Fun Activities To Explore In St. John’s Island

Nestled in the string of islands on the Southern coast of Singapore is St. John’s Island. What was once a quarantine facility in the late 1800s has since become a destination for locals who want a quick getaway from the cityscape.

St. John’s Island is bigger than its neighbors namely, Sisters’ Islands and Kusu Island. Despite its size, less than half of the island is accessible by the public. Huge portions of the land are dedicated to research and to lodging. Nonetheless, there is plenty of activities to explore within the island.

If you are all set, start by riding a ferry to get to the island. There are two ferry companies that travel between the Southern Islands. You can either go with the Marina South Ferry or Singapore Island Cruise. Prices start from S$15 (adult tickets).

Sit back and relax as the short ride will last for 30 minutes. You can even choose to sit on the top deck, if it is available. Upon arriving in the island, here are some of the activities that you may explore.

1. GO ON A WALK TRAIL

Refresh your mind by being one with nature as you walk through St. John’s Island. The first curated trail on this island was developed to encourage appreciation for its rich biodiversity and history. In fact, you can spot eleven Heritage Trees within the island. Only a selected number of trees have earned the title of Heritage Trees. These trees are handpicked for their exceptional size and their outstanding botanical and cultural value.

The St. John’s Island Trail includes fifteen stations marked with signboards that serve as educational resources and station markers. Thus, it will let you see the beauty of its fauna and flora as well as its vibrant history.

2. JOIN THE GUIDED TOUR

Free guided tours are held on the first Sunday of every month. Join the National Park volunteers as they highlight the key features of the St. John’s Island Trail. The land-based trail covers 1.6 kilometers and would span for about 90 minutes. What’s more? It is free! Do note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the nparks.gov.sg page for more details.

3. CYCLE AROUND THE ISLAND

If you opt to travel the island through wheels, you may rent bicycles or two-wheel step pedals. Enjoy the cool breeze as you pedal along the island and feast your eyes with its biodiversity.

A pop-up bicycle rental store called Gogreen Bicycle Rental offers access to bicycles, two-wheel step pedals, and tents. Convenience comes with a price as renting a bicycle or a two-wheel step pedal starts with S$30.

4. GO FISHING

Upon exiting the ferry, you will notice how clear the waters are. Try looking down and observing the schools of fish. If you are lucky enough, you will catch a huge range of fish from snappers to groupers.

5. EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON MARINE LIFE

As you take a dip on the calm waters of the island’s Swimming Lagoon, you will be able to see different sea creatures such as sea sponges and seagrasses. Many of these can be encountered at low tide on an intertidal walk around the island’s coasts.

6. INDULGE IN BIRD WATCHING

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings during your visit to the St. John’s Island. Add an element of fun to your sightings by writing down the birds and the animals that you spotted. Take pictures and add that to your “nature journal”, which you can make with your child.

What are you waiting for?

Explore the St. John’s Island with your loved ones by checking out the ferry schedules and its COVID-19 safety measures. Make sure to pack water, sunblock, insect repellant, and snacks.

There are no stores within the island. It is best to come prepared! You can either pack your essentials or grab snacks like bread at the Marina South Pier’s convenience stores. Moreover, please help conserve the beauty of the island by throwing your trash properly.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...

24 Fancy Food Tips For A Party: Make Your Food Look Amazing!

Today, you won’t surprise your guests with layers of fruits, cheese and sausages just laid out on plates.

But even the simplest snacks can be designed so creatively that even the usual ingredients will look amazing! Add some beautiful serving and decor like handmade compositions from twisting latex balloons like these https://balloons.online/latex-balloons/twisting-latex-balloons/, fresh flowers and led garlands, and your table will turn into a real art object!

We want to share with you these 24 top food tips for your party to make your festive table look majestic!

