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Easter Party Tricks and Ideas – Planning Guide for an Exquisite Easter Party

By delta March 29, 2019

Planning a holiday party is not easy because you have to deal with a lot of individuals in your home or backyard, and you have to manage every little aspect of it; choosing a menu, setting everything up, entertaining your guests and potentially, supervising the children. Below is a short list of tips and trick that will help you manage everything easier, in a hassle-free fashion.

Establish a Theme

Regardless of the number of guests you are going to host, you have to decide on a theme. This will set the tone of your party and give the entire event a befitting atmosphere for the occasion. To establish a theme, think of what everybody has in common. Will your guests be only ladies? If yes, try an Easter cocktail tasting experience with your girlfriends and get them to bring their own alcohol.

If you’re getting together with a larger, diverse group, an Easter movie themed party will make everybody happy.

Having kids over? Try a treasure hunt party that will make everybody go crazy over the prizes.

Establishing a theme will make everything easier and you will most probably be able to plan the whole event faster and more effectively.

Make a To-Do List

Throwing a legendary Easter party will involve plenty of aspects that you can easily overlook along the way. To prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed by all the planning, we suggest creating a list and breaking down everything that you have to do based on the answers to the following questions:

Where will the party take place?
Who are my guests and how do I invite them?
Should I serve food? What type of food should I serve?

Should I include party games?
Who will watch the children if they attend?

The answers to these questions will offer you a better action plan to guide your decisions on. Follow it to simplify things significantly.

Have a Budget and Stick to It

When organising an Easter party, make sure you plan a budget and stick to it because how successfully your Easter party is going to be depends on how you manage your party-planning process. Keep an inventory of things that you have bought and things that you still need to purchase.

Before buying anything, you should take a look at what you already have and develop your grocery and supply list according to that. This will lower some of your expenses and allow you to plan your party professionally.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips:

Create a spreadsheet. Categorise all the items and ingredients that you have on hand. Based on your estimations and needs, purchase what you lack.
See if you can pull off a potluck party. If you don’t have that much cash on hand, consider a potluck style party. This will bring people together and will offer a great sense of community.
DIY giftable centrepieces. Create your own decorations and centrepieces and gift them at the end of the party to your guests. They will be able to reuse them and it is a great way to save some money.

DIY Your Decorations

Easter party decorations can be easily managed at home. You don’t have to worry too much about spending incredible amounts of money on them and you can turn the entire activity into a family activity. Invite your children to partake in it and you will have great family time. Get the supplies that you need. For instance, you can find affordable ribbons and make Easter garlands out of them. Glue some pom poms on them and maybe cut out some bunnies out of colourful paper. This will offer you enough flexibility to create some decorations for children and adults as well.

Make a DIY Happy Easter Sign from supplies that you find at home. Place it on your door or even indoors, to offer a more festive vibe to your party.

Cook in Advance

Preparing a menu ahead of time and shopping for some of your supplies in advance will allow you to avoid the Easter crowd and the high food costs due to the increased festive demands. However, some of your ingredients will still have to be purchased with only a little time ahead. Vegetables and fruits will inevitably go bad if you buy them too early.

To ensure that things don’t get chaotic before your big party, you should consider preparing a big part of your menu in advance. This is entirely manageable if you look for recipes that require similar food preparations as the rest.

Include easy-to-prepare quiches, tasteful loaves of bread and slow cooker dishes. These may be the easiest options that you have at your hand. If you want to exceed your guests’ expectations, you could try some mouth-watering and fancy-looking dishes like the Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.

Plan for Games and Activities

If you have enough guests over, you should consider entertaining them. Board games always make perfect party games. See what you have at home and if you lack such games, ask your guests to bring some over. Easy-to-learn and fun games should be at the top of your list. Research what people have to say on the matter and if you want, you can even purchase some games yourself.

If you want to keep children entertained as well, a treasure hunt type of activity will most likely get them going. Hide small “treasures” like chocolate Easter eggs, chocolate coins and other goodies in your backyard. Create riddles and offer them hints and clues on the treasure’s location and allow them to take home all the goodies found.

Planning the perfect Easter party is not that difficult as it initially seems. However, paying attention to several variables and planning ahead of time is necessary to pull off a fun, entertaining and somewhat fancy event. Make sure that you only invite guests whose presence you will appreciate as you don’t want to end up in a sticky and awkward situation that’s hard to get out off. And even if you lack a generous budget, research for DIY decorations and ideas that will help you make use of simple materials that won’t cost much.

