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Popular IKEA cake recalled for unusual reason

<p>A popular cake sold at IKEA stores is being recalled across the country over fears the variety could contain metal.</p> <p>The NSW Food Authority has issued a notice advising people they should not eat the “Almondy Almond Cake with Daim” with a best before date of November 18, 2023.</p> <p>The cake is sold in a 400g package and may contain metal, which could cause illness or injury if consumed.</p> <p>The cake has been sold at IKEA stores in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.</p> <p>"Consumers should not eat this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund," the NSW Food Authority said.</p> <p>Australia is not the only country impacted, with both the UK and Scotland announcing recalls for the same variety over metal concerns.</p> <p>"Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."</p> <p><em>Image: Ikea</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Ikea revolutionises second-hand shopping

<p dir="ltr">Furniture giant Ikea has launched a new online shopping platform that gives its unwanted and returned items a new lease on life. </p> <p dir="ltr">Launched by Ikea Australia, the <a href="https://www.ikea.com/au/en/campaigns/a-second-chance-for-our-furniture-pub06dd9d21#/">As-Is Online</a> platform allows customers to browse and reserve second-hand items. </p> <p dir="ltr">After reserving an item online, customers can visit their selected store to complete the purchase and collect their ‘new’ furniture or homewares from the As-Is area, located just before the checkouts.</p> <p dir="ltr">Items that will be available include discontinued products, “gently used” and ex-showroom displays, as well as pre-loved products returned through the Buy Back service.</p> <p dir="ltr">The best part of the As-Is platform is that customers can receive up to 75% off the retail price.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With the cost of living continuously rising, affordability is top of mind for Australians,” Ikea Australia’s product recovery leader Lachlan Mitchell said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As-Is Online could not come at a better time for customers to get a great deal on second-life items, with prices ranging from 20 per cent to 75 per cent off the original product’s price.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The new platform gives our customers an easy way to shop more sustainably and find the perfect home furnishing products to make their life at home better.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ikea customers in Queensland were the first to test out the new initiative after it was trialled through the month of April. </p> <p dir="ltr">The offering was put in place after research discovered one in five Australians buy second-hand items all or most of the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is also part of the brand’s ambition to become climate positive by 2030.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Snowed in shoppers spend the night in IKEA

<p>Six IKEA shoppers and two dozen employees have spent the night in an IKEA store in Denmark after being snowed in. </p> <p>Up to 12 inches of snow fell during the blizzard, trapping everyone inside the Aalborg store on Wednesday night. </p> <p>Rather than bracing the harsh weather to get back home, the customers and staff had an impromptu sleepover of a lifetime in the store's inviting showroom. </p> <p>Those trapped inside got to pick from IKEA's extensive range of beds to test out for the night, giving a whole new meaning to 'try before you buy'.</p> <p>Store manager Peter Elmrose told the local Danish newspaper, "<span>We slept in the furniture exhibitions and our showroom on the first floor, where we have beds, mattresses and sofa beds."</span></p> <p><span>He said customers were able to pick out which bed they were thinking of buying and try it out for real, as everyone spent the night eating and watching TV. </span></p> <p><span>Peter said despite the unusual conditions, the night went "super well" and everyone had "a lot of fun".</span></p> <p><span>Denmark's public broadcaster reported that staff from the neighbouring toy shop also joined in on the impromptu sleepover, as they were also stranded too far from home with the bad weather. </span></p> <p><span>The toy shop manager Michelle Barrett said, "</span>It's much better than sleeping in one's car. It has been nice and warm and we are just happy that they would let us in."</p> <p class="mol-para-with-font">"We just laughed at the situation, because we will probably not experience it again."</p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Courtesy of IKEA</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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RECALL on multiple IKEA items sold across the country

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several Ikea products have been taken off the shelves due to concerns they could cause serious injuries during use.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The recall was issued for Ikea’s Heroisk and Talrika plastic plates, bowls, and mugs, amid fears the products could break when filled with hot liquids and increased risks of burns, scalding, or serious injuries.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Heroisk bowls, plates, and mugs were sold in two-packs while the Talrika range was sold in sets of four.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Talrika plates that have been recalled include the light green, red, and dark blue versions, and the light red mug is also included.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height:214.6153846153846px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842247/ikea-plates.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/93c0d45eaaf74a14aa76dd14de60ce38" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the Heroisk range, the green and yellow bowls, the light red and yellow mugs, and the red, green, and blue plates have also been recalled.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Ikea received reports these products could break and potentially cause burns due to hot content,” the retail giant said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Customers have been urged to return the products to Ikea for a full refund or exchange, and a proof of receipt is not required.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The products were sold across the country between August 2019 and May 2021.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Full details and product IDs are available </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/ikea-pty-limited-heroisk-and-talrika-plates-bowls-and-mugs" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Ikea Australia / Instagram, news.com.au</span></em></p>

