5 Exciting Spots for Valentine’s Day Dates in Singapore

Take your special someone or gather your beloved squad for a memorable Valentine’s Day date!

The day of love is just around the corner. If you are scrolling through this list, there is a chance that you might be out of ideas on how to impress your significant other. Whether you are still looking for the perfect gift or the perfect experience, here are some exciting spots that you can visit in Singapore. May you enjoy your romantic time together!

#1: TUFTING TOGETHER

Similar to embroidery or knitting, tufting is a type of textile craft in which a thread is inserted on a primary base. It is traditionally used for making rugs. Since then, it has made its comeback and has won the hearts of many.

What better place to take your significant other than at the first tufting studio in Singapore? Nestled in a two-story shophouse along Circular Road, Tuft Club offers workshops for tufting a rug and more. You will be guided by staff members on how to operate a tufting gun and how to use different techniques throughout the session.

Image Credits: facebook.com/tuftclubsg

Their 4.5-hour session costs S$195 per person. Book here.

#2: A DAY WITH BAE

Spend a day with bae at a place filled with flowers and greenery – visit Gardens by the Bay! Let your romantic side shine through as you feast your eyes with colorful floral arrangements, indoor waterfalls, and attractions like the Flower Dome.

From now until 20 Feb, Flower Dome displays the “Dahlia Dreams”. Admire the field of over 2,000 blossoming dahlias made up of over 70 cultivars. What’s more? The larger-than-life floral lanterns featuring peonies and narcissuses are a part of the River Hongbao’s display. All these come with spectacular lights in the evenings!

Image Credits: gardensbythebay.com.sg

To secure your spot in advance, you can book your ticket online here.

#3: PLAY WITH REALITY

Let your squad figure out what’s real and what isn’t at HeadRock VR. Singapore’s first VR experience makes for an entertaining Valentine’s Day date. Play with reality as you choose between eight different thematic attractions. If your friends or your partner enjoy trying new things, this can be ticked off your bucket list!

Image Credits: facebook.com/headrockvrsg

Price for the HeadRock VR Single Play + Cable Car ride starts at S$13 (T&Cs apply). As HeadRock VR is in Sentosa Island, you can combine your booking with other attractions like Universal Studios.

#4: ICE CREAM FOR INTIMACY

Indulge on a sweet date at the Museum of Ice Cream. The museum recently launched a playful romance-themed attraction that allows its guests to explore the definitions of intimacy, whether as a couple or as friends.

Share memories with your loved ones at the Cone-nection Cube. Here, you will be completing a series of quests that will enhance your bond. Along the way, you will encounter new Instagrammable corners including a mirrored disco room. Feel free to snap a sweet moment together!

Image Credits: facebook.com/museumoficecreamsg

Best of all? All visitors will be given a complimentary Hendrick’s Lunar Gin cocktail and unlimited sweet treats as part of the experience. You can buy your tickets here.

#5: AESTHETICALLY PLEASING HIGH TEA

Sweep your lover off her feet by taking her on an escapade at a Moroccan-inspired cafe called La Fez. Check out their menu that is sprinkled with Middle Eastern delights. Apart from this, you can indulge on a Sultana High Tea Set, which is priced at S$45.90 for 2 persons.

This set is served on an opulent-looking tiered tray consisting of a mixture of sweet and savory nibbles as well as Khubtz Beef Brioche and Tashelhit Salmon Brioche, to name a few.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wearelafez

This weekend, you can celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s day with them by snacking on their complimentary dessert. Only one complimentary dessert will be served per table and with a minimum order of a main (T&Cs apply).

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Which Music Streaming Service Reigns Supreme: Apple Music vs Spotify?

When it comes to the best music streaming services, Apple Music and Spotify immediately pop into our minds! After all, these two music streaming providers are leading the charts in paid subscribers. Carrying distinctive features that cater to specific users, it can be hard to choose between the two.

So, let us dig a little deeper into their traits to see which is the ideal music streaming service for you!

