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Delicious CNY Goodies To Bring Home To Your Family Reunion

Apart from spending time with your family and collecting ang bao, eating scrumptious Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks brightens up the festivities. Usher in the Year of the Tiger with these roaring goodies from adorable tiger buns to classic pineapple tarts.

#1: IKEA SINGAPORE’S CNY OFFERINGS

From January 17 to February 28, IKEA Singapore will delight its guests aesthetically pleasing confections such as mala-infused dishes and tiger-themed buns. Try the Little Tiger Buns with Kaya Filling ($2), Mandarin Orange Chocolate Cake ($4), IKEA CNY Donuts ($7.80), and Plant Balls with Mala Spaghetti ($8). These goodies are available while stocks last.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

You can also take home their pre-packaged snacks including Bak Kwa ($23.80 for 500g) and Mandarin oranges ($11.80 for 24 pieces).

#2: RED SAKURA’S HELLO KITTY SNACKS

Good news for Hello Kitty fans! Taiwanese confectionary brand Red Sakura and its Hello Kitty snacks are available at selected stores in Singapore. Get your sun cakes and butter cookies at Prime Supermarket (Tampines branch) or at Shopee.

Image Credits: redsakura.com.tw

Keep your eyes peeled as some of the Red Sakura snacks come with Sanrio merchandise such as plates and mugs! For example, the Red Sakura Hello Kitty Mini Cookies tins are sold at $7.90 in Shopee. These come in assorted flavors including butter, chocolate, and earl grey.

#3: BEE CHENG HIANG’S BAK KWA

You can always count on Bee Cheng Hiang for a variety of CNY goodies such as pineapple tarts and golden floss rolls. But of course, it houses its sought-after dried meat product Bak Kwa.

This year’s selection starts from $34.80 for 600g of Minced Pork Bak Kwa, $37.20 for Chilli Pork Bak Kwa, and $43.20 for Applewood Sliced Pork Bak Kwa. Choose a flavor that suits your preferences. You can even go for the fancy Gourmet Pork Belly option.

Image Credits: beechenghiang.com.sg

Just add the delivery fee of $6 when ordering on their website.

#4: NASTY COOKIE’S S’MORES BITES

Nasty Cookies offers a twist to the CNY food slate with its S’mores Bites. Its S’mores Bites consist of buttery chocolate chip tarts, which are topped with rich chocolate spread and toasted marshmallows. Every bite has a mixture of chewiness, crunchiness, and sweetness.

Image Credits: nastycookie.com

S’mores Bites will be available online for $28.90, from January 17 onwards.

#5: FAIRPRICE’S PINEAPPLE TARTS

Another staple in every household during CNY is the delicious pineapple tarts. Pineapple tarts are rich, buttery pastry filled with pineapple jam. It is impossible to stop at just one piece, so you might want to purchase a few tubs for the party!

FairPrice has an array of pineapple tarts from various brands. Halal and Vegan options are also available. Prices start from $3.92. Check it out.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Happy Year of the Tiger, 2022! Celebrate the auspicious Lunar New Year with an assortment of takeaway delicacies and goodies in this list.

Exit With Grace – Here’s How To Quit Your Job In 2022

When shifting jobs, professionals should communicate their decision to quit with respect and gratitude. Leaving professionally and ensuring that you do not burn any bridges is the best way to welcome new opportunities ahead. While it may be entertaining to quit in a grand public gesture, it should probably stay as a dream.

Here are five helpful tips that you can employ when you lodge your resignation this 2022.

#1: BE DIRECT

After days of careful contemplation, you realized that you are ready to leave your post. Make sure that your supervisor and co-workers are not surprised by a general announcement. Notify your direct supervisor through written and verbal communication. While some companies prefer to receive a four-week notice, others are satisfied with a two-week notice. Review your employee contract to read about the resignation period.

Be direct when communicating the reasons for leaving. Consider not only what is best for you and your new employer, but also what is best for the company you will be leaving.

#2: GIVE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS’ NOTICE

Employers generally accept a two weeks’ notice of departure. Sharing your decision in advance will give the supervisor time to sort things out. Elements such as your pending projects and status of assignments can be transitioned strategically.

In contrast, departing abruptly could have negative consequences such as leaving a poor impression and having co-workers wonder what happened wrong.

#3: CREATE A RESIGNATION LETTER

Make a resignation letter that is clear and concise. Thank your employer for the opportunity and state when your last day of work will be.

If you are leaving over a possible legal claim (e.g., allegations of workplace safety violations), you must speak to a lawyer first. Remember that anything in writing could be used against you.

#4: TRANSITION YOUR PROJECTS

What are your current projects and assignments? List these down. Determine which items will end when you leave, and which will need to be assigned to someone else. Discuss these projects to your direct supervisor and provide substantial data, reports, files, and contact information. You may need to train your replacement too.

