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Smart Ways To Spend Your S$2 At Daiso

#1: KITCHEN CLIPS

All of us want to maintain the freshness of food. Personally, I do not want to eat chips that lost its crunchiness. To protect your leftover food, you may seal them with Daiso’s Kitchen Clips.

#2: MAGTOOLS JAR OPENERS

When was the last time you asked someone for help to open a stubborn jar or water bottle? This experience happens frequently to me. To make my life easier, I considered buying a lid opener. Daiso houses a specific brand for its jar openers – the Magtools. This tool does not require having powerful muscles!

Image Credits: amazon.com

#3: HEAT PACKS

Nothing screams value for your money louder than Daiso’s compressed heat packs for S$2. From adjusting your temperature in cold countries to aiding in your sick child’s fever, heat packs have many uses. It works in a matter of minutes!

#4: JAPANESE CANDIES

My fondness for Japanese candies started last Christmas. I was gifted a bag filled with Japanese candies including the brand Hi-Chew. Popular locally and internationally, Hi-Chew is a soft fruity candy that you can eat during your commute. Parents may also use it as a reward for a well-behaved child.Paying S$2 is not a huge price to pay for its multiple uses.

Image Credits: hi-chew.com

#5: BATHROOM LAUNDRY HOOKS

For students who reside in dormitories, you put laundry hooks inside your bathroom to save some space. You can hung your delicate (or costly) items inside your house without having to worry about it. Besides, it only costs S$2!

#6: EGG TIMER

As soon as my beloved co-worker arrives, she sets her alarm to six minutes and boils her two eggs. It takes 6 minutes to reach the consistency that she desires. I am planning to purchase Daiso’s adorable egg timer to help her eat perfect hard-boiled in the mornings.

Image Credits: imgur.com

#7: ERASERS

I noticed that Japanese erasers are well-made. In Daiso, look for the Mono and Matomaru erasers and skip on the adorable shapes (e.g., sushi and dog erasers). The latter may look cute but, it does not provide the best performance.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

Budget-Friendly Tips On Maintaining Sustainable Fashion

As I was exploring the possibilities of becoming a Minimalist, I came across a YouTuber who declared her love for sustainable fashion. She was aiming to build a limited closet which included timeless pieces. She stressed on the importance of to re-wearing such items for the next 3 years or so.

Sustainable Fashion, also termed as Eco Fashion, is a part of the growing design philosophy that creates a system supporting social responsibility and environmental impact. When it comes to clothing, you can make sustainable choices too! Start with these tips:

#1: DITCH FAST FASHION BRANDS

Wouldn’t you jump for joy upon scoring an eleven-dollar blouse at Zara? I certainly did. There was an underlying reason behind its cheap price tag. Many fast fashion brands outsource their labor overseas. Furthermore, they use cheaper materials that can easily fall apart after multiple washes. Opt for fabrics that are made from eco-friendly materials such as silk, soy, hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Singapore’s abundant line-up of fast fashion brands include Zara, Topshop, H&M, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Forever 21, and Uniqlo. These brands persuade you to purchase a volume of trendy pieces due to its year-long sales. Try to invest on quality over quantity instead.

#2: CREATE A SHARED CLOSET

A surefire way to diminish the need to purchase a new clothing article is by borrowing one. Siblings, cousins, and friends often embrace the idea of sharing clothes with each other. You may even swap your clothes or give out your unworn items.

You can take advantage of a shared closet during rare occassions such as a themed wedding. You do not want to end up with a landfill of bridesmaid dresses like the protagonist from the movie 27 Dresses!

#3: SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Significant change starts with your sustainable choices. Make it a habit to support local products. Not only are you helping our economy but, you are also helping reduce the carbon footprints created by vehicles. Use the same philosophy when you travel. Purchase from the local weavers, jewelry artists, and shoemakers.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pg/zhaiecocollection

Eco-friendly Singaporean brands include Zhai and Etrican. Zhai is Singapore’s first boutique that carries clothing made from bamboo fiber. Nestled in the hippie streets of Haji Lane, it is the ideal choice for sustainable fashionistas. The later, Etrican, claims to be the pioneer in eco-friendly clothing in Singapore. See for yourself!

