Tag: Lifestyle Tips

Travel /

#JetOff 6 Fun (And Unusual) Things to Do in Singapore: Travel Attractions

Millions of people make their way to Singapore each year to see the sights and have some fun.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Singapore, but you need some ideas, we are here to help! After all, there are plenty of activities, events, and other fun happenings that you don’t want to miss.

Continue reading this article to learn the best things to do in Singapore.

1. Universal Studios

Singapore’s version of Universal Studios is a great place to visit. They have a mix of attractions that make it a good spot for families with kids young and old.

The Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey in Far Far Away is a good ride to check out for younger kids and for those of you that want to do something more excited you should head to the Battlestar Galactica.

2. Butterfly Park

If you love butterflies and you’re looking for an educational experience, the butterfly park is the perfect place for you.

You can book a guided tour for the educational experience, or you can walk around the park yourself and look at the different types of exotic insects and butterflies.

3. Singapore Flyer

The massive Ferris wheel overlooking the water at Marina Bay is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. Looking at the Ferris wheel from the ground is an especially beautiful sight at night with all of the lights.

The ride on the Singapore Flyer takes 30 minutes and lets you take in the amazing sights of the city slowly from up above.

4. Visit Chinatown

Chinatown is filled with plenty of souvenir shops if you’re looking for something to take home. There are also lots of places to get a massage or to grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget the temples you’ll see as you continue walking through Chinatown.

5. National Museum of Singapore

If you want to learn more about the history of Singapore, head over to the National Museum of Singapore. You’ll be able to get a true feel of the history and feel like you were there to experience it with the unique and interesting exhibits.

Living Galleries are especially interesting and will allow you to learn more about Singapore fashion, food, photography, and more.

6. Marina Bay Sands

While this might not be an unknown thing to see while in Singapore, it is one you must see. You’ll be able to shop at the trendiest stores, stay at the hotel and swim in the fantastic pool at the top of the hotel.

Enjoying the Fun Things to Do In Singapore

Now you know more about Singapore and you can start planning some fun things to do in Singapore. Planning your trip well before you go can help you keep from missing some of the coolest things you might have otherwise overlooked.

Do you want to know more about what to do in Singapore and other areas? Our site is full of articles to help you as you’re planning your travels.

Browse through our travel articles, pick some that look good to you, and drop a bookmark to come back a

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Accessories /

Talk of Alabama Fashion Segment: Closet Organization and Budget-Friendly Products under $25

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 and share budget-friendly closet organization tips.

One way to boost your overall mood is with an organized closet.  There are so many benefits to managing your clothing and accessories:

  1. Save money on your wardrobe without re-buying the same items.
  2. Reduce the clutter with visually seen items.
  3. You will dress better because items are at your fingertips.
  4. It creates more space in your home.

Organizing your closet can be overwhelming but with the right set of tools, this can be a fun project!  Grab your best girlfriends or Fashion Stylist and start sorting those shirts and accessories.

While on-air, I showcased products that can be purchased from Target and Amazon.  The list included non slip hangers, cascading hooks, plastic baskets, over-the-door hook, shoe bag, and wall-mounted jewelry canvas.

Click on the link to view the segment: Talk of Alabama | Closet Organization | Kim West

Birmingham /

BLOOM: Faith, Fashion, and Business Empowerment Series Spotlight: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

Style + Life + Fashion has launched a new empowerment series!  Titled, BLOOM focuses on faith, fashion, and business; spotlighting dynamic women that are movers and shakers in the community.

Today’s feature will spotlight Financial Literacy Educator, and Business Consultant, Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown.

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown

  • Explain why Financial Literacy is such an important topic for women of all ages.

     Financial literacy is competence in personal financial skills and financial education to make effective decisions concerning family, goals, lifestyle, and desires. In many families, women handle the finances. It is important that women be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them. This is why it is vital that young girls receive a strong financial foundation at a young age. The first teachers of finance affect the future financial decisions that young girls will make.

