Laundry Tips to Protect Your Clothes While Cleaning

Good clothes cost a lot of money, so you want to make them last for as long as possible in order to stretch your dollar further. You don’t need fancy fabric treatments or expensive professional cleaning in order to protect your clothes. In fact, all you need to do to safeguard your clothes is to simply launder them with care. Here is our top tips on how to protect your clothes while cleaning them.

Read the Labels

Different fabrics need to be laundered in different ways. By just following the fabric care tips recommended on a garment’s tag, you clothes will be looking better for longer. If you’re not someone with the patience for hand-washing or doing separate loads of delicate items, perhaps silk and cashmere are not for you. Here are some other basic fabric care suggestions: • Cotton: pre-soak in detergent before washing for easy removal of stains and avoid hot water and dryer temperatures. • Fine Cotton: hand wash with mild detergent on the delicate cycle. Line dry to prevent stretching, then air in dryer to restore softness. • Linen: hand wash or use the delicate cycle on your machine, rinse thoroughly and dry flat. Never use bleach as this weakens the natural fibres. • Rayon: check the label as most rayon garments require dry-cleaning or hand-washing. • Wool: pay careful attention to the care label before cleaning any wool garment. To refresh wool, simply hang in a steamy bathroom. When pressing, iron the reverse side using the steam setting on slightly damp fabric.

Sort Your Laundry

By sorting your laundry by type and colour, you are more likely to wash your clothes on the most suitable cycle and water temperature. Sorting your clothes means that you are also less likely to damage them. Use a mesh mag to further protect delicate garments such as lingerie. These laundry bags are also a great way to keep those tiny little baby clothes from disappearing in the washing.

Fasteners

You can protect your garments from further wear and tear in the washing machine by simply buttoning and zipping closed your garments. By doing so, they are less likely to snag other items in the load.

Don’t Overload Your Machine

While having a full machine is efficient from a power and water usage perspective, overloading your washer damages your clothing. When you cram too much into the machine, it doesn’t clean your clothes properly, and because they’re packed in so tightly they are rubbing together more which wears the fabric.

Limit Use of Detergent and Softener

More detergent means cleaner clothes, right? Wrong. In fact extra softer and detergent is more likely to settle back into the fabric, making your clothing feel stiff, look dull and may even irritate your skin. Try baking soda as a detergent booster instead. White vinegar also makes an excellent, odour free fabric softener.

Panasonic: From Ideas for Life to Real Innovations

On March 13, 1918, Konosuke Matsushita founded a company that he named after himself in Osaka, Japan. Matsushita’s company produced just one product at that time: duplex sockets for lamps. Slowly, the company broadened its product lineup and by the end of World War II, was manufacturing a wide variety of parts for appliances, lighting fixtures and other products.

Once the war ended, Matsushita continued to look for ways to expand his company’s offerings. His quest to find new products and new markets to sell them in led him to the United States in 1961. It was there that he found dealers clamoring for a line of consumer electronics products. Matsushita entered an agreement with these dealers, and his company soon began making electronics under the brand name Panasonic. Although the company eventually became synonymous with this brand name, it did not officially adopt the name the Panasonic Corporation until June 26, 2008.

Presently, the Panasonic Corporation is ranked among the top 100 largest companies in the world with more than 330,000 employees around the globe. In Australia, Panasonic has its headquarters in Macquarie Park, New South Wales. The company also has additional offices in Scoresby, Victoria; Hendra, Queensland; Welland, South Australia and Welshpool, Western Australia.

Panasonic is known for its consistent innovation and has a corporate philosophy that is centered around the word “how.” In short, this means that the aims of research and development for the corporation are always to discover how to create new technology that will surprise and delight customers. It’s for this reason that many of Panasonic’s electronic devices consistently receive awards and accolades from major publications around the globe.

One area in electronics manufacturing in which Panasonic truly excels is in televisions. The brand’s plasma televisions, like the Panasonic TH-P65VT50A 65” Full-HD 3D Plasma TV, are outfitted with neo plasma technology, which creates sharp, clear images that are so vivid that they can rival the quality of a movie theatre’s screen.

