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3 More Hours to Lazada GSS Sale

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The annual Great Singapore Sale is here again and if you need to stock up on some apparels, accessories and even gadgets; this is the best time to get it because you can get huge discounts and what better way to shop when you can do it conveniently via online shopping!
With Lazada Great Singapore Sale, you can expect lots of awesome deals that you wouldn’t want to miss. In fact, you can get discounts of up to 90% off and there are flash deals that take place every 2 hours! #goglobalshoplocal

For the #lazadaGSS, there are also 42 specially-curated Surprise Boxes from many well-known brands such as JBL, Laneige, Logitech, Adidas, Sennheiser and much more and the value of the items are worth SGD$100!

The best part?

You can get it for only SGD$29 and if you post a video of yourself unboxing the Surprise Box and include the hashtag #lazadasurprises, you can stand a chance to win some pretty cool prizes.!

However, do note that there are limited stocks and the fastest fingers get it all! Hence, if I were you, I would definitely register to be notified about the flash deals here!

I received a surprise Surprise Box from Lazada and I will be revealing just one out of the many items that satisfied the geek in me and perhaps made life more interesting and convenient for me.

One of the items that I received from the Surprise Box is the TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Colour Changing Hue.

TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Colour Changing Hue

Imagine a monochrome world where there’s only just one colour to express yourself. It is downright boring. Colours add excitement into our lives and it allows us to choose whatever we fancy at that point in time. I personally like the TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Colour Changing Hue because it allows me to change the colour of the lighting in my entertainment room into whatever my mood fancies in the spur of the moment.

The best part? I can connect the bulb directly to my Wi-Fi network at home and control the lights from anywhere with my iPhone using the free Kasa app; and since the bulb uses LED, it is energy-saving!

New to Lazada?

If you never shop at Lazada before, let me give you one more important reason to give it a try.

From 6-8 June 2017, you can use a discount voucher code for any purchases that you make and get an 18% discount (capped at SGD$8)! All you need to do is just key in the voucher code: GSSMELVIN18.

Happy online shopping at #lazadasg!

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Easy, Rider: Motorcycle Safety Tips

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File:Police Motorcycle motion blur in Manhattan NYC.jpg
Everyone knows that there is nothing cooler than owning a motorcycle. Yes, weaving through traffic in leathers is about daring as becoming a full-time superhero. And when the bike opens up, the feeling of power is all-consuming.

But, before the intoxicating imagery of a motorcycle compels you to make a purchase, there is something to consider. That something is safety, and it’s paramount. Okay, so cars are more dangerous from a statistical point of view. However, that doesn’t mean that motorcycles aren’t potentially dangerous.

To make sure you don’t end up in a heap on the road, here are some safety features to consider.

Don’t Buy Too Much Bike

Visit a web page like https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/motorcycle-accident-attorneys and you’ll learn a thing or two. The main thing you will learn is that a motorcycle accident occurs because of negligence. Now, it might not be your negligence, yet it takes two to tango. With that in mind, it’s essential that you treat your responsibility with respect. The first thing to notice is when the bike is too much for you to handle. Please don’t let your ego get in the way because your ego won’t help in an accident. Be truthful about your skills on a bike and choose one that complements your talents.

Always Wear A Helmet & Leathers

Sure, it gets hot out, but that’s no excuse to ditch the helmet and leather combination. The main aim of both is to keep you safe. Should you have an accident, the helmet protects your head and the leathers, your body. Keeping cool might seem like a priority, but it is low down on the list. Anyway, the rush of the wind will be enough to cool you down should you overheat. Regardless of the weather or the duration of the journey, a helmet and leathers are essential.

Drive On The Back Foot

Cars are the leading cause of accidents on the road. It isn’t a secret that they are dangerous, which means you shouldn’t drive like you don’t understand the road. As the Boy Scouts say, always be prepared. As a motorcyclist, it is your job to be on the lookout for potential hazards like cars. It’s also a good idea to drive defensively instead of weaving in and out of traffic. A motorist might not see you and can’t react, and that’s dangerous. Be the one to respond by driving sensibly and not taking too many risks.

Check The Bike

You and the bike are at one on the road. Anything you do, the bike will do and vice versa. If the bike does something out of character, then, you will bear the brunt of the pain. The trick is to prevent anything out of the ordinary from occurring. To do that, check the bike on regular occasions. All it takes is a quick sweep of the motorcycle to make sure all the safety features work. Turn on the lights, beep the horn, and apply the brakes.

