People Are Raving Over Apple Singapore’s Floating Store

During Apple CEO Tim Cook’s last visit in December, he said that Singapore could use a third store as the Orchard branch was “pretty full”. Opening a new store may seem impossible given the global restrictions of the pandemic. Not to mention, Apple’s brick-and-mortar operations continue to grapple as the pandemic unfolds. In particular, the company has closed some of its stores due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in American states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, and Florida.

Many retailers, like Apple, have closed its physical stores due to the current situation. Thus, it was surprising to see Apple’s third store in Singapore. In case you’ve missed, the spherical structure floating on Marina Bay Sands is Apple’s newest store in the country. The upcoming opening of this store is groundbreaking for Apple as it is its first store to sit on water. According to the company, Apple Marina Bay Sands aims to bring its renowned products at an iconic location. Its other stores are located on Orchard Road and at the Singapore Changi Airport.

Apple writes this on its website:

“We will soon open the doors to our new store by the Bay. Apple Marina Bay Sands will be at the heart of creativity, a place we’ve made for you to capture your ideas and passions. It will be a space for you to explore, connect and create something new. We can’t wait to see where your imagination takes you.”

Picture a giant futuristic orb that lights up at night and is situated on the country’s waterfront. This was designed by London-based Foster + Partners architecture studio. Although this was the first floating store for Apple, this was not the first time that a slot of water was occupied by a commercial establishment. Avalon, a large nightclub, previously occupied the space from 2011 to 2016.

Many Instagram and Twitter users have shared images of this eye-catching flagship. If you are in the area, there are two ways to access the store. You may visit it via a footbridge or an underwater passage connecting to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Can you imagine the picturesque scenery it can create at night?

The company did not provide any other information as to how big the building was or when it will officially open.

Here’s the main entrance from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands:

Let us just wait and see!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Surefire Ways To Save Money While Taking Care Of Your Pets

As much as you love and adore your pets, long-term care adds up. From pet medications to cleaning supplies and vet visits, it is essential to reduce your expenses without endangering your pet’s health. Fortunately, there are many simple saving tips that can employ to keep the costs to a minimum.

CULTIVATE A SAFE SPACE

Responsible care starts with creating a safe environment for your pets. Prevent hefty and harmful accidents from occurring by storing poisonous, sharp, and dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. For instance, bleach and other household cleaners may cause serious accidents for your pets. Yarns can also get stuck inside your kitty’s intestines and cost you more than thousands of dollars for the surgery.

CONSIDER PET ADOPTION

The age-old advice encourages us to adopt and not to shop. Instead of making an impulse purchase at a pet shop, you can rescue lovely animals from animal rescue centers and other animal organizations. You can provide an adopted animal a wonder new life for a lower purchase price compared to investing on a purebred animal. Purebred animals such as Golden Retrievers can cost up to S$5,000, especially if they come with a pedigree certificate.

This tip is beyond saving money. It brings the fulfillment of knowing that you have saved a life too. Just ensure that you are adopting from a reputable animal welfare organization or a rescue center. One example is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Singapore, houses a variety of animals since its existence in the 1800s.

REDUCE THE VET TRIPS

The best way to eliminate medication costs is to prevent diseases. Vaccination is truly cheaper than the treatment for your pet’s disease. Consult your vet about the vaccination that your pet needs such the vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia virus. This virus is a highly contagious, severe infection that causes gastrointestinal, nervous system, and immune system diseases.

If your pet is already sick, ask the professional if a generic brand of medication works as well as the branded one. Generic brands are cheaper than the branded ones but they can also give the same effect.

MAKE YOUR OWN PET TOYS

Resist the temptation of purchasing several pet toys from pet stores. Often times, cheap plastic toys are poorly made and can easily get broken. Handmade toys work just as well. Moreover, you will be able to make sure that your pet’s preferences are met, using safe materials.

Most cats are fond of cardboard boxes and laser pointers. While, most dogs are fond of tug-o-war toys or empty plastic water bottles tied-up in a sock. Search thru the web for more ideas!

SLASH YOUR PET’S DENTAL EXPENSES

Gingivitis can damage your pet’s kidney and your finances since it requires expensive treatment and professional cleaning. To avoid this, do regular dental care at home. Wrap a significant amount of gauze on your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth. Brush your pet’s teeth using pet-friendly toothpaste, which may come in savory flavors such as chicken or malt. Toothpastes usually cost about S$10 per tube.

