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5 Wallet-Friendly Ways To Appreciate Art In Singapore

ART. Whenever I hear this word, I picture beauty, expression, emotions, and empowerment. Truly, Art is a powerful medium that can produce all those. By definition, art is the application of one’s creative skill and imagination that is translated in tangible form such as a painting or a sculpture.

As you witness art in your daily lives, you may wonder what are the active ways you can appreciate it. Appreciation is not only in the knowledge of the different eras and style but is also in the understanding of its timeless qualities. If you think that art appreciation is expensive then, think again! There are a lot of budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. READ MORE

If you know nothing about art, a good place to start small is by reading about it on the local library. Find books about painting, photography, performance arts, and so on. You can also save time by logging onto your computer or mobile device to search for videos that tackle art.

2. CAPTURE YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Step out of your comfort zone and be brave to take off your shoes and capture whatever you deem as pleasing. The country’s culturally diverse environment shall enrich your knowledge of art. For instance, you can snap the entertaining street performance of “the bead man” at Orchard Road.

Also, in the spirit of the National Poetry Festival, there is creative featured poetry on the different MRT platforms. Follow what catches your eyes – this can never go wrong!

3. VISIT THE LOCAL MUSEUMS

Indulge on the cultural art that is FREE for your viewing. Focusing on one genre that is Asian culture and arts, you can visit the two of the renowned museums in Singapore named Peranakan Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum.

Peranakan Museum is all about the Peranakan ethnic group that is a combination of the Chinese and Malay people. There you will see various documents, jewelries, furniture, textile, wedding accessories and so much more. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and P.R. while it starts at S$3 for children of foreign visitors.

On the other hand, the Asian Civilisations Museum showcases more than 1,300 artifacts from several Asian civilizations such as China, India, and Indonesia. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and P.R. while it starts at S$4 for children of foreign visitors.

4. MAKE DIY PROJECTS

Making art with your own hands is scientifically proven to be self-satisfactory. It makes you value the things you built even more. Also, it adds value to the object’s worth. You may start with simple Paint By Numbers Kit by Paintastic or Canvas Wall Art in these forms:

5. LEAVE GENUINE COMMENTS OR REVIEWS

Beyond appreciation, you can support the arts by leaving positive and sincere comments or reviews on the online products or videos by musicians, artisans, and writers. Each type of art is translated through personal taste; so do not be shy to state your own opinion.

Your taste is wonderfully unique anyway! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

Shops That Sell Fabulously Affordable Hair Products & Accessories In Singapore

There are a lot of expensive hair items that may look great but are not necessary. You are bound to lose those thin hair ties anyway. Am I right women? Then, perhaps the S$2 pack of 200-pieces Daiso hair ties would interest you!

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000595312945

If you are searching for fashionable yet affordable hair products and accessories to make you stand out then, look no further! When you are on a budget and are prioritizing your shopping essentials, these shops prove that you do not have to spend loads just to look fabulous:

1. H&M

Shop here.

H&M or Hennes & Mauritz was originally founded in Sweden and has now become one of the fastest growing fashion clothing for children, men, and women. It comes as no surprise that this mega brand carries its own hair products. Their hair ties, hair clips, hair bands, and hair claws are priced at S$2.90-19.90.

And, my favorite items in their stores are the 10-Pack hair elastics or hair ties and the Patterned hair bands. The 10-Pack hair elastics retails for only S$2.90, which includes assorted colored elastics that are made with 60% elastane and 40% polyester.

Image Credits: http://www.hm.com/sg

While the versatile hair bands are woven with printed patterns and have twisted detailing. Do not worry about the size because it is elastic at the back.

2. COTTON ON

Shop here.

Cotton On hails from Australia. Also one of the fastest growing fashion clothing worldwide, Cotton On proves that their company specializes with kids (Cotton On Kids) and even stationary (Typo). Cotton On Kids has a wide range of lively hair accessories for girls that are priced from S$1-6.95. Who can argue with that?

Among these inexpensive items, my favorite is the S$4.95 KNOT MESSY HAIR TIES (10 pieces) because it is multi-purpose. Aside from colorful hair ties, girls can mix and match it as colorful bracelets.

Image Credits: Screen-grabbed from http://cottonon.com/SG

3. WATSONS

Shop here.

Who is not familiar with Watsons? Watsons or Watsons Personal Care Stores is the largest health and beauty care shop in Asia. This big brand is complete with hair accessories and hair products such as shampoo, conditioners, hair dyes, and hair styling items.

A few of the Watsons’ stunners are the GIOVANNI Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Blow Out Styling Mist and the GATSBY Set & Keep Spray. The GATSBY Set & Keep Spray for men helps to style your hair and make it last for the whole day. It is priced at S$9.20 only.

Image Credits: http://www.watsons.com.sg

While, the GIOVANNI Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Blow Out Styling Mist comes in 118 ml for S$13.90. It is supposed to de-tangle your tresses and protect it from the mighty heat of the blow dryer. Furthermore, Argan oil is proven to make your hair silkier, softer, and shinier.

Image Credits: http://www.watsons.com.sg

Local Companies That Offer Space-Saving Furniture For Your Small Flat

In response to the admiration that the “5 Simple Ways To Maximize Your Small Flat Without Spending Too Much” got, here is the list of the companies you can buy space-saving furniture from. This way, you can store more and keep more of your beloved items while maximizing the space. Interestingly, most of these companies are on a mission of decreasing the constraints of living on small space as our population continues to boom.

1. HWB Concept Pte Ltd (click for official website)

HWB, short for Hidden Wall Bed, is a company that specializes on wall-affixed beds that come in basic or designer style. What is amazing about their beds is that it can hold up to 70 KG with a mattress as thick as 5-11 inches. Furthermore, it can open at any angle even at 30 degrees without slamming down. They claim that their products can also endure the mounting of a 42″ LED TV. Such strength for a product that saves space!

