Can changing your name actually lead to better fortune in your life?

Singaporeans usually need a good reason if they want to change their names. They don’t usually change their names on a whim and fancy, and most people won’t change their names more than two times during their lifetimes.

There are different reasons why people change their names in Singapore.  Some people can’t stand their hanyu pinyin names and want it removed. Some people want to add an English name if they weren’t given one at birth and some people think that changing their names can actually lead to better fortune and prosperity in life.

In particular, those Singaporeans who believe in feng shui tend to be the ones that believe that a well chosen name can lead to a fresh start in life, as well as be a significant reason for success in life itself.

These people usually believe that their existing names do not support their “Ba Zi”, a Chinese system of fortune-telling. This system is based on the 12 stages of the life cycle and the inter-relationship of the constructive and destructive cycles of the 5 elements.

In Singapore, there are many geomancers who provide such naming services and there is a large contingent of Singaporeans who have changed their names based on such belief, including a number of local celebrities. For example, some local celebrities such as May Phua and Edmund Chen have changed their names. It has even been mentioned that Zheng Ge Ping enjoyed greater career success after changing his name!

So can changing your name actually lead to more career success and prosperity in your life?

There are some people who swear that the first step on the road to their success in life was through changing their names. There are also those who are highly skeptical of such claims. Personally, I believe that people create their own lot in life. Naturally driven and motivated individuals may seek out every additional avenue to achieve success, and such avenues could include changing their names after consulting a feng shui master.

Perhaps it’s not necessarily so unusual that such people would go on to achieve the career success and prosperity they sought in the first place.

How do you go about changing your name in Singapore?

If you have set your mind on changing your name in Singapore, and consulted a feng shui master on the most appropriate name for yourself, that’s not the end of the name changing process. You’ll still have to find a lawyer or law firm to execute a deed poll for you.

Essentially, what this means is that you’ll have to sign a document drafted by the lawyer or law firm stating that you wish to change your name, and this document has to be signed in the presence of a lawyer. After that, you’ll have to head over to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to register your new name and to change your NRIC identity card.

Author Profile: Shen is a writer for Deed Poll Singapore, a website where Singaporeans can find affordable Singapore deed poll lawyers.

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Delicious And Affordable Places For Korean Barbecue In Singapore

Who does not love the flavorful goodness of the Korean BBQ? I, for one, go crazy for this cultural trend.

Luckily for us, we can satisfy our appetite without having to travel to Korea.

1. DAESSIKSIN

Do me a favor and close your eyes. Imagine that you are strolling with your friends in the lively streets of Hongdae, Korea. You are hunting for a casual dining experience that will satisfy your appetite for marinated meat. As you open your eyes, you realize that you are still situated in Singapore. Fortunately for you, there is a place where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ dining experience. This place is none other than Daessiksin BBQ Buffet.

Image Credits: facebook.com/daessiksin

Image Credits: facebook.com/daessiksin

Daessiksin is under the wings of the Singaporean restaurant chain – Ministry of Food. It offers about 10 types of meat with varying taste. Some may be overly marinated, while others seek to boost the meat’s character. It is best to try it all before getting a significant amount to consume.

The buffet price starts from S$14.90++ per person.

Location: 277 Orchard Road, #03-17 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858

2. SSIKKEK BBQ

Meat lovers with a tight budget, let us unite! Students adore devouring the generously marinated meats at Ssikkek BBQ. Guests are welcomed with deep trays of fresh pork, beef, and chicken. Side dishes (e.g., kimchi, potato salad, and seaweed soup) and condiments are also available to even out your meal. You can reap all these with a little over S$14.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ssikkekbbq

Image Credits: facebook.com/ssikkekbbq

What you can expect to have at Ssikkek is your ability to cook the meat to suit your desired quality. Simply, you are your own chef! The friendly staff is willing to help you shall you need assistance. The only downside to this place is its relatively long queues.