Panasonic LCD LED televisions like the TH-L55ET5A 55″ 3D HD Full-HD 2D LED LCD TV offer numerous options for connectivity so that the television can communicate with computers, handheld devices and all of the components in home entertainment centers. In addition to televisions, Panasonic also produces home theater and hi-fi equipment.

The brand has a full line of appliances available in Australia, including air conditioners, washing machines, rice cookers, microwave ovens, cordless phones and alarm clocks. In addition, Panasonic makes Lumix digital cameras, camcorders and multimedia mobile cameras. Panasonic is not only a leader in

Panasonic is not only a leader in innovation, but also one of the top companies known for their environmental responsibility. The brand previously received recognition from Greenpeace for being among the top 10 best environmentally friendly electronics brands. The company continues to cut down on its carbon dioxide emissions with plans to eliminate them completely through continued improvements in their factories around the globe. The brand’s electronics are designed to use as little power as possible to preserve natural resources and cut down on energy spending.

5 Must-Have Features for Your New Camera

We all know a great photograph when we see one, but shopping for a camera is not as straightforward. The myriad of options now available can make choosing a new camera confusing. Here are the key features you should be looking for in your new digital camera.

Resolution

Ever taken a photo and your smartphone and noticed that the picture quality does not even compare to what a digital camera is capable of producing? The reason is because the camera resolution. While phones and webcams capturing images at around 3 – 5 megapixels is fine for the web and email, if you were to print these images they would be grainy and blurry. When considering the resolution of your new camera remember that the higher the megapixels, the greater the quality the image resolution will be. However, keep in mind that high resolution shots also require more memory capacity

Convenience

Unless you are a skilled photographer, opt for a pocket-sized point and shoot camera with automatic settings. Look for features including auto-focus, image stabilisation, facial detection and scene recognition settings. Some automatic cameras offer the option of manual settings, which is a ideal if you would like to experiment with your camera’s different capabilities for yourself.

Great Zoom Quality

Digital cameras offer two kinds of zoom – optical and digital. Optical zoom is a “true zoom”, using the lens to magnify the subject. In contrast, digital zoom simply enlarges the pixels to make the object appear closer. The greater the optical zoom, the closer you will be able to zoom in on the subject of your photograph and the clearer your image will be. I you would like more zoom power, look for a camera that enables zoom lens attachment, as this will give you the additional quality optical zoom power you need, rather than opting for the digital zoom option which is likely to result in fuzzy images.

HD Video Recording

Enjoy the convenience of capturing still and moving pictures all in one convenient device. Many pocket digi-cams also let you shoot video. Check to see that the camera you are considering to purchase captures video at a quality that will translate well onto the screen, particularly if you want to watch in high-definition. Also ensure your camera has sufficient memory to store your videos.

Endurance

You want a camera that will have enough battery power and memory space to enable you to shoot for extended periods without a care. Opt for a long-life rechargeable battery to avoid spending money on disposables. Also check to see how much on-board memory the camera provides and that it also has a memory card slot so that you can further extend upon this capacity.

Sennheiser: Precise, Powerful and True Sound

In 1945 following World War II, Fritz Sennheiser and colleagues from Germany’s University of Hanover founded a workshop they called Labor W, after the village of Wennebostel, where it was based. The team of engineers were interested in developing electrical products and produced a voltmeter as their first offering.

Successful sales led to further innovation and in 1946, the team at Labor W started making microphones. The company was the first to create a noise-compensated microphone, which greatly improved sound production, and introduced this new technology in 1949. The 1950s were a period of rapid expansion for Labor W. In 1950, the brand produced its first microphone transformers and mixing amplifiers, and in 1952, launched a line of miniature headphones. From there the company began focusing on making its designs smaller and more compact and went on to make many new products, including a miniature transformer for hearing aids.

With more than 250 employees in 1958, the company opted to change its name to Sennheiser Electronics in honour of the workshop’s leader. To this day, Sennheiser remains a private, family-owned company, employing 2,100 people around the globe. The company has locations in 90 countries, and in Australia, is based in Chatswood, New South Wales. Its manufacturing facilities are located in Germany, Ireland and the United States.

