How to Save Money When Travelling on a Cruise

Last March, my husband and I witnessed the wonderful union of his cousin and her long-term beau. When the ceremony ended, they packed their bags and went to a cruise that journeys from Singapore to Penang and Penang to Phuket. A ticket can cost as low as S$415 per person for a 4-night cruise.

I wondered how crucial it was for them to book this trip on time. As newly minted husband and wife, they need to save up money to build a life they dreamed of. What are the strategies that newlyweds, retirees, or young adults can use to save money when booking for a cruise?

#1: TIMING IS CRUCIAL

Tickets may be reduced at the last minute to fill up empty spaces in a ship. However, you could score the best prices when you book early. Booking a year in advance will help you snag the lowest rates and get you on the cruise you specifically desire. It is likely to get you the best prices on the most sought-after staterooms too. So, keep checking in or sign up for price notifications to weigh your options.

#2: SAVE MONEY ON BOOZE

You can save money on booze by researching the cruise ship’s alcoholic beverage policy. While some cruise lines let you bring your own alcohol on board, others forbid it. For cruise lines that allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverage, most put a limit of one bottle per person.

For instance, Royal Caribbean International allows each guest of drinking age to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Guests who bring more than one bottle at the beginning of the first sailing should have documentation to share with the security.

#3: CHARGE ALL YOUR GADGETS

When you are limited to one or two electrical outlets in your room, it can pose a problem to keep all your devices charged throughout the day. Solve this issue by keeping a compact travel adaptor to charge multiple devices at the same time. These adaptors are sold for as low as S$4 online.

#4: SIGN YOUR KIDS UP FOR COMPLIMENTARY ACTIVITIES

Several cruise lines offer kid-friendly activities at no cost. Apart from these kid-friendly activities, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean offer a youth club called Adventure Ocean program, which is essentially a day care for children whose ages range from 6 months to 12 years old. Multiple programs and games are planned out for your loved ones to enjoy. Programs such as these will allow you and your partner to enjoy quality time together.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#5: CONSIDER THE TIME OF YEAR

Supply and demand dominate the pricing strategy of cruise lines. Thus, it is more costly to book a cruise during Christmas or Summer break. If you have more flexibility to go with your children or your partner during off-peak season, you can save a lot of money.

#6: JOIN QUIZ NIGHTS

Skip on the souvenirs found in the gift shops and join quiz nights to win exclusive prizes instead. Quiz nights are one of the most underrated things on cruises. Spend your evening answering trivia questions to win prizes that you take home with you. Just secure a spot in advance.

#7: LOYALTY PAYS

Once you’ve experienced the luxuries of a cruise, it’s highly likely that you’ll be hooked. Fortunately for you, most cruise lines offer loyalty schemes, which reward returning guests with upgrades and special packages.

Regent calls its membership scheme the Seven Seas Society, which ranges from Bronze to Commodore. While Princess Cruises’ loyalty program is divided into four tiers namely Gold, Ruby, Platinum, and Elite members. Lastly, Star Cruises offer the Star Cruises Genting Rewards, which are split into five tiers. Join a loyalty program that suits you best.

#8: MAXIMIZE YOUR CREDIT CARD’S POTENTIAL

Some credit card reward programs can be used for booking trips on cruises. You can save using your points or cash out your reward points close to your cruise date. This will help you to reduce the cost of your cruise ticket or to help pay for items on your cruise.

#9: GET SEA SICKNESS REMEDIES FOR FREE

Natural seasickness remedies such as green apples and saltine crackers are typically free on a cruise ship. Many crew members strongly advocate these tried-and-trusted natural remedies. Alternatively, you can simply ask Guest Services or your stateroom attendant for some seasickness medication. Do not hesitate to ask!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Source: 1,2, & 3

 

Read More...

Why we should engage in traditional hobbies in the era of technology

Analog Hobbies

We live in a highly developed era of technology and that’s not something bad.

Thanks to our devices, we are continually connected with our loved ones, and the internet makes it simple to find solutions within a few clicks.

