The eerie time of the year will grace our calendars once again. Yes! Halloween is just around the corner. And, when it comes to purchasing decorations and costumes that are around your budget, here are 4 shops you can visit:
1. SPOTLIGHT
A popular crafts hub, Spotlight sells different kinds of inexpensive Halloween decorations, table dressings, cake decorations, ribbons, novelty toys, party favors, and candies. All the crafts materials that you will ever need could be found here. Take advantage of their current sale of up to 25% off on all costumes and accessories!
If all the party goods in a shop cost S$2, you may never want to leave. Daiso offers Halloween decorations, toys for give away, glowing materials, and so much more. From spooky decorations to pumpkin holders and delicious candies, splurge on these timely treats and give them to the kids knocking on your door.
Daiso has several outlets in Singapore. Locate the nearest one, here.
3. CRATE & BARREL
Speaking of Halloween decorations, get designer pieces at reasonable prices inside the Crate & Barrel store. Crate & Barrel is full of beautiful festive items for Halloween. Kicking it off is a set of 20 Black Cats Paper Beverage Napkins. Also, you may serve appetizers in a beautiful glazed pumpkin plate designed by Barbara Eigen.
Image Credits: crateandbarrel.com
4. THE PARTY STUFF
The Party Stuff offers affordable decorations, balloons, tableware, party favors, cake decorations, and costumes.What I like about The Party Stuff is that they have party decorations for a wide selection of themes such as: Plaid Baby, Sports & Army Camouflage, Hawaii & Poker Night, Princess, and Superheroes. So, you will be able to customize your Halloween party.
Decorate your place by adding approximately 4 feet long white spiderweb for only S$2.95 per 20 grams or by adding reusable giant spider web with 4 spiders for S$13.90.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
The Party Stuff has 4 outlets nationwide, visit: thepartystuff.com.sg for more details.
When your hands grace the manes of multiple women and men for about 10 years, chances are…you will have some pretty interesting stories as well as insider tips to tell. And, that is what Ning Agoncillo shared with me the other day. Luckily for you, I am willing to share all her efficient hair tips for free!
1. SAVE ON ADD-ONS
If the salon that you frequent charges you with the shampoo and conditioner whenever you are getting a haircut, save on the add-ons by showering at home. Not only will you save cash but you will also save precious time.
2. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE NAMES
Different salons have different names for the same treatments. For instance one salon may call it Keratin Treatment while the other can call it Reborn Treatment. You must take the responsibility to inquire about the treatment process beforehand in order to compare the salons and to get the best price.
3. EVERYTHING CAN BE REPAIRED
Ning Agoncillo is one of those people who spend years perfecting their craft!
And, given the years of experience and education, she imparts that a good hairdresser is able to repair anything. If your hair has been suffering dryness and frizziness for years, do not fret because it can still become healthy! If you dyed your hair with the wrong shade, do not worry. You can outgrow and re-dye your hair.
4. YOUR HAIR CUT MUST COMPLEMENT YOUR FACE SHAPE
Your hair cut must complement and frame your face well. Square-shaped faces must keep their hair long with layers in order to highlight their face. Also, it is a must to avoid short hair cuts. While for people with round-shaped faces, getting a pixie cut is a good idea. And for heart-shaped faces, a medium hair cut with uniform layers will look nice.
5. KNOW THESE IF YOU ARE GETTING A TREATMENT
If you are getting a treatment, do know that you will stretch your dollar as well as maximize its effects if you steamed your hair in the process.
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
6. YOU SHALL NOT INVEST ON EXPENSIVE SCISSORS
Investing on expensive stylist’s scissors is not advisable if you are not a professional or if you are not studying to become one. This is because the scissors need preservation techniques such as keeping it cool or not lending it to others in order to maintain its perfect setting.
In Psychology, the color green signifies harmony, balance, and growth. It has been the fixed color of important objects such as money and the Earth itself. In fact, the green lifestyle has been encouraged all over the world but, one of the longest running eco-friendly campaigns is found in our country. The Clean & Green Singapore launched the Clean and Green Week campaign in 1990 and since then, Singaporeans were inspired to protect the environment.
