5 Free Classes To Take During Circuit Breaker Period

Learning new skills often take a toll on your time, effort, and money. Fortunately for you, the current circumstance has put time in your favor. Put it to good use by taking up one or two free online classes that will enrich your skills. Moreover, you can add this newly acquired information to your resume and get more chances of moving ahead.

#1: ACQUIRE A GOOGLE CERTIFICATE

Website: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage

Did you know that you can get a be a Google-certified digital marketer without paying a cent? Well, Google’s Digital Garage allows you to take 26 structured topics from how to build your online shop to the meaning of web analytics. It is an online academy that lets you dive into the ABCs of digital marketing. Each topic has several videos that give you a run-down of the topic and short quizzes to test your understanding of each one.

You must complete every topic to attain the 26 badges. Then, you must pass the final MCQ quiz to become a Google-certified digital marketer! Having “Google” on your resume sure sounds beautiful in the eyes of any Singaporean office. Give it a try!

#2: BROWSE THROUGH COURSERA

Website: https://www.coursera.org/collections/popular-free-courses

Coursera has a plethora of free and paid classes taught by top instructors from some of the world’s best universities and educational institutions including Stanford, Penn, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, and Yale. You can earn degrees and certifications through this website.

Topics range from personal development to data science. Each course consists of videos, quizzes, projects, and more. You can earn certificates to qualify for your work or an upcoming promotion. Nonetheless, it is an efficient way to pass time.

#3: TRAIN IN MICROSOFT

Website: https://support.office.com

How many of you have put “proficient in Microsoft Office” in your resume? I am guilty myself. Howeover, there is a legitimate training grounds for Microsoft Office. Training includes unlocking functions of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.

Simply watch the video lessons that will give you a step-by-step guide through all the possible functions of the Microsoft Office. This way, you can be a wiz at Microsoft Office.

#4: EARN A FACEBOOK BLUEPRINT

Website: https://www.facebook.com/business

Interestingly, Facebook has its own online course. Facebook Blueprint allows you to get a crash course on Facebook and Instagram advertising.

These courses span a variety of topics, so you can get your pick from knowing more about Facebook ads to knowing more about Facebook Live. Worry not about the length of the course as all topics are divided into bite-sized information explained through paragraphs and photographs. You will be rewarded with a downloadable certificate upon completion of each course.

#5: LEARN HOW TO ANIMATE

Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar

Last but not the least is Pixar In A Box. We are all familiar with the heartwarming animation films produced by Pixar. However, are you familiar with what goes on behind the scenes? In this free course, you will be able to learn the art of storytelling, animation, and hair stimulation directly from Pixar staff.

In a series of online video lessons, you will get to digest topics in simple language. You will be able to animate bouncing balls, build a swarm of robots, and make virtual fireworks explode. This collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Khan Academy is sponsored by Disney.

BONUS: NTUC LearningHub has partnered with GO1 to offer Singaporeans free online courses until May 31, 2020. This initiative was launched last April 11. Courses vary from Change Management to Data Analytics. These are designed for bite-sized learning, so you will not be overwhelmed. Learn at your own pace and your own schedule by visiting ntuc.mygo1.com.

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8 Cheap Ways To Feng Shui Your Home

The Ancient practice of Feng Shui highlights the harmony between he individuals and their surroundings. It can help you create a happy home, a productive working space, and a beautiful garden. The usage of energy forces is within your hands!

Start improving your life while you are in quarantine by practicing these Feng Shui tips.

#1: TIDY UP

De-cluttering must be on top of your list as Feng Shui relies on free-flowing energy (chi). Let the chi flow smoothly without disruptions by clearing out the entryway of your home. Clean the dirt behind your front door so that you can open it all the way. Tidy up your space by getting rid of your dead plants, old newspapers, expired cosmetics, broken toys, and so on.

#2: FIX IT

Feng Shui focuses on well-functioning things around your house. Ensure that you fix the broken things inside your house to encourage good energy. Start checking your doors, windows, lights, floors, and furniture. Repair and revamp anything that needs to be tweaked.

Let us focus on your door. Tighten your doorknobs and fix your squeaks. Does your entry door squeak whenever you open or close it? It is helpful to put some oil into the door hinges to prevent this sound and to create more positive energy. Moreover, it reduces your frustrations upon coming in.

#3: COVER IT

Cover the television inside your bedroom to create a tranquil environment for sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping, it is a good idea to cover your television with a beautiful scarf or a patterned fabric. The active energy of your television may be disruptive to your sleep. Create a calming energy by reducing the electronic stimulation.

#4: SPICE UP

To spice up your love life, you may consider adding plants to your love nest. Create hope and cheer to your bedroom by addin three indoor plants. Moreover, you must position your beed in such a way that you can see whoever approaches your bedroom door. A bed in a “commanding position” attracts strength, love, safety, and calmness.