With its product line based on audio equipment, Sennheiser has won numerous awards for innovation and design during its more than 65-year history. Most recently, the brand received a prestigious Red Dot design award for one of its Xbox headsets. Around the world, Sennheiser microphones are used by top musicians while on tour, and their products are also used for television broadcasting in many countries.

For home use, one of Sennheiser’s most popular ranges is its headphone collection. The company offers six types of headsets. The HiFi and TV range is designed for enjoying music and the audio tracks of your favourite television shows and movies. An example is the Sennheiser HD 201 Around-Ear Stereo Headphones, which are designed to produce theater-quality sound while still being lightweight and comfortable to wear.

The Sennheiser MP3 & Co. collection was developed to work with digital music players, including iPods, iPhones and MP3 players. Featuring earbud styles rather than full headphones, these models are meant for easy traveling and for producing the best digital quality sound possible. The Sennheiser CX 300-II Black In-Ear Headphones are one of the most popular styles in this MP3 & Co. range.

To round out its collection of fine quality headphones, Sennheiser offers an ultra durable sports collection, which was developed in cooperation with Adidas. The brand also produces headsets outfitted with microphones that are designed for online and console gaming. For those who are frequently on trains, buses and planes, the Traveler series is designed to completely block out all background noise, even in crowded, tight spaces. Sennheiser also produces a line of DJ headphones in its personal headset collection. All of the products in these speciality lines are designed to be ultra comfortable while still incredibly powerful.

How to Keep Fruit and Vegetables Fresher for Longer

Australia’s food waste totals approximately $7.8 billion each year with research indicating that up to 40% of kerbside garbage collections consist of food. Much of this food waste is avoidable, and with the rising cost of living, it makes financial sense to store your fruit and vegetables so that they stay fresher for longer.

Know Where to Store Your Produce

There are different ways to store different types of fruit and veggies. Knowing the best way to store your produce will impact upon how long and how well it will keep. Produce is generally best stored unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawers of your fridge. Perforation allows for air flow which helps maintain freshness. However, to keep okra and mushrooms fresh, always store in a paper bag when refrigerating. When storing berries in the fridge, they are best kept unwashed, in a single layer to maintain freshness. Keep fruits and vegetables in separate refrigerator drawers as the ethylene produced by certain produce makes it spoil faster. High ethylene-producing fruits include apples, stone fruit, rockmelon, figs and honeydew melon. Bananas, potatoes, pumpkins and tropical fruits such as melons and pineapples should be stored in a dry location at room temperature away from sunlight. By storing these items in the fridge they will last longer, but ensure they are kept away from other produce as these ethylene producers will cause nearby fruit to spoil. Apples, bananas and tomatoes are ideally kept on your countertop and do not need to be covered. These should be consumed within seven days, so only purchase the amount needed to ensure the produce you are eating is fresh. Avocados and stone fruits such as peaches and plums should be ripened on the countertop before storing in the fridge.

Understanding Shelf-life

Learn spoilage rate of the fruits and vegetables that you regularly purchase. By understanding the shelf-life of your fruit and vegetables, you can plan ahead and anticipate how much you may consume before you next go shopping, thereby minimising wastage.

Plan Your Weekly Meals

Before you go fruit and veggie shopping, decide what you will intend to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the coming week. Planning you menu will give you some idea of how much of each item you will be needing, which means you will have the fresh produce you want when you need it while reducing wastage and in turn, saving you money.

Buy Local, Buy Quality

By choosing locally grown produce, you can ensure that you are purchasing the freshest product available, straight from the grower to you. When selecting your produce look for signs of freshness, such as a rich colour and aroma and always avoid items with bruising, soft spots and mould as fruits and vegetables with any of these characteristics will spoil quicker.

