Singapore Consumer Interest Group

Humans are fond of shiny objects. It’s no surprise that we wear jewelry to enhance our appearance or just to show off.

Among the most common materials used for making jewelry are metals. Cleaning each type of material requires different procedures. Here are tips to make them shine.

Gold

To keep your gold shiny and new, soak it in water and soap. Take it out a few minutes later then rub the surface with cotton balls. It’s not advisable to use a brush because the bristles might damage it. Don’t do this however if the jewelry has other stones or metal in the design. Rinse then let it dry by placing it on a piece of clean cloth, preferably a towel. When it’s dry, use gold polish to make it shine. Never use silver polish or other chemicals to clean gold. Keep it tarnish-free by placing it in a proper storage box. Take it off when you decide to go swimming and avoid contact with harsh chemicals, even body products.

Silver

Use a special cloth made for cleaning silver jewelry to wipe off dirt. Silver can scratch or tarnish easily if not handled properly. Rub the cloth in a back-and-forth stroke. There are silver cleaning formulas available, but they can be tricky to use. There is a risk of inhaling harmful fumes and of contamination. Use water and mild soap instead. Soap should not contain ammonia or phosphate to avoid damage. Don’t soak the jewelry because it can tarnish. Next, rinse and let the silver dry by placing it on a towel. It’s not advisable to use tissue or other rough material to dry silver. If cleaning at home does not work, a professional cleaner can do the job for you.

Beads

Beaded jewelry are made from various materials. Plastic beads can be washed with water and soap. Glass beads can be cleaned with water and soap or with alcohol. Make sure to take care that the thread that holds the beads together will not get wet while cleaning. Wood ornaments should not be cleaned with water. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth. Pearls are wiped with soft, damp cloth or dipped in water and soap. Dry by rubbing on a clean cloth. Crystals, glass and semi-precious stones should not be dipped in water and soap to avoid damage. Just wipe the surface with soft, damp cloth.

Brass and Copper

You can clean brass or copper using vinegar or baking soda mixed with lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients first then dip a cloth in the solution to wipe the dirt off the jewelry. You can also use toothpaste to clean brass and copper as it is a gentle abrasive. If this method seems risky for you, there are cleaning solutions for brass and copper in shops. Keep in mind the acidic level of the solution and follow the instructions on the label. Store them properly when not in use.

Not all shoes can be cleaned in the same method as cleaning your sneakers. Shoes are made from different types of materials and need specific cleaning procedures. Protect your investment by taking proper care of your shoe collection.

Here is a list of common shoe materials and how to clean them.

Leather

There are different types of leather. Determine the material first before you use a leather cream. There is a specific cream for patent leather, cordovan and reptile skin. First, remove dirt by using damp cloth. Don’t soak the cloth because too much moisture can change the color of the leather. Next, apply leather cream in a circular motion using clean cloth, preferably chamois. When the cream is dry, polish your shoes using a brush. Patent leather is not brushed. Use cloth instead.

Suede

Suede is a type of leather. First, brush dirt off then spray with a formula made specifically for suede. There are suede shampoo products available for stains that are difficult to remove. Don’t let the water soak through however because water can leave stains. When this is done, let the shoes dry before brushing. Waterproof spray is also available in the market. Another leather, nubuck, is cleaned the same way.

Satin

Remove dirt by wiping the satin shoes with a soft, dry cloth. Then remove dried dirt using a brush. Be gentle when doing this so you don’t damage the fabric. Next, use damp cloth to press down gently on stains and dirt. Do not wipe the damp cloth on the shoes. Finally, let the shoes dry.

Canvas

Canvas shoes, like some sneakers, should be hand-washed. Some brands claim that sneakers can be machine washed but always go the safer route. Use soft-bristled brush, water and mild detergent to clean the stains. The insoles and shoelaces are washed separately. Don’t dry your shoes in a clothes dryer or expose them to direct sunlight.

Rubber

Rubber is easy to clean. Use cloth to wipe dirt off its surface. If you want to wash the shoes, use soap, brush, water and mild detergent to clean the dirt and stains. Remove the shoelaces and insoles (if any). Do not use detergents that are too harsh especially if the rubber is painted on. Brush in a circular motion. You can use your old toothbrush to clean hard to reach places.

