You’ll Love These 5 Affordable Cafes with Free WiFi

Finding the ideal spot to work or study can make all the difference in your productivity. Whether you’re someone who thrives in a busy atmosphere or prefers a quiet nook, there’s something special about working in a cozy cafe. And let’s be honest, free WiFi is non-negotiable.

The good news? You don’t have to settle for the usual suspects like McD’s or Starbs. There are plenty of cafes where you can get your work done, sip on a delicious beverage, and soak up the ambiance. Consider these affordable cafes where you can enjoy free WiFi and a cup of coffee while you work or study.

#1: AN ACAI AFFAIR

Looking for a quiet, work-friendly space? Head to Bukit Timah’s An Acai Affair. This cafe not only offers free WiFi but also provides a serene atmosphere perfect for getting work done without distractions. Plus, the aesthetically pleasing decor makes it a joy to sit down with an acai bowl and dive into your tasks. Prices for these delicious, healthy bowls start at just S$6.90. BTW, my mom is a big fan!

Image Credits: anacaiaffair.com

Location: 617 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269718
Website: anacaiaffair.com

#2: I2 THE WOODS CAFE

With its charming decor and wooden furnishings, i2 The Woods Cafe offers a homely, peaceful ambiance that’s perfect for working or studying. Besides free WiFi and power outlets, you’ll sometimes find events like chess or arts workshops taking place. Enjoy a Piccolo Latte for S$6.50, or try their specialty drinks such as the Floating Iceberg for S$8.45.

Image Credits: facebook.com/p/i2-The-Woods-Cafe-100023430863884

Location: 26 Jalan Kelulut, Singapore 809043
Website: facebook.com/p/i2-The-Woods-Cafe

#3: TWENTY GRAMMES

If you love a minimalistic, industrial vibe, Twenty Grammes in Kampong Glam is your go-to spot. Known for its gelato swirls, waffles, and cakes, this cafe is also a haven for those looking to work in a relaxed environment with free WiFi. Sip on a single espresso shot for S$3.50, or indulge in a Matcha Latte for S$6.00. Pair it with a Salted Caramel Brownie (S$4.50) or a Peanut Butter Walnut Banana Toast (S$8.00) for a complete treat during a work session.

Image Credits: facebook.com/twentygrammes

Location: #01-01, 753 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198721
Website: facebook.com/twentygrammes

#4: CLAP CAFE

Gather your coworkers or friends for a productive day at Clap Cafe. This quaint spot offers a designated section where you can work and discuss without interruptions. After a brainstorming session, recharge with a signature drink starting at S$8, a slice of in-house made cake, or a cup of loose leaf tea starting at S$6. Coffee here starts at a reasonable S$5.

Image Credits: instagram.com/clapcafe.sg

Location: #01-28, Waterloo Centre, 261 Waterloo Street, Singapore 180261
Website: instagram.com/clapcafe.sg

#5: TWENTY EIGHT CAFE

Tucked away along the quiet stretch of Wilkie Road, Twenty Eight Cafe has been a crowd favorite since 2018. This bright and airy cafe offers plenty of natural light, making it an ideal workspace. It’s spacious enough for group projects, yet still cozy for solo digital nomads.

Affordable coffee options start at S$4.90 for a shot of espresso. You’ll also find fresh juices, cold-brewed tea, smoothies, and milkshakes on the menu. To fuel your work session, dig into a hearty brunch or snack on finger foods like fries and churros, starting from S$8.

Location: #01-06, 28 Wilkie Rd, Singapore 228051
Website: facebook.com/TwentyEightCafe

Image Credits: unsplash.com

These cafes offer the perfect blend of ambiance, affordability, and that all-important free WiFi, ensuring you can work or study in comfort without being broke.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Most Beautiful & Delicious Mooncakes for Under S$100

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, marks the end of the autumn harvest and is a time of reunion under the glowing full moon. In 2024, this festival falls on September 17th.

