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5 Mother’s Day gift ideas for the ones who like to DIY

Here’s a warm welcome to May from all of us at Money Digest.

With the increase in community cases recently, the government has encouraged residents to limit their social interactions.

For those planning to tone down this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, given the current situation, how about having a simple meal at home? Just in case you’re unaware, you can still keep to the eight-person limit for now.

As you prepare your mini celebrations for mummy, allow us to share some Mother’s Day gift ideas for children and adults who like to DIY.

#1: Meaningful bilateral self-portrait

Image Credits: Pinterest

Make mum a meaningful bilateral self-portrait with two halves of your photo! You can choose your favourite childhood picture and attach another current adult photo to make one whole. Or, if you have kids, use your child’s picture to mirror the other half.

#2: Handmade everlasting flowers

Image Credits: thinkmakeshareblog.com

Are you thinking of getting flowers for the first woman in your life? While real flowers are pretty and can instantly lift a person’s mood, their lifespan is relatively short. Not to mention, they are quite expensive too. Click through the link to view 12 DIY paper flower types you can make for 9 May.

#3: Creative stone paperweights

Image Credits: Pinterest

See if you can grab hold of some fabric scraps from a friend or neighbour who likes to sew. If not, visit Daiso to get some affordable printed fabric. Then, find a heavy pebble and cover it with your choice of material. There you go, a simple but useful paperweight made with love.

#4: Lovely stitched card

Image Credits: crafts.tutsplus.com

With most things going digital nowadays, wishing mum a Happy Mother’s Day can be done in a simple text message. But we believe the old school way of writing cards would definitely be a great surprise for all mummies!

Don’t just pick one off the shelves. Make a simple stitched card along with your handwritten message. All you need is a printed heart template, a needle, and coloured threads of your choice. Paste the template lightly on your card, poke holes along the heart’s outline, and run the strings from end to end. Easy peasy.

#5: Practical coaster creation

Image Credits: delineateyourdwelling.com

We’re not sure about you, but we think most households have watermarks on their desks or dining tables, thanks to the absence of coasters. Make mum one if she doesn’t already have it.

All you need is to purchase some adhesive-backed felt (as the base) and coloured ones from Popular. Cut them into different shapes and sizes, and then paste them on the base to form your unique one-and-only practical coaster! Make a few designs, so mum has enough replacements to last her through the year.

For more creative gifts and adorable card ideas, click here and here. Blessed Mother’s Day to all the superwomen in the world!

Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag & Other Location Trackers In Singapore

Are you looking for the perfect present for that one friend who loses absolutely everything? Search no further than this list of location trackers.

People who tend to forget where they last placed their items can benefit from location or GPS trackers such as Apple AirTag and Samsung Galaxy SmartTag. These trackers can be used for a variety of ways such as locating where you parked your bicycle or locating your beloved pet. People who are suffering from memory loss may also use these devices as aides.

On that note, here are 4 location trackers that can be purchased in Singapore.

#1: APPLE AIRTAG

Before its launch in April 30, numerous Apple fanatics have been raving about the technology of the Apple AirTag. Apple AirTag aims to provide its users with an easy way of tracking your items. You can attach this portable AirTag to your keys, slip it to your backpack, or place it at the back of your iPad.

Locate your item by asking Siri for help (e.g., “Hey Siri, find my bag!”) or by playing a sound on its built-in speaker. You can activate its alarm by using the Find My app. If it is hiding nearby, you can simply follow the sound and end your search. If you have misplaced it outside, you can assign a phone number to a lost AirTag.

When it comes to privacy, Apple has put several measures to ensure that the AirTag cannot be misused. For starters, you cannot activate an AirTag on behalf of someone else. Secondly, the AirTag will draw attention to itself by playing a sound if it has been separated from its owner for a long period of time. Lastly, your iOS devices can identify if an unknown AirTag is travelling around with you. This will give an alert that the unknown AirTag’s owner can see your location.

Price starts from S$45 at apple.com/sg/airtag.

#2: SAMSUNG GALAXY SMARTTAG

Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag is a small, battery-powered device that you can attach to your important items such as your wallet or backpack. It is a black square device with a hole for your key ring or clip. As a responsible pet-owner, you may attach it to your pet’s collar too. Once it is set up, you can link it to your Samsung account. The tag can be located using the SmartThings Find app on your phone.

Activate its sound feature by tapping the ring button on your mobile and follow the familiar sound. Even when you are offline, the Galaxy Find Network can be used to find your SmartTag privately. Furthermore, it is easy to retrace where your tag has been by scrolling through its history.

Price starts from S$34.90 at mobyshop.com.sg. You can also purchase the SmartTag from different stores.

