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Why do dogs have different coats? Experts explain – and give grooming tips for different types

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-hazel-402495">Susan Hazel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>Dog hair comes in many varieties, from shaggy to short, curly to straight. If you live with a dog, you live with their hair – on your couch, in your clothes, it’s everywhere!</p> <p>Beyond colour, have you ever wondered what’s behind the differences in coat type?</p> <p>We actually know quite a lot about why dogs have different coats, and it comes down to their genes.</p> <h2>What are the main coat types in dogs?</h2> <p>The three main features of dog coats are how long the hairs are, whether they are curly or straight, and whether they have extra flourishes. The flourishes are called “furnishings”, and can include a hairy moustache and shaggy eyebrows.</p> <p>Combinations of these three features result in seven different coat types in dogs: short, wire, wire and curly, long, long with furnishings, curly, and curly with furnishings.</p> <p>We know from a <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1177808">study of more than 1,000 dogs with varying coats</a> that differences in only three genes are responsible for this variety.</p> <p>The gene responsible for long hair (called FGF5) is <a href="https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/patterns">recessive</a>, meaning dogs must have two copies of the mutated gene to have long hair. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1402862111">In humans</a>, the same gene has been identified in families with excessively long eyelashes.</p> <p>Curly coats in dogs are related to a gene called <a href="https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/173/">KRT71</a>, which affects keratin, a protein involved in hair formation. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2974189/">Mutations in this gene</a> in cats result in hairless (Sphynx) or curly-haired (Devon Rex) breeds.</p> <p>The gene responsible for furnishings (<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/rspo2/">RSPO2</a>) is involved in establishing hair follicles. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-follicle">Hair follicles</a> are small pockets in the skin that grow hair.</p> <p>Variations in these three genes could explain the coat type in most (but not all!) of the dogs tested. For example, the long coat of the Afghan hound is not explained by these three genes. Further study is needed to identify less common mutations and genes controlling the coat in these dogs.</p> <p>The earliest dog breeds would have been short-haired, as a result of the “wild-type” genes. Later changes would have arisen through mutation and deliberate selection <a href="https://theconversation.com/managing-mutations-of-a-species-the-evolution-of-dog-breeding-96635">through modern breeding practices</a>.</p> <p>If all three mutations are present, the dog has a long, curly coat with furnishings. An example is the Bichon Frisé.</p> <h2>What else varies in dog coats?</h2> <p>Dog coat types can also be single or double. In a double-coated breed such as a Labrador, there is a longer coarse layer of hairs and a softer and shorter undercoat. Wolves and ancestral dogs are single-coated, and the double coat is a result of a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/10/5/323">mutation in chromosome 28</a>.</p> <p>In the Labrador, the mutation was probably selected for as they were bred to <a href="https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2023/exec/0525n07/">retrieve fishing nets in Canada</a>. The double coat is a great insulator and helps them to stay warm, even in icy water.</p> <h2>Why does it matter what kind of coat a dog has?</h2> <p>We know with climate change our world is going to get hotter. Dogs with a double coat are less able to tolerate heat stress, as their hair prevents heat loss.</p> <p>In a study of dogs <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/avj.13296">suffering heat-related illness</a>, most of the 15 breeds at higher risk had double coats. The death rate in these dogs was 23%. We can only imagine how it must feel going out on a 40 degree day wearing a thick fur coat.</p> <p>Dogs with a double coat shed more hair than dogs with a single coat. This means even short-haired breeds, like the Labrador retriever, can shed an astonishing amount of hair. If you can’t tolerate dog hair, then a dog with a double-coat may not suit you.</p> <p>When we think of wool we think of sheep, but in the past <a href="https://www.si.edu/stories/woolly-dog-mystery-unlocked">woolly dogs were kept for their wool</a> that was <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi6549">woven by Indigenous groups</a> and used to make blankets.</p> <p>A dog’s coat also affects how much time and effort is needed for grooming. Dogs with long or curly hair with furnishings are likely to need more time invested in their care, or visits to a professional groomer.</p> <p>Designer dogs (cross-bred dogs often crossed with a poodle, such as groodles), are likely to be curly with furnishings. In a US study, people with designer dogs reported meeting their dogs’ maintenance and grooming requirements was <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/23/3247">much harder than they expected</a>.</p> <p>It’s not just bank balances and the time needed that can suffer. If people are unable to cope with the demands of grooming long-haired dogs, lack of grooming can cause welfare problems. A study of animal cruelty cases in New York found <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.827348/full">13% involved hair matting</a>, with some hair mats causing strangulation wounds and 93% of affected dogs having long hair.</p> <h2>How can you prevent problems?</h2> <p>If you have a curly- or long-haired breed of dog, it will help to train them to like being brushed from an early age. You can do this by counter-conditioning so they have a positive emotional response to being groomed, rather than feeling anxious. First show the brush or lightly brush them, then give them a treat. They learn to associate being brushed with something positive.</p> <p>If you take your dog to the groomer, it’s very important their first experience is positive. A scary or painful incident will make it much more difficult for future grooming.</p> <p>Is your dog difficult to groom or hard to get out of the car at the groomers? It’s likely grooming is scary for them. Consulting a dog trainer or animal behaviourist who focuses on positive training methods can help a lot.</p> <p>Keeping your dog well groomed, no matter their hair type, will keep them comfortable. More important than looking great, feeling good is an essential part of dogs living their best lives with us.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/232480/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-hazel-402495">Susan Hazel</a>, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-dogs-have-different-coats-experts-explain-and-give-grooming-tips-for-different-types-232480">original article</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“What do I actually do?”: Woman’s costly chocolate-coated crisis