Jelly

Jelly is a plastic footwear that has grown popular in recent years. There are scented jellies available too. Cleaning jellies is similar to cleaning rubber. You can soak the shoes in water and detergent then brush lightly in circular motion. Do not expose them to direct sunlight when drying.

Mesh

Mesh is easy to clean like rubber. Take off the insoles and shoelaces if there are any. Use soap, water, brush and mild detergent to clean mesh. You can also soak your mesh shoes in water and detergent to remove stubborn stains. Brush until they are clean. Then finally, air dry the shoes.

The sun shines brightly, the birds chirp cheerfully, but the kids are playing video games inside. Trying to get the kids to play outdoors can be challenging, especially when you’re competing against TV shows and computer games. One of the best ways to invite the kids in the sun is to create an irresistible outdoor cove. Here are our favourite outdoor play space ideas that your kids and the entire family will adore.

1. A Cool Tree House

A tree house is a great enticement for kids to play outdoors, and you can make it adult-friendly, too. Build the tree house between the two largest trees in your backyard. Add a few playful elements like a ladder, a tire swing and a rope course for your kids to play on, while you enjoy a cup of coffee with a view in a small bistro set under the tree house.

2. A Swing Set

Very few playground accessories prove to be more fun than a classic swing set. Whether your tots are just learning how to walk or are approaching their teen years, they will surely appreciate a swing set. If you have kids in different age brackets, put up a play ground with different activities, such as rock climbing.

3. Inflatable Pool

You can never go wrong with a pool on a hot summer day, but it’s not practical to build one just for fun. Installing an inflatable pool in your yard is just as good as having a real pool for kids. For a fun family get-together on a weekend, gather everyone in the backyard, grill some bbq and let the kids splash in cool water.

4. Outdoor Movie Theatre

Even better than going to a real movie theatre is a stay-home theatre, and watch your favourite movie in your own yard. Set up a big screen outdoor, some lightning and picnic blankets or lawn chairs and tables for everyone to sit on. Serve some snacks during the film for a movie night alfresco.

5. Creative Play

Your choice of creative play set-up should be influenced by your child’s preferred creative outlets, such as problem solving, art, music or building. A permanent fixture like a blank wall canvass or a wall-mounted chalkboard is a good idea, but you can also take regular indoor items outdoors. During an afternoon playtime, take out easel and paints, colourful chalks or play silks. All of these items can spark your kid’s creative side.

When creating a kids space outdoors, think of fun activities that your child may find interesting. Instead of setting up a large mat filled with toys, encourage more physical activities by considering these fun and playful ideas.

Let’s face it—contouring is still among the hottest trend in the make-up world. In 215, many were quick to say that the trend is already a passé, but perfectly-defined beauties of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian beg to disagree. Though the extreme contours are better left to these popular TV personalities, a little definition on the face gives your make-up look a 3D effect and adds dimension to the flawless yet flat look of your foundation.

However, if you’re new to the game, figuring out what products to use can be intimidating, especially with all the options you have on the market today. Here, we’re put together a list of our favourite contour and highlight products and categorized them by skill level, so aspiring make-up artists and the certified pros can find their match.

Benefit 10 Bronzing and Highlighting Duo (Beginner)

This two-in-one product combines a warm tawny bronzer with a champagne-toned highlighter. With the product’s blendability, it’s almost impossible to overdo your contour and highlight. Simply swipe the brush, which comes with the package, over the product, brush the product on the sides of your face, and then blend back and forth to diffuse the colour. Place the highlight on the peaks of your cheekbones, and voila! A sculpted, modelesque cheeks in seconds!

Lancome Le Duo Contour and Highlighter Stick (Beginner)

This dual-ended product, which comes in five beautiful shades, makes contouring fast and easy. Its best feature is the contour shade’s slightly grayish tone that makes contouring look more shadowy and natural, instead of tanned. Just make sure to use light-handedly. The sticks are so creamy (which is good for blendability) that the product can easily snap off from its tube (which is a bad thing, obviously).

