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These wallpapers, decals, and decors are perfect for peeps who miss travelling

While borders are slowly reopening for business travellers and official travel, restrictions for leisure travel probably won’t be lifted so soon. If you’re an avid traveller, we feel you.

For those who are dying to travel, these wallpapers and decals are a great visual reminder that the pandemic will be over one day. When that time arrives, we will be able to explore the world again!

#1: Above The Clouds

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

Are you a window-, middle-, or aisle-seat kind of person? One of the greatest things about getting a window seat is the view above the clouds. Oh boy, how we miss those cotton candy clouds up from above.

Whether you choose to have this backdrop in the bedroom, study room, or home office space, it will definitely bring you back to the happy times you were up in the skies.

To proceed, please measure your wall size and enter the dimensions on this page. The team at Hello Circus has also kindly provided a guide on how to measure your wall to help you get started.

#2: Tres Tintas Paris

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

A few months back in June, we read with excitement how the Eiffel Tower reopened after a three-month break due to COVID-19. Though… it will be some time before we can travel to Paris to view the iconic tower.

Travellers who have treaded the grounds of Champ de Mars and seen the 300-m tall wrought-iron lattice tower can now travel back in time with this wallpaper.

Sold by Hello Circus, they are made-to-measure and numbered accordingly with the DIY installation in mind. You may also request for an installation hire at an additional cost. Get your quote from the team by clicking this link.

#3: London Houses

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

This wallpaper of London houses reflects Hello Circus’s view of the townhouses at Notting Hill. Notting Hill is a lively neighbourhood in London and home to one of London’s best markets – Portobello Road Market.

This unique piece is created with 2D drawings, arranged, and photographed in 3D. It will be printed on high-quality non-woven paper in factories with the highest standards from Europe. Reinforced with nylon fibres, your wallpaper will also be resistant to colour fading.

Send your measurements to the team via this link.

#4: Watercolour World Map

Image Credits: Urban Li’l

Price: S$85 / sqm with installation from S$240

The world’s under your watch with this world map wallpaper. Ignite your passion for adventure with this eco-friendly, child-safe, and highly durable piece from Urban Li’l. This wallpaper is produced locally in Singapore and will require about two weeks to be ready.

To order, simply click through the link to input the measurements here. Then, cart out at S$0 and the team will get back to you with a quotation of the actual price. Payment can be made offline. Oh yes, the site measurement fee at an additional S$50 is refundable upon a confirmed order.

For other colours or designs, the team at Urban Li’l can create it for you at no extra costs! Drop them a request on [email protected] or WhatsApp them using the bottom right-hand icon on their website.

#5: Wall Decals

Price: To be quoted

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-scale wallpaper for your living spaces, wall decals are great to begin with. Here are some designs that caught our eye.

Adventure is all you need

Where will your next adventure take you?

Oh, the places you’ll go

Yeah, just think of all the places you will go when the virus is under control!

Rome

Was Rome on your travel list before the virus situation? Put it up on the wall because travelling will be made possible again. This too shall pass.

I promise to stay wild

The thrill of booking an impromptu flight may not be possible now. But promise yourself to stay wild… in heart, mind, and spirit.

Without travel, I am lost

This quote speaks volume of the hearts of travel lovers. As we await the pandemic to pass, may our hearts grow fonder with the thought of seeing the world again soon.

For more travel-related wall art decals from The Hidden Folks, click here.

#6: Wall Decor

To complement your wallpapers and wall decals, you can also consider wall decors. We found a few eye-catching designs from Etsy.

Departures board art prints

Price: S$16.98+

You can customize your own list of cities free of charge! Just include the relevant details under the ‘Notes to Seller’ section before carting out.

Scratch-off world map

Price: S$33.12+

Glove trotters will appreciate this scratch-off world map to remind them of the adventures they have gone through while abroad. You can choose to have yours done in gold or silver foil.

Retro travel posters

Price: S$31.73

For all things retro, get this printable set of 12 travel posters. You can instantly download and print once payment is confirmed. The seller recommends that you print this on matte finish paper to reduce glare and bring out the rich colour.

Check out more travel-related wall decor from Etsy by clicking through the link.

Meet The Most Expensive COVID-19 Mask In The World

As you rub on the magical lamp, a genie appears. If the genie were to grant you three wishes, what would they be? Will you ask for the most expensive COVID-19 mask in the world? That was the request that Jewelry Designer Isaac Levy fulfilled – with or without a magical lamp. He works in the Israeli jewelry house called Yvel.

He was commissioned to grant three requests: that the mask will comply with the FDA/European safety standards, will be ready by the end of 2020, and will be the most expensive COVID-19 mask in the world. The last requirement was the easiest to fulfill, according to Mr. Levy.

Mr. Levy said that the item was requested by a Chinese billionaire living in the United States of America. Thus, it comes with a price tag of US$1.5 million or S$2 million. Saving face plays an essential part in the Chinese Culture, and a bejeweled mask by Yvel takes this to another level!

