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Excitingly Free Events to Enjoy in September 2023

Are you itching for some entertainment without denting your wallet? Look no further! September 2023 has an assortment of thrilling events that won’t cost you a cent.

From lively markets and festivals to captivating performances, enlightening talks, and interactive workshops, September is packed with budget-friendly delights.

SINGAPORE RIVER FESTIVAL 2023 (7 SEP – 1 OCT)

Prepare for a sensory feast at the 7th edition of the Singapore River Festival, running from September 7th until the end of the month. This isn’t just about pretty lights along the Singapore River; it’s an immersive adventure. The Singapore River Festival 2023 offers live music, augmented reality (AR) experiences, delectable food workshops, and a series of events celebrating Japanese pop culture.

Explore the full event lineup on the Singapore River Festival website. Make sure to circle September 23rd and 24th on your calendar for a pet-friendly weekend featuring a best-dressed pet competition, a merchandise bazaar, pet health check-ups, and insightful talks by veterinary professionals.

Image Credits: facebook.com/singaporeriverone

Learn more: srf.sg

PETS WEEKEND (9-10 SEP)

Calling all pet lovers! On September 9th and 10th, 2023, Crane at Joo Chiat invites you to a weekend filled with delectable treats, playful activities, and adorable pet accessories. What’s even better? All the vendors at Pets Weekend are small local businesses, so you can support your community while enjoying quality time with your furry, feathered, or scaly companions.

Location: Crane Joo Chiat, 281 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, 427962

GARDEN OF LIGHTS WITH SANRIO (till 1 OCT)

Nighttime light displays always enchant, and in September, VivoCity’s Skypark combines the magic of light installations with beloved Sanrio characters. Enter the Garden of Lights, a nightly wonderland featuring enchanting light displays with Cinnamoroll, Gudetama, My Melody, and, of course, Hello Kitty.

Don’t forget your camera! The exhibit is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the Sanrio Garden wonderland lighting up from 6:30 pm onwards.

Location: VivoCity’s Sky Park, Level 3, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585

FEASTival FAIR (till 10 SEP)

Foodies, rejoice! Until September 10th, 2023, Jurong Point is hosting the mouthwatering FEASTival Fair. Featuring 26 food vendors from around the globe, including Japan, Thailand, China, Malaysia, and the USA, this food fair promises a wide array of sweet and savory treats. I look forward to viral Korean cheese coins from 2Ninja 1 Fatty, aromatic cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon, and mouthwatering wagyu skewers from Niku Master.

Location: 1 Jurong West Central 2, Singapore 648886

FAMILIES FOR LIFE (FFL) FAMILY SINGALONG PICNIC (9 SEP)

On September 9th, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, relax with your family at the Families for Life (FFL) Family Singalong Picnic in Gardens by the Bay. Enjoy beloved tunes from timeless animated classics, and don’t forget to sing along! Kids can indulge in free balloon sculpting and snacks, and the first 200 families will receive complimentary picnic mats.

Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

UNIQLO X STUDIO GHIBLI POP-UP: A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE! (till 14 Sep)

The UNIQLO X Studio Ghibli Pop-Up continues to enchant until September 14, 2023. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli with captivating installations featuring iconic scenes and beloved characters. Pose beside Chihiro and No-Face from “Spirited Away” aboard the train, take flight with Kiki from “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and marvel at the awe-inspiring moving castle from “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

That’s not all – don’t miss the enormous Catbus and Totoro inflatables from “My Neighbor Totoro”! Plus, if luck is on your side, you might even meet the iconic Yubaba, making special appearances at this pop-up extravaganza.

Image Credits: uniqlo.com/sg

As a bonus, all attendees receive an exclusive Studio Ghibli-branded tote bag, complete with a character poster and UTme! vouchers, allowing you to personalize your LifeWear with enchanting Ghibli designs (T&Cs apply). This is a magical experience you won’t want to miss!