Aside from the fact that this level of technology has practically taken over every aspect of our lives, sometimes, it’s not necessarily a good thing. If we don’t do anything about our overreliance on technology, we run the risk of losing touch with the real world and ourselves.

What are some analog hobbies to try?

There are many analog hobbies out there, depending on your strengths and interests.

For instance, you can try your hand at woodworking or painting. I was online yesterday and came across an ad run by a graffiti warehouse in Singapore—Heaven Spot. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HeavenSpot (@heavenspotsg)

Each session is an hour long and packages start from S$45. I’ve yet to try them out but it does look intriguing.

Have you had a session with them before? Would you recommend it?

Whatever your interests are, there are a ton of activities that you can do to keep your mind active. You don’t need a ton of expensive materials to get started either. With a few basic tools and materials, anyone can practice any art, from calligraphy to pottery making.

Why is going analog necessary in the digital age?

You might be wondering why we should look to the past for hobbies like knitting or making model airplanes when we live in the era of digital technology with its seductive array of devices.

Well, the obvious answer is that it offers something that modern technology cannot. Yes, I know how much technology has enriched our daily lives. But, a crucial component—the bodily experience—is also being rapidly replaced by technology.

Tactile experiences, such as handling something small and delicate like a tiny brush tip, are ones that a fully digital world cannot offer. Other examples include feeling the weight and texture of clay while you sculpt with it. Also, working with your hands on something tangible can give you a sense of fulfillment that typing on a computer screen just can’t quite match.

The advantages of analog hobbies for the body and mind

Finding an analog hobby can be just what you need to concentrate on when you’re feeling drowned by all the digital noise.

The development of creativity as well as stress reduction and enhanced mental health, are just a few of the significant advantages that an analog hobby can provide.

  • Reducing stress

Gardening, drawing, or playing an instrument are examples of analog activities that focus you on the work at hand rather than being constantly barraged by notifications from email or social media accounts. By doing this, you can stay right in the moment.

  • Fostering creativity

By engaging in creative hobbies like painting, sculpture, or writing poetry (on paper), you can foster your creativity and improve your well-being. Moreover, self-expression and overall mental health can also be supported through artistic creations.

  • A sense of ownership

Arts and music-related analog activities can promote a sense of accomplishment and aid in the management of mental health issues including anxiety. Working on something tangible gives us a sense of accomplishment that is sometimes challenging to achieve through digital activities.

How to work a traditional hobby into your everyday life

So are you convinced to put down your devices, and set aside time for analog hobbies?

Lovely.

We have a few ideas to get you moving:

  • Start journaling

Journaling in a diary is a great way to reflect on your day’s highs and lows as well as any interesting occurrences. If you’re not sure where to start, why not try a guided journal?

Chai Sunrise has this 3 Questions a Day Journal to help you start penning.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chai Sunrise (@chaisunrise)

It’s pretty pricey for a logbook but I’ll give it credit because it’s not just a blank one; there are daily positive reminders for your soul!

  • Choose a long-term hobby you can sustain

There are lots of activities available that exclude screens. For instance, start experimenting with film cameras.

If it sounds too expensive, though, you can start with watercolor paintings or drawings. There are affordable options available on Shopee! For example, this Singapore-based shop called ArtFarm Singapore has a decent range of art supplies, including ‘Paint by Numbers Art Canvases’ for beginners. Click through the links to find out more.

Finding the right balance between digital and analog

Finding the right balance between analog and digital interactions can be difficult, but maintaining an analog way of life in the digital era is not impossible.

One way to achieve this is to set time limits for your digital devices, such as refraining from accessing social media after a specific time you set. Keeping track of how much time you spend in front of a screen is another option. If you set a goal to spend more time offline than online, you will be surprised at how much spare time you have.

So why not give some traditional pastimes a try in this digital age? Along with making you happier, more at peace, and less stressed, it may even help you reach peak levels of productivity as you train yourself on how to focus.

