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If you’ve walked past the queue snaking around ION Orchard recently, you’re not alone. The hype is real, and it’s all thanks to If you’ve walked past the queue snaking around ION Orchard recently, you’re not alone. The hype is real, and it’s all thanks to POP MART’s sprawling new flagship store, the largest in Singapore and a haven for collectors of all ages.

Stepping inside is like entering a candy-colored wonderland, complete with three special photo-op areas; a life-sized SKULLPANDA Trust sculpture, a Dimoo-on-the-Go area, and a Built-in Photo Booth with popular POP MART series that changes with each new product launch. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing fans with an unparalleled shopping experience.

But the magic of POP MART goes beyond the immersive retail experience. Remember the heart-pounding hope for that one special prize at the pasar malam? POP MART’s “blind boxes” are essentially that, each containing a mystery figurine from a range of adorable characters like Molly, Pucky, and Dimoo. And these are more than just toys. Each figurine has its own backstory and personality, and collecting them becomes a journey. It’s about finding the characters that resonate with you, swapping with friends, and maybe even striking gold with a rare “chase” figure.

The surprise and delight of not knowing which cutie you’ll get is a huge part of POP MART’s appeal. Then there’s the passionate community of fans, with online groups and in-person meetups creating a sense of belonging. Some rare POP MART figures have even been known to appreciate in value, adding an extra layer to the hobby.

So, is it too late to join the bandwagon? Definitely not. The POP MART craze shows no signs of slowing down, especially with the return of the highly anticipated POP TOY SHOW at Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 23 to 25 August 2024. Themed “Dimoo in the Garden City,” this year’s show promises an expanded lineup of artists, exclusive collectibles, and engaging activities for fans.

 

In our search for a unique and memorable gift idea for Jacob’s 2nd birthday, we found out about Flower Chimp Singapore’s Cake Explosion Gift Box and we thought it might be a delightful surprise that not only brings the joy of celebration but also adds a delectable treat, creating an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

The ability to personalise the contents of this gift box is a standout feature. It allowed us to curate a truly special and unique present for Jacob. The anticipation built when he unwrapped the box, and what unfolded was nothing short of magical. The Flying Butterflies took flight, creating an enchanting moment that added a touch of wonder to the entire experience.

Beyond the visual appeal, the Cake Explosion Gift Box delights the taste buds with a delectable treat. The inclusion of a sweet surprise adds another layer to the overall experience. It’s a thoughtful addition that ensures the celebration is not only visually stunning but also indulgently delicious.

The versatility of the Cake Explosion Gift Box makes it adapt beautifully for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any other special event. The ability to customise the contents ensures that each box is a reflection of the recipient’s personality and interests.

Say goodbye to mundane gifts and welcome a wonderfully sweet and whimsical bang into your celebrations with the Cake Explosion Gift Box.

Celebrate International Stout month with Connor’s and have the most ultimate British pub experience in Orchard Road from now till 26th November 2023. Located between Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria, do check out the Good Times Pub as they transport you to a quintessentially British experience.

Discover The Brew by exploring the intricate brewing process that sets Connor’s Draught Stout apart from the rest—an exceptional brew that was awarded the prestigious 2023 Monde Selection Gold Award. Inspired by the original 1700s British Stout Porter recipe, Connor’s masterfully brewed stout features a distinctive fusion of four premium malts: lager malt, caramel malt, brown malt, and roasted barley for a rich flavour profile with notes of toasted caramel and coffee undertones.

Tap To The Good Times Challenge – Put your stout tapping skills to the test and compete to pour the perfect pint (hint: the correct ratio of foamy head sits above the Connor’s logo on the pint glass). Learn the secret to tapping the perfect pull – you might just walk away with more than bragging rights. 

Capture your Good Time Pub experience at the iconic English red phone box and a larger-than-life Connor’s Stout Porter. Do it the British way, do it for content—snap and tag @ConnorsSG and #GoodTimesWithConnors, and you might win a carton of Connor’s to take home (two winners selected daily). After which, sit and relax, enjoy a bag of Tyrrells’ crisps along with the refreshingly crisp and rich taste of Connor’s brew.

