Members always get more We always save the best bits for family – and that means the best savings too! Here are the latest discounts that you can take advantage of as a member of IKEA FAMILY. Keep a lookout for the FAMILY price banner and remember to bring your IKEA FAMILY card to enjoy these special prices and earn Bonus Points with every $1 spent. LACK wall shelf SÖNDRUM frame $ $ (U.P. $19.90/ea) L110xD26cm. Particleboard, steel. Birch, black-brown or white. (U.P. $11.90) Fibreboard, glass. W23, H29cm. White. 5. 13.90/ea BRÄDA laptop support 12.90 $ 90 June 2014 IKEA Family news ® MCI (P) 017/06/2014 (U.P. $19.90) W42xD30, H21cm. Birch/poplar plywood. ULLGUMP rug $39.90/ea (U.P. $49.90/ea) Low pile. 100% polypropylene. W195xL133cm. Orange or black. DVALA quilt cover and 2 pillowcases $19.90/set (U.P. $29.90/set) Quilt cover W150xL300cm. Pillowcase W80x50cm. 100% cotton. SPONTAN newspaper rack 9.50 $ (U.P. $15.50) Steel, epoxy/polyester powder coating. W33xD9, H78cm. 9.90 IKEA 365+ saucepan with lid $ (U.P. $19.90) Stainless steel, aluminium. �20, H10cm. 2L. UNG DRILL mirror 29. 90 $ (U.P. $49.90) W59, H85cm. IKEA PS 2012 coffee table $49 (U.P. $69) W42xL70, H48cm. Steel. Dark Turquoise or white. Musik wall lamp $29.90 (U.P. $39.90) Chrome-plated. W3.7xD7.7xL60cm. Polycarbonate plastic, stainless steel. INGATORP drop-leaf table 119 $ GRUNDTAL towel hanger/shelf $19.90 (U.P. $29.90) Stainless steel. L80xD28cm. (U.P. $199) Solid pine, solid birch, steel. W78xL59-117, H73cm. ÄPPLARÖ gateleg table $129 (U.P. $159) 2 folding drop-leaves. W62xL20-133, H71cm. Solid acacia. MAMMUT children's table MAMMUT children's stool 9.90/ea While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of print, IKEA reserves the right to correct any misprints or adjust prices due to situations beyond our control. All featured products are available on a while stocks last basis. Open daily: 10am – 11pm IKEA ALEXANDRA www.IKEA.com.sg/Alexandra IKEA TAMPINES www.IKEA.com.sg/Tampines Email: IKEAFAMILY.sg@ikano.asia Call: 6786 6868 59/ea $ Valid from now till 31 August 2014. While stocks last. $ Be first with the latest 02 Promotions 03 DIY Décor 16 Gingerbread Mum 06 Kitchen 18 Kid's Party Tips 10 Swedishness 19 IKEA Business 13 IKEA Space Camp 24 Feng Shui 14 Gift Ideas 26 Clothes Care © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2014 IKEA PS VÅGÖ chair $29 (U.P. $39) Polypropylene plastic. W74xD92, H71cm. Join the IKEA Kids Club Dear readers, June is a month of celebration because it's all about connecting back to our Swedish roots. Learn about how the beloved Midsummer is celebrated in Sweden, plus a refreshing drink recipe you can try out on your own. Don't forget to get tickets for the Midsummer buffet in our Restaurant (page 11). Then get a peek into history of how IKEA was started by an enterprising boy selling matchsticks almost 80 years ago. For fellow entrepreneurs, we offer up some Feng Shui tips; and furnishing ideas on setting up your business, whether it's an office space, an F&B outlet, or a retail front (page 24). Getting the keys to your new place soon, or planning to revamp your kitchen for the year-end festivities? Best to get started now (page 6). But if you're just looking for a mid-year refresher to spruce up your home, look no further 'cos we have some simple decoration tips for you (page 3) For mums and dads with little ones to entertain this school holidays, we have gift & party ideas (page 14), plus a space-tecular event on 13–14 June (page 13). There is much lovin' to do this Summer! We hope to see you at the IKEA stores soon. From 9 – 12 June, every kid (4–12 years old) who signs up with the IKEA kids club småles will get a chance to Spin-and-Win a special prize. Only valid from 10am – 6pm each day. On a first-come-first-served basis, for new members only. See store for details. Learn more about the kids club here www.IKEA.com.sg/smales Kids eat free Just for IKEA FAMILY members, show your Permanent membership card, and your child's kids meal will be on the house. Only valid for dine-in at the IKEA Restaurant on weekdays from 2 – 27 June (except 13 & 20 June). See store for details. Get your IKEA FAMILY car decal Accessories are the decorative items in a home that express the styles, interests and personalities of the people who live there. Although they play a supporting role to the functions in a room, changing the dominant accessories changes the entire impression of the room – an easy way to change or freshen up a space. Basic ideas Visual balance – Well-placed accessories help to improve the visual balance in a room. For example, a large or tall window on one wall can be balanced with a big picture on another wall. Manage your account Login with your 16-digit membership number to: • Update your mailing address and contact preferences • Check your points balance and redeem for vouchers www.IKEA.com.sg/FAMILY/login Give us the thumbs up Like us on Facebook, and be kept in the loop for great deals & inspiring tips, even while you're on the move. Or you can also download the IKEA mobile app today. Start with an empty palette The furniture is always the base when decorating or redecorating a room. By clearing a room of all accessories, it is then possible to add new accessories for a new impression. Breathing space – Leaving some space around wall decorations or groups of wall decorations gives them more aesthetic impact. Plants and flowers – Flowers and plants add life and colour to the room. Plants also improve the air quality. Of course, plants require the right light conditions, either from daylight or artificial plant lights that do not emit a lot of heat. Create a theme On 13 – 14 June, swing by the IKEA stores and collect a limited edition IKEA FAMILY decal from 10.30am – 2.30pm. While stocks last. IKEA FAMILY news editorial team 02 IKEA FAMILY news Facelift your home DIY décor So what’s new? Themes such as flowers, nautical motifs or animals create a consistent impression for a whole room, part of a room or a wall. Working with themes is pleasing to the eye and helps to reflect the personalities of the people who live in the home. The theme can be carried through on textiles, wall decorations, accessories and window treatments. Limit the use of colours and shapes Too many shapes and colours can create a messy impression. A calm and harmonious look can be created by limiting the number of colours and shapes. The theme can be carried through on textiles, wall decorations, accessories and window treatments. IKEA FAMILY news 03 DIY décor Spreading smaller parts of a collection makes a room look cluttered. Grouping them together makes them a focal point in the room. Collections can be grouped by colour, material or by shape. Even a collection of different shapes and sizes looks organised if everything is the same colour or material. If a collection consists of pieces in different colours and materials, it is a good idea to limit the number of items on display to prevent a messy look. Visual balance A wall display can be created with visual balance by placing the larger, heavier items lower down and the lighter items higher up. (Note: Dark items appear heavier than light ones of the same size.) Heavier items in one section of the display can be balanced with one of equal weight in another part of the display. Groups in a rectangle Hanging pictures of different sizes on a wall can create a cluttered impression unless they are grouped together. Using an imaginary frame can help. Contrasting sizes and intensity creates dramatic effects in a rectangular group. Balance is created by hanging small pictures above large ones and light ones above dark ones. Group by triangle shape A guideline for displaying a group of accessories is to arrange them in the shape of a triangle. This is done by placing the taller pieces in the back of the arrangement and filling in the gaps with medium and smaller pieces. This will create an appealing group of shapes and heights. Using a top line and base line One way to create unity is to arrange wall decorations by lining them up along an imaginary line, parallel to the ceiling or to the floor. Picture groups can be hung along an imaginary line that is at the same height as a line that already occurs in the room, such as a large piece of furniture or the top of a window or door frame. It is not necessary to create a perfect triangle, but to achieve the look of "steps", both at the sides and the front of the display. Visual balance in a group Dark objects seem heavier and stronger than light ones of similar size. The heavy effect of a dark piece needs to be balanced with another heavy-looking object or something large. Using a centre line Hanging wall decorations according to an imaginary centre line is an alternative to lining them up on a top line or a base line. This is useful when the wall