  • How can women empower themselves (or bloom) in the areas of personal finance, budgeting, and credit?

        Women first need to ask themselves if they need to change their financial behavior. If you have trouble making money last for an entire month, that is a clear indication that you need to change your financial behavior. Also, it is so important for women to realize that everything we do revolves around finances. Therefore, a strong financial foundation needs to be in place. Getting financial literacy education is the first step to blooming in all areas of personal finance.

  • What is the biggest misconception about repairing your credit?

         The biggest misconception about repairing your credit is that you have to pay someone to do it for you. You can repair your own credit. I recommend doing it yourself because it helps you to gain a better understanding of how the credit system works. I also want to stress that repairing credit doesn’t help if you haven’t first changed your mindset about finances. Repairing your credit but continuing the same cycles doesn’t solve the problem. I am a featured contributor in a book called, “I Didn’t Learn That in High School: 199 Facts About Credit Scores“, which is available on Amazon. This book is full of details about credit, how it works, how to use it, how not to use it, how to repair your own credit, and much more. I recommend that women get this book to help learn more about credit.

  • What are some of the specific financial obstacles that women are facing?

            There was a sample conducted with 7,000 men and women. They were given a 5-question basic financial literacy test. Only 29% of the women were able to pass the test. That means 71% of the women were unable to answer 5 questions about finances. Also, there are a lot of single women raising children. These women have to take care of their households. Most of them only have one source of income, which still may not cover all the necessary expenses each month. These are critical financial obstacles for women. These are also more reasons why getting financial literacy education is so vital for women.

  • What financial advice would you tell your 20-year-old self?

            If I knew at 21 what I know now about compounding interest, whole life insurance, investing in real estate, etc., I would have really focused on making sure my credit was good. I would have started putting all these things in place then.  I would have start building wealth then. 22 years later at 43, I would definitely be set financially. Thinking about how much interest would have compounded over 22 years! Jesus!

  •  How does faith have an impact as it relates to your personal finances?

          I believe that trying to manage finances without faith will never work. There are over 2,000 scriptures in the Bible about finances. This tells us that God wants us to have the proper guidance in managing finances. Another reason that faith is important is that we must realize that it is not “our” money; it’s God’s. He owns it, and we are just stewards of what He entrusts us with. If someone puts something they own into your care, wouldn’t you take good care of it? Most importantly, we are required to pay tithes. It’s a command, not a choice. I’m a witness to how God has provided for me in tough times because I have been obedient to paying tithes. Tithes are paid on gross income, not net income. Tithes are paid on any money you receive from others, even if it’s $1.

  •  Tell us more about your platform and Provision Financial Education? 

          It is my mission to educate people about finances and help people develop financial health and wellness. My goal is for Xaris Financial Enterprises to be the preferred financial literacy education company in the world. I want to get financial literacy curriculum into schools for grades K-12 and colleges. It needs to be a required curriculum. I want to go into companies and organizations to provide financial education to their employees. It saddens me when I read statistics about how people are developing health problems because they are stressed about their finances. People have to work past age 70 because they haven’t properly prepared for retirement. If people would get rid of their pride and seek help, they can solve their financial problems. It first requires a mindset change. Realize there is a problem first and then make an effort to resolve the problem. Action is required for change. That action is getting financial literacy education. God, Himself said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge“. There is nothing to be ashamed of in getting help and letting someone know your situation. Many of us have had financial hardship; myself included. I’m not here to judge; I’m here to tear down the systems that have kept people in financial bondage. I have the compassion to help you because I have been through financial hardship.

  •  What’s the most important concept that we can take away from this interview?

           A problem is no longer a problem once you take care of it. Financial literacy is the key to having a better, stress-free life. Financial literacy is the key to having the lifestyle that you desire. Nothing happens until you first take action. Provision Financial Education is here and ready to help.