Explore limited-edition Connor’s merchandise on-site and shop exclusive Good Time Bundles at the Lounge Area to ensure the good times continue even after you leave the pub:

Bring The Pub Home – SGD 12 (worth SGD 50)
1. Connor’s pack of 4s (320ml can pack)
2. Connor’s 250ml glassware
3. Connor’s coaster set (x2)

Celebrate Good Times – SGD 50 
1. Redeem 6 pints of Connor’s at KPO bar on Killiney Road (worth $70)
2. Connor’s 250ml glassware
3. Connor’s coaster set (x4)
4. Connor’s powerbank (not shown)             
5. Connor’s Luggage Tag – customised with your name

The good times do not end here. Discover and score brilliant gifts from 1st November to 31st December when you purchase Connor’s at selected bars and restaurants, e-commerce stores, 7-11, and supermarkets.

Fancy giveaways of limited-edition Connor’s playing cards and power banks? Or would you like to win a Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Vacuum (worth $1,069) and a SMEG Union Jack Mini Fridge + a Carton of Connor’s (worth $2,280)?

Visit goodtimeswithconnors.com to explore Good Times deals and contests in Connor’s celebration of all things stout.

Pop-up Store Details: Tap To The Good Times at Connor’s Good Times Pub
Date: Now till 26th November 2023
Location: Orchard Road, the pedestrian stretch between Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 4 pm—9 pm | Sat-Sun, 3 pm—9 pm
Entrance: FREE
Website and Registration: https://goodtimeswithconnors.com 
[Registration is required for entry to Connor’s Good Times Pub.*]

*Entry will only be allowed for people aged 18 and above. Verification is required at the point of entry. Carlsberg Singapore Pte Ltd reserves the right to deny entry to visitors who do not meet entry requirements.

As the anticipation for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival builds, Tai Cheong Bakery, a legendary establishment with a rich history in Hong Kong and well-known for their delicious egg tarts, has unveiled a collection of Mooncake Sets that promise an unforgettable gastronomic experience. These meticulously crafted delights are a true embodiment of tradition and quality, reflecting the bakery’s commitment to excellence that spans decades.

The Essence of Craftsmanship and Flavours

Tai Cheong Bakery’s Mooncake Sets are more than just confections; they are the result of dedicated craftsmanship and the use of premium ingredients. One can immediately sense the dedication that goes into creating these masterpieces. The Mooncake Sets offer a selection of carefully curated flavours, each capturing the essence of the festival.

Golden Treasure Mooncake Set (SGD$86)

The Golden Treasure Mooncake Set introduces a luxurious experience with four meticulously handcrafted mooncakes, each weighing 80g. These mooncakes are not just desserts; they are expressions of culinary artistry.

  • Double Egg Yolk with White Lotus Seed Paste
    This timeless classic strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, with velvety smooth white lotus seed paste enveloping two golden egg yolks.
  • Wu Ren (Five Nuts)
    Embark on a nutty adventure with this blend of almonds, walnuts, melon seeds, sesame seeds, and cashew nuts, harmoniously bound by a sweet and aromatic maltose syrup.
  • Single Yolk with Black Sesame
    The rich flavours of black sesame are paired with a hidden single egg yolk, creating a delightful play of textures.
  • White Lotus Seed Paste
    A celebration of tradition, this mooncake embodies the essence of Mooncake Festival with its pure and subtle sweetness.

Divine Medley Mooncake Set (SGD$60)

For those seeking variety, the Divine Medley Mooncake Set offers a delightful array of flavours in both 80g and 45g sizes. This set beautifully captures the spirit of the festival through its diverse offerings.