decorations are of different sizes. The centre line should be approximately at eye level. Number of things in a group A group with an odd number of items (3, 5 or 7, for example) is more interesting to look at than a group with an even number of items. Keep in mind that it is easier to create a pleasing group with a few interesting items than a dozen mediocre ones. If an arrangement looks too cluttered, then it is recommended to remove some pieces. Groups within a group If many objects are displayed in the same area, they can be divided into smaller groups. The groups can then be placed with empty spaces in between so they balance each other visually. Group wall decorations Wall decorations can turn a plain wall into a unique and expressive part of the home. The challenge in composing groups of wall decoration is to achieve a balance that gives each piece the attention it deserves. Symmetry vs. asymmetry If displaying more than one object, a symmetrical or an asymmetrical display can be created. Symmetry tends to look classical and formal, while asymmetry looks more modern and casual. The choice of display will depend on the objects, available space and the desired effect. Functions of wall decorations: •Space filling – a print to fill that glaring gap between the wall and shelf •Complementing – a green picture to match that green sofa, an oak frame to match an oak table •Enhancing – large canvas to make this huge room feel cosier, bright colours to brighten a room •Expressing – photos from the wedding, photos of the twins DIY décor Group collections Accessories on different walls can be placed so that they line up with each other. This creates a neater appearance. Applying the golden section The golden section is commonly used to hang art in museums. It is also practical at home when hanging wall decorations of different sizes. The golden section is applied by drawing an imaginary line 5/8 of the way up the wall and then hanging each wall decoration so that 3/8 of its height is above this line. An alternative is to imagine a line at eye level and hang pictures so that 5/8 of their height is above this line. Using a picture shelf A picture shelf offers many possibilities to mix sizes and change or re-arrange pieces without putting too many holes in the wall. It can be used separately or in combination with decorations hanging on the wall. The shelf gives a neat and organised look. Especially for children The general principles of working with accessories apply to children's areas as well. An extra consideration is to place the accessories at a height where children will be able to see and enjoy them. Displaying children's artwork Hanging children's drawings is a way to follow their creative development. One way to display art is to hang it on a wire system at children’s height. This makes a personal display and is easy for a child to see and change. Pictures can be placed at children's eye level so they also can enjoy them. See more decorations ideas and products 04 IKEA FAMILY news www.IKEA.com.sg IKEA FAMILY news 05 KITCHEN Get your kitchen to work for you The most important decisions you need to make when planning your new kitchen are deciding where to place vital functions such as the main workspace for preparing food, the sink, cooking unit and refrigerator/freezer. These decisions go hand-in-hand with your choice of kitchen layout. Whether you already have a kitchen or are planning to install a new kitchen, there’s something for everyone. Since installing a kitchen is a long-term and heavy investment, you’ll need careful planning to get your money’s worth. Deciding on aesthetics is the easy part. You need to know what you’re getting and the planning process doesn’t have to be complicated. Planning step-by-step The best way to start is with a measuring tape, pen and paper. Measure everything carefully and make a rough sketch of your kitchen. This gives you a good idea of the possibilities and limitations that are determined by the shape of the room and the available wall/floor space. The aim is to place the functions in a layout that creates the most natural workflow for you. Consider the pattern of movement in a kitchen and plan your kitchen accordingly, making sure it is easy to move between the different functions. Workspace The main workspace for preparing food is between the stove and sink. This puts the chef within easy reach of both functions and limits the movement of foods or liquids over floor areas. The ideal width of the main workspace is between 80cm to 140cm, allowing enough space for working and using kitchen equipment. 2. Measure the height and width of each wall that you want to use for cabinets. Remember to consider the space doors and windows need to swing open, or you’ll need to look for roller or sliding doors. If you want a cabinet under a window, the minimum distance between the window frame and the floor should be at least 90cm, and preferably 105cm. 3. Decide where to place the main functions. Plan a work triangle (sink, cooking unit and fridge) with a natural workflow and in relation to the placement of daylight, dining area and entrance. Main workspace Sink FRIDGE OVEN Cooking unit Refrigerator FREEZER 1. Make a drawing of the room. Measure the distance between walls and mark out the current position of all permanent fixtures, e.g. doors, windows, plumbing, electricity, special angles and any other major architectural features. 06 IKEA FAMILY news 4. Decide which kitchen layout is most suitable for your space (single-sided, double-sided, L-shaped, U-shaped, island). 5. Consider storage needs (including appliances) according to function. Choose your cabinet size, interior fittings and the sink wisely. Ensure that doors are hinged on the correct side. Especially for a single-sided kitchen, take into account a minimum 5cm filler piece on each side of a kitchen combination that is against a joining corner or wall, enabling doors and drawers to be opened or pulled out freely. 6. Plan countertop lighting and the placement of additional electrical outlets for all appliances (including blender, toaster, coffee machine, etc.) Ensure a sufficient number of electrical outlets for the appliances at the early stages of planning a kitchen. 7. Choose knobs and/or handles. Handles provide a better grip on drawers and pullouts, which are often heavy. 8. Complete base and high cabinets with plinths, legs or a combination of both. Legs can create a more open feeling and make cleaning easier. Plinths, on the other hand create an integrated look. 9. Choose from the many different types of wall storage accessories to make your kitchen even more practical, and to free up countertop space. 10.Bring your own drawings or print out your drawing from the IKEA Kitchen Planner software (download from www.IKEA.com.sg) and bring them to the store for help in finalising your plans. To facilitate cleaning, there should be no joints in the countertop over the main workspace. A generous workspace is useful, but if it is too wide there will be unnecessary movement back and forth. In large-sized kitchens it may be better to plan additional workspaces, allowing more than one to work in the kitchen at a time. Distance between the countertop and wall cabinet should be at least 50cm. If cabinets are placed lower, they will block the view of the workspace. Placing cabinets 5–10cm higher allows a better view but may put your stored items further out of reach. Lighting While it’s not a function per se, in kitchens, you need functional lighting (e.g. spot light or counter top light) directed over different areas to carry out tasks, and to minimise the risk of accidents. You also need general lighting, such as ceiling lamps that spread light evenly throughout the whole room. Storage Each household has different routines and habits which all require smart storage solutions. Organising around routines and habits in the kitchen, like placing coffee filters near the coffee machine, makes life easier. The storage dimensions need to be adapted to all those various pots, plates, utensils and food. Stored items need to be placed close to where they will be used. With the correct interior fittings, you can save space and organise everything for easy access. Check with the Kitchen specialists in the IKEA store for more kitchen storage tips and solutions. KITCHEN Getting started Cooking Function and safety are important when planning the cooking area. Ensure that it is easy to access heavy pots and pans. It is important to have utility surfaces where hot items from the stove can be quickly unloaded. Choose materials that are durable and easy to clean, and can withstand heat up to 180ºC. Separate the oven and hob. This makes it easier for two people to work in the kitchen at a time, and avoids having to stand in front of a hot oven while cooking on the hob. A utility