#5: ADD PLANTS

Indoor plants are known to bring positive health effects to people, while colorful flowers brighten up rooms. These home elements are believed to improve a home’s chi. One of the lucky charms that you may incorporate to your home is a bamboo. Beyond its Feng Shui effect, it adds character to your interiors. Bamboo is a stylish plant that works well at promoting peace and tranquility.

#6: ARRANGE IT

Arranging your pieces of furniture in a circular formation encourages the smooth flow of energy. You can attract positive energy in your bedroom by strategically placing your bed so that it stands diagonally from your bedroom door. Avoid letting your bed face away from the toilet.

#7: COUNTER IT

Flowing water is believed to drain the luck from your home according to Feng Shui. To counter this, you must introduce earth elements. Add accessories in warm tones such as yellow and gold accents. You may also put a fresh coat of paint in your walls or add yellow towels or gold rugs to lessen the elemental imbalance.

#8: BURN IT

Dollar stores have a wealth of incense in their counters. Cleanse your home by burning incense. Ideal types of incense for this purpose are sandalwood and rosemary. Not only will the smoke clear your space of the negativity, but your home will also smell heavenly. You will love how the incense will create a cozy ambiance, while inviting positive energy in!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Stretch Your Dollar When Decorating Your Flat

With the rising real estate prices and fast-paced lifestyle, people opt to live in HDB flats or apartments. Individuals find it convenient to live in these types of residences given that these are easily accessible to workplaces and commercial areas, offers facilities and amenities, and provides better security. Despite all these advantages, living in a flat means having to deal with a limited space in comparison to house.

In my quest to find ways to maximize the functionality and design of my space, I tapped my Interior Designer friend. Here are some tips that Interior Designer Krishna L. generously shared to me.

#1: PLAN THE SPACE

Having a small space requires identifying the distribution of areas. It is important to recognize the functions and activities that take place in each zone. Adequate planning makes it easier to know what types of furnishings are needed within the space. This helps save time and money for the owners. Personally, I love watching Never Too Small on YouTube as this channel shows how to plan space sections within micro-apartments.

#2: REMEMBER – LESS IS MORE

Given the space available, it is necessary to make use of the space wisely. Having too many things going on in a small space makes it cramped and chaotic. Avoid overcrowding the space and know which items are essential in order to conserve more space.

#3: ELEVATE FURNISHINGS

One way of giving an illusion of spaciousness is keeping things off the floor. Make furniture pieces and fixtures “float” – opt for sofa and tables with exposed legs and mount shelves on wall – to achieve an illusion of a bigger space. Not only does this make the space larger but also provides a room for additional storage.

#4: INVEST IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PIECES

A limited space requires flexibility in terms of utility and functionality. Looking for furniture pieces that provide more than one function can save money and space.

#5: MAXIMIZE VERTICAL SPACE

Condominiums and apartments often less square footage than a traditional residential space. Thus, it is better to take advantage of the walls. Use floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelves for storage and display, mount wall decors and art or add tall plants to make the room appear larger.

Image Credits: 3aces.ph

#6: ADD MIRRORS

It is a well-known fact that mirrors can make a small space appear grander. Mirrors not only give the illusion of a greater square footage but also reflects natural and artificial light, thereby creating an impression of a bigger space.

#7: CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Natural lighting provides a healthier well-being but also helps open up a room. However, condominiums have limited access to natural light since there are less windows. It can be useful to have a variety of artificial lighting to achieve a great atmosphere and warm ambiance within a space. Lighting placement can either make or break a space, so it must be thoroughly planned.

#8: FIND THE RIGHT COLOR THEME

Colors can influence the way we view spaces – lighter colors reflect light and give an illusion of space, whereas darker colors absorb light and diminish a space. In order to make a room feel larger, it is good to have the right color palette for the floor, wall, and ceiling. This does not necessarily mean limiting your options with an all-white interior; rather, use a color scheme that create cohesion and unity. Choosing monochromatic or neutral colors, for instance, can make the space feel airy, open, and visually bigger. Applying dark or bold color or pattern sparingly to accent wall, furniture, or decors can create depth, contrast, and personality to the space.

#9: CHOOSE THE FLOORING WISELY

Like color schemes, flooring surfaces can greatly impact the size of a space. It is better to avoid using a contrasting color for the flooring. Choose hues for carpets, tiles, and wood flooring that would complement the walls and ceiling to achieve continuity. Light-colored wooden floor planks that are either wide or long can make a space look bigger.

#10: ADD GREENERY

Plants greatly benefits one’s health. Having indoor plants can make the space brighter and lively. Moreover, it gardening is a good hobby to dwell on as you work from home or obey the stay-at-home notice.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

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TPG launches 50GB for $10 mobile plan in Singapore

TPG Telecom, Singapore’s fourth telco, is launching its first commercial mobile plan for the Singapore market.