Pricing and Sale Guide for Buying 20′ Conex and Metal Shipping Containers During Cargo Container Sales

By delta March 25, 2019

People purchase shipping containers for different reasons. Depending on the purpose of purchase, some people prefer a new or almost new container while others simply want something functional and wouldn’t really mind the physical condition and attractiveness of the container as long as it is able to serve its intended purpose. But in all cases, pricing is always a factor and it is important to know how pricing is determined and some tips that will help you save money when checking on shipping containers for sale online.

As far as shopping for shipping containers is concerned, pricing varies from one seller to the other. However, how much you would have to pay for a container depends on a number of factors and the most important factor that influence container price is its condition. Generally, one would expect that a newer container in terms of age would sell at a higher price compared to an older one. However, you would soon find out in the world of container sales that this isn’t always the case. A container’s condition is first a subject of how much wear and tear it has had to endure and how much damage it has resulted from its use. Thus, you might find a new container that is badly damaged after a single use, will sell less than an older one that has been kept in great condition.

20′ is one of the two most common sizes of containers (the other being the 40′ size). While size is one of the main deciders in pricing, there will be other factors that need to be considered in order to accurately determine correct pricing. Thus two 20′ Conex or metal container will have different values depending on the following:

Age
History and current condition
Additional costs such as the cost of delivery and permit fees.

Other customised features

If you plan to purchase a shipping container, the following is a basic guide that you can use to get a rough indication of how much shipping containers will cost:

Are you on a budget and looking for the most affordable option?

If your budget is a constraint and you want the most affordable shipping container options out there, then you can go for “as is” 20′ containers (otherwise called handyman containers). These are containers that have been badly damaged from use and might require you to do a little bit of restoration to get it into shape and in working condition again. You might have to repair doors, fix dents in the floor or roofs and repair holes caused by mechanical or even chemical accidents during previous use.

Generally, how cheap these types of containers come for depends on how much repair has to be done to get it back into shape. The cost of handyman containers can be as low as $1,400. With some days of work by a handyman or if you are a handyman yourself, you can get a good deal on a worn-out container and get it back into shape in no time. However, be sure you are paying just the right value for the container. If the total cost of purchase and repair is going to end up being enormous, it will be a better decision to go for something more midrange.

What are your mid-range options?

Renting

If you are looking for something temporary, can’t spend time and extra cash on repairs, and still want something affordable (or in this case mid-range); then renting a container is an idea that you can consider. This way, you not only get something convenient and still affordable, but you also don’t have to worry about where you will haul the container once you are done using it. Usually, a local supplier will charge you between $75-$200 monthly. What you pay depends largely on the condition of the container and extra features if any. Some suppliers will also carry out occasional maintenance on the container for an extra fee.

Click here to learn more about renting a container.

Buy a used container

Another way you can save money on container purchase is to go for a used container instead of buying a brand new one. As far as used containers are concerned, you will find many great options if you decide to go for it. Most used containers will serve basic storage purpose as long as they have not been badly damaged. Conex and Metal containers have a long lifespan and will still serve you well for some years when you purchase them.

Used containers provide an affordable yet good quality alternative. Used containers can cost as low as $1400 to $2600. This price will vary based on the dealer you are buying from and the condition of the container as at the time of purchase.

What are your options when you have enough to spend?

The other types of containers discussed earlier are for buyers who are constrained by a budget or whose reason for purchasing a container allows them to go for containers that are in “not-so-perfect” condition. However, if qualit is a must for you and you are not constrained by a budget, then a new or one-tripper container is the best option for you.

One-trippers are newly manufactured containers that have been shipped down with their very first cargo load. Thus, they are in pristine conditions with no damage done to them at all. Depending on the size and other factors, a one-tripper can cost about $3000 to $5000.

Read here https://www.discovercontainers.com/where-can-i-buy-shipping-containers-from/ to learn more about where to find shipping containers online.

Conclusion

Purchasing or selling a container depends on both your budget and working condition of the container. How much you are willing to spend will largely determine the quality of the container you are able to buy at the end of the day. At the same time, how much a dealer will list a container for sale is also subjected to its quality as at the time of purchase. Understanding these pricing and selling points is important in determining which 20′ shipping container to purchase.

