First up on our list, we have The J Hotel Shanghai Tower with a prime location just steps from Shanghai Tower and less than 30 km from the city’s major airports.
After a day meandering through skyscrapers and streets, retreat to the comforts of your room or suite—many of which offer skyline views with selected ones coming with The Bund’s neon glow.
Take a dip in the indoor pool, no matter the weather.
For families, the kids (under 12 years old) stay-free perk means more funds for other things.
Sited just 600 m from the well-known Bund waterfront, the Bellagio by MGM Shanghai encompasses you in luxury while keeping you close to the city’s attractions.
After a day exploring nearby sights, head back to the hotel’s spa, which offers treatments to melt away any stress.
For families, Shanghai Disneyland is roughly 20 km away, and kids under 12 stay free using existing bedding.
Once night falls, adults can sip cocktails on your room’s terrace while enjoying skyline views, or wine and dine at one of the four delectable restaurants on-site—some with al fresco seating under city lights.
The Jungle MMA was voted the best Muay Thai gym in 2021 by Avenue One magazine.
Under the tutelage of coaches, you will hone techniques and discipline in a supportive team environment because, at The Jungle, everyone is a family working towards a common goal: releasing their inner fighter.
Conveniently planted in the heart of Raffles Place, even the busiest corporate warriors can swing by for training.
And their starter pack makes it a no-brainer to test the waters first.
For $38, you will get two classes to experience the community vibes.
Kick insecurity to the curb with this Muay Thai gym created exclusively for women.
With Six Sigma Female Muay Thai Gym, you will swap self-doubt for self-confidence in a space built on zero judgments, all support.
Led by a head coach sporting 14 years of passion and 6 years of pro-amateur fight experience, you’re learning from the best.
Six Sigma represents 99.9967% dedication to lean training that forges your fitness path through encouragement, not intimidation.
Here, losing weight and gaining strength is approached with balance, not an all-or-nothing mindset so you can leave the pressures of perfection at the gym door.
Step through the doors of Tea Chapter and be transported to a tea oasis in the heart of Chinatown.
This three-story shophouse is your gateway to ancient tea appreciation rituals; take in the aroma of premium, handpicked tea leaves, and let it be your invitation to linger.
Across the oriental-inspired decor and furnishings, discover a gem for experiencing traditional Chinese tea culture.
I’m sure you’ve heard of this social media-famous skin clinic in South Korea:
Lienjang.
I first heard about them through TikTok and have seen good, bad, and neutral reviews so far.
I was a little skeptical since they seem to cater to foreigners only, which may not be as “authentic” as it may seem despite being a cosmetic service provider in Korea. IYKYK.
So after much deliberation, I’ve decided to give them a go.
And one huge factor that pushed me to book that appointment is that I recently saw some New Year promotions via their Instagram page so I thought it was a good time now.
Anyway, I contacted them via WhatsApp on a Thursday for a Sunday afternoon appointment.
I only sent in my details on Sunday morning itself but still managed to grab that appointment slot.
Thank God!
Just make sure you book early, especially if you’ve got tight travel plans, yeah?
Oh yes, did I mention that Lienjang has several branches in Seoul?
I went to the one in Hongdae since I was in the area.
To get there, the nearest exit is number 8 from Hongik University Station.
Once you exit via the staircase, just walk straight and you will see the “About Me” building right in front of you.
Enter via the door beside “About Me”.
You will see “Lienjang Reception Beauty Clinic” on the 6th floor of the “Floor Guide” so you know you’re at the right spot.
Take the elevator up to the 6th floor and you will reach the clinic.
As soon as I entered, I was greeted by about 3 staff at the reception counter.
I told them I had an appointment at 1 pm and they asked me to fill up my particulars on a visitors’ log at the front desk.
Also, do bring your passport along for registration purposes!
I was then told to take a seat right in front of the consultation rooms.
The skin clinic was emptier than I expected it to be on a weekend so I guess I was next in line.
You can hang your coats/outerwear right by the racks in front of the reception counter.
I barely had time to settle in… and was whizzed into a consultation booth within minutes.
I was also given a tablet with a pre-treatment form to fill up.
Nothing too difficult here.
I already had an idea of what I wanted to do: Botox injections.
So I was shown this file filled with Lienjang’s services and price list.
I chose the most affordable option, the Korean Wonder Botox at 39,000 KRW (before tax) for 3 concern areas: my forehead, crow’s feet, and under-eyes.
In all honesty, the consultant’s English wasn’t perfect (she’s not Korean, btw) but it was okay enough to get the conversation going and decide on the treatments I wanted for the day.
I had concerns about my smile lines too but was told that they don’t fall under “Botox” but “fillers” instead.
So I was shown this:
They had a promotion apparently and I could get 2cc worth of injections on both smile lines at 178,000 KRW (before tax).
