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4 Hanok-style accommodations under $94/night in Gyeongju, South Korea, if you can free yourself for an autumn trip in October 2024

As autumn paints in fiery hues, imagine spending your fall days in a Hanok, all for under $94/night.

This October 2024, free yourself from Singapore’s hot, hot summer and step into one of these Hanok-style accommodations in Gyeongju that promise an experience steeped in Korean heritage.

Room in a guesthouse near Bunhwangsa

Price: $66/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 October 2024

First up, you may want to retreat to this guesthouse room just a stone’s throw from the Bunhwangsa temple.

Enjoy the comforts of a home with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and heating.

The floor mattress provides a decent sleep, while the shared yard and kitchen allow for small gatherings or barbecues with fellow travelers.

With the city center just 1 km away, you will have easy access to all the buzz in Korea, yet return to the peaceful residential area for a restful stay.

Shared room within walking distance to Daereungwon Royal Tomb

Price: $81/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 October 2024

Want to experience the charm of a shared Hanok room just steps from the Daereungwon Royal Tomb?

This space may be communal, but with over 200 glowing reviews and a 4.9+ rating, you’re in good hands.

Ditch the fuss and experience the local culture by bunking down in the heart of Hwangnidan-gil, where you can explore the neighborhood on foot.

Whether you’re traveling solo/as a couple, or with a group, this homey hideaway provides a home base to rest your head and soak up the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Korean abode.

The welcoming vibe and unbeatable location make this shared room a true “must-book.”

Room in a well-maintained hanok cottage house

Price: $83/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 5 to 10 October 2024

Here’s a well-maintained Hanok cottage just a short drive from Gyeongju Terminal for your consideration.

You will find yourself in the midst of a brightly lit, plant-filled space, where you can watch the evening sky blaze with color from the spacious grassy yard.

Experience the healing power of traditional Korean architecture as you unwind in your private room with a connected bathroom.

With over 160 glowing reviews and a 4.9+ rating, this guesthouse offers a true Hanok ambiance, just a 4-minute walk from the historic Bunhwangsa.

Room in a clean and modern-looking hanok home

Price: $91/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 October 2024

Last but not least, experience the best of traditional Korean living with a stay in this minimalist room nestled in a modern-looking Hanok home.

Enjoy the convenience of your own private bathroom, as well as shared access to common areas.

Situated just 4 minutes from the heart of Hwangnidan-gil and 8 minutes from the Gyeongju Bus Terminal, you will be close to all the action.

Stock up on snacks and essentials at the nearby convenience stores, or take advantage of the (paid) on-site parking.

Complimentary toiletries, towels, and breakfast (bread & cup noodles) are provided.

As the leaves in Gyeongju turn from lush green to shades of amber and gold during fall, consider this your invitation to plan a trip there. The Hanok stays we’ve explored under $94/night offer not just a place to rest, but a bridge to Korea’s rich heritage. So, why not seize the opportunity for an autumnal adventure this October 2024? It’s never too early to make plans 😉

HDB to offer open-concept ‘white flats’ in a new BTO project later this year

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is going to try out this new open-concept flat layout, where the living room and bedroom aren’t separated by walls.

They’re calling it the “White Flat” layout.

When and where is the launch?

They’re going to have these kinds of flats available in a new BTO project launching in October in Kallang-Whampoa.

There will be 310 units of three-room and four-room flats.

When buyers get invited to reserve a flat, they will have the option to choose the White Flat layout.

The idea is to give homeowners more flexibility to design the space they want.

Since there won’t be walls between the rooms, it’s like a blank canvas for people to decorate however works best for them.

This might be appealing to younger homeowners who prefer more open floor plans or who want to get creative with furniture.

Also, if down the line homeowners need change as they go through different life stages, the White Flat will allow them to add walls in the future (i.e. if they want more separation between spaces).

They’ve designed it so there won’t be any visible support beams between the spaces either, since they moved the structural columns to the edges.

This White Flat option could be good for people who want to customize their home layout themselves to save on renovation costs (like hacking) later on.

Both couples and families might find the flexible space useful depending on their needs.

What’s the price like?

The price of the White Flats is still being finalized, but word has it that the lack of partition walls will be factored into the cost.

Think it’s not something you would like?

Fear not as folks who don’t want the open concept can still get the standard layout with walls.

Any disadvantages to consider?

The one downside might be when it comes to resale.