Sephora Collection Contouring 101 face Palette (Intermediate)

The pattern in the product is not just for decor. The palette is purposely mapped out to mimic the placement of the products on the face to eliminate the guesswork. Choose a contouring colour, which comes in three different shades, that’s a tad darker than your skin tone and dip your brush into it. Do the same with a clean brush for your highlighter, and blend, blend, blend.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Palette (Advanced)

If the Anastasia contour powder kit is a hit, wait until you try the cream version. All the shades in the palettes sink right into the skin for a more natural look. This cream palette comes in three different shades and undertones, so you’re sure to get the right product whatever your skin tone is. For fairer ladies, the lighter palette skews a little pink; while for medium to deeper skin tones, a palette with yellow undertone creates the most flattering contour.

Using the right product makes so much difference in achieving a natural looking contour. With this list, you can surely find the right product whether you are a newbie in the make-up industry, an advanced-level make-up enthusiast or a certified and professional make-up artist.

There is nothing wrong if we desire luxury especially if we have the resources. Desiring luxury is the dream of majority Singaporean women. However, few are lucky enough to afford such luxurious lifestyle. There are plenty of luxury goods available here. Even if the economy is slowing down, the sale and purchase of luxury goods have climbed.

According to Brain & Company, an international consulting firm, the luxury market is valued at about $270 billion and by the end of 2015, it reached $290 billion. This is an enormous figure. The world of luxury brand is expanding and many affluent people around the world fancy brands. In this case, it is crucial that you learn the world’s top luxurious brands.

The world’s top luxurious brands include:

1. Louis Vuitton: There is no doubt that Louis Vuitton is the leader when it comes to luxurious goods. Many local and international celebrities have considered Louis Vuitton. The founder started as a hired packer and box-maker of a countess. From then on, the designs were commended by elites. To this date, Louis Vuitton has at least two hundred outlets around the world and the brand offers shoes, trunks, watches and other leather goods.

2. Hermes: Hermes is a 176 year old brand. The brand’s popularity is not a surprise because it has been in the market for more than a century. The brand offers ready-to-wear fashion. It is said that there is only one artisan who fabricates product from start to finish. Aside from bags, the brand also offers perfume, lifestyle accessories and the like.

3. Gucci: Gucci is also selling high class quality leather goods which are famous for its pristine craftsmanship. What is special about Gucci is that it donates a portion of the sales for United Nations Children’s Fund. The brand offers wide range of luxury goods from clothing to shoes, fashion accessories and many more.

4. Prada: Prada is another fashion house that concentrates on luxury goods both for men and women. The company is now headed by Miuccia Prada – the granddaughter of Mario Prada who first started the Prada fashion line.

5. Chanel: The list will not be complete without Chanel. Chanel is also a big name in the luxury goods business headed by Coco Chanel. The line offers haute couture perfume, jewellery and many accessories.

Chanel is followed by Burberry, Fendi, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Versace and Polo. For affluent people, there is nothing wrong with purchasing such luxurious items. These stores are present here so you will have no problems looking for it.

When a light starts flickering or an outlet goes dead, it’s tempting to pick up your own tools and deal with the problem yourself. You get that urge to troubleshoot the issue right there and then to instantly get rid of the issue. However, because of your lack of experience, you may be aggravating the problem instead of solving it. If you are tempted to try to perform electrical troubleshooting on your own, know that it could jeopardize your safety. Electrical issues are best left to the professional, and here are the reasons why.

1. Long-Term Safety
If an issue isn’t solved properly, it can cause serious safety hazards. A faulty electrical wiring can lead to fires, shocks, and other dangers that could have been easily avoided if the work was done correctly.

2. Upfront Costing
When you choose to hire a professional electrician, you will get a clear estimate for the work you wished to be done, including the cost of materials and labour. This is not the same for do-it-yourself or unprofessional installations and repairs. For example, if you want to upgrade your circuit panel yourself, you can price the necessary materials but are unaware of the additional costs that may arise.

3. More Time Saved
Letting a trained professional handle your electrical works doesn’t only guarantee quick response and friendly customer service; it ensures time efficiency, too. A professional electrical contractor like taizhe 24 hours electrical system from Singapore is going to be able to diagnose and solve the problem effectively. There is no need to second-guess when working with an expert with a vast knowledge of electrical repair. Get the right solution on the first try, and save yourself the headache of enduring power issues in the future.

4. Inside Scoop
Professional electricians in Singapore are dedicated students of the field. When you choose to work with one, you can expect streamlined solutions and efficiencies in your repairs. These experts can share their knowledge with you about latest facilities, ways to save from your electricity bill, and things to remember for ensuring safety of your family and home.