Centrum Review – Centrum for Men Multivitamins

By delta March 24, 2019

We all lead a very busy lifestyle and I have no doubts about that. In the past three months ever since the New Year, I have been working a 7-day work week and as we’re coming to the end of the month, it is also about time that I review my work-life balance and do some adjustments to my work schedule so that I will only work 6 days a week instead. In case you’re wondering how my typical workday is like; I work for 9-10 hours on weekdays and 6 hours on weekends. In between my work, I still have my usual 3 meals a day and my meals are typically the same every week with little variation:

Breakfast

Bread, Coffee, Eggs

Lunch (either one of the following)

Chicken Rice / Char Siew and Roast Pork Rice / Wanton Noodle / Economical Mixed Rice / Vegetarian Bee Hoon

Dinner

Home Cooked Meal typically with 3 – 4 dishes- Vegetables, Meat, Soup and Rice

As you can see, a diet like mine is high in carbohydrates and proteins but probably low in vitamins and some trace minerals. To help me boost my body immune system, I supplement my diet with Centrum Men, a complete multivitamin specially formulated for men under 50.

Some features of Centrum Men are as follows:

Fill Nutritional Gaps
With more B-Vitamins, Zinc, as well as over 20 other important nutrients.

Brain Health
Contain Zinc and B-Vitamins to maintain brain health

Strong Heart
Contains Lycopene, Vitamin B6, B12 and Folic Acid to help maintain a healthy heart

Energy and Vitality
Contains B-Vitamins that play an important role in converting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy

Immunity
Contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium, Zinc and Iron which supports immune system

Healthy Muscles
Contains Magnesium, Vitamins D and B6 to support optimal muscle health

I won’t dive too deep into the topic of nutrition because there’s really a lot to talk about for e.g. weight loss, gaining muscle mass, functions of nutrients and etc but I am proud of the fact that although I have been working really hard this month; I have not fallen ill and it is only possible because of a strong body immune system.

However, I am also cognizant of the fact that I cannot keep up this unhealthy working style in the long run or I would face the risks of my body breaking down altogether. Having said that, I am really happy that I am able to marry my work and passion. This is probably the only motivating factor that keeps me going even though it can be physically and mentally draining.

If you have a hectic and busy lifestyle like mine, remember that balance and moderation is the key to a healthier lifestyle and it will be helpful to do some monthly reviews to uncover any possible gaps that could possibly lead to health-related problems.

The fact is, our personal preferences and eating habits changes as we progress on in life but we must never neglect to take care of our health, mind and body.

I hope this post will inspire you as you fight on for the next 6 months!

A Review of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical- Now Showing in Singapore

By delta February 28, 2019

I have been a big fan of British Author Roald Dahl ever since I started reading his book novels more than 2 decades ago and his books never fails to captivate me. Some of Roald Dahl’s works which I have read include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Danny, The Champion of the World, The BFG, and Matilda. Hence, you can imagine my excitement when I had the privilege to attend the Gala Premiere of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical at Sands Theatre @ Marina Bay Sands.

Musical Synopsis

The musical follows Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl who loves reading and learning but is suppressed by her TV-obsessed parents who pay her little attention. As she grows up, she begins to resist the challenges and obstacles presented to her, learning that sometimes you have to be a “little bit naughty” in order to get through life. As she begins to master living with her family, her world is thrown into disarray as she starts a new school under the tyrannous grip of Headteacher Miss Trunchbull. Seeking solace in the library in a world of her imagination and creation, Matilda forms strong bonds with adults such as Librarian Mrs Phelps and her class teacher Miss Honey. Together they give her the confidence to embrace her special gift and individuality which is needed to reclaim her life.

My Personal Thoughts

I truly enjoyed Matilda The Musical; so much so that I found myself humming to the tune of “When I Grow Up” even after the show! The meticulously-crafted lyrics of the musical numbers by Olivier Award winner Tim Minchin unfold the story through songs like “Naughty” and “Miracle” and the production sets and costumes by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell are intricately designed. Coupled with the dazzling lighting by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, the whole stage comes alive.

Matilda The Musical Live In Singapore 2019 — Image Credits: Matilda The Musical

With an incredible cast of young performers, Matilda The Musical inspires and delights audiences both young and old. The timeless story of a small girl’s determination to challenge those above her for the greater good, combined with Roald Dahl’s signature wit and naughtiness, makes this an unforgettable musical.

Reasons to Catch Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical is a winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical. Currently in its seventh year of running in London, Matilda The Musical continues to delight audiences of all ages and has been seen by more than 8 million people.

The Singapore season marks the first time the hit musical has ventured to Asia, having toured to Australia and New Zealand from 2015-2017 and it will be showing here from now till 17 March 2019 for a limited time only. Also, if you’re a Passion Cardholder or a SingTel Subscriber, you can get the tickets at a 10% discount (terms & conditions apply).

Just so you know, tickets for weekday shows are cheaper than weekends and if you’re wondering which category of tickets to get, we would suggest getting either the Category C Reserve or the Category B Reserve tickets as the seats are decent enough for a great vantage point.

Lastly, even if you have not read the novel before, the story and plot is easy to follow and you will definitely be enchanted by the spellbinding scenes.

