DBS Visa Debit Card X Multi-Currency Account: Fuss-free Shopping Online & Overseas!

Do you travel the world frequently, or are you a savvy online shopper, like I am? ;) If you're like me, I'm sure you totally understand the frustration and pains of shopping and paying in foreign currencies both online and overseas - I sometimes get a rude shock when I see the poor foreign exchange rates and high conversion fees on my purchases! :(

One of my favourite overseas-based online shops!

For instance, Shopbop is one of my favourite overseas-based online shops, but it only charges in $USD, and we all know how much the USD can fluctuate from time to time.



I really don't have patience when it comes to shopping. When I want something, I want it straight away, and usually just bite the bullet to buy what I want at a more expensive price even when the foreign exchange rates aren't the best or the conversion fees are high HAHA.

It's just not ideal to wait for exchange rates to drop or the most favorable time to shop from my favourite online websites (what if the item I want goes out of stock???), you know what I mean? It's like Murphy's Law - Those darn foreign exchange rates always soar sky-high just when you're about to need that particular currency, yet when they're at their all-time lows, you have no use for them! I've experienced this phenomenon more than once, and it's downright frustrating!

Here's where DBS x Visa's overseas payment solution for travellers and e-commerce shoppers, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, comes into the picture - It's an easy, fuss-free and smart way to shop online and overseas!

Skip FX fees & Conversion Charges with DBS x VISA!

All you need is a DBS Visa Debit Card linked to a DBS Multi-Currency Account (MCA), and you'll no longer need to fuss over foreign exchange (FX) fees and conversion charges for cross-border payments - Ultra convenient when it comes to online shopping or even shopping overseas!! D:

Best of all, it's so simple to apply for a Multi-Currency Account (MCA) and DBS Visa Debit Card!

Step 1. Sign Up For A Multi-Currency Account!

I already have a DBS account, so it was easy peasy to sign up for my Multi-Currency Account. For existing DBS/POSB customers, your MCA Account will be opened instantly online.

You can even link your MCA to an existing ATM/Debit Card so that it's totally fuss-free! 

With your MCA account, you can access up to 12 foreign currencies and the Singapore dollar conveniently with one account and transact at your preferred rates wherever you are.

The 12 foreign currencies are Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Euro (EUR), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Japanese Yen (JPY), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Norwegian Kroner (NOK), Sterling Pound (GBP), Swedish Kroner (SEK), Thai Baht (THB), US Dollar (USD) and CNH (Renminbi).

Note: CNH (Renminbi) is not available for direct Visa Debit payments as it is a restricted currency. 

I also applied for my DBS Visa Debit Card, which was sent to me within a few days time. 

Do make sure that your DBS MCA is linked to your DBS Visa Debit Card as a primary account! When applying for the visa debit card, just select your MCA in the primary account field to link your new DBS Visa Debit Card to your MCA account.

YAY! (And also my new DBS Visa Debit Card has Visa PayWave, ultra convenient woohoo!)

Step 2. Do A Foreign Currency Fund Transfer Into Your MCA To Lock In The Rates

No need for any hassle, it can be done via DBS iBanking or mBanking! There is no waiting or processing time, the fund transfers will happen instantly.

It really is straight forward, just keep an eye on the foreign currency exchange rates (you can find them on DBS's website) and once you see favourable rates for the foreign currency you wish to purchase, you can then transfer from your own savings account in SGD to your Multi-Currency Account and select the foreign currency to hold in your MCA!

For instance, I did a fund transfer into my MCA for Thai Baht - I frequently travel to Thailand, so if the exchange rates are good, it's definitely a good idea to keep my money in Thai currency for my future spending ;)

You'll also be shown the exchange rate as well as the transfer currency's equivalent amount.

With these foreign currencies held in your MCA, you can then transact directly in foreign currency with your DBS Visa Debit Card!

All Ready To Go!

Be it overseas and online purchases as well as cash withdrawals from global ATMs, you won't have to bear any foreign exchange conversion fees ever again, or worry about carrying huge amounts of cash in foreign currencies on you! You can also check your transactions and balances on-the-go via mBanking, no matter where you are.

