Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

FairPrice: Save up to 59% with must-buy items from now till 18 November 2020

Hey peeps, is everyone surviving the 11.11 sale? It seems like some online and offline stores are still having prolonged 11.11 promotions so keep browsing if you don’t want to miss out on that. As for FairPrice this week, the savings are high with up to 59% discounted deals.

Keep reading if you plan to score yourself some 1-for-1 assorted fruit juice packets, Kit Kat treats, and more. Remember to hit the stores or shop online by 18 November 2020!

#1: Ceres 100% Juice Blend Packet Drink – Whispers of Summer

Sale Price: 2 for S$2.65

Usual Price: S$2.65

Savings: S$2.65

How about a 1-for-1 deal to set the tone right for this article? Ceres 100% juice packets are going at 2 for S$2.65 from now till 18 November. With no sugar and preservatives added, the Whispers of Summer is a blend of passion fruit juice, orange juice, peach puree, mango puree, apple, and pear juice. Get your serving of fruits all in one pack! How convenient is that?

#2: Nestle KitKat 2 Finger Chocolate Bar – Milk

Sale Price: 2 for S$8.95

Usual Price: S$6.20

Savings: S$3.45

For those who are working overtime and still finding it tough to set boundaries between work and rest, learn to take a breather. Yup, have a break, have a KitKat! Also, since the Christmas season is around the corner, how about making some Chocolate Peanut Butter KitKat Crunch Bars as a gift to your loved ones? It’s about time to start practising baking.

#3: Maggi Hot Heads Instant Noodles – Spicy Curry

Sale Price: 2 for S$5.95

Usual Price: S$3.75

Savings: S$1.55

Challenge yourself to spice with the Maggi Hot Heads Instant Noodles – Spicy Curry made with pure extracts of fiery red, dried chillies, and real curry spices. There are also assorted flavours including the Roast Chicken Mee Goreng and Tom Yum Mee Goreng. Just in case you’re wondering, each packet is only less than 500 calories.

#4: Dr Oetker Ristorante Pizza – Hawaii

Sale Price: 2 for S$14.70

Usual Price: S$9.95

Savings: S$5.20

On days when you don’t feel like slicing onions or calling for delivery, having a varied frozen pizza selection in your freezer can save lives. The only problem we faced was trying to decide which flavour to pick because choices can pose an issue at times. Both the Ristorante and Tradizionale series with over 10 flavours are on sale this week at FairPrice!

#5: Merries Walker Pants – L (9 – 14kg) & XL (12 – 22kg)

Sale Price: 2 for S$40.85

Usual Price: S$26.25

Savings: S$11.65

Parents with little ones, we’ve got a deal for you. Merries Tape Diapers in assorted sizes from M to XL are also on discount this week. But you should make the change to the Merries Walker Pants series if you find yourself frequently retaping due to your baby’s active movements. The pants diapers fit your baby snugly, thus allowing them to move freely with maximum comfort.

Other must-buy items from now till 18 November 2020

Buy-1-get-1-free deals from now till 18 November 2020

Save more with FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 18 November 2020

7 things you need to know about the Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22

Apart from it being a hectic 11.11 promotions-filled day, out comes a piece of excellent news for people who are dying to travel. After the announcement of the in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral air travel bubble mid-October, it’s finally coming to play.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the Singapore and Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22 (Sunday).

#1: One flight per day for a start

There will only be a flight a day going into Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, expect a limit of up to only 200 passengers each way. A little too scarce? Fret not. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that from Dec 7, there would be an increase to two flights a day.

#2: Dedicated flights compulsory

Image Credits: Business Traveller

As it’s probably a given, travellers keen to fly via the air travel bubble will have to hop on dedicated flights. But thankfully, there will be no restrictions on your travel purpose or itinerary. With that said, there isn’t the need to serve any quarantine or stay-home notice.

#3: COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests required

As the world battles the pandemic, the situation might quickly escalate. So even without a controlled itinerary, COVID-19 PCR tests are required. You must test negative within 72 hours before your scheduled departure time.

#4: Take your PCR test at least seven days before departure

Suppose you’re departing from Singapore, you will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong before applying for approval to take the PCR test. And yes, you have to do it at least seven days before your scheduled departure date.

If you think it’s a hassle to seek approval, then you might want to arrange to travel from Dec 1. By then, you won’t need to apply for approval to take the test. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (Nov 10), individuals will be able to get tested at approved clinics and providers.

#5: Cooperate to take another COVID-19 test at Hong Kong

Image Credits: Time Magazine

Upon reaching Hong Kong International Airport, you will take another COVID-19 test. Until you’ve received your negative test results, your movement will be restricted to only within the airport grounds.

#6: Upon testing positive for COVID-19

Should the unfortunate situation happens, COVID-19 positive travellers will have to bear the full cost of any medical treatment. Of course, this is subjected to prevailing medical and healthcare policies in the respective countries.