Tickets are available on a first-come-first serve basis so be sure to book your tickets early!

A Taste of Spanish Culture @ Tapas Club

By delta February 16, 2019

My encounters with everything that’s Spanish has always been memorable and pleasant. From the first-ever Paella that I have tasted at PasarBella to my once-in-a-lifetime experience in Peru where the main spoken language is Spanish; I really do appreciate the rich Spanish culture.

If you want to experience a slice of the Spanish culture here in Singapore without having to burn a big hole in your pocket for a flight to Spain, there’s one place for it, Tapas Club.

Tapas Club

Tapas Club is a casual Spanish restaurant chain that first launched in Singapore in 2017. It brings Spain’s vibrant and rich culinary culture to diners at accessible price points.

Creating an immersive dining experience where guests are able to enjoy traditional Spanish food, Tapas Club offers hearty food, quality wines, and show-stopping musical and flamenco performances.

The restaurant also houses a mercado where customers can purchase authentic Spanish food products as gifts or for their homes. This includes a selection of beers and wines, as well as Spanish preserves, olive oils, preserved vegetables and seafood, and signature cold cuts like Iberian ham.

A Haven for the Wine Enthusiasts

Tapas Club is an ideal chill-out place for after-work wine and cocktails (last order at 10pm on weekdays). The wine list has over 50 different labels and features a wide variety of wines from key wine producing regions in Spain.

Prices start from SGD 38 and guests have the option of ordering their wines by the glass, carafes or bottles – perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to discover more Spanish wines as all varieties are fully covered.

At Tapas Club, there are over 20 varieties of grapes from different types of wines, including the renowned Tempranillo – a black grape variety that is natively grown in Spain. The wines available at Tapas Club covers the many regions of Spain, such as Rioja or Ribera del Duero, as well as up-and-coming regions like Manchuela or Ribera del Guadiana.

In addition, Tapas Club also arranges bi-monthly wine pairing dinners, taking guests on a journey through the different regions of Spain with an assortment of wines and tapas.

Our Dining Experience at Tapas Club @ VivoCity

Tapas Club @ VivoCity is Tapas Club’s second outlet in Singapore and we are really envious of the folks who work around the Tanjong Pagar area because Tapas Club is a wonderful place to dine at and chill-out. If Tapas Club opens an outlet in the heartlands i.e. Punggol, you probably will find us there downing jugs of Sangria every day.

The warm and rustic ambience replicates the look and feels of a Spanish tavern and recently, we were there for dinner and we had an enjoyable time because the service was impeccable, the food was excellent, and the Spanish live band entertainment was splendid ……

& the best part?

The food was reasonably priced and the portion was good enough for a group of 4!

The Tapas Menu

Highlights on the wine-friendly tapas menu include Berenjena Con Miel, eggplant chips fried in a light batter then drizzled with honey for a salty-sweet finish. Next, a hearty serving of Piquillos Rellenos, deep-fried piquillo peppers stuffed with a filling of seasoned ground pork, bechamel sauce and onions, enveloped in a savoury demi-glace sauce.

Another showstopper is the all-time Spanish favourite, Tortilla de Patata a traditional egg and potato omelette served with a soft, barely set centre.

The restaurant also serves signature Croquetas De Jamon – ham croquettes, a staple at any Spanish restaurant. These are encased in a puffed crumb and filled with oozy bechamel sauce and savoury Spanish Iberian ham.

The Tapas+ section of the menu offers more substantial dishes of great value. Each dish comes with one complimentary side (guests may take their pick from a selection) and is best enjoyed either as a main course or shared among friends.

Highlights include the Pulpo a la Brasa, a wonderfully charred grilled octopus, served on a bed of confit potatoes then drizzled with olive oil and pimenton (ground dried Capsicum annuum chillies).

A classic addition to any Spanish meal is the Arroz Negro, a rich and briny squid ink paella that is tossed in Spanish rice with cuttlefish and clams. Atop the al-dente rice sits hefty dollops of garlic aioli which is best enjoyed mixed into the rice for a creamy, savoury finish.

Tapas Club Specials

A group of musicians and dancers perform traditional Spanish flamenco shows one Thursday per month, while Saturday, Sunday and PH brunch sees the introduction of the communal paella pan. Guests may tuck into unlimited servings of paella cooked in a 1.2-metre wide pan for only SGD$10 between 12-3pm. This echoes the way Spaniards eat on weekends, where large communal sharing dishes enjoyed in a spirited, vibrant atmosphere are the norm.

For a slice of the Spanish culture, head down to Tapas Club this weekend and enjoy the great authentic feast that’s specially prepared by the chefs!

