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The Thriving Coffee Culture In Singapore

One of the most deeply rooted icons in Singapore is Kopitiam. Kopitiam is an age-old tradition that thrives until today. The country’s coffee culture dates back for about several centuries. It serves as a reminder of how diverse and rich our culture is. You see, the word “kopi” means coffee in Malay and the word “tiam” means shop in Hokkien and Fujianese.

Notice how people interact in Kopitiams. At Kopitiam, you will rarely see people who are working on their laptops. It exudes a laid-back atmosphere where people can read the morning paper, enjoy lengthy conversations with friends, or watch as the day goes by. What makes their coffee unique is how it is made.

Kopi is made from Robusta beans, a type of bean which contains a high dosage of caffeine. The beans are roasted in a wok with butter and sugar to enhance its flavor. The mixture caramelizes the beans and gives it a tempting aroma. Lastly, the beans are strained and combined with condensed milk. To experience a cup of kopi, you must visit famous chains such as Ya Kun and Killiney. Both of these chains go way back to the early 20th century. Would you believe that?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In the modern days, independently owned cafes began sprouting like mushrooms. No neighborhoods or CBDs were left untouched! With its great prevelance, coffee has gone through several waves. I shall focus on the third-wave which is highend or speciality coffee. Third-wave coffee is a conscious consumption that highlights on the fair trade of coffee beans. Thus, it is an eco-friendly choice, which puts a focus on natural flavors. One can only imagine the methods they use!

Aside from the third-wave coffee model, some shops in Singapore offer subscriptions. It is a new dimension in the growing specialty coffee scene. According to the Perk Coffee founder: “The subscription model fits very well with the roasted coffee model. You want to make sure it’s very fresh and regular – small quantities, and frequently [distributed].”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do you agree that subscription coffee is the future? Will this help you save money and effort? Feel free to leave a comment.

Sources: 1 & 2

Free And Useful Tips For A Netflix Addict

Are you addicted to binge-watching on Netflix? I know I am!

There is no denying that the term “Netflix and Chill” is embedded in our Urban Dictionary. Netflix is one of the good things that happened to our modern generation. As we all know, good can always be better! Continue reading on to improve your Netflix experience.

#1: THE NETFLIX ROULETTE

Are you tired of getting suggestions related to your last Chick Flick marathon? Or, are you indecisive when it comes to finding the “perfect” movie for your first date? Today is your lucky day!

It is difficult to scan over 4,000 titles just to find an interesting series or film option. Fortunately, there is a digital tool that will help you randomize your searches. Flix Roulette can filter by director, actor, and keywords to help pinpoint a suitable series or movie. See for yourself!

#2: CLEAR YOUR HISTORY

Imagine promising to your spouse that you will re-watch Ant-Man together. The following night, you had to pull an all-nighter to finish an important assignment. As a reward, you decided to watch three Paul Rudd movies including Clueless, Knocked Up, and Ant-Man. How can you interfere with Netflix’s algorithm to spare your partner’s feelings?

Image Credits: Gage Skidmore via Flickr Creative Commons

Fret not, my friend. You can selectively delete your history. Simply follow these steps to remove any of your misdeeds.

#3: THE STREAM OPTIMIZATION

There are two ways to optimize your streaming experience without breaking the bank. Firstly, you can schedule your binge-watching sessions during off-peak periods. Trends have shown that fewer users are online early in the morning or very late at night.

Secondly, you may manage your streaming when buffering occurs. Access the Netflix stream manager by Shift + Alt or Shift + Opt (for Mac users). This will take you to buffering solutions and other streaming options. Unfortunately, you may have to sacrifice the picture quality to get a faster streaming rate.

#4: ELIMINATE THE MOOCHERS

As a kind individual, you may have unwittingly shared your Netflix account and password to your social circles (including ex-lovers). Their terrible viewing habits may hinder not only your streaming algorithm, but also cost you a lot. You can avoid these circumstances in one fell swoop! Simply go to My Account and click Sign out of all devices. Isn’t it neat?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Have fun binge-watching! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

You Don’t Want To Miss These Online Shopping Hacks

THE INCOGNITO MODE

If you keep clicking on a particular item, a website is likely to offer it at a higher price. Furthermore, it may bombard you with advertisements of that item. The incognito window will help you save money through private browsing. It blocks third-party cookies and disables search history. This way, websites such as Hotels.com and Expedia cannot practice price discrimination.

CHECK ITEM AVAILABILITY

The Editor’s Market is one of my favorite stores due to its emphasis on modern street-wear. However, their items sell out fast! Fortunately for me, consumers can check out the item availability and reserve it via the online shop. Simply become a member by answering this form: theeditorsmarket.com/membership.

GET FREE SAMPLES

Free beauty samples are usually given at checkout. It gives you the opportunity to test out products without having to waste your money on a full-sized bottle. Sephora, a mecca for makeup addicts, offers free samples in its online store. Go to sephora.sg/pages/free-samples and follow the basic rules.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

a. Add a sample to your bag at checkout.
b. Only one sample may be added to each order.
c. Samples are available while supplies last.
d. If a sample goes out of stock, Sephora will provide a substitute.
e. Samples are not available during sale periods.

ENJOY FREE RETURNS

Whether you admit it or not, you do not always like what you purchase online. That is alright! International brands such as ASOS and MANGO allow you to process free returns. For ASOS, returning an item is a hassle-free task. Start by filling out the return form and printing out the shipping label. Then, drop it off at your local SingPost branch.

