[Product Review]- Sudio ETT

By delta November 10, 2020

I recently gotten the Sudio ETT and it is one of the best tech gadgets that I have received till date. The Sudio ETT is not my first wireless earbuds and there are in fact two other wireless earbuds brands (Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphone 2 and Jaybird Run XT True Wireless Buds) that I personally own.

Although the Sudio ETT is Sudio’s most expensive audio product at SGD$239, it is relatively affordable if you are looking for wireless earbuds that has both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Wireless Charging (WC) features. These two features alone make the Sudio ETT an audio product that is truly value-for-money.

Audio Quality

The audio quality is above average and it is pretty decent given the price tag. Ballads and acoustic music (Ed Sheeran, Tyler Ward) sound really crisp and warm. Therefore, if you listen to classical, acoustic, and pop music more than anything else, the Sudio ETT is going to give you a natural and immersive audio experience.

On the other hand, heavy metal and punk rock music lovers (Blink 182, P.O.D) will likely be disappointed with the audio quality on the Sudio ETT because the bass lacks some serious punch and it will not give you the pump that you were hoping for.

Battery Life

The playtime is listed as up to 30 hours and 20 hours with ANC but this is based on the battery capacity of the charging case to recharge the Sudio ETT for about 4 times. On a single charge, I was able to clock about 6 hours of usage (probably just enough for a mid-haul flight from Singapore to Japan/Korea). Do note that turning on the ANC feature does drain your battery really fast.

IPX5 Rating

In addition to the ANC and WC features, the Sudio ETT has an IPX5 rating. What that essentially means is that the Sudio ETT is perfect for your outdoor runs or indoor gym sessions but you definitely cannot bring them to swim or shower.

The Cons

There are just two things that annoy me when it comes to the Sudio ETT. The only way you can turn on the Sudio ETT is by taking them out of the charging case. This can be quite annoying especially if you want to leave them aside after using it and not put them back into the charging case to charge.

The other thing that really annoys me is the fact that although the Sudio ETT can remember up to 8 paired devices, it will automatically connect to the device that it last connected to. Hence, if I wanted to reconnect to any of my previously paired devices, I got to disconnect it from the device that I am currently using before reconnecting it to my other device.

Having said that, the cons aren’t exactly deal-breakers especially when they have two features (active noise cancellation and wireless charging) that I am specifically looking for in wireless earbuds.

Overall

One thing that really sets the Sudio ETT apart is not just the attractive pricing but also the fact that it is available in 5 different colours (green, white, black, pink, and anthracite). This bonus feature is something that not many other wireless earbuds brands can beat because most of them usually come in just 2 standard colours (black and white).

With awesome features, attractive pricing, and many colours to choose from; this makes Sudio ETT the perfect companion for music lovers.

Highlight

Sudio is currently running a promotion and the Sudio ETT is going for SGD$174.47. If you use the promo code => awinsomelife, you can get an additional 10% off for the Sudio ETT and it will cost just SGD$157.02. This is quite a steal so don’t miss it!

Which Guitar Chords Should I Learn First?

By delta September 7, 2020

Understanding the basics of guitar, such as its chords, can be essential to your learning process. Those who jump right into learning their favourite songs can certainly practice and improve, but their journey will generally be far quicker and more efficient after getting to grips with the basics.

How many chords are there in total?

There are many different chords and even different groups of them; like power chords, and barre chords. Having a general understanding of these can be important as you learn. Still, as a beginner, you should focus on a specific set before progressing to ensure the best possible chances of success.

How many should I learn?

Since these are the building blocks of songs and harmonies, chords can often be one of the most important things to learn for someone new to guitar. Usually, you don’t need to know all of them to start creating your own riffs – in fact, if you know 8 of the basic ones, you could be well on your way to making music.

These chords are C – A – G – E – D – Am – Dm – Em. Once you know these, you’ll be able to play a wide variety of songs. In fact, many tunes just use the G – D – Em – C chord progression, so it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge at all for you to start exploring your musical side once you have an understanding of even just these.

Once you feel familiar with the first few, knowing the open chords will allow you to expand and learn more advanced ones too – although you don’t need to stress yourself about those just yet.

Things you should keep in mind when learning:

It might be worth beginning with just G – C – D when trying to play songs and then working up from there.
Practice your chords daily – it’ll help you to remember them to the point where you can play them instinctively.
Press the stings with the tips of your fingers, and make sure that you apply enough pressure
Before playing, check each string and try to determine whether or not they sound right – your instrument may need tuning otherwise.
Keep your thumb behind the guitar neck, and your fingers as close to the fret as possible.

