5 Wallet-Friendly Ways To Appreciate Art In Singapore

ART. Whenever I hear this word, I picture beauty, expression, emotions, and empowerment. Truly, Art is a powerful medium that can produce all those. By definition, art is the application of one’s creative skill and imagination that is translated in tangible form such as a painting or a sculpture.

As you witness art in your daily lives, you may wonder what are the active ways you can appreciate it. Appreciation is not only in the knowledge of the different eras and style but is also in the understanding of its timeless qualities. If you think that art appreciation is expensive then, think again! There are a lot of budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. READ MORE

If you know nothing about art, a good place to start small is by reading about it on the local library. Find books about painting, photography, performance arts, and so on. You can also save time by logging onto your computer or mobile device to search for videos that tackle art.

2. CAPTURE YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Step out of your comfort zone and be brave to take off your shoes and capture whatever you deem as pleasing. The country’s culturally diverse environment shall enrich your knowledge of art. For instance, you can snap the entertaining street performance of “the bead man” at Orchard Road.

Also, in the spirit of the National Poetry Festival, there is creative featured poetry on the different MRT platforms. Follow what catches your eyes – this can never go wrong!

3. VISIT THE LOCAL MUSEUMS

Indulge on the cultural art that is FREE for your viewing. Focusing on one genre that is Asian culture and arts, you can visit the two of the renowned museums in Singapore named Peranakan Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum.

Peranakan Museum is all about the Peranakan ethnic group that is a combination of the Chinese and Malay people. There you will see various documents, jewelries, furniture, textile, wedding accessories and so much more. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and P.R. while it starts at S$3 for children of foreign visitors.

On the other hand, the Asian Civilisations Museum showcases more than 1,300 artifacts from several Asian civilizations such as China, India, and Indonesia. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and P.R. while it starts at S$4 for children of foreign visitors.

4. MAKE DIY PROJECTS

Making art with your own hands is scientifically proven to be self-satisfactory. It makes you value the things you built even more. Also, it adds value to the object’s worth. You may start with simple Paint By Numbers Kit by Paintastic or Canvas Wall Art in these forms:

or

5. LEAVE GENUINE COMMENTS OR REVIEWS

Beyond appreciation, you can support the arts by leaving positive and sincere comments or reviews on the online products or videos by musicians, artisans, and writers. Each type of art is translated through personal taste; so do not be shy to state your own opinion.

Your taste is wonderfully unique anyway! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Free Photo Editing Apps You Should Download Now

Do you want to share your beautiful memories captured on portraits but think that it needs extra filters or finishing touches? Fret not because many Photo Editing Apps that have near-professional quality are available for free on iTunes and Google Play Store. Check these 4 Free Photo Editing Apps to add the personal glamour to your photos…

1. VSCO CAM 

Available on Android and iOS

Being an avid fan of Instagram, I can attest to seeing an abundance of VSCOCam and VSCO hash tags. What makes this photo-editing app so popular? For starters, it gives you a wide range of filters and a complete set of editing tools. The filters are coded in the format of letter and number such as X1, G3, B1, and my favorite C1. Its editing tools include contrast, brightness, fade, tint, crop, rotate, highlights, shadows, sharpness, and so much more. Certainly, these tools may be as efficient as paid studio editing! Not bad for something that is free. Lastly, what separates VSCO Cam from the most is that they have a community where you can share your portraits.

2. PHOTO EDITOR BY AVIARY 

Available on Android, iOS, and Windows

If you own a Smartphone that operates on Windows then, this is one of the best editors you will meet! Photo Editor by Aviary includes a comprehensive set of basic editing tools such as crop and rotate as well as a set of lovely filters such as Arizona and Lucky. Unique features of this app include adding drawings, stickers, and text.

3. REPIX 

Available on Android and iOS

Bring out your creative side with the Repix app. One of the editor’s choices, Repix allows you to artistically edit your photos by using filters, frames, and adjustment tools. Special effects can be added to your portrait by using the brushes. Furthermore, it supports the motion of Samsung’s S-Pen.

Image Credits: itunes.apple.com/sg/app/repix-inspiring-photo-editor/id597830453?mt=8

Image Credits: itunes.apple.com/sg/app/repix-inspiring-photo-editor/id597830453?mt=8

 

4. SNAPSEED 

Available on Android and iOS

Google, one of the smartest companies in our generation, is the proud owner of the Snapseed app. Snapseed allows its users to beautify their photos by applying filters and tools. After adding images, select manual tuning to enable swiping upwards for increase in value or downwards for decrease in value. Value is in terms of several variables such as saturation and contrast. It is very user-friendly, especially for beginners!

