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FUNtastic Ideas To Spice Up Your Dates

I am not familiar about your dating habits, but predictability is not a part of my book! My significant other and I are actively browsing through online articles and asking for recommendations. We make it a point to “shake things up” every once in a while.

On that note, here are just some of the romantic and fantastic ideas that we have gathered throughout the years:

1. Let us start with a nostalgic date. Share your most intimate memories with your beloved by exchanging family albums. Then, reminisce the milestones you had as a couple by going back to where you first met.

2. Take the slang “Netflix and Chill” in its literal sense by streaming your favorite shows while indulging on ice cream. Eat as many ice cream flavors as you want! Personally, Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough is my guilty pleasure.

3. Stay in touch with your artsy side by attending craft workshops. From Calligraphy to Bento Box classes, there are many interesting workshops in Singapore! For starters, you can create a spectacular keepsake by Pottery Painting for as low as S$15 at Goodman Ceramic Studio.

4. Be the star of your own editorial by pretending to be famous photographers for a day. You can either take turns in modelling or find a stranger to do the work for you. Snap pictures of your model at the picturesque spots in Singapore (e.g., Haji Lane and National Gallery of Singapore are totally Instagram-worthy).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

5. Immerse yourself into the art of storytelling by attending poetry slams. Artists gather together to eloquently spread their messages out to the public. Considering reserving a free spot at the “Slam: A One Man Show by Neil Basu” on September 30 or October 1!

6. We might be known as a concrete city, but that does not mean that we lack furry companions! Spend a day with adorable felines as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Unlike other establishments, The Cat Cafe only charges for the entry fee of S$15 (i.e.,including a complimentary drink).

7. Aside from furry cuteness, you can get up close with over 100,000 marine animals at the S.E.A Aquarium. Be dazzled with one of the world’s largest acrylic panel that houses over 800 marine species. Their interactive displays will entertain you too! Prices for adults start at S$30 (T&Cs apply).

8. Celebrate your love for sultry Jazz music by visiting the Blu Jaz Cafe. The establishment hosts free-flowing jazz bands that are open to improvisations. Check out their menu to know how to keep your tummies full while you heart sings with glee!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

9. Reconnect with nature by visiting the highest pedestrian bridge in the country – the Henderson Waves. Jog in the Mount Faber Park before watching the sun set in this creative spiral bridge. The wonderful reflection of the the sun shall set the romantic mood for your outdoors date.

10. Inspire each other to reach the optimum physical health by joining fun runs or marathons. Engaging in these activities will not only give you a fitness boost, but it will also allow you to consistently motivate each other along the way.

11. Tired of seeing your partner glued to his or her gaming console? Well, you can ditch the virtual games and immerse yourselves in an intense reality game with Exit Plan. Exit Plan is a local escape room that offers thrilling rooms for friendly prices. Admission starts at S$15 for off-peak hours.

12. Strengthen your bond by revealing your inner self to your partner. Start by writing ten personal questions. Test how well your partner knows you by throwing said questions to him or her. The person who gets the highest score wins, while the loser will have to do a consequence.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Helpful Tips To Achieve Work-Life Balance

Focusing on your career and enriching your personal life can be challenging in today’s busy world, but it is possible!

1. PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS

Efficiency at work is a trait that I take pride in. I search for the quickest and the smartest ways to finish the tasks. Whenever I am bombarded with serious deadlines, I make it a point to list down all of them. Doing so enables me to examine which task I should prioritize first. For instance, I would rather rearrange my closet at noon than putting my assignment on hold.

Avoid feeling overworked by accepting that you cannot be on top of everything in your life. Hence, you must devote your time and energy into the tasks that will deliver the most beneficial outcomes.

2. MONITOR YOUR TIME

Be honest with yourself. How much time do you spend on things that matter to you? Does your day align with your priorities? Maximize your time by eliminating unnecessary slots (e.g., time spent on worrying about the opinion of others).

After listing down all the tasks that you have to accomplish within the day, assign a time slot for each one. Organizing your timeframe allows you to take breaks in between. Also, it highlights the importance of scheduling your private time. It is not what you think it is! Your private time refers to the opportunity to reduce your stress and to recharge your energy. Whether you want to sip a cup of tea or read a book in solitude, give your own time the same respect as a work meeting. Abide strictly to your schedule…unless there is an emergency!

