2020 Guide: Free Your 10-Day Vacation And Boost Your Savings, Lifestyle News

Make the Most of Your Unused Leave—Turn Time into Money in Singapore

As the year winds down, you’re probably staring at a stack of unused holiday days that’s beginning to feel more like an unpaid burden than a luxury. If your boss raps back that you can just cash them out, congratulations! But if you still have those days tucked away, here’s how you can grab them and give yourself a stronger financial footing for the coming year.

1. Take a Short‑Term Trip On Your Own Terms

Escape the office bubble – book a weekend getaway to a local beach or a hiking trail. Even a quick change of scenery can recharge you without breaking the bank.
Speak to your boss about using those days – many employers are flexible with “use it or lose it” policies once the year’s end roll‑call comes around. Ask for a bit of relief before the deadline.
Bundle it with a savings plan – set aside a portion of your travel budget as a “vacation stash.” The trip itself becomes an investment in your mental health, and the saved money rolls into your savings account afterward.

2. Invest in Yourself—Education & Skills Upgrade

Enroll in a short online course

Attend local workshops

Save for future growth

3. Put Your Money Where the Market Is

Start a tiny “leave fund”

Blog or Vlog the Process

Loop in a financial advisor

4. Check Your Corporate Perks

Are there company‑run retreats?

Take advantage of travel vouchers

Don’t miss out on partner discounts

5. Sell Your Days Genuine Shop or Use Them for Gifts

Transfer days to a colleague

Give them as gifts

Vent its cash value

Final Thought

Unused leave days aren’t just about punching the clock—they’re a hidden cash pile ready to be revived. By converting vacation time into quick getaways, skill upgrades, or small ventures, you’re turning what feels like a liability into a springboard for the financial year ahead.

Take a yes to those unused days, book a trip, enroll in a course, or invest a bit. By 2024, you’ll not only have fewer days left over but also a stronger portfolio, a happier mind, and maybe even a side gig that pays more than your office salary.

DIY your home office

Turn Your Home Office Into a Zen Zone

If you haven’t already, keeping the home office vibe could be your new permanent lifestyle. If your current set‑up feels like a chaotic cardboard box, trusty DIY tools are your allies. Time to transform it before the weekend hits.

Step one: measure, measure, and measure again. Know exactly how much floor space fuels your dream zone.

Lighting is king: Snap a spot that jacks up in daylight or opt for a lamp that outshines the old battery‑driven glow of your front‑row neighbor’s window.
Say “no” to distractions: Pick a corner far away from the treadmill, the open‑mic bookshelf, or that neighbour’s late‑night music. Your inbox may stay forever but the noise level will cut down.
Comfort first: Choose a chair that feels like a warm hug, or at least less a punitive torture device.

When you finally set your sleepy retreat, those Zoom calls turn into serene, picture‑perfect, distraction‑free sessions that’ll put your teammates in awe of your calm vibes. Happy upgrading!

Building Your Ultimate Home Office: The Desk & Chair Showdown

Let’s face it: your desk and chair are the MVPs of your workspace. Pick the right pair and you’ll feel like a productivity superhero.

Step One – Set the Stage

Desk Size: Want room for a laptop, a tablet, and a stash of Post‑Its? Go for a wide spread.
Chair Comfort: Look for lumbar support, breathable fabric, and smooth swivels. Remember, a bad chair is a bad idea, especially if you’ll spend a lot of time working.

Step Two – Add the Extras

After the main pieces are in place, it’s time to sprinkle in some sidekicks:

Desk lamp that keeps the eyes from crashing in the twilight hours.
Laptop stand for that essential “enough height” posture.
Drawers or a filing system to keep the chaos at bay.
Low‑cost essentials: earbuds starting around $11; high‑end SecretLab chairs going up to $499.

Step Three – Treat It Like a Smart Investment

Think of this setup as a bet on your future—best for remote gigs, freelance gigs, or launching that side hustle.

A comfy chair keeps you focused, not sprawled.
Clean desk layout boosts your brain’s efficiency.
With the right gear, your home office can turn into a launchpad for passive income.