It’s easy to forget that conventional hobbies were once our forefathers’ pleasures in a world dominated by screens and media. Also, concentrating on an analog task can aid in the practice of mindfulness and keep us present at the moment. It doesn’t even have to be a big shift. Traditional hobbies can be quite beneficial, whether you decide to start painting, woodworking, or simply cuddling up in bed with a nice book. Disconnecting from technology can have a variety of benefits, from better mental health to strengthened relationships. So why not go analog and limit the cord on technology as we start the 2nd quarter of 2023?

Read More...

8 Free Things to Enjoy in Singapore This Month

 

Itching to get out of the house and explore what the island has to offer? Fortunately for you, you do not need to shell out money to enjoy a variety of shows, workshops, and tours. You will be able to experience the activities on this list at no cost!

#1: VISIT SINGAPORE’S OLDEST FIRE STATION

If you dreamt of becoming a firefighter as a child, this is your chance to encapsulate your childhood dream. Plan your visit to the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery to learn more about Singapore’s Civil Defence Force.

Within the halls of the Singapore’s oldest fire station are collections of firefighting exhibits and paraphernalia, which tackle notable moments in history including the Bukit Ho Swee fire. Experience simulating a real fire attack by going to their SCDF Emergency Preparedness Centre. What are you waiting for? Book your visit here.

Location: 62 Hill Street, Singapore 179367

#2: INVITE A FRIEND TO A PHOTO WALK

Invite a friend to a photo walk where you will both get insider tips from phone photography experts. These experts will teach you how to improve your mobile photography and editing skills. Apple’s “Photo Tour: Capture Marina Bay After Dark” takes you around Singapore’s Marina Bay to learn how to take beautiful low-light photos using Night mode and more on iPhone.

Experts will show you how to balance foreground and background, adjust exposure, and set up your best night shot. The Tour streches about 500m. Best of all? All these techniques are free! All you need to do is bring your iPhone or you can loan the latest iPhone models for snapping memories.

There are three sessions this March 2023. Click here to sign-up.

Location: 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-06, Singapore 018972

#3: DIGEST THE HISTORY OF ST JAMES POWER STATION

The St James Power Station began its restoration works in 2018. At present, the monument has been reborn with a new Heritage Trail and Gallery. History enthusiasts can visit a free trail of Singapore’s maritime history and the evolution of the country’s first power station of such magnitude.

After relishing history during the trail, you can go inside the Heritage Gallery. Here you will experience impressive 3D artwork, animated augmented reality video series, and an interesting exhibit.

Register with your loved ones here.

Location: 3 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098544

#4: TURN YOUR OLD TEE INTO A TOTE BAG

Say goodbye to your old shirt and hello to a reusable tote bag with the support of Project Re:ground. Project Re:ground is a mental wellbeing initiative by Youth Corps Singapore in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board. This event highlights the importance of breathing new life into the items that you would otherwise throw away.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This artistic event happens on 23 March 2023 at 7pm. Do not forget to bring along an old T-shirt and a water bottle! Learn more about this event by visiting volunteer.gov.sg.

Location: 113 Somerset Road, The Red Box, Singapore 238165

#5: GO TO THE SINGAPORE CAT FESTIVAL

Singapore Cat Festival is back for the third time! Celebrate your beloved cats this 25 to 26 March 2023 by joining cat adoption drives, breed showcases, vet chats, retail booths, and face painting.

This Festival is a cat-friendly event, so you can bring your purrfect companion as you browse the booths. Just make sure that your cat is secured in a carrier.

Location: Great World, Level 1 Atrium & Office Lobby, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994

#6: INDULGE ON THE SNEAKER AND STREET CULTURE

Sneakertopia, an ArtsScience Museum exhibition, features film screenings that explore important films displaying streetwear and sneaker culture. This month, you will be able to watch entertaining films such as Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), Space Jam (1996), and more.

From iconic blockbusters to indie titles, you can take a closer look at how films play a vital role in fashion and style. There are more film titles to come for April and May screening.