<p>A woman in the United States has been left with quite the mess on her hands after her cake order took a questionable - and rather expensive -  turn. </p> <p>In a video posted to TikTok, by user @libbycarlsonn, she revealed what had become of her $300 USD (~$443 AUD/NZD) request after it had been dropped off by the baker.</p> <p>The clip featured her with a hand covering her face and the text “guys I paid $300 for this and the lady just dropped it off what do I actually do” across the top of the screen. </p> <p>It continued on to show an image of a carefully constructed chocolate cake, the one that the TikToker had been hoping to receive, and concluded with what she’d actually been delivered: something best described as a sort of chocolate avalanche, with chocolate melting down haphazardly placed chunks of cake, and a dusting of sprinkles over it all. </p> <p>“TikTok, work your magic because I need advice right now," her caption read. </p> <p>The video gained over 3.7m views, and over 4,000 comments, though most weren’t offering advice so much as commiserating with her, or poking fun at the sillier side of her situation, and many were of the opinion that she should demand a refund immediately. </p> <p>“When you say dropped it off, did she literally drop it?” one user wanted to know. “Also how is that the same as the one in the photo??? HOW?”</p> <p>Another pressing concern came soon after, with someone asking “why are there sprinkles???”</p> <p>“Put it in the fridge probably just melted a bit,” one suggested. </p> <p>“No way that’s what they gave you!! I would’ve flip[ped] that cake onto their face. Wow!!” another said. </p> <p>“Tbf…. I prefer the disaster cake,” one shared, “it looks tastier but I’d definitely ask for a refund.”</p> <p>Another felt quite strongly about that, telling the TikToker “well obviously it's false advertising and that's illegal”.</p> <p>One, however, simply refused to accept that the story was true, writing “I’m sorry I literally do not believe you”.</p> <p>“Girl you made that. Quit playing! Lol,” another agreed. </p> <p>And as one said, “honestly, there’s no way this is true or you dropped it before posting.”</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Food & Wine

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How to groom your dog at home

