How to Save Money when Shopping for Luxury Bags

Shopping for the perfect Christmas gift can be a stressful affair! You have a ton of things to do, and between all the planning for the family gatherings, there is hardly enough brain capacity left to be thinking of what to put under the tree. In addition, you do not want to spend a fortune on an unpleasant handbag.

Handbag lover or not, it’s something most of us use on a daily basis. The right handbag will surely be put to effective use! To save money on luxury bags, consider the tips on this list.

#1: SAVE CONSISTENTLY

Leading up to the holiday shopping spree, you must cut down the unnecessary purchases. For instance, you can eliminate your daily Starbucks run to save up to S$2,000 a year. Giving yourself a home-brewed morning drink can satisfy your cravings and save your wallet. You can even open a savings account to help you budget better.

#2: STEER AWAY FROM TRENDS

There are so many fast fashion items that go out of style immediately. Who cares if you do not wear it? It was on sale for S$30! Well, think about your purchases next time. Adding investment pieces to your collection can help you create a staple handbag collection.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#3: STORE WISELY

Forgo your lazy inclinations to toss your items in your bag as storing your recently purchased bag can be one of the most important steps to maintain the newness of your luxury item. Most designer bags come with free dust bags – use these! Do not forget to store your liquids in containers to avoid spillage.

#4: SHOP AT CONSIGNMENT STORES

Consignment stores will often carry products at discounted prices. These products might be last season’s handbags or something that is selling as much anymore. However, you may not always be able to find the product you are looking for.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#5: SHOP AT ONLINE AUCTIONS

Online auctions provide you a fantastic opportunity to snag a new product at a much cheaper price. You just need to be patient and diligent in your searches and keep an eye out for the best auctions.

#6: WATCH OUT FOR DISCOUNTS AT DEPARTMENT STORES

Local department stores can help you save money on high-end, luxury handbags. Most stores will have various sales year-round, which they will announce virtually through their websites or newsletters. Stay updated!

Sources: 1 & 2

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10 Gifts You Should Never Give This Christmas

There is nothing worse than watching someone opening your gift and pretending to like it! Avoid cringe-worthy moments like this by familiarizing yourself with the following types of gifts that people would rather not receive this Christmas.

Do not waste your money on these gifts!

#1: PETS

Living, breathing creature as a present is a bad idea! Being stuck with them for the remainder of your life can seem scary, especially if you will gift a lizard. Never get someone an animal they may not be able to take care of.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#2: EXERCISE GEAR

What message are you sending by gifting exercise gear? We all have at least one friend who is obsessed with fitness, gifting exercise gear to said friend is acceptable. However, you do not want to risk unintentionally insinuating that he or she needs to lose weight.

#3: WORK DRESS

Gifting a work dress is tricky! You might not get the right size. Can you imagine the look on your friend’s face when you bought a Size 10 and she wears a Size 4?

#4: ROMANCE NOVELS

Not safe for work, novels can be embarrassing to open in front of friends and family. There would be so many shades of red if that happens.

#5: WRINKLE CREAM

It is insulting to insinuate that someone needs anti-aging creams. What about giving a nice, seasonally scented lotion instead? Peppermint or cinnamon lotion sounds delicious to me!

#6: AN OUTDATED CALENDAR

It might seem like an obvious one, but you would hate to receive a calendar that is only good for a month. Do not give a calendar for a year that already happened.

#7: CLEANING SUPPLIES

Your friends and family are going to wonder what you are really trying to say if they were to open a bag filled with cleaning supplies. Your cleaning tools and sprays might put a smile on your face, but you might send a wrong message across.

#8: GYM MEMBERSHIP

Much like giving exercise gear, signing someone up for a monthly gym membership could have a negative connotation. Plus, aside from its potential for offense, a gym membership serves as a reminder that New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#9: SOUVENIRS

Did you just visit Bali or Maldives? Then, they do not need a tacky magnet to commemorate your experience. Look for inspiration elsewhere.

#10: HOVERBOARDS

They were the hottest toy years ago but have proven to be dangerous. Authorities recalled thousands of models all over the world. So, please find a safer toy to give to your favorite nieces and nephews.

