Best Selling Singapore

Why Competition is Good for You

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Editor0 Posted in Self ImprovementLeave a Comment

Your family and friends often counsel you to stop comparing yourself to others, because after all, there will always be more fortunate and better people than you. No one wants to feel inadequate and a loser in the face of a much better competition, but is it better to avoid it altogether?

Competition Means Growth
There are valid reasons to stop unhealthy comparison with other people, but if you lose the desire to compete, you’re also limiting self-growth. If you didn’t have rivals at school for example, would you try harder to win those contests or top the exams? They can also serve as your inspiration or as a goal that you need to surpass to make yourself a better person.

Competition Means More Opinions
In the business world, competition is essential, especially if you use your rivals as a reference for ideal customer service. Companies will strive to outdo each other if they see a business strategy that is working. This in turn will lead to more creativity when it comes to business models, making it possible to come up with different ideas that are unique. Savvy entrepreneurs will always question common knowledge and improvise.

Competition Brings Out the Best
Not only do you see healthy competition at work, school, and business, but in almost all aspects of life, too. People always strive to outdo each other for various reasons, but you shouldn’t see this as selfish and jealous. As long as rivalry can lead to a lot of good things, then it’s not something that should be discouraged. If you look at history, most of the ideas, inventions, and creations that advanced civilization were also products of competition.

Competition Creates Experience
There will always be winners and losers, but that does not mean you should stop striving to become better. The growth that comes with competition comes from turning losses into a positive learning experience. That is why parents who shelter their kids from a competitive environment at school are also taking away opportunities for the child to grow and learn. Doing that will make them less prepared for the real world, after all, competition also gives the child an opportunity to exercise emotional control and cooperation.

Competition Creates a Goal
If you’re striving to make yourself better, you’re also more likely to take chances because you have a goal in mind. You will be inspired to work harder if you know you’re working for something or someone. More chances mean more opportunities to live life to the fullest. Take competition away and people will become lazy, because they don’t have any reason to grow and learn.

Living with Asthma as an Adult

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Editor0 Posted in Health and WellnessLeave a Comment

Adult-onset asthma can be a hassle for people who need to keep up with the demands in the office and at home. In most cases, it is also triggered by workplace irritants or an unhealthy environment at home. The treatment process is more complicated as a result because not only does the affected individual have to handle pressure in the office, but must also manage the symptoms.

Diagnosis and Symptoms
Most cases of adult-onset asthma, sometimes called occupational asthma, also have complaints about allergies and irritants. Add to that the stress, unhealthy working environment, hormonal changes, and a poor lifestyle, a worker will most likely be vulnerable to asthma. You should schedule a checkup with your doctor as soon as possible if you see any of the following symptoms: frequent coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath.

Childhood and Adult-Onset Asthma
Although the symptoms are quite similar, asthma attacks are more common among children because their bodies are more sensitive than the adults’. However, most asthma-related deaths are more common among adults, especially the elderly. The treatment process is also different, because childhood asthma is not often caused by allergies or triggers.

Triggers and Medication
Generally, the triggers for adult-onset asthma are the same as those for childhood asthma. Your doctor will advise you to avoid smoke, dust mites, mold and mildew, feather bedding, animal dander, dry air, cold temperature, and anything that can trigger an attack. You will also be given one of the two asthma medications, such as the bronchodilators and the anti-inflammatories. These can be taken by inhaling or swallowing. It’s also important to determine if your asthma is triggered by specific allergies, which can also be treated with other medications. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the severity of the symptoms so that you can still perform your tasks regularly.

Diet and Exercise
Proper diet and exercise will reduce some of the symptoms of asthma, but you need to consult your doctor before starting any program. While there are no convincing studies that link nutrient deficiency to asthma, you will be advised to eat a complete, healthy meal everyday to improve your overall health. Reduce your consumption of trans fat, omega-6 fats, and processed food. Avoid food that will trigger allergies as they can cause life-threatening attacks. Excess weight is often linked to adult-onset asthma, that is why you will also be advised to maintain an ideal weight through doctor- approved exercises and workout routines such as walking, swimming, yoga, biking, and others.

Asthma Attacks
You should also have a plan ready in case you have an asthma attack at the office. Always take your medication with you and get treated as soon as you see the signs. Look out for the following symptoms and get to the nearest clinic or hospital for treatment: shortness of breath, tight chest, bluish lips, inability to speak, confusion, lack of concentration, breathlessness, strained muscles, and hunched shoulders.

Having Some “Couple Time” at Ikeda Spa

Posted on April 30, 2018July 1, 2020 by Editor0 Posted in Exploring SingaporeLeave a Comment

We love our kids, yes we do. We invest all our time and energy giving them a better future and showing them that we love them. We just want the best for them. All the sacrifices we’ve made, we’ve made it for them.

