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Purrfect Christmas Gift Ideas For Cat Lovers Costing Under S$30

Lovable, clever, quiet, sweet, and playful are just some of the words to describe your feline friend. Their comforting nature has been proven to reduce one’s stress levels that even renowned Psychologist Sigmund Freud believed that the “time spent with cats is never wasted”.

This Christmas season, while searching for the purrfect gift for your cat-adoring loved one, keep in mind that you must also be financially savvy.

Here are 5 Christmas Gift Ideas For Cat Lovers Costing Under S$30…

1. HAND-KNITTED FELINE TOYS

Doggy Friend maybe one of the cheapest online pet stores out there but their services are optimum. Looking at their user-friendly website that is easy to navigate, I saw a wide range of cat food brands. You will definitely find a product and price that suits you best.

Also, there are adorable hand-knitted toys made with toxic-free wool, 75 cm strings, and bell to tease the kittens with. Hurry as these JU-BE Feline toys are on sale for S$5 only!

Screen-grabbed from: doggyfriend.com.sg

And if you want to give a present for your friend but you do not know what cat product to get him or her, you may buy a Doggy Friend gift certificate instead. Their gift certificates range from S$10-S$50.

2. PRETTY CAT LIP GLOSS

Pucker up as the cat-shaped lip gloss by Rubi Shoes can be used wherever you go. You can choose from three delightful scents such as mint, watermelon, and coconut as well as three vivid colors such as silver, mint, and hot pink.

Screen-grabbed from: cottonon.com

Retailing for S$7.95-9.95, this novelty lip gloss will surely be loved by your friend’s lips and your own wallet!

3. NOT YOUR AVERAGE GRAPHIC TEE

You can never go wrong with the classic crew neck printed tees as it goes well with anything from skinny denims to loose skirts.

Made with 100% cotton, Cotton On Singapore takes a humorous route as their white shirt for men is basically a cat version of the singer Pharrell Williams. It is on sale now for only S$10!

Screen-grabbed from: cottonon.com

If you prefer printed words, you can go for the unisex “ARE YOU KITTEN ME RIGHT MEOW?” tee by TrendingTops. It is handmade and shipped internationally from United States. This is why the variety of sizes range from XS-4XL. 4XL- a size unheard of in most Asian countries! They cost about S$20.31.

Screen-grabbed from: etsy.com/sg-en/listing/209522050/cute-kitten-t-shirt-are-you-kitten-me?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cat&ref=sr_gallery_23

Image Credits: TrendingTops via etsy.com

4. DAINTY CAT NECKLACE

Nothing says simplicity and sophistication better than a dainty cat necklace. Its lovely shape made with 925 sterling silver exudes femininity to the everyday wear. The necklace is shipped from China and costs about S$14.33 on Etsy.

Image Credits: SilverLiningsByNoel via etsy.com

5. KITTY HAND WARMERS

As the breeze of cold December air graces the nation, keep your loved ones warm and happy with these finger less gloves. Customize these pair of gloves by choosing the yarn or color of the fun kitty design.

Friendly reminder: Purchase these gloves for over S$18.84 under Priority Mail International in order to receive your order prior to Christmas day!

Image Credits: SunOverVegas via Etsy

May these gift ideas bring nothing but delight! 🙂

Eternally Free Ways To Get Your Groove Back

If you are feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed, bored, or lethargic then, you may have lost your groove or “mojo” (as Austin Powers calls it).

Groove refers to the energy and power to perform things easily and exceptionally. When you are in the groove, you are unstoppable at work and other areas of your life!

Losing it is unavoidable due to financial setbacks, breakups, and other unfortunate circumstances.

There will be days when you feel like you are not fully yourself. I too experience writer’s block every once in a while. But it is important to pick yourself up, shake off the past, and move on.

Reclaim what is rightfully yours by following these tips:

1. DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Happiness is an essential source of vigor. Begin by writing down a list of activities where you had so much fun. Re-live each moment mentally by reminiscing your happy times. Then, elevate your energy by recreating a couple or more of these activities.

2. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF

Being in a rut does not mean that you have to look rotten too! Research suggests that if you look fabulous outside, you will feel fabulous inside. So style your hair differently, put on your favorite cosmetics, or wear clothes that make you feel stunning. Pretty soon you will realize that your groove relies on the self-confidence within.

3. TRAIN YOUR THOUGHTS

In the period of groove loss, you may experience a repetition of negative thoughts or worries. This is called rumination. Rumination can take a toll on your physical and mental well being. Solve this by training your thoughts.

Once it spirals off to the dark abyss, bring back the light by redirecting your mind to the positive memories, grateful thoughts, or anything pleasant. You may have to do this several times consciously until it comes naturally.

4. SHY AWAY FROM ELECTRONICS

It is easy to take things for granted because of how convenient everything is with modern technology. Say you are making a slogan for your ad campaign, instead of spending countless minutes browsing on your thesaurus, you just spend seconds to Google the synonyms.

I know you are tempted to drown yourself on K-Dramas or other television series when you feel low on “mojo” but it is hard to move on if you are avoiding things. Practice an electronics sabbatical by turning of the television, your laptop, tablets, and other devices for at least 3 days. Use this time to have an interesting conversation with your partner or kids. Tidy up your closet or organize your files as long as you do something productive and optimistic.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

3 Ridiculously Expensive Purchases Feeding Singapore’s Materialistic Urges

In 2012, a study published by Singapore Management University showed that female university students who were locals were significantly more materialistic than their American counterparts.

Living in the most expensive city in the world, it is inevitable to equate one’s stature to one’s wealth. The validation we get from other people while flaunting our expensive items is flattering at first but it is harder to maintain in the long run.

Instead of inciting envy, how about you focusing on improving your self-worth by avoiding these ridiculously expensive purchases:

1. DESIGNER BAGS

There is no better way to wear your “wealth” than by carrying a bag that screams costly designer price tags wherever you go! While you may feel excited, happy, and satisfied the first few months, you will soon be craving for a new one to widen your collection.

With the ever-changing fashion trends, is it really worth spending over S$4,000 on a mini Chanel bag? For me, making new experiences with your loved ones while traveling overseas is a better way to spend that pile of cash.

Think about it. You have to strictly save up and resist temptations as this huge amount of money equates to about 2 months of your salary (in reference to the average wages of Singaporeans)! Sporting your sleek Chanel bag may display your “high status” but the preoccupation to limiting your daily expenses can cause long-term unhappiness.

2. JEWEL OF PANGAEA

Do you want to experience an extravagant cocktail at one of Singapore’s most luxurious nightclubs? If you answered yes then, you have to fork out about S$32,000 to experience the “Jewel of Pangaea”. The Jewel of Pangaea consists of vintage Krug, Richard Hennessy cognac, smoke-infused sugar cube, and 1-carat triple X diamond from Mouawad.

The renewed mixologist prepares the shining jewel garnishing over foamy liquid of gold in just 45 seconds. 45 seconds – the short amount of time it would take to flush your S$32,000 down!

3. 3D TELEVISIONS

Dreaming of a movie theatre-like experience at home?

Few people turned that dream into reality by purchasing 3D television that includes 3D glasses, lifelike images, vivid colors, and 3D effects. In Singapore, the price for this set ranges from S$2,800 to S$14,999.

Knowing that the majority of the owners (i.e., almost 80%) in United Kingdom regretted their purchase…will you still buy one for the sake of showing off your extravagant television to others?

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Avoid making ridiculous purchases that are meant to fill your emotional void by questioning your buying habits. Also, be grateful for what you have. The less you give into the unnecessary wants, the less financial and natural resources will be impacted!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Boost Your Health And Wealth Through Running

It is never too late to catch up on your “2015 New Year’s Resolution”!

And if losing weight or keeping a healthy physique is a part of your list, try crossing it out by running regularly. Running is a convenient and affordable option. You can do it almost anywhere without the need of costly equipments – aside from a pair of running shoes.

