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Air Source vs. Ground Source Heat Pump

 

People in Singapore really want to have their own heating system, especially when it is the winter season. One of the best heating systems in the world is none other than the air source heat pump. It is recommended due to the fact that compared to other heating systems that we usually use, this one is a green system. Therefore, unlike others, this one does not damage mother Earth. Read this entire article so you will know more about this.

What Is Air Source Heat Pump?

This heat pump is a heating system that is effective in transferring heat from the outside to the inside of your home or office. Of course, you can also use it to transfer heat from the inside to the outside of your building. This item uses a refrigerant system that includes a condenser and compressor, which are used for absorbing heat at a certain place and releasing it to another place.

While more people are using this as a heater, others are also using this as their cooling system. Well, let us not forget that they can absorb the heat in our homes and offices, right? Then, they will release it outside the house or office in order to provide a cooler place for you to live in.

What Is Ground Source Heat Pump?

Aside from air source heat pump, there is also what we call ground source heat pump. Just like the air source pump, it can be used as a heater or cooler system. While others prefer the first type of heat pump, there are also many people who like this one better.

The purposes of these two heat pumps are just the same. They want to make a certain place cooler or warmer by absorbing heat from it or releasing heat to this place. This ground source pump is an effective tool of transferring heat from the ground to your building. It can also be transferring heat from your building to the ground.

This device uses Earth as its heat source. This is why it is very effective as a heating system. Unlike other heaters at home, this one is nature-friendly. It does not negatively affect mother Earth.  This is why this one is recommended by the green organizations.

Which Is Better Between The Two?

Since the two items discussed above are quite similar to one another, it should not be a surprise to us to hear some people comparing them. Others might even want to know which between these products is considered to be the best heat pump as of today. Others might say it is the air source heat pump while others might claim that it is the ground source heat pump.

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Wedding Dress Mistakes Brides Make After the Wedding Day

There’s no doubt that a newlywed bride still has quite a lot on her mind even after the gifts have been packed in to the car and last guests have left the wedding venue. More often than not, honeymoon plans, arrangements for pet care, and name changes for various legal accounts all have to be taken care of as well. One thing that often gets set aside is the cleaning and after-care of the bridal gown.

Chances are your wedding dress is the most expensive purchase, or at least of the most expensive, that you will ever make in your life, and for many brides, it is the ultimate memento of their special day. Let’s take a look at the most common wedding dress mistakes that brides make after saying “I do”.

Mistake #1: Setting Aside the Cleaning Process

The reality is, washing and proper storage of the wedding dress is not the top priority once we return to the real life. However, if you wait too long, stains will be more difficult to remove and may ruin your gown. Body sweat can eventually cause delicate parts of the dress to become brittle, while food and make-up stains can become permanent if left for too long. To give your dress a chance for second life, the best thing to d is to get it professionally cleaned and preserved within a month after the wedding.

Mistake #2: Leaving It to Non-Professionals

Do yourself a favour, and only have your dress cleaned by a professional dry cleaner that specializes in dry cleaning special garments like your wedding gown. Some cleaners don’t know that spills with sugar in it, like ginger ale and white wine, can dry clear and don’t dissolve easily. When these stains are not properly removed, it can turn dark brown over time as the sugar caramelizes. To ensure you’re entrusting your precious dress to professionals, your first option is to ask your bridal studio if they carry special dry cleaning services for wedding gowns.

Mistake #3: Storing It in a Plastic Bag

Storing wedding dresses in their original plastic garment bags expose them to plastic fumes, which can lead to yellowing of the fabric over time. After you’ve had a lovely bridal studio experience at Whitelink in Singapore, it is important that Instead of keeping your gown in a plastic bag, store it in an acid-free box and keep it away from the sunlight.

Mistake #4: Hanging the Dress by the Straps

Use the ribbons attached to the inside part of the dress. The ribbons are directly sewn into the seams and designed to support the weight of the dress without damaging it. Hanging the gown by its straps can impact the lace and fabric, stretching the dress out of shape. To avoid damage, inquire about dry cleaning to your bridal boutique or ask if they can recommend someone who can get the job professionally done.

Mistake #5: Storing the Dress in the Basement or in the Attic

Basements have humid environment, and if a pipe breaks, the water will surely find its way to your dress. Attics, on the other hand, are too hot for your dress to handle. Temperatures can rise to more than 140⁰F and rot the fibres of the wedding dress.

Mistake #6: Taking the Do-It-Yourself Approach

After the wedding, the budget tends to get tighter, with many brides not including dry cleaning in the wedding budget. Therefore many take the DIY route, and try to clean the gown by themselves. This is a big NO if you want to preserve your dress in its best condition for years. Although club soda is said to help in removing stains, it can leave marks on silk and won’t be able to remove stubborn stains like lipsticks. DIY may help as a temporary fix, but not as permanent cleaning solution.