<p>Looking to save a little money by grooming your own dog at home? Here’s what you need to know before tackling this tricky task yourself.</p> <p><strong>How to groom your dog</strong></p> <p>Learning how to groom your dog isn’t just about making him look good. It also supports his overall health. But up with your pup’s grooming has been more challenging of late, due to coronavirus restrictions and led many of us to think about whether we can take it on ourselves (and save some money in the process). The good news is that you can groom your dog at home. As long as you have the right dog grooming supplies, such as gentle soaps, shampoos, and the best dog nail clippers, you can feel confident about taking matters into your own hands. Here’s what you need to know.</p> <p><strong>A little bit of at-home grooming goes a long way</strong></p> <p>Whether or not you take your pup to professional groomers, it’s important to regularly maintain at least some level of at-home grooming because it allows you to examine your pup for signs of problems you might otherwise miss. Good at-home grooming habits can make professional grooming easier for you, your dog, and your groomer, if and when you decide it’s time to return to the pet salon.</p> <p><strong>The secret benefit of grooming your dog</strong></p> <p>Regular grooming is a powerful tool in the battle against shedding, points out Matt Clayton, founder of Pet Hair Patrol, which is devoted to helping pet owners keep their homes clean. “Brushing, bathing and trimming will not only keep your pet’s coat healthy and looking good. It also helps remove the hair your dog has shed before it can make its way to the floor and your furniture,” Clayton says.</p> <p>So, here’s how to groom a dog –safely, swiftly, and right in the comfort of your own home.</p> <p><strong>Start with a ‘consultation’</strong></p> <p>Approach this the way professional groomers do, suggests Lisa MacQueen, former dog groomer. Begin by evaluating what your dog needs. Are his nails clicking on the floor when he walks? If so, a nail trim is in order. Is he pawing at his eyes? It could be time for a fringe trim.</p> <p><strong><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.6166883963494px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843727/dog-supplies-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/357668d7530d43d8b1e7373510fc241e" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Set up your supplies</strong></p> <p>Depending on what your dog’s grooming will consist of, you’ll want to assemble some or all of these supplies:</p> <p>Clean towels and washcloths.</p> <p>Cotton balls.</p> <p>Soap and shampoo specifically for dogs. MacQueen warns against using products meant for humans – or worse, for dishes – as these can be irritating to your dog’s skin.</p> <p>A washbasin, sink, tub, or even a baby pool.</p> <p>A breed-appropriate hairbrush. Long-haired dogs need pin brushes, which have long, round-ended stainless steel or chrome-plated pins, while short-, medium-, and some long-coated breeds need bristle brushes. There are also slicker brushes and curry combs for removing matted and dead hair, as well as smoothing the coat.</p> <p>Clippers or scissors specially designed for dogs.</p> <p>A dog-appropriate nail trimmer and styptic powder (which will stop the bleeding in case you make a mistake).</p> <p>Your dog’s favourite treats and toys.</p> <p>Wine or your favourite drink (for you, for when you’re finished).</p> <p><strong>Set the mood</strong></p> <p>Before you begin any grooming session with your doggo, take them on a nice, long walk to make sure they’ve done their business and feel all tuckered out. Plan to groom your dog in a contained area – for example, a bathroom, so that you can close the door. If your dog seems fearful, do your best to remain calm. Lavish love and treats on her, and try to keep the experience positive. If your dog seems particularly stressed out, that might mean giving up and trying again another day.</p> <p><strong>Doing your dog’s do</strong></p> <p>Regular brushing to remove loose hair will help to keep your pup’s coat – and your house – looking fresh. For longer, thicker hair, brush daily, advises MacQueen. For short hair, you can brush weekly. Not all dogs love getting their coats brushed, but no dog should cry or whimper during the process. So definitely be careful about combing through knots and mats.</p> <p>“Go slow,” suggests dog salon owner Cindy Kelly, because this is an opportunity not only to remove the dead fur but also to stimulate the oils in your dog’s skin. Brushing is a good place to start your grooming session, adds veterinarian Jennifer Freeman. This is especially true if you’re planning on giving a bath, and even more so for long-haired dogs prone to tangles. Tangled hair can mat, which can turn bathing into a less-than-fun experience for both you and your dog.</p> <p><strong>The dreaded bath</strong></p> <p>Some dogs love water. Others… not so much. If your dog seems anxious, give lots of praise and encouragement, in addition to treats and toys, suggests Dr Freeman. Also make sure that the bathing space is large enough for your dog and that the water temperature isn’t too hot or too cold. If your dog won’t tolerate a tub-type bath, try a “sponge bath,” using a soft cloth to gently apply water and shampoo. Whichever method you choose, be mindful of your dog’s eyes; both water and shampoo can sting. Also, as soon as you’re done shampooing your dog, thoroughly rinse off any leftover soap. Not doing so can lead to dermatitis or “hot spots,” which is what Dr Freeman calls moist and infected lesions on your pup’s skin.</p> <p>Although your dog will likely enthusiastically participate in the drying process with a series of full-body shake-offs, you should help him along. Towel him off, starting with his head, face, and ears and working your way down his body (feet last). Helping with the drying process is particularly important for dogs with heavier coats since damp spots in the undercoat can lead to those hot spots discussed above.</p> <p><strong>The kindest cut</strong></p> <p>Dog groomers tend to have diverging views when it comes to pet parents trimming their dog’s hair at home. Some believe that dog haircuts are best left to the professionals. Others think that you’re in the best position to decide if you’re capable of tackling an at-home trim for your canine companion. PetMD offers the following tips to do so safely.</p> <p>Use professional shears or dog clippers (ideally, with a No. 10 clipping blade).</p> <p>Use a professional-style grooming table, which can secure your dog during a haircut.</p> <p>Start with dry dog hair, not wet. (Do your trimming after you brush, wash and fully dry your pup.)</p> <p>Use only the tips of your shears to trim the feet, face and tail.</p> <p>When trimming the ears, keep your non-cutting hand on the edge of the ear to ensure that you only cut hair and not skin.</p> <p>If you’re dealing with a matted coat, use clippers, not scissors.</p> <p>Try to avoid shaving your dog at home, but if you must, start with a dry, clean dog. Using a blade that isn’t dull, start around your dog’s neck and work your way down. Take even more care around the thin skin, such as where the limbs meet the torso (which can catch on the spaces between blades) and near the nipples (a female dog can have as many as ten).</p> <p>And if you ever don’t feel comfortable, stop. There is no shame in deciding you’d be more comfortable if a professional tackled this task.</p> <p><strong>Eyes and ears</strong></p> <p>Using a moistened cotton ball (no soap), gently wipe your dog’s eye area to remove any debris or goo, MacQueen recommends. For the ears, use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe what you can see. Never use a Q-tip or other cotton swab to clean your dog’s ears: “The canal ear of a canine is longer/deeper than a human’s, but equally delicate, and improper techniques could lead to serious ear injuries and significant pain.” Some dogs need the hair plucked just inside the ear to keep air circulating. But you should only do this if your veterinarian discusses it with you first.</p> <p><em>Photos: Reader's Digest</em></p> <p><em>Written by Lauren Cahn</em></p> <p>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/how-to-groom-your-dog-at-home">Reader's Digest</a></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Princess Anne leads Anzac Day commemorations in purple "mourning" coat