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Saving Tips You Must Know Before Buying Your Dream Designer Bag

Aside from your wedding or your house, a designer bag is one of the biggest investments most women make in their entire life. It is so common that you can sometimes make assumptions about one’s level in the company just by perceiving their bags. This is why it is paramount that you save and purchase righteously.

Tweaking your lifestyle here and there and following your budget religiously will help you reach your dream in no time!

1. RESEARCH TO BE ENLIGHTENED

Determine how much you want to spend and whether you want to buy a brand new or secondhand (pre-loved) bag. This will give you a view of how long you have to save up. Research online on the real value of your designer bag to see if you are getting a great deal.

2. SAVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Save to the fullest by removing the unnecessary expenses such as regular trips to the nail salon or to the luxurious cafe. Instead of sipping a S$5 cup of cafe beverage that would cost you up to S$1,825 a year, make your own coffee or tea at home. With S$1,825, you can already afford a new designer bag. Save even more cash by packing your own lunch to school or work.

3. GO FOR THE CLASSICS

Yves Saint Laurent once said: “fashion fades but style is eternal”. When selecting the best designer bag for you, go for the classic designs over the fashion fads. The fringes or embellishments may be trendy now but it will be gone tomorrow. Buy something that you are going to enjoy for a long period of time. It has to be simple, timeless, and undeniably you.

A few examples of timeless designs are  Prada Tote (US$1,660/S$2,244) and Fendi 2Jours Shopper (US$1,900/S$2568).

4. GIVE THE ONLINE SCENE A SHOT

Online shops in Singapore not only sell brand new but pre-loved designer bags as well. With prices that are over 80% lower than the retail price, how can you resist an online bargain deal? Here are some of the trusted retail websites in Singapore:

a. www.reebonz.com.sg

Reebonz, a popular online destination, offers the widest range for both new and pre-loved designer bags, wallets, and watches. From Chanel, YSL, to Louis Vuitton bags…they have it all!

b. www.brandsfever.com

Getting a great bag deal at the Brands Fever’s flash sale is like hitting the jackpot. For example, you can purchase a new Bottega bag for as low as S$1,800. But you have to be a site member to indulge on the benefits of over 80% the retail prices.

c. www.madammilan.com.sg

Madam Milan not only has an online shop but also physical boutiques in Far East Plaza, Raffles Place, and Holland Village. They offer prime selections of designer labels islandwide.

Image Credits: fervent-adepte-de-la-mode (Raymond Meier) via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: fervent-adepte-de-la-mode (Vogue, Raymond Meier) via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Budget-Friendly Ways To Flatten And Tone Your Belly

1. GO FOR CARDIO

Cardio or aerobic exercises aid increases both your oxygen intake and heart rate. This is why it is no surprise that cardio workouts help in sculpting your belly. According to Duke University study, if you want to burn loads of visceral belly fat, go for cardio or aerobic exercises. Furthermore, it burns 67% more calories than resistance exercises.

Also try aerobic kickboxing indoors, as the arm thrusts and high kicks firm the abs well.

2. WALK MORE

Bring walking to your favor by engaging your abdomen while you walk. To do this, imagine a magnet pulling your belly button backward toward your spine as you walk. Practice this tucking movement until you become comfortable. Then, you may invite an exercise buddy or two.

3. CONSUME MORE OF THESE

Eat more of the fibrous foods such as apples, artichokes, pinto beans, and broccoli because your stomach will carry about 4% less fat for every 10 grams of fiber intake daily. 10 grams is not too much if you ask me!

Image Credits: threelayercake via Flickr with Creative Commons License (ND)

Image Credits: threelayercake via Flickr with Creative Commons License (ND)

Additionally, eating half a cup of avocado can help flatten your belly. Avocado contains Monounsaturated fatty acids that stop blood sugar spikes to store fat around your belly area. Friendly reminder: consume more of these foods without overdoing it.

4. CONSUME LESS OF THESE

Alcohol intake raises the cortisol levels, which can lead to sending fats straight to your belly. While the bubbles from carbonated drinks including diet sodas accumulate on your belly too. So, it is best to shy away from alcohol and carbonated drinks.