GROOM YOUR PET AT HOME

It is not only safer to groom your pet at home during this time, but it is also cheaper. It is possible to groom your long-haired furbaby at home. All you have to do is to equip yourself with an ear solution, pet shampoo, brush, and nail clippers.

Opt for a pet shampoo that can ward off parasites and fleas such as the ones available in Carousell, Lazada, and Kohepets. Having this special formulation is helpful due to Singapore’s hot weather.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Which of these pet care saving tips are you already using? Feel free to share us some of your coveted tips!

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How To Create Your Baking Starter Kit

There is no better time to bake than now!

In these stressful times, it is a good idea to find a healthy outlet to help you cope. A friend of mine and a couple of others have shared that they found peace in baking. Baking helps to distract you from the hard-hitting news brought by the pandemic. It also restarts your mind by keeping you engaged. Besides, just a whiff of a freshly-baked batch of cupcake and cookies can put your mind at ease.

What are you waiting for? Entertain yourself and your family by creating your own baking starter kit!

#1: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Baking is a combination art and science. You exude your creativity through using colorful decorations and unique ingredients. On the other hand, things need to be precise. Take your time when baking. Take your time when reading the recipe and formulating the best mixture. Start by knowing the most common baking equivalents.

Here are some of the common baking equivalents:

2 cups = 1 pint

2 pints = 1 quart

4 quarts = 1 gallon

3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup

5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 1/3 cup

#2: UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE

As with any field, baking has its own jargon. How can you read a recipe correctly when you cannot understand the commonly used terms? You need to educate yourself with the commonly used terms such as caramelize, combine, cream, stiff peaks, and whip.

a. Caramelize – to heat a sugar substance until it begins to turn brown.
b. Combine – to stir the ingredients together until mixed.
c. Cream – to beat sugar and butter together until a light, creamy texture and color has bee achieved.
d. Stiff Peaks – to whip egg whites or cream to the point at which a peak will stand completely straight up and out of the foam.
e. Whip – to stir briskly with a whisk to incorporate air.

#3: PURCHASE THE ESSENTIAL TOOLS

If you are a beginner baker or a master baker, it is helpful to gather the essential baking tools. Some of the essential tools include rolling pin, pastry brush, rubber spatula, wooden spoon, hand mixer, and measuring cup. Let me introduce you to some of these tools.

a. Measuring Cup – a tool that helps you to bake with precision. Having the full set of measuring cups and spoons is a must. It is better to have a set as you will be needing to measure both dry and wet ingredients accurately. Measuring cups usually come in a set of one cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, and ¼ cup. Measuring spoons usually come in a set of tablespoon, teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon.

b. Wooden Spoon – a sturdy tool that can help you stir various ingredients such as the thickest and heaviest dough. It is best to hand-wash your wooden spoon to prevent cracking.

c. Hand Mixer – an electrical or a manual kitchen tool consists of a set of beaters attached to a gear-driven mechanism to rotate the blades of the beaters. It helps to automate repetitive baking tasks such as stirring and whisking.

#4: CONSIDER BUYING A BAKING KIT

If all else fails, purchasing a Do-It-Yourself baking kit. As a newbie baker, you may be lost when it comes to finding the right ingredients to create a delicious cake or cupcake recipe. Fortunately for you, local stores offer Do-It-Yourself baking kits. It not only saves you time, but also some trips to the grocery!

a. DIY CHOCOLATE CAKE KIT BY JANICE WONG

Janice Wong, an award-winning chef, has brought her treats to our homes with the launch of Bake at Home. Her website includes baking tutorials and step-by-step baking recipes. While you cannot have her to for you everyday, you may create your own masterpiece with her DIY Chocolate Cake Kit.

