Lifestyle Archives | Page 19 of 56

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!

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

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

How To Make A Financial Vision Board

Consumed by the demands of your daily life, it is easy to lose track of the bigger picture. What are your financial goals? What are your dreams made of? A simple representation of all your hopes, dreams, and goals is a Vision Board.

A Vision Board helps you to clarify your financial goals to enable you to achieve them. Its mechanism is powered by the idea that if we put our desires out there, the universe will be able to bring it to us. It is powerful because it forces the person to be clear and decisive about the kind of life they want to lead. Visual images serve as daily reminders of what we really aspire to become.

A study showed that people were more likely to achieve their goals if they write them down. Vision boards take this notion one step further. It enables the person to be specific when it comes to his or her dreams. It makes your financial goals more concrete and detailed. Better results can be achieved by putting your vision board in a place where you constantly see it. Choose five to ten goals to focus on (e.g., getting a new job or paying all your debt). Put these financial goals on your vision board.

Here is an example of a financial vision board:

To create a vision board, you need:
* Poster board/Cork board
* Pins
* Colored markers
* Glue
* Tape
* Scissors
* Old magazines

Aside from these materials, it is important to follow these steps.

#1: DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

Social media and advertisements have conditioned us to want things we see around us. Material things can bring your short-term delight, but what can really bring you happiness? It is time for you to think about that. Daydream the improved life that you want for yourself and your family. A financial board needs to reflect your ideal reality.

#2: COLLECT AND SELECT

Begin flipping through your stack of old magazines and newspapers to cut anything that speaks to you. Use images or words that embody your goals. You can sort all these later once you get a sizable amount of cutouts.

Edit your cutouts into five to ten goals. Then, paste them on your board as you fit the puzzles together. You can even organize the images per theme or per time-frame.

#3: WISH YOUR HEART MAKES

Mentally commit to your financial goals by gluing or pinning them down on your board. This vision is cemented for the year. It may feel weird at first, but this is the first step toward making your dreams a reality.

Hang your vision board in a place where you can revisit your financial goals. Or, you may consider setting it as your wallpaper on your phone or your laptop.

#4: PLAN AND ACHIEVE

Lastly, you must reflect on your financial vision board and think of ways to achieve each one. Choose to focus on one goal at a time or on the smaller goals first.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Good luck!

Sources: 1 & 2

6 New Ways To Save Money In Singapore

Improving your financial well-being does not only involve your earnings as it also involve your spending habits. The latter is important as we live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Despite this, there are some creative ways you can employ to save money in Singapore.

SWITCH TO KOPI

Yes! I know how a brewed cup of joe can wake up your sleeping spirits. However, you do not have to frequent a signature or a “branded” cafe in order to reap its effects. Save S$6 or more by purchasing a cup of coffee from a local kopitiam. Cut down your savings by letting your Starbucks loyalty card have its break.Or better yet, make your own coffee at home.

DISABLE YOUR AUTO-FILLED INFORMATION

Recently, I was trapped by how quick it is for me to purchase shoes online through the auto-fill feature. You see, smartphones have the seemingly safe auto-fill feature. This allows you to skip typing your credit card and other personal information. I am still not sure whether this modern feature is entirely foolproof. Nonetheless, it heightens the temptation of online shopping.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remove this temptation and increase your cyber-security by disabling your auto-fill feature.

PRACTICE SAYING “NO”

When faced with peer pressure and budget constraint, remember that you can always say “no”. You may feel bad for rejecting or disappointing someone. However, politely saying “no” can ensure that you spend within your means. You can join your friends next time or give a token of appreciation instead.

AVOID SMOKING

I cannot imagine how hefty it is to maintain a smoking lifestyle in Singapore. The country charges so much tax for it. Not to mention, there is a possibility to get fined when caught in a “No Smoking Zone”. As of the time of writing, smoking cigarettes is banned in Orchard Road (No Smoking Zone). Individuals can only light up their sticks in designated areas within the precinct. Smokers who are caught can be fined with a minimum of S$200 and a maximum of S$1,000 once convicted in the court. Being caught smoking is one of the fastest routes you can take to deplete your budget. Are you willing to risk that?

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE ENTERTAINMENT

The Red Dot may be expensive, but there are still a myriad of free stuff to enjoy. For starters, you may indulge in the scenic views that Gardens by the Bay and Fort Canning Park have to offer. These spots have been pleasing locals and travelers alike.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Aside from the natural attractions, you can search through the island for some free entertainment. Esplanade, Singapore’s performing arts center, hold interesting exhibits and concerts on a regular basis. Free concerts take place within their small amphitheater outside the main building. Search through Esplanade’s website to learn more.

SKIP ON THE BOTTLED WATER

It comes as no surprise to many locals that a bottle of water can cost anything from a dollar or more. Do not get me started with the artisinal bottles that come with the luxurious branding! With this in mind, you must fulfill your needs without having to deplete your daily budget. Drink perfectly safe water by consuming the tap water available around the country, especially in the tourist attractions. Singapore tap water is colorless and odorless. Bring along a tumbler or a collapsible cup to quench your thirst whenever you feel. Check out 10 best reusable water bottles – Globo Surf that comes with filter so you can enjoy smooth tasting water.

Sources: 1 & 2

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