AUDIOPHILE-GRADE STREAMING EXPERIENCE: APPLE MUSIC

In February 2021, Spotify announced that it will be releasing its Spotify HiFi tier. This is an upgraded level of streaming that aims to deliver lossless CD-quality music. Upon its release, it will only be available in selected regions. However, Spotify users have yet to see any signs of HiFi anywhere. By default, Spotify sets its streaming quality to automatic. This setting depends on your connection strength – whether you are using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

On the other hand, Apple Music recently released its high-resolution streaming options at no extra cost. Apple has developed its own lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). With it, you can experience 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, and 24-bit/192kHz streaming and Spatial Audio through Dolby Atmos.

POCKET-FRIENDLY PLANS: APPLE MUSIC

Both Spotify and Apple Music offer three-month free trials for their premium versions. When comparing the prices of the plans, Apple Music is minutely cheaper than Spotify Premium.

Here is a comparative list:

Apple Music Spotify Premium
Free Trial 3 months 3 months
Student Plan S$4.98/month S$4.99/month
Standard Plan S$9.98/month S$9.99/month
Family Plan S$14.98/month S$14.98/month

FREE VERSION: SPOTIFY

If you are not willing to spend money on a music streaming service, you can download Spotify and use its free version. There is a catch! Spotify Free is supported by advertisers, so expect to listen to these ads.

You also cannot download your favorite songs or access the offline mode. This free version will either use your cellular data or connect to your Wi-Fi whenever you stream.

MOST FLEXIBLE STREAMING SERVICE: SPOTIFY

Choosing Apple Music is a no brainer if you are stuck in the Apple ecosystem and are blessed with a wealth of iTunes music. In contrast, Spotify welcomes both its Apple and Android users.

You can also stream your Spotify playlist across various devices from smart speakers to game consoles and smartphones. There is also a robust range of podcasts and concerts.

WHICH MUSIC STREAMING SERVICES SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

As a personal preference, I prefer using Spotify Premium on my Android and Apple devices due to its superior song recommendation algorithm. If Spotify suddenly stopped its services and I had to switch to Apple Music, it would not be so bad.

You need to choose a service that suits your personal and financial preferences. Save money on your subscription by getting the Family Plan. Spotify and Apple Music offer Family Plans at S$14.98/month. You can share your subscription with five other people. Thus, your contribution will amount to about S$2.50/month/person.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Are there only three members in your family? Do not worry about sharing your plan with your actual family members! You can form a group of friends or co-workers instead.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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Visit These 5 Places To Buy Real Christmas Trees & Decorations In Singapore

All of us have different memories of Christmas that we hold close to our hearts. As time passes, our relationship with the Yuletide season evolves. However, one thing remains the same. There’s nothing quite like the smell of Christmas in your home to lift your holiday spirit.

What exactly, is the smell of Christmas? Fresh wreath and trees of course!

For newbies, take this friendly words of advice. If you want to score a fresh tree, you must get it early. Don’t worry about the upkeep because these trees normally last the whole season. Little fading may occur due to being in the tropics. Check out our top picks to buy one in Singapore.

#1: PETITE FLEUR

Spruce up your home with a Christmas wreath meant to be hung on your front door or in the living room to welcome guests and loved ones. Boutique florist Petite Fleur’s 26cm Christmas wreaths will make you stand out from the crowd as it is carefully arranged for you. No two wreaths look exactly alike!

Apart from this, they are selling mini pine trees measuring 30cm to 60cm. These mini-Christmas trees come with fairy lights and fresh decorations.

Image Credits: petitefleursg.com

Price: S$120 for wreaths and S$120-210 for trees, excluding 7% GST

Order online at petitefleursg.com and get free delivery.

#2: IKEA

IKEA not only houses the famous Swedish meatballs and DIY furniture, but also the Vinter 2021. The Vinter 2021 consists of live Christmas trees that retail for S$59 to S$79 at their Alexandra store. Accompany it with a tree stand for only S$25.

Image Credits: Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

Price: S$59 for a 1.6m tree and S$79 for a 2m tree

Purchase at the IKEA Alexandra store. Delivery rates range from S$15 to S$70.

#3: FAR EAST FLORA

When traveling along Thomson Road, it is hard to miss the Far East Flora. Far East Flora is known for its massive selection of flowers and plants. Local plant enthusiasts should be aware of its existence and its huge nurseries. Quickly visit to see their selection of noble fir trees, which were imported from Europe.

