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Affordable floral arrangements from $39.90 for Mother’s Day 2023

Blessed Sunday!

Mother’s Day is really right around the corner, with only a week left to go. If you’ve yet to get mum anything, today’s the day to make that purchase.

In this post, we will be looking at a list of affordable floral arrangements from $39.90 for Mother’s Day 2023.

MD Carmen by Well Live Florist

Price: $39.90

At just $39.90, this is a steal. You will get a lovely bouquet of three flowers consisting of fresh tulips, a carnation, filler, and foliage. At the time of writing, delivery dates are available from 12 to 15 May so act fast if you want to chope the best date and timing for your mama.

KH-07 Cheery by Little Flower Hut

Price: $49.90 (sale!)

Spotted this bouquet of 9 pink roses at just $49.90 (was $69.90)! We have no idea when the sale will end so it’s good to get your hands on these before they decide to conclude the sale. You can also choose to “upsize” the bouquet at an extra price if you think it’s too small.

A Touch of Wild by Wildflower Florist

Price: from $55

There’s something about wildflowers that make them magical. And this particular arrangement which may include a combination of lilies, sunflowers, hydrangea, orchids, and other seasonal fresh-cut flowers and foliage is certainly a different take from the usual Mother’s Day floral selection. Which is great if you want to stand out from the crowd and please mama.

Misc MD by Floristique

I’m loving this florist because there are various options priced from $59.90 for you to choose from. And they are:

Zelda MD: Carnations | Spray Roses | Rose | Fillers & Foliage
Greta MD: Carnations | Spray Roses | Fillers & Foliage
Gianna MD: Carnations | Fillers
Isla MD: Carnations | Baby’s Breath
Kiera MD: Carnations | Fillers & Foliage
Everly MD: Carnations | Fillers & Foliage
Reia MD: Roses | Carnation Spray | Fillers & Foliage

Price: from $59.90

A fun dilemma on which to gift your mum.

Everlasting Vase – Preserved by The Bloom Box

Price: from $62

One comment I get very often from my mum is this: “Flowers have no value because they die quickly.” And that’s true… to a certain extent. If your mum thinks the same way too, why not get a preserved option for her? This everlasting vase is fitting for its name since it can last up to a year if properly taken care of.

Understated Beauty by Flora Moments

Price: from $68

This elegant arrangement of white and orange roses exudes charm just right for mama. Comprises white eustoma and orange roses, it represents admiration, passion, and happiness in life. Note: The most affordable option at $68 only consists of two stalks.

And there we have it, our list of affordable floral arrangements from $39.90 for Mother’s Day 2023. Just a gentle reminder before we go, Mother’s Day is on 14 May 2023, and that means we’re just days away. Whether it’s a gift you’re getting for mum or flowers to cheer her up, make that purchase asap to avoid disappointments!

This ed-tech startup that taps on AI for assessment-based learning is worth a try

Best of all, they have a ‘freemium’ plan for new users.

I’ll get to that later in this article but for a start, let’s look at more on what this ed-tech startup offers.

The name to note is ‘Explico’.

Explico was co-founded 3 years ago by Ashutosh Shukla and Sandesh Shetty, with the aim of using AI and machine learning to create an assessment-based educational system.

And mind you, not just any assessment-based learning but one that is tailored to your child’s needs.

How it works

Supposedly you’re a new user, you can sign up for free under their ‘freemium’ plan and have your child attempt Explico’s free diagnostic assessments Set A & Set B.

These diagnostic assessments are prepared by Explico’s teachers and use AI to assess your child’s proficiency in a particular subject.

Upon completion of the assessments, Explico will recommend live sessions based on their analysis.

The good part is that even as a ‘freemium’ user, you will be entitled to 2 free live sessions (worth 10 credits) so you and your child can have a firsthand experience of how it works.

Going a step further

Like what you’re seeing and think Explico will benefit your child?

You can step up your game from the ‘freemium’ plan to ‘credit-based’, ‘assessment-only’, or ‘all-access’ plans.

Prices range from $19.95 to $1450.

I’ll put it down here for easy reference:

If you’ve got a UOB card, good news! Use your UOB card for payment and enter coupon code <UOBEX2023> for 15% off your purchase.

You’re welcome. 😉

Which plan should you go for?

If you’re on a budget, then maybe the ‘credit-based’ plan would make sense.

It comes in bundle credits of 5, 20, 50, and 80, which the latter will allow you to save up to 15%. Since they can be shared among siblings, it would be good if you have more than one child to worry about.

For parents who believe in the power of practice, then the ‘assessment-only’ plan at $125 for one subject and $280 for three subjects would be perfect.

The only downside is that it’s for a specific child (just one). And the same goes for the ‘all-access’ plan.

If you’ve not started your child on any form of tuition at all, the ‘all-access’ plan is actually worth an investment.

Think about it this way: one subject will cost you $550 with a validity of 12 months if you sign up with Explico. That’s roughly $45.83/month and way much lower than it would cost to hire a private tutor (ex/current MOE teacher) at $50/hour long-term.