It could be tougher if you meet future buyers who have vastly different preferences.

And the price difference between standard and White Flats may not be huge since a lot of the major costs like structure are the same.

HDB’s commitment to serve future homeowners

With all that said, HDB has been making changes over the years to give buyers more options on how they use the space.

Like now, all new BTO projects have open kitchens if the layout allows.

They’ve also adjusted flat types to keep up with changing family needs.

There are also significant changes in design trends since the early 2000s.

For instance, the windows in living rooms and bedrooms have been repositioned to face the building’s exterior, offering residents better views and privacy.

Additionally, the layout of the apartments has been improved by relocating the common bathroom to a more convenient spot, closer to the bedrooms, rather than its previous placement within the kitchen area.

A door now separates the service yard from the kitchen for added functionality.

Looking to the future, HDB is committed to continuously evolving its flat designs and features to align with the desires and lifestyle demands of Singaporeans.

7 Ways to Save Money When Shopping for Designer Goods

I love shopping, and I can even relate to the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, despite having no credit card debt like Rebecca Bloomwood. I also remember watching The Devil Wears Prada and being in awe of the designer items showcased.

Many of us feel pressured to drastically cut our spending to be considered “good with money”. Most financial advice doesn’t consider the spending habits of those who occasionally splurge on designer items. On that note, here are some tips to save money while still indulging in designer shopping.

#1: CHECK YOUR MAILING LIST

Avoid buying items at full price. When you purchase designer items, you’ll typically receive emails about upcoming sales and promotions. Make sure you’re subscribed to these mailing lists to stay informed about discounts.

#2: WAIT FOR SALES

If you love something but it’s out of your budget, be patient. Most items eventually go on sale, usually a few weeks to a few months after their release. This waiting period can save you money, and you might even find a similar item at a lower price or lose interest in the original piece altogether.

#3: INVEST IN TIMELESS PIECES

While I often buy affordable tops in Uniqlo, I also invest in quality designer staples like classic plain tees and silk scarves. Spending more on high-quality basics can save money in the long run, as they withstand wear better than cheaper alternatives.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: SHOP AT THRIFT STORES

Thrifting has become increasingly popular, and it’s a great way to save money. Fashion trends are cyclical, and designer thrift stores such as Refash or Dustbunny Vintage offer trendy items at a fraction of the price. Plus, it’s a sustainable shopping option.

#5: SELL YOUR CLOTHES

Declutter your wardrobe and sell clothes you no longer wear on platforms like Carousell. This not only gives you extra cash for new luxury clothes but also helps keep your wardrobe organized. Even if you don’t make much, it’s better than letting old clothes gather dust.

#6: BUY OUT OF SEASON

Purchasing clothes out of season can lead to significant savings. By shopping for winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter, you can often find great deals on high-quality items.

#7: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before buying a luxury item, compare prices online across different regions. Sometimes, you can save money by purchasing in countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Thailand. Do your homework to find the best deal.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By following these tips, you can enjoy designer shopping without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!

Sephora is running a ‘suncare week’ till 2 June 2024 and here are our favorite suncare products at 10% off

Sephora has launched a ‘suncare week’, running through to 2 June.

It’s THE time to stock up on your sun protection essentials, as Sephora is offering a 10% discount on its selection of suncare products.

We’ve sifted through the (online) shelves to bring you our top picks.

EVERYDAY HUMANS Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen

Promo Price: $27

First up, we have Everyday Humans’ Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen, a skin-nourishing shield for your outdoor adventures.

This lightweight, invisible lotion defends against UVA/UVB rays with a sweat- and water-resistant formula that lasts up to 80 minutes.

It contains skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea which calms, detoxifies, and moisturizes, making it ideal for even after-sun recovery.

Ditch the greasy sunscreens and switch to this travel-friendly, plant-powered formula that protects your skin without the white cast or goopy feel.

SUPERGOOP! PLAY Everyday Lotion With Sunflower Extract Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++

Promo Price: $34.20

Or upgrade to SUPERGOOP! PLAY Everyday Lotion for its fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula that packs broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection to shield your skin from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays.

Benefit from natural extracts like citrus, basil, and bois de rose, leaving behind a fresh, floral scent instead of that typical sunscreen smell.

The moisturizing blend defends against photoaging and dehydration, so you can soak up the sun worry-free.

Applicable for the face and body, this sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant for active lifestyles.