Location: United Square, 101 Thomson Road, #B1-15/16/17 Singapore 307591

3. 2D1N SOJU BANG

2D1N Soju Bang Korean Restaurant holds a special as it was the very place that introduced me to the wonders of Korean BBQ. My friends and I had a spontaneous trip to Tanjong Pagar one day. As expected, it took as about an hour to queue for a table. Waiting was fine with us because chairs were provided outside.

2D1N marries reasonable prices with authentic Korean flavors. This is not a place for lavish side dishes and condiments as it is primarily focused on various well-marinated meat. Aside from the meat, the staff is incredibly attentive. Both the tables and the aluminum sheets are quickly cleared in order to cater to the diners’ needs.

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/182625808419372/photos/a.1329308733751068.1073741826.182625808419372/1407579632590644/?type=3&theater

Image Credits: https://facebook.com

You can get free-flowing meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and drinks for approximately S$20 per person. It is not a bad deal if you ask me.

Location: 44/46 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088467

May this guide aid your journey to locating the best Korean BBQ in town! 🙂

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5 Entirely Free Ways To Maximize Your Small Flat

Flats ranging from 45 to 110 square meters are popular among the Singaporean masses. These spaces may be considered as tiny to some people. But, small is highly subjective (besides my height). Making your space livable comes down on how well you can divide the function of your rooms or how well you can store your things.

On that note, here are 5 Entirely Free Ways To Maximize Your Small Flat:

USE A TRUNK

Avoid spending hundreds of dollars on a bedside or coffee table by using an old trunk. Ask your mother and other relatives if they have a trunk to spare. A trunk not only provides an additional storage space, but it also acts as a neat conversation starter.

It is recommended to place the trunk in the living room or in an accessible area. Put all your DVD collection, magazines, console controllers, and games inside the trunk. This way, you do not have to “flip your home” when the guests arrive.

CREATE VISUAL DISTRACTIONS

Visual distractions give off an illusion of bigger space. Welcome the beaming rays of the sun by keeping the curtains open. Then, you may disrupt the unified order of your furniture by fixing them diagonally. The diagonal order can help to make room for more.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

INCREASE THE USE OF YOUR SPACE

Until you can realistically afford a spacious flat, you must mold your rooms to a variety of purposes. Your clutter-free dining table can double as a home office. While, your living room can transform into a play area for your children. Do not forget to store the toys in a single box after using it.

KEEP EVERYTHING CLEAN

In contrast with massive spaces, you can easily notice the clutter exposed in smaller spaces. Why is this so? For starters, you can discretely put away your unwanted items in various shelves. You cannot do that with limited spaces!

Smaller spaces take less time to clean. That is the upside! Get things in order by allocating at least one hour each week. Make this an automatic cleaning regimen so, you can have the rest of your time to relax.

OPT FOR MONOCHROMATIC

Say your next stage in renovation is choosing the colors of your walls. Consider the underlying mechanics of Color Psychology. Unified color scheme helps to maximize your space as it creates a relatively “open” look. When your walls are divided by several colors, people can easily spot the “start” and “end”. Thus, consistency conceals the limited space. 

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Great ways to make Valentine’s Day special

The big day is coming. 14th of February is one of those days that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. We either love it or hate it. And our attitude isn’t always the result of our relationship status – it’s the fact that we either want to conform with certain standards of behavior or not.

If you’re one of those people who appreciate the power of love on that particular day, this is the text for you. No matter how much money you have on your hands, there are ways you can razzle dazzle your partner on the 14th of Feb and beyond. Read on for some dating ideas for V’Day.

Dress to impress

You know best what your clothing style is and even if you’re a tomboy, you can always do something to look extra special on that day. If you’re looking for a dress that will make his jaw drop, there’s no point in buying it at its regular price, since you’re not going to have much use of it throughout the year. You can look in places like Picodi Sale that specializes in showing you discounted clothes any woman can afford. Not looking for new clothes? No problem, invest in lingerie that will give you more confidence and make the night more fun.