Foods

  1. Cheese platter: arrange the cheese slices in rows in a semicircle. Roll the thick and pliable cheese slices into a shape that resembles a calla flower and spread them all over the plate.
  2. Honey and nuts: place the bowl in the center or at one of the edges of the dish, making it the focal point of the composition.
  3. Hot dishes: serve individual portions, adding some figuratively chopped vegetables, circles or strips of cucumbers, greenery, and cherry tomatoes, as well as curls of oranges, pineapple slices, sprigs of needles, red berries.
  4. Meat: roll the slices, make horns and roses, or just fold them in half nicely. Decorate the plate with red berries (lingonberries, currants, grapes).
  5. Fish platter: bend fish slices into spirals and lay them out in rows or place them in the center of the composition, garnished with lemon wedges and olives. Roll slices of salmon in the shape of roses or loops. Red caviar can be served on chips or boiled egg halves.
  6. Salads: various decoration ideas make it possible to create a recipe that fits the theme of any party. Vegetable salads can be garnished with herbs, berries, fruit wedges, and nuts.

Table setting ideas:

  1.   serve the table with light-colored dishes with dark-colored tablecloths and vice versa;
  2.   use cloth napkins folded nicely, secure them with satin ribbons or twine;
  3.   decorate the table with spices, fruits, coffee beans, salad leaves, fabric ribbons, silver balls, rings, decorative figurines, small bouquets for each guest;
  4.   create several compositions of helium balloons and fix them on the table using strings;
  5.   use name cards with a nice font and vignettes as a small but significant decoration detail;
  6.   place a fruit vase with gift boxes tied with a red ribbon in the center of the table;
  7.   arrange a garland of small latex balloons of 1-2 colors, which will beautifully separate the table in two halves;
  8.   a large helium balloon attached by a net to a heavy basket full of fresh flowers will make a great table centerpiece;
  9.   lay out satin napkins on the plates, put small metal balls with gifts for guests on top of them;
  10.   order small balloons on sticks filled with confetti or sequins and put them into tiny vases;
  11.   in the center of the table, place vases with natural or artificial flowers, that will complement silver or gold balls in fruit vases and colorful ribbons on sugar bowls;
  12.   tie tiny bowls with snacks and sauces to bundles of helium balloons;
  13.   stick a long branch or several ones in a tall vase for a dramatic statement. Decorate the tops of the branches with live flower buds, paper or fabric butterflies, and artificial leaves;
  14.   lay out the chips and logs in the form of a campfire and place the plates with snacks on them;
  15.   if the table is placed against the wall, decorate this wall with balloons with tassels beautifully hanging down;
  16.   serve foods on wooden or glass boards placed on artificial layers of moss;
  17.   hang beautiful Qualatex Swirl Design Deco balloons over the festive table;
  18.   make your table centerpiece functional: a beautiful decorative punch bowl will add focus to your festive table, providing guests with drinks at the same time! As an option, fill the bowl with living flowers: such a fragrant way to create your centerpiece!

 

Read More...

Is It Time To Embrace AirAsia Food?

Move aside GrabFood and foodpanda Singapore, there is a new player in town! It is none other than the AirAsia Food. AirAsia just launched its food delivery service in Singapore and offered free deliveries for orders within 8 kilometers (until March 16). It is free for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Last year, the aviation industry took a strong hit due to the global pandemic. Airline staff and entrepreneurs have thought of ways to modify their skills and diversify their businesses in order to survive. Budget carrier AirAsia, sought for ways to boost their revenues through their “super app”. This app offers services from travel to shopping as well as logistics to financial services. The food industry is another landscape that they wanted to tap.

Earlier this month, AirAsia said this in a statement: “The rapidly growing food delivery platform of AirAsia super app – AirAsia Food – is set to revolutionize the food delivery service sector in ASEAN with its official entry into Singapore today.” AirAsia Food aims to provide a “no-frills” food delivery service within Singapore.

