Have a Magical Shopping Experience at Singapore’s Disney Store

Lion City dwellers can experience the magic of Disney as they shop its online store. Sadly, Disneyland Singapore is not opening anytime soon. However, Disney fans can rejoice for the opening of the new shopDisney store. It is an online store filled with character-themed merchandise such as Frozen pillowcases and Star Wars apparel. This shop spans from the classic Mickey & Friends and Winnie-the-Pooh to Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

OPENING ON 14 JUNE, 2022

According to the media release of the Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, the first collection will be released on 14 June, 2022. This collection will feature more than a thousand items across different Disney franchises featuring collectibles, home and living products, stationery, gifts, baby items, toys, adult fashion and accessories, and more.

You will be able to shop merchandise and other products from the actual Disney Park Shops overseas. New arrivals will come each week.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

This first collection includes limited edition collaborations and global collections. Limited edition collaborations will see the likes of Disney x COACH leather goods and handbags, Asia Pacific-exclusive ranges, and other fan-favorites such as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Global collections include the Sakura series. This is an exclusive series designed by The Disney Store in Japan.

LAUNCHING HIGHLIGHTS

1. AUTHENTIC DISNEY PARKS PRODUCTS

A variety of Disney Park products can be bought at shopDisney such as Ear Headbands, Spirit Jerseys, and Loungefly Backpacks. Keep on the lookout for the famous “Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction” series, which is inspired by the Disney Park attractions like Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain.

2. GLOBAL COLLECTIBLES

Limited edition dolls from Mickey & Minnie Doll Set, Ultimate Princess Celebration, and Disney Designer Collection can delight you. The trending pocket-sized Disney nuiMOs plush toys are also available.

3. FASHION AND ACCESSORIES

Themed shirts found in the store are based on the latest movies and Disney+ series. It features the Avengers, Buzz Lightyear, Star Wars, and more. Designer favorites include Disney x COACH collection and other major collaborations.

Image Credits: Walt Disney

4. HOME AND LIVING ITEMShttps://www.instagram.com/shopdisneysg/

Home and living items include dinnerware, mugs, planters, bed accessories, bath essentials, desk and office supplies, and other lifestyle products. Imagine decorating a child’s room with all things Frozen! Stay updated by following their Instagram account here.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Health Benefits of Chocolates

Here at Money Digest, we shared a variety of deals on chocolate. Its goodness does not stop there!

Did you know that the history of chocolate dates back to 2000BC? At the time, Mayans were the first to discover cacao fruit. They made chocolate out of it and drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices of wine. It was readily available to all Mayan households.

To this day, chocolate is enjoyed as a dessert and a beverage all over the world.

#1: PROTECTS YOU FROM SUN DAMAGE

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. The bioactive compounds found in dark chocolate may be great for your skin. You see, flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow, and increase skin density and hydration.

#2: GOOD SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Dark chocolate has a high ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. It reflects the measurement of the antioxidant activity in food. Dark chocolate is loaded with compounds such as polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. All these are great antioxidants, which are crucial in assisting proper brain functioning.

#3: MINIMIZES HEART DISEASE RISK

According to research, compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In the long run, it can help reduce cholesterol clogging arteries in the body.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Cocoa was found to minimize the risk of death from heart disease by 50% over 15 years, according to a study of 470 elderly men. Another study showed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%.

#4: BOOSTS MOOD

If you are looking for a mood booster, search no further than chocolates. Thanks to their flavanol, chocolates are known to help improve mood. Cocoa has been linked to feelings of calmness and contentment. Moreover, dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the feel-good chemical endorphins.

#5: ELEVATES YOUR ENERGY

Apart from being mood boosters, chocolates can elevate your energy to help you fulfill your daily tasks. As an energy-rich food, it contains about 550 calories per 100 grams. Be sure to carry a bar of chocolates when you do physical activity!

Sources:1 & 2

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Take Your Family to the Best Public Pools in Singapore

In Singapore, it is summer all year round! There is always a reason to visit a swimming pool for to stay cool. Public pools are available to almost every neighbourhood. Apart from its family-friendly facilities, most of these pools boast its affordable entry rates that cost less than a hawker meal.

Who says you can only stay at a five-star hotel to splash your way to a better day? Cool off in style with these public pools!