Pet Hates Only A Dog Owner Will Understand (And Tips To Overcome Them)

By delta February 14, 2019

Of course, when we say ‘pet hate,’ we aren’t saying that you hate your dog! We are talking in the proverbial sense; those sort of pet hates which are another way of referring to those minor annoyances as a dog owner that we are sure you will be able to relate to. We put up with these irritations because we love our four-legged friends dearly, but let’s be honest, there are times when even the most patient of us can be severely tested. Still, there are ways to overcome some of them.

How many of these pet hates can you relate to?

Pet Hate #1: Being faced with smelly dog breath

Waking up in the morning, probably with bad breath of your own, the last thing you need is the odorous whiff of your dog’s bad breath when he leaps onto your bed to greet you. Usually followed by a sloppy kiss and a paw on your face, you have no alternative but to get out of bed and give your dog some attention.

Tip: There are all kinds of reasons for dog bad breath, so check out the linked article for some handy advice. While you will never get rid of those terrible odours permanently, you can still reduce the problem by caring for your dog’s diet and by looking after their gums and teeth. And hey, when it comes to your morning bad breath, you might consider looking after yourself in similar ways!

Pet Hate #2: Never having a clean house

It can be hard to keep a clean house with a dog roaming around. Trying to keep your living room, kitchen, and bathroom spotlessly clean can be tough when you have dog drool, muddy footprints, and dog hairs invading your living space. You could either give up entirely – what’s the point in trying if your dog is only going to sabotage your best efforts? – or you could take steps to make your life easier.

Tip: Despite living with a dog, there are a number of ways to maintain a reasonably clean house so consider some of the ideas here. From changing some of your furniture fabrics to doing the sensible thing, and keeping your dog as clean as possible, you can alleviate the indignity of an unclean home. You never need to be afraid of letting your neighbors set foot through your front door again!

Pet Hate #3: Losing yet another pair of slippers

It’s no secret that dogs love to chew on things. From rolled up newspapers to yes, your favourite pair of slippers; they will get their mouth around anything they can get their paws on. Of course, you could do the sensible thing and move any chewable objects out of your dog’s reach, or you could consider why they love to chew things in the first place.

Tip: On a simple level, dogs love to chew because its fun. It’s also nature’s way of strengthening your dog’s jaws and cleaning their teeth. However, your dog can also chew on something when bored or anxious. If they don’t have enough toys to play with, they will naturally migrate to other things, such as your slippers. And when they are anxious, perhaps when you are away from home for a long period of time, your dog will chew your slippers as a way to a) reduce stress, and b) to be close to your smell. You can alleviate any problems by buying your dog chewable toys, and by reducing their anxiety when you’re out by asking a friend or neighbor to pop in to give your dog company.

Pet Hate #4: The constant walks

First thing in the morning when you’re trying to get ready for work. Last thing at night when you’re just about ready for bed. And when it’s cold and wet, you will need to take your dog for a walk. He will let you know when he’s ready, and if you don’t… well, that’s another fine mess you will find yourself stepping into! Dogs need exercise for both fun and health reasons, so unless you have one of these low-energy dog breeds, you will need to get your shoes on at regular intervals.

Tip: You could hire a dog walker to take your dog for a stroll, but think about your exercise needs too. A walk will do you good, so instead of complaining every time your dog lets you know he wants to go out again, remember the benefits for you. But if you do find it a chore, try to up the fun factor; change the routes you take, play with your dog in the park, and take time to enjoy the scenery around you. Both you and your dog will benefit from the experience.

What are your pet hates? How have you overcome them? Let us know, for the sake of ourselves, and our beloved canine friends.

Thanks for reading!

Moving House Checklist – Get These Right as Much as Possible

By delta February 13, 2019

In the last 2 decades, I have moved house at least 5 times and I know the pains and inconveniences of moving from place to place. When you move house, you are going to have a lot of things to deal with, and that’s why you need to make sure you get some help and advice. There are so many different things that you have to account for when moving house, and there are a lot of issues you can encounter. Whether you are moving abroad, or making a move nationally, there is a lot to think about. Moving can be a stressful process, and you want to make sure you do as much as possible to ease the pressure.

Make sure you think about the important aspects of moving house so that you can make the whole process much more palatable. You have to keep in mind the issues that you might face, as well as the essential parts of the moving process. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind and sort out when it comes to improving the moving house process.

Transportation

You are going to need to sort out the transportation process and make sure you are choosing the right way to transport your stuff. Everything you own is going to be travelling with you to your new home, and you’ve got to make sure you protect and look after it. We ever had boxes of expensive wines and liquors stolen when moving house you must choose a reputable mover company who can take charge of the move for you and ensure that everything goes without a hitch and that it is a stress-free process.