Sources: 1 &2

Your Makeup Obsession Can Earn You Cash

How many ways can you earn money from your addiction or enthusiasm for makeup? Well, let me count the ways.

#1: BY KEEPING A GROOMING REGIMEN

Bodies of literature have proven that good-looking individuals have an advantage in the workplace. It was found that “attractive individuals earn roughly 20% more than people of average attractiveness.” Aside from attractiveness, grooming affect the rewards. Women’s earnings, in particular, benefit from good grooming.

#2: BY OFFERING REASONABLY-PRICED MAKEOVERS

If your friends or co-workers have been highlighting how well you apply your own makeup then, you can put your artistic talent into good use! Offer makeovers as a regular side gig. You may either set up a small station at your home or set up a station at your client’s home. Offer a reasonable rate as you are starting a new business.

#3: BY BECOMING A BRAND AMBASSADOR

A brand ambassador directly interacts with the consumers as she or he sells household, beauty, or health products. You may join Avon’s or Mary Kay’s legion of independent ambassadors. Becoming a brand ambassador or a sales representative allows you to have the freedom to design a schedule that works for you without thinking of building a business from ground up.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: BY WRITING ABOUT BEAUTY

Turn your cosmetics hobby into a sserious business by establishing a beauty blog. Put time and effort into cultivating your followers and boosting your views. Use your unique interest for makeup to build a fan base. Once all is set, brands will reach out to you for sponsorship deals and other advertisements. You may market your blog too.

#5: BY SELLING YOUR UNOPENED ITEMS

Much like my sister, many makeup obsessed individuals buy certain products that they may never use. She is tempted to visit Sephora every pay day. Moreover, she does not want to let a huge discount pass. She cannot be the only one!

You probably bought a product on a whime and you realized that it does not suit you. Instead of letting it gather dust along with a pile of underused items, you may sell these products online. Post a high-resolution photo along with a convincing caption at Carousell or Gumtree. Interested parties will message you soon.

#6: BY PERSONALLY SHOPPING FOR SOMEONE

Let us face it! Navigating the beauty aisles is second nature to you. With an utter fondness for cosmetics, you may use your skills as a personal shopper. Offer professional services to your relatives, friends, and co-workers. You can either charge per trip or per hour.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Please put the volume of items as well as the shop’s location into consideration.

Sources:1 &2

5 Everyday Items That You Must Splurge On

EARPHONES

I have learned my lesson. I will no longer waste my money on seemingly fashionable yet cheap earphones. I got tired of replacing the ones that I recently bought at an artsy bazaar or a festive market. So, I focused on browsing some premium earphones. It made a huge difference! In fact, my current earphones has been with me for about two years.

Consider making the switch! Look for an earphones that possess amazing sound quality, decent microphone sensitivity, and well-made wires. I know that some people prefer flat wires to prevent the hassle of tangled wires. Note that there are certain brands with lifetime warranty such as JLab Audio. Before making a purchase, educate yourself about these things by reading online reviews.

PRESCRIPTION SPECTACLES

Half of my life was spent on constant trips to the nearby optical shops. Changing my look became a subtle hobby of mine. I either steer away or hop aboard the bandwagon when it comes to the style of my frames. I cannot be the only one!

The prevalence of shortsightedness or Myopia among Singaporean children was considered as one of the highest in the world. For a trait embedded in our genes, many of us are in need of prescription eye-wear. A lifetime eye-wear supply may poke a hole in your pocket, but it does not have to!

Purchasing your specs online may be cheaper and more convenient. However, it may not withstand the test of time. You will have to constantly replace your frames or lenses to compensate for its lack of quality. It is a good idea to invest on quality prescription spectacles that your specialist recommends.

