In Editor's Picks 2 Mins Read

Live It Up With Lazada Singapore!

July 26, 2017

Lazada LiveUp Membership Programme

Lazada is on a roll yet once again after a successful Great Singapore Sale campaign and this time round, they have launched an exciting Lifestyle Membership Programme, LiveUp!

With LiveUp, you can stand to gain great savings, speed, and rewards from top online companies in Singapore and to put it in simpler terms; you will get more shiok savings, exclusive promotions, and convenient lifestyle services all in one place!

The membership costs SGD$28.80 for the first year and subsequently SGD$49.90 thereafter. If you are unsure whether this lifestyle membership programme is for you, you can start a 60-day free trial!

In case you’re wondering what the benefits of being a LiveUp Member is, here’s an overview of what you can gain:

RedMart

5% rebate* on every order
Exclusive LiveUp member-only promotions

* Rebate awarded in the form of RedMart credits after order is fully delivered; redeemable on RedMart within 30 days – no cap

Lazada

Fastest delivery option available for FREE storewide
5%* rebate on every Lazada order

* Rebate is awarded after order is fully delivered; redeemable on Lazada.sg within 30 days- capped at SGD 50 per month

Taobao

Free delivery on every order from Taobao Collection (taobao.lazada.sg)

Netflix

Enjoy 6 months of Netflix* included with your LiveUp annual membership

* First 2 months activated at start of LiveUp free trial, next 4 months upon continuing with LiveUp paid membership

Uber

Get SGD 10 off every 10th ride*
Enjoy exclusive Uber VIP access in Singapore

* Up to 12 times a year

UberEATS

Refunded* delivery fee for orders over SGD$35

* Up to 4 times a month, refunded delivery fee reflected in your invoice for orders placed next day onwards

There will definitely be more partners and benefits which will continuously be updated and added so if you’re keen, don’t wait anymore! After all, with the first year membership costing just SGD$0.08 a day, you have everything to gain by becoming a LiveUp Member!

To sign up, you can simply register via Lazada.sg for a free 60-day trial using your credit card and if you have any questions, do check out the FAQ page.

In Editor's Picks 5 Mins Read

Now Showing- Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, live in Singapore at the Big Top Tent!

July 14, 2017

I have always been fascinated by circus shows and you can imagine my excitement when we were invited to the opening premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA. Located under the noticeable-from-afar blue and yellow Big Top Tent just beside Marina Bay Sands, KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world.

A return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil, KOOZA combines two circus traditions; an acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendour and fragility, presented in a colourful mélange that emphasises bold slapstick humour.

There are ten acrobatic acts, supplemented by other minor acts that develop the storyline and the name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word “koza,” which means “box,” “chest” or “treasure,” and was chosen because one of the underlying concepts of the production is the idea of a “circus in a box.”

“KOOZA is about human connection and the world of duality, good and bad,” says the show’s writer and director David Shiner. “The tone is fun and funny, light and open. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s very much about ideas, too. As it evolves, we are exploring concepts such as fear, identity, recognition and power.” The show starts with the Trickster bursting onto the scene like a jack-in-the-box in front of The Innocent, and that’s just the first of many surprises to come. The Innocent’s journey brings him into contact with a panoply of comic characters such as the King, the Trickster, the Heimloss, the Obnoxious Tourist and his Bad Dog.

Between strength and fragility, laughter and smiles, turmoil and harmony, KOOZA explores themes of identity, recognition and power. The show is set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, audacity and total involvement. No amount of words can truly define and clearly articulate the immersive experience that I had when watching KOOZA because it is by far the most enjoyable circus performance that I have watched. I was so absorbed with the clever storytelling by the six primary characters who are central to the narrative and I felt like I was on an emotional roller-coaster ride; one where I experienced fear, insecurity, thrill, warmth, joy, hope, and sadness (especially when the show ended all too soon).

