Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

4 baby food makers $299 & under for parents who want to make parenting a little easier

Parenting can be a joyful journey, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.

And one area where many parents find themselves seeking convenience is in preparing nutritious meals for their little ones (not store-bought ones).

Luckily, there’s a wide range of baby food makers available that not only simplify the process but also help you ensure that your baby gets the best start in their culinary adventures.

So stay on this page as we show you a list of baby food makers priced at $299 and below, designed to make parenting a little easier and mealtime a whole lot tastier.

Boboduck Baby Food Maker

Promo Price: $150.97

First up, we have this clever baby food maker which is equivalent to having your own personal chef—minus the mess. Simply load the ingredients, press one button and the device gets to work steaming and blending your baby’s meal to the perfect consistency.

The micro-grinding technology breaks down chunks for easy digestion while retaining nutrients, and the removable parts clean up in no time. You can even preset the machine to automatically cook ingredients at different times so dinner is ready when you are.

Best of all, the built-in safety lock and overheat protection give parents peace of mind. Simply put, this space-saving appliance whips up wholesome, homemade meals in a snap, so your little one gets all the nutrients and none of the unknown nasties found in store-bought baby food.

Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker

Price: $160

This little appliance makes mealtime a breeze for busy parents. The Lunavie Smart Baby Food Maker is a 2-in-1 device that can both steam and blend foods in one simple step, preserving nutrients to make the most wholesome, homemade meals for your little one.

Just add ingredients to the bowl, press the one-dial control to steam or blend, and the heating element and powerful motor go to work. Make fruit and veggie purées, meat and grain meals, or more in minutes.

The automatic shut-off prevents overcooking and the low noise level won’t disturb napping babies. Say goodbye to premade baby food with this handy machine that helps you make the most nutritious start for your fast-growing child.

Beaba Babycook Plus – Grey

Promo Price: $259

If you have a little more budget to spare, consider this all-in-one baby food maker.

In under 20 minutes, the Beaba Babycook Plus steams and blends fresh fruits, veggies, and meats into nutritious meals of any consistency—from fine purees to chunky toddler food. The four-in-one functions—steam cooking, blending, defrosting, and reheating—make meal prep a breeze.

In addition, the two cooking bowls let you make double batches simultaneously. The one-handed design means you can hold your baby with one arm while operating the machine with the other. And the appliance also features dishwasher-safe parts and an auto shut-off timer to take the hassle out of cleanup and safety.

With this handy kitchen helper, creating tasty, healthy homemade baby food has never been simpler—giving you more time to focus on nurturing little ones as they grow.

Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker

Price: $299

Last but not least, we have the Tommee Tippee Quick Cook Baby Food Maker to help you make fresh, healthy meals for your little one in minutes, not weary hours.

Simply add your choice of fruits and veggies to the steam basket, select the ‘steam and blend’ setting, and let this machine work its magic to preserve nutrients and flavor while transforming meals into the right texture.

The automatic shut-off timer takes the guesswork out of cooking times so you can focus on tasks like attending to your baby’s needs. And the smart memory function remembers your last settings for up to 30 minutes, so you can quickly whip up another batch without reprogramming.

With three operating modes to choose from including steam-only and blend-only, this baby food maker makes it easy to experiment and find what works best for your young one.

Parents always strive to provide the best for their little ones, and that includes providing them with wholesome meals. With the help of these baby food makers priced at $299 and under, you can take the stress out of meal preparation and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your baby’s food. From steaming and blending to reheating and defrosting, these versatile machines are designed to simplify your parenting journey and make mealtime a breeze. Happy cooking!

How to ease yourself out of the addiction to beauty treatments when you no longer have that kind of money to spare

Look, you used to treat yourself regularly to all kinds of beauty treatments when the money was flowing in like water.

Facials, massages, manicures, hair treatments—nothing was too much for you. Now times are tough and the cash has dried up. But your skin and hair still crave the pampering?

The addiction to beauty treatments is hard to break when it has become such a habit. You feel stressed and not quite yourself without your weekly appointment at the salon. Your skin breaks out, your nails chip and your hair loses its shine.

Panic starts to rise in your chest at the thought of facing the world without your usual preening.

How?

Your addiction to beauty treatments

For many of us, looking good is linked to feeling good.

Ever since young, society and the media have taught us that our worth is tied to our appearance. So we rely on these quick fixes to boost our confidence and self-esteem.

But the truth is, real beauty comes from within. Focus on the qualities that make you, you—your talents, skills, personality, values, and spirit. Learn to appreciate yourself for who you are, not just how you look.

Once you break the psychological dependence, the rest will follow. Do a budget review to find areas where you can cut costs. Try less expensive DIY treatments or go natural. Your skin and hair will adjust, don’t worry.

