10 Free Forms Of Entertainment You Can Do At Home

To minimize the further spread of COVID-19 in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has implemented some social restrictions. This includes social distancing measures such as the closure of entertainment venues (e.g., bars or cinemas), suspension of religious services, and closure of enrichment centers. Organized tours in public venues such as sightseeing or guided walking tours will also be suspended. All these will take effect from March 26, 2020.

With the closure of various entertainment venues and other establishments, how can you efficiently pass time without spending too much? Well, you can look thru this list and employ what you fancy.

#1: CHANNEL MARIE KONDO

Channel your inner Marie Kondo by de-cluttering your home. Categorize your items based on its usefulness or its personal value. Find things that are important to you or your family. Keep these items as neatly as possible. For the rest of your items, you can either junk or donate them. It is cathartic to go through your belongings and to see how neat your area has become.

#2: PRACTICE YOGA AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

This is the perfect time to focus on yourself and your wellbeing. An ancient practice that has been known to relieve stress is Yoga. Search through countless free beginner Yoga classes on YouTube. I recommend starting with Blogilates or Yoga With Adriene as they have a library of videos for different levels of strength.

#3: GET FREE AUDIOBOOKS

Speaking of libraries, you can get free audiobooks from openculture.com and audible.com. Keep yourself company with books that can help improve your skills or help drift your mind. These websites include free audiobooks for kids too!

#4: GET FREE PC GAMES

Believe it or not, Epic Games offers two excellent PC games free of charge. I am referring to Watch Dogs and The Stanley Parable. Simply add these two to your Epic Games account anytime before March 26. Creating this gaming account is also free.

#5: ENJOY FREE GUITAR LESSONS

Take up a new hobby or brush off the dust from your guitar by signing up for the three-month subscription of Fender. This three-month free trial allows you to learn how to play acoustics including ukulele from the comforts of your home. You can track your progress anytime using any devices. Note that although a credit card is not required, this promotion is limited to the first 100,000 sign-ups.

#6: CREATE A BLOG

I manage my Cabin Fever using the best way I know how – through writing my thoughts. I am very thankful for the extra time I have on my hands as I am able to write more on my MISS PSYCHOBABBLE Psychology blog. Turn your quarantine experiences into colorful stories by establishing a blog on free websites such as blogger.com or wordpress.com.

#7: PRINT COLORING PAGES

If you need to keep your kiddos busy and stimulated, consider printing coloring pages for them. Crayola offers free coloring pages, which are categorized by season. Simply round up the coloring materials in your home and start getting creative.

#8: MAKE A DONATION BOX

Collect clothing and nonperishable items that you no longer want or need. Select items that are in good condition and store them in a donation box. You are not only giving your belongings to the people in need, but you are also cleaning up your home.

#9: TAKE SOME PHOTOGRAPHS

Wake up to a new perspective by taking photographs of things around your house. Do you see the pretty vase on top of your coffee table? Use your smartphone or a stand-alone camera to capture that moment. You may also peek thru the world outside of your window and take some snaps. Upload your best photographs on Instagram and cap it off with a witty caption.

#10: CONNECT WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Despite being at home for a period of time, you can still connect with your loved ones through online platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger. Who are the people whom you normally do not see? Consider giving them a call now.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Take care of your health and avoid shutting yourself from the world! 🙂

Sources:1 & 2

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Fancy Canned Goods And Instant Coffee Recipes To Keep You Company

As many of us are encapsulated in our own homes for quite some time, many shoppers have filled up their own pantries. Most flats have a wide array of tissue papers, disinfectant sprays, instant noodles, canned goods, and instant coffee sachets. It is best to put your own spin to your daily meals to stimulate your appetite.

Here are inexpensive ways to get creative with your canned goods and instant coffee options.

#1: SPAM MUSUBI

Last month, I dragged my significant other to a restaurant that serves Hawaiian cuisine. One of the dishes that we tried was the Spam Musubi. It is a popular snack that you can easily make in your own home. Simply gather these ingredients: white rice, nori, SPAM or luncheon meat, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.