Fun Facts

KOOZA has more than 175 costumes and 160 hats. Counting all of the shoes, props, wigs and such, the total number of wardrobe pieces is 1,080.
The stage has one major component, a traveling tower dubbed the “bataclan.” The decoration for the bataclan is inspired by Hindu culture, Pakistani buses and Indian jewelry. The large fabric structure behind the bataclan is organic in nature, as it’s printed with a motif resembling the internal structure of leaves.

Cast

Although there are many performers in KOOZA, there are six primary characters who are central to the narrative:

The Trickster: Created the world that is KOOZA for the Innocent.
The Innocent: Is eager to learn about the world he is in, yet discovers many unexpected things.
The King: Plays the king of fools, and is seen with his sidekicks, the clowns.
Clowns: The two court clowns are the King’s footmen.
Heimloss: Is in charge of all the mechanical machinery in KOOZA.
The Bad Dog: The dog is not trained at all, but does become drawn to the Innocent and becomes his companion.

Acrobatic Acts

Charivari: The first act in the show sees the house troupe creating human towers, and using other circus apparatus such as a Chinese pole.
Contortion: A trio use balance, strength and flexibility in this jaw dropping feat of contortion.
Aerial Hoop: A lone performer performs with an aerial hoop.
Unicycle Duo: A couple waltz on a unicycle, the woman balances on top of the man while he simultaneously rides the unicycle.
Double Highwire: A quartet walk a high wire using props such as bicycles, a chair and even fencing swords.
Wheel of Death: Arguably the most dangerous act in the show, it involves a pendulum with two hamster wheel like walkways at each end. On these walkways two performers jump, leap and skip rope inside and even outside the wheel.
Hoop Manipulation: A high caliber hoops act, Irina Akimova weaves spinning hoops around her body.
Balancing On Chairs: A large stack of chairs that tower on the stage are put to the test by an artist who performs a balancing act at the top of the pile.
Teeterboard: The final act in the show, it is performed by the house troupe. In this act a performer stands on one end of the teeter board until they are sent flying up by two performers who land on the opposite end. The performer somersaults and lands onto a mat or a tower of people, sometimes the performer even wears stilts.
Cyr Wheel: Used as a back-up; One person spins and rotates while in a large metal ring.

Ticketing

Do book your tickets early through SISTIC as they are expected to sell out pretty fast and KOOZA will only be here in Singapore till 20 August 2017. Ticket prices start from SGD$88 and there are discounts available if you are a DBS/POSB Card Holder or if you go for the Family Package. For more information about ticket prices and ticket availability, click here!

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In Editor's Picks 4 Mins Read

McDonald’s® serves up locally-inspired menu that will make Singaporeans go Sedap!

July 13, 2017

As we count down to National Day, McDonald’s Singapore is launching a delicious menu selection that puts a modern spin on traditional local favourites.

Adding to its variety of iconic burgers and desserts that Singaporeans love, McDonald’s is celebrating the diverse local food heritage with a creative touch to whet local appetites. Familiar local fare that Singaporeans grew up eating such as Nasi Lemak, Bandung and Chendol form the inspiration behind the new limited-time menu, launched in conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) 2017.

“Nasi Lemak” Burger

Inspired by the iconic Malay dish, the “Nasi Lemak” Burger combines key elements of the dish in a mouth-watering recipe that will capture your senses from miles away. The juicy chicken thigh patty, a star ingredient of the burger, is rich in aromatic coconut flavours and coated with cornflakes crunch for an extra crispy finish. Served between lightly toasted semolina buns, the chicken thigh patty is layered with a golden fried egg, a bed of caramelised onions, crunchy cucumber slices, and topped off with a dash of sweet and spicy sambal sauce for that added zing. The “Nasi Lemak” Burger is available from $5.95 a la carte, or from $7.80 in an Extra Value Meal™.

Editor’s Note: I have tried the “Nasi Lemak” Burger and it really tastes like the usual Nasi Lemak that we get from the Hawker Centre. The sweet sambal goes very well with the juicy chicken thigh patty and I enjoyed it very much. If the sambal sauce could be spicier, it would have been almost perfect!

