‘Haus Labs by Lady Gaga’ has officially launched in Sephora, and here are some top-rated items from $42 to get
Bad Money Habits We Grew Up With (& Why We Must Unlearn Them)
Anna Agoncillo
Money talk isn’t exactly dinner table conversation in many Singaporean homes. You can bet we’ve all heard the usual: “Don’t spend unnecessarily”, “Save your angbao money”, or worse, just silence when it comes to CPF, loans, or budgeting.
Whether it was your mom, your dad, your loud uncle at Chinese New Year, or your office colleague who still pays minimum on their credit card, the financial “wisdom” we grew up with often came with good intentions but not always good outcomes.
So here’s a real talk list of bad financial lessons many of us were taught.
#1: NO CREDIT IS GOOD CREDIT
Some of us were raised with the fear of credit cards. “Ah girl, don’t take credit card ah. Later you kena debt!”
My friend’s parents had their struggles with borrowing, so they swung the other way and taught them to avoid debt completely. But here’s the thing. No credit history can actually work against you.
Without any credit activity, like responsibly using a card and paying it off, you might find it hard to get a loan or rent a flat. Credit isn’t the enemy. Misusing it is.
#2: DON’T WASTE = REPLACE EVERYTHING
You know the classic auntie logic: “Don’t waste money on repairing lah, just buy new one.”
Whether it was a microwave, a pair of shoes, or even a fan, if it broke, we just tossed it and replaced it. Never mind that a simple fix might cost less and last longer. Somewhere along the way, the “waste not, want not” principle got twisted.
#3: SWIPE FIRST, THINK LATER
Living beyond our means is something many of us saw growing up but didn’t realize was a problem until adulthood.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Some elders would say, “Just put on card first lah, pay later.” But later never really came. Buying branded goods on installment plans, splurging at Robinsons or TANGS sales, or upgrading gadgets every year became the norm, not the exception. Saving up first before spending? Almost unheard of.
#4: NO PLAN, NO PROBLEM (UNTIL IT’S A PROBLEM)
Planning for the future? Wah, so far one. Whether it was not having insurance, skipping CPF top-ups, or not saving for retirement, the mindset was very much “today first, tomorrow worry later.”
Problem is, later always comes and then we scramble.
#5: ONE-DAY MILLIONAIRE SYNDROME
You know this one. Payday comes, and suddenly it’s crab dinner, new clothes, kopi upgraded to Starbucks. Next thing you know, end of the month liao, and it’s instant noodles until the next pay comes in.
It wasn’t that our parents were reckless. Just that budgeting wasn’t something they were taught either. So what did we learn? That spending is reward and saving is optional. Oops!
#6: MONEY TALK = TABOO
In many households, money talk is more hush-hush than your cousin’s secret engagement.
We don’t discuss how much we earn, how much we owe, or whether we’re struggling. The result? Most of us grew up with a very murky idea of how money works. We weren’t taught about insurance, taxes, or loans. We were just expected to figure it out, somehow.
IN A NUTSHELL
Our parents did their best, but now it’s our turn to get smart.
Start small. Track your spending, ask questions, learn what you missed. There are loads of free financial literacy programs now. DBS, OCBC, and even CPF have online tools to help you budget, plan for retirement, or understand your savings options. Nonprofits like Credit Counselling Singapore (CCS) also offer workshops if you’re feeling a little lost about managing debt or building your credit.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
There’s no shame in learning money skills as an adult. Better late than broke!
Want hair that looks thicker, fuller & denser? Then you’ve got to give these ginger haircare products from $8 a try
Celeste Elle
You want thicker, fuller, and denser hair.
You’ve tried all that you can with what’s out there in the shops.
You sure?
If you’ve not heard of ginger haircare products, it’s not too late to give them a go.
Shampoos, conditioner, scrub, and serum, here’s what you need to get this time around 
Shampoos
Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Price: from $8
We will start us off with this most-loved shampoo from The Body Shop, a clarifying cavalry for dry and itchy scalps.
It contains botanical actives like ginger root from Madagascar, Chinese skullcap, soy, and wheat sprout that rid hair of flakes while cleansing to promote healthy growth.
As the dandruff vanishes, birch bark and white willow extracts swoop in to comfort irritation.
And yes, if you prefer to reduce your use of plastic (bottles), you could go for their Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Bar ($20) instead; each bar can apparently last up to 50 washes.
Haruhada Ginger Shampoo
Price: $39
Don’t settle for hair products that irritate or strip your strands.
Try Haruhada’s Ginger Shampoo, a formula containing ginger extract to nourish your hair from scalp to ends without aggravating the scalp because there’s no harsh dimethicone or mineral oil in sight.
Instead, you will enjoy a cleanse that washes away dirt, leaving your locks soft and static-free.
Lush Ginger Shampoo
Price: $49
Or consider this Lush shampoo made with the essence of ginger and a bevy of botanical heroes.
