Beginner’s Guide To Cooking Your Own Meals

Nothing screams “labor of love” louder than preparing a homecooked meal for your family. Apart from showing your affection, cooking your own meals can help you save a lot of money. With the wealth of information available online, where do you begin?

KEY BENEFITS OF COOKING AT HOME

1. Cooking at home can help you save money. In most cases, cooking your own means are cheaper than eating out. There are several factors contributing to the reduced price of your meal. For starters, cooking at home enables you to opt for affordable ingredients. Moreover, you will have the power to create your own meal plans and shopping lists. Lastly, you can reheat your leftovers when you do not have time to cook.

2. Cooking at home allows you to connect with those around you. You do not have to be a distinguished chef to prepare delicious meals with your loved ones. Spend quality time together by allowing your kids decorate the desserts you have baked or by preparing a romantic dinner with your partner.

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together.” ~ Guy Fieri

3. Cooking at home encourages control in food portions, especially for people with dietary restrictions. Restaurants do not rely on your preferred food portions. They serve you plates based on their standard portions instead. To get the most out of your money, you will likely finish the entire plate. In contrast, preparing your meals allows you to be more intentional with food servings. Filling your plate with what you can finish aids in reducing waste.

4. Cooking at home enables you to choose healthier options. Fast food typically glistens with high chemical additives, sugar, sodium, and so on. Eating fast food regularly can negatively affect your weight and mood. Eat fresh and wholesome meals by making your own food. Eating healthy meals can make you feel energized on the inside and out.

TIPS ON GETTING STARTED

1. Ask a friend to teach you the basics. Do you know someone who is kitchen savvy? Perhaps, he or she can teach you some of the cooking basics (e.g., steam, fry, and sauté). You can even invite your closest friends for a private “cooking tutorial” via Skype or Zoom.

2. Learn from a local cooking class. Many affordable culinary programs are offered at CCs islandwide. The prices of these classes start from S$16.66. Choose wisely as some of these classes are merely demonstrations with food tasting. Check out the class descriptions and book a slot in the OnePA portal.

3. Keep things simple! Start with the easy recipes and work your way from there. Learn how to sauté veggies, boil egg, and steam chicken. Add herbs, spices, or your secret sauce. Look for quick and tasty dishes online.

4. Give yourself a room for improvement. It is alright to burn the rice or overcook the noodles in your first cooking sessions. After several attempts, things will get easier and tastier. Continue practicing at home.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As time passes, cooking will no longer become a chore. Do not give up!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Worst Things To Purchase Online

As I was mindlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed, I saw an advertisement for a porcelain triple barrel hair waver. It was sold for less than S$10. Can you grasp how cheap it was? I was skeptical at first. I did not want to burn my hair for a hair tool that normally costs more than S$50. However, I took my chances and bought it online thru a popular retailer.

Online shopping sounds like a good idea, until the item you purchased disappoints you. In my case, it was the hair waver. I did not get the “beautiful beach waves” that I dreamed of. Instead, the hair waver barely worked. I did not want to trouble myself further by placing a return. I used it once and never touched it again!

I know that I am not the only one. Online shopping is a tricky platform. Nonetheless, there are some items that are best purchased in store. This way, you will be able to judge its quality up-close and ensure its perfect fit. Moreover, you will be avoiding expensive shipping fees and will be given the chance to negotiate the price.

Apart from hair tools, here are some of the items that you must consider buying in the physical store.

1. WEDDING GOWNS

While online shopping is always tricky and risky, buying a wedding dress online is one of the biggest gambles you may enter. Despite being a once-in-a-lifetime piece of clothing, many brides go to the Internet to search for tempting discounts on wedding gowns. Some of these gowns were designed to look like the latest bridal collections of renowned designers such as Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.

In most cases, your dream dress can turn into an unrecognizable garment on your doorstep. Imagine ordering a white dress and ending up with a lime green dress after several weeks. Dresses may come in different colors, poor materials, and crooked hemlines. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is!

2. PANTS

Articles of clothing may not always come as it was advertised. Colors may appear different due to the studio lighting and sizing may vary from brand to brand. Thankfully, most of us have skipped wearing jeans due to the current work-from-home setup. Some of you may regret buying jeans online, because you never had a chance to wear them. While others may have purchased the wrong size.

If you are attending to your professional duties at home, it is better to invest on a comfortable pair of jogging pants or leggings. Who needs to wear a tailored pants during a Zoom call anyway?

3. BICYCLE

Health is wealth! As the world puts a spotlight on the importance of regular exercise, you may embrace the benefits of cycling. The Internet is a great place to research on bicycles and its accessories. You can read all about bike geometry and carbon fiber frames, but the information found here can be limited. It is important to purchase a bicycle that is tailored to your measurements. You can feel the specifications of a bicycle by visiting the nearest bike shop. Most cyclists do test-rides before purchasing their newest bicycle. You may do the same.

Moreover, it can be a hassle to get repairs done under the warranty on a bicycle that you ordered online. Save yourself the stress of packing it up and shipping it to the seller. With a locally purchased bicycle, you can just take it to the nearest bike shop and have it fixed.