Strategies to gradually reduce dependency

Reduce frequency

Instead of going for a facial every month, extend it to every 6 weeks first. Then maybe 2 months. And then, perhaps only before special events/occasions? Slowly space out your treatments so your skin and wallet can adjust.

Try less expensive alternatives

Things like facial masks, serums, or creams can give you a glow too, right? Buy some to use in between salon visits. Natural ingredients like honey, egg whites, or aloe vera can moisturize and brighten your skin without breaking the bank. And explore other DIY methods—reusable stick-on nails, etc.

Image Credits: makeup.com

Ask for modifications

Tell your beautician or salon staff you want a more basic package with fewer frills. Focus on essentials like cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing. Skip the expensive boosters and fancy machines first. Ask them to suggest products you can use at home also, so you rely less on the salon.

Finding affordable alternatives to expensive beauty treatments

Other than DIY masks, look into natural remedies using essential oils like tea tree oil.

A few drops in your cleanser or moisturizer can help reduce breakouts and balance oily skin. Lavender oil calms and soothes, perfect for sensitive skin.

Exfoliate regularly to remove dead cells. Baking soda, sugar or coffee grounds gently buff away dullness. Follow up with a moisturizing mask once a week.

Limit sun exposure and use sun protection. Too much sun accelerates aging and skin damage. Wear sunscreen, caps/hats, and limit time in the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

You can also consider taking vitamins/supplements like fish oil, vitamin C, or collagen to support skin, hair, and nail health. Staying hydrated also keeps your system functioning well.

By being resourceful and tapping into alternatives, you can achieve a healthy, radiant you without the hefty price tag. Affordable beauty is within your reach, you just have to spend a little more effort.

So there you have it, some tips to slowly wean yourself off the beauty treatments without suffering major withdrawal symptoms. At the end of the day, learn to appreciate yourself for who you are, your flaws and all. Your worth isn’t defined by how much you spend at the salon or spa. Your natural glow will shine through, no expensive creams or serums required. Take heart, the addiction can be broken.

Latest WFH internships posted from 18 to 21 December 2023

Looking for a remote internship opportunity for 2024?

Stop searching blindly and allow us to show you the worthy ones we’ve sieved out from the ocean of openings.

Here’s what we have for you this week.

#1: Campari Group – Customer Service & Logistics Intern

Website: campari.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications

Advanced Microsoft Office Skills (Excel & PowerPoint)
Proficiency in data analysis tools
Strong analytical skills
Proficient in English, and other Asian languages will be an added advantage
Good communication skills both written & verbal
Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
Team player who thrives in a self-directed, collaborative, and fast-paced environment

Key Responsibilities

Support in developing and managing SOP for the supply chain process
Manage monthly and weekly reporting processes for the Customer Service & Logistics team
Work with the local CS&L team to automate the reporting process and drive continuous improvement
Assist in the analysis and optimization of customer service & logistics processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Coordinate and support other supply chain projects to drive efficiency.
Act as a backup for the Customer Service & Logistics team as required or during month-end closures
Participate in the monitoring of order fulfillment, shipment, and delivery processes to ensure on-time delivery to customers.
Other duties as assigned

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#2: ERS Asia Pte Ltd – Graphic Design Intern

Website: event.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently graduated in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
A strong portfolio showcasing creativity and skill in design.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced environment.
A basic understanding of event planning and production is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the development of design concepts for various events and campaigns.
Create compelling visual materials including digital graphics, print collateral, and event branding elements.
Collaborate with the creative team to ensure consistency in design across all project phases.
Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas.
Support the team in managing design timelines and deliverables.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#3: Aspire Financial Technologies – Brand Marketing Intern

Website: aspireapp.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Pursuing a bachelor’s program in Communications, Business, Public Relations, Journalism, and Social Sciences.
Self-starter, ability to work and thrive within a fast-paced, culturally diverse and evolving environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Enthusiasm and experience in planning and executing events
You pride yourself in your creativity, organization, and drive for execution
Available for a full-time or part-time (at least 3 days) internship.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Aspire’s Brand and Commercial teams with events planning and execution including liaising with vendors, designers, and prospects
Support efficient communication with internal and external stakeholders concerning events logistics and brand campaigns
Experimenting with creative content formats (including videos and podcasts) to deliver new and engaging experiences for a finance audience
Responsible for planning, researching, and keeping track of the competition’s social media content
Ideating, producing, improving, and measuring the performance of social media channels in English

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply via this link.

#4: Lily & Co – Event Planning Intern

Website: lilyandcosg.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Unspecified.

Key Responsibilities

Provide planning support – monitoring and responding to couples and vendor queries over email & other communication channels
Planning and scheduling of the discussion calls with couples & planners
Brainstorm, manage, and develop program schedules and briefs for wedding vendors
Write to vendors for quotations and partnerships
Ad-hoc content creation for social media channels
Support with social reports, insights, and payment to partners/vendors/creators
Participate in brainstorming sessions/discussions within the team on how to improve in delivery of content on all social platforms
Assist in actual day coordination, setup, and teardown of event together with Planners & Stylists

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Joanna via this link.