There are fewer barriers in maintaining a running regimen too! I know this personally because my sister and I make it a point to run outdoors as much as possible. Aside from this, running boasts with many benefits from strengthening your finances to overall health!

Read for yourself:

1. WEIGHT LOSS

High-intensity exercises stimulate more “afterburn” of calories than low-intensity exercises. In fact, a long-term comparison study of runners and walkers showed that calories burned through running resulted to 90% more weight loss than walking. Thus, running regularly helps you to shed and maintain your desired weight.

If you are still skeptical, here are 15 inspiring weight loss stories aided by running.

2. ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH

Running regularly has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles, and increase the levels of good cholesterol. It also aids in building stronger bones, as it is a weight-bearing exercise.

With health benefits like these, how can you not love running?

3. REDUCES STRESS AND DEPRESSION

Aside from its physical benefits, running radiates emotional benefits too!

Running outdoors and feeling the glimmer of the sun can make you feel better. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day (5 times/week) can alleviate the symptoms of depression and sunlight reduces stress and improves one’s mood, according to the researchers from University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

What’s more? Since running helps emit endorphins or “happy hormones” without the need of prescription drugs, you can reduce the symptoms of depression naturally.

4. HELP YOU EARN MORE

If you are still contemplating on whether or not you must run or not then, you must know that regular exercise helps to increase your salary.

In 2012, a study published under the Journal of Labor Research found that employees who exercise regularly earn 9% more than their lazier or sedentary counterparts. This may be due to the enhanced mental function, energy levels, and mood. These improvements make them more valuable to their employers.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

What are you waiting for? Grab a good pair of shoes and start running at your nearest town park!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

6 Awesome Storage Hacks To Extend Your Food’s Lives

You walk inside the grocery with your list at hand but after being tempted with the fragrant herbs, fresh bread, tantalizing sweets, and healthy greens…you walked out with more food than you expected!

To get most of your money and avoid wastage, how can you finish all these food before it spoils?

Not everyone found the answer to this question. In fact, each person in Singapore was responsible for about 130 kg of food wastage last 2011.

But the good news is that, this awesome list will bring you 6 storage hacks to increase the longevity of some of your beloved food.

1. CEREAL, OATS, AND PASTA

Keep your dry foods hard by not letting air to seep inside its containers. Use air locked containers to store dry food such as cereal, oats, and pasta instead of keeping them in their original packaging (boxes or plastic bags). Decorate and label the containers as you wish.

2. PEANUT BUTTER

The sweetened goodness of a peanut butter used for sesame balls, spring rolls, or plain bread can make the meal delicious. The trick to make your jar of peanut butter last longer is to flip it upside down with the cap sealed tight. This will allow the oil near the lid to move through the rest of your jar evenly. Also, it will make your peanut butter creamier.

3. SOY SAUCE

Soy sauce is a commonly used in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, and Taiwan. Generally, soy sauce does not need to be kept chilled but putting it inside the refrigerator will help the flavor to remain at its prime quality longer.

4. AVOCADO

Instead of storing your avocado in a basket, store it inside your fridge to avoid over-ripening. And as the day of consumption draws near, pull the avocado outside the fridge. Then, let it finish its ripening process inside a paper bag.

5. ASPARAGUS AND SCALLIONS

Treat your asparagus and scallions like how you would treat your freshly cut flowers. Fill up a vase or a jar with about two inches of water and regularly trim these vegetables. Keep these veggies there until you are ready to cook them.

6. HONEY

I for one love the taste of the honey lemon drink. But I noticed something, leaving it in the fridge leads it to crystallize. This is unnecessary because enzymes in the bees’ stomach create by-products that fight bacteria, honey can be preserved for a lifetime.

So revive your honey by placing the contents in a frying pan with simmering water. Stir it until the crystals dissolve.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

May these 6 tricks come in handy soon! 🙂

Sources: 1 ,2,3,& 4

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