Regular Mooncakes, 80g
  • Single Yolk with White Lotus Seed Paste
    Tradition meets innovation with the single golden egg yolk at the center, complementing the classic White Lotus Seed Paste.
  • Wu Ren (Five Nuts)
    Nut enthusiasts will revel in the combination of almonds, walnuts, melon seeds, sesame seeds, and cashew nuts in this 80g mooncake.
Mini Mooncakes, 45g
  • Custard
    A burst of creamy delight awaits as you savour the smooth and velvety custard lava filling.
  • Black Sesame Mochi
    The chewy texture of this mooncake harmonises perfectly with the fragrant black sesame paste, providing a delightful textural contrast.
  • Matcha with Red Bean Paste
    Delicate matcha meets the comforting richness of red bean paste, creating a delightful interplay of flavours.
  • Red Bean Paste with Dried Tangerine Peel
    Tradition takes a zesty twist with the pairing of red bean paste and dried tangerine peel.

Unveiling Tradition, Preserving Excellence
Tai Cheong Bakery’s Mooncake Sets not only preserve the essence of tradition but also exemplify the dedication to quality. With certifications that ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality, these mooncakes are a testament to the bakery’s commitment to its customers.

Tai Cheong Bakery’s Mooncake Sets will be available for the public to purchase at all Tai Cheong outlets from 16 August 2023 with the exception of Changi Airport Terminal 3. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in the authentic flavours of Tai Cheong Bakery’s legendary mooncakes and experience the rich heritage of Hong Kong’s culinary artistry.

Aries Gold is a Singaporean watch brand founded by CK Woo in 1970. CK Woo dedicated his life to mastering the art of watchmaking after falling in love with watches at a young age. Aries Gold prides itself on the manufacturing of mechanical timepieces and bringing them to the modern world. Since its inception in 1970, its designs and manufacturing have been done exclusively in-house in its workshop in Singapore. Combining traditional watchmaking craftsmanship and premium materials at an affordable price, Aries Gold has grown an international presence in more than 35 countries. 

Recently, Aries Gold launched The Samurai Code Series and I was very intrigued by the collection because it depicts the Samurai way of life and there are  7 designs to choose from. Each design is named after the seven virtues of the Bushido Code and I was honestly spoilt for choice because all of them looked good. In the end, I settled for the virtue that strongly resonated with me and chose JIN 仁, which is also translated as mercy or benevolence.

Jin is one of the highest-regarded bushido tenets. Samurai possess physical and legal power. Instead of exercising power, they should show mercy and benevolence. Love, care, sympathy, and pity are some traits that a Samurai must possess. This ensures that the warrior fought for the right reason and belief; it also guarantees that if there were no need to kill, the samurai would have mercy.

The watches from The Samurai Code Series are powered by the trialled and tested Japanese Miyota automatic movement, the 8215. The case size is 42.5mm and the glass used is Sapphire crystal. Yes, you read that right. Although Sapphire crystal is mostly used by high-end watchmakers, Aries Gold believes in creating quality timepieces that everyone can afford. Sapphire crystal scores a solid 9 out of 10 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale (which is just below diamond), thus making it more scratch resistant than mineral glass. The material used for the watch strap is made of rubber which makes the watch suitable for outdoor sporting activities.

If you would like to immortalise your precious moments on the watch, there are personalisation options available and you can either print text/picture on the watch dial or print text/picture on the glass case-back. As for me, I got the character, 仁 printed on the glass case-back. Every purchase of the watch comes with a free classy travel watch pouch that comes with extra slots for additional watch straps.

Check out the entire collection of The Samurai Code Series by Aries Gold on H2 Hub. For the price of $398, I feel it is reasonably priced considering the unique one-of-its-kind design, the automatic movement, and the durable sapphire glass!

Singapore-based F&B startup, The Kettle Gourmet, recently launched their new range of corn stick snacks – YUMI, in Singapore in 3 flavours – original, cheese, and chicken. 

Founder and CEO of The Kettle Gourmet, Zac Chua has seen success in the past few years since he started the company in 2017 with less than $100 to make quality popcorn. Wanting to explore the possibilities of snacks beyond popcorn, Zac drew upon fond memories of childhood snacks. The recollection of the corn sticks he used to enjoy in Primary school sparked the inspiration for YUMI.

YUMI stems from a name of Japanese origin that means reason, cause, friend, or beautiful. The pronunciation of YUMI also borrows from the Mandarin characters, “玉米” which translates to corn.

