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5 Daily Activities You Didn’t Expect That Burn Calories

When we speak of weight loss, no matter what the latest diet trend dictates, it’s a golden rule to use more calories than what you consume. Good thing, you don’t necessarily have to hit the gym and spend hours every day lifting metals to lose some calories. Another way of keeping a healthy lifestyle is to get moving every day through activities you do that unexpectedly give health benefits. Of course, these simple movements may not give you whopping calorie reduction as it would rely on several factors. According to Stephanie Tan Tsin Tsing, Physiotherapist Department of Physiotherapy Singapore General Hospital, “To achieve successful weight loss, the amount of energy you use should be more than the amount of energy you take in. Exercise intensity and duration will determine the amount of energy you use.”

Check out the following activities and start doing them now:

Commuting
Who likes to commute? In spite the stress commuting can sometimes bring, who would have thought it can make you burn noteworthy calorie counts each day? This simple, often overlooked back and forth movement is worth noting in your handy planner each day. A 5-minute (5 miles/hr.) run catching the subway may burn 40 calories; 20-minute walk (4 miles/hr.) may give you 72 calories burned; while a 10-minute walk uphill can smash 79 calories off your body! Go by the distance and time according to your style of commute. Good job to you if you can combine 2 or all transportation methods!

Cooking & Other Household Chores
Everything from chopping ingredients to washing pans and sweeping the floor will never leave you zero. Obviously, the amount of calories you would burn highly depends on the type and vigor of activity you do at home. For example, a body weight of 150lbs performing washing of dishes in 10 minutes can burn around 26 calories; or ironing in 20 minutes is roughly equivalent to 50 calories burned! To burn more, just simply ditch the assistance of electric mixer for example and start stirring by hands to give your arm muscles some loving.

Shopping
It doesn’t matter if you’re grocery shopping or looking for new pair of jeans; when you shop you walk, and walking makes you burn calories. To better your shopping workout, avoid using elevators or escalators and opt to take the stairs instead. If you’re going on wheels, you can park far from the entrance of the mall so you have more time and distance to walk. Constant moving and standing can make you burn around 200 calories per hour.

Working on Computer
People with a busy schedule often don’t have time to workout but who knew weight loss is just a click away! Clicking or typing on the computer help burn calories too, hands and forearms receive the impact or pressure of the work that you do.

More so, if you sit up straight, your back and neck muscles exert some work as well and doing so improves posture. Working for 30 minutes straight may have you burn around 40 calories!

Standing
Muscles in your legs and back do the work when you are standing. To burn more calories while standing, you can step back and forth while talking on the phone or stand on one foot, lifting your foot at least an inch or two off the ground; this can improve your balance, work your core and leg muscles.

4 Places in the World for Healing Broken Hearts

When you are going through the harsh pangs of breakup, it can feel like the best way to mend your broken heart is to simply escape reality. You feel in dire need to pack up your bags and jet off to some place where new and wonderful experiences await. Leaving all the drama behind, soaring above the clouds and living your life for the moment can be just the cure you need. At one point or another, we’ve all been there, if you are in the need to get some dreamy escape, these are simply the captivating places that might make the broken pieces of your heart whole again:

Avignon, France
Breathtaking artwork, wonderful culture and sounding French is what Avignon is all about. Avignon hosts dozens of various social events like Blues, Jazz, Circus and Gourmet festivals all throughout the year! Among all the happenings, Jazz Festival is the most popular and well-attended by tourists and locals. It takes place in August of every year and is known to be where rising talents of jazz music flock together. Avignon is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Site including “Palais de Papes” or a resident to seven (7) Popes in 1300’s and “Petit Palais,” a museum but was previously served as housing to episcopal popes. Get ready to fall in love not only for its good looks, but its historical and cultural richness.