Now, although we love our kids, what about our spouse? When was the last time you’ve had a little time together away from the kids? When was the last time you were actually able to go on a date? Yes, most of your time has to be spent on the kids, but what about on your spouse? Take a break once in a while. Treat yourself. Allow yourself and your spouse to have a wonderful time together.

Don’t forget that your family doesn’t just revolve around your kids, there’s still your spouse too. Sadly, most parents forget about their spouse the moment they have kids as they pour all their love and attention they used to have towards one another onto their kids. Having kids is such an amazing thing but it can also be very tiring.

Every parent admits that they get tired every single day. They get drained. Why? Is it because they don’t love their kids enough? Most definitely not. This is because they haven’t been able to take care of themselves. Now, how can you take care of others properly if you can’t take care of yourself?

It’s impossible for you to be fully able to take care of someone else if you do not take care of yourself. When it comes to taking care of yourself, this also means your relationship with your spouse. Do you still go on dates? Do you still relax together? Have you ever went on a get-away trip with your spouse? Well, maybe it’s about time you do.

Now it doesn’t have to be something extravagant or complicated, you could both just visit the spa together. Now when you hear about spas and hot springs, you usually think Japan. Now, for those Onsen lovers, you won’t have to fly all the way to Japan to get the love you need. All you need to do is go to Ikeda Spa.

As much as we would love to, we’ve decided not to spoil anything from Ikeda Spa to ensure that you’ll totally enjoy your time there. All we can say is imagine red rose couple baths, cocoa butter candles, and a whole lot more. The kids aren’t the only ones who deserve a holiday. So do you.

Reflections on Conversations and Communication

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Editor0 Posted in Socializing 101Leave a Comment

There have been so many things invented for the sake of improving communication. Telephones, cell phones, emails, social media, and maybe even more channels of communication have been invented for us to have the best means to communicate as possible. But has this really improved our communication? Well, sadly no. There are still people out there who do not converse as much as they should.

Now don’t get me wrong, we’re not saying you should force yourself to talk to others. We’re just saying that everyone needs a healthy conversation every now and then. Remember when you were a kid and it was so easy to talk to your family then you started trying to make friends and it was kind of hard? Well, maybe you had a hard time conversing back then but that shouldn’t stop you now.

Why should people have healthy conversations on a regular basis? It’s just a part of who we are. As human beings, we want to communicate. We want people to understand us. We want to be able to get others to understand us. This is why we have artists who communicate on a different medium than language. Whether it be paintings, music, sculptures, or any other form of art, they were all created to send a message.

What happens when we aren’t able to converse? When we aren’t able to converse, we end up completing the conversation ourselves. Take note, this can be very dangerous as this relies greatly on your mood when you are conversing with yourself. If you had a problem in mind and end up talking to yourself because of the lack of conversation, you might end up finishing your problem with a negative response and accept it because you haven’t heard solutions from any other person.

Everyone needs a friend. Friendship is something beyond what we want but rather what we need. We need healthy conversations. We need conversations that keep our mind going. It’s a bit sad how some people feel like there’s nobody to talk to. Don’t give up searching. There’s always someone out there desperate for a good conversation.

Who knows, you might be the match to what they’re looking for. Conversations build everything. From marriage to families, it is conversation that holds them together. Treasure the conversations you have. Some conversations might even be the milestone and door into a new chapter of your life. There have been so many life changing conversations around, you might just even experience one soon. We definitely need more conversations around. People need to each other.

5 Beauty Benefits of Applying Lip Liner

Posted on March 26, 2018 by Editor0 Posted in Beauty and MakeupLeave a Comment

2017 has seen the rise of lip liners, as more and more beauty gurus in Singapore recommend the use of these heaven-sent products. While working on your classic lipstick can do you just fine, some lipsticks are difficult to use in defining the rim of your pout. This is where having a lip liner can be a life saver – since you’ll be provided with easy outlining skills like a piece of cake.

Defined lips complete your make-up look for the day. If you’re still deliberating whether owning a lip liner is a good decision, here are some of the known benefits of applying lip liner.

1. It defines and shapes your lips.
If applied well, a lip liner can easily define and give shape to your lips. This will allow you to achieve that perfect pout you are going for. For those with uneven-shaped lips, a lip liner can also be your next best friend as it allows you to shape your lips the way you want it to. If you’re seeking to step up your lipstick game, owning a lip liner can bring you a step closer towards your beauty goals.

