Credit Card Annual Fees

Are you being charged credit card annual fees because you haven't spent enough on the card to qualify for a waiver?

If you're in Singapore, it's worth calling up the credit card issuer to ask for a waiver of the fees. In my experience, many credit card issuers would rather waive the annual fees than lose you as a customer.

If they refuse to waive the charge, consider cancelling the card and applying for a card from another bank. Many banks offer annual fee waivers for new applicants.

Daiso, one of my favourite places in Singapore

First, a disclaimer. I don't work for Daiso. It's just that it's one of my favourite browsing places. Fantastic store for craft supplies, d-i-y projects, gardening stores, and all kinds of household items - crockery, cleaning materials, containers, etc. All at $2 per item, and more importantly, the quality is acceptable to great. The items don't look cheap.

What I really like about Daiso also: they sell intriguing Japanese items. When I go there, I often pick up something, and wonder... what on earth is this for? And then try to figure it out from the pictures (the descriptions are often in Japanese). For example, I learnt that, apparently, they make little picks for labelling their lunch. Cute.

My pictures of the Spider Lily a hit

These pictures of mine on Triond received lots of hits recently :)

To see more of my pictures, go here.

Best Mooncake Deal in Singapore

Okay... maybe I shouldn't say THE best, since I haven't done exhaustive research. But this must definitely be one of the better deals around:

Pure Lotus Seed with Double Yolk Baked Mooncake
from Yahweh Delicacies
PROMOTION: Box of two mooncakes for $9.80

Very good value for the fact that their mooncake filling is actually quite good - moist and not overly sweet. I prefer a thicker crust though.

(Note: we sampled this at IMM Jurong)


For mooncakes that my mum and I thought outstanding this season, check out my blog post here:

http://crookedturret.wordpress.com/2008/09/05/insingapore-an-incomplete-guide-to-mooncakes-this-year/

Cheap-and-Good "Siew Mai" (chinese dumpling)

If you love Siew Mai, my family found a yummy version selling at the supermarket -- Sin Mui Heng Fish & Shrimp Siew Mai. My family finds it at least as good as the siew mai you can get the food court, and it costs you 70-80% less.

For the rest of my post, go here:

http://crookedturret.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/insingapore-cheap-and-good-siew-mai-chinese-dumpling/

Value Buy: Roti Prata (also called Roti Canai in Malaysia)

Finding trouble getting good Roti Prata these days? Or, if the roti prata is great, crisp and puffy, the curry that's served with it is diluted and substandard?

Just look to the supermarket.

My family likes the Spring Home Roti Paratha (SGD2.40 for a pack of 5). They're really easy to keep (stick it in the freezer until you're ready to eat it) and prepare (pan-fry from frozen). Tip: After frying, scrunch the roti prata for a softer texture.

Fairprice also has its own house brand roti prata. Doesn't taste as good as the ones by Spring Home, but still better than many roti prata you find these days. And they're even cheaper.

The only thing with buying these frozen packs is that you have to prepare the curry yourself. But the good news is: it's not difficult to make a curry. Browse the internet for simple curry recipes, and experiment until you find a version that you like.

You can also try eating roti prata with ice-cream (yum!) or fruits. And I enjoy roti prata with jam as well.

Freebie Alert: Singapore Medicine Postcards with prepaid international postage

I came across another free-postcard promotion recently when I was at the post office. This series of 5 postcards promotes the medical facilities in Singapore.

My one quibble: they could have made the postcards more attractive. Looks like most of the pictures were originally taken or created for a brochure. I would have liked to see much more creative postcards. The type which will make people WANT to send these cards to their relatives and friends. As it is, to my eyes, only the one on the far right is attractive. And my second choice would be the one second from left in the picture above. At least that has some conceptual interest. The rest...

There's no lucky draw for sending these cards, just free overseas postage. The plus point: it doesn't look like there's a post-by date attached to this set.