Affordable laptops from S$389 you can buy online

a grey laptop on a sofa

Are you looking for a laptop that is low-priced and high in quality? You’ve landed at the right article.

In recent years, the quick pace of technology development has led to a rise in laptops that perform advanced functions at prices well within budget. Along with the perks of being lightweight and long in battery life, these laptops are perfect for maximising your productivity. 

Let’s look at some of the most affordable laptops from S$389 you can buy online.

#1: ASUS Chromebook C204

ASUS Chromebook C204MA-BU0136

Sale Price: S$389

ASUS Chromebook C204 could possibly be the most durable laptop you’ve used thus far. It weighs about 1.2kg and built to withstand the harshest environments with its military-grade standards.

That means if you’ve got this laptop in the hands of students, you can relax worry-free. It’s equipped with many robust features, like its rubber bumper, tactile spill-resistant keyboard, and I/O ports.

In addition to the day-long battery life, the ASUS’s Chrome OS guarantees you a fast and smooth experience that’s worth every dollar spent.

#2: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1i (11)

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1i (11)

Price: from S$399

If you want a reliable travel buddy that’s both light and compact, look no further. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1i (11) is your ideal companion for computing wherever you go.

Equipped with Intel Pentium processors and a long-lasting battery that will last you for up to eight hours without the need to recharge, you can work on the go without ever needing to worry.

Combined with 8GB of RAM and built-in dual speakers despite its small size, you’re going to love the performance that this laptop can grant you.

#3: Acer Swift 1

Acer Swift 1 SF114-33-C3E0 (Gold) 14" Laptop

Sale Price: S$548

The Acer Swift 1 is a laptop packed with features at a low price.

Even though it has the latest fantastic processor and provides you with a 14-inch screen of vibrant colours, it doesn’t sacrifice ultra-thinness and battery life.

With its lightweight properties, strikingly long 15-hour battery life, embedded fingerprint reader, and high functional speed, it’s a laptop that packs a powerful punch for a long time to come.

#4: HP Pavilion 15-eh0005AU

HP Pavilion 15 Laptop PC 15-eh0005AU

Price: S$699

Peeps who want a laptop that’s dependable and highly functional, this could be the one for you. 

With an optimum screen-to-body ratio and micro-edge display, you will have maximum viewability as you work on the device. The AMD processor and extra sensitive precision touchpad let you harness its high speeds and bandwidth to carry out your tasks that require high performance, such as multitasking.

The additional long battery feature and lightweight properties ensure that this HP laptop delivers beyond your expectations.

#5: ASUS Vivobook X415

ASUS Vivobook X415

Sale Price: S$699

Don’t let its small 14-inch size fool you. Together with its NanoEdge display and powerful i7 processor, it doesn’t fail to deliver the right combination of engaging visuals and a fast experience.

Its large storage capacity and graphics card enable you to store your content and creative works while ensuring speed and smoothness. The innovative features and capabilities packed within one ergonomic design allow you to accomplish more quickly and efficiently.

#6: Dell Inspiron 5547

Dell Inspiron 5547

Price: S$699

The Dell Inspiron 5547 has an impressive visual feature with its powerful Radeon Graphics card to bring all your content into a sharp and vivid focus.

It allows you not only to watch content but create your own through its graphic design and brilliant capabilities. The processor will guarantee that all your multitasking needs are possible without annoying lags and bumps for a well-rounded user experience.

All prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

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How To Cope With Job Loss

Speak from the heart and try to answer this question: “What do you do?”

Many of us may respond to this query by elaborating on our professions. I would do the same thing too. You see, our jobs are deeply integrated into our identities. Work helps us to satisfy our needs to earn money, to achieve goals, and to connect with others. It gives a sense of purpose and greatly affects our means of living. Therefore, job loss can be overwhelming.

It is common to feel like a part of you was lost. This loss can take a toll on your mental and physical health. As you through the process of adjustment, the next phase needs to be intentional. Let this article help you with that. Here are some of the steps that you may take after losing your job.

GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO GRIEVE AND ADJUST

The latest figures released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) showed an increase in the country’s annual unemployment rate. The overall Annual Average Unemployment Rate in 2020 was 3%, compared to 2.3% in 2019. Many people have experienced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adjusting to unemployment and grieving over job loss takes time. If you recently lost your job, it is important to accept that the process cannot be rushed. Rushing your feelings may lead to projecting unpleasant emotions during a job interview. Let everything simmer down first.

