Last year, a weekly magazine revealed its winners of the “Women of Our Time Awards”. It is a yearly recognition of the nation’s most inspiring women. The winner was Lusi Lim, the CEO and Life Coach of Lusi Group, who won the judges and the people’s votes. She and all other winners that night were all a great leader on their own respective field. I also want to become like them as much as I want too – a woman who leads people.

Here are the practical tips on turning yourself into an effective leader:

1. Establish priorities and goals. Know your priorities and goals; this shouldn’t be shaken in times of difficulties. If you know your priorities and goals, it will be easier for you to do and decide for anything.

2. Accept the fact that change is constant. People change, Businesses change, and everything keeps on growing and developing, that’s why as an effective leader you should know how to respond to change.

3. Keep on challenging yourself. Don’t settle for who, what and where you are right now. You have to keep challenging yourself to make the best out of everything that you do.

4. Realize that confidence is a major factor in handling people. Have faith on your ability. Don’t think of those negative things that try to pull you down. Believe that no matter how hard the situation you’re in, you can still make it through. If you don’t have the confidence, how can you impose confidence on other people?

5. Know that you need support at work and at home. Being mentored at work will make you grow and develop faster. Support from your family is very important so that they can understand you and help you in times of difficulties.

6. Be a role model for everyone. As an effective female leader you should be able to demonstrate how good you are in working. They will note how you act in certain circumstances that sooner or later they may find themselves in.

7. Learn to balance things. Know how to balance your life starting from the time you have for your family, to your work, to deciding what to do or not to do in certain situations. Things have to be settled on the most efficient manner.

According to statistics, more Singaporeans got married last year than there were who got divorced. Indeed, a great news for all the couples out there and those who are like me that are hopeful about finding their one true love, but still if you are going to look at in numbers, 7,241 divorces were filed last year compared to 27,936 marriages. This just means that the divorce rate in Singapore are still disappointingly high, considering that in every 4 Singaporean marriages, 1 of it ends up in divorce.

Singaporean Demographic Profiles of Couples Who Are at Risk

• Couples who were married at a young age
• Couples that are  both well educated
• Couples who have young children
• Couples who are  both working, especially if the wife gets  the higher pay
• Couples that are  married for  10 years or more

Singaporean Interaction Profiles of Couples Who Are at Risk

• Couples  with no communication
• Physically abuse of the wife/husband
• Couples who always argue, particularly about mother- and father-in-law issues
• Couples  who are  always away from each other
• Feeling that the husband/wife doesn’t love him/her  anymore
• Downbeat feelings about the marriage

Ways to Make a Marriage Last Longer

When at risk, couples should take these advices whole heartedly to prevent divorce from happening. These advices include the following:

• Make sure that before getting married, both of you are mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially ready. Marriage is not all about love; it needs a lot of hard work to become a success.
• Always make ample time for each other. Before going to bed make time to talk about anything. You two should always be updated of what’s happening in your both careers, family, friends and a lot more. Make it a point that in a week you spend a day together. That will make a big difference in your relationship.
• Respect for each other should always be there no matter what. Even if you are angry or pissed with your wife or husband, you should not hurt her physically or psychologically. There are a lot of reasons that somehow respecting your partner will be a challenge for you but you have to control yourself and think right all the time.
• Better trust each other. You can’t have a desirable relationship with a man or a woman you can’t trust.  Everything that you both share intimately should always be between just the two of you.
• Make your partner feel loved, appreciated and valued.  As simple as complimenting each other’s work is something to make him/her feel appreciated. Saying I love you always to your partner makes both of your hearts pleased.
• There should always be forgiveness. People commit mistakes and, as someone that will be with your partner, your forgiveness should always be there.

Planning a wedding can be daunting but at the end of the day it can be fun and memorable. If you are getting married soon, there are a lot of things that you should arrange to make it successful. You should have a checklist so you will be guided. For every task that is completed, do not forget to check it. That is just a simple thing but it can make a difference. If everything is set except for wedding gowns, do not panic because there are many shops and couture here in Singapore that you can approach.
Wedding gowns will add life to your wedding so it should be seriously considered. Looking for one is not a problem. You can ask your friends and other relatives to help you choose and accompany you with the fittings. Do not settle for good enough because it is an injustice, you should look for the best gowns here in Singapore. If you do not know how to choose a wedding gown, you can consider the following guidelines:

1. Keep an open mind

If you go on your search thinking that you cannot find that perfect gown, you will surely attract your dominant thoughts. You should keep an open mind and be positive. You will surely find that perfect gown if you are persistent and patient enough.

2. Start hopping from one shop to another until you see the perfect gown

Do not concentrate on one shop. As soon as you scoured a shop’s cabinets and there is nothing that picked your interest, you should not waste time. You should go to other shops found from the perfect dresses in singapore and continue your search. If there is nothing that you like, it is time to get someone to create or design your gown. You will be assured that your gown is unique because it is made especially for you.

3. You should make sure the gown flatters you

If you really want to get the best wedding gowns, you should employ fashion consultants. Fashion consultants will criticize every gown and they will know what is best for you but if you know what you like and what suits you well, you should pursue it and do not consider fashion consultants.

 4. Come up with a price

If price is not an issue, you are in for a lot of treats. You will not have problems when choosing a wedding gown. You can choose designer wedding gowns if you want. But if you want to be practical, there are many simple gowns that you can choose. The important thing is the bearer not the gown anyway.

To make things easier for you, you should think about your theme. If you think about your theme, you will have an idea what kind of Singapore gown you will consider. More importantly, you should think if your fiancée will like your gown because originally it is him you want to impress not other people. When you do your fittings, your fiancée should be present so he can see your wedding gown and you will see his suit.