Sardinia, Italy
Be captivated with Sardinia’s wild interior, endearing beaches and dazzling views. Sardinia Island has dreamy beaches where the sand is pearly white and the sea is beautifully painted-like in blue. There are also coastal rails, bays to kayak, mountains to climb, historic places to visit and oak forests to ramble—just choose the one that gives you pleasure. Sardinia can also entertain you through its fabulous festivals like Barbagia’s Carnival parade that is said to banish winter demons. It’s a place many Italians consider as “Bellissima,” even foreigners—in every way it’s unique which makes it more lovable.

MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore
Enjoy long walks along the water edge, away from the bustle and hustle of the city. The reservoir has also a zig-zag bridge and the grandstand is a submerged walkway. When water level rises, you can expect to walk through into water 50 mm deep along its submerged walkway. MacRitchie Reservoir is a gateway to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a pristine form of nature where astonishing variety of animals, insect and plants are present, typical to an ecological climate.

Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Wander, recharge and heal your heart in this stunning island. Nusa Penida has many secluded and quiet white sand beaches along its north and northwest areas. This island is known to have world-class diving destination, the most notable ones are Crystal Bay, Toyopakeh, Manta Point, Gamat Bay and Ped. Other activities like snorkeling, mountain-biking and trekking are available too! Wandering around its interesting Hindu temples is also possible but always take local advice and show respect. Immerse yourself in its beautifully untamed wilderness and take it all in.

10 Adventure Novels You Should Read

If you enjoyed classics like Moby-Dick (Herman Melville), Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe) and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain), you should check out the books below as well.

At the Earth’s Core by Edgar Rice Burroughs

During one of his travels to Sahara desert, the narrator met David Innes who had previously discovered Pellucidar. It is a world accessed by burrowing into the Earth’s crust.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The dog Buck was stolen and sold as a sled dog in Alaska. He has to fight for his survival everyday since then and becomes feral because of his experiences. The novel is set in the Klondike Gold Rush when sled dogs were popular.

Captain Blood: His Odyssey by Rafael Sabatini

Dr. Peter Blood did not want to take part in the town’s defense against the Duke of Monmouth but he was arrested and then convicted after he helped the rebels.

King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard

Allan Quatermain leads a group of explorers to find Sir Henry Curtis’s brother. The missing man supposedly went to the mythical King Solomon’s mines.

Lost Horizon by James Hilton

The novel is set in the mythical Shangri-La where a veteran named Hugh Conway has found happiness. His colleagues thought he had disappeared but he was found by one of his friends later at a hospital.

The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling

Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan left India to become kings of Kafiristan. Dravot became a god at first but after being rejected by a Kafir girl, the natives were enraged and punished the two.

The Pirates of Malaysia by Emilio Salgari

The novel is the sequel to The Tigers of Mompracem and part of The Sandokan Series. It reintroduces the prince and pirate Sandokan and Yanez de Gomera. In the novel, Tremal-Naik was imprisoned so his servant Kammammuri tries to rescue him.

The Riddle of the Sands: A Record of Secret Service by Robert Erskine Childers

Carruthers joins Davies on a sailing boat Dulcibella for a holiday. Davies reveals that he wants to investigate the Germans in Frisian Islands after an accident. The novel is one of the pioneers of the espionage genre.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Captain asks Jim Hawkins to look for a one-legged sailor while he stayed at Benbow Inn. When The Captain died of a stroke, Jim and his mother found the chest containing money, a map and a journal. The map leads to the hidden treasure of Captain Flint.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

After a mysterious creature thought to be a narwhal was spotted, an expedition was arranged to find and kill it. One of those included in the expedition was Professor Pierre Aronnax.

Factors to Look Into When Choosing the Best Schools in Singapore

Choosing one out of the several schools in Singapore is a huge decision parents need to face. The process can be very stressful, especially if you have just moved in and still have a lot of things to do. However, identifying the best school has to offer should not be rushed. You’d want to ensure your child will love their school. After all, you know your child best. You’re the most qualified person to help them during this phase. Here are the main points to consider when you make your choice:

Curriculum. If you are looking to move to another country, it will be extra beneficial to dig deep into the type of curriculum offered by the school. You might also want to refer to the language in your home country. You’d find various educational curriculum types in Singapore such as American and British. Considering your future educational plans for the kids will help prepare them better.