If they work, you’re ready to turn into a (safe) easy rider.

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Book Giveaway: Empowering Millennials by Vivek Iyyani

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I was at the Starbucks Outlet at Waterway Point one evening to meet with Vivek Iyyani, author of “Empowering Millennials” and we had a very fruitful meeting about the book that he recently launched.

Like him, we share similar passion for coaching, training, and mentoring and we believe that Millennials are the next generation of people who will shift habits, attitudes, and mindsets for the next generation (Generation Z) to emulate.

I don’t know if you see this as a form of good news or bad news but if you are born between 1980 to 2000, you are considered a Millennial.

I suppose you must have went like, “What? You got to be kidding me! I thought Millennials are those born in the year 2000 and onwards?!”

Well, you are not alone and I had the same assumption as well. Most of the time, we assume that Millennials are those who are born from the year 2000 onwards but if you’re not convinced, take a look at the list below and see if you can identify yourself with any of them:

You keep your young children occupied by passing them a tablet or smartphone.

You have shopped at least once on either Amazon, Qoo10, Lazada or Taobao.

You have a bucket list (wish list) of things you want to do before you reach a certain age i.e. visit this place and that place, learn this and learn that, do this and do that.

You spend more time using your mobile smartphone now when compared to the very first time you own a mobile phone 10-20 years ago.

You use at least one social media platform to connect with people i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Snapchat, and etc.

You value unique experiences like travelling the world and eating exquisite food over material possessions like the 5Cs (car, cash, credit card, condominium, country club membership).

You have used the services of Uber, Grab, Food Panda, or Deliveroo at least once

The list can go on and on and on and I hope that you are pretty much convinced that you are a Millennial because we certainly do a lot of the above, more than the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 to 1964) or the Generation X (those born between 1965 to 1979).

Now, truth be told. We Millennials are in for an exciting time ahead because after the Baby Boomers, we are the next largest generation of people who have entered or are entering the workforce. What this also means is that we will also be the ones who will be assuming key appointments and positions in society in the next 10-20 years. This is why, what we do now to prepare ourselves for that time and purpose is more important and urgent than it was before.

In Vivek’s book, “Empowering Millennials”; he mentioned that the top 5 challenges that Millennials face today and they are as follows:

Millennials lack clarity. Millennials want to believe in a strong cause but they don’t know what and how to gain that sense of clarity.

Millennials lack alignment. Millennials set really big goals but their actions are completely misaligned with their goals.

Millennials lack patience. Millennials want instant success and do not build the necessary habits they require to attract success.

Millennials lack resilience. Millennials are also being named the Strawberry Generation for not being able to handle failure and pick themselves up after they face setbacks.

Millennials lack productivity. Millennials are the digital natives and they kill productivity by constantly multi-tasking. People who chase 2 rabbits catch neither.

Do you find this to be true?

Well, if you do, I highly encourage you to read Vivek’s book, “Empowering Millennials”. In it, you will find practical and helpful tips via a step-by-step approach to help you overcome the top 5 challenges that we Millennials face in every day.

Not sure if Empowering Millennials is the book for you?

You should consider reading this book if:

You are currently unemployed because you either don’t know the career that you want for yourself or you have changed multiple jobs in the last few years- no fun.

You are currently employed but you are working in a job you may not necessarily enjoy, that provides no work-life balance and you continue only because it pays the debts and bills- no freedom.

You are in your dream job but you are not progressing fast enough to live the lifestyle you dreamed of- no fortune.

Vivek’s book will be available at all major book stores from end April and if you prefer some form of convenience, you can order it directly from his website for SGD$25.

We have one autographed copy of Empowering Millennials to be given away. If you are keen to win this book, you can do so below.

[RF_CONTEST contest=’4914′]

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Ways to Grow Your Business with Social Media Marketing

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It’s no secret that in today’s business environment, having a social media presence is one of the keys to success. As Fortune suggests, not making full use of social media is not just ill-advised; it may also become “a serious business liability”. However, it isn’t enough to simply be present on social media; it needs to be used effectively to see forward momentum. This seems deceptively simple, but having a clear goal and assessing your progress is key to expanding brand awareness. Decide which platforms will best fit your needs and work from there.
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Visualize

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Decide what you are looking to get out of your business’s social media experience and how best to achieve those goals. This will help narrow your focus regarding which platforms in which to invest your resources. For example, a publishing company may decide to pass over Snapchat completely as there will be little need for live video representation. On the other hand, an upstart downtown bakery decides to use the app to clue potential customers in on daily deal, limited menu items, or pop up locations. A company whose needs are met more by written word may focus their energy on Twitter, sharing updates and engaging interested parties. Pinterest may be the path of choice for a photo based strategy. Regardless of your needs, there is a platform out there that will help maximize exposure.