Sources: 1 & 2

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12 Cheap Thrills to Enjoy this Weekend

Living a frugal life does not have to be dull and boring! Keep yourself entertained while maintaining your budget by checking out these free or cheap things to do this weekend.

#1: READ A BOOK OR TWO

Dive into the mysteries and magical adventures of your favorite book. If nothing on your bookshelf strikes your fancy, you can take a trip to the local library to borrow one. You can also download free eBooks online.

#2: WATCH A MOVIE

Movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Black Adam are now streaming in cinemas. You can either watch a movie there or go to the public library to check out a film that you can rent. Netflix has a selection of newly released films too! Take advantage of your subscription with this streaming service.

#3: PLAY INDOOR GAMES

Invite your loved ones for a friendly game of cards or puzzles. If video games are more your speed, check out the free or cheap games available at the app store or other free gaming websites.

#4: PLAY OUTDOOR GAMES

Searching for an athletic endeavor? Grab your basketball or volleyball and head to the park. Join the recreational sports groups in your community. Some are free and others can cost you a registration fee.

#5: GO TO THE THRIFT SHOP

Hunt for bargains at the local thrift or flea shops. Remember, you do not have to buy anything. Browse around and watch out for great deals. It is more fun to try things on!

#6: TAKE A HEALING WALK

Smartphones, podcasts, and earbuds have transformed a walk around the neighborhood from mundane to entertaining. Even if you do not have access to good audio, stepping out for a stroll can help boost your mood. Check out this list of the best nature trails in Singapore.

#7: TAKE A LONG HIKE

Immerse yourselves with the sights and sounds of the natural world. Check out Singapore’s list of trails and parks and choose a beautiful long trail. Then, pack lunch and a water bottle to complete your hike.

#8: CYCLE AROUND

If you have a bike, ride around the neighborhood, and explore your surroundings. Do not have a ride? You can rent a bike at the East Coast Park Bike Shop.

#9: LISTEN TO PODCASTS

Your smartphone is the perfect podcast player! Use it to browse the various categories of free podcasts. Whether you are listening through Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you can keep it playing during a solo walk.

#10: TEACH YOURSELF TO KNIT

A lot of homes have yarns and a couple of knitting needles stored somewhere. If you do not have these, you can find a friend who will lend you a knitting set. Or you can head to the nearest Daiso to grab some supplies. The basics of knitting are easy. Here’s a great “getting started” tutorial that you can watch.

#11: TEACH YOURSELF ORIGAMI

Make origami decorations to beautify the Yuletide season. For example, you can create paper snowflakes or butterflies. You can aim to learn this skill and make decorations for future events.

#12: TEACH YOURSELF TO DANCE

Use your radio, speaker, or TV to dance to your favorite tune. You can invite your partner for a romantic dance. Who knows? It might become one of your top fun things to do on a Saturday.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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From passion projects to full-time hustles: Why it’s worth it

a painting process

You’ve probably heard the saying, “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

While that might be a little bit of an exaggeration for some, following your passion can indeed lead to a lot of happiness and fulfillment. And if you’re lucky, it might even lead to a full-time hustle.

But starting and running a passion project is no easy task. It takes time and energy, not to mention dedication and commitment. That’s why you should only consider embarking on a passion project if you’re truly ready to commit.

Why you should have a passion project

You should have a passion project for various reasons.

Maybe you’re looking for a way to express yourself creatively, or maybe you want to learn a new skill.

But the best reason of all is that having a passion project can help you turn your dreams into a reality. It gives you something to aim for, and it can be the starting point for something much bigger.

Think about it—most successful people don’t become successful overnight. They started small, with a passion project that eventually turned into a full-time hustle. And you can do the same thing. All it takes is dedication and hard work.

How to find the time to commit to a passion project

It can be tough to find the time to commit to a passion project when you’re already balancing a full-time job. But it’s worth it.