5. Minimize Future Problems
A licensed electrician expertly solves power-related issues. Aside from solving existing problems, they can detect and solve potential problems in your system before they actually arise. A good electrician will take a thorough examination of your electrical line, anticipate future needs, and enlighten you with any upgrades that are deemed necessary.

6. Helpful and Effective Tips
There are electrical specifications particular in Singapore when it comes to system codes and efficiency. Highly trained professionals will be able to share some tips and tricks regarding on how you can get the most out of your electrical system in a safe manner. These experts are more than willing to explain how a certain electrical part is helpful and how to make good use out of it.

7. Insurance Obligations
Accidents and injuries may happen during an electrical repair. With liability insurance and your electrician’s compensation coverage, you’re protected from financial claims in case the electrician gets injured while doing repairs at your home or your property sustains damages due to the repair.

8. Legal Obligations
Hiring a good electrician isn’t only for making sure that the job is done right, but also for ensuring that the work meets the local codes. Electrical codes change from time to time, and a professional electrician
in Singapore is always aware of any local requirement updates and will execute jobs to meet those legalities.

9. Better Troubleshooting
If a problem arises and you’re not sure of its cause, a team of professional electrician services are the better ones to troubleshoot the issue than you. The training and experiences they have will help them to quickly detect the root cause of the problem, ultimately saving you time, money, and the frustration from false hopes.

10. Cost-Efficient Work
In any home repair projects, mistakes are always costly. Even much costlier is solving a problem only to be confronted with the same issue that’s been aggravated a month or two later. Also, if you’re not sure of the repair you’re doing on your own, you might end up purchasing parts and tools that are actually unnecessary for the repair.

11. Safety of Work Execution
Generally speaking, working with electricity is dangerous, which can possibly lead to serious injury, and requires great expertise and utmost caution. If you are unsure that you can handle the job safely even just for a bit, don’t hesitate to seek professional electrician services.

12. Guaranteed Work
One of the most important reasons of hiring a professional electrician in Singapore is that most of them guarantee their work—meaning if you continue to experience issues even after they have fixed the problem, they will keep on coming back to resolve the same issue for no additional cost.

13. Protection For Your Devices and Appliances
Faulty circuits or wirings that have been poorly installed or have become worn out can damage your appliances and electronic devices by delivering wrong amount of amperage, carrying more or less voltage than needed. If you let the professionals do the job, the work is well-polished, ensuring every appliance receives the right voltage to function properly.

Whatever electrical work you may have, even as simple as installing a new ceiling fan, you need a professional to safely and correctly do the job for you. In the long run, you will realize that hiring an expert is the best decision you have made for your family and property. In fact, this could be the most cost-effective decision you can make in terms of your property’s electrical works.

Many Singaporeans appreciate interactive communication these days. Sending text messages are kind of boring now with the coming of different chat platforms that make emoticons more alive and fun. Gone are the days that we are satisfied with text messages and immovable emoticons. It is now the time of Snapchat.

What is Snapchat? Not all people know this application but to those that know it, Snapchat has become a part of their life and relationships. Snapchat is an image messaging app created and designed by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. It was first launched on September 2011. The prototype was called “Picaboo” and later on changed to “Snapchat” by the developers. Today, Snapchat’s Chief Executive Officer is Evan Spiegel.

What are the features of Snapchat? Here are some features that you need to know about:

• Core functionality: The core functionality of Snapchat is creating multimedia messages and sending it to the intended recipient. These messages are called “Snaps”. Snaps can either be a brief video, photo and drawings with effects and filters. There is also another function that enticed many followers. It is called “Selfie lens”. The lens permits users to include real-time effects in their snaps. There are ten free lenses steered every day. The snaps can either be publicize, which is referred as “Story” or it can be private. The messages can be viewed for ten seconds then it vanishes. However, screenshots can be taken.

• Messaging: According to the CEO, what makes Snapchat special is its conversational function rather than being transactional. In the case of the latest version, Chat 2.0, designers added more messaging functionality by increasing stickers, easing of access to video and audio conferencing as well as the function to leave video or audio notes.

