Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Makeup Addict’s Guide To Saving More Money

From all walks of life, makeup addicts are not afraid to widen their collection of beauty products. Fortunately, you do not have to spend too much to feel like a million bucks! Save money by employing these simple hacks below.

#1: EXPERIMENT WITH COLORS AND SHADES

Play the role of a beauty scientist without having to wear a lab gown by mixing your cosmetics. A YouTuber named Safiya Nyagaard explored the possibilities of fusing her nude lipsticks and her eye shadow palettes. It resulted to her favorite product – the Franken lipstick.

Without spending a cent on additional colors, you can achieve your dream products! Mix or melt a couple of your lipstick, eye shadow, and foundation together to create a new look. This will come in handy when you buy a product that you regret. For instance, I bought a “hot pink” lipstick recently. I bought it mainly due to its organic formulation. To make it more wearable, I layer it with a pinkish nude shade.

#2: USE YOUR BRUSH, NOT YOUR FINGERS

There is a reason why makeup artists have distinct brushes for specific purposes! For starters, using a brush allows you to precisely apply the product where you intend it to be. Furthermore, using fingers primarily may result to wastage of the product.

I have to admit that I am one of those people who find it easier to apply foundation using my fingers. I seem to control the blending better using this technique. However, I frequently have to wipe off a pea-sized amount with tissue. The seemingly small amounts add up!

#3: GIVE DRUGSTORE BRANDS A CHANCE

It is tempting to purchase the latest products available at Sephora, especially if you have a loyalty card. Constantly searching for high-end products can lead to overlooking the drugstore counterparts and its potential savings. Give drugstore products a fair chance!

A true makeup addict knows that the drugstore brands are stepping up their game as they launch quality collections with competitive formulas. You may notice that some drugstore brands collaborate with famous celebrities. Take a look at the neutral capsule created by Gigi Hadid for Maybelline.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Maybelline along with Wet n Wild, Essence, and L’oreal are some of the best drugstore brands out there. Do not be afraid to explore cheaper dupes of your favorite high-end products!

Sources: 1 & 2

Know These 7 Share-worthy Money Facts

It goes without saying that money is essential in all aspects of our lives – it even makes the world go round! We use it just about every day, but how much do we really know about it?

Widen your knowledge about our currency and the history with these 7 share-worthy money facts:

1. From soaps and grains to bear’s teeth and bird’s claw, there have been a variety of bizarre currencies throughout the history. The cowry is one of the longest and most widely used form of money. It is none other than the vibrant shell of a sea snail. Its durability made it a popular choice among the early civilizations.

2. Focus at the back of the S$1,000 note. A microtext of the entire lyrics of the national anthem is printed on it. See for yourself!

3. Why is the piggy bank called as such? Do pigs have their own financial institutions where the tellers would dress in suits? Not in this lifetime! In Old English, “pygg” refers to a type of clay used to make dishes and jars that contained funds. This was eventually morphed to the piggy bank that we know today.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. Why are polymer notes circulated instead of paper notes? For starters, polymer notes last three to four times longer than its paper counterparts. Its tear-resistant feature entails that you do not have to worry about emptying your pockets before loading your jeans into the washing machine. What’s more? Polymore notes have the ability to incorporate more security features.

5. Most modern counting machines can tally about 2,500 coins per minute. While, a bank’s note-counting machine can tally up to 100 bills in four seconds. The machines can also spot counterfeits!

6. Have you ever heard of the Roman goddess Juno? Worry not, if her name does not ring any bells. Let me provide you with a brief insight on Roman mythology. Juno is the “Goddess of Good Counsel”, whose mere name means adviser. While Moneta is the “Goddess of Memory”, a name where words mint and money were acquired from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

These two goddesses were symbolized in “The Temple of Juno Moneta”. Ancient Romans made their coins in this temple alone as the goddesses were perceived to protect the funds.

7. The lushious tree found at the S$5 note is an actual tree in the Botanic Gardens. This Tembusu tree is believed to be at least 200 years old. It is even older than the 156-year-old garden! Amazing, right?

That rounds up seven of the most interesting facts about money. Leave a comment below, if you want to share your own mind-blowing or unusual financial fact.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Realistic Steps To Handle Customer Complaints

As a business owner there are some things that you can momentarily run away from, but never fully escape. You probably have an idea about what I am talking about! It does not matter whether your design is streamlined or whether you are the “top dog” in the field. Customer complaints are inevitable in the entrepreneurial sense. Not to mention, we live in a society where voicing out one’s concerns is an acceptable behavior.

Complaints must be acknowledged and dealt with in an efficient fashion. Dealing with complaints will help you identify business’ issues and improve its services. On that note, here are Realistic Steps To Handle Customer Complaints:

1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH

It is easy to let your emotions get in the way, when you are faced with a disgruntled customer whose sentiments imply how incompetent you are. I have been in this fueling position before! Let me paint the story for you.

