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Time Management Tips: Work Smart, Play More

Time is the only commodity that money cannot buy. No matter how organized you are, you can only utilize twenty-four hours a day.

We must manage ourselves and maximize what we can do with the time we have. Let us appreciate how precious time is. Afterwards, let us move on to the next time management tip.

#1: CREATE A TIME INVENTORY

Track your daily activities to get an accurate picture of how much time you spend on various tasks. Creating a time inventory will help you know which activities you should cut down on. This is the first step to effective time management.

You see, many of us are timewasters. We spend too much time reading emails, posting on social media, browsing the web, messaging our friends, and making personal calls. Do your best to spend your time on more productive activities.

#2: SET ACHIEVABLE GOALS

If you have a pile of tasks on your desk, no amount of time management will help you accomplish it all. This is where prioritizing comes in. Use the four Ds of time management: Do, Defer, Delegate and Delete.

Do refers to tasks that are important and urgent. Prioritize these tasks.
Defer refers to tasks that are important, but not urgent. Place this at the bottom of the pile.
Delegate refers to tasks that are urgent, but not important. Delegate these tasks to others.
Delete refers to tasks that are neither urgent, nor important. Can you get rid of these tasks?

#3: WRITE A TO-DO LIST

Carrying a to-do list at work or at school is a time saver. If you have a trusty list, you will never wonder what to do next. A list keeps you motivated and focused. It also provides satisfaction whenever you tick off something from your list. Lists enable you to monitor your progress to ensure that you are on the right track. So, write a to-do list for the day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: USE TIME MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Whether you are using a planner or a smartphone app, you can speed up the process by planning your tasks with time management tools. These tools will help you plan out how you will spend your time in the future. A software program such as Outlook can help remind you of the events that will soon take place. While your smartphone’s clock app can help you time your tasks.

#5: MAKE A REALISTIC SCHEDULE

A physical planner or a digital timetable can help track your to-do list or important meetings for the day. There are many time management apps that can help you organize your schedule such as the calendar app on your smartphone. Think of the period that you are most alert and put the important tasks on that time block.

When you are planning out your schedule for the week, please do not forget to find time for socialization. Working smart means that you will have more time for fun and for sleep. Most people need about 7 hours of sleep to remain focused at work.

#6: GET IN THE HABIT OF SETTING TIME LIMITS

As you manage your to-do list, you can set time limits for the tasks. For instance, you can set a limit of one hour to answering and reading emails. Stick to the limit! This will help you minimize time wastage.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

Delicious CNY Goodies To Bring Home To Your Family Reunion

Apart from spending time with your family and collecting ang bao, eating scrumptious Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks brightens up the festivities. Usher in the Year of the Tiger with these roaring goodies from adorable tiger buns to classic pineapple tarts.

#1: IKEA SINGAPORE’S CNY OFFERINGS

From January 17 to February 28, IKEA Singapore will delight its guests aesthetically pleasing confections such as mala-infused dishes and tiger-themed buns. Try the Little Tiger Buns with Kaya Filling ($2), Mandarin Orange Chocolate Cake ($4), IKEA CNY Donuts ($7.80), and Plant Balls with Mala Spaghetti ($8). These goodies are available while stocks last.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

You can also take home their pre-packaged snacks including Bak Kwa ($23.80 for 500g) and Mandarin oranges ($11.80 for 24 pieces).

#2: RED SAKURA’S HELLO KITTY SNACKS

Good news for Hello Kitty fans! Taiwanese confectionary brand Red Sakura and its Hello Kitty snacks are available at selected stores in Singapore. Get your sun cakes and butter cookies at Prime Supermarket (Tampines branch) or at Shopee.

Image Credits: redsakura.com.tw

Keep your eyes peeled as some of the Red Sakura snacks come with Sanrio merchandise such as plates and mugs! For example, the Red Sakura Hello Kitty Mini Cookies tins are sold at $7.90 in Shopee. These come in assorted flavors including butter, chocolate, and earl grey.

#3: BEE CHENG HIANG’S BAK KWA

You can always count on Bee Cheng Hiang for a variety of CNY goodies such as pineapple tarts and golden floss rolls. But of course, it houses its sought-after dried meat product Bak Kwa.