Here are a few tips for finding the time to make your passion project a reality:

  • Make a schedule and stick to it.
  • Dedicate specific days or hours of the week to working on your project.
  • Tell your friends and family about your project so they can help keep you accountable.
  • Set some rules for yourself—like no checking social media when you’re supposed to be working on your project.
The benefits of turning your passion project into a hustle
smiling woman working on her laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You know that feeling when you’re so obsessed with something that you can’t stop thinking about it? That’s the feeling you want to aim for when it comes to your passion projects.

When you’re truly passionate about something, the work doesn’t feel like work. You will be so excited to start working on it each day and you will be determined to see it through to the end.

When you commit to your passion project and turn it into a hustle, here’s what you can expect:

  • You will be more productive because you’re working on something you love
  • You will be motivated to keep going, even when things get tough
  • You will learn new skills and hone your talent
  • You will be more fulfilled in your work
Things to consider before turning your passion project into a full-time hustle

Here are a few things to consider before making the leap to turning your passion project into a full-time hustle:

  • What are the risks and rewards associated with this project? Weighing the pros and cons is a crucial part of any decision-making process.
  • What are your goals for this project? Are you looking to make a little extra money on the side, or do you eventually want to turn it into your full-time job?
  • Do you have the time and energy to commit to this project? Running a business takes a lot of work, and it’s wise to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to it.
  • How much money do you need to make this project sustainable? This is an essential question to ask yourself because it will help you determine the investment you need in the long run.

So you’ve got a passion project—something you’re excited about, but you’re not sure if it’s worth it to turn it into a full-blown hustle. Maybe you’re worried about the time commitment, or whether people will take you seriously if you’re doing this “for a living.” Here’s the thing: go with what feels sound for you. If you’re excited and passionate about your project, then it’s worth your time and effort to pursue it. Think about what steps you need to take to make your passion project a reality. There may be some things you need to learn more about or some people you need to connect with. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start turning your dream into a reality.

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The best sports for people with weak knees

kayaking in Singapore

You’re worried about your knees.

You’ve been told that you need to take it easy, and that means no more marathons, no more jumping, and no more high-impact sports. What does that leave you?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of sports that are great for people with weak knees, and we’re going to share a few of our favorites with you. Keep reading to learn more.

The best sports for people with weak knees

Dealing with knee pain doesn’t mean you have to give up on exercise altogether.

In fact, there are plenty of sports that are perfect for people with weak knees. The activities we’re about to introduce to you are low-impact and put minimal stress on your joints. Plus, they help you stay in shape and improve your fitness level.

  • Swimming

Swimming is low-impact, which means it won’t put any stress on your joints, and it’s a great workout for your whole body.

Plus, swimming is a really fun way to stay active. You can swim in the pool or hit the beach and go for a swim for a change. If you prefer some company, try water aerobics.

  • Gentle yoga

Gentle yoga doesn’t require a lot of sudden movements and can even act as a therapy for your weak knees.

Plus, yoga is known for its relaxation and stress-relieving benefits. And when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can aggravate pain. So practicing yoga for the long term can be a wonderful way to help keep your knee pain under control.

  • Rowing or kayaking

Apart from swimming and gentle yoga, rowing or kayaking are great exercises because they put very little stress on the knees.

And since they’re both outdoor sports, it’s a superb opportunity to get some vitamin D under the sunshine. Plus, they’re a lot of fun when done individually or in pairs.

The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and that fits within your abilities. Don’t push yourself too hard or you will only end up hurting yourself further. Just take it slow and easy, and before you know it, you will be feeling better than before!

When you should see a doctor for weak knees
doctor assessing a patient's knee

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

If you’re experiencing excruciating knee pain, see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis.

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of issues, from arthritis to ligament damage. And if the pain is severe or doesn’t go away with rest and ice, surgery may be necessary.

If you suffer from knee pain, don’t let that stop you from staying active. There are plenty of sports that are gentle on the knees and can help to strengthen them over time. Swimming is a great option for people with weak knees because it’s a low-impact sport. It also strengthens the muscles around the knee, which can provide some relief from pain. Other options for people with weak knees include yoga. It’s gentle on the joints and can help to improve flexibility and range of motion. Or you could give rowing or kayaking a try and see how they work for you.

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