Image Credits: singaporetuitionteachers.com

Doesn’t sound too bad, huh?

But ultimately, the decision lies with you. Don’t forget to speak with your child to see what he/she thinks about using Explico as a study buddy for the long term. To give you peace of mind, Explico has recently bagged US$1.4 million in pre-series A funding from key investors such as the renowned Mavis Tutorial Centre. So be rest assured that they are here to stay and expand.

For more information, you can visit www.explico.sg.

Latest WFH internships posted from 1 to 4 May 2023

The world’s almost back to the pre-COVID working days but if you’re still searching for a remote internship, we’ve tried our best to source for some.

Here are the latest WFH internships posted from 1 to 4 May 2023.

#1: Revolution SG – Web And App Developer Intern

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A post shared by REVOLUTION (@revolution.sg)

Website: revolution.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 monthly

Job Qualifications

Junior/Senior undergrad majoring in a related field
Proficient in using Windows, Microsoft Office suite products, and the Adobe Suite of graphic/web design applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Dreamweaver
Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Strong knowledge of web development, web design, and scripting languages such as Javascript (with libraries like Mootools and jQuery) / HTML / CSS / Knowledge of XML integration
Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
Self-starter with an eye for detail
Eagerness and ability to learn quickly and expand the technical repertoire
1-2 years of work experience

Key Responsibilities

Support web and graphic designer efforts
Web design – Website maintenance.
Software/app configuration and integration (no coding)
Graphic design
Cloud-based software configuration

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Kevin via this link.

#2: Each-A-Cup – Graphic Designer Intern

Website: each-a-cup.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Enthusiastic, proactive self-starter, and a strong team player
Proficient with the use of a variety of digital and content marketing tools
Being able to start work immediately or on short notice is preferred
Someone with a good command of English
Experience in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign.

Key Responsibilities

Communicate with relevant departments to plan and develop designs.
Prepare rough drafts and present ideas.
Producing content that is consistent with the company’s brand identity.
Communicating with social media followers, including responding to queries.
Brainstorms campaign ideas
Implementing and monitoring social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to increase brand awareness.
Creating posts to attract customers

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Ian via this link.

#3: Traffic Bees – SEO Content Marketer Intern

Website: trafficbees.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

An unwavering passion for writing and content promotion
Able to convey complex concepts and messages through your writing to resonate with audiences
Able to “figure shit out”
Strong time and project management skills; able to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
Keen interest and takes initiative in pursuing constant self-development

Key Responsibilities

Write effective product copies and service pages
Conduct detailed keyword research and generate fresh, creative content ideas
Plan and write engaging web articles to get them ranked on search engines
Reach out to relevant outlets actively for content promotion and link building
Nurture and develop relationships with writers, reporters, and webmasters
Conceptualise and design relevant banners and infographics as required
Do whatever it takes to grow the online presence of our clients

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send in your resume to [email protected].

#4: Miss Tam Chiak Pte Ltd – Video Producer Intern

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A post shared by MISSTAMCHIAK.com (@misstamchiak)

Website: misstamchiak.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop.
Candidate must possess at least Diploma/Advanced/Higher/Graduate Diploma in Art/Design/Creative Multimedia or equivalent
Skilled in camera work
Must be able to prioritize, multi-task, and work under tight deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
Independent, driven, and always up for a challenge

Key Responsibilities

In charge of the full end-to-end video production process, including conceptualizing, developing storyboard, shot lists, scripting, filming, thumbnail, and post-production
Manage various series to be uploaded onto social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok.
Train a team of creative interns to hone their videography skills
Participate in the planning of social media content and digital marketing campaigns
Perform other ad-hoc duties, projects, and initiatives as assigned and when required.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your resume & portfolio to [email protected].

#5: The Woof Agency – Campaigns Management & Operation Intern

Website: thewoofagency.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

–

Key Responsibilities

Recruit influencers for campaigns. This includes outreach, cold emails, and research on all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, etc.
Create campaign briefs for clients, making sure all information is accurate.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send in your resume to [email protected].

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.

Toxins Lurking in Your Home: A Guide to Common Consumer Products in Singapore

As consumers, we place a great deal of trust in the products we use in our homes. We expect them to keep us and our loved ones healthy and make our lives easier. However, in Singapore, we must be aware that many of these products contain harmful toxins that can cause harm to our bodies and the environment. The thought of unknowingly exposing ourselves to such harmful chemicals can create feelings of fear and uncertainty, but it’s important that we educate ourselves on these risks to protect ourselves and our families.

It’s worth noting that not all chemicals are bad, and we can find unsafe substances in other products like food, furniture, and medicine. However, even tiny amounts of questionable chemicals can build up over time, especially if we use multiple products containing them. Let’s take caution to minimize our exposure and prioritize our well-being. Start by identifying which chemicals are worrisome!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Over 100 consumer products may contain chemicals linked to cancer or reproductive and developmental problems, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. For example, diethanolamine (DEA), which is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, was listed as an ingredient in forty items, including soaps, lotions, hair products, and household cleaners. It’s crucial to know which chemicals to avoid to protect our health.

