Save Time And Money By Following These Food Hacks

As much as we want to prepare delicious and healthy meals for our entire family, doing so can be a quite a chore!

This is why some of us opt to order in or to eat out. However, this can lead to an increased spending and to an unhealthy lifestyle. The solution is to find ways to save yourself money and time while prepping your meals. Start with these simple food hacks:

#1: EGGSPIRED

Equipped with a shopping list in one hand, I enjoy my weekly trips to the grocery. Egg is among the items that will always be present on the list. For many of us, it is difficult to tell whether a set of eggs is expired. When this happens, you either throw out edible eggs or take the risk of eating expired ones. Avoid these situations by following a simple trick:

Put your eggs in a bowl of water. The expired eggs will float and the fresh eggs will sink. Quickly grab the good eggs in the bottom of the bowl.

#2: POTATHROW

I love potatoes! Whether it be mashed or fried, potatoes can drive many people into frenzy! Say you want to fry potato wedges or mash some potatoes. It is best to spend as little time as possible in peeling each individual potato. Furthermore, you are only wasting money by peeling too much.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So, take a sharp knife and gently run the blade around the circumference of the potato. You must break the skin without puncturing the potato. Repeat this step for each potato that you intend to cook. Place all the potatoes in a pot and add boiling water. After all these are fully boiled and drained, you may put the pot under cool water for a few seconds. This is the perfect time to gently remove the potato’s skin using your fingers. Watch as the skin slip right off as you save energy on a simple task.

#3: FREEZE-FULL

One of the kitchen tools that many of us often under-utilize is the freezer. Using the freezer efficiently to properly store your food will save you money, effort, and time. Keep this tip in mind – maintaining an empty or an almost empty freezer is a mistake! The freezer has to double its work to cool itself, which will lead to energy wastage. The coolness is retained better if the freezer a little more full.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

I am not saying that you must completely pile up items as that will restrict air circulation. Instead, you must replace what you use with new frozen food items. Practicing this cycle will ensure that your freezer is used to its fullest potential.

#4: MEATICULOUS

Meat gets ridiculously more expensive as time passes. By buying large amounts of meat when it is on sale can help you save money and time in the grocery store. You can either cook everything at the same time or store everything in the freezer into usable portions.

For instance, you may use ground beef for spaghetti sauce and chicken strips for salads. There will be no leftovers!

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Spot Fake Rich People In Singapore

Trying to spot whether a person is fake rich or not is much like asking whether a bag came from a real designer or not. You can never fully answer the question unless you take a close look at it. It is challenging to judge whether someone is an average Singaporean or a wealthy one because there are many fake rich people that can look as realistic as the authentic ones.

On that note, here are four tips to help you spot a fake rich person.

THEY NEED VALIDATION

People who attach their worth to their lavish lifestyle often need validation. They want others to share their insights on their jobs, their material possessions, or their home. They care more about how they will be perceived than the quality of the products that they will acquire.

For instance, fake rich people focus on the designer brands and not its quality. They may even own a couple of designer pieces and try to sneak in an imitation or two. It does not matter if they poke a hole in their wallets! The bigger the logo, the happier they become.

Many affluent people could not care less about the brands! They focus on comfort and quality. Unless they are aiming to make a statement, they stick to more subtle pieces.

THEY MAKE EXCUSES

Recently, notorious fake heiress Anna Sorokin was convicted of swindling about US$200,000 from New York’s elite. She often made excuses such as leaving her credit cards behind or paying next time. You have to be cautious when hanging out with someone who frequently forgets his or her wallet, which is parked in a car far from the restaurant. Fake rich people make up excuses to avoid the burden of paying.

Do not get me started with whether that car exists only in social media or in real life!

THEY WANT TO COMPETE

Observing how a person will behave when faced with someone who is experiencing success can help you filter out an insecure person. Fake rich people typically grab the chance to share their material possessions and achievements whenever they mixed in a group of people. They have a tendency to compete in order to savor the spotlight. Talk is cheap!

On the flip-side, successful people ask more questions to get insights on other people’s passions, journeys, and struggles.

THEY PURCHASE LIABILITIES

Material goods that depreciate its value over time are called liabilities. People who want to flaunt their wealth usually buy liabilities on credit or on installments. Whether they purchase a flashy entertainment set or the latest Prada bag, the fake rich would want to immediately show off their purchases to others.

