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Everything You Need To Know Before You Take That ‘Easy Money’ Freelance Job

Freelance jobs are increasingly popular among youth in Singapore. Since 2015, why you’re taking the freelancing route are all problems faced by freelancers on a daily basis.

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The Moolah: Expect to get paid from guaranteed fare incentives!

Private-hire drivers are part of a growing gig economy. Gig economy sees such as overtime pay. They also do not receive statutory benefits such as Central Provident Fund contributions from the companies they work for.

2. Food Couriers

The Shady Side: Seen Premium Rush? While you’re not going to be targeted by a crazed loan shark, you’ll The Moolah: At $5 – 11 an hour and an additional $4 – 6 a trip, you’ll be making an average of $13 – 30 an hour!

3. Freelance Designers

Let’s face it, clients are difficult. You’ll meet the flaky, the rude and the uptight. And if you’re planning to do freelance designing as a full time job, you’ll spend A LOT of time worrying about when’s your next job (and if you’ll be able to afford rent next month).

The Moolah: While you may start out charging at $50 for one-off projects. Once you’ve built your portfolio, a large project (like a website) could fetch you a cool $1,000 (or more)!

4. Freelance Tutors

Under the Employment Act, part-timers without contracts like tutors, aren’t covered by the Manpower Ministry. With online tuition agencies popping up, you might not even see the organization that has hired you!

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[caption id="attachment_23017" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NTUC U Portal[/caption]

In its recent Budget 2017 recommendations, NTUC called on the Government to review labour legislation that could potentially help ensure that the interests of freelancers and the self-employed are protected. NTUC is currently focusing on three ways to help protect the interests of freelancers:

1. Expanding the role of Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM). Freelancers will have access to tripartite networks to resolve disputes.
2. Urging the Governments to review how freelancers can currently make CPF contributions and also receive support from the Government in terms of CPF retirement adequacy.
3. Urging service buyers to keep manpower costs at advisable rates enabling freelancers access to CPF contributions.

Last year, NTUC’s Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (U FSE) in collaboration with e2i held a ‘Fair For Freelancers’. Freelancers were given the opportunity to come together and gain new business opportunities. U FSE introduced digital platforms to help connect freelancers with clients for project collaborations.

The Labour Movement continually works closely with the other Tripartite partners – Ministry of Manpower and employers, to create a better working environment for employees. Through Collective Bargaining, Dispute Resolution mechanism and Advocacy, NTUC is giving a voice to the working people of Singapore.

https://www.facebook.com/anghinkee/photos/a.152579238126400.53313.149772861740371/1459249270792717/?type=3&theater

For more information on how the Labour Movement is speaking up for various worker segments, check out Labour Movement’s Budget 2017 Recommendations.

Also Read: True Heroes – 4 Invisible Jobs Singaporeans Take For Granted

13 Cool Activities You Should Know About To Wrap Up Your February [16-28 Feb]

February has been such a busy month! There was Chinese New Year and the endless Yu Sheng dinners, Valentine’s Day… and now, here are 13 cool activities you should know about from 15 to 28 February. They’ll chase away your post-festive blues!

Play & Discover

1. Urban Ventures x House Of Noise

Our favourite street party is back! And this time round, it’s all about #supportlocalSG.

For their very first road transformation of the year, Urban Ventures partners up with Noise Singapore to transform good old Keong Saik into a one-night only, feet tapping , head banging music party!

Featuring 21 fantastic local musicians and acts from Noise Music Mentorship 2016 (programmed by Thunder Rock School), your ears are in for a real treat!

On top of that, you can party your night away with DJs Brendon P, Oliver Osborne and Sivanesh, with free manicure and face painting sessions, thanks to Vaniday.

Urban Ventures x House of Noise
Date: 18 February  2017
Time: 3:30pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Keong Saik Road
Admission: Free
Facebook page: Urban Ventures x House of Noise

2. Choking Hazard : An Exhibition About Toys (Launch Party)

No one is ever too old or too young for… toys!

Unlike any other toy exhibition, Choking Hazard is…visually different. The toys here look a little odd and you probably won’t be able to find them elsewhere.

This is because the artists involved in this show have dismantled existing toys sourced from toy markets and remixed them into new objects.

