Make your own facemask in a few easy steps!

In times like these when COVID-19 is affecting all of us greatly in every way, it’s more important than ever to not only be safe from disease and healthy, but also to be resourceful and practical.

With the right tools and materials, it’s very easy to make your own basic protective gear. Did you know that with some spare cloth, a printer, and a sewing machine, you can sew your own facemask? Now there’s no need to worry about disposable facemasks—you can quickly craft your own for light everyday use and supplies of surgical masks can go to health workers and frontliners who need them more.

Here’s what you’ll need:
Outer fabric (20cm x 80cm)
Inner fabric (20cm x 80cm)
Band (2m)
Printer
Sewing machine/sewing tools
* The above measurements are good for three masks.
* Soft-textured material, such as gauze, is preferable.
* You can add your own embroidery or lace.

SIZE CHART

Size
Finished size
Length of ear band

For babies (9 months – 3 years)
8.5cm x 12.5cm
29cm x 2 pieces

For children (5 – 9 years)
11cm x 14.5cm
31cm x 2 pieces

For adults
13cm x 17cm
35cm x 2 pieces

Instructions:
Sew the outer fabric together.
Cut two pieces of the outer fabric according to the attached pattern, which you can print for accuracy. Place the pieces together right-side in, then sew them with 1cm seam allowance. Press-iron edges and topstitch. Don’t forget to reinforce the stitches at the start and end.

Do the same for the inner fabric.
You can decorate the mask at this step.

Sew the inner and the outer fabric together.
Place the inner and outer fabric together right-side in, then sew the top and bottom. Press-iron edges and topstitch.
Then turn the inner fabrics right-side out. Press-iron and topstitch.

Make the elastic band.
Sew the inner mask layer. Fold one edge three times and stitch. Do the same for the other side.

Assemble the elastic band by cutting it according to the measurements in the size chart plus 3cm seam allowance. (You’re free to adjust the measurements as needed.) Insert it through the edges of the mask and tie a knot to secure them.

Iron the mask to finish it!

You can also watch this video to see how everything is done:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/liWJIJWHqCw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>.

And you can download the patterns and instructions here: http://bit.ly/BrotherDIYFacemask.

Other notes:
You can use any pattern and design you want!

For better results, tighter stitches, and a more durable mask, you can machine-stitch it with reliable tools such as Brother Sewing Machines.

Brother Philippines stands with the nation in its fight against COVID-19, and supports all efforts to combat the spread of the virus and heal the country.

For information and updates on Brother products, customers may visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside. They can also call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at (02) 8 581-9898, or through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER or send an email to helpdesk@brother.com.ph.

Making Your Place Look Like A Million Bucks

While anyone can easily admire a chic pad that looks like it came straight out of a magazine, not everyone has the budget for a major renovation or hire a world class designer to spruce up their homes.

Taking design cues from some of the metro’s most sought-after condominiums, these are simple design inspirations anyone can pull off even on a budget.

1. Add depth to your ceiling!

Ceilings have a great influence on how we feel in certain spaces. Low ceilings prompt quick action as small rooms make us unconsciously want to leave faster, while the inviting aura of a room with high ceilings make us want to take our time and relax.

You can highlight the size of your living space using recessed lights for a more modern, understated way of lighting. Likewise, full-length mirrors further expand the space in the room.

In the one-bedroom model unit from Mi Casa, for instance, the interior design done on the ceiling adds visual depth. This works well for an area where you regularly welcome guests. The living room and dining area are good areas to apply this concept because they will greatly benefit from the impression of a bigger space.

Actual photo of Mi Casa model unit

2. Let nature illuminate your home for you.

Natural lighting is the best way to brighten up any space.

Actual photo of Marco Polo Residences model unit

Condominium units with floor to ceiling windows not only provide sweeping views but give off the impression of a bigger and more calming living space. You will only be able to take advantage of spectacular views, of course, if your unit is on the higher floors of a condominium unit and where the building itself is located strategically.

Marco Polo Residences in Cebu plays this up perfectly with not only floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that provide unobstructed views of its mountainous surroundings, the city and the sea in the distance. On the other hand, if you have smaller windows, you can achieve this same feeling by keeping the window area clear of clutter.


3. Opt for earth tones.

Earth tones are timeless and versatile, making it suitable for any kind of home.

Actual photo of Four Season Riviera model unit

The neutral colors, just like in the showroom model unit of Four Season Riviera in Binondo, Manila drive just the right amount of attention to your home and allows you to add your own accent colors here and there. You’ll save on expensive paint jobs by strategizing which segments of your living space to highlight and which you can leave bare.