Bandung McFizz & Criss Cut Fries

From $3.40, you can also enjoy the savoury goodness of Criss Cut Fries, a treat no one can say no to! To balance out the rich flavours of your meal, chill out with a glass of Bandung McFizz from $3 – a refreshing take on an old-school favourite.

Chendol McFlurry & Coconut Pie

End your meal on a sweet note by digging into a Chendol McFlurry from $3. Comprising a mix of vanilla soft serve with Gula Melaka sauce whisked to perfection with Chendol jelly bits, you can savour the taste of the traditional dessert with a modern twist. Those craving for a warm dessert can get their hands on the scrumptiously crispy Coconut Pie from $1.20 and enjoy some oozing tropical coconut filling with nata de coco bits.

To relish the full experience, dig into the “Nasi Lemak” Feast from $9 to get a taste of everything including the “Nasi Lemak” Burger, Fries (M), Coconut Pie and Bandung McFizz.

The locally-inspired menu is available after breakfast hours in all McDonald’s restaurants, Drive-Thru and via McDelivery® from 13 July 2017, while stocks last.

Dessert Kiosk: Chendol Melaka Cone, Chendol Melaka Twist & Chendol Melaka ChocoCone

The beloved chendol flavour is also making its way to our Dessert Kiosks and adding a local touch to our Vanilla Cones. Slurp on the Chendol Melaka Cone andChendol Melaka Twist from $1 each or go with an adventurous choice of the Chendol Melaka ChocoCone from $1.20, available all day at McDonald’s Dessert Kiosks, while stocks last.

50 Years of National Service

As Singapore celebrates 50 years of National Service (NS50), McDonald’s is saluting our servicemen by offering all past and present NS men a FREE Apple Pie orHot Fudge Sundae with every Extra Value Meal purchased (after breakfast hours) from 4 to 10 August. Eligible customers simply need to present their SAFRA Card, 11B or Pink IC to redeem the treat.

In celebration of the nation’s birthday, McDonald’s is also spreading the joy with a limited-time offer for the signature Vanilla Cone available at a special price of only 50-cents from 4 to 10 August.

Get ready for some family feasting deals at MacDonald’s!

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In Beauty and Fashion 11 Mins Read

Blog Giveaway- Sudio Wireless VASA BLÅ Rose Gold White Worth $165

April 26, 2017

Hello, everyone!

We have an exciting piece of news to announce and yes we are indeed conducting yet another blog giveaway and this time round, we will be giving away a set of Sudio Wireless Vasa Blå Rose Gold White Earphones worth $165, courtesy of Sudio!

When we first received an email from the team at Sudio (yes, all the way from Sweden), we were honestly humbled because it means so much to us that our blog has a global outreach and audience.

Therefore, we really want to extend a big word of THANKS to the awesome folks at Sudio for making this blog post and blog giveaway possible!

First Impression of the Wireless Vasa Blå earphones

Sudio Earphones, a mix between elegant and preppy, caters to the fashion industry lead by companies such as Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, and Gant. The golden details, genuine leather carrying pouch and choice of materials have been carefully chosen to complement a wardrobe of elegant and preppy belts, watches and alike.

What left the most impression on me about the wireless Vasa Blå earphones was its distinct style and outstanding design that will appeal greatly to most, if not all fashionistas. If you’re all dressed up for a ballroom event or corporate function, the wireless Vasa Blå earphones will definitely complement and match your outfit pretty well as opposed to an earphone that’s specifically meant for sports.

Functionality

With an incredible 8-Hour Battery Life, 10-minutes Quick Charging Function & Ultra-lightweight Swedish Design weighing only 14 grams, the wireless Vasa Blå earphones is definitely a worthy contender to most wireless earphones that are currently available in the market. With its studio quality sound, it is the perfect companion for your iPhone or Android device.