That said, here are the top 7 green things every Singaporean must try:
FOOD
1. VIETNAMESE FOOD
Serving meals that are mostly low in fat, gluten-free, MSG-free, and rich in vitamins and minerals…Vietnamese food proved to be a healthy cuisine above the rest. In the heart of the city center, you will find a store called Wrap & Roll. The first to serve freshly made steamed rice paper rolls; Wrap & Roll offers casual yet genuine Vietnamese dining experience. They serve morning tea to start your relaxing day. You shall expect tasty dishes at the affordable price range of S$7-20. Call 6694 4111 for reservations and enquiries.
Image Credits: facebook.com/wrap.roll.sg
2. PICKLED GREEN CHILI
How do I begin to tell you how much chilies are adorned here? Let me start by saying that it complements most of the flavors of Singaporean and Malaysian noodles very well especially with Wanton noodles. You can make your own pickled green chilies by following the simple steps here.
3. ORGANIC GROCERY SHOPPING
Looking for an organic grocery that is within your budget? Look no further as local groceries such as Green Circle Eco Farm and Quan Fa Organic Farm have you covered.
A place with luscious greenery and farm animals, Green Circle Eco Farm not only welcomes educational tours for the public and schools but it also sells food without artificial chemicals and pesticides. These produce are mostly locally grown. There is a minimum amount of S$30 for home deliveries of products listed on their vegetables, fruit, herbs, and condiments tabs. Delivery fee of S$5 is one of the lowest delivery service among other organic groceries in Singapore. Visit Green Circle Eco Farm at 41 Neo Tiew Road Singapore 719028 or at greencircle.com.sg.
While, Quan Fa Organic Farm abstains from the use of pesticides and harmful fertilizers. They offer about 40 varieties of hard vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, and fruits that are from our local roots. Aside from Asian produce, they also sell imported organic produce from Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. Their products are at available at Sheng Siong outlets. Visit Quan Fa Organic Farm at 35 Murai Farmway Singapore 709145 or at quanfaorganic.com.sg.
DECORATIONS
4. POT OF GREENS
Instead of purchasing the S$299 branded air purifier, go natural and grow your own succulents. Plants are more than just decorations as it can improve the air quality in your home by absorbing dangerous toxins. Go for the inexpensive and easy to maintain plants such as ferns, green spider plants, English Ivy and dracaenas. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed. My personal picks for affordable plants are from Far East Flora and Chye Heng Orchid Garden.
5. GREEN ORGANIZER
GLES box from IKEA Singapore is the perfect organizer for your food, gardening tools, sports equipments, school books, laundry, and other accessories. We have one at home and it has been useful for over 4 years. What is shocking is that it is priced at S$1.90 a piece.
ATTRACTIONS
6. SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
Whether you are on a date with a special someone or yourself, nothing beats a refreshing day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG). Sandwiched between the busy vicinities of Bukit Timah Road and Holland Road, the SBG is opened from 5 am all year round. Feel the chirping of the birds, the sound of the crickets, and the hush of the trees as you enter the garden – for free!
7. FIVE GARDENS AT CHANGI AIRPORT
Aside from the SBG, every “Type A” individuals on the go can relax at the five indoor gardens located at the Changi Airport. These are namely: Cactus Garden (T1), Orchid Garden (T2), Fern Garden (T2), Sunflower Garden (T2), and the Butterfly Gardens (T3). While you are in there, enjoy the breath of fresh air, may your kids count the species of succulents and take colorful selfies that you can upload right away because of the Free WiFi!
I smiled when I saw the definition of the word “toy” at dictionary.com. According to it, toys are supposed to serve as a diversion rather than practicality. It is also an object that typically represents something familiar for children or others to play with. As a children’s teacher I can vouch for that meaning. Sometimes, we use toys to divert the kids’ attention while we prepare for the class. I am sure some moms use toys as a distraction for them to do chores too!
If toys are so helpful and pervasive, are there cheaper alternatives? Fortunately, there are. You can use your imagination and creativity to make handmade toys. Not only can you save more money but you can also increase the toys’ safety.
Two types of toys are mainly in the market today namely: educational toys and entertaining toys. Let us start with the latter…
FUN TOYS
1. MADE OF MILK CARTON
It is vital for kids to consume more milk in order for their bones to grow stronger. And, after they finished the whole carton, do not throw it just yet. You can transform an empty milk carton into a sailboat that can survive sizable splashes of water.