School Management. Look into the school’s mission and vision and ask yourself whether they’re consistent with the goals you have for your child. Visit the website and find out more about the instructors. Look into the teaching style they use and ask how they cater to the varying learning styles of students.

Make it a point to visit the school as well. It is essential that you assess and see the school first before you enrol your child. Try to talk to the parents you will find there about their experience enrolling their kids in the school. Observe as well how everyone at school, from the staff to the teachers to students, interact with each other. Do you see your child being part of the same learning environment?

Campus and Facilities. Part of improving your child’s learning experience is the appearance of the entire campus, itself. Does the school look child-friendly? Is the environment conducive to learning? Do you think the school has all the facilities students would need to help them focus and learn better?

Extracurricular Activities. Any parent would want their kid to learn how to thrive in a community. Do ask about extracurricular activities the school is implementing for students. These activities can be in the form of educational events and friendly competitions between students. You might also want to inquire about the school’s initiatives in helping parents understand better the curriculum they’re using.

Location. A few minutes travel time to school is fine, but two hours and more would prove to be exhausting for the kids. Make sure to look into the school’s location and the means of transportation available. Even if the school seems outstanding in all areas, it might not be a practical choice if it’s located too far away from home.

The best schools in Singapore uphold an educational framework that not only focuses on a competitive curriculum, but trains a child to be a better community member as well. They foster a positive culture and learning environment for students and always seek for improvement with the help of their number one partner – parents like you.

What Should You Expect from Curtain Cleaning Services

Curtain cleaning services shops in Singapore offer a variety of methods for keeping your curtains and drapes in good condition. What are the issues you have to keep in mind when selecting from among the curtain cleaning shops?

What are the curtain cleaning methods they use?

The most common is curtain dry cleaning. There are other methods, however, that might be more effective. These include hand-washing, machine-washing, steam-cleaning, and spot-cleaning. Knowing these will help you determine if the curtain cleaning services shop is experienced or not. Don’t be afraid to test them when you’re inquiring.

What are the disadvantages of each curtain cleaning method?

This isn’t supposed to discourage you from curtain cleaning, but to give you a different perspective of each method.

1. Hand-washing is tedious work especially if you have a lot of curtains. How to dry them will also be an issue especially if you don’t have a lot of space for air-drying in your apartment. Exposing the curtains to direct sunlight especially on a hot Singapore day will also cause stretching and discoloration.

2. The same can be said for machine-washing curtains. Curtain cleaning might ruin the fabrics especially if you’re using a fully-automated washing machine. Semi-automatic washers will let you control the cycles more easily though. Most lightweight curtains can be machine-washed, but frequent washing can ruin the fabric over time. The size of home washers to wash and dry curtains in Singapore will also matter. Heavy curtains might not fit and are difficult to dry.

3. Steam-cleaning can be applied to fabrics that are not supposed to be cleaned with anything that uses water. Velvet for example shouldn’t be washed, but using a steam cleaner is no different because the fabric will still get wet. There is also danger in getting burns from steam cleaners if you don’t know how to use them. You don’t have to take the curtains down, but drying heavy curtains will take time and they will acquire dirt while still wet on the rods.

4. Spot-cleaning might be a good option for fabrics that can’t be cleaned using water-based or solvent-based cleaners. The only problem, however, is that the material cannot be thoroughly cleaned. If the curtain has a stain that is difficult to remove, you will need to hire professional curtain cleaning services.

What are the chemicals used by curtain dry cleaning services?

