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

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

Image Credits: facebook.com/theeditorsmarket

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5 Wallet-Friendly Ways To Appreciate Art In Singapore

ART. Whenever I hear this word, I picture beauty, expression, emotions, and empowerment. Truly, Art is a powerful medium that can produce all those. By definition, art is the application of one’s creative skill and imagination that is translated in tangible form such as a painting or a sculpture.

As you witness art in your daily lives, you may wonder what are the active ways you can appreciate it. Appreciation is not only in the knowledge of the different eras and style but is also in the understanding of its timeless qualities. If you think that art appreciation is expensive then, think again! There are a lot of budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. READ MORE

If you know nothing about art, a good place to start small is by reading about it on the local library. Find books about painting, photography, performance arts, and so on. You can also save time by logging onto your computer or mobile device to search for videos that tackle art.

2. CAPTURE YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Step out of your comfort zone and be brave to take off your shoes and capture whatever you deem as pleasing. The country’s culturally diverse environment shall enrich your knowledge of art. For instance, you can snap the entertaining street performance of “the bead man” at Orchard Road.

Also, in the spirit of the National Poetry Festival, there is creative featured poetry on the different MRT platforms. Follow what catches your eyes – this can never go wrong!

3. VISIT THE LOCAL MUSEUMS

Indulge on the cultural art that is FREE for your viewing. Focusing on one genre that is Asian culture and arts, you can visit the two of the renowned museums in Singapore named Peranakan Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum.

Peranakan Museum is all about the Peranakan ethnic group that is a combination of the Chinese and Malay people. There you will see various documents, jewelries, furniture, textile, wedding accessories and so much more. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and P.R. while it starts at S$3 for children of foreign visitors.

On the other hand, the Asian Civilisations Museum showcases more than 1,300 artifacts from several Asian civilizations such as China, India, and Indonesia. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and P.R. while it starts at S$4 for children of foreign visitors.

4. MAKE DIY PROJECTS

Making art with your own hands is scientifically proven to be self-satisfactory. It makes you value the things you built even more. Also, it adds value to the object’s worth. You may start with simple Paint By Numbers Kit by Paintastic or Canvas Wall Art in these forms:

or

5. LEAVE GENUINE COMMENTS OR REVIEWS

Beyond appreciation, you can support the arts by leaving positive and sincere comments or reviews on the online products or videos by musicians, artisans, and writers. Each type of art is translated through personal taste; so do not be shy to state your own opinion.

Your taste is wonderfully unique anyway! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Wallet-Friendly Ways to Beat The Heat

The scorching hot weather is gracing at Singapore and other parts of Asia. Too much heat can cause exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. Luckily for you, you can beat the heat even without the access to air conditioning. Save on huge expenses by following these simple yet helpful tips…

1. USE FANS

Fans are less costly than air conditioners. It can help you feel fresh and breezy as you walk around your house. Make sure the fans are strategically placed to cool the entire area. While you are at it, close the curtains and the blinds to reduce the heat by approximately 45%.

2. DRESS DOWN

Wear loose and light fabrics (e.g., white cotton t-shirt) as these are more breathable. Invest in a few tank tops for only S$5 or less to keep you cooler for the entire day.

You can also consider Uniqlo’s range of AIRism tops, designed to provide extra comfort in humid Singapore. There is an ongoing promotion where you can get 2 piece of AIRism innerwear for just $24.90.

Uniqlo Airism

3. EAT COLD TREATS

Indulge in cold treats such as frozen fruits, ice-creams, or iced Milo. Homemade Popsicles made with simple ingredients such as a can of coconut juice for as low as S$1.10, can help you beat the heat for less. Simply put the juice in your ice-cream molds (available at Daiso for S$2) and freeze it for more than an hour. Or, you may make your own ice cream by following this tutorial.

4. GOOD HYDRATION

In order for your body to remain cooler, you need to keep it well hydrated. When plenty of ice is not enough to keep your water cool, try to freeze it inside the milk carton containers. This will enable you to preserve the coolness of your water due to its block-like figure. A cheaper solution indeed!

5. LEARN YOUR QUICK-COOLING SPOTS

Master your personal bodily temperature by focusing on your quick-cooling spots first. For instance, applying ice pack or cold water on your neck and wrists can make your body cool instantly. Know the other quick-cooling spots here.