Trees that measure 2 to 2.5 meters come with a tree stand. It costs about S$379.45 including GST. If this is beyond your budget, consider purchasing smaller trees or mini trees to bring home the holiday spirit.

Image Credits: facebook.com/FarEastFlora

Price: S$379.45++ for 2-2.5m tree with a tree stand

Location: 565 Thomson Road, Singapore 298184

Purchase online or in store, with a delivery fee of S$25.

#4: SING SEE SOON

Searching for affordable Christmas trees that are as tall as you? The search is over. Sing See Soon has Fraser fir Christmas trees that range from 1.52m to 1.83m, which are sold without a stand. Due to its straight horizontal branches, these Canadian variety of fir trees are pleasing to the eyes.

Image Credits:
singseesoon.com/collections/christmas-tree/products/faser-fir-christmas-tree-5-6ft

Price: S$188

Location: 5 Simei Lane, Singapore 528710

Get yours online or in store, with a delivery fee of S$30.

#5: WONDERLAND BOTANICALS

You don’t have to sacrifice the festive decorations just because you live in a smaller space. Rather than putting your items in the storage area, you can opt for a tabletop Christmas tree. Join a tabletop Christmas tree workshop on 17 Dec to learn how to make your own tree. This 2-hour workshop costs about S$150.

For those who want to save time and money, you can simply buy a Christmas wreath decorated with classic berries for S$135 or a bouquet of nobilis fir branches for S$25.

Image Credits: wonderland.com.sg

Price: S$25 for the bouquet, S$135 for the wreath, and S$150 for the workshop

Location: 1M Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641

You can order online and get it delivered to your doorstep!

Sources: 1 & 2

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What We Know & Don’t Know About The Omicron Variant

Another coronavirus variant has emerged last month, and with it comes a new wave of uncertainty and a set of unanswered questions. On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organization designated the variant B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern on the advice of WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution. This variant is commonly known as the Omicron.

Days after the news broke about the Omicron, we remain in an information vacuum. Researchers in South Africa and around the world have been conducting studies to better understand the aspects of Omicron and they will continue to share the findings of these studies.

The current situation was best put by WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the November 29th World Health Assembly. He said: “Omicron’s very emergence is another reminder that although many of us might think we are done with COVID-19, it is not done with us.”

#1: TRANSMISSIBILITY

It is unclear whether Omicron spreads more easily from person-to-person compared to other variants including Delta. For now, we can observe the Omicron cases in South Africa and other countries.

In South Africa, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has risen and as many as 90% of new cases in Gauteng are caused by it. Epidemiologic studies are underway to understand whether the sudden rise in cases is due to Omicron or other factors. Globally, there have been 1,458 confirmed Omicron cases as reported by 55 countries and posted by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control last 8 December 2021.

Despite the observed cases in South Africa, some areas in United Kingdom and Europe have reported cases of Omicron that are not linked to travel to Southern Africa. This may suggest that the variant has been spreading from person-to-person within the community.

#2: SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE

Much like the transmissibility, the severity of the disease posed by the Omicron variant remains unclear. Although preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, this may be due to the elevating overall numbers of people becoming infected and not due to the Omicron.

All variants of COVID-19, including Delta, can cause severe disease or death particularly for the most vulnerable people. Prevention is always the key!

#3: EFFECTIVENESS OF VACCINES

The World Health Organization is collaborating with researchers and technical partners to understand the potential impact of Omicron on the existing countermeasures such as the vaccines. Vaccines remain vital to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant Delta.

Could the boosters help combat the Omicron? Scientists do not know yet.

#4: CURRENT SITUATION IN SINGAPORE

More than a dozen countries including Singapore have started closing its borders to visitors from countries where the Omicron might be spreading. Entry requirements into Singapore became stricter, including the requirement of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on arrival of all the air travelers. A ringfence will be thrown around the person and any close contacts if there is a positive test result. These safety measures will help prevent Omicron from entering the community.