There is a perfect wedding Singapore gown waiting for you to find, that is certain. Do not lose hope and enjoy the process.

Building an art collection is a very much rewarding hobby. You can express yourself through it. Aside from that, it can also show your strong support for the arts.

Anybody can collect art. And starting your own art collection is a lot easier than you think. Here are a few tips on becoming an art collector.

Start Small

You don’t have to buy several pieces of art all at once. You can simply start with small items. Just as with other commodities, the bigger the item is, the more expensive it will be. Same with artworks, the smaller ones make for the perfect beginning to your collection. This way, you can buy different artworks from different artists, thus making your collection varied.

Research

Being an art collector is more than just buying different pieces of art that you like. You need to educate yourself about the art world because doing so will help you build a great collection. You have to read art books, magazines, or do some online search about artists and different forms of art. It will also be a big help if you read different techniques in choosing quality pieces.

Know What You Like and Dislike

Your collection should be composed of pieces that speak of your taste in art. It is critical that you discover not only what you like, but also what you don’t. Collecting art should be an emotional experience. That being said, only spend on pieces of art that you love.

Be Active

Develop that collector’s eye in you by visiting as much art fairs, shows, galleries and exhibits as you can. There are many art museums and art events in Singapore for you to go to and attend. Plus you can speak to gallery owners and museum curators to gather fascinating art theories. And if you’re lucky enough, you can even get the chance to speak with the artists themselves.

Spending your weekend in Singapore is made more worthwhile by the Singapore Tourist Pass, a one-of-a-kind EZ-Link card that provides unlimited rides on the city’s MRT, LRT, and bus services for the period of time that the card is valid.

More about This Special Card

The Singapore Tourist Pass is a product in collaboration with Land Transport Authority and Singapore Tourism Board. With this special EZ-Link card, you can take a tour around the city in the comfort of its public bus network and far-reaching train system. At an affordable price, you can save yourself from the anxiety brought by having insufficient funds for your transport needs. Simply purchase the card, choose the number of day passes you need, and refund it before you leave the city.

Where to Get the Card

The Singapore Tourist Pass is available in TransitLink ticket offices in the following locations, including Changi Airport, City Hall, HarbourFront, Raffles Place, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Bugis Village, Ang Mo Kio, and Lavender.

How Much Does It Cost

The card comes in three types, namely 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day passes.

1-day pass costs S$10. 2-day is priced at S$16, while 3-day pass is at S$20. Note that each type of pass is subjected to a S$10 rental deposit. This is refundable once you have returned the card within five days following the day of purchase.

The card entitles you to unlimited travel on the city’s bus services, MRT and LRT trains. Premium bus services, such as Fast Forward, Night Rider, Chinatown Direct, Nite Owl, Bus Plus and Jurong Island services are not included.

Who said that only husbands or boyfriends can plan for a romantic dinner? Of course wives and girlfriends are free to plan a romantic night too. Your husband or boyfriend will appreciate the effort and the initiative. If you want a romantic dinner, don’t wait for him to ask you. Just ask him anyway but before asking him, you should know the perfect place. You can consider the following restaurants:

Chef Chan’s

If your man is a fan of Cantonese or any Chinese cuisines, you should bring him to Chef Chan’s. It is nestled in the National Museum at Stamford Rd. This is an exclusive and romantic restaurant that is proud of its menu and service. Your man will enjoy the place because it houses Chinese antiques. Meals here start at S$40 to S$100 depending on the order.

Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie

If your man is fan of sweets and other chocolate products, Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie is the best place to be. There are branches in Paragon, Shaw and Robertson. Your man will surely be familiar with French confections. Aside from desserts and pastries, they also serve meals. Meals here are below S$50.

Casa Bom Vento

If your man is a fan of Peranakan dishes, Casa Bom Vento comes first. The dishes here are Halal and Eurasian. You will be amazed because the place serves five hundred year old recipes. It is located in Joo Chiat Rd. Meals start at S$20 to S$70 per person.

It doesn’t matter where you bring him as long as he can see the efforts, you will be appreciated and loved. If you want to please him, there are other restaurants that you can consider. Nothing can go wrong with a cosy ambiance and good food. Have a lovely night!

Aside from Frog Porridge, Char Kway Teow is also a famous Singaporean dish. It is stir fried rice noodles prepared with shrimp paste, cockles, chives and other ingredients. If you are a tourist, you wouldn’t want to miss this traditional dish. You can choose from the two versions-oily and not so oily Char Kway Teow. Char Kway Teow is generally sweet and wet. You will surely like it.

If you want to taste the best Char Kway Teow in Singapore, here’s a list:

No. 18 Fried Kway Teow

No. 18 Fried Kway Teow is located in Zion Riverside Food Centre. The store received many awards and recognitions. Their Char Kway Teow is one of the best. The price range is from S$3 to S$5 depending on the size. The store is open from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm every day.

Outram Park Friend Kway Teow

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow is located in Hong Lim Food Centre. Last 2011, the store prevailed the Hawker Street Food competition. They use eggs to enhance the Char Kway Teow. The price per plate is S$3. They are open from Monday to Saturday (6am-4:30pm).

Hill Street Char Kway Teow

Hill Street is located in Bedok South Road. They serve original version of Char Kway Teow. For your information, the store was recognized as one of the best Hawker Food in Singapore. The price for every order is S$2.5. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday (4pm-6pm). Keep in mind that they are closed during Mondays.

Meng Kee Char Kway Teow

Meng Kee Char Kway Teow is located in Havelock Road. This store sells the sweetest Char Kway Teow. The price range is from S$2.5 to S$3. They are open from Monday to Saturday (10:30am-7pm) and Sunday (10:30am-4pm)

Enjoy eating!