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Must-Have Travel Essentials Under S$20

PASSPORT CASES

Imagine spilling liquid droplets on the first page of your passport. What is more? Your flight is a few hours away! How can you travel now? Well, this frightening scenario happened to me before. Prevent this from happening to you buy purchasing a passport case.
Keep your valuable identification piece dry and clean by getting a passport case for as low as S$2 at Daiso.

EYE MASKS

If you are greatly affected by beaming lights or vivid stimulations, you may want to wear an eye mask during your long flight or road trip. Eye masks provide soft shades to survive the longest of trips.

Inexpensive eye masks are available at Daiso. However, you may invest in a S$19.90 eye mask designed to let you dwell in deep restorative stages of sleep. I am referring to the ErgoDream™ 3D Ergonomic Eye Mask. It comes with free high-density earplugs too!

ErgoDream™ 3D Ergonomic Eye Mask for Back Sleepers

SMALL PLASTIC CONTAINERS

One of the best gifts that I received last year was a set of reusable bottles from MINISO (i.e., less than S$5). I was able to transfer various liquids such as my shampoo, soap, essential oils, and hand cream.

Makeup addicts can benefit from these airline-approved bottles as well. You do not have to carry the full-sized weight of every product during your trip! You can transfer your setting spray, BB cream, cheek tint, and so much more.

BANDAGES

Some of the most common injuries experienced by travelers are cuts and scrapes. Hence, bandages are vital in a travel first aid kit. It is recommended to buy a set of adhesive bandages containing different types and sizes. This set will help you cover blisters from hiking or cuts from cycling.

Ensure that the bandages are of good quality to prevent it from slipping away. For instance, you may get a pack of waterproof bandage from Watsons for only S$2.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS: The search for travel-friendly bathroom paraphernalia is over! You may purchase a set of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap for only S$12.90. It is from the Japanese brand Ma Cherie!

How To Strike A Balance Between Work And Personal Life

These past few days, I had the luxury to tune out all my worries and to immerse myself in a 3-day vacation. This brief retreat sent my state of mind into its reset mode. My renewed self became more efficient in the workplace. I, for one, believe in creating a balance between work and personal life.

The core of balancing these two areas is satisfying both your sense of achievement and your hunger for enjoyment. Achievement is gained through growth in the workplace while, indulgence is gained through engaging in enjoyable activities. How do you divide your time, money, and effort to these two areas? It is something that you have to discover on your own.

Meanwhile, may the following tips help you in establishing a work-life balance.

#1: DRAW A CLOCK

In a recent training conference that I attended, the speaker shared how her subordinate juggles fifty preschool students on her own. She faced the challenge head-on while maintaining a household. What is her secret? According to her, the key is time management.

An individual must carefully manage his or her time to achieve what needs to be done. Prioritize your tasks and divide your time accordingly. These are some of the categories that you may follow:

a. urgent and important,
b. important and not urgent,
c. urgent and unimportant, or
d. neither urgent nor important.

Now, let us move on to your personal clock. It is easy to bury yourself into your job when faced with a significant personal issue. However, putting said issues on hold may take a toll on your career. Personal issues (e.g., involving your relationships or health) matter in the long run.

4 Unexpectedly Inexpensive Places to Travel

Image Credits: HollyEma☮, via Flickr

#2: CHOOSE THREE THINGS

Prioritizing is vital in creating a balance between the your personal and your professional life. The root of prioritizing depends on determining what matters to you. For instance, Randi Zuckerberg limits his priorities into three main categories. Randi chooses between work, sleep, relationships, and fitness. Yes! He is the sibling of Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.

After uncovering what matters to you the most, you can realistically define the “parameters of success” in each one. What do you have to do to achieve each of these category? Do you need to distance yourself from the activities that distract you from your priorities? Or, do you need to say “no” to some people?

#3: MANAGE YOUR FINANCES

Feeling confident about your finances will help you with both your personal and professional life. The expression “money makes the world go round” is still relevant in this day and age. The amount of cash-flow that circulates throughout your financial reservoir affects the life you lead. It is one of the biggest challenges that Singaporean households face on a daily basis. Hence, finding time to manage your finances is a must!

Track your spending by writing each expense on a piece of paper. To make your life easier, you may download accounting software or financial apps such as Spendee and AceMoney.

#4: LET GO OF PERFECTIONISM

Aside from toxic relationships and unnecessary spending, there are other things that you need to let go. Consider dialing down your “perfectionist tendencies” to maintain sanity. Aiming for perfection develops at a young age. It starts with keeping up with the demands of getting high marks. As you grow up, life gets more complicated.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I learned the hard way that you must not be too hard on yourself. You cannot be in control all the time. When things do not go as planned, acceptance is the only option. Letting go of perfectionism can help you avoid burnout.