Why not use Fender Play?

If you’re looking for an excellent way to get started on your musical journey, Fender Play could be ideal for you. Countless other aspiring artists have used this learning program to further their education and give them a solid foundation to work from. This offers them a chance to become the best guitarist they could be with time and dedication.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this program, we’d suggest that you take a look at our professional Fender Play review. As experts, we know what to look for in a good guitar learning resource, so you can rest assured that our opinion will be a trustworthy one.

Sunbird Brewing Company Celebrates Singapore’s 55th Birthday with Its Ondeh-Ondeh Porter Beer

By delta August 20, 2020

My journey with craft beer started way back in 2013 at Pasarbella and since then, I have tasted all sorts of craft beers and even went as far as New Zealand for some beer tasting. What you probably might not know is that the local craft beer scene is bustling and there are many local craft breweries here in Singapore!

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Sunbird Brewing Company is Singapore’s latest craft beer brewery that opened in April this year and what truly piqued my interest about this new local craft beer brewery is its name, “Sunbird”.

Do You Know?

The Crimson Sunbird is the national bird of Singapore.

Starting off with a capacity of five hectolitres across a full-grain, three-vessel system; Sunbird Brewing Company currently offers a range of four beers that are aptly named – the ‘Fly in Light’ Pale Ale, ‘Birds of Paradise’ White IPA, ‘Eclipse of the Sun’ Scottish Ale, and ‘Fluff Up’ Belgian Witbier.

More recently, Sunbird Brewing Company launched its very first seasonal brew, the Ondeh-Ondeh Porter, in celebration of Singapore’s 55th birthday, and it is now my personal favourite as well.

The Ondeh-Ondeh Porter has a very bold and robust taste and it has a roasty flavour that resembles a burnt toast. The body is creamy and it pairs perfectly with spicy dishes. While some may find the aftertaste bitter, I personally found it just perfect. The initial sweetness likely comes from the Gula Melaka and the subtle hints of coconut and pandan are really unique.

We were very privileged to have an online interview with Clive Tan, Head Brewer and Director at Sunbird Brewing Company and it was an inspiring one as he shares his thoughts about his entrepreneurial journey.

Interview with Clive Tan, Head Brewer, Sunbird Brewing Company

What is Your Typical Day like as a Head Brewer?
I start work at 7 am for cellaring work and brewing and in the afternoon, I will work on the packaging and deliveries, and followed by paperwork at night.

What’s Your Favourite Beer Right Now and Why?
My favourite beer right now is still our Birds of Paradise White IPA. It’s refreshing and hoppy; so it’s really suitable as a day/night beer.

What Upcoming Trends will You Foresee in the Beer Industry?
We are currently in the hop-centric trend and I foresee that there will be more classic styles of beer that our team at Sunbird Brewing Company are prepared to brew.

What is Your Personal Take On 0% Alcohol Beers?
0% alcohol beers have certainly become more popular in the market these days. However, as Singapore’s exposure to craft beer is still at the entry-level, 0% beers might not take off in the next 5-10 years.

How did Your Journey as a Head Brewer Started?

I graduated from University with a Bachelor in Economics and Finance and with no working experience, I was jobless for 6 months. I then decided to take a leap of faith and purchased a ticket to Beerfest Asia where I went from booth to booth seeking for a job.

Fortunately, Innocence Brewing Company (which is now defunct) gave me an opportunity to become an Assistant Brewer and that was my first step forward in the craft beer brewing industry. A year into my job as an Assistant Brewer, I was poached by Archipelago Brewery and I became the youngest professional beer brewer in Singapore. 4 years later, I decided to embark on my plan to start Sunbird Brewing Company.

Coming from a business-oriented family, the conversations that I often have with my dad revolves around cash flows, ROI, and leadership skills; and that has greatly impacted me as an entrepreneur as the most important lesson that I have learnt from my dad is about business fundamentals.

How did the Ondeh-Ondeh Porter come about and How is it Made?
This seasonal beer started off as an idea during a brainstorming session with my team. It later became a serious project for us to showcase our skillset in curating a beer that is truly Singaporean. Since we are a local brewery, it is only natural for us to celebrate National Day with a Uniquely Singaporean flavour.

To make the Ondeh-Ondeh Porter; roasted grated coconut, Pandan leaves, and Gula Melaka are added during the brewing process of the malt-driven Porter beer style.