#5: Horangi Cyber Security – Marketing Intern

Website: horangi.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications

Final year students in Business, Engineering, Information Management, Computer Science
Highly curious and willing to learn
A creative and business-oriented mind with an interest in Marketing
Fluent in English
Independent, fast-learner & technology-savvy
Strong communication skills with an eye for detail
Good time management and administrative skills
Able to think on your feet, and turn feedback into results while thriving in a dynamic work environment

Key Responsibilities

Facilitate the marketing team in piloting go-to-market plans
Responsible for data administration in Hubspot inbound automation system and email campaigns
Plan and execute external marketing events (being onsite and taking care of logistics along with agency help)
Research and prepare materials to support the development of marketing assets
Conduct general marketing administration, including sourcing of vendors, events management

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.

Why you should think through long-term costs before picking up a new hobby for 2024

Don’t be so eager to sign up for that pottery class or buy that fancy new camera just yet, yeah?

2024’s barely getting started, so take it slow. All those New Year resolutions to pick up new hobbies can end up costing you a pretty penny if you don’t do your sums properly.

Before you get carried away by those introductory offers and promotions, sit down and think it through carefully. Those purchases aren’t going to pay for themselves.

While it’s good to try new things, don’t end up with hobby regret because you didn’t realize how much time, money, and commitment it would all take. New hobbies often require ongoing costs to stay invested in them long-term.

Do your research, set a budget, and be realistic about whether you will still be as enthusiastic about it in a few months. FOMO is real but your wallet will thank you for not jumping into anything too quickly.

The hidden costs of hobbies

Picking up a new hobby for the new year sounds exciting, but don’t jump in blindly!

Many hobbies require more moolah than you expect. Think it through, otherwise your wallet will kena robbed before you know it.

First up, we have the initial investment. This includes the equipment, gear, or instruments you need to get started, as well as any learning materials or class fees.

Photography, for example, needs a decent camera, lenses, filters, and editing software. Learn-to-dance-from-scratch classes or art lessons don’t come free either. Factor in these first costs before committing to a hobby.

Then there are the ongoing costs to maintain it. Things like replacement parts, new accessories, tools, or materials that you will keep buying.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

A musical instrument needs new strings or reeds, sports gear needs new balls or shuttlecocks. Don’t forget recurring fees like gym memberships and subscription services.

Also consider the time you’re spending, which has an opportunity cost. The hours put into your hobby could have been used to rest, spend with loved ones, or work freelance. If your hobby starts eating into time for responsibilities, it may not be sustainable in the long run.

Last but not least, hobbies often expand into more advanced and expensive levels as your interests and skills grow over time. You start with basic equipment but soon want higher quality, professional-grade gear.

Casual rock climbing turns into a need for your ropes, harnesses, and anchors. An amateur drone becomes a high-performance aircraft with an expensive camera. Be prepared for your hobby to cost more as you get more serious!

Think through not just the fun parts, but also the financial and time commitments needed to keep it going in the years ahead. That way, your hobby will bring you joy for the long term instead of draining your resources quickly and fizzling out.

How to evaluate long-term costs before picking a hobby

Equipment and supplies

The starting costs are usually the most obvious. A new hobby means new stuff to buy, right? But don’t forget things like upgrades, replacements, and maintenance. If it’s a sport, factor in costs for proper attire and safety gear. For creative hobbies, think about the ongoing cost of materials. Do some research online to determine the rough costs of essential equipment and supplies.

Space and storage

Next, consider if you need a dedicated space for your hobby and if you have room for the required storage. Renting a studio or garage can quickly increase costs. And if it’s an activity that creates a product, like woodworking or quilting, you will need space to store materials and your creations.

Membership and facility fees

Many hobbies also have recurring membership or facility fees. Things like gym memberships, club dues, pool or court time, etc. Find out if there are annual, monthly, or per-use fees to participate and factor those in.

Travel expenses

Don’t forget additional costs if your hobby requires travel to events, competitions, conferences, or training. Fuel for road trips, airfare, and hotel stays can add up over time. Think about how often you may need to travel for your hobby and estimate those expenses.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So you see, picking up a hobby is not so simple. It’s good to sit down and think properly about how much everything going to cost you in the long run. If not, you will be rudely shocked by how much money is spent, and then end up having to give up halfway. A new year is coming, and it’s normal to think of starting a new venture with good intentions. But good intentions are not enough, one must have good planning also. So do your sums, check your budget, and see how much you can afford to spend on this hobby of yours before diving in. If the math doesn’t work out, the answer’s pretty clear.