Meet Expectations

In the digital age, consumers expect a tailored media experience; easy to navigate web pages, mobile friendly layouts, and quick response times. Users now, more than ever, expect information to be readily available 24/7. Not meeting these needs will certainly alienate potential customers. Don’t let this be daunting; allow this to challenge you to continue learning and growing in order to bring something new to the table. Focused content marketing can raise your brand to new levels. Whether it be a skill like image editing or a venture into audio and video, your skills should help you keep up with the ever progressing landscape of social media.

Push the Limits

Don’t just lean on standbys like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to spread the word. Make old things new again by integrating updated tools. For example, take advantage of live streaming via Facebook in conjunction with other programs such as the BlueJeans onSocial platform; this allows multiple presenters to broadcast their content to many locations in real time! Considering how much time the average user spends on Facebook, this presents an excellent chance to reach a new audience. Also, consider using hash tags and interacting with customers who have interacted with your business via social media. Outreach can be an important part of your strategy. Seeking to make a positive emotional tie with customers is a great way to keep them coming back. Most importantly; be authentic, be human.

Know Your Goals

While its good to have a presence in as many places as makes sense, avoid rehashing the same content over social media platforms. Keep each experience new and fresh; consistent but not identical. Maintain a theme. Find something interesting about your brand and build up from that idea; humor is a good way to get people talking and keep them engaged. Know what it is that you want to convey and find the best ways to deliver that to consumers in ways that will generate return on your social media investment. What are you looking to accomplish? Don’t waste resources where you don’t see results. The S.M.A.R.T method is a good starting point to set goals for what you want to accomplish- goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound; a clear guideline for avenues you may choose to pursue.

In summary, social media marketing is an integral facet of advertising your business or brand. It not only keeps you relevant to the consumer, but also ensures you don’t stagnate in the constantly evolving world of competitive business. Keep your content interesting and varied; continue learning new skills and honing those you already have. Know what you expect to achieve from each platform you use. With the above suggestions, you should be well prepared to wield the potential power of social media marketing.

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Heads Up – ‘Text Neck’ is Plaguing Our Smart Nation!

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Mankind has long evolved from our primal roots and progressed into the smart and savvy nations of today, but are we moving back in time?
A group of four undergraduates from Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information in Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are initiating the first campaign in Singapore to raise awareness on ‘Text Neck’, a new condition that many young adults here are falling prey to.

‘Text Neck’ Syndrome is a repetitive strain injury caused by a prolonged forward head posture when users engage in their mobile devices. It is an increasingly common sight in our plugged-in nation due to the pervasiveness of technology in Singapore. This new health phenomenon is currently not well-known among Singaporeans, but this group of NTU undergraduates are shedding light on ‘Text Neck’ and its detrimental health effects with their campaign, ‘Stand Corrected’.

Many are unaware that with a 30-degree forward head tilt, a person is applying over 18 kg of stress on his spine. This causes wear and tear and may lead to spinal complications developing over time. As there is little to no immediate detection of damaged muscles or joints, serious health issues could go unnoticed.

“Poor posture caused by the constant forward head posture while using mobile devices may lead to neck strains and degenerative changes to the cervical spine,” said Mr. Jeff Lim, Senior Physiotherapist at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).

According to a survey conducted by the NTU undergraduates, 87% of young adults spend three or more hours a day on their mobile devices, and about 60% of people surveyed experience neck and back pains after usage. In addition, there is currently a very low level of awareness and knowledge on ‘Text Neck’ Syndrome and its detrimental effects, with only 11% of respondents knowing what the syndrome actually is.

Dr. Terrence Yap, Vice-President of The Chiropractic Association (Singapore) also noted that not only has there been an increase in posture problems due to the use of mobile devices, but chronic neck-and-back symptoms that people used to experience at aged 60 and above are now starting to affect people as early as 30 to 40 years old.

Dannie Seet, 26, one of the students leading the ‘Stand Corrected’ campaign, said “I am personally a victim of ‘Text Neck’ and many of my friends are too. It is worrying that many Singaporeans are unaware of the damage they are doing to their spines. Our team hopes that more Singaporeans will be mindful of their postures and learn to care for their spinal health”.

