Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Here are 6 online furniture stores for people who want options other than IKEA

Talk about new furniture and people might naturally bring up IKEA. Well, there’s nothing wrong about shopping at IKEA but sometimes we humans want a little fresher alternative. If you share the same sentiments, how about shopping at these online furniture stores we’re about to introduce to you?

Here are six online furniture stores for people who want options other than IKEA.

#1: Island Living

Website: islandliving.sg

Island Living is the brainchild of Karin Rysgaard and Denise Vrontas, a designer and ex-PR consultant, respectively. If you fancy a laid-back approach to your home, this brand will resonate with you. You can expect lots of different textures, including sustainable rattan and reclaimed teak wood. Check back frequently if you want to keep up with the latest global interior trends.

#2: Ong Shunmugam

Website: ongshunmugam.com

In case you’re wondering, Ong Shunmugam rattan furniture and basketry is designed and drafted in their offices across London and Singapore and made in Malaysia. High-end is probably the right word to describe their range of products. To allow the veteran craftsmen to work their magic, be ready to wait for about 6 to 8 weeks before you welcome the masterpieces back home.

#3: Celson

Website: celson.sg

Celson was founded in 2018 by Sonam, who did her postgraduate studies in merchandising and designing in Delhi, the capital of India. The brand believes that they are capable of bringing quality handcrafted products to every home at transparent prices. We like how they have customisation options for both bone inlay and solid Indian wood furniture types. Check them out!

#4: Naturalis Historia

Website: nhteak.com

Naturalis Historia designs and creates furniture pieces that combine modern functions with classic features. Entirely handcrafted by experienced artisans, the brand only utilises materials from sustainable and ethical sources. To put it simply, you can expect attractive, stable, and trustworthy products to last you for generations to come.

#5: Hock Siong

Website: hocksiong.com.sg

Hock Siong is the go-to place if you want to own furniture that has a rich history, passed down from previous owners. In other words, they deal with secondhand items, including those from local hotels and residential households. This place is for people who find beauty in slightly defective items due to wear and tear over time. Light touch-ups are available for wooden products.

#6: Crate & Barrel

Website: crateandbarrel.com.sg

We will wrap up this list of online furniture stores with a possibly familiar name – Crate & Barrel. They have been around for almost 60 years, with over 100 stores and franchise partners in 11 countries. You will adore their furniture collection if you’re on a hunt for clean, minimalistic, and timeless designs.

Don’t forget to compare prices before hitting that ‘pay’ button!

FairPrice: Save up to 47% with must-buy items from now till 4 November 2020

Enjoy up to 47% savings with must-buy items at FairPrice this week as we leap into November! In today’s article, we will share with you some discounted items including Lifebuoy’s 3-ply masks, kit kat chocolates, and Prima Taste’s instant noodles. Stay tuned to the end for 1-for-1 deals and weekly saver items!

Let’s get started.

#1: Lifebuoy Anti-Bacterial Face Protection Masks (3 Ply)

Sale Price: S$16.90

Usual Price: S$32

Savings: S$15.10

We will kickstart this week’s list with a 47% discount for you. Lifebuoy Anti-Bacterial Face Protection Masks (3 Ply) has 50 in a box and it’s going for only S$16.90 from now till 4 November! It is fluid-resistant and even suitable for professional use. Check your storage to make sure you have enough masks to last you for the upcoming months ahead.

#2: Nestle Kit Kat 2 Finger Chocolate Bar – Milk

Sale Price: 2 for S$8.95

Usual Price: S$6.20

Savings: S$3.45

Up for some three-layer no-bake Kit Kat squares at home? To begin, select your favourite cookies, pound on them, and mix it with melted butter. Once the cookie crumble crust is done, melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk and stir till the mixture is well-combined. Pour it over the crust and top it off with Kit Kats. Refrigerate for an hour or two before serving!