#7: Possible suspension of the air travel bubble

While arrangements are in place, there are still chances of a suspension of the air travel bubble. Specifically, if the weekly average number of unlinked COVID-19 cases is more than five in either country. When that happens, the air travel bubble will be deferred for two weeks.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “The Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble enables us to achieve two objectives at the same time – open up our borders in a controlled manner while maintaining safety in our societies.”

“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will cooperate fully to make this scheme work.”

singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-graphic

Image Credits: CNA

Consider these 6 kids’ subscription boxes from S$19.90 to keep the little ones occupied at home

Parents, caregivers, aunties, and uncles, this is a reminder that the school holidays are approaching very soon. Are you scratching your head desperately finding ways to keep the kids engaged over the month-long break? Then we think you’ve got to give a little thought to what we’re about to introduce to you.

Here are six kids’ subscription boxes from S$19.90 to keep the little ones occupied at home.

#1: One Happy Book

Price: from S$19.90; other subscription plans available.

Shanice and Shernice who are sisters and both mothers to young children are the creators of One Happy Book. They aim to offer an affordable reading experience to all mummies out there with kids. From their website, we saw a comprehensive range of subscription pricing based on a child’s age and the number of books. Click through the link to find out more.

#2: Josh & Cherie Books

Price: from S$31.90/box (12 months prepay); other subscription plans available.

Josh & Cherie Books is the brainchild of Cheryl and her husband, Julius. If you want your child to fall in love with reading, this is an excellent place to get your resources. Their lovingly curated books are targeted at children aged 0 to 7 years old. Be it board books, mandarin books, or picture books; your kids will find them oh-so-captivating.

#3: My Messy Box

Price: from S$32/box (12 months); other subscription plans available.

Back in 2013, when sensory play activities were tough to source for, Jeff decided to start My Messy Box for his then 2-year-old son. You can expect themed kits for children below six-plus years of age. You might be interested in their ‘A day in the life of a birdkeeper’ box if you want to start arousing the curiosity of your little ones with the flying creatures in the sky.

#4: Squizzel Box

Price: from S$37.90 (3 – 12 months prepaid plan); other subscription plans available.

Squizzel Box is all about fun, hands-on activities for children aged above three years old. Developed in consultation with teachers, you can look forward to play-based activities that will enhance your child’s learning. This month’s (November 2020) theme is about the water cycle and the exciting uses of water.

#5: DaBox by Da Little School

Price: at S$38/box (self-collection available)

So far, in this article, we’ve seen subscription boxes for children aged below seven. Parents with kids at lower primary will be glad to know that there are options! Consider getting the Home Edition (Advanced), Starry Edition (Advanced), or Sunflower Edition (Advanced) boxes! Gift your child the ability to explore through innovative crafts and nurture their creativity from young.

#6: EllieFun Box

Price: from S$53/box; subscriptions are open periodically.

Abigail and Matilda, both former teachers, are the inventors of EllieFun (a pun on ‘elephant’). Their child-centred and Montessori-inspired boxes are suitable for kids aged six years and below. We took a look at one of their latest packages, box 17, a nature-themed inspired box which contains a scratch-and-sniff book, a simple Science experiment guide, and more!

7 Tiong Bahru cafes for a short work-from-cafe experience

Most of us are still working from home or at times, at the hotel. In need of a different work environment to shake things up a little? How about a brief work-from-cafe experience at one of the cafes located in Tiong Bahru? Get a morning cuppa, brunch bowl, or snack break while you answer a few work emails or get started on that weekly report.

Here are seven cafes in Tiong Bahru for a short work-from-cafe experience.

#1: Forty Hands

Image Credits: sg.openrice.com

Address: 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078

Forty Hands is open from 7am on weekdays, and 7.30am on weekends, so it’s perfect if you want to head out early to grab an ideal work spot. The cafe serves an all-day breakfast menu with prices starting from S$16. Pair your breakfast plate with a cup of hot coffee or iced beverage!

#2: PS.Cafe Petit

Image Credits: pscafe.com

Address: No. 41, Blk, 78 Guan Chuan Street, Singapore 160078

You can find PS.Cafe Petit along Guan Chuan Street. It’s just a few steps away from Forty Hands so you can cafe-hop conveniently. PS.Cafe Petit opens slightly later at 9am but closes late till 10.30pm. They have limited seats, so it’s probably okay if you’re looking to spend just a short hour or two away from home.

#3: Flock Cafe

Image Credits: lemon-film.com

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25, Tiong Bahru Estate, Singapore 162078

In close vicinity is Flock Cafe. It’s open from 8am daily, giving you ample time to settle in before clocking in at 9am for work. Similar to Forty Hands, they have an all-day breakfast selection, but we’re eyeing their delicious waffles with scrambled eggs & crispy bacon. Or should we go for the Pork Cheek Rigatoni?

