With the influx and the variety of the restaurants, cafes, and other eateries island-wide, it is always a good time to dine out at the Red Dot. But…this does not mean that you can freely eat unhealthily or splurge a lot.
Here are 5 ways to work around it:
1. MAKE IT A HABIT TO SEARCH IN ADVANCE
Before dining in the restaurant, make it a habit to check their menu online. Websites such as sg.openrice.com, yelp.com.sg, or hungrygowhere.com can help you locate a restaurant, identify its menu, and give you an estimate of the average spending. This will help you make tastier, healthier, and cheaper decisions.
2. CONSIDER ORDERING A MEAL
Imagine being in an affordable buffet with all the calorie-rich food available at your arm’s length. It sounds tempting doesn’t it? Yet your health may be at cost. Instead of always opting for a buffet, consider ordering a single meal that is packed with nutrients!
3. DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THE APPETIZERS
Even if the restaurant appetizers are free, do your best to skip it as some of it are packed with calories. Appetizers are also made to fool your brain unto consuming more food that you intend.
Image Credits: wEnDy via Flickr
4. CHEW SLOWLY
Indulge and savour the taste of your food. Eating slowly will help you realize that you are actually satiated. Thus, you will eat and purchase just enough or even less.
5. CHOOSE YOUR DESSERTS AND SALADS WISELY
I know I am not the only one who shares a deep fondness for desserts. A delectably sweet cake drizzled with tasty toppings can make you hungry for more. Although it is tempting, it is important to watch your sugar intake. Opt for lighter dessert choices such as sorbets or fruits. As for the salads, be mindful of the creamy toppings and the dressings.
Image Credits: Ralph Daily via Flickr
With these simple ways, your tummy and your wallet will definitely be happy!
Singapore is a haven for not only the food or fashion lovers but also for the digital savvy. That being said, most of the tourists that come to the Lion City are in search of the cheapest and the best electronics available. Fortunately, most if not all, provide you with the documents to claim the 7% GST from the Changi Airport. All you have to do is ask for it politely!
If you are set to buy quality yet reasonably priced Camera or Camera accessories, here are the Perfect Places To Buy Cheap Camera And Accessories In Singapore…
1. FUNAN DIGITALLIFE MALL
Topping the list is the famous Funan DigitalLife Mall. Funan DigitalLife Mall houses a variety of electronic stores with products at inexpensive yet competitive prices. These stores offer Cameras, DSLRs, Camera lenses, and more. One store that stocks ThinkTank Camera bags is the TK Foto at #02-14 and #02-38/41.ThinkTank bags are low profile and high-capacity bags suited for mirror-less Camera gear.
Rest assured that you would not be a victim of scam at the Funan DigitalLife Mall because its stores follow Singapore’s trading standards.
2. CATHAY PHOTO
One of Singapore’s trusted Camera stores is the Cathay Photo. Established in 1959, Cathay Photo offers an impressive range of Still-Cameras, Video Cameras, and professional studio equipments among others. They strive to give the best photographic equipments by importing from international brands and by widening their range of products.
The DLSR Cameras with HD video capabilities include brands such as Rotolight, Zacuto, Kessler Crane, and Steadicam. Accessories that they sell include lenses & filters, light modifiers, Camera straps, and Camera bags. They have two outlets with the Peninsular Plaza being a few steps away from Funan DigitalLife Mall. See the full locations here.
3. CEE SHOW AND IT SHOW
IT Show 2015 may have pass last March but shopping for attractive deals on electronics does not stop there! This May 29-31, CEE (Consumer Electronics Exhibition) Show will give you great deals on electronics, all in one place – Suntec Singapore.
For 3 days, you can get huge savings on your electronic lifestyle needs ranging from Digital Cameras to the latest touchscreen and LED displays. Also, you can trade-in your used or faulty electronics (e.g., laptops, tablets, and smartphones) to get up to S$1,200 worth of vouchers. Interested to trade-in? Get a quote by filling their form here: http://pcdreams.com.sg/CEE/ The best thing about CEE Show 2015 is not only can you get up to 90% off but admission is also Free!
Are you in need of party supplies to use for the Birthday or the Mother’s Day coming up? What if you are hosting a themed party at home? You will need a variety of dramatic, novelty, or scary decorations of course. Whether you are hosting a safari-themed Birthday or a floral Mother’s Day celebration, here are the Best Shops For Wallet-Friendly Party Supplies In Singapore…
1. DAISO
If all the party goods in a shop cost S$2, you may never want to leave. Daiso offers party decorations, toys for give away, and glowing materials. You may buy a banner that says: “Happy Birthday” or “Happy Mother’s Day” to decorate your feast wall. Daiso has 7 outlets nationwide including one in Vivocity, IMM Building, and Plaza Singapura.
2. SPOTLIGHT
A popular crafts hub, Spotlight sells different kinds of inexpensive party decorations, table dressings, cake decorations, ribbons, toys, and candies. All the crafts materials that you will ever need could be found here.
Image Credits: spotlight.com.sg
Location: 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, Level 5
3. CAROUSELL
You would be surprise that Carousell, a mobile marketplace for bargain items, sells several party supplies too. My favorite item is the “Colourful Paper Straws For Party” priced at S$3/25 straws.
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. They offer party decorations, balloons, tableware, party favors, cake decorations, and costumes.
For S$5.95, you can buy the “Boom Wow Confetti Butterfly”: a handheld confetti cannon launching colorful Butterflies in the air. Also, take advantage of their Mother’s Day special 18″ balloons for S$7.90.
MTRADE is an online novelty wholesale store in Singapore. This store has countless of goods to offer including Personalized Party Items, Party Favors, Party Accessories, Stationery Gifts, Inflatable Items, Games, Tableware, Cake Decoration, and Confetti. These are sold at very affordable prices of course! For example, 8 pieces of party hats costs about S$3.50-6.90 while a piece range costs about S$0.40-1.30. I recommend their Glow Stick Bracelets sold at S$4.50/45 pieces.
Image Credits: mtradenoveltystore.com
With its organized website at mtradenoveltystore.com, you can either shop by price or shop by category.
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…
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
MUJI has 9 outlets islandwide, click here for more details.
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).
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?
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anna Agoncillo
