MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Great World is the place to be for all your V’day needs!

Want to impress your partner? Have a loved one who would appreciate a Valentine’s Day celebration? Or looking to score extra brownie points from your new love interest?

Great World has got our back this Valentine’s Day. It’s the one-stop destination for all your gifting needs, dining options, and pampering sessions.

Don’t believe us? Read on.

Dining Spots

COLLIN’S® (#B1-106)

Take advantage of the 2-course Valentine’s Day Set Menu with complimentary 2 glasses of house pour red/white or Beverage of the Month at just $59.90**.

Sharing Appetiser – Shellfish Marinara in spicy Tomato sauce
Choice of 2 Main Course: Prime Black Angus Ribeye Steak with Seasonal Vegetables, Shoestring Fries, and Tomato Curry sauce OR Grilled Norwegian Salmon and Cacio e Pepe in rich Tomato sauce

This limited-time offer is available for dine-in only from 6 – 19 February 2023. Prices are subject to a 10% service charge and prevailing GST, where applicable. Not valid with other promotions, membership privileges, and vouchers, unless otherwise stated. COLLIN’S® reserves the right to vary these T&Cs without prior notice. Photos are for illustration purposes only.

Kuriya Dining (#01-127)

Lunch Omakase – from $108 – $230

Dinner Omakase – from $168 – $300

Omakase, which translates to “I will leave it to you,” is a Japanese custom in which the chef is entrusted with the whole dining experience. Omakase goes beyond what is listed on the menu at Kuriya Dining. Each course will take your taste buds on a sensory journey while showcasing seasonal and luxurious ingredients from Japan. Reservations are recommended, call 6736 0888 to be guaranteed a spot at the Omakase counter.

Ryan’s Kitchen (#B1-146)

It gives Ryan’s Kitchen great pleasure to feature its award-winning Okan Wagyu Tomahawk, renowned for its rich flavor and exceptional marbling. Enjoy this succulent, aromatic, and incredibly juicy steak for 3 to 4 people with sides of roasted herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Ideal for double dates and only $228++! For reservations, contact them at 6767 0118 or 9638 3020 via WhatsApp.

Jewelry Magic

Bliing (#01-173)

You can explore, browse, learn, and discover in Bliing’s enchanted forest of endless summer. Discover new stones, experience the fun of mixing and matching earring studs and drops, while discovering your innermost desires. This Singaporean brand seeks to make fine jewelry fun.

Curious Creatures (#01-175)

Curious Creatures is dedicated to creating timeless pieces that anyone can wear and mix with items from previous, ongoing, and upcoming collections. Their Permanent Bracelet, a novel replacement for engagement rings, is fitted specifically to the wearer’s wrist and welded securely with no clasp. Folks searching for something unique should give this a go. Zapping service is available at Great World on 4, 5, 11, and 12 Feb.

Pampering Gifts

Spa Esprit (#03-107)

Book yourself and your loved one a 60-minute Classic Scentsational Massage at just $145/pax. It’s a luxurious, traditional oil massage to calm your body and mind completely. Choose from one of the nine essential oil formulations offered and enjoy a relaxing ritual that combines aromatherapy with age-old Swedish, Indonesian, and Hawaiian massage techniques. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 15% off promotion for a couple spa this February!

Valid for one-time redemptions and weekday bookings till 28 February 2023. Other T&Cs apply.

Bath & Body Works (#01-133)

Bath & Body Works’ Dream Bright Collection is a newly launched creation. It’s a floral-fruity fragrance dream come true—brilliant, unforgettable, and bold for that special someone. Comes with fragrance notes of sapphire berries, night-blooming orchids, and crystalized vanilla. You can get your hands on Shower Gel, Body Lotion, and Fragrance Mist products in stores now.

