Lifestyle Archives | Page 36 of 53

4 Incredible Rags To Riches Stories

These people came from merely nothing but now they have a whole lot of wealth than the average person. Taking the leap of faith and believing in themselves led them to profit through adversity.

Without further adieu, here are four inspirational rags to riches stories:

1. HOWARD SCHULTZ

Raised in a housing project in Brooklyn, Starbucks’ Howard Schultz was a son of a struggling truck driver. Despite their poverty, he excelled at football. Fortunately, this earned him a scholarship to the University of Northern Michigan.

After finishing tertiary education with a degree in Communications, he worked for Xerox Company before discovering a small coffee shop called Starbucks. Filled with his love for coffee, he soon left Xerox and focused on becoming the chief executive of Starbucks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

As of today, his net worth amounts to US$3.2 billion (S$4.5 billion).

2. JOHN PAUL DEJORIA

As a first generation America, John Paul DeJoria and his immigrant parents had it tough from the start. His parents divorced when he was just 2 years old. By age 9, he and his brother began selling newspapers and greeting cards in order to support their family. Life did not come easy soon after as he lived in a foster home and become a part of a street gang.

Thankfully, he graduated secondary school and spent two years in the United States Navy. After which, he held numerous jobs ranging from a janitor to an insurance salesman. In 1980, things changed. He teamed up with Paul Mitchell and turned a US$700 loan into a hair-care company called John Paul Mitchell Systems. Now, it is known worldwide as the Paul Mitchell hair products with estimated annual revenue of US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion).

He is also the co-founder of the famed tequila company called “The Patron Spirits Company”. Currently, his net worth amounts to US$3.1 billion (S$4.4 billion).

3. ANDREW CARNEGIE

Who would have thought that a Scottish American with barely a dollar to his name would soon be the richest man in the world?

Andrew Carnegie migrated to the United States with his low-income parents in 1848. He then started to work as a telegrapher. 10 years later, he had investments in railroads, bridges, railroad sleeping cars, and oil derricks. Then, his wealth increased further as he worked as a bond salesman.

He became the world’s richest man in 1901. Aside from having a high profile, he was also a philanthropist. This is the reason why he gave away about 90% of his fortune (US$350 million in 1919 = US$4.7 billion in 2015) US to charities by the time of his death.

4. OPRAH WINFREY

One of the most recognizable faces in the world definitely did not grow up in a pool of luxury. American media maven, host, producer, publisher, actress, and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey was born in the Mississippi with her teenage single mother. She experienced hardships during her childhood such as being raped at age 9 and becoming pregnant at age 14. Unfortunately, her son died in infancy.

But these struggles only strengthen the young Oprah as she entered the halls of media in her first job as a newsreader in a local radio station. Later on, she got a daytime talk show in Chicago. The rest was history.

Persevering through life and diversity earned her a net worth of US$3.2 billion (S$4.5 billion)!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

Excellent Ways To Showcase “Singlish” With Pride

Singapore is unique melting pot of diverse cultures such as Chinese, Malay, and Indian. These cultures fused together to build the unofficial common language of all Singaporeans – the Singlish. Despite one’s efforts to speak fluent English, one cannot help it when Singlish phrases kicks in so naturally. You get so comfortable with it that your foreign friends look at you with total perplexity.

How do exactly explain what “leh”, “liao”, or “lah” is?

Well, you can start by (affordably) wearing it with pride!

1. THE LITTLE DRÖM STORE

Keychains: S$13.90 & Badges: S$20. Buy here.

From badges to keychains, you name it…they have it! The Little Dröm Store sells local items for several types of Singaporean.

Their gold-plated keychains have 30 different designs like Huat ah, Chope, Kopi Uncle, and Shiok. With that many choices, you will surely find one you like. While the badges have 16 different designs. From the Precise (Zhun zhun guni hoon), to the Champion (Kiasu), and the Composed Singaporean (Steady Pom Pipi), this store has it all for you!

Image Credits: http://shop.thelittledromstore.com/product/chope-kc

Image Credits: shop.thelittledromstore.com/product/chope-kc

2. NAIISE.

Singlish Poster (A3 Size): S$15. Buy here.

Nothing screams your pride for Singlish even more than a poster hanged in your home or office. Aside from posting your precious family portraits, post this printed Singlish words and phrases by angmohdan. Also, you may share it with your loved ones who are overseas to remind them of our beautiful land!

Image Credits: www.angmohdan.com

3. SIMITAIJI

Uniquely Singaporean Phrases: S$25. Buy here.

Sprinkled with Singaporean humor, Simitaiji presents the Uniquely Singaporean Phrases unisex tees that are available in two nationalistic colors. Simitaiji was founded by two designers from diverse backgrounds and was brought together by their love of the country.

Image Credits: facebook.com/hello.simitaiji

Worry not if you fit the tee as they come in XXS-L!

4. HOSAY!

Hosay! Itunes App: Free. Buy here.

If you want to master your “mother-tongue” even more, do it with this free yet cool app! It comes with 80 unique Singaporean expressions and their meanings. Learn how to pronounce phrases such as “Wah Lau” or “Jialat”. A review by Kitty966 even added that this really funny App has accurate pronunciations.

Complete with insults, kopitiam, gambling, and character lingo – this App will surely brush up your Singlish skills while tickling your funny bone.