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IKEA makes fashion waves with new collection

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ikea has already made a name kitting out our homes and now they’re expanding to our wardrobes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From Thursday, May 13, the Swedish furniture giant will offer its first-ever limited-edition fashion and accessories collection.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now you can show your love for Ikea through your everyday wear.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.ikea.com/au/en/new/eftertraeda-limited-collection-puba4401ab0"><span style="font-weight: 400;">EFTERTRÄDA collection</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - with EFTERTRÄDA meaning ‘successor’ in Swedish - offers the same minimalist style as their home furnishings. The range features t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, keyrings, towels, and bottles that feature the iconic Ikea logo at centre stage.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COxNSSPJmmj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COxNSSPJmmj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by IKEA Australia (@ikea_australia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This isn’t the first time the retailer has made waves in the world of fashion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2017, Balenciaga made a $2,850 version of Ikea’s iconic blue shopping bag, and more recently the furniture giant turned their bags into bucket hats that sold out immediately in-store and online.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’ve seen great excitement and demand for products like the KNORVA bucket hat, so we’re very excited to be able to offer a complete and full apparel and accessories line for Australians,” said Maria Langford, Ikea Australia’s business leader.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prices range from $3 to $39 and it’s likely that the collection won’t stay on shelves for long. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To own a piece of Ikea history, head online or to your nearest store.</span></p>

Beauty & Style

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Anti-masker “Karens” hurl abuse at IKEA staff members

<p>Two women have berated and hurled abuse at staff in a Sydney Ikea store following the NSW government’s decision to enforce wearing masks while in public spaces.</p> <p>One anti-masker captured a part of the encounter on camera, with both women telling staff to “shut up” when being asked to wear face masks while shopping.</p> <p>Both women adamantly refused to don masks and quickly the video clip was posted to Reddit by user@7thwardcharizard1 on Tuesday.</p> <p>The footage is captioned, “And it begins … the idiots are out in full force! I don’t know why I thought we in Sydney were better than this”.</p> <p>The two anti-masker women both insist on camera that they are exempt from wearing face masks while speaking to two staff members.</p> <p>One woman tells the workers: “Shut. Up. It’s the fourth time today”.</p> <p>The second woman says, “Yes it is … you know people have medical conditions, they have trauma, rape, abuse.</p> <p>“They have a multitude of reasons as to why they are exempt. It is part of the law. It is unnecessary, it is unnecessary to act this way.”</p> <p>The female Ikea worker turns her back to the women and her male colleague steps forward to say: “you don’t need to film her”.</p> <p>However, the anti-masker objects, saying: "I’m allowed to film her. It’s my right to film her.</p> <blockquote class="reddit-card" data-card-created="1609978688"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sydney/comments/kqnxiq/yes_it_begins_the_idiots_are_out_in_full_force_i/">yes it begins.. the idiots are out in full force ! I don’t know why I thought we in Sydney were better then this.</a> from <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/sydney">r/sydney</a></blockquote> <p>“You need to understand. In your website … your website says we are exempt.”</p> <p>The other woman chimes in as well, saying “If I’m not wearing a mask, there is a reason. The website says …”</p> <p>The male worker then interrupts to say: “That’s fine” not long before the woman snaps, “Shush, don’t cut me off.</p> <p>“The website says if you cannot wear a mask, you don’t have to.</p> <p>“‘Clearly I’m not wearing it for a reason.”</p> <p>The other woman also chimed in to say, “Clearly you need to be informed of your own website. So you need to stop telling people to wear masks if they choose not.</p> <p>“End of. Shush.”</p> <p>The male staff member interjects to say: “It’s just what we’ve been told.”</p> <p>One of the women accused the workers of “harassment,” and urged them to “back off”.</p> <p>The video has attracted more than 300 comments on Reddit.</p> <p>“I think if someone had a legitimate exemption and quietly told the manager there would be no issue,” one person wrote.</p> <p>“These entitled f***ers were looking for a fight.”</p> <p>“The people working at the shops are just doing their jobs and following the new rules. These ladies are just acting entitled,” one person wrote.</p> <p>“I feel so bad for the workers that have to deal with this s**t now,” another added.</p> <p>“Putting others at risk and rattling on about abuse victims whilst they verbally abuse innocent people just doing their job. Disgusting,” another went on to write.</p> <p>Masks are mandated indoors across Great Sydney, Wollongong, the Central Coast and the Blue Mountains in shops, businesses and on buses, trains, and in taxis and ride share vehicles.</p> <p>Non-mask wearers risk on-the-spot $200 fines, however only police have the ability to issue them.</p> <p>Children under 12 and people with certain medical conditions are exempt.</p>

Legal

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IKEA launches new homewares range for February 2020