YUMI corn stick is made with real corn grits. Vegetarian friendly, YUMI is baked, not fried and uses only non-GMO corn.

The initial batch of YUMI flavours – original, cheese, and chicken, have been refined in development and chosen from their proven track record. With a working product, Zac reached out to his existing network and international partners to get the first taste of YUMI.

The corn stick snacks proved a hit and have already gained significant traction overseas. The snack has been exported to China, Thailand, and Mauritius.

YUMI retails for a pack of 20 sticks at $5.90 or 6 packs at $35 and is available in leading physical and online outlets such as Fairprice Finest, Lazada, Shopee, Grabfood, FoodPanda, Redmart, and Qoo10, and is also available at The Kettle Gourmet’s site.

Moving forward, Zac and his team will be working on porting their renditions of local flavours from their popcorn snacks which have represented Singapore at the Dubai 2020 World Expo to critical acclaim. In the near future, customers can enjoy bestselling flavours such as “Nasi Lemak”, and “Kaya Butter Toast” with their YUMI experience.


Our Personal Review & Thoughts

Corn was first domesticated by the native people in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago and with such a long history, corn snacks have likewise been around for a long time. Will The Kettle Gourmet’s new range of corn stick snacks be able to stand out in an already saturated snack industry? Well, we are pretty sure they will find a way to stand out; after all, they started with making popcorns and they stood out because of their unique flavoured popcorns.

Having tried all 3 of the initial batch of YUMI flavours, we were honestly unimpressed by the taste because the original and cheese flavour was too milky for our liking and we found the chicken flavour a little salty. However, this is really more of a personal taste and preference than anything else, and folks who enjoy dairy products will probably enjoy YUMI more than we do.

Even though this might be a miss for us, we still enjoy the popcorn from The Kettle Gourmet and who knows, maybe new flavours will be introduced and we might find ourselves trying new things again!

A point to note though, we are not entirely sure if the chicken-flavoured corn stick is vegetarian-friendly because chicken seasoning is listed as one of its ingredients but we reckoned it should be.

Nonetheless, do check out The Kettle Gourmet and have a look at what they have to offer!

For all you travel lovers and globetrotters, Decathlon has something special just for you! As part of the brand’s Back To Travel campaign, Decathlon Singapore will be running a photo contest in collaboration with Nikon Singapore. 100 lucky participants will be chosen to snap the best pictures or videos that feature themselves using the Forclaz Trekking 40L Backpack provided by the Decathlon team, to stand a chance in winning this exciting reward!

From today to 30 September 2022, stand a chance to win either a Nikon Coolshot 200 GII worth S$248, a S$500 Decathlon Gift Card, or the grand prize of a Nikon Z30 worth S$1,679! As the lightest and most compact Z series to date, the Nikon Z30 is made for your inner videographer. From teasers and reels to stories and streams, stand a chance to win this reward and begin your content-creator journey with the Nikon Z30. What’s more? Chosen submissions will also be featured on Decathlon’s Back to Travel campaign across Decathlon’s marketing channels!

To join, simply follow the guidelines below:

  1. Complete this form and stand a chance to be part of the 100 selected participants.
  2. Upon being selected, a Decathlon Singapore representative will be in touch to help you with the facilitation of bag collection.
  3. Upon receiving the bag, participants will have to:

    a. Capture 3 visual content, photos or videos, and upload them on Instagram or TikTok with #DecathlonTogether, #nikonsg and tag @decathlonsg

    b. Shortlist 1 photo as your Key Visual for contest submission before 30 September 2022.

*Contest ends on 30 September 2022, 2359.

Submissions will be independently reviewed by Decathlon, Nikon, and The Secret Little Agency (TSLA) panel of judges. Winners will be announced on 7 October 2022, on Decathlon Singapore’s social media platforms.

Terms and conditions apply.* This contest is open to Singapore residents only.

Owning a portable projector has been on our list of wants for quite some time, but because of our busy lifestyle where we also have to take care of two (2) very active children, we hardly have time to do our research and purchase one. 