Personally, I enjoy the crisp and high-quality sound that the wireless Vasa Blå earphones offer and it cancels out a lot of outside noise which makes it a perfect companion for a long road trip or a long haul flight. When I compared it alongside with the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 wireless earphones that I previously have gotten back in 2013 (4 years ago); I noticed a stark difference in terms of the sound quality and this proves that technology advances way faster than we can ever imagine.

The wireless Vasa Blå earphones’ sound signature is delivered by a carefully tuned driver and amplifier; and the combination of driver and amplifier is able to separate the sound of every instrument in every song, thereby giving the listener a true studio experience.

What is truly amazing about Sudio’s earphones is that they are handcrafted in small batches and each wireless Vasa Blå earphones comes with a matching leather case and 4 different-sized earbuds to ensure the perfect fit for you. In case you’re wondering, the wireless Vasa Blå earphones is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, including the new Samsung Galaxy S8.

What’s Inside The Package

Vasa Blå earphones with 4 pairs of extra sleeves
Owner’s Manual & Quality Assurance Card
Genuine Leather Carrying Case
Metal Clip
Charging Cable
Battery

Now, I know you can’t wait to find out how you can stand a chance to win a set of Sudio wireless Vasa Blå earphones but I will like to let everyone know that at A Winsome Life, we believe that everyone’s a winner and in a rare collaborative opportunity with Sudio, we are very privileged to have the folks at Sudio offer a 15% discount for all our readers who decide to make any Sudio Earphones purchase. On top of that, you will also get an additional 20% instant tax rebate which means you get 35% discount off the retail price!

Oh, and not forgetting the fact that your purchase comes with free express shipping to Singapore (it takes about 3-5 days for your purchase to arrive) and also a free limited edition white marble phone case!

Now, how awesome is that right?!

All you need to do to get the discount is just key in the discount code, “awinsomelife” prior to checking out your shopping cart!

Ok, so if you’re keen to also participate in the blog giveaway, all you have to do is simply sign up in the form as follows!

[RF_CONTEST contest=’5195′]

Do note that this giveaway is only intended for participants who are residing in Singapore and photos will be required or taken for marketing purposes. By participating in the blog giveaway, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility: This Blog Giveaway is open only to those who sign up at www.awinsomelife.org and who are 13 years of age or older as of the date of entry.The Campaign is only open to legal residents of Singapore and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of A Winsome Life, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Blog Giveaway. The Blog Giveaway is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of A Winsome Life as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Blog Giveaway.

3. Blog Giveaway Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on 26 April 2017, 2330 hours, GMT +8:00 and ending 25 May 2017, 2330 hours, GMT +8:00. All online entries must be received by 25 May 2017, 2330 hours, GMT +8:00.

4. How to Enter: The Blog Giveaway must be entered by submitting an entry using the online form provided at www.awinsomelife.org. The entry must fulfill all Blog Giveaway requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not ad
here to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of A Winsome Life. You may enter only once. You must provide the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple email addresses, identities, or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. If You use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of A Winsome Life.

5. Prizes: The Winner(s) of the Campaign (the “Winner”) will receive a set of Sudio Wireless Vasa Bla Earphones worth SGD$165. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by A Winsome Life. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at A Winsome Life discretion. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of the prize or transfer/assignment of a prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for A Winsome Life to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation unless prohibited by law.

6. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

7. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected by a random drawing under the supervision of A Winsome Life. Winner will be notified by email within five (5) days following selection of Winner. A Winsome Life shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 3 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY WINNER AT A WINSOME LIFE’S SOLE DISCRETION WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.

8. Rights Granted by You: By entering this content (e.g., photo, video, text, etc.), You understand and agree that A Winsome Life, anyone acting on behalf of A Winsome Life, and A Winsome Life’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Blog Giveaway, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes. without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent. By entering this content, You represent and warrant that your entry is an original work of authorship, and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights. If your entry infringes upon the intellectual property right of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of A Winsome Life. If the content of your entry is claimed to constitute an infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, You shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless A Winsome Life from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense, which A Winsome Life may incur, suffer, or be required to pay to arise out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.

