Lifestyle & Hobbies Archives | Page 16 of 157

8 Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts: From Budget-Friendly to Splurge-Worthy

As the Lunar New Year festivities fade into memories, the rush of Valentine’s Day preparations is upon us. If you’re among the early birds who meticulously plan for this day of love, hats off to you!

But if you find yourself in the “Wait, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow?” category, fret not—you still have time to make it special. Whether you’re seeking the perfect present for a dear friend or a sweet surprise for your new flame, these last-minute gift ideas will help you express your affection with thoughtfulness and care.

FOR THE MELODY MAKER

If your loved one is a music enthusiast, consider gifting them the second-gen AirPods, available at a discount of 20% (S$159) at Courts. These wireless earbuds provide quick access to Siri and boast a range of convenient features. Alternatively, the second-gen AirPods Pro offer enhanced sound quality and noise cancellation, making them a perfect choice for audiophiles. Find them at Courts for a discounted price of S$325.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Imagine the joy on their face as they immerse themselves in their favorite tunes, thanks to your thoughtful gift!

FOR THE CREATIVE SOUL

Express your love through art with a blank sketchbook from Popular Bookstore. Fill its pages with heartfelt words and cherished memories, creating a personalized gift that speaks volumes. Available for as low as S$8.70, this simple yet meaningful gesture is sure to touch their heart.

Pouring your emotions onto paper, you create a unique masterpiece that reflects the depth of your feelings.

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Indulge in decadent delights with ANGELINA’s macarons. Treat your sweetheart to a box of assorted flavors, each bite a symphony of sweetness and delight. Available in various sizes, these delectable treats are sure to sweeten your Valentine’s Day celebration. Order online or visit the ANGELINA store at MBS. Price starts at S$13 for a box of 4.

Share a moment of sweetness as you savor each macaron together in an at-home romantic dinner, creating memories as delightful as the flavors themselves.

FOR THE TIMELESS ROMANTIC

Declare your love with the PUREST LOVE quartz movement watch by Swatch. Its elegant design, featuring a red sun-brushed dial adorned with symbols of love, makes it a timeless symbol of affection.

Image Credits: swatch.com

Priced at S$106, this watch is a simple yet meaningful gesture that will be treasured for years to come.

FOR THE MEMORY KEEPER

Capture precious moments together with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. This instant camera is perfect for creating tangible memories on the spot. With its user-friendly design and built-in selfie mode, it’s ideal for preserving your special moments in an instant. Get your very own Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 kit for S$179 at Harvey Norman.

Every click of the shutter captures a memory that will be cherished for years to come—a tangible reminder of your bond.

FOR THE PAMPERED PRINCESS

Spoil your beloved with luxurious self-care products from Lush. The With Love Gift Set, priced at S$59, includes a selection of indulgent bath and body treats designed to pamper and rejuvenate.

Whether they prefer a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, this thoughtful gift is sure to make them feel cherished. So, grab a set at the nearest Lush store or purchase it online.

FOR THE BEAUTY CONNOISSEUR

Treat your beauty enthusiast to fragrant delights from Jo Malone or vibrant lipsticks from MAC Cosmetics. Whether it’s a signature scent or a red lip color, these beauty essentials are sure to delight. Choose from a range of options, including Jo Malone colognes starting from S$120 and MAC lipsticks starting from S$38.

The bestsellers of Jo Malone colognes include English Pear & Freesia Cologne, Lime Basil & Mandarin, and Honeysuckle & Davana. As for my personal favorites from MAC, I adore the Ruby Woo and Russian Red shades. These universally beautiful shades complement most skin tones perfectly.

FOR THE LOVER OF ELEGANCE

Elevate their style with exquisite jewelry pieces from Pearly Lustre. From elegant earrings to enchanting necklaces, their Valentine’s Day collection offers timeless pieces that reflect your love and admiration. Available online or at their flagship store at 313@Somerset, these stunning pieces are sure to capture their heart.

Image Credits: pearlylustre.com

This Valentine’s Day, let these thoughtful gifts serve as expressions of your love and appreciation, making your celebration truly memorable. Whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple token of affection, what matters most is the love that lies behind it.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How to Thrive During Lunar New Year 2024

Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year (CNY), marks the transition from the old to the entrance of good fortune in the new year.

In 2024, embrace the Year of the Dragon by celebrating strength, power, and success. Start by understanding its significance.

Significance of the Year of the Dragon

To truly appreciate each Lunar New Year, it’s essential to grasp the attributes of both the element and the animal.

