Time to unpack your fanciest bone china and shiniest silverware
to glam up that special night of romance

By Nadya Huang | Photo by Koh Boon Wei | Styling by Nadya Huang and Sabrina Wong
reprinted with permission from "Expert Advice" by Home Concepts Magazine

IT'S global recession and you have important guests flying in town. How would you like to entertain them? Dining at a five-star restaurant may be tasty but it certainly is not tasteful. So, why don't you just entertain at home? If you have no time to attend a crash cooking class, you can always hire good catering service. Just remember to bring out your best china and flatware to make your guests feel truly important.

FOR A FORMAL SETTING:

1) A service plate always acts as the centre of the setting.

2) A soup bowl is placed on top of the service plate.

3) A napkin is always balanced on the rim of the soup bowl or placed on the left of the forks.

4) Forks are placed left of the plate.

5) Knives are placed on the right, with the sharp edge of their blades facing the plate.

6) Spoons are on the right of knives. From left to right: dinner knife, teaspoon, dinner spoon, soup spoon

7) Dessert cutlery is placed horizontally above the service plate.
a. The handle of a dessert fork should face the prongs of other forks.
b. A dessert spoon, if needed, should be placed above the dessert fork in the opposite direction.


8) Beverage glasses should be placed above the knives and spoons.
a. A water goblet should always be placed on the most left, closest to the service plate.
b. If you are serving more than one kind of wine, glasses are placed in service order from left to right:
| water goblet, Chardonnay wine glass, Bordeaux wine glass, and champagne flute.

9) A bread and butter plate should be placed above the forks with a butter knife lying across it.
The featured formal setting would suit a five-course dinner that includes:
a. Soup, served with warm bread and butter
b. Pasta/rice course
c. Entrée
d. Dessert
e. Coffee/Tea

RULES OF THUMB:

• If possible, all dishware and cutlery should be positioned on a placemat.

• The service plate will act as an under-plate for the dishware of all courses served before the entrée. The plate is then replaced by the entrée when it is served.

• Remember that cutlery is used from the outside in. Cutlery used for the first dish should always be placed furthest from the service plate. For example, if you have a salad and a fish course before your entrée, your cutlery should be placed from left to right in this order: salad fork, fish fork, dinner fork; dinner knife, fish knife, salad knife.

• All utensils should be equidistant from each other and their handles should be straight and level.

Source: Expert Advice on table Setting

Looking for Part-time Maid In Singapore?

How To Work With A Part-time Maid
Prioritize the tasks according to importance, says maid agency

THE poor economy is not the only reason why more people in Singapore are looking to hire part-time maids instead of full-time domestic helpers.

“It is also due to full-time maids giving many problems, insurance increase, strict regulations, etcetera,” says Dorothy Loh of AxcelMaid, an maid agency which specializes in Singaporean or PR part-time maids.

With a part-time maid, you don’t need to bear any medical fees in case of an accident. “Furthermore, neither meal or insurance need to be provided,” adds Ms. Loh, whose agency charges $50 for hours on weekdays and $60 for four hours on weekends ― regardless of the time.

“Timing is very flexible for part-time maids, as long as they themselves and clients can oblige each other.” That’s certainly good news for working people who only have the evening free to clean up the house.

The most common tasks assigned to part-time maids, according to Wipes It maid agency, are vacuuming and mopping.

In order to maximize your investment on a part-time helper, Wipes It advises that you ask the maid to do “only basic housekeeping jobs and additional ironing.”

AxcelMaid, on the other hand, discourages assigning tasks such as hand mopping and hanging of laundry as they take too much time to finish.

“In order to save time and cost for all clients, they need to prioritize the jobs according to importance ― cleaning of rooms, toilets, kitchens, all windows, changing bedsheets, cleaning cupboard & drawers, etc. Ironing should be limited to 12 to 15 pieces if too much housework is assigned within the 4 hours per visit because any OT will be charge accordingly,” says the part-time maids specialist. JPO

Source: Looking for Part-time Maid in Singapore?

Would you like to share your own experience with a part-time domestic helper? Did it work for you? Leave your comment below.