Some quick stain fixes if you can’t send your dress to a dry cleaner right after the wedding:
If, by any reason, you can’t have your dress dry-cleaned immediately after the wedding, you can temporarily treat the stains yourself. However, be sure to bring your dress to a professional dry cleaner as soon as you can.

• Red Wine – Gently dab the stained area with white cloth soaked in warm water. It should soften the stain a bit and reduce its severity.
• Grease or oily food – Dab the stained area with a cotton swab wet in rubbing alcohol. Like the previous one, it should reduce the oil stain on the dress.
• Blood stain – Since the blood is dry at this time, try to soften the stain by holding a white cloth soaked in very cold water on the spot. If doesn’t come off, look for hydrogen peroxide in your first aid kit and dilute one part of it to nine parts water. Gently dab the stain with the solution. Once it softens, go back to cold water to dab away most of the stain.
• Lipstick stain – Use a solvent, such as a cigarette lighter fluid or a dry cleaning fluid to dab away lipstick stain. But be careful though as such solvents can discolour the fabric.
• Ink – Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and carefully dab it onto the stain. Protect the underside of the fabric with a white cloth to absorb the ink from underneath.

If you want your dress to be treated regally, make sure to only have it cleaned only by a professional. Your bridal boutique is your best source of information for professional dry cleaners in your place. Some salons carry dry cleaning services, so be sure to ask your bridal studio about this.

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Korean Actors to Watch Out for in 2016

 

Singaporean fans have been hooked with Korean dramas and Hallyu stars ever since the series Winter Sonata made waves in the entertainment world. Since then, we’ve been following the famous Hallyu stars and even noticed some of the beginnings stars as well. Some of the Korean actors whom we’ve seen in their initial steps as an actor taking a big leap to Hallyu stardom are Kim Soo Hyun and Song Joong Ki. This time, let’s get to know the up and coming stars in 2016 that have the potential to shine even brighter.

1. Park Bo Gum

I first knew Park Bo Gum by hearing his name constantly mentioned in a widely popular Korean variety show. One of the regular casts of the show has a big crush on the actor and she was very vocal about it. She’s also 12 years older and her love life is interesting so it makes her crush on the actor intriguing. Park Bo Gum starred in Reply 1988 and has since starred in various projects. He’s definitely one of the brightest stars right now.

2. Ji Soo

This guy first came out in last year’s drama Angry Mom. He did not play the lead role in the drama but he was such a scene stealer that you can’t help but just look forward to his scenes and wonder whoever this new guy is. After the drama, Ji Soo started filming another drama and is said to have a lineup of projects to be released this year.

3. Nam Joo Hyuk

Nam Joo Hyuk is good looking and is highly likeable. He’s like your typical boy next door guy. He first starred in the drama Surplus Princess where he showed his adorable cuteness. He then took on other drama roles where his boyish sweet side is extensively portrayed. Nam Joo Hyuk is the kind of guy you’d like to be looking at after a stressful long day.

4. Lee Won Geun

This is another cute and charming guy that can make the cut as the lead romantic actor or a really irresistible other guy. You may have seen him first in the drama Cheer Up. His first acting role was not really that big or memorable but he followed it up with a noteworthy performance in his role in Wild Chives and Soybean Soup. He still has lots of room for acting improvement but he also looks like he’s ready for it.

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How to Impress on the First Date

 

Many Singaporean women are already financially independent and wielding influential power in the office space. Although traditional ways are still held in high regard in Singapore, the Western ways of dating is becoming more and more popular especially for those men and women who don’t have enough time getting to know other people and prefer the conventional ways of modern dating. When it comes to dating, making a good first impression is important for men to score another date as it’s often the make and break of the dating period.

Be Punctual

Women have the prerogative of being waited on so make sure that you come on time for your first date. Nothing can be a major turn off than a guy who comes in late no matter what excuse. Although, this may not really be such a hard task as most women like to take their time and arrive a little bit late than their agreed time. Still, watch out for those women who are always on time.

Create a Positive Atmosphere

Set your date somewhere calm, quiet, and romantic even. First dates should be about you two getting to know each other so it would be ideal to be able to carry on conversations with minimal distractions. Gear your topics on neutral grounds to create a friendly non-invasive atmosphere. You can also add on the positive atmosphere by using pleasant words and sharing smiles from time to time.

Be a Gentleman

Chivalry is said to be dead nowadays but don’t let it be so especially on your first date. Women are easily impressed with gentlemanly thoughtful gestures such as opening the door for her, pulling the chair for her, carrying her things, and walking on the hazard part of the road. Be one of the few gentlemen still alive in this century.