Location: ArtScience Cinema (Level 4), ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974

#7: BOOST YOUR RESUME

Thanks to the National Library Board (NLB)’s “Get Professional” series, you will be able to access professional techniques on how to improve your resume or C.V. writing and networking skills.

Industry experts will guide you throughout the process. This online workshop is on 22 March 2023 from 7pm – 9pm. Secure your spot here!

#8: GO FOR A WALKATHON

Let’s Walk, Singapore will take you on a free 3km walkathon in Yishun Park. Start your fitness journey with your friends and family! As a bonus, all attendees will receive a Sunnystep voucher.

This free event on 25 March will start with a gentle warm-up stretch routine and give you breaks every 20-30 minutes or so. To end the session, you will go through a short cool down stretch. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets here.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Location: Yishun Park (entrance near SAFRA Yishun Country Club)

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Stack savings upon savings with GrabUnlimited – Try it now for free

Haven’t tried GrabUnlimited yet? Is it a case of being unsure about whether the savings would outweigh the fees, or not knowing what GrabUnlimited is about? Well, good news for fence-sitters: Grab has recently revamped their GrabUnlimited subscription plan with a slew of savings and benefits that are fit for all lifestyles!

New users can now try it free of charge for the first month for a limited time too! Read on to see why this subscription plan is a must-have to save on your food costs — and how you can enjoy stackable savings right from your first Grab order.

What Is GrabUnlimited?

First thing first, what is GrabUnlimited? It is a subscription service where users can enjoy up to $3 off every Food and Mart delivery, along with GrabUnlimited-exclusive promos for selected merchants and savings for other Grab services. There is no lock-in period as subscribers can cancel anytime without penalty.

Incredible benefits for GrabUnlimited subscriber

For only $5.99 per month, these are the incredible benefits that you will unlock:

  • 99 x $3 OFF GrabFood delivery vouchers (min. spend $15)
  • Unlimited deals of up to 30% OFF menu-wide at GrabUnlimited preferred merchants
  • 99 x $3 OFF GrabMart delivery vouchers (min. spend $30) for preferred stores
  • 99 x $2 OFF GrabMart delivery vouchers (min. spend $30) for all other stores
  • 1 x 10% OFF GrabExpress delivery vouchers (capped at $4)
  • Other bonus vouchers that refresh monthly, such as these for the month of March:
    • 30 x 15% off GrabFood self-pick up vouchers (capped at $8)
    • 2 x 20% off GrabFood self-pick up vouchers (capped at $8)
    • $3 Off GrabFood delivery fee, with no min. spend, valid for stores offering GrabUnlimited Deals or Teatime discounts
    • 1 x $4 off PayLater by Grab voucher (min. spend $80)

How to stack savings upon savings

With so many quantities and varieties of vouchers from GrabUnlimited, the opportunities to utilise them are plentiful. It’s become an everyday staple for me — here’s how I saved $21 last Friday alone with my GrabUnlimited plan.

Breakfast to fuel your mornings

Woke up late, and rushing off to the office? Don’t skip your meals — start your day right by ordering your breakfast from merchants that offer GrabUnlimited deals, and get it delivered straight to your office! With GrabUnlimited, you will automatically enjoy up to 30% off PLUS $3 off your delivery fee.

For breakfast, I ordered from the Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlet near my workplace and managed to shave $7 off my order with the stackable promos — which is more than the subscription cost itself. This came in very handy, as I was late for an early morning meeting. What a happy start to the day!

 

Alternatively, if you have some time to spare and want to clock in those extra steps, you can also utilise your bonus GrabUnlimited vouchers to further offset your cost. For example, in the month of March, GrabUnlimited offers vouchers for up to 20% off your GrabFood self-pickup orders.

If I wasn’t feeling lazy that day, my total would’ve come up to $16.66 instead ($7.84 off)!

