Hair-d Enough Of Bad Hair Days? These DIY Treatments Are Cheap And They Really Work!

Let’s be honest, hair is crazy important. The right haircut can make you look younger, fresher and compliment your features. For most of us, our hair is literally our crowning glory and when your hair refuses to look good it can be pretty annoying!

To help your hair be just a little more cooperative, we’ve gathered a few hair treatments you can do in the comfort of your home! Pop by the supermarket for these really simple at home hair treatments!

For Dry/Damaged Hair

1. Avocado

Everyone knows bananas are the best snack on the move. They’re perfect if you’re craving for a sugary treat and they’re rich in fibre! But did you know that olive oil and bananas make a great hair mask for dry and damaged hair too!?

1. Put a banana into a blender and grind to a smooth, lump-free puree.
2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil into the pureed banana. Give it another whirl in the blender. You should get a frothy mixture!
3. Apply the banana-olive oil mixture on every strand and your scalp. Let the hair mask sit for 10 – 15 minutes
4. Rinse off mixture

DSG Tip: If you have dry hair but an oily scalp, it’s best to use this hair mask on your hair only and not your scalp!

Tips for Dealing With Dry/Damaged Hair:

1. Conditioner Is Your Best Friend
After shampooing it’s essential to condition! Conditioner locks in the moisture and oils in your hair and if you’re always on the go, pick up a bottle of leave-in conditioner!

2. Keep Usage Of Heat Styling Tools To A Minimum
Styling tools like hair straighteners and curlers can really dry out your hair. If you’re dolling up for a special occasion remember to use a heat protectant spray!

3. Amp Up Your Post Wash Hair Care
Use a nourishing hair mask once a week, if you’re keen on walking out of the house with smooth and shiny hair opt for some hair oil. Not only does it keep your hair silky smooth, it also keeps away fizz and flyaways!

For Oily Hair

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has a high acidic pH which makes is the best option for oily hair! Best part? Lemons are pretty cheap and you can use them for so many other at home treatments! A simple hair mask for oily hair, this hair rinse uses just two ingredients!

1. Take the juice from 1 lemon and add it to about 300ml of water, mix well.
2. Use the lemon juice mixture as a rinse after shampoo!

DSG Tip: If you need more lemon juice – water mixture, mix the juice of 1 lemon to every 300ml of water!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar isn’t as popular as it’s counterpart (vinegar), but it has its benefits! From deodorising smelly feet to reducing bloating, apple cider vinegar can do it all! A hair rinse that uses just one ingredient? Yes please!

1. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and mix well
2. Rinse your hair with the mixture and let your hair sit for a few minutes
3. Repeat this process at least three times a week to get hair that is shiny but not oily!

DSG Tip: Always use small amounts of vinegar or diluted apple cider vinegar, too much vinegar may actually be hazardous to your body!

3. Tea

Tea doesn’t just go well with breakfast, it also has really great health benefits! Green tea is loaded with antioxidants which help with weight loss and lower cholesterol. This hair rinse isn’t just soothing it’s also good for your hair and scalp

1. Boil some tea leaves in a cup of water.
2. When the tea cools a little (the tea should be warm), apply it to your scalp.
3. Let the tea sit for five minutes.
4. Rinse and shampoo your hair to remove all the tea

DSG Tip: Black tea is a favourite for at home hair treatments!

Tips for Dealing With Oily Hair:

1. Condition Only The Ends
Even with oily hair, you can’t skip conditioner! However we recommend using conditioner only on the ends of your hair!

2. Look For Shampoos That Say ‘For Oily Hair’ or ‘Clarifying’
The first step to combating oily hair is the shampoo you use. Certain shampoos might strip your hair of its natural oils and make your scalp produce even more sebum.

3. Limit Your Hair Brushing And Touching Your Hair
Excessive brushing actually stimulates the production of oil which isn’t the desired affect for someone who has oily hair! And that unconscious habit of touching your hair? It could actually be stimulating your scalp as well!

Beijing 101

But for those of you who would rather leave the hair care to a professionals (let’s be honest, some at home hair treatments can get pretty messy!), head on down to Beijing 101!

Not only do they have hair experts who are there to analyse your scalp, they’ll know exactly what your scalp needs! Using only the best ingredients and treatments derived from Traditional Chinese Medicines, Beijing 101 can help you combat a scalp that isn’t cooperating!

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Also Read: Ambassador Highlights #4: Flight School, Alter Ego and Riverside Grilled Fish!