Follow the steps found in the video below. What I like about this dish is its fast preparation time and its rich flavors.

#2: CRISPY SPAM FINGERS

Believe me when I say that it tastes better than it sounds! This recipe goes a little outside of the box as it incorporates flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into the meat.
Firstly, you must drench your sliced SPAM or luncheon meat into a mixture of eggs, flour, and bread crumbs. Secondly, you must fry all these “fingers” until each one reaches a golden-brown color. Its exterior ensures that each bite packs a crunch! You can serve it with rice.

#3: TUNA MACARONI SALAD

Canned tuna is a pantry staple that can transform into easy dishes that can be served for family dinners and office lunches. Spice up your usual macaroni salad by adding canned tuna. For a protein-rich lunch that kids will love, you may create a tuna macaroni salad. Just add your sauteed tuna in a macaroni salad filled with creamy mayonnaise, pepper, and celery.

#4: CREAMY TUNA CARBONARA

Complete a wine night indoors by serving a plate of creamy pasta. To make your very own creamy tuna carbonara, you will need the following: spaghetti pasta, eggs, canned tuna, parsley, salt, Parmesan cheese, and ground pepper. Start by preparing the pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain it and set it aside. To do your sauce, you must whisk the egg yolks and add Parmesan cheese. Stir in the black pepper and add some salt. Then, add this sauce to the cooked spaghetti. Lastly, you must incorporate the drained tuna. Garnish with more cheese and serve it hot!

#5: INSTANT ICED COFFEE

It only takes five minutes or less to create your own instant iced coffee. Raid your pantry to gather these ingredients: 3 teaspoons of instant coffee, cold water, ice, and 4 tablespoons of your favorite creamer (e.g., soy creamer).

Get your trusty glass and add the instant coffee and the creamer. Fill it with cold water and stir constantly to allow the mixture to dissolve. Add some ice cubes and you are good to go!

#6: DALGONA COFFEE

Currently, the Twitter-verse and the TikTok nation have been buzzing about the Dalgona Coffee. You have probably seen several videos of people making whipped coffee by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and water together. You read that right! You have to mix everything together using a whisk, a hand mixer, or a milk frother. The result is a fluffy and delicious whipped coffee that you can post on Instagram.

Follow the steps found on the video below to make your very own Dalgona Coffee from South Korea.

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Budget-Friendly Places To Purchase Cleaning Supplies Against nCoV

Are you trying your luck in expanding your cleaning supplies? These days, “OUT OF STOCK” is plastered all over the physical and online stores when cleaning supplies are concerned. The zero traces of stocks correlate to the nCoV panic brewed in the shoppers all over Singapore.

The novel CoronaVirus (nCov) is a severe acute respiratory disease that can affect both animals and humans. It was first discovered in China last December 2019. With hundreds of deaths worldwide, The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Singaporeans must strengthen their immune system and ensure that their homes are clean to combat nCoV. On that note, here are some cleaning supplies that you may purchase as well as the places where you can find them.

#1: VACUUM CLEANER

A good vacuum cleaner can effortlessly keep the floors and carpets debris-free. Prevent dusts, food crumbs, human hair strands, and pet furs from accumulating by using the vacuum cleaner once a week. Increase the frequency if you have young children or several pets inside the house. Courts Singapore carry multiple brands and types of vacuum cleaners including the cordless handheld vacuum by Karcher, which retails for only S$398.00.

#2: BATHROOM CLEANER

Toilet and faucet handles are premium breeding grounds for virus and bacteria. I, for one, can attest that it is hard to keep the bathroom clean. However, keeping it clean can help you reduce the spread of germs. FairPrice has several toilet cleaners in stock including their own brand for S$3.70 and the Mr. Muscle value pack for S$6.15.