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IKEA is offering a range of practical and stylish homewares, including a range of baskets, armchairs, a hanging organiser and much more.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The latest product drop in February is focusing on a mindful lifestyle while bringing nature into the home through greenery. Natural colour palettes with fresh hues are contrasted sharply with accented colours.</span></p> <p><strong>TJILLEVIPS basket range</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a range of sustainable handmade baskets that are woven from six different types of plant fibres, which include bamboo, rattan, seagrass, banana fibre, poplar and jute.</span></p> <p><strong>BINGSTA armchair ($199)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are low and high back versions of this chair on offer and are two colours available. The colours are subdued and elegant grey or a dark shade of yellow. </span></p> <p><strong>KORNSJÖ cabinet with mirror ($299)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are plenty of storage options for bags, shoes and belongings that are unsightly. It comes in a nice dark shade of grey.</span></p> <p><strong>BORSTAD hanging organiser for accessories ($16.99)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This hanging organiser boasts plenty of storage if there’s not a lot of space left in your cupboards.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photo credits: </span><a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/ikea-borstad-homewares-range-february-2020"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Better Homes and Gardens</span></a></em></p>

Home & Garden

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The “worst of the worst” products that are “ripping off and misleading” Aussie shoppers

<p>Consumer group Choice has called out some of the “worst-of-the-worst” products being sold to Aussies in their 14th annual Shonky Awards. </p> <p>Choice CEO Alan Kirkland said in a statement the award aims to highlight the items Australian consumers should avoid as they are “ripping off” and misleading” shoppers. </p> <p>“Choice’s job is to stand up against companies doing the wrong thing. The Shonkys draw upon our unique testing, reviews and advocacy to help you identify the worst-of-the-worst,” Mr Kirkland said.</p> <p>“In a time of fake reviews, cash for comment, salespeople and lobbyists everywhere, it’s more important than ever for independent voices to tell the truth.</p> <p>“Following the banking royal commission, it’s no surprise that financial services businesses are such a feature of this year’s Shonkys.”</p> <p><strong>2019 Shonky Winners </strong></p> <p><strong>Kogan</strong></p> <p>The online retailer has earnt themselves a shonky award this year for their “poor” customer service. </p> <p>Topping the NSW Fair Trading complaint register, the retailer has clocked over 300 complaints from January to July in 2019. </p> <p>Mr Kirkland says Kogan should “stop beating around the bush when its products are defective”.</p> <p>“Kogan must simplify the process for refunds, repairs and replacements to meet community expectations and the law”. </p> <p>He also mentioned the company must improve its customer service, and their refunds and returns policy. </p> <p><strong>Medicare </strong></p> <p>Medicare has been called out by Choice for their “basic” cover health insurance actually costing more than the cheapest “bronze” cover in NSW, the ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.</p> <p>Mr Kirkland said: “2019 is the first year that private health insurance has topped the list of financial worries in Choice’s regular national surveys, and it’s easy to see why.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsZlUPMlzNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsZlUPMlzNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Artyguy (@aussieartyguy)</a> on Jan 8, 2019 at 8:04pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“A new system that was meant to make things simpler has turned into a mess.</p> <p>Medibank’s ‘basic’ junk cover costs more than many higher-cover bronze policies. Medibank deserves a Shonky for failing at the basics — simple and affordable health insurance.”</p> <p><strong>IKEA</strong></p> <p>The Swedish furniture retailer has taken a spot on the 2019 Shonky Awards list for their Nedkyld fridge after it's score came in at just 35 per cent for food and freshness, and further failing an energy test. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B077R4PnK5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B077R4PnK5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Arjun Singh Jain (@arjunsinghjain)</a> on Aug 9, 2019 at 1:21am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Ikea Nedkyld is one of the worst fridges we’ve ever tested,” Mr Kirkland said.</p> <p>“Not only is it terrible at keeping your food cold, when Choice tested the Nedkyld’s energy use against its star rating, it failed the test.</p> <p>“It’s hard to understand how this fridge is still on sale in Ikea stores, especially with a misleading energy label.”</p> <p><strong>AMP superannuation</strong></p> <p>Choice has given AMP superannuation a Shonky award for their being over one million “zombie” super accounts eating away at the retirements of Aussies. </p> <p>Based on APRA  data: “AMP received some of the strongest criticism from the banking royal commission — and it was deserved. If your superannuation is with AMP, chances are you’ve had your retirement leeched off of to fund its executives’ lifestyles,” Mr Kirkland said.</p> <p>“Choice has partnered with the new consumer group — Super Consumers Australia — and found that AMP holds the largest number of zombie accounts of any other super fund — accounts that sit there being wasted away by fees and insurance.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BacX4Bkjp1X/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BacX4Bkjp1X/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by AMP Australia (@amp_au)</a> on Oct 19, 2017 at 1:39pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“For AMP, it’s money for doing nothing. Managing people’s retirement funds isn’t your average business — there’s a higher moral standard to meet when it comes to people’s security and comfort in older age, and AMP have failed this standard.”</p> <p>An AMP spokeswoman told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/choice-shames-products-in-2019-shonkys-awards/news-story/a8c1bd878dd75cedee4a417a501fd412" target="_blank">news.com.au<span> </span></a>it “can be difficult to draw accurate comparisons and conclusions in relation to inactive accounts due to the varied characteristics of products within trusts and across superannuation providers.”</p> <p>“For example: a large proportion of the AMP accounts classified in APRA’s data as inactive receive a capital guarantee. It is often in members’ best interests to maintain these accounts given the future benefit they will provide.</p> <p>“AMP supports legislative measures that identify and aim to reduce duplicate or inactive accounts.”</p> <p><strong>Freedom Foods XO Crunch</strong></p> <p>The XO Crunch cereal received a Shonky after having 22.2 per cent sugar in their product that they claimed was “a fun and nutritious way to start your kids’ day”. </p> <p>“Freedom Foods proudly displays four health stars on this bag of sugar. Choice says it should be one-and-a-half if health star ratings accurately reflected the amount of added sugar in a product — something that industry groups have lobbied to prevent,” Mr Kirkland said. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/6Lnvb-MNK0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/6Lnvb-MNK0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Freedom Foods (@freedomfoods)</a> on Aug 9, 2015 at 4:46pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“This Shonky shows why the food industry needs to be kicked out of (the) room when it comes to health star ratings. The food industry has gamed the health star system to make a big bag of sugar look like a healthy choice for your kids — and that’s a disgrace.”</p>

