6 Awesome Storage Hacks To Extend Your Food’s Lives

You walk inside the grocery with your list at hand but after being tempted with the fragrant herbs, fresh bread, tantalizing sweets, and healthy greens…you walked out with more food than you expected!

To get most of your money and avoid wastage, how can you finish all these food before it spoils?

Not everyone found the answer to this question. In fact, each person in Singapore was responsible for about 130 kg of food wastage last 2011.

But the good news is that, this awesome list will bring you 6 storage hacks to increase the longevity of some of your beloved food.

1. CEREAL, OATS, AND PASTA

Keep your dry foods hard by not letting air to seep inside its containers. Use air locked containers to store dry food such as cereal, oats, and pasta instead of keeping them in their original packaging (boxes or plastic bags). Decorate and label the containers as you wish.

2. PEANUT BUTTER

The sweetened goodness of a peanut butter used for sesame balls, spring rolls, or plain bread can make the meal delicious. The trick to make your jar of peanut butter last longer is to flip it upside down with the cap sealed tight. This will allow the oil near the lid to move through the rest of your jar evenly. Also, it will make your peanut butter creamier.

3. SOY SAUCE

Soy sauce is a commonly used in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, and Taiwan. Generally, soy sauce does not need to be kept chilled but putting it inside the refrigerator will help the flavor to remain at its prime quality longer.

4. AVOCADO

Instead of storing your avocado in a basket, store it inside your fridge to avoid over-ripening. And as the day of consumption draws near, pull the avocado outside the fridge. Then, let it finish its ripening process inside a paper bag.

5. ASPARAGUS AND SCALLIONS

Treat your asparagus and scallions like how you would treat your freshly cut flowers. Fill up a vase or a jar with about two inches of water and regularly trim these vegetables. Keep these veggies there until you are ready to cook them.

6. HONEY

I for one love the taste of the honey lemon drink. But I noticed something, leaving it in the fridge leads it to crystallize. This is unnecessary because enzymes in the bees’ stomach create by-products that fight bacteria, honey can be preserved for a lifetime.

So revive your honey by placing the contents in a frying pan with simmering water. Stir it until the crystals dissolve.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

May these 6 tricks come in handy soon! 🙂

Sources: 1,2,3,& 4

Read More...

Delicious And Affordable Places For Snacks in Singapore

One of my favorite things to do when I am bored is snacking! Who does not love indulging on small amounts of that sweet slice of cake or that salty pack of potato chips? Besides these classics, there are other budget-friendly snacks that are to die for!

Inexpensive does not always come with bad taste if you know the right places to look. That being said, here are 4 delicious yet affordable places to satisfy your hunger for quick bites…

1. TAI-PARFAIT

In 2014, a Japanese dessert shop called Tai-Parfait graced Singapore at the Bugis Junction. Brought by Dining Innovation Singapore, Tai-Parfait boasts its Taiyaki – a Japanese original fish-shaped pancake filled with sweet red bean paste. What’s more? You can also put ice cream, fruits, and other toppings on your dessert.

For example, you may try the Matcha Azuki Tai-Parfait for S$5.50. It is a chocolate-filled Taiyaki topped with Matcha cream, Green Tea ice cream, and Azuki. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Image Credits:  facebook.com/TaiParfait

Image Credits: facebook.com/TaiParfait

Go ahead and get your very own Tai-Parfait desserts at their 3 outlets.  

2. SHIHLIN TAIWAN STREET SNACKS

I have to be honest! My sisters and I consider XXL Crispy Chicken as one of our favorite snacks. Its crispy breadcrumbs exterior mixed with chili powder and juicy chicken cuts dance gracefully with our taste buds.

If you were going to ask me where to get it, I would answer Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks right away. This snack is sold for about S$4.20.

Image Credits: facebook.com/shihlinsnacks

Image Credits: facebook.com/shihlinsnacks

Try it at one of their 4 outlets. Trust me, you would not regret it!

3. OLD CHANG KEE

The brand name speaks for itself. Old Chang Kee has been serving us with their signature curry puffs for over 50 years!

A curry puff is a fried pastry made with curry chicken, eggs, and soft potatoes. You cannot go wrong with Old Chang Kee’s consistency in preparing crispy and zesty curry puffs that are filled with herbs and spices. These are sold for only S$1.40 each.