But since it was a little pricey, I had to think about it and maybe get them the next time around.
Anyway, I was asked to make payment immediately in the consultation room before they applied numbing cream to my upper face.
I was charged 42,900 KRW (including 10% tax) and I paid using my YouTrip card and the conversion came out to be 40.10 SGD.
Cheap! Heh.
The numbing cream doesn’t look very hygienic to me (as a clean freak) but let’s get on with it.
The consultant then gave me a treatment tag and I was told to wait for about 20 minutes right outside the treatment rooms.
I look funny with the disposable hairband on and some sparsely applied layer of numbing cream.
I’m not sure if that’s the norm because the other customers who were in the same space as I am had thick, evenly applied numbing cream over their whole face and a plastic wrap over it.
Hmm.
Here’s the powder room where I guess I would be washing my face but even before the 20 minutes was up, I was asked to enter the treatment room.
I told the doctor’s assistant that I’ve yet to wash my face but she told me she would “swab it” for me.
I had no makeup on, only some sun cream but still…
Wouldn’t it be more hygienic if I’d washed my face?
So she wiped away the numbing cream with some alcohol-filled cotton pads and told me to wait a little while for the doctor to come over to do my injections.
Let me tell you, I am NOT a fan of needles so can you imagine the nerves I had while waiting?
It was a mere 10-minute wait but it felt like forever.
I could see on the syringes beside me too so it didn’t make me feel any better. Meh.
Anyhow, the doctor came in, asked for my name, and confirmed the injection areas with her assistant.
I liked how she said “It’s going to sting” at every injection point she made so I could prep my heart for it.
I’m going to be truthful with you…
It hurts.
The sparsely applied numbing cream did not work at all because I could still feel the needle going into my skin and by the end of those “stings,” I had tears in my eyes.
But it was a quick process and the doctor who administered those injections felt professional, at least to me.
After I exited the treatment room, my face had bumps and I had some blood oozing out at selected injection points.
I took a picture of myself right after but I think it’s a little too scary to upload it here…
I don’t want to scar you for life if you’ve never done Botox before
Also, it’s good to note that my skin’s extremely thin and sensitive so it could be a different experience for you, ya?
I then returned to the powder room to apply some sun cream before leaving.
They provide it there but I brought my own so I ended up not using theirs.
To wrap things up, the bumps and bleeding went away in minutes but a few hours after the injections, I had some bruising at selected injection points.
As advised by the consultant, I only washed my face 3 hours after my injections.
As I’m writing this, it’s been about 7 hours and my skin feels a little tight.
It’s going to take effect in about 4 to 7 days and supposedly will last me about 3 months.
Can’t say for now if it will work but I’m excited to see the results in about a week.
For 40.10 SGD, I reckon it’s something worth trying (if it works and lasts).
I would rate it an overall 7.5 out of 10 for the experience.
Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in marriage. In fact, research consistently shows that financial disagreements are a leading cause of stress and even divorce.
From spending habits to financial control, couples often clash over how money is earned, spent, and managed. So, consider some of the biggest financial fights couples face and how to resolve them.
FIGHT #1: SAVER VS. SPENDER
Some people are natural savers, while others are wired to enjoy spending. Studies suggest that spenders and savers are often drawn to each other, creating built-in financial friction.
How to Fix It: Recognize that the issue isn’t just about money but about differing financial mindsets. Set clear spending limits, agree on major purchases in advance, and create a budget that balances both saving and spending.
FIGHT #2: POWER STRUGGLE
One partner may earn more or take control of financial decisions, leaving the other feeling powerless.
How to Fix It: Regardless of income, both partners should have financial autonomy and responsibility. Consider setting up a system where each person has a designated amount of money they can spend freely. Transparency and shared decision-making help prevent resentment.
FIGHT #3: HELPING FAMILY & FRIENDS
One partner wants to lend or give money to a loved one, but the other disagrees, especially when repayment is uncertain.
How to Fix It: Treat money given to family as a gift, not a loan. If you can’t afford to give it without expecting repayment, it’s better to say no. If money has already been lent, consider letting go of repayment expectations to maintain family harmony.
FIGHT #4: FINANCIAL SECRETS
Hiding purchases, secret credit cards, or undisclosed debts often stem from embarrassment or fear of conflict.
How to Fix It: Honesty is key. The longer financial dishonesty goes on, the worse the consequences. Establish open communication about money and agree on clear financial boundaries to prevent future deception.
IN A NUTSHELL
A solid financial plan helps prevent recurring money arguments. Start by setting shared financial goals and agreeing on a budget that reflects both partners’ priorities.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Financial harmony isn’t about never disagreeing. With the right approach, you and your spouse can build financial stability together.
Celeste Elle
(@camelliateabar)
Anna Agoncillo