It retails for S$42. The price is inclusive of: 1 Chocolate Cake Premix, 90ml Milk, 85ml Water, 30ml Olive Oil, 1 Egg, 1 Packet of Cream, 300g Cacao Barry Inaya 65% Dark Chocolate, 2 packets of Mini Chocolate Pearls, and a Cake board.

b. DIY CAKE DECORATING KIT BY 25GRAMS BAKERY

If your looking for vegan options, look no further than 25Grams Bakery. Their DIY Cake Decorating Kit retails for S$60. The kit includes a 6″ White Frosted Chocolate Cake, 4 frosting colors, Assorted Sprinkles and Sugar Balls, and 2 pairs of disposable gloves. As this kit focuses on the cake’s presentation, you may invite your child to help you in the kitchen.

c. DIY CUPCAKES KIT BY BAKEIN1

You may impress your family and friends by whipping up sugary treats such as lychee rose cupcakes, Nutella cookies, and molten lava cakes through the help of Bakein1. All you need is an oven and the ingredients inside their baking kits.

The Red Velvet Cupcake kit retails for S$23.90. The price includes the flour mix, frosting pack, and so much more. Check out their available recipes in their website!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When baking, it is important to have fun. Everything tastes better when you are having a good time while making it. Do not roll your eyes. There is truth in this!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Cost-Cutting Measures Taken By SIA To Alleviate The Effects of COVID-19

The tourism industry has taken a significant hit due to the global travel restrictions and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the Singapore government temporarily suspended the operations of Terminal 4 to adapt to the decline of flights.

The national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) was heavily affected by the pandemic too. It is currently operating at 7% of its scheduled capacity. The drastic drop of the travel demands led to a net loss of S$1.12 billion in SIA’s first quarter. This is why the SIA Group had to employ cost-cutting measures aimed at mitigating the harsh financial effects of the current circumstance.

The following are some of the SIA’s cost-cutting measures.

1. OFFERING NO-PAY LEAVE SINCE MARCH

Having leave without pay is something that is seen in different fields including the tourism industry. More than 6,000 SIA Group staff have taken up varying days of no-pay leave amidst the collapse in air travel. This number accounts for more than a fifth of the 27,000 staff under the SIA Group. You see, the SIA Group includes SilkAir and Scoot.

Pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff members have taken no-pay leaves with a minimum of seven days. These people who are on no-pay leave or are on furlough are allowed to look for other sources of income and employment outside of the company, provided that they are non-work pass holders.

2. WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO RESCHEDULE PAYMENTS AND REDUCE COSTS

SIA is on a mission to negotiate adjustments with aircraft manufacturers. They have been and will continue to negotiate on existing orders and payment schemes to reduce near-term cash outflows. This strategy is something that many businesses are adopting.

3. CUTTING SALARIES AND WAGES

To reduce the lay-offs and to help the SIA Group to survive during this time, all the staff have taken cuts from their salaries. Managers and people with higher ranks have taken cuts ranging between 12 to 35 percent (%), with its Chief Executive Officer taking the highest cut of 35%. While all the other staff have taken a cut of about 10% on their basic salary.

4. HAVING EARLY RETIREMENT AND RELEASE OPTIONS

In its continuous search to reduce its operational costs, SIA has offered its cabin crew early release or retirement options. Cabin crew members who successfully apply for the scheme will receive benefits and payouts. The trainee crew will not be eligible. Eligible applicants have until August 2020 to apply. Each application will be considered on its merits. The results of the application will be released by mid-September 2020.

Cabin crew members will reap different benefits based on their employment status. For instance, crew members who are still serving their bond as of August 1 will be granted a waiver of any outstanding bond repayment if they successfully apply to leave early. On the other hand, crew members in the last year of their contract as of August 1 who successfully apply to leave early, will reap a pro-rated gratuity without having to complete the current contract.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Experts have said that these various measures will help the SIA Group, but not to the extent that it can avoid eventual job cuts. This is due to the decrease in travel demands and the increase in current manpower. Moreover, a quick recovery is nowhere in sight as the International Air Transport Association stated that it will be until 2024 before the travel demand returns to the last year’s level.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How Frugal Are You Really?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, frugality is characterized by being careful in the usage of one’s resources. Those who are frugal are unwilling to lavishly enjoy the fruits of their labor. It may come as a surprise to you to know that the word frugal derives from the Latin term “frux”, meaning “fruit” or “value”.

In Behavioral Science, frugality is defined as the resourceful use of already economic goods and services to achieve a long-term goal. If you are keen to adapt this multi-dimensional consumer lifestyle trait in order to save money during the pandemic, you may read the list below to see how many frugal choices you have been doing.