As a frontliner of a contemporary fitness studio, I had the chance to interact with people from different walks of life (including international celebrities). I will never forget the first complaint that I received. With all her might, the customer shouted her concerns regarding her package. It was a humble misunderstanding regarding the promotional package that she bought. Despite my nerves, I took a deep breath and listened to what she had to say.

2. APPEAR INTERESTED

Keeping a straight-face when tackled with criticism is challenging, but it is something that you have to do. Take a step back and carefully listen to the customer’s concerns. Let the customer finish his or her sentiments before you respond.

When responding, it is best to bury your defensive and emotional tones. Responding in an insensitive manner may irritate the customer further. In most cases, the customer is not there to personally attack you. He or she is simply upset about a product or a service and wants an appropriate solution. So, appear interested and emphatic. Respond in a mirroring manner – rephrase his or her concerns to ensure that you understood the situation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Put yourself in their shoes. If you had a problem with an establishment, at the very least, you would want your voice to be heard.

3. ADDRESS THE PROBLEM/S

The next step leans to the identification of the problem or problems at hand. In a polite and concerned manner, probe the customer to get more information about the seemingly unappealing situation. Does the problem involve certain members of the staff or does it focus on a feature of a particular product?

The more details that you can squeeze out from the customer, the better you can understand his or her perspective. You will begin to understand why the customer acts in this manner. Leveling to where the person is at can allow you to simmer down your emotions as well. Furthermore, it prevents you from jumping into conclusions.

4. APOLOGIZE IMMEDIATELY

A sincere apology acts a first aid to mend the situation. After hearing out his or her entire side of the story, apologize without blaming any employee or department. The heat of a situation is typically diffused when the customer senses that you are genuinely sorry for indirectly or directly causing the unpleasant experience.

For instance, you are a hostess at a large-chain restaurant. A hungry customer complains for waiting in line for more than an hour. You may say something along the lines of: “I apologize for the long queue. We are working as fast as possible to get you a table. We really appreciate your patience and willingness to wait. Until your table is perfectly ready, may I interest you to have a drink at the bar.” Saying this demonstrates that you understand the weight of the customer’s frustration and are working on a dedicated solution.

5. KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS

Every business establishment (regardless of its offline or online nature) should come up with a contingency plan for customer complaints. One of the simplest solutions is giving a sincere apology followed by a thank you note. What is the note for?

As the hit song from the American singer Selena Gomez goes: “kill ’em with kindness”. Rather than defending the operations side, turn the other cheek. Thank the customers for sharing their stories and raising their concerns. Declare your appreciation for their efforts in taking the time to talk or to write to you about it. Then, work on smoothly arriving at a solution with them. You may provide a form of compensation such as a discounted meal, a free dessert, or a gift certificate for the next visit.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Be creative without breaking the bank!

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Healthy Snacks Under S$10

To an utmost degree, balancing one’s personal life and dual careers is common in Singapore. Our busy schedules hinder us from preparing sophisticated meals. Thus, a good portion of the population rely on instant or ready-made snacks. Maintaining this routine can sacrifice your health for convenience. This should not always be the case!

Just because you are challenged with the elements of limited time and tight budget does not mean that you have to undermine the health benefits of snacks. Stock up on these affordable and healthy goodies for next time!

#1: GREEK YOGURT

As an early childhood educator, I realized that you can mask nutritious fruits and vegetables by incorporating them in familiar desserts. Picky eaters will be delighted to know that there is a healthier alternative to ice cream. Simply mix your favorite fruits with Greek yogurt and freeze it overnight. You may grab DAIRY FARMER’s natural Greek Yogurt (S$7.35) at Cold Storage.

What makes Greek yogurt nutritious is its low sugar and low lactose content. This means that people who suffer from lactose intolerance can eat this snack without qualms. Its benefits are mainly due to the meticulous straining process, which results to a thicker and a creamier product.

Do not confuse Greek yogurt with Greek-style yogurt! The latter usually contains gelatin, gum blends, stabilizers, preservatives, and other add-ons to achieve a thick product despite of having a quick straining process.

#2: DRIED MIXED FRUITS

Reality check, please! We live in a fast-paced city where the mere act of peeling or chopping fruits is seen as a tedious task. However, there is an alternative to snacking on bite-sized fresh fruits. Go to FairPrice to check out a variety of packed dried fruits such as the Harvest Fields’ Dried Mixed Fruits (S$3.35). Dried fruits come in many shapes and sizes. Some companies are even bold enough to experiment by adding delectable treats such as the chocolate-coated dried mangoes from the Philippines. It goes without saying that dried fruits have a huge audience to satisfy.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Dried mixed fruits has been proven to contain twice as many as antioxidants as fresh fruits. I am not suggesting that you eat an entire bowl of dried prunes or raisins. Keep the serving size in mind during consumption. To ensure that you can maximize its nutrient content, please check the ingredients before dumping several packs into your shopping basket. Steer away from added sugars and syrups.