Secondly, you can consult the Health Sciences Authority’s database (HSA). HSA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Health that ensures the safety, effectiveness, and high quality of health products in Singapore. It regulates and oversees medical devices, cosmetics, supplements, e-cigarettes, and other products. You can access their website at hsa.gov.sg for information on licensed dealers, product regulations, and health news.

Finally, it’s essential to consider how you use the products. Personal care items like shampoos, soaps, and lotions are known to contain toxic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, which can cause hormone disruption, cancer, and other health issues. I remember having allergic reactions due to using shampoo containing phthalates and sulfates. The itching and red spots on my scalp caused me to find organic shampoos and other alternatives. It’s also crucial to note that skin lightening and anti-aging creams may contain dangerous levels of mercury, as found by researchers.

Pesticides used in gardening and pest control can contain harmful chemicals such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates, which can cause acute poisoning. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental delays.

Furthermore, certain types of air fresheners and scented candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals into the air, causing headaches, nausea, and other health problems.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the toxic chemicals present in common household products and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure. Choosing safer and natural alternatives or reducing the use of these products can help protect our health and the environment. As consumers, we have the power to make informed decisions that can benefit ourselves and others around us.

Sources: 1 & 2

Exciting Things to Experience in Japan

Oh, the Land of the Rising Sun! I recently returned from my trip to Japan, and I’m still overflowing with emotions.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan captured my heart with its fascinating culture and friendly people. I found myself constantly mesmerized by the blend of traditional and modern attractions, and each day offered a new adventure.

The thrill of trying new foods and exploring vibrant neighborhoods left me feeling excited and curious, while visiting historic sites filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. Japan truly is a captivating country, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

If you are visiting Japan, anytime soon, here are some activities that you must consider.

#1: GO AMUSEMENT PARK HOPPING

Discover the excitement of Tokyo’s amusement parks! Disneyland, DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan, Sanrio Puroland, and Tokyo Dome City offer rides and attractions for all ages.

I couldn’t contain my joy as I rode each thrilling attraction, watched the vibrant shows, and indulged in delicious treats. I highly recommend arriving early to avoid long queues and to maximize your time at each park. My personal favorites were the magical Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Japan and the unforgettable Journey to the Center of the Earth at Tokyo DisneySea. Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious treats at every park.

#2: VISIT SHRINES & TEMPLES

As you search for things to do in Japan, you will undoubtedly come across pictures of tourists posing in front of the vibrant facades of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine is renowned for its thousands of striking red torii gates, which symbolize vitality and protection against evil in Japanese culture. In addition to the shrine, be sure to visit the Kinkaku-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

During my visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, my family and I had to seize the opportunity to capture the perfect pictures, even during the busy Golden Week period.

#3: EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF MT. FUJI

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan. The magnificent mountain appeared before us in all its majestic beauty, and I couldn’t help but feel in awe. We were so lucky to see some of the Sakura trees there too.

A cable car ride to the summit of Mount Hakone provides breathtaking views, while the Chureito pagoda or any of the five surrounding lakes offer equally stunning panoramas. Visiting Mount Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s a must-see for any Singaporean traveler. From the picturesque views to the refreshing breeze, it’s an unforgettable destination.

#4: SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Japan is renowned for its exceptional shopping experience, with popular areas like Tokyo’s Ginza district, Shibuya Center Street, Osaka’s Shinsaibashi and Umeda areas, and Kyoto’s Shijo-dori and Teramachi shopping arcades.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you’re a shopping enthusiast, you’ll love exploring the discounted luxury items at Gotemba Premium Outlets and the second-hand luxury items at BOOKOFF. And to top it off, most of the shopping outlets offer tax-free shopping, making it a budget-friendly experience. From luxury brands to traditional Japanese crafts, electronics, and unique souvenirs, you’ll find a wide range of shopping options that will make you go crazy. We certainly did!

#5: FEED THE DEERS

Nara is a city renowned for its stunning parks and friendly deer population. The city’s centerpiece is Nara Park, which is home to over a thousand deer that roam freely. While there, be sure to visit the Todai-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. I was in awe of how huge it was up close!

Don’t forget to bow respectfully before feeding the deer, as they will often bow back in appreciation.

#6: INDULGE IN GOOD FOOD

Japan’s incredible food culture left me immensely satisfied. As a tourist, you can indulge in a wide variety of delicious dishes, including sushi, ramen, udon, tempura, wagyu, okonomiyaki, and yakitori. I couldn’t resist trying matcha in different forms every day, from matcha tiramisu cake to matcha ice cream.

Don’t forget to sample the delectable street food such as takoyaki, mochi, and Kobe beef skewer. Japan’s diverse and unique food culture is a must-try experience for any Singaporean foodie.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book a flight to Japan!

Sources: 1 & 2