If you are interested to check out the range of craft beers by Sunbird Brewing Company, do check out their online shop at https://sunbirdbrewingco.com/collections/all. You will also enjoy free islandwide delivery when you spend $65 and above.

For more information about Sunbird Brewing Company, Like their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/Sunbirdbrewingco and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sunbirdbrewing!

Zenyum Sonic Brush Review

By delta August 17, 2020

Electric toothbrushes have been around for a long time and the market has always been dominated by a few brands such as Oral B and Philips. As technology advances, electric toothbrushes are also becoming more accessible to the wider market as prices are now more affordable than previously.

Before I dive deeper into my review of the Zenyum Sonic Brush, I must say that I personally owned two types of Oral B electric toothbrushes; one being the Oral B Genius 9000 (the most expensive electric toothbrush that I have) and the other being the Oral B Vitality (the most wallet-friendly electric toothbrush). Hence, I am pretty familiar with the use of electric toothbrushes as I have made the switch many years ago.

Costs

The Zenyum Sonic brush costs SGD$39.90 (promotional price with brush head refill subscription plan) and while it is not the cheapest electric toothbrush in an already saturated market, it is also not the most expensive.

In terms of the operating costs, the Zenyum Sonic brush head refill costs SGD$5.90 and the Oral B brush head refill costs SGD$7. The average brush head can last about 3 months so if you divide the cost of the brush head refill by 3 months; it will be SGD$2 and SGD$2.30 respectively.

Even if you are using a manual toothbrush, you should still change your toothbrush every 3-4 months because not doing so can result in poor oral hygiene that will cost you even more money when you visit the dentist to get a dental treatment done (yes, I have spent thousands of dollars on dental treatment and it’s not a pleasant feeling & experience at all).

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Features

Whatever electric toothbrush you use, it is definitely going to be a better experience than using a manual toothbrush.

The more expensive electric toothbrushes like the Oral B Genius 9000 (SGD$179.90) will have more features such as a pressure sensor, a two-minute timer that is divided into 4 segments of 30 seconds, different cleaning modes- routine brushing, whitening, gum, tongue, and even comes with a mobile app to review if you have brushed your teeth properly.

For the more wallet-friendly electric toothbrushes like the Oral B Vitality (SGD$29.50), it will typically come with a two-minute timer that is divided into 4 segments of 30 seconds and only one single mode of cleaning.

As for the Zenyum Sonic, it comes with three modes of cleaning and a two-minute timer that is divided into 4 segments of 30 seconds. While the Zenyum Sonic lacks a pressure sensor, it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker and what I really like about Zenyum Sonic is the ability to charge the electric toothbrush using a portable power bank (it comes with a USB cable). The other thing that I like about the Zenyum Sonic is the hassle-free brush head subscription plan where you can choose to have a new brush head delivered to you either every month, every two months, or every three months.

If you go for the Zenyum Sonic with the Brush Head Refill subscription plan, I would say that the Zenyum Sonic is a good buy especially with the promo price of SGD$39.90. However, if you go for a single purchase of the Zenyum Sonic without any refill plan, it will cost SGD$64.80 and that may be a deal breaker for some people.

Some Helpful Tips When Using Electric Toothbrush For The First Time

#1: You just have to hold the brush and guide it to the teeth that you want it to clean.

#2: You don’t have to scrub your teeth with the brush, just let it glide along the teeth.

#3: You don’t have to press the brush too hard on your teeth.

#4: Don’t brush your teeth for longer than 2 minutes (yes, even if you use a manual toothbrush).

Overall

I am pretty sure a manual toothbrush can do a good job of cleaning your teeth if you’re using it properly but if an electric toothbrush can do an even better job, you should really invest in one.

If it is your first time getting an electric toothbrush and you don’t want to spend too much money, I will recommend that you go for the Zenyum Sonic with Brush Head Refill Subscription instead of the single purchase option. You might feel slightly off when using an electric toothbrush for the first time but I am pretty sure you will get accustomed to using it over time.

[Product Review] The Parenting Journey with Premium Ginseng Essence

By delta July 27, 2020

I never knew how tiring parenting can be until I experienced it for myself. I mean I have heard from my friends who embarked on parenthood earlier than me but because it is something that I have never experienced myself, it is difficult for me to put myself into their shoes.

Now that I’m going through this phase of life, I can truly empathise with what all parents go through. Any regrets? No. I don’t know how to explain it to people but when I have Mikayla sleeping on my arms and she lets out a random laughter/chuckle, she literally warms the cockles of my heart.