Home & Garden

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RECALL: IKEA pulls popular item over choking hazard fears

<p>IKEA has issued an urgent recall after it was discovered that their bibs could be a potential choking hazard to babies.</p> <p>The Swedish retailer’s Matvra brand of red and blue two-packs have been recalled following two separate reports of buttons coming loose.</p> <p>The furniture giant released a statement on Monday, reassuring consumers that neither cases required medical treatment.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 387px; height: 387px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831458/2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5b52fa8d97ee4d18ac0c528ec491f202" /></p> <p>The did say however, that the items “could have been swallowed presenting a risk of choking”.</p> <p>Customers who have purchased the bib were warned to stop using them immediately and return them to an IKEA store for a full refund.</p> <p>Proof of purchase was not required.</p> <p>“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding,” the statement read.</p>

Home & Garden

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IKEA product designer claims that her $1.49 design is the “world’s best”

<p>Iina Vuorivirta “loves doing the dishes” and it was this passion that took the IKEA product designer to the ultimate level.</p> <p>She was given a brief from Ikea to make “the best dish brush in the whole world”, which is a dream come true for the designer.</p> <p>“It still makes me a little bit shaky,” Ms Vuorivirta said to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/why-this-149-ikea-product-is-the-worlds-best/news-story/b38a51076082b5d3b93d874da95cf3c9" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>The brush that you can buy for a low $1.49 from the furniture giant might not look like much, but it took a full 18 months of design, testing and iteration to meet five requirements set by IKEA.</p> <p>These elements are:</p> <ul> <li>Form</li> <li>Function</li> <li>Low price</li> <li>Quality</li> <li>Sustainability</li> </ul> <p> Vuorivirta worked across the whole product range but said that her favourite products are “these kind of everyday life little heroes that you sort of take for granted, but when you have them right it’s a fluid part of your daily routine”.</p> <p>She spoke at IKEA's recent Democratic Design Days conference in Almhult and went into detail about the extensive testing the dish brush went through.</p> <p>“It was a long learning curve, together with a big amount of people to get this thing done,” she said.</p> <p>“We made it out of recycled plastics. I even designed air bubbles inside the handle to be able to maximise the material but not (compromise) when it comes to the ergonomics, how it feels to handle, how balanced it is, and how it of course looks.”</p> <p><br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" class="post_image_group" src="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/big-Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" alt="" data-asset_id="37749882" data-url-thumb="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/thumb-Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" data-url-thumb-small="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/thumb_small-Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" data-url-thumb-big-scaled="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/thumb_big_scaled-Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" data-url-large="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/large-Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" data-url-big="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/big-Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" data-url-original="https://over60.monday.com/protected_static/657795/resources/37749882/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-12%20at%2010.18.20%20am.png" data-filename="Screen Shot 2019-08-12 at 10.18.20 am.png" data-is-gif="false" data-post-id="411604433&quot;" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="text-center"><em>Photo source: IKEA</em><span></span></p> <p class="">The brush went on sale in Australia in April and has since sold 20,000 units. Ms Vuorivirta said that a lot of thought went into the whole process.</p> <p>“With this one we didn’t only want to make the best dish brush in the whole world but also we were really being picky when it comes to the price tag,” she explained.</p> <p>“This will be the dish brush for the many people and the price tag also needs to be according to that. So it was a long journey. But it still makes me really happy.”</p> <p>IKEA is known for the obsessive and minute changes that are made across its entire range which is used to drive down costs.</p> <p>“You would be surprised if you knew how much time we spent on each single detail of a product,” said Henrik Heegaard, product design manager and co-create Ikea manager. “Cut down assembly by five seconds, cut down the time it takes from the start of the production line to the end, these things make the whole difference.”</p> <p>Heegaard also explained that the recent addition of sustainability to the design requirements of Ikea have meant that sometimes, the company may compromise on price.</p> <p>“Where we look at products where we supply high volumes, of course we are very, very keen on making sure that is planet-positive — how can we go from virgin plastics to recycled plastics, for instance — and today that is more expensive,” he said.</p> <p>“There we go in and say, you know what, here we take our responsibility and put recycled plastic in there since this is a need our customers have. Then there's also times where we need to have a very specific price point where we just need to try harder to add in sustainability."</p>