Lovely Gifts, Flowers & Sweet Treats

Papermarket (#01-120)

Know of a loved one who adores all things Kate Spade New York? Get these mini heart-printed products from Papermarket now:

Kate Spade Pencil Case-Mini Hearts (now: $49.95)
Kate Spade Tumbler with Straw-Mini Hearts (now: $36.95)
Kate Spade Canvas Book Tote-Heart Lips

Veronica’s Florist & Gifts (#B1-126)

What is Valentine’s Day without flowers? Grab your fresh bouquets from Veronica’s Florist & Gifts. The team believes that presents and flowers are an outward manifestation of the warm and empowering love we experience internally. Loving hearts and hands are evident in all they do, and the team is honored to serve your Valentine’s Day floral needs.

Janice Wong Pure Imagination (#B1-K119)

Experience the craftsmanship of handcrafted treats from renowned pastry chef Janice Wong’s latest collection this February. These sweets are ideal for impressing your loved ones and guaranteeing a memorable and indulgent Valentine’s Day 2023.

Awfully Chocolate Cafe (#01-K102)

Get drunk on love with Awfully Chocolate’s new Cocktail Chocolate Truffle Collection. Gift these gorgeous chocolate truffles in 12 delectable flavors such as Kirsch Cherry, Irish Stout, and Champagne from $25.

Châteraisé/ Sweet Symphony (#01-116)

Don’t miss out on Châteraisé’s seasonal gorgeous mandarin orange and strawberry mousse that comes with a layer of strawberry jelly, and a hint of bitter chocolate plate almond biscuit at the bottom. Available on 13 & 14 February only, you can also get your hands on their heart-shaped pink double cheesecake. Wonderful for cheesecake lovers!

And don’t miss out on these for additional savings:

Great Rewards Members’ Exclusive (6 – 28 February 2023)

And if you have been following our posts, we have shared the perks of being a Great Rewards member. From 6 – 28 February, you get double Great Rewards points when you spend a minimum of $20 at selected stores. For details, visit shop.greatworld.com.sg. Limited to the first 3,000 redemptions.

With love from us and Great World. Have a love-filled Valentine’s Day!

Tiny tweaks, big impact: Reap the rewards of 1% improvement each day

When it comes to making positive changes in our lives, we often think we need to make a giant leap.

We set our sights on huge goals and put all of our energy into trying to achieve them as quickly as possible.

While it’s good to shoot for the stars, it’s also essential that we remember the importance of making small improvements daily.

Why? Because when it comes to making significant changes, tiny tweaks can have a big impact. If you aim to improve by just 1% each day, you will see results that are significantly better than if you try to do everything at once.

The beauty of this approach is that it’s achievable no matter what your starting point is. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn a new skill, or simply become more productive, consistent 1% improvement each day will get you there.

What is a 1% improvement?

Aiming to improve by just 1% every day may seem like a small goal, but it can yield some pretty big results in the long run.

Here’s how it works: if you strive to improve by 1% every day, you will be much better at the end of the year. In other words, you would graduate from being just “average”.

But that’s not the only benefit of small, steady improvements. When you focus on making tiny tweaks each day, you’re building the habit of continuous improvement. And that’s a habit that will serve you well in all aspects of your life.

How to measure a 1% improvement

If you want to make a 1% improvement each day, then you need to track your progress.

That might mean setting a goal and tracking your financial expenses, or writing in a journal every night about your day’s accomplishments. It could also mean measuring your performance in a certain task and seeing where you can make small tweaks to get better results.

Whatever method you choose, make sure that you record your progress regularly. This will help you to track your improvement, and ensure that you’re on the right track for long-term success.

Areas where you can make a 1% improvement

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Think about the areas of your life where a 1% improvement would make the biggest impact.

Maybe it’s your diet — cutting out just one unhealthy snack could make a big difference over time. Or maybe it’s your exercise routine — adding an extra five minutes to your routine could help you see results down the road.

It might even be something as big as picking up a new language. If you can learn one new word every day, by the end of the year you will know 365 words. That’s a lot of vocabulary!

The key is to start small and gradually build on your progress. Making tiny tweaks every day will add up to big changes over time. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep making those 1% improvements, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

The benefits of small, consistent improvement

One of the benefits of setting small goals is that it helps build confidence and strength.