#3: DUSTING GLOVES

Keeping your nest as dust-free as possible will help you control dirt and other allergens. Moreover, it will freshen up the appearance of your living space. Control dust in a fun way by using microfiber gloves such as the eight-dollar Leifheit dusting gloves from Lazada Singapore.

Run your microfiber dusting gloves all over your house! The microfiber gathers up the mess without scratching the surface or scattering dust into the air. Once you are done, you can simply toss your gloves into the washing machine and use it again in your next cleaning session.

#4: ANTI-BACTERIAL MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER

Anti-bacterial multi-purpose cleaners are believed to leave your premises free from germs and to prevent the spread of viruses. It can be used on different surfaces such as ceramic, enamel, and stainless steel. You can purchase this at Horme Hardware for as low as S$6.

Horme Hardware is a virtual hardware that houses more than fifty thousand products in its inventory. No matter how specific your cleaning item is, you will find most of what you need in here. You may also head down to one of its trade centers at Ubi, Changi, and Jurong East.

#5: ANTI-BACTERIAL HANDSOAP

Never touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands as germs spread this way. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or the entire “Happy Birthday” song.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I found two places where you can stock up on your anti-bacterial handsoap. I am referring to Amazon Singapore and Lazada Singapore. The former has Dial Complete Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Wash for S$35.58 (i.e., pack of 4). While, the latter has Dettol Profresh Strawberry Anti-bacterial Handwash for S$25. Both are marketed to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria.

Stay safe and protected! 🙂

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10 Greatest Songs Ever Written Surrounding Money

Many musicians did not start out with huge paychecks, lavish cars, and bling on their necks. They have gone through the tribulations of life and paid their dues. Believe it or not, some of the greatest songs ever written surround interesting perspectives about money. Moreover, you can apply these songs to your own finances. This is when art imitates life.

So, sit back and relax. Turn your speakers on and immerse yourself in the “10 Greatest Songs Ever Written About Money”!

ABBA: “MONEY, MONEY, MONEY”

“I work all night, I work all day to pay the bills I have to pay. Ain’t it sad. And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me.”

It is troubling to listen to someone go through this situation. If you are living off from paycheck to paycheck, it is time to take a closer look at your finances. Are you saving a portion of your money for yourself? Consider asking for a pay raise or reducing your expenses to avoid letting your bills take up all of your wages.

BARRETT STRONG: MONEY (THAT’S WHAT I WANT)

“Money don’t get everything it’s true. What it don’t get. I can’t use.”

It goes without saying that this is one of the famous money songs out there. It is a classic and rightly so! The first lyric is “the best things in life are free”. I agree! Money cannot buy everything such as lasting relationships and happiness. It is all about striking a balance between your financial goals and your personal life.

THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.: MO’ MONEY, MO’ PROBLEMS

“It’s like the more money we come across, the more problems we see.”

As I said, money cannot buy everything. Getting richer will not necessarily enrich your life. Money can become an instrument to reaching your financial goals. However, it is up to you to use it responsibly in order to help yourself and others around you. Remember that it is easy to be blinded by power and greed.

DESTINY’S CHILD: INDEPENDENT WOMEN

“All the women who independent, throw your hands up at me! All the honeys who makin’ money, throw your hands up at me.”

The late 90s and early 2000s brought-forth the age of women empowerment through girl bands such as Destiny’s Child and Spice Girls. This song is all about financial independence and not relying on someone else to succeed. You can relate this message to Singaporeans of all genders and all ages.

THE BEATLES: CAN’T BUY ME LOVE

“I may not have a lot to give, but what I got I’ll give to you. I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.”

The Beatles are iconic for fusing important experiences and fantastic tunes. This song is a good reminder that you are not defined by how much you make. No matter how much you earn or how much you strive to earn, always remember the important things in life. Prioritize your “own currencies” and work towards these.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

PITBULL FEAT. NE-YO: TIME OF OUR LIVES

“I know my rent was gon’ be late about a week ago. I worked my ass off, but I still can’t pay it though. But I got just enough to get off in this club.”