#4: TIANN’S

Image Credits: TIANN’S

Address: 71 Seng Poh Road, #01-35, Singapore 160071

TIANN’S is situated opposite Tiong Bahru Market, along Seng Poh Road. They are open every day except on Mondays. No Monday blues for the team at TIANN’S, we guess? Ha! Anyway, if you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, their Grandma’s Bibimbap might win you over. It also comes with add-on options like kimchi pork stew and beef bulgogi.

#5: Tiong Bahru Bakery

Tiong Bahru Bakery along Eng Hoon Street

Image Credits: angieisagirl.wordpress.com

Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056

Tiong Bahru Bakery along Eng Hoon Street opens daily from 8am. They have a range of viennoiserie, savoury treats, fresh pastries, and bread. Other than the usual coffee, tea, and juices menu, the cafe also offers exclusive beverages like beetroot roselle latte and turmeric ginger latte to awaken your taste buds.

#6: Caffe Pralet

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Address: 17 Eng Hoon Street, #01-04, Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767

If Tiong Bahru Bakery gets too crowded, consider heading to Caffe Pralet, also located along Eng Hoon Street. Their opening hours are from 11am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. We think you will be in love with their signature rice bowls, gourmet sandwiches, and monthly specials.

#7: Drips Bakery Café

Image Credits: Drips Bakery Café

Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082

Drop by Drips Bakery Café if you want to get your hands on some sweet treats for a mid-day perk-me-up. Whether it’s a baked lemon tart or a choc truffle tart, the 10-year-old cafe is ready to welcome you daily at 9am. Before you leave, consider getting their signature mini tarts special (six in a box) to share with your loved ones!

A nutritionist’s guide to the top 10 mood-boosting foods you should include in your diet

In this article, we will be hearing from the wise advice of Clara Mah, a nutritionist at Bella Marie France. Are you aware that when your body is stressed, it produces cortisol, also known as the stress hormone? Thus, it explains why you sometimes crave for comfort food that is high in fat or sugar.

According to Clara, white bread, white rice, pasta, and pastries alongside high consumption of meat and fats are linked to higher oxidative stress. If you want to decrease the oxidative effects of stress, then fill your plates with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and legumes instead.

To aid you in making a wiser choice while grocery shopping this week, take it from the nutritionist on the top 10 mood-boosting foods you should include in your diet!

#1: Dark Leafy Greens

Image Credits: thehealthsite.com

We all know the benefits of eating vegetables. But to be specific, you want to go for dark leafy ones such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and beet greens. Here’s your chance to stock up on vitamins A, C, E, K, nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals to boost your mental wellness.

#2: Avocados

Image Credits: delish.com

Avocados aren’t that cheap, to be honest. But the superfruit does wonders in supporting the production of the memory and learning brain chemical acetylcholine. All thanks to the presence of healthy monounsaturated fats, which is also present in extra virgin olive oil.

#3: Chia Seeds

Image Credits: eatthis.com

You’ve probably heard of people including chia seeds in their meals to aid them in weight loss. Also known as a superfood, it’s not just rich in fibre but also omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential to maintain your mental and emotional health.

#4: Eggs

Image Credits: kirbiecravings.com

Do you want to have better mental acuity and focus? Then make sure to include eggs in your balanced diet. The substances present in the egg aids in maintaining memory and communication signals. It also contains essential nutrients for your brain to function properly.

#5: Bananas

Image Credits: Medical News Today

Want a ‘feel-good’ hormone? Turn to bananas. They contain high levels of tryptophan that convert to serotonin to help with a mood boost. Bananas also uplift your energy and even have the power to assist in overcoming depression.

#6: Berries

Image Credits: Dr. Oz

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries are just some of the berries you can quickly bag home from the supermarket. By safeguarding brain cells from damage, it’s an excellent choice for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or mental decline.

#7: Turmeric

Image Credits: Healthline

Turmeric carries curcumin which has been scientifically proven to treat psychiatric disorders and improve symptoms of depression. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. Need to spice up your dishes? You know what to add.

#8: Yoghurt

Image Credits: weightlossresources.co.uk

Want to fight symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve your mental wellness? The probiotics and lactobacillus in yoghurt can do just that. Have it with your daily serving of fruits to start your morning right!

#9: Dark Chocolate

Image Credits: everydayhealth.com

Here’s your excuse to pick up that bar of chocolate this week at the store. But remember to go for dark ones, not just any flavour you like. It stimulates the production of endorphins to trigger positive feelings. Together with flavonols and serotonin, it may just be your quick solution to conquer the blues.

#10: Walnuts

Image Credits: myrecipes.com

Nuts generally contain the right nutrients and fats. But if you want to significantly improve brain functions, mental flexibility, and have better memory, then walnuts are your to-go option. It contains polyunsaturated fat, polyphenols, and vitamin E to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain.