OSYEN'S SNIPPETS

Fish & Co (Park Mall, Singapore) Review

2010-12-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

The other night a party of us ended up going to Fish & Co at Park Mall (after unsuccessfully trying to get a table at the nearby Sakura International Buffet restaurant - we turned up without a reservation, and was turned away).

The visit actually started out in an optimistic vein. We had a hyper waiter come over to highlight their "Ladies Night" special. 1-f0r-1 on selected dishes. Cool, or so we thought. And I appreciate that you could ask for water for free (When a group of us went to Mad Jack at Nex, that new shopping centre near Serangoon MRT, recently, we had to pay for mineral water. Oh, and their brownie was overdone -- parts of it had turned hard, like biscuit!).

One of my friends ordered one of her favourites at Fish & Co - calamari rings fried in batter. The batter was not too thick, and the calamari was soft. A good start to our meal. A fairly generous serving too for under $10.

Then... our fish with peri-peri sauce came (that was one of the dishes under the 1-for-1 Ladies Night promo). It seemed like the best choice on paper. The picture on the menu looked inviting, and peri-peri sauce sounded different in a good way. Big mistake. The sauce was way too salty. I had to scrape most of it off the fish. If you ever go to Fish & Co, do not order this!!!

Overall, the service was average. Don't get me wrong - the staff do try hard! But the restaurant was obviously too busy for them to give everyone the fastest service.

Also, that's one location I would not choose to go to again. Too noisy for me!

Checking out Thong Chai Medical Institution

2010-05-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution was apparently featured on Singapore television recently, with the result that it got my mum interested in trying out its services.

I thought I'd write about our experience, just to give an idea to anyone else who is thinking of seeing if the doctors there can help them out with their particular ailments.

THE SERVICES

According to its website, Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution provides "free medical consultation and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to the public regardless of race, religion or nationality." In practice, the outpatient clinic provides (1) traditional herbal medicine (2) acupuncture.

GETTING THERE

If you're going by MRT, you can stop at Outram Park or Chinatown. We stopped at Outram Park MRT station, then took a taxi because my mother has difficulty walking any distance. Taxi fare was $4. Alternatively, take SBS Bus 174 from opposite Outram Park MRT. The bus stops very near Thong Chai Building.

THE PROCESS

Registration:

When you enter, you are given a queue number for registration. Patient has to be present at the clinic before a number is given.
First-time patients will need to bring identification - IC, passport or birth certificate (they have signs saying this is a requirement of the Singapore government). Basic details are entered into their computerised system, and a patient card is given to you.
You are then allocated to a doctor. What's also interesting is that you are allowed to request specific doctors. Waiting times for the more popular doctors can be quite a bit longer though, from what we understand from another patient there.
One thing to note: on any one day, you can only see either the doctor for herbal medicine, or the acupuncturist.
The waiting time for registration was over an hour when we were there to register as first-time patients, and about half an hour when we visited again a week later.

Consultation:

If you're familiar with traditional chinese medicine, then the procedure is pretty much the same at this clinic. The doctor talks to you to discover your symptoms, checks your pulse, then prescribes a formula tailored to your complaint(s).
Waiting time for the doctor can vary depending on the popularity of the doctor, as I mentioned in the section above. One patient waiting for the most popular doctor said that she had been waiting over 2 hours. In our case, it took under an hour.

Medicine:

While many traditional chinese medicine clinics nowadays provide medicines in powdered or liquid form, Thong Chai still does it the traditional way. You are given a combination of dried herbs, which you can see the staff weighing and wrapping up in red paper, just like what they do in a traditional chinese medicine shop. Preparation of the meidicine at home: three bowls of water to be added to the herbs, then boiled down to one bowl for the first day; two bowls of water boiled down to just under one bowl for the second day. (Be warned! Many chinese herbal concoctions are extremely bitter).
A printed copy of the prescription is also given to you, which gives you the option of purchasing the formula from a chinese medical hall convenient to you. You may also go back after two days for more medicine, but do note that you'll have to see the doctor first.
The two days that we went, it took 45 minutes to an hour for our prescriptions to be filled.

Helpful websites to help you get around Singapore

2010-04-28T05:02:00.001-07:00

Public transport is extremely efficient and convenient in Singapore. But how do you figure out which route to take? Here are few sites which may be helpful:

www.sbstransit.com.sg
The Journey Planner here is pretty easy to use and gives fairly accurate results, and it's a site I use often. All you need to do is enter a Start Location, and a Destination. Drawback of course is that the site only provides info for SBS buses (does not cover SMRT services).

www.gothere.sg
Very easy to use. Want to go from Bugis Junction to MacRitchie Reservoir? Enter just that in the search bar, and you get directions for various transport options. At the moment, though, it doesn't give the best bus routes for less well-known locations.

www.smrt.com.sg
This website has a journey planner which provides info for services run by SMRT. I must say I found this planner rather confusing to use. Hopefully, it'll get easierto use.

Getting a new Malaysian passport at the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore

2010-01-27T03:27:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share my recent experience applying for a new Malaysian passport at the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore. Hopefully, it'll be helpful to others.

STEP 1: FINDING OUT WHAT TO BRING

What I did was call the High Commission's telephone line for Immigration and Consular matters - 67328067 - for recorded instructions. The recorded message also gives fax and email contacts.
The message mentioned that they process a maximum of 200 applications a day.

STEP 2: GETTING THERE

The High Commission is located at: 301 Jervois Road.
To get there, I took the MRT to Redhill, then Bus 32 to the stop opposite Valley Point (on River Valley Road). From that stop, it takes less than 5 minutes to walk to the High Commission.

STEP 3: GETTING IN

You will need a pass from the guardhouse. When I got there at 7.45 am (they were supposed to start giving out passes at 7.30 am), I got a green "I" (Submission) pass number 096.
I was also given an application form while queueing at the guardhouse to get my pass. There is no charge for the form.
I noted that older people were reminded to show senior citizen cards. They got a pass with a different colour - I assume that means they get priority.

STEP 4: SUBMISSION

Submission is accepted from 8.00 am - 11.30 am, subject to limits on the number of applications processed each day.
To get a queue number to submit your application, you have to produce:
- Completed application form
- Current or expiring passport
- 2 passport-sized photographs with the right specifications
- Malaysian IC and photocopy
- Singapore IC (or work permit, student pass, etc.) and photocopy

Photos and Photocopying

There's a photo booth at one side of the submission area. You'll have to go to the person manning the booth to get a queue number, then wait till your number is called (you can take a seat). Charge for photos: $6. When I got there at about 8 am, I was given number 43, with about 30 people in front of me. I waited an hour there.
The photocopying service is next to the photo booth.

Getting a submission queue number

This step requires you to stand in queue. I started lining up at 9 am, and only got the queue number about an hour later. Luckily, I had the foresight to bring a page-turner along (Barbara Nadel's Arabesk: Inspector Ikmen #3 in case you're wondering. Engrossing story!).
After that, you can take a seat while you wait for your number to come up on the display board. Whew! I definitely needed to sit down by then.
It was slightly more than an hour, 11.15 am, before I was able to submit my application and make payment. The fee for a new passport is RM300,and they accept Singapore Dollars in cash only. On the day that I went, I was asked for S$124.