Follow Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown and join her Financial Literacy community on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, empower women!”
Birmingham /

ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS at The Summit Birmingham #TheSummitBham

Grab your cute leggings and get ready to hit the dance floor!  The Summit Birmingham will host a Zumba Block Party for Autism Awareness.

If you follow my Instagram Stories account, you know that I am a huge fan of Zumba fitness.  It’s a fun way to break a sweat, stay healthy, and dance to Latin music.  I normally take Zumba classes at the local YMCA but looking to join the dance party on April 26th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Featured Photo from The Summit Birmingham

The event is requesting that everyone wear blue and offer $10 donations in support of the Autism Society of Alabama.

According to the site, “After the fitness experience, be sure to check out Athleta’s After-Party in-store! Bring your friends, bring your spouse, bring your Zumba bestie and help raise money for Autism Awareness!”

Click here to learn more:  ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS

Birmingham /

The Matte Collection: New Cafe Brand-Customizable Kitchen

Last week I was invited to attend a media brunch and view The Matte Collection, fully customizable kitchen.

The brand has incorporated innovative technology and style into the design of kitchen staples. After speaking with the company representative, she stated that the new wall ovens can cook a whole chicken in 15 minutes!

 

The Cafe Distinct By Design kitchen offers an array of metal knobs and handles in brushed bronze, brushed stainless, brushed copper and brushed black.  Cafe is the first appliance brand that allows you to switch out the hardware on your kitchen appliances, bringing an unprecedented level of luxury and personalization to an affordable price.

The ability to change out hardware is fascinating!  What fashion-conscious women wouldn’t like the option to personalize her kitchen?  Another aspect about the collection is that the stainless steel finish is smudge-proof.  That particular feature makes an aesthetic difference, especially if you have little hands in your home.

To learn more about The Matte Collection, click here.

Lifestyle Tips /

STAY CALM AND HEALTHY THIS COLD AND FLU SEASON

With cold and flu season here there is no time like the present to take charge of your health. We all know sleeping well, eating healthy and staying relaxed are the basics of wellness.  But, don’t forget to use essential oils as a wellness technique!

  • The Ultimate Elixir – This next-level wellness company has transformed the concept of the multivitamin. The USDA organic whole food powder is made up of a synergistic blend of nature’s most complete nutrient-rich superfoods and super greens to naturally maintain your bodies pH balance for optimal health. Recommended to be taken daily, this blend of greens, mushrooms, super fruits, herbs, and enzymes has been sourced from around the world to provide the body with the perfect nutrition it needs. Retails for $75.
  • Shield for Immunity CBD Bath Bomb – Loaded with 100mg of pure CBD and inspired by the 15th Century legend of Four Thieves, the effective and aromatic mixture of clove, rosemary, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and other natural botanicals provide a shield of protection by supporting and strengthening the body and its immune system, all while providing a deeply soothing bath time experience! Retails for $19.99.
  • Sleepgram Pillow – The side effects of sleep deprivation are horrifying, and lack of sleep definitely lowers your immune system, so a good night’s sleep is crucial in helping you stay healthy!  This luxury microfiber pillow is customizable to create the best pillow for you regardless of size, weight or sleeping style to promote proper alignment for your best sleep.  It’s hypoallergenic, machine washable, and has a sleek design with a 100% cotton cover to keep you cool. Retails for $49.95.
Uncategorized /

3 Easy Tips To Expand Your Friendship Group or Girl Tribe

If Jane Austen were writing a version of Pride and Prejudice for the 21st century, her opening lines would have been very different. Rather than focusing on a man of good fortune being in want of a wife, the more universally acknowledged truth in 2018 is that making friends as an adult is extremely difficult.

The difficulty of making friends as an adult is a common refrain of the modern age for one good reason: it tends to be true. Making friends as a child was easy – most of us didn’t even really think about the process at all – but as an adult, it’s far more challenging.

