Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

FairPrice: Save up to 45% with discounted items from now till 3 February 2021

It’s hard to believe we’re down to the last Thursday of January, isn’t it? Hope everyone is doing great so far in the first month of 2021.

As most of us gear up for Chinese New Year and the merry feasting it brings, be mindful of the eight visitors rule a day and other tighter measures introduced by the authorities a few days ago.

The Lunar New Year will indeed be very different this time around. But we should be thankful for the opportunity even to have a chance to gather with our loved ones for the festive season!

Treat yourself and your family members to the best picks from FairPrice this week. Up to 45% off various food items and 1-for-1 promotions from now till 3 February.

Let’s have a look, shall we?

#1: Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream – White Peach & Raspberry

Price: 2 for S$19.90

Usual Price: S$14.50

Savings: S$9.10

We’re going to give you a choice now because FairPrice is giving us one this week! Take your pick from Häagen-Dazs assorted ice cream pints or Magnum ice cream bars because you can. If you’re a fan of both, then get them all! Magnum multipack ice cream are going at only 2 for S$14.90 for your information.

Buy one get one free promotional items!

#2: Prima Taste La Mian Premium Instant Noodles – Laksa

Price: 2 for S$10.95

Usual Price: S$10.95

Savings: S$10.95

Folks, there are a few 1-for-1 promotions from now till 3 February so we will highlight some of them for you from this point onwards. To start us off our list is the Prima Taste La Mian Premium Instant Noodles – Laksa. The pack claims to have no MSG added, preservatives, and artificial flavouring and colouring. A healthier instant meal is possible when you choose Prima Taste.

#3: Maggi 2-Minute Instant Noodle – Masala (Spicy)

Price: 2 for S$2.20

Usual Price: S$2.20

Savings: S$2.20

We don’t mean to stack the instant noodles one after another, but Maggi is also having a 1-for-1 promotion at our favourite supermarket. Those who want to steer away from seasonings and cook their noodles with a rich homemade broth, check out the Singlong Hibiscus Noodles. It’s usually S$3.45 for a pack of 600g noodles, but you get 2 packets for the price of 1 now!

#4: Lee Kum Kee Paste – Salted Egg Yolk

Price: 2 for S$2.85

Usual Price: S$2.85

Savings: S$2.85

Something’s new in town. Well, maybe not in town but at FairPrice. Lee Kum Kee Paste – Salted Egg Yolk alongside its counterparts Kung Pao and Laksa could be the only pastes you need to make that magical dish for your relatives this Chinese New Year. Housewives and househusbands who swear by Lee Kum Kee can click through the link to take a peek at all the existing promotions it’s offering.

#5: Whisper Ultra Slim Skin Love Pads – Light/Norm Day (24cm)

Price: 2 for S$11.75

Usual Price: S$11.75

Savings: S$11.75

Ladies, we know how it feels to be greeted with a possible period cycle nearing Valentine’s Day. Don’t let it get to you! Use the Whisper Ultra Slim Skin Love Pads with soft air-dry cushion to chase away leaks. With 3x more absorbency, you will feel comfortable all day long. Need more coverage? You may want to grab the Whisper Ultra Slim Skin Love Pads – Day/Night (28cm) too! It’s 1-for-1 anyway.

#6: Blackmores Multivitamins + Minerals (120s)

Price: 2 for S$55

Usual Price: S$55

Savings: S$55

Here’s your chance to save big on dietary supplements. Allow your body and mind to benefit from all-round nutritional support and maintain good daily health by taking the Blackmores Multivitamins + Minerals. It helps to support an unbalanced diet with just one tablet each day. Get yours at Unity! And since you’re planning to swing by Unity, check out what’s on sale from now till 3 February:

Plus! members only: Super deals at 50% off

#7: Seara Freshly Frozen Chicken – Legs (Boneless)

Price: S$5.75

Usual Price: S$11.50

Savings: S$5.75

Please note that under this section, it’s only exclusively for Plus! members. Get half price on your 2kg bag of frozen chicken legs at only S$5.75! Not a Plus! member yet? Just sign up as one here. FairPrice has special deals for Plus! members all year round and you don’t want to miss out on more significant savings if you’re a frequent shopper with them and their partners islandwide.