3. SET A VACATION

In lined with scheduling the flow of your day, you must set a period for sabbatical. At least 14 days off work per year would do. You may think that spending two weeks off is not economical! However, you must focus on its benefits for your holistic wellbeing. Consider an affordable staycation in Singapore or a worthwhile weekend trip in the Southeast Asian countries. Use your paid leaves wisely!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If a vacations sounds a bit far-fetched, set aside at least an hour of each day to focus on yourself. Whether you want to walk your do to the park or to get a Thai massage, it is good to have something to look forward to.

4. DO NOT MULTITASK

Previous studies have shown that multitasking is associated with less productivity. Our brains are essentially “task switching” when we do two or more tasks at a time. The gravity of the situation can be illustrated by imagining your brain as a computer. The more programs you have in operation, the slower it will function overall. Multitasking not only affects the quality of your work, but it can also affect your gray matter volume. This brain component is responsible for memory and decision-making. You may recall juggling two tasks and forgetting some elements in the process.

So, be sure to empty your thoughts when it is time to work. Leave your household chores behind you! Once it is time to go on a romantic date, do not think about the report that you are going to present in the morning. You will be more productive when you are not dividing your attention into small fractions.

5. UNPLUG YOUR DEVICES

How many times have you heard the saying: “LIVE IN THE MOMENT”? This statement has been posted in several of my friend’s social media walls, yet is impact is underrated. We cannot help it! It is easy to feel attached to technology. I once attended my sister’s graduation ceremony. The mother in front of me brought her laptop and hand-phone along. She was shamelessly answering calls and typing away as the students march to the stage. This situation stresses the clash of work and personal life.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The downside of modern technology is that work can follow you wherever you go. Your client may even reach you while you are catching waves in Bali. Robert Brooks, a Psychology professor at Harvard Medical School, says that “phone notifications interrupt your off time and inject an undercurrent of stress in your system”. Shut down your devices upon reaching home. Enjoy interacting with your beloved ones to build an authentic quality time. By not reacting to the updates from work while you are at home, you will develop a stronger habit of resilience. Unless it is an immediate emergency, the job situation can wait.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

3 Hair Salon Mistakes That Will Cost You Money

My personal definition of relaxation includes a day at the hair salon. To most people, it is a place that stimulates mixed emotions. There is always a certain degree of excitement hinted with doubt about the final results. Will you be satisfied with the makeover?

Furthermore, there are plenty of mistakes that you can unknowingly make. These said mistakes may cost you more money (and emotions) that you actually expect!

Here are just some of them:

#1: BY NOT DISCLOSING YOUR HAIR HISTORY

I am one of those people who pamper themselves by dropping by the hair salon every now and then. I was committed to maintaining my “Ash Blonde” hair for a year. However, I decided to dye it black last February. I did not settle for a brownish hue. I dyed it purely Jet Black! It was one of the few hair decisions that I regret the most. Dyeing my hair black made it hard for succeeding colors to seep in.

After a few months, I decided to visit the nearby salon to lighten my hair. I told the stylist about my dilemma and he was not able to fix my faux pas. I was so disappointed as I paid more than S$50. I realized that the only way to reach my goal is to bleach my hair. I went to a salon in the city center and paid thrice the amount to revive my light hair. I disclosed my hair history starting from the treatments I had last year. Thankfully, the senior stylist brought life to my previously dull locks.

Much like disclosing your medical history to your physician, you must share a brief history of your hair to your stylist. A successful makeover depends on the stylist’s knowledge of your past treatments. Leaving some information can affect the formula that he or she will choose. You do not want to have an allergic reaction to the chemicals that the salon uses.

#2: BY KEEPING MUM THE ENTIRE TIME

There was a significant fraction of my life where I kept quiet in the chair and witnessed as the stylist ruins my hair. I tell him or her that I adore my new ‘do, but go home bursting into tears. I know that I am not alone!

There are two types of people: those who complain and those who settle. The later wants to avoid conflicts and prefer Smooth Interpersonal Relations (i.e., as Psychologists call it). These type of people would rather wear a hat the next day than confront the person about cutting several inches too short. This conflict avoidance may be destructive to your pocket.

The haircut or the style that you got from the stylist will be sported (and tolerated) for a period of time until it grows out. You can always correct it and pay double for the style that you wanted in the first place. So, encourage adjustments if necessary. Do not be afraid to speak up!

#3: BY FAILING TO BRING PICTURES

My frequent visits to the hair salon highlighted that the stylists reached my intended results better when I brought visual representations of the looks that I desired. There are limited ways to describe Selena Gomez’ bob cut. And even so, you may fall short with words. Carrying multiple photos of a distinct style will help the professional to create a blueprint for making it right for you. They can imagine whether a particular look will suit your face shape and physique.

