Surprisingly Affordable Yet Quality Japanese Brands In Singapore

Uniqlo

Long before JPOP was mainstream, Japanese brands had been circulating the worldwide market. Valuing their historical significance, contemporary influence, and innovative style, Japan never seize to amaze its consumers. On that note, here are 4 Surprisingly Affordable Yet Quality Japanese Brands Available In Singapore…

1. MUJI

I am in love with MUJI’s products not only because of its simplicity but also because of its efficacy. Most of their products are practical such as the CT LINEN POLY SOFT BOX OBLONG S HALF, a foldable fabric storage box for only S$13.

Curated by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., MUJI upholds the philosophy of bringing quality products at lower prices. This is because of their intensive selection for raw materials. A testament of that are their stationery items including office supplies, packaging items, acrylic storage, desktop items, and handphone accessories with prices ranging from S$0.90-S$49. Aside from this, they also sell tasty foods and skin care products, which Japan is truly known for.

Image Credits: Paul Davidson via Flickr

Image Credits: Paul Davidson via Flickr

MUJI has 9 outlets islandwide, click here for more details.

2. TSUBAKI

Everyone knows that a woman’s crowning glory is her hair. A shiny, smooth, and beautiful hair is the definitive characteristics of a good hair care brand. TSUBAKI fuses its Japanese roots by adding the hair ingredient of ancient times – the Camellia oil. Although it was launched in 2006, TSUBAKI has been leading the hair care brand in Japan with over 270 million units of shipments worldwide. This is due to their affordability, quality, attractive packaging, and celebrity endorsers. As it is gracing Singapore, users can surely love the effect of lustrous and frizz-free hair with regular use. TSUBAKI is available at all Watsons outlet with prices as low as S$8.90 (e.g., TSUBAKI Shining Shampoo 220ml and TSUBAKI Damage Care Conditioner 220ml).

 

3. UNIQLO

A Japanese brand that is celebrated by international clientele, UNIQLO’s shops have always something for everyone. From plain T-shirts, patterned dresses, oxford shirts, winter jackets, and undergarments…UNIQLO pieces proves to be diverse. Aside from that they are known for quality products sold at a reasonable rate. Focusing on quality helps reduce waste. With prices as low as S$4.90, UNIQLO still offers worldwide sales. Fancy a Striped 3/4 Sleeve Dress?

It is available now for S$29.90 – save S$20! Or how about a classic long sleeves for men? It is available now for S$12.90 – save S$12!

UNIQLO has 22 outlets islandwide, click here for more details.

4. HADA LABO

Dreaming of a flawless and fair skin? Dream no more. Japan has brought its special formulation to Singapore with Hada Labo’s skin care line. Hada Labo embodies an uncomplicated approach to skin care products with its motto “Nothing More, Nothing Less” being present in their ingredients and product processing. This means that each product is formulated with the suitable ingredients to meet the needs of the consumers. For example, they use Retinol for the anti-aging products and Hyaluronic Acids for the hydrating products.

Their prices are as low as S$12.90 (Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion) and as high as S$32.90 (Arbutin White Essence). Hada Labo is available at all Watsons outlets. Here is a short clip of a Japanese skin care regimen incorporating Hada Labo’s products:

Read More...

Fantastic Tricks To Help You Spend Less

Often you feel confident to change your shopaholic ways. Then, you find yourself stuck with your old and impulsive patterns. The good news is that, it is never too late to change. You can outsmart your mind by tricking it with these simple ways…

1. AVOID SHOPPING WHEN YOU ARE FEELING H-A-L-T

Four common emotions that lead you to overspend are hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness. You must not shop hungry in a grocery store because you would end up buying everything that satisfies your hunger. Same goes for other aspects of shopping, it is best not to shop angry, lonely, and tired.