“Hopefully, initiatives such as ‘Stand Corrected’ will particularly appeal to teenagers and young adults so that they can adopt good posture habits now to prevent health problems later in life after decades of hand-held device use,” said Mr. Lim.

The campaign is proudly sponsored by Ergoworks, National Youth Council (NYC), Central Singapore Development Council (CDC) and is supported by Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and The Chiropractic Association (Singapore) for their medical expertise.

For more information and updates about the ‘Stand Corrected’ campaign, follow them on Facebook & Instagram!

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Want To Be An Easy Rider?

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Let’s be completely honest here; there are few things cooler than a motorcycle.
The idea of sailing down the open road at high speed, the wind rushing past you, ducking and weaving between cars that can’t hope to keep up. There’s no denying the appeal of a motorcycle of any sort, whether it’s a classic chopper or something a little more modern.

But how realistic is it?

Surely if running a motorcycle was simple, there would be just as many as on the road as there are cars right?

Well, that’s the thing!

Unlike their four-wheeled counterparts, motorcycles come with a few more things to worry about.

That’s not to say that these things might be enough to put you off completely, but they are the sorts of things that it’s important to think about if you’re considering sinking a pretty solid amount of cash into one. To help you figure out if one is right for you, here are some important things that you need to think about when you’re considering getting a motorcycle.

Safety

Motorbike, Helmet, Motorcycle, Helm, Shoei

Image Source

With any vehicle, safety should always be your main concern, but that is only made even more significant with a motorcycle.

Unlike in a car, you’re very exposed when you’re on your bike; and when you’re at high speeds, that can be a pretty dangerous idea. That’s why it’s so important to invest in some high-quality safety gears. Your helmet is likely to be the most obvious thing that comes to mind when you think about safety but far too many people forget about how important their armor is as well.

Check out http://www.bikersbasics.com/armor-reviews/ to find the perfect armor for you. It’s hardly the most exciting element of getting ready to head out on your bike, but it could also be the thing that makes the difference between life and death.

Power

Not all bikes are created equal, and it’s important to figure out how much power you can handle. When you’re first starting out, it might be tempting to get a bike with as much get-up-and-go as possible, but be careful. Some bikes can be seriously tricky to control because they are so easy to open up and hit high speeds with. If you’re a beginner, then you might be better off with something a little bit less power in the engine until you fully get your bearings.

Where will you ride it?

Motorcycle, Road, Motorbike, Biker, Travel, Speed

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As tempting as the idea of getting out on the open road and riding off into the sunset must be, you need to remember that the kind of riding that you can do is going to be pretty heavily dictated by where you live.

If you’re in a busy, heavily populated city, then you’re probably not going to get the chance to really use a chopper to its full potential, and likewise, if you’re somewhere particularly rural, a city bike is probably not going to handle the uneven roads too well.

Think about where you live and what kind of riding you’ll be doing and that’s going to have a big impact on the kind of bike that you want to look out for.

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Happy New Year 2017!

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Today is the first day of 2017 and I am really looking forward to what life has in stored for me in the next 17 months before I hit the big 3.

Personally, I have set a couple of goals that I want to achieve before I turn 30 and they are:

1. To obtain a Powered Pleasured Craft Driving License by January 2017
2. To complete a half marathon by April 2017
3. To slim down and achieve a weight of 70KG by May 2017
4. To get certified as a Level 1 Kayaking Instructor by June 2017
5. To get certified as a Day Skipper by September 2017
6. To complete an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment by December 2017
7. To finish reading 4 books on leadership and team building by December 2017
8. To save up enough money for a Private Pilot License by May 2018

I am aware that some of the goals which I have set might be unobtainable in such a short period of time but I am determined to achieve them because turning 30 is such a big thing to me. This is why in the next 17 months, I will be like a ‘sponge’ and I will absorb as much life lessons as I can to equip myself and be ready for what life will throw at me when I turn 30.

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What about my relationship goals with my spouse, family, and friends? Are there spiritual goals that I have also set for myself?

Yes, I have set some relationship goals and some of them are to spend more quality time with my spouse and family and to be around for them when they need me. I also hope to be more filial to my parents and more loving to my spouse.

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As for spiritual goals, I just hope to keep an open mind and be consistent in my belief that there’s a higher power that serves to make the world a better place and in turn being more mindful of the things that are happening around me.

For some, 2016 may have been an eventful year while for others, it may have been a trying year. There are certainly times throughout the year when we all felt busy, stressed and even downright frazzled.