While you’re at it, you can also try making your own toys. An assembly line of pre-loved toys will be available for you to tear apart and rebuild. Whether you’d like to make Chucky, or your own little Frankenstein, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

Choking Hazard: An Exhibition About Toys
Date: 17 February  (Exhibition from 17 February – 18 March)
Launch Party Time: 7:00-11:00pm
Exhibition Time: Mon-Fri (11:00am-7:00pm), Sat (2:00pm-7:00pm)
Venue: kult, C2-5, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120
Admission: Free
Facebook Page: Choking Hazard

3. Talk Cock Comedy feat. The Latecomers (Improv)

Need some laughter to get through the week? Just sit back, relax, and let The Latecomers entertain you.

They may be late to the game but the Latecomers sure are on time with punchlines.

4. Say It With Love

Say It With Love
Date: 24 & 25 February, 2017
Time: 6:30-10:30pm
Venue: Meadow, Gardens by the Bay 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Admission: Free
Picnic Bag: $60 (Online pre-sale), $65 (On-site)
Facebook Page: Say It With Love 2017

5. Red Dot Cinema ~ Asian Short Film Screening

Need new inspiration? How about rediscovering Asian narratives that have shaped our values and culture?

There are many independent film festivals in the world, but not many focus on Asian films. Fortunately there’s Red Dot Cinema – they amplify the Asian voice, one screening at a time.

Founded in 2015, Red Dot Cinema curates inspiring Asian short films and organises screenings around the world. They aim to bring Asia’s culture, social issues and entertainment to the global audience.

In this second edition, they’ll be screening 7 shorts from 5 different countries including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and our very own award winning “Hentak Kaki” by James Khoo.

Red Dot Cinema~ Asian Short Film Screening
Date: 24 February, 2017
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Venue: JustCo 6 Raffles Quay #16-01 Singapore 048580
Admission: $15 (Early bird), $18 (All tickets are inclusive of a popcorn)
Ticketing Website: Red Dot Cinema

6. Holi 2017

The official Holi festival only takes place in March but in Singapore, we’re celebrating it a little earlier this year!

Singapore’s biggest Holi Festival will be organised at Wavehouse Sentosa and it’s gonna be an experience like no other.

A line up of DJs, including the all time Holi favourite DJ Milan, will keep the festival rolling while water jets, rain dances and live performances will keep you entertained and Instagram-busy.

If you’re concerned about the coloured powder used at the festival, fret not as the organisers had it lab tested and it’s certified to be safe.

Holi 2017
Date: 25 February, 2017
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Venue: Wavehouse Sentosa
Admission: $20.00 via Eventbrite
Facebook Page: Singapore’s Biggest Holi Returns

7. PRISM

In the spirit of #supportlocalSG, here’s another local production to check out!

8. Crossings

Remember Britney Spear’s ‘Crossroads’? Here’s one that is more relevant, realistic and…updated.

The new young & W!LD cohort will be staging their very first public performance- Crossings, at Centre 42’s Black Box!

Bold, dark and funny, Crossings follow characters who have arrived at a critical crossroads in their lives. (Not your daily what to wear, what to eat kinda decisions).

The choices they make will change their journeys forever – its either a road to self-discovery or self-destruction.

If you need a fresh perspective about how the decisions we make will change our lives, Crossings will only be staged for 7 performances and 4 shows are SOLD OUT already! Grab your tickets now before its too late!

Crossings
Date: 15 – 19 February, 2017
Time: 3pm (18 & 19 February), 8pm (15-19 February)
Venue: Black Box, Centre 42, 42 Waterloo St, Singapore 187951
Admission: $30.00 via

Also, read CROSSINGS – A Play Dark And Bold Enough For A Different Kind Of Valentine’s Day

Eat

9. An Afternoon of Art + Food with Mamakan

Have a thing or two for heritage food? This is a culinary journey that you won’t wanna miss!

Featuring an 8-course taster menu, the Mamakan Art Collective will inspire you to get creatively in touch with nature. You’ll taste your way through botanical treasures available locally in Singapore.

They will also be serving cocktails ranging from Bathing Princess on the Hill, a purple liqueur made from Fort Canning flowers, to SpiceBomb of Diversity, an infusion of native spices.

If you’re hesitating because you overate during Chinese New Year, all taster items served are vegetarian, gluten-free and free of pesticides. It’s guilt free and delish at the same time.

An Afternoon of Art + Food with Mamakan
Date: 18 February, 2017
Time: 3-5:00pm
Venue: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd
Admission: $49.00 (Individual), $490.00 (Table of 10) via 

Crab lovers, raise your claws! A crab party is happening this February and everyone is invited!