STEP 5: COLLECTION

Collection is from 2.30 pm - 4.15 pm.
You have to first get a yellow "Q" pass from the guard house. I got to the guard house at about 1.45 pm, and was given number 028.
Collection started promptly at 2.30 pm, with everyone getting their passports based on their Q pass number. It took about 15 minutes to get to my turn ie number 28.

Once I had my new passport, I proceeded to the Singapore Immigration website to transfer my Singapore re-entry permit. You can do it electronically nowadays - http://erep.ica.gov.sg/erep/index.do. Just fill in a few details, and print out the new re-entry permit.

Review: OSIM uSqueez Warm Massager

2010-01-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

We were looking for a foot massager for my mum recently, and found out quite a bit about the OSIM uSqueez Warm, which motivated me to write this review on Hubpages:

Review: OSIM uSqueez Warm Massager

Although I didn't mention it in that article, I actually also tried a similar product from OTO -- the OTO Power Foot. According to the OTO salesperson, a unique features is that it has three rollers, and offers options for massage of other parts of the leg like the knee. It's worth checking out not least because the price and freebies are quite attractive. In terms of how good the massage feels, though, I think the OSIM uSqueez wins.

Matthew and the Mandarins at the Esplanade on 1 February 2010

2010-01-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I blogged, but this I must mention:

Coffee Morning & Afternoon Tea: Remembering Johnny Cash by Matthew & The Mandarins

1 Feb 2010 at the Esplanade Recital Studio

Matthew is an outstanding country singer, with a voice that's warm and rich, and a real feel for the music. I also really like the Esplanade Recital Studio as a venue -- it is small enough for you to hear and see properly, and there's an intimate, cozy feel to the place.

Great book for learning to use GIMP

2009-12-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

I've been using GIMP for a couple of years now, but very blindly, and because of that to perform only very rudimentary tasks like cropping pictures. So when I discovered the book/manual, Grokking the GIMP recently, I was very excited. Particularly since I found the book very well-written, and very enjoyable to read.

And... the book can be read for free online. Don't you just love free stuff?

I've written a review (with info on where to find the book online) and published it on hubpages:
A Novice's Review: Grokking the GIMP by Carey Bunks

Free software for resizing images for Facebook albums, blogs, websites, etc.

2009-12-08T23:53:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was given a whole set of very large picture files for use in a powerpoint project. And I knew I should really resize them to a more suitable size, which had me searching for a good free software which will automatically resize all the pictures at one go.

What I ultimately decided on was Irfanview. There is a plethora of free software to resize pictures on the net, but what convinced me was the CNET editors' review which stated that it was a "longtime favourite" among their staff.
I downloaded it, and it worked like a charm for resizing the of pictures to the size I needed. I also used it to convert another batch of pictures to grayscale. I had to adjust a few pictures for contrast/brightness, but generally the results were quite good.

I can see myself using this quite a lot to resize photos taken with my digital camera before uploading to my Facebook albums. It usually takes quite a while for the pictures to finish uploading since I don't usually resize them, but with it being so easy to resize them as a batch...

Note: You can find "Batch conversion/rename" under the File menu.

Free Entry to Asian Civilisations Museum: 30-31 May 2009

2009-05-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

My friend alerted me to this one.

Free Entry to the
Asian Civilisations Museum
on 30-31 May, 2009
from 9 am - 7 pm

Great opportunity to check out The Kangxi Emperor exhibition, which is well worth a visit for its interesting insights into the sophisticated systems used by the Emperor to govern his country.

They will also have special activities from 12 pm t0 5 pm. More details here:

http://www.acm.org.sg/exhibitions/eventdetail.asp?eventID=490

Value Buy: Honey (or Honey Bee) Mango from Thailand

2009-05-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

If you're in Singapore, now's the time to buy mangoes if you love them.

The fabulous Honey Mangoes or Honey Bee Mangoes from Thailand are going for really reasonable prices, under $0.90 per mango in 'buy 2' or 'buy 3' deals (my mum found a $1.35 for 2 deal in a supermarket recently, but that's probably exceptional).

The best thing about this variety is that the flesh is sweet and smooth (not fibrous). And they taste great even when they're still firm and mostly green. This mango turns yellower as it ripens.

Small wonder then that shoppers have been snapping these mangoes up!

Best Acar Recipe!

2009-05-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

My mum raves about my auntie's acar recipe. And now her son-in-law has put it up!

http://unclephilipsg.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-mother-in-laws-nonya-acar-recipe.html

And while you're at Uncle Phil's blog, check out his other posts. He himself is a really good cook, so it's worth checking out his various recipes as well!

Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park

2009-05-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

"Bunga Rampai" is given as souvenirs to guests at traditional Malay weddings in Singapore. To make "bunga rampai", "sireh" (betel) leaves are filled with finely shredded "pandan" (Pandanus amaryllifolius) leaves, fragrant flowers (for example, "cempaka" flowers), and sprinkled with rosewater. These souvenirs symbolise wishes of beauty and well-being to the newlyweds. (Picture taken during walking visit around the Spice Garden organised by Fort Canning Park.)

I wrote a few weeks ago about a walk around the Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park, where participants had the opportunity to find out about some of the plants, herbs and spices used in traditional Malay cuisine. I enjoyed the Spice Garden so much that I thought it deserved a more complete write-up:
The-Spice-Garden-at-Fort-Canning-Park

Spa Infinity at Far East Shopping Centre (Singapore)

2009-05-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

My friend gave me a great treat recently -- a session at Spa Infinity (this spa is in a building next to Wheelock Place) - since she got hold of a very good trial package. Imagine, $15 + GST per person for use of spa facilities, a 30-minute massage session, and some light snacks at their cafe. Good value, and though they do try to sell you additional items when you get there (we were asked if we were interested in using special essential oils blends for our massage, for an extra amount of money, of course), they're polite and pleasant even if you say no.

The spa opened its doors about half a year ago, so no signs of wear and tear in the facilities yet:
- separate locker room facilities for men and women. I of course didn't go into the male locker room, but I assume it's the same as the one for women, with a glass-walled steam bath, a jacuzzi hot pool, showers, toilets, changing booths, lockers.
- a cafe where they serve light snacks and drinks.
- a lounge with comfortable sofa seating and television area to relax in; also serves as a place where you can wait in comfort till you're called for your treatment.
- treatment rooms.

Verdict: This place is worth checking out. Relaxing ambience, above-average massage service, and with the economic downturn, you may just be able to get yourself a value-for-money package. What I also like: they use a credit point system, so even if you initially signed up for a package of massage sessions, you have the flexibility of using your points for a variety of other services (facials, hair removal, pedicure, manicure, etc.).

What wasn't so hot: The hot pool was too hot the day we went, but we were assured that they would monitor the water temperature more carefully in the future. And note that the cafeteria menu is basic, and the food is also average.

Prices start from $75 for a 45-minute massage. If you're game to sign up for a package, the price per session could go down quite considerably.