surface of at least 40cm is recommended on each side of the cooking unit so that hot items can be quickly unloaded. Washing up Planning the wash area according to a natural work flow will make it easier to wash up and keep the kitchen clean. The most natural placement of the wash area is to the left of the workspace, with a dish drainer to the left of the sink (for a right-handed person and opposite for a lefthanded person). When choosing a double-bowl sink, ensure that there is at least one large-sized bowl for washing large pots and pans. Rectangular sinks are more practical than round sinks for washing large items. Waste handling There are plenty of solutions for organising all types of waste and recyclable products. Put everything neatly behind cabinet doors or create smart sorting stations with suitable bins and boxes that become part of the overall kitchen design. Shelves and drawers are difficult to place under a sink due to plumbing. Having waste bins under the sink makes effective use of the space and helps to avoid spills on the floor. IKEA FAMILY news 07 KITCHEN Promotions A kitchen layout is mainly determined by the space available and the habits and routines of the household. For instance, what is the size of your household? Is there more than one chef? Will children be helping out? What activities take place in your kitchen apart from cooking? If groceries are often bought in bulk, you will need more storage space. Here are 5 basic layouts for inspiration. + The double-sided kitchen does not require a lot of space. It is often suitable when windows and/or doors are situated on the narrow walls of the room. A double-sided kitchen may have workspaces on either side. You need a minimum of 120cm between opposite kitchen cabinets so that doors and drawers can be opened freely from both sides at the same time. Avoid placing workspaces opposite each other so that two people can comfortably work together (1) Single-sided kitchen without getting in each other’s way or The single-sided kitchen is designed along having to stand directly back-to-back. one wall – suitable for narrow spaces or small to medium-sized households where only one person works in the kitchen at a time. Using this layout in a large kitchen would create too much walking space between each function. With all appliances and cabinets against one wall, Sink Cooking unit the work triangle is a straight line. (3) L-shaped kitchen Cooking unit Dishwasher Kitchen natural flow Cooking Preparation Washing up Main workspace 08 IKEA FAMILY news Refrigerator Freezer Sink (5) Island kitchen The island kitchen provides additional storage space and makes it possible for two people to face each other while working in the kitchen. It allows several people to socialise and/or help out with the cooking. The island can also work as a room divider but you would need sufficient floor space. An island kitchen requires a minimum of 120cm between the two main kitchen combinations so that there is enough space for working and opening doors and drawers from both sides at the same time. Refrigerator Oven Freezer Dishwasher Sink Cooking unit Refrigerator Freezer minimum 120cm Sink Refrigerator Freezer Refrigerator Freezer Refrigerator Freezer Refrigerator Freezer Cooking unit minimum 120cm Refrigerator Freezer Cooking unit Refrigerator Freezer Right-handed solution Utilise space in corner cabinets with interior fittings that swing out and optimise available space. Consider mounting an extra sink if the cooking unit and sink are placed on different sides so that hot items do not have to be moved over open floor space. L-shaped kitchens provide generous workspace and storage. But it is difficult to optimise the use of space in the corners. Furthermore, a corner solution will always cause a joint over the middle of a work surface. minimum 120cm Sink The U-shaped kitchen provides a concentrated work area. It is safe, efficient and offers a lot of storage space. Two people can easily work together but separate the functions so people do not get in each other’s way. For an effective kitchen, the layout requires a minimum of 8m2. The L-shaped kitchen is a versatile layout. If there is enough space, the kitchen can be combined with a dining area. Allow at least 120cm between the cabinets and dining table so a person can comfortably sit at the table and not get in the way while someone else is working. Dishwasher Refrigerator Freezer (4) U-shaped kitchen Dishwasher (2) Double-sided kitchen Dishwasher KITCHEN Kitchen layout Left-handed solution Cooking Preparation Washing up Sustainability tips in the kitchen •The fridge and freezer are never turned off. So invest in an energy efficient one is a great investment that will save you money over time. •Place a fridge or freezer away from your oven, since they use more energy to cool when they’re close to a heated area. •Fan ovens lets you save even more by multitasking, cooking several layers of food at once. •Induction hobs are faster and more energy efficient as it only heats the area needed. Bundle RSP $599/set + Bundle RSP $129 9/set •Whirpool kitchen appliances bundle deals. Come to the IKEA store and check out 8 different hob-hood bundle deals, with savings of 25-40%. Only valid from 1 May – 25 June. •Save more. Get 20% discount on all S&G series solid surface worktop colours. Only valid from 1 May – 25 June. •Learn more about the kitchens and services IKEA offers. Download the IKEA Kitchen Brochure from www.IKEA.com.sg/brochures for more inspiration. STABIL boiling insert 7.90/ea $ •Using a boiling/steaming insert lets you save time, energy and even space on your stove. •Using a lid lets water boil up to 75% faster, saving both time and energy. •The water you used to wash uncooked rice, boiling eggs, or rinse fruits, and vegetables may be saved to be used for washing the toilets or watering plants. •Remove fruits and vegetables from their packaging as soon as you get home from the store will prevent condensation that can make them rot and go mouldy faster. •0% interest. 100% interested? Enjoy up to 24-month interest-free instalment payment plan. See store or visit www.IKEA.com.sg/IPP for details. Main workspace IKEA FAMILY news 09 SWEDISHNESS Midsummer is an occasion to gather with friends, family and loved ones and is usually celebrated with a lot of feasting, drinking and singing. Nothing captures the essence of Swedish summer like a midsummer buffet table. favourite holiday Assorted herrings alongside boiled potatoes with chopped chives is the spread's centrepiece. But there has to be something for those who don't fancy herrings. Like salmon, pies or meatballs. Bread and cheese on the side. As for the kids, a yummy hotdog with bread will do the trick. Join us for the IKEA Midsummer Buffet on Friday, 20 June 2014! Get your tickets from the IKEA Restaurant, starting from 6 June 2014. While stocks last, on a first-come-firstserved basis. Think you know �The Land of the Vikings’, and all things Swedish? Well, why not have a go at this little quiz. 1.Which of the following is not a Swedish brand? a. IKEA b. Volvo c. H&M d. Tetra Pak e. Nokia Swedishness Sweden’s The Midsummer Buffet 2.What colours does the Swedish flag has? a. White, blue and red b. Blue and yellow c. Green, red and white d. Blue and orange e. Red and white 3.Who wrote the book “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”? a. Stieg Larsson b. JK Rowling c. Astrid Lindgren d. Mikael Blomkvist e. JRR Tolkien 10 IKEA FAMILY news 5. c Midsummer is celebrated in many parts of the world as the longest A Swedish verse says “Midsummer night is not long but it sets many cradles to rock.” And it holds much truth as many couples tend to wed After the pole is raised, Swedes would during this time and Sweden always don their traditional folk costumes, sees high birth rates 9 months later and sing and dance around it to folk in March! * Each adult diner will also receive a $10 IKEA store voucher. Terms and conditions apply. 