‘Om is where the heART is’ Re-Invents Yoga With A Charitable Twist

Let’s be honest, with our busy schedules it can be pretty difficult to squeeze in some exercise. After a long day at work, most of us are just too exhausted to head to the gym. Unless you’re really disciplined or you’re a gym junkie, exercise is unlikely to be a top priority.

Good news for those of you who have been trying to get off your couch, ‘Om is where the heART is‘ is the perfect excuse to grab a friend and get your body moving!

Jointly organised by Community Chest and SOULSCAPE, ‘Om is where the heART is’ is a fundraising yoga event that gets participants moving while also giving you the chance to pay-it-forward.

‘Om is where the heART is’

Happening on 10th December at the National Gallery Singapore this yoga-cum-fund-raising event will see guests participating in a yoga sessions amidst the tranquility of the National gallery’s Mezzanine.

Yoga sessions will be helmed by recognisable yogis from Outta Hatha, Yoga Mandala and Yoga Lab. Sara Wee (lead singer of 53A), Theresa Shan (SOULSCAPE’s yoga advisor), Jasmine Chong and Jessica Sinclair will be leading yoga classes throughout the morning.

Keen to get some shopping done (that’s what weekends are for right?)? A pop-up Wellness and Art Market will be offering up an array of health products and art items for sale.

Get your creative juices flowing with local art group- Band of Doodlers who will be installing an community wall mural where museum visitors are encouraged to contribute to the wall. Up for sale, this communal art piece will be auctioned off after the event with proceeds going towards aiding Community Chest’s beneficiaries.

‘Om is where the heART is’ is set to a truly inspiring and uplifting experience. Not only will you have that slice of quiet time to get re-energised and rejuvenated after a long week, you’ll be aiding disadvantaged Singaporeans who need just a little bit more help.

Get Re-energised & Rejuvenated

‘Om is where the heART is’
10 Dec 2016
8.30am -12.30pm
National Gallery Singapore, L4 Supreme Court Terrace
1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01–01, S178957
Contact: 6271 7000

(feature image: Ultimate Guide To Dog-Friendly Places: Hang Out With Your Doggy All Day, Every Day!

Re-Inventing Christmas As A Time For Giving, The 21st Century Way

Christmas.

It has traditionally been a holiday to spend time with loved ones, to give them presents, and generally reflect on how the struggles and triumphs we experienced throughout the year have changed us for the better.

We spent our childhood Christmases with our families as we decorated trees, watched Christmas-themed movies (I’m pretty sure I’ve caught Home Alone every year since I was 4) and caught up with family we rarely saw.

Giving Back The 21st Century Way

First, why not have a green Christmas by being eco-friendly?

Christmas is definitely the most magical time of the year, but it’s also one of the most wasteful. Just think of all the wrapping paper and cards you chuck each year! Switch things up by going green this festive season, and do your part for Mother Earth.

For starters, try out these super simple sustainable Christmas hacks, like putting your gifts in a reusable tote, or making your very own recycled wrapping paper out of old packaging!

Next, you can crowdfund, or give a micro-loan to help someone’s wish come true.

Today, technological advances have made it more convenient to give to the less fortunate, and giving back to society has never been easier.

Social enterprises like projects.

You can also play a part in the development of mind-blowing social innovations – like these bio-degradable mosquito traps to combat Zika, by funding them on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

Now, we all love Christmas, but it has a tendency to be a commercial affair and a celebration of consumerism (let’s face it, who doesn’t love an excuse to binge shop!).

Therefore, instead of getting run-of- the-mill hampers, why not do Christmas differently with quirky gifts that give back to communities in need.

For instance, when you buy Yellow Leaf Hammocks’ ridiculously comfortable hammocks, you’re empowering artisan weavers in Thailand, and improving their lives and livelihoods.

For each one you buy, proceeds will go straight to communities in need.

[caption id="attachment_19616" align="alignnone" width="650"] Creative Ways To Give Back[/caption]

You can also make a statement by trying new, unique, and meaningful activities with your loved ones this Christmas.

Try cooking a meal for families in need, or round up your bill to the nearest $10 for a good cause at Timbre (Timbre will match your donations dollar-for- dollar, and the proceeds will go towards medical treatments for patients who cannot afford it).

There are so many simple and creative ways to give back that will not only let you create special memories with those closest to you, but also help to spread the Christmas cheer to the less fortunate.

Did you know that you can even feast for a good cause? Have your feast and give back too, by indulging in yuletide feasting at restaurants that employ the marginalized.

For example, dine at restaurants that train ex-offenders in culinary skills to help them get their lives back on track. Soon Huat Dining House at Chinatown Point.