Tips:
(1) When choosing a spa, look at spas at locations most convenient to you (no point stressing yourself out getting there each time you want to de-stress!); and ask or watch out for trial packages.
(2) If you find yourself satisfied with your trial, don't be afraid to negotiate a package suited to your needs:
- you may want to ask for a smaller trial package, so that you can try a few more times to see if the services are consistently good, and if the spa really suits you.
- ask for better prices, and more extras.
(3) If there's something you don't want to make use of, do speak up. They may adjust the price accordingly, For example, at Spa Infinity, it may suit you better to opt for a package without the free-flow cafeteria food option.

Istana Open House, May 1 2009

2009-04-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Istana (official residence of the President of Singapore) grounds are worth a visit. Lovely trees, flowers, and well-kept lawns make the Istana grounds a very relaxing day out for groups of friends or for families. My friends and I went last year, and loved exploring the grounds.

There's another open house is just a couple of days away, on Friday 1 May 2009.

Opening hours: 8.30 am - 6.00 pm
Admission to grounds is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Others pay $1 per person.

For more on the Open House (and other dates this year), check out the official Istana website:

http://www.istana.gov.sg/IstanaGrounds/OpenHouse/index.htm

Avocado Beauty Tip

2009-04-23T03:58:00.001-07:00

So you've cut up the avocado to make your favourite sandwich or salad, do you throw the skin away? Don't!

Try rubbing the inside of the skin over your face and/or hands. Don't be surprised to find your skin smoother and more glowing :)

25 and 26 April 2009: Traditional Secrets to Well-Being

2009-04-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, my friend and I ventured to Fort Canning Park for a guided walk through its Spice Gardens, and it was fascinating! They have such a wide variety of herbs and plants at the Spice Garden, with informative labels which explains more about the uses of the plant.

This coming weekend, there's another related workshop that's well worth going to, I think. A workshop where they will demonstrate some of the concoctions traditionally used by Malays to attain better health.

Traditional Secrets to Well-Being

Date & Time:
Saturday 25 Apr 09 (12.45pm) OR
Sunday 26 Apr 09 (1.30pm)

Venue:
Blackbox Theatre & Spice Garden, Fort Canning Park

Fee: Adults $5; Senior citizens and Students $2

For registration and more information,
email surinam_sumsudin@nparks.gov.sg
or call 63321200/ 63321302

*Participants are advised to be dressed comfortably and to note that there will be a fair amount of walking

More details at:
http://nparks.eventshub.sg/ems_wb_Details.aspx?CalID=5&EventID=30649

A couple of interesting FREE NParks Events on 18 April 2009

2009-04-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

D.I.Y Vertical Garden
Date: Saturday 18 Apr 09
Time: 3 pm – 4pm
Venue: HortPark, Fruit Room

For more information and registration:
http://nparks.eventshub.sg/ems_wb_Details.aspx?CalID=5&EventID=28417

-----------------------------------------------

Jemput! Rediscovering Plants in Malay Cuisine & Culture.

Date: Saturday 18 Apr 09
Time: 4pm (lasts approximately 1.5 hours)
Venue: Fort Canning Park

For more information and registration:
http://nparks.eventshub.sg/ems_wb_Details.aspx?CalID=5&EventID=28557

New Singapore Stamp Issue: Cinema Theatres of Yesteryear, March 20, 2009

2009-03-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

Coming up on March 20, a glimpse of Singapore's cinema history from SingPost, through a set of stamps featuring some of the old "grand dames" of Singapore theatres:

- Cathay
- The Majestic
- Capitol Building
- Queens
- Rex

I'm definitely going to buy a set (or two). These days, I always love receiving anything with more unusual stamps - it happens so rarely now, with franking being in such wide use. So I like to do the same with any letters I mail out - add some of the more special stamps issued by the post office.

Pictures and more info at the SingPost site: Cinema Theatres of Yesteryear Info

Cafe Cartel After-9-pm half price cakes

2009-03-04T05:29:00.001-08:00

I don't think I've mentioned this before but a few friends and I meet at Plaza Singapura quite often. And what do we do after dinner? Adjourn to Cafe Cartel, where they have a 50% discount on cakes after 9 pm. That works out to around $3 (inclusive of taxes, etc.) per slice. A comfy place to chat, at a price less than what you'd pay at a bakery. A good deal, really.

FREE EVENT: Fuku No Ne Ensemble, 29 March 2009

2009-02-25T16:16:00.001-08:00

Another free event organised by the The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation. I've been to a couple of previous events organised by them, and they certainly brought in top-notch musicians. Judging by that, this one should be worth going -- if you enjoy traditional music.

Concert: "Fuku No Ne Ensemble - Japanese Music Tradition and Innovation"
Date: 29 March, 2009 (Sun)
Time: 7:00pm
Admission: Free (Registration is required)
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall

Listen to a music sample and register for event at:
http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/events_FUKUNONE1_29-3-09.html

Eating Out: Wonton Mee Recommendation

2009-02-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

Foong Kee Coffee Shop
6 Keong Saik Road

Foong Kee is one of those places that I would unequivocally recommend for wonton noodles.

When I visited the stall, what I particularly liked about their noodles was that it was not sweet. For those who don’t know, they tend to put in sweet sauce into dry-tossed noodles here in Singapore. (Hmmm… come to think of it, maybe that’s why I’ve avoided wanton mee cooked outside for many years. I still have northern Malaysian food sensibilities which dictates that dry-tossed noodles must be salty).

And, even though I’m not the greatest fan of roasted pork or char siew, the stall’s specialities, I enjoyed eating the meats they served there. The skin of the roasted pork was really crispy. And the char siew was quite juicy (my friend bought some for me to take back for my mum to try, and she gave it the seal of approval - so it MUST be good). I have to say though that the meat I enjoyed the most was the roast duck, but only because I LOVE roast duck in the first place.

The friend who brought me there said that one of the secrets to their great-tasting roasted meat is that they are always fresh from the oven. And tasting the meats, I can believe that.

Check out this food review blog, which has all the details, and pictures as well: http://ieatishootipost.sg/2007/03/foong-kee-wanton-mee-wanton-mee.html

This post is adapted from an earlier post of mine here.

Indian Borage (Plectranthus ambroinicus) - Amazing Cough Remedy

2009-02-22T17:10:00.001-08:00

This plant was first brought to our attention by a friend, as being great for persistent cough. Almost instant relief if you're suffering from cough and throat irritation. Just pluck a few leaves and chew them. The best part is that it's so easy to grow from a cutting.

Check out this excellent article if you want to know more: Indian Borage - a must-have in a herb garden . I learnt quite a bit from the article, like what the Indian Borage is used for, (other than for coughs). More importantly, I found out why the leaves of my plant are starting to curl and yellow (seems it's getting too much sun!). The article also gives useful tips on how to propagate the plant.

I've also collated information I found from sites and books in this article: Indian Borage

Useful references:

Wee Yeow Chin, A Guide to Herbs and Spices (available in Singapore libraries).
Wendy Hutton and Alberto Cassio, Handy Pocket Guide to Asian Herbs & Spices (Handy Pocket Guides)

Daiso, $2 Shop that's a Fun Browse

2009-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

First, a disclaimer. I don't work for Daiso. It's just that it's one of my favourite places to wander around here in Singapore.

Billed as "Japan's No 1 ranking livingware supplier", it's a fantastic place for picking up gifts and gift packaging, craft supplies, materials for d-i-y projects, gardening stuff, stationery, and all kinds of household items - crockery, cleaning materials, containers, etc.