With a bunch of outlets nationwide, you are sure to find one that is nearby.

4. WHAT THE FRIES!

Say you are out with your friends and you want to get a snack, what better food to share than a bowl of flavored fries? What The Fries! sells creatively delicious flavors such as Nacho Cheese, Chili Crab, Herb Mayo, Bolognese, and Wasabi.

Made with thick-cut potatoes and a sizable sauce, this hot snack is a great way to satisfy your tummy. Get a single serving for S$3.90 or a double serving for S$4.90. If that is not enough, you can try their golden nuggets or curly fries for S$4.90.

Image Credits: facebook.com/WhatTheFries

Image Credits: facebook.com/WhatTheFries

Location: 2 Jurong East Central 1, J Cube Building, #B1-K09 Singapore 609731

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Excellent Ways To Showcase “Singlish” With Pride

Singapore is unique melting pot of diverse cultures such as Chinese, Malay, and Indian. These cultures fused together to build the unofficial common language of all Singaporeans – the Singlish. Despite one’s efforts to speak fluent English, one cannot help it when Singlish phrases kicks in so naturally. You get so comfortable with it that your foreign friends look at you with total perplexity.

How do exactly explain what “leh”, “liao”, or “lah” is?

Well, you can start by (affordably) wearing it with pride!

1. THE LITTLE DRÖM STORE

Keychains: S$13.90 & Badges: S$20. Buy here.

From badges to keychains, you name it…they have it! The Little Dröm Store sells local items for several types of Singaporean.

Their gold-plated keychains have 30 different designs like Huat ah, Chope, Kopi Uncle, and Shiok. With that many choices, you will surely find one you like. While the badges have 16 different designs. From the Precise (Zhun zhun guni hoon), to the Champion (Kiasu), and the Composed Singaporean (Steady Pom Pipi), this store has it all for you!

Image Credits: http://shop.thelittledromstore.com/product/chope-kc

Image Credits: shop.thelittledromstore.com/product/chope-kc

2. NAIISE.

Singlish Poster (A3 Size): S$15. Buy here.

Nothing screams your pride for Singlish even more than a poster hanged in your home or office. Aside from posting your precious family portraits, post this printed Singlish words and phrases by angmohdan. Also, you may share it with your loved ones who are overseas to remind them of our beautiful land!

Image Credits: www.angmohdan.com

Image Credits: www.angmohdan.com

3. SIMITAIJI

Uniquely Singaporean Phrases: S$25. Buy here. 

Sprinkled with Singaporean humor, Simitaiji presents the Uniquely Singaporean Phrases unisex tees that are available in two nationalistic colors. Simitaiji was founded by two designers from diverse backgrounds and was brought together by their love of the country.

Image Credits: facebook.com/hello.simitaiji

Image Credits: facebook.com/hello.simitaiji

Worry not if you fit the tee as they come in XXS-L!

4. HOSAY!

Hosay! Itunes App: Free. Buy here.

If you want to master your “mother-tongue” even more, do it with this free yet cool app! It comes with 80 unique Singaporean expressions and their meanings. Learn how to pronounce phrases such as “Wah Lau” or “Jialat”. A review by Kitty966 even added that this really funny App has accurate pronunciations.

Complete with insults, kopitiam, gambling, and character lingo – this App will surely brush up your Singlish skills while tickling your funny bone.

Image Credits: Hosay! via Itunes

Image Credits: Hosay! via Itunes

Read More...

Perfect Places To Buy Cheap Spectacles In Singapore

Aside from our love for sumptuous food, most of us have another thing in common – our need for prescription eyewear.

First, let us get the facts straight…

a. The prevalence of Myopia or short-sightedness among Singaporean children was considered as one of the highest in the world.

b. The average price for the retailer’s generic brand is nothing less than S$200.

As you can see, a lifetime supply of prescription eyewear would cost you over S$12,000! This is why savvy Singaporeans look for alternatives that enable them to get quality yet affordable eyewear products.

Echo them and get your money’s worth with this list…

1. FOUR EYES

Hailing from the Philippines, this startup company graced Singapore’s e-commerce scene in 2014.

