Singapore Savings Bonds: An Update  

Posted by Editor in SG Economy on Oct 14th, 2015 | 0 comments

 

Singaporeans are looking forward for their Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB). SSB are exceptional kind of government securities intended to make them available and appropriate to individual investors. The public took this well. In fact, Monetary Authority of Singapore announced that as of September 28, 2015, 19,505 individuals have been recognized for the first SSB issue.

The successful applicants for the first issue will be informed via mail within 3 to 5 business days. The good news is that all applicants will get their application amount in full (limit of S$50,000). The bond will be placed into the applicant’s Central Depository (CDP) securities accounts this coming October 1.

For the applicants who want to check their savings, they can simply refer to CDP’s website or better yet call them. The initial interest payment for the first applicants will be on April 1, 2016 and that the interest will be made every 6 months.

For those who were not included in the first SSB, there will be another issue on November 2. The applications will start on October 1 at exactly 6pm and it will close on October 27 at exactly 9pm. According to MAS, there will be three issuances this year and that SSB has an issuance size worth S$2 to 4 billion.

Before joining the next issue, the first thing that we should do is provide an individual CDP account. The setting of CDP will take at least two weeks. After that, we can apply through iBanking and ATMs. We have to make sure that we have our CDP account when we apply.

Custom-Designed Engagement Ring 101

Posted by Editor in Your Wedding Checklist on Sep 22nd, 2015 | 0 comments

Before, when you want to buy your sweetheart an engagement ring, you simply visit a jewelry store and pick one from several types. Rings tend to look relatively the same, with the diamond shape and size the biggest difference.

But today, a lot has changed. With the growing demand of uniqueness in wedding and engagement rings, more and more Singapore jewelers have adopted the idea of custom-designed rings. If your future fiancé isn’t a fan of traditional diamond ring, you can choose any type of gemstone, from rubies and emeralds to sapphires and opals, as the main stone of your proposal ring. Here are some more ways to help you make a custom-made ring.

Search for Clues

Notice your sweethearts’ jewelries to get a clue of the ring’s design and material. Determine some factors, like traditional or modern, to help narrow down your selections. Also, pay attention to rings worn by your officemates or friends. If you see some beautiful engagement rings for proposal in Singapore that you like, simply ask where it was bought or who designed it. Next, visit a couple of jewelry shops and showrooms to scout for pleasing – and even unpleasing – designs. Take note of the stone, shape of the stone, and the ring setting of the rings that you like and sketch some features that caught your attention.

Express Yourself

Creating something original has something to do with what you feel. Try to come up with a symbol that describes your mate or your feelings for her. Make the ring show what you want to say. Although it can be difficult for a non-artist to translate emotions into non-literal form, it can be very romantic when it’s successfully made. Try doing so by maximizing your knowledge. Write down a paragraph of what you feel or a list of adjectives that describes the traits of your beloved. From there, try to see what imagery pope up to your mind as you read your work.

Consider the Wedding Band

Soon, there will be a wedding ring to keep the engagement ring company. For the engagement ring, you have two options: go extravagant with a proposal ring that will stand alone (it will be worn on the other hand after the wedding band comes in), or have a shaped proposal ring that will fit or complement her wedding band.

Take Your Time

Start searching early. Estimate six weeks for delivery period once you have placed your order. Furthermore, you’ll need time for the research process and to look for a skillful and trusted designer. Finalizing the ring’s specifications may also take a while since this will require back and forth communication. Look for a Singapore jewelry shop with on-site jewelers to save time.

Expect to Pay Higher Price

A custom-made ring typically costs as much as three to four times higher than an in-store ring. This is due to the obvious fact that custom-designed rings require more time and labor since they should be assembled by hand in all its elements and features.

Playing Tetris Has Benefits  

Posted by Editor in Lifestyle on Sep 20th, 2015 | 0 comments

 

Our parents often say that we are just wasting our precious time sitting and playing games. They say that if we only allot our time doing significant activities, our lives will improve. They are true but not when they tell this and we are playing tetris, we can confidently say that it has benefits.