2. It makes the lipstick last longer.
Lining your lips with a lipliner is proven to make your lipstick last longer. Some lipsticks fade and require frequent retouch after drinking or eating something greasy, but if you apply lipliner beforehand, the color is expected to last longer on the lips. Think of the lip liner as the eye primer to your eyeshadow palette, and the primer to your foundation.

The use of lip liner helps block moisture, which may be the reason why the product helps your lipstick color last longer than usual.

3. It makes the lips look attractive.
With Instagram-worthy lips like that of Kylie Jenner and other social media influencers, it’s not uncommon for us to desire that same full, attractive lip look. These plump lips are viral nowadays. Without a doubt, full lips do look sexy not only in camera but also in person. Defining your lips through the use of a lip liner is your ticket to achieve that well-defined, full plump lips!

4. It creates contours.
Who would have thought contouring can also be done on your lips? Using a lip liner can provide the perfect illusion of having nicely-shaped lips, that is if the product is applied properly. It’s a little tricky to learn, but once you master the right way of applying lip liner, your lipstick game won’t be the same again. It also helps reshape the lips to look bigger, fuller, and more even.

5. It can also be used as a lipstick.
A lip liner isn’t just used for lining the rims of your lips. As a matter of fact, you can make use of your lip liner as a lipstick by filling/coloring your lips in after outlining the shape. Doing so also creates a matte effect – which is perfect in achieving beautiful lips!

The Top Singapore Beauty Products of 2017

Posted on March 26, 2018 by Editor0 Posted in Beauty and MakeupLeave a Comment

From lipsticks and gloss, to foundation and mascara, we’ve narrowed down the list of the best beauty products Singaporeans loved in 2017. These make-up products were designed for every day use, and they made the cut for being the best ones out in the market.

Serving as a favorite by many, it isn’t too late to head over to your nearest department store to check the availability of these products. Let the inner beauty goddess in you shine!

1. Shiseido Synchro Skin-lasting Liquid Foundation
Considered as the foundation of the future, this Liquid foundation from Shiseido has been well-reviewed by many professional make-up artists across Singapore. The product can tell which areas of your face needs to be mattified, and it also points out the areas which require hydration. Priced at 74 SGD, consider this foundation an investment for your skincare and beauty needs!

2. Diorskin Forever & Ever Wear Makeup Base
From the name itself, Dior’s Forever & Ever Wear Make up Base is expected to keep your make-up game strong for hours and hours! Another icing on the cake? The product also doesn’t settle into fine lines hours after application. It blends perfectly under matte foundations and feels incredible on the skin. A make-up base that’s lightweight, it definitely gives your skin a smooth and nice appearance.

3. Urban Decay Vice lipsticks
With 100 shades to choose from, you will definitely find the right lipstick shades for everyday and special wear. Urban Decay managed to launch a wide selection of Vice lipstick shades, all of which are designed to complement all skin tones. The lipsticks have been well-received by makeup junkies! This collection also features six finishes: from matte, metallic, creamy, and sheer.

4. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
One of the most popular eyeliners in the States, the Kat Von D Tattoo liner is a true crowd pleaser even in Singapore. It also enjoys its fame for a good reason. The satin black-colored tattoo liner is easy to apply on the eyes, and the product can be built up further after a couple more swipes. The tip of this liner is also easy to use, which makes it perfect for eyeliner beginners.

You don’t need to worry if you have oily eyelids, too – as this tattoo liner is expected to stay put for hours only at a justifiable price.

5. YSL Beauty Le Cushion Encre de Peau
This gorgeous fluid formula is based off the elegant Encre de Peau Fusion ink foundation, so you can expect the same sheer and silky finish. The satin dry-down is also considerably dewy enough to pass off as “real” skin – helping you effortlessly achieve that natural glow. Not only that, this YSL product is ensconced within an Instagram-worthy compact which your make-up pouch will love!

Things that Decreases Confidence

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Editor0 Posted in Self ImprovementLeave a Comment

As much as we’d like to talk about gaining confidence, you should also be aware that there are certain ways to lose confidence and you should stay away from them. Sadly, some people do not know what they’ve lost until it’s gone. This is also true with confidence. One moment they totally believe in themselves then another moment they suddenly lose it all. Well, we want to share awareness of certain things that can definitely decrease confidence.

Here are a few things that decreases confidence:

1. Getting out of shape
Becoming out of shape is usually a choice. Not everyone was born with physical disabilities which is why for those people who are perfectly normal, becoming out of shape is something they chose to do. Letting go of your fitness is something that only you can do. Some people tend to blame their lifestyle or other external factors but what they don’t realize is that they chose to lose control. The effects of getting out of shape towards your confidence may be quite huge as you realize you aren’t the fit and good looking person you once were.