4. Experiment with open spaces.

Although your studio unit has no pre-set divisions, this does not mean you that you need to fill the void with clunky furniture. You can utilize every fixture and piece of furniture you own to achieve a clean and organized look.

A good example would be using a slim table in a bar-like set up which can help divide your kitchen from your living area through a more open concept.

You don’t need walls to define spaces. You can use partial wood and frosted glass partitions that double as shelves or different colored tiles and rugs to segment floor areas for different spaces. In this model unit at The Capital Towers in Quezon City, the bedroom area is defined by using tinted glass, while the dining and living area are fused into one to maximize floor space.

Actual photo of The Capital Towers model unit

5. Tastefully maximize storage space.

Keep knickknacks out of sight with built-in storage like the shoe cabinet, bedroom closets, and kitchen floor storage in The Seasons Residences in North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Actual photo of The Season Residences model unit

Using beds with hidden compartments underneath for clothes and shoes, as well as hollow ottoman seats that double as storage boxes will help eliminate clutter around the house and keep your intimate belongings away from prying eyes as well.

By lessening the use of heavy furniture, you will be freeing-up breathing space in your stylish abode making it easier on the eyes and a delight to move around in.

Lastly, while your design options may be influenced by your current budget, never sacrifice personal tastes. Any luxurious house will feel like home when it reflects the personal style of its owner. To get your own feel of luxury, visit the nearest Federal Land property show room today or get a virtual tour at www.federalland.ph.

Caritas Manila call for donations to Protect the Poor from CoVid19

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:17

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the poor and the elderly are the most vulnerable. In difficult times like this, we are called to open our hearts and be moved to do concrete acts of charity by sharing our resources with those who need it the most.

Caritas Manila is calling for cash donations to provide Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kits and Caritas Manna bags to 6,000 poor communities and families in Metro Manila.

The Php 2000 Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit for a family of 5 includes:
1 liter of 70% ethyl alcohol
5 handy bottles of 30 ml of alcohol
5 washable face masks
1 liter of antibacterial liquid soap
1 box of 100 tablets of vitamin C with zinc
A pair of reusable gloves
1 liter of liquid bleach
3 pieces of cleaning cloth
Eco bag.

We will also be giving Php 700 worth of Caritas Manna food bag to the family containing:
5 kilos of rice
munggo seeds
9 assorted canned goods
2 packs of Caritas Margins kalabasa/malunggay noodles
1/4 pack of sugar and salt
Eco bag.

HOW TO DONATE ONLINE:
(Online bank transfer)
> Savings Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc.

> Banco De Oro - Savings Account No.: 000-5600-45905
> Bank of the Philippine Islands - Savings Account No.: 3063-5357-01
>Metrobank - Savings Account No.: 175-3-17506954-3

For dollar accounts:
>Bank of the Philippine Islands - Savings Account No. 3064-0033-55
> Swift Code - BOPIPHMM

(Debit or Credit Cards)
> https://ubpay.com.ph/caritasmanila/
> Choose Caritas Damayan LIGTAS COVID-19

(Lazada)
> www.lazada.com.ph/shop/caritas-manila
> Choose between Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit, Caritas Manna food bag, or the donation vouchers (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000)

(Give2Asia)
> www.bit.ly/Give2CaritasManila
> Choose Caritas Damayan LIGTAS COVID-19

(GCash)
>Scan the QR code below

For proper acknowledgment of your donations, kindly fax a copy of the deposit slip to 8563-9306 or email a scanned copy to donorcare@caritasmanila.org.ph. Don’t forget to indicate your name and address.

For more inquiries, you may dial 8562 0020 to 25 local 118, 139, 135, or 09175955083.

—-
Caritas Damayan, the disaster risk reduction and management program of Caritas Manila, provides quick response relief operation and effective crisis intervention.

Keep your clothes neat and wrinkle-free

Ironing clothes is a chore, but it’s a necessary one if we want to look sharp and clean when we leave the house. Imagine going to work with a wrinkled shirt, your boss just might not take you seriously. But it doesn’t have to be so bad, ironing clothes can be done faster and easier with a good quality iron. So it’s important to get the right one.

I use a Kyowa Flat Iron because it’s a no frills quality iron that fits my budget. It has everything I need and nothing I don’t. A basic dry iron to help me flatten out the wrinkles in my dress shirts. The non-stick soleplate glides seamlessly on various types of fabric while preventing any unwanted scorching. It is also perfectly easy to handle with the ergonomic design and is lightweight for my daily needs. A big bonus is the Kyowa’s efficient power consumption.

If you’re looking for a simple and practical flat iron for everyday use, check out the Kyowa Flat Iron available on Shopee.