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

Sale Price: S$8.65

Usual Price: S$10.95

Savings: S$2.30

Prima Taste La Mian is renowned worldwide for its premium noodles. If you want to savour the likeness of traditional hand-pulled noodles in every bite, you’ve got to tap on this promotion this week to get your pack of instant noodles at S$8.65. It’s also available in other flavours – prawn soup, chilli crab, curry, and more.

#4: Berryfield Whole Frozen Strawberries

Sale Price: S$11.80

Usual Price: S$19.50

Savings: S$7.70

Do it the Korean way and get your frozen strawberries or blueberries by Berryfield from FairPrice. Easily blend up a cup of delicious and nutritious smoothie in the morning to start your day right. You can also make your own strawberry jam easily with this 1kg bag of whole frozen fruits. All you need are strawberries, sugar, and some lemon juice (optional).

#5: FairPrice Kool Potong Ice Cream – Red Bean, Jackfruit & Yam

Sale Price: 2 for S$5.65

Usual Price: S$3.20

Savings: S$0.75

Are you the sort that stands at the ice cream section for a long time trying to decide on what flavours to bag home? Yeah, it’s a dilemma at times. If you can’t make up your mind, why not get a mixture of flavours so you can have a variety? Those who don’t fancy the red bean, jackfruit, and yam combination and get the sweet corn, mango, and durian assorted pack.

#6: FairPrice DeluxSoft Bathroom Tissue (3 Ply)

Sale Price: 3 for S$9.95

Usual Price: S$4.30

Savings: S$2.95

We’re thankful Singapore has passed the toilet paper hogging exercise, maybe at least for now. Other countries like Germany aren’t having it that easy though. Sales of toilet paper and disinfectants are increasing again as Europe’s largest economy battles its second wave of COVID-19. With this ongoing promotion, it’s probably best to buy now and avoid ‘hamstering’ later?

Other must-buy items from now till 4 November 2020

Buy-1-get-1-free deals from now till 4 November 2020

Save more with FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 4 November 2020

An experienced executive recruiter shares ways on how to cope with rejection from job search

We get it. You’ve been sending out resumes and going for interviews but to no avail. Coupled with the pandemic with no clear end in sight, it’s tough to cope. In fact, more job cuts are expected amid COVID-19 according to Singapore’s tripartite advisory. The competition for job openings is definitely intense out there.

Furthermore, it’s probably common to be faced with more rejections in recent months. We understand it’s not easy to deal with them… especially if you’re constantly worried about your monthly expenditures and how to keep up with your daily spendings. Thankfully, an experienced executive recruiter shares with us some ways to cope with rejection.

#1: Everyone is in this together

While it’s possible to step out of an interview feeling like you’ve aced it, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get a reply from the interviewer. Take some comfort in knowing that everyone else is in the same situation together. You’re not the only person having feelings of fear, stress, or situational depression from rejection.

#2: It’s just not meant to be

Overthinking might be the worst thing to do after being ghosted or rejected. If you’re trying to find some closure, maybe telling yourself that ‘it’s just not meant to be’ will work. As cliche as it sounds, the right time (and position) will come when it’s due. Not getting selected for a position doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not good enough.

#3: Look within yourself

Image Credits: Depositphotos

You may be highly competent for a job on paper and experience-wise but sometimes it’s good to look within yourself. By that, we mean an analysis of your approach. How do you think you carry yourself during an interview? When asked why you left your previous position, do you start to unload by putting the blame on your ex-colleagues? Or do you exude positive attitudes instead?

#4: Ask for an opinion and adapt

If you think the constant rejections you’ve received have to do with the way you speak or approach an interview, ask for an opinion. Gather a few friends you can trust or mentors you look up to and share your interview style. Listen to their honest feedback and make the change if necessary. Then, keep practising till you’re confident of your pitch.