#5: MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Maintain professional relationships, if possible. Connect with key people from your previous organization through their LinkedIn profiles or email addresses. Make it clear whether you are open to being contacted with questions about the pending projects after you are officially gone. Alternatively, you can connect with these people virtually.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

7 Financial Resolutions That You Can Fulfill This 2022

For the lack of a better term, the period between 2020 to 2021 was “rubbish”. People all over the world had to deal with the adverse effects of the pandemic. Unexpected economic and social shifts occurred. Nonetheless, most of us are ready to bid farewell to the yesteryears.

While many Singaporeans are committing to eat healthy and to exercise more, here are seven financial resolutions that you can consider for a more prosperous year.

1. BROADEN YOUR FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE

Books and audiobooks provide opportunities to broaden one’s financial knowledge. You can enter the inner workings of great entrepreneurs and investors by reading though the pages of books such as “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham, “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “Raising Financially Fit Kids” by Joline Godfrey, and “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason.

Create an achievable list of all the financial books that you want to finish within the year. Set a realistic goal for the number of pages that you can accomplish each week. Start now!

2. CUT DOWN YOUR WATER CONSUMPTION

Singaporeans do not typically worry about clean and fresh water. However, the global supply of consumable water is getting scarce with each passing year.

Consider reducing your water consumption by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, using less water while gardening, installing a water-saving shower head, and only washing your clothes when necessary. Minimize your expenses and help save the Earth.

3. COOK MORE MEALS AT HOME

Increase your savings by cooking from scratch. Find recipes online or ask your loved ones for their specialties. Cooking more meals at home can reduce your restaurant or take-out expenses.

Calculate your food savings and consider putting the extra cash to your emergency fund or to pay off your debts.

4. BE PROMPT AT ALL TIMES

Time is a valuable resource. There is a reason why it goes hand in hand with money. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, most companies have minimum tolerance for employee tardiness. Keep your source of livelihood by always being on time.

You do not need to exhaust your resources or skills to remain prompt. Simply set an appropriate alarm and adhere to your organization’s schedule.

5. UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES

With the uncertainties of the modern world, it is important to revisit your beneficiary designations. Adding a beneficiary to your accounts and policies can help ensure that your assets will go to your desired people. Align your will (i.e., last will and testament) to your accounts and insurance policies.

6. SEARCH YOUR HOME FIRST

Search the contents of your home, before committing to a major purchase. There are many ways to use your resources. You just need to be creative and hands-on!

For instance, you may use your old drawer as your baby’s diaper changing table. You can also spruce up your walls by purchasing Very Peri wallpaper online.

7. MAKE THINGS SIMPLER

All of us are drained because of the massive chaos that recent years have brought. Reduce your worries by cancelling or closing the accounts or cards that you no longer use. Then, set up automatic transfers.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Some financial institutions allow the employer to automate your salary in your bank account. Patronizing this method will lessen the temptation of immediate spending.

Make A Personal Budget In 6 Easy Steps

A personal budget is a financial summary that tracks your income and expenses for a certain period, which is typically a month. The word “budget” is often associated with limited spending, but a budget does not have to be restrictive to be effective.

Having a personal budget that you can review on a regular basis enables you to prevent overspending. Start with these six simple steps.

#1: GATHER ALL YOUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Get a bird’s-eye view of your financial situation by gathering all your financial statements. Include your bank statements, investment accounts, recent utility bills, credit card statements, receipts from the previous months, loan statements, and other receipts. The more information you can retrieve, the better.

#2: DETERMINE YOUR MONTHLY INCOME

Determine how much you make in a month. If you have a fixed salary, you will find information in your pay slip. If you get paid bi-monthly, you simply need to multiply your pay slip into two.

If you have more than one job or you are self-employed, you must determine your net income differently. Calculate your net income by examining your two most recently filed tax accounts. Add the two figures of your net profit together. Then, divide the total by twenty-four. The definitive answer is your average monthly income.

#3: CREATE A LIST OF YOUR MONTHLY EXPENSES

There are two types of monthly expenses – fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are expenses that you encounter every month such as rent, car payments, and utility bills. While variable expenses change from month to month. Variable expenses include groceries, gifts, and shopping.

Write down a list of all the expenses you expect to have during a month. Do not forget about the childcare, transportation, and entertainment costs.

#4: TOTAL YOUR MONTHLY INCOME AND EXPENSES

Get the total of your monthly income and monthly expenses. If your income is higher than your expenses, you are off to a good start. You will have extra funds that you can put aside for retirement savings or debt repayments.

If your expenses are higher than your income, you need to make some changes. Find out which categories you are overspending on.

#5: EVALUATE YOUR SPENDING HABITS

Add up your total spending per expense category. Which category do you overspend on? You can get the percentages per category to understand how much of your income is going where.

#6: MAKE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS

After covering steps one to five, you will be able to highlight the spending areas that you need to eliminate or reduce. For instance, you can cancel your gym membership or lower your handphone’s postpaid plan.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Amend your budget and align these changes to your financial goals.

