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Deepavali Must-Haves You Do Not Want To Miss!

Tomorrow is the multicolored festivity of Deepavali in Singapore.

Deepavali or Diwali is an important festival that is observed by Hindus all over the globe! This Festival of Lights is the cerebration of good defeating evil. Also, it marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of the financial year as Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity) brings good fortune to everyone.

Little India, the center of Singapore’s Indian community, will be filled with bright and colorful lights and other artistic street decorations. The powerful atmosphere would not be complete without the street parades, concerts, cultural activities, and amazing bazaars!

Speaking of amazing bazaars, this list is collated just for you so you would not miss the bargain prices on clothing, oil lamps, jewelry, decorations, and so much more!

1. DEEPAVALI MALL

Located at the open field opposite Mustafa Centre, Deepavali Mall is open from 10am to 10pm till November 10. Boasting with stage performances, amusement park, and varied stalls, Deepavali Mall is the place to be!

Recommended stalls include Trisha’s Craft and Kiran’s Textiles. Trisha’s Craft offers Indian jewelry in the traditional styles of Meenakari, Kundan, and Polki. Friendly prices start at S$10 for earrings and S$15 for necklaces.

While Kiran’s Textiles is an ethnic woman swear stall that has been longstanding for the past five years. Their prices range from S$25-120 for a three-piece Anarkali outfit.

2. IKEA

If you are planning to celebrate Deepavali with your family in the comfort of your home, consider decorating your rooms with vibrant and majestic decorations by IKEA Singapore. IKEA offers colorful cushion covers (ÅKERGYLLEN) for S$9.90. While the tea-light holder (GLANSIG) and scented tea-light candles (SINNLIG) will cost you a total of S$6.40 only.

Image Credits: facebook.com/IKEASingapore

3. DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Enjoy great deals for clothing, accessories, and crafts at Deepavali Festival Village. It is held at Hastings Road and Campbell Lane.

At Hastings Road, one stall called Design Manthraz sells ethnic children’s wear for newborns till age 10. With 10 years of reputable experience, Design Manthraz’s products are only made with soft materials such as cotton. Their prices start at S$10 for girls and S$20 for boys.

At the entrance of the Campbell Lane, you will be greeted by large eye-catching religious statues sold at Gokulam Jewels & Crafts. For 20 years, vendor Saraswathi made it a routine to sell religious statues, prayer altars, lamps, and figurines of Hindu gods. Prices start at S$3.50 for lamps and S$29 for small figurines of Lord Ganesha.

Image Credits: facebook.com/designmanthraz

Hurry as the Deepavali Festival Village is only open until 11pm today! 🙂

Sources: 1 and 2

4 Most Fashionable Shopping Places Fit For The Student’s Budget

Polytechnic and University students are generally not required to wear uniforms. Although, that does not mean that you come to school with slippers, singlets, and miniskirts. You still have to look fashionable, poised, and appropriate at all times. Looking for shops that are friendly to a student’s budget may be tough but not if you know where to shop. Start with this list…

1. FAR EAST PLAZA

Any student with a tight budget would know that one of the best places to shop at Orchard Road for standout ensemble is the Far East Plaza. With about 6 floors, this building is filled with bargain deals for just about anything you can wear! From shoes, to tops, and even manipedis – Far East Plaza has it all for you.

My favorite shop for clothes is the BlogShopping at level 1 because it combines various famed online shops in one (physical) store. SetApart, WonderStellar, VogueAvenue, and Love x Theory are just some of the brands they carry. The prices for their clothes range from S$19-30.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/BlogShopping/214479001950446?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

While for shoes, I recommend Covet and Plain Jane shoes at level 1. They offer stylish shoes for as low as S$10.

2. *SCAPE

This list will not be complete without mentioning *Scape Underground. *Scape Underground is filled with online or blogshops that sell their items at the cheapest prices. Unique accessories for as low as S$5 – can be found here. If you are lucky, you can chance upon ELF or NYX cosmetics that retails for as low as S$3. Nonetheless, inexpensive yet cool phone cases will always be available there.

3. ZALORA

Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women. If you are a student who loves to be decked out in flashy bling then, you are in lock. ZALORA is currently having up to 50% off on their items so; their rings and ear studs can be purchased for as low as S$2-3!

4. THE EDITOR’S MARKET

Probably one of the most fashion forward shops with prices ranging from S$20-50, The Editor’s Market is minimalist, hip, and chic. Certainly, it perfectly exudes the youthful vibe! Whenever I am here, it is impossible to not find something I like.

The catch is: if you purchase two or more items, you get to save even higher! So, if you are planning to purchase here, it is best to grab a trusted friend along to guide you and lower down your total receipt. Their stores are located at Cathay Cineleisure and Orchard Central.

Image Credits: facebook.com/theeditorsmarket

Shops That Sell Fabulously Affordable Hair Products & Accessories In Singapore

There are a lot of expensive hair items that may look great but are not necessary. You are bound to lose those thin hair ties anyway. Am I right women? Then, perhaps the S$2 pack of 200-pieces Daiso hair ties would interest you!

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000595312945

If you are searching for fashionable yet affordable hair products and accessories to make you stand out then, look no further! When you are on a budget and are prioritizing your shopping essentials, these shops prove that you do not have to spend loads just to look fabulous:

1. H&M

Shop here.