#5: Adjust your definition of success

Here, we’re talking about managing your expectations. Your pre-pandemic job goals might make sense in a strong job market. But we all know that’s not the case as the world battles the virus and its effects on our lives. Even if your present circumstances might seem far from your original dream job, celebrate the small victories along the way.

#6: Be well aware of your outstanding qualities

Image Credits: Freepik

Constant rejection can zap away your confidence and make you doubt the good qualities you have. It’s important to be well aware of your outstanding qualities and triumphant achievements in the past no matter the job interview result. To help counter a negative thought, mentally recall a moment in time where you managed to prevail over adversity.

#7: Keep a list of positive affirmations

You will be surprised to know the marvellous effects of positive affirmations on a tired and defeated mind.

“This is merely a minor setback; I will find a new job!”

“Just because I was rejected for the job does not diminish my self-worth and value.”

“I am smart, talented, and have a lot to offer.”

“I won’t give up and will make it through this tough time!”

#8: Take good care of yourself

You’re the only person in full control of your mind, body, and spirit. To cope with rejection the healthy way, it’s essential to take good care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, and keep up with that positive social interaction. It also helps to expose yourself to stories of successful people who’ve gone through the fire pit and risen up stronger. The right time will come for you. Take heart!

FairPrice: 1-for-1 deals + save up to 40% with must-buy items from 22 – 28 October 2020

Are you surviving the gloomy and wet Thursday morning? FairPrice is here to brighten up your day with “Buy 2 For The Price of 1” deals. Yes, you read that right. It’s 1-for-1 deals you don’t want to miss!

We will start by showing you some 1-for-1 items, followed by the must-buy items, and weekly saver deals at FairPrice this week. Stay with us!

#1: Maggi 2-Minute Instant Noodles – Curry

Sale Price: 2 for S$2.20

Usual Price: S$2.20 each

Savings: S$2.20

Just a few days back, I added some frozen clams to my pot of curry noodles and WOAH. It was an upgraded taste I can’t put it to words how good it was. Why don’t you try it and let us know what you think? Those who don’t fancy curry and try other flavours – chicken, asam laksa, tom yum, and kari letup.

#2: Canland Canned Soup – Shiitake Mushroom

Sale Price: 2 for S$1.65

Usual Price: S$1.65 each

Savings: S$1.65

No Campbell’s soup but hey, we’re talking about a can of shitake mushroom soup for just $0.83! Each can has only 141 calories so it isn’t that bad for the diet. For a lesser calorie option, you can try the sweet corn flavour. It has only 123 calories! In case you’re wondering, Canland is a product of Thailand.

#3: Golden Boronia Nougat – Original (Soft)

Sale Price: 2 for S$6.50

Usual Price: S$6.50 each

Savings: S$6.50

Do you like your nougats soft or crunchy? I’m a fan of the soft nougat series because they are much easier to chew and easy on the teeth. But if you’re all up for crunchy nougats, click through the link to buy. Try pairing the bite-sized snack with a cup of coffee or as an ice cream topping! Both the soft and crunchy series contain more than 50% nuts and will leave you craving for more.

Before we move on to the must-buy items and weekly saver deals, here’s a look at the other 1-for-1 items at FairPrice this week.

Other buy-1-get-1-free deals from 22 – 28 October 2020

#4: Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream – Rum & Raisin

Sale Price: 2 for S$19.90

Usual Price: S$14.50 each

Savings: S$9.10

Moving on to this week’s must-buy items… we have Häagen-Dazs back with us again! Seems like Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs are taking turns to promote themselves at FairPrice. Anyway, consumers like us get to benefit from the ongoing promotions! Buy 2 for S$19.90 and save S$9.10 this week. Don’t forget to run or walk off the calories after the indulgence.

#5: Nestle Cereal – Koko Krunch

Sale Price: S$4.75

Usual Price: S$5.65 each

Savings: S$0.90

Mums and dads, it’s okay to want to take a break from making daily breakfast for the kids. Grab a pack of Nestle Cereal in assorted flavours for the children and ease off cooking this week. Koko Krunch contains a great chocolatey taste and now comes with higher amounts of whole grains! Other flavours include Cookie Crisp, Honey Stars, and Milo.