Be a Good Listener

Avoid dead air during your first date. Encourage your date to talk by asking friendly yet interesting questions to keep the mood alive. You’ll also show your interest in her by the questions that you ask. But make sure you don’t ask her about too personal and intimate things first. There’s a better time for that. Show that you’re a good listener by looking at her as she talks and giving listening responses such as nodding your head, agreeing verbally, or smiling at her.

Act Your Mature Self

It’s really all about putting your best foot forward during first dates. Women like to be with men whom they think are gentlemen, sensible, and mature individuals. So just be mature and be your usual best self.

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Art Attack: 5 Must-Visit Cities for Art Lovers

 

Travelling, by itself, is one of the best ways to have an open mind and be inspired, but nothing gets the creative juices flowing like experiencing a new country or city through art. Apart from Singapore, there are places around the world that offer great art scenes. So if you’re planning an overseas trip to view some masterpieces, these are our top five picks.

1. Paris, France

Paris might be the end all as far as art cities go. The city offers a handful of world-renowned museums like The Louvre, which houses thousands of culturally and historically significant pieces. But as you tour the place, you’ll discover that there’s more to Paris’ art scene than its famous museums. From street art paintings to the classics by Monet, Paris has it all.

Make sure that you visit the Musée D’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie, which houses Monet’s Water Lilies painting. Centre Pompidou and Palais De Tokyo are two other spots worth visiting. If you’ve already had your fill of major museums, take time to experience less-known but equally astonishing galleries like La Maison Rouge. To get a grittier look into the city’s art scene, sign up on a street art tour to discover how street art manages to fit in with the famed Parisian culture.

2. Vienna, Austria

For hundreds of years, the best and brightest artists have been drawn to this culturally rich city. As a result, Vienna became one of the best places in the world to experience and see art. One of the best starting point for experiencing art in this city is Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, which can be viewed at the Österreichische Galerie in Belvedere Palace. Kunst Haus Wien is another spot worth visiting as it offers an art experience incredibly unique to Vienna.

Other than paintings, music also contributes to Vienna’s rich art scenery. On your visit, make sure to plan a stop at the Haus der Musik and the State Opera House to listen to a concert.

3. Florence, Italy

As an art fanatic, you probably wished to tour Florence at some point in your life. The “problem” with this is knowing where to begin, since the city’s overflowing with art history and art itself. If sculptures are your thing, then head to Bargello and the Accademia Gallery, which showcases Michelangelo’s David. Capelle Medicee also warrants a visit as it’s an impressively built burial ground for the members of the Medici family.

If you want to break away from the hordes of tourists in these iconic museums, Florence has a lot of other options to offer. Fashion lovers will surely adore Ferragamo Museo, a museum dedicated to the works of shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Other than that, Museo Galileo serves as a great option for experiencing Florence’s bursting works of art.

4. Berlin, Germany

Ever since the Berlin Wall collapsed, the city has become a magnet for artists around the world and, today, there are now hundreds of galleries in Berlin, drawing thousands of tourists each year. If you’re looking into getting acquainted with the city’s art scene, visit some of the larger galleries but mix them up with smaller and more intimate spots. Eigen + Art is a great place to check on contemporary art from around the world. For historic works, Gemäldegalerie is a good option to see European paintings from the 13^th to 18^th century.

Aside from that, Berlin is also a home to some impressive public and street art such as the East Side Gallery – world’s longest mural painted on the stretch of Berlin Wall. It’s an absolute must-see not just for art, but for its cultural significance as well.

5. New York, New York

There are several great art cities in the U.S., but New York City is just tough to beat. Make sure to visit great museums like The Met and the Museum of Modern Art, as well as the newly built Whitney Museum of American Art on your art tour in the Big Apple. Apart from these museums, try rounding out the Gagosian Galleries and the David Zwirner Gallery to see some interesting exhibits. Gallery and museum pricing may vary, but there are also free options if you’re travelling on budget. Just make sure to check the list of free upcoming exhibits before your trip.

Experiencing the art scene of other cities and countries is one of the best ways to know more about the place. So add these places to your list now, and let your creative juices flow out.

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How to Be Present in Your Friendships

If you’re just like me, then you also consider your girlfriends as family. You support each other during difficult times and celebrate exciting milestones in life. You tell the truth about everything, from toxic romances to unflattering outfits. So why do we often find ourselves overlooking these precious relationships? Sure, most of us will get married, or will have lots of career and family obligations, but shouldn’t we prioritized our friendships as well? Apart from taking time to see your friends, here are other ways on how you can be more present with your friendships.

1. Send a Mail

Shooting off an email may be easy, but sending cards and letters is much more personal and require a different kind of effort. When you receive a sweet note in your mailbox, you’d feel appreciated and recognized, right? Well, so will your girlfriends. So head to the Singapore Postal Service now, and make your friends feel remembered and loved.

