Newbie’s Guide To Collecting Currency In Singapore

Welcome to the wonderful world of currency collection!

History manifested coin and banknote collection as a pastime for scholars. Nowadays, being a scholar is not a mandatory feature of a collector. It is the interest towards currency collecting that drives this hobby into motion.

Banknotes are unique collectible pieces that  embody arts, culture, politics, history, and distinct serial numbers. Coin collecting, on the other hand, has been popular since the medieval times (collected by the European monarchs in 1500s).

As a start, you can collect the banknotes and coins available in Singapore and in the neighboring countries. If you have a limited budget, it is more inexpensive to collect currencies in lower denominations. Joining a currency collection club and attending related exhibitions are useful ways to update your knowledge. For instance, the Singapore Historical Banknote Collections’s Facebook page announced the “Singapore International Coin Fair” last April 1-3. It is a coin and banknotes exhibition that happens only once a year. Follow their page to stay informed.

Newbie collectors are advised to specialize not only because of a tight budget but also because of the opportunity to become an expert on a certain series. Currency collection with a face value can both signify a hobby and an investment.

TYPES OF BANKNOTES

  • UN-CIRCULATED COINS: These notes are taken out from a pack of unused banknotes and are placed carefully in protective holders.
  • COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES: These notes are issued to honor a special event such as the ones issued to celebrate SG50.
  • RARE NOTES: These were created with misprints or errors. Being one of its kind, these are sold at a high premium.
  • NOTES WITH DISTINCTIVE MARKS: These are notes with distinctive logos, commemorative text, and serialized numbering of notes printed.
  • NOTES WITH LIMITED CIRCULATION: These are sought after notes due to its limited supply.
  • NOTES WITH AUSPICIOUS NUMBERS: In the Chinese culture, there is a widespread belief of auspicious or lucky numbers. These auspicious feature can only be found in notes where numbers are serialized.

TYPES OF COINS

  • SINGAPORE CIRCULATION COINS: A complete set of all the coins in Singapore must start in 1967. There are 6 denomination of coins in circulation such as 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and $1.
  • CIRCULATION COINS: One of the least expensive and the most popular collection among beginners.
  • EARLY COINAGE OF SINGAPORE: These are the coins issued before the formation of the Republic (expanding way back to 1819).
  • NUMISMATIC & COMMEMORATIVE COINS: These are released occasionally at various times of the year.
  • COINS BY THEME: These are collectible coins with themes such as people, endangered species, sports, and many more.
  • BULLION COINS: These coins are mainly minted with gold, silver, and other precious metals. They are sold at premiums marginally above their “gold content” to entice investors.
Image Credits: facebook.com/SingaporeCoinsAndNotesMuseum

Image Credits: facebook.com/SingaporeCoinsAndNotesMuseum

Sources: 1 & 2

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(CBD Area) Places Where Overworked Singaporeans Can Relax

The focal point of the financial and commercial centers in Singapore is called the Central Business District (CBD). To name a few, CBD includes Raffles Place, River Valley, Orchard, and Outram. Some of the most prestigious organizations both local and international have their offices compressed in this area.

Since most of the people here are hard-working employees, it is ideal to take a rejuvenating break every once in a while. If you agree, consider these nearby affordable places:

RULE OF THUMB

Close to the business offices is a neat and modern spa called Rule of Thumb. Do you want to see the spa for yourself? Click here for a panoramic view of the interior.

Price range for 60 minutes Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Back, or Body Scrub is S$55-S$60. While add-on services such as cupping, ear candling, and magic light therapy are only S$15. Stuck at work? Worry not. It is opened until 4 am every day!

Location: 289 Beach Road, #01-01, Singapore 199552

MANICURIOUS

Located at 41 Beach Road, Manicurious may just be a woman’s paradise. It is a unique store that combines a nail salon with a cafe corner and a retail section offering shoes, accessories, and handbags. The interior of the store is relaxing, vintage, and neat. You will surely feel cozy in their armchairs while you choose from an array of polish colors. Their reasonable service prices (e.g., express manicure or nail shaping) start at S$6-18 while add-ons (e.g., hand scrub or quick dry) prices start at S$3-8.

What’s more? They have 10% off nail services from Monday to Thursday at 11 am-4 pm (T&C apply).

Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Location: 41 Beach Road, Singapore 189680

TRADITIONAL JAVANESE MASSAGE HUT

As the name implies, Traditional Javanese Massage Hut offers an ancient system of oil massage by predominantly using strokes with strong thumb pressure to ease joint and muscle fatigue and soreness. There are five types that costs S$65 for 60 minutes. These are Hut 67 (signature service that is highly recommended), Smooth and Soothe, Back Breaker, Tired Feet, and Stress Buster.

Location: 415 River Valley Road, Singapore 248314

PHYSIQUE

Reach your body’s finest state with the services provided by Physique. Aside from the Cryotherapy they are known for, they also offer “power nap services”

Physique offers the one of a kind cold therapy called Cryotherapy. But they also offer power nap services. Upon paying S$28 for 30 minutes, you will be placed on a recliner and given free access on leisure items such as iPad and magazines. Enjoy a nap within your “own” space by calling 6532 0777 for an appointment.

Location: 05-17, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Eggciting And Affordable Places To Be On Easter

We are days away from Easter! It is the time for Easter bunnies, egg hunting, high teas, and family gatherings. Celebrate this special occasion of hope and fun in one of these four exciting places, which will cost you under S$50.

1. SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT

Spanning approximately 520 hectares, “The Great Egg-Venture at Sentosa Harbourfront” proves to be Singapore’s largest egg hunt. From the top of Mount Faber to the Sentosa Island itself, participants shall hunt for 60 eggs. The eggs were beautifully hand-painted by the artists from Affordable Art Fair, the students from Temasek Polytechnic, and the youths from FamChamps.

These eggs are not hard to miss as they each have a height of 1.8 meters. More than S$50,000 worth of prizes awaits you! Beyond this, your family can enjoy several activities at the Sentosa Egg Fiesta – Garden Edition.

Website: thegreateggventure.com
Price/s: Free

2. CHIJMES

Hop into The Lawn as CHIJMES brings you a hit Easter Party. Start the day with a high tea suitable for adults and children. Then help your children find the Easter eggs containing various prizes such as S$100 worth of dining vouchers. After hunting some lucky eggs, let your kids play on the bouncy castle and get their faces painted for free!

Tickets are available at the concierge counter daily.

Website: chijmes.com.sg/easter-tea-party
Price/s: S$10/person for the Easter High Tea, S$5 for Easter Egg Hunt, S$5 for Easter Egg Painting

3. HOLIDAY INN SINGAPORE

Window on the Park’s “A Cracking Easter Celebration” will delight your tummies as you feast on hearty roasts, local favorites, sumptuous desserts, and more. From Sautéed Beef with Spring Root Vegetables to Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Pumpkin, Holiday Inn has got you covered for lunch or dinner. To embrace the spirit of this joyous occasion, there will be fun activities such as Easter egg painting. Deviating from the public, their Easter celebration is set on 31st March.

Website: ihg.com
Price/s: S$35 nett for lunch and S$40 nett for dinner

4. SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE

For adults, celebrate Easter on a uniquely exhilarating note by plunging into the WET® Pool deck to participant in an aquatic egg hunt. In the “Eggxotic Summer Pool Party”, guests are welcome to sink or float to find a basketful of 100 eggs submerged in the pool. Win a myriad of EASTERRIFIC prizes such as a staycation at W Singapore, dining treats at SKIRT, and a lovely experience at WOOBAR.

On 26th March, the party will continue to turn up as DJs Shigeki, Patrick Oliver, and MR HAS will be mixing the beats all day!

Website: wsingaporesentosacove.com/en/EggxoticSummer
Price/s: S$35 nett (inclusive of a drink and pool access)

Source: Silver Kris

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5 Simple Ways To Curb Your Online Shopping Tendencies

Almost every Singaporean loves to shop! When the convenience of online shopping was introduced, sales soared higher. Online shopping can be a delightful experience however, it can cause a major financial problem.

If your closet is bursting at the seams and your debt is piling up due to online shopping, then it is time to control your shopping tendencies. Start with these simple ways:

1. DO NOT SHOP WHILE TIRED OR TIPSY

According to Psychologist Graham Jones, author of Click.ology, making buying decisions when you are tired or tipsy can lead to regretful purchases. Instead, he suggests for you to reserve the item to the cart and revisit it the next morning. Once you are mindful about your online shopping, you will be able to make better decisions.