#3: NUT MINI SMART TRACKER

One of the most affordable GPS trackers in the market is the Nut Mini Smart Tracker. Its lightweight and compact design weighs no more than 70 grams. Speaking of its compact design, it is as small as a mobile SIM card. Its size makes it easy to insert it in your wallet, your car, or your child’s bag. It is compatible to both Android and iOS devices.

All you need to do is to beep the button to know where the item is. If your item goes out of range, it will alert you through its application. The only downsides to this tracker are the lack of an emergency button and the lack of a battery life indicator. Considering its price of about S$9.52 in Shopee, it is already a steal!

#4: ORBIT SMART TRACKER

Save yourself the hassle of searching for your misplaced items by attaching the Orbit Smart Tracker to your keys or your purse. If the Orbit is within the range, it will play a loud sound. This will help you locate your item. If you lose your phone, you can press the button on the tracker to make your mobile phone ring. This works even when you are on silent mode.

It is possible to know the history of the tracker too. Give your memory a break and let the app tell you where you last left your item. This way, you will know where to look first. What is more? You can take the perfect selfie by setting up your phone and using the Orbit as a camera remote.

This tracker has a replaceable battery, a battery notification, and no yearly subscription. Having a replaceable battery reduces product wastage. Get your own Orbit tracker on eezee.sg for S$46.27 (exc. GST) or on shopee.sg for as low as S$40.50.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The abovementioned location trackers can locate your prized possessions as well as your beloved pets and family members. Leaving your home knowing that your valuables are protected can be possible with these tracking devices.

Sources: 1 & 2

Essential entrepreneurship takeaways from Zoom’s founder & CEO

Say “Zoom”, and the average person would instantly get what you mean.

In recent times, the pandemic has brought about various changes in the way we work and communicate. Job interviews are shifting from in-person encounters to video calls, and connecting with friends and family members based overseas are also done through the webcam.

“Let’s hop on a Zoom call soon” or “I’ll drop you the Zoom link in a while” have become phrases we hear all the time. But do you know the creator behind the trending software used by millions now? Eric Yuan’s the name to note. He is also Time’s 2020 Businessperson of the Year, and we give him credit for that.

Here are some essential entrepreneurship takeaways from the 51-year-old Chinese-American billionaire businessman himself.

#1: Just do it

We will start by reinforcing Nike’s catchphrase. Do you know that Zoom was founded in 2011 when Eric Yuan was 41 years old? If he had allowed his age to deter him from creating Zoom 10 years ago, we wouldn’t be having the ease of communicating across time zones in this COVID-19 era.

#2: Remember the helping hands

Zoom came to life thanks not to just Eric Yuan but also his supportive friends and family who trusted him. They backed him up financially, and because of that, he was able to garner a total of $3 million in capital. Together with funding from venture capitalists, Zoom was able to progress to where they are right now.

#3: Keep at it

Image Credits: immigration-ways.com

For quitters, the startup life may not be for you. Yuan shared that he got rejected eight times and accepted only on the ninth in his visa application to get to the US. This was after he had heard Bill Gates’ 1995 keynote speech regarding the future of the internet and wanted to get there to be part of the first wave of the internet revolution.

#4: Provide better solutions to problems

A startup usually exists because the founder wants to create a solution to pressing issues. But it has to be not just a mediocre solution but one that can set yourself apart from what’s already out there in the market. “Lead with the focus on the customer,” Yuan noted. While it’s good to know your competitors, don’t get overly obsessed with the research.

#5: Aim for user satisfaction

Those who’ve eyed the local startup scene or are well aware of new international ventures will know that sometimes startups waste time marketing the product when it’s not ready. On the other hand, Eric Yuan believed that happy customers would bring in money for the company eventually. Let your wonderful product speak for itself, and then leverage that word-of-mouth strategy to grow your business.

#6: Pay attention to employees & company culture

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As we come to a close, know that certain startups are bound to see a high turnover rate. While you may not be able to satisfy your workers with a market-rate salary or a speedy promotion raise, at least pay attention to them and your company culture.

“As a CEO, you need to think about your employees. Zoom’s culture is: Deliver happiness. If we are happy, the customer is happy. It’s a simple formula, and we lead by example,” Yuan remarked.

For more entrepreneurship insights, catch the entire webinar with Zoom’s CEO here.

How to help your baby pick up a language during their early years

Most Singaporean households use two languages to communicate with their kids – English and a preferred mother tongue.

But there are some families who stick to one preferred language and use it as the central lingo to make contact.

While there is no right or wrong method, some parents are looking to help their babies pick up a second language during their early years. Maybe you have not been exposed to Mandarin as a kid and hoping that your child will keep up the pace while he or she is young.

Great idea! If you believe that babies can learn within the first year of their lives and it’s crucial for them to get proper exposure for language learning in their early childhood days, stay on this page for tips.

#1: Magnify your expressions

Well-trained preschool teachers are usually very “big” with their gestures. To the average adult, their body language may look a little crazy. But it’s such craziness that your baby needs to attract their attention.

