Valentine’s Day is a special occasion wherein you get to show your affection and to reconnect with the people you care most for. Whether you are celebrating with your spouse, your girlfriend/boyfriend, your group of friends, your family, or yourself – go on an adventure this Valentine’s Day with this fun activities that cost under S$55…
1. FOR THE EXTREME COUPLES
Aside from riding roller coasters, taking your date on exciting and seemingly dangerous situations can boost the levels of hormones that are mainly responsible for making people fall in love or feel euphoria.
This is why, couples may consider the extreme surge of G-MAX REVERSE BUNGY or GX-5 EXTREME SWING at Clarke Quay. These two rides designed in New Zealand, the home of Bungee, to ensure it is 100% safe. The G-MAX Reverse Bungy catapults you up to 200 km/h in a steel capsule while the GX-5 Xtreme Swing acts like a giant swing that speeds up to 120km/h. What a thrilling experience indeed!
One ride costs about S$45 (different student rate applies)
2. FOR ALL THE “SINGLE” SQUADS
For all the single people who decide to celebrate together as a powerful group, take on an enjoyable challenge by playing Bubble Soccer. Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless.
One date with your friends can surely bring loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: www.bubblebump.sg.
3. FOR A FAMILY DATE
If you cannot leave your kiddos this February 14, try to bring them along on a fun date at a water amusement park. One of Singapore’s largest water theme parks called “Wild Wild Wet“ offers exhilarating rides at inexpensive prices. As Valentine’s Day fall on a Sunday, it follows the peak price of S$24 for adults and S$17 for children and senior citizens. While, toddlers are free to swim all year round! Cheaper prices are in store for NTUC members and Plus! cardholders.
Once you are there, brave the rapids with Ular-Lah, make your way to wacky the crazy turns of The Waterworks, and so much more. Also, you may take part in their online contest (until February 8) to win exclusive Wild Wild Wet prizes!
Being #ForeverAlone on the day of hearts does not give you the free pass to sob on the corner. Instead, try something new and exciting by taking the leap of faith. If you happen to be in Sentosa, do the “ParaJump” attraction including the Jungle Ride for S$19. ParaJump replicates a free-fall parachute jump through its safety harness and experienced staff.
I have to admit…I am fearful of heights but after trying this, I felt a surge of fulfillment and happiness. Beyond the fear, the experience was unforgettable.
Let us face it! We all have those bum moments when you just want to binge watch on your favorite sitcom or drama series while eating a whole lot of food. Aside from the ever so popular 24-hour McDelivery, there are other delivery services that bring you food without having to go out of your home.
Here are some of them:
GLORIOUS PIZZA
a. SAPRINO’S PIZZA
Saprino’s Pizza offers inexpensive pizzas that you can mix and match. You can even create your own pizza by choosing from their meat, vegetable, and cheese toppings. You may also indulge on their gourmet pizzas with flavors such as New York Deli, Sicilian, and Classico Italiano or their specialty pizzas with flavors such as Vegetarian Special, Tuscany, and Pesto Veggie.
We usually order the Pepperoni and Aloha pizza for S$28, inclusive of the delivery charge. Not bad for two 10″ big pizza. Prices of the pizzas range from S$13.80 – S$35.
Spizza first opened with its vision of serving affordable yet authentic thin-crust wood-fired pizza and other delectable Italian dishes. Their beautifully named pizzas including Anna, Claudia, Katerina, and Nadia can be customized by adding toppings for S$4.
If you cannot decide which type of pizza to choose then try their best sellers such as Margherita (Vegetarian), Pamela, and Olivia. The prices of the pizza range from S$21 – S$25.
Operating Hours: 12pm-10:30pm (Break from 3pm-6pm on weekdays only) Contact Number: 6377 7773 Delivery Charge: S$8 (For orders under S$30) Minimum Order: None Online Orders:www.spizza.sg
c. PIZZA HUT
With more than twenty-seven years offering home delivery services in Singapore and continuous improvements, Pizza Hut has become one of the best pizza deliveries here. To many Singaporeans, Pizza Hut is a part of their childhood and its delectable pizzas are always their favourites. Efficient service, delicious pizzas, affordable prices and frequent promotions are what make people love Pizza Hut delivery.
Using special designed Hot Pouches to keep heat and prevent condensation from accumulating, Pizza Hut’s pizzas are always delivered to customer houses hot and fresh. Operating twenty-eight delivery outlets around Singapore, their delivery service is available islandwide and relatively fast.