4. CHILDREN’S SHOES

It is no secret that children grow up fast. Their feet are no exception! My mother used to draw our foot on a piece of paper and take it on a store when she bought shoes. Nowadays, you can simply order shoes with a few taps on a screen. Although you know your child’s current measurements, sizing varies among brands. If you child is size 3 on brand A, she may be size 4 on another.

It takes more time and effort to purchase several pairs of shoes in a store, but you will be able to purchase the right ones. Remember that some retailers do not offer free returns.

5. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Last year, I studied how to play the Kalimba or thumb piano. I still have it with me and play its soft tunes whenever I can. I opted to purchase online as I was a beginner and I am not a professional musician. It provided a great start in discovering my musical prowess.

For professional musicians and Music students, it is a different story. These people need higher-end equipment, especially for fragile instruments such as violins and cellos. You should purchase these items in person rather than on the Web. It is important to play the instrument in person to ensure that you are getting a good value for your buck.

6. SWIMWEAR

For some people, shopping for a new swimsuit or bathing suit can be a daunting task. As such, you may opt to hide behind your computer screen and order online. The only downside of doing this is that fit can fluctuate among suits from the same brand. It is better to not take your chances with fit!

Furthermore, you may not be able to return a small swimsuit if the packaging has been opened or if there is evidence that the suit has been worn. The same restrictions can apply to other intimate apparel such as bras, purchased online.

7. MATTRESS

My uncle always highlights the importance of buying a good mattress. He works tirelessly everyday and dreams of getting home to a comfortable bed. We spend a third of our lives on the bed. This is the primary reason why you should invest on a mattress that you can use for several years. According to the Better Sleep Council, a mattress should last up to seven years.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It is challenging to commit to a mattress that you merely saw online. A reviewer may sleep on his back and you may be a side sleeper. Your online reviews on the same mattress may be polarizing since we all sleep differently. It best to feel the material of the mattress face-to-face. Who knows? You can score a better deal during store promotions and seasonal sales!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Things To Consider When Buying A Laptop

In 2020, retailers and PC makers saw an incredible spike in laptop sales after the Circuit Breaker measures implemented the closing of schools and non-essential work premises. Electronics retailer Courts said that it experienced an “overwhelming demand for laptops because of the work-from-home situation”. Moreover, online retailer Lazada said that their sales of laptops increased by 80% following the Circuit Breaker announcement.

Having your own laptop or desktop computer is crucial to fulfill your roles in school or at work. As we transition to a digitally-centered world, you may consider purchasing a laptop soon. I just bought mine yesterday and these were the specifications that I researched for.

#1: SIZE AND FORM

You need to make sure that you pick a laptop that best suits your needs and personality. Depending on what you plan to be doing on your laptop, look for a size that is right for you.
For people who opt for portability, you may go for laptops with smaller screens. Look for laptops that have a screen size of 12.5-inches or 13.3-inches and a weight of 1kg to 1.5kgs. Smaller laptops are ideal for people who work mainly one emails, spreadsheets, and presentations. On the other hand, a bigger laptop is suitable if you edit videos on a regular basis.

As an editor or gamer, you can opt for a 15-inch model. This type usually comes with a powerful hardware such as a dedicated graphics chip for creating multimedia content and gaming.

#2: WEB CAMERA

Yesterday, I was faced with a dilemma involving the laptop’s web camera. I can either opt for a laptop with a better web camera and a slower processor or a laptop with an okay camera and a faster processor. I opt for the latter. I find it more convenient to purchase external accessories than to upgrade a laptop’s internal system. You may want to do the same thing too.

With the rise of video meetings and online classes, it is time for the web camera to shine! The 720p camera in most new laptops is more than adequate for your daily use. When buying an external web camera, you may consider its additional features such as unlocking your computer via facial recognition. Check the location of the web camera too.

#3: CPU

In most cases, notebooks come with a Core processor from market leader Intel. For many users, they are satisfied with the performance of the Intel Core Processor. Core i3-based notebooks are generally found in entry-level systems, while Core i5 are found in mainstream computers. The high-end processors are Core i7 and Core i9.

In a similar fashion, AMD processors have different conventions such as Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9. Ryzen 9 offers the best performance.

#4: GRAPHICS

Produced by a graphics chip, the visuals you see on a laptop screen play an important role on how your experience your device. This comes in either a part of the processor or a separate dedicated chip.

For people who play games or produce digital content, having a dedicated graphics chip offer more options when it comes to controlling the performance. Know that the gaming firm Nvidia recently refreshed its entire GeForce mobile graphics chips.

#5: MEMORY AND STORAGE

System memory or RAM affects the responsiveness of a computer and its applications. The 8GB RAM should suffice most users. Those who edit videos and photos may need more RAM.

Another option is the solid-state drives (SSD) that are faster and more reliable. You should expect to have at least 256GB SSD. Ultimately, your lifestyle will dictate your needs in memory and storage.