This expensive mask may be glamorous, but some may question its practicality. You see, it is expected to weigh about 270 grams or over half a pound. The mask consists of 250 grams of 18-carat white gold, which is embellished with more than 3,600 natural black and white diamonds. This equates to a total weight of 210 carats.

Its physical appearance aside, the mask is set to meet the strict health standards with the current pandemic in mind. Mr. Levy made sure that the mask included an N99 filter. The mask features a hole in one of its gold plates for the filter to sit. In other words, the mask will filter out at least 99% of airborne particles.

The labor-intensive process for this luxurious piece as well as its other requirements entails that this project will not only benefit one man. The Jewelry House Yvel takes pride in hiring predominantly immigrant employees and projects such as this will help them thrive during these tough times.

Mr. Levy went on and said:

“It is the most expensive mask in the world. If there will be another company that will create such a mask and will challenge us, I am sure that we’re going to find another customer to buy a more expensive mask.”

This extravagant mask comes at a time when luxury brands and designers such as Off-White and Emilia Wickstead are offering fashionable face coverings. Moreover, luxury group LVMH (which oversees Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Christian Dior) assisted in the production of hand sanitizers amidst the global shortages. They converted three fragrance factories for this purpose.

Whatever happens in the years to come, this mask will serve as a hefty memento of the life-changing pandemic.

Source: 1

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The Adidas Nite Jogger delivers superior comfort with the EVA midsole. It comes with a lightweight nesh and ripstop upper to keep your feet cool while jogging. You can get them at 30% off on JD Sports via eCapitaMall for a limited time.

9.9 Promotions on eCapitaMall

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Save big on your favourite ést.lab skincare products by Estetica Beauty. Their award-winning products are made to keep skin healthy, glowing and vibrant. Get them into your skincare routine as they are having a 15% off storewide promotion from 9 to 17 September 2020.

Check out the best headphone deals this 9.9. Enjoy more than 30% off on high-performance headphones, earphones and more at Audio-Technica on eCapitaMall during this shopping season. From wireless earbuds to noise-cancelling headphones, you’re spoiled for choices.

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Surefire Ways To Save Money While Taking Care Of Your Pets

As much as you love and adore your pets, long-term care adds up. From pet medications to cleaning supplies and vet visits, it is essential to reduce your expenses without endangering your pet’s health. Fortunately, there are many simple saving tips that can employ to keep the costs to a minimum.

CULTIVATE A SAFE SPACE

Responsible care starts with creating a safe environment for your pets. Prevent hefty and harmful accidents from occurring by storing poisonous, sharp, and dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. For instance, bleach and other household cleaners may cause serious accidents for your pets. Yarns can also get stuck inside your kitty’s intestines and cost you more than thousands of dollars for the surgery.

CONSIDER PET ADOPTION

The age-old advice encourages us to adopt and not to shop. Instead of making an impulse purchase at a pet shop, you can rescue lovely animals from animal rescue centers and other animal organizations. You can provide an adopted animal a wonder new life for a lower purchase price compared to investing on a purebred animal. Purebred animals such as Golden Retrievers can cost up to S$5,000, especially if they come with a pedigree certificate.

This tip is beyond saving money. It brings the fulfillment of knowing that you have saved a life too. Just ensure that you are adopting from a reputable animal welfare organization or a rescue center. One example is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Singapore, houses a variety of animals since its existence in the 1800s.

REDUCE THE VET TRIPS

The best way to eliminate medication costs is to prevent diseases. Vaccination is truly cheaper than the treatment for your pet’s disease. Consult your vet about the vaccination that your pet needs such the vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia virus. This virus is a highly contagious, severe infection that causes gastrointestinal, nervous system, and immune system diseases.

If your pet is already sick, ask the professional if a generic brand of medication works as well as the branded one. Generic brands are cheaper than the branded ones but they can also give the same effect.

MAKE YOUR OWN PET TOYS

Resist the temptation of purchasing several pet toys from pet stores. Often times, cheap plastic toys are poorly made and can easily get broken. Handmade toys work just as well. Moreover, you will be able to make sure that your pet’s preferences are met, using safe materials.

Most cats are fond of cardboard boxes and laser pointers. While, most dogs are fond of tug-o-war toys or empty plastic water bottles tied-up in a sock. Search thru the web for more ideas!

SLASH YOUR PET’S DENTAL EXPENSES

Gingivitis can damage your pet’s kidney and your finances since it requires expensive treatment and professional cleaning. To avoid this, do regular dental care at home. Wrap a significant amount of gauze on your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth. Brush your pet’s teeth using pet-friendly toothpaste, which may come in savory flavors such as chicken or malt. Toothpastes usually cost about S$10 per tube.

GROOM YOUR PET AT HOME

It is not only safer to groom your pet at home during this time, but it is also cheaper. It is possible to groom your long-haired furbaby at home. All you have to do is to equip yourself with an ear solution, pet shampoo, brush, and nail clippers.