All at $2 per item, which in most cases represent really good value, since the quality is acceptable to great. (The items certainly do not look cheap; they look like they should be worth much more than $2)

What I really like about Daiso also: they sell intriguing Japanese items. When I go there, I often pick up something, and wonder... what on earth is this for? (Can't help it, I'm a nerd at heart). The descriptions are often in Japanese, so it's another challenge trying to figure it out from the pictures. One time I was there, I learnt that, apparently, the Japanese make use of little picks for labelling their lunch. Cute.

Branches:
My favourite Daiso branch is the one at IMM Jurong - it' the largest one. But nearer to the centre of Singapore, you'll also find Daiso at VivoCity (good selection, but narrow aisles make shopping not as comfortable as the one at IMM) and Plaza Singapura (the smallest one).

FREE EVENT: Walking Heritage Trails at National Library, 21 February 2009, From 10 am

2009-02-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

International Tourist Guide Day Celebrates with Free Walking Heritage Trails
February 21, 2009 (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm
at The Plaza in National Library Building

As part of this year’s, International Tourist Guide Day, the Society of Tourist Guides will conduct three heritage walk tours free:

1. Roman Catholicism in Singapore
2. Fame, Faith and Fortune in Waterloo Street
3. Hainan Kopi Tales

The trails will start at 10.30am and will last for about 45 minutes.
Each trail will be conducted at every 15 minutes interval.

Registration open on 21 February 2009 from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm at the level 1, Plaza, National Library.

FREE EVENT: Harmonica Orchestra at Esplanade Concert Hall, 15 Feb 2009, 3 pm

2009-02-09T19:16:00.001-08:00

If you've never been to a Beautiful Sunday event at the Esplanade, I encourage you to give it a try. I love the venue (Esplanade Concert Hall) which is just the right size, with very comfortable seating. And I find it relaxing to spend a Sunday afternoon listening to and appreciate the talent of local musicians.

Beautiful Sunday at the Esplanade:
"Classical & Light"

Hainan Hwee Kuan Harmonica Orchestra, Singapore
Free Concert

15 FEB 2009, SUN
Esplanade Concert Hall

3pm (60mins, no intermission)

Hainan Hwee Kuan Harmonica Orchestra will deliver a jaunty repertoire of favourites such as In A Persian Market, The Comedians’ Gallop and Fiddler on the Roof.

More details here

FREE EVENT: Frances Yip at Chinatown Point, Friday 13 Feb 2009, 1 pm

2009-02-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

I'm probably showing my age here when I say this sounds interesting. The flyer says "be mesmerised by her nostalgic hits and witty on-stage banter", so I believe she's going to do a mini-concert. Hope so anyway. I haven't seen her sing/perform since I was a kid, and I'm really curious:

A Date with Diva Frances Yip
13 Feb, 2009 (Fri)
Chinatown Point
1-2 pm

Study shows Jurong turning into suburban property hotspot

2009-02-05T02:13:00.000-08:00

Just got to mention this article because I would never have imagined Jurong being a "hotspot" when I first moved here some twelve or thirteen years ago. Back then, we decided to stay here because it was one of the cheapest areas in terms of rental. Now, of course, the situation's way different.

Study shows Jurong turning into suburban property hotspot
ChannelNewsAsia
5 February 2009

SINGAPORE: A study by real estate agency ERA has shown that the resale prices of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in Jurong appreciated faster than other suburban towns in Singapore.

The study covered three— to five—room, and executive flats in Jurong West, Tampines and Woodlands.

For rest of article, go here: Source

Gardening: Gravel at bottom of pot DOES NOT improve drainage

2009-01-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

I was reading Stuart Robertson's Tips on Container Gardening and realised that I'd been doing something very wrong. Layering different types of soil in the same pot. Uh oh!

Robertson writes in the book: "Never use a layer of gravel or small stones in the bottom of a small container, " that it's a common misconception that it improves drainage.

Robertson explains that if the soil has several layers, when water reaches a transition between layers, it slows down, and accumulates until it's heavy enough to break through that layer. The surprising part? Even if the water is flowing from a more dense layer to a less dense one, it still slows down! So, if you put a layer of stones at the bottom of your pot, you may find a lot of water accumulating right where the roots are growing.

And if you're wondering what the rest of the book is like, I thought it's extremely useful for newbie gardeners (like me). Rather than emphasising pretty pictures, he provides lots of useful tips and helpful diagrams.

And, incidentally, if you live in a flat, I've found that books on "Container Gardening" can be really helpful in giving you ideas and tips on growing and keeping your plants healthy.

Dining at the new Jurong Point 2: What’s good what’s not

2009-01-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Dian Xiao Er
This restaurant strikes the right note immediately with the colourful mural at the entrance, leading into a rustic-looking space. But the best part must be the food. We tried their signature dish, Herbal Duck, choosing the one with Angelica herbs, the Mongolian Spare Ribs, and Yu Mak in Fermented Sauce, and really enjoyed everything they laid out for us.

OldTown White Coffee
On the other end of the scale, mum tried the curry mee there, and could not eat it. Tasted like curry powder added to water! The icky part? the fish cakes were stale. And the staff just kept quiet when she made these observations while paying. Teething problems? Maybe. My mum had tried the food at another branch in KL, and rather enjoyed it. (Additional comment: I met another KL-ite recently and she said the same thing, that OldTown White Coffee in KL is much better).

Jia Xiang Mee
Noodles from Sarawak, or so they say. Service was fast, and their signature dish, jia xiang mee, was tasty. Ingredients were also fresh, another plus. But $6+ for what is essentially a bowl of wanton mee? hmmm…

Lai Lai Casual Dining
A neighbour of ours warned us not to eat the mee sua at this one. And she said that if we were to go, just try the beef dishes. She was not impressed.

Zhou’s Kitchen
We took a look at their lunch buffet spread, and honestly, it all looked very tempting. Good value if you’ve got a good appetite and you enjoy Chinese food.

Get Your Credit Card Annual Fees Waived

2008-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Cheap-and-Good "Siew Mai" (chinese dumpling)

2008-08-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Value Buy: Roti Prata (also called Roti Canai in Malaysia)

2008-08-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hongbao as Collectibles

2008-07-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

For collectors, hongbao packets provide great examples of traditional design motifs. Even more fascinating, the re-interpretation of old designs and introduction of modern graphic ideas reflect how Chinese cultural practices are adapting to modern lifestyles and tastes.

For the rest of my article, go to:
http://hubpages.com/_32wy0v979249g/hub/COLLECTING-HONGBAO

Did you know that non-stick cookware may be dangerous?

2008-07-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

I was asked to write an article about choosing a wok recently (interesting experience, actually. I researched the subject, but once I did that, I realised that I actually do know quite a lot about it through using various types of work over the years), and in the process of writing it, I discovered that non-stick may be harmful to your health.

When we got our latest non-stick pan, the instructions said not to cook at high heat. I wondered about that. Why? I just left it at that, thinking that it probably has to do with damage to the coating.

Well, while researching my wok article, I found out that apparently damage to the coating is not all there is to this particular cautionary note. More alarming, if a non-stick pan is overheated, it gives off gases, which may be dangerous.