2. HAVE A 7-DAY MENU PLAN

Are you one of those people that take long in deciding which meal to cook every night? Menu plans will not only save you time but it will also save you money. If you have a menu plan for your meals throughout the week then, you would only spend money on the items that you really need. More so, you will be able to manage your calorie intake to live a healthier lifestyle. Here is a sample 7-day meal menu plan by Anytime Fitness:

mealplanimg

3. SELECT A CLEVER PASSWORD

For the shopping websites that require you to log-in before purchasing, I suggest to use clever passwords related to your long-term goals such as Need$4NewCar or $ave4HOLIDAY. This way, every time you type your password in, you will be reminded to think twice before spending it.

4. WALK OR CYCLE AROUND

Instead of spending money on petrol, walk or use your bicycle around the streets of Singapore. Running errands will not only serve as a good exercise, but it will also make you spend less.

5. NARROW YOUR EXPENSES

When it comes to spending less, do not try to be Jack-of-All-Trades. Instead, narrow your expenses by focusing on two categories that you spend more of such as dining out and groceries. Cut down these expenses by 20-30%. You will feel less overwhelmed and more motivated afterwards.

6. SHOP WITH HIGH-HEELED SHOES

A 2013 study showed that consumers who wore high-heeled shoes are more likely to spend less as they are more focused on maintaining their balance. The effect is the same when you shop after a relaxing yoga class.

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

Follow your 2015 New Year’s Resolution and do your best to spend less and save more for your future! 🙂

Read More...

Instagram-Worthy Hostels In Singapore With Services Under S$28

First, a hostel is a place where a guest can rent a bed while sharing the facilities such as the bathroom, lounge, and kitchen with other guests. So, if you value social interaction rather than privacy then, a hostel is a better and cheaper option for you. Whether you are a tourist looking for new acquaintances or a group of local friends looking for an awesome place to stay for the night, here are affordable yet aesthetically pleasing hostels that are worth to post on Instagram:

1. RUCKSACK INN (LAVENDER STREET)

Singapore’s most award winning hostel chain since 2009 to present, Rucksack Inn at Lavender Street, boasts its convenience as it is just half an hour away from the major tourist attractions such as Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Sentosa, and Chinatown. The place exudes a hip, vibrant, and youthful vibe. Their rooms are fully air-conditioned with Free WiFi connection throughout the building. Also, a simple breakfast will be provided at no charge. Rates start at S$22 per night.

Image Credits: www.rucksackinn.com

Image Credits: www.rucksackinn.com

Location: 280 Lavender Street, Singapore 338800
(Check out more photos or make your booking here: Rucksack Inn, Chinatown, Singapore)

2. BEARY GOOD HOSTEL

A Beary Good Hostel is the good place for a cozy and clean stay. As the name suggests, it is filled with adorable teddy bears. The rooms are painted colorfully in yellow, blue, and green. You and your friends can enjoy appreciating our rich heritage at Chinatown or partying all night with no curfew or extra charges as the hostel’s reception service is open for 24 hours. The rates starting at only S$27 per bed is inclusive of free flow of breakfast, beverage, free local phone calls, WiFi connection, and notebook access. If the weather is not on your side, worry not. You can chill out in the hostel while playing with their board games and console.

Location: 66A and 66B Pagoda Street, Singapore, 059225
(Check out more photos or make your booking here: A Beary Good Hostel, Chinatown, Singapore)

3. MONI GALLERY HOSTEL

For people who are passionate for art like me then, a pleasant stay at the Moni Gallery Hostel is perfect for you. It is not just a hostel; it is an art gallery showcasing artworks that you can purchase. Also, it includes these amenities: reception, art gallery lobby, alfresco pantry, mixed dorm, female dorm, family room, club room, classic room, bathrooms, and reading corner. Price of a bed starts at S$22 per night.

Location: 263 Lavender Street, Singapore 338795
(Check out more photos or make your booking here: Moni Gallery Hostel, Kallang, Singapore)

4. 5 FOOTWAY INN

Interestingly, 5 Footway Inn got its name as the place has a five-foot-wide walkway. They pride themselves in offering comfortable, stylish, and top-rated facilities at a friendly price. With its classically beautiful interior, you will surely feel that it is worth every dollar spent. Rates start at S$22 per night.