Who does not know Kentucky Fried Chicken? Their world-famous fried chicken is both crunchy and juicy at the same time. Current promotions include Shoyuzu Wings Buddy Meal (S$15.90) and Zinger Hearty Variety Box ($24.90).
For a healthier and quicker fix, consider Subway’s sandwiches. Subway is an American fast food restaurant that has outlets around the world. In Singapore, they primarily sell sandwiches and salads. My personal favorites are Classic Tuna, Cold Cut Trio , and Spicy Italian (costing about S$5.70 each)
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a fast food chain that originated from New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972. Carefully blending their spices and seasonings, hand battering their fried chicken, and tenderly cooking every dish to give you nothing but a satisfying experience. I suggest you try Popeyes’ raved fried chicken, rock sugar honey lime chicken, or chicken burger.
Shopping is Entertainment. That’s the slogan for Japan’s No.1 online shopping Mall Rakuten.
Launched in Singapore in 2014, Rakuten believes that shopping should be a fun experience, and they do so by creating an engaging environment for customers to do their shopping. Besides providing a platform for retailers to showcase their products, there are various interactive campaigns for shoppers.
The Rakuten Super Points was introduced as a reward program where customers can earn points to help save on their next purchase. Just like how airlines reward travellers with frequent flyer miles, Rakuten Super Points is awarded every time you make a purchase.
Rakuten carries over 330,000 goods from close to 500 merchants, with more than half of the retailers from Japan. Start your retail therapy with Rakuten today as we put together 10 Rakuten shopping hacks to help you be a smart shopper and save on your next purchase.
1. Bookmark the Deals page
This is one of the most important page you need on Rakuten. It showcases thousand of deals at up to 80% off and Buy 1 Get 1 free. It also includes a range of items from categories such as Food & Beverages, Health & Beauty, Electronics, Travel & Living, Women Apparels and many more.
*Tip: Simply drag the image below and place it in your Bookmark Toolbar on your browser.
2. Rebates, rebates and more rebates
Every dollar spent will earn you 1 Super Point and 100 Super Points = S$1 discount.
Accumulate your Rakuten Super Points to become a privileged Gold Member and once you achieved this milestone, there will be special perks and secret coupons mailed to you periodically! For example, Gold Member is eligible for the surprise Golden Member Days where you get a 24-hour Rakuten Super Points Day with exclusive discounts!
Update: Rakuten has recently launched a 5x Rakuten Super Point-back programme to help you accumulate your points faster. Every dollar spent will now earn you a whopping 5 Super Points (rather than 1) and that is equivalent to an impressive 5% rebate on any products, on any day.
Tip: Look out for Bonus Super Points Promotion Campaigns, Rakuten will reward you with 20x, 30x, 40x, etc, Bonus Super Points to help you save even more.
3. Shop on Tuesday
TGIT. Thanks God It’s Tuesday! Every Tuesday, you can enjoy an additional 5% off your shopping if you pay with your MasterCard.
Tip: Remove all the MasterCard sitting in your wallet. Find out which of these cards provide more points or rewards when you charge your online purchase.
4. Shop from Ebates
Haven’t heard ofEbates? You have been missing out where everyone’s cashing in. Ebates is a cashback website that helps you stretch your dollar on your online shopping from over 300+ online retailers such as Groupon, Redmart, Foodpanda and more. Is Rakuten included in their cashback scheme? You bet. Register with an account with them and shop from their platform to earn an additional 5% cashback on your purchase.
5. Subscribe to Rakuten’s Newsletters and Follow Them on Facebook & Twitter
Be the first among your peers to know of the latest promotions and contests! Rakuten is on Facebook and Twitter, so follow them closely on their social media accounts and sometimes it pays to be kiasu!
You would have missed out on a chance to participate in their contest if you’ve spent $190 — $10 short to earn 1,000 Rakuten Super Points! Don’t miss out on such opportunities and start following them on Facebook!
Tip: There’s a $288 Rakuten Super Points giveaway today on 14/1 if you simply like their page, share and comment on the pinned post today. Otherwise, there’s also the Win a Free Trip to Shizuoka, Japan contest ongoing until 20/1.
6. Be a smart shopper: Know what to shop on Rakuten
If you have been a savvy shopper, you know what are the best deals to buy at Rakuten. But what if you don’t? Don’t worry, we have done the homework for you.
Mega Discount Store: Because of Rakuten’s generous 5% cashback from its Super Points (+ additional cashback from credit cards), it makes purchasing big ticket items attractive. That means you can essentially save up to hundred of dollars when you buy home appliances such as refrigerators, LED TV and massage chairs.