According to the DuPont site (http://www.teflon.com/Teflon/teflonissafe/keyquestions.html#q3):

The fumes that are released by overheated polymer can produce symptoms referred to as “polymer fume fever” - flu-like symptoms that are relatively quickly reversed in humans. Over the past 40 years, there have been only a few reported accounts of polymer fume fever as a result of severely overheating non-stick cookware. It should be noted that butter, fats, and cooking oils will begin to smoke at approximately 400°F (204°C), producing fumes that can irritate eyes, nose, and throat and possibly cause respiratory distress. DuPont non-stick coatings will not begin to deteriorate in appearance or performance until the temperature of the cookware reaches about 500°F (260°C). The coating will not show significant decomposition unless temperatures exceed about 660°F (349°C).

The same DuPont page recommends:

It is best if a coated pan is used on low or medium heat. Higher temperatures (above 500°F) can be reached while cooking, but the food will likely burn and smoke to unacceptable levels. Even higher temperatures (above 600°F or 316°C) can be reached within minutes, if dry or empty cookware is left on a hot burner or in a hot oven. Non-stick cookware should not be left unattended or allowed to get very hot without food in the pan.

This is something that I’ve never heard mentioned in the media in Singapore, but should be of concern because in Asia, non-stick woks are very popular, and our traditional cooking methods require cooking at high heat.

I had been careful to turn down the flame every time we use our non-stick pans after reading the warning label on our non-stick pan. But I’m even more careful now after reading the information on the DuPont site. If the manufacturer themselves admit that there may be some danger, well… you should definitely take heed.

Having said all that, I still use non-stick. Soooo useful for frying eggs (I LOVE eggs sunny-side up) and frying fish. I just remember to turn the flame down every time I cook.

(I originally posted this at: http://crookedturret.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/nonstickcookware/)

Another Kitchen Must-Have: The Thermal Cooker

2008-07-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

One of the most useful "cookers" we have in our kitchen is a Thermal Cooker. All you have to do is put all the ingredients in the pot, take it to a boil, then leave it to cook some more for a few hours (no electricity required during this phase). And the food from the pot is nicely warm when you're ready to eat.

What is a thermal cooker, how does it work and how do you choose one?

For the rest of my article, go to:
http://hubpages.com/_32wy0v979249g/hub/Another-Kitchen-Must-Have-The-Thermal-Cooking-Pot

Title: Life and Destruction

2008-07-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

The pest-eaten holes give this picture its uniqueness. How fragile life is, yet how resilient. New leaves shoot up and buds shoot up even as the old ones are eaten.

SAVE YOUR SPARE CHANGE

2008-07-09T17:51:00.002-07:00

Everyone has their own little "tricks" for saving money.

A tried-and-tested one that I myself use is emptying out your spare change at the end of the day (your purse or wallet will be much the lighter for it), and putting it in a jar.

It's surprising how much money money people can save this way.

You can use what you saved from "spare change" money to:
(1) help a charity
(2) buy a treat for a friend
(3) buy a treat for yourself
(4) add to your savings account

Try it!

THE RULE OF 72

2008-06-11T01:00:00.001-07:00

THE RULE OF 72 is an easy way to work out
how long it will take you to double your money
if you deposit it into a bank
and allow compound interest to work over a period of time,
at a particular interest rate.

The Rule of 72 says:
Divide 72 by the interest rate you expect to earn.
And that will tell you the number of years it'll take you to double your money.

For example, say you estimate the average interest rate over the next years to be 3%.
72 divided by 3 is 24.
That means that it will take you 24 years to double your money.

Collage from magazine pictures

2008-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

I made this many years ago, and it's still one of my favourites. Because I think what I chose for this particular collage reflects my taste, my eye for what's interesting.

MONEY-EARNING IDEAS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

2008-05-19T19:27:00.002-07:00

I thought I'd talk about earning money this week, following on from my article on Compound Interest which highlights the fact that the earlier you start accumulating money, the more you stand to gain from your savings.

To add to your savings, you can do more than rely on on your allowance. Some common ways of earning money for young people:

1. Baby-sitting.
People would be relieved to have someone help out and take care of their young kids once in a while so that they can take a break, or run out to do some errands.

2. Doing chores for family and neighbours.
Look around for a need and ask if you can fill it. For example, if a neighbour has an overgrown lawn, ask if they'd like you to take care of it.

3. Tutoring those younger than you.
This is a great way to earn money, and learn something yourself. Tutoring helps reinforce what you yourself learnt, and you'll be honing your communication skills at the same time! Even better, you'll be helping someone else do better in school.

4. Starting a small business using your skills.
If you're especially talented at making something, you may want to look into selling what you make.

5. Part-time job
A great way to get a steady income. Check out jobs around your neighbourhood. You can usually find jobs helping to stock stores, or cashiering duties, sales assistant jobs, etc.

Have you found other great ways of earning money? Do share with us here.

Gentle reminders:

* Make sure that your studies don't suffer as a result of all these other chores/jobs/schemes. After all, as we've discussed before, education is one of the surest ways of earning a higher income in adulthood.
* Also, don't be tempted to make money by illegal means.
* Get-rich schemes are usually too good to be true. So don't be taken in by those.

START SAVING EARLY: COMPOUND INTEREST

2008-05-12T18:45:00.002-07:00

I'm sure you know that when you keep your money in the bank, it pays you interest.

But did you know that the longer you keep it there, the greater the magic of Compound Interest?

WHAT IS COMPOUND INTEREST?

Let's say your grandparents gave you $10,000 at the age of 10, and you put it into your savings account. The bank's interest rate rate is 3% per year. And it remains at 3% over the next three years.

Year 1:
The first year, you'll earn $300, or 3% on your $1000.
So the total in your savings account is now $10300, without any effort on your part!

Year 2:
Leave your money (including the interest) in the bank for another year at 3% interest, and you'll be earning interest not just on your initial deposit of $10,000, but also on the $300 interest that you earned at the end of the first year, ie, you'll be getting interest on $10,300.
Remember: Compound interest is interest on your interest.
At the end of 2 years, the total in your account is now $10,609.

Year 3:
And that's not all. The longer you keep the money in the bank, the more compound interest works in your favour. Leave the money and the accumulated interest in the bank yet another year, and you'll be earning interest on the accumulated total of $10609, 3% of $10609 = $318.27.
So at the end of 3 years, you will have $10,927.27.

At the end of 10 years, you'll have$ 13,439.16
At the end of 20 years, you'll have $ 18061.11
At the end of 30 years, you'll have $ 24,272.62

As you can see, the longer you leave the money and the accumulated interest in the bank, the faster your money grows. In other words, the earlier you start saving, the more you can make your money work for you!

COOL TIP -- THE RULE OF 72. There's an easy way to estimate how long it will take you to double your money if you put it into a bank and let compound interest work for you, at a particular interest rate. Very simply: Divide 72 by the interest rate you expect to earn. For example, say you expect the interest rate to be 3%. 72 divided by 3 is 24. That means that it will take you 24 years to double your money.