5.Which of the following is not a Swedish music group/band? a. The Cardigans b. The Hives c. The Corrs d. ABBA e. Ace of Base 4. d weden in June is truly beautiful and it’s the favourite month of most Swedes. School is out and nature has burst into life. Besides celebrating their National Day on 6 June, it is also the time of Midsummer. Midsummer falls on the Friday closest to June 24th and marks the start of a weekend of celebration. Midsummer is also a time where romance is in the air. It is said that if a girl picks 7–9 different types of flowers alone while speaking to no one, and sleeps with it under her pillow, she would dream about her future husband at night. In the past, young girls were also told to jump over 7–9 wooden fences in order for their dream to come true! Option 1: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Option 2: 8pm – closing 3. a S An authentic Swedish Midsummer centres around the Midsummer pole, be it a town celebration or private party. Of all the activities taking place on Midsummer, none are as significant and as popular as the traditional celebration of raising the Maypole. Children and adults will collect flowers and greenery from the fields and woods to dress the pole and make flower krans (wreaths) for wearing on their heads. music from fiddles and accordions. One popular dancing game is the Små grodorna, where people of all ages hop around the pole while singing about little frogs. Seating IKEA FAMILY member: $20* Non-IKEA FAMILY member: $30* Children (4–12 years old): $10 Children (< 4 years old): Free Create your own Swede treat at home Sparkling Elderflower Drink A refreshing elderflower drink is the perfect welcoming drink or aperitif – tastes just like summer! This is what you need (serves 1): Answers 1. e 2. b day of the year. In northern parts of Sweden, the sun actually never sets at all! It is arguably Sweden’s best loved holiday. Though many old traditions are gone today but it is mainly a celebration of summer, joy and for the lucky, perhaps romance. Ticket prices 4.Which of the following is not typical Swedish fare? a. Pickled herring b. Open sandwiches c. Crayfish d. Fish and chips e. Princess cake SAFT FLÄDER elderflower syrup 5.50 $ 500ml. This is how you do it: Pour the snaps and elderflower • 4 cl SNAPS CITRON & FLÄDER syrup in a highball glass with ice. (snaps with lemon & elderflower) Squeeze half the lime into the • 2 cl SAFT FLÄDER glass. Slice the other half and (elderflower syrup) add all slices but one to the glass. • 1 lime Fill up with tonic water and stir. • 25 cl tonic water Place the remaining lime slice • Ice on the edge of the glass. IKEA FAMILY news 11 SWEDISHNESS Mission accomplished! ikea space camp Humble beginnings Join us as space cadets and go on a space mission and collect Space Stamps. Cadets who accomplish the required missions will get a little treat and stand to take part in the Solar System Lucky Dip. The lucky winner will win a kid's bedroom makeover worth a total of $10,000. Bon voyage! T he soul of IKEA is symbolised by a row of stones from Småland, Sweden. It is one of the poorest regions in Sweden – its ground is stony and unfavourable for agricultural development. Yet, the people of Småland have thrived and become renowned for their thrift, inventiveness and hard work. and transport them to the train station. And from there, they were mailed to the customers. Furniture was introduced into the IKEA range in 1948, and in 1951, Ingvar decided to discontinue all the other products, and focus only on furniture. Ingvar knew that if he could assemble This describes the spirit of Ingvar Kamprad, the furniture himself, his customers could do the assembling themselves, too. This founder of IKEA. Ingvar Kamprad was will certainly lower the prices. born in 1926 on a farm called Elmtaryd in the village of Agunnaryd. As a boy, Ingvar This concept attracted many customers sold matchsticks, as many people needed and businesses. But it was soon met it to start fires for their stoves back then. with firm resistance and boycott from Later on, he also sold fish, Christmas tree the established furniture trade, because decorations and seeds. IKEA’s low prices were a threat to them. Suppliers started to be worried about In the 1940s, his business and the range supplying to IKEA, in fear of losing other of products grew. This included watches, wallets, pens and picture frames. In 1943, clients. So Ingvar started to design his own furniture to suit production methods Ingvar decided to register the company and further reduce cost. after the initials of his name, Ingvar Kamprad, the name of the farm (Elmtaryd) The first IKEA furniture showroom was and the village (Agunnaryd) which he was opened in Älmhult (Småland) in 1953, born in, to form IKEA. so that people could come to see and feel the furniture, instead of just seeing In those days, Ingvar’s business them on the mail-order catalogues. Good transactions were done through mailbusiness prompted Ingvar to expand. But order, so he kept his stock at home on instead of building an extravagant store the farm in Elmtaryd. Each morning, the milk-collection van would collect the goods in the city where rentals are high, he built a giant flagship store outside of town to showcase furniture and room settings. 12 IKEA FAMILY news On the opening day of an IKEA store in Stockholm, the long queues and massive demand required more and more co-workers to fetch products from the warehouse. Unable to employ more people at such a short notice, a co-worker had a stroke of genius and opened the entrance to the warehouse for customers to collect the products themselves. So, the IKEA retail system was born. Customers participated in the production process by assembling the products themselves, they participated in the sales process by selecting and picking their purchases, and then transporting them home. It is this cooperation between IKEA and its customers that allow IKEA to save on costs, and pass these savings to the customers in the form of lower prices. Manufacturing the furniture in large quantities also helps to reduce costs. Today, the IKEA system has grown and evolved, and has found its own niche: well-designed and functional furniture of the right quality, at prices so low that the majority of the people can afford them. Not just in Sweden, but also the rest of the world – all in line with the IKEA vision: To create a better everyday life for the many people. Extended shopping hours: Both the IKEA stores will open from 10am till 2am. The restaurants will be from 9.30am till 1.30am. Activities for the most important people in the world: Aliens, martians or fuzzy monsters - Draw your own space creature and the top-voted drawings will have it turned into a real soft toy! Indulge in a celestial dessert feast and rule the galaxy kitchen. Navigate through the Orbital Course as a full-fledged space cadet and defend the universe from alien invasion in the Cometh Shootout! Food specials: Kids eat for free! Plus, $1 tim sum supper deals from 10pm till 1.30am to fill that hungry stomach. Free ice-cream, meatballs-in-a-cup, popcorn and candy floss for that junior space cadet as well. Burp! Product offers and mega savings: Shop in style and enjoy astronomical savings on selected products and late night specials! Parent-child bonding: Think out of the box, with a box. Build your very own spaceship using recycled materials or be a Space MonStar and rule the astro runway with your orbit costumes. Free IKEA Gift Cards: Come dressed as an alien or participate in the Hotdog Eating contest and stand to win IKEA Gift Cards worth up to $50. For more details, visit IKEA.sg/spacecamp from 30 May 2014! IKEA FAMILY news 13 gift ideas DUKTIG 10-pc coffee/tea set 9 14.90 12.90 $ $ 11 8 10 For children, play is serious business. It is a child’s way of learning about the world around them. It’s through play that the body’s muscles and the brain’s senses get all the stimulation they need. Play stimulates creativity and the ability to develop new ideas or perhaps even dare to try something new. Whether it’s for your own child, or a friend’s child, here are some playful choices you can get as gifts for the most important people in the world. 12 2 PYSSLA bead shape, set of 4 2.90 $ 01 PYSSLA beads $9.90 Recommended for ages from 4 years. Polyethylene plastic. Assorted colours. 02 PYSSLA bead shape, set of 4 $2.90 Polystyrene plastic. Assorted shapes/colours. 03 MÅLA watercolour box $12.90 Includes 1 tray, 2 water cups, 2 brushes and 14 assorted colours. 04 MÅLA easel $29.90 Blackboard on one side, whiteboard on one side. May be completed with MÅLA drawing paper roll. W62xL43, H118cm. Solid pine frame. 05 MÅLA paper $9.90 Bleached chlorine-free paper. Mix of A3 and A4 format. 06 MÅLA scissors, set of 2 $4.90 Straight and zig-zag edges. Plastic/stainless steel. Recommended for ages from 4 years. 07LÄTT children's table with 2 chairs $39.90 Table W48xL63, H45cm. Seat W28xD28, H28cm. Solid pine. 3 MÅLA easel 29.90 $ 4 5 6 MÅLA paper 9.90 $ LÄTT children's table with 2 chairs 39.90 $ 7 TRÄNING juggling set 59.90 $ 15 MAMMUT children's table 08TRÄNING juggling set $59.90 Recommended for ages from 6 years. Fabric: polyester, nylon and elastane/spandex. Filling: Polypropylene plastic and highly resilient polyurethane foam. 09 DUKTIG 12-pc plates/bowls set $14.90 Stoneware. Multicolour. 13 10 DUKTIG glass $5.90/8-pc Polypropylene plastic. Multicolour. 11 DUKTIG 10-pc coffee/tea set $12.90 Stoneware. Multicolour. 12FANTASIRIK decoration, set of 4 $5.90 100% polyester. W10xL29cm. Assorted colours. 13 GRATTIS serving stand with cupcakes $15.90/5-pc GRATTIS serving Recommended for ages from 3 years. 