Losing your job may feel the same way as losing an integral part of yourself. You will undergo the grieving process and may feel the following stages: denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. Do not be too hard on yourself. Accepting that these changes take time can help ease the healing process.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

There are two ways to perceive your current situation. In most cases, losing your job or your source of income is difficult. Whether it has something to do with your performance or with the current economic situation, it is normal to feel worried about the future after job loss.

You can either look at it as a career barrier or a temporary setback. If you look at things in a bird’s eye view, you will realize that success in life is measured by how we respond to its challenges and setbacks. It is up to you to alter your mindset.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

At first, taking care of yourself is easier said than done. It is tempting to grab a bag of chips and wallow in self-pity as you sit in front of the television. The feelings you may experience in the first couple of weeks or months may be overwhelming. However, you must not neglect your own well-being.

The healing of your mental health requires physical resilience. It takes a lot of effort to take care of yourself and to build healthy habits that will keep your immune system strong. Start by being intentional with what you eat. You may even grow your own greens at home. Furthermore, you can plan out an exercise routine that will work best for you. Use your energy to fulfill productive tasks such as gardening and job hunting.

SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT

As you are dealing with a range of emotions, refrain from isolating yourself. Having social support is crucial in times of struggle. It will help you overcome the loneliness you feel during the grieving process. Moreover, talking to someone about your current situation will help you acknowledge your feelings.

Talk to the people whom you trust. Your confidant does not have to offer upfront solutions, he or she just needs to be a good listener. Good listeners listen actively without passing judgment or being distracted. Alternatively, you may join support groups online.

ESTABLISH A DAILY ROUTINE

Maintaining a daily routine goes together with taking care of yourself. While it is possible for you to stay in bed the whole day, setting a regular schedule can help regulate your mood. Studies have shown that following a routine can help ward off depression. A routine will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment as you complete your daily household tasks. Furthermore, not setting boundaries for yourself may lead to eating poorly or other unhealthy habits.

Write down the tasks that you aim to fulfill within the day. Maintain a body clock by setting up a timer. The timer will give you an external cue to wake up and to sleep on scheduled hours. This will help you create a sense of normalcy and prevent you from staying up all night. Additionally, you may incorporate your meal preparations, family visits, skin care regimens, and exercise plans within your daily routine. Remember that practicing self-care and maintaining good hygiene can help boost your mood.

SET LIMITS ON YOUR JOB SEARCH

Try not to add unnecessary pressure on yourself! You are already going through a lot. Despite how anxious you are to get a new job, spending all your time on job search can be stressful and frustrating. Know that you are doing your best.

Try setting aside a certain number of hours within a day for your job applications. The remaining parts of your day may be dedicated to self-care, taking care of your family, and to other productive tasks. The unexpected time off can be challenging, but you may use it as an opportunity to do something that you have always been busy for.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What are some of the things that you have put aside because you were too busy with your job? Whether you want to learn a new language or to clean out your closet, find hobbies and projects that will occupy your time. Now is your chance to focus on the things you are passionate about!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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Fun Activities To Explore In St. John’s Island

Nestled in the string of islands on the Southern coast of Singapore is St. John’s Island. What was once a quarantine facility in the late 1800s has since become a destination for locals who want a quick getaway from the cityscape.

St. John’s Island is bigger than its neighbors namely, Sisters’ Islands and Kusu Island. Despite its size, less than half of the island is accessible by the public. Huge portions of the land are dedicated to research and to lodging. Nonetheless, there is plenty of activities to explore within the island.

If you are all set, start by riding a ferry to get to the island. There are two ferry companies that travel between the Southern Islands. You can either go with the Marina South Ferry or Singapore Island Cruise. Prices start from S$15 (adult tickets).

Sit back and relax as the short ride will last for 30 minutes. You can even choose to sit on the top deck, if it is available. Upon arriving in the island, here are some of the activities that you may explore.