Sources: 1 & 2

Free Beauty Samples To Request Now

In the money driven world we live in, people value receiving something for free. This is why companies introduce “free beauty samples”. Free beauty samples benefit not only its consumers, but also its manufacturers.

You are given the opportunity to test out products without having to waste your money on a full-sized bottle. These beauty samples come in handy while travelling and while on-the-go. On the other hand, companies directly give the products to you in the hopes that you will like their products. The increasing admiration towards the product may lead to increase in sales.

Singapore is blessed with companies who are more than happy to share their products. Check out these free beauty samples that you can request now:

#1: FOR EXPERIENTIAL ENTHUSIASTS

Website: samplestore.com

As a preschool teacher, we are taught that many people learn best through their experiences. Experiencing a product or a service directly is essential for modern consumers. This is where Sample Store comes in.

Sample Store lets you immerse yourself with up to four samples on a daily basis. You read that right! Get free samples delivered to your doorsteps through SingPost. Start by signing up at samplestore.com and by choosing from their wide product selection. Post product reviews in their website to earn more points and redeem more products.

You are free to explore more than 300 brands, but you can only receive one sample per product in a certain time.

#2: FOR MAKEUP JUNKIES

Website: sephora.sg

Sephora is a place that serves as a haven for makeup addicts. It houses some of the best beauty brands out there! What’s more? Its online store offers free samples upon checkout. Simply comply with the mechanics.

Here are the basic rules that you must follow:

a. Add a saple to your bag at checkout.
b. Only one sample may be added to each order.
c. Samples are available while supplies last.
d. If a sample goes out of stock, Sephora will provide a substitute.
e. Samples are not available during sale periods.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The current samples circulating the website include products from Make Up Forever, Kat Von D, Hourglass, Becca, and Fresh. You may receive samples of bigger sizes and of higher values by availing the Premium Sample. You can add a Premium Sample when your total bill ranks up to S$120 (i.e., before shipping and after applying the discounts).

#3: FOR HARDWORKING EYES

Website: kao.com

KAO corporation has a variety of products ranging from a sanitary napkin to a steam eye mask. The latter is an interesting one!

It goes without saying that eye strain is common in our screen-dependant society. What better way to refreshen your hardworking eyes that by receiving a free “hot” eye mask. Simply request a sample by completing a questionnaire. It is a rather lengthly form compared to the ones available on this list. Furthemore, they are releasing limited samples.

Here are the other terms and conditions:

a. Sample consists of 1 piece of Steam Eye Mask.
b. Each residential address is limited to one sample request.
c. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery of the sample.
d. Entries with incomplete addresses will be deemed invalid.
e. This free sample request is only available for applicants residing in Singapore.

#4: FOR DELICATE SKIN

Website: cetaphil.com.sg

Having sensitive skin is an issue that I had to tackle throughout my life. I lean towards gentle cleansers and organic soaps. Countless hours where spent on testing products that may or may not work for my skin. Not to mention, the prices these products are tagged with. In the course of my determined search, I found an affordable product that I completely swear by. It is none other than Cetaphil.

Cetaphil offers a broad selection of skin care products for babies and adults. Thus, you choose the right product to suit your skin type (e.g., Oily Skin Cleanser for oily skin). Receive a Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser by answering a quick online form.

Now, let us move on to your baby’s regimen. Cetaphil baby is specially formulated for your beloved’s delicate skin. These products are dermatologically tested to help your child maintain a smooth skin and a healthy hair. Receive a Cetaphil Baby Skincare by answering a quick online form.

5 Budget-Friendly Tips For A Starbucks Addict

It is time for a reality check!

There is a huge difference between being late due to family emergencies and being late because you were queuing at Starbucks. Your constant trips to your “coffee haven” can drain your wallet. So, how do you keep your thirst for the daily coffee grind? With clever planning, of course! Try these tried-and-tested hacks to satisfy your coffee addiction:

#1: SHARING IS CARING

While I was chatting away with a friend of mine, our conversation drifted to her pleasant date. She and her mom shared a Venti cup after countless hours of shopping. You see, splitting a Venti cup is cheaper than purchasing two Tall or two Grande cups. Let us take the “Frappuccino” as an example. A Venti frap costs about S$7.60 while, a Tall frap costs about S$6. Splitting the bill with a friend can help you save up to S$2.20 each! Isn’t that what friendship is for?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are planning to kill time in Starbucks, it is better to opt for the largest size available. Situations such as working on a school project with your classmate or finishing a business proposal call for this strategy!

#2: REAP THE REWARDS

One of the quickest ways to enjoy discounts and freebies is by joining the Starbucks Rewards Program. Upon entering, you will be eligible earn a star for every dollar spent. These stars equate to specific benefits such as a free slice of cake or a free drink. To get started, you must acquire a gift card. Register it thru the Starbucks website or thru the mobile app.