So this Christmas, instead of struggling to find presents on the streets of Orchard Road (which, let’s admit is going to be crowded with other Christmas shoppers), why not take these options into consideration to make your Christmas an extra special one?

Asia for Good is reinventing the spirit of giving back this Christmas with their socially conscious gift guides and hacks for a merrier, more sustainable way to celebrate the festive season!

Asia For Good

The team at Asia For Good believes that consumers have the power to create positive change, and the good news is that socially conscious living is actually really easy!

You just have to continue doing the things you already love – like eating, shopping, and traveling, but this time, with companies that make a difference.

Their lifestyle-oriented stories on the Asia For Good website covers everything from cool social innovations, to socially-conscious restaurant reviews, so that you can live ethically and effortlessly.

What’s more, the website also features a regional directory of social enterprises to connect you with businesses (like cafes that hire ex-offenders, and companies that make eco-friendly bamboo tissues) that are giving back and creating a positive impact in society.

Visit https://www.asiaforgood.com to find out more.

Also Read: What If We Told You, You’ve Been Choosing Your Christmas Gifts Wrong All Along?

8 Singaporean Millennials Share With Us Messages They Wish They Could Tell Their Loved Ones

We Singaporeans are not an emotionless bunch (in spite of some polls saying otherwise). Yes, while we may not express our feelings openly, we Singaporeans actually do feel quite deeply.

We wanted to debunk the myth, so we had 8 millennials share with us their messages of love for the people who mean the most to them.

Messages that they wished to say, but could never pluck up the courage to.

1. ‘I am really grateful that she still loves me even though I may not have been the best brother in the world’

I’m closest to my younger sister. Despite the 8 year age gap, we share a lot of common interests like basketball. Even though we don’t talk as much due to our life stages, she still comes to my room to “disturb” me once in awhile.

My favourite memory of my sister was when I was still a trainee in NS. It was my birthday and she sent a photo collage of my baby pictures with the words “Happy Birthday” through text. She was in primary school back then and even though the compilation wasn’t the most aesthetically-pleaseing, it was the effort and the act of thinking about me that made me feel grateful.

I would love to tell her how much I really appreciate her. I am really grateful that she still loves me even though I may not have been the best brother in the world.

– Yeo Khee (23)

2. ‘It was the last time we were together while he was still alive.’

I’m an only child so I’ve always been close to my parents. We have different dynamics between us all, but I love them in their own special way.

When I had my bad breakup, they were there for me like silent pillars of support, and had their own way of showing that they cared.

My mum is the chatty type, so she talked to me and made sure I was ok at all times. My dad doesn’t speak as much, but he gave me the peace that I wanted, and kept everything to a status quo so I’ll get out of the rut faster.

I would like them to know that I love them very much, and that I will miss them terribly if they’re gone.

They taught me what love means, and have provided for me so selflessly through the years.

– Melissa (26)

4. ‘ She’s my best friend and she’s my confidant’

https://youtu.be/X0FtvDxgE5E

Featured in video: Melissa Chia
This video was recorded at Prudential’s #OnePersonOneThing video booth.

5. ‘He is my role model and when I see a man, I hope he is at least 50% of what my brother is’

I’ve grown up in a very close-knit family, but I’m closest to my brother. We don’t get to spend much time together because we’re both busy working but we love catching up in front of the TV. Something I really admire about him is his confidence and his sincerity for those he loves!

He’s my role model and when I see a man, I hope he is at least 50% of what my brother is, because I doubt I can find someone exactly like him!

– Maria (22)

6. ‘Thank you for being there for me when I had nowhere to go’

I’m the closest to my brother, he’s always motivating me to do better.

When I do silly things, like fighting with my parents, he makes me see where I’m wrong. But he also supports me when I’m right.

I really admire his success and hard work. He did a full time job while working on his new business. He’s an entrepreneur and financial assistant now.

Thanks for being a great older brother. I couldn’t have asked for a better one.

Thanks for all your pep talks. I may not say it but they’ve helped me see things clearer.

– Anonymous (23)

8. ‘ Mum thank you for being the best mum ever.’

https://youtu.be/pPD7b09VgHc

Featured in video: Chelsea Ang (@chel.sea.ang)
Thisvideo was recorded at Prudential’s #OnePersonOneThing video booth.

Your Own Messages Of Love

Most of us millennials are crazy busy.

We’re juggling work or school (sometimes both), and we’re trying to discover what we really want, and who we are as individuals.

Sometimes, in the midst of our busy lives, we tend to forget what truly matters – the people who have been there for us from the start.

As part of Prudential’s Relationship Reconnect campaign, Prudential has launched its #OnePersonOneThing booth. Record your video messages to family and friends and send them out to your loved ones and share it on Facebook!