Image Credits: unsplash

As we all know, it is recommended to use credit to acquire assets rather that liability. That is called a good debt!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Affordable Makeup Products That Can Compete With Luxurious Brands

Whether you are showered with smiles or hugs, the best things in life are free! What is the second best thing for makeup enthusiasts? Well, cheap yet quality cosmetics.

Times have changed for the world of makeup as many drugstore brands have amp up their game. Indie beauty brands and online cosmetics have carved out a niche of inexpensive makeup and beauty products. Read thru this list to learn more about the affordable brands that perform really well.

NYX

A true makeup enthusiast would know that NYX is pronounced as Nicks and not N-Y-X. Whether you are into pigmented powders or creamy lip formulas, NYX has different formulas for you. Its prices are among the most affordable ones available in Sephora Singapore. Hence, it is a good place to start when experimenting with your makeup looks.

Personally, I am a fan of the Lip Smocking Fun Colors collection as it is creamy and pigmented. What’s more? It is priced at about S$10 a pop! Fill your kit with NYX products like this, before splurging on luxury brands.

MAYBELLINE

Did you know that the Maybelline Company was curated by a 19-year-old entrepreneur named Thomas Lyle Williams in 1915? Well, this American brand came a long way since then! You see, drugstores are flooded with Maybelline products that do not disappoint.

For instance, long-wearing liquid lipsticks often do not live up to the expectation. Enter Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick! These liquid lipsticks could outlast a kissing session or an unlimited buffet. It is so clingy that the brand even created a makeup remover for it. You cannot go wrong with Maybelline SuperStay (retails for about S$17.90)!

NEUTROGENA

One of the things that my mom obsess about is body oil. From Argan oil to Coconut oil, you name it and she has it. Her go-to brand for the luxurious sheen is Neutrogena. Neutrogena, founded in 1930, was originally a cosmetics company called Natone.

Neutrogena Body Oil (about S$20) or bath oil has a heavenly scent that would take you back in time. You see, almost every bathroom in the ’90s has that musky almond scent. This product will give you a silky soft skin post-shower.

COLOURPOP

Many of us are familiar with this last inexpensive brand due its wide array of lip products. What’s more? Its products are vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable. I am referring to none other than ColourPop.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

ColourPop is available for your online consumption. Many find ColourPop No Filter Matte Concealer as their holy grail. With 30 shades and long-wearing formula, this concealer covers your dark circles and blemishes. It is only S$11.50 per piece at Lazada Singapore.

Source: Allure

 

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6 Helpful Tips To Put A Halt On Impulsive Purchases

As you dig thru the pile of the items that you regret purchasing, you realize that you have one recurring problem. You keep on engaging on impulse purchases! Your credit cards do not seem to help you either. Instead, it invites you to shop more as if it calls out your name.

How can you reduce this tendency to shop without forethought? Well, start by planning ahead.

#1: IT PAYS TO PLAN AHEAD

When it comes to eliminating your unwanted expenses, it pays to plan ahead. Make a list of all the items that you need to purchase before shopping. Make it a habit to plan for upcoming occasions, birthdays, and other large purchases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Equipping yourself with this list as you shop around ensures that your purchases are more deliberate and less spontaneous. Furthermore, you may anticipate the upcoming clearance sales and other promotions.

#2: PINPOINT YOUR TRIGGERS

Take control over your shopping habits by monitoring your urges. Using a piece of paper or your handphone’s notes, mark each time you experience the urge to purchase. Describe the situation and the feelings attached to it. This helps you to increase your awareness while you shop.

Be aware of the different symptoms such as faster heart rate or a change in breathing. Becoming more aware of the changes in your body and mind can help you control the urge.

#3: IT TAKES 30 DAYS

You heard about contemplating for 24 hours before committing to a purchase. However, have you heard about the 30-day waiting period? Yes! You read that right. Stick your wish-list on your refrigerator and put a date to each item. You must wait for a month before making a purchase.

The mechanics may sound easy, but it takes a lot of patience and self-control to overcome the urge at first. These feelings are valid and can fade soon. You will take delight sketching out items off the list! The only exemptions to the 30-day period are groceries and other necessities.

#4: AVOID THE TEMPTATIONS

A surefire-way to reduce your impulse buys is to avoid going to shopping areas or shopping websites. Do not even go to dollar or budget stores as you might get trap in the process.