Every time you hit a goal, no matter how small, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence. This, in turn, makes it more likely that you will stick with your goals and continue making progress.

Challenges with 1% improvement and how to overcome them

There will come a point where 1% is too little. If so, increase to 5%, then 10%.

The goal is to find a balance between pushing yourself just outside of your comfort zone (so you’re still challenged and seeing results) and not biting off more than you can chew (so you don’t get overwhelmed and give up).

You don’t need to overhaul your life in one go to see results. In fact, making tiny tweaks each day can have a big impact down the line. Just aim to get 1% better every day in the areas that matter to you, and see the dividends add up.

The power of effort: How it outshines talent

Practice makes perfect? It’s true.

And it’s not just about the act of practicing. It’s also about the mindset that you have when you practice.

When you have a “practice makes perfect” mindset, you understand that you’re not going to get things right the first time. You’re going to make mistakes. But you also understand that if you keep practicing, you will get better.

In other words, if you want to be successful, then you need to have the mindset of effort. Talent is important, but it’s not everything. Effort is what takes you from good to great.

What are the qualities of effort?

When we put in the effort, we show up fully and completely.

We give it our all, no matter what the circumstance. We don’t give up, no matter how hard things get. We know that it’s not about talent or natural ability; it’s about willingness to keep going, no matter what.

Effort is what allows us to develop our skills and talents. It’s what enables us to surpass others who may be more naturally gifted than we are. And it’s what allows us to reach our goals, no matter how lofty they may be.

How is effort different from talent?

Talent is something that you’re born with — it’s in your DNA.

Effort, on the other hand, is an attempt to master something and can be accessed by everyone.

Talent is finite — you either have it or you don’t. Effort, however, is infinite. You can always put in more effort and get better results. You are in the driver’s seat.

Perceived effort outshines natural talent every time. That’s because effort is necessary to develop skills and is rewarded by life. When you put in the hard work, people can see that you’re trying. They appreciate the effort and are more likely to support and encourage you along the way.

So don’t give up if you don’t think you have enough talent. With sufficient effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

The importance of putting in the effort

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While talent is undoubtedly important, it’s not the only thing that determines success.

In fact, oftentimes it’s the people who work the hardest that achieve the most.

Think about all of the successful people you know. I’m sure at least some of them are talented, but I guarantee you that many of them have worked hard to get where they are. And that’s what has set them apart from everyone else.

Talent is a factor, but it’s not everything. The key to success is to outwork your competition and always put in the effort. That’s the only way to make sure you’re doing everything you can to achieve your goals.

How can one cultivate a habit of effort?

Some people are born with a competitive nature.

They’re the ones who are always trying to one-up themselves and those around them. If you’re not naturally competitive, you can cultivate this trait by setting goals for yourself and then striving to meet (or exceed) them.

It’s also important to swap out bad habits for better ones. For example, if you have a habit of watching Netflix for hours on end, try replacing that with a habit of going for a walk or reading for an hour. The key here is to make sure the new habit is something that matters to you; otherwise, it will be tough to stick with it.

In the end, it’s clear that effort is more powerful than talent. With enough effort, talent can be cultivated, and with no talent, effort can still lead to success. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t think you have the aptitude — put in the effort, and see the fruits of your labor.

Put the oomph back into bedroom time! Tips on lasting longer during sex

So you want to put the oomph back into bedroom time, huh?

There’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, wanting to last longer during sex is a common desire.

There are steps you can take to help extend your sexual stamina. In this article, we will cover some of the best tips and dispel some of the myths about lasting longer in bed.

Understanding premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common problem that affects almost every man at some point in his life.

It’s more than just an inconvenience—it can leave both partners feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. But millions of men have gone through the same thing, and there are solutions available to help you through it.

There are also a few things you can do to help prevent PE in the first place. Masturbation is one of them—it can help you learn what your body likes and doesn’t like, and it can help you get a better understanding of how ejaculation works.