SPENDING IS NOT AN EVIL

2008-05-06T01:00:00.002-07:00

I was talking to my friend yesterday, and she was telling me that due to various health problems, there are so many types of foods that she can't eat. She regrets so much that she was so thrifty when she was younger that she never ate all the foods she enjoyed. And now she can't.

The point of this little anecdote is, just as it is very important to learn to save (and earn), it's just as important to set aside money to just 'live' today.

Don't make money be an end in itself. Don't let watching your money grow and grow become an obsession, like the fictional Silas Marner. It's important to experience life as well, because that's how you learn. So watch a movie, or have that treat that you've been craving for. Buy that present for your friend. Take that holiday.

The key here is Balance. Save and Earn, but know also that money is just a tool for us to use to make our lives more secure and more fulfilling.

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO STUDY MARKETING

2008-05-04T16:53:00.002-07:00

In my earlier post on Long-Term Goals, I mentioned that Education is one of the most important long-term goal for a young person, as educational level usually correlates with higher earnings in adult working life.

Along the same line of thinking, start studying marketing right now, even if you don't aspire to a career in sales.

Why?

I've observed that marketing is a skill that's extremely useful in everyday life:

1. INCREASES YOUR EARNINGS. We need it to learn how to make the best impression on employers, and thus get the best raises come review time. We need it to sell our ideas to management.

2. HELPS YOU TO COMMUNICATE YOUR BEST QUALITIES. Marketing and especially branding skills can help us to identify our best qualities, and communicate clearly to others who we are, and what our abilities are.

3. HELPS YOU WISE UP TO TRICKS AND TRAPS MARKETERS USE ON YOU. Knowledge of marketing skills and techniques also enable us to spot the tricks and traps that marketers use on us, and thus help us to save money in the long run. For example, when you sell a house, know that the aim of the agent (despite his or her sales pitch) is usually not to get the best deal for you, but to make the most commission with the use of least resources on their part.

LONG-TERM GOALS

2008-05-01T18:14:00.002-07:00

We talked about short-terms goals earlier here. Also very important to our financial future are long-terms goals.

One of the most important long-term goals we can have is Education. So start planning for it early.

Step 1: Study possible educational options.

Step 2: Calculate how much it will cost to attend the course that you want.

Step 3: Ask your parents if that is within what they have saved for you.

Step 4: If not, visit your career counselor at school, and try to work out what options you have for getting the additional money needed for your further education -- scholarships, part-time work, loans, etc. Work out a plan to get where you want to go.

It pays to think of your education early, because in most cases, your level of education will correlate with the level of your earnings when you enter the workforce. And therefore have an impact on your financial security.

WHAT CAN FEEL BETTER THAN SPENDING MONEY?

2008-04-27T20:42:00.002-07:00

It cannot be denied that shopping is sometimes therapeutic. It feels good to pamper yourself by buying something. Taken to shopaholic extremes, though, going out to the mall is extremely detrimental to your financial health.

One way I've found that really helps curb shopping impulses is to develop an interest or a range of interests that you're passionate about. it's so special to be able to CREATE, PRODUCE or GROW something with your own hands or your mind, rather than being passive consumers of what other people create. Try it, and you'll be surprised at how much pleasure it can give you, even if you're not that good at it.

I don't, for example, aspire to be a professional photographer. But I found that going out armed with my camera, keeping a look-out for interesting picture-taking opportunities helps me be more aware of the world and people around me. I noticed things about places, people, and the environment around me that I never saw before. And discovered that you don't need trips to far-off exotic places to find the unexpected, the different. And with digital cameras, you don't really need to spend a lot of money to keep up this hobby. Any photos that are simply awful? Simply delete them.

Don't let the desire to be 'perfect' stop you from enjoying what you yourself can create or produce. So what if your potatoes don't look as pretty as the ones you find from the store? It's the joy of the process of planting that matters. Same with writing or craftwork. They don't have to be professional or great. What's important is that you enjoy it.

Step 1: Write down your favourite activities. Also write down the items you love most in your room. What do you look forward to doing? What do you look forward to having?

Step 2: Think -- is there some element of any of those activities or items that you can make/create/grow/organise yourself? For example, I love beautiful images and photographs. That's why I decided to bring a camera along everywhere I go.

Step 3: Develop your interest step-by-step, at your own pace. What's important here is to make your interest your own personal haven, rather than approach it with a competitive attitude, or with the attitude that you have to be best. The key goal is to enjoy it.

Although making money should not be the goal, eventually you may even be able to make a small business out of your interest(s). Good at making greeting cards? Why not sell your unique creations? Or your woodworking skills have become rather good -- there are people out there who would appreciate custom handmade items.

If you have any hobbies or interests that you're passionate about, why not share with us on this blog? Tell us how it has helped to make your days more fulfilling.

Title: Dreams

2008-04-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking recently about why we spend the time queueing up to buy the Toto lottery even though the chances of winning are so slim. I think it all goes back to the a very human thing -- we have dreams. And for the price of a dollar or two, we get to dream big dreams, well, at least, until the results come out.

This piece represents the fragility of those dreams.

I wanted to create a more layered look, so I took a used toto lottery ticket, pasted it on a scrap from a flyer (card stock). I then painted a base using mostly green (because the colour is associated with money) with a bit blue and purple for texture. I then added small-sized lettering which formed the next "layer". The last "layer" is made up of large lettering accented by painting glitter (old nail polish) onto it.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

2008-04-23T18:11:00.002-07:00

This week, a young friend, Jesse, is getting to go see Clay Aiken in Spamalot, on Broadway.

She wanted to go see Spamalot, but her family thought she was just a bit too young to fully appreciate the musical. So she made a deal with them - she gets to go if she can raise the money for her ticket. Her aunt agreed, not imagining that she could get that much money. But she did it, by determinedly doing chores for friends and family.

Now, that's the power of having a goal.

There are two types of goals that we should plan for - short-term goals (like a computer) and long-term goals (like college).

Let's start with short-term goals for now:

1. Set your goal. Think about what you need or want in the near-term, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, or maybe that latest Paramore CD. Or set a goal to get something for someone else. For example, if you know that your brother would love to have an MP3 player for his birthday, why not make that your goal?

2. Figure out how much more you can save each week if you cut out some non-essentials from your usual spending (like snacks and small knick-knacks). Don't dip into the amount you're already setting aside as your Savings -- that can go towards your long-term goal(s).

3. Set a date for achieving your goal, a date not more than three months away.

4. Develop a plan to reach your goal. Will the amount you save each week from cutting out on non-essential spending be sufficient for you to reach your goal? If not, perhaps you can earn some money -- tutor someone younger than yourself, babysit, do various chores for friends and family, run a lemonade stand, etc. If you're old enough, you may want to get a part-time or weekend job.

4. Keep to your plan. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But it's so easy to give up halfway. To motivate yourself, visualise your goal in your mind every time you're tempted to give up.

EARTH DAY: CONSERVE RESOURCES, SAVE MONEY

2008-04-22T17:37:00.002-07:00

We often thoughtlessly throw away things which are still fairly new just because we want something newer and trendier. And we send a lot of packing and packaging materials to the trash, from plastic bags, to boxes, containers, cans and bottles. So what can we do to minimise this waste of earth's resources, and earn or save money at the same time? Here are a few ideas:

1. Getting bored with your t-shirt, sneakers or bags? You may like to experiment with dye and fabric paint to make them seem all new again. You will probably impress your friends with your one-of-a-kind creations. Or do your bit to help the less fortunate by donating items you no longer need or want to charity.