Parenting is a learned experience, and the tiredness is real but rewarding. Every time Mikayla cries at night, it felt like an unceasing turnout drill for me. Coupled with the three-hourly feeding, it’s almost like guard duty or an endless Charlie Mike.

Now I know why almost every hamper that we receive contains Chicken Essence and / or Bird’s Nest. We literally have to use them to toil through those rough nights.

One product that I was recently introduced to is Ginseng Essence and it is a product that I don’t often see or hear about other than the Korean Red Ginseng Extract which I came across during my trip to South Korea.

Ginseng is highly prized and many health studies were done to ascertain its benefits. It is believed that Ginseng can help combat fatigue, protect liver function, improve mental health, lower blood sugar level, strengthen the immune system, provide antioxidant protection, and improve concentration and focus.

If you do a Google search for Ginseng Essence, Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence will show up, and so, I had the chance to try Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence and this opportunity came rather timely as I was gearing up for the late nights.

The Premium Ginseng Essence is 100% natural and does not contain any preservatives, additives, and stabilisers. Rich in Ginsenosides (up to 400mg / 60ml), the Ginseng Essence is made using premium top grade full length American Ginseng and White Ginseng from the Changbai Mountain in China.

Like almost all herbs, the Ginseng Essence tastes bitter but it is not all that unbearable; and even though the ingredient list states rock sugar as an ingredient, I wasn’t able to taste any tinge of sweetness.

Now, I usually take my morning breakfast with coffee; but ever since I started having the Ginseng Essence, it has been an excellent replacement for my daily dose of caffeine. In fact, I have observed my mental alertness going up, especially in the morning and sustaining throughout the day while I’m at work. While mixing ginseng and coffee seems like a novel idea, I haven’t tried it myself and will probably give it a shot.

For 14 bottles of Premium Ginseng Essence (2 weeks’ worth of supply), it cost SGD$85 (about SGD$6.07 per day) and it is the perfect gift for working professionals, elderly, and new parents like us.

Ready to get Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence?

Visit Hao Yi Kang, the sole product distributor here in Singapore, and enjoy the health benefits that ginseng can bring.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all opinion are my own.

Looking for a Different Gift Idea? Consider a Beer Pong Table!

By delta July 14, 2020

With hot days just around the corner, there’s not a better summer gift idea for your friends other than a beer pong table.

Like most world’s greatest inventions, the beer pong game was invented by accident in the late 1950s at Dartmouth College in Hanover by a few students playing doubles and, you’ve guessed it, drinking beer at the same time. With beer cups all over the tables, it was only a matter of time before the ping pong ball would land in a cup filled with beer. So, that’s how the most popular drinking game was invented.

Now, it’s no secret that this game is fun and exciting, especially when you are playing it with a group of friends. So, if you and your friends are planning to have a fun summer this year, start by buying a beer pong table as a gift for one of them to make sure you have a memorable time during the hot months.

Beer Pong Explained

Is there more to know about beer pong other than the fact that it’s fun and gives you a great excuse to get your friends drunk? Well, it depends on whether you want to play like a pro or you’re fine with being the least talented player at the table.

If you’re planning to take this sport seriously (even if you play in your friend’s backyard), you can learn more about the game.

Beer Pong is a competitive team sport and you will want to look for the best player to partner with. Now, there’s usually two type of players; those who get better at playing with alcohol and those who get much, much worse with alcohol. Make sure you know who gets their beer pong skills activated by alcohol and choose them to be your partner.

If you are a pro beer ponger, you should know that this fun drinking game actually has official rules. However, you and your friends can add, subtract, or alter any of these rules when you play because the game is all about having fun rather than about following a set of strict rules.

Friendly tip: if you can’t decide which team should start, you can choose two opposite players to take their throw at the same time and the winning player’s team will start. If you want to keep it simple, you can always flip a coin to see which team should start.

So, how exactly do you play? Well, the principle of the game is pretty simple, you shoot the ball towards the opposite team’s cups and if you succeed in getting the ball into the cup, the opposite players must finish the cup.

The game, however, doesn’t end when one of the teams eliminates the last beer pong cup of the other players. The underdog team can have a recovery round in which each player gets a chance to throw. These recovery rounds pretty much last until the player misses their shot.

Why is A Beer Pong Table a Great Gift Idea?