The most common solvent used is the PERC or perchloroethylene. It can be used on all types of fabric and there is no danger of shrinking and bleeding of dyes. It’s also non-flammable, cost-effective and reusable. It is toxic to humans and animals, however. PERC has to be disposed properly as a hazardous waste.

Exposure to PERC can cause health risks, but factors such as length and amount of exposure should be considered. Most curtain dry cleaning shops in Singapore have to remove the solvents as part of the curtain cleaning process.

Other alternatives to PERC are hydrocardons, glycol ethers, liquid carbon dioxide, and liquid silicone. Hydrocarbons need a longer washing cycle to be effective. Liquid carbon dioxide and liquid silicone are expensive to use. Glycol ethers are considered the safest alternative to PERC.

How do curtain dry cleaning shops operate?

Curtain dry cleaning shops operate the same way like all dry-cleaning shops in Singapore. What you should look for, however, is the shop’s experience in curtains. If they are experienced in cleaning upholstery, chances are they are good at curtain cleaning too. This is how dry cleaning works:

1. The fabric is spot-treated before placing it in the machine that looks like a regular washer.
2. Solvents, detergent and a small amount of water is used in the machine. The curtains are tumbled like the action produced in washing machines.
3. The curtains are then dried within the same machine or are taken to a dryer. The solvent used in cleaning is distilled to separate the detergent, water, and dirt.
4. The curtains are pressed and shaped after drying.

What is the upholstery cleaning code?

Some upholstery and furniture covers have instructions on the labels for proper cleaning and handling. The most common symbols you will find are the following:

• W = clean with a water-based cleaning solution
• S = clean with a water-free solvent
• WS = clean with a water-based product or a solvent
• X = it can’t be cleaned with a water-based product or a solvent

If your curtains don’t have a label, the curtain cleaning services will inspect the material and tag it before any curtain cleaning procedure begins.

What are the alternatives to curtain cleaning?

Your curtains will not need regular washing or dry-cleaning if you clean them regularly by vacuuming, dusting or brushing. This is ideal for drapes such as expensive lined or formal curtains you can find at hotels and restaurants.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

Before hiring curtain cleaning services to do the job for you, keep these important points in mind when selecting the right curtain cleaning shop in Singapore.

1. Type of Curtains. Is it made of fabric or are you using blinds, nets or thermals? How are non-fabric curtains like blinds cleaned? What is the type of fabric you’re using? Is the blind made of wood, plastic or metal?

2. Curtain Cleaning Method. What methods do the shop offer? Do they only dry-clean curtains?

3. Chemicals Used. What type of solvent does the shop use for curtain dry cleaning? What detergents do they use for washing? Do they use fabric softeners too?

4. Policies for Lost/Damaged Items, Privacy and Return Policy. What is their policy for damaged and lost items? Will they pay you or replace the item? How will they return the curtains after cleaning? Are they good at keeping customer’s personal information?

5. Pricing. Do they charge extra for pressing, folding, shaping, and rehanging? Do they charge curtain cleaning by item, type of fabric or by weight?

6. Experience and Reputation. Are their personnel well-trained and polite? Are they able to answer your questions satisfactorily? Does the shop look clean and organized?

Questions to Ask a Property Manager

If you own a property but can’t find time to look after it and make it generate an income, you need someone to handle its management. To do this, you should do extensive research and know the appropriate questions to ask in interviewing property management companies. List down the names of reputable property management Singapore companies that you can hire. Call them to ask a few basic questions, and then set an appointment for an in-depth discussion of your partnership. To know more about your prospective manager, here are the top questions to ask when interviewing one.

1. “Does the company head/owner get involved in the management?”

Almost all management companies are divided into two departments – managing real estate and selling real estate. Most likely, the company head is actively involved with the sales side, since it is where the higher profit comes from, and the property manager takes care of the property rental side. If the company head is relevantly involved in the property management side, chances are that your property is given more attention than any other company would do.

2. “How long have you been working in the management company?”