2. Reuse containers to store and organise your things. Or decorate boxes, bottles, cans and other containers to use as desk accessories.

3. Instead of buying garbage bags for your wastepaper basket, use the plastic bags you get from stores instead.

4. Scour garage sales and flea markets for secondhand items.

5. Try to resell items you no longer need. For example, if you look after your textbooks, you can probably sell them at the beginning of the next year to other students.

Any other ideas? Share them with us here.

Title: Urban Complex

2008-04-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

I created this from a promotional postcard from a megamall in Malaysia.

This one started from my wish to create something with a weave.

I started by colouring the entire card with acrylic paint, taking care to make sure that words/letters can still be seen.

I then studied the postcard, and thought that I could perhaps incorporate some of the text in it -- 'Work smart and play harder..." -- into my piece.

I decided then to try to represent the city, with the weave representing interconnecting, unimaginative units stacked on top of one another, like we see with many urban structures these days.

"Work smart and play harder..." fits in well with this theme. We can all identify with the fast-paced life in the city.

The last step - to cover the entire area with white glue, and when it's nearly dry, to create a distress effect, to represent the stress and fractures of urban life.

Title: Unreason

2008-04-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

Do you have old nail polish lying round the house? In another work in the ATC format, I made use of a few nail polish colours I no longer use.

I was reading Sophie's World (fantastic primer on philosophy, btw) when I created this, and it was talking about Reason. And instinctively, I wanted to represented the other side -- Unreason -- the nebulous, the grey, the unformed.

Using the brushes attached to the nail polish bottles, I was able to create these circular, fuzzy strokes.

Title: Meaning of Life???

2008-04-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

I made this one using the Artist Trading Card (ATC) format.

By tearing a piece textured paper (used to be wrapping paper), a parchment-like piece was created.

I call this one "Meaning of Life???".

It's inspired by a friend who was having a crisis of purpose, wonder if that is all there is to life -- counting the days, and then the end (represented by ###). It's a question I myself am fascinated by, so I wanted to create a piece that will be a tangible reminder of this question.

Stamp Cube

2008-04-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I'd put away any stamps I found, a habit I developed in the years when I was an avid stamp collector. Which I continued even though I no longer pursue the hobby with a passion.

I took some of those stamps, and using a Rubik-cube like item I got as a corporate gift, I made this stamp cube. I made sure to cut out the parts with stamps -- adds interest to the stamp.

What's interesting about this is that by twisting the cube, I get a different combination of stamps. And I get a personal on-the-desk reminder of one of my youthful passions.

IRRATIONAL EXUBERANCE -- THE HELLO KITTY CRAZE

2008-04-15T23:53:00.002-07:00

In 2000, MacDonald's in Singapore sparked off a Hello Kitty Craze. People were going crazy over pairs of Hello Kitty dressed in wedding costumes. A different pair was offered every week. The first pairs released by MacDonald's quickly sold out, and people started offering high prices to people willing to resell theirs. Within a short time, prices on the resale market reached ridiculous levels. Profiteers started queueing up for the latest pairs released every week (for the express purpose of making a quick buck by reselling them), creating an even greater supply crush. Suddenly, these dolls became must-haves, worth queueing up hours for. Even people who would never ordinarily buy toys, or have no interest in Hello Kitty, started trying to get hold of them.

I remember that year, a friend of mine queued up for at least half a day to get the latest pair of Hello Kitty dolls. When she managed to snag a pair, someone approached her and offered more than $500 for it. What had it cost her? Less than $5.

Of course, as such crazes go, the demand tapered off after a while. A few years later, the same dolls could be found a-begging at night markets for about $2 a pair.

The lesson here? Be careful when people start rushing to buy a certain item (whether it's Hello Kitty dolls, shares, or homes) and prices start going up very fast. If you have that item and you can make a good profit from such irrational demand, it's time to consider cashing out.

And more importantly, if you're tempted to join the rush, be careful of paying prices which cannot hold up over the long run. Think of the people who had paid hundreds of dollars for these Hello Kitty dolls. Today, those dolls are worth almost nothing.

On a related note, think carefully when buying anything that's 'in' or 'trendy', even when the prices are reasonable. Ask yourself: Do YOU really like it? For example, if you don't enjoy Harry Potter that much, why be the first in line to buy the hardback edition on the first day just because your friends plan on doing so? Remember the opportunity cost. You could be spending that money on something else that YOU really, really want.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR TEENS

2008-04-14T19:02:00.002-07:00

1. Put just enough money for a day or two in your wallet.
This is very effective in curbing impulse buys.

2. Wait 7 days before buying.
You may be surprised at how often something appears much less attractive after you walk away from it.

3. Bring a water bottle with you whenever convenient.
Buying a drink or two when you're not at home can add up to quite a lot of money.

4. Cut down on sweets and snacks.
Not only will you save money, you'll be healthier too!

5. Get a library card.
Nowadays, many libraries are well-stocked not just with books, but also DVDs and CDs. You can also read your favourite magazines at the library.

6. Love shopping? Develop an interest in bargain-hunting.
It makes me feel really clever if I manage to find something for a lot less than what other people paid. And it's also lots of fun hunting for unusual things (which don't necessarily cost a lot) at garage sales or flea markets, rather than always buying at the shopping mall, where you're likely to get exactly the same thing that your friends already have.

7. Find interests besides hanging out at the shopping centre or mall at the weekend.
Try various activities to see what you enjoy. For example, if you get a kick out of volunteering, do that. Or if you're creative, why not develop art and design projects, or make crafts, or write. It can very liberating to be able to express yourself in your own way. Gardening can be a joy as well, if you love plants. If you enjoy working up a sweat, try participating in group sports -- you'll have fun, and make friends too.

8. Spend your spare time earning money, not spending it.
It can actually be fun to work. Try to find something you enjoy. If you love kids, why not tutor or babysit. One of the best jobs I ever had was working at a golf club (in the locker-room). I enjoyed the routine of cleaning -- it was a good change from studying, and the physical work actually made me more energetic. Love pets? Find a job at a vet or a pet shop, perhaps.

9. Find something you want, and save towards it.
Think of something you really like and want, and plan to save towards it. It should be something that excites you -- perhaps that MP3 player you've always wanted, or a laptop computer. Having a goal will help you cut down on frivolous spending and impulse buys.

10. Think up ways to save money.
Come up with any good ones? Do share with us on this blog.

REMEMBER THE OPPORTUNITY COST

2008-04-14T04:33:00.002-07:00

When I spend, I've found that it's extremely useful to think about the 'opportunity cost'.

For the purposes of talking about money management, we'll definite opportunity cost here as the cost of what you give up when you make a particular spending choice.

Let's look at a simple example: You spend $2 per day on snacks, or a total of $10 per week. A movie also costs $10. If you hadn't spent that $10 on snacks, at the end of the week, you could have gone to see a movie. So, the opportunity cost of spending on snacks is a movie.