#8: China Red Flesh Pomelo

Price: S$2.50

Usual Price: S$5

Savings: S$2.50

Flash your Plus! member card to enjoy a red flesh pomelo at just S$2.50! Add it to your salad bowl for a refreshing taste or challenge yourself to a Spicy Thai Pomelo Salad. Bonus: Pomelos are not only nutritious, but it may also help promote weight loss and exert anti-ageing effects. Planning to head to the fresh picks section soon? Have a look at these offers before you take your trip:

Shop online at FairPrice today or make a trip down to the stores by 3 February to enjoy current offers!

Must-buy items from now till 3 February 2021

FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 3 February 2021

Gather for greater feasts at FairPrice from now till 3 February 2021

Strategies on how to cope with someone you dislike at work

There’s always an Anson, Betty, or Christopher in the workplace. We’re sorry if those are your names, but we have no ill intentions. They are just some named references we will be using for the sake of this article.

Now, back to the topic.

It’s Tuesday, and you’re dragging your feet to work after barely getting over Monday blues. As the elevator door closes, you secretly wish that you won’t meet Delia on the way up to the 13th floor. But… we’re all aware that life’s a bitch and things don’t go our way when we expect it to.

“Oh, hi, Eric!” Delia shrieked. It was only 8.25am.

Delia went on and on about her last evening date with her boyfriend, gossips, and eavesdrops from the passengers she saw on the bus. “Another day with her,” you thought. It’s only the start of the day, but you already hate her so much, and everything just gets on your nerves.

We’ve all met that one colleague at a point in our careers, right? Have you found a way to work around it? If no, see if these tips can help you change your perspective in working with someone you can’t stand at the workplace.

#1: Admit that it’s your problem

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Never thought we would hit a home run by pointing fingers at you right from the start? This is not an attack, peeps.

Carlos Valdes-Dapena, author of Virtual Teams: Holding the Center When You Can’t Meet Face-to-Face, shares this with us. The reason why you’re finding Delia distasteful in some way is due to the judgments and reactions you possess.

Yeah, sounds about right. Feelings of a slight irritation can quickly escalate if not kept in check. He also highlights the need to differentiate between dislike and distrust. “You can work with anybody as long as they aren’t crossing boundaries or violating workplace rules,” says Valdes-Dapena.

#2: Rethink your detestation

woman sitting on a couch thinking about something

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Once you assume responsibility that your emotions are what led you to loathe Anson, then it’s time to rethink your detestation. Maybe it’s a specific behaviour that triggered your dislike? Or the way they treat others? It could also be that he is an excessive bootlicker.

Whatever the reason might be, you want to dig deep into your feelings of disgust. Valdes-Dapena reveals that he used to have a colleague he didn’t like and he later discovered it was because of how the lady tended to boast.

“Once I got underneath it, I realized that part of my feelings (was) jealousy because she had done some pretty impressive stuff,” he commented.

The person you disfavour is likely to be someone who’s on the extreme opposite end if placed on a character spectrum. Polar opposites, some like to call it. But you must learn how to separate your personal feelings from the workplace. If Anson does his work well, then you’ve got to give him the credit where credit’s due.

#3: Craft a purpose statement

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So you just got out of a department meeting, and your team leader has assigned you and Betty a project. What? Working with someone you like the least is not an easy task. That’s why Valdes-Dapena notes that this is where a purpose statement comes useful.

“A purpose statement helps you build an alliance around a shared purpose. It doesn’t mean you have to be friends. It helps you get back to the purpose of the collaboration so you can focus on doing the work.”

Very well said, indeed. Instead of focusing on those negative feelings, having a goal will help put you back on the work treadmill. Here’s your chance to show that you can function as a team player and won’t let personal emotions sabotage your workplace professionalism.

#4: Draw up a plan

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So at this point, can we safely assume that you will craft a purpose statement? If yes, we’re genuinely glad for you! But don’t exit this article just yet. As a small incident can spark negative feelings fairly quickly, you want to draw up a plan to fall back on when it happens.

“Sit down and have (a) conversation,” says Valdes-Dapena. It’s going to be a duo project with Christopher, and you want to make sure that your targets are aligned. It may also help to share your shortcomings and present an invitation for Christopher to share his. The discourse can humanise Christopher and encourage you to refashion any prejudices against him.

If it helps, share your purpose statement and plan with a trusted coworker or your team leader to have accountability for your actions. Every single time you feel the dislike arising, refer to your goals. It also won’t hurt to set aside time for self-reflection if you need space to process your feelings.

It’s a tough challenge but pull through it, and you might surprise yourself with an achievable productive work relationship!