Ask your prospective property manager how long he has been working in the company and how many Singapore great property management deals he has handled. Do not simply depend on the name of the company. Just because you’re dealing with a well-known property management does not mean they have certified professional and well-experienced staff. Some managers start as clerks in their company’s office and eventually get promoted because of good performance. Some move into sales department, while the rest into property management.

3. “How far does the company’s service cover?”

It’s fine to hire a company that only specializes in managing properties in Singapore. But, if you plan to expand and buy more properties from different countries in the future, will they be able to manage these new properties? You have two options: either hire a company in every geographic area where your properties are located or find one that has the ability cover a wider coverage area to manage all your properties in the future.

4. “How does your company perform property inspection?”

Another important thing you should know is the company’s procedure when it comes to inspecting your properties. You want a manager that provides excellent customer service and personally shows prospective clients your property. They may also host open houses event on specific dates. Also, by being able to do this, they will get to know your future tenants better.

5. “How many properties do you hold?”

You have to know how many properties the manager currently holds. In well-known companies, some of their manager’s hold up to 200 properties. If they do, ask how they manage all these properties at once. From their answers, evaluate if they are able to provide excellent customer service to their clients and tenants. Others companies, though, hold only a maximum of 150 properties but may charge you more for the service fee. This could be a better choice of investment for peace of mind and, most importantly, make a good profit on your properties.

6. “Do you do screenings for prospective tenants?”

Ask whether they do screening procedures to prospect tenants of your property. If they do, ask what procedures they follow in checking their credentials. You need to secure that the future tenants are capable of paying their bills, thus, require your manager to check people’s rental history and credit, and their past and current employment.

How to Beat a Stressful Morning Commute

Commuting can be stressful. Anyone who travels going to work knows how frustrating it can be whether you go for public transportation or private ones. With the rise of various transports, communities and population traffic levels have increased and commuting has turned into a stressful journey most of the time. In some countries, trains or MRT seems to be the most efficient means to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, this alone may not be the problem, getting to one station from another normally cause the frustrating part of the commute for Singaporeans, for example. Although connectivity issue has been acknowledged, many of them are still using bus services going to stations—lucky, if there’s no long waiting time or not too full.

If the commutes seem to be unbearable, it might be a good idea to learn some stress-fighting techniques for a wrinkle-free journey:

Have a planned morning

Nothing is more inconvenient and annoying than running around the house trying to get everything ready. Make the start of your day more relaxing by doing a bit of thought and preparation the night before. Driving your way or waiting in a public transportation to work can be stress-free knowing you checked off important things to your morning-to-do list.

Turn up the music

Listening to your happy songs can lift your mood and create positive influence all throughout the day. According to a study led by Yuna Ferguson, happiness from listening to good music goes beyond making you feel better, the positive emotion you draw out from it is also linked to higher income, better social relationships and of course, physical well-being.

Surprisingly, even sad songs make similar effects too! In a study published in PLOS ONE, a survey involving more than 2,400 respondents focused on the feelings and unforgettable experiences associated to listening to sad music. Results show that majority of the participants had positive answers. It goes to show that regardless whether you listen to a happy or sad song and no matter what situation and reasons you have for listening, music serve as a therapy and rehabilitation that taps in your need for comfort—which is a must in every commute.

Educate yourself

The hustle and bustle of city life partnered with ever increasing work and personal demands make it difficult to spare time in learning new things. Take every idle chance you get to educate yourself from time to time—and being stuck on the traffic or just simply traveling your way to work is a great start. Audiobooks are a great option to kill the time while gaining knowledge from it. All you have to do is choose the application that best works for you.

Avoid opening stuff about work

Save the work-related emails and messages for later, you will have the rest of eight hours to work on them. Whether we admit it or not, we don’t normally get a bunch of good news from reading our emails and this might just be a stress warm-up to your day. If you are anxious about a presentation or report you have to make, the more you have to set yourself in a calmer mood—preparing ahead is way more helpful too!

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