Let us take a look at its features or lack there of. Firstly, it does not have a real-time tracking feature. You will not be able to track whether your driver has just left the establishment or whether they are 1km away. Mr. Anthony Fernandes, founder of AirAsia Group, saw the “maps” feature of existing delivery apps as unnecessary frill that can help them to cut cost. Moreover, the operating hours of the app is said to span from 11am to 8pm daily.

As of the current situation, Mr. Lim Ben-Jie of AirAsia app has said that there are no plans to extend the operating hours in the future. They only follow the operating hours of its its delivery partner, AirAsia’s logistics arm Teleport. Its limited operating hours may be an issue for people who frequently order due to their late-night cravings.

Thirdly, users will not be given upfront updates regarding the delivery time. The average time from order creation to delivery would be between 35 to 40 minutes for orders within 10 kilometers. You will not be informed if there are “external factors” that can affect the timeliness in preparing your order. Users must be flexible when it comes to that. As with every new app, there are some things and glitches that they may fix or modify over time. I hope this is one of them.

Lastly, AirAsia Food went back to its roots by providing low-cost options for food delivery. The platform charges establishments with a 15% commission per delivery. This is lower than the three major food delivery giants such as GrabFood, foodpanda, and Deliveroo. Furthermore, delivery rates are about 5% lower than its rivals. AirAsia believes that lowering the commission rates will lead to lower charges for customers.

What’s more? They provided unlimited free food delivery until March 16, 2021. This only applies for deliveries within 8 kilometers. Beyond Singapore, AirAsia Food plans to expand to Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia. They are eyeing on this expansion in the second half of 2021.

Ultimately, AirAsia Food seems to be the cheapest food delivery option for the time being. It is up to you to decide whether the features on this app are sufficient to your needs. Nonetheless, I am hoping that the reported glitches will be addressed soon. Share us your app experiences on the comment section below!

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

5 points to note if you have a loved one with OCD

OCD behaviour

Living with OCD, or an obsessive-compulsive disorder referred to by medical professionals, is hard on both the person who has the condition and their loved ones.

The uncontrollable patterns of behaviour, the painful loops of repetitive motion, and the systematic thought cycles that derail successful functioning in people’s daily lives can be a real challenge.

If you have a loved one in your life who’s struggling to live with OCD, keep these things in mind as you continue to comfort and support them.

#1: Avoid excessive criticism

OCD tends to make your brain relive specific encounters, whether positive or negative, over and over again.

These thought loops can become oppressive to the point of exhaustion, mainly when one is focusing on negative thoughts and memories. Try to avoid giving critiques and criticisms to people with OCD. This will ensure your harsh words won’t play on repeat in their heads.

#2: Shine no unnecessary light on their routines
a person washing hands

Image Credits: The Jakarta Post

One of the most noticeable components of OCD is specific obsessions or compulsions that a person affected by the condition might need to repeat. For example, checking the switch three times to make sure it’s off or washing their hands every other hour.

These rituals are often unavoidable and can be a source of anxiety for your loved one if they don’t do them. Therefore, try not to draw attention to their actions when it happens. Simply wait patiently until they’re able to move on to the following routine.

#3: Don’t force them to stop a ritual

Speaking of repetitive actions, don’t try to force your loved ones to hit the “stop” button on their repetitious acts. Their disorder is uncontrollable at times, and if you do, it will add to their distress.

Forcing them to move through without completing a ritual or behaviour pattern can make their urge to do it even more severe. This can exacerbate further potential emotional problems, so remember to be patient and let them move through life on their terms.

#4: Be patient when correcting
silhouette of a couple

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you’re helping someone with OCD do something, whether it’s for the first time or correcting their action, it helps to be incredibly patient.

OCD can require a series of behaviours or loops before a new action makes its mark. So, your loved ones may need to repeat some soothing behaviours before they can heed your correction and accept it.

Be patient and let them work through their feelings until they’re ready to listen to what you have to say.