1. GO ON A WALK TRAIL

Refresh your mind by being one with nature as you walk through St. John’s Island. The first curated trail on this island was developed to encourage appreciation for its rich biodiversity and history. In fact, you can spot eleven Heritage Trees within the island. Only a selected number of trees have earned the title of Heritage Trees. These trees are handpicked for their exceptional size and their outstanding botanical and cultural value.

The St. John’s Island Trail includes fifteen stations marked with signboards that serve as educational resources and station markers. Thus, it will let you see the beauty of its fauna and flora as well as its vibrant history.

2. JOIN THE GUIDED TOUR

Free guided tours are held on the first Sunday of every month. Join the National Park volunteers as they highlight the key features of the St. John’s Island Trail. The land-based trail covers 1.6 kilometers and would span for about 90 minutes. What’s more? It is free! Do note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the nparks.gov.sg page for more details.

3. CYCLE AROUND THE ISLAND

If you opt to travel the island through wheels, you may rent bicycles or two-wheel step pedals. Enjoy the cool breeze as you pedal along the island and feast your eyes with its biodiversity.

A pop-up bicycle rental store called Gogreen Bicycle Rental offers access to bicycles, two-wheel step pedals, and tents. Convenience comes with a price as renting a bicycle or a two-wheel step pedal starts with S$30.

4. GO FISHING

Upon exiting the ferry, you will notice how clear the waters are. Try looking down and observing the schools of fish. If you are lucky enough, you will catch a huge range of fish from snappers to groupers.

5. EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON MARINE LIFE

As you take a dip on the calm waters of the island’s Swimming Lagoon, you will be able to see different sea creatures such as sea sponges and seagrasses. Many of these can be encountered at low tide on an intertidal walk around the island’s coasts.

6. INDULGE IN BIRD WATCHING

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings during your visit to the St. John’s Island. Add an element of fun to your sightings by writing down the birds and the animals that you spotted. Take pictures and add that to your “nature journal”, which you can make with your child.

What are you waiting for?

Explore the St. John’s Island with your loved ones by checking out the ferry schedules and its COVID-19 safety measures. Make sure to pack water, sunblock, insect repellant, and snacks.

There are no stores within the island. It is best to come prepared! You can either pack your essentials or grab snacks like bread at the Marina South Pier’s convenience stores. Moreover, please help conserve the beauty of the island by throwing your trash properly.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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24 Fancy Food Tips For A Party: Make Your Food Look Amazing!

Today, you won’t surprise your guests with layers of fruits, cheese and sausages just laid out on plates.

But even the simplest snacks can be designed so creatively that even the usual ingredients will look amazing! Add some beautiful serving and decor like handmade compositions from twisting latex balloons like these https://balloons.online/latex-balloons/twisting-latex-balloons/, fresh flowers and led garlands, and your table will turn into a real art object!

We want to share with you these 24 top food tips for your party to make your festive table look majestic!

Foods

  1. Cheese platter: arrange the cheese slices in rows in a semicircle. Roll the thick and pliable cheese slices into a shape that resembles a calla flower and spread them all over the plate.
  2. Honey and nuts: place the bowl in the center or at one of the edges of the dish, making it the focal point of the composition.
  3. Hot dishes: serve individual portions, adding some figuratively chopped vegetables, circles or strips of cucumbers, greenery, and cherry tomatoes, as well as curls of oranges, pineapple slices, sprigs of needles, red berries.
  4. Meat: roll the slices, make horns and roses, or just fold them in half nicely. Decorate the plate with red berries (lingonberries, currants, grapes).
  5. Fish platter: bend fish slices into spirals and lay them out in rows or place them in the center of the composition, garnished with lemon wedges and olives. Roll slices of salmon in the shape of roses or loops. Red caviar can be served on chips or boiled egg halves.
  6. Salads: various decoration ideas make it possible to create a recipe that fits the theme of any party. Vegetable salads can be garnished with herbs, berries, fruit wedges, and nuts.