Yes! It is tempting to give in to the YOLO movement. However, you must be realistic. If your finances are suffering due to your entertainment costs such as going to the clubs or casinos regularly then, you should stop. Take care of your responsibilities first!

CEE-LO GREEN: FORGET YOU

“Yeah I’m sorry I can’t afford a Ferrari. But that don’t mean I can’t get you there.”

Many people fall into a trap by keeping up with their neighbors. You do not have to waste your money to impress someone. Otherwise, you will end up poking a hole in your wallet and having a relationship with someone that is superficial. Invest on things that will benefit you in the long run!

THE BEATLES: FIXING A HOLE

“I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in, to stop my mind from wandering.”

This band is making another exposure in this list as this song highlights the simple solutions in life. Whenever I am faced with a problem, I always focus on the solution. Solutions do not have to be expensive. It pays to learn to do small improvements on your own than hiring a professional to do it for you.

ROLLING STONES: CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT

“You can’t always get what you want,
But if you try sometimes,
You just might find.
You get what you need.”

One of the biggest issues in trying to save funds is determining the difference between needs and wants. The essentials must come first while saving up for your wants. Over time with hard-work, you will be able to get both your needs and wants.

<MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS: THRIFT SHOP

“I am stunting and flossing and saving my money”

Take it from Macklemore and Ryan! You do not have to break the bank to look good or feel good. Singapore has tons of flea markets, thrift shops, and charity shops that can help you grow your wardrobe without spending too much.

Moreover, saving money on clothes can help you focus on more important financial goals!

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Obvious Ways Buffets Earn Money

The primary job of an all-you-can-eat buffet manager is to fill the customer’s belly as inexpensive and as quickly as possible. Apart from this, they must employ other strategies to keep the customers back! For starters, Singaporeans must be sold with the idea of the buffet’s capability of providing an ample variety while maintaining high quality. At the same time, food wastage must be minimized.

On that note, here are 5 Obvious Ways Buffets Earn Money.

#1: BEVERAGES ARE HUGE

As you enter an all-you-can-eat buffet, notice how huge the beverage glasses are. There is a method to the madness! Firstly, providing tall drinking glasses fill customer bellies fast. They would be able to eat less for the same buffet price. Secondly, they can up-sell the soft drinks to earn huge mark-ups without spending a lot for it.

#2: MENU ITEMS ARE CHOSEN CAREFULLY

To strike a balance between cost and quality, the menu items have been chosen carefully. You may notice how a restaurant will constantly change their array of meats. A buffet may have a long line of satisfied customers if you offer unlimited lobsters or steaks every night. However, you cannot expect a huge profit by doing this. Managers need to find cheaper cuts of poultry, fish, and other meat products. They get more savings by buying in bulk.

#3: CUTTING IN SMALLER PORTIONS

Have you noticed how buffets cut pricier meats into smaller pieces compared to cheaper breads? Rationally, a person would take two pieces of a buffet item instead of one. Can you imagine if all the guests take two huge pieces of lobster? That would be costly! Instead, they have to follow society’s unspoken rule and offer smaller pieces to keep the line moving.

#4: CHOICES ARE PRESENTED STRATEGICALLY

Buffets apply another strategy that is hidden in plain sight. Pay attention to the layout of the buffet line. Cheaper and more filling carbs and sides are laid out in the beginning of the line. By the time you get your entree, your plate will be so full.

Another trick is placing an expensive item along with a variety of cheaper items. For instance, an expensive protein among several cheaper side dishes. Pricier desserts are surrounded by a platter of fruits.

#5: MENUS ARE FLEXIBLE

Successful restaurants usually keep its food and beverage costs below 30% of its revenues. All-you-can-eat buffets achieve this by offering a flexible menu design. Its menu can change every day based on what ingredients are cheap and what food items are seasonally available.

You can apply the same ideal on your next trip to the grocery.

Sources: 1 & 2

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