With Chinese New Year coming up in a couple of weeks time, it’s about time to get new and good-as-new notes to welcome the Lunar New Year.
From January 11 onwards, customers will be able to withdraw new and good-as-new notes at 41 POSB new notes pop-up ATMs located in 22 community clubs across the island, an increase from the 36 ATMs in 12 community clubs last year.
Customers will be able to use their DBS/POSB ATM card to withdraw new notes in sums of SGD 100 (SGD 2 x 50), SGD 300 (SGD 10 x 30) and SGD 500 (SGD 50 x 10), up to their individual card limit.
This year, DBS/POSB is also offering customers the option to reserve their new and good-as-new notes online. With just a few simple clicks, customers can choose from a flexible combination of denominations and select their preferred collection dates at all full-service branches. From 9 January onwards, customers can visit go.dbs.com/sg-cnynotes to reserve their new and good-as-new notes.
SMS Q for DBS/POSB full-service branches
Customers are also able to get their new and good-as-new notes at all full-service DBS/POSB branches from January 11 to 27. Special priority queuing will continue to be available for the elderly and those with special needs. Customers will be able to use the SMS ‘Q’ notification service option, where they can request for a queue number via SMS prior to visiting the branches and receive notifications on the number of customers ahead of them. Customers can find their nearest branch’s respective SMS number at www.dbs.com.sg/personal/deposits/bank-with-ease/sms-q
This is the season to be jolly. Parties, presents, and all the festivities do not come cheap! You can easily be trapped into months worth of debt if you remain careless. This is why you must find a few creative ways to earn extra money.
1. RECYCLE YOUR STUFF
Your unwanted pile of trash can turn into treasures thru a single environmentally friendly act – recycling. Some individuals, especially in developing countries, make a living by selling scrap. Do something similar by submitting your trash into one of Veolia’s recycling station. Veolia’s Cash-For-Trash Programme started in May 2014. Since then, various stations were set up within the HDB estates.
Papers can earn you about 10 cents per kilogram while, old clothing can earn you about 30 cents per kilogram. Aluminum cans can earn you about 50 cents while, metal tins can earn you about 10 cents. The distinct prices of your items depend on the quantity and material.
2. SPREE FOR FREE
Wouldn’t it be nice if the cost of your holiday shopping was generously covered? I know it sounds counterproductive to make money by spending money, but it is possible!
The people that shop for a living are called Mystery Shoppers. Mystery Shoppers are paid by the company’s marketing department to report about their experiences as they try the said company’s services or buy their goods. Accepting this job will entail getting paid for your time as well as for the items that you bought.
Eager to be one? Check out the current job openings at Gumtree.
3. WORK MORE THAN USUAL
I am going to impart one of the most efficient ways to make more money in the remaining days of December. This is none other than hustling at your current job. Work overtime and take extra projects. You may be tasked to widen the referral system or input hundreds of data. Just take on the task that no one else wants and receive appropriate payment for it.
4. WRAP FOR FEE
As the eldest of three siblings, I experienced wrapping gifts for several friends and family members. It is undeniably a chore that most people do not appreciate. This is why gift wrapping enthusiasts and alike can offer their skills for a fee. Purchase colored papers, festive ribbons, and gift tags in bulk to save more money.
If you can sell your service in a cheaper rate than what the shopping malls are asking then, you can easily hit the jackpot.
5. SELL YOUR SNAPS
Have you ever been attracted to the images attached in the online blogs and other advertisements? Most of these eye-catching features were from the company’s stock images. Stock images consist of photographs that are usually licensed for specific purposes. Companies pay decent amount of cash for these.
If photography is a special part of your talent reservoir, consider selling your masterpiece. Companies are in constant need for images for their websites, brochures, cards, blogs, and other projects. Start by selling your snaps on Shutterstock. Each website works differently so read through the guidelines first before you commit.
Singapore is a melting pot of various cuisines that cater to all sorts of palettes including the burning one. By burn, I am pointing out the dishes that evoke a desired intraoral sensation by putting spices such as chilli (or chili) peppers and curry. Fortunately, satisfying your cravings for spicy food does not have to come with a price tag that is beyond S$40!