Since we got the LUMOS TEMPO from LUMOS, we thought we might as well just give the LUMOS NANO a shot and go for it since the LUMOS Projector Brand has got so many positive reviews.

Aesthetics

The LUMOS NANO Projector sports a rectangular, boxy design, and its compact design makes it very convenient to bring around. Weighing just 400 grams, the weight of the LUMOS NANO Projector feels very similar to a can of soft drink. The look and feel of the LUMOS NANO do bear some resemblance to R2-D2 from Star Wars.

Performance & Quality

The performance and build quality of the LUMOS NANO Projector is what makes it stand out from other mini projectors. 

The LUMOS NANO runs on the Android 9.0 operating system, and commonly-used applications such as Google Play Store, YouTube, and Netflix come pre-installed with the device. Other mini projectors in the market are not that “smart” because their only function is to mirror/duplicate the display of another device. As for the LUMOS NANO, it can run independently on its own without requiring another separate device. The LUMOS NANO projector also has the Airplay/E-Share function, which you can use to mirror your phone to show any content from your phone, all without any messy cables.

Although it was easy for us to use the inbuilt touchpad to navigate the user-friendly interface, we feel it is way easier to use the remote controller than the inbuilt touchpad to navigate the user interface.

Depending on the projection distances, the projected screen size of the LUMOS NANO is between fifty (50) to hundred (100) inches. One significant feature of the LUMOS NANO is the auto keystone (screen adjust) feature that allows it to be placed at any angle we want without worrying about distorted, off-axis images.

The only qualm we have about the LUMOS NANO is its short battery life of two (2) hours. If you plan to watch a movie or organise a Karaoke session with a group of friends, it is recommended that you plug the LUMOS NANO to a power source.

Having tested the LUMOS Nano Projector in both day and night settings, we have found that it works best in a dark and enclosed environment. Thanks to the premium DLP Tech feature and the powerful Dolby Audio speakers on the LUMOS NANO, the entertainment experience is rather pleasant and captivating. 

Pricing

The LUMOS NANO is priced at only SGD$599 and comes with a one (1)-year local warranty. Just so you know, most other mini projectors in the market that share similar features as the LUMOS NANO are priced at SGD$900 and up.

Overall

We were so impressed with the LUMOS NANO Projector that we feel it deserves a ‘Gadget of the Year’ award.

The LUMOS NANO Projector is an all-in-one entertainment device that has undoubtedly wow-ed us with its power-packed features in so many ways. Whether you use the LUMOS NANO as a Bluetooth speaker to play some of your favourite Spotify hits or use it alongside your Bluetooth-enabled karaoke set, the sound quality of the LUMOS NANO beats almost every other small projector.

​For the price of SGD$599, the LUMOS NANO Projector is a worthy buy if you want to replace your Smart Television (TV) with a more portable all-in-one multimedia entertainment device that you can bring around for your vacations/staycations/impromptu karaoke sessions. 

This one-stop entertainment device allows you to share what you love and enjoy with the people that matter the most to you, and it is now available for purchase directly from LUMOS Projector via their website at www.lumosprojector.com/awl

With so many variations of products being developed and pushed out into the market so rapidly, navigating the world of wireless earbuds can sometimes be a murky one because there are just so many options available out there. However, the wireless earbuds that we often know or hear about are those that have got a huge marketing budget and the lesser-known ones are those that are sold directly to consumers and rely heavily on digital ad campaigns and word-of-mouth marketing.

In this blog post, we will be sharing with you our personal take on the LUMOS TEMPO, a lesser-known wireless earbuds brand by the team that brought the well-loved LUMOS AURO Home Cinema Short Throw Projector to the local market.

Aesthetics

The LUMOS TEMPO has a look and feel that is quite common and this does not come as a surprise since most wireless earbuds in the market are trying to emulate the wireless “stick” design that was made famous. However, the “stick design” is not something new nor revolutionary. The “stick” design has been around since the 1980s when Sony Walkman was quite the hype back then.