Simpson: Simple, Affordable and Australian

In 1909, the Simpson Company opened in Adelaide, South Australia. The next few decades brought success and prosperity for the company, and in 1963, the firm bought out Pope Industries Ltd, a manufacturer of sprinklers, irrigation equipment, washing machines and air conditioners. Manufacturing of consumer appliances became the main focus of the company that was formed by the union of the two organisations.

In 1979, the company took the name Simpson Holdings Limited and in 1986, it again merged with another company. This time the firm in question was Email Limited, a manufacturer of refrigeration products based in New South Wales. In 1999, the company fell on hard times and was sold off in units, and the appliance manufacturing sector of Simpson Holdings was purchased by Electrolux, a Swedish appliance manufacturer based in Stockholm.

After Electrolux purchased Simpson, manufacturing continued in Adelaide until 2006. At that time, the manufacturing plant in the city was closed and moved overseas; however Electrolux continues to sell washing machines and dryers under the Simpson brand name throughout Australia. The Simpson lineup is designed as an affordable option for those who need a basic washing machine or clothes dryer.

Of all the washing machines made under the Simpson brand name, the Simpson SWT554 5.5kg EZI Set Top Load Washer is the best selling model. Despite its affordable price, the washing machine is packed with features to make it easy to use and efficient. An example is the soak feature, which takes the place of a washtub or bucket. By activating the feature, the drum of the washer can be filled with water and then drained once the washing has had adequate soaking time. The washing machine features 11 programs and has an extra heavy-duty lid for added durability.

The EZI Set control panel is one of the washer’s best selling points. Rather than having a complicated series of buttons and dials, the control panel features easily identifiable icons that take the guesswork out of starting the wash. For most loads, just pushing one button is all that is necessary to start and set the machine. As an added bonus, the control panel features a time remaining display that allows users to know precisely when the current load will be finished washing.

The top selling Simpson dryer model is the Simpson 39S500M EZILoader Dryer, a front-loading unit that makes the perfect companion to the SWT554 washer. The door to the dryer is extra wide, making it easy to add even large loads. Additional features of the dryer include a front lint filter and a directional front venting grill. For added safety, the model has a child safety lock and a safety thermostat heater, and like all Simpson appliances, is available for a great price at Bing Lee.

Entertainer’s Guide to Hosting a Dinner Party

It is possible to throw a dinner party with maximum enjoyment for your guests and minimal stress for you. Organisation and making use of modern technology are your keys to success. Here are our suggestions on how to host a great dinner party.

Plan Your Menu

From appetisers to dessert, plan out exactly what you will be serving your guests, including beverages. When they RSVP have your guests advise you of any allergies or special dietary needs and ensure that you have factored these into your menu planning. Know what you will be cooking well in advance of your party and ensure that you have all of the ingredients you will need. It’s probably best not to be experimenting with new recipes on the night of your party. If you would like to make something you haven’t made before, cook a trial batch beforehand. Fresh is best, so try and cook as much as possible on the day of the party – keep your menu simple to allow for this. If you will be preparing some elements in advance, ensure these are properly stored. Don’t forget to always store and serve your food at safe temperatures. After all, you want your dinner party to be memorable, but not for food poisoning!

Atmosphere

Having a theme is a great way to set the tone for your evening. Setting your theme around a particular culinary style can be complimented by your table settings and the use of other decorative elements around your home. Ensure your table settings don’t obscure your guests view, as this may hinder conversation. Music and lighting will create the ambiance for your dinner party. Program a playlist that will help set the mood you are trying to achieve. Check the volume is set so that you can hear the music without having to talk over it. Avoid bright lights by using the dimmer setting, lamps or candles to give your dining room an intimate feel.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

It is attention to detail and remembering the little things that makes all the difference. Here are a few simple things to ensure you don’t overlook:

  • Stock up on napkins (cocktail and dinner size), toothpicks, garbage bags, tea and coffee, paper towels, ice, mixers and garnishes for drinks
  • Ensure you salt and pepper shakers are full
  • Set your table with matching polished glassware and the necessary silverware for each course you will be serving. Reset the cutlery for dessert with coffee/tea cups.
  • Make sure you have wine and bottle openers
  • Make sufficient space for chilling beverages – filling a bathtub full or ice of using an esky will suffice
  • Ensure your house is tidy
  • Ensure your toilet is clean has enough toilet paper, air freshener, hand-wash and hand-towels for your guests
  • Have a place for your guests to put their bags, coats and umbrellas

Relax!