When you finally settle into that ergonomic throne, you’ll wonder how you ever survived days without it. Time to create an office that’s as fun as it is functional!

Turn your house into a smart home

Your Home: The Smart Castle of Your Life

Picture this: you walk up the driveway, and your air‑conditioning unit kicks on together with a cozy, low‑lighting mode that’s just perfect for a movie night. Sounds like a scene straight out of a sci‑fi movie, but it’s actually happening in the living rooms of around the world. It’s all about turning your house into a clever, connected kitchen for modern living.

Let Your Home Be Your Personal Assistant

Wake‑up surprise: Your thermostat turns on 30 minutes before you arrive, making the house feel like a warm hug.
Movie‑time vibes: Lights dim automatically for the biggest, best-filled-screen face‑to‑face adventure.
Voice‑controlled paradise: Just say “Hey, Siri” or “Alexa, let’s chill” and the whole house knows what you want.

Why It’s Great for Tech‑savvy Folks

When you build your own smart‑home ecosystem, you get that sweet feeling of being in the driver’s seat. The gear is yours to keep tweaking, so you turn every appliance to fit exactly your rhythm. Tinkerers, this is your playground!

Energy Efficiency—It’s Not Just a Buzzword

Switching from fluorescent to LED bulbs doesn’t just look cooler; it saves power.
Replacing a simple “dumb” switch with a smart one means you’re in control of consumption—watch your bill shrink.
Imagine your personal Jarvis slashing 100$ a month.

That’s a cocktail of savings and comfort that’ll only get better as your mind expands his tech toolbox.

So go ahead—turn your bedroom to become a personal theatre, let the lights dance, and make your house less waste and more awe. Your future self will thank you, and you’ll have the bragging rights of a real‑life genius.

Host a friendly home championship

Turn Your Living Room into a Racing Arena

Picture this: a week of electric adrenaline, squeaky tires, and the unmistakable screech of a Mario kart striding past the sofa—only this time it’s a real racing circuit set up inside your home. With the Mario Kart Home Circuit on the Nintendo Switch, your family’s next birthday or holiday gathering can be transformed into an unforgettable championship that grants you bragging rights that last forever.

The Set‑up

Map the Course – Use a flat surface: an open hallway, a kid’s bedroom, or even a backyard stretch. Mark checkpoints with bright stickers or sweatshirts to make them feel like racing pylons.
Controllers & Cameras – Each remote‑controlled Mario Kart comes with an integrated camera. The live‑action feed pops up on every Switch console, giving you a front‑row seat to every unexpected turn.
Safety First – Keep a towel by the edge of the course for the occasional “you’re so cheesy” crash. And remember, no actual cars or paint‑filled ice cream in the living room.

The Weekly Schedule

Day 1: Qualifying Flicks – Each racer starts from a “Home” line and must cross the finish line to record a time. Best time gets the “Golden Rubber Band” badge.
Day 2–5: The Long‑Race League – Each day’s race covers a different track segment; a slow tackle, a bumpy checkpoint, or a candy‑cane corner. Riders earn points for speed, stunt, and creativity.
Day 6: Semi‑Final Showdown – The top five compete in a turbo‑charged sprint. Whichever cartridge lights up the first 360° re‑wrap wins!
Day 7: The Grand Finale – The final battle is a head‑to‑head duel for the — Grand Prize (a custom trophy, a fresh Mario kart, or a year’s worth of motion‑picture pizza).

Make It Memorable

Themed Snacks – Pizza shaped like 8‑bit Mario hats, popcorn in “Mario‑red” bowls, and celebratory “champion” cookies.
Victory Parade – Winners strut down the hallway, waving their trophies while humming “Congratulations, you can’t be stopped.”
Post‑Race Recap – Record a short video montage of each racer’s best moments: a spectacular slip‑past, a wild drift, or that infamous “I hit the couch!” moment.

With this game‑guru‑style event, family members will gather for laughter, friendly rivalry, and the clean, well‑organized chaos of a racing circuit that’s as close as a living room can get to a karting track. You’ll have the ultimate bragging rights: “I come from the house that truly knows how to race.” Ready, set, victory!