#2: Be responsive

In fact, not just for babies alone, most young children are encouraged by responsiveness. Pay close attention to your baby’s feedback and reply in your preferred language accordingly. Remember our previous point? Be sure to exaggerate your response to capture their concentration.

#3: Repeating is key

a grandmother reading a storybook to her grandchild

Image Credits: considerable.com

Even adults frequently repeat specific phrases in order to remember it. If you’ve had the experience of learning a third language, you would be well aware of how repetition plays a huge part in retaining new sounds, words, and phrases. This process is similar for your little one!

#4: Use children songs with visual aid

Children songs and nursery rhymes are usually filled with actions to stimulate a child’s interest. If you prefer not to expose your child to the television for prolonged periods, then do it yourself! But too much of something isn’t productive and may even wear out your baby. So, watch the clock.

#5: Keep interests in mind

No one person would like to continue an interaction if it doesn’t interest them. Hence, it pays to use your baby’s curiosity, for example, in a particular object, to engage in a “dialogue” with them.

#6: Q&A works fine

Image Credits: identifythesigns.org

Q&A is a system adults use to confirm understanding. Your baby may not be able to speak right now, but they can respond to your questions in their unique way. To make sure they understand the language you’re using over time, ask simple questions and watch their reply.

#7: Include storytimes

One of the things I admire about European families is the presence of storytimes before bed. It’s not just a wonderful way to teach a language but also a fantastic time to bond with your baby. Don’t forget to slow down your reading speed and make sure you’re articulating those words clearly.

#8: Avoid over rectification

As we come to a close, perfectionist parents should keep in mind not to go overboard with correction. Even if your child is unable to pronounce certain words accurately, that’s okay. They are still in the process of speech development, and you can aid them by giving them the confidence to speak freely.

Time and patience will go a long way. Take heart!

Experts and observers share their views on bicycle registrations and cyclist licences in Singapore

Last week, Senior Minister of State for Transport Chee Hong Tat announced that the Active Mobility Advisory Panel would reassess rules on safety for cyclists and motorists.

The advisory panel will also be looking into the feasibility of the registration of bicycles or licensing of cyclists. This also means that cyclists may be required to take a theory test in the future.

However, observers noted that such measures could disrupt Singapore’s cycling vision. Experts also say that it would be wiser to pump more resources into educating the public on safety aspects instead.

Singapore’s history with bicycle registrations

Do you know that our little red dot required bicycle registrations from the colonial era until 1982? Over 30 odd years, there have been many requests on the licensing of two-wheelers and their riders.

In fact, in 2013, ex-Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah recommended that cyclists go through safety lessons before licence issuance. Following various letters to the news forum in a bid for registration to discourage reckless riders, the suggestion was revisited in 2016.

At that time, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) raised several practical difficulties implementing the scheme. They explained that it would be overly resource-intensive and could result in fewer cyclists since owning a bicycle would be too burdensome.

Experts and observers share their take on the issue

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Dr Cecilia Rojas, who focuses on active mobility research, shared that the registration of bicycles would help reduce bike theft and abandoned or illegal parking.

However, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) lecturer added that the authorities should clarify who needs to be registered. The licensing process should also be seamless and adopted over time so people can adapt to the new rules.

“Bicycles are bought, sold, exchanged very regularly. Also, in cases of road bicycles, sometimes just the frame or the handle or the wheels are changed, making the bicycle lighter or faster. Would these types of changes be required to be informed (to the authorities), or a new licence be required?” Dr Rojas questioned.

Tham Chen Munn, a business development director for traffic solutions firm PTV Asia-Pacific, also raised an excellent point. He asked if the registration of these devices would aid the authorities in catching hasty riders.

To that, the co-founder of cycling group Love Cycling SG, Francis Chu, noted that despite e-scooter registrations, those were ultimately banned from walkways.

“On the roads, vehicles move faster and the distance between them is further apart compared to those on the pavement. If on the footpath it didn’t help address the errant riders, it will be more difficult to capture the number plate on the road,” remarked Mr Chu.

Various suggestions to be considered

Mr Chu mentioned that setting a mandatory online test on road-cycling safety could be considered. Similarly, drivers could also go through a similar test on the proper response to road cyclists. He added that the LTA could examine protected bike lanes and junctions if there’s enough space to work with.

On the flip side, Mr Tham requests speed limits to be reduced in specific areas. He’s referring to places with a high traffic flow of people walking and cycling.

“We’re not talking about expressways, we’re not talking about major arterials, leave those as they are. There are opportunities to (introduce a speed limit of) 30kmh in places that can be safe for people to come out and play and be more active,” he commented.

So, with all that said, what’s your take on the issue? Would you be keen to register for a compulsory theory test to be “certified” safe to cycle? Or would you give up cycling altogether since registration and licensing is too much of a hassle?