Image Credits: Steven Depolo via Flickr

Image Credits: Steven Depolo via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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9 Budget-Friendly Ways To Look Younger And Beautiful

1. MAINTAIN A GOOD POSTURE

People who stand up straight would convey a figure that looks more attractive and smarter. Also, research show that it facilitates breathing, increases happiness, and improves concentration. Give it a try. It is a free boost anyway.

2. GET A LONG SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

If you are ever going to get a haircut, ask your stylist for long side-swept bangs to cover any obvious wrinkles in your forehead.

3. CUT YOUR NAILS INTO SQUARE-OVALS

Square tips with rounded edges tend to look more youthful and clean. Cut your nails straight across then smooth the corners round with a nail file.

4. HAVE A FREE EYE-LIFT

Curl your lashes and finish it with mascara. Curly and thick looking lashes give you an instant eye-lift that makes you seem alert and younger. For best results, wash your curler with hot water or blow-dry it for at least three seconds before using it.

5. SWITCH TO CREAM

Face powder can produce fine lines and lifeless look. So, switch to BB or CC cream instead. It will give a natural radiance to your glowing skin.

6. GO FOR BERRY LIPS

Go for a color that softens your lips by being not too nude, sheer, and bright. A berry hue is just right. Also, it is universally flattering for all skin complexions. Try Clinique’s Berry Blush Butter Shine Lipstick for S$16 or Broadest Berry Chubby Stick Lip Balm for S$17.

7. TRY MIXING IT UP

Pair two solid color or two patterned clothing together to give a bold and youthful statement. For example you may pair a floral skirt print with a striped blouse.

8. WEAR CLOTHING ARTICLES THAT FIT

My mother is one of the women who buy one size larger so that the clothing is more comfortable but it is less flattering. Whether something is too tight or too loose, the result remains constant: looking larger that you really are. So, shop and wear clothes that fit you well.

9. RENEW YOUR EYEWEAR 

Image Credits: Ansel Edwards via Flickr

Image Credits: Ansel Edwards via Flickr

If you do not want to wear contact lenses, a new color of frame shape will take years off your face. A frame shape that you may try is the modern take on the cat-eye. The upward tilt has a lifting effect. For the colors of the frame, warm hues exude youthfulness.

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5 Eco-Friendly Home Ideas To Save You Money

One of the simple things we can do to help save the environment is to reduce our energy consumption and plant more trees. Little do you know that these things along with other innovative ideas can not only help the Earth but it can also save you a decent amount of money.

Here are 5 Eco-Friendly Home Ideas To Save You Money

1. USE BLACKLE.COM

Blackle.com is a search engine that is powered by Google Custom Search and created by Heap Media. It helps users save energy consumption because of its predominantly black and grey display. According to Wikipedia, the Blackle’s black screen can save up to 4 mWh of electrical energy consumption.

2. KEEP THE WATER BOTTLES IN

Did you know that a barely stocked fridge has to work harder to stay cold than a fully stocked one? So, put your water bottles inside the fridge to help maintain its efficiency.

Image Credits:  Steven Depolo via Flickr

Image Credits: Steven Depolo via Flickr

You may also put a water bottle in the toilet tank to displace the water and help reduce water consumption.

3. THRIVE A GREEN THUMB

Instead of purchasing the S$299 branded air purifier, go natural and grow your own succulents.

Image Credits: teresaphillips1965 via Flickr

Image Credits: teresaphillips1965 via Flickr

Plants are more than just decorations as it can improve the air quality in your home by absorbing dangerous toxins. Go for the inexpensive and easy to maintain plants such as ferns, green spider plants, English Ivy and dracaenas. Furthermore, growing your own food is organic at its finest. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed.

4. CLEAN YOUR DUST WITH NO MUSS

Buying a bunch of paper towels and cleaning spray products can be costly. So, use a microfiber duster instead. It is not only reusable but it is also effective. Home Depot sells Microfiber Duster with Soft Grip Handle for only US$3.98 or S$5.39. Just toss it in the washing machine to clean it.

5. CLEAN YOUR COMPUTER

Most of the germs live in your keyboard so it is tantamount for you to tidy it up. Rather than buying cleaning sprays, special wipes that contain chemicals or even buy a new one…turn your keyboard upside down and shake the dirt out. Then swab a cotton tip with alcohol or a double-sided tape to clean between the keys.

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