Lifestyle & Hobbies Archives | Page 19 of 165

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?

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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.

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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

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.

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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).

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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

7 Things You Should Absolutely Buy for Yourself

As Miley Cyrus sings in her song “Flowers,” “I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand, talk to myself for hours…” Let’s be real! Like her, you probably have a long list of things you want to buy for yourself, and there’s no reason to feel guilty about it.

Here are some of the best gifts to treat yourself with, including some of my personal favorites and a few items on my wish list.

#1: ORAL-B ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Investing in your oral health is always a smart decision. My husband swears by his electric toothbrush because it cleans so much better.

Priced at S$269 at Watsons, the Oral-B iO Series 5 Limited rechargeable electric toothbrush is an excellent choice. This toothbrush offers five cleaning modes—daily clean, intense clean, sensitive, super-sensitive, and whitening. It also features a two-minute timer, three brush heads, a travel case, and an AI-powered app to track your brushing habits. This powerful toothbrush will make you feel like you’ve just left the dentist every time you brush!

#2: AIRPODS MAX

Experience audio excellence with the AirPods Max, priced at S$813.90 in Apple’s website. These high-fidelity headphones deliver an unparalleled listening experience with their advanced noise cancellation and immersive sound quality.

Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home, the AirPods Max will enhance your audio experience.

#3: PIQUE KIMONO BATHROBE

Lounge in ultimate comfort with the Pique Kimono Bathrobe from H by Frette, a brand known for supplying linens and towels to the world’s top hotels since 1899.

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Priced at S$135 on hbyfrette.com, this robe brings the luxurious feeling of hotel robes into your home. Perfect for those who believe that loungewear is overrated, this bathrobe is an indulgence worth every penny.

#4: AESOP RESSURECTION AROMATIQUE HAND SOAP

Treat your hands to the luxurious Resurrection Aromatique Hand Soap for S$55 at Tangs. Known for its delightful fragrance and gentle cleansing properties, this hand soap is a perfect addition to your self-care routine.

It’s an everyday luxury that adds a touch of elegance to your home.

#5: DYSON V15 ABSOLUTE CORDLESS VACUUM

Unless specifically requested, gifting someone a vacuum can be misinterpreted. However, if you still don’t own the Dyson V15 Absolute Cordless Vacuum after your holiday haul, it’s time to gift it to yourself.

Priced at S$1,299 at Harvey Norman, this vacuum offers powerful suction, advanced filtration, and intelligent optimization, making cleaning effortless and efficient.

#6: FITBIT INSPIRE 2

If your 2025 New Year’s resolution is to get healthier, consider investing in a Fitbit Inspire 2. Priced at S$150 on Amazon, it features everything you need to track your health and fitness goals.

With a 24/7 heart rate monitor, activity tracking, sleep tracking, and a daily readiness score, this water-resistant device helps you stay on track without constantly needing to charge it as it has a 10-day battery life.

#7: DIOR ADDICT LIP MAXIMIZER

I recently received a compliment on this lip gloss at an optical store, with someone saying it looked so natural. I couldn’t agree more!

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The Dior Addict Lip Maximizer provides genuine hydrating and plumping care for your lips. Infused with cherry oil and hyaluronic acid, its formula is composed of 90% natural-origin ingredients. Priced at S$61 at Dior, this gloss is my absolute favorite, with its pigmentation and smooth application making it a must-have in any beauty routine.

4 instant cameras under $200 to buy for that friend who loves capturing the moment

Take a back seat, digital snapshots, for instant photography will be making a comeback.

If you’ve got a shutterbug in your life who relish the tactile satisfaction of a photo magically developing right before their eyes, this article is for you.

For your friend who lives to capture the moment and hold it in their hands, the instant cameras we’re about to introduce under $200 will be a portal to nostalgia.

Lomo’Instant Camera White Edition

Price: $139

First up, you will want to unleash your friend’s inner shutterbug with the Lomo’Instant Camera White Edition.

This instant camera comes with three shooting modes from dreamy fisheye shots to crisp portraits.

Its ultra-advanced lens system is ready for experimentation, so you can screw on attachments like the Lomo’Instant Lens Combo and get creative.

With easy-to-use features and affordable Fujifilm Instax Mini film, the Lomo’Instant Camera makes instant photography a breeze.

Suitable for both seasoned snappers and novices, this camera will capture vivid instants in no time.

Let the Lomo’Instant Camera inspire your friend’s next photo-filled journey.

Lomo’Instant Square Glass Camera Black Edition

Price: $169

Or what about capturing stunning square frames with the Lomo’Instant Square Glass Camera?