SHISEIDO Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

Promo Price: $36

Protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays with the SHISEIDO Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ PA++++.

This clear, lightweight stick glides on, leaving no white cast.

Powered by breakthrough SynchroShield™ Technology, the formula boosts its UV protective veil when exposed to water, sweat, or heat, ensuring you stay shielded.

Plus, it’s infused with Botanical Profense CL, a botanical complex that helps prevent damage linked to wrinkles and dark spots.

With its invisible, comfortable wear, this mineral oil-enriched stick is a must-have for your daily skincare routine, keeping your complexion smooth even in the face of environmental aggressors.

FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Promo Price: $45.90

Last but not least, why not simplify your morning routine with this must-have moisturizer from First Aid Beauty?

Delivering all-day hydration and broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection in a single step, this formula features organic and mineral UVA/UVB filters to safeguard your skin from harmful rays.

Made with Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Licorice Root Extract, it leaves your complexion supple, nourished, and ready to face the day, no matter your skin type (even if it’s sensitive).

This clean, vegan, and cruelty-free moisturizer is also gluten-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, nut-free, soy-free, and nano-free (wow!), with recyclable packaging.

Don’t underestimate the importance of daily sun protection as part of your beauty ritual. As ‘Suncare Week’ begins, remember that the chance to upgrade your skincare regime at a 10% discount only lasts until Sunday, 2 June. Soak up the savings while you can!

4 kid-friendly shows/events under $44 to bring your child to for the upcoming June holidays

As the June holidays begin, the quest to keep the little ones entertained becomes urgent.

If you’re on the hunt for fun-filled activities, we have compiled a list of kid-friendly shows/events, all under $44, for your consideration.

Red Dot’s Rovin’ Ride through the Four Seasons

Price: from $22

When: Sat, 22 Jun 2024 & Sun, 23 Jun 2024

First up, you may want to join Red Dot’s Rovin’ Ride through Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for a musical adventure!

This interactive theatrical production brings the masterworks to life, with the musicians themselves stepping into the role of storytellers.

From a barking dog to a partying villager, characters, and scenes spring to life, bringing you through the changing seasons.

Designed for families and young maestros, this performance by the Red Dot Baroque ensemble promises to delight audiences of all ages.

[Editor’s note: Infants and children aged below 4 years old are not allowed to enter.]

ROAR! Dinosaur Adventure Park 2.0

Price: from $31

When: now till Sun, 30 Jun 2024

Or enter prehistoric paradise at ROAR! Dinosaur Adventure Park 2.0, where life-size dinos roam the land.

Hop in an adventure car and explore the Jurassic forest or get hands-on as a paleontologist and dig for fossils.

Brave the dino-themed inflatables, take a spin on the dinosaur ride, and test your child’s aim at the VR shooting game.

Don’t forget to collect all 9 stamps for a bring-home souvenir!

With weekday tickets just $31, it’s an adventure the whole family will love.

Just remember, little ones 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Bluey’s Big Play

Price: from $38

When: Thu, 13 June – Sun, 23 June 2024

Bluey’s Big Play brings a pup’s adventures to life in an all-new theatrical experience.

Join the Heeler family through crafted puppets and an original story by the series creator.

This live show lets your child see Bluey like never before.

Whether your child’s a longtime fan or discovering the series for the first time, Bluey’s Big Play is a can’t-miss event.

Maybank cardholders and StarHub subscribers can enjoy 10% off (T&Cs apply), and VIP box seats with a special meet-and-greet are available if you have the budget to spare.

The Gruffalo

Price: from $42

When: Fri, 14 Jun 2024 – Sun, 23 Jun 2024

Last but not least, join the fearless Mouse on a journey through the dark forest in this musical adaptation of the children’s book.

Filled with tunes, humor, and Gruffalo, this show is THE SHOW for kids aged 3 and up.

See for yourself how Mouse outwits the cunning Fox, eccentric Owl, and party-loving Snake, all while searching for hazelnuts.

With 15% off Thursday and Friday performances, it’s an opportunity to treat your little one to this much-loved production that has wowed audiences across Britain and the world.

As the June holidays approach, you want to grab those tickets ASAP. Whether your kids are tapping their feet along a musical adventure or screaming their lungs out at those real-life-looking dinosaurs, these experiences are sure to be the highlight of their June holidays—and yours, too 😉

When and where is the launch?

What’s the price like?

Any disadvantages to consider?

HDB’s commitment to serve future homeowners

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