Home & Garden

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The $1.99 IKEA hack that solves household clutter

<p>Savvy shoppers have discovered a clever way to organise their homes without breaking the bank.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em style="font-weight: inherit;">Better Homes and Gardens</em></strong></span></a><strong> </strong>have revealed the six ways shoppers are repurposing a $1.99 product from IKEA.</p> <p>The Variera plastic bag dispenser is designed to fit inside drawers and cabinets to keep things organised, but customers have shared the creative ways they use it around their homes.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820792/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9e169be8cc78465d89db4d344719dd02" /></p> <p>One popular way to use the budget-friendly product is to attach it inside a wardrobe door and then use it to store underwear and socks once they’ve been folded.</p> <p>For those who struggle to locate wrapping paper around the house, they also recommend storing the roles inside the dispenser.</p> <p>“You can also hang it inside the closet door for easy storage and access. Use another dispenser to store ribbons. You can poke the ends out of the holes,” they said.</p> <p>The affordable organiser can also be used to store winter accessories such as gloves, scarves and hats, together.</p> <p>A clever way to tidy your cleaning products is to hang the dispenser sideways and then hang spray bottles, sponges, brushes and gloves from the holes.</p> <p>The IKEA product can also fit a rolled yoga mat and kit for someone who wants to organise their exercise gear.</p> <p>“[You can also] grow a vertical wall of succulents or strawberries with the Variera. Fill it with compost and use it as a planter. Arrange the plants inside the holes,” they said.</p> <p>What is your best organisation tip? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Retirement Income

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Coles and IKEA's next big move

<p>Coles and IKEA have expanded their partnership with online jobs marketplace, Airtasker, potentially changing the way Australians shop.</p> <p>Both retail giants are running a state-based trial in NSW, which offers shoppers the option of using Airtasker to find someone to do their groceries or hire a person to come and help build their IKEA furniture for them at home.</p> <p>The separate trials began in NSW last year and both have been deemed a success.</p> <p>Airtasker confirmed the move to roll out both programs nationally in a blog post last night.</p> <p>“We’re incredibly pleased to say that both partnerships were a standout success, so we’ll be rolling out Australia-wide!” the statement read.</p> <p>For Coles shoppers, users can get their shopping “delivered on the very same day — even in a few hours if you’d like” by Airstasker.</p> <p>The Airtasker site also promises that shoppers can “get the chance to change any items on your list while the Airtasker Worker is at the store”.</p> <p>Shoppers post on Airtasker asking for someone to deliver their groceries from Coles but must have a budget for how much they’re willing to pay for the delivery.</p> <p>“Airtaskers can then make you offers to pick up and deliver the items on your shopping list. Once the shopping’s been done, you’ll get a notification so you can approve the cost of the shopping,” the site states.</p> <p>“If there’s an item on the list that isn’t at the store, the Airtasker will get in touch with you so you can figure out what you’d like to replace it with.”</p> <p>With IKEA, users post a task asking Airtaskers what, where and when they want their items assembled, and then suggest a budget for the task.</p> <p>“Taskers with Ikea Badges carry out assembly tasks posted through our Airtasker IKEA portal,” the website states.</p> <p>“These badges are exclusive to those with both extensive furniture assembly experience and a Police Check Badge.”</p> <p>Ikea offers an in-store assembly service, but operates on a fixed-price based on the value of products to be assembled.</p>

Money & Banking

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Customer furious after $1,500 worth of IKEA furniture dumped on front lawn

<p><span>An IKEA customer has expressed her irritation after $1,500 worth of stock was dumped on her front lawn.</span></p> <p><span>Aimee Parr from Lismore planned to collect her IKEA furniture from a nearby depot.</span></p> <p><span>Aimee went to pick up the furniture in her hatchback, but her car did not have enough space to fit the packages in one trip.</span></p> <p><span>Writing on Facebook, Aimee said the depot staff refused to let her collect her furniture in two trips and instead charged her a $50 delivery fee to have them transport her purchases to her home three kilometres away.</span></p> <p><span>"They delivered the goods a few hours later," she wrote. </span></p> <p><span>"Their idea of delivery was to drop off everything on the footpath outside my house and leave."</span></p> <p><span>Photos reveal the parcels stacked on a crate lying on a nature strip beside the mailbox.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><img width="500" height="824" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267457/1_500x824.jpg" alt="1 (81)"/><br /></span></p> <p><span>Aimee told</span><em><span> <a href="https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/lismore-ikeas-poor-customer-service-leaves-woman-f/3317638/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Northern Star</strong></span></a> </span></em><span>it was the most expensive delivery she has paid for as she already paid $40 to deliver the packages from an IKEA store in Logan as well as the $50 for the delivery to her nature strip.</span></p> <p><span>The irritated customer said she was “worried” to leave her house in fear that someone might steal her packages.</span></p> <p><span>"To be honest it’s not IKEA’s job to apologise but it is their responsibility to ensure this doesn’t happen again," she told </span><em><span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5305705/Woman-angry-1500-IKEA-furniture-dumped-Lismore.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Daily Mail Australia</strong></span></a>.</span></em><span> </span></p> <p><span>"The staff at the collection point should apologise and I should be given a refund."</span></p> <p><span>What has been your worst experience receiving a delivery? Let us know in the comments below. </span></p>

Home & Garden

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Explosion warning: Do you own this IKEA desk?

<p>An explosive accident with an IKEA desk has raised concerns about their products.</p> <p>A mother has described the horrifying moment her IKEA desk “spontaneously exploded like a gunshot” in her home.</p> <p>Samantha Bailey was at home one morning when she heard the bang. She ran upstairs to find a huge mess of glass shards strewn throughout her home. “</p> <p>“It was raining glass all the way down the stairs, into the kitchen, the lounge room, into the furniture, it's everywhere,” she told A Current Affair.</p> <p>“There are a lot of pieces that have split and sharded into a lot of pieces that, when it exploded, could have done a lot of damage.”</p> <p><img width="458" height="258" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/25/15/45AA997F00000578-5016541-She_is_fearful_that_this_spontaneous_explosion_will_happen_to_so-a-13_1508942560203.jpg" alt="She is fearful that this spontaneous explosion will happen to someone else" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-98385d957b0aa640"/></p> <p>While luckily her 10-year-old son was not using the desk at the time she said she feared for other people who have the product in their homes.</p> <p>"I'm really afraid somebody else might have this product in their house and they have a young child," she said.</p> <p>Ms Bailey approached IKEA but was told that without proof of the purchase they could not offer any insight to her claim. </p> <p>She was also told the desk had exceeded its own expectancy which Ms Bailey said was not satisfactory, refuting the claim that the three-year-old desk broke under the weight of the load on top of it.</p> <p>"It's not a satisfactory response for me," she said. “I'm really fearful that this spontaneous explosion is going to cause a death.”</p> <p>Another IKEA table which is in Ms Bailey's son's bedroom will be sent straight to the tip.</p> <p>There have been other random acts of exploding IKEA glass tables around the world and one incident in Melbourne last year.</p> <p>Choice Magazine's Tom Godfrey said he believed IKEA needed to take customer complaints more seriously.</p> <p>"When this product fails, it fails catastrophically," he said.</p> <p>"It's literally broken to pieces and those pieces are potentially dangerous."</p> <p><img width="378" height="213" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/25/15/45AA99A300000578-5016541-Samantha_Bailey_pictured_heard_the_loud_bang_and_ran_upstairs_to-a-15_1508942560224.jpg" alt="Samantha Bailey (pictured) heard the loud bang and ran upstairs to find a huge mess" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-9a127f31954effd9"/></p> <p>Mr Godfrey urged people to report incidents to the regulator at productsafety.gov.au to pressure IKEA to call a voluntary recall.</p> <p>IKEA issued a statement saying the company took its customers' safety "very seriously".</p> <p>“Products at IKEA are designed and made of the highest quality and are subject to comprehensive safety checks,” the statement included.</p> <p>IKEA added that although it was not common for their glass products to shatter it is still fragile. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Home & Garden

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Angry shoppers slam IKEA for sexist ad