It’s all about having fun, so don’t try to plan every second of your night down to the last detail. An ice-breaker game such as Pictionary or charades along with nice bottle of wine is a great way for everyone to get to know one another and gets the conversation flowing.

Smeg Delivers Technology with Style

Now one of the largest appliance manufacturers in Europe, Smeg got its start in a humble workshop in Guastalla, Reggio Emilia, Italy in 1948. Founder Vittorio Bertazzoni chose the name Smeg because it is an acronym for the phrase Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastall, which refers to the company’s first function: serving as a metal enamelling factory.

When Bertazzoni decided to begin manufacturing appliances in his workshop, he wanted his products to stand out from others that were already on the market. To ensure his success and help him to reach this goal, he hired two successful Italian architects, Guido Canali and Renzo Piano, to design his new product lineup. At this time, appliances were designed only with their utility in mind, and so, when Smeg’s stylish models emerged on the market, they created an international stir.

From that time onward, Smeg has continued to place a heavy emphasis on the appearance of the brand’s products. Using the motto “technology with style,” Smeg promotes the idea that a homeowner does not have to sacrifice the appearance of their kitchen to have a truly functional space. To this end, all of Smeg’s products are visually appealing but also built with smart features that make them useful in modern homes.

While Smeg has grown to become a highly recognisable, influential brand and to have locations across the globe, the corporation remains private and family-owned. Currently, it is run by CEO and Chairman Roberto Bertazzoni. Now a multinational company, Smeg has a headquarters in Banksmeadow, New South Wales, and has registered service agents for its products located throughout Australia.

As an added service to customers, Smeg offers cooking classes to the public in Melbourne, Sydney and Dudley Park, South Australia. Those who can’t fit a cooking class into their busy schedules can also find a variety of fun recipes to try on the brand’s official website.

One area of appliances in which Smeg excels is ovens and cookers. The majority of Smeg’s ovens feature a special covering over their interior cavities known as Thermoseal. This seal prevents air from the kitchen from entering the oven, which keeps the food being baked inside more moist and juicy. The Thermoseal is one of the major features of the Smeg SAC399X-8 60cm Classic Vapour Clean Single Oven, a popular model in the brand’s oven range.

In keeping with the brand’s emphasis on the beauty of appliances, the unit features sleek lines, modern embellishments and a handsome triple-glazed door. Smeg’s cooking appliance collection also includes cooktops, range hoods and microwave ovens like the Smeg SA985-2CX Convection Microwave Oven that also doubles as a convection cooker. To complete the kitchen, Smeg produces dishwashers in freestanding, semi-integrated and fully-integrated styles.

Smeg is very well known for its fine quality, wall-installed coffee makers that brew up coffee, espresso and cappuccino that can rival the cafes in Italy. The brand also makes a full line of refrigerators, including a colourful collection that is based on the look of iceboxes and fridges from the 1950s and 1960s.

3 Warming Winter Recipes for Your Slow Cooker

Tender, rich comfort food are a staple for the cooler months, but with the hectic pace of modern society, who has time to be slaving away over a stove for hours? That’s why slow cookers are a must have for any kitchen. Just pop your ingredients in before going to sleep, or before leaving for work in the morning and return 8 hours later to a hearty, homely meal. Here are some great winter recipes to try in your slow cooker this winter.

Chunky Lamb Stew

Ingredients

1.4 kg lamb shoulder, de-boned, and cut into 4 cm cubes 450g pound potatoes, diced into large chunks 4 large carrots, diced into large pieces 1 medium-sized brown onion halved and thinly sliced 1 cup celery, sliced diagonally 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 Bouquet garni 1 can tomato pieces ½ cup water 450 g green beans, sliced 225 g fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon plain flour

Method

Add lamb, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, salt, pepper, bouquet garni, tomato and water into a large slow cooker, then mix.

