Review: OSIM uSqueez Warm Massager

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.

Daiso, $2 Shop that's a Fun Browse

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).

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

If you love Siew Mai, my family found a yummy version selling at the supermarket -- Sin Mui Heng Fish & Shrimp Siew Mai. My family finds it at least as good as the siew mai you can get the food court, and it costs you 70-80% less.

For the rest of my post, go here:

http://crookedturret.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/insingapore-cheap-and-good-siew-mai-chinese-dumpling/

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

Finding trouble getting good Roti Prata these days? Or, if the roti prata is great, crisp and puffy, the curry that's served with it is diluted and substandard?

Just look to the supermarket.

My family likes the Spring Home Roti Paratha (SGD2.40 for a pack of 5). They're really easy to keep (stick it in the freezer until you're ready to eat it) and prepare (pan-fry from frozen). Tip: After frying, scrunch the roti prata for a softer texture.

Fairprice also has its own house brand roti prata. Doesn't taste as good as the ones by Spring Home, but still better than many roti prata you find these days. And they're even cheaper.

The only thing with buying these frozen packs is that you have to prepare the curry yourself. But the good news is: it's not difficult to make a curry. Browse the internet for simple curry recipes, and experiment until you find a version that you like.

You can also try eating roti prata with ice-cream (yum!) or fruits. And I enjoy roti prata with jam as well.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR TEENS

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.

3 SPENDING TRAPS TO AVOID

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?