Latest WFH internships posted from 11 to 14 December 2023

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, there’s a high possibility that more companies are returning to WFH arrangements.

And if you’re looking for a remote internship opportunity, you’re in luck!

Here’s what we’ve found this week.

#1: Woopa Travels Pte Ltd – Tour Operations Intern

Website: woopa.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $950 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications

Visually presentable and speaks in a pleasant manner
Confident in managing a group of people
Able to communicate effectively
Keen interest in tourism
Anyone can apply

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate pre-tour work, which includes procuring goods and services and liaising with clients, tour guides, transport vendors, venue, and stakeholders
Coordinate post-tour work which includes collecting guests’ feedback and online reviews (e.g. TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google+)
Involve in direct tour operations such as being facilitator, coordinator, game master, tech, and admin in both physical and virtual tours
Be responsible for logistics inventory tracking
Represent the company and interact with the clients in a professional and presentable manner
Work with the sales team with regard to operational matters for each tour
Assist with procurement of supplies and tour development if required
Other ad-hoc duties as assigned.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Liyana Nashita via this link.

#2: Changi Travel Services Pte Ltd – Video Editor Intern

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A post shared by Changi Recommends (@changirecommends)

Website: changirecommends.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $10 hourly

Job Qualifications

Strong video animation skills using Adobe After Effects, and proficiency in video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro/Final Cut Pro.
Editing techniques for long-form, corporate, interview video, and promotional video editing.
Meticulous & strong attention to detail, including being independent & resourceful.
Ability to think visually, conceptualize stories, and edit videos independently based on tight deadlines.
A self-motivated, team player with a positive attitude.
Proven experience in video editing / dynamic visual content (animation, audio, real-life filming).
Proficiency in photography / videography would be an added advantage.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in video animation and editing.

Key Responsibilities

Editing & creating video content (promotional/product videos and social media content) with the raw materials and footage for various company business units.
Develop animations and video elements to enhance video content.
Assist the full video production process including conceptualization, storyboarding, filming, and post-editing.
Collaborate with various business units to develop and create impactful corporate videos according to required project specifications.
Assist in copywriting of video content and descriptions.
Assist in filming and coordinating with the film crew, as well as carrying, moving & setting up video equipment at the filming site(s).

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Andrea via this link.

#3: Try & Review – Digital Marketing Intern

Website: tryandreview.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Degree in Marketing, Technology, Computer Science or Business
High fluency in spoken and written English
A good knowledge and understanding of online/digital business
Possess excellent analytical skills, ability to leverage data analytics to drive actionable insights and recommendations
Good planning skills, organized and process-driven
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; mature and engaging personality
Highly result-oriented with the ability to work under pressure and meet targets
Agile mindset: curious, adventurous, and ready to work in a growing team
Very good command of Google tools (Gmail, Sheets and Slides)
Candidates with e-commerce or digital agency internship experience have an added advantage
Experience with task management tools is a plus (ClickUp, Asana, Monday, Wrike…)
High fluency in spoken and written Tagalog, Cantonese, Bahasa, Thai, or Vietnamese is not a requirement but added value.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and execute cross-channel marketing campaigns (incl. email, SMS, paid search, and social).
Optimize acquisition & engagement strategies daily
In the context of our ongoing product test campaigns, collaborate with Campaign Managers to schedule, execute, and optimize acquisition campaigns to guarantee the achievement of clients’ KPIs
Update reports and dashboards to provide real-time, ongoing insights to key internal and external stakeholders.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply via this link.

#4: ComfortDelGro Pte Ltd – Corporate Communications Intern

Website: comfortdelgro.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Unspecified.

Key Responsibilities

Support the communications teams on new and ongoing projects that span branding, financial communications, media relations, and social media, as well as admin-related tasks.
Collaborate closely with the team to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies
Craft engaging content and communication materials for both internal and external audiences
Support the development of the Group’s Annual Report to shareholders
Support the planning and execution of events
Support media relations and monitor media coverage
Manage and monitor the Group’s social media channels
Conduct research and gather information for communication projects

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Chia Li Qing via this link.

#5: Dokidoki (Pte. Ltd.) – Creative Design Intern

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Website: dokijuice.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Proficiency in software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Canva.
Eagerness to learn new skills, adapt to changing trends, and experiment with new content formats and techniques.
Strong creative thinking skills to develop unique and engaging content that stands out in the digital space.

Key Responsibilities

Conceptualize, shoot, and edit engaging video content for digital platforms.
Produce short-form video content tailored for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, highlighting our products and brand story.
Develop visually appealing graphics and layouts for digital marketing campaigns, including social media posts, email newsletters, and product catalogs.
Help manage and curate content for social media channels, ensuring a steady stream of engaging and relevant posts.
Manage timelines and deliverables for video projects, ensuring they are completed within set deadlines.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Jasmine via this link.