So, now you know what the beer pong game is like, here’s why we think a beer pong table is an excellent gift for anyone:

It’s Different

Let’s be honest, you’ve probably have bought everything you could have for your friend’s birthday so far. And, you’re most likely out of gift ideas. So, do you really want to give your friend the same gift they already received last year?

That’s why a beer pong table is a great idea as it is a unique gift that your friend will most likely never expect to receive and they will definitely be surprised by your present.

Beer Pong is Fun & Everyone Gets to Play

The most obvious reason why a beer pong table make an excellent gift is the fact that it will add some additional fun to parties and celebrations. A beer pong table will offer a lot of fun while playing (and drinking). It will make every party feel more interesting as this competitive team game will entice everyone to get into the game.

The Bottomline?

A beer pong table will make a great gift for your friends as you’ll all get to play this fun game together and it’s a unique gift idea that will definitely pleasantly surprise your friends.

Why Quotes by Rumi are so Popular and Important

By delta May 28, 2020

Rumi whose full name is Jalal al-Din Muhammed Rumi was a great Persian poet and Sufi mystic from the 13th century. He was an Islamic scholar and theologian who inspired and is still inspiring several people with his poems and quotes. His influence has also transcended different religions, borders, ethnicities, and generations for decades, and this has made him widely popular even in the western world.

Rumi was born in the then Persian Empire in the city of Balkh which is in present-day Afghanistan. He then moved around and lived in several places before settling in a town called Konya, which is in present-day Turkey. This had led Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey all claiming him as their national poet; although, during Rumi’s time, none of these countries existed like the way they are now. They were part of the Persian Empire, which was a monarchy then. Other present-day countries that were part of the Persian kingdom are Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iraq, and Uzbekistan. You can read more about Rumi here.

Why is He so Popular and Important?

Scholars of Rumi’s stature were few during his time. Due to this, they were respected, honoured, distinguished and were authorities in many endeavours. Hence, they acquired thousands of followers. Even till this day, several hundred years after his death, Rumi still has many followers. He was a wealthy man, a genius and a brilliant scholar. His life was full of drama, and it transformed him into a universal truth seeker after meeting a wandering holy man by the name of Shams.

His Writings

Rumi wrote over 3,000 poems, 2,000 four-line quatrains and a six-volume spiritual didactic epic. Most have a mystic touch, and they speak of love and divinity and are very philosophical. Although his poems were written in Persian, they have been translated into several languages including English, French, Chinese, Greek, and Spanish etc. His poems have widely influenced literature all over the world, and musicians and artists read his poetry at different ceremonies, including weddings. Rumi’s poems are also quoted endlessly by people on different platforms because they are full of meaningful life lessons.

Appeals to Emotions

Rumi’s poems and sayings are not only intellectual; people have been able to identify with them as it touches their emotions and hearts. You can find some of his quotes on love here: https://www.quoteambition.com/rumi-quotes-poems-love-life/.

Believe in the Equality of Humans

Rumi’s poems are a leveller because they generally deal with the human condition and are not offensive but respectful. It does not exalt a set of people, religion or creed over others, but believe in the evolution and progression of the human race. This is aptly shown by the fact that Rumi’s poems are read in monasteries, churches, mosques, and synagogues by Christians, Muslims, Jews, and even Hindus. Even people who are not religious have found them inspiring.

Unity

People find a sense of universality and unity from Rumi’s poems. They also find it to be encouraging.

Inspiring

Any time a Rumi verse is recited, it inspires deep thoughts and right action such that some see it as a spiritual guide.

Cultural Bridge

Rumi was a Persian and also a Muslim Scholar, but he is read, recited and quoted all over the world in different cultures, languages, and religion.

Although the Middle Easterners and the Western countries do not see eye to eye on many fronts, Rumi has helped to bridge that gap with his poems.

Ways Rumi’s Quotes are Used

Rumi’s quotes offer timeless wisdom, and they have been adapted for use in several ways.

They can help provide relief from stress when used in meditation as a mantra in yoga exercises. With various recordings of the poems available, an individual may listen to them before or during meditation or a yoga exercise.

In places like Turkey, meditation-induced and inspired dancing called Sufi Dancing is common. These dances usually referred to as “whirling dervishes”, are a form of mediation that results in the healing of the soul and spirit. Rumi’s poems and quotes are usually listened to while this dance is being performed.

In modern times, quotes from Rumi have been used to inspire people through different means of prints such as on clothing and apparels as can be found on this website. They can be printed on walls, wall frames and made into different books or literature. They have been used in movies, quoted in ceremonies, and inserted in songs. They are also used in different memes, quotes and sayings to encourage and inspire others.