#3: PEANUT BUTTER

Whether you want to believe it or not, research has shown that the Peanut Butter packs a macronutrient-punch! This sweet spread is rich in carbohydrates (e.g., fiber), protein, potassium, and fat. Let us move on to the “calorie bank”. It is important to note that 100 grams of Peanut Butter only contains 588 calories. I am sure that you will control your serving when snacking on this. A healthier option is unsalted peanut butter. The “Adams Unsalted Peanut Butter” is available for S$5.90 at FairPrice.

Watch your favorite TV series by snacking on whole grain crackers smeared with the said spread. Drop by the nearby FairPrice to know the difference between plain crackers and Munchy’s Wheat Cracker (S$2.30).

#4: BANANA

Banana is an ideal snack for active athletes, growing children, tireless employees, and hungry minions. Humor aside, banana is a tropical fruit containing high potassium, soluble fiber, and easily digestible simple sugars.

Presenting itself as a snack with the slightest effort to prepare, the banana has been known as the “happy fruit”. Why is this so? Banana increases serotonin levels to improve your mood. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Possessing positive emotions can prevent the risk of emotional binge eating.

Fortunately for you, I stumbled upon an organic online store that offers some of the best prices in the country. A quick search to organicdelivery.sg will bring you to the Organic Thai bananas that costs S$3.75 per 500 grams. Browse to their site to choose among the wide varieties of organic fruits.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

3 Budget-Friendly Animal Cafes In Singapore

Best known for writing the “Supreme Philosophy of Man”, American author Alfred Montapert once expressed his ideals on animals. For him: “Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

How can we compete with non-judgmental creatures that seek companionship and empathy? As much as you want to surround yourselves with adorable pets, you may be restricted by the law. You have to follow the neighborhood pet guidelines mandated by the HDB. Furthermore, you may be excessively preoccupied with work or school that you do not have enough time to maintain one. A good alternative to satisfy your fondness for cats, dogs, or birds is to visit an animal cafe.

Animal cafes may have been a rising trend in Singapore but, it has been prevalent in other parts of the world for years. Let us take Japan as an example. You will not believe the wide variety of animal cafes in Japan! From exotic reptiles to heartwarming bunnies, store owners explore unconventional pet possibilities. These cafes were primarily built to ease the stress of the country’s hardworking citizens. Previous studies support the therapeutic effects of interacting with animals.

Whether you want to chill at a relaxing environment or to build new relationships, consider visiting any of these places.

OFUR PAW CAFE

If your happy place consists of giving unlimited belly rubs then, Ofur Paw Cafe is perfect for you.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a gem called Ofur Paw Cafe. It is a pleasant addition to the sprouting dog cafes in Singapore. How is this so? For starters, the establishment offers Do-It-Yourself pancakes (from S$6.90) for your pup. Let your creativity run wild using their red velvet, strawberry, and chocolate batters.

You will not leave with an empty stomach as they feature an array of Western fusion cuisine. Personally, I am into their Pacific Salmon (about S$16.80) and Truffle Mushroom Pasta (about S$14.80).

Location: 21 Lorong Kilat, Bukit Timah Sun Court, #01-03, Singapore 598123
Website: facebook.com/ofurpawcafe

THE CAT CAFE

Living in a bustling concrete city does not mean that we lack the presence of furry felines! Spend a meaningful day with your family as you drop by The Cat Cafe. Before any cuddling and bouncing commence, you may take a sip of their freshly brewed coffee or a bite of their freshly baked pastery.

What separates The Cat Cafe from other establishments is its entrance fee of S$15, which includes a complimentary drink. You read that right! You do not have to pay per hour just to interact or to feed the animals (i.e., feeding portion is scheduled throughout the day). Yogurt, Tuxedo, and their friends cannot wait to meet you!

Location: 241B Victoria Street, The Cat Cafe, Singapore 188030
Website: thecatcafe.sg

PAWS N PANS

The glistening charm of Paws n Pans (or Paws & Pans) roots from its inspiring advocacy to promote a sustainable change in pet ownership. Its first outlet at Joo Chiat Road was aimed to help homeless dogs to find a haven in Singapore. In addition to this, the establishment works with various Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) to increase awareness on the rights of pets. As an animal lover, how can you not support this great cause?

Let us move on to the eclectic dining experience. This pooch cafe serves food that can both be consumed by humans and their pets. It creates an environment that allows you exchange conversations with your fellow dog-owners. Try their popcorn chicken, Thai tea, and other treats found here. You may host an intimate party for your beloved pet by renting a room at their three-storey space.

Image Credits:
facebook.com/pawsnpans

Your children, no matter how young, can come with you inside the cafe. What’s more? Admission is totally free!

Location: 327 Joo Chiat Road, Paws n Pans, Singapore 427584
Website: pawsnpans.com.sg

BONUS: If your budget is more lenient, you can enjoy a lively lunch with the parrots of Jurong Bird Park. Expect to enjoy colorful performances as you indulge on a hearty buffet. Prices are S$25 for adults and S$20 for children. These prices exclude the exclude park admission fees.

Those are some of the budget-friendly animal cafes in the country. Which one is your favorite? Feel free to leave a comment below! 🙂

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