Table setting ideas:

  1.   serve the table with light-colored dishes with dark-colored tablecloths and vice versa;
  2.   use cloth napkins folded nicely, secure them with satin ribbons or twine;
  3.   decorate the table with spices, fruits, coffee beans, salad leaves, fabric ribbons, silver balls, rings, decorative figurines, small bouquets for each guest;
  4.   create several compositions of helium balloons and fix them on the table using strings;
  5.   use name cards with a nice font and vignettes as a small but significant decoration detail;
  6.   place a fruit vase with gift boxes tied with a red ribbon in the center of the table;
  7.   arrange a garland of small latex balloons of 1-2 colors, which will beautifully separate the table in two halves;
  8.   a large helium balloon attached by a net to a heavy basket full of fresh flowers will make a great table centerpiece;
  9.   lay out satin napkins on the plates, put small metal balls with gifts for guests on top of them;
  10.   order small balloons on sticks filled with confetti or sequins and put them into tiny vases;
  11.   in the center of the table, place vases with natural or artificial flowers, that will complement silver or gold balls in fruit vases and colorful ribbons on sugar bowls;
  12.   tie tiny bowls with snacks and sauces to bundles of helium balloons;
  13.   stick a long branch or several ones in a tall vase for a dramatic statement. Decorate the tops of the branches with live flower buds, paper or fabric butterflies, and artificial leaves;
  14.   lay out the chips and logs in the form of a campfire and place the plates with snacks on them;
  15.   if the table is placed against the wall, decorate this wall with balloons with tassels beautifully hanging down;
  16.   serve foods on wooden or glass boards placed on artificial layers of moss;
  17.   hang beautiful Qualatex Swirl Design Deco balloons over the festive table;
  18.   make your table centerpiece functional: a beautiful decorative punch bowl will add focus to your festive table, providing guests with drinks at the same time! As an option, fill the bowl with living flowers: such a fragrant way to create your centerpiece!

 

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Is It Time To Embrace AirAsia Food?

Move aside GrabFood and foodpanda Singapore, there is a new player in town! It is none other than the AirAsia Food. AirAsia just launched its food delivery service in Singapore and offered free deliveries for orders within 8 kilometers (until March 16). It is free for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Last year, the aviation industry took a strong hit due to the global pandemic. Airline staff and entrepreneurs have thought of ways to modify their skills and diversify their businesses in order to survive. Budget carrier AirAsia, sought for ways to boost their revenues through their “super app”. This app offers services from travel to shopping as well as logistics to financial services. The food industry is another landscape that they wanted to tap.

Earlier this month, AirAsia said this in a statement: “The rapidly growing food delivery platform of AirAsia super app – AirAsia Food – is set to revolutionize the food delivery service sector in ASEAN with its official entry into Singapore today.” AirAsia Food aims to provide a “no-frills” food delivery service within Singapore.

Let us take a look at its features or lack there of. Firstly, it does not have a real-time tracking feature. You will not be able to track whether your driver has just left the establishment or whether they are 1km away. Mr. Anthony Fernandes, founder of AirAsia Group, saw the “maps” feature of existing delivery apps as unnecessary frill that can help them to cut cost. Moreover, the operating hours of the app is said to span from 11am to 8pm daily.

As of the current situation, Mr. Lim Ben-Jie of AirAsia app has said that there are no plans to extend the operating hours in the future. They only follow the operating hours of its its delivery partner, AirAsia’s logistics arm Teleport. Its limited operating hours may be an issue for people who frequently order due to their late-night cravings.

Thirdly, users will not be given upfront updates regarding the delivery time. The average time from order creation to delivery would be between 35 to 40 minutes for orders within 10 kilometers. You will not be informed if there are “external factors” that can affect the timeliness in preparing your order. Users must be flexible when it comes to that. As with every new app, there are some things and glitches that they may fix or modify over time. I hope this is one of them.

Lastly, AirAsia Food went back to its roots by providing low-cost options for food delivery. The platform charges establishments with a 15% commission per delivery. This is lower than the three major food delivery giants such as GrabFood, foodpanda, and Deliveroo. Furthermore, delivery rates are about 5% lower than its rivals. AirAsia believes that lowering the commission rates will lead to lower charges for customers.

What’s more? They provided unlimited free food delivery until March 16, 2021. This only applies for deliveries within 8 kilometers. Beyond Singapore, AirAsia Food plans to expand to Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia. They are eyeing on this expansion in the second half of 2021.

Ultimately, AirAsia Food seems to be the cheapest food delivery option for the time being. It is up to you to decide whether the features on this app are sufficient to your needs. Nonetheless, I am hoping that the reported glitches will be addressed soon. Share us your app experiences on the comment section below!

Sources: 1 & 2

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