This year’s selection starts from $34.80 for 600g of Minced Pork Bak Kwa, $37.20 for Chilli Pork Bak Kwa, and $43.20 for Applewood Sliced Pork Bak Kwa. Choose a flavor that suits your preferences. You can even go for the fancy Gourmet Pork Belly option.

Image Credits: beechenghiang.com.sg

Just add the delivery fee of $6 when ordering on their website.

#4: NASTY COOKIE’S S’MORES BITES

Nasty Cookies offers a twist to the CNY food slate with its S’mores Bites. Its S’mores Bites consist of buttery chocolate chip tarts, which are topped with rich chocolate spread and toasted marshmallows. Every bite has a mixture of chewiness, crunchiness, and sweetness.

Image Credits: nastycookie.com

S’mores Bites will be available online for $28.90, from January 17 onwards.

#5: FAIRPRICE’S PINEAPPLE TARTS

Another staple in every household during CNY is the delicious pineapple tarts. Pineapple tarts are rich, buttery pastry filled with pineapple jam. It is impossible to stop at just one piece, so you might want to purchase a few tubs for the party!

FairPrice has an array of pineapple tarts from various brands. Halal and Vegan options are also available. Prices start from $3.92. Check it out.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Happy Year of the Tiger, 2022! Celebrate the auspicious Lunar New Year with an assortment of takeaway delicacies and goodies in this list.

Exit With Grace – Here’s How To Quit Your Job In 2022

When shifting jobs, professionals should communicate their decision to quit with respect and gratitude. Leaving professionally and ensuring that you do not burn any bridges is the best way to welcome new opportunities ahead. While it may be entertaining to quit in a grand public gesture, it should probably stay as a dream.

Here are five helpful tips that you can employ when you lodge your resignation this 2022.

#1: BE DIRECT

After days of careful contemplation, you realized that you are ready to leave your post. Make sure that your supervisor and co-workers are not surprised by a general announcement. Notify your direct supervisor through written and verbal communication. While some companies prefer to receive a four-week notice, others are satisfied with a two-week notice. Review your employee contract to read about the resignation period.

Be direct when communicating the reasons for leaving. Consider not only what is best for you and your new employer, but also what is best for the company you will be leaving.

#2: GIVE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS’ NOTICE

Employers generally accept a two weeks’ notice of departure. Sharing your decision in advance will give the supervisor time to sort things out. Elements such as your pending projects and status of assignments can be transitioned strategically.

In contrast, departing abruptly could have negative consequences such as leaving a poor impression and having co-workers wonder what happened wrong.

#3: CREATE A RESIGNATION LETTER

Make a resignation letter that is clear and concise. Thank your employer for the opportunity and state when your last day of work will be.

If you are leaving over a possible legal claim (e.g., allegations of workplace safety violations), you must speak to a lawyer first. Remember that anything in writing could be used against you.

#4: TRANSITION YOUR PROJECTS

What are your current projects and assignments? List these down. Determine which items will end when you leave, and which will need to be assigned to someone else. Discuss these projects to your direct supervisor and provide substantial data, reports, files, and contact information. You may need to train your replacement too.

#5: MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Maintain professional relationships, if possible. Connect with key people from your previous organization through their LinkedIn profiles or email addresses. Make it clear whether you are open to being contacted with questions about the pending projects after you are officially gone. Alternatively, you can connect with these people virtually.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

Take bae to these lovely restaurants with a view

Is there a better way to enhance your eating experience than to sit in a restaurant that has a breathtaking view?

In a garden city like Singapore, there are lots of opportunities to dine in beautiful surroundings, whether it’s with your favorite group of mates or your significant other. At these eateries, grab a seat by the waters or hop on an elevator to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city skyline.

Here’s a list of restaurants you can take bae to on your next special occasion.

Vue

Location: OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay Rooftop Level 19, Singapore 049321

VUE, positioned above OUE Bayfront on Collyer Quay, offers a chef-driven menu with binchōtan-grilled specialties at the center of its gourmet offerings, supported by a diverse wine list. It also has our little red dot’s first rooftop spritz bar, which distinguishes it from other diners in the city.