With wood as the element for CNY 2024, we welcome growth, success, and the initial stage of development. Wood signifies humanity’s aspiration to achieve, progress, grow, and expand.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The Year of the Dragon symbolizes health, strength, and good fortune, embodying natural leadership, charisma, and boundless enthusiasm for those born in this year.

Your Guide to Surviving this CNY 2024

PREPARE YOUR SPACE

As the festive season approaches, consider cleaning and decorating your home to optimize feng shui. This will help invite good luck, health, and prosperity throughout the year.

Feng Shui Teacher Anjie Cho emphasizes the importance of cleaning your front door, the “mouth of chi,” to welcome in new energy and enhance your connection with the world.

EMBRACE THE CHANGING SEASONS

On the first day of spring on the lunar calendar, open all your windows and doors for nine minutes, an auspicious number in Chinese culture.

Allow fresh air to flow through, dispelling stagnant energy and inviting new, revitalizing energies.

MASTER THE ART OF TOSSING

Enhance your participation in the CNY tradition of tossing yusheng by learning the art of lo hei.

Watch a video tutorial on the lo hei prosperity toss to confidently partake in this joyful activity.

DISCOVER LOCAL CELEBRATION SPOTS

Immerse yourself in the Lunar New Year festivities by exploring various events in Singapore.

Highlights include the Chinatown street light-up, River Hongbao, Chingay Parade, Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay, and more.

LOOK YOUR BEST

Symbolize a new start by dressing in new threads during the festive season.

Opt for bright colors or explore modern cheongsam and fashionable CNY clothes from brands like Mama & Misse, Shanghai Tang, Lark & Peony, and YeoMama.

IMPRESS WITH LUXE HAMPERS

Gift luxurious hampers filled with goodies from brands such as FNP SG, The Hamper Story, or Lady M, perfect for picky family members or those you want to impress.

RELAX WITH CNY ACTIVITIES

Take a breather after festive gatherings by indulging in a movie marathon with your favorite Chinese movies. Alternatively you can enjoy games like mahjong, baccarat, blackjack, or CNY trivia for a delightful time with loved ones.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Sneaky Tactics Retailers Use to Boost Your Spending

Ever walked into a store or surfed through an online retailer with a shopping list, thinking it’s a simple pick, pay, and go scenario? The reality is, the retail world is a maze of cunning strategies designed to nudge you towards making those unplanned purchases.

Before you begin your shopping spree, whether at the mall or behind the screen, it’s crucial to be savvy to the sly tricks crafted to part you from your hard-earned cash.

COLOR PSYCHOLOGY

Shopping is more than just choosing items, it’s a journey through a kaleidoscope of colors strategically picked to sway your behavior. The color of a product or its display has the power to evoke specific emotions. Take red, for instance – often associated with sales because it triggers action and stimulates interest. Even the sales staff, dressed in attention-grabbing hues like red, can influence your choices.

Watch out for falling in love with a product just because it looks pleasing and make sure it genuinely aligns with your needs.

POWER OF TOUCH

Ever wondered why some items are placed just where you can’t resist picking them up? It’s not a coincidence, as it’s a strategy. Research shows that the act of touching an item increases the likelihood of buying it.

Stores carefully position products in areas where customers are likely to reach out. Think about your experiences – faced with neatly folded items, there’s a hesitation to disrupt the arrangement. You’ll feel a different way shifting thru the clearance rack.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember, the more time an item spends in your hands, the more likely you are to add it to your cart. Be choosy about what you touch, focusing only on items you genuinely plan to take home.

PLAY ON YOUR SENSES

Stores aren’t just selling products…they’re selling experiences. From enticing scents to free tastings and the overall feel of the environment, retailers play with your senses to make you stay longer and spend more.

Stay on guard and, if needed, bring a shopping buddy to help you navigate these sensory tricks consciously.

POTENCY OF FREE SHIPPING

Online retailers have a powerful weapon in their arsenal – the word “free.” The promise of free shipping can be a tempting bait, leading you to throw more items into your cart just to meet the threshold. In most cases, those extras aren’t really necessary.

So, remind yourself that the allure of free shipping shouldn’t dictate your purchases. Stick to your needs and resist the urge to overspend just for the sake of free shipping.

PRODUCT PLACEMENT

Supermarkets are like chessboards where the pieces are more expensive items strategically placed at eye level, creating an illusion of value. They might even position pricey items right at the store’s entrance, making everything else inside seem like a bargain.