When purchasing, follow a list religiously. Get out as quickly as you can afterwards. Avoid walking around the shopping center for entertainment and find other ways to stimulate fun.

#5: IT IS ALL ABOUT THE BUDGET

Trimming down your expenses does not mean that you have to take out the fun. Give yourself a “splurge budget” that you can follow thru each month.

Decide whether you are willing to allot a budget for a new clothing item or a fancy restaurant date each month. Whatever it is, ensure that you are willing to spend a discretionary amount every once in a while. Take it as a way to reward yourself for straightening your finances. It is healthier that way!

#6: DO NOT MIX WITH THE WRONG CROWD

Surrounding yourself with people who are addicted to retail therapy may not be the best idea. It is easy to get out of track when your shopping buddies convince you that all the outfits you have tried looks great!

Image Credits: pixabay.comIf you want to shop with your friends, do it with people who have savvy spending habit. This way, you will be able to tell spend your money in a frugal manner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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The Top Tattoo Parlors In Singapore

A couple of years ago, my sister came back from work embellished with an artistic surprise. She had a huge “COFFEE” tattoo emphasized with a black ink. You can just imagine the violent reaction of my conservative Asian mother. Fortunately for my sister, she eventually warmed to the idea of having tattoos. Nonetheless, it was an impulsive decision that my sister regretted later on.

Tattoos are permanent markings on the skin etched by inks and needles. Selecting a talented tattoo artist is crucial in the tattoo process. The same can be said in selecting the right design for you. Thus, you must take your time and do your research before booking an appointment.

Whether you have been itching to get a tattoo or just want to try it out, Singapore is filled with talented artists that can turn your dream into reality. You will be proud of these three tattoo parlors.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#1: FAMILIAR STRANGERS

With a feature on Channel News Asia, you can attest that Familiar Strangers is one of the leading tattoo parlors in Singapore. It is renowned for creating quality tattoos with skillful artists headed by Mr. Whopper Tan. Mr. Tan, the owner, has a good sense of humor. His mere name alone can entice you with either giggles or hunger. This is why clients are more relaxed while being serviced.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Familiar-Strangers-Tattoo-Studio-Singapore-146520875359634

Services at Familiar Strangers include Japanese Irezumi Body Suit, Word Tattoos, Old School Flash Tattoos, and more. You can even customize a design. What’s more? You can have your tattoo revamped when you are not satisfied with the initial service (i.e., free of charge within 60 days). Tattoo prices depend on the tattoo sizes and the difficulty of the designs. However, its minimum fee is around S$100.

Location: 20 Upper Circular Road, The Riverwalk #01-10, Singapore 058416
Contact: +65 9760 4147

#2: IMAGINE TATTOO STUDIO

You cannot simply win “Best in Realism” and “Best in Cover-ups” at 2009 Singapore without proving how talented you really are. That is the talent exuded by Aelvin Lim. He runs the Imagine Tattoo Studio and has been providing excellent tattoo services for more than 7 years. His specialty includes artistically recreating animal and human faces. That being said, you can get the face of your idols inked forever. Whether you want to put your BTS bias or David Beckham’s face on your skin, you can consult the tattoo artists at Imagine Tattoo Studio.

Their services include portraits, tribal art, cover art, and so on. Prices depend on the tattoo’s design, size, and color. Contact Imagine Tattoo Studio at +65 9107 9181 for more information.

Location: 3B Trengganu Street, Singapore 058457
Contact: [email protected]

#3: ALIVE TATTOO STUDIO

Serving professional tattoo services at reasonable prices for more than a decade, Alive Tattoo Studio has become one of the most reliable tattoo parlors in Singapore. Its main draw is the UV Tattoo. Aside from that, it is strategically located at Chinatown and operates daily. How convenient is that?

Much like the two tattoo studios on this list, Alive Tattoo Studio offers a range of prices depending on the tattoo’s design and size. If you want a temporary display of artistic expression, you may consider putting an airbrush tattoo for as low as S$10! Airbrush tattoos are fast drying, waterproof, and easy to remove. These can last from 2 days to a week.

Image Credits: facebook.com/AliveTattooStudio

What I like most about Alive is that you do not have to book an appointment in advance. You may visit them anytime to get a free consultation!

Location: 211 New Bridge Road, Lucky Chinatown #B2-03, Singapore 059432
Contact: +65 6238 5747 / +65 9777 6587

Sources: 1 & 2

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