Executive Chef Sam Chin, who has over ten years of expertise specializing in modern European cuisine, is the star of the show at VUE. He takes satisfaction in bringing VUE’s vision of offering a chef-driven menu that highlights the real flavors of quality ingredients while delighting guests with every bite they take.

LeVeL33

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Location: 8 Marina Boulevard, #33-01, Singapore 018981

LeVeL33 is the world’s tallest urban microbrewery and a distinct award-winning rooftop dining experience. The Marina Bay Financial Centre’s penthouse suite offers a breathtaking view of Singapore’s Marina Bay and the skyline.

Freshly brewed beers by resident Brewmaster Gabriel Garcia, the open counter cold kitchen, and the expertly chosen boutique wine selection showing labels with no more than 5,000 cases of production each are all examples of craftsmanship at LeVeL33. Whether it’s a casual weekend lunch, a glass of white wine and fresh oysters at the Raw Bar, or a more dressy feast in the Barons de Rothschild private dining room, there’s something for everyone. The spectacular view and atmosphere will ensure the ideal atmosphere for any function.

Panamericana

Location: 27 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore 099892

Panamericana has a prominent location on Singapore’s most famous golf club, located against the enthralling South China Sea, providing a tranquil and sophisticated environment with mesmerizing ocean views.

It features a full-stocked bar, a delightful and roomy indoor dining area with large windows, and an airy long verandah that’s specially arched to give an unobstructed view of the waters. It is bordered by the beautiful golf course on one corner and tropical greenery on the other, and a perfectly trimmed lawn with expansive outdoor dining space.

Shunjuu Izakaya

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Location: 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15, Riverside View, Singapore 238251

Shunjuu Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant that offers an intriguing menu of casual charcoal-grill Japanese favors. We suggest ordering a variety of dishes and pairing them with their array of Japanese sake on the menu.

The little sanctuary is directly in front of the Singapore River and is set in Robertson Quay, just a stroll away from Clarke Quay. With a riverbank view, diners may savor Japanese cuisine outdoors. You may also request a seat in front of the open kitchen to see the grill in operation, which is frequently chosen by Japanese expats and local residents.

Mykonos on the Bay

Location: 31 Ocean Way, #01-10, Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375

Mykonos On The Bay is the brainchild of co-owners Executive Chef Mauro Muroni and General Manager Gerri Sottile’s experiences working in Greek Tavernas in Greece. Their focus as part of the Mangiatutto Group of Restaurants is on traditional Greek food prepared with the freshest produce.

Apart from the main food and drink selection, we like that it also has a kids’ menu! As a result, couples with children may enjoy a meal at the seaside together. Step in and you will be welcomed by their Greek-imported blue and white furniture and decorations, which perfectly fits in right beside the beautiful marina.

Dusk Restaurant & Bar

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Location: Faber Peak Singapore, Level 2, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203

Dusk Restaurant & Bar, located 100m above sea level and surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, is the ideal viewing platform for the beautiful landscapes of HarbourFront and Sentosa Island. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in this sheltered location while dining on Modern European cuisines, expertly picked wines, and distinct nitro-frosted concoctions.

Executive Chef Kenny Yeo, a culinary professional with over 30 years of expertise in French cuisine, will provide you and your loved one with a memorable gourmet experience. This is one of the best outdoor hangouts for anything from a sweet date to an informal meet-up.

Zafferano Italian Restaurant & Lounge

Location: 10 Collyer Quay, Level 43 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Zafferano, which is located 43 levels above lively Collyer Quay in the core of Singapore’s CBD and tops the Ocean Financial Centre, provides diners with a mesmerizing backdrop and an unparalleled experience of all-around Italian hospitality.

The Terrace Lounge, with its majestic cathedral-like proportions, lush foliage, and panoramic vistas, is a fantastic spot for al fresco socializing with companions over beverages. It has its dedicated bar, stools, and comfy couches where you can chill and soak up the vibe and beautiful scenery of the dazzling Marina Bay skyline while sipping on carefully-curated cocktails and snacking on light bites. Just what you need for a romantic evening!