<p>Princess Anne has attended Anzac commemorations in London, representing the royal family just a week after the funeral of her father Prince Philip.</p> <p>The Princess Royal was accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence for the dawn service at the Australian and New Zealand war memorials at Wellington Arch in London.</p> <p>Princess Anne laid a wreath at the memorial and signed a book of remembrance.</p> <p>The couple attended the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey afterwards.</p> <p>Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli in 1916, when King George V attended a service at the Abbey.</p> <p>Princess Anne opted for a bright purple coat for the service, which was a far cry from the black she was seen wearing for her father's funeral.</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/COGQAWNHfSJ/?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/COGQAWNHfSJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Former royal family lady's maid Alicia Healey says purple has long been associated with mourning.</p> <p>"While the official period of Royal mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh is over, purple is often a colour that is worn after black when in mourning," Healey explained on her official<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COFaLNxHgCu/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a>.</p> <p>"So, it was an apt colour choice for today's remembrance service in honour of Australians and New Zealanders who have died in war.</p> <p>Healey worked at Buckingham Palace from 2006-2010, which is where she learned the rules around which colours are suitable to wear at various events.</p> <p>"In Victorian times full mourning lasted a year followed by half-mourning where purple, lilac, grey and white were worn," Healey concluded.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Why the royal women never take their coats off in public