In Singapore, the festival is a time for families to enjoy vibrant Chinese lantern displays and other light shows at night. Children especially love the Mid-Autumn Festival for the mooncakes and the chance to parade around town holding lanterns with their parents.

MOONCAKE TRADITION

Mooncakes are the quintessential treat of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditionally filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seeds, these round pastries have deep cultural significance. The shape of the mooncake symbolizes the full moon, reflecting the festival’s origins in moon worship and harvest celebrations. While the religious aspects have faded, the mooncake remains a delicious and meaningful part of the festivities.

In earlier times, lanterns were crafted from colorful Chinese paper and lit with wax candles. Today, you’ll see lanterns made from cellophane bags and hangar wires, or store-bought versions powered by batteries and shaped like popular cartoon characters.

WHERE TO BUY THEM

#1: INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE

For a luxurious mooncake experience, Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore offers a collection that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty. The Blossom and Botany snowskin mooncake collection features four new citrusy flavors, each molded into the restaurant’s iconic rose silhouette and paired with a delightful chocolate truffle center. Additionally, health-conscious individuals will appreciate their low-sugar baked mooncakes. Prices start from S$96 for four baked mooncakes.

Image Credits: singapore.intercontinental.com

What’s more? You can use the code “MCK20” for 20% savings on all mooncakes until September 17, 2024. Selected credit cards enjoy 25% savings too. Order here: singapore.intercontinental.com

#2: CAPITOL KEMPINSKI HOTEL

Capitol Kempinski Hotel offers mooncakes in striking gold-embossed turquoise boxes, featuring new baked flavors like Red Bean Osmanthus with Mixed Nuts and Black Sesame Paste with Egg Yolk. Their new snowskin options consist Mocha Bailey’s and Yuzu Osmanthus. Prices start from S$72 for a set of eight mini baked mooncakes.

Image Credits: shop-capitolkempinski.myshopify.com

Enjoy up to 30% off on orders placed before August 31, 2024, with exclusive privileges for UOB, OCBC, DBS, and Citibank cardmembers. Get it here: shop-capitolkempinski.myshopify.com.

#3. MANDARIN ORIENTAL SINGAPORE

For a touch of Peranakan charm, Mandarin Oriental Singapore offers mooncakes packaged in elegant boxes inspired by the hotel’s wall murals. The Cherry Garden Four Treasures box, priced at S$92, includes flavors like Chestnut with Exceptionally Singapore Tea and Almond, and Low Sugar White Lotus Paste with Tropical Oasis Tea and Coconut. Sounds delish, right?

Image Credits: singapore.mandarinorientalshop.com.

Purchase it here: singapore.mandarinorientalshop.com.

#4: ORCHARD HOTEL

Hua Ting Restaurant at Orchard Hotel presents an exquisite selection of mooncakes in sustainable craft boxes. Their offerings include the Black Sesame with Melon Seeds (S$80 per box of 4) and White Lotus Paste with Double Yolk and Macadamia Nuts (S$86 per box of 4) .

Image Credits: millenniumhotels.com

Indulge in up to 25% off with their Early Bird Mooncake Promotion until September 2, 2024. Available here: millenniumhotels.com.

#5: ST. REGIS SINGAPORE

For those who prefer a smaller indulgence, St Regis Singapore’s Petite Gift Set offers two baked mooncakes or four mini snowskin mooncakes for S$65.80. The elegant pale blue-sleeved box includes flavors like Pu’er Tea with Melon Seeds or Red Dates and Walnut Paste with Lychee Martini Truffle.

Surely, these delicately delicious mooncakes are best paired with refreshing tea! Grab a set at giftwithstregis.oddle.me.