Location: Bugis+, Level 2, 201 Victoria St, Singapore 188067

Mark your calendars and savor these thrilling events!

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Training Tips When Hiring a Transfer Maid

With the bustling pace of modern living in Singapore, maids have become an invaluable addition to many households. Maids are trained to handle a list of household responsibilities, from managing household chores to providing excellent childcare, allowing families to balance their professional commitments with the demands of daily life.

To ensure that the specific needs of every household are met, Singaporeans would often hire a maid through a reputable agency. These establishments don’t only have a large pool of foreign domestic workers, but they can also match their clients with highly skilled maids that fit their preferences. Moreover, maid agencies in Singapore will present their clients with a list of new and transfer maids. Each option has its own set of advantages, but transfer maids have been a popular choice for several compelling reasons.

Simply put, transfer maids are foreign domestic helpers who are looking to change employers. The reason behind this is usually because they are nearing the end of their current contract or their previous employers no longer require their services. What makes transfer maids appealing to many employers, however, is that they’ve already acclimated to life in Singapore. The total cost of hiring transfer maids is also quite lower than that of hiring a new one, because the expenses that are associated with their recruitment and relocation (e.g., airfare and agency fees) have been covered by their previous employers. Moreover, their prior work experience makes them knowledgeable about common household tasks, so they require less training. As such, they offer a smoother transition and quicker integration into the new household.

While hiring a transfer maid from a transfer maid agency in Singapore offers numerous advantages, you also need to be aware of potential challenges that can arise during the integration process. Even though transfer maids have experience working for Singapore employers for several years, they can still face adjustment issues that can affect their productivity and effectiveness. Fortunately, you can use the following training strategies to ensure that your transfer maid can get used to working in her new environment and satisfy your household’s needs.

Provide a Comprehensive Orientation

Conducting a comprehensive orientation will allow your transfer maid to familiarise herself with your household’s layout, daily routines, and specific rules. This initial training ensures that she will understand her responsibilities and can confidently navigate her tasks. A well-informed maid is more likely to adapt quickly and make meaningful contributions to the household’s operations. Moreover, a thorough orientation sets the foundation for a smooth integration process, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or mistakes.

Establish Clear Communication

You need to establish open lines of communication with your maid right from the outset. Encourage her to ask questions and provide feedback on her experiences as well. Regular check-ins also help maintain a comfortable atmosphere where concerns can be addressed promptly, leading to improved task execution and a sense of inclusion within the household. Moreover, effective communication builds trust, which is crucial for a positive working relationship and mutual understanding.

Include Task Demonstration with New Instructions

When delegating tasks, verbal instructions might not be enough for your transfer maid to understand her new responsibilities. As such, you should offer hands-on demonstrations to show your transfer maid the specific techniques and standards you expect them to perfect. A visual demonstration can also be especially helpful for tasks that require a certain level of precision or adherence to specific guidelines. This approach eliminates ambiguity and ensures that tasks are carried out to your satisfaction.

Set Boundaries

Set clear expectations regarding privacy and personal boundaries within the household with your transfer maid. You should tell her which areas are off-limits and teach them the importance of respecting family members’ spaces. This clarity helps prevent any potential discomfort and fosters an environment of mutual respect between your transfer maid and everyone in your household. Such boundaries also contribute to maintaining a harmonious household dynamic.

Consider an Employment Trial Period

Before you decide on hiring a transfer maid, you can initiate a trial period to assess her compatibility and performance. This period allows you and your transfer maid to evaluate if the arrangement aligns with your expectations and needs. During this time, you can provide your maid with consistent feedback and communicate openly about any adjustments required. A trial period mitigates the risk of committing to a long-term contract before both your household and your transfer maid are certain about your compatibility.

Thanks to their work experience and years of living in Singapore, transfer maids make excellent candidates for Singapore households looking for dependable foreign domestic helpers who can assist with and maintain the smooth flow of their daily routines. However, even though transfer maids are accustomed to the Singaporean way of living, they can still experience problems during the integration and adjustment periods. With these tips, you can help your transfer maid overcome these challenges and create an environment of mutual respect and understanding for a strong, positive, and long partnership.