<p>When the royals are making public engagements, they often don beautiful coats – just like Duchess Camilla in her visit to North Swindon Library on Thursday, or Duchess Meghan in her outing to the Mayhew Animal Welfare Charity in London last week.</p> <p>When wearing coats, the royal women always keep them on during public appearances, even when they are indoors. If you’ve ever wondered why, there is a reason behind it.</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/BtBp_MfnH-W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=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/BtBp_MfnH-W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> on Jan 24, 2019 at 9:35am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>According to <a href="https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/1286062/why-royal-women-dont-take-coats-off-public-kate-middleton-the-queen-meghan-markle-fashion-rule"><em>OK!</em></a>, the royals are following a special dress-code rule that the royals follow. Reportedly, removing one’s coat in public is deemed “unladylike” as it is akin to undressing.</p> <p>This was why the Duchess of Cambridge kept her coat buttoned all the way up for a lunch with the Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway last year. Despite the residential setting of the Norway royalties’ home, the visit was still a public engagement, with the presence of media.</p> <p>The rule is one of many protocols that the British royal family must follow. Other restrictions that royals should steer clear from are holding hands, playing board game Monopoly, wearing fur, accepting food and drinks from strangers, and more.</p> <p>What do you think of this royal rule? Share your thoughts in the comments.</p>

Beauty & Style

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The reason Queen Elizabeth II always wears bright coats

<p><span>After more than six decades on the throne, Her Majesty has established a reputation as a sovereign style icon with her coat-dresses and iconic headwear.</span></p> <p><span>Now, a few of the Queen’s wardrobe secrets have been revealed in a documentary called The Queen at 90.</span></p> <p><span>The Queen’s daughter-in-law, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, revealed in the documentary that the Queen’s bold colours is a tactic for her to stick out in a crowd.</span></p> <p><span>“She needs to stand out for people to be able to say ‘I saw the Queen,’ ” Sophie revealed in the documentary. </span></p> <p><span>“Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15 deep – and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she went past.”</span></p> <p><span>As well as her bright colours, the Queen also pairs her outfits with a designer handbag. Reportedly, the Queen owns more than 200 Launer London purses.</span></p> <p><span>In the late 1960s, the Queen received her first bag from the brand and now she chooses to recycle her purses from throughout the years for various engagements. It is believed Buckingham Palace generally only commissions five bags per year.</span></p> <p><span>However, the Queen’s purses are used for much more than just storing her essential items. Her Majesty reportedly sends signals to her staff, moving her bag from one hand to another when she is trying to wrap up a conversation.</span></p> <p><span>“It would be done very nicely,” royal historian Hugo Vickers told PEOPLE. “Someone would come along and say, ‘Sir, the Archbishop of Canterbury would very much like to meet you.’”</span></p> <p><span>If the Queen places her handbag on the table at dinner, it signals that she wants the event to end in the next five minutes, The Telegraph reported.</span></p> <p><span>“If she puts her bag on the floor, it shows she’s not enjoying the conversation and wants to be rescued by her lady-in-waiting.”</span></p> <p><span>According to couture designer Karl-Ludwig Rehse, who first started designing outfits for the Queen in 1988, her outfits are planned months before an event.</span></p> <p><span>“It’s not the case that the Queen is going somewhere next week and thinks, ‘What am I going to wear?’” Rehse told CNN. “Sometimes it is six months, 12 months or longer.”</span></p> <p><span>Scroll through the gallery above to see the Queen’s best brightly coloured coats. </span></p>

