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Best Places To Buy Affordable Footwear In Singapore

The iconic man behind the red-lacquered soles once said:

“A shoe is not only a design, but it is a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you are going to move is quite dictated by your shoes.”

I could not agree more with the words muttered by the talented French designer that is Christian Louboutin. More than just for its aesthetic purposes, the right type of shoes take you to the right places. For instance, if you want to survive a 6-hour hike, would you wear heels? Of course not.

Words cannot describe how much I adore shoes. But as much as I am fond of them, purchasing footwear in Singapore can get a tad pricey. Fortunately, there are places where you can find premium footwear at the discounted prices. Check out the list below!

FOR RUNNING SHOES

Since exercise shoes are often subjected to wear and tear, finding factory outlets of quality brands is a must. Consider going to Changi City Point or IMM malls.

At Changi City Point, you can go crazy for discounted running shoes and other sporting goods (e.g., apparel and accessories) courtesy of Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, and New Balance Outlet. Depending on the store, discounts can go up to 70%!

At IMM, you can take advantage of the previous season’s sporting products that are not limited to just one brand. From running shoes to goggles and exercise attire, discounts at Royal Sporting House Outlet can go as high as 70%!

FOR FLIP-FLOPS

As we live in a tropical country, it is unavoidable to be decked out in casual and breezy attire. Complementing this look is a trusty flip-flops or sandals.

For convenient yet inexpensive shopping, go to Lazada.sg. Lazada.sg, one of Singapore’s popular online shopping website, offers a wide selection of flip-flops for both sexes. Men can enjoy sandals that go as low as S$6 with discounts as high as 76%. While women can enjoy it for as low as S$4.90 with discounts as high as 79%.

I was amazed that the famous Brazilian Havaianas is sold at S$22.90 (unisex) – saving you about 43%!

Screen-grabbed from lazada.sg

FOR OFFICE SHOES

Founded by the siblings Charles and Keith Wong, Charles & Keith aims to create innovative and contemporary footwear that are entirely wallet-friendly. Almost every Singaporean owns or at least knows the brand. Ranging from S$30 to 170, their footwear carry sizes up to 41.

Sure you can find this brand at almost every shopping mall in Singapore, but if you want to purchase work-appropriate shoes for a fraction off, visit IMM.

Image Credits: facebook.com/charleskeithofficial

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Powerful Tips To Conquer Your Financial Stress

Losing your primary source of income, drowning in a sea of debt, and other money problems can affect both your financial circumstance and your self-esteem. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed, and worried when times are hard but that does not mean that you are suffering from depression or anxiety disorders.

In fact, according to an international poll by Reader’s Digest back in 2009, Singapore was one of the countries most worried about money. When not managed, the financial stress can be detrimental to one’s health.

Here are some tips to conquer your inner beast:

BREATHE IN AND OUT

Avoid excessive thinking by slowing down. Whenever you feel like you are going to burst, calm yourself down. Breathe in and out, hold your breath for a while, breathe slowly and repeat. A higher form of this practice is called meditation.

If you need a guided tutorial to aid you through meditation, you can download the free “Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief” app on your iOS or Android device. You can choose to listen with or without the music as you listen to the 7-13 minutes of guided meditation. No prior experience required!

LIVING IN THE PRESENT

Several financial woes come from the anticipation of unfortunate future events. Sometimes, these anticipation is more than just pure exaggeration. This is why you must remind yourself that you are living in the present moment – not in the past, nor in the future.

Stay active in the present by being completely in control. Keep your C.V. updated, pay the bills on time, and jog outdoors!

RECOGNIZE YOUR STRENGTH

In general, the uncertainty and perceived lack of control can make the person feel more stressful. But as I said, you are living in the present moment where you are in absolute control of your actions and your thoughts. Recognize that your decisions exist for you to improve any financial dilemma.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

When your financial circumstances is too hard to handle, seek refuge from the people who can offer you the listening ears (e.g. friends, family, support group or financial professional). These people can offer sound solutions and make you feel better. Personally, I find this tip therapeutic as I can freely express and let go of my worries and share it to a person who affirms and understands me the most.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Before you go to sleep or the after you wake up, think of three things you are thankful about. This changes your focus from your financial stress to the beautiful things that you might have taken for granted. It does not have to be a big and lavish thing as you can be thankful for the picturesque sunset.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Practicing this activity often will help you gain a positive outlook in life and an increase in overall satisfaction.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How To Finally Get A Raise This 2016!

Since the new year is about starting afresh and realizing one’s potentials, evaluating your salary is one of the top priorities. If you are seeking for a higher salary, do not open a discussion with your boss unless you are fully prepared.

Consider these 6 things to help you prepare:

1. SHOW THAT YOU DESERVE IT

Say that an important project is due in a couple of days. Send your boss an email of your progress to avoid constant request for project updates. The simple act of anticipating what is needed before it is asked can show that you are capable of working independently. You not only sent a positive reflection of your working etiquette but also made your boss’ life job easier.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Negotiating your salary is a game with all of its players attempting to dominate each other. Dominate the game by researching all the needed information. Go in-depth about the complete aspects of the job and the company. Also, collect data about the average pay and accurate salary opportunities in your position.

