
ST Headstart: Building your dream home on a budget
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Buying a new home is a huge financial outlay, and with it also come renovation costs. But there are ways to save without compromising your aesthetic ambitions. ST's Sharon Salim, who recently built her dream home, shares tips on what she would have done differently in order to reap more savings.
Do you have home renovation questions? Let us know at headstart@sph.com.sg
Meanwhile, some young Singaporeans are living the dream - generating five-figures in sales with just three hours' work - by being TikTok live stream stars. They let us in on some of their secrets.
One more thing - come share your ideas and questions with our editors at a Conversations with ST event for young professionals on May 27. There'll be free dinner too! Get the details here.
Stay hydrated!

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AsiaOne
a day ago
- AsiaOne
Four Star rolls out SG60 celebration with $60 bedframe and up to $600 off sofas and furniture, Lifestyle News
Singapore's 60th birthday is around the corner, and it's not just the fireworks or National Day tunes filling the air. For many Singaporeans, that means finding ways to create comfort and joy within our everyday living environments - whether it's upgrading well-worn furniture, designing a new home from scratch or simply investing in better rest. If you've been meaning to upgrade your home, Four Star's SG60 Sale is the celebration you've been waiting for! From July 23 to 27 at their Ang Mo Kio pop-up store, shoppers can expect value-for-money promotions on quality mattresses and furniture, all designed to elevate everyday living without stretching the budget. Whether you're collecting keys to your BTO or refreshing the family nest, this sale is packed with deals you'll want to secure before they're gone. Cooling mattresses made for Singapore nights A good mattress is the foundation of a good night's sleep, and Four Star's range is tailored for comfort, support and durability - all while being well-suited for Singapore's humid climate. Its signature ArcticSilk Metex mattress features a silky-smooth, cooling fabric that helps regulate body temperature and keeps hot nights in check. It's also equipped with anti-static technology that discharges static buildup and reduce muscle tension, recognised by the Singapore Book of Records as the first anti-static mattress in the country. For those with specific needs, there's the Chiro mattress for back support and the Tencel mattress, a soft, skin-friendly option that's great for sensitive sleepers. Pair any of these with the current promos and you've gotten yourself an unbeatable bedroom bundle! Bed frames from $60, storage beds from $600 Once you've picked your mattresses, pair it with a modern wood bed frame* for just $60. Designed with clean lines and modern sensibilities customisable to your liking, it's a minimalist staple for any bedroom setup. And if you're short on space, consider Four Star's hydraulic storage beds* at $600. Fitted with a German lift system, it offers discreet, easy-access storage for you to keep extra bedding or bulky items out of sight. Customisation options are also available, from size configurations to drawer placements, with over 60 designs to choose from. *Available with selected mattress purchase Pintuck sheet sets at $60 A bedroom refresh wouldn't be complete without new sheets. Four Star's pintuck cotton fitted sheet sets are now just $60 across all sizes. Made with quality materials and available in multiple colours, they're an easy way to update your sleeping space without overspending. $600 off for living and dining picks The sale doesn't just stop at the bedroom. If you're looking to refresh your living and dining spaces, Four Star has got you! Check out their Signature recliner sofa, now $600 off, which features high back support, smooth electric reclining and an adjustable headrest - perfect for winding down after a long day. For added convenience, you can also customise your recliner with built-in storage compartments and wireless charging. If you prefer something more casual, the easy-care plush sofa, available in 3- or 4- seater configurations, offers soft, durable fabric that's designed for everyday lounging at $600 off as well. Rounding out the bundle is Four Star's natural wood dining set with $600 off selected models. With a 1+2+1 setup that includes a table, chairs and bench, it's a stylish, space-saving addition to any modern home! On top of its promotional prices, Four Star is also offering a suite of perks that include: GST absorption Free parking and taxi claim upon checkout Zero per cent interest instalment plans Warranty of up to 15 years Free delivery and one-for-one mattress disposal Ample parking space Celebrate in style with Four Star's SG60 Pop-Up Sale Happening from July 23 to 27, Four Star's SG60 Pop-Up Sale is the perfect chance to refresh your home while joining in the nation's 60th birthday celebrations. Don't miss your window to shop these limited time offers! *Terms and conditions apply. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Operating hours: 10am - 10pm (daily) Address: Work+Store Building, Level 8, Lobby A 38 Ang Mo Kio Ind Park 2, Singapore 569511 WhatsApp (Message only): Mattress: 9234 4442 Furniture: 9068 1287 This article is brought to you in partnership with Four Star.

Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Fun With Kids: Local breakfast plushies, makerspace at Children's Museum, free picture book on cancer
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The Kopi & Toast plush toy collection is inspired by traditional coffee-shop breakfast items. SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities. Plush toys inspired by kopitiam breakfast Indulge in 'breakfast' with Kopi & Toast plush toys, a collection inspired by traditional coffee-shop classics. This playful line-up features eight items, including the Kaya Butter Toast ($15.90), Soft Boiled Eggs ($12.90) and Kopi Cup ($19.90). Don't miss the Teh Bing Tote Bag ($24.90), a whimsical tribute to iced milk tea served in a takeaway plastic bag. These plushies, designed by local game-play and entertainment brand Play Nation, are available at Kopi Shop, a pop-up retail space at Marina Square mall until Aug 17. The Kopi Cup, Soft Boiled Eggs and Kaya Butter Toast plush toys are inspired by breakfast classics at traditional coffee shops. PHOTO: PLAY NATION Watch staff members play-pretend and prepare your food at a serving counter – adding a dash of 'dark soya sauce' and 'pepper' to your 'soft-boiled eggs' and toasting the 'bread' – before they pack your purchase into a bag. Mini versions of the plush collection, complete with a keyring, are also available in blind boxes for $14.90 each. Spend at least $80 at the mall to redeem a kopitiam building block set worth $19.90. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Singapore HSA extends hotline hours, launches new platform to report vaping offences Singapore Tampines regional centre set to get more homes, offices and public amenities Multimedia How to make the most out of small homes in Singapore World Diplomats dismissed: Inside the overhaul reshaping Trump's foreign policy Life US tech CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral Coldplay 'kiss cam' video Opinion I thought I was a 'chill' parent. Then came P1 registration Singapore 'God and government are the only things beyond our control,' says Group CEO Go to for details. New makerspace exploring food heritage Ms Asmah Alias, museum director of Children's Museum Singapore, introduces the new makerspace Play + Make to pre-schoolers at a preview. PHOTO: CHILDREN'S MUSEUM SINGAPORE Children's Museum Singapore has a new makerspace offering your little ones hands-on learning about local food heritage. Launched on July 20, Play + Make runs until March 31, 2026, and complements the museum's ongoing play-based exhibition Into The Hawkerverse that pays tribute to hawker culture. Your kids can engage in various activities, such as designing crockery and assembling outfits on mannequins. Show them that creativity can be endless – just take inspiration from the maker's cabinet, which displays unique creations by local designers. These include a black pearl durian-inspired dress and sneakers influenced by the colours of Hokkien mee and nasi lemak. Your kids can also view exhibits related to local food heritage, such as the variety of moulds for making traditional kueh. Children's Museum is dedicated to kids aged 12 and below. Admission is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Otherwise, it is $10 a child and $15 an adult. Only adults accompanying kids are allowed in the museum. Book online at before going. Tickets are available for booking 30 days in advance. Free picture book to help talk about cancer Breast Cancer Foundation member Chen Yi shares the story of The Adventure Jar with her sons. PHOTO: BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Explaining a family member's serious medical condition to kids is often challenging. Picture book The Adventure Jar aims to spark loving conversations and help them feel secure. It offers a poignant look at a family navigating advanced breast cancer through the eyes of young Cassie. Despite the disruptions and uncertainty caused by her mother's illness, the girl learns to focus on the good in life. Published in August 2024, the book is a collaborative effort with eight breast cancer patients, a psychiatrist and biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences in the United States. Picture book The Adventure Jar draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of eight breast cancer patients. PHOTO: BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) in Singapore has made this book available on its website for free download in English ( ) and Chinese ( ). It is recommended for children aged six to 12. A recent survey conducted by BCF in collaboration with Gilead Sciences, involving 93 cancer patients and survivors, found that 85 per cent felt their children did not understand their illness. This highlights a concerning gap that can affect a child's emotional health. Through books such as The Adventure Jar, BCF aims to ensure that families feel supported and connected, even during life's most trying times. The non-profit organisation will be distributing the hardcover copies of the book to public libraries, selected breast clinics and healthcare organisations.

Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
New digital tool in Singapore to encourage advance care planning
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Called myACP, the tool allows users to document their preferences for medical treatment in advance, in line with their personal goals and values. SINGAPORE – A free digital tool that makes it easier for Singaporeans to complete their advance care plans (ACP) online was launched on July 19. Called myACP, the tool allows users to document their preferences for medical treatment in advance, in line with their personal goals and values. They can also designate someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become mentally incapacitated. The digital tool was launched by the Ministry of Health, Agency for Integrated Care and GovTech at Heartbeat@Bedok. Speaking at the launch, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that the tool eliminates the need to meet an ACP facilitator in person. Anyone who is generally healthy and is at least 21 years old can document their care preferences and submit it online. Mr Ong said the common reasons for not completing ACPs include a lack of knowledge on the process, and the inconvenience of making an appointment with a facilitator – a time-consuming step that may also involve fees. Previously, individuals had to visit public hospitals, polyclinics, or certain social care providers to make such plans. Now, they also have the option of using the new tool, found on the My Legacy@LifeSG platform at / Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Autogate glitch causes chaos at KLIA and Johor checkpoints, foreign passport holders affected Singapore S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024 Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Life Don't call me a motivational speaker: Why Adam Khoo has moved on to options trading Sport Lionesses forward Danelle Tan ready for new challenge in Japan Life SG60 F&B icons: Celebrate these 14 home-grown F&B brands that have stood the test of time Asia Indonesian authorities partially close Mount Rinjani after two accidents involving foreign climbers (From left) CPF Board Retirement Income Group director Gregory Chia, Ministry of Social and Family Development Family Life Group senior director Tan Chee Hau, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Public Service Division ServiceSG CEO Lim Sze Ling and Agency for Integrated Care CEO Tan Chee Wee at the myACP launch on July 19. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI It takes about 30 minutes to complete an ACP. Users will have to indicate their preferences on hygiene, companionship and religious requirements, as well as make a decision on whether doctors should prioritise comfort or carry out life-sustaining treatments, among other matters, Mr Ong said. But those with existing illnesses, such as cancer or heart failure, will still need to complete their ACP with the help of their healthcare team or a certified facilitator. At present, about 77,000 people have completed their ACP, Mr Ong said. 'This is 40 per cent higher than the national figure as of last year, but it's still very small a number,' he added. Mr Ong said the authorities are trying to encourage more Singaporeans to plan ahead. While some people have preferences for end-of-life care, most are reluctant to broach the subject with their loved ones while they are healthy as it is considered pantang, or taboo, according to the minister. 'It will be too late to do so when they have fallen very sick and cannot communicate what they want to their loved ones. Family members, doctors, are then placed in a difficult position to decide on the care approach,' he said, noting that different opinions can escalate into family disputes. 'We need more open and early conversations about future care needs…When we plan ahead, we not only safeguard our own preferences, we also make things easier and clearer for families and healthcare teams later on.' In 2023, the Government launched the National Strategy for Palliative Care to raise awareness about end-of-life issues amid an ageing population. Since then, palliative care capacity has been expanded , rising to 3,000 home care places and 300 inpatient hospice beds currently – from the 2,400 care places and 260 beds in 2023, Mr Ong said. Palliative care competency was also strengthened, with 62 – or about two-thirds of nursing homes in Singapore – establishing partnerships with hospitals. This means that when a nursing home resident is approaching end-of-life, he will remain in the facility instead of being unnecessarily transferred to a hospital. Mr Ong noted that the efforts by the authorities have started to show results. In 2022 and 2023, 62.5 per cent of deaths happened in hospitals. This dropped to 59.8 per cent in 2024. 'While this appears to be a small improvement, it translates into thousands of patients having their wishes fulfilled. Attitudes take time to change, and we are encouraged to be heading in the right direction,' he said. Ms Clara Ng, 56, who completed her ACP online last week, said she decided to do so to be prepared for the future. 'I'm still at the stage where I have the capacity to think. It's good to log down what I want rather than wait till it's too late' said Ms Ng, who is currently completing her masters course in gerontology.