So this season, why not take an hour off your busy schedule and share with us your messages of love?

Happening this week (7 Dec – 9 Dec), record a video message for your loved ones at Prudential’s #OnePersonOneThing video booth at the Ocean Financial Centre from 11am to 7pm!

For more information on Prudential’s #relationshipindex check out their Facebook page.

Also Read: Hello, December: 13 Fun Activities To End Your Year With A Bang [1-15 Dec]

What If We Told You, You’ve Been Choosing Your Christmas Gifts Wrong All Along?

Let’s be honest, while we Singaporeans love Christmas (the lights, the food, the endless parties and get-togethers!), picking out the perfect gifts for family and friends can be pretty tough.

We can readily admit that pinning down that unique, extra special and thoughtful gift for a loved one is no easy feat.

Chances are, after hours of searching and walking up and down Orchard Road, you would have settled for the typical gift sets, hampers and bags of sweet treats to give out to family, friends and colleagues (don’t even try to deny it)!

Using only products that are non-toxic, eco-friendly, fair-trade and/or cruelty-free, the Nail Social is also a socially-conscious salon that trains and employ underprivileged women, who often face a higher barrier to employment. The Nail Social in partnership with The Pink Room International Nail Academy co- sponsor Professional Manicurist Courses, which beneficiaries undergo enabling them to pick up skills of the trade.

Nail Social is probably one of the most comfortable nail spas around, with personal iPads loaded with movies and complimentary glasses of wine on weekends, guests are definitely in for a treat. The best news? Nail Spa can also play host to your bridal showers and intimate get-togethers!

The Nail Social
42A Haji Lane (2nd Floor), S189235
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11am – 9pm; Weekends 10am – 8pm
Contact: Phone +65 6717 3221 ; Whatsapp +65 8145 5226

[caption id="attachment_19272" align="alignnone" width="1024"] AsiaForGood[/caption]

Founded by a group of local Singaporeans who were keen to overthrow the idea that Singapore is boring, Geylang Adventures strives to explore the different dimensions of Geylang while creating a more harmonious and welcoming society for all.

During the Geylang Adventures Trail, guests will get to explore the winding lorongs and back alleys and experience firsthand the eco-system that forms the backbone of Geylang. Intertwining stories of childhood adventures and interactions with the people who spend their days and nights in Geylang, the Geylang Adventures Trail hopes to break down barriers and open our eyes to a different side of this historic neighbourhood.

3. Enjoy A Tranquil Moment @ Hush TeaBar

Not just a place to learn to appreciate coffee blends (not to mention unleash your inner hipster), Bettr Barista also trains women and at-risk youth to be baristas. A firm believer in holistic well-being, they also offer emotional development and physical skills training.

For more information on Bettr Barista Coffee Academy:

Bettr Barista Coffee Academy
37 Mactaggart Road, #07-03, S368083
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10.30am – 5pm; Saturday 10.30am – 2pm; Sunday Closed
Contact: +65 6509 0113

5. Learn How To Whip Local Delicacies @ Food Playground

Learning to cook is a skill most of us sorely lack (no, instant noodles don’t count!), but fortunately, there are cooking schools here in Singapore where we can pick up some culinary skills!

Food Playground offers three-hour long cooking classes where participants can have a go at whipping up local favorites such as Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice and Laksa!

For more information of Food Playground: https://www.foodplayground.com.sg/

Food Playground
24A Sago St, S059020
Contact: 945223669

6. Dine In The Dark @ Dialogue In The Dark

Looking for a unique experience like no other? Dialogue In The Dark may just have what you’re looking for!

Located at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Dialogue In The Dark enables local Singaporeans to “learn to see in the darkness”. Guests will go through a guided one-hour long tour, where they will walk around a typical housing estate, and later sail down the Singapore River – experiencing everyday environments that are vastly different without the gift of sight.

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, Dialogue In The Dark also features Lunch in the Dark.

Guests will have a chance to experience a full course meal in complete darkness. Relying on other senses such as sound and touch, guests are encouraged to communicate, and help each other ease their fears and apprehension throughout the experience – perfect for that friend who’s keen on trying out something truly unique!

Most of us have tried our hand at picking up a new language. Let’s be honest – most, if not all of us, know a handful words from another language (the perks of being born in Singapore!), but picking up a new language using just your hands is a whole new experience.

At Extraordinary Horizons, participants would be able to pick up basic Sign Language. If you’re keen on delving deeper into how the deaf communities live their daily lives, Extraordinary Horizons offers customizable workshops where you can experience music, dance and song appreciation for the deaf!