Image Credits: Hosay! via Itunes

Extremely Affordable Tips To Improve Your Study Space

Let these budget-friendly tips enhance your learning area as you “hit the books”…

1. CREATE YOUR STUDY HAVEN

Choosing the right place to study is important because it heavily influences your learning process. Use your study space solely for studying, making projects, and doing home works so that your brain can associate the space to automatic “work mode”.

After which, pick a light-colored table that has enough space for all your school supplies. Situate this table at a silent place to keep your brain focused. Go for a fundamental and a classic desk such as the “Peppler Study Table Beech” by FortyTwo. This table is on sale now and retails for only S$39 (Save S$60)!

2. REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS

Electrical appliances and electronic devices help you procrastinate. Ironically, most of these appliances and devices were made to save time but, end up wasting valuable study time instead. Thus, keep your head on the books by turning off your devices or using Website blocking applications.

For instance, block certain websites (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter) for a specific amount of time by using free applications such as SelfControl (for Apple users) and SelfRestraint (for Microsoft users).

3. REMOVE THE CLUTTER

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Tidy up your study space and keep it neat by organizing important documents and old school papers inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your school files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

4. KEEP IT BRIGHT

A well-lit room increases concentration and productivity. Position your table in front of the window because natural or fluorescent light is helpful for the eyes while you study. As it gets dim, keep your place bright by using a table lamp or a wall spotlight.

You can get the IKEA KVART Wall Spotlight for S$9.90 or the IKEA LAMPAN Table Lamp for S$4.90.

5. REMIND YOURSELF

Decorate your study space with a cork board, calendar, and a clock. Constantly remind yourself about the upcoming events and assignment/project deadlines by using the calendar. Then, visualize your goals and to-do lists with a wall mounted cork board. Lastly, organize your time by buying a clock that does not produce any unnecessary ticking sounds.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

7 Ways To Brighten Someone’s Day Without Spending A Fortune

1. START THE WORK DAY RIGHT. Take your co-worker to a hilarious storytelling session at lunch. Laughter has been proven to relax your muscles, trigger the flow of endorphins (happy hormones), and lessen the flow of your stress hormones.

2. MAKE YOUR SISTER SMILE by giving her a color-therapy infused lipstick. Infuse color therapy by picking suitable colors for each mood. If you want to boost your sister’s energy, choose red or orange but, if you want to keep her relaxed choose pink or lavender.

3. SPOIL YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE. Give your beloved mother or partner the foot spa he or she deserves! Simply, squeeze and release each toe individually from the front to the back and in the spaces. Then, stroke the sole of the foot in crisscross diagonal lines. Continue to do this until the feet feels energized.

4. LEAVE SWEET NOTES FOR YOUR FAMILY.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Place sticky notes saying thoughtful messages of love and appreciation in your spouse’s wallet, child’s school bag, or your partner’s car. These will surely bring a smile to their faces.

5. BE THE BEST NEIGHBOR YOU CAN BE by bringing your neighbor’s newspaper closer to their door, by baking them cookies during special occasions, and by sharing them great deals you found at Money Digest.

6. BE GOOD TO STRANGERS by holding the door for others especially the elderly. Also, you may the intern at work on how you can help him or her. And, if you see a person who seems to be lost, offer your assistance. It may seem simple at the moment, but not to the people you helped.

7. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

In order to brighten someone else’s day, you must be in a cheerful disposition. Start by stocking your bedside drawer with pleasurable items such as your favorite scents, your personal keepsakes, and your favorite food. Then, purchase supplies to revisit or encourage a hobby of yours.

Sources: 1 & 2

Save Money By Finding A Bra That Fits

Tired of constantly purchasing a bra that is either too loose or too tight? Perhaps, you have not figured out your perfect size yet. Do not worry, you are not alone! I was once lost in the sea of under wires, push-ups, and strapless undergarments as well. But, I turned things around by following these steps:

1. FIND THE PERFECT SIZE

The foundation of this journey is to find the right size of your brassiere. Start by determining your band size.

While wearing a bra, measure around the bottom of it directly under your bust. Round the measure to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches and if the number is odd, add five inches. The sum will become your band size. For instance, you measured 33 inches then, your band size is 38.

The second step is to determine your bust measurement. Wrap the tape measure a bit loosely around the fullest part of your chest. Then, round the measure to the nearest whole number. Lastly, calculate your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size. Then, refer to this chart to know your cup size.

2. FIND THE RIGHT STYLE

Now that you had discovered your perfect size, you can move on to finding the right style. Take note of three things namely: the cut, the fabric, and the color. The cut can be full cup, half cup, or camisole style. The fabric can be cotton,silk, or lace. And, the color can resemble any part of the rainbow! Find the right style that will fit not only most of your outfits but also most of the occasions.

3. SEEK HELP FROM THE SALESPERSON

If you still feel completely confused and lost then, it is time to ask the salesperson’s help. Helping you find the perfect bra is part of their job. Also, you may ask if there is a professional fitter in the shop to help you check your measurements. Then, test the recommended bra yourself.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. WASH WITH CARE

It is important to wash your undergarments with care. In fact, bras made with nylon and cotton do not do well in the heat of your dryer. A better alternative is to hang them to the air dryer or to wash them inside the laundry mesh bags. You can purchase cheap laundry bags at Daiso. Also, remember to fasten the bra to prevent the hooks from clinging on to delicate sweaters.

Sources: 1 & 2

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