Beauty & Style

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DIY macramé place mat

<p>Following these instructions will give you a place mat that measures 45 x 33cm.</p> <p><strong>Knots used (refer to gallery above):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Horizontal clove hitch (HCH)</li> <li>Left-facing square knot (LFSK)</li> <li>Alternating square knot (ASK)</li> <li>Reverse lark’s head knot (RLHK)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Materials:</strong></p> <ul> <li>60m of twined 2.5mm cotton rope</li> <li>55–60cm, dowel, at least 2cm in diameter (only used during the knotting)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p> <p>Cut the following:</p> <ul> <li>20 cords, each 2m (21/4 yd) long</li> <li>4 cords, each 80cm (311/2 in) long</li> <li>52 cords, each 30cm (12 in) long</li> <li>2 cords, each 50cm (193/4 in) long</li> <li>Fold each of the 2m (21/4 yd) cords in half and attach to the dowel, using a reverse lark’s head knot (RLHK).</li> </ul> <p>Note: the dowel is only used during the knotting; it is removed at the end.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="670" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40711/place-mat-diagram_499x670.jpg" alt="Place Mat Diagram"/></p> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <p>1. Take 1 of the 80cm cords and lay it across so it’s centered underneath the dowel. Using this cord as a filler cord, work a row of horizontal clove hitches (HCH) using each of the vertical cords, a total of 40 knots.</p> <p>2. Skip 2 cords, tie a left-facing square knot (LFSK), skip 4 cords, tie another left-facing square knot, repeating to the end so you have 5 square knots. Tie 10 alternating square knots (ASK) for the second row. For the third row, skip 2 cords at the start and tie another 5 alternating square knots as in the first row.</p> <p>3. Take a second 80cm (311/2 in) cord and centre it beneath the knots just made. Using this cord as a filler cord, work a horizontal clove hitch with each of the vertical cords, a total of 40 knots.</p> <p>4. Tie a left-facing square knot using the 4 centre cords. Then work 2 alternating square knots underneath, then a line of 3 alternating square knots. Continue to create a pair of alternating square knots on each side to make the diamond in the centre of the mat as in the diagram, placing each pair of square knots just underneath the previous pair. Finish with a single left-facing square knot using the 4 centre cords. You’ll have a total of 64 square knots.</p> <p>5. Repeat steps 1–3 to create the border at the bottom of the mat. Turn the place mat 90 degrees.</p> <p>6. Attach 26 of the 30cm (12 in) long cords to what is now the bottom cord using reverse lark’s head knots (RLHK). Position the first 3 lark’s head knots between the 2 filler cord ends, then work 10 before the square knot of the centre diamond. Repeat in reverse with the rest of the cords on the other half of the mat.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40712/step-7_500x333.jpg" alt="Step 7 (3)"/></p> <p>7. Take 1 of the 50cm cords and lay it across so it’s centred right underneath the lark’s head knots. Using this cord as a filler cord, make a horizontal clove hitch with each cord from left to right, a total of 56 knots.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="365" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40713/step-8-placemat_498x365.jpg" alt="Step 8 Placemat"/></p> <p>8. Turn the place mat 180 degrees and repeat steps 6 and 7 for the other side.</p> <p>9. Remove the dowel and untangle the ends. Cut the loops to make a fringe, and then</p> <p>trim the ends on both short sides to the same length. Trim the remaining long side to the same length as the other side.</p> <p>*This project is symmetrical and the illustration only shows half of the design.</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from Macramé by Fanny Zedenius published by Quadrille RRP $27.99 (NZ price) and is available in stores nationally. Photographer: © Kim Lightbody</em></p>

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The winter coat with in-built heating

<p>In centuries gone by, if you wanted to stay extra toasty on a cold winter's day, you might take a pull of whisky from the hip flask in your pocket.</p> <p>More recently you could opt for a pocket warmer. This nifty device involved the use of lighter fluid and a flame, which you carried around in your trouser pocket. Nope, nothing could possibly go wrong in that scenario.</p> <p>Fast-forward to 2016, and the subject of a successful Kickstarter campaign is a range of coats heated by technology a lot more sophisticated than trying to set your nether regions on fire.</p> <p>British company <a href="http://emelandaris.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Emel and Aris</span></strong></a> is raising funds to put what is claimed to be the world's first smart coat into production. In their design, lightweight polymers produce infrared heat energy which is absorbed by the skin to heat the muscles and increase the flow of blood.</p> <p>The heat is transferred via discreet lightweight panels sewn into the jacket on the shoulders, sides and lower back, and connected to a slim battery located in a waterproof pocket that can also be used to charge your smartphone.</p> <p>You might expect such a jacket to look like some sort of futuristic aluminium foil space suit from the Jetsons, but you'd be wrong.</p> <p>Designer Rana Nakhal Solset has come up with elegant, streamlined styles: for men, an overcoat made from a waterproof treated blend of Loro Piana cashmere and wool; and a lighter-weight raincoat in water repellent Loro Piana cotton, with a detachable vest.</p> <p>For women, a Loro Piana cashmere and wool blend wrap coat, and a more lightweight Loro Piana cotton classic trench coat.</p> <p>It's another sign that high-tech is making inroads into haute couture; by 2025, it's likely that almost every item of clothing you buy will contain some type of embedded technology.</p> <p><em>Written by Stephen Lacey, first appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/tommy-hilfiger-adaptive-clothing-line/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tommy Hilfiger designs clothes for kids with disabilities</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/03/style-meets-comfort-at-homyped/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 Orthopaedic shoes that don’t compromise on style</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/entertainment/technology/2016/04/how-to-plan-public-transport-journey-using-google-maps/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to plan your public transport journey using Google Maps</span></strong></em></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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Make your very own pebble mat

