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4 Surefire Ways To Create Better Study Habits At Home

Ministry of Education announced that lower primary and lower secondary students will continue with home-based learning (HBL) after June holidays. These arrangements were made to “ease into full resumption of school” when Term 3 starts on June 28.

Studying from home can be challenging! All of us have study habits that we would like to break and others that we would like to develop. People often blame these unpleasant habits to laziness or unhealthy personality. However, Behaviorism dictates that we can learn and unlearn these habits.

Effectively reinforcing a positive behavior and not rewarding a negative one can help change various areas in one’s life. With this principle in mind, here are 4 things that you can do create better study habits at home.

#1: SET YOUR STUDY GOALS

It is not enough to say that you want to study more! You must set quantifiable and realistic goals to meet your objectives for the day. Setting your study goals includes two things – identifying your goals and knowing which resources you will need.

For instance, you want to study for 3 hours daily (i.e., quantifiable and realistic). You successfully meet this study goal by utilizing a conducive study space and by having school supplies on-hand.

#2: TAKE ACTION

After clearly setting your goals, you must bravely take your first attempt. If it is too much to drastically start with 3 hours of study time per day, you can start with at least 45 minutes daily. Gradually increase your study time as the weeks pass by.

Having a physical boundary between your study area and your relaxation area could be very helpful. This can also help you to contain your academic stress within the study space. Furthermore, you can stay focused when studying from home by following a routine. Establishing a routine will provide more structure to your life and more cues to your brain.

#3: MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Monitoring your progress includes tracking your milestones and altering your goals based on your evaluation of the current situation. To illustrate this, you can have a study log to record your study time and daily assignments.

You can also analyze the factors that hinder you from studying, such as distractions from external noises or social media. Then, add another goal that is fit to counteract these distractions such turning your handphone off for 3 hours. Use this time to take down notes during your online classes.

#4: REWARD YOURSELF

Positive reinforcement such as entertaining or monetary compensation can increase the repetition of the desired behavior. Therefore, different companies use positive reinforcement to attract you into purchasing more of their products.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You must figure out a well-deserved reward for successfully studying during the allotted amount of time. You can indulge in your favorite dessert, have a relaxing bath, or call your friends via Zoom. For optimum results, keep the reward scheme consistent each time you reach a study goal.

Sources: 1 & 2

BTS Meal To Launch In Singapore On June 21

In 2013, a South Korean boy group called BTS or 방탄소년단 debuted under Big Hit Entertainment (HYBE Corporation). The group smoothly made its way to the hearts of many and had since become a global icon.

With smash hits like Dynamite and Butter, BTS made its way to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200. In fact, its newly released song Butter blasted with a record-breaking 289.2 million streams and 249,000 sold worldwide in the May 21-27 tracking week.

Another surprise came earlier this year as McDonald’s promoted the “BTS Meal”. BTS Meal went on sale in South Korea, United States, and 10 other countries last May 2021. This meal consists of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, Medium Fries, Coke, and two new dipping sauces. These new flavors are Sweet Chili and Cajun. The packaging for the BTS Meal comes in purple and was printed with the group’s logo.

BTS MEAL CRAZE

As BTS’ popularity skyrocketed, there have been concerns that the launch of the meal could draw crowds in some Asian countries where COVID-19 cases have risen and where vaccination levels remain relatively low.

McDonald’s was instructed to temporarily shut some outlets in Indonesia last week when the introduction of the BTS Meal sparked frenzy. Several delivery riders were seen massing inside and outside of the food chain during the meal’s launching. Their local police said that the temporary closure of several outlets was “because they were found to have violated health protocols”, including limiting capacity to 50%.

Thus, Indonesian fans created a crowdfunding page to raise money for drivers and their families. They have acknowledged that the delivery drivers faced long lines and possible exposure to the COVID-19 to bring them their meals.

LAUNCH IN SINGAPORE

Due to the tightening of social distancing rules and the ban on dine-in options, the meal’s rollout in Singapore was delayed last month. The launch was re-scheduled to June 21 instead. Please adhere to the safety procedures when scoring your coveted meal.

Image Credits: facebook.com/mcdsg

Fans must know that the BTS Meal does not come with photo cards or other related merchandise. Instead, you can order the collaboration’s official BTS x McDonald’s merch at HYBE Merch.

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

Budget-Friendly Sources For Plants & Gardening Essentials In Singapore

Nurturing your plants is a great way to temporarily disconnect from the uncertainties of the world. Letting nature fill your space not only improves your mood, but also helps you breathe clean air.

If you are looking for places to shop for plants, check out the plant nurseries and online marketplaces on this list.

#1: NOAH GARDEN CENTRE

If your fondness for online shopping extends to love for plants, I have good news for you! Noah Garden Centre is an online marketplace that connects buyers to multiple sellers. You will be greeted with a variety of options from plants to gardening accessories. Furthermore, the plants are categorized according to types and sizes.

Image Credits: facebook.com/noahgardencentre

The website also gives specific instructions regarding plant care such as the amount of water and sunlight needed for each plant. Aside from these useful details, you should check out the “clearance tab”. This is where all the special deals reside. Shopping for plants has never been easier.

Website: noahgardencentre.com.sg

#2: THE GARDEN STORE

People who are new to the amazing world of plants may stick to plants that are easy to take care of. From succulents to cacti, you will be spoiled for choice in The Garden Store at Bedok South. This one-stop shop retails plants, planters, soil, gardening tools, paving slabs, and more. You will be able to get what you need to complete your own landscaping project.

Its informative website provides a fact sheet for its plants. For instance, the Money Plant (S$3.50) was described as a plant that needs to be exposed to bright indirect sunlight or semi-shade. Those who are going to shop online will get free delivery purchases amounting to at least S$200. Otherwise, the delivery charge is S$25.

Address: 10 Bedok South Rd, Singapore 469274
Website: thegardenstore.sg

#3: WORLD FARM (HUA HNG TRADING)

The World Farm or Hua Hng Trading is one of the largest garden centers in Singapore. Feast your eyes with a variety of plants and gardening essentials. Simply grab a cart and load your plants in it. You may also pick up accompanying accessories located near the cashier.

Prices here are usually cheaper than most nurseries and they readily stock the bestsellers such as succulents (from S$3), herbs (from S$5), and flowering plants (from S$9). They also have several options for gardening tools, accessories, fertilizers, and other medicines (e.g., insecticides).

Address: 15 Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769962
Website: huahng.com.sg

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: FAR EAST FLORA GARDEN CENTRE

Grow delicious herbs to use in your homecooked meals by purchasing plants from Far East Flora Garden Centre. For starters, it stores mint (from S$7) and basil (from S$7). Far East Flora is one of the most popular plant nurseries in Singapore. Its selection for houseplants is vast and even includes garden furniture and other accessories.

Begin the search for your newest plant baby by checking out its website or by visiting its flagship store. Delivery fee will cost you S$35.

Address: Multiple branches in Singapore
Website: fareastfloragarden.com

#5: PICK A PLANT

Pick a Plant’s story started with a humble search for rare air plants from all over the world. A lot has changed since then. Pick a Plant now houses the most interesting air plants, cacti, and succulents to share the founder’s passion for foliage.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pickaplantsg

This plant nursery typically sells their plants for S$4 each. Stay updated by following its Facebook page.

Address: 50 Choa Chu Kang Track 14, Singapore 698940
Website: pickaplant.com.sg

Sources: 1 & 2

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

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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