TGIF — inviting your friends over for a chill night out

Having some friends over for a Friday night hang, but realised you’re all out of drinks and snacks? GrabUnlimited to the rescue! You can order all your needs from GrabMart — wines, alcohol, snacks and more, all delivered right to your door. This convenience saves you time and energy, and you can stay home to spruce up the place before your guests come over.

Last Friday, I was more than relieved to have survived the end of a hectic week. As per my weekly routine, I invited some friends over last Friday, and decided to get all my party necessities with GrabMart. First on the list: wines! The Wine Connection offers a wide selection of wines to suit all tastes. I carted out a Riesling and Merlot for some variety.

What’s a chill night out without some snacks? Chocolates and chips are a guilty pleasure of mine, and I got some from Don Don Donki.

Ever the sweet tooth, I ordered several pints of ice cream from The Ice Cream Store to top off the night too while we binge on Netflix.

Before my guests arrived, I wanted to jazz up my space and ordered fresh flowers at the last minute from Xpressflower. This centerpiece definitely lifted everyone’s moods!

This rounds up my Friday night savings with GrabMart. With GrabUnlimited, I saved a total of $15:

  • $3 from The Wine Connection
  • $2 from Don Don Donki
  • $7 from The Ice Cream Store
  • $3 from Xpressflower

Because of the number of vouchers I received from GrabUnlimited, I didn’t have to worry about delivery fees despite ordering from multiple merchants, and everything was delivered conveniently to my doorstep!

Sign up for GrabUnlimited — free for the first month!

It is easy to see why the revamped GrabUnlimited is now a “must have” to maximise savings on your daily expenses — and not just for food too! With so many stackable deals and vouchers, this is definitely a game-changer for all Grab users.

If you’re new to the plan and have not tried it yet, GrabUnlimited will be free for your first month; you can enjoy all the benefits of this subscription and cancel anytime. Click here to find out more details, and subscribe to GrabUnlimited now!

 

Read More...

I’ve Finally Found The Perfect Customised Hair Treatment For My Hair Loss

You only live once, do whatever you want.

I heeded the above advice for my hair when I was young(er) so you can imagine all the crazy things I’ve done to my hair— colouring, perming, bleaching, and rebonding. You name it, I’ve probably done it.

It’s only when I started noticing significant hair loss that I stopped those hair “adventures”. And what I’m referring to is spotting a wider hairline and overall thinning over the years. The worst part was seeing an increasing bunch of hair strands on the floor when I cleaned my room at the end of the day. Certainly not a good feeling.

And that’s why when Topp Care Hair Solutions offered me to try out their customised hair treatment, I jumped on the opportunity with a million thanks.

Topp Care is located within Eastpoint Mall and it’s right beside Simei MRT station. I took the escalator up to the 3rd floor, walked a little, and spotted the outlet almost immediately.

About Topp Care Hair Solutions

Topp Care holds a US Trichology Institute certification and is a member of the British Herbal Medicine Association. Each step of every treatment uses products created from premium Western Botanicals (plant-derived) that can encourage hair growth and improve scalp health.

They offer solutions that cater to all ages, so whether it’s premature hair thinning or age-related greying concerns, Topp Care can help. All of their treatments are delivered by US Trichology Institute Certified Specialists as well as well-trained and experienced therapists, and they contain hair-friendly herbs including thyme, burdock, and aloe vera.

The Moment Of Revelation

The truth hurts, but to know the condition of my scalp, I had to brace myself for the 1-to-1 consultation. After I was asked to fill up a short questionnaire, my hair & scalp specialist, Helen, greeted me with a smile.

She explained that she would be using a scanning machine that can zoom in up to 200x to take a closer look at my scalp. I was nervous but also curious to see the condition of my scalp. As much as my hair looks okay on the outside, it isn’t that pretty on the inside.

While looking at the scans generated, Helen asked if I had sensitive skin. And yes, she was spot on. She then explained that the reddish spots noted on my scans are a clear indication, since our scalps are part of our skin as well. I had a scalp scan done years ago but don’t recall having these red-looking bumps so I immediately knew things had gotten quite bad.