Snaffle’s: Being a fan of Hokkaido’s catch cakes, Snaffle’s is one of my favourite store on Rakuten. Although they have physical stores in Singapore, you rarely see their catch cakes on promotion. However, if you have been following them on their online store, you can actually snag a deal at times when they are running their 1-for-1 catch cakes promotion, 20% off, free delivery and other bundled discounts.
Henri Charpentier: When French-inspired Japanese patisserie Henri Charpentier opened their first online shop at Rakuten late last year, i was jumping for joy. I no longer have to travel to the inaccessible Dempsey Hill to satisfy my craving for their famed financiers and madeleines. I can simply order at the comfort of my own home or office, and with a few clicks, i can get it delivered to my place fuss-free.
TokiChoi: Fast fashion label Toki Choi (東京著衣) is a popular fashion brand in Taiwan. Their fashion collections are a hit amongst the ladies, as they are reasonably priced for their quality! Look out for their $9.90 or 50% off campaign! TokiChoi, with its original designs and vast selections at reasonable prices could give local blogshops a run for its money.
NanoJapan: Ladies would love this. NanoJapan brings in quality beauty & health products directly from their Japan’s factory. Their beauty collagens has received good reviews so far and a trial can can be bought for just $39.90. For the month of January, you can get 1 can at the price of $39.90 and $36.90 per can for a set of 4! Wow!
Soup Stock Tokyo: Fans of Japan food chain Soup Stock Tokyo rejoice! They not only have an outlet at 313 Somerset but are also retailing their frozen soup stock exclusively on Rakuten. Get your hands on the CNY trial sets retailing at only $14 now!
Tip: Check out the Top 100 Best Sellers to see what are the popular items on Rakuten.
7. Use the right credit card
There are several cards you can use to enjoy additional perks when shopping at Rakuten:
Citi Rewards Card: 10% off storewide with code “RTCITI10” (max discount $50)
Standard Chartered SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card: 7% cash rebate (min $600 spend a month)
DBS Live Fresh Platinum Card: 6% cash rebate (min $500 spend a month)
MasterCard (any banks): 5% off storewide on Tuesday + any points or rewards from your bank
Tip: Tuesday: Any MasterCard | Other days: Citi Rewards Card, Standard Chartered SingPost Platinum Visa Credit Card or DBS Live Fresh Platinum Card
8. Make full use of free shipping
Don’t want to pay for shipping cost? Several merchants on Rakuten offers free shipping with no minimum amount, so if you are the type of shopper that want to maximize your dollar, you can shop at their Free Shipping page. Rakuten will display all the products that are eligible for free shipping.
Tip 1: Save on shipping cost by combining orders with your friends or colleague. Some stores offer free shipping when you make a minimum spend. The key here is to buy in bulk for items such as diapers, ramen, rice seasoning, etc.
Tip 2: Most free shipping are on weekend so look out for weekend campaigns!
9. Do your homework. Use Price Panda or Priceme
Don’t shortchange yourself. With many e-commerce platforms online, make sure the item you want is competitively priced. I personally use Price Panda or Priceme to compare the price to see if i’m getting the best deal. And often, Rakuten seems to edge because of the various cashback, rebates and offers.
Take for example:
The GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition is retailing at S$750 at both Courts and Challenger according to Priceme.
(Click to enlarge)
The cheapest set displayed on Priceme: Lazada at S$619
(Click to enlarge)
Galaxy on Rakuten is selling it at S$650
Although it may seems cheaper at Lazada, it is an export set that doesn’t come with warranty. Whereas, the one by Galaxy (Rakuten) comes with a 1 year local agent warranty. And that is not all – Rakuten also offers 5X Rakuten Super Points which is equivalent to a 5% cash rebates. This works out to be a $32.50 discount which brings the total nett price to S$617.50! Now, which is more value for money?
*Tip: Charge your purchase with a a MasterCard and get an additional 5% discount on Tuesday + Points or rewards from your bank
10. Don’t miss out the Shop Campaigns
You thought that Rakuten’s campaigns was mindblowing? What if i say stores can run additional campaigns on top of Rakuten’s campaigns? Keep your eyes peeled when you visit a store’s page. There arecertain campaigns run by stores and this include giving away free gifts and voucher when you make a purchase.
For example, Mega Discount Store is currently giving away freebies such as free bread maker and $50 voucher when you purchase certain promotional items from their shop.
Tip: Subscribe to individual stores to get the latest updates on campaigns and promotions.