All crabs are handpicked from Dapur Melaka’s very own crab farm and go at $18 each. Freshness of every crab is guaranteed or you get your money back.

It’s based on a first come first served basis so do make your reservations to avoid disappointment!

Dapur’s Crab Party
Date: 16 & 17 February, 2017
Time: 5:30pm onwards (last order at 8:30pm)
Venue: Dapur Melaka Singapore 56 Sembawang Road, Singapore 779086
Contact number: +65 6455 0857
Admission: $18 via Oh crab, it’s a party

Shop

11. Majestic Market

You’ve probably done a whole lot of shopping for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s. One more pop-up market doesn’t harm right?

In conjunction with their 10th anniversary celebration, New Majestic Hotel will be hosting a collaborative 3-day pop up weekend bazaar!

Set in a 1928 shophouse, the market aims to celebrate and revive Bukit Pasoh’s heritage by showcasing local design, culture and its rich colourful history.

The hotel rooms will also be transformed into carefully curated retail spaces for vendors to display their products.

Heritage and shopping? That sure sounds like a pretty refreshing retail experience.

Majestic Market
Date: 16-19 February, 2017
Time: 6:00pm
Venue: New Majestic Hotel 31 – 37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
Admission: Free
Facebook Page: Majestic Market

12. Wanderlust Market

You probably have a million reasons to save your angpao money but here’s one good one for you to spend ’em!

Don’t worry about coming back from Travel Revolution empty handed because this year, the organiser actually included Wanderlust Market, a curated artisanal market by Makers Market at the event venue.

There will be a variety of products ranging from artisanal creations to mouth-watering food, children products and many more adorable items that will make you go “take my money!”.

Wanderlust Market
Date: 24-26 February, 2017
Time: 11:00am to 9:30pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands L1 Expo Halls A & B 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956
Facebook Page: Wanderlust Market

13. EMU Australia Pop-up

Fans of Aussie fashion and shoes, EMU from the land down under is finally on our Singaporean shores!

Pronounced as eem-you, EMU is a premium lifestyle brand best known for their super comfy yet stylish footwear and accessories for women and children alike.

This 3-weeks special pop-up event will showcase the brand’s Spring Summer 2017 collection. There are strong bursts of colours, exotic prints, metallics designs with sports-inspired elements.

The collection, ranging from heels, sandals, summer wedges, slip-ons to covered shoes, is functional yet chic.

Women’s shoes start from $79, while children’s sneakers start from $59.

EMU Australia Pop Up
Date: February 10, 2017 onwards
Time: 10:30am – 10:00pm daily
Venue: Robinsons The Heeren, Robinsons Raffles City, Metro Paragon
Facebook Page: EMU Australia Singapore

With 13 funtastic activities to explore, it seems like life is not slowing down at all this February! And there goes our ‘hard earned’ angpao money!

Also, read Bon Appétit! 6 Legit French restaurants In Singapore That Won’t Burn A Big Hole In Your Wallet

Healing Touch Is The Busy Millennial’s Solution To Stubborn Fat And Difficult Skin

We millennials are a busy bunch. Between sitting on our butts all day, balancing school, work, our social lives and the 101 other commitments we keep these days, there are definitely some things that fall by the wayside, including our fitness, skin health, and sometimes, even our general well-being.

Who has the time to hit the gym three times a week or to religiously go through a 5-step skin routine? Well, every now and then, it’s good to stop, take a break, and find a fix for some of the things you’ve been neglecting until now.

If you’re all about quick fixes when it comes to your weight, skin, or if you just want to purge your body of all the tiredness within it, Healing Touch has your back. The beauty chain whose core services include facials, massages and slimming has won awards from CLEO, Women’s Weekly and TripdAdvisor, sealing its status as a peoples’ favourite.

Its staff are friendly and highly experienced, they use quality products and the latest technologies. And the best part? It won’t cost you a bomb!

Last week, I popped by the branch in Orchid Country Club to give its slimming treatment and facials a go and this was what went down.

Slimming Treatment

The slimming treatment I tried was the Slim Lipo-Laser Treatment ($230 excl. GST) and the staff there guaranteed—as they do with all their first time customers—that I would lose 5cm around my waist. A little bit skeptical at first, I went for it and wound up losing a total of 8.5cm within the 60 minute session! I was definitely surprised by the results.