#6: Magiclean Floor Cleaner – Hokkaido Spring

Sale Price: 2 for S$9.95

Usual Price: S$5.95 each

Savings: S$1.95

We’re not sure when Singapore and Japan will establish a travel bubble. But Magiclean will aid us in getting the senses of Japan into our homes with its Hokkaido Spring floor cleaner for now. And of course, we’re not just buying it for the scent. The product is able to kill 99.9% of bacteria and helps remove oil stains and grease up to 4x more effectively!

Other must-buy items from 22 – 28 October 2020

Save more with FairPrice’s weekly saver deals till 28 October 2020

Here are 5 preschools offering full-day infant care services under S$1,500/month

Are you planning for your first child? Or got a baby on the way and you’re arranging to have the little one spend their days at a childcare centre?

We’ve heard many parents feeling bad about leaving their newborns at infant care. But if you prefer not to trouble your parents or in-laws and don’t want to get a helper, then infant care might be the to-go option.

We’ve put together 5 preschools offering full-day infant care services under S$1,500/month. Read on!

#1: E-Bridge Pre-School

We will start the ball rolling with E-Bridge Pre-School, which is a member of EtonHouse International Education Group founded in 1995. There are centres throughout Singapore in the North, North-East, East, and the West.

Their full-day infant care programme runs from 7am to 7pm and costs S$1,275 (before GST) for Singapore citizens. However, there are also other fees to pay – non-refundable registration fee, student insurance, and a one-month refundable deposit.

#2: Skool4Kidz

Skool4Kidz is part of Kinderland Educare Services. Their unique Integrated Thematic Curriculum is planned out by Dr Jane Ching-Kwan, an early childhood expert with a PhD in Child Development & Family Studies (specialization in Children and Technology).

You can expect your child to undergo an age and needs-appropriate infant care & toddler programme at their centres. The cost of infant care is at S$1,360 (inclusive of GST) for Singapore citizens. Also, the standard registration fee, deposit, cost of insurance, and uniforms will apply.

#3: PCF Sparkletots

Next, we have PCF Sparkletots by PAP Community Foundation in third place. They claim to be Singapore’s largest preschool operator with over 360 preschools islandwide. You can easily locate a PCF Sparkletots early years centre near you by clicking through the link.

Catered for infants from 2 months old, PCF Sparkletots early years centres operate from 7am to 7pm (full day) from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 2pm (half day) on Saturday. The monthly fee for Singapore citizens is S$1,364.20 (with GST). Other payments include registration fee, annual insurance, and cost of uniforms.

#4: My First Skool

My First Skool is the pre-school arm of NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) First Campus Co-operative. Opened since 1977, they have more than 140 preschools in Singapore. If you’re interested in their new Early Years Centres (EYC), there are three within the Punggol region at the moment.

Similar to PCF Sparkletots, they open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays. Sundays and public holidays are non-operational days. Singaporeans will only need to pay S$1,364.25/month (before subsidies) to have their infants enrolled. Other fees like registration, insurance, uniforms, and mattress cover costs will apply.

#5: Agape Little Uni

Did you know that Agape means “unconditional love” in the original Greek language? Established in 1995, Agape Little Uni joined the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) scheme in January 2016. Currently, their preschools at Cecil Street, Compassvale Crescent, and Upper Serangoon Crescent offer infant care programmes.

As part of the infant care curriculum, your child will be exposed to storytelling, songs & rhymes, and sensorial games. The full-day price is at S$1,498/month for Singapore citizens. By now, you should be aware that other enrollment fees may apply.

Parents who currently have kids enrolled in the abovementioned preschools, do share your experience in the comments section so new parents in our community can all benefit. Many thanks in advance!