<p>Add a touch of the outdoors indoors with this fun and whimsical DIY pebble mat. You can use this idea to create coasters, table centre pieces, place mats and anything you can glue pebbles on!</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Rubber mat</li> <li>Decorative pebbles and rocks  </li> <li>Contact cement/adhesive</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Starting from the middle of the mat, add small amounts of glue to the mat and stick pebbles on. Continue spreading glue onto mat and arranging the pebbles until the mat is covered. Alternatively, if you’re using large pebbles squirt a little bit of glue onto the rock and stick onto mat.</li> <li>Wait for the glue to set for 24 hours before using it.  </li> </ol> <p><strong><img width="320" height="206" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14812/pebble-mat-2.jpg" alt="Pebble Mat 2 (1)"/></strong></p> <p><strong><img width="318" height="354" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14813/pebble-mat-3_318x354.jpg" alt="Pebble Mat 3 (1)"/></strong></p> <p><strong>Related link</strong><strong>s:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/diy-garden-stepping-stone/">DIY stepping stone for your garden</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/art-and-craft-for-grandkids/">DIY art and craft projects you can do with the grandkids</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/household-tricks-from-the-1900s-2/">More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Store’s heartwarming response to customer’s coat return

<p>Everybody has a horror story of trying to return something to a store. At best, they’re straightforward and relatively painless, but often it’s the worst case scenario and you leave the store with an unwanted item still in tow. </p> <p>It’s why Kelly Blue Kinkel’s story is warming hearts everywhere.</p> <p>She shared her experienced trying to return a coat to Seattle-based e-commerce company Zulily on Facebook earlier this month, and since then it has gone viral.</p> <p>She wrote on her Facebook: “I just hung up from one of the best customer service experiences of my life.</p> <p>“I called customer service and asked how to return the unopened coat for a refund. I spoke with a sweet young man named Patrick, and he let me know he would refund my money immediately.</p> <p>“I asked again how to send it back, and he said, ‘Please don't send it back. If you know someone who needs a winter coat or if you would like to donate it to a charity, that would make us very happy.’ I honestly thought he was kidding. It took me a moment to realize he was completely serious, and then came the tears.”</p> <p>Kinkel added, “The world needs more LOVE like that.” </p> <p><img width="572" height="427" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE2LzAxLzEzLzA5L1NjcmVlblNob3QyLjZhNzY0LnBuZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/fffc3be0/6a1/Screen-Shot-2016-01-13-at-10.39.22-AM.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-01-13 at 10.39.22 AM" class="fullwidth for-lightbox" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/worlds-happiest-countries-in-2015/">These are the happiest countries in the world</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/older-generation-better-at-learning/">Older generations better at learning than everyone else</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/tips-for-being-a-good-person-today/">8 ways to be a good person today</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Do you really need a base coat for your nails?

