February 14 Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

How To Not Waste Your Money On Valentine’s Day

How can Singaporeans express their love in the sexiest way on Valentine’s Day? Well, they can do the seemingly impossible feat of spending less and saving more.

Enjoy a fruitful experience without breaking the bank using the following tips.

COOK FOOD AT HOME

For the first time, my significant other has offered to cook for me on Valentine’s Day. It is a sweet and intimate gesture that maintains his frugality as well. Much like him, you may offer to make a limited edition menu together. It is better than braving any crowded restaurants or bars nearby!

Excitement starts with planning your favorite indulgences as one. If you have no time to spare, you may have the food delivered to your doorsteps. However, please prepare the table setting and reconnect over that. What a great way to end a nice evening!

OPT FOR THE NON-TRADITIONAL

Who says Valentine’s Day can only be celebrated through expensive romantic excursions and gifts? There is no reason to settle for the traditional route. It is fancy and overly hyped. Instead, you may do something that is out of the ordinary.

Visit museums, parks, or zoos (e.g., Jurong Bird Park with tickets starting at S$30 each). These options are fun and less expensive. You may also go for a lunch date instead of a dinner. Lastly, skip the cinema by watching a movie at home. I am talking about Netflix and Chill, baby!

CHOOSE THE FLOWERS RIGHT

Taking a leaf from the traditional book is the giving of flowers. When choosing a stalk or a bouquet of flowers, you must look for the ones with tight buds.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is your job to look for flowers that do not “look good” at the moment. You see, they will blossom in a few hours and will stay that way for the days to come. In contrast, flowers whose buds are already opened will only last for a day or two.

REPLACE THE DUDS

When it comes to giving gifts on February 14, you must choose the best! Do not be afraid to take items back to the grocery store whenever necessary. You do not want to cook pasta with expired tomato sauce!

Moreover, you may ask to replace some of the flower buds that seem dull. If you have taken all these advice and they die early, you may want to request for a replacement.

DO NOT PAY FOR CHAMPAGNE

Many people cannot tell a good booze from a bad one. So, why bother? Expert Dawn Sandomeno suggests, to “keep the cork on the Champagne and pop the Prosecco”.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For those who are not familiar with its origins, Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy. It know for being not too sickeningly sweet. Much like your love, I suppose. A glass of this starts at S$10 in our local bars.

Sources: 1 &2

Mind-Blowing Facts About Valentine’s Day

It may only come once a year, but Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world! How did it become so popular? From its dark origins to its romantic twists, here are seven interesting facts about Valentine’s Day.

#1: FROM YOUR VALENTINE

Amidst the wide array of historical theories as to why Valentine’s Day came about, many people have accepted one theory. There was a time when men were not allowed to marry. Emperor Claudius II forbade couples to marry during wartime. However, Bishop Valentine’s passionate heart was against his wishes. He performed numerous secret weddings. As you may have guessed, he was jailed and executed.

The last letter he wrote was for the jailer’s daughter and he signed it with the words: “from your Valentine”. The rest is history!

#2: BOX OF CHOCOLATES

One of my favorite movie characters was quoted saying: “life is like a box of chocolates, you will never know what you are going to get.” In the uncertainty of life, you can count of chocolates being greatly sold during Valentine’s Day. When did this tradition started?

The giving of boxes of chocolates started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury. The name sounds familiar, right? Coming from a British family who manufactured chocolates, Richard used a new technique to create a variety of products. He sold chocolates as a part of this beloved holiday.

In Singapore, different types of chocoholics can delight on this list of the best chocolates in town!

#3: MAKING BIG BUCKS

Valentine’s Day is considered as a marketing event in almost all parts of the world. In America alone, people spend an estimate of US$18.2 billion a year on this holiday.

What’s more? Men seem to spend more money than women. Should we step up our game, ladies? Kidding aside, you may use this opportunity to offer deals that cater to couples.

#4: ICONIC SWEETHEART CANDIES

Sweetheart candies or heart-shaped candies with adorable texts have been a staple in the aisles of many grocery stores every February 14th. The iconic chalky dessert started out as lozenges.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Pharmacist and inventor Oliver Chase created a machine that would quickly create lozenges. He later switched his product to candies known as the Necco Wafers. In 1866, his brother came up with the idea of printing messages on the candies. Afterwards, he made it heart-shaped to appeal to the couples during Valentine’s Day. Once again, the rest is history!

#5: CUPID’S BOW AND ARROW

For centuries, the diaper-clad baby with adorable wings and a set of bow and arrow has been associated with Valentine’s Day. Before Cupid got its name, he was known as Eros. Eros is derived from the ancient Greeks’ mythology – the God of Love.

His arrows are interesting! Said arrows have meanings – one was made for love and one was made for hate. These were designed to manipulate the emotions of his targets. The Romans soon adopted the story and Eros or Cupid gained the childlike appearance he is known for today.

#6: RISE OF CONTRACEPTIVES

Love can be expressed in many ways. It comes as no surprise that many choose to express it through intimacy. In February, condom sales seem to rise up. Around Valentine’s Day, sales are almost 20% to 30% higher in America alone. What comes next is the apparent rise of self-administered pregnancy tests. These tests are sold more in March than any other month.

