4 accommodations from $40/night in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, if you can free yourself for a weekend trip in March 2025

Phu Quoc Airbnb

Headed back to the office and feeling a little blue?

We understand how it feels…

And maybe a little travel planning can help ease those depressive vibes.

This ‘Travel Thursday’, the first for 2025, we’ve got some accommodations from Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

These Airbnbs are a gem if you can free yourself for a weekend trip in March 👏

Beachfront bungalow with a double bed for two

Beachfront bungalow with a double bed for two

Price: $40/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 7 to 9 March 2025

First up, we have this beachfront bungalow beckoning with its garden views and (almost) direct access to the shores of Bà Kèo beach where you can start your morning with your toes in the sand.

Just steps from OCSEN Beach Bar & Club.

The bungalow’s double bed and self-contained living spaces—complete with AC, TV, fridge, and free wifi—ensure just the getaway you need.

Leave your cares in SG and lose yourselves in sun-soaked days and romantic evenings in Vietnam for two mere footsteps from the crashing waves.

It’s only $40/night!

Budget-friendly vacation rental for three beach-loving travelers

Budget-friendly vacation rental for three beach-loving travelers

Price: $41/night (for 3 persons)

Travel dates: 7 to 9 March 2025

Calling all beach bums on a budget!

This vacation rental on Phu Quoc Pearl Island was made for sun-seekers who want to soak up the island life without overspending.

Nestled in the heart of the action, it’s just steps from the sand, surf, and party central at OCSEN Beach Bar & Club and The Cheeky Traveler English Pub & Bar.

At “home”, two comfy beds (one double and one single) await after long days spent lounging on the beach.

Other must-haves like air conditioning, a smart TV, a fridge, and a wardrobe mean you will have all the conveniences of a hotel minus the markup.

Three’s a company at this affordable island crash pad.

Fully furnished apartment with an ocean view

Fully furnished apartment with an ocean view

Price: $41/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 7 to 9 March 2025

Perched atop a hill in central Phu Quoc, this fully furnished apartment allows you to wake up to ocean views from the balcony of your retreat, located in the upscale Mi Amor complex (it’s part of Mi Amor Luxury Island Apartment).

After a short 3-minute stroll, you will find yourself among the sands of Phu Quoc’s beach.

This sanctuary is complete with a kitchenette, washer/dryer, and a blend of contemporary furnishings.

Take a 5-minute walk from the apartment and enjoy some seafood at Xin Chao Seafood Restaurant if you’d like.

Resort-style bungalow with a balcony overlooking the sea

Resort-style bungalow with a balcony overlooking the sea

Price: $55/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 7 to 9 March 2025

Greet your mornings from your private balcony, sipping coffee as the gentle waves lap the golden sand just steps away.

After mornings spent strolling the shores of Bà Kèo Beach, laze on the breezy front porch, or head to the nearby Beach Bar to mingle over frosty cocktails.

When night falls, retreat to your double bed, where the rhythm of crashing waves creates just the right amount of white noise.

With a near-perfect 4.95 rating, this resort-style bungalow promises a beach escape you know you (and a +1) need.

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Booking of Fit and new notes for Lunar New Year starts from 7 Jan 2025

With Lunar New Year just around the corner, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is encouraging the public to choose Fit notes or e-hong baos as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional new notes. Pre-booking of Fit notes for DBS, OCBC, and UOB customers begins on 7 January 2025. To make Fit notes more accessible, DBS, OCBC, and UOB are expanding the number of pop-up and branch ATMs dispensing them across Singapore.

Customers of DBS, OCBC and UOB (except those aged 60 and above, or persons with disabilities) who wish to exchange Fit or new notes at the bank branches must make an online pre-booking through the banks’ official websites or mobile banking applications. Details for the pre-booking and exchange schedule are as follows:

Please visit your bank’s official website for more information. To safeguard against phishing scams, banks will not send SMS messages with clickable links.

In addition to Fit notes, consider sending e-hong baos to share blessings and greetings with family and friends. E-hong baos have gained popularity for their convenience and now offer enhanced personalization features for Lunar New Year well wishes.

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6 Habits to Drive Up Your Fortune This 2025

As we step into the Year of the Wood Snake, a time symbolizing adaptability, diversity, and lateral growth, many are seeking ways to channel these traits into personal improvement. With New Year’s Eve just behind us, the air is filled with aspirations and a touch of superstition.