This adventure-friendly instant camera boasts a foldable design and a precision glass lens that delivers the sharpest Instax Square photos possible.

Automatic exposure ensures your shots are perfectly lit, while advanced settings like zone-focusing and exposure compensation let you fine-tune creativity.

With its array of attachments, this adaptable camera is ready for symmetrical cityscapes or candid moments on the go.

Affordable Fujifilm Instax Square film means the fun never has to end even without a huge budget.

Diana Instant Square Camera with Flash Classic Edition

Price: $188

Inspired by the iconic 1960s medium format original, this cult classic sprinkles your shots with striking effects from saturated colors to moody vignettes.

Fully manual controls give the photographer unrivaled creative freedom, while the built-in Diana F+ Flash lights up your after-dark instant photos.

There’s no re-take, no post-production polishing so just snap the shot, and seconds later, hold a beautiful, one-of-a-kind picture in your hands.

Whether your friend’s a seasoned analog shooter or new to instant photography, the Diana Instant Square Camera will have them capturing history.

Lomo’Instant Camera & Lenses Song’s Palette Edition

Price: $199

Last but not least, this fuss-free instant camera is dressed in an exclusive artwork by South Korean artist Park Song Lee, showcasing her signature pastel-pop palette.

With three versatile shooting modes including auto flash and two manual settings, as well as fisheye, portrait, and close-up lens attachments, your buddy can easily immortalize every moment, from landscapes to portraits.

Just point, shoot, and watch the film unfold.

It is a must-have for any fan of instant photography or limited edition colorful, contemporary design.

And here’s a wrap-up of our snapshot tour through the best instant cameras under $200. Every single one offers a creative outlet, a way to capture life’s moments, and a tangible piece of time that your friend can treasure forever. Whether it’s for a seasoned photographer or a novice eager to see through a fresh lens, one of these instant cameras is sure to inspire a new collection of priceless, personal art. Grab one today!

3 best-rated art-jamming studios in Singapore to let your inner artist shine through

A canvas is before you, and you’ve got a palette of bright colors by your side…

What do you do?

If a room filled with creative energy excites you, then you might want to try a hand at art jamming, where strokes are made through self-expression.

It’s a good way to explore your creativity without the pressure of perfection.

In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best-rated art-jamming studios in Singapore where you can let your inner artist roam free and create your very own masterpiece.

Ready or not, let’s roll.

Motion Art Space

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Website: motionartspace.com

Google Rating: 5 (1160+ reviews)

First up, we have this space where you can discover your inner Picasso.

At Motion Art Space, no artistic talent is required as their motion-based technique allows anyone to create gallery-worthy masterpieces in just one hour.

Choose your package, get set up with all the necessary materials, and follow their short 5-minute intro before you start.

Then let the magic of motion guide your brush as you produce a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Collect your painting in 3 days and proudly display your new creation anywhere you wish.

Prices start at just $59 for children and $69 for adults, with various packages and add-ons available.

Motion Art Space makes everyone an artist (and quite a good one) 😉

Wildflower Studio

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Website: wildflowerstudio.sg

Google Rating: 5 (450+ reviews)

Or consider Wildflower Studio, a place where cats and creativity collide.

This heartwarming haven partners with cat rescuers to nurse felines back to health and socialize them with art enthusiasts and pet lovers alike.

Choose from a ‘Semi-Guided Art Jam with Cats’, where facilitators guide your brushstrokes, or the more casual ‘Chill Out with Cats’ session to paint at your own pace and snuggle with your feline muses.

With prices starting at just $20/hour, it’s a purr-fect adventure for all ages—from kids to the kids at heart.

We promise it’s a welcoming community that celebrates both art and animal welfare.

Artify Studio

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Website: artifystudio.com

Google Rating: 5 (110+ reviews)

Last but not least, you may want to spark your creative spirit at Artify Studio, where art is an open door to everyone.

This studio is a hub that offers a judgment-free zone to unleash your inner artist.

From guided art jamming sessions starting at just $35 to unguided sessions from $25, you will find endless ways to get your paint on, exploring colors, textures, and self-expression.

Artify Studio’s welcoming community and guidance make art-making accessible to all.

So, grab your brushes and get ready to create your next masterpiece in this unrestricting space.

Art is more than just paint and canvas, it’s also about creativity and a respite from the hustle. Whether it’s a therapeutic afternoon, a chance to develop your artistic skills, or simply a time to bond with friends and family, these studios are sure to add a splash of color to your otherwise mundane life. So just pick up a brush, don’t overthink things, and let your creativity lead the way to your next masterpiece. Enjoy your session(s)!

Motion Art Space

Wildflower Studio

Artify Studio

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