2. Being lazy
Laziness is definitely a killer of confidence. Not only will you have lesser things done, you won’t be able to accomplish much either. Sadly, being too comfortable isn’t a good thing. Nothing grows in the comfort zone. Sometimes you gotta go out there and kick yourself out of the couch for you to be able to accomplish something. Don’t let your laziness get to you! You’ll wake up one day regretting the time you wasted.

3. Not doing your best
“I’m fine with not winning, I didn’t try that hard anyway” this line is very destructive! Not only does it show a personality of someone with a shattered confidence, it actually sort of discourages any feeling of confidence. Give everything your best! If you fail, that’s okay! Failing is part of the learning process. The scary part is not being able to give your best.

4. Going with the flow
If you don’t want to do something, don’t do it! Sadly, a lot of people give in to peer pressure and external influences instead of doing what they want to do! Challenge yourself every now and then to do something a little daring! Something that reminds you that you have the strength to make a decision!

There are so many things we do in a daily basis that decreases our confidence. We should watch out for these things and replace them with healthy habits.

Own a Successful Hawker Stall

Posted on February 21, 2018July 1, 2020 by Editor0 Posted in Exploring SingaporeLeave a Comment

Owning a hawker stall is not something most of the youth are interested in doing but what they don’t realize is that it can be more than it looks. A lot of people look at hawker centers and do not see the possibility of growth because as they have noticed, some hawker centers have been around for years! Well, if expansion and growth is what you are looking for, then maybe take another look at the hawker center business. You’d be surprised as to how aggressive and competitive it actually is!

Let’s say you have a hawker stall surrounded by other hawker stalls and although your sales are fine, you wouldn’t certainly mind the extra customers if you could. Now, how do you do that? Since most hawker centers are serving the same food, what can make you stand out? Well? Think of it this way, if there were three boxes with different wrappers and different delivery persons, how would you react? Let’s start with the first box. Let’s say that a huge white box wrapped perfectly and tied together with golden ribbons with a letter made of Lavender scented paper, wouldn’t you love to open it? The second box is delivered by a delivery man who goes straight to your door with a smile and a standard box. Nothing too special, right? Let’s just say that the third box was dropped at your doorstep. Now, which box was most appealing? What if the contents of the box were all the same?

Now that we’re done with the hypothetical situation, let’s talk about packaging and service. Packaging is important because even though you are serving the same thing, it could appear differently because of the packaging. You can serve with your own version of plates. You can probably serve your food on a paper plate with a short comic or sell your meals with a newspaper. You could even package your meals with a cup of tea or maybe even give out free soup?

There are so many ways to stand out that we just don’t want to spoil the fun and tell you straight away. Even the color of your stall has a lot to do with it. What if all the stalls around you were plain metal or chrome and yours was red and wooden? Wouldn’t you stand out? The key to a successful hawker stall is standing out from the ordinary. Positioning yourself away from the norm and offering something new to the table is something that could bring your hawker stall great success.

Travel Hacks 2017 Edition

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Editor0 Posted in TravelLeave a Comment

What is your New Year’s resolution? This year you promised yourself to go outside your comfort zone. Sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone to really experience life. Instead of staycations why not try vacation outside Singapore? Traveling more will surely nourish your soul. Do not worry because there are things that you can do to make it successful.

You have to keep in mind though that whatever things needed done, you have to stick to it. Here are some hacks to more travel this 2017:

1. Start with your travel fund. The good thing is that it is just the beginning of the year. This means that you have all the time to save for your travel fund. Travel funds include flight, accommodation, restaurants and other potentials costs. It is better that you make a list and then put an amount so you will know how much to save. You can create savings account for your travel – it should be separate from your savings or checking account. By the end of the year, you will be surprised.

2. Make the most of long holidays. By now you already know the holidays all throughout the year. The best way to maximize it is to schedule your travel. If you identified long holidays or weekends, it is the perfect time to schedule your vacation.

3. Sign up for airlines’ mailing list. If you particularly want to go to Europe, there are airlines who offer sales or deals. You just need to watch out for it. The best way is to sign up for airlines’ mailing list so when there are flash deals, you are the first person to know then you can book right away.

4. Try couch surfing. Couch surfing is famous these days. You just need to look for sites like HomeExchange to begin with. Couch surfing is staying at a house for free. You can save a great deal of money if your stay will be free. You have to be careful though. The idea of sleeping on someone else’s couch can be terrifying but when you think about it, it is your way of forging connections.

5. Learn a foreign language. Learning a new language will be your greatest motivation for traveling abroad. For example, if you want to go to France, you have to learn French so you will be excited to put it in good use. This goal will be trying and exhausting but it can make a difference at the end of the day.