For people who love Thai food as much as I do, scouting for an affordable yet authentic restaurant can be a hobby. Look no further than the casual experience that Nakhon Kitchen can bring. Most of its dishes are reasonably priced for as low as S$6. However, its seafood dishes range from S$10-12.
Going back to the topic at hand, Nakhon Kitchen’s resident Tom Yam Soup is a reward for the spicy food enthusiasts. The extremely spicy soup is garnished with the generous amount of chicken and seafood. The distinctive aroma of lemongrass and the taste of sourness will win your heart in the first bite alone.
Location: 212 Hougang Street 21 #01-341, Singapore 530212
As it turns out, spicy food seems to gravitate toward the laid-back atmosphere. I am referring to the smooth vibe of the Korean Native Language that diners at Kko Kko Na Ra Korean Restaurant can appreciate. What patrons keep coming back to is their version of a tasty fried chicken. The fried chicken has 4 flavors namely: hot & spicy, sweet & spicy, soy garlic sauce, and original. Stretch your dollar by ordering the “combo set” to get an assorted plate that features all the flavors.
Aside from the chicken, take your spicy taste-buds on a joyride as you devour either the Kimchi Chigae and the Spicy Korean Ramen. The prices of the dishes range from S$15-30.
Location: 57 Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 078996
Mellben Seafood has grown immensely since its humble days along the Alexandra Road. Spanning with about three outlets in Singapore, Mellben Seafood is known for its delicious chilli crab. You can expect nothing but huge crabs showered with spicy, slightly sweet, and thick chili sauce. You may request to adjust the spiciness to the level that you can easily bear.
Situated at a Kopitiam in one of the HDB estates, Mellben Seafood at Ang Mo Kio is remotely away from the bustling center of the Lion City. Its menu features a wide array of crab meals such as Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Butter Crab, and Shimmering Sand Crab. The average price per person is approximately S$35. You can save more by sharing a hearty plate.
Location: #01-1222, 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 560232
Please offer a moment of silence as I usher the spiciest challenge in town – the “Spaghetti from Hell”. Food adventurers and novice alike are familiar with this Southwest Tavern dish. Put your chili tolerance to the test as you chug down a seemingly friendly plate of pasta in under 10 minutes. Come out victorious to win S$100 worth of dining vouchers or other rewards. If you are not eager to participate in this challenge, you may choose the level of spice.
Spaghetti from Hell comes in three forms: the Hell’s Gateway (about S$18), the Halfway There (about S$22), and the Level 18 (about S$26). You may also try their Suicide Wings (S$14-22) to intensify the entire meal.
Location: 8 Boon Lay Way #01-33 Tradehub 21, Singapore 609964
This article has provided your with some of Singapore’s top spicy dishes. May you enjoy the tasty burns ahead! 🙂
Come December, Esplanade offers a whole month of free programmes, activities, crafts workshops and roving performances for families, friends and lovers alike. There is even PJ Harvey to look forward to when January arrives.
Don’t miss Alan and Evan’s ukulele performance on 16 December. Together, they have over 12 years of experience playing the ukulele. Alan has performed at major festivals such as Bangkok Ukulele Festivals. At only 11 years old, Evan has already performed for three years. Let them take you through different eras and music genres on this traditional Hawaiian instrument.
Celebrate meaningful relationships and positivity with local singer-songwriters Audris Ho and Charlyn Too. There will also be a special guest appearance by Lily Goh, Founder of ExtraOrdinary Horizons (a social enterprise for the Deaf) on 18 December.
If you’re itching for some action, catch SherePunjab Bhangra (SPB) around Esplanade, as they teach you some Bhangra dance moves so you can groove along with them. Bhangra dance is a traditional dance originating from Punjab, and SherePunjab Bhangra has uniquely combined Punjabi folk traditions with Western pop music in their performances.
Introduce your little tots to a world of music with Vocal Fun!, a music workshop for ages 3 to 6. Angelina Choo from Urban Music Productions brings music in through various games and songs, and lets children experiment the endless possibilities they can do with their own voices. Don’t miss this one session held only on 10 December!