When things aren’t going the way we intended it to be, what could be some of our responses to the problem or issue?

Could we have been more open and more receptive to new ideas? Could we have done things in a different manner? Or how about learning a new skill to develop a personal interest?

To get myself through 2017, I have gotten hold of Lonely Planet’s 101 Ways To Live Well and the wellness tips certainly provide tangible solutions to the stresses and strains of everyday life.

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I have an inkling that you might be having this thought in your head right now, “Are you saying that Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guidebook publisher and travel media company has actually published a non-travel related book?!”.

Yes, I kid you not. Even for me personally, I always had the impression that Lonely Planet only publishes inspiring and trustworthy travel content.

Anyway, I enjoy reading Lonely Planet’s 101 Ways To Live Well and if you are interested to find out more about this book, you can preview it here.

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For added convenience and portability, you can also purchase Lonely Planet’s 101 Ways To Live Well as an eBook on Apple iTunes Store or Google Play Store.

So, what are your goals for 2017? Come and share it with me in the comments section below.

Meanwhile, have a wonderful and Happy New Year 2017 and here’s wishing everyone a year of good health, peace, and prosperity!

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SG Secure: Get Involved And Be Prepared For An Emergency Crisis

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It’s a Saturday evening and after a satisfying dinner; you decide to bring the whole family to check out the magnificent Christmas lighting along Orchard Road and spend some quality family time.
Suddenly, you hear a loud “boom” and the next moment; you see shards of glass raining on the streets and you hear people screaming and running amok.

Woodlands Emergency Preparedness Day 2016//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

What will you do?

If I found myself in that situation; I will be stunned momentarily (that’s for sure). But at the same time, I know I cannot stay there permanently and the most immediate thing that I have to do is to check if my family is alright and move them to safety as soon as possible. Only when my family is safe and secure will I then venture out and put my first aid skills to use so that more people can be helped and rescued.

Woodlands Emergency Preparedness Day 2016//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

There are a thousand and one scenarios as to how a terrorist attack can unfold here in Singapore but how we respond to an attack (should one ever takes place) is extremely important.

Woodlands Emergency Preparedness Day 2016//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

As a nation, are we physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for an attack? If we aren’t, what are some things we can do to prepare ourselves?

Stay Alert

Be vigilant, look out for security threats and know how to respond.

Call 999 or SMS71999 if you see something suspicious.

Use the SG Secure App to provide information to the authorities.

Stay United

Build strong ties with your community.

In a crisis, stay calm and do not spread rumours.

Resume daily activities as soon as possible.

Stay Strong

Be prepared and know what to do in an emergency.

Know and apply ‘Run, Hide, Tell’, Improvised First-Aid Skills, and CPR-AED procedure.

I believe that everyone can do their part to ensure a safe and secure Singapore and as much as people would want to believe; we are now operating in an uncertain environment where it is not a matter of whether an attack can take place but a matter of when an attack will take place.

Be prepared for an emergency because to be prepared is half the victory.

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Night Time Errands Running Services Singapore

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We are pleased to announce that with effect from 17 October 2016, our company will be collaborating with The Night Rider Singapore to offer night-time errands-running services.
So, if you’re feeling hungry in the middle of the night; or if you’re working on a project and you need to munch on some supper, we can cater to your needs. With 24-hour food and beverage establishments all over Singapore, we can help you satisfy your hunger pangs all the way till late night!

If you need some ideas for supper, check out Her World Plus’ 12 Best Supper Spots In Singapore For Late-Night Hunger Pangs!

Supper Delivery Service Singapore

OR

If you need to get something from the convenience shops but it is not so convenient for you to do so (you get what we mean); we can help you get it and have it delivered to your place (with discretion, of course).

Night Time Errand Running Service Singapore

To kick-start our new service offering, we will be extending the promotional rate of SGD$30 from now all the way till 31 December regardless of the location (yes, even for errands from Jurong to Changi).

*Do note that the SGD$30 promotional rate is only valid for errands request from 7pm to 5am the next day.

To request for an errand to be done, you can either message us via A Winsome Life Facebook Page or The Night Rider Singapore Facebook Page. Alternatively, you can also contact us via email at concierge@awinsomelife.org

Apart from offering night-time errands-running services, we are also able to assist with the following services when you’re away on a holiday:

Rabbit Boarding Service

Rabbit Boarding Service Singapore

We have more than 2 years of experience caring for rabbits and we have a fuzzy lop at home that we take great pride in. If you need a rabbit boarding service, you can count on us to have your rabbits taken care of when you’re away on a holiday. Our rates for boarding services is SGD$9 a day and it is inclusive of premium rabbit food and a one-time basic grooming service (basic brushing and de-matting, no trimming). Transportation can be arranged but it will be at an additional cost of SGD$40 for a return trip.