Image Credits: giftwithstregis.oddle.me

These mooncakes not only make the perfect gift but also serve as a delightful way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with loved ones. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

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Sneaky Tricks Restaurants Use to Increase Your Bill

Dining out in Singapore is an experience that blends a diverse culinary scene with sophisticated ambiance. However, have you ever wondered why you sometimes end up spending more than you planned? Well, restaurants are masters of subtle psychological and environmental techniques designed to encourage you to indulge.

Here are some clever tricks they use to make you open your wallet wider.

MENU MANIPULATION

Menus in Singaporean restaurants are often carefully crafted to guide your choices and increase spending. High-margin items are highlighted with pictures, bold fonts, or boxes around them to grab your attention. Expensive items are strategically placed next to moderately priced ones to make the latter seem more reasonable.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Fewer choices can actually increase your likelihood of ordering high-profit items. When overwhelmed with too many options, diners tend to choose the familiar or highlighted options.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE

The environment in which you dine significantly impacts how much you spend. Soft lighting and mellow music create a relaxing atmosphere, making diners more likely to order additional courses or drinks. Larger tables and comfortable seating can encourage longer stays and more orders. Conversely, smaller tables can make you feel cramped, potentially leading you to leave sooner and spend less.

PORTION CONTROL TACTICS

Restaurants often employ portion control tricks to maximize profit. Waitstaff are trained to suggest larger portions or additional sides, often making these suggestions sound like deals you can’t refuse. Smaller portions on larger plates can make the dish seem more luxurious and justify a higher price.

PRICING STRATEGIES

Prices are rarely rounded off, and there’s a reason for that! A dish priced at S$9.99 instead of S$10.00 makes it appear cheaper, even though the difference is negligible. This tactic, known as charm pricing, is widely used because it effectively tricks your brain into perceiving a better deal.

STRATEGIC SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

Where you sit can also influence your spending. Window seats and central locations are prime spots often reserved for larger groups or those ordering more, subtly encouraging you to spend more to “earn” the better view. Positioning the bar where it’s highly visible and accessible encourages diners to start with drinks, increasing the overall bill.

PROMOTIONAL PRESSURE

Creating a sense of urgency can drive spending. Limited-time offers and seasonal dishes create a FOMO, prompting you to order these items before they disappear. Moreover, bundling items together at a slight discount encourages you to spend more than you might have planned. Not to mention, happy hour specials and exclusive deals also contribute significantly to this effect.

SOCIAL INFLUENCE

The power of suggestion is another subtle but effective strategy. Highlighting “chef’s specials” or “most popular” dishes can guide your choices, leading you to order higher-margin items. Personal recommendations from friendly waitstaff can be hard to resist, especially if they are trained to suggest higher-profit items.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Understanding how restaurants influence your spending can help you make more mindful choices while still enjoying the rich culinary experiences the country has to offer. Remember, being aware of these tricks doesn’t mean you can’t indulge; it just means you’re doing so on your own terms!

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Is It Practical to Buy Souvenirs from Your Trip?

Souvenir shopping is a beloved part of many travel itineraries. It’s natural to want a special keepsake to commemorate your trip and bring a touch of that magic back home. Whether for yourself or as a gift for loved ones, the choices can feel overwhelming and sometimes inauthentic.

To avoid cluttering your home with meaningless items, consider a mindful approach by selecting souvenirs that will be used or appreciated. Personally, I often purchase one or two luxury items that have lasting value.

For many Asians, including myself, buying souvenirs for family is a must. These mementos not only evoke positive memories but also offer a way to share your experiences with friends and family.

WHAT TO BUY?

Consumables are often the most appreciated souvenirs. From personal experience, chocolates are a safe bet—they disappear quickly when I bring them to the office. Opt for individually packed options, and be cautious with unique tastes like dried durian, which may not appeal to everyone.

Consider the practicality of a souvenir and how often it will be used. Recently, I bought my mom Chanel concealer from the Hong Kong airport, which she loved.