5. SLEEP AWAY THE BELLY FATS

According to a study from University of Chicago, participants who slept for 7 hours or more lost twice as many fats and are less hungry that those who sleep for a brief hours. Having a good night’s sleep is always beneficial. Check out the “Have A Good Night’s Sleep Without Breaking The Bank” article to get quality sleep and to manage the daily challenges ahead.

6. TARGET EVERY ANGLE OF YOUR CORE

Do quick and doable exercises that target every angle of your core namely: Transversus abdominis, Rectus abdominis, Obliques, and Lower back to Glutes. Doing so will not only give you toned abs, but also reduce the risk of injury and improve your overall posture. Choose one move for every angle. Click here for the illustrated guide.

Alternatively, you may follow this “4 Best Exercises for a Flat Stomach” video that takes less than 7 minutes to complete!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Spend Under S$10 To Bring Back The Sparkle Of Your Jewelry

Letting your treasured necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other heirlooms shine again can cost you about $35-139.90. That is the hefty price you may pay if you want to purchase an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner. So..instead of getting expensive cleaning machines, professional cleaning services, or cleaning solutions, opt for practical Do-It-Yourself ways to clean your favorite bling! Here is how:

1. DIAMOND AND SILVER POTION

This mixture is exclusively for cleaning your precious diamonds and silvers. The ingredients are mostly available in your kitchen thus; you would not have to spend a lot.

Ingredients: 

Small bowl

Aluminum foil

Paper towel

Old toothbrush

1-tablespoon salt

1-tablespoon baking soda

1-teaspoon dish detergent

1-cup hot water

Procedure:

Fill the small bowl with a square sheet of aluminum foil then, put the salt, baking soda, and dish detergent. Watch as the liquid buzz while you add the hot water. Afterwards, drop your jewelry there and leave it for 10 minutes. Once the minutes are up, remove the jewelry and use the toothbrush to gently scrub around any prongs, groves, or gemstones. Lastly, rinse and pat dry.

Image Credits: Aleksey Gnilenkov via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Aleksey Gnilenkov via Flickr with Creative Commons License

*Note: For Pandora’s jewelry, do not use this method as it may be considered too harsh. Instead, check out 3c. below.

2. GOLDEN POTION

One of the biggest reasons why your gold does not shine anymore is because it is filthy! Clean your gold jewelry the right way with this mixture. Much like the diamond and silver potion, ingredients for the gold mixture are available in your home.

Ingredients:

Toothpaste

Old Toothbrush

Soft cloth (dry)

Procedure:

Apply the toothpaste on the toothbrush and scrub the gold jewelry well. If you have a larger piece of gold to shine, repeatedly rinse off the toothbrush and use more toothpaste. Then, rinse it off with water. Lastly, get your soft cloth to dry it. Use circular motions to polish your golden jewelry!

3. OTHERS

a. White Vinegar

If white vinegar had a C.V., its skills would fill 1-2 pages. Yes! That is abundantly skilled this multi-purpose agent is. To clean your bling, mix a cup full of water with a half-cup of white vinegar and stir well. Put your silver pieces onto the mixture and leave it for 2 hours. Once the hours are up, remove the jewelry pieces then, rinse with cold water. Lastly, pat dry with a soft cloth.

Not bad for S$2.60 a pop (i.e., sold at FairPrice)!

b. Beer

A beer that costs you as low as S$3.10-4.50 (i.e., at FairPrice) can not only give you a fun time but also can give you back the shimmer of your jewelry! In a mug of beer, soak your jewelry overnight. On the next day, remove your jewelry and rinse it off in running water. Dry these up and be astonished on how shiny the pieces are!

Image Credits: Aleksey Gnilenkov via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Aleksey Gnilenkov via Flickr with Creative Commons License

c. Dish Soap

The dish soup sitting on your kitchen sink can also be used to bring back the shine from your jewelry pieces. This is a milder form of cleaning you sterling silver and it works well with your Pandora’s bracelet and charms. Simply add a few drops of the dish soap into a bowl of warm water and let your Pandora sit in it for a few minutes. Clean it with a soft bristle toothbrush if you like and pad them dry individually with a dry cloth. Make sure that if your charms is made of wood, leather or pearl, you should not use this method.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

 

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