14 MAMMUT children's table $59 stand with cupcakes Polypropylene plastic. W55xL77, H48cm. Light blue. 15 MAMMUT children's chair $19.90 Polypropylene plastic. W39, H67cm. Light pink. 59 $ 14 15.90/5-pc $ 01 PATRULL book $12.90 (Usual: $19.90) Safe at home 02 KRULLIG book $5.90 (Usual: $8.90) The princess and the happiness 03STRÖVA book $5.90 (Usual: $8.90) King Elk 04 VANDRING $5.90/8-pc (Usual: $8.90) The hedgehog 05 IKEA the book $15.90 (Usual: $25.90) A page-turner for everyone 1 Home improvement books for you, coffee table books for a rainy day and bedtime books for your favourite little bookworms – our selection of books offers something for everyone. And with the low IKEA FAMILY member prices, you can really build your home library and still have plenty left over for some new bookshelves! 2 14 IKEA FAMILY news gift ideas Home is the most important playground in the world. DUKTIG 12-pc plates/bowls set 1 3 4 5 IKEA FAMILY news 15 Gingerbread mum Measuring Putting groceries away Whenever you’re home with bags of groceries, get the kids to help you put them away. After a few occasions, they will be able to remember where certain items go, particularly those that they like. Of course, if you’re trying this out with an over zealous toddler, you might realise your strawberries have gone missing, only to turn up weeks later in some random place like the bathroom cabinet or under the sofa. Fun times await you, my friends, fun times! I loved it. With the safety gate, I could cook in peace without having anyone clinging on to my legs. I could chop an onion without worrying if any little fingers were getting close to my knife. I could carry a casserole from the oven without the possibility of tripping over any little people. And then one day, it broke. And so, now, the kitchen is a free-for-all area, and since I can’t keep them out, I have to find ways to get them involved. The level of mess is very much dependant on the ingredient that you’re measuring. Flour, for example, is a potential nightmare. As is anything in liquid form. Eggs on the other hand, are possibly one of the neatest things to count. Until you ask your kids to crack them, of course. Loading up I’d like to share some ideas for all ye non-safety gate folks, but would like to remind you that whenever kids are involved, there’s always the aspect of help versus �help’. Here we go! Cutting and peeling If they’ve done all that and still want to help (lucky you!!), here are some other meal-time related things that young children can help with: • Clear, wipe and set table before meals • Bring (light and non-hot) dishes from kitchen to table • Bring own plate/bowl to sink after meals • Push chairs back to table after meals • Wipe table and seat of high chair after meals • Pick up/wipe up food items that have fallen off table during meal • Pour drinks for all Gingerbread mum Welcome Kids, to the Kitchen! One of the best inventions in the world – after, oh I don’t know, toilet paper? Air conditioning? – is probably the safety gate. We used to have one of those glorious things that divided the kitchen from the rest of the house. It kept me out of reach from the kids. It made me feel like a caged animal. It made walking around very cumbersome. Having kids in the kitchen – It’s messy, it’s stressful, it’s potentially frustrating. Why do we do it then? Perhaps it’s because we believe in involving them as early as possible in the hope that when they are older, it will become second nature to help. The key word here is hope. Washing Even little kids can help to load up the blender. Just be sure you remind them about 1,978,086 times (give or take a few thousand) not to put their hands into the blender. They can also turn the blender on and �pulse’ the ingredients. Of course, make sure the lid is screwed on. Tightly. Reading recipes Butter knives or plastic kid-friendly knives are great for chopping up mushrooms and slicing beancurd. Of course, remind your kids that a career in knife throwing should not be on the cards. Preschoolers are fully capable with peelers, just make sure you watch them closely. Long root vegetables like carrots and parsnips are safer for them to peel as opposed to apples or potatoes, and make sure they peel away from and not toward themselves. I’ve found that placing my 5 year old on a step stool at the sink works best for us – the peels end up in the sink, and we pick them up after. That way, she can concentrate fully on the peeling, and not on aiming the peels at a bin or bowl. Oh and don’t toss those scraps into the compost bin yet – pass them on to your toddler along with a toy knife; she will enjoy �cooking’ together with you. 16 IKEA FAMILY news Washing rice grains is a huge hit in our home. Granted, this is possibly one of the messier things to involve the kids in (think �rice grains in hair’/�water all over the kitchen floor’ kind of messy) but like everything else, practice makes perfect. Keep reminding yourself that each time you step on a rice grain. Because the look on your preschooler’s face at dining table when you exclaim “This is the best rice I’ve ever tasted!”? Priceless. Armed with a colander, kids can also be given the task of washing vegetables. The older ones can also help in plucking leafy vegetables. Most kids love playing with water and (bless their hearts) don’t see dishwashing as a chore. As long as you remove all sharp, heavy and breakable objects from the sink, feel free to hand them a sponge and a squirt of dishwashing liquid and let them attack the dishes. Note: You may need to re-wash everything. You have been warned. If you want to involve your preschooler without the risk of a big mess, getting her to read you the recipe is a good way to do so. It’s also a good opportunity to practice new words with emerging readers. Oh and need I mention that it’s absolutely necessary that you just do a quick check on the recipe as well, and not rely on your kids entirely? I know you want them to feel trusted but you know, the difference between 1/4 cup and 14 cups is rather substantial. Adora is a freelance writer and also blogs about her parenting hits and misses at www.gingerbreadmum.com. She is mum to Poppy, 5, and Calla, 2. She is a lousy housekeeper but a top notch nagger and when not with the kids, can usually be found hiding behind the laundry basket with a bar of chocolate. She is not accountable for any potential thrills and spills you might encounter in the kitchen. Or in any part of the house for that matter. IKEA FAMILY news 17 kid's party tips Appropriate time and date: Select a day and time that is most comfortable for you and your party-blasters! Food and beverages: Decide if you want a buffet spread or refreshments. Do bear in mind any dietary requirements of your guests before deciding on the food/caterer for the party. Number of party-blasters (guests): The more the merrier! The number of people you intend to invite will determine the amount of goodie bags as well as food & beverages, so be conscious! *Hint: to reduce food wastage, estimate to cater for about 10% less portions of the number of people invited. Venue: Select a location of preference or practicality (Number of party-blasters to be considered)! Choose a theme: We decorate to entice. It is always easier to work with a theme. Party themes can be based on your kids’ favorite colors or captivating cartoon characters they like. Once you are done… UP UP and AWAY for a splendid time in deco-shopping! *Hint: You can strictly follow the theme or make a little twist to it. For instance, a ladybird themed party, you can have everything in the colours of the ladybird. Or you can add a little twist to it by adding colours! Brainstorm: (Picasso time!!) Sketch out the details of your ideal decorations/decorated venue to save some time setting up the party on the day itself. Desserts table: There is nothing like a dessert table to make your occasion sweeter than ever! A good spread will consist of at least 3 different desserts (e.g. cupcakes, sweets & chocolates, and fruit tarts). *Hint: It is not necessary to place the desserts on a separate table. You can have the desserts right in the middle of the dining table as well! Play corner: What is a children’s party without a play corner? BORING! Kids just love to have fun! Rolls of drawing paper and toys can be included for the kids to have a fantastic time at their own little corner! 18 IKEA FAMILY news Stage Two checked! Now all you have to do is to have a good rest for the big day! Budget: Be sure to keep the total amount you are willing to spend in check. Doing it yourself (DIY) is Stage One the ultimate way to checked! Now keep budget low! time to spice up the party experience~ Exclusive goodies for IKEA FAMILY members! CONTEST! Stand a chance to win a Customised Backdrop (W2m by H2m) worth $180 from Hilly Events in 4 simple steps! 