#5: Communicate calmly

Image Credits: unsplash.com

More often than not, unhappiness accelerates due to our communication styles. Putting work relationships aside, this is true in any social situation. Even at home, your parents shouting at you or each another can instantly put you in a bad mood.

What you want to do is to communicate calmly when a conflict presents itself. Instead of saying “Can you stop doing that? It’s irritating!” try using “I” in your confrontations. For example, “I feel annoyed when you do this, so could you please do this instead.” Being specific is also a chance for you to evaluate the underlying reason for your irritation at the other party.

According to psychologist Dr Susan Krauss, it could be wise to have a third-party function as a mediator in such discussions. That’s because as an “outsider”, they can bring some objectivity to your case.

Take a chance

The bottom line is that you don’t have to be friends to work with someone. What you need is a way to communicate your points across without being defensive.

Working with people you find difficult is not easy for sure. But if you manage to leap over the hurdle, you would be oh-so-proud of yourself! Take it as a step to graceful maturity regardless of your age.

Consider these creative writing platforms to groom your children to be champion expressionists

Do you want your kids to become champion expressionists in the future? Start them off from a young age. Writing will stick with your children for almost the rest of their life, be it in school, at work, or in other areas of their daily lives.

Here are some creative writing platforms you can consider enrolling your child in.

#1: MindChamps

Locations: Islandwide from the East to the West

MindChamps should be a relatively familiar big brand name among parents and guardians of primary school kids. Their creative writing programme designed by well-known author Brian Caswell targets little ones aged 6 to 12.

The structure and techniques used at MindChamps complement the primary school English curriculum so your child can relate to what he/she learns in the enrichment classroom. A level will run for 10 weeks with 2-hour lessons happening each time.

During the classes, your kids will be able to use the MindChamps Writing Toolbox to:

Hone their grammar knowledge
Gain opportunities to proofread and edit their writing
Have a hand at broad genres of writing
Be exposed to various writing styles

Sounds awesome? Keep reading because we’re just getting started.

#2: Julia Gabriel Centre

Locations: Orchard and Tampines

Julia Gabriel founded Julia Gabriel Centre in 1990. It is part of the Julia Gabriel Education group which focuses on programmes supporting innovative communication, speech & drama, and early childhood.

Julia’s unique EduDrama® methodology will craft the learning environment needed for your child to top these areas: language, confidence, expressive communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Let’s Read & Write (5 – 6 years / Kindergarten 1 & 2)

Parents who want their kids to get a headstart before entering primary one can sign them up for Julia Gabriel Centre’s Let’s Read & Write programme. Through experiential learning, your child will cultivate an interest in reading, share their opinions on stories, and have a go at writing short stories.

Think N’ Ink (7 – 12 Years / Primary 1 – 6)

It’s alright even if you miss out on sending your child for preschool enrichment writing classes. It’s not too late to start now! The Think N’ Ink programme will aid your kids in comprehending different text types.

They will be able to identify the main and supporting ideas and tackle diverse comprehension questions. If you want your children to grasp a range of thematic vocabulary, grammatical rules, and succeed in their PSLE, this could be for you.

But hold up! Wait till you consider the rest on this list.

#3: The Write Connection

Locations: Islandwide including Jurong, Punggol, and Woodlands

The Write Connection’s writing enrichment programme has been tried and tested in Sydney back in 2002. You can expect world-class writing pedagogy and curriculum aligned with MOE’s.

In selected two-hour lessons, your child will experience language exercises to help them analyse and read like a writer. They will have a chance to be updated with current news to sharpen their general knowledge. Simultaneously, mentors will encourage participants to connect with other classmates through effective communication within the classroom and beyond.

Their very structured curriculum cycle consists of:

Formative Lesson → Formative Assessment → Summative Assessment → Consolidation Lesson

Great for parents who are very OCD.

#4: AGrader Learning Centre

Locations: Islandwide including Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, and Bukit Gombak

AGrader Learning Centre has creative writing classes for children from primary 1 to 6. Your little one will be able to gain exposure in descriptive writing, narrative and even personal recounts. Experienced teachers will guide your child through brainstorming to ideate their main characters and craft a plot with conflicts and solutions.

Through storybook reading, primary school students can pick up new vocabulary and apply metaphors, personification, and similes in their future writing. Most importantly, instructors will set aside time to review common mistakes committed. Whether its poor expression or incorrect language use, students can reflect on these errors and avoid them going forward.

We’re almost at the end. Two more to go!