Why Your Family Should Get Hooked on StarCraft II

Cool, there’s no need for a treasure hunt when the real prize is some good old‑fashioned galactic smack‑downs. That’s right, you and your kids can dive into the same universe where you hurl explosive bombs at opponents to slow them or wipe them out altogether. It’s a fresh spin on the classic platform that’s both accessible and wildly inventive.

3 Reasons to Rally the Whole Family

Free for Everyone – The competitive mode is online at zero cost, so even the youngest cousins can jump in without a wallet check.
Fun For All Ages – Whether your kids love sci‑fi lore or just enjoy quick, tactical skirmishes, the game offers a mix that keeps everyone glued.
No Skill‑Credit Fees – Forget pricey “life‑skills” classes that drain your credit card. Gaming offers real money‑saved hours of interactive excitement.

Keep the Atmosphere Geek‑Friendly

If your family’s temperamental, try free‑for‑all showdown or a team‑co‑op groove. That way even the most competitive cousin gets a chance to chill before the trash‑talk comes on. Just remember— trash‑talk is not a vibe!

Try a StarCraft II Playoff

Set up a quick online tournament and see who ends up the Galactic Champion. It’s a perfect chilli‑packed idle for a casual weekend session or a timed showdown during a family gathering.

Learn homebrewing, cooking or baking

From Brain‑Bureau to Kitchen Supreme

When your day job is a maze of spreadsheets, emails, and endless deadlines, your mind is already overworked. It’s like running a mental marathon with no finish line in sight. Time to swap the desk for a dough‑ripe kitchen!

Why Go Manual This Way?

Putting your hands to work with home brewing, cooking, or baking isn’t just a hobby; it’s a full‑sensory reset. You’ll:

Turn the kitchen into a creative laboratory; each pinch of salt or swirl of cocoa is a new experiment.
Feel the gratification of producing something tangible; taste the fruits of your labor instantly.
Reboot your mood with the calming aromas and rhythmic motions that are harder to find in a purely digital world.

Moments that Matter

From the clink of the brewer’s glass to the steaming pot on the stove, you’re not just stirring clichés—you’re creating stories that taste as good as they look.

Fun & Fresh Experimentation

Try swapping your usual garnish for something exotic, or brew a beer from a different grain mash. It’s about letting your thoughts wander while your hands explore.

So, if you’re tired of crunching numbers, let your sense of taste guide you. Grab a ladle, open a bottle, and enjoy the delicious transition from mental to manual.

Turn Your Kitchen Into a Holiday Gift Factory

Who says the magic of Christmas must come from a gift shop? With a little elbow‑grease and a stack of free YouTube tutorials, you can whip up quirky, heartfelt presents that will wow friends and family.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Homebrewing & Cooking Gear – Just a simple knife, a good skillet, and a few small‑scale appliances, and you’re ready to roll.
DIY Recipes – From jam to fresh bread to eggnog or even mead, the “win‑you” kitchen recipes are plentiful and beginner‑friendly.
No Courses Needed – Forget pricey workshops. The internet is a treasure trove of step‑by‑step videos that’ll have you brewing like a pro in no time.

Feel Good Gift‑Making

Once you find your winning concoction, you can ditch the cold, commercial gifts forever. Imagine spoiling your loved ones with a jar of sun‑kissed jam or a freshly baked loaf, all while saving a few hundred dollars in the process.

So put on a chef’s hat, channel your inner mixologist, and let the holiday season be a celebration of creativity – and of course, a bit of personal pride for every hand‑crafted gift you hand over.

Learn a new sport or gym workout

Stepping Into the Iron Jungle Without Looking Like a Newbie

Everyone’s got that nervous feeling when they stroll into a gym or onto the courts — it’s that mix of awe and panic that pops up if the pro‑player squad’s eyes are on you, gauging your dead‑lift posture or your swing style.