Have you ever played Jenga or Tumbling Towers? It is a fun game that you and your little ones can get addicted to. But, a new box can cost over S$19. Save more money while retaining its structure by making block pieces out of sponges.
Have you saved up old newspapers, shoeboxes, and rubber bands? Well, you can turn those things into an old-fashioned toy guitar. Browse here for full instructions.
SMART TOYS
1. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S TOUCHING SENSATIONS
Various childcare and preschool centers include sensory tables to improve the fine motor skills and touching sensations of the young minds. Make your own by taking a simple wooden base out of a plastic bin. Then, you can fill it with colorful beads, dried beans, handful of rice, and so much more. This set toy will keep your child occupied for hours!
2. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S VISUO-SPATIAL AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
Say the weather is not friendly enough to go to the nearby playground, what you can do is to round-up your kids, take a large sheet of paper, and several shaped blocks. Then, challenge them into a giant block puzzle. Let them figure it out on their own. Full instructions – here.
3. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S PHONETICS
A toy made out of inexpensive materials can go a long way in terms of improving your child’s language abilities. Repeat the letters and add sounds as you read along the alphabet board (full instructions – here).
Image Credits: nicandkate09.blogspot.com
Also, you can incorporate magnetic letters for your child to match it with the alphabet board accordingly. This activity is both educational and enjoyable!
Reminder: Although the ingredients and materials used are safe, it is still essential to look after your child from time to time to avoid any unforeseen events.
After months of wrestling with tight deadlines, multiple assignments, and crucial projects…you deserve a peaceful rest. A weekend retreat will help! There are different kinds of retreat. While some are spiritually rooted (e.g., in Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Sufi communities), others are for recreational purposes.
A recreational and wellness retreat is a short getaway with a goal to improve your overall health. Activities such as Yoga, meditation, workshops, and organic dining are usually included in the mix. Its average price ranges from S$700-3,000.
Luckily for you, you can take your mind and body to a rejuvenating retreat without flying off the shores of Bali or spending more than S$15. All you have to do is to create your own retreat within the walls of your own home.
1. SET THE POSITIVE MOOD
Kick off your weekend of relaxation by setting up a positive mood. Aromatherapy has been proven to enhance one’s physical and psychological well being. Scented candles ranging from S$2.90-4.90 are available at IKEA.
Eliminate your daily stress by practicing Yoga in the morning and before you end the day. Practicing at home along with a video or audio guide is definitely more cost-effective than attending classes. Websites such as doyogawithme.com and kinoyoga.com have abundant collection of Free Yoga videos and health information that you may use.
If you are in need of yoga props, here are some tips as shared by Abby Lentz (Founder of HeavyWeight Yoga classes):
a. Yoga Blocks
Make a handcrafted Yoga Block with bulky, unused, or old books, yellow pages, phone books, and dictionaries. Just slip a pace of hard cardboard halfway between the pages of the book to make it sturdy and tightly tape the entire areas close.
b. Yoga Straps
Make your own Yoga strap by knotting two neckties together. You may also use a second-hand bathrobe sash from the thrift shop as branded Yoga straps are merely made with cotton straps and buckles.
3. TAKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Include at least 30 minutes of cardio exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, and cycling outdoors. These no-cost exercises done in the nearest park will help lower your blood pressure and improve your outlook in life.
4. LOCK DOWN ALL DEVICES
In the spirit of a true retreat, turn off all your devices for the whole weekend but, inform your boss prior to it. Avoid the laptops, tablets, and hand phones to decrease your worries and improve your sleep.
5. MEDITATE FOR 10 MINUTES
Through meditation and mindfulness, you will be focusing yourself to your present state. This improves your quality of life. In fact, a study showed that there was a reduction of grey matter’s amount in the brain after 8 weeks of meditation. This later resulted to less stress and anxiety.
To detox your body even more, it is a must to eat healthy food for the entire weekend. Shy away from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and too much sugar. Make an affordable yet healthy smoothie by following these steps by Jasmith1:
a. Pour 300 ml of Apple juice into the measuring jug.
b. Peel a Banana and break it into pieces. Add this to the jug.
c. Grab a handful of frozen Berries and add this to the jug.
d. Liquidate everything using a hand blender until it is fully blended.
Anna Agoncillo