COSMETICS

The beauty industry generates billions each year. I cannot deny how crazy consumers can get when Sephora Singapore announced their Christmas Sale that offer up to 50% off. Brands such as Too Faced, Urban Decay, Fresh, Nyx, and Tarte can be easily spotted in the sale racks. For a makeup enthusiast such as myself, I quickly grabbed the shopping basket!

Why is it important for you to purchase high-quality cosmetics? For starters, it is something that you apply to your face on a daily basis. It is hard to hide an irritated or a wounded face due to cheap makeup. Invest on high-end products every once in a while. Pretty soon, you will see your collection growing and your skin glowing. Consider foundations or tinted moisturizers from Laura Mercier, Bare Minerals, and Bobbi Brown.

KITCHEN KNIVES

Rather than frequenting the restaurants or hawker centres, cooking for your family can stretch your dollars. Knives are among the essential tools in the kitchen. The basic collection includes a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. A dull knife takes you back to the caveman era. While, a sharp knife can last you for a lifetime. Remember that all blades can be sharpened. However, some blades dull faster than others.

Look for reliable knives that may last you for a lifetime. Consider notable brands such as Victorinox and Cangshan.

SOCKS

Socks are prevalent in the workplace and school environments. Students and employees regularly change their socks to accompany their trusty shoes. I remember using antimicrobial socks to prevent foot odor during my Physical Education class. You read that right! Socks are essential to protect your feet from odor, blisters, and unwanted microorganisms. This is why you spare no expense in finding a durable pair.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With an article of clothing that you must wear everyday, ensure that you are comfortable throughout the day. Opt for thin socks to provide you cushion and style. While thick wool socks shall provide you the warmth and longevity.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

What Not To Buy Before Christmas

Can you feel the magic in the air? Well, that is partly brought by the Christmastime. We are about 24 days away from this whimsical event and retailers are well aware of that.

It is easy to get lost in the sea of discounts that hit every holiday season. As a bargain-seeker, it is definitely one of the best times of the year. But, please think twice if you are planning to purchase these items:

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

As a symbol of everlasting love, you might consider gifting a ring or any form of glistening jewelry for Christmas. Basking in the glory of attractive jewelry ranks high on many people’s wishlist. You can get a better deal on glistening bling if your recipient is open to flexibility. Wait for a few weeks after the holidays before purchasing the “perfect gift”.

Worthy steals for quality jewelry typically peak in January – two weeks before Valentine’s day. It comes as no surprise that these deals are in preparation for the Day of Hearts.

FOOLPROOF FITNESS RESOLUTION

Research showed that Singaporeans are more invested on healthier choices (e.g., wholemeal bread or brown rice) than before. This increasing importance posed on wellness contributes to the abundance of fitness resolutions. For instance, a friend of mine is currently getting rid of starch and simple sugars in her diet. One way to motivate her journey to fitness is to purchase new exercise apparel or equipment.

While sports retailers may provide tempting sales during Christmas, I will have to pass. Nationwide discounts on fitness equipment are better in 2018. Retailers seem to take advantage of the New Year’s resolutions to get into shape!

CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

Our reliance to modern technology paved way for lecturers to distribute their PowerPoint or video lessons online. If you are planning to give a useful present for a young student, a cheap tablet or a starter laptop may have crossed your mind. Let us start with the former.

It is not unusual to find a low-priced tablet during Christmastime. At the sight of an ambiguous and dirt-cheap product, it is tempting to swipe the card and finish your shopping. However, people tend to be particular with their tablets. You do not want your money to go to waste!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Now, let us move on to bargain laptops. The joyous season offers affordable prices for low-end laptop models. Young students may settle for laptops with smaller screens, minimum RAM, and limited hard-drive space for daily use. Stay away from these products if you value longevity. Better laptop deals happen during the Back-to-School season.

What other items should you steer away from before December 25th? Please feel free to leave a comment below!

Sources: 1&2

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