There is no doubt that most stylists are visual learners. Thus, bringing pictures will dissolve the confusion that you may have from describing a color as golden brown or yellow blonde. Oh! Can you tell the difference?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You cannot walk in a prestigious hair salon and expect the stylist to perfect your desired look. At the end of the day, the skilled individuals can help you look good if you help them to do that too.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Useful Tips On Handling Financial Jealousy

Snapchat’s latest update called the “Snap Map” shows that we have the luxury to peep into the lives of others. Social media has given us the ability to know what are “friends” are doing in real time. This constant exposure to the public lives of other people makes us vulnerable to social comparison. Well, how would you feel if you saw your friends partying without you? You may feel left out or envious. I cannot blame you!

Let us apply this act of “peeping” into the meaningful aspect of finance. Say that you have a co-worker who always wears the latest designer bags and carry the latest gadgets. Not to mention, her boyfriend owns a fancy sports car. You may perceive her as a successful person and the envy monster may kick in. However, you are only seeing one side of the story. A side that focuses on the seemingly perfect image. You do not know the half of it! Your co-worker may be caught in a downward spiral of shopping addiction and her boyfriend could be in massive debt.

Financial jealousy typically occurs when you judge a person based on the situation’s exterior appearance. Thus, my first tip is to get your facts straight. The grass is not always greener on the other end. It may seem like a person has his or her life sorted out, but money is not the answer to everything. Some people find meaning in charity and others find it in family.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Speaking of meaningful relationships, your money habits are influenced by the people whom you interact most with. Social situations highlight what you can and cannot afford. This is why you need to choose your friends and social activities wisely. Surround yourself with people who inspire your financial future. Be with individuals who have similar money beliefs and money management strategies. Also, you may seek advice from financial professionals.

Finally, you can deal with financial jealousy by altering your perception. It has been stated that 1 in 36 Singaporeans is a millionaire. It is easy to make financial comparisons when you are exposed to some of the most richest people in the world. But, do not forget about what you already have. Many people from underdeveloped nations have limited access to clean water and healthy meals. While you have Medisave, public healthcare does not exist for some countries. While you have access to public housing, other people are homeless. Consider yourself wealthy in the basic necessities of life.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Rather than eating your heart out due to jealousy, use other people as a motivation to set new goals. Do your best to achieve these improved financial goals!

Sources: 1 & 2

3 Things That Uni Students Should Not Spend Their Allowance On

Many university students have the discipline to save their allowance, but this does not mean that they are spending their money on the “right” things.

#1: FANCY DESIGNER GOODS

While I was completing my tertiary education, I noticed how some people flaunted their LOUIS VUITTON or MCM Worldwide bags. I wondered how there were able to afford such a splurge as mere students. With limited financial capacity, it is not practical to collect luxury items. Invest on a quality backpack instead.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Not to mention, it is seldom that somebody cares about what you are wearing.

A friend of mine rarely showers before going to school. She rationalized her actions as a typical behavior from the norm. Everybody was doing it so, why cannot she? The point was that majority of students would not care about how you present yourself. You are not there to treat the school as your catwalk! Your top priority is to learn after all.

#2: FLASHY ROOM DECOR

As a young adult, you have the privilege to decorate your own room. You definitely want to feel relaxed in your own space – be it a dorm or a hostel. However, you do not have to shell out too much to do so. Mount some family pictures and make your own ornaments. There is no need to buy a lot of new things as you will not keep your furniture for long.

#3: FREQUENT EAT OUTS

It is impressive how Singapore embraces racial harmony. That said, it is common to be friends with international students. Many of these students reside in the school’s approved hostels. Due to their living situation, some opt to dine out. Who can blame them? Dining out is utterly convenient. You do not need to prepare your food or wash the dishes. However, frequent trips to the nearest restaurant or pub can quickly exhaust your allowance.

You would not even realize how much you are spending until it is too late! Put a realistic budget in action, if you do not want your finances to wore out.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS: Let us talk about textbooks. This expense category can be uncertain at times. Universities tend to provide a long list of reading materials. The mandatory and recommended books may not be clearly written out. Before you spend your entire allowance on the comprehensive list, be sure to buy what you will actually use for the course. Find second-hand books from the last year’s students or from the Bras Basah Complex. There are free online resources too!

Sources: 1 & 2

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