A blend of herbs and spices combines with antifungal and soothing ingredients to sweep away buildup.
And you can almost taste the zing as sea salt whisks away residue.
But it’s not all tough love—there’s also honey in it to lend a softening touch.
Plus, with yogurt-derived probiotics, this shampoo is a head spa trip for your hair.
Conditioner
Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner
Price: from $8
Couple your routine with The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Care Conditioner to tame weak, fine strands.
This conditioner contains vegan silk protein and ginger root oil to banish breakage and smooth hair strands.
Brushing becomes easier as the formula’s friction-fighting powers cut down on tugging and damage.
Scrub
Ginger Scalp Care Scrub
Price: $33
Made with finely crushed walnut and coconut shells, this ginger scrub gently buffs away buildup to leave hair feeling lighter and prepped for your next haircare routine.
Ideal for weekly use in place of your regular shampoo, this scrub detoxes your scalp.
Using ginger and natural exfoliants, it draws out impurities while relieving dryness.
For folks craving a refresh or a deeper clean than usual, just massage this scrub into your scalp to stimulate circulation and let it work to purge.
Serum
Ginger Scalp Care Serum
Price: $33
Last but not least, consider this serum to round up your ginger haircare routine.
The standout ingredient is a ginger root density complex that promotes denser hair growth in just months.
It’s a lightweight formula with botanical bio-actives and a fast-absorbing serum that also leaves zero greasiness behind, so you can let your hair’s natural body and movement shine through.
5 raw honeys from $5+ to buy & take, so you get the best of the natural sweetener
You don’t have to part huge with your money if you want good honey because we’ve got some affordable options right in this list.
Here are some raw honey options from $5+ to buy and take so you get the best of the natural sweetener 
Take a look! 
FairPrice 100% Premium Raw Honey
Promo Price: $5.70
Straight from Australia’s floral heartlands comes this 100% premium raw honey in its unaltered form, where you can savor the nectar carefully sourced from various flowering regions.
With zero additives, flavorings, or colorings, every spoonful offers the sweetness and floral notes of a freshly plucked honeycomb.
Whether drizzled over yogurt, stirred into smoothies, or enjoyed by the spoonful, this is honey at its best and at a very pocket-friendly price too!
East Java & Co Raw Mountain Honey
Price: $9.50
East Java & Co’s raw mountain honey is plucked straight from the volcanic slopes of Indonesia’s Blitar Highlands.
Each drop bursts with the floral essence and sweetness of its untamed origin.
This is pure, raw honey in its primal form, never heated or processed to remove nature’s bounty of pollen, enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, propolis, and minerals.
Sustainably harvested by beekeepers from the hardworking ‘Apis Mellifera’ bees that roam the highlands, this version puts the processed stuff to shame.
Avocado Blossom
Promo Price: $15
Or consider this award-winning avocado blossom honey, a viscous, amber-toned syrup with a subtly aromatic scent and rich taste of caramel and malt flavors that lingers on the palate.
Every spoonful delivers a punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Whether enjoyed straight or incorporated into recipes, its thick texture is satisfying enough for everyday use.
An imported Israeli honey that’s a tonic for the body.
Coastal Wildflower TA 10+ (Active)
Price: $20
The flowering wilderness of Australia’s remote southwest coast is a nectar heaven where bees forage amidst fresh air and coastal flora to produce this unmatched honey.
The sweetness of wild blossoms is captured in each drop.
On the palate, floral notes give way to a balanced sweetness that coats the tongue.
More than just nature’s candy, this all-natural honey harbors calming anti-inflammatory properties to soothe sensitive skin.
Lab-tested and certified to ensure quality in every serving.
Really Raw Honey
Promo Price: $40
You’ve had honey before, but never anything like this liquid gold straight from the hive to end us off our list of raw honeys.
Really Raw Honey is an unprocessed perfection with no heating, no filtering, and no funny bee business, just raw honey packed with nutrient-rich pollen, propolis, and those bits of honeycomb they call “cappings.”
While regular honey gets stripped of its goodness, this version is uncut, delivering a range of nutrients you won’t find anywhere else.
100% raw US honey in its most flavorful form.
5 Surprisingly Affordable Hobbies to Try Now
Looking to refresh your routine or to alleviate your stress without overspending? Whether you’re budgeting or just love simple joys, these budget-friendly hobbies will keep you inspired and engaged throughout the year.
#1: GET LOST IN A SHORT BOOK
Over the past two months, I’ve read four short books, each under 200 pages, and they’ve been incredibly rewarding. There’s a quiet joy in finishing a book in just a few sittings and diving into a new perspective, whether fiction or nonfiction.
Some of my recent favorites include Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (S$23.95 at Popular Bookstore), I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (S$19.95 at Kinokuniya), and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (S$22.15 at Kinokuniya). These books are gentle yet powerful, perfect for light reading with meaningful takeaways. For even better deals, check second-hand shops where books can go for as low as S$3. Or borrow from your local library at little to no cost.