9. Terms & Conditions: A Winsome Life reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Blog Giveaway should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond A Winsome Life’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Blog Giveaway. In such case, A Winsome Life may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after the action was taken by A Winsome Life. A Winsome Life reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Blog Giveaway or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. A Winsome Life has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Blog Giveaway, to void votes for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple entries from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple entries from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Campaign rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, A Winsome Life reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10. Limitation of Liability: By entering, You agree to release and hold harmless A Winsome Life and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Blog Giveaway and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.

11. Disputes: THIS Campaign IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF Singapore, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Blog Giveaway, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Blog Giveaway, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in Singapore having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall the participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Blog Giveaway). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

12. By checking here, You, the Contestant, have affirmatively reviewed, accepted, and agreed to all of the Official Rules.

All the best and have a great week ahead!

In Editor's Picks 4 Mins Read

LG HOM-BOT TURBO+: First Wifi-Enabled Robotic Vacuum Cleaner In Singapore

March 26, 2017

If hygiene, convenience and security are three things that you value the most because of your busy lifestyle, then having a wifi-enabled robotic vacuum cleaner is what you ought to be looking out for!

LG Electronics (LG) recently announced the launch of its LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ (VR66820VMNC) in Singapore and it is available in a metallic gold color. This new model introduces the concept of smart cleaning to Singaporeans and smart features like HomeGuard™ allow parents, pet owners, and frequent travellers to keep an eye on their homes wherever they are.

Doubles Up as a Security Camera

The LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ can be remotely controlled anytime, anywhere and it is more than just a vacuum cleaner. Its HomeGuard™ function also offers security capabilities. When set to survey a pre-selected location within the home, it will snap and send five photos of the preset area to the owner’s smartphone when motion is detected. This function gives users a peace of mind when they are away from home to keep an eye on pets or elderly folks.

After being in Motion Detection mode for five hours and thirty minutes, the HOM-BOT Turbo+ will return to its charging station and once fully charged, it will go back to its preset position.

Track its Cleaning Progress with HomeView™ and Cleaning Diary

The HomeView™ feature allows home owners to monitor the cleaning progress of the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ wherever they are. Boasting a wide-angle camera at the front, the robotic vacuum cleaner captures more details in a single frame for convenient real-time monitoring.

Simply launch the SmartThinQ mobile application (available on Android and iOS) and activate the HOM-BOT Turbo+ to start its cleaning schedule at the pre-selected locations. The joystick on the application allows users to control and direct the vacuum cleaner. Users can also have a direct view of what the camera is capturing on their smartphone screens and allow them to have better control over the cleaning process to ensure the house is spick and span.

The Cleaning Diary function allows users to review where the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ has been cleaning via a playback feature. With this feature, users can check the vacuum’s cleaning route with their smartphones to ensure a thorough clean at home. They can also schedule a timing for the HOM-BOT Turbo+ to start cleaning or change the preselected locations as preferred.

Efficiency is a Hallmark

With the following features, the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ increases user convenience while maximising cleaning efficiency.

Triple Eye:

The vacuum cleaner is fitted with three cameras, with the front camera activated as a security camera. The upper camera creates a map of the house by calculating the intensity of light while vacuuming. The lower camera reads the floor pattern and measures distance and slight changes to the floor to smartly clean darker areas such as under the sofa or bed.

Digital Bumper and Smart Exit:

The Digital Bumper feature combines multiple ultrasonic sensors to recognize obstacles in the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+’s proximity and it minimises collisions with all sorts of objects; even transparent objects such as glass. When faced with challenges, the Smart Exit function enables the unit to take various actions such as weaving its way out of tight spaces, backing out from bumps, and detecting ledges to prevent falling or getting stuck on door frames.