#7: ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS

Who says that February 14th should only be celebrated by couples? Singletons do not have to stay at home to have during this time. You can surf the net to hang out at the best places in Singapore. Make sure you bring your favorite guy or gal pals along as you attend the following Anti-Valentine’s Day events.

A. VALENTINE VENDETTA 2019

Do not feel sad about being alone on Valentine’s Day as you can surround yourself with a group of energetic people at Valentine Vendetta. Running for 8 years now, Valentine Vendetta aims to provide an array of exciting activities and fun games to encourage social interaction. What’s more? Lucky guests can win up to S$2,500 or a trip to The Farm at San Benito in Manila. Tickets are sold at S$25 and are inclusive of a drink.

WHEN: FEBRUARY 14th at 6:30 PM onward

B. ANTI-VALENTINE’S VALENTINE’S DAY @ HUSTLE CO

Skip the sight of mushy couples exchanging gifts by heading to Hustle Co. A bar nestled at Tanjong Pagar can give you the haven you need in a time like this. Single ladies and men can enjoy S$6.90 craft beers and affordable dinner items. Anti-Valentine’s Valentine’s Day sounds like great event for all the singles out there!

WHEN: FEBRUARY 14th at 9:00 AM onward

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As you can see, Valentine’s Day was not always celebrated with a box of chocolates and heart-shaped candies! Things go deeper than that.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Affordable, Last-Minute Valentine’s Gifts

Tomorrow is February 14. Let us be honest! Most of us wait until the final hour to polish our gifts for Valentine’s Day. Fortunately for you, it is not too late to cook up a gift that is both sweet and cheap.

Scroll down below for valuable inspirations:

SWEET SEVEN DAYS

Image Credits: thedatingdivas.com

Do you remember the weekly medicine containers or pill boxes, which were scattered in your grandparents’ house? Purchase a few to create a simple craft. Start by filling the containers with your partner’s favorite treats. Try hitting up the dollar store or the nearby Daiso to get a cheaper deal.

Afterwards, attach these printable notes from the Dating Divas. A certified sweet-tooth will adore this charming gift.

LOVE IN A COOKIE

Who can resist the tantalizing aroma and the unique taste of the (world) Famous Amos? I sure cannot!

Famous Amos dedicated its resources to serve fresh products to Singaporeans since 1983. Their freshly baked cookies helped me to overcome the challenging days as a university student. Now, its cookies can help you survive Cupid’s holiday. Buy their personalized heart-shaped cookies. It comes prepacked in two sizes namely small (about S$13) and medium (about S$25). Choose a size that suits your lover’s preference.

THE PERFECT PEN

Image Credits: sassymamasg.com

For your husband or boyfriend who is fond of scribbling (or showing off his pen), you may present the new Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop. The Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop fuses the traditional fountain pen to several modern patterns. You have up to 6 vibrant looks to choose from.

The 20-dollar pen is available at Tokyu Hands. What are you waiting for? Grab it while you can.

BEE MY VALENTINE

Some people are extremely particular about their cosmetics and skin products. Take the safer route by leaning towards all-natural products. Let name drop a brand, which I swear by.

Burt’s Bees, a cosmetics company available at Sephora, manufactures its products using natural ingredients. What’s more? These products are packaged using recycled materials. Create a cute card by topping it off with the phrase “Bee my Valentine”. Plaster a 10-dollar signature Burt’s Bees lip balm to add embellishment to this card.

RELAXING “ME TIME”

The best way to reward your workaholic lover is by giving the present of an enjoyable bath time filled with relaxing fragrance. Achieve that by making bath bombs that are similar to the ones sold at the shopping malls. Make different types of bath bombs with this tutorial.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are really short of time, just purchase a box of bath bombs at Lush Singapore.

How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending Too Much

Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive “holidays” in Singapore.

But, it does not have to be!

You can always celebrate love without breaking the bank.

ELICITING GENUINE EXCITEMENT

One of the best ways to start a date is by handing over a sweet letter that will elicit genuine excitement. Crafting your own Valentine’s Day card costs practically nothing! Simply use the art materials that are available in your own home. Pouring your heart and soul into written words is more personal than signing your initials into a mass-produced holiday card.

Apply your personal skills to your homemade cards to boost its quality. Consider these scenarios:

a. An illustrator may draw the image of his or her significant other.
b. A digital enthusiast may animate a romantic message and send it via email.
c. If you like to bake, you may place the card on the top of a delicious box of cookies.
d. If you like to blog, you can create a beautiful post for your lover.

These things are more likely to be treasured than the items bought at the store.

FUELING THE ARTISTIC CLIMAX

Appreciating the arts is often perceived as something exclusive to affluent individuals. Purchasing concert tickets at Esplanade can be costly! Not to mention, purchasing art at galleries can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, locals and permanent residents have the option to hop around several museums for FREE!

Build up on the excitement by taking your beloved on a “not so typical” date at our very own Singapore Art Museum. This innovative museum houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Your date will be amazed with its current exhibition entitled: Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors.

LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Close your lovely day with a hearty dinner. Going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day takes guts as you need to brave the waves of people and to make early reservations. Save money and avoid stress by preparing a romantic meal in the comfort of your own space.

Great recipes are available at Epicurious, AllRecipes.com, and RasaMalaysia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your budget does not allow you to celebrate on February 14 itself then, consider choosing an alternative day. It will not only be cheaper, but it will also be less crowded. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you spent the gift of love with your partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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