Three Quick Tricks to Flip the Script

Hire a Coach or Find a Mentor! – A seasoned buddy or trainer can swoop in, show you the right grips, footwork, and the subtle cues that make you look like you belong. Think of it as getting a backstage pass to the “Gym‑World” lounge.
Take the Dumbbell Road‑Trip. – Dive deep into a proven routine like StrongLifts 5×5 or the Bulgarian Method. These programs have the “step‑by‑step” vibes that help you build confidence with a solid routine, making newbies shrink behind the fresh coffee quickly.
Embrace the Green‑Light Zone. – Champion the idea that “practice is the best ignition.” Every barbell lift is a little win; every shuttleboard flick is a mic‑drop moment. The more you adapt, the less the fear chokes you.

Why It Works

When you’re guided by someone with experience, the intimidating gaze of the “pros” becomes less of a spotlight and more of a friendly coach passing a signal: “You’ve got this!” And training a pattern like 5×5 not only builds your muscle but also builds your self‑belief. It turns anxiety into excitement.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the fear of looking conspicuously out‑of‑shape block your journey. Get a mentor, pick a solid routine, and treat every repeat as a chance to step out of the shadow of the pros and into your own highlight reel.

Why Your Vacation is the Ultimate Gym Break

Think about smashing a workout session while you’re on leave. Sounds like a win, right? Here’s why it’s a total game‑changer:

Skip the peak‑time chaos. The crowded peak hours are a thing of the past.
Take all the time you want. No rush, no deadlines—just pure focus.
Blend new skills into daily rhythm. Turn every lesson into real‑world results.

Get More Exercise, Get More Results

Spice up your routine with fresh workouts, and you’ll feel that burst of motivation to hit the gym more often.

By riding that momentum, you’ll make the most of your pricey membership while upgrading your health and carving out better fitness.

Visit local farms

Farm Fresh Finds in Singapore

Think you’re stuck in a food import maze? Think again! There’s plenty of locally grown goodies waiting to spice up your plates.

What You Can Catch

Veggies & Fruits – Crisp, juicy, and grown right here. From tomatoes that taste like sunshine to clementines that fit in your pocket.
Herbs & Spices – Fresh basil, cilantro, and everything you need to turn a bland dish into a flavor fiesta.
Seafood – Tiny prawns left fresh from pond to plate – no long jet‑lag for fish!

Happy cooking, and remember – local produce is the new green gold.

Hidden Gems of Singapore’s Local Farms: A Green Adventure

Beyond the glittering skyline of Singapore lies a hidden network of farms that are doing wonders for our food security and the planet. Whether you’re a foodie curious about where your veggies come from or an aspiring gardener dreaming of your own urban oasis, this guide will help you discover the best local farms, learn about sustainable practices, and pick up handy tips that will keep your wallet—and your plants—happy.

1. The Kallang Riverside Farm

Set on the banks of Kallang River, this farm thrives on vertical hydroponics. It’s a great example of how tiny spaces can produce big harvests.

What you’ll learn: Water‑saving techniques, crop rotation in hydroponic systems, and how to maintain plant health without chemicals.
Why it matters: Reduces water use by 80 % compared to conventional fields, supporting Singapore’s goal of food self‑sufficiency.
Urban tip: Replicate a mini vertical stack in your balcony—just layer pots with a good drainage layer and use a drip irrigation system.

2. Tanjong Pagar Cottage Farm

Nestled in an old squat, this micro‑farm specializes in fresh herbs and fruiting tomatoes. It’s a perfect spot for busy city dwellers who want to taste the fruits of their own labor.

What you’ll see: Companion planting strategies that deter pests naturally.
Why it works: Plants grow stronger and yield higher when they share a friendly neighborhood.
Urban tip: Use your apartment’s balcony railing to string up a small arch of herbs; you’ll rescue fresh flavor right at home.

3. Bukit Timah Asparagus Field

Located near the Bukit Timah nature reserve, this site showcases regenerative farming in a real forest‑edge environment.

What you’ll discover: Use of cover crops and bio‑fertilizers that keep the soil alive.
Why it matters: Reptile‑friendly, promoting biodiversity which indirectly strengthens crop resilience.
Urban tip: Plant a small “acorn orchard” in your backyard—acorns for the squirrels, and you’ll have FYI cool! (just a playful aside to keep things light.)