2. AVOID CLICKBAITS

Seeing a huge banner ad of the latest IPhone is not a sign from the universe that they are meant for you, they are simply clickbaits. Clickbaits have the sole purpose to attract visitors and draw attention to a particular website. To keep you from getting tempted, clear your browser’s history and cookies or download an App that blocks advertisements.

3. UNSUBSCRIBE FROM EVERYTHING

A surefire way to cut down your online shopping tendencies is to unsubscribe from all the promotional emails. Marking them as “spam” or “trash” will not stop them, instead you must go straight to the “unsubscribe link” and follow the steps. Unsubscribe to flash sales and auction sites as these are some of the most addictive shopping sites.

4. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY FREE SHIPPING

If you saw an online shop that offers free shipping, consider the extra costs of that deal. For instance, retailers may set minimum-order rules for free shipping or they may charge you for return policies. Add up the product price plus the extra fees first before making a purchase.

5. DELETE THE SHOPPING APPS

Shopping apps are tempting for all consumers and not just the addicts! The convenience of shopping at one’s fingertips as well as swift online payments have helped increase the online shopping tendencies of many. As everything is convenient, there is only a small room for contemplation and clearer decision-making. Hence, you must delete the shopping apps from all your devices.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Ways To Get Cheap And Affordable Spa Facial Services In Singapore

1. ENJOY AN AWARD-WINNING CUSTOMISED 90-MINS FACIAL AT $88

Looking for good facial treatment in Singapore? My Cozy Room, an award-winning luxury boutique spa near Orchard Road, is offering their highly-raved facial treatment for just $88 (U.P. $188) if you are a first-time customer residing in Singapore.

Known for their best Extraction Facial in Singapore, you can expect relatively painless extraction to treat acne clogged pores, blackheads and pimples. They have certified professional therapists with years of experience in treating customers skin problems on-site, so you’re definitely in good hands.

What are you waiting for? Take a break from the daily grind and indulge in this ultimate luxury session at the trial price of just $88!

For more information, click here to register for interest.

2. GO CRAZY FOR FAVE DEALS

Fave is probably my all time favorite shopping companion. Used by many Singaporeans, MYFAVE.COM is a website that offers discounted deals on events, luxury goods, bags, watches, beauty products, lifestyle services, and getaways. I recommend going for these current deals below that range for only S$18-48.

3. LOOK FOR FACIALS UNDER S$100

You do not need to break the bank to get quality spa treatment. Do not worry about spending a hefty amount of money as most of these place do not require you to buy packages. Although, you have to book in advance to guarantee your spot.

a. SG FACE

With more than a decade of beauty therapy experience, Michelle Foong of SG Face relies on the trusted power of recommendations. While their services are affordable, German brand Babor is used in the treatments. Try the 60-minute Deep Cleansing Facial for S$48 (first trial only) or the 90-minute Hydration Facial for S$70 (first trial only).

b. FLARE WELLNESS

For the organic-junkies, you will love the Flare Wellness beauty salon. According to their website, they have an ongoing promotion for the “Organic Refresh Vitamin C Facial” for S$98. It is a brightening, firming, lifting, and anti-ageing treatment that refreshes your face immediately. Also, it includes a complimentary foot massage!

c. CHEZ MOI DE BEAUTE

Chez Moi de Beaute uses another German brand called Phyris. What separates it from the most is their friendly and experienced staff that explain each step so you will not get surprised with all the sensations. Currently, they have a promotion on the “Mix & Match Facial” and the “Mix & Match Power Facial” that is valid until 30th April.

Mix & Match Facial for S$48, tailors the treatment for your skin’s needs. While the Mix & Match Power Facial for S$68, allows the therapist to choose from 6 serums to treat your skin concerns. You will get the most out of your dollar as these treatments last for 75 minutes.

4. LASTLY, SELF-SERVICE

If your budget for a spa-quality facial is less than S$20 then, try the magical services provided by you! Forget spending time and money at your local spa as you can pamper yourself with homemade facial masks. May this simple guide help you to get started.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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