HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4048, 13 October 1931, Page 59

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

A colour-scheme for an informal dining room:—Blue and yellow are the dominants. Lacquered chairs and tables are done in deep parchment shade to match the diamond striped wallpaper. Cupboards are in the same parchment shade, with the interiors a deep blue and the crockery is buttercup yellow; the rug is a deep blue with t ,v o creamcoloured stripes at each side, and the scalloped wooden cornice board is painted a rich deep blue. The window drape is of deep blue cretonne, with a coin-spot design of golden yellow, and the glasscurtains are of yellow batiste.

. Sheets will live longer if, when beginning to show signs of wearing thin in the centre, they are repaired by cutting them in half from top to bottom and seaming the selvedges together. This brings the good part of the sheet into wear, while the cut edges can be hemmed, and, being on the outside of the bed, will continue to give good service for many a day. They will also live longer if the corners of the hems are strengthened by running a piece of tape along the hem for about four inches on the wrong side. This is a great safeguard against tearing when they are pegged on the line on a windy washday.

Blankets can have their lives prolonged in the same way as sheets, by turning “ sides into middie.” Sometimes the selvedges of a blanket are inclined to fray. They usually see longer service before undergoing repairs than sheets do. Overwrap the selvedges about a quarter of an inch, herringbone down in fine wool on both sides; or they can be machined, if time is scarce, but it is not so flat and soft as herrir.gboning. The cut edges can be either herringboned or machined, as you feel inclined.

SHE ALWAYS LOOKS SO SMARTBecause she—

Always studies her back view in her hand mirror before she considers her dressing is complete.

Never wears her cotton or other washing frocks a second time, however clean they may be, without pressing at least the hem.

Always chooses stockings with a back seam, and takes care the seam is quite straight when she pulls on her stockings. Never puts anything away without brushing it, shaking it well, and taking off mud stains.

Always hangs her frocks—all o e them —on coat hangers, and adjusts them so that the weight falls equally from the shoulders. This keeps them in shape. Never forgets to put her sh. es on trees while still warm from wearing, and n«ver allows them to get the least bit run over at the heels.

Always takes care that her rmderslip is the right length for the frock worn over it, and that it is just as immaculate as the frock, especially about the hem, and never, never uses pins where there should be buttons, hooks, or press-studs.

Cleaning Rugs.—Does the reader happen to be one of those housekeepers who have a rug or two which, even with daily care, present dull and grimy appearances? If so, let her try the following remedy, and she will be mest pleased with the results:—First of all, the rug must be cleaned thoroughly with the vacuum cleaner or with a sturdj’ broom. Have a good supply of water, boiling hot. Put a scant cupful of mild soap flakes into the pail and pour the boiling water on it, so that there are plenty of good suds. Let this set until it is cool enough to put the hands into. It can be prepared while the rug is swept. Then, just before using the water, pour into it one-fourth cf a cupful of household knimonia.

Use a stiff-bristled brush, a regular scrubbing brush, and, dipping it into the warm, soapy water, scrub the rug, using the up-and-down motion. Use sufficient water, but not an excess. The rug can be left in its customary place. The water does not soak through to barm the floor; indeed, the floor does not even become damp. If this sounds like a tedious task, try putting a good piece of band music, a march or the like on the phonograph, and brush in time to the music. The task will soon be com pleted and the rug will smile back at the contented worker. Do not allow anyone to walk on the rug for from 12 to 24 hours after cleaning. When it is dry, clean it again with a vacuum sweeper or a broom to remove any possible lint.

So much attention is devoted to the plump girl who wants to get slim that we are apt to overlook the fact that there are many thin women who want to acquire a few curves instead of some more bony angles. o Get at least nine hours’ sleep every night. Take a glass of hot milk, sipping it slowly after going to bed. Take another at 11 in the morning, and substitute a cup of chocolate for your early morning tea. Take four or five small meals daily instead of three large ones. Eat little and often should be the motto of the woman who wishes to pur on weight. Let your diet consist of soups, milky puddings, oatmeal porridge, and stewed fruits, especially prunes. Take bananas at one meal every day, and eat a few raisins at breakfast. Lie down for half an hour after the mid-day meal. If the throat looks thin and lined, massage it with a mixture of cocoa butter and olive oil. Practise deep breathing exercises before an open window for 15 minutes every morning. Take a teaspoonful of pure olive oil after each meal. Thin, sunken cheeks can be filled out by practising blowing bubbles. Inflate the checks and blow’ as if blowing bubbles. Practice before a mirror for five to ten minutes twice daily. Arms that are too thin for beauty can lie improved by exercising with a pair of light-weight Indian clubs. Skipping is excellent for developing the shoulders and chest. Take a cup of camomile tea in place of the ordinary kind in the afternoon. Camomile tea is made from the dried camomile flowers with boiling water, and is taken with milk and sugar. It is excellent for soothing the nerves. If a fruit or meat pie is placed with its dish in a tin of boiling water when it is put into the oven to cook, the juice or gravy will not boil over or soak into the crust. ¥ ¥ ¥ Rinse the kitchen cloths after each washing, and with a boil once a week they will keep sweet and clean, and a good colour. « * # K is for Kerosene —- Removing all dirt With ease and with vigour That never can hurt; For washing the dusters, For cleaning the sink, For scrubbing the lino, For getting out ink. It will keep away moths If the bed frames receive A rubbing once weekly, While no stain it will leave.