Image Credits: www.5footwayinn.com

Image Credits: www.5footwayinn.com

Location: 3 Locations in Singapore, visit here: www.5footwayinn.com
(Check out more photos or make your booking here: 5Footway.inn Project Bugis, Rochor, Singapore)

5. BUNC @ RADIUS HOSTEL

A minimalistic haven filled with monochromatic interior, Bunc @ Radius is suitable for people who seek for serenity and cleanliness. They fuse together the elements of a luxury boutique hotel with the culture of a hostel. Aside from that, they you can enjoy their attraction ticket plus a night accommodation package – hurry as its valid until May 31, 2015 only. Rates start at S$25 per night.

Image Credits: www.bunchostel.com

Image Credits: www.bunchostel.com

Image Credits: www.bunchostel.com

Image Credits: www.bunchostel.com

Locations:
15 Upper Weld Road. Singapore 207372
36 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058670
(Check out more photos or make your booking here: Bunc at Radius Hostel on Clarke Quay, Riverside, Singapore)

Sources: Wikipedia and Travel Fish

[Disclaimer: The prices and information on this article were accurate during the time of writing.]

Read More...

4 Ways To Get Cheap Moving Services In Singapore

Starting a new life as a freshly hired expat or a newlywed couple encourages a new chapter of moving into your new nest. That’s not all, upgrading or downgrading of offices can encourage a relocation plan too. These transitions show that it is important to find efficient moving services at affordable prices. Is that possible in Singapore? Yes it is! Here are the 4 Ways To Get Cheap Moving Services In Singapore…

1. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL MOVING SERVICE

Number 1 may be costly compared to the other ways in this list but it is proven to be the most convenient. Professional movers will not only load your items but they can also pack it for you. In order to get the cheapest option, you must compare the professional moving services available in the market. Take advantage of the free quotations and the current promotions. The average price range of these services is from S$40-100.

Here are some of the moving services dedicated to bring professionalism with the best rates:

a. RENTALORRY 

With authentic high ratings on their Facebook page, Rentalorry Singapore is a transportation and moving company that hires only professional movers for your common house moves or office moves. Their movers also specialize in plants moving and international moves. Rentalorry invests heavily in providing awesome customer service, so liaising and getting free quotations from them will be smooth and hassle free!

Contact +65 6715 1507 or visit rentalorrysingapore.com

b. SHALOM MOVERS

Aiming to provide reliable and fuss-free moving services, Shalom Movers at Kaki Bukit Road, provide several services such as residential moving, office moving, express delivery, and international moving.

Contact +65 6287 6117 or visit shalom.com.sg

2. HAIL A CAB

If you were only moving a certain amount of items (i.e., 2-4 boxes) then, hiring a cab would do the trick. If you are relocating to a relatively short distance then, the ride will only cost you about S$8-15. Here is a comprehensive list of Singapore Taxi services complete with contact numbers and booking fees: taxisingapore.com.

3. RIDE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

One of the cheapest ways to move your items from Point A to Point B is to carry it via MRT or Bus. Although, this can be less convenient as security check guards may want to check your items first. Nonetheless, Singapore’s efficient public transportation will get you there on time.

4. SEEK HELP FROM A FRIEND

If you have a kind-hearted friend that is willing to help you move your stuff by using his or her car then, you are the luckiest of all. A good friend who is willing to make a few rides back and forth without anything in return is a friend for keeps. Give back by cooking a lovely meal for two in your new home.

Image Credits: Alpha via Flickr

Image Credits: Alpha via Flickr

* Update 29 Sep 16: An earlier version of this article includes 3 professional moving services, of which 2 are no longer in operation. We have added Rentalorry which provide a large fleet of transportation vehicles at competitive rate

Read More...