Gardening Service

Image Credit: Never Lost Knowledge

A garden requires daily maintenance and care. If left alone for more than 3 days, the plants will dehydrate and start thinning. If you’re away for a holiday for a long period of time and you require someone to take care of your garden and plants while you’re away, we can help! For a fee of SGD$45, we will take care of your garden for 5 days and if you need someone to take care of your garden for an even longer period of time, we will be more than happy to discuss your needs and requirements.

Should you require any other personal errands and concierge services, please feel free to drop us an email at concierge@awinsomelife.org and we can arrange for a phone call or a meeting to discuss your needs.

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What Your Body Language and Speech Can Say About You as an Employee

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The Small Business Chron says that about 65 percent to 75 percent of all the communication we do happens non-verbally. We also use a lot of these nonverbal cues to get a gauge on how the person we’re conversing with is feeling. We rely on those cues to help us determine if our co-workers or employees are mad and upset or happy and content.
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So for instance, if you have trouble making eye contact with people and you’re new at work, some of your colleagues might find you untrustworthy or think you don’t like them. That could make your office life difficult until you dispel that perception. That’s why it is important to make sure your body language and speech are saying the right things about you. Given the way technologies like video conferencing are on the rise, it’s now more important than ever for employees to know how to conduct themselves online and in video meetings. So here are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Poor Posture

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If you tend to slump; that could be taken as a sign of fatigue, lack of confidence or disinterest, says the Business Insider, even when that’s the furthest thing on your mind. So always be aware of your posture. Stand tall, with your chest slightly out and your legs slightly apart, with the weight evenly distributed. This can immediately make you look more confident, at ease with yourself and as a result, much more trustworthy and credible.

Not In Sync

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The best teams are the ones who are completely in sync. You talk the same language, mirror each other’s tempo, tone, voice and even posture and movements. In some cases, you might even finish each other’s sentences. That kind of bond, that closeness, is crucial in creating the kind of team that delivers a consistently winning performance. And body language plays a huge factor in that. If you aren’t in sync with the rest of your team mates, they could take that as a sign that you aren’t interested, you’re looking down on them, you’re deliberately setting yourself apart from them and all that could lead to conflict and friction at work. So the last thing you want is that kind of trouble at work. No worries though; if you’re observant enough and know how to read cues right, you’ll be able to settle into the team’s rhythm in no time.

Lack of Facial Expressions

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Say you’re getting a performance review; most people communicate what they feel or think through raised eyebrows or by nodding their heads, leaning forward or saying “uh huh, uh huh.” If you don’t do any of that, your superiors might feel that you don’t care about the results of your performance review at all. Worst, they might even feel that you don’t care about the work in general or that you feel bad and this is your way of showing them that the review doesn’t matter to you. Nothing derails your career faster than a superior thinking you don’t care about the work at all. If you don’t want your superiors or team mates to think that you’re being uppity or snobbish at work, then getting your body language right matters.

Stressed Out

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Stress and exhaustion often comes through your body language and facial expressions, and they come in pretty loud and clear. Your complexion is lackluster, your eyes look tired, you can’t focus right and you don’t pay attention. That’s really not the kind of look you want, especially if you’re dealing with a potential client or long-time customer. There are plenty of things that could stress you out and one of them is certainly the lack of knowledge about the video communication system that you are using. So make sure you master an audio video communications system like BlueJeans—a reliable product in the industry—before you make your video calls. If you know how to use that system, you won’t be in a mad scramble, trying to find which control or what features to use. You’ll be confident, relaxed and ready for the meeting ahead.

No Eye Contact

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We all know this. In every culture, eye contact is a constant. Holding eye contact while you talk to someone, whether through online or live meetings, can have a massive positive effect on how people perceive you. It can instantly make you look trustworthy and credible, two qualities you want your employers, clients or team mates to feel about you. Lack of eye contact, though, could be seen as shifty, insecurity or signs that you aren’t a person to be trusted, all of which could hurt you professionally.

Perceptions affect the way people treat each other. So if you want to improve your image at work or the way people perceive you, start by changing your body language and facial expression.

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