On 9 December 2021, two COVID-19 cases tested preliminarily positive for the Omicron variant. One of the new Omicron cases is a frontline worker at Changi Airport. The other case is an imported case, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). MOH is currently conducting aggressive contract tracing to ringfence these cases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As scientists around the world work tirelessly to learn more about the Omicron variant, we just have to wait. Whether it will rise to dominance like the Delta or fade like the Alpha and Beta, all we can do is to wear our masks and practice other social distancing measures.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

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4 Reputable Tattoo Studios Around Singapore, Prices Start At S$60

Are you thinking getting inked any time soon? Whether you want to tick off “tattoo” in your bucket list or want to grow your collection of body art, there is a variety of tattoo studios in Singapore. Read this list to explore your options and to know the estimated rates of these four reputable tattoo studios.

#1: INKVASION TATTOO STUDIO

Highlights
Easily accessible location
Versatile tattoo designs
Customized tattoo designs
Pain-free and safe numbing options

Searching for an easily accessible tattoo studio that is just minutes away from Orchard MRT? The search is over! Inkvasion, located at the Far East Shopping Centre, houses skilled tattoo artists that can help you achieve your desired design. The artists at this studio are proficient in a myriad of tattoo designs such as words and scripts, dot work, fine line tattoos, Polynesian tribal, Japanese art, and more. Find your ideal design by heading over to @inkvasionsg on Instagram.

Prices start from S$100. Please contact them through WhatsApp at +65 8127 5371 for a free quotation.

Website: inkvasiontattoo.com
Location: 545 Orchard Road #06-15 Far East Shopping Centre, Singapore 238882

#2: WILD PAW TATTOO CO.

Highlights
Aftercare products
Best known for modern and classic tattoo designs
Customized tattoo designs

Wild Paw Tattoo Co. is a laidback studio where the atmosphere is relaxing, and the staff is friendly. It is best known for its modern and classic tattoo designs. Clients can either get beautiful portraits of their beloved pets or their favorite cartoon characters. As a friendly reminder, the studio has a strict policy against bringing alcohol or drugs. Furthermore, they only accept clients aged 18 and above.

Tattoo prices can range from S$200 to S$350.

Website: wildpawtattoo.com
Location: 30A Bali Lane, Singapore 189866

#3: LOVESICK TATTOO STUDIO

Highlights
Award-winning tattoo artist and founder
Customized tattoo designs
Affordable price for small tattoos

Established in 2012, tattoo artist Louis Tham founded the Lovesick Tattoo studio. Brainchild Louis Tham has been in the tattoo scene for about a decade. In fact, he has won multiple awards in Singapore and overseas for his tattooing expertise. Alongside Louise, the studio houses two professional resident artists named Liucifer Ling and Kian Tan. These talented artists have unique tattoo styles to suit the client’s preferences. For instance, you can opt for Louis who specializes in black and grey realism tattoos or Kian who fuses Japanese art with dot works.

Small designs can cost as low as S$60. While big and striking designs can cost about S$150-S$400 per hour. Rest assured that this studio completes all its inking within its sterile and safe environment.

Website: lovesicktattoostudio.com
Location: 35 Selegie Road, Parklane Shopping Mall #05-03, Singapore 188307

#4: VISUAL ORGASM TATTOO STUDIO

Highlights
Team of tattoo artists
Freehand and customized designs
Colored and monochrome designs
Late closing times

Visual Orgasm Tattoo Studio has a team of tattoo artists that specialize in different tattoo styles such as freehand, cartoon, drawings, blackwork, and realism. Best of all? The artists are open to customizing designs to suit their client’s preferences. You can even bring your child’s drawings for inspiration.

Since the studio allows flexibility in choosing designs, Visual Orgasm also allows its clients to choose between colored and monochrome designs. Those who want to have vivid designs are free to book an appointment on the studio. Just ensure that you answer their forms online and consult them before getting inked. Prepare accordingly as the studio’s base price is S$150 for small and simple designs. Prices will vary for more complex designs.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Website: visual-orgasm.com
Location: 8B Canton St, Singapore 049748

Note: With the current situation, increased social distancing requirements and other operational changes were implemented in these tattoo studios. Please contact your tattoo studio for more information.

Sources: 1 & 2

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