However, while we all universally accept that it’s difficult to make friends as an adult, there’s no denying that having friends is hugely beneficial – to our well-being, our lifestyles, and even our health. So how can you overcome the barriers to making friends once and for all?

Featured Photo from Haute Living

#1 – Focus on mutual interests

The best way to connect with new people as an adult is to look for mutual interests. This can be something rather broad, such as a shared interest in fitness; or more niche, such as taking up gaming in order to make friends with players from all over the world. With a mutual interest, you always have a point of discussion; something to ease you into the friendship and give you a chance to connect.

Mutual interest friendships tend to go one of two ways: you then begin to share other aspects of your lives, or the friendship remains within the interest that brought you together. Both types of friendship are beneficial, so it’s best to be open-minded, and see where things lead.

#2 – Ensure you have the time for new friends

If you are hoping your friendships will expand beyond focusing on mutual interests, then you will likely need to ensure you have the time for a new friendship. Modern life is busy, and many friendships – both the newly-established and those from childhood – struggle when confronted with a hectic schedule. If you are going to go to the effort of making new friends, you need to be willing to compromise and make time for that friendship in order for it to flourish.

If you suspect you don’t have time for an endless array of meetups and evenings out, then it may be best to focus your search for new friends online. Online friendships can hugely enrich your life, while still enjoying a tacit understanding that “real life” has to take priority from time to time.

#3 – Let the friendship evolve naturally

If you are keen to make new friends, it’s often tempting to try and accelerate the process; skip past the introductory stage and get into the deep-and-meaningful phase of friendship. This is understandable, but it’s also unlikely to work. Friendships, like romantic relationships, have to be allowed room to breathe and proceed naturally. Finding new friends is a long-term investment, and there’s no shortcut to intimacy, so be sure you’re willing to give a new friendship the space it needs to develop on its own.

In conclusion

With the tips above in mind, you should be able to ensure your experience of finding new friends – even as an adult – is as effective as it can be.

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Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator /

Summer Debris and Laundry with Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator

Has anyone ever noticed how the summer months can wreak havoc on your family’s clothing?  I will answer this question and gently raise my hand.

Between playdates, swim lessons, and hanging out at the park all of this outdoor activity can be harsh on fabrics.  Of course, we don’t want to let a little debris get in the way of enjoying life but laundry day can be a dreaded event.

Featured Photo from The Container Store.com

From my experience, it’s vital to have the right products when treating your clothing.  I have committed to reading labels and searching for detergents that enhance the color and remove harsh stains.

Have you heard of Biz detergent booster?  It’s the ultimate stain and odor eliminator.  I use a simple laundry process when incorporating Biz detergent booster into my routine:

  1. For tough stains such as makeup, coffee, or ketchup; pre-treat the surface with Biz Liquid.  Place a small amount on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
  2. On normal laundry days, add your load to the washer with the use of regular detergent and a cap of Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator.

The end result of either process was brighter, stain-free clothing with no lingering odors.  If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself!

Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator can be purchased at Publix, Piggly Wiggly, or Kroger.

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Beauty /

Wellness Trend for 2018: Skin-boosting supplements

Every day, your skin goes to battle with the environment. UV rays, pollution, blue light from laptops, and harsh ingredients do a number on our skin—which is why skincare that protects against technology and the pollutants of the modern world is expected to be a huge wellness trend in 2018. Thankfully,  jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup® is rising to the occasion with new ingestible beauty supplements designed to help fuel optimal skin function and, of course, a healthy glow.

 

“We wanted to give women the complete tools to attain perfect skin.

We already gave her clean skin care and makeup, but we knew we could do more if we could help the skin from the inside.”

–          Jane Iredale, president and founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd.

 

See below for insight on three supplements that target specific skincare needs including ways they fight environmental stressors your skin might encounter over the day. Made from clean, sustainably sourced ingredients by Advanced Nutrition Programme in the U.K. the formulas were researched extensively (for 10 whole years!) before being finalized.