3. DEVELOP A BACK-UP PLAN

If the company’s current situation cannot afford to give you the raise you deserve, consider suggesting alternative options such as commission-based pay (if appropriate) or performance-based bonus.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION

During the discussion, greet your boss in a friendly and light manner by smiling and shaking hands. Say your gratitude as he or she spared some time to arrange a meeting for you. Your boss’ mood can change depending on how you approached the room.

5. ASK FOR MORE THAN YOU ACTUALLY WANT

Your first offer must be slightly higher than what you want to avoid remorse and to give you a room to bargain. It uses the door-in-the-face technique wherein the employee starts with a huge and unreasonable request in order for the employer to settle with a smaller request.

6. COMPETE

Negotiating a salary is a conversation that aims to reach an agreement with someone whose interests are not perfectly aligned with yours. Use persuasion and assertion if necessary as scientific research showed that competition is a successful negotiation strategy!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Ways To Return To Work And Combat The Post-Holiday Blues

Whether you like it or not, the Holiday Season is almost over.

After a substantial amount of time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is time to get back to your “normal” life. Gone are the few days of feast and serenity!

As you return to your regular routines at work, school, or home…you may feel stressed, uncomfortable, and disoriented. This unwanted feeling is called Post-Holiday or Post-Vacation Blues. However, with a bit of conscious planning and other strategies, you can actually ease back to normalcy without feeling its burden.

1. PLAN AHEAD

Instead of having the stress of last-minute preparations, it is best to come back from your overseas trip on Saturday instead of Sunday. The extra day will give you enough time to fix your things, to pick up a few essentials, and to browse your emails. Thus, it will lessen the impact and load of your “first” working day.

2. REVIEW YOUR CALENDAR

Since you have been away for quite some time, you will probably need to be reminded about what is going on. Regularly browse and mark your calendar for the next couple of days to stay updated with the upcoming projects, meetings, and other concerns. By doing so, you will be able to come prepared and avoid the embarrassment of being caught off guard.

3. CLEAN YOUR WORKSPACE

Upon entering your cubicle or desk, you may see stacks of unopened documents, scattered files, and untidy stationery items. Take a few minutes to take it all in. After which have a rubbish bin near you while you filter through the envelopes, emails, and files. Recognize what needs to be junked and what needs to kept. The earlier you complete this, the more time you have for other important tasks.

4. REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

To make your work as quicker and as efficiently as possible, you must remove all the unnecessary distractions such as electronic devices. Turn off your handphone and close your social media accounts for at least 20 minutes.

Use a productive writing tool such as Q10 to allow you to scribe without interruptions from your desktop clutter. Or you may install a free site blocking extension such as StayFocusd. With fewer or no distractions, use your time to focus on the task at hand!

5. SEEK HELP

In the early days of your transition, keeping up with your daily workloads may feel like a circus. Do not fret, as it is unavoidable. Ask for your co-worker or manager’s help. A well-staffed business should be more than capable to assist or even absorb your task.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Remember, you do not always have to do everything by yourself!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Money-Saving Fashion Resolutions You Must Keep

1. RECYCLE MORE OFTEN

You can recycle your gorgeously patterned old clothes by sewing it into pillowcases or teapot covers. On the flip side, you can accept mint condition hand-me-downs from family and friends especially those who have baby clothes or infant toys. Do not be too picky! These said items are not utilized a lot since babies grow significantly every day anyway.

2. REFRAIN FROM USING CARDS

A surefire way to save money while shopping is to leave your credit cards at home. Only bring the substantial amount of cash you saved up for rewarding yourself. By doing so, you will only be purchasing things you actually afford!

3. GO BACK TO THE BASICS

If you are aiming to make your affordable clothes appear lavish, it is best to go for the basics and to avoid handbags or clothes that are filled with bargain embellishments or distressed denim patterns. If you want to accessorize, opt for a thick bracelet rather than stacking three little ones to increase the outfit’s impact. Remember: the sleeker and simpler – the better.

4. GET FIT

No! This does not involve spending countless hours at the gym. Instead, it involves purchasing the fitting size for your blazers, bras, hats, and so on

Purchasing the right size entails not having to exchange or return the product. Thus, it will save you effort, time and money. Take advantage of the sales employees who are happy to help you as you fit. Once you found the best size and brand to your physique, become a loyalist (e.g., join their loyalty card program) to enjoy discounts and other perks!

5. DRESS IN MONOCHROME

Since splashing yourself with every color on the rainbow can look cheap, wear one shade or color from head-to-toe. This creates an illusion of supreme quality. For example, you can wear the different shades of black, from Jet-Licorice, to look slimmer and more fashionable.

6. SHOP AT THE RIGHT PLACES

Shopping at the right places brings value to your buck! For instance, if you find yourself blessed with a baby this 2016, consider purchasing stylish and inexpensive maternity and nursing clothes from online shops such as Mummy’s Secret and My Little Angels Maternity. Mummy’s Secret, with a price range of S$9.99-30, offers a wide array of youthful-style clothing line that is as cute as those sold in Korean or Japanese shops.

http://www.99ms.com.sg/maternity/maternity-wear

Image Credits: 99ms.com.sg/maternity/maternity-wear

While My Little Angels Maternity offer diaper bags and infant wear with socks as low as S$2.90!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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