Meet the Neighbours

Meeting your new neighbours is a really important part of the moving experience and one that you have got to get right. This is something that you need to make sure you get sorted as soon as you can. Your neighbours can really impact your move and the way you settle in your new home. So, the most important thing you can do is to try to make sure you make friends with your neighbours right away. This is going to enhance the experience and make things more enjoyable for you.

Sort Out the Basics

It is important to sort out the basics, and that means taking control of the things you’re going to be needing and using in your home as much as possible. There are a lot of things that play a part in this, and sorting out stuff like internet and TV is hugely important. You work hard, and you need downtime, and what better way to relax than to unwind and watch your favourite TV shows on Netflix. You’re going to need to have the right kind of broadband to help you with this. There are plenty of broadband and TV deals to choose from that can help you to enjoy the best movie watching experience, and this is the sort of thing that plays a big role in a new home, so you need to make sure you get it sorted as much as you can.

Moving house can be a complex and stressful process, and this is something that a lot of people overlook. You have to be clear about what is important in the process of moving house and tick the right checkboxes. If you can get the basic elements right, you should be well-placed in improving the move and ease some of the stress involved in it.

What I Learnt from Visiting Australia

By delta February 1, 2019

As soon as I landed in Melbourne, I met with an airport shuttle driver who offered to take me to Hotel Lindrum. I booked it since it had good online reviews and Furthermore, as a snooker fan, I was ready to pay just to see the famous Lindurm snooker table, but that’s another story.

Once I got in the cab, the shuttle driver told me, “I have both good and bad news for you. The good news is that you are spending your vacation in one of the best countries in the world. The bad news is that you will be in this country for a short time.”

Even though Australia has been on my bucket list forever, I still wasn’t quite sure that it will live up to this hype. I was a bit wrong on that note, because it did, and I’m happy that I got the chance to experience it. Indeed, that shuttle driver had been quite right.

Besides the beauty of the country, I was able to learn a few interesting things and acquaint myself with the Australian culture.

Here is a list of things that I learned from visiting Australia.

Fast Food Giants Have Different Names

It seems that when Jack Cowen, the owner of Burger King, had the ambition to expand in Australia; he was unable to use the name, ‘Burger King’ and so he opted for a different name, ‘Hungry Jack’s.’ So, whoopers are sold in Australia under the name, ‘Hungry Jack’s.’ Also, McDonald’s is popularly known by the term ‘Macca’s’; to the extent that this nickname is used in advertisements and product labeling.

The Celebration of the Queen’s Birthday is on a Different Date from the Official Date

Though Queen Elizabeth was born on 21^st April, Australians mark the Queen’s Birthday on the first Monday of June. This first Monday of June corresponds with the time King George V was born. So, if you are planning to travel to Australia at around this time, please book early for your flight and accommodation since most of these are fully booked for the three-day weekend holiday.

Everything is Named Macquarie

According to Britannica, the fifth Australian Governor of New South Wales left behind a great legacy to the extent that many things in Australia are named after him. In fact, there is a common joke in Australia that if you don’t know the name of anything; just say the name Macquarie and you will be right. There is a Macquarie lighthouse, university, river, bank, street, lake…the list goes on.

Ugg Boots Have Been Worn for Ages

I was surprised to learn that ugg boots have been around for a very long time – from back in the 1920s. In fact, ugg boots originated from Australia in the 1920s, and they only spread to other countries, including the United States of America, in 1972.

Vivid Festival is Amazing

Vivid Festival usually takes place in the last three weeks of May to the end of the first week in June. When I attended this festival, I was amazed by the outstanding display of fireworks, art, and music. Thanks to Vivid Festival, I was able to see clearly some of the prominent places in Sydney such as the Central Business District, the Opera House, and the Harbor Bridge.

The Most Infamous Criminal in Australia is Ned Kelly

Ned Kelly is the most infamous criminal in Australia; having been convicted and sentenced to death in 1880. Surprisingly, I was told by the librarian in the Victorian State Library that Ned Kelly was fondly loved by many people. In fact, before he was executed, thousands of Australians had signed a petition in a bid to set him free. The suit of armour which Ned Kelly had worn before he was arrested is well displayed at State Library Victoria in Melbourne.

Koalas Sleep for Twenty Hours a Day

Since I love animals, I could not leave Australia without seeing as many koalas as I can. So I visited Maru Koala and Animal Park which is situated just next to Philip Island. When I finally viewed the Koalas, I realised that most of them were asleep and I was told by the game warden that they could sleep for more than 20 hours each day! Koalas are also quite choosy on the food they eat – they can only feed on two varieties out of the possible 600 types of eucalyptus leaves. At the park, I also managed to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wallabies.