#1: JURONG EAST SWIMMING COMPLEX

The Jurong East Swimming Complex* is the largest in the country. With three towering and intertwining spiral water slides, it does not disappoint. Its huge wave pool even has sprays of water coming out of its rock caverns. It also comes with a bubble jet station and a lazy river**. Individual rates range from $0.50- $2.60. A friendly reminder: bring your sunscreen as there is not much shade there.

Location: 21 Jurong East Street 31, Singapore 609517

#2: SWIMMING POOL AT SAFRA YISHUN

Surrounded by lush greenery and furnished with umbrellas and chairs, the Swimming Pool at SAFRA Yishun exudes an enticing vacation. Have a great time at the massive rock structure by the rock-climbing wall, which features built-in slides and a waterfall in the middle. Your beloved ones can make a splash at the pirate-themed area with a treasure chest and a ship!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

SAFRA Members can access these amenities and more. The venue is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Please check if non-members are permitted to enter.

Location: SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 769027

#3: SENGKANG SWIMMING COMPLEX

Take your active littles ones to a memorable sliding experience at Sengkang Swimming Complex*. The most attracting feature in this complex is the eight vibrant, big slides. These slides are both open-top and tube slides, which sends you straight into the pool. There is also a relaxing jacuzzi and a kid-friendly pool. For older kids, you can check out their group swimming lessons.

Location: Sengkang Swimming Complex, 57 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544964

#4: SPLASH @ KIDZ AMAZE

In 2016, Singapore’s first indoor water playground opened its doors at SAFRA Punggol. Splash @ Kidz Amaze is at the pricier end of the public pools market and rates vary depending if you are a member or not. Because it is indoor, you can play for hours despite the weather outside!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Water enthusiasts will enjoy their time here with its themed splash pad, multiple play decks, and five water slides. Children’s parties are welcome to be hosted here too. This place is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via phone. Call 6585 8710. Prices start at $8.

Location: Splash @ Kidz Amaze, SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent Level 3, Singapore 828654

Sources: 1 & 2

Notes: *These venues are currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via myactivesg.com or the ActiveSG app.
**The lazy river, water slides, and wave pool are currently closed until further notice.

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7 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health at Work

The pandemic and its aftereffects have taken a toll on people’s mental health. Singaporeans from all walks of life have experienced stress throughout the pandemic – from frontline workers to family members who were separated from each other. Those who were infected by virus or those who grieved the loss of their loved one face difficulties in their physical and mental health.

The workplace has restructured. Whichever industry you work for, you have the power to look after your mental health and overall well-being. Start with these tips.

#1: TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST

Whether you find comfort in sharing your situation to a co-worker, a friend, or a family member, talking to someone you trust can help. You may feel better if you are able to openly talk about what you are going through at work. Someone who cares about you can provide you with a fresh perspective or help you arrive at a solution. If you feel more comfortable in meeting your confidant in person, please follow the safety precautions. Nonetheless, you can always stay connected with your trusted confidant through video calls or messaging apps.

#2: MONITOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Focus and concentration at work can be achieved when you take care of your physical health. Moreover, eating a healthy diet and strengthening your physical health can improve your mental well-being. Experts suggest exercising at least 30 minutes daily. Try dancing, running, cycling, practicing yoga, skating, and so on.

Looking for affordable dumbbells? Search no further than Decathlon Singapore. They store dumbbells for as low as S$8/pair.

#3: MOVE AWAY FROM HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

If you are overwhelmed with the stack of deadlines and the long demands of irate clients, you may opt for taking substances such as alcohol or nicotine. For a short while, these substances may help you feel better. However, depending on these substances to cope with stress can harm you eventually. These substances can put you or those around you at risk of diseases or injuries.

#4: TAKE 2 MINUTES TO FOCUS ON THE PRESENT

Stop a whirlwind of thoughts by reconnecting yourself to the present moment. Follow along the video below and take slow (relaxing) deep breaths. Give yourself these two minutes of peace as you put your feet on the ground and sit comfortably in your chair. May this video help you to tackle the day ahead!

#5: LEARN TO SAY NO

Take care of yourself! It is important to know how much work you can take on so that you do not exhaust yourself. Of course, it is natural to have the desire to impress your boss or co-workers by performing well. Sometimes, you can only be at your best when you do not divide your attention to many tasks.