2. Disconnect From Technology

While this may seem easy, you’ll actually end up feeling like your phone is glued to your hand. Your fingers might even instinctively swipe when you see your screen light up with a new message. If you have the habit of monitoring your emails and texts even during special get-togethers, simply turn off your phone to avoid temptation. Your emails and messages will still be there when you turn it back on.

3. Schedule One-on-One Plans

It’s quite easy to rely on group activities or big events to reconnect with people you care about. But the truth is, the best time spent with your friends is the time you spend with them one-on-one. Remember that you have different friends for different reasons, which is why its’ important to see your up-for-anything friend separately from your shoulder-to-cry-on friend. Set and spend a one-on-one time with each of them to get the most intimate experience with each of your girlfriends.

4. Take Note of Important Dates

Remembering birthdates is a basic requirement for any friendship, but what about job promotions or wedding anniversaries? Also, isn’t remembering a friend’s difficult milestone just as important as taking note of the happy ones? Remembering the date of their tough breakup or the death of their loved one will show them how much you care about their happiness, as well as their hardships.

5. Check Jealousy Between Friends

We’ve probably experienced our fair share of girl-on-girl jealousy, but when it comes to our best friends, it just simply can’t exist. Even if you’re in a difficult situation while your best friend is on top of the world, you’ll never know how the future may play out. Always offer your undivided excitement and support to your friends, so that when it’s your time to succeed, your friends will be there to support and appreciate you as well.

6. Share the Conversation With Everyone

Generally, people love talking about themselves. It makes us feel loved and recognized, but at some point, it just goes overboard. You might find yourself sharing family updates, asking for a favour, and complaining about your work, all before the waiter starts taking your orders. Remember that quality time with your best gals doesn’t come around often, so don’t let your dinner end without hearing updates from everyone on the table.

7. Keep in Touch Actively

Keeping in touch can be tough at times, but it’s important for you to reach out and let your friends know that you’re thinking about them. An easy way to do this is to schedule a specific date for a get-together dinner. Marking the date on the calendar will hold you all accountable. For long distance friendships, do the same thing either through video chat or phone. Most of the time, it’s good to disconnect around friends but in some situations, technology is what helps us to stay in touch with our loved ones.

Being present in your friendships is as important as developing your career or fulfilling your commitment with your family. So put the aforementioned tips to work to stay in touch with your friends even if they’re miles away from you.

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5 Realizations You’ll Get After Graduation

 

Graduation are always a special and memorable event in our lives. It is the time for celebration and pleasure for surviving years in school and finally being able to surpass every challenges that you faced in your academic journey. It is a significant milestone in our life which will always be cherished for a lifetime.

There is a big number of students who graduate college annually. In Singapore, year 2012 there are 674,000 university graduates in just a year. Each year, the number grows bigger and bigger producing more graduates yearly. But the question is, with this great number of graduates what do they usually end up realizing after they graduated their tertiary education? Here are five realizations that fresh graduates usually realize after graduation;

1. You will realize that success is not a straight road, it’s a roller coaster zigzag path to the finish line. Everyone thinks that reaching success will always be an easy road but guess what? It isn’t. There is no shortcut in success and that’s what fresh graduates do realize the moment they enter the real world, their own chosen field. There will always be trials and problems that will come along the way that they must face but like everything, when you overcome it all, things will eventually fall into place and will be worth it.

 

2. Work is not always a guarantee. After graduation, most graduates’ think that next will be having a job, but in reality looking for a job and finding a job isn’t that easy. It is never easy to find a job to help you pay your bills. It is not an all the time guarantee that when you graduate you will eventually have a job after that. Life is complicated and you have to seek things that you want, chase after them before you can finally have one.

 

3. Your profession and passion will not always be in synced with each other, and decision-making becomes tougher. After graduating, most of us thinks that it is finally the time for us to do and chase the desires of our hearts. Believing that it is the time for doing the things we are passionate about. But life is not easy as it is, because sometimes are passion will not be enough for us to live and pay bills. We are stuck on deciding whether we continue or passion or thrive more in our profession. It is a usual dilemma but eventually as you grow, you will be able to come up with the right solution.

4. Making money is not easy, not as easy as we think it is. Spending was easy before when you are still in college but when you graduate things will turn upside down and you will soon realize that making money is never an easy thing to do. It is not a joke to work all day in order earn money to spend and be able to survive.

 

5. Life is a competition, so never settle for something less. The most awakening realization that most graduating student realize when finishing college is that life is never easy and it is never a fair game. Every day is a competition, not just with anybody else, but the competition within yourself. Life is not an easy plan we designed for ourselves because life is what we make it, so if we want to win and succeed we should always strive for something great.

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