Embrace Quiet Luxury: 8 Essential Pieces for Timeless Elegance on a Budget

After scrolling through a bunch of reels on Instagram and shorts on YouTube, one thing is for sure: the world of fashion is being taken over by quiet luxury. Introducing “quiet luxury,” a movement that embraces a minimalist approach to fashion and a curated capsule wardrobe. It’s not just dominating the runways for spring, but also finding its way into our shopping carts.

So, what exactly is quiet luxury? It’s all about clothing and accessories that exude an expensive allure while remaining timeless and free from ostentatious logos. The shift towards quiet luxury signifies a transformation in our shopping habits, as we now prioritize quality over quantity and seek to make long-term investments in our wardrobe.

Quiet luxury also encourages the appreciation of vintage pieces that showcase exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. It encompasses the choice of designer bags that offer a low cost per wear, favoring subtle elegance over overt branding. By focusing on essentials, creating a quiet luxury look becomes an effortless endeavor. In this article, we present the eight must-have quiet luxury essentials that deserve your investment.

#1: SUIT VEST

To beat the heat in style, consider investing in a comfortable linen vest. Brunello Cucinelli offers a menswear-inspired staple that pairs effortlessly with a pleated midi skirt. Complete the look with loafers and classic sunglasses from renowned brands like Saint Laurent.

#2: LONGLINE DENIM SKIRT

Long denim skirts are currently in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. You can find a minimalist maxi denim skirt from Guess or explore other options such as Alice + Olivia. Pair it with sandals for a stylish ensemble that exudes quiet luxury.

#3: TAILORED COATS

Whether you want to exude power or look fashion-forward on your next overseas trip, consider investing in tailored coats or thrifted designer pieces. Max Mara is a brand that exemplifies these qualities, but emerging designers like Toteme have also created covetable outerwear that perfectly captures the quiet luxury aesthetic.

#4: STRUCTURED BAGS

Contrary to the idea of purchasing bags solely for their easily recognizable logos or trendy shapes, the quiet luxury movement places less emphasis on brand recognition. While logos still hold appeal for luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, others have completely abandoned this notion.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Logo-free bags, such as Polène’s Numéro Neuf and The Row’s Park Small Tote Bag, have gained popularity. These structured leather bags are simple, elegant, and embody the essence of quiet luxury.

#5: UNDERSTATED SHOES

An outfit is only as good as the shoes that accompany it, and in the realm of quiet luxury, there are no exceptions. When it comes to shoes, they should stand out without overpowering the rest of your look. Opt for styles that will remain appealing for years to come. Currently, loafers and ballet flats are the epitome of quiet luxury, capturing its essence perfectly.

#6: MICRO FRENCH MANICURE

How does quiet luxury translate to manicures, you might wonder? Think of micro French manicures, subtle shimmer, pale pinks, and sheer neutrals with delicate metallic accents. It’s all about maintaining an understated elegance. Start by applying a semi-sheer pink, peachy nude shade, or taupe. This color should be barely visible, yet not fully opaque. Then, delicately draw a very thin line on the edge of the nail using white nail polish.

#7: NUDE T-SHIRTS

Instead of bold-colored tees, opt for a foundation of warm neutrals and soft shades of white. Pops of rich earthy tones like rust, olive, and sage can add welcome touches of color. While black and deep shades like navy are also used in quiet luxury-inspired spaces, most bold colors are generally avoided in favor of a more understated, predominantly neutral palette.

You don’t need to break the bank on basic tees. Visit Uniqlo, where you can find the best T-shirts at affordable prices, ensuring you maintain your quiet luxury style without compromising on your budget.