Sources: 1 & 2

Take bae to these lovely restaurants with a view

Is there a better way to enhance your eating experience than to sit in a restaurant that has a breathtaking view?

In a garden city like Singapore, there are lots of opportunities to dine in beautiful surroundings, whether it’s with your favorite group of mates or your significant other. At these eateries, grab a seat by the waters or hop on an elevator to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city skyline.

Here’s a list of restaurants you can take bae to on your next special occasion.

Vue

Location: OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay Rooftop Level 19, Singapore 049321

VUE, positioned above OUE Bayfront on Collyer Quay, offers a chef-driven menu with binchōtan-grilled specialties at the center of its gourmet offerings, supported by a diverse wine list. It also has our little red dot’s first rooftop spritz bar, which distinguishes it from other diners in the city.

Executive Chef Sam Chin, who has over ten years of expertise specializing in modern European cuisine, is the star of the show at VUE. He takes satisfaction in bringing VUE’s vision of offering a chef-driven menu that highlights the real flavors of quality ingredients while delighting guests with every bite they take.

LeVeL33

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Location: 8 Marina Boulevard, #33-01, Singapore 018981

LeVeL33 is the world’s tallest urban microbrewery and a distinct award-winning rooftop dining experience. The Marina Bay Financial Centre’s penthouse suite offers a breathtaking view of Singapore’s Marina Bay and the skyline.

Freshly brewed beers by resident Brewmaster Gabriel Garcia, the open counter cold kitchen, and the expertly chosen boutique wine selection showing labels with no more than 5,000 cases of production each are all examples of craftsmanship at LeVeL33. Whether it’s a casual weekend lunch, a glass of white wine and fresh oysters at the Raw Bar, or a more dressy feast in the Barons de Rothschild private dining room, there’s something for everyone. The spectacular view and atmosphere will ensure the ideal atmosphere for any function.

Panamericana

Location: 27 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore 099892

Panamericana has a prominent location on Singapore’s most famous golf club, located against the enthralling South China Sea, providing a tranquil and sophisticated environment with mesmerizing ocean views.

It features a full-stocked bar, a delightful and roomy indoor dining area with large windows, and an airy long verandah that’s specially arched to give an unobstructed view of the waters. It is bordered by the beautiful golf course on one corner and tropical greenery on the other, and a perfectly trimmed lawn with expansive outdoor dining space.

Shunjuu Izakaya

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Location: 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15, Riverside View, Singapore 238251

Shunjuu Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant that offers an intriguing menu of casual charcoal-grill Japanese favors. We suggest ordering a variety of dishes and pairing them with their array of Japanese sake on the menu.

The little sanctuary is directly in front of the Singapore River and is set in Robertson Quay, just a stroll away from Clarke Quay. With a riverbank view, diners may savor Japanese cuisine outdoors. You may also request a seat in front of the open kitchen to see the grill in operation, which is frequently chosen by Japanese expats and local residents.

Mykonos on the Bay

Location: 31 Ocean Way, #01-10, Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375

Mykonos On The Bay is the brainchild of co-owners Executive Chef Mauro Muroni and General Manager Gerri Sottile’s experiences working in Greek Tavernas in Greece. Their focus as part of the Mangiatutto Group of Restaurants is on traditional Greek food prepared with the freshest produce.

Apart from the main food and drink selection, we like that it also has a kids’ menu! As a result, couples with children may enjoy a meal at the seaside together. Step in and you will be welcomed by their Greek-imported blue and white furniture and decorations, which perfectly fits in right beside the beautiful marina.

Dusk Restaurant & Bar

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Location: Faber Peak Singapore, Level 2, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203

Dusk Restaurant & Bar, located 100m above sea level and surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, is the ideal viewing platform for the beautiful landscapes of HarbourFront and Sentosa Island. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in this sheltered location while dining on Modern European cuisines, expertly picked wines, and distinct nitro-frosted concoctions.

Executive Chef Kenny Yeo, a culinary professional with over 30 years of expertise in French cuisine, will provide you and your loved one with a memorable gourmet experience. This is one of the best outdoor hangouts for anything from a sweet date to an informal meet-up.

Zafferano Italian Restaurant & Lounge

Location: 10 Collyer Quay, Level 43 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Zafferano, which is located 43 levels above lively Collyer Quay in the core of Singapore’s CBD and tops the Ocean Financial Centre, provides diners with a mesmerizing backdrop and an unparalleled experience of all-around Italian hospitality.

The Terrace Lounge, with its majestic cathedral-like proportions, lush foliage, and panoramic vistas, is a fantastic spot for al fresco socializing with companions over beverages. It has its dedicated bar, stools, and comfy couches where you can chill and soak up the vibe and beautiful scenery of the dazzling Marina Bay skyline while sipping on carefully-curated cocktails and snacking on light bites. Just what you need for a romantic evening!

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