The treatment uses a machine called a ‘Lipo Laser’. During the treatment, after the skin is prepped with a Complex AHA fruit acid, a total of 8 laser light emitting plates are strapped across the tummy region. It sounds scary, but trust me, it isn’t!

The lasers penetrate the skin, targeting fat cells and releasing water and free fatty acid. This effectively causes the fat cells to “shrink”, which is how you lose the inches around your tummy! After this, the slimming therapist conducts a Manual Lymph Drainage massage to flush out all that water and nasty toxins that was released earlier.

The heat from the metal plates can be a little painful, especially if you’re on or near the beginning/end of your period (like I was), because the skin tends to be more sensitive during this time. Don’t try to bear with it like I did! Feel free to let the attentive staff know if it’s too hot, and she will make adjustments accordingly.

As the lasers were working away at “melting” my fats, the therapist went through a questionnaire to find out more about my lifestyle habits—how much water I drink, how often I exercise, etc.—as well as my weight loss goals—what my goal weight is, when was the last time I was at my goal weight, etc.

When the session was over, we had a short consultation where she advised me on how to lead a healthier lifestyle, and made sure I had realistic expectations when it came to achieving and maintaining my goal body, i.e. it takes a total lifestyle change. Slimming treatments without any accompanying changes to your nutritional habits or exercise frequency won’t do the trick, especially not in the long run.

While the Lipo-Laser Treatment is definitely a quick fix when you need it, I think it’s great that Healing Touch employs a holistic approach toward weight loss, providing nutritional coaching and motivating customers to live healthier beyond just administering the treatment, so they can better achieve their goal physiques.

Facial

For the facial, I tried the NEO Energy Advanced Facials ($226 excl. GST), a 90 minute bespoke facial where you get to use 2 of 5 cutting edge technologies, depending on your skin issues.

The 5 are Meso Infusion, which facilitates the penetration of serum for more hydrated, firmer skin; D-Sonic Deep Cleansing for a deep clean of the skin; Sonic Muscle Toning for firming and lifting; LED Multi-Purpose, to promote the production of collagen; as well as Bio-Mask Refining, to minimize pores as well as to brighten.

Because the beautician identified uneven skin tone, blackheads and enlarged pores as my key skin issues, she recommended Meso Infusion and Bio-Mask Refining. The treatment was so relaxing I actually fell asleep!

After giving my face a thorough double cleanse, as well as a routine extraction, the beautician applied a customized serum to my face and gently massaged it in using the Neo Energy Mesotherapy probe which was tuned to the optimal frequency for penetration (Meso Infusion).

Next, she applied 6 pairs of electrodes to the face through a face mask. While the positive ion plates helped with detoxification and removal of dirt and oil, the negative ion plates helped with the delivery of the active ingredients of the serum used, as well as with brightening the face and the minimizing of pores (Bio-Mask Refining).

What struck me as quite unique about the facials here was that they pluck your eyebrows as part of the treatment. I was so surprised I actually asked “Is this part of the facial?” when the beautician offered to pluck them! Aside from that, the facial included a face and shoulder massage—again, an unexpected touch, but definitely a plus by me.

All the products used were lightly and beautifully scented and felt super luxurious, and as promised, at the end of the treatment, my pores were noticeably smaller and my skin felt soft and youthful again!

From my experience, it’s clear to see that the staff at Healing Touch are truly dedicated to serving its customers. With a strong no hard-selling policy, you don’t have to worry about having to commit to anything you’re not comfortable with. Whether it’s slimming, a facial, or a relaxing massage you’re in for, you’ll sure to leave feeling very, very satisfied.

Healing Touch
Outlets: Healing Touch has seven branches islandwide. Click Healing Touch 
Instagram: @healingtouchspasg

5 Best No Fuss Lightweight Foundation Every Singaporean Gal Should Know

Lightweight foundation that feels like skin is the cornerstone to achieving that perfect no-makeup look. On top of every Singaporean gal’s hectic and busy schedule, the hot and humid weather in Singapore is another reason to choose skin-like foundation. After all, who can enjoy a day out with a clammy and muggy face?

Discover SG has scoured this sunny island to bring you the best lightweight foundation that will give you ample coverage and a natural luminous glow.

1. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

The Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream is perfect for those who require only light coverage for a day-to-day basis.