Cover and cook on Low 8 – 10 hours.

Remove bouquet garni.

Add green beans, mushrooms, and a mixture sour cream and flour to the cooker and stir.

Cover again and cook for a further 30 – 60 minutes on high.

Serving suggestion: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty fresh bread

Slow-cooked Chilli con Carne

Ingredients

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil 2 medium-sized brown onions, diced 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely 1.2kg of lean beef mince 1 tbs ground cumin 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 can of chopped tomatoes 1 can of rid kidney beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup of beef stock 2 bay leaves Salt and Pepper to season

Method

Heat oil in a large fry pan and add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.

Add mince to the fry pan and cook until brown and loose.

Stir spices through and cook until fragrant.

Transfer mixture to the slow cooker, adding the tomatoes, beans and bay leaves. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours.

Remove bay leaves and season to taste.

Serving suggestion: serve with tortillas or tacos, adding your favourite filings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream and cheese.

Osso Bucco

Ingredients

30g plain flour Salt and pepper 6 thick slices veal shanks 30g butter 2 tbs olive oil 2 brown onions, roughly chopped 2 big carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced 300ml chicken stock 1x400g can diced tomatoes 2 tsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano 1 bay leaf

Method

Season flour and coat the meat thoroughly. Heat the olive oil and butter in a frypan and seal the meat over a medium heat until it begins to brown.

Place the vegetables in the bottom of the slow cooker then place the browned meat on top.

Pour the tinned tomatoes and stock over the meat.

Add the bay leaf and fresh oregano. If using dried oregano wait until 1 hour before the end of cooking time.

Cook for 8 hours on Low setting or for 4 hours on High then 2 hours on low.

Getting the Most Out of Your Home Theatre System

With a quality home theatre system, you can now enjoy the cinema experience in the comfort of your own home. If you’ve decided to make such an important investment, you want to ensure that you are getting the most enjoyable audio-visual experience possible. But maximising your enjoyment and your new theatre system’s performance is about more than plugging it in and popping a few speakers around your living room. Here are a few pointers on how you can get the most out of your home theatre system.

Viewing Distance

 

By simply changing your seating arrangement you can enhance your viewing experience. There is even a formula you can use to calculate the best distance from seat-to-screen. Simply divide your screen size (which is measured diagonally) by 0.84 to find your optimum viewing distance. If you haven’t got a dedicated theatre room or are still in the process of deciding which HDTV size is right for you, this is an important consideration to factor into your purchasing decision.

Speaker Placement

 

Many of us place our surround sound speakers according to where they look best or wherever we can fit them in with our other décor. But by better considering your speaker set-up, you can significantly improve the sound quality emanating from your system. There are a variety of online tools and placements guides that offer advice on the best distances and angles for achieving optimal sound, depending on the room’s dimensions. As a general rule of thumb, you should have a speaker to the left, right and directly underneath your television as well as two to four speakers behind you just above ear level.

Calibration

 

As much as we all hate doing it, it pays to read the Owner’s Manual. Doing so will give you an understanding of your components, menu settings, and an opportunity to experiment with them. Taking time to go through your AV receiver and TV picture settings pays dividends in better sound and picture quality. For a quick and easy solution, try one of the calibration discs included in most home theatre purchases to assist you with fine tuning the video and audio settings on your system. Many new AV receivers on the market also come with an automatic calibration feature.

Line Conditioner

 

Protect your system from power spikes with a quality line conditioner. Using a line conditioner will also improve your sound and picture quality. This is because as well as providing surge protection, these devices filter your AC power, eliminating the noise travelling through the AC line through to your equipment.

Quality Cables

 

Connecting your equipment with quality cables makes the world of difference and you don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive cables on the market. To maximise signal transfer, connections should make solid contact when plugged together. Good quality cables will stay in place and make secure contact.

Lighting

 

Having control over the lighting in your theatre room can immensely enhance your whole experience. Ensure that you can darken your room while watching movies and eliminate any sources of light that may reflect off the screen into your eyes while viewing.