There is a study published in Addictive Behaviours that claim playing tetris can cease food cravings. The psychologists conducted a study involving 31 participants from 18 to 27 years old. These participants revealed their cravings for food, drugs, drink and other activities. They also revealed how strong their cravings were. Of the participants, 15 were asked to play tetris for at least three minutes in between cravings.

According to Jackie Andrade, one of the researchers, tetris reduced the craving from 70% to 56%. We might wonder why this is the case. As it turned out, craving happens when we imagine consuming it. It is difficult to imagine consuming something and play tetris at the same time.

The result astonished the researchers and said that it can be used to reduce others cravings. The study proved that cognitive interference can be effectively used to reduce the cravings for other activities and substances like alcoholic drinks and drugs.

Many Singaporeans are playing tetris not knowing its benefits. If all Singaporeans know its benefits and effects, tetris will be integrated in our lives that it becomes a daily habit. It does not matter as long as it can help us with our cravings. For those who haven’t downloaded tetris yet, it is time that we try it for ourselves.

Introducing the Camper Tricycle  

Posted by Editor in Lifestyle on Sep 18th, 2015 | 0 comments

 

Camping is one way to relax and be in touch with nature. There are many trails here in Singapore that we can consider but not all Singaporeans consider camping because of the inconvenience and discomfort it entails. If we think only this, we will never realize the beauty of camping and gazing at the stars.

Camper vans are famous for camping families. The vans are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, comfort room and some beds for the comfort of the whole family. Camper vans are bulky though. However, for solo campers out there, there is a concept that will surely excite us.

Although this is just a concept, there is a possibility of mass production should the designers pursue it. The concept is to squeeze everything unto a tricycle. This is for sol campers. The camper tricycle is called The Bufalino. The Bufalino offers ultimate experience for solo campers who can hit the road anytime.

The Bufalino features:

• Storage: The tricycle offers storages that can organize the camper’s things from clothing to beddings. Though the storages are small, it can make a difference.
• Sleeping area: The camper tricycle can only accommodate one camper. Squeezing the next camper can be too difficult.
• Micro office: Forget about work while camping but there will come a time that we need to check something. Alas, The Bufalino offers a micro office – enough to place a laptop and lampshade.
• Sink and stove: It does not end there because the tricycle also features sink and stove. This will make cooking more easy and hassle-free.

The concept was from an industrial design student named Cornelius Comanns. Many commended the practicality and the rendering of the camper tricycle. Let us see what happens next. This is truly a modern-day camping.

Natural Ways for Tighter Skin

Posted by Editor in Beauty Tips on Sep 15th, 2015 | 0 comments

 

Sagging skin is never attractive. It is a natural phenomena often caused by aging. This means that it is inevitable. Aside from aging, people who go through a huge weight loss will also experience sagging skin. While surgeries and other skin tightening cosmetic solutions may easily remedy sagging skin quickly, it won’t always be the most economic or a lot of people. Moreover, surgeries aren’t always safe. The safest ones tend to be more expensive. Hence, we’ve listed down natural ways to tighten skin for a safer and more economic alternative solution.

1. Lemons

An increase in Vitamin C intake not only helps boost our immune system. Vitamin C also increases collagen in our body. Collagen is what tightens connective tissues in our body. The more collagen the body produces, the tighter the skin gets. That’s why taking advantage of the Vitamin C in lemons helps tighten our skins. It’s fairly easy to do. Just squeeze the juice out of the lemons and apply it on the skin.

 

2. Cucumbers

We often see cucumbers being used in spa treatments especially for the eyes to reduce sagging eye bags. This is because cucumbers are also rich in Vitamin C. Compared to lemons; squeezing juice out of cucumbers is rather more difficult. So you’ll have to use a blender or a food processor to get the juice out. Apply the solution on the desired area of the skin and then rinse it off when it’s dry.