5 Stay-Home Activity Kits For The Entire Family

While lounging around in the sofa and watching your favorite show can help you pass time, here are six alternative activity kits that you can consider. Order these kits online to add spice to your homebound lives. Whether you want to craft your own jewelry or create your own terrariums, your next do-it-yourself craft is only a couple of clicks away!

#1: CANDLE DIY KIT SET BY SOAP ART SINGAPORE

Have you ever tried making your own candles? Candle making is a delightful activity that you can perform with your friends and loved ones. Go to Soap Art Singapore to check out the Candle DIY Kit Set as well as their online workshops.

Image Credits: soapart.sg

Customize your own candles to ignite your creativity and unleash your inner zen. These candle kits include natural soy wax (150gm), natural essential oil (2ml), 1 choice of color (2ml), 2 wicks (6cm each), 2 glass containers, Candle DIY workshop guide, and an inclusion of local mail delivery fee.

Price: S$32
Location: 183 Jalan Pelikat, #01-70 The Promenade@Pelikat, Singapore 537643
Website: soapart.sg

#2: LEATHER ANIMAL CHARM DIY KIT BY HIDES & THREAD

Strike a balance between luxurious and adorable by making leather animal creatures with the Hides & Thread’s Leather Charm DIY Kit. Start by picking your favorite animal and colored leather. The Saffiano leather comes in four shades namely: black, red, whiskey, and orange. These leather pieces can be used to fashion out an elephant, a hippo, a moose, or a bull.

Children as young as 10 years old can refer to the instructional sheet or the website’s instructional video. Use this scratch and water-resistant leather charm to add bling to your handbag or to add a twist to your TraceTogether token!

Price: S$25
Location: 81 Ubi Ave 4 #06-09, Singapore 408830
Website: hidesandthread.com

#3: CLOSED ORNAMENTAL TERRARIUM DIY KIT BY GREEN CAPSULE

Founded by two plant enthusiasts in 2014, the Green Capsule offers a variety of terrarium kits in Singapore. This terrarium shop aims to provide Singaporeans and its residents with an option of full terrarium customization. For instance, you may purchase the Closed Ornamental Terrarium DIY Kit.

Image Credits: thegreencapsule.com.sg

The kit is inclusive of 1 glass jar, pre-packed soil, pre-packed Lecca, pre-packed pebbles, mini pot of plants (Green and Red Fittonia), pre-packed moss, a stirrer, 1 FREE gift card, 1 FREE figurine, an instructional sheet, and a box carrier. See for yourself!

Price: S$35.00
Location: 107 North Bridge Road, #04-11, Singapore 179105
Website: thegreencapsule.com.sg

#4: FOR THE LOVE KIT BY STUDIO MU/YU

Studio MU/YU got its name from the Chinese characters “木语” and embodies these in their pieces. The For the Love Kit – Valentine includes a pair of earrings and a necklace. It is the perfect gift for your partner who likes to add something special to her jewelry collection.

The For the Love – Valentine Kit consists of Valentine pieces, jewelry findings, pliers, sandpaper, wood oil, wood stain, and upcycled cloth. Watch the tutorial below for your reference.

Price: S$40
Location: 10 Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 #04-61 Singapore, Singapore 415875
Website: muyu.co

#5: TOTE BAG DIY KIT BY MAKE YOUR OWN WORKSHOP CAFE

Whether you want to customize a tote bag by yourself or with the help of a loved one, you can paint it to what your heart desires! Make Your Own Workshop Cafe offers a wide range of DIY kits including the Tote Bag DIY Kit that retails for S$38. It includes a sturdy canvas tote bag that holds most laptops and A4-sized documents.

As a friendly reminder, please avoid machine wash and spot clean only. You can hand wash the tote bag gently if needed and iron it on low heat.

Image Credits: makeyourown.sg

Each Tote Bag DIY Kit consists of the following:

1 canvas tote bag (35cm x 30cm),

1 paper plate palette,

2 sets of acrylic paint in 12 colors,

1 acrylic color chart, and

2 standard soft bristle nylon flat brushes

Price: S$38
Location: Blk 4 Upper Aliunied Lane #01-06, Singapore 360004
Website: makeyourown.sg

Do you know any other DIY kits in Singapore? Please do not hesitate to comment below. Enjoy!

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