#1: YOU CREATE A GROCERY LIST AND STICK TO IT

Instead of grabbing whatever attracts your eye at the counter, you prefer to create a grocery list and stick to it. It is easy to increase awareness when it comes to your grocery spending when you plan ahead. It may be challenging at first and you may forget several items, but you will find yourself becoming more intentional with your listings as time passes by.

The grocery list is essential because frugal people plan their meals and frequently eat at home. You may avoid the temptation of dropping by a fast food chain by keeping a container of snacks in your bag or in your car. Calm your rumbling tummy as you travel back home.

#2: YOU DO NOT CARRY CREDIT CARD BALANCES

Frugal people are not dictated by their credit card purchases. While some have the discipline to pay off their credit cards every month in full, others choose to stay away from these entirely.

Self-awareness and control play play huge roles in a person’s success with credit cards. If you have been in debt for years, consider to cut down on your credit card spending and pay them off once and for all.

#3: YOU DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR HEALTH

Being frugal does not mean that you will only invest on cheaper alternatives and low-quality food items. Many frugal people choose to eat healthier greens and legumes and keep meat to a minimum. Frugality does not compromise health to save money. Frugal people have strategically plan their meals and have invested on insurance plans that will benefit them in the future.

#4: YOU DO NOT WASTE FOOD

Frugality entails that you use what you have until you need to replenish it. Frugal people eat leftovers until they are non-consumable or inedible. Eating your leftovers also cuts down on your food expenses and environmental waste.

You may create new meals from your leftover food. For instance, your leftover chicken can be shredded and turned into chicken sandwich. While, leftover rice can be used for your egg fried rice. Just ask Uncle Roger!

#5: YOU LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES

Frugal people are not perfect. No one is. Frugal people make financial mistakes and learn from it. You may have spent too much on your holiday shopping last year or caved in to your monthly food cravings.

It is important to be aware of these financial mistakes. If going over budget becomes a habit, you need to re-evaluate your spending patterns and your budget.

#6: YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR BILLS

Frugal people look for ways to save money by keeping track of their bills. Other than eliminating unnecessary plans or subscriptions, you may find it easier to pay off your dues through auto-pay programs.

Search through the profiles of your service providers and ask if they have automatic payment schemes. For instance, some telecommunication plans offer automatic payment schemes through online banking. This way, you will be able to save on time and avoid paying late fees.

#7: YOU NEGOTIATE ON A PRODUCT OR A SERVICE

Frugal people love to negotiate to get a good deal. Whether they are purchasing a gadget or an appliance, they excel in the art of negotiation or spotting the best deal. They do not shy away from purchasing second-hand or pre-loved items to get a good deal. And, they certainly do not want to spend S$85 on a cup of coffee.

#8: YOU COMPARE PRICES FIRST

In order to save more money, frugal people tend to search high and low for the best prices and free upgrades. Helpful price comparison apps and websites have flooded the market these days. Some popular price comparison websites in Singapore include pricepanda.com.sg and iprice.sg. Use these tools to help you decide on an item, before adding it to the cart.

#9: YOU SHOP OUT OF NEED

Making shopping a hobby can cause a significant hole on your wallet. Frugal people shop out of need and save money whenever they can. Finding an inexpensive hobby is easy, when you are open to the possibilities. I, myself, am learning how to play a new instrument. I have picked up a Kalimba (Thumb Piano) online for a little over 20 dollars. This inexpensive instrument has provided countless hours of entertainment for me and my family. Now, my entire house knows how to play the Kalimba.

#10: YOU DO NOT SHOP BASED ON YOUR EMOTIONS

Shopping based on your mood may lead to buyer’s remorse and impulse purchases. Frugal people can get into emotional circumstances too, but they usually are not emotional spenders.

You can be the most disciplined person under normal circumstances, but be heavily impacted with unfortunate circumstances. We are not exempted from the effects of the global pandemic. When this happens, you have the choice to throw all the structure out of the window or to slow down and examine possible solutions.

#11: YOU CONTINUE LEARNING

Personal development is important across all fields. Frugal people continue to learn from others and their own financial mistakes. It is beneficial to listen to educational audiobooks and enroll to (free or paid) online classes to boost your professional and personal growth. You may browse through the free courses by Google Digital Garage to start growing and learning.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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