From wearing lucky colors to gobbling up 12 grapes under a table at the stroke of midnight (yes, that’s a thing – just ask my friends flooding social media with it), everyone seems to have their own ritual to invite fortune into their lives. But here’s the catch: luck can only work its magic when paired with action.

So why not take a proactive approach this 2025 by adopting these six auspicious habits?

#1: SET A TIMELINE

Resolutions don’t have to start on January 1. If the timing doesn’t feel right, delay them until you’re ready. For instance, I have put my Thesis Writing on hold while I celebrate Christmastime with my family.

Stressful now? Begin in February, or whenever suits you best. The key is to align your goals with your energy and mindset, not an arbitrary date.

#2: QUIT COMPARING YOURSELF

Your journey is uniquely yours. While it’s tempting to measure your progress against others’ resolutions, resist the urge. Set goals that reflect your personal aspirations. Ignore what’s trending on social media or in social conversations.

#3: LEAN ON OTHERS FOR SUPPORT

Teamwork makes the dream work. Whether it’s joining a fitness group or a professional development community, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can boost your motivation and keep you accountable.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

And don’t forget clear boundaries are essential. If certain friends or environments trigger unhelpful habits, communicate your needs. True friends will uplift you rather than drag you down.

#4: PRIORITIZE FITNESS

Health is wealth, and there’s no better time to make 2025 your year of transformation. Use fitness tracking apps or smartwatches to monitor your progress, set achievable goals, and push past your limits. Every small step counts toward a healthier, happier you.

#5: BE KINDER TO YOURSELF

Slip-ups happen. Instead of berating yourself when things don’t go as planned, analyze the situation. What led to the setback? How can you handle it better next time? Celebrate even the smallest victories because progress is a journey. Personally, I like to reward myself with items from my wish list (e.g., lip gloss or perfume) whenever I achieve a certain goal. What items are on your wish list?

#6: PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Negativity can fuel bad habits, but gratitude can extinguish them. Replace self-doubt with affirmations like “I can” and “I will.” Write down three things you’re grateful for each day or place uplifting notes around your home. These reminders of your power and resilience will keep you grounded.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The Year of the Wood Snake offers a perfect backdrop for growth and renewal. Embrace these habits, and watch your 2025 flourish!

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 red-hue dresses $59.90 and under to wear for CNY 2025

Red-Hue Dresses

Happy New Year!

A new year means Chinese New Year is right around the corner.

It’s never too early to shop for new clothes and we’ve done the browsing for you so you can just add to cart and check out.

So without further ado, here are our top red-hue dress picks for $59.90 and under:

Zoe Padded Dress Maroon

Zoe Padded Dress Maroon

Price: $41.90

We will start off with a sassy, stretchy dress for CNY 2025.

This cotton jersey gem from Shop Sassy Dream hugs your curves while allowing for decent movement.

Its removable paddings let you customize the coverage, while the side zipper makes getting dressed a breeze.

Cap sleeves lend a feminine touch to this flattering frock that can easily go from CNY to brunch dates and even dance floor nights, in a rich maroon hue just right for the new year.

Polo Piqued Pleated Rapport Dress Burgundy Red

Polo Piqued Pleated Rapport Dress Burgundy Red

Price: $46.90

Or get sporty in this polo dress that’s as court-ready as it is CNY-chic.

The classic polo design gets an update with a box-pleated skirt that moves as you do, with functional buttons down the front.

A body-skimming fit that flatters your shape, this luxe cotton-poly pique blend with under-terry lining keeps you feeling as fabulous as you look.

Great for the on-the-go girl who refuses to choose between pretty and practical.

Floralbook Embroidery Dress (Brick Red)

Floralbook Embroidery Dress (Brick Red)

Price: $55

Laid-back fashion has a new name: the Floralbook Embroidery Dress from The Thread Theory.

This stunner is all about the details, from the eyelet fabric to the elasticated shoulders and sleeves.

Fully lined.

A loose fit means you can stay comfortable all day while house-hopping.

Beyond the festivities, throw it on with sandals for a day of running errands, or dress it up with heels and a belt/waist sash for a night out.