Since then, Four Eyes has been selling pairs of glasses (including the lenses) for as low as S$88. Their variety of colors, lens types, materials, shapes, and sizes will take you to countless hours of eyewear shopping heaven!

Image Credits: facebook.com/foureyessg

Image Credits: facebook.com/foureyessg

What’s more? Four Eyes’ glasses are inclusive of free shipping and 6 months warranty.

2. NEW CHINA OPTICIANS

New China Opticians has been in the business for over 90 years!

With their longstanding experience in eyewear, customers can expect good products at friendly prices. In their shop at 3 Coleman Street, glasses are sold for as low as S$40. This bargain price is suitable for people who will be needing glasses for a short-term basis or for kids who are prone to breaking their spectacles.

3. OWNDAYS

The strong appeal of OWNDAYS is probably rooted from their quick services and cheap prices.

You do not have to worry if you are rushing to work because for as short as 20 minutes, you can get your brand new prescription glasses for S$98-198. Amazingly, the price includes the optical frames, 1.60 high index aspheric lenses, casing, and cloth cleaner already.

Image Credits: facebook.com/owndays.sg

Image Credits: facebook.com/owndays.sg

BONUS: If you are looking for non-prescription glasses for fashion’s sake, you can purchase cheap pairs at Zalora!

Zalora is one of the top online retailers that sell shoes, apparel, beauty products, and accessories such as eyewear. Zalora’s collection of glasses for both men and women fits in a spectrum of style, coolness, and classicism. Get your very own pair for as low as S$15!

Image Credits: facebook.com/ZaloraSingapore

Image Credits: facebook.com/ZaloraSingapore

Sources: 1, 2,  & 3

Read More...

5 Make-Up Essentials You Shall Invest On

Whether you are someone whose cosmetics bag is filled with products or someone who has no clue what to put in it, the best approach to take is to go back-to-basics.

With a S$66 investment, you can fill your cosmetics bag with these essential beauty products…

1. BB CREAM

BB cream stands for blemish base, beauty balm, or blemish balm. This multi-tasking product  does the job of the moisturizer, foundation, serum, primer, sunblock, and protector. With a beneficial beauty product like this, what more could you ask for?

For a favorable BB Cream within the budget, I recommend Revlon’s PhotoReady BB Cream. Its fragrance-free formula is made with minerals and synthetic broad-spectrum sunscreen. Blend it smoothly as it is made with lightweight and creamy liquid texture. It retails for about S$10.95 at Watsons.

2. CONCEALER

Concealer is a beauty product that helps you get rid of dark circles and other imperfect spots.

Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. Although they have discontinued importing this product here, you can buy it online for only S$12.

3. BLUSH

A Blush or Blusher’s purpose is to emphasize the cheekbones and to provide a youthful glow. Surely, you will look healthier with “reddish” cheeks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Purchase Inglot’s Freedom Blush & Illuminator as it marries a matte blush with a radiant illuminator. I recommend items 201-204. Hurry now as its limited stocks retail for S$19 at Zalora!

4. EYESHADOW PALETTE

A good Eyeshadow Palette is able to take your look from day to night. Naturally enhance your eyes with a eyeshadow that compliments your skin. For starters, you can try the beautifully packaged Sephora Collection Wonderful Dreams Eyeshadow Palette.

I fell in love with this palette, the moment I saw it online. It consists of eight soft tones in highly pigmented matte and shimmer finishes. From natural warm tones to intense dark tones, you are sure to create a myriad of gorgeous looks with this palette! It retails for US$10 or about S$14.

5. LIP GLOSS

The last fundamental beauty product to complete your makeup kit is a trusty gloss! A lip gloss is designed to add a glossy luster and a subtle color. For a lip gloss that looks pretty on every skin tone, opt for nude and coral glosses. Personally, I recommend NYX’s Butter Glosses.

NYX’s Butter Glosses have smooth texture, rich consistency, sweet taste, and subtle pigmentation. Go for a nude gloss called Creme Brûlée, a coral gloss called Apple Strudel, or a pink gloss called Vanilla Cream Pie. Put a bit more at the centers of your lower and upper lips to make it look slightly fuller.

Buy it for S$10 at Sephora outlets or for S$9.30 at Changi Airport.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

Read More...