<p>If you’ve ever done your nails and debated skipping the base coat, you’re not alone. Applying a base coat can seem like an unnecessary and annoying step, especially when you need results and quickly. While it may seem like a time consuming pain to apply, including a base coat of nail polish to your DIY manicure is one of the best ways to ensure a good result. Think of it like the foundation for a house. You can’t create anything with a shaky foundation. Here are three other reasons why applying a base coat has its benefits.</p> <ol> <li><strong>It’ll make your manicure last longer</strong> – Think of a base coat as double sided tape for your nails. These nifty products contain special chemicals to give them “stick”. This allows them to adhere to the nail below and above the polish to help prolong your manicure. Without this sticky surface for the pigment, your colour would end up chipping very quickly (as we are sure you’ve experienced!)</li> <li><strong>It’ll prevent stains</strong> – If you’re partial to bright shades, you may have experienced the less than appealing shade of yellow they leave behind on your nail. This is due to the chemical reaction that sometimes occurs between the ingredients in your polish and your nail beds. A base coat is your best defence against staining.</li> <li><strong>They can actually improve your nails</strong> – Gone are the days when a base coat was ‘just’ a base coat. These days, you can choose a base that suits the needs of your nails. From extra moisturising properties to ridge fillers, there’s a product on the market to help improve your talons. One thing to avoid is products that market themselves as “nail hardeners” as they usually contain formaldehyde which is best avoided.</li> </ol>

Beauty & Style

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7 simple DIY welcome mats to try

<p>Is your home’s curb appeal a bit lacking these days? Don’t worry! This weekend why not try one (or more!) of our do-it-yourself options to upgrade your welcome mat. From brights to neutrals, there’s something for everyone. With a doormat like these, you’ll be fighting off eager guests.</p> <p><strong>Pebble doormat</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="290" height="320" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7553/finished_medium.jpg" alt="Finished _medium" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>For this mat, you’ll need several bags of decorative rocks, which can be found at the dollar store, a rubber mat, and a strong adhesive. Working from the centre out, glue the rocks to the rubber mat, let sit for 24 hours and you’re done!</p> <p><em>Photo source: Curbly/Lilybee </em></p> <p><strong>Painted fruit doormat</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7554/watermelon_500x334.jpg" alt="Watermelon" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Using stencils or free-hand, if you fancy yourself an artist, try painting colourful fruit slices on your welcome mat. Watermelon, orange slices, grapes; the sweet possibilities are endless.</p> <p><em>Photo source: dreamgreendiy</em></p> <p><strong>Wood slat doormat</strong><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/521150988102912019/" target="_blank"><br /></a></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="310" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7555/506b3d70d9127e30da0017d7_w540_h336_sfit__498x310.jpg" alt="506b 3d 70d 9127e 30da 0017d 7._w .540_h .336_s .fit_" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>For this effort you will need wood slats, rope, and a drill. In each slat, drill a hole through the middle of each end, width-wise, making them linear when laid side by side. From there, slide each slat onto the ropes, tying each one off on either end as you go. You can even paint or varnish your slats before stringing to add even more personality to your rustic new doormat.</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong>Letter/number stencil doormat</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="373" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7557/552ee631697ab0323900293f_w540_sfit__500x373.jpg" alt="552ee 631697ab 0323900293f ._w .540_s .fit_" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Using a stencil, spray paint your family’s initial or street number on your doormat for a simple personalised feel.</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong>Geometric lines doormat</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="445" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7556/diy-welcome-mat-7_498x445.jpg" alt="DIY Welcome Mat 7" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Using a stencil once again, spray paint lines of varying thickness and colour for a bright, geometric effect.</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong>Hello goodbye doormat</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-welcome-mat-roundup-218050?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=managed" target="_blank" title="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-welcome-mat-roundup-218050?utm_source=facebook&amp;amp;utm_medium=social&amp;amp;utm_campaign=managed Ctrl+Click or tap to follow the link"><br /></a><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7558/552ee62e697ab031b9003009_w540_sfit__500x333.jpg" alt="552ee 62e 697ab 031b 9003009._w .540_s .fit_" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>If you’re a fan of the Beatles, or even if you’re not, using a stencil, spray paint an opposing “Hello” and “Goodbye” message on your mat and your guests will be greeted in either direction!</p> <p><em>Photo source: apartmenttherapy</em></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="345" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7559/38-560x388_498x345.jpg" alt="38-560x 388" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Take a cue from this example and stencil or free-hand your own catchphrase on your mat to set your greeting apart from everyone else.  We bet your neighbours will be jealous.</p> <p><em>Photo souce: lifestyle.allwomenstalk</em></p>

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