Using a condom can also be helpful since it decreases sensation and gives you more control over how long you last.

Exercises to help last longer

There are exercises you can do to help you last longer in bed. One is the stop-start method, which involves stimulation until near ejaculation, then stopping until the urge decreases. This takes a lot of control, but it’s a great way to train yourself to last longer.

Kegel exercises are also a great way to strengthen the PC muscles, and they’re easy to do. All you have to do is contract the muscle for three seconds at a time, and repeat 10-20 times. You can do these exercises anywhere.

Breathing techniques to slow things down

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Breathing slowly and deeply can help to reduce tension and prevent premature ejaculation.

Inhale for five seconds, hold your breath for three seconds, then exhale for five seconds. Taking deep diaphragm breaths can also help to reduce arousal.

If you find that your mind is wandering and you’re getting too excited, take a few minutes to focus on your breath. This will help to calm you down and get you back at the moment. With a bit of practice, you will be able to use these breathing techniques to last longer when things heat up.

The benefits of using a desensitizing product

Desensitizing sprays helps to reduce the hypersensitivity of the penis, which is one of the main causes of premature ejaculation.

Sprays that are specifically designed for this purpose contain ingredients that help to desensitize the penis and reduce arousal. This means that you will be less likely to reach orgasm quickly.

Pursue and explore other forms of sexual expression

There are many other ways to enjoy each other’s company and express your sexuality.

You don’t always have to focus on penetration. Instead, you can explore other forms of sexual expressions, such as:

Toys
Oral sex
Massage
Anal play
Fantasizing

All of these activities can help you last longer in bed by taking the pressure off of penetration. And who knows? You might just find that you enjoy these activities more than classic intercourse.

Contrary to popular belief, lasting longer during sex is not about sheer willpower but instead about understanding your body and knowing the right techniques to delay ejaculation. Fortunately, with a bit of practice, you can last longer during sex and make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your partner. So, why not give it a try?

Unearth the benefits: How gardening can help your mental health

Gardening allows you to feel the sun on your skin, the dirt between your fingers, and the sweet satisfaction of a task completed.

Believe it or not, gardening can offer some serious blessings for your mental health. In this article, we will unearth some of the benefits of gardening and show you how to get started today.

How does gardening help with stress relief?

Focusing on gardening tasks can help you forget about your negative feelings.

You’re so focused on weeding, planting, watering, and pruning that you don’t have time to worry about anything else. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or depression, as it provides a welcomed distraction from negative thoughts.

Interacting with nature has also been shown to increase self-esteem and mood. When you’re surrounded by plants and flowers, it’s easy to feel connected to something bigger than yourself. This can be incredibly grounding and provide a sense of peace that’s difficult to find in this digital generation.

Can gardening help improve your mood?

Gardening has been found to have a positive effect on mental health comparable to meditation and exercise.

The interaction with soil can stimulate areas of the brain that produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to influence mood, appetite, and sleep.

What are some helpful tips for starting a garden?

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Here are a few tips to get you started on your gardening journey:

Start small.

You don’t need a huge plot of land to start reaping the benefits of gardening. A few potted plants on your porch or windowsill will do.

Choose easy-to-care-for plants.

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to how much care they need. Do some research on plant species that are easy to care for so you can set yourself up for success.

Pick edible plants.

One of the best things about gardening is being able to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor. Start with a few edible plant species so you can enjoy the benefits of both fresh produce and time spent interacting with nature.

What to keep in mind when you’re gathering plants and supplies?

When you’re ready to add some plants to your home, it’s important to buy from reputable vendors.

Checking reviews can help you find a vendor with a good reputation for delivering healthy plants. It’s also worth considering whether the vendor offers delivery. This can be a great service to take advantage of if you don’t want the hassle of transporting those plants back home yourself.

So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your cognitive function, it’s time to start gardening. Just be sure to choose plants that match your gardening abilities, and take the time to read up so you can enjoy the process fully.