4. Orchard Road Open‑Air Market Farm

This tiny urban plot near the retail hub sells produce straight to the market.

What you’ll learn: Direct-to-consumer supply chain, the role of local markets in reducing carbon footprints.
Why it’s fun: You get to chat with the farmers, hear their stories, and feel the freshness.
Urban tip: Swap out one of those plastic planters for a reclaimed container—you’ll fight waste, and your plant will thank you.

Why You Should Go

Make sense of the “farm to table” journey in your city.
See real-life sustainable practices that can be adopted at home.
Save money by cutting out pricey supermarket herbs.
Enjoy a green workout—walking, digging, harvesting; it’s literally getting you outside!

Getting Started with Your Own Urban Garden

Pick a Spot: Balconies, windowsills, or rooftops—any sunny patch works.
Choose Your Plants: Herbs (basil, mint), leafy greens (spinach, kale), or even a quick tomato.
Use Containers Wisely: Reuse old bottles, planters, or build a simple pallet garden.
Water Smartly: Invest in a drip system or simply water in the morning; let the soil soak.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor—and maybe start a small shop to sell your bio‑green produce, just for giggles! (Alternatively, gift herbs within your family and watch smiles bloom.)

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on hidden farms and the tools to start your own green-thumb adventure, it’s time to put the knowledge into action. Whether you’re strolling through Singapore’s local farms or planting a pot on your balcony, every step brings you closer to a more sustainable and flavorful future.

Explore cafe bookstores

Books: Your New Travel Buddy

Travel is on a timeout, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck at home. Grab a steaming cup of coffee, pick up a book, and let the pages transport you to another world.

Adventure that jolts your imagination
Romantic tales that hit your heartstrings
Mystery plots that keep you on the edge of your seat

So consider this: the next best thing to a foreign city? A novel in front of you, a cozy blanket hugging your knees, and the soft hum of caffeine. Let your mind wander, and you’ll never have to miss the airport again.

Singapore’s Book‑Cafe Craze: 4 Must‑Visit Hangouts

Want to combine a caffeine fix with a literary adventure? Singapore’s book‑cafes have you covered. Each spot sports a unique vibe, making it feel like a second home for book lovers.

1⃣ Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop

Picture a massive wall‑to‑wall showcase of local titles, bursting with colour and creativity. It’s the go‑to for anyone craving fresh Malaysian stories. The tea cups are stylish too—an artwork in a mug.

2⃣ The Moon

Wrapped in a classic shophouse frame, this place feels like stepping back in time. Yet it’s fusing the old with the new, making it a postcard‑worthy backdrop for your next photo‑ready reading session.

3⃣ MUJI Jewel

Expectation and surprise—MUJI’s trademark no‑frills decor turns on an entirely new level of coziness. The 3rd floor now boasts a dedicated reading lounge, especially handy if you’re a fan of minimalism but crave a little leisure.

4⃣ The BOOK Café

Think of a relaxed living‑room vibe. With comfy armchairs, ambient lighting, and a quiet corner, it’s a perfect spot when you need to unwind with a steaming beverage and a gripping page.

Turn Your Weekend Into a Reading Escape

Browse: Flip through stacks to find that “just‑right” title.
Relax: Whichever café you choose, let the coffee brew while your thoughts drift through the book.
Advance: Feeling a little career‑concerned with the post‑pandemic shift? Grab insider guides and sector‑specific reads during your break—knowledge is power, and nothing beats a fortified coffee for dehydration.

So whether it’s a café that feels like a shophouse, a minimalist nook, or just a wall of hot‑spiced tea, Singapore’s book‑cafes are ready to meet you with a hub of creativity and a cup of comfort. Grab a book, sip a brew, and let the story unfold!

Relieve the magic of old school film

Rediscover the Telly‑Flick Charms of Yesteryear

When Hollywood bigshots play it safe by pressing pause on the newest blockbuster, it’s the perfect excuse to dust off your old movie ticket copy and dive into the plush nostalgia of classic cinema.