#5: Write Edge

Locations: Islandwide including Sengkang, Tampines, and Bukit Timah

Write Edge claims to employ the approach of skills-based and thematic-based lessons to prepare their students for PSLE. Through the assorted story topics given every week, your child will be able to deposit new words into their vocabulary bank.

Parents who are worried that these extra writing assignments might stress your precious little ones, fret not. At Write Edge, full composition writings are completed in class at a frequency of 1 to 2 weeks. There will be ample time for them to craft their own stories alongside proper guidance.

Write Edge instructors will also introduce model essays with intriguing plots and relevant vocabularies. Class sizes are kept small and conducive enough for individuals to gain sufficient teacher-student interaction.

The next listing will sum up our list of creative writing platforms.

#6: Writers @ Work

Locations: Clementi, Bukit TImah, Ang Mo Kio, and Marine Parade

Like the writing programmes we’ve looked at thus far, Writers @ Work offers various writing line-ups for K2 to primary 6 students. The junior writing programme will set the foundation right and transmit the joy of writing before the young ones start their primary school journey.

As they progress through the years, students will learn how to meet the word count with precision and explosive vocabulary. From primary four onwards, Writers @ Work’s dedicated tutors will aid your child in mastering the art of storytelling. By the time they are at primary six, your child should be able to adapt whatever they’ve practised to ace their PSLE!

Learning how to write does not stop at primary school. If you think your child has benefited over the writing classes, enrol them for Writers @ Work’s secondary school enrichment programmes.

It’s never too late

We hope you’ve found this list useful! Amid COVID-19, parents looking for online resources can consider the premium creative writing courses (monthly subscription) by the Writing Samurai. There are several other online crash courses with one-time payments so check it out here for more details.

As Richard David Bach, an American writer, rightly puts it, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” It’s never too late to start honing your child’s writing skills! Take action now and make an investment in your child’s education you won’t regret.

11 realisations we had while watching the first part of Bling Empire

Bling Empire’s the rage right now. It’s probably one of the trending keywords in Singapore and among several other Asian communities. The new reality show by Netflix which aired on 15 January features the life stories of a group of rich Asians living in Los Angeles. This includes Kane Lim, a Singaporean cast member.

We read from an exclusive interview that Kane gathered his LA friends to form Bling Empire’s cast. Together with Kelly Mi Li, they were the ones who pitched the reality show idea to Jeff Jenkins. Jenkins is the producer who was in charge of Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ production.

There are already a couple of reviews on Bling Empire, so we will spare you from that. What we are keen on focusing on is not the way the rich flaunt their wealth. Instead, while watching the program, we had some meaningful realisations. Here are 12 that stuck with us while watching the first part (episodes 1 to 4).

Fashion & Business

#1: Less is more when it comes to jewellery

Do you agree with Christine that more is more when it comes to jewellery? Putting the wealthy mindset aside, we agree more with Coco Chanel that simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance. It’s also wise that you heed this advice, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”

#2: Never put the offer first

This is some wise advice on the art of negotiation. While it may not work in every workplace or client discussion, if you can, take it from Kane to allow the other party to give you an offer first before closing the deal. This could even work for a new job’s salary negotiation if done wittily and correctly!

Life & Relationships

#3: Live life to its fullest

What a powerful reminder to have at the start of 2021. Everyone has their definition of what “fullest” means. No matter the intention, we think it’s essential that we live life within our means. Hold that swipe at the store if you think you won’t be able to clear that credit card bill at the end of its cycle.

#4: The right person will come along when it’s due

Kim shared in Bling Empire that her mum advocates the idea of working hard, being independent, and not worrying about any man. This is especially true for ladies (and gentlemen) who are worried about their love life. Focus on yourself first, and the right person will come to you when it’s due.

#5: Sex benefits of caviar

According to Cherie, caviar is a natural viagra for men. We researched and found that high-fat animal foods like caviar can help stimulate the production of sex hormones such as testosterone. Think you can afford some to boost your libido? Check out where to have premium caviar in Singapore.

#6: True change takes time

Dr Bethany Marshall, the psychoanalyst who was featured during Kelly and Andrew’s therapy session, revealed an excellent point. That is, real change takes place slowly. While it’s good to be quick to forgive, remember that a person does not overturn their bad habits overnight. Be sure to give it some time before you reassess your relationships status and make the next move.

#7: Ability to control people with money

While discussing the topic of surrogacy, Christine’s husband, Dr Gabriel Chiu, commented that when it comes to using money to control people, it’s possible. What are your thoughts? Considering most of us being placed towards the end on a financial spectrum, would you gladly be governed by the rich using money as a weapon?