Rumi may have been long gone, but his works are still a source of inspiration and encouragement to people even till this day.

Custom Gifts for Your Sports Loving Customers

By delta April 7, 2020

Finding a gift is not always easy, and it becomes even harder when having to choose the best gifts for sports fanatics.

For this reason, we will go through the best gifts for the sports-loving customers to win them, thank them, and ultimately, strengthen the relationship with them.

Other than giving a sign of appreciation to them from time to time, it’s a fantastic way to build stronger professional relationships, and that’s why it’s essential to choose a gift that matches what they like.

Whether you’re looking for sports gifts for men or personalised gifts for football players, you’re in the right place.

Parkland Lookout Small Fitness Bag – $34.99

The Parkland Small Bag is a beautifully designed bag in which your customers will be able to fit everything they can think of when going to the gym.

It is available in different colours and styles, which is great for both ladies and is one of the best sports gifts for men.

Also, Parkland offers a lifetime warranty on this bag, and it was made from 10 recycled plastic water bottles.

Bull and Stash Market Notebook – $45.00

A notebook is often seen as an office gift for customers. However, it can be one of the personalised sports gifts for him.

In fact, you can do many things with a notebook and it is much more useful than we might think. For instance, your customers could use this notebook to write football results, fitness programs, and much more.

What we really like about Bull and Stash notebook is the fact that it is made from real and high-quality leather and that it has 2 card slots.

Kinto Travel Tumbler – $37.00

A travel bottle is actually one of the best gifts for sports fanatics because it allows them to bring water, water-soluble vitamins, or even energetic drinks when going to the gym. Rest assured that your customers will actually use your gift!

This will also save many plastic bottles and that’s just great for the planet!

Le Cord Earphones – $39.00

If there’s one thing that motivates the sports fanatics when exercising, it has to be music.

Whether your customers go hit the gym, play a football or basketball match or simply go for a run outside; this is one of the best sports gifts for men and women.

Apart from being a good gift, it has remote functionalities such as skipping tracks, answering calls, and pausing the music, which makes it even more exceptional for workouts.

It also comes with a storage bag so your customers won’t have to worry about where to put their brand new gift. Who doesn’t want to listen to their favourite music on Soundcloud while working out?

Naxa Waterproof Action Camera – $43.43

On a more different note, the Naxa Waterproof Action Camera is actually a fantastic gift for sports fanatics.

With the influence of collecting memories and sharing on social media nowadays, having a portable action camera could be very practical.

The Naxa comes at a much cheaper price tag and the quality is still good. For instance, other than capturing 4K footage, it also shoots slow-motion and 16MP images!

Fitbit Charge 4 – $169.95

Fitbit is one of the best gifts for guys who love football but also for women who like to practice Yoga or fitness.

It is undoubtedly one of the best corporate gifts to give and it is so practical that your customers won’t want to leave their house without it.

Firstly, it has a built-in GPS and a 24/7 heart rate that’s very useful to track your activity all day long, and your quality of sleep during the night. Just like the other Fitbit products, it can be synchronised with the smartphone app to see your workout all the way till the end.

Secondly, it is water-resistant which is one of the best gifts for sports fanatics because your customers will be able to wear it while swimming.

Lastly, its battery lasts up to 7 days which is really impressive for a smartwatch of such a size.

Monbento Original Lunch Box – $42.00

The Monbento lunch box is an excellent gift for sports-loving customers when they are at work. Unlike the other items, it is handy to take with them to the office.

Whether they want to lose weight or gain muscle, they’ll be able to fit some delicious and healthy meals to work.

This is one of the best personalised company gifts with its many different styles available and it is also microwave and dishwasher safe.

Why Give a Gift to Your Sports Loving Customer?

Just like Gemnote mentioned it several times, it is important to give gifts to your customers to keep a pleasant and smooth relationship.

Of course, it is not mandatory and it’s certainly not something that you should be doing regularly. However, a gift is a powerful tool to win customers and you should definitely send them some freebies from time to time.

Other than winning customers and building a stronger relationship, a gift for your sports-loving customers will also remind them of you every time they go and hit the gym, which always plays in your favour.

15 Most Famous Oil Paintings

By delta January 30, 2020

The Universe is a testimony to art and its many wonders. The world is filled with inspiration for everyone to see but it takes a visionary and a talented artist to take a cue from that inspiration; pick up the brush and paint, give their visions, thoughts, and the beautiful nature, a face in the form of their paintings.