Easy Out Dust Bin:

Unlike vacuum cleaners with slide-out dust bins, the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ has a lift-from-the-top dust bin that minimises residual dust around the bin slot. Retrieval of the dust bin can be done in one easy push to unlock and lift.

Mapping Resume Function:

If cleaning is interrupted, the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ will remember where it left off from and return to its last position to continue cleaning, avoiding repetition in the cleaning process.

Smart Inverter Motor™:

Both powerful and durable, the Smart Inverter motor is backed by a 10-year warranty, offering owners maximum performance with high efficiency and durability.

The LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ retails for SGD$1,599 and it will be available at all LG authorised retailers from end March onwards.

Are you ready for a more convenient and hassle free lifestyle? Share with us your thoughts and comments about the LG HOM-BOT Turbot+ below!

In Editor's Picks 8 Mins Read

The Unofficial Guide To Obtaining A Powered Pleasure Craft Driving License (PPCDL)

February 13, 2017

This is not the first time that someone has blogged about this topic. In fact, a Google search reveals a number of bloggers who have also shared their first-hand experience of obtaining a powered pleasure craft driving license (PPCDL) and what I am about to write is my own experience of obtaining a PPCDL.
There are 3 requirements that one must fulfill in order to get a PPCDL.

1. Attend A PPCDL Course

There are a number of centres that conduct the PPCDL course and most courses will require you to set aside 2.5 days. Typically, 1.5 day is set aside for theory lessons and the remaining 1 day is for the practical lesson. Just so you know, I took my PPCDL Course at Marina Country Club in Punggol with Maritime Education and Training Services Private Limited. The price for a PPCDL Course will vary and it will cost between $300 to $400 depending on the centre that you are taking the course from. Occasionally, I do chance upon some special deals on Groupon for the PPCDL Course so do keep a lookout for it!

A photo posted by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo (@awinsomelife) on Sep 25, 2016 at 2:35am PDT

The PPCDL Course will cover Nautical Terms, Equipment & Usage, Emergencies, Mechanical & Electrical Equipment, Pleasure Craft & Singapore Port Regulations, Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea, Coastal Navigation, General Hints, Relevant Port Marine Circulars & Notices and Practical Boat Handling.

2. Pass the PPCDL Theory Test

You can only book for the PPCDL Theory Test upon completion of the PPCDL Course and if you want to pass the theory test on the first attempt, you have to prepare for it way in advance. To prepare for the PPCDL Theory Test, your PPCDL Course Instructor should have given you some theory test papers and if they haven’t, there are some online sites like Singapore Tests or PPCDL Guide that will be able to give you some sample test questions for you to attempt.

A photo posted by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo (@awinsomelife) on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:40am PDT

If you will like to have additional theory questions to practise on, you can refer to PPCDL Practice Paper and PPCDL Practise Paper With Answers (courtesy of Captain Hilbert from METS) that I have uploaded to help you in your preparation for the PPCDL Theory Test.

The PPCDL Theory Test costs $21.40 (inclusive of GST) per sitting.

3. Pass the PPCDL Practical Test

Upon passing your PPCDL Theory Test, you can go on to book for the PPCDL Practical Test. While the option to take up a PPCDL Practical Refresher Lesson is entirely up to you, I will suggest that you go for at least two 2-hour session of the PPCDL Practical Refresher Lesson because the 1 Day Practical Lesson conducted during the PPCDL Course is definitely insufficient.

A photo posted by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo (@awinsomelife) on Sep 24, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

A friend of mine recommended Uncle Dave if you want to go for the PPCDL Practical Refresher Lesson and his rate of $90 per hour is one of the cheapest around.

The key areas that you will need to focus on for the PPCDL Practical Test are the pre-launch checks, the un-berthing of a boat, man overboard recovery, berthing of a boat, and the oral interview after the practical handling test.

For the pre-launch checks, you will need to check the exterior of the boat for any cracks and damages and if you can see the engine propeller, make sure you check that there are no entanglement or debris. You will also have to let the tester know that the boat is secured at the bow, beam, and stern.