 

3. Egg Whites

Astringent, often found in our toners or facial cleansers, is naturally found in egg whites. Astringent is a naturally occurring substance that is able to contract skin pores. That’s why it is almost always found in most facial products. Again, using egg whites is easy to do. Whisk the egg whites until it gets airy. You can now apply the solution to your skin for about 10 to 15 minutes. Just rinse when done.

 

4. Aloe Vera

This is another natural substance we often see in many skin products because it is one of the most potent skin moisturizers around. A moisturized skin tends to become tighter. To use it, just squeeze the juice out of aloe vera leaves and, much like the other substances above, just leave it on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off after.

 

5. Honey

Honey is a natural antioxidant. It helps make the skin look younger and more vibrant. Using it is also easy, yet a little more difficult compared to the above. A few teaspoons of it will do the trick. Just add it to a lemon squeeze solution and apply it onto the desired area of the skin. And, of course, rinse it off after.

The Ten Most Delicious Foods in the World

Posted by Editor in Food on Sep 10th, 2015 | 0 comments

 

CNN once published an article enumerating the 50 best foods and dishes in the world. What’s astonishing about the article is that the top 10 are actually Asian dishes. This goes to show how refined our Asian palate is and how well we know how to use the ingredients that nature provided for us.

It also helps that most Asian countries have good climate to grow fruits and vegetables while having the Pacific Ocean nearby for good seafood. Here are the top 10 foods and dishes in the world.

 

10. Massaman Curry

Most commonly found in Thailand, Massaman curry is considered by many to be the best of its kind. What’s most notable about the dish is that it combines different types of flavors that blend into one delicious concoction. It is sweet and spicy with a savory coconut finish from the meat.

 

9. Peking Duck

The dish that placed Beijing on the food map, the Peking duck is an impeccable dish made more so by the fact that breeders actually have to make sure that each duck is 65 days old and in good condition before they are cooked. Peking duck is best served roasted and sliced in front of the diners.

 

8. Ramen

One of Japan’s greatest contributions to the culinary world, the Ramen is Japan’s version of the noodle soup prepared from wheat noodles and served with fish broth, miso, soy sauce, pork, and a variety of green vegetables.

 

7. Dim Sum

Another one of China’s great dishes, the term dim sum covers a wide variety of bite-sized treats that are steamed in small wooden baskets. The more popular types of dim sum are dumplings, pork buns, congee and spring rolls.

 

6. Som Tam

Aside from the Massaman Curry, Som Tam is another one of Thailand’s delicious dishes. It is also known as green papaya salad and is prepared by having shredded papaya salad combined with pounded garlic and chili. The similarity of the variations end there, as it is customary in Thailand to ask for the customer’s taste preferences.

 

5. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a popular street food in not only in its country of origin, but also in various Asian countries as well. It is a stir-friend noodle dish that is served together with eggs, tofu, garlic, shrimp and chili. Variations contain several green vegetables and other meats.

 

4. Tom Yam Goong

Thailand seems to have the best dishes in the world as another one makes the top 10. It is a staple soup found in Southeast Asian countries. It is prepared by boiling broth together with lemon grass, lime leaves and juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers. Variations may include more vegetables and meat.

 

3. Sushi

Probably the most popular Japanese dish, sushi is rice combined or wrapped with several other ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and seafood (cooked or raw).

 

2. Nasi Goreng

The top two dishes in the world are actually Indonesian. Nasi Goreng came in close second place. It is actually stir fried rice cooked together with spices such as garlic and chili, combined with eggs and chicken, and then spiced up with a type of sweet soy sauce.

 

1. Rendang

The best dish in the world is Rendang. It is of Malay origin yet often served in Indonesia. It is served by simmering beef with coconut milk and combined with several spices including ginger, turmeric, garlic, and chili. It sounds so simple yet the combination of technique and spices makes it the best type of dish in the world.