Use the app to stay updated with the latest promotions. What I like most about this loyalty program is the value given to one’s birthday month (i.e., by giving a free slice of cake, a free drink, or a free drink upgrade). Furthermore, you can get a personalized gold card. It is an ultimate Starbucks addict collectible, if you ask me!

#3: BRING A CONTAINER

An easy way to save at least 50 cents on your next order is by bringing your own container! Take out your favorite mug, tumbler, or water bottle from the shelf. Then, confidently offer your own container to the Starbucks barista.

Getting S$0.50 off your bills may seem minuscule at the moment but, these savings add up. Furthermore, you are helping save the environment by conserving the resources.

#4: ASK FOR TEA

I am not a heavy caffeine drinker. This is why I prefer drinking tea over coffee. Have you ever considered exchanging tea with a friend? Purchase two different tea bags and ask for hot water. In most cases, you may refill a cup for at least three times to savor its flavor. Do not worry about asking the staff for a refill as it is free!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For tea connoisseurs, it is best to avoid steeping your tea twice. Stick to your drink preference instead of wasting money.

#5: MAKE YOUR OWN

Whether you want to believe it or not, you can make your own iced latte while saving money in the process. Order a triple espresso over ice and head over to the condiment bar. Fill up the rest of your cup with the complimentary milk. Voila! You just made your own iced latte!

Lastly, you can make your own Chai Tea Latte. Instead of spending S$5.70 for a Tall-sized Chai Tea Latte, you may ask for a hot Chai Tea (about S$4.20 for a Tall cup). Fill half of the cup with steamed milk. Not only will this recipe save you a dollar but, it will also contain lesser calories than the Chai Tea Latte.

Sources: 1 & 2

Work in Romania as a foreigner

The Romanian job market might be difficult for expats that want to work here. The salaries in Romania are pretty low and the competition is very high. Still, if they manage to find a job here, non EU citizens must have a valid work permit, while the EU citizens need to apply for a residence permit. Usually, the employer should take care of all details regarding the application for the work permits, since it is strictly related to the specific job. Moreover, for a company to be able to employ a foreigner, it needs to first demonstrate that there are no fit candidates from EU that can fill in the role, since EU candidates have priority.

Romania has an increasing economic potential, still, there are a lot of large areas that are dedicated to agriculture or undeveloped. On the other hand, the tourism has increased consistently since Romania has a natural beauty and lots of cultural attractions making this industry interesting for investors and development. The most popular domains in which expats can work are the energy and resources industries, but also the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Also, in the services sector the country offers a great potential of new jobs, since there is a high and growing demand for qualified expats with experience in: retail, finance and business services. Moreover, the human resources sector is growing as well, as a lot of HR agencies are looking to hire for executive positions for multinationals and lager companies, such as Dacia, Rompetrol, Romstal, Birdefender, Mobexpert or Petrom. Romania’s main export partner is Germany, importing rubber tyres, car parts, insulated wire or even cars.

For those expats that don’t want to work a corporation there are a lot of NGO choices or even teaching. No matter the industry, most expats works in Bucharest. As experience demands, most companies require fluency in French, German, English or Italian, and IT certificates. On the other hand, the factor that makes it hard for expats to find jobs here is that most companies prefer to hire local citizens, instead of having to deal with the entire process of hiring foreign citizens and obtaining work permits for them. Therefore, the Romanian Government tries to find new ways to attract foreign business owners to establish a branch or subsidiary here and invest into the Eastern European economy. Ever since the communist regime has ended, Romania has had a sustained economic growth that has also continued after 2007, when Romania joined the European Union. In the past few years, even though the country was affected by the global economic recession, it managed to keep modest levels of growth.

Therefore, Romania has a lot to offer for expats looking to work in the country. When an expat outside EU finds a job here and the company manages to prove that there was no EU candidate fit for this position, the company must also prove that the candidate has the necessary experience and qualifications for the job. In order to obtain him a work permit, the employer must attach to the file the resume, criminal clearance, medical checks and reference letters from the candidate. The process of getting the work permit can take around 45 days. After the employer obtains the work permit and gives it to the expat, he must apply for a long-term visa at the embassy from their country.

After getting to Romania, non-EU expats must get a CIF (fiscal identity code) by registering at the Romanian Ministry of Finance. In order to submit their request, they will need to present a copy of the employment contract, alongside their work permit, visa, passport and a proof of residence. The long-term visa and CIF are needed in order to obtain a stay permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration, and it must be done 30 days before the long term visa expires. In addition, the expats will need to provide medical clearance, proof of residence, identification and salary.

In conclusion, non-EU expats have to go through a more complex process of getting their rights to work in Romania than EU expats. It is highly recommended to get legal advice if you encounter any unclear things, in order to be sure that everything is according to the Romanian law regarding your employment.

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