Watch out for the “add-on” tactic near cash registers – seemingly cheap items that can tempt tired shoppers standing in line. Stay aware and resist the impulse to make last-minute, unnecessary purchases.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now that you’re armed with this insider knowledge, navigate the shopping landscape with a mindful approach. Avoid falling prey to the subtle manipulations that retailers use to boost your spending. Your wallet will thank you!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

Asia’s Largest Nike Haven Opens in Singapore

As a Christmas present, I gifted my father a sleek black shirt with the iconic Nike logo, a choice that perfectly aligned with his unwavering brand loyalty. If, like my dad, you take comfort in the quality of Nike’s fitness wear, there’s exciting news awaiting you. The latest Nike store on Orchard Road isn’t merely Singapore’s largest as it proudly claims the title of the grandest in all of Asia, besides its counterparts in China.

Welcome to Nike Orchard Road, a retail haven nestled between Apple Orchard Road and The Heeren, officially opening its doors last January 19. This three-story store spans an impressive 28,000 square feet, seamlessly integrating shopping, immersive experiences, and a celebration of athleticism. Connecting the levels is a LED screen that illuminates with popular running routes across Singapore, encapsulating the spirit of movement and vitality.

The store goes beyond the conventional retail experience as it offers fitness and creativity workshops alongside customization services.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Catering to men, women, and children, Nike Orchard Road is a playground for enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of style and functionality. The first floor is a haven for women and kids, featuring the latest footwear, bras like the Nike Alate, leggings such as the Nike Zenvy, and collections like Nike Motiva and Nike Versair. Ascend to the second floor for a display of men’s apparel and shoe collections, while the third floor is dedicated to Jordan aficionados, showcasing an array of kicks and basketball apparel. Stay tuned for the Jordan Lunar New Year drops, which are coming soon.

A unique feature of this Nike flagship is the Swoosh Studio on the first floor—an interactive space hosting fitness classes led by Nike coaches, creativity workshops with local artists, and wellness sessions with experts.

Image Credits: www.nike.com/sg

What’s more? The first two levels house Nike Service Hubs, offering a seamless transition from online to offline services. From order pickups to expert sessions, these hubs provide a holistic Nike experience.

OPPORTUNITY TO CUSTOMIZE

For those seeking exclusivity, the third floor unveils the Nike By You customization station. Here, you can transform selected caps, apparel, and footwear into one-of-a-kind pieces, adorned with city-exclusive graphics and accessories.

To mark the store’s inauguration, Singaporean artists Ella Zheng, Zi Xi Tan, and Natasha Hassan lend their creativity to exclusive Nike designs, capturing the dynamic spirit of sporting culture and the inspiring narratives of Singaporean athletes.

From three stories of Nike apparel to fitness classes at the Swoosh Studio and customization opportunities, Asia’s largest Nike store captivates fans on Orchard Road, Singapore. What are you waiting for? Step into a world where passion meets performance at the latest Nike store.
Nike Orchard Road awaits you at 268 Orchard Road. It opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

Sources: 1 & 2

Hefty Price Tag of Vaping in Singapore

According to a recent release from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), electronic vaporizers, commonly known as e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or vapes, have gained popularity in Singapore despite being banned.

Many young individuals are captivated by vaping because they perceive it as trendy and safe, while advocates argue that it aids in quitting smoking. However, there’s a darker side to this narrative.

The Dark Side of Vaping

E-vaporizers are known to harbor harmful chemicals such as fine particulate matter (PM), cancer-causing agents like carbonyls, and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene. Additionally, perilous heavy metals like tin, lead, and nickel have been detected in these devices, posing inherent health risks. Despite their alluring packaging in vibrant and sleek designs, adorned with sweet and fruity flavors to mask potential health hazards, the fundamental purpose of e-vaporizers is to dispense nicotine, a highly addictive substance.

While the long-term effects of vaping are still under scrutiny, it has been associated with nausea, vomiting, mouth and airway irritation, chest pain, and palpitations.

Penalties Under the Act

According to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, individuals convicted of selling, offering for sale, possessing for sale, importing, or distributing e-vaporizers may face a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months for the first offense.

Subsequent offenses can result in a fine not exceeding S$20,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Furthermore, individuals found guilty of possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporizers may be liable to fines not exceeding S$2,000.

Enforcement of the Act

In 2022, more than 2,600 e-vaporizer-related posts were removed from online platforms. Between 2018 and 2022, 860 individuals were apprehended for selling and smuggling e-vaporizers, with 145 facing prosecution during the same period.

For travelers, Singapore is heightening enforcement measures against those entering with electronic vaporizers. Operations will be conducted at air, land, and sea checkpoints, commencing at Changi Airport. Incoming passengers may undergo screening for vapes or their components, and fines will be imposed if caught.

Travelers can avoid penalties by declaring and surrendering these items at the Red Channel, as stipulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the HSA. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will persist in security checks to identify and deter smuggling attempts.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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