Skin Vitamin A

($33, janeiredale.com)

Improves Skin Quality

 

 

  

Skin Vitamin A contains vitamin A enriched with vitamin D. Vitamin A is important to cell production and growth. Vitamin D optimizes the skin’s immune system and helps to destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging.

 

 

 

“Vitamins A and D work in synergy to help maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin….and have sun-protection qualities as they assist with oil and moisture balance in the skin.”

–Jane Iredale

Skin Antioxidant

($50, janeiredale.com)

 

Hyperpigmentation Solution

 

 

  

Work towards a more even skin tone with seven plant-derived phytonutrients for a dose of antioxidants (which could help protect against fine lines and hyperpigmentation caused by free radicals)

 

 

 

“Skin Antioxidant is ideal for anyone, but particularly those seeking skin protection and anyone with sun damage or pigmentation.”

-Jane Iredale

Skin Omegas

($47, janeiredale.com)

 

Get a Glowing Complexion

 

 

Sustainably-sourced fish oil and evening primrose oil give you a major dose of omega-3 and omega-6 to hydrate skin from within—getting you closer to your glowy skin goals.

 

 

“For someone experiencing dry, sensitive, or flushed skin we would recommend Skin Omegas”

-Jane Iredale

 

Beauty /

Post-Workout Beauty Secrets To Have You Flawless

It’s almost time for the new year which means everyone is going to start hitting the gym! These quick and easy beauty products are sure to have you looking flawless post-workout. Get gorgeous on the fly with these shower replacement, curl sculpture, and skin care products.

Purequosa:

Freshen up after the gym by adding Purequosa to your daily workout. Purequosa is a shower replacement ideal for anyone looking for a quick way to feel and look fresh! Simply spray Purequosa organic cleansing spray all over your body. This hydrating formula is suitable for sensitive skin and is free from any alcohol and chemicals. It’s pure! Keep Purequosa in your purse, backpack, and car, so you can always feel fresh wherever you are.

Mixed Chicks:

Here’s the solution for flat, dull, post gym hair! No need to rewash, instead energize those curls. Reshape, redefine, boost next day hair with Mixed Chicks Morning After Redefining Foam! Take a few pumps and apply to your dry hair to bring it back to life! It easy and convenient and a MUST HAVE to keep your hair alive after the gym!


FACE atelier:

FACE atelier offers Ultra Loose Powder Pro – perfectly sized for travel and women on-the-go. Highly-micronized Ultra Loose Powder disappears upon application but works all day to reduce shine, minimize pores and prevent foundation from shifting or fading. Thanks to the light, airy consistency, Ultra Loose Powder doesn’t streak or dull the skin while the skin-perfecting, optical blurring pigments diminish the look of fine lines, imperfections and wrinkles. It absorbs excess oil and reduces shine all day long without building up in the skin’s fine lines and wrinkles, providing a long-lasting and youthful finish. The moisture, heat and oil resistant powers of Ultra Loose Powder never stop working all day long.

nyl skincare:

Winter weather is no fun for our skin. Not only are those cold winds miserable, they result in dry winds which can cause dry, damaged skin. Save your skin this holiday season with nyl skincare! A collection of fresh, all-natural products handmade weekly in a kitchen – not a factory – nyl focuses on delivering clean, yet effective products that won’t harm you or the environment. Free of toxins, animal products, parabens, and petroleum products, everything nyl makes is vegan and cruelty free. Keep your skin soft and healthy through the winter months with nyl skincare!

 

SWAY Deodorant:

Stay odor-free with an effective, long-lasting and all-natural deodorant that actually works –SWAY! The first and only deodorant on the market that uses a special blend of apple cider vinegar, fine essential oils, and other natural ingredients, SWAY has a unique pH value that helps to restore and maintain the acid mantle of the underarm skin. Conventional deodorants are usually loaded with chemicals! SWAY is committed to helping you eliminate yet another unnecessary chemical-laden product from your daily routine.