So, next time you see that watch you absolutely must have, or that game you just can't resist, ask yourself: What's the opportunity cost? What if you don't buy that watch or that game? Could you buy something else that's even better with that same amount of money? Or could you have put that money towards something that's more important to your future, like your education? If you do this, you'll find that you'll start making better choices.

3 SPENDING TRAPS TO AVOID

2008-04-11T18:08:00.002-07:00

Trap #1:
"All my friends have it!"

Trap #2:
"I want to be like my favourite celebrity!"

Trap #3:
"It's just THE.COOLEST.BRAND!"

All of us have fallen into these traps at one time or another. It's only normal to want to fit in with our friends, or possess the latest or coolest or best things.

But why just hand over your power to make decisions to your friends, your idol or the brand?

If all your friends are buying the latest mobile phone with lots of features like camera, WiFi and MP3 player, BUT you really don't like taking pictures, prefer to surf the net using your laptop which has a screen and keyboard which you find way more comfortable, and you already have a very good MP3 player which you find very convenient to use. Should you also just blindly spend $500 on that mobile phone when you can probably get a great mobile phone for $100 which fits your needs better?

So what if your hero is endorsing a particular type of sneakers? He or she is being paid to wear the thing. You decide for yourself whether it's for YOU.

As for brands, yes, some brands do offer great value even if they are really expensive. Their products are the result of great craftsmanship, creativity/uniqueness and innovativeness. And it's right that we should pay for such a great product, if we can afford it. But, nowadays, just as many brands slap their name on a rather generic product, and you end up paying a lot just for the addition of their name. For example, if you need a basic white tee, look for a good-quality non-branded one. Nobody will be able to tell the difference. Another danger when basing purchasing decision on the brand is that you run a high risk of buying something fugly just because a 'cool' brand tells that's the in thing this season.

That's not to say that you shouldn't look for cues from your friends, from celebrities, or from top brands. For example, if Clay Aiken tells you that "Kite Runner" is a great book, look it up on the internet. What are the reviews like? Does the book sound like something you'd like to read? What do other readers think about it?

In other words, ask the right questions so that what you buy suits the unique person that you are. It's your money. Only YOU get to decide how you spend it. Why let outside forces dictate and control what you buy?

So ask yourself:
1. Can I or my family afford it?
2. Is it within my budget?
3. Is there a similar item available that offers more value for money?
4. Does it suit my personality, personal style and taste?
5. Does it suit your lifestyle?
6. Does it fit my unique needs?

THE BABY-STEP SPENDING PLAN

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In this post, I'm going to talk about creating a spending plan.

We'll start with a very rudimentary plan, created by following the 4 steps outlined below. Remember, it's more important to have a plan you can easily follow than to rush into making the perfect spending plan. After all, the goal is to develop habits which will last you a lifetime.

STEP 1: Find out what you currently spend your money on.

Before you start planning how to spend your money, it's important to know your current spending pattern. So note down everything you buy over a typical week.

STEP 2: Identify what you really need.

Take your records from Step 1, and divide the items into two lists:

a) Basics List
Put the items which are absolutely necessary on this list. Be honest when making the list -- make sure you don't sneak in items that should count as luxuries. For most young people, the list may include food, drinks, commuting costs (petrol or bus/train fares), and other expenses related to school.

b) Luxuries List
This may include items like CDs, magazines, snacks.

STEP 3: Work out your budget.

This part is just simple arithmetic. Total up everything on your Basics List, and use that amount as a guide to start your first simple budget.

For example,
If your Basics add up to $35 every week, and you have $45 every week in your Spend Box, that means that your Spending Plan should look like this - $35 for Basics every week, and $10 for Luxuries.

Step 4: Stay within that budget.

Now that you've worked out your how much you can spend on what, just do this one thing. Use the simple plan you worked out in Step 3, and keep track of what you spend on Luxuries and make sure you never spend more than what you've budgeted.

There's of course much more to great money management than this, and we'll deal with those in later blog posts. The important thing is to make a 'baby step' and make sure you that you keep on walking. If you do fall, pick yourself up and start again.

As you master this one thing -- putting a cap on your spending on Luxuries -- you'll be more prepared to learn how to make the larger steps we'll be discussing later.

THE 3S: SAVE, SHARE, SPEND

2008-04-09T20:41:00.002-07:00

Have you tried sticking to a budget and failed?

Then you may be using a method which is too complicated to follow. Some budgets ask you to note down all your expenses every day. Others advise you to spend as little as possible, which makes it as palatable as a diet!

But budgeting need not be hard or torturous. Once you get the hang of it, I bet you'll even enjoy taking charge of your money. What you need to do is take control in a way that's comfortable for you.

We'll start with a method I've found very useful. Some people call this the 3S Plan. All the plan asks you to do is divide up your income into SAVE, SHARE and SPEND boxes.

Step 1: SAVE
This should be your first priority. Take your income -- your allowance plus any other money you get on a regular basis -- and put part of it into your SAVE "box". Decide on the amount before you get your allowance each week or month. This way, you won't be tempted to put less into your SAVE box once you get the money in your hands.

Start with an amount that's comfortable for you. For example, if you get $50 every week, you may want to start by setting aside 5% or $2.50 per week into your SAVE box. You may want to work up to 10 or 15% or more as time goes on.

Step 2: SHARE
If you have an income, setting aside even a small amount every month can go quite a way towards helping people who really need it. Again, start by putting an amount into your SHARE box that's comfortable for you, and work up as you adjust your spending.

Step 3: SPEND
Put the rest of your income into your SPEND box.

EXAMPLE:
If you get $50 every week,
and decide to save 5% and share 5%,
this is what your three boxes will have
at the beginning of each week:
SAVE: $2.50 per week
SHARE: $2.50 per week
SPEND: $45.00

In my next blogs, I will discuss what you can do with the money in each of the three boxes.

So, look out for the next part where I will talk about the SPEND box and how you can make sure that you have enough money for everything that you need.

WHY AN ALLOWANCE IS IMPORTANT

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An ALLOWANCE, a fixed amount of money given to you every month, helps you to learn money management skills.

An allowance is like an "income" that that an adult gets, except that you don't have to go out to work to earn it. You should be mindful, however, that you're getting the money because you're part of the family, so you should fulfill your responsibilities around the home -- chores, studies, etc. Getting an allowance allows you to take your first step towards managing your money like an adult.

Why limit yourself to an allowance?

Now, you're thinking... but but but my parents now give me money whenever I need it. Wouldn't it be stupid of me to change this?

Think about it. There are benefits for you as well. If you get an allowance, you get to be more independent, and have more control over how and when you spend or save your money. Even more important, when you have a steady "income", you will start learning important lessons, including:

how to be responsible about money.
how to save for what you want.
how to make decisions on what to spend on.
how to get the most value from your money
how to make your money grow, etc.

You will probably make some mistakes, regret some of your decisions or choices, but you will learn from them.

Discussing it with your parents

If you do not yet have an allowance, you may want to discuss the subject with your parents. You'll probably want to discuss the following:

why an allowance is important.
the amount to be given to you weekly (or monthly).
what you have to pay for out of that allowance.
what your parents will still pay for.

When discussing with your parents, do keep in mind that you should respect their thoughts on how much you should get, what the money can be spent for, and what it can't be spent for.