If you have a style in mind, their beds are fully customizable to any ceiling height and you are free to choose from a myriad of finishes.

Here is a sneak peek at their iCON@CHANGI Small Home Office Showroom:

2. Space-Saving Furniture Systems

Established in 2012, Space-Saving Furniture Systems offers beds that are designed and imported from the United Kingdom. To assess the safety of the beds, they were tested for thousands of cycles and were verified by the UK wall bed manufacturer itself. They guarantee highest standards that do not harm the price. For instance the Cosy Beds collection follow these prices…

Cosy vertical wall-bed with hanger at the back: S$1,500-2,100

Cosy vertical wall-bed: S$1,450

Cosy horizontal twin wall-beds: $2,600

What separates them from most is that, beds are super customizable! You can add features such as cupboards, bookshelves, and mattress. The wall-beds have 3-year warranty while the mattress have 5-15-year warranty. The two different brands of UK beds they carry are Next and Alpha. Lastly, they sell wardrobe closets too! The wardrobe closet is priced at S$900-1,200.

3. Spaceman

Last but certainly not the least is the media acclaimed company called Spaceman. Spaceman delivers innovative and stylish space-saving furniture to beautify your place and meet your needs. Featured on The Straits Times, Expat Living, The Business Times, and Home & Decor among others, Spaceman strives to sell affordable products which is why their prices are fixed and displayed on their website.

From hidden beds or wall-beds to kitchen furniture, they have it all for you. Their economical hidden bed starts at S$1,100. While the bigger sizes cost S$3,170-3,552. You may fold it vertically or horizontally, to blend within your walls.

Currently, they are having a sale on this Rise Coffee Table + Dining Table (S$1,988):

Source: 1

How Can A Financial Consultant Improve Your Monetary Life?

Some of us are hesitant or skeptical toward Financial Consultants. To increase your knowledge on this subject, what do Financial Consultants actually do on a daily basis?

In general, Financial Consultants are professionals who guide their clients to manage their money, investment options, and asset relocation. But, what they do is far more complex than that. A career as a Financial Consultant gets to enjoy the flexible working hours and the privilege to indulge on the job incentives (e.g., Free Trip to Australia). Thus, the freedom will help them spend more time with their treasured family and friends. It can not only be challenging as they face a lot of rejection but also rewarding as they see their clients improving their monetary lifestyle. There is a job growth in this field as long as you go through continuous training with determination and openness.

Especially in large companies such as Prudential, HSBC, etc., Financial Consultants are:

a. Financial Planners

b. Dependable Advisors

c. Monetary Coaches, and

d. Financial Solutions Provider.

Financial planning entails creating the client’s financial goals by determining the shortage and the actual financial situation. Then, trusted advisory includes managing cash flow and developing money management strategies. While, Monetary coaching entails guiding clients to save more and to motivate them to avoid procrastination. Lastly, Providing Financial Solutions includes offering affordable solutions and options to achieve one’s financial goals.

Financial Consultants are more than just insurance salesmen because they organize your finances after identifying their financial needs and providing them with valid options. All these are given within a practical timeframe. Furthermore, the relationship established with you does not end after the “sale” is done. Financial Consultants are responsible for regular follow-ups to ensure that your needs are taken cared of. In short, they are committed before and after sales.

Image Credits: State Farm via Flickr with CC License

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Amazing Date Ideas That Don’t Cost A Dollar

Dates can become a burden to the wallets of broke students. The idea of dating at a limited budget can sometimes be stressful and embarrassing. Well, not anymore! You can go on amazing dates without spending a dollar! Remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong about staying frugal while dating.

1. GO ON A TREETOP HIKE

Take your special someone to a morning hike while watching the sunrise at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. MacRitchie Reservoir Park houses several long hiking routes including the famous TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk consists of a freestanding suspension bridge that connects two highest points namely: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. This is the first of its kind. Your date will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.

2. HAVE A GAME NIGHT

Turn your date night into a romantic game night. You can get to know each other while playing the infamous childhood game of Truth or Dare. Learn a lot about his or her boiling points while playing poker. Wage it with anything other than money (e.g., kisses or chocolates). Lastly, you can even play fun board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Battleship.

Image Credits:
Anders Ruff Custom Designs via Flickr with CC Attribution-NoDerivs

3. CONDUCT A VIDEO GAME SHOWDOWN

Get your XBOX, Wii, or Play Station ready for a showdown. Nothing beats a date filled with enjoyable video games. What is even more interesting are old-school video games. If your old console or Nintendo hand-held game is still operating then, spend the night by facing each other into a classic brawl of Super Mario Brothers or Street Fighter. This is a sweet trip down the memory lane!

4. HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON

Looking for a perfect first date experience? Look no more as MovieMob brings you the premier outdoor movie screenings that would not cost you a cent! MovieMob, an acclaimed Outdoor Movie Specialist, screens movies to various locations around Singapore. Instead of heading to a fancy and pricey restaurant, plan a picnic while enjoying a free movie at the park. Stay updated by visiting: facebook.com/apemoviemob.

Alternatively, you can host a movie marathon by watching free movies at home. Catch a free flick or two in the comforts of your own home by watching at YouTube’s Movies playlist at youtube.com/user/YouTubeMoviesWW. Turn the romance on by switching to scented (and safe) candles instead of lamps and by heating up a bag of popcorn.

5. LEARN A SKILL TOGETHER

There is nothing more romantic than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. And, if neither of you have a special skill, you can look up free online tutorials and make a DIY project together.

Image Credits: Howard Holley via Flickr with CC License

Having tight finances should not stop you from spending quality time with your special someone! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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