1. Like Hilly Events’ page on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/hilly.events 2. Share the page on your wall 3. Take a screenshot of it 4. Send to Hilly Events at hilly.events@gmail.com Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? IKEA BUSINESS Need to plan a children’s party and unsure how to start? While we can’t guarantee it will be an entirely chaos-free party, we do have some useful preparation tips for you to at least make it a fun one! It might be work, but it doesn’t have to feel like it. All it takes is a comfy chair, home office furniture that keeps things organised, and the right lighting for the job. And by making it easier to tackle those to-do’s, you’ll have more time to spend on your wanna-do’s. Time and finances are precious – whether you're in retail, hospitality or an office. So we make sure that well-designed business furniture is never an extravagance. At IKEA, we have the most comprehensive range on offer to facilitate onestop-shopping at affordable prices. Retail: Furniture to make your store shine In a successful store, the display solutions, storage, lighting, workspaces and other elements all blend together perfectly. At IKEA, you can find the products and ideas for creating your own retail magic formula. Don’t forget, we can also deliver and install. Office: Make a workplace that works Our range of office furniture includes all those practical items that help a modern company to run smoothly. Plus, you’ll find lots of ideas for making your office more pleasant, as well as more efficient. If time is short, we can deliver and assemble for you. Contest will end by 30 Jun 2014. 1 lucky IKEA FAMILY member will be announced on Hilly Events’ Facebook page. PROMOTION! Enjoy $50 discount with a min spend of $200 with Hilly Events when you use the promo code IKEAFM before 31 Aug 2014. Terms and conditions apply. Hospitality: How to generate more smiles Your guests expect you to be there for them, with a ready smile, at any hour. While that’s not always realistic, we can offer help. Our hospitality furniture solutions are practical, stylish and easy to achieve. Which means that you can spend more time smiling and less time shopping. Article contributed by Hilly Events IKEA FAMILY news 19 IKEA BUSINESS Choose the right chair Invest in a chair today and your body will thank you tomorrow. The longer you sit, the more adjustable your chair needs to be in order to support and relax you and make it easy to change working positions. IKEA BUSINESS Storage Store things you use frequently close at hand. For instance in a drawer unit or a shelf nearby. This makes sure you get up and take few steps, increasing your circulation. MEET & WAIT AREAS Bringing customers into your own business is no different from bringing friends into your own home. They deserve the same warm welcome, the same hospitality, and the same consideration. It’s all about the little things. Add some light Lighting is essential to the look and function of any room. But it’s also useful way to decorate and add warmth. Use lights to focus attention an artwork to highlight architectural features and to set a mood. Our light solutions come in all shapes and sizes, and always at affordable prices. Make first meetings an opportunity. Make it a moment for your customer to be indulged, to be seen, to feel important – a moment to build trust and loyalty. Make waiting a privilege. WORK SMARTER Even though laptops and wireless connections are increasing mobility, and changing the perception of a workspace, the basic needs are still the same. We all need places to put away stuff when not in use. We all strive for ergonomics, functionality and good design. And not to forget, we want to spice it up by putting a personal stamp on it all. Plan your workstation Your workstation has to work for you and what you do. The more you spend time there, the more important it is. GET ORGANISED The state of your workplace sends a clear message to your customers; first-rate order – first-rate business. An organised business starts with an organised workplace. Plus an organised, uncluttered workspace can improve your efficiency and calm your nerves. Not to mention your colleagues’ nerves too. 20 IKEA FAMILY news What is your main workstation? Do you have a desk, or do you use your checkout counter for paying bills and placing order? Think about the kind of work you’ll be performing here. If it involves a computer, consider an ergonomically rounded desktop. •A desk with depth supports your wrists and arms, accommodates keyboard and mouse and allows you to place the monitor at arms lengths from your eyes. •An adjustable desk enables you to work a height that suits your body. You need room to turn 90 degrees either way and stretch your legs. •A rounded desktop invites others to have a chat or quick meeting right at your desk. •A side table extends your worktop and keeps the main desk free from clutter. It’s also perfect for your printer, fax machine, etc. Get your light right Good lighting makes working easier and more comfortable. Cable crazy Drill a hole in the back of your desk to really pull through electric cables. When you have one or two cables to hide away, bind them together (cable trunking) and run them along the wall or floor, or even around corners. Prioritise Make sure that all the items you use frequently are within arm’s reach. Items that you use less often can be stored further away. To keep everything tidy, use boxes with a corresponding photo or label on the outside for quick identification. Small decorative boxes look great on shelves too. Clutter-free displays Shoe racks can be cleverly used to keep your magazines, newspapers and files within easy reach. Frame a doorway with shelving to display your books and favourite objects. It’s a decorative solution and saves space. Planning a meeting room Meetings don’t always have to be boring! Getting the meeting room right can make you (and your team) more productive. It can also be inspirational, not just for your colleagues, but your customers and clients too. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Make it scalable Portable seating that can be stacked away in the corner of the closet will help make your meeting area scalable when extra guests turn up. For a more informal meeting area, cushions or footstools are prefect ideas for extra guests. Prioritise First decide if this is an internal meeting room or one that your customers and clients will use. That will help dictate overall feel of the room. Get seated Instead of going for a normal meeting room table and chairs, think about using more informal, comfy chairs and creating a more bunge-type feel. Make use of the closets Install drawers and organize by size, shape or task. This makes finding things- and putting things away-much easier. Stow away nonbusiness related items, like seasonal decorations or summer fans, and items you don’t need on a regular basis in clearly labelled boxes on high shelves. Add display area Fill up an empty wall with wall-mounted shelves. This provides a dramatic visual effect, as well as creating a new display space. Corner bookcases can make use of space that’s usually wasted in small spaces and around columns. Shelve it Chances are you don’t have a lot of floor space, so start by taking advantage of vertical space and empty walls with mountable shelves and bookcases. Decorate and store Use the empty space below your shelves. Place a few hooks underneath them to hang things. IKEA FAMILY news 21 IKEA BUSINESS When colours, patterns and textures are introduced with care, when special needs are accommodated for, when neatly accessorised and done properly, your facility will effectively reflect your business, look harmonious, inviting and creative – a silent signal to your customers that they are dealing with a stable and professional company. CREATE DISPLAY Naturally, the product in itself has to do the biggest job, but the way it is displayed is almost as important. It’s about window and interior display, colour and lighting techniques, three-dimensional presentation and product visibility, line and composition, planning and layout – it’s about store atmosphere, it’s about the overall shopping experience. Display for impact Give each product the space it needs. The more products you show, the more you can sell, but don’t overwhelm your customers. Who do you want to sell to? Decide who your audience is, then keep that in mind when creating your display. Display your best products at eye level. If you’re displaying children products, display them at a level that is right for them. Grouping is everything Grouping individual objects together will add incredible impact to the overall presentation. You can group by size (for example, picture frames), by material (for example, soaps and beauty products), by colour (for example, napkins, candles) or by