#6: PORTS AND CONNECTIVITY

When it comes to ports and connectivity, an ideal laptop must have the HDMI port or USB Type-A ports. Moreover, you must check how fast it can connect to the wireless connectivity as most of us will be relying on the Wi-Fi router.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When buying a laptop, you must strike a balance between all these features and your budget. You need to make some compromises based on your needs and your current funds. It is rare to be in a situation wherein all your boxes are filled, especially when it comes to the price. Good luck!

 

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Stuck At Home Valentine’s Day Ideas

Romance does not have to fade just because you are at home. Considering the impact of the pandemic and the need to practice social distancing, you have probably struggled to keep your indoor dates exciting. Fret not! There are a myriad of creative date activities that you can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home.

Spend Valentine’s Day with your special someone with these fun ideas.

#1: DO YOGA TOGETHER

Stretch the night away by practicing couples yoga with your partner. Now is the time find your inner Zen. Poses suitable for couples are more intimate and challenging. It is a shared experience focused more on the connection with one another, rather than just yourself.

#2: MAKE DELICIOUS PIZZA

Add spice to your Netflix and chill by making your own pizza. Try different recipes such as baguette pizza and Marinara pizza.

#3: TEST YOUR SINGING ABILITIES

Do you have a favorite love song? Challenge your partner to a melodious night of karaoke. Sing your hearts out by searching karaoke videos on YouTube. Singing some of your favorite tunes is guaranteed to boost your spirit.

#4: TRY A VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOUR

Whether you are a fan of Vincent van Gogh or cultural art, you can find a virtual museum tour for both of your interests. I recommend watching the National Museum of Singapore’s Zoom Into History Video series. It is an insightful look at the artifacts and everyday objects that have defined our nation’s past. You can also watch the virtual tours streamed on the National Gallery of Singapore’s Facebook Live.

#5: CREATE FUN COCKTAILS

Show off your bartending skills in the comfort of your own space by making a cocktail together with your loved one. Make the Love Potion #9. It is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pomegranate juice. Enjoy!

#6: START A BOOK CLUB

Encourage your friends to join your book club. Bring your partner along too. Choose a book to read together with the group and then pick an evening to discuss it over wine and cheese on Zoom or Skype.

#7: HAVE A PHOTOSHOOT

Spare a few hours for an at-home photoshoot. Ensure that your pictures have backdrops and decorations that fit your theme. You can have these photos printed and gathered into an album.

#8: SET THEMATIC NIGHTS

Whether you want to indulge on a game or movie night, you can set February 14 as your “best day ever”. You can forgo dinner by turning the lights out and preparing snacks that can boost your movie night experience. If you cannot agree on a movie you both want to watch, consider the first movie you ever watched together. Alternatively, you can play video games. Your partner can either be impressed by your mad skills on screen or will think it is adorable to see you consistently losing.

#9: INDULGE IN A SPA DATE

Drop in your nearest Lush outlet or create your own DIY bath bombs to enjoy a spa date. Have a bath together with bath salts and bath bombs. Afterwards, you can give each other massages with aromatherapy oils. Lastly, you can give your partner a manicure or a pedicure. Complete the experience with matching robes!

Image credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Lose Weight Gained During Pandemic

Change in eating habits is one of the evident changes that 2020 brought us. In fact, almost one-third of Singaporeans gained weight during the pandemic. The average increase in weight of 500 Singaporean respondents was 5 kilograms.

It is not difficult to realize why someone gained weight during the pandemic. For starters, we spent most of our time at home. From cooking our comfort food to having easy access to food delivery apps, COVID-19 created a perfect storm for people who struggle with weight.

Our lives have been disrupted in a massive way. Fitness studio closures have upended exercise routines and stress elevated for parents who suddenly had to work from home while teaching their kids. Some people had to postpone medical check-ups too. The stress brought by this challenging time influenced how we consume food. To change your eating habits for the better, you must start small. You do not need to break the bank for that!

TAKE SMALL STEPS

We are all stressed right now. Trying to overhaul your lifestyle completely will add more to the plate. Instead, ask yourself what small step you can take to change your eating habits. You may start by eliminating processed or junk food from your daily menu.

CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE

Eat on a schedule. Work from home means you have access to food 24/7. Your days are probably less structured too. Hence, you must plan for your lunch and breaks. Stick to this schedule and be aware of what you take in. If you wear loose-fitting clothes every day, it is easier to ignore the weight gain.

CONTROL YOUR PORTIONS

Trick your brain to eating less by using a smaller plate. You can also drink a big glass of water before you eat. You can eat proteins first, because they will make you feel fuller. Controlling your portions can help you lose weight.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

SCHEDULE TIME FOR EXERCISE

As you are mainly working from home, you may try other forms of physical activity such as online Yoga classes. Exercise is not the primary factor for weight loss, but it plays a role in keeping weight off once you lose it. It helps you maintain your current weight, boost your mood, and strengthen your body.

GET QUALITY SLEEP

Focus on healthy eating, regular exercises, and getting a good night’s sleep to foster weight loss. This means enjoying seven to eight hours of sleep a night. According to experts, “there is a lot of evidence that people who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese.” Sleep, to some extent, affects our physical and mental well-being.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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