Some items may be cheaper abroad, but significant discounts on expensive goods, like handbags, may still result in a high cost. If you love handbags, who am I to tell you not to grab that discounted LV or Goyard in France?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When buying for family and friends, choose items you know they’ll enjoy, not just what you like. Remember, not every destination has something for everyone, so select items that match their hobbies or interests.

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET FOR SHOPPING?

Budgeting is key. Plan ahead by researching before your trip, especially for high-end items like jewelry, art, and antiques. Avoid heavily trafficked tourist areas to stay within your budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Explore local markets for unique items at lower prices. For food souvenirs, shop at local grocery stores for authentic sweets and snacks. This approach saves money and helps you find items that truly capture the spirit of the area.

Enjoy your travels!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Hidden Perks When Shopping for Luxury Items

If there’s one thing I adore, it’s luxury shopping. Many high-end items are not just splurges but smart investments that can be cherished forever or sold in the future.

Personally, Chanel and Dior top my list for makeup and fragrances, Louis Vuitton is my go-to for bags and small leather goods, and I gravitate towards Gucci for shoes. Given the hefty price tags, I’m always on the lookout to make the most of the freebies and perks these luxury brands offer.

Here’s a rundown of some fantastic opportunities you can take advantage of:

CHANEL

When you shop on Chanel’s website, you receive two complimentary samples with every fragrance, makeup, or skincare purchase. You get to choose from a variety at checkout. For better deals, you might consider shopping at duty-free stores; I snagged my favorite 50 ml Coco Mademoiselle EDT for S$162 at the Hong Kong airport, compared to S$165 in Singapore stores.

If you’re traveling soon, don’t miss the CHANEL Summer Club pop-up at Changi Airport Terminal 1, running until July 1st. Here, you can explore fresh, amber, or woody fragrances, radiant makeup products, and skincare essentials. Plus, you’ll receive a free Chanel postcard and badge.

LOUIS VUITTON

Building a good relationship with your Louis Vuitton sales associate can lead to delightful surprises like free perfume samples. My husband and I often receive free chocolates and champagne when we shop, thanks to the strong relationship we’ve built with our associate. He also shares his recommendations and helps us set appointments.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning customer, Louis Vuitton offers complimentary hot stamping on both new and pre-owned authentic items purchased online and in select stores. I recently had my luggage tag and pocket agenda personalized with unique city stamps and my initials. In Singapore, for example, you can get a special Merlion stamp. You can also collect exclusive city stamps (see samples here), such as the Manila Sun and Stars in the Philippines, Hachiko in Japan, or the Taipei 101 stamp in Taiwan.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, when you order Louis Vuitton fragrances online, you receive a complimentary sample to try before committing to a full bottle.

DIOR

With Dior, after placing your first order, you receive a redeemable code for an exclusive Deluxe Miniature Gift with your second purchase. This code can be found on your order confirmation page and in your email. Simply enter it at checkout to claim your gift.

Dior also offers a loyalty program packed with perks. Every S$1 spent earns you 1 point, and reaching the highest tier, Dior Platinum, requires accumulating S$4,000. Benefits include complimentary samples and services, birthday bonuses, exclusive event invitations, and a variety of gifts throughout the year.

GUCCI

Gucci offers complimentary embossing and engraving services. Whether you’re picking up an order in-store, bringing in an item purchased online, or buying directly from a boutique, you can personalize your purchase with numbers, symbols, or letters. These services are available at Gucci Marina Bay Sands, Gucci ION, and Gucci Paragon.

Additionally, Gucci hosts events where you can receive free samples. Go to Gucci Beauty store* in Raffles City (#01-40A) by June 30, 2024, to receive a complimentary exclusive Gucci Beauty 8-piece discovery kit, while stocks last (*terms & conditions apply).

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Luxury shopping doesn’t have to be all about the hefty price tags. By taking advantage of these perks and freebies, you can elevate your shopping experience and enjoy some delightful extras along the way. Happy shopping!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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