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

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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

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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

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Extremely Affordable Tips To Improve Your Study Space

Let these budget-friendly tips enhance your learning area as you “hit the books”…

1. CREATE YOUR STUDY HAVEN

Choosing the right place to study is important because it heavily influences your learning process. Use your study space solely for studying, making projects, and doing home works so that your brain can associate the space to automatic “work mode”.

After which, pick a light-colored table that has enough space for all your school supplies. Situate this table at a silent place to keep your brain focused. Go for a fundamental and a classic desk such as the “Peppler Study Table Beech” by FortyTwo. This table is on sale now and retails for only S$39 (Save S$60)!

2. REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS

Electrical appliances and electronic devices help you procrastinate. Ironically, most of these appliances and devices were made to save time but, end up wasting valuable study time instead. Thus, keep your head on the books by turning off your devices or using Website blocking applications.

For instance, block certain websites (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter) for a specific amount of time by using free applications such as SelfControl (for Apple users) and SelfRestraint (for Microsoft users).

3. REMOVE THE CLUTTER

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Tidy up your study space and keep it neat by organizing important documents and old school papers inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your school files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

4. KEEP IT BRIGHT

A well-lit room increases concentration and productivity. Position your table in front of the window because natural or fluorescent light is helpful for the eyes while you study. As it gets dim, keep your place bright by using a table lamp or a wall spotlight.

You can get the IKEA KVART Wall Spotlight for S$9.90 or the IKEA LAMPAN Table Lamp for S$4.90.

5. REMIND YOURSELF

Decorate your study space with a cork board, calendar, and a clock. Constantly remind yourself about the upcoming events and assignment/project deadlines by using the calendar. Then, visualize your goals and to-do lists with a wall mounted cork board. Lastly, organize your time by buying a clock that does not produce any unnecessary ticking sounds.

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

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

Sources: 1 & 2

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Learn To Play A Musical Instrument For Free In 5 Ways

There is something extraordinary about being able to learn a new skill or achieve something new on your own, especially if you started from scratch. For instance, self-made millionaires are so admirable that we want to know their secret to success.

If you aspire to become a self-taught musician, look no further because this article will give five ways to achieve your dream. Start by finding the right instrument for you. The instrument that you shall choose must dictate the type of music you like or must resonate the type of music you visualize recreating.

1. EXPLORING THE WORLD OF MUSIC

If you want to explore the world of music, it is a good idea to start with the history first. Annenberg Learner’s Exploring the World of Music consists of a series of half-hour videos that examine topics such as sound, melody, harmony, music memory, music composers, and so on.

The featured artists perform music from Bosnia to India and Ireland to West Africa. Learn even more with the related printable materials that are available on the website for free.

2. ONLINE MUSIC THEORY GAME

With its simplistic lessons and user-friendly interface, a beginner can truly appreciate the “Online Music Theory Game”. Online Music Theory Game offers a myriad of lessons on multiple instruments such as keyboard and guitar. Its lessons include the discussion of the music fundamentals such as note duration, major and minor scales, and key signatures.

Try browsing through the lessons, here.

3. SELFTAUGHTGUITARLESSONS.COM

If you are eyeing on the sleek guitar as your instrument of choice, SelfTaughtGuitarLessons.com is a good place to start because it covers everything from the basics including how to purchase your first guitar and what its parts are. Little by little, you will be able to learn the chords and scales with the informative articles and videos. A glossary that includes the musicians’ lingo is just an added bonus of the site.

4. PLAYPERFECT MUSIC PRACTICE SOFTWARE

PlayPerfect Music Practice Software allows you to practice musical pieces by setting its speed, tempo, and visual cues. Notes display a change of color as you play and you can practice playing with or without the metronome. You can use it for any instruments such as violin, guitar, piano, cello, bass, flute, or saxophone. It is available to download for free on your Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP.

5. YOUTUBE

YouTube, a video-sharing website, is not limited to the cute cat or provocative music videos. It stores a lot of tutorials too! Simply type the musical instrument you want to play on the search tab and put the word “tutorial for beginners” beside it and click enter. Now, you will see a screen full of tutorial videos you can choose from.

Here are just some of them:

a. Flute Tutorials

b. Violin Tutorials

c. Piano Tutorials

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

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

Have fun learning! 🙂

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