Eat to impress

It’s no surprise that most people like to go out to eat on Valentine’s Day. Certain foods are considered to be aphrodisiacs, which means they raise your libido. Chocolate ganache will help you relax, while shrimp cocktail can inspire you to be more sensual. Remember to book your table beforehand, because on that particular night, eateries are full from early afternoons until late nights.

You can always decide to stay in your apartment and engage in cooking together. Look for a great recipe, buy everything upfront and prepare a nice bottle of wine. Start cooking a bit earlier and have everything ready for his or her arrival. Remember to have a playlist of great hiredts ready for dancing, or a film to watch

Entertain to impress

If you don’t think fancy restaurants and gourmet meals are for you two, you can easily create romantic atmosphere wherever you go. Some people just like to have fun and KKday has prepared various types of experiences for two. You’ll be able to visit a film studio, view underwater wildlife, go to Garden by the Bay or see animals from all over the world in the famous Singapore Zoo.

IMG_0382.JPG

(Source credit: www.abetterflorist.com)

Flower to impress

It’s always nice to show your partner love and you don’t need to restrict yourself to Valentine’s Day. However, this article is all about the celebration on the 14th of Feb so if you’re looking for the right bouquet, check out places like A Better Florist. It gives you an opportunity to order flowers online, which saves you plenty of time. Any woman would love to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day and if you want to save a bit (hush, hush, we won’t tell anyone!), Picodi offers discount codes and promotions for you to use. Don’t wait for her to give you hints – be proactive and you’re guaranteed success.

Pretend to impress

Old married couples don’t always remember what it was like when they celebrated their relationship. They tend to forget about things like passion, butterflies in their stomachs and the willingness to get to know the other person. You can, however, easily bring that spark back by pretending you don’t know each other. Simply recreate your first date or go on a whole different one. You’ll see why exactly you fell in love with each other and be able to see your ‘old ball chain’ in a completely different light. Worth a shot!

The most important thing to remember, though, is that you should celebrate love throughout the year. Use V-Day as an inspiration to be with the other person more, show them your appreciation. It’s the company that matters the most, and all the other things and ideas are just an addition to your relationship. Have your Valentine’s Day every month and you’ll never be alone on any other day in your life.

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How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending Too Much

Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive “holidays” in Singapore.

But, it does not have to be!

You can always celebrate love without breaking the bank.

ELICITING GENUINE EXCITEMENT

One of the best ways to start a date is by handing over a sweet letter that will elicit genuine excitement. Crafting your own Valentine’s Day card costs practically nothing! Simply use the art materials that are available in your own home. Pouring your heart and soul into written words is more personal than signing your initials into a mass-produced holiday card.

Apply your personal skills to your homemade cards to boost its quality. Consider these scenarios:

a. An illustrator may draw the image of his or her significant other.
b. A digital enthusiast may animate a romantic message and send it via email.
c. If you like to bake, you may place the card on the top of a delicious box of cookies.
d. If you like to blog, you can create a beautiful post for your lover.

These things are more likely to be treasured than the items bought at the store.

FUELING THE ARTISTIC CLIMAX

Appreciating the arts is often perceived as something exclusive to affluent individuals. Purchasing concert tickets at Esplanade can be costly! Not to mention, purchasing art at galleries can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, locals and permanent residents have the option to hop around several museums for FREE!

Build up on the excitement by taking your beloved on a “not so typical” date at our very own Singapore Art Museum. This innovative museum houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Your date will be amazed with its current exhibition entitled: Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors.

LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Close your lovely day with a hearty dinner. Going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day takes guts as you need to brave the waves of people and to make early reservations. Save money and avoid stress by preparing a romantic meal in the comfort of your own space.

Great recipes are available at Epicurious, AllRecipes.com, and RasaMalaysia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your budget does not allow you to celebrate on February 14 itself then, consider choosing an alternative day. It will not only be cheaper, but it will also be less crowded. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you spent the gift of love with your partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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