<p>Angry shoppers have slammed IKEA after a sexist detail was found in an advertisement in the <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/03/mum-warning-about-taking-kids-to-ikea/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Swedish retailer’s new furniture catalogue</strong></span></a>.</p> <p>Web designer Alex Baxevanis was stunned when he was flicking through the furniture outlet’s new catalogue when he discovered an ad for a suction cup toothbrush holder, which boasted customers could “leave your drill in your man drawer”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Leave your drill in your "man drawer" <a href="https://twitter.com/IKEAUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IKEAUK</a> ? Really? I keep my lady drill elsewhere. No really I mean an ACTUAL drill <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sexism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sexism</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IKEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IKEA</a> <a href="https://t.co/vRiDcKzCdr">pic.twitter.com/vRiDcKzCdr</a></p> — Carli (@lashandhitch) <a href="https://twitter.com/lashandhitch/status/896825737919029248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>"It sounds like something out of the 1950s making a reference to a 'man drawer',” said Baxevanis.</p> <p>"It struck me as ridiculous, my drill doesn't live in a 'man drawer' it's used equally by me and my wife.</p> <p>"Ania's not afraid to pick up a drill and do things within the house. If anything she's more creative than me when it comes to that sort of thing.</p> <p>"I expect better from IKEA. They generally champion environmental and other worthy issues and then they print this – this particular wording looks really out of whack.”</p> <p>Baxevanis’ wife Ania Mendrek agreed, and the couple got into contact with IKEA requesting the online version of the advertisement be amended immediately.</p> <p>"I think it's a case of everyday sexism, at the very least it's left open to interpretation,” she said.</p> <p>"A 'man drawer' may well be a colloquial term, but there are lots of phrases that are colloquial that we are appalled to use – should we keep them because they are colloquial regardless of their being sexist?"</p> <p>A spokesperson for IKEA responded, saying it was never their intention to offend with the ad. </p> <p>"At IKEA we believe strongly in equality and that people should be treated equally regardless of their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, marital or family status, or any other dimension of their identity,” said Country Marketing Manager, Laurent Tiersen.</p> <p>"We can confirm that in our 2018 catalogue we use the phrase 'leave your drill in your man drawer' to explain that drilling isn't necessary with our STUGVIK storage containers with suction cups.</p> <p>"In using this phrase, we are drawing on the common colloquial term 'man drawer' as a place where tools may be kept.</p> <p>"It is never our intention to offend anyone with our marketing material, however we understand how this could be interpreted and will of course take this input as feedback for future material."</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

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Terrified mum issues harrowing warning about taking children to IKEA

<p>A mother in the US has issued a terrifying warning after narrowly escaping child traffickers during a recent trip to her local IKEA store. Diandra Toyos was visiting the furniture retailer with her mother and three children when her instincts kicked in and she got the feeling something was wrong.</p> <p>“After a few minutes, I noticed a well-dressed, middle aged man circling the area, getting closer to me and the kids,” she wrote in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diandra.toyos/posts/1399781156755663" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">a post to Facebook</span></strong></a>. “My mum noticed as well and mentioned that we need to keep an eye on him.”</p> <p>Diandra, who had her 7-week-old bub strapped to her front, kept her 1- and 4-year-old close by, but noticed the man (later joined by a second) stalking the family. “At one point he came right up to me and the boys, and instinctively I put myself between he and my mobile son,” she said. “These men weren't shopping.”</p> <p>In an effort to shake the two men, Diandra and her mother decided to sit in one of the display rooms – where they remained for almost half an hour. But it wasn’t enough. “They sat too. They sat down on one of the couches on the display floor that faced us.”</p> <p>This back-and-forth around the store lasted for close to an hour, until Diandra’s mother decided she’d had enough and put her foot down. “She made eye contact, very clearly letting them know that we saw them,” Diandra explained. They managed to get rid of the men and quickly alerted IKEA security to the situation.</p> <p>After the terrifying experience, the mum-of-three reflected on the trip and came to a startling conclusion. “I am almost sure that we were the targets of human trafficking.”</p> <p>In the post, which has since gone viral, Diandra warns other parents, grandparents and guardians to keep a close eye on children at all times. “When you're in a public place with your kids, please be aware and present so that you don't become a victim,” she wrote. “This is not meant to scare you […] Live your life. Take your kids places. But be aware. And be attentive.”</p>

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Relationship experts confirm that IKEA is bad for relationships

<p>A trip to IKEA for furniture has long been blamed for many an argument among couples, so much so that clinical psychologist, Ramani Durvasula, started including furniture assembly as a communication exercise in therapy sessions.</p> <p>“The store literally becomes a map of a relationship nightmare,” the Californian-based psychologist told The Wall Street Journal.</p> <p>Durvasula confirms what many couples have suspected – choosing furniture from the Scandinavian chain or worse, assembling furniture together, can cause serious friction in a relationship.</p> <p>But can we really blame IKEA for countless arguments? Well, probably not. It’s not IKEA itself that sparks arguments but rather shopping for furniture and homeware can bring up underlying relationship problems.</p> <p>“Walking through the kitchens brings up touchy subjects, like who does most of the cooking. Then you get to the children’s section, which opens up another set of issues. And that’s before you've even tried assembling anything,” explained Durvasula.</p> <p>Selecting furniture can also be fraught with issues.</p> <p>Psychologist, Julie Hart, told Domain: “Furniture, of course, carries more weight than say food, restaurants and clothing, as it is with us in most cases for many years, so we are forced to look at the choices we have made together every day.”</p> <p>“Because of this, shopping for and choosing furniture for a shared home can be symbolic of how maturely we can negotiate our individual needs and wants in a relationship,” she added.</p> <p>So what’s the best course of action? Communicate with your partner. Discuss your issues and work together to problem solve. Or try shopping for furniture online.</p> <p><em>Image credit: <span>FotograFFF / Shutterstock.com</span></em></p>