#2: LEARN TO PLAY KALIMBA
The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a soothing instrument you can pick up for just S$9.68 on Shopee. Made mostly from wood and easy to learn, the kalimba became my go-to hobby during the pandemic.
I had a blast taking song requests from friends and learning tunes like A Thousand Years or Fly Me to the Moon using free YouTube tutorials and online chord sheets.
#3: PAINT SERENE LANDSCAPES
Painting is both soothing and creatively fulfilling. You can find canvas panels on Shopee starting from S$0.50 in beginner-friendly sizes like 15×15 cm and 30*30. A 12-piece acrylic paint set goes for as low as S$0.60, and you can pick up a brush set on Lazada for around S$0.90.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
I’ve already painted two pieces this month and plan to do more. For inspiration, I watch Bob Ross or follow creators on Instagram who share beginner-focused tutorials. Friendly reminder: brushes and palette knives can help you experiment with texture and techniques as you grow more confident.
#4: LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
There’s something empowering about learning a new language, especially when you can use it in real-life situations. I’ve been self-studying Korean since 2021 and finally got to practice it during a trip to Korea last December. The feeling was unforgettable.
You can begin learning Korean (or any language) for FREE through YouTube tutorials or platforms like Coursera. It’s a practical, enriching hobby that offers lifelong benefits.
#5: GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE
Urban walking is an underrated way to explore your surroundings, improve your mood, and get some light exercise. Take a weekend walk through scenic trails like the Southern Ridges, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or the Rail Corridor. The National Parks Board (NParks) offers detailed guides to many of these trails, and the best part is they’re completely FREE.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Pack a bottle of water, wear comfy shoes, and let your feet take you somewhere new.
6 anti-bacterial laundry detergents from $3+ for germophobes to get rid of germs once and for all
Get this right, I’m a germophobe and I’m definitely not mocking anyone with an obsession with cleanliness.
So if you’re a big G like I am, these anti-bacterial laundry detergents from $3+ would probably give you peace of mind to get rid of germs once and for all 
FairPrice Laundry Liquid Detergent – Anti-Bacterial
Price: $3.82
At last, a laundry detergent powerful (and cheap) enough to tackle your family’s germiest messes at the top of our list.
This anti-bacterial formula slays 99.9% of bacteria lurking in your clothes, defeating odors, stains, and microscopic invaders with germ-fighting zeal.
Fabric-brightening agents restore colors and patterns, while the citrus scent leaves a fresh burst.
Whether you’re doing a top loader machine wash or hand washing delicates, this detergent deep cleans with ease.
Best of all, its indoor drying prowess means no more lugging heavy laundry poles outside.
Proudly made in sunny Singapore.
RedMart Antibacterial Laundry Detergent
Promo Price: $4.46
Or consider this laundry detergent that shatters the stain-fighting vs. fabric-safe paradox with mighty cleaning power to remove even the most stubborn stains.
It’s gentle, and its color-safe formula keeps your garments looking their best.
With advanced germ-killing agents, it slays odor-causing bacteria while leaving clothes smelling clean.
No need to separate fabric types, either—this detergent plays nice with every textile.
And because it’s phosphate-free, you can feel good about making an eco-conscious choice.
GW Anti-bacterial Laundry Detergent – Wild Lavender
Promo Price: $7.13
Say bye to smelly socks and hello to fragrant freshness with this GW anti-bacterial laundry detergent.
Containing wild lavender oil, each wash bathes your clothes with a soothing scent.
And thanks to its bacteria-busting formula, you can rest assured that odor-causing germs get the boot before they camp on your favorite top/bottom.
Unlike harsh detergents, it’s gentle on hands.
Even better, its low-suds blend fits any top-loader or front-loader washer.
TOP Concentrated Liquid Detergent Anti-Bacterial
Price: $8.50
Bacteria will meet their match with TOP’s Concentrated Anti-Bacterial Liquid Detergent.
This Japanese formula pulls out all the stops, eliminating 99.9% of germs to keep your clothes protected for up to 48 hours.
With the power to banish 99.9% of dust mites, stains, and odors, your laundry emerges fresh as a daisy.
No more overnight soaking required.
Dynamo Liq Detergent Refill Anti-Bacterial
Price: $12
Don’t settle for dingy and smelly—it’s time to go Dynamo.
This liquid laundry detergent goes beast mode against stains and odors, blasting them out with a deep-cleaning formula.
Whether you’re scrubbing stains or sweat from your pits, Dynamo leaves your favorite threads smelling fresh.
Ka Anti-bacterial Concentrated Laundry Liquid Detergent – Indoor Drying
Price: $12.16
Last but not least, we have this Ka concentrated laundry liquid detergent that packs the punch to keep your clothes cleaner and fresher than ever before.
Its grime-fighting formula wages war on 99.9% of bacteria, while also eliminating 99% of dust mites and odors for a hygienic clean you can practically smell through your screen.
Indoor drying approved.