Only you will know when “possible” turns into “impossible”. A key skill you need to learn in the workplace is learning to say “no”.

#6: CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

I must admit! It is hard to ignore the popping work notifications. With the advancement of technology, we became reachable 24/7. To protect yourself from exhaustion, you can set boundaries early on. Leave your work on time and maximize your tasks in the workplace. Try to resist checking or responding to work emails and messages after your work hours or before going to sleep.

#7: ASK FOR HELP

For many people, work can have a positive impact on our health and overall well-being. Businesses simply operate better when the employees are physically and mentally healthy. So, it is worth asking your manager how he or she can help you perform well in the team. See if you can work together to adjust your working conditions to make sure everyone feels comfortable at work.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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Brunch Guide to 5 Best Places in Singapore

Cafes in Singapore are easy to find. And, as brunch has become a staple in most of our lifestyles, more eateries have presented their brunch offerings.

Brunch is one of the best meals you can have for the day, especially during weekends where sleep is a luxury. Just ask the Singaporean ladies who brunch! If you are an avid fan of brunch, you are in for a treat. Singapore has several restaurants that offer brunch options apart from the classic avocado toast.

Here are some of the brunch places where you can indulge at!

1. THE NEPTUNE SG

Nestled in the trendy streets of Katong, where cold brew and sourdough abound. Decked out in a calming sage green, the Neptune SG is inspired by Japanese cuisine.

Here, you will if brunch options that will tickle your taste buds. You can try their flavorful Shrimp Scampi (S$21.90). This dish comes with ribbons of tagliatelle, which are dressed in garlic butter shrimp sauce with a crispy shallot panko sauce.

Image Credits: facebook.com/theneptunesg

Location: 237 East Coast Road, Singapore 428930

2. WILD HONEY

Wild Honey boasts a hearty list of delicious all-day breakfast dishes inspired by various places around the world. Wild Honey’s beautifully designed restaurants use the highest quality ingredients, which are stunningly presented.

You can start with the extra cheesy Brazilian bread and work your way up to the spicy Shakshouka with chorizo and braised eggs. If you prefer French food, you can order the St Michel, which is a savory French toast.

Image Credits: wildhoney.com.sg

Location: Multiple locations including Mandarin Gallery

3. THE POPULUS COFFEE & FOOD CO.

Constantly graced by queues, Populus is known for being one of the top places for brunch. Its Buckwheat Pancake (S$18.50), the Populus Scramble (S$18), and grain bowls are immensely popular.

You see, Buckwheat Pancakes are fluffy and soft. Surrounded by cornflake crumbs, the pancakes go well with its thyme-infused maple syrup. Be sure to get this Instagrammable moment!

Image Credits: facebook.com/thepopuluscafe

Location: 146 Neil Road, Singapore 088875

4. 6 LETTER BRUNCH

6 Letter Brunch is the latest Instagrammable cafe to hit the East. It is situated along Siglap Road. Started by the same team behind 6 Letter Coffee, this bicycle-themed cafe is decorated with bicycle racks and potted plants.

Its menu is incredibly expensive, with over one hundred items to choose from. You can try the 6 Letter Brunch Rosti (S$16). This dish has Norwegian smoked salmon, house-made rosti, sunny-side-up egg, shiitake mushrooms, avocado, fresh fruits, sour cream, and salad.

Image Credits: facebook.com/6letterbrunch

Location: 103 Frankel Avenue Singapore, Singapore 458225

5. XPERIENCE AT SO/ SINGAPORE

Dubbed as the “Mother of All Brunches”, Xperience at SO/ Singapore displays its brunch offering with perfection. Create magical memories by indulging in a tower of magnificent delights.

You can look forward to tasting dishes like Grilled Truffle and Cheese Toasties, Chicken and Beef Sliders with Poached Tiger Prawn Skewers, and Tonkotsu Tartare Beef Ribeye. People who love sweets can finish their brunch with Chocolate Fondue and Homemade Waffles. Just typing this makes me hungry!

Image Credits: so-singapore.com/wine-dine/xperience-restaurant/#map_ctx

Location: 35 Robinson Rd, Singapore 068876

Bookmark this guide to the best brunch places in Singapore for reference when your cravings hit!

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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