Well, these are some of the things I learnt when I visited Australia. All in all, Australia is a beautiful country. Australians are naturally kind, friendly and trustworthy – I left my purse with an unfamiliar bartender, and I was able to get it back!

I enjoyed my visit to Australia, and I can’t wait to travel there again!

Written By Sam, Content Marketing Specialist
Sam is an award-winning writer with a passion for providing creative solutions for building brands online. Since his first award in Creative Writing, he continues to deliver awesome content through his travel articles. When not enjoying freediving, he is managing marketing content for multiple brands online.

Value for Money 3-Course Chinese New Year Set Menu@ Oopen Pasta & Grill Restaurant, Ibis Singapore Novena

By delta January 30, 2019

Recently, we were at Balestier Road and as usual, the whole stretch of road can get pretty busy as there are many budget hotels and eateries located in the area. We went to Oopen Pasta and Grill Restaurant (that is situated within the compounds of Ibis Singapore Novena Hotel) for a weekend lunch and we had their 3-Course Chinese New Year (CNY) Set Menu which is priced at $28.80 nett per person.

The 3-Course CNY Set Menu consist of the following:

Soup

Crab Meat Soup with Sweet Corn

The Crab Meat Soup with Sweet Corn has a rather homely taste and it is not the typical western-style sweet corn soup where milk and cream is added. Topped with some real crab meat (not the usual crab sticks), the soup is definitely a great way to whet the appetite.

Main Course

There are three different types of main courses that are offered for the set menu- fish, chicken or pork; and although most people would go for the Honey Char Siew Chicken Thigh or the Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, I really enjoyed the crispy Deep-Fried Snapper.

Do note that all three main courses are served with Cantonese Rice, Chinese Sausage and Dried Shrimp.

Deep-fried Snapper with Stir-Fried Broccoli and Mushroom with Ginger Oyster Sauce

If you’re in the mood for some seafood, the Deep-fried Snapper is a good choice but of course, I also know that not everyone is a fan of fish. As for me, I really enjoyed it because it’s fresh and crisp and the batter is light.

Honey Char Siew Chicken Thigh with Wok-fried Hong Kong Kai Lan with Shallot

The Honey Char Siew Chicken Thigh is a perfect choice and if you bring your children along, I’m pretty sure they will enjoy it too. The meat is juicy, tender and cooked to perfection with a smoky flavour to it.

Sweet and Sour Pork Rib with Stir-Fried Capsicum with Onion and Pineapple

Sweet and sour pork is a pretty classic Chinese dish that one can commonly find at almost all Tze Char stalls and if you like to have something familiar, this is probably it. Tangy in taste, you can’t go wrong with the Sweet and Sour Pork Rib.

Dessert

“Tong Shui” with Glutinous Sesame Rice Ball

The “Tong Shui” with Glutinous Sesame Rice Ball is a sweet finish to the 3-course meal. The fragrant and sweet ginger-based soup is made with some brown sugar and it mellows down the spiciness of the ginger, giving the whole dessert a nutty caramel flavour.

Afterthought

Overall, the 3-Course CNY Set Menu is extremely value-for-money and if you are planning a CNY office luncheon with little budget, this is probably it! On a side note, Oopen Pasta and Grill Restaurant does offer takeaways from their a-la-carte menu.

If you don’t frequent Balestier or if you haven’t been there before, you can just pop by Oopen Pasta and Grill Restaurant for a quick casual meal before you begin to explore the rich heritage and culture of Balestier.

Some recommended places of interests in the area for first-timers include Go Cho Tua Pek Kong Temple and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and if you’re game enough, you can try some durians in Balestier too. Having said that, Balestier is also the home of Singapore’s best Tau Sar Piah stores, so if durian isn’t your cup of tea, then you should get some Tau Sar Piah, a traditional Chinese baked pastry with green bean filling.

Fun Fact #1:

The area of Balestier was named after Joseph Balestier, Singapore’s first American consul from 1837 to 1852 and the owner of a 1,000-acre sugar plantation which was located in Balestier.

Fun Fact #2:

In the 1880s, several bungalows were constructed, with one still remaining at Tai Gin Road known as the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (formerly the Sun Yat Sen Villa or Wan Qing Yuan).

Fun Fact #3:

The Chinese labourers, who settled in the Balestier area, built a temple which still exists known as Go Cho Tua Pek Kong, with the area having the last free-standing wayang stage in Singapore that was built in 1906.