#8: LINEN BLAZER

For high-quality, meticulously crafted staple items made to stand the test of time, Everlane is the go-to brand. There, you can discover the hand-picked Oversized Linen Blazer, featuring a shape inspired by menswear. This 100% linen blazer is available in different sizes and comes in four colors: Canvas, Canvas and Navy, Light Blue, and Kalamata.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Focus on reducing your luxury purchases and being mindful with them. Quality trumps quantity. Elevate your wardrobe with these timeless pieces that perfectly embody the essence of quiet luxury. Embrace the elevated, understated style.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How to Spend Less on Food

We spend a chunk of our paycheck on food. If you tally up every dollar you spend on food, including groceries, takeout, and dining out, you might be surprised at the total.

No need to feel ashamed!

We all need to eat, and food expenses can really add up, especially when grocery prices hit record highs and continue to rise. To help you reduce those unnecessary expenses in the future, we’ve compiled some of our best money-saving tips.

#1: MAKE A CUSTOM FOOD BUDGET

Taking the time to create a food budget will give you a clear understanding of your actual food expenses and reveal shopping patterns that could lead to potential savings. Your ideal food budget should be tailored to your specific dietary needs and the number of people you’re cooking for, whether that’s a family or just yourself.

To get started, keep track of your grocery spending for a few weeks. Save your receipts, use a budgeting app, or simply jot everything down on an Excel Sheet. Gradually, you’ll gain insights into your spending habits, such as your typical purchases, preferred shopping days, and average spending per trip. This valuable information will enable you to make informed decisions about buying in bulk or opting for more affordable store-brand items over name-brand products.

#2: EMBRACE DRY GOODS

One effective way to slash your grocery bill is to always have affordable staples on hand for quick and easy meals. Items like legumes, rice, pasta, and beans are low-cost and can prevent you from relying on pricier, less healthy alternatives.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The beauty of dry goods lies not only in their affordability but also in their longer shelf life. Unlike perishable items, they won’t go bad quickly, allowing you to stock up and plan meals well in advance. This will curb the temptation to buy expensive last-minute options when you know you already have your next few meals covered.

#3: UTILIZE THE FREEZER

Maximize the potential of your freezer to save money on groceries. Consider doing a freezer clear-out to make room for various frozen food items that can last up to 6 months.

Here are some freezer-friendly ideas to get you started: frozen fish, frozen veggies, frozen fruits, and frozen chicken.

Additionally, many fresh foods freeze well, such as bread, meat, chicken, hard cheeses, milk, and spinach. An excellent tip is to cook a whole frozen chicken or chicken pieces, which is a cost-effective way to enjoy meat.

#4: OPT FOR MEAT ALTERNATIVES

Another smart approach to cutting down on grocery expenses is to reduce meat consumption. Incorporate at least 1-2 meatless days into your weekly meal plan and explore other protein sources.

Great alternatives to meat include:

– Canned fish
– Eggs
– Lentils
– Chickpeas
– Tofu

Image Credits: unsplash.com

These options are not only budget-friendly but also nutritious and easy to prepare. Embracing various protein sources will add diversity to your meals and bring down your overall grocery costs, especially if meat is a regular part of your shopping list.

#5: SAVE MONEY WITH VEGGIES

When trying to save money, consider growing pricier vegetables, like tomatoes and melons, or cultivating large quantities of regularly consumed veggies. Some cost-effective vegetables to consider are beans, beets, onions, spinach, broccoli, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, and peas.

By incorporating these money-saving strategies into your food shopping routine, you’ll be well on your way to reducing expenses and enjoying more savings in the long run.

Bon appétit and happy savings!

Sources:1 & 2

Latest WFH internships posted from 27 to 31 August 2023

Hey, folks.

Before you head to the polls and enjoy the long weekend, take a look at this list and see if there are opportunities that excite you.

Let’s roll with the latest WFH opportunities this week, shall we?