• Stories and Discover: If you post stories, it can be viewed by others in chronological order. The contents can only be viewed for twenty four hours. The “Stories” function is considered the most widely used. In fact, it surpassed its private snaps. As for the “Discover” functionality, it shows channels of major publishers like People, CNN, BuzzFeed and many others.

Most of the users of Snapchat are between thirteen to twenty three years old. The number if individual users ages forty and above are also increasing by the minute. About 80% of Snapchat’s users are from the United States.

Snapchat is utilized by people for creative purposes although others use it for sending sensitive contents due to its transient nature. Regardless of how you utilize Snapchat, the important thing is you get the message across and it is understood.

You just want to make sure that the baby has enough nutrients and supplements for his growth and development. Many Singaporean mothers prefer breast milk but there are others who consider fortified formulas because of certain circumstances. Regardless of what you consider, it is important that during the first six months of the baby, he gets enough nutrients and supplements.

The World Health Organization recommended that after six months, the baby should start on solid foods. While that is true, there are many paediatricians that recommend babies start vitamin supplements as well. What supplements should you consider? Here are the top supplements for your baby’s needs:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important because it can help the bones. If the baby has a vitamin D deficiency, it will lead to rickets which is also known as the softening of bones. Without your paediatrician, you should know when your baby needs supplementation. If your baby has dark skin or very little exposure to sunlight, he should be given vitamin D supplements.

You should feed your baby with foods like fish oils, egg yolk, liver and fatty fishes. The best action here is to expose the baby to direct sunlight every day.

Iron

Healthy babies have enough iron stored in their bodies but it will be insufficient after the six months. The best source of iron is breast milk but there are many sources of iron from foods. You can call your doctor for more options. However if you breastfed your baby after six months, you do not need to worry about iron deficiency because the breast milk is packed with iron supplements.

Foods rich in iron include squash, seaweed, dried beans, grains, mushrooms, poultry, meat, squash and many more.

Probiotics

One of the most important ways to intensify the baby’s immune system is through probiotic supplement. Babies are born with good bacteria from mother via birth canal. If the baby has digestive difficulties, it will lead to bloating, allergies, gas, reflux, colic and constipation.

Vitamin B12

You should know that vitamin B12 is critical for the development of the baby’s nervous system. It can also prevent anaemia.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 includes meat, eggs, poultry, milk and other dairies and fish.

DHA and Omega 3

Another important nutrient is DHA and Omega 3. The two are important for the growth and development of the baby’s immune system as well as eye and brain coordination.

Do not ignore these supplements because it can make a difference at the end of the day.

For girls who love to travel outside Singapore, what could ruin a potentially good selfie? Not your face, lips or your eyes but your hair. When traveling, it is important that you avoid a bad hair day because it will really show from your selfies. The good news is that you can avoid having a bad hair day. You should bring hair essentials every time you travel.

When traveling, you just want to feel and look beautiful. Making sure that your hair is Facebook or Instagram ready requires effort but you will see that it will be worth it at the end of the day. With the right hair products and essentials, nothing can go wrong. You should never leave your home without the following hair essentials:

• Dry shampoo: You think that washing the hair is the trick. Here’s one: before going to sleep, shower and wash your hair especially if you have an early morning tour schedule. What’s good about this is you can sneak in a few more minutes of sleep. When you wake up, you just need to refresh your scalp by applying dry shampoo. The dry shampoo will surely create volume plus a matte texture. This product is easy to find in the hair products section.

• Heat protectant: Your hair too can suffer from UV rays and humidity. It is time that you know that. The best way is to apply or spray some heat protectant unto it before heading out to your day tour. The heat protectant will keep the hair color vibrant.

• Hair lotion: If you do not have enough time to go to rinse off the conditioner, the best solution is to apply hair lotion. Hair lotion is of great help because it can add more moisture as well as nourishment to the hair. It can condition, repair and tame the hair immediately after application. This is helpful for prompt selfies.

• Volumizing spray: Flat hair is not a good sight. Hairs with volume are always Facebook or Instagram ready. The volumizing spray will give life to your hair. You only need to spritz some to get an instant lift from the roots to the tips. If you have locks, the spray will surely add body to it. Here’s to sexy hair!

These four things sound simple but it can make a great difference at the end of the day. Apart from the sights, there is nothing wrong if you want to look beautiful as well. Traveling should be a positive and glorifying experience. Hairs should never be ignored.