function. Grouping by function allows you to group smaller number of items together under a common theme (for example, food preparations, or preparing and serving coffee). Picture frames If there’s an interesting story behind your product of services, or you want a new way to display prices, try using photo frames. There are lots of styles you can choose from, plus they’re affordable. Eye-catching and attractive in themselves, but they are also flexible enough to let your imagination go wild. 22 IKEA FAMILY news Create focus An oversized item, like a huge lampshade, can create focus and add character to a room or space. Paint one wall in a contrasting colour and you’ll feel the room become more dynamic and energetic. Light things up Use lighting to highlight or frame your products. Light automatically draws people’s attention over. Spotlights mounted on the ceiling or on a line system are a good way to do this. Clear up Use racks to store magazine, books and files and leave the table clean for your colleagues. TAKE A BREAK Some see it as a quick fix, as an unwanted, time consuming necessity just to get through the rest of the day. To us, the break is an essential escape from routines, to effectively sort thoughts, impressions and feelings. It is a vitalising condition for staying on track with motivation and keeping energy levels high. All you really need for a comfortable break area are a few pieces of furniture to sit on, good lighting and somewhere to put away your things. Flexible pieces Fill your space with furniture on casters that can be moved around whenever you feel like changing its layout. Pick a dropleaf, gate-leg or adjustable-length table that can change size when you have a colleague’s birthday to prepare for. Add some light Lighting helps add warmth to a room. Use lights to focus attention an artwork, to highlight architectural features and to set a mood. Our light solutions come in all shapes and sizes, and always at affordable prices. Short on space? Use matching small tables so you can put them together to form one long table on special occasions. Storage Just because you have limited amount of space in your break room or staff kitchen, it doesn’t mean it can’t be pleasing to the eye and functional. Getting organised in the kitchen can help you keep it clean and tidy. Group items together, so you find everything you need to make a cup of tea or coffee, for example, in one place. Contribution by members Special touches Make your colleagues feel special too. Add textiles, some tea lights in holders on tables or at reception. Or add flowers in the restrooms. Choose your finishing Give untreated wood a finish to match your décor. Paint the wood the precise colour, stain or varnish that suits the style of your business. Create a waterfall Place shallow shelving or storage above, and deeper storage below. Place larger and heavier items below and lighter items above. Following these rules will feel more natural for the eye and allows for a more functional display area. Break the rules Who said that a baroque chandelier could not go into a modern-urban loft? Add drama and some spice to the mix. Surprise your colleagues and your clients with an unexpected twist. Family-friendly Create a space just for children at your business. Add a bright rug, child-sized furniture, toys suitable to their age range, and a place to store the toys when the children leave. Making kids feel welcome encourages their parents-your customers-to feel even more welcome. Organise your non-perishable items in easy-to-see pull-outs, cabinets, shelves or racks. We would like to submit our entry for our office that was put together largely using IKEA products. Some of the items include the magnetic board panels, pendant lamp, table and chairs, EXPEDIT shelf and woven baskets, Alex drawers, curtain rail, etc. IKEA BUSINESS Multi-purpose Get creative and use the top of low bookcase as table. The break area can double as an impromptu meeting area too. DECORATE You can do it all yourself. But you don’t have to. You spend all day making sure your customers get all the help they need. So we’d like to do the same for you. From delivering your new retail display furniture to assembling your storage shelves, we can help. For enquiries on how IKEA can assist in your business needs, email to corporate.sg@ikano.asia Rather than sitting down and do my work, I've decided to set up a standing desk with LINNMON and another discontinued furniture that I can't remember what the name is. Below LINNMON is another shelf called LAIVA which I just took the top portion to make a book shelf and a stand for the printer. Witoyo Sucianto Ereen Toh If my study area looks like one of your show room, it’s because I like Ikea furniture so much! No matter how I personalise them, they are still so IKEA! It’s better than an office, I feel it’s like my personal work space. Hiong Kai Ying We have a small and packed office, but yet we'd like to offer visitors a seat when they come. We also need to create meeting spaces but bear in mind fire safety regulations which stipulate minimum width of corridors. What better way to do that then have foldable furniture from IKEA like the JEFF chair? Tan Yong Hui IKEA FAMILY news 23 FENG SHUI FENG SHUI How to use Feng Shui as Management Tool Many people may not realise it but Feng Shui can be a management tool for business. The versatility of Feng Shui appeals to many businessmen and even young executives in this present corporate world. It is no secret and not surprising that many of Asia’s business tycoons, politicians and even CEOs achieved great success due to their diligence in ensuring the usage of right Feng Shui applications at their work place. Grow your business at a steady rate Create growth luck in the office by enhancing the Wealth & Success sectors of your office. Ensure sectors that govern Growth, Wealth & Success are properly reviewed and investigated before you decorate the area. Stand at the foyer (front entrance) of your office, use a good compass, and take accurate facing of your entrance. The following tips may help you to enhance your business luck: • If your office entrance faces North, place a metal piece of Art or Metal Decorative ornament at the center of the foyer. North is a Water element sector, and having Metal will enhance this sector. •If your office entrance faces South, place a strong and healthy looking plant (with no thorns – preferably plants with abundance of rounded leaves) in your foyer. South is a Fire element sector, and having Wood will enhance this sector. •If your office entrance faces East or Southeast, place a water feature in the foyer. The water should be moving at all times. East and Southeast are Wood element sectors, and having Water will enhance these sectors. •If your office entrance faces West or Northwest, place a large piece of crystal geode (i.e. amethyst crystal or citrine). West or Northwest are Metal element sectors, and having Earth will enhance these sectors. •If your office entrance faces Northweast or Southwest, place a piece of nice lighting. Northeast or Southwest are Earth element sectors, and having some Fire will enhance these sectors. Clover Leaf seating arrangement This is an ideal sitting arrangement for employees as they do not directly face each other, hence non-confrontational. Moreover, they have the flexibility to arrange and sit facing one of their respective good facing directions. Useful tips for work • To minimise and prevent such quarrelsome energies, place some Fire element in the workplace. Red-coloured wall, furniture/carpets, or nice lamps and increasing the brightness of the office will help to suppress such unfavourable energies. • Place a nice majestic Rooster to “peck away" all the office gossips and politics. • Ensure that employees’ workstations are not arranged in a centipede manner. This arrangement can easily result in clashes of energies and disharmony. Ideally all employees’ sitting arrangement should be in a clover form. •Work trays & files preferably should be higher & put on left side of the work desk. Right side should be lower than left side NOTE: Directions are taken from inside, looking outwards to the front of desk. Left represents “Green Dragon” for Power, Prosperity & Authority and must be higher than Right side. Right represents “White Tiger” for Protection. •The front desk should be uncluttered, neat and clear with an unblocked view. •The back desk should ideally have a wall or partition for “support” in your work. It is not auspicious to sit with windows and doors behind your work desk. •Do not sit underneath any beams, hanging pipes, single air-con units, as they can cause sickness and great “burden” at work. •Refrain from sitting too close to any photo copier machines and printers – including having any of the machine output trays from facing any employees (all angles). They are deemed as “Poison Arrows” that can cause bad luck and bad health. •Do not put any water features, fountains and pictures that are related to Water behind any work desk. Water behind you signifies “missed opportunities” and lack of support. Most importantly, all offices must be bright, fresh, airy and clutter free to enable all the good energies to maneuver in the office to generate all the auspicious energies for prosperity, good business and work harmony. A balance and well lay-out office that is bright and clutter free brings good energies to the working space and it is a Happy Office. Thus, it will result in good working harmony and good business success. Create a stable and harmonious workforce Good stable working relationships established between employees & bosses ensure that there are no negative energies or harmful politicking at the workplace. Gossips, office politics, tensions and quarrels are usually caused by stagnant energies, or overly aggressive energies in the office environment. 