We hope you find these hacks useful!
To get your started, we have collaborated with Rakuten in the MoneyDigest X Rakuten Super Points Giveaway. 2,000 Rakuten Super Points (worth $20) will be given away to our readers who have yet to sign up for a free account at Rakuten. Do note that only the first 25 valid entries qualify.
The unwavering popularity of K-Pop and Korean dramas brought forth the satisfying dessert called soft serve.
Soft serve, a type of ice cream, is perfect for the sunny Singapore climate and its increasing health conscious inhabitants. It is generally lighter, smoother, and creamier than the regular ice cream because of the air introduced during freezing. Due to its formulation, soft serve ice cream melts rather quickly so you must eat lick its goodness rather quickly. Worry not if you consume more than expected as it has generally less milk-fat than regular ice cream.
Inexpensive does not always come with bad taste if you know the right places to look. That being said, here are 3 delicious yet affordable places to satisfy your hunger for Korean soft serves…
1. THE POPULAR ONE
Boasting with lengthy queues daily, Honey Crème’s soft serves are silky and rich. Showing a balance between flavors, all the ingredients are mixed well together by the hand to give a smooth consistency. Customers can avail occasional flavors aside from its classic flavors such as Caramel Popcorn, Comb Honey, Affogato, and Organic Mixed Grains.
If you are a fan or cotton candy or fairy floss, their nice spins are made with organic sugar and natural flavoring. Furthermore, it is stuffed with Italian rock salt to give a twist and even out the sweetness of both the ice cream and the cotton candy.
Hailing from South Korea, Milkcow offers ice cream made with 100% organic milk from Italian farms. Much like Honey Crème, Milkcow has a loyal following that proves how addicting their products are.
With 14 special flavors, Milkcow’s wide selection of sort serves can be topped with organic honeycomb, cotton candy, fruits, jelly beans, chocolate syrup, and so much more. And if you are confused on which flavors to purchase, consider trying Snow Drop, Milky Peace, and Milky Cube.
Locations: 8 locations nationwide, visit milkcow.sg for more information.
3. THE RISING STAR
Sweet Monster is the new Korean soft serve on the block. With its adorable characters, unique flavors, quality ingredients, and American festival vibes – you are sure to have a wonderfully satisfying experience!
Feast your eyes on their visually pleasing Popcorn Ice Cream (S$6.80) that is in complete dichotomy in taste, texture, and temperature. Is it sweet or salty? Is it crunchy or smooth? Is it hot or cold? Find the answers to these questions yourself by heading to one of their outlets.
Dreaming of fresh, glowing, and youthful skin without the need to spend hundreds of dollars on expert services?
Skip fancy skin treatments by rejuvenating your skin with five simple skin care tips that beauty professionals do themselves.
1. BE GENTLE
Regular shaving and cleansing can damage your skin so lower its intensity by avoiding strong soaps and by shaving cautiously. Strongly formulated soaps can remove oil from your skin. So, use mild cleansers especially with your face.
Shaving cautiously entails protecting your skin by adding another layer of lotion, shaving cream, or gel before shaving. Also, you must shave in the direction of your hair growth and not against it.
2. STAY PROTECTED
Dermatologist Lisa Garner, the former president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, often fills her palm with about half a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover her face, ears, and neck. To keep your skin youthful, stay protected by using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.
Reapply every two hours particularly if you are perspiring or swimming.
3. FRESHEN UP
Consisting of 95% water, it comes as no surprise that cucumbers help freshen and moisturize the skin. Also, cucumber pulp can help improve your skin’s complexion especially if you have redness or irritation.
Just place at least two cucumber slices in a plastic bag and let it freeze in the fridge overnight. Remove it from the fridge the next morning and place two slices in your eyes for 10 minutes. Guaranteed instant freshness and less puffy eyes is in store!
4. QUIT SMOKING
One of the best ways to protect your skin is to quit smoking. According to research, smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which diminishes the blood flow. This exhausts the skin’s supply of oxygen and nutrients leading to “older-looking skin” and more wrinkles. Furthermore, smoking damages the elastin and collagen – important fibers to give your skin elasticity and strength.
5. SOOTHE IRRITATION
Dermatologist Jeanine Downie shares that frozen peas can help soothe irritated and itchy eyes. Simply put the bag of frozen peas on your eyelids for about five minutes.
The coldness of these veggies can help reduce the swelling. Compared with ice packs, frozen peas easily follows the shape of your eyes and leads to a quicker relaxing effect.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