Some painters manage to capture such wonders of nature in their paintings that they take your breath away. In the words of Pablo Picasso, “Every child is a born artist; the challenge lies in retaining that artist within themselves.”

Here is a run-down of 15 most beautiful and famous paintings the world has witnessed.

1. Our Daily Bread by Anders Zorn

“Our Daily Bread” by Anders Zorn is a depiction of his mother cooking potatoes for harvesters while seated at the edge of a ditch. It was painted in 1886 and is from the artist’s private collection. It shows the sacrifices of his mother.

Anders painted “Our Daily Bread” in his mid-twenties and this painting was a tribute to his family and his mother’s love. The composition was only made public in 1920 after the artist passed away and the National Museum in Stockholm later bought the painting.

2. Glow of Hope by S.L. Haldankar

‘Woman with the lamp’ or most commonly known as “The Glow of Hope’ is a masterpiece by S.L. Haldankar. This masterpiece came to life from 145-46. Haldankar gained inspiration for this painting on Diwali- the festival of lights, an Indian festival. The image which gave him the idea of this painting was that of his own daughter, clad in Indian attire called saree and holding a candle in one hand while protecting the flame from the wind in the other.

Geeta, Haldankar’s daughter, became the subject of his painting and remained immortalised on handmade paper with watercolours. Haldankar deliberately used watercolours to prove that he could make paintings using watercolours without making any mistakes. He wanted to prove that erasing oil colours was possible, but that it wasn’t possible to erase watercolours.

3. NightHawks by Edward Hopper

Nighthawks is an oil painting by Edward Hopper. It is a depiction of the elusive judgment of today’s society. The painting contains four figures that seem completely disconnected and isolated from their surroundings, despite the environment being a chic and sophisticated one. The man and woman appear to be holding hands, but on closer inspection, it becomes clear that they are not even looking at each other, let alone hold hands.

The Art Institute of Chicago bought the painting as soon as Hopper completed it in 1942.

4. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo

Salvator Mundi is a wide artwork which is 66cm x 45 cm long. It was created by Leonardo, an Italian Renaissance artist in the 1500 century.

The painting is a depiction of Jesus, the Savior of the world. He is seen making the sign of the Cross with His right hand while holding a transparent crystal globe in His left hand. The painting is somewhat confusingly called an original and a copy of a lost one. It was then put up at the National Gallery for one of Leonardo’s most famous exhibition in 2011-2012 in London.

5. Dog in the Snow by Franz Marc

Franz Marc created this famous composition in 1911. The painting is a reflection of Marc’s own dog, a Siberian Shepherd named Russi. The artist painted animals as he felt they are closer and purer to God.

6. Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee by Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn, the Dutch Golden Age painter, painted the Storm on the Sea in 1633. It is a depiction of Christ with His disciples on a ship that was caught up in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

7. Portrait of Mari Clasen by Halfdan Johnsen Egedius

Portrait of Mari Clasen by Halfdan Egedius

The Mari Clasen portrait is one of the most applauded oil paintings in the world. It was painted by Halfdan Johnsen Egedius, who was based in Drammen, Norway. The artist finished this painting when he was merely 17 years old.

8. Venus’ Birth by Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli painted the Birth of Venus, which shows the emergence of the beautiful woman, the Goddess of Venus from the sea. The beautiful face of the Goddess, along with her graceful shy posture, is the most striking part of this painting.

9. The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso’s most haunting and eerie image is that of the Old Guitarist. In this painting, the artist has limited himself to a blue palette that is monochromatic and cold. It depicts the psychological, emotional, and mental themes of human alienation and misery.

10. The Son of Man by Rene Magritte

Rene Magritte painted the Son of Man, which is a depiction of his own self in a black suit but an apple obscuring his face.

11. Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth made Christina’s world in the 20^th Century, which holds the reputation of one of the world’s most famous paintings. It is a depiction of Anna Christina. She is a woman with a muscular disorder, crawling up a field that is yellowish-brown and gazing lovingly at a grey farmhouse.

12. Dogs Playing Poker by C.M. Coolidge

Dogs Playing Poker by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge

Dogs playing Poker is an image of 16 dogs around a poker table playing cards. It is an iconic representation of 19^th Century Americans and was painted by C.M. Coolidge in 1903.

13. The Dance by Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse’s ‘The Dance,’ is based on Fauvism and represented by bright colours. It shows a few people dancing together with a noteworthy blue background.