#1: Duo Studio – Social Media Production Intern

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A post shared by Duo Studio (@duostud.io)

Website: duo.social

Allowance / Remuneration: $700 – 850 monthly

Job Qualifications

A love for cooking
An interest in social media marketing
Basic manners and hygiene standards
Good budgeting and time management skills

Key Responsibilities

Producing content through photography and videography
Purchasing ingredients and props
Assisting with styling setup during shoots
Assisting with clean up and pack down after shoots

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Stephanie via this link.

#2: ACE Editorial – Editorial / Content Intern

Website: acemakerparenting.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 (project /contract based)

Job Qualifications

Good command of the English language
A passion for writing and journalism
Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Basic knowledge of graphic design and image editing tools is a plus.
Previous writing or editing experience through personal blogs, school publications, or other platforms is advantageous.
Bonus for experience in social media content creation and/or onsite/quick event coverage

Key Responsibilities

Assist in creating, editing, and proofreading engaging and accurate written content for various platforms, including blogs, articles, social media, and marketing materials.
Collaborate with the editorial team to brainstorm and develop creative content ideas that align with the brand’s voice, mission, and target audience.
Conduct research to ensure the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of information presented in content pieces.
Monitor trends and developments in relevant industries to identify potential content opportunities. Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Previous writing or editing experience through personal blogs, school publications, or other platforms is advantageous.
Support in managing social media platforms by scheduling posts, responding to comments, and engaging with the online community.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Yan Kai via this link.

#3: Ailytics – Data Engineering Intern

Website: ailytics.ai

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Self-starter. Ability to pick things up quickly with minimal guidance and be resourceful.
A passion for solving problems and providing value-added solutions with attention to detail.
All-round communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

Data collection and processing for AI training
Building and optimizing data pipelines and training AI models
Calibration and maintenance for existing deployments
Create scripts for data augmentation and pre-processing
Incorporate data engineering best practices into operations
Engage and manage external stakeholders on operational matters

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Wei Zhuang via this link.

#4: Dear Folks – Marketing Intern

Website: dear-folks.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $500 – 600 monthly

Job Qualifications

Singaporeans or people residing in Singapore only.
Currently pursuing a degree or diploma in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
Basic understanding of marketing principles and concepts.
Experience in social media content planning
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle multiple client accounts.
Proficiency in social media platforms.
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Fast-paced and have good time management.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Flexible availability, including the ability to be on-call when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the development and execution of marketing campaigns across various channels, including social media content calendars, email, content creation, and more.
Conduct market research and analysis to identify industry trends, competitor strategies, and target audience insights.
Support the team in managing and maintaining social media accounts, including content scheduling, community engagement, and performance tracking.
Collaborate with team members to create compelling content, such as blog posts, articles, press releases, or website copy.
Assist and coordinate + execution in events, promotions, and other marketing activities.
Monitor and report on marketing campaign performance, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.
Stay up-to-date with industry news, emerging trends, and best practices in digital marketing.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#5: Park Hotel Group Management Pte Ltd – Sales Intern

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A post shared by Park Hotel Group (@parkhotelgroup)

Website: parkhotelgroup.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Minimum Diploma in any field
Currently studying in university or polytechnic
Prior experience in past sales-related roles will be an advantage
Positive and energetic attitude
Excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy interacting with stakeholders
Full-time interns preferred (3 to 6 months)

Key Responsibilities

Conducting Research

Researching potential clients, companies, and industries to gather relevant information that can aid in the sales process. Identify companies that have a need for Park Hotel Group’s products and services (e.g. hotel rooms, F&B events, catering)
Identify key decision-makers within target companies
Compiling data and insights into organized databases (Salesforce) for the sales team’s reference.

Prospecting, Marketing, and Outreach

Work closely with the Digital Marketing and Sales team to reach prospective customers. This includes LinkedIn Inmails, cold calling, email marketing, etc.

Qualifying Sales Leads

Evaluating leads based on predefined criteria to determine their likelihood of becoming customers
Passing qualified leads to the Global Sales team for further nurturing and conversion.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.