Wallet-Friendly 5-Star Quality Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner at East Bistro

By delta January 24, 2019

Lunar New Year 2019 is coming and in the days leading up to the eve of the Lunar New Year, most Chinese restaurants are usually very busy preparing and promoting their Lunar New Year specials and offers. If you have not made any reservations, you got to hurry because you don’t want to be caught in a situation where all the restaurants are fully booked.

If you are residing around Serangoon and Hougang and you don’t want to travel too far out for your reunion dinner, East Bistro is one Chinese-Hong Kong restaurant that you should consider because here, you can get 5-star quality dishes at wallet-friendly prices!

With renowned Lei Garden’s former Head Chef Tony Wong at the helm, East Bistro serves one of the best Dim Sum around and uses only the freshest ingredients to whip up some delicious Authentic Hong Kong Cuisine.

In this post, we will be sharing with you some highlights from our recent dining experience at East Bistro and what we think of it.

The Dishes We Had

Chinese New Year Menu
We tried some of their dishes from the Chinese New Year Menu and here are some of the highlights that we will like to share. If you are wondering which Chinese New Year Set Menus to get, we will actually recommend the 8-Course Set B ($528++ for 6 pax) Menu which includes Abalone “Lo Hei” Platter, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Sea Treasure, Steamed Garoupa Fish in HK Style, and many more!

Steamed Garoupa Fish in HK Style

Personally, we love this dish and we wouldn’t mind having the entire fish to ourselves. Prized by the Cantonese for steaming, Garoupa is known for its delicate, tender and firm white flesh. The whole fish is steamed and then dressed with julienned green onion and ginger. Hot oil is then drizzled over the green onion and ginger. Light soy sauce is then dressed on the side of the fish. A clean and simple, yet incredibly delish dish.

Smoked Chicken in Ginger

Based off a traditional Hong Kong Recipe, the Smoked Chicken in Ginger has an exquisite and unique smoky taste. Using only Kampung chicken for its tender meat, the chicken is steamed to retain the moisture and its natural flavours. Having said that, it would really be lovely if the chicken was juicier as we felt that it was slightly dry.

Chilled Double Boiled Snow Lotus Seed

The Chilled Double Boiled Snow Lotus Seed is a rather special dessert and we really enjoyed it. Specially imported from Hong Kong and rarely found in Singapore, the high-quality Snow Lotus Seed is first boiled and then added to the dessert that is made from dried longans and large red dates.

Red Dates Cake, Price: $28.80 per KG

The Red Dates Cake is a traditional delicacy enjoyed during Chinese New Year. Using only large red dates, it is first boiled and subsequently made into a puree with some coconut added into the mix. The sweet fragrance of the red dates works beautifully with the creamy flavour of the coconut.

Normal A-La-Carte Menu
The dishes from East Bistro’s normal a-la-carte menu are really delightful and they are really good on its own. Here are some of the dishes from their a-la-carte menu that we tried and would recommend.

Crispy Rice with Crab in Soup, Price: Seasonal

A must-try at East Bistro. Keep your eyes peeled for the crackling of the golden fried rice crisps when they are tossed into the porridge. The broth is made up of chicken and pork bone, that is simmered for up to five hours. Chef Tony only uses Sri Lankan crabs for this dish, preferring their inherent tenderness and sweetness. The bright orange hue of the crustacean adds an extra sweetness to the clear soup.

Iced Sweet & Sour Pork, Price: from $9 onwards

Unlike the typical Sweet and Sour Pork in Tze Char stalls that uses tomato-based sauce, the signature orange sauce at East Bistro is made from Hawthorne. The pork is first deep-fried to create the crispy skin, stir-fried with the Hawthorne sauce and presented on a plate of ice.

Chilled Mango Sago Cream with Pomelo, Price: $4 per serving

A refreshing chilled dessert using mango puree as a base enriched with evaporated milk for a creamier texture and served with a generous amount of freshly cut pomelo and mango

Overall

We had an enjoyable time at East Bistro and we will definitely be back for more. In fact, we are really glad to have found this hidden gem that’s quietly tucked away in Serangoon Garden because having tried their dishes, we really want to bring our family there for our usual weekend dinner gatherings.

Opening hours

Mondays to Sundays: 11.00AM –3.00PM, 5.00PM –10.00PM

Contact Details

Address: 1 Maju Avenue, #02-01, Singapore 556679

Telephone: 6634 2998

Getting There:

By bus –73, 136, 315 or 317

By car –enjoy free valet service every Friday evening from 6.00pm to 10.30pm and weekends and Public Holidays from 10.00am to 10.30pm.

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