For MANGO, the prices on its website is the same as the prices in its physical stores in Singapore. You can return an item at any of its multiple outlets. It saves you the effort of heading down to the post office.

THE 24-HOUR WAIT

Last but not the least, you can subscribe to delayed gratification. Leaving your items in the shopping cart for at least 24 hours can help you decide whether you really want or need to purchase it. Some companies such as ZALORA Singapore will lure you with a special discount code to encourage you to checkout your cart. Apply this savvy shopping tip then.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

Quick And Inexpensive Essential Oil Recipes

Many of us have embarked on a lifestyle journey that values healthy and all-natural options. From signing up to a detox program to using organic products, the list goes on and on! My personal lifestyle journey involves therapeutic essential oils. Essential oils are products extracted from plants, which may both improve your physical health and mental well being.

Do not let essential oils spook you! These products can be affordable without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips that you need to know to fit aromatherapy into your budget:

#1: KNOW THE LOCAL BRANDS

Due to the widespread of a healthier society, more local retailers have invested on organic or all-natural products. Brands such as HOUGHTON & GOUGH, HYSSES, and MMERCI ENCORE carry pure essential oils. Let us start with HOUGHTON & GOUGH (H&G). H&G houses a range of room sprays, essential oils, hand-poured candles, and more. Its Lemongrass essential oil retails for S$25.90.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

HYSSES is a firm believer of holistic therapy. From scenting to natural skin care solutions, HYSSES encapsulates the best nature has to offer. Most of its essential oils retail for about S$25.90.

Lastly, MMERCI ENCORE exudes luxury as its raw ingredients and pure essential oils were sourced from Australia and France. According to its website, it offers handcrafted artisanal aromatherapy goods inspired by bathing and bedtime self-care rituals. The company is created by the former beauty editor Alli Sim. The price of its essential oils range from S$25 to S$35.

#2: A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY

Essential oils are made with highly concentrated plant extracts. Thus, a little goes a long way! As an avid user of essential oils, I can attest that less is more. Do not be fooled by a mere 5 or 10 ml bottle as it can last you for months. Despite my frequent usage, my 10 ml Young Living bottle lasted for more than 6 months.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With its potency, you may be wondering how long can you store a bottle. The shelf life of oils vary from each kind. However, the general rule of thumb is keeping it within a year of purchase. Many aromatherapists extend its life span by keeping their volatile oils refrigerated.

#3: MAKE YOUR OWN BLENDS

One of the easiest ways to make your own blend is to use a roller bottle. Transferring essential oils into roller bottles will save you money with the process of dilution. Dilution does not weaken your oils. Instead, it helps you to target specific areas of your body such as your chest or temples. It allows you to apply the product whenever you need it.

The basic steps of making a roller bottle include the following:

a. Acquire an empty 10 ml roller bottle online
b. Add 10 drops of essential oils and fill the rest with a carrier oil (e.g., grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil)
c. Put the top cover
d. Shake the mixture well
e. Apply to the neck, wrists, temples, feet, chest, spine, belly, or behind the ears

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I shall move on to the fun part by enumerating the quick recipes consisting of two to three essentials oils.

a. For itchy skin
6 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint

b. For sleep and relaxation
3 drops Lavender
3 drops Cedarwood

c. For focus and concentration
5 drops Orange
5 drops Peppermint

d. For upset stomach
4 drops Lavender
3 drops Peppermint
3 drops Ginger

e. For headaches
4 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Frankincense

f. For healthy nails
5 drops Tea tree
3 drops Lemon
2 drops Peppermint

g. For a cooling sensation
4 drops Lemon
4 drops Peppermint
2 drops Frankincense

May these blends bring you the daily comfort you need in this busy city! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Hack Your Way To A New Wardrobe

WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE

What do tank tops and plain shirts have in common? For starters, you typically use these underneath a polo or a blouse. Others can barely see these types of clothing so, why bother with an expensive brand? Stick to purchasing basics in department stores such as John Little. Save the designer labels for the items that you show off!

THE OLD BECOMES NEW AGAIN

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When my partner and I were out of activities to do, I convinced him to experience a hunt at a nearby thrift store. Flea shops and thrift stores sell gently used or preloved clothing at incredibly cheaper price tags. Many of these stores offer holiday sales too! I once bought a Zara skirt for S$4. What a steal!

You can purchase an entire outfit for under S$30 at Singapore thrift stores such as New2U Thrift Shop, PraiseHaven Thrift Shop (under Salvation Army), and Something Old Something New. Remember that used clothes must be thoroughly cleaned or sent to the laundromat.

IT’S FREAKY FRIDAY

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are not comfortable with raiding a stranger’s wardrobe then, try swapping clothes with your friends or family members. I am not saying that you must take advantage of your friends or relatives but, you should tap into each other’s resources to save money. Furthermore, you are contributing to less waste too.

Allow your loved ones to freely choose which clothing items they like from your unused or underused pile. You can do so every quarter or every month. For instance, you may switch your summer clothes every March!

THE SIMPLER, THE BETTER

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In 1970, a London boutique coined the term “Capsule Wardrobe”. A Capsule Wardrobe consists of 30 to 37 pieces of clothing that you always wear. It is the minimalist way to downsize your wardrobe and boost your savings. It teaches us to focus on staples and to skip the trends.

A leather pants may be prevelant at Forever 21 or H&M but, constantly keeping up with trends such as this one can poke a hole in your wallet! Purchase items that you can still use in a few years time.

Sources: 1 & 2

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