Extraordinary Horizons strives to promote deaf awareness through their sign language courses, workshops and outreach programs. EO Horizons also features performances by those dabbling in the deaf performing arts scene in Singapore, and helps the disadvantaged gain self-confidence as well as attain life skills and knowledge!

Extraordinary Horizons
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
3 Coleman St, #04-04, S179804

Scape Co Ltd
2 Orchard Link, #04-01, S23797

Contact: [email protected]

Let’s be honest, most of us can’t use that many bath and beauty products at any one time. So this year, instead of popping by a store for those yearly gift boxes head down to any of these 7 local social enterprises and have a unique Christmas experience!

Feeling inspired? Check out this list of fun events that give back this festive season.

If you’re looking to make your Christmas one that really counts, check out Asia For Good’s socially conscious gift guides and hacks for a merrier Christmas!

(feature image: Reignite The Magic Of Christmas On Orchard Road With ION’s Tiffany & Co. Xmas Tree!

Ambassador Highlights #4: Flight School, Alter Ego and Riverside Grilled Fish!

Another month has just gone by so quickly (time really does fly at this time of the year)! We’re back for another monthly round-up of the events our ambassadors had the chance of dropping in on! From food tastings to ‘do not miss’ events our ambassadors were there to witness the fun and indulge in delicious eats! Here are some of November’s highlights!

1. Nail Deck

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM_XgLWjApV/?taken-by=dianabakar_

Freshly polished nails are a girl’s best friend.  Nail Deck is a new app that let’s you customise your own colour and virtually “try on” various hues. Lacquer Bar is the real life counterpart of Nail Deck. Mixing your customised nail polish by hand and in under 10 minutes!

Our ambassador, Diana, got a chance to witness the magic of her own customisable colour being made right in front of her very own eyes!

Head down to Lacquer Bar and get your customisable polish. Best part? They’re not too expensive at $11 for a 5-ml bottle and $16 for a 10ml it’s a steal considering you’ll be the only one donning your own masterpiece!

Want to find out more? Check out our article! Perfectly Nailing It! This Lacquer Bar Can Make Any Nail Polish Colour You Want

Nail Deck
Facebook
Download the app

Lacquer Bar
Sarnies’ New Menu Packs A Solid Punch: From Curry Pasta To Overflowing Burgers!

Sarnies
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Always Wanted To Be A Pilot? Get Your Licence To Fly Without Emptying Your Bank Account!

Flight School
Reignite The Magic Of Christmas On Orchard Road With ION’s Tiffany & Co. Xmas Tree!

5. Balvenie 

[caption id="attachment_19202" align="alignnone" width="768"] Balvenie[/caption]

The world’s most handcrafted single malt, Balvenie is renowned around the globe for their award winning malt whiskies.

Earlier this month, Balvenie teamed up with acclaimed photographer James Stroud to showcase the history and the culture behind Balvenie. The showcase’s art pieces highlighted the Balvenie distillery in Dufftown, Scotland.

Our ambassador, Janelle, dropped by the National Museum of Singapore to catch a glimpse of the Balvenie x James Stroud exhibition and experiencing the craft of making whiskey!

Want to find out more? Check out our article! The Balvenie x James Stroud Partnership Is A Shining Light For Craftsmen Worldwide

6. Alter Ego

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNG-WL3DOO2/?taken-by=neecolly

Located at Esplanade, Alter Ego offers up both “clean eating” Poke Bowls that Poke Theory is known for as well as a more decadent selection of eats. Bar snacks like Loaded Taters and a mouth watering Chilli Cheese Dog make up the bulk of the menu at Alter Ego.

Our ambassador Nicole dropped by Alter Ego to indulge in some of the delicious (and seriously sinful) fare that Alter Ego is known for!

Best part about Alter Ego? It stays open pretty late and they offer a pretty wide selection of ciders, ales and draft beers!

Want to find out more? Check out our article! A Poke Theory’s Alter Ego Serves Up Irresistibly Sinful Food You Cannot Say No To

Alter Ego
Riverside Grilled Fish – For Lovers Of Tongue-Numbing And Spicy Ma La Goodness!

Riverside Grilled Fish
Website
Address: Raffles City Shopping Centre, #B1-06/07, 252 North Bridge Road
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Tel:  +65 6352 2035

If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and you want to introduce products both old and new to more Singaporeans! Drop us an email at [email protected], we would love to work with you!

We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on the mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore! If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, just drop us an [email protected].

Also Read: Ambassador Highlights #3: DSG Meetup, Atlantis Fright Night and Singapore Fashion Week!