Relationships

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Ikea furniture warning following the death of two toddlers

<p>Following the death of two toddlers, Ikea has been forced to issue a safety campaign concerning 27 million of their unsteady chests and drawers.</p> <p>In a statement issued by the company and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), consumers were advised to "stop using Ikea children's chests and dressers taller than 23 1Ž2 inches (59.7cm) and adult chests and dressers taller than 29 1Ž2 inches (75cm)", until they are secured to a wall.”</p> <p>Rather than issue a full recall, Ikea is offering wall mounts so that owners of the drawers can secure them to the wall to prevent future accidents.</p> <p>This safety measure comes as a result of the death of two toddlers – in February of last year a two-year-old boy from Pennsylvania was killed after a six-drawer dresser fell on him, pinning him to the bed. Later, a 23-month-old child of Washington died following the tipping over of a three-drawer chest. Ikea has also gained reports of 14 other reports of injury.</p> <p>Director of the CPSC, Scott Wolfson urges customers to act immediately in utilizing the securing kits: "This cannot be on a to-do list," Wolfson told the Huffington Post. "This has to be done now."</p> <p>Fortunately, in Australia, the chests have been sold with a wall mount included.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/07/photo-saves-dogs-from-euthanasia/">This picture of shelter dogs hugging saved them from death </a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/07/puppy-pool-party/">What happens at a puppy pool party?</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/07/man-has-formal-dinner-with-cats/">This man has formal dinners with his cats when his wife is away</a></span></em></strong></p>

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IKEA Germany now has "parking lots" for dogs!

<p>We just love this idea! Germany’s IKEA outlets have just introduced “parking lots” for dogs. These astro-turf lawns let dog owners park their dogs while they shop for homewares (and get lost in the maze that is IKEA). At least the pooches will have a comfy place to lie and some water to drink while they wait though!  </p> <p><img width="480" height="639" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IKEA-dog-parking-lots-1.jpg" alt="IKEA Germany now has parking lots for dogs" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/queen-stops-breeding-corgis/">The Queen is no longer breeding her corgis</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/nike-new-shoe-for-disabled/">Nike releases new shoe design for the physically disabled</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/kitten-sand-cats-photos/">These sand cats look like kittens forever</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Ingenious IKEA hacks for the home

<p>Want to update a room in your home but don’t want to spend a fortune? Don’t worry, we – or should we say Instagram – has come to the rescue. Taking basic items from IKEA that don’t break the bank and using a little creativity, these Instagrammers have turned plan items into things that look like they’d cost a pretty penny. Enjoy!</p><p>1. Turn a plan step stool (like this $14.95 one from IKEA) into a statement piece with a crochet cover. Great idea @matemopics!</p><p><img width="500" height="498" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1781/img_6210_500x498.jpg" alt="IMG_6210"></p><p>2. We love how @missdrumu has turned this very minimal chest of drawers into a work of art with as simple pattern and some great choices of colour.</p><p><img width="500" height="499" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1782/img_6211_500x499.jpg" alt="IMG_6211"></p><p>3. The grandkids will love this one from @harpersbucket! Take a set of shelves and turn it into a dolls house. Use offcuts of fabric as wallpaper for that back of each cube and some furniture – you may have some from when your kids were younger or there are options available for all budgets anywhere from Kmart to toy stores.</p><p><img width="498" height="490" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1783/img_6212_498x490.jpg" alt="IMG_6212"></p><p>4. Whether you want to pep up a table setting for the grownups or add a touch of fun to the grandkids’ seating, a palette of paint colours is all you’ll need to do this! Thanks @bobbenblog!</p><p><img width="499" height="490" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1784/img_6213_499x490.jpg" alt="IMG_6213">&nbsp;</p><p>5. Have some drab pots scattered around the garden? Or looking to buy some nice new ones but don’t want to spend a fortune? These IKEA ones retail for $4.99 – and with strategically placed lick of paint your new pots are sure to rival some of the most expensive ones available.</p><p><img width="500" height="499" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1785/img_6214_500x499.jpg" alt="IMG_6214"></p><p>6. Turn a otherwise plan occasional seat or stool into an on-trend masterpiece with a little colour. This stool retails for $14.95 from IKEA – well done @verolerovero!</p><p><img width="498" height="495" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1786/img_6217_498x495.jpg" alt="IMG_6217"></p><p><em>Related link: For more home hacks read our story <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2014/09/home-hacks-8-ridiculously-simple-ways-to-better-your-abode.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Home hacks: 8 ridiculously simple ways to better your abode&nbsp;</strong></span></a></em></p>

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