24 IKEA FAMILY news Centipede seating arrangement This is a common employees’ work sitting arrangement in many companies as it can maximise space. However, this is an unfavourable and inauspicious arrangement as the employees sit and faces directly with each other when they work. Such confrontational sitting arrangements can gradually lead to disharmony, office politics, gossips, etc. Amelia Neo Owner & Senior Consultant Art of Good Living – World of Feng Shui Singapore 180 Kitchener Road City Square Mall #03-46/47 Singapore 208539 Tel: (+65) 6376-9918 Email:contact@wofssingapore.com Website:www.wofssingapore.com; www.ourartofgoodliving.com IKEA FAMILY news 25 CLOTHES CARE Spring cleaning and fun doesn’t necessarily have to be an oxymoron and all it takes is a little creativity to turn a boring chore into a super fun activity for the little ones. Doing laundry seems like a no brainer but there’s an art to making sure clothes are properly cleaned without destroying the color or fabric. It keeps them occupied, plus mom gets a break from all that cleaning. This way, everyone wins. This list of simple tips will come in handy to solve those laundry woes. 1. Laundry Sorting Game 1. Turn clothes inside out It’s a simple but effective technique to keep clothes looking new. The tumbling action of most washers and dryers can cause fabric fibers to break as clothes collide into each other and against the walls of the machine. Turning clothes inside out before you wash them will keep the worst of the fraying on the inside. 2. Avoid direct sunlight while drying We know that direct sun exposure is bad for the skin but did you know that it can be bad for clothes too? For brightly colored clothes, exposing them to direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade so if you’re hanging them out on bamboo poles, keep them away from direct sunlight. 3. Stains With kids in the house, stains are inevitable. Depending on the different kinds of stains, there are several ways to effectively remove them. • Coffee: Immediately rinse with hot water. The key is to do this quickly because once the stain sets, chances are there’ll be a faint yellowish stain that’s a nightmare to remove. • Berry Juice: Treat with a combination of white vinegar and Fab Perfect detergent, before rinsing off with warm water. • Tomato Sauce: Soak in cold water mixed with white vinegar and Fab Anti Bacterial detergent. Leave it to soak for 30 minutes before rubbing the spot to remove the stain. • Baby Food: Apply a spot stain remover before soaking in cold water. Do not use hot water as it may set the stain permanently. • Chocolate: Turn the garment inside out and dab the stain out from the back to prevent it from saturating the fabric fibers. Combine some ammonia, cool water and Fab Color detergent and use mixture to blot the stain out. 4. The dyed whites disaster This happens at least once to the best of us despite the best efforts to keep the whites and colored clothes separated. If you find your batch of white clothes dyed a nasty shade of pink due to an offending red garment, don’t panic. Soak the clothes in a solution of baking soda and warm water with half a cup salt and half a cup Fab Lavender detergent added to it. If all goes well, the whites should come out looking as white as ever and smelling Lavender fresh. 5. Softer clothes with Downy Anti Bacteria Get the kids to sort the laundry according to whites and coloreds before putting them in the washing machine. The older kids can go a step further by sorting the clothes according to colors and textures to separate out the delicates for handwashing. At the end of the exercise, let them measure out the right amounts of Fab Lavender Detergent and Downy Anti Bacteria Fabric Softener before setting the clothes to wash. 2. The Febreze Spray Challenge Give each kid a bottle of Febreze Blossom & Breeze and assign them a designated room in the house. Their job is to go around spritzing the curtains, sofas, mattresses and upholstery in their allocated area to give the room a fresh, happy scent. A blind smell test will be The washing and drying process can leave clothes stiff and uncomfortable, especially when worn on baby’s delicate skin. When washing baby clothes, add in a bit of Downy Anti Bacteria fabric softener for softer, cleaner clothes. conducted at the end to determine the winner. 3. Refrigerator Clean Out Remove all the food from the refrigerator to do a complete wipe down of the shelves and drawers with some Flash All Purpose Cleaner. The kids can have fun taking out everything, sorting through all the expired food on the labels and put everything back according to expiry dates. iii) Pass it Ons: Toys that they have outgrown or are no longer playing with. This pile can be passed on to other kids or brought to the Salvation Army for donation. 5. Art Corner Organization Sort out the art supplies by throwing out dried markers, pens and paints, then arranging the remaining ones in baskets or drawers for easy access. Wipe down the i) Favorites: Toys they play with regularly. area with a damp cloth dipped in a mixture ii) Storage: Toys that they are less fond of Flash All Purpose Cleaner and Febreze of at the moment. This pile can be kept Freshener to keep it smelling fresh and in storage and brought out in a couple clean. Finally, the kids can select some of of months or kept for the next child to their favorite art pieces to be displayed on play with. the walls while the rest can be recycled. 4. Toy Rotation Have the kids go through all their toys and sort them into 3 piles: Stain remover on the go 3 easy steps to remove stains anywhere and anytime with Dynamo. Now just in case you ever need to deal with a disaster stain while you’re out and about, here’s how to make your own stain remover on the go. 3. Making a Dynamo stain remover Mix a small amount of Dynamo with some water and give it a good stir to form a Dynamo solution. Place the mixture in a small spray container to bring along on the go. * Some frantic arm-flailing later, you look at the offending stain in horror, not sure if you should spend the 15 minutes you have before the meeting rushing to the store to buy a new shirt, or attempt to wash out part of the stain in the nearest washroom. Removing stains on the go Voila, problem solved. They say that Murphy has a knack for showing up at the most inopportune times, so the best thing to do is to be prepared for contingencies like these in advance. 2. Next, spray on several spritzes of the Dynamo solution, let it sit on the garment for 2–3 minutes and then dab the stain with a cloth to lift the pigment from the garment. Article contributed by Daphne Ling from Mothers Inc Imagine this, you’re grabbing a quick bite before an important meeting at work and amidst the rush, the worst thing that could happen actually does – a glob of sauce from your pasta accidentally splashes onto your freshly-pressed, clean, white shirt. 26 IKEA FAMILY news CLOTHES CARE Good Clean Fun! Spring Cleaning with the Kids Laundry Tips 1. When you encounter a spill, the first thing to do is to gently dab the garment to soak up the excess liquid. Be careful not to rub it, as it will force the stain into the fibers, making it more difficult to remove. Once the stains are removed, proceed to dry the garment by dabbing up as much water from the cloth and gently drying it under a hand dryer in the toilet. For certain spills like red wine, get some vinegar from the restaurant to apply on the garment before proceeding with steps 1, 2 and 3. The vinegar will help to neutralize the purple pigments before you remove the stain with the Dynamo solution. Love trying new products? Can’t wait to discover more home-loving tips? Sign up on EverydayMe.com.sg today! IKEA FAMILY news 27
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