Why Bother?

And it’s actually a move: the suburban multiplex, with its endless popcorn wires, is starting to feel a bit infamous.
Meanwhile, indie film houses in Singapore are flashing neon signs like a four‑color disco and keeping the original magic alive.
Starting from cult hits to time‑travel treasures, these spots have a lineup that is truly something else.

Highlights on the Menu

Feel‑the‑drama:
Relish classics like Casablanca or Modern Times without the haze of today’s streaming filters.

Oddball epics:
Catch cult masterpieces such as Blade Runner 2049 (yes, the flick from 2017) and Donnie Darko.

History walk:
Flashback to Hollywood’s golden age with Gone with the Wind or Moulin Rouge, sustained by the spirit of old‑school storytelling.

How to get into the groove

Grab your handheld ticket (yes, paper makes the experience feel real), hop over to one of Singapore’s indie theatres, and let the rewinding tape transport you. The lights are low, the seats cozy, and the only thing missing is probably a streaming‑buffer!

Screening Room – Where Indie Films Meet Craft Cocktails

Hidden down the meandering lanes of Ann Siang Hill, Screening Room is the ultimate spot for cinephiles who crave a cozy vibe mixed with a dash of sophistication. Think a tiny theatre that doubles as a chill lounge, where you can soak up an indie gem while sipping on a cocktail that’s almost as memorable as the movie itself.

The Projector – Singapore’s Cult‑Classic Corner

Step into The Projector, a venerable fixture in the city’s alternative scene. From the latest Hollywood blockbusters to hidden arthouse treasures, local hits to international film festivals, this place has it all. It’s the place where fellow film lovers will find a community of passionate viewers and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the popcorn popping and the conversations flowing.

Oldham Theatre – A Time‑Traveling Journey Through Asian Cinema

The polished Oldham Theatre offers more than just a screen – it’s a gateway to the rich tapestry of Asian film history. The Asian Film Archives housed within don’t just play movies; they showcase iconic works from award‑winning filmmakers across the continent. A historic venue, it brings spotlight to both pioneers and under‑the‑radar talents, making every screening an unforgettable cultural expedition.

Do nothing

Kick Back: Why You Should Let Your Annual Leave Fly Without a Work‑Related Flight

Singaporean Life, 2020 Style: Stressed, Ran Out of Boundaries, and Still Swanging

We’re not preening or being frivolous—we’re talking straight up about how Singaporeans are practically born with a stress meter ticking 24/7. Add work‑from‑home to the fever‑pitch blend and the sacred “I’m not at the office” line starts to look like a joke.

So… why would you want to crank up that mental furnace and squeeze in extra work while you’re on your vacation? Why not just laugh in the face of your calendar and embrace the peace you’ve earned? 2020 was a rollercoaster, and you’ve come out the other side like a boss.

5 Reasons to Ditch the Work Mode While You’re on Leave

Recharge the Battery: Your phone’s battery is full, but your mind’s battery is running on empty. Put the charger aside.
Memes Over Meetings: Convert Zoom inquires into cat memes. Your inbox can wait for your next adventure.
Quality Time With “You”: You’ll no longer spend daylight hours behind a screen. Spend that time with your favorite hobbies or a new Netflix series.
Physical Health: Walk a beach, jog a park, or simply stretch the day-late areas. Your body will thank you.
Beat the “I’ll Call Later” Loop: You won’t be compelled to mask swears with “I’ll get back to you… after my vacation” and the internal monologue will be far less annoying.

No Guilt, No Excuses, All Relaxation

Nothing’s wrong with taking a genuine, none‑cancer break. Rest is less about ticking boxes and more about beating the mental fatigue. You’ve survived the “crazy year” that is 2020—no one ever thought the “live in your own house” trigger would keep you from appreciating a simple downtime.

All of this, originally saved for you by SingSaver.com.sg as part of their Finance, Events, and Listings section. Now, with a little extra cosmopolitan flair, it’s here for you to read—without boredom.