#8: Need for privacy in sharing about your relationship

We’ve got to agree with Andrew that privacy is necessary for a relationship. Oversharing your relationship issues can stir up troubles, especially if your partner is one that values privacy. Kane shared in an episode about Kelly’s sex life with Andrew and Kevin. As Ryan Howes, a psychologist in Pasadena, California, rightly points out, “Without consent, discussing the specifics of your sex life should be a no-no.”

#9: Be respectful as a house guest

With the approaching Chinese New Year, there’s no better time than now to remind yourself to be respectful when home visiting. Kim and Guy are the exact opposite of who you should be – walking into Anna’s bedroom and shower and then invading her privacy by throwing a penis pump out of her house window in front of other guests.

#10: Apologies has its limits

Kevin decided to be the bigger person and apologise because Kim felt no remorse in her actions. Though it’s praiseworthy to be the person apologising when it seems like you’re not at fault, sometimes it’s better to let the situation cool before relooking into it again. This is to prevent similar problems from happening again.

#11: Perspectives matter

It takes courage to look back on one’s life and make a comment as Anna did. In episode four, Anna revealed that though she had four marriages and then divorced following, it was good. No, we’re not backing that divorce is the only way out for problematic relationships, but more of seeing the good in the past while moving on to the next chapter in life. All things happen for a reason!

Did the abovementioned realisations speak to you? Watch it on Nextflix if you’re keen! Meanwhile, please excuse us as we continue with the second half of Bling Empire for more life takeaways.

FairPrice: Save up to 54% with discounted items from now till 27 January 2021

Good morning, folks! Did you manage to get a spot at the Airbnb’s exclusive Online Experiences K-pop festival? When we last checked at 8.30am today (21 January), the more popular ones are apparently all sold out! Boohoo. That’s why the saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm.”

Thankfully, we’re still just in time for FairPrice’s discounted items. This week, we have a range of 1-for-1 items to start our grocery shopping on the right note. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

#1: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Punch Line

Price: 3 for S$29.50

Usual Price: S$13.90

Savings: S$12.20

Ben & Jerry’s Punch Line is a new addition to FairPrice! Get your hands on the limited-batch flavour before it’s taken off shelves. It’s made up of a combination of brown butter bourbon, almond ice cream with roasted nuts, and cherries on top.

#2: Buitoni Thin Crust Pizza – Tuna

Price: 2 for S$9.95

Usual Price: S$9.95

Savings: S$9.95

From this listing onwards, we will be introducing all the buy one get one free items you should grab this week. Buitoni Thin Crust Pizza is back with their promotion! Originating from Italy, there are various flavours available including Four Cheese, Caprese, and Grilled Vegetables.

#3: Soup Restaurant Samsui Sauce – Ginger

Price: 2 for S$6.80

Usual Price: S$6.80

Savings: S$6.80

After years of eating this sauce, we’re still in love with it. Serve it with steamed chicken for a taste you won’t regret! Those who don’t fancy ginger can try the Soup Restaurant Samsui Sauce – XO instead. Or mix and match since it’s on a 1-for-1 promotion till 27 January.

#4: Tai Hua Premium Oyster Sauce

Price: 2 for S$3.50

Usual Price: S$3.50

Savings: S$3.50

Home chefs don’t want to miss out on huge savings on the Tai Hua Premium Oyster Sauce. With this buy one get one free deal, a bottle of seasoning is only S$1.75! Now, you can whip up more stir-fry dishes for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

#5: Natural Cracker Co. Crackers Assorted

Price: 2 for S$4.95

Usual Price: S$4.95

Savings: S$4.95

Are you looking for a healthy snack? Skip that bag of potato chips and opt for Natural Cracker Co. Crackers instead. Each serving of sea salt & vinegar is only less than 100 calories. Get ready your tummies before the Chinese New Year feasting begins!

#6: Bai Xiang Noodles Assorted

Price: 2 for S$4.95

Usual Price: S$4.95

Savings: S$4.95

Have you tried Bai Xiang instant noodles before? Other than spicy beef soup, there’s also pork bone soup and chicken flavour. Correct us if we’re wrong but it seems like this brand is a new addition to FairPrice. Check out the Bai Xiang instant series here if you’re interested.

Must-buy items from now till 27 January 2021

FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 27 January 2021

CNY prosperity products for everyone till 27 January 2021