Jodette Padded Rosette Mesh Ruched Maxi Dress

Jodette Padded Rosette Mesh Ruched Maxi Dress

Price: $55.90

The Jodette Padded Rosette Mesh Ruched Maxi Dress delivers with its soft, flowing silhouette.

This dress soars with a layered mesh fabric that gently drapes over your figure + its ruched bodice sculpts your shape with flattering lines.

Comes with adjustable straps and a detachable rosette pin so you can play mix and match or remove entirely for a sleeker aesthetic.

After CNY is over, you can wear this to a wedding event or dance at a company gala!

Luna Veil Lace Dress w Cape (Wine Red)

Luna Veil Lace Dress w Cape (Wine Red)

Price: $59.90

Last but not least, we have this wine-red lace dress, a showstopper that comes with a detachable cape that drapes across your shoulders.

Made using a premium lace blend, it is lined for opacity yet breathable enough for all-day wear.

A lace gem that ensures all eyes are on you this CNY.

The question is: will you keep the cape on or take it off?

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6 Free (or Cheap) & Fun Things to Do This Jan 2025

Ready to make the most of January 2025 without breaking the bank? Here are 6 ways to kick off the year while creating fun memories with your family.

From artsy weekends to festive light displays, there’s something for everyone!

ARTBOX 2025: ARTBOX EVERYDAY

Artbox returns with the theme “ARTBOX EVERYDAY,” celebrating the beauty in our daily lives. Expect two vibrant weekends filled with food, music, and over 190 brands offering unique finds. Plus, 90+ F&B stalls mean you won’t go hungry. Don’t forget to snap Instagram-worthy photos while soaking in the aesthetic vibes!

When: 17–19 Jan & 24–26 Jan 2025
Where: Singapore EXPO, Hall 4
Tickets: From S$5 (Terms & Conditions apply)
More Info here: facebook.com/artboxsg

Image Credits: facebook.com/artboxsg

SINGAPORE ART WEEK (SAW)

Dive into Singapore’s annual arts celebration featuring over 130 events across the island. SAW 2025 showcases international names like Jean-Michel Basquiat alongside local talents.

See exhibitions, enjoy performance art, and don’t miss the stunning light installations that illuminate iconic landmarks. This is your chance to see Singapore in a new light…literally!

When: January 2025 (various dates)
Where: Islandwide
Cost: Free for most events (ticketed events available)
More Info here: facebook.com/SGArtWeek

LIGHT TO NIGHT FESTIVAL 2025

Celebrate the 9th edition of this beloved festival with over 70 programs, including dazzling projection mapping across landmarks like the National Gallery and Asian Civilisations Museum.

Marvel at works by local legends Chng Seok Tin, Goh Beng Kwan, and Jaafar Latiff while enjoying live performances, art exhibitions, and street food at the Art X Social Festival Street.

When: 17 Jan – 6 Feb 2025
Where: Civic District & National Gallery Singapore
Cost: Free (ticketed exhibitions available)
More Info here: nationalgallery.sg

Image Credits: nationalgallery.sg

CHINATOWN CNY LIGHT-UP

Stroll through Chinatown’s streets lit up with stunning lantern displays and zodiac-themed decorations. The official light-up start on 8 Jan at Kreta Ayer Square, which is perfect for family photos or a relaxing evening walk.

When: 8 Jan – 27 Feb 2025
Where: Chinatown (various streets)
Cost: Free

ALIWAL URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL 2025

Who says Singapore’s urban art scene isn’t tight? Immerse in graffiti walls, DIY skate obstacles, and trendy streetwear with Aliwal Urban Arts Festival 2025. This festival brings the community together for a day of creativity and connection.

When: 25 Jan 2025
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre
Cost: Free admission (workshops from S$5)
More Info here: facebook.com/AliwalArtsCentre

RIVER HONGBAO 2025

A festive highlight in the country, River Hongbao offers a magical evening for all ages. Embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year with lantern displays, fireworks, and cultural performances at Gardens by the Bay. Oh! Don’t miss the festive food street, where you can indulge in classic CNY snacks and dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

When: 27 Jan – 8 Feb 2025
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Cost: Free
More Info here:riverhongbao.sg

Image Credits: riverhongbao.sg

This January, explore these free and affordable events, soak in the culture, and create lasting memories without leaving Singapore!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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