H&M or Hennes & Mauritz was originally founded in Sweden and has now become one of the fastest growing fashion clothing for children, men, and women. It comes as no surprise that this mega brand carries its own hair products. Their hair ties, hair clips, hair bands, and hair claws are priced at S$2.90-19.90.

And, my favorite items in their stores are the 10-Pack hair elastics or hair ties and the Patterned hair bands. The 10-Pack hair elastics retails for only S$2.90, which includes assorted colored elastics that are made with 60% elastane and 40% polyester.

Image Credits: http://www.hm.com/sg

While the versatile hair bands are woven with printed patterns and have twisted detailing. Do not worry about the size because it is elastic at the back.

2. COTTON ON

Shop here.

Cotton On hails from Australia. Also one of the fastest growing fashion clothing worldwide, Cotton On proves that their company specializes with kids (Cotton On Kids) and even stationary (Typo). Cotton On Kids has a wide range of lively hair accessories for girls that are priced from S$1-6.95. Who can argue with that?

Among these inexpensive items, my favorite is the S$4.95 KNOT MESSY HAIR TIES (10 pieces) because it is multi-purpose. Aside from colorful hair ties, girls can mix and match it as colorful bracelets.

Image Credits: Screen-grabbed from http://cottonon.com/SG

3. WATSONS

Shop here.

Who is not familiar with Watsons? Watsons or Watsons Personal Care Stores is the largest health and beauty care shop in Asia. This big brand is complete with hair accessories and hair products such as shampoo, conditioners, hair dyes, and hair styling items.

A few of the Watsons’ stunners are the GIOVANNI Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Blow Out Styling Mist and the GATSBY Set & Keep Spray. The GATSBY Set & Keep Spray for men helps to style your hair and make it last for the whole day. It is priced at S$9.20 only.

Image Credits: http://www.watsons.com.sg

While, the GIOVANNI Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Blow Out Styling Mist comes in 118 ml for S$13.90. It is supposed to de-tangle your tresses and protect it from the mighty heat of the blow dryer. Furthermore, Argan oil is proven to make your hair silkier, softer, and shinier.

Image Credits: http://www.watsons.com.sg

How do you bargain for a higher salary?

The Straits Times recently published an article on “Why a safe job is risky business for Singapore”, which urged young job seekers to change their mindset about the risk and remuneration issues apparent in local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). While these are common issues faced by SMEs which often have limited resources to offer competitive salaries that may inevitably compromise their company’s growth, it is time to rethink the prevailing practices surrounding employment and compensation. Indeed, considerable funding support from SPRING such as the SME Talent Programme for SMEs should provide a strong impetus for SMEs to strengthen their competitive edge in today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving world by offering pay packages commensurate with each individual’s qualifications, experience and competence.

To all job applicants: It is not too late to “flaunt” your attributes, but please convey your gifts in a measured way. The diagram below just serves as a reference guide.

To the employers: It is never too late to start appreciating your potential hires’ talents that may prove invaluable to your company’s development and progress.

Shopping Intervention: 7 Things You’re Doing Wrong

1. GETTING TEMPTED WITH THE EXTRAS

You may go shopping during a huge Laptop sale and save big time on what you need but find yourself purchasing its costly accessories. Extras for laptop, computer, Smartphone, and so on can be purchased at a bargain price online on Ebay or Carousell rather than from the shop itself. Shop for the necessary, weight your options when buying extras, and look at the bigger picture.

2. COMPARING PRICES BY SHOPPING

Compare prices online or through magazines and newspapers instead for buying the items yourself. Also, when comparing prices, give yourself a time limit (e.g., 20-30 minutes). This is because people who can’t stop looking for the next best deal are never satisfied.

3. LETTING IMPULSE TAKE OVER

When impulse takes over your shopping, you regret purchasing an item the minute it arrives. To know if you really need and want something, walk away from it and you will save money. As most heard: “if you love something, set it free”. And, if you find yourself thinking about it after 24 hours then go back and buy it.

4. OVERSPENDING DUE TO AN ATTRACTIVE DEAL

Online shoppers are found to spend over 1/3 more when the shipping is offered for free. This is because the attractive deal catches you. Avoid overspending by writing down the things you need to buy and sticking to it.

5. NOT NEGOTIATING

Most goods are negotiable these days. You would not know if there is a sweeter deal if you do not ask. You do not have to say: “Can you give me a discount?” directly if you are shy…use “Can you work with the price with me?” instead. Before negotiating, be sure that you did your homework about the competitors’ prices first.

6. TRYING IT ON

If you are not prepared to buy an item for its price, do not try it on. Psychology suggests that physically touching a product makes you desire to buy it more. Touching a product can lead to lingering and prolonged feelings of ownership. This is why clothing stores have an abundance of changing rooms or why more expensive grocery items are just within your reach.

7. GOING FOR RETAIL THERAPY

People often know that you must not shop hungry in a grocery store because you would end up buying everything that satisfies your hunger.

Image Credits: Pedro Ribeiro Simões via Flickr

Same goes for other aspects of shopping, it is best not to shop angry or sad. Shopping while you are angry makes you more likely to take risks. While, shopping while your sad may fill up the void in your heart but empty your wallet along the way. Making retail therapy a habit can turn in an unhealthy and costly addiction.

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