Helen also explained that there was an excessive sebum build-up on my scalp, clogging up my hair follicles. The white-yellowish stuff surrounding it isn’t dandruff (to my surprise), but a combination of oil and the residues left from my hair dye.

And mind you, I’ve already cut down on hair colouring from once a month to once every 2 to 3 months due to the fear of aggravating my hair loss condition. Who would have thought that the residues left are causing problems too?

I was also enlightened that a healthy hair follicle should have 2 to 3 strands of hair growing out of it, but a close look at the scans revealed that many of my follicles only had a pathetic strand. And that’s why when that precious strand falls and no new ones grow from it, there goes my follicle — it goes into a resting phase and might never grow back. It’s upsetting but I guess that explains the increasing little bald spots on my head.

Do I feel bad? Yes, you bet. But thankfully, all is not too late.

Helen recommended that I do a Dead Sea Masque which can:

  • Control and optimise sebum production
  • Eliminate excess oil and dead skin from pores and follicles
  • Detoxify by soaking up impurities via thorough scalp cleansing

Just perfect for my oily scalp concern. Note: Depending on your scalp condition, a different treatment could be recommended.

My Actual Treatment Process

My customised treatment started with a deep scalp cleanse followed by a generous amount of Dead Sea Masque application to my roots. I was left to rest for 20 minutes and let the masque work its magic in softening the accumulated sebum and effectively removing oil clogs, so that my follicles can “breathe” again.

Before I knew it, time was up and I was ushered to the hair-washing area for a revitalising rinse.

The therapist who attended to me told me to always use my fingertips and never my nails when washing my hair, which I think is a good tip for all of us to note.

I loved how thorough she was, making sure to leave no masque residue during the process. I was also treated to a little massage during shampooing before a conditioner was applied to the ends of my hair to conclude the wash.

Back at my station, the staff applied a moisturising hair spray before blow-drying my hair and applying a hair ampoule directly to my roots.

This regenerating ampoule is able to:

  • Stimulate hair growth
  • Boost immunity of the scalp
  • Strengthen hair follicles to enhance anchoring of hair

And here comes my favourite part of the hair treatment—a soothing massage. The massage was not just for my scalp but for my neck and shoulders too. It felt really good and I secretly wished the massage would last forever.

But nope, onward to the next!

I was treated to a Hair Growth Laser that emits non-invasive lasers to awaken my hair follicles and speed up regeneration, which definitely helps with stimulating hair growth and reversing thinning. It was slightly warm, which I enjoyed. After 20 minutes, Helen came back to check on me before removing the laser and leading me back into the consultation room.

Post-Treatment Consultation

My head felt lighter and though I was wearing a surgical mask, I could smell the pleasant scent of all the products used on my tresses. Compared to the revelations during pre-treatment an hour ago, I was also a lot more confident to see the condition of my scalp post-treatment.

My scalp scan machine was back at work and voila! Take a look at my before and after shots:

If one session could get me results like that, how much improvement in my hair loss would I see in a few more sessions? Topp Care’s customised treatment works! Hands down.

I was also slightly amazed at how I woke up with a less greasy scalp the next morning and a lasting herbal fragrance from my treatment. Somehow or rather, my hair looks thicker and fuller too!

A Special Offer For You

You may have a different hair or scalp concern but there’s nothing Topp Care Hair Solutions can’t solve. If you want to see results for yourself, I suggest you book a customised hair treatment appointment with Topp Care at just $40 today.

You will get to enjoy a 75- to 90-minute reinvigorating session with Topp Care’s in-house specialists.

Click here to book your customised hair treatment @ $40 (U.P $309) now!

Topp Care Hair Solutions

Address: 3 Simei Street 6, #03-24, Eastpoint Mall, Singapore 528833

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11 am – 9 pm; Weekend & PH: 10 am – 7 pm

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. You can also call them via 6645 3020 for booking or email [email protected] for more inquiries.

Enjoy your session!

Read More...