#5: Show your support without enabling

Being supportive is genuinely one of the best things you can do to assist a loved one suffering from OCD. The condition can be an incredibly isolating experience that convinces the sufferer that they are dealing with it alone and singularly responsible for living with and treating it.

However, know the difference between supporting and enabling. It would be best if you were not answering their recurring questions all the time or buying more hand soap to facilitate their routines.

Consider this phrase or come up with your own, “‘It looks like you’re having an obsession and asking me to participate, but I’m not going to do that because I’m on your side, not OCD’s.”

Final thoughts
grayscale photo of a person's right hand

Image Credits: unsplash.com

A person with OCD may, at times, do something that seems ridiculous to an average person. For example, they may suffer from an intense fear of sin and feel the urge to “confess” to someone even if they’ve just accidentally brought home a paper clip from the office (true story).

As we’ve shared in this article, remember to hold back on your criticisms even when you feel the urge to correct them. Most people with OCD are aware of their condition, so there’s no need to spotlight their routines or, worse still, force them to stop.

They need your support and positive feedback, not your mindless judgements.

Read More...

Engagement ring inspirations for your upcoming proposal

Engagement ring inspirations

For a woman looking forward to being engaged, there’s almost nothing better than the excitement that a beautiful engagement ring can bring.

With the symbolic meaning a ring carries, it has to be as perfect as it can be. That’s why the process of choosing an engagement ring must be taken seriously.

As usual, every prospective bride wants to see the three Cs in their engagement ring, namely carat, clarity, and cut. However, it’s crucial that the ring also keep up with the year’s latest trends and stay fashionably classy throughout the years.

Some fashion statements can fall out of style, and an engagement ring must be able to match various accessories and outfits for a stylish and sophisticated look.

That’s why we’re here to share with you some elegant engagement ring inspirations for your upcoming proposal this year.

#1: Black Diamonds
rose gold black diamond ring

Image Credits: alexisrussell.com

Move aside, classic diamond. The black diamonds are now up and coming. This is due to their striking nature and the mysterious and cool, edgy vibes it carries.

The engagement ring can stand out even more if it’s set in a bold yellow or rose gold colour, which offers a step away from the traditional diamond ring approach. 

#2: Halo Rings
hexagonal halo ring

Image Credits: whowhatwear.com

One of the top emerging trends of 2021 is halo rings that have a hexagonal or octagonal shape. 

It creates the perfect balance between preserving the essence of timeliness but also adding that element of uniqueness. No longer are purely traditional rings a must-need if you’re planning to propose this year.

Those searching for a beautiful ring without being too “bridal” can consider this design.

#3: Colourful Stones
Teal sapphire engagement ring

Image Credits: capucinne.com

When you think of proposal rings, you might imagine the classically cut glimmering diamond. 

However, you can slowly replace that idea with the new trend of colourful stones. Specifically, teal-coloured sapphire is a stone growing in popularity, creating an ideal blend of blue and green shades.

Because these stones are on the rarer side and not alike, they make for a ring that’s entirely one of a kind and precious to the bride who wears it. 

#4: Mixed Diamond Cuts
Mixed Diamond Cuts

Image Credits: reebonz.com

Sometimes, trends can work backwards by capturing the looks that give off an antique or vintage feel.

This specific trend involves mixing different diamond cuts, like tapered baguettes combined with rounds, epaulettes, or bullets. It encompasses the well-known art-deco design but adds a modern-day twist to make it an exceptional diamond engagement ring.

Plus, if you’re environmentally conscious, incorporating existing stones into a single ring allows for plenty of upcycling. 

#5: Remodelling
remodelling diamond rings

Image Credits: pinterest.co.uk

Even though an engagement ring by itself is already meaningful, it can be made even more special by incorporating existing stones that carry a sentimental value.

Across the board, more and more jewellers encounter clients who’ve inherited jewellery and want it to be remodelled into a specific shape or form into their engagement ring.

It’s a fabulous way to make an engagement ring even more personal to the modern-day bride holding on to traditions.

Read More...