Opt for a pet shampoo that can ward off parasites and fleas such as the ones available in Carousell, Lazada, and Kohepets. Having this special formulation is helpful due to Singapore’s hot weather.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Which of these pet care saving tips are you already using? Feel free to share us some of your coveted tips!

How To Create Your Baking Starter Kit

There is no better time to bake than now!

In these stressful times, it is a good idea to find a healthy outlet to help you cope. A friend of mine and a couple of others have shared that they found peace in baking. Baking helps to distract you from the hard-hitting news brought by the pandemic. It also restarts your mind by keeping you engaged. Besides, just a whiff of a freshly-baked batch of cupcake and cookies can put your mind at ease.

What are you waiting for? Entertain yourself and your family by creating your own baking starter kit!

#1: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Baking is a combination art and science. You exude your creativity through using colorful decorations and unique ingredients. On the other hand, things need to be precise. Take your time when baking. Take your time when reading the recipe and formulating the best mixture. Start by knowing the most common baking equivalents.

Here are some of the common baking equivalents:

2 cups = 1 pint

2 pints = 1 quart

4 quarts = 1 gallon

3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup

5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 1/3 cup

#2: UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE

As with any field, baking has its own jargon. How can you read a recipe correctly when you cannot understand the commonly used terms? You need to educate yourself with the commonly used terms such as caramelize, combine, cream, stiff peaks, and whip.

a. Caramelize – to heat a sugar substance until it begins to turn brown.
b. Combine – to stir the ingredients together until mixed.
c. Cream – to beat sugar and butter together until a light, creamy texture and color has bee achieved.
d. Stiff Peaks – to whip egg whites or cream to the point at which a peak will stand completely straight up and out of the foam.
e. Whip – to stir briskly with a whisk to incorporate air.

#3: PURCHASE THE ESSENTIAL TOOLS

If you are a beginner baker or a master baker, it is helpful to gather the essential baking tools. Some of the essential tools include rolling pin, pastry brush, rubber spatula, wooden spoon, hand mixer, and measuring cup. Let me introduce you to some of these tools.

a. Measuring Cup – a tool that helps you to bake with precision. Having the full set of measuring cups and spoons is a must. It is better to have a set as you will be needing to measure both dry and wet ingredients accurately. Measuring cups usually come in a set of one cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, and ¼ cup. Measuring spoons usually come in a set of tablespoon, teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon.

b. Wooden Spoon – a sturdy tool that can help you stir various ingredients such as the thickest and heaviest dough. It is best to hand-wash your wooden spoon to prevent cracking.

c. Hand Mixer – an electrical or a manual kitchen tool consists of a set of beaters attached to a gear-driven mechanism to rotate the blades of the beaters. It helps to automate repetitive baking tasks such as stirring and whisking.

#4: CONSIDER BUYING A BAKING KIT

If all else fails, purchasing a Do-It-Yourself baking kit. As a newbie baker, you may be lost when it comes to finding the right ingredients to create a delicious cake or cupcake recipe. Fortunately for you, local stores offer Do-It-Yourself baking kits. It not only saves you time, but also some trips to the grocery!

a. DIY CHOCOLATE CAKE KIT BY JANICE WONG

Janice Wong, an award-winning chef, has brought her treats to our homes with the launch of Bake at Home. Her website includes baking tutorials and step-by-step baking recipes. While you cannot have her to for you everyday, you may create your own masterpiece with her DIY Chocolate Cake Kit.

It retails for S$42. The price is inclusive of: 1 Chocolate Cake Premix, 90ml Milk, 85ml Water, 30ml Olive Oil, 1 Egg, 1 Packet of Cream, 300g Cacao Barry Inaya 65% Dark Chocolate, 2 packets of Mini Chocolate Pearls, and a Cake board.

b. DIY CAKE DECORATING KIT BY 25GRAMS BAKERY

If your looking for vegan options, look no further than 25Grams Bakery. Their DIY Cake Decorating Kit retails for S$60. The kit includes a 6″ White Frosted Chocolate Cake, 4 frosting colors, Assorted Sprinkles and Sugar Balls, and 2 pairs of disposable gloves. As this kit focuses on the cake’s presentation, you may invite your child to help you in the kitchen.

c. DIY CUPCAKES KIT BY BAKEIN1

You may impress your family and friends by whipping up sugary treats such as lychee rose cupcakes, Nutella cookies, and molten lava cakes through the help of Bakein1. All you need is an oven and the ingredients inside their baking kits.

The Red Velvet Cupcake kit retails for S$23.90. The price includes the flour mix, frosting pack, and so much more. Check out their available recipes in their website!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When baking, it is important to have fun. Everything tastes better when you are having a good time while making it. Do not roll your eyes. There is truth in this!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

#1: Above The Clouds

#2: Tres Tintas Paris

#3: London Houses

#4: Watercolour World Map

#5: Wall Decals

#6: Wall Decor

9.9 Promotions on eCapitaMall

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