Once the exterior has been checked, you will need to get into the boat to do the interior checks. Proceed to the front compartment and check that the compartment is free from cracks, damages, and water. The front compartment will contain the anchor, anchor chain, and anchor rope.

After which, ensure that the following mandatory items are in place:

1. Anchor, Anchor Chain, Anchor Rope
2. 2 Life Buoys
3. 3 Hand Flares (check for expiry date)
4. Fire Extinguisher (check for expiry date and pressure)
5. Boat License (check for validity date, registration number, number of passengers the boat can carry)
6. Life Jackets
7. Air Horn
8. Bailor
9. Paddles
10. AIS Beacon
11. Navigational Lights (at the top of the boat towards the stern)

Proceed to the stern to check on the fuel tank compartment and the electrical box compartment. For the fuel tank compartment, ensure that it is free from cracks, damage and water. Turn open the fuel tank cap to check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank and then close it back. For the electrical box compartment, ensure that it is free from cracks, damage and water and that the electrical components are all connected to the electrical box.

Once that is done, proceed to the driver’s seat and carried out the last few remaining checks as follows:

1. Check that the kill switch is attached.
2. Ensure that the gear is in NEUTRAL position.
3. Check that the steering wheel can steer to port side and starboard side by turning it.
4. Check that the hydraulic system is working.
5. Appoint a lookout.

After appointing a lookout, inform your tester that all the checks have been done and you are ready to move off. Once the tester gives you the clearance to move off, start the engine and check that the engine cooling system is working. When you see water coming out from the engine cooling system, it means that the engine cooling system is working fine.

The tester will then ask the lookout to remove the lines and when all is good, the tester will then ask you to move off. Engage your gear to reverse and ask your lookout to look for the port side to see if there are any obstacles or approaching vessel.

Once you have reversed and cleared the space, you will then proceed to the open water to do your man overboard retrieval and then lastly, the berthing of the boat. As far as possible, try to clear these two without incurring any points so that you can have a safety net for the oral interview.

Also, whenever you do anything or whenever you carry out the checks, make sure it is loud and clear! Don’t just mumble to yourself and portray confidence when you do the checks.

It took me 3 attempts to clear my PPCDL Practical Test and on my 1st attempt, I failed because I didn’t manage to berth my boat. On my 2nd attempt, everything went well except for the oral interview. For my 3rd attempt, I guess I was just pretty lucky I cleared everything without incurring much demerit points.

For the oral interview, you really have to study for it so make sure you spend some time to revise when waiting for your turn. Some of the interview questions that I gotten are as follows:

1. How do you determine a risk of collision?
2. What is an isolated mark and what light does it show at night?
3. What is the night navigational light for a vessel that is aground?
4. What is the night navigational light for a vessel that is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre?
5. What is the night navigational light for a vessel that is constrained by her draft?
6. What is the night navigational light for a vessel that is anchored?
7. What is the night navigational light for a vessel that is not under command but making way?
8. What is the sound signal that a vessel makes when she wants to stop?
9. What is the sound signal that a vessel makes when she wants to move off?
10. How do you identify a vessel that is constrained by her draft in the day?
11. How do you identify a vessel that is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre in the day?
12. What is a cardinal mark and what light does it show at night?
13. What is a special mark and what light does it show at night?
14. What is a safe water mark and what light does it show at night?
15. What is the proper scope for anchoring?

In case you’re wondering, the PPCDL Practical Test costs $107 per attempt. To get a PPCDL, it will take approximately 3-4 months on average and if you manage to clear everything on the first attempt, it will take you about 1-2 months instead.

With a PPCDL, may this become a reality! I’m definitely looking forward to attending the Singapore Yacht Show that’s taking place this April!

I hope that this unofficial guide to obtaining a PPCDL will help you as you prepare for your own PPCDL journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to list them down in the comments section below or if you prefer, you can drop me an email at melvinlee@awinsomelife.org.

Cheers!

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