Anti-slip measures for rugs

Came across this tip on next month’s issue of BHG (Aust): line the back of a rug with strips of construction adhesive or silicone to make it non-skid. A commenter on the BHG site reminded readers that a thin layer will stay on the rug should you peel off the strip. For me, I keep the ones I have in place with duct tape beneath.

Back-folding the tape

I’ve been wanting to show you the packaging from this brand and the time is just right because recently I bought a pack of tea from one of its outlets.

Notice something about the seal on the paper bag? The back-fold at the end, where the arrow is pointing?

The intention is just to make it effortless for their customers to peel off the tape, knowing how stubborn/gluey it can be sometimes. I’ve witnessed this practice in 1 or 2 department stores in Japan.

Well, it may not look much but I applaud this little act of thoughtfulness. So if you’re receiving a package from me, expect to see a fold too!

Cardboard etc [1]

I find myself enjoying the multi-transformations of corrugated paper into all kinds of predictable and unbelievable things. Recently, I bought some corrugated sheets from a packaging supplier and have started using one of it to pin up and display my knots.

It’s such an eye-opening experience going through the creative DIY projects shown here and just look at all these creations:

Some more:
Toddler-size animals + insects
Unique product display
Sculptures, sound system and more surprises!
Recyclable cardboard cot
Safari animals
Kids’ desk
How to make your own corrugated wall clock
Desktop corrugated wallpaper
Recyclable cardboard cot
Wood grain corrugated paper

If you come across any interesting corrugated stuff, let me know.

Sporty organiser

The other day I popped by into a small backpack-cum-adventure gear shop looking for a first aid pouch. As expected, most of the items in that shop were dressed in non-adventurous (aka solemn) colours…but something stood out and made my eyes pop!

Pink + brown!

For the love of both colours, their rare partnership (in the world of sports) and the practicality of this item (I was still thinking), I bought it, together with the first aid pouch that comes with many compartments.

So how practical is this? I can think of all sorts of places for storage use: on the back seat of the car, in the closet, on your baby stroller or in a kids’ room and of course in my luggage for a next trip. And that reflective piece is a detachable mirror.

Besides Lafuma, from now on, I’ll be sticking to Tatonka for things sporty, chic and functional.

Ikea + shelf

Last week I was at Ikea to get a replacement for our sagging 4-month-old shelf. We’re scratching our heads trying to find a reason for this premature behaviour. It wasn’t overloaded because it was pretty empty, so what could it be??? Hmm…

Well anyway, at Ikea I was there at the right time because there was no crowd (you could roam the whole place without having to wait in line) but wrong time because various sections were all covered up for renovation works so there was a lot less to see but a lot of construction noises to hear.

As for the shelf, the side that faces the wall comes exposed and somehow I feel the need to cover it, which I did with tape. We’ll see if this replacement will hold up much longer.

Btw, we’ve 2 Ikea stores here on this small island. Yes 2!! About 45 mins (of driving) apart.

Twig

This was found on a roadside yesterday. It looks even more lovely in person.

There’s one particular leaf on the right that’s naturally unlike the rest. It looks more heart-shaped in person.