14. The Flower Carrier by Diego Rivera

Diego Rivera painted the ‘The Flower Carrier.’ He is 20^th Century’s most popular Mexican artist. The painting depicts a person struggling to carry a heavy load of flowers.

15. Café Terrace at Night by Vincent van Gogh

Café Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh made the Café Terrace at Night. It is a simple depiction of a café at dinner time with a set of vibrant colours.

If you really like the oil paintings that you see here, you should check out 1st Art Gallery for more!

Shopping for Souvenirs and Gifts at Naiise Iconic, Jewel Changi Airport

By delta November 12, 2019

Jewel Changi Airport is becoming quite the hot place to go to during the weekends and if you are looking for some uniquely Singaporean gifts to get, one retail shop that comes to our mind is Naiise Iconic!

Since its humble beginnings in 2013, Naiise has grown tremendously and is now one of the largest and fastest-growing design retailers in the region. With more than 25,000 products from more than 1,000 emerging and established designers from around the world, there’s definitely something for everyone!

When you arrive at Naiise’s shopfront, you will notice that its entrance is decorated with circular wood carvings which might seem like, “it’s just another design” but when you look at it for some time and ponder deeply, you will soon realise that it has a subtle meaning behind it. If you still don’t get it, think about the scales on Singapore’s iconic Merlion. These wooden Merlion scales are handcrafted by local artisans and the wood comes from locally-sourced fallen Rain Trees, also known in Malay as the Pukul Lima or “5 o’clock Tree” as its leaves open during the day but shut when sunset comes around.

Once inside the shop, there’s just so much stuff to explore, experience, see, feel, touch, and taste that you probably will need an hour or so to truly appreciate the different zones that have been thoughtfully crafted. If you’re planning a visit to Naiise Iconic, there are 3 Key Experiences that you shouldn’t miss!

Naiise Iconic Key Experience #1: The Pantry

Step into Naiise’s first foray into the Food & Beverage (F&B) scene with The Pantry, an open-source cafe that connects diners to interesting homegrown F&B brands such as Nuude by Udders, Joe & Dough, Bettr Barista, Doki Doki and Fossa Chocolate. With The Pantry, you can now “cafe hop” to these local F&B brands at just one location and what’s more, the prices for the food and drinks are pretty reasonable.

If coffee’s not your cup of tea, you can hop over to the Tea Bar operated by local tea aggregator Teapasar and sample quality teas from more than 30 brands, get educated on farm-to-table teas, and catch a glimpse of tea roasting happening live at the bar. The Tea Bar also provides tea sampling services where you will be served teas based on a combination of your taste preferences and technology-enabled taste profile recommendations.

Naiise Iconic Key Experience #2: The Gift Bar

Check out Singapore’s first in-store Gift Bar where you can customise gift wrapping on the spot by choosing from more than 100 gift wrappers, ribbons and other accessories. From just SGD$3, select from more than 100 different gift wraps, ribbons and accessories like dried flowers and pom poms to truly make your gift personalised. The Gift Bar also provides free wrapping services and other customisation add-ons such as calligraphy services and wax seal stamping.

If you are looking to customise some products for your loved ones, The Gift Bar offers on the spot jewellery engraving, hot foil stamping, and perfume label customisation. These services are provided by Naiise in collaboration with The Mindful Company and perfumier, The LAB Fragrances.

If all that doesn’t entice you, pop by the ana tomy, a notebook maker whose artisans will customise notebooks for you on the spot or head to the upper floor for a more intimate and luxurious experience where you can get your own personalised skincare product that’s created by homegrown skincare brand Alche{me}.

Naiise Iconic Key Experience #3: The Workshop

A regular component of Naiise’s retail-experience since its founding includes its monthly workshops, talks and events. The Workshop space at Naiise Iconic play hosts to weekend craft workshops for consumers, as well as a series of curated monthly talks and events to promote dialogue and collaboration among its community of designers, makers and consumers. If you’re in need of some inspiration or if you’re thinking of taking up a new hobby or interest, The Workshop at Naiise Iconic is the space for it!

Some upcoming workshops to look out for are the Introduction to Floral Embroidery and Miniature Wheel Pottery Workshop!

In Summary…

Boasting the largest selection of locally designed products and souvenirs with more than 140 local brands stocked, Naiise Iconic should be the first stop for tourists to Singapore! Even if you’re not a tourist, there are so many things that you can see and do at Naiise Iconic and if you ever run out of ideas for gifting (like I always do), head down to Naiise to get some really Naiise presents!

Gift Ideas