If you‘ve watched popular Taiwanese movie film Our Times《我的少女时代》, you don’t want to miss Arpeggione Quartet rendition of it. Happening on 29 & 30 December at the Esplanade Concourse, let this talented string quartet serenade you with an evening of classic jazz and local favourites.
And of course, countdown to the new year at Esplanade with some of the best views of the impressive 8-minute long fireworks display over the marina. With a total of 6 performances on New Year’s Eve, Singapore Char Siew Baos! And The Mad Company will be there to entertain you all night long at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre from 7pm to 1am. If you’ve watched MediaCorp Channel 5’s 2010 One Moment of Glory, The Singapore Char Siew Baos! would be familiar to you. They came in as semi-finalists in this reality competition. The Mad Company, on the other hand, consists of alumni from Republic Polytechnic who express their passion for music through unplugged music.
We can’t help but share other exciting news brewing in Esplanade this January. Usher in the new year with musician, poet, artist, and only two-time winner of the Mercury Music Prize, PJ Harvey. Harvey is an international icon who has commanded attention throughout her career of more than two decades. She has carved a name for herself in the international music industry, earning numerous Grammy and Brit Award nominations and Artist of the Year awards from Rolling Stone and Spin. Throughout her music journey, she has worked with various music veterans such as Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, Tricky, Björk, Mark Lanegan, and Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes.
At her only stop in Southeast Asia as part of her international tour, Harvey showcases music from her acclaimed latest release The Hope Six Demolition Project, together with her full 10-piece band on 13 January. Prices start from $68 ($45 for students, NSFs and seniors).
Enjoy festive deals and take a lucky dip to win special gifts such as limited edition esplanadeXsupermama porcelain plate sets, E&Me White cards, to #artsXlife experiences only at Esplanade Mall! Valid from 1-31 Dec 2016. *T&Cs apply.
Touching Lives with the Gift of Arts
Esplanade is a not-for-profit arts centre with a social mission. They believe in transforming lives through the arts. This December, join them as they bring the joy of the arts to even more people from different communities. Your contribution will help their beneficiaries from various VWOs to enjoy a hosted visit to a performance at Esplanade, as well as creative workshops conducted by artists. Find out how you can make a difference here.
If you are a fan of late Christmas shopping and holiday parties, curb your spending by following these five savvy tips:
#1: ACCEPT THE REALITY
The first step to survive the Yuletide rush is to mentally prepare yourself for what is about to come. Recognize that you tackling one of the most stressful seasons of the year. Except the huge crowds and the long queues at the shopping centers. These are inevitable.
Do not try to convince yourself that you are collected when you are not. Instead, change your mindset by accepting the gravity or reality of the situation.
#2: CREATE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE
Create a comprehensive list, which contains the people whom you want to buy gifts for. Go through each name and allocate a specific amount beside it. Strictly follow this plan when you are shopping. If your budget still falls short, make necessary revisions.
For larger families, consider giving one present per married couple. Remember that you are not Santa Claus and it is not your duty to give everyone a gift!
#3: SHOP DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS
It does not take a sharp scientist to come into conclusion that shopping during the peak hours is a horrible idea! Prevent the rumination and nightmares about the hours-long frenzy in the mall by avoiding the weeknights and the weekends.
Come out victorious by frequenting your favorite shops during the early mornings and the weekdays.
#4: USE THE INTERNET TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Use the power of technology to make your life easier. Firstly, do a comparative study to pinpoint the latest deals. It is worth spending the effort in order to stretch your dollar.
Secondly, buy your gifts directly from the online retailers. This will give you the convenience of not having to leave your home. More so, the items will be shipped on your doorstep.
Browse through the credible reviews to aid your search for the best brand at premium prices. Stuff Singapore provides reliable information regarding the latest gadgets while Renotalk focus on the latest in furnishing.
#5: OPT FOR OLDER MODELS
If you are planning to purchase gadgets or appliances for your parents, you can score greater savings by buying the older models. Sometimes, stores offer discounts on last year’s units to prepare for the upcoming release of the new one.
Since stores constantly rotate the models, the previous models are left at the sides or at the back. Look for those!
Image Credits: pixabay.com
It is important to work with how much money can afford to spend this Christmas. As soon as you start spending through credit, you will have the burden of paying it all back on the next year. That is not worth it!