Its non-oily lightweight formula contains 3 colour correcting pigments that reduce redness, smooth away dark pigments, and brighten your complexion.

Credit: Zalora.sg

2. Sephora Collection Teint Infusion Ethereal Natural Finish Foundation

The Sephora Collection Teint Infusion Ethereal Natural Finish Foundation is certainly a solid contender in our ‘battle of the lightweight foundation’.

Credit: Available at Sephora

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Credit: 5. Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15

Described to be the ‘source of youth and light’, Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Foundation instantly revives tired, dull complexion and leaves your skin looking visibly rested, radiant and youthful.

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

8 Best Acai Bowls And Smoothies In Singapore For A Completely Guilt-Free Treat

Complete abstinence from sweet treats is a blasphemy. We are all-too familiar with the “I will not give in to my sweet tooth anymore!” – only to subconsciously reach for some chocolates within the next hour.

Fortunately, with the introduction of superfoods (the likes of Acai (ah-sah-ee) berry) into the realm of food, our lives are now healthier and sweeter. With the inclusion of acai bowls and smoothies into our everyday meals today, you can now enjoy a sinfully-sweet indulgence without fretting about the calories.

Here are 8 best acai bowls and smoothiess in Singapore for a sweet but completely guilt-free treat!

1. Project Acai

As one of the pioneers of the superfood scene in Singapore, Project Acai is dedicated to serving superfood bowls and smoothies.

Their acai bowls typically come in three sizes, with prices ranging from $6.80 to $14.50.

Project Acai
Address: 27 Lor Liput, Holland Village, Singapore 277738
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 10pm
Credit: Credit: facebook.com[/caption]

Haakon Superfoods & Juice
Address: 1118 Holland Avenue, #01-03, Singapore 278997
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 10pm
Tel: 8399 2450
Credit: Credit: 6224 4088
Website

4. Seed and Soil

If you are rushing for time, Seed and Soil is your one-stop solution for a quick grab and go.

This healthy joint offers cold pressed juice for an instant healthy fix. Likewise, you can “upgrade” your juice into a meal by combining it with other whole fruits and superfoods such as chia seeds and goji berry.

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Their signature Superfood Sprinkle Acai Bowl will certainly pack a nutritional punch to your diet.

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Credit: peanutloti.wordpress.com[/caption]

For a BERRY healthy bowl, you should definitely go for their Blackberry Binge. Their smooth creamy base is made up of bananas, blackberries, raspberries and soy milk. Topped with blueberries, pomegranate, quinoa puffs and roasted cashew, you will want to get this the next time your sweet cravings kicks in!

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Moreover, all of their smoothie bowls are affordably priced at $6, which definitely beats a pint of ice cream anytime.

A Poke Theory
Address: 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11am – 6pm; Sat 10am – 4pm (Closed on Sun)
Credit: Credit: facebook.com[/caption]

It comprises of creamy acai smoothie dressed with chia seeds, mango chunks, blueberries, quinoa and crunchy bits of granola. Sprinkled with coconut for a delectable finishing touch, it is almost as if you are having gelato itself – but without the calories of course.

Super Loco
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 The Quayside, Singapore 238252
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 5pm to 12am; Sat to Sun 10am – 3.30pm (Brunch) & 5pm – 12am ( Dinner)
Tel: 6235 8900
Credit: Credit: 6815 4600
Credit: Credit: facebook.com[/caption]

Their Signature Acai Bowl – Tropical Coconut Bowl no doubt stands out from the other specialty stores with the use of an actual coconut husk as a bowl. Despite the relatively small portion due to the coconut husk, expect generous toppings of fruits the likes of pineapple, kiwi, blueberry as well as granola and even wolfberries.

An Acai Affair
Address: 101 East Coast Road, Singapore 428796
Opening hours: Sun to Thu 12nn – 10pm; Fri to Sat 12nn – 11.30pm
Tel: 9792 0837
Website

These delectable acai bowls and smoothies show that sweet treats are not all about weight-inducing and artery-choking desserts.

Not only do these healthy acai bowls pack a powerhouse of nutritional value, but they also offer an equally luscious and sweet flavour as well! So the next time you feel a strong food craving for something sweet, head down to these spots for some delicious acai bowls and smoothies.

(Header image credit: 6 Interesting Cuisines You Didn’t Know You Can Get In Singapore To Spice Up Your Meals