The LUMOS TEMPO charging case and wireless earbuds come only in one colour i.e. matt-grey. The hold and feel of the charging case feel natural although I wonder whether the outer case was made from recycled plastic because it felt like it was (as an environmentally-aware consumer, this is a big plus point for me).

Another plus point is the fact that the charging case can be charged using a USB-Type C cable (by the way, this should be a standard and it gets really annoying if I have to carry different cables to juice up my laptop and other devices).

Performance & Quality

The LUMOS TEMPO wireless earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and it looks like having an ANC feature is going to become a mainstream/must-have feature for all wireless earbuds (at least this is what we think). Then again, there are wireless earbuds from big brand names that don’t even have ANC and we guess this very much depends on one’s preference (because we know there are people who just do not enjoy having the ANC feature). 

With an enhanced ANC capability that exceeds even the industry average, the LUMOS TEMPO is highly effective in blocking out more distracting and fuzzy background noises. This allows for a more immersive listening experience that lets users focus on the audio that they are listening to. Just so you know, the LUMOS TEMPO cancels up to 42db of noise and this is 12db higher than the industry average of 30db. Furthermore, it packs the longest battery life among other wireless earbuds brands at 30 hours!

This makes the LUMOS TEMPO the best travel companion you can have for long-haul flights!

But that is not all. The LUMOS TEMPO is also awesome for both work and play. The LUMOS TEMPO is equipped with 6 mics versus the traditional 4-mic setup in most earbuds available in the market. This means that your voice can be heard clearer and sharper during work & family calls. However, do note that the LUMOS TEMPO will still capture background noises when you take calls. If you want superior voice clarity, you will need a dedicated microphone setup.

With an IPX5 rating (sweat and water-splash proof i.e. light drizzle), the LUMOS TEMPO is also the perfect pair of buds for exercises and outdoor activities.

Overall

For the price of $179 SGD, the LUMOS TEMPO comes with a full 1-year local warranty and we definitely agree that it is truly the best-sounding premium wireless earbuds at half the price

Ready to get the LUMOS TEMPO? Check them out over here!

Once you’ve settled into your home, it can be hard to find new things that you want for your home, especially if you don’t really know what’s out there. Some things are great to have (just for how nice they make your living space look), and some are great for how much time they can save you on a daily basis. Buying new items for your home can be addictive once you start, so make sure not to go too overboard, but it’s always nice to get new things you didn’t know you needed.

Nicer Dining Equipment

No home is complete without a nice and comfortable place to eat, and you should invest in your own one. Having fancy tablemats or restaurant napkins can really help to improve your dining experience, and you can feel much more comfortable when having guests over too. 

It’s not just what you’re eating on, but nicer dishes and cutlery are also important. Treating yourself to nicer cutlery rather than cheap basic ones that you pick up can make eating meals more pleasant in general – you can express yourself in every purchase you make.

Hanging Plants

If you’re looking to add some more life to your home, hanging plants are a great way to do so. If you’ve only got a limited amount of light coming in, you should take a look at which plants are best for the environment so that your home will benefit greatly. The air will feel much fresher, and the color and life they bring in can be great for the overall atmosphere.

Hanging plants can come in all sizes, so you don’t have to worry if you’re lacking in space. Some options are as small as a teacup, so anyone with their own living space can easily fit in a hanging plant or two.

Cable Clips

It might not be on the top of your shopping list, and it might not be all that exciting – but cable clips can make a big difference to your home. If you’ve got a lot of tech appliances around, you likely have a lot of wires going all over the place. Cables can look very messy if they’re left as is, and cable clips are designed to make that much easier to deal with. Simply clip all of the cables together to have them appear as just one wide cable, and your living space feels much tidier already.

Mountable Jar Opener

Do you ever waste time in your kitchen trying to open jars? Well, you can get yourself a mountable jar opener to prevent that from ever happening again. Sometimes no matter how much effort you put in, the lid just doesn’t budge, and it’s not worth straining yourself over some pickles. Having a mounted jar opener under your kitchen counter turns this whole ordeal into something minor, and you’ll never have trouble with your jars after it’s been mounted.