The TPG “50GB for $10” plan is available from today at just $10 per month for its no-contract SIM Only plan. By offering this plan, TPG is lowering the barriers of entry by setting a new entry point for users. The TPG Prepaid Plan offering the same simplicity will be launched at a later date.

The service includes:

  • 50GB Data
  • 300 Local Call minutes
  • 30 Local SMS
  • 1GB Data Roaming in selected countries (effective 1 May 2020)
  • Mobile Number Portability is available
  • Number Selection will be available effective 1 May 2020

Registration and collection
Customers can register for the TPG 50GB SIM Only plan on TPG’s website here: https://www.tpgmobile.sg/. Upon successful registration, they can immediately visit any of TPG’s designated collection centres to collect their SIM card.

The TPG network supports specific VoLTE devices for high-definition mobile voice calling. To support customers who are using non-VoLTE compatible handsets, TPG has created an easyto-use TPG 4G Voice app to allow customers to make and receive calls, which can be downloaded from Google Play or App Store.

Get $250 Cash via PayNow when you apply for the new Citi Cash Back+ Card from 11 – 31 Mar 20

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Inexpensive At-Home Activities You Can Enjoy With Your Child

Kicking off the month of April is the new educational structure advised by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung. Last Friday, he highlighted that all schools will conduct one day of home-based learning in light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Singapore. This re-structuring will help prepare the parents and students if more days of home-based learning will be necessary.

Primary schools will conduct home-based learning o Wednesdays, Secondary schools will apply ths on Thursdays. The rest of the institutes will be having it on Fridays. These social distancing efforts are on top of the enrichment and tuition centers’ closure. The question on the parents’ minds now is: “What will the children do all day?”

The key to extending the learning at home is to make a routine. Students are used to following a schedule. Mimic this blueprint by creating a distinct schedule to help the continuous flow of their home-based education day. The goal is to keep your children busy as you tend to other matters.

TIP #1: FOLLOW THE ADVISE OF THE TEACHERS

As teachers will be giving their assignments through emails and other platforms, you may start the day with those modules. Study time may last from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Allow heavy subjects and academic assignments to be engraved during this block of time.

TIP #2: DEDICATE A BLOCK FOR PLAY

Allow your children to have at least 15 to 30 minutes of time of dedicated child-led play. Provide materials that will cater to their interests and allow them to play. When a child is playing, it stimulates different facets such as imagination, creativity, innovation, and socialization. You may provide a bin filled with educational toys and art materials. Serious learning can take place while having fun.

TIP #3: SCHEDULE A TIME FOR READING

Being at home all day gives you a chance to increase the child’s habit of reading. Gather your books at home or download free books online. Schedule at least 20 minutes of reading time per day to engrave the importance of reading. Remember that this block is the total amount of minutes. You may break it apart throughout the day. In the first half, you may be the only one talking. The adult will read the book aloud for the child. As the day ends, you may let your child to read the same book by himself or herself. Do not worry if your child wants to extend the reading block! Reading is beneficial for your child’s language proficiency and vocabulary expansion.

TIP #4: SPARE SOME TIME FOR GROOMING AND SELF-HELP SKILLS

As an educator, I believe that children learn best through experiences. Let your child experience household chores to learn more about responsibility and self-reliance. Assign 10 to 15 minutes of time for household chores and other self-help activities. Guide your child as they clean their rooms, sweep the floors, wash the dishes, or fold the clothes. They can use these skills as they grow up. More importantly, those are less tasks for you to fill.

TIP #5: ALLOT A BLOCK FOR SCREEN TIME

Whether we admit it or not, technology has been a part of our children’s lives. Hence, it is better to adapt and to limit their usage. Keep your children from “over-indulging” on the screens by having a set time in the schedule for screen time. Ideally adults should limit the children’s use of screen time to two hours per day. For instance, you may allow 30 to 45 minutes of screen time before breakfast and after dinner. Follow through the scheduled time by turning the devices and appliances off afterwards. If the house feels too quiet, turn on some delightful music instead.

TIP #6: ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO MOVE

It is easy to put down toys for free play. However, children enjoy it when you get to bond with them as you facilitate some indoor activities. A great way to entertain your children while practicing educational skills is to schedule some easy indoor activities. You may plan at least 30 minutes of this category before snack time or before dinner time.

Here are some of the ideas for your indoor play:

a. Build A City: Flatten out a box. Draw a round using markers and paint. Add blocks and other toy vehicles to let your child build his or her own city.

b. Backhand Balloon Balance: Challenge your children to balance a balloon on the back of their hand. See how long they can do it before it falls to the ground. Amp up the stakes by putting water inside the balloon.

c. Long Jump: Put some lines of masking tape or colored electric tape on the floor. Make 6 separate lines of tape, which are one foot apart. Label the first line as the “Starting” line. See how many lines your children can jump over. Have them beat their best score each round. You may even let them jump backwards!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

May you entertain your children while staying safe! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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