For example, if I know that I'll be heading to Europe later this year, I can choose to do a fund transfer to my MCA and hold EUR currency at any point of time in advance. If I wish to make a EUR300 purchase in Italy using my MCA linked DBS Visa Debit Card, this EUR300 purchase will be deducted directly from the funds in my EUR wallet, with no foreign exchange conversion fees and additional FX administrative card fees at purchase! :)

One huge benefit I really enjoy from using my MCA and DBS Visa Debit Card is that I can access and convert Singapore dollar and foreign currencies conveniently no matter where I am, and at the best possible rates simply via DBS iBanking or mBanking!

For a frequent traveller like me, it saves me a whole lot trouble because I don't need to waste time making trips to the money changer, or even looking for money changers when I run out of foreign currency abroad!

Shopping made easy no matter where you are. Gotta love that!

Online shopping just got a whole lot better and more convenient too! You can bet that I'm waiting for the next time the USD and AUD dips so that I can buy in on those currencies and shop to my heart's content hehehehe.

This DBS x Visa Debit Card that's linked to my MCA is going with me where ever I am!

Keen to sign up for your own Multi-Currency Account and DBS Visa Debit Card too? Find out how you can skip FX fees and conversion charges with DBS x VISA and visit DBS's website here to sign up straight away! :)

Review: 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser!

Some things in your life are just like that - You never knew how much you needed it until it came into your life. That's exactly what the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser feels like to me, I wish I had this nifty machine so much earlier because it is such a god-send! I never knew how convenient it would be to have boiling hot water, ice cold water and room temperature water, all at the touch of one button!


Come to think of it, getting water at home is really such a chore!

For room temperature drinking water: Need to boil water in a kettle (That's what my family does everyday, multiple times too!), and then let it cool down before storing it in water containers to be reached for whenever we want room temperature drinking water.

For hot water: Use separate hot water dispenser that requires refilling everyday when water level gets low. It also takes a long time to boil the hot water in the dispenser once it runs out of water!

For ice cold water: Keep a bottle of chilled water in the fridge which is also very troublesome because it needs to be refilled frequently as well and it's just a hassle to keep taking the heavy bottle out from the fridge and then refilling it because the bottle empties so quickly!

It's become such a habit to do all the above that I'd always treated them as tiresome chores that were unpleasant but necessary.. Until the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser appeared in my life!


Just one machine for all my various watery needs. Hahaha! Whether it's hot water, cold water or room temperature water, it's now so fuss-free and easy with this dispenser! It's like having a kettle, multiple water containers and fridge, all rolled into one. Talk about efficient and space-saving!

With the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser, you can save precious time and space, while ensuring that the water you and your family drink is of the highest quality. The dispenser uses a miniaturised 3M filter based on proven filtration technology with more than 75 years of history. It's also BPA-free (that's the same feature to look out for in milk and water bottles for the young ones at home) and comes with UV sterilisation too!

Installation

Installation of the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser was done in under thirty minutes for my home: you'll need a water source and power point nearby! Drilling might be done as well depending on where the machine is placed.


All set up in a matter of minutes!


PS. The 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser comes in two colors, White or Black, but I picked Black because I liked its sleek exterior hehe!




To dispense icy cold water, check that the LED display on the right of the machine is lit blue then press the black push button below!

To switch to room temperature mode, simply tap the blue LED display once so it turns green :D


Which works perfectly for people like me who like their water slightly chilled but not too cold.. Hehe! These tiny hands belong to my nephew, he finds dispensing water from the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser so much fun!


There is a safety lock on the hot water feature, which will help to prevent any accidental dispensing of hot water - Really useful especially if you have babies and young kids at home!


With the piping hot water, I can easily cook my cup noodles or make myself a cuppa hot tea or coffee in a matter of seconds, so easy peasy!


So much hassle saved - I survive on instant noodles when I can't be bothered to spend time and effort to cook up a proper meal. Oops!

I can't cook, but the very least I could do is to whip up a cup of idiot-proof cup noodles made even easier with the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser!

Everyone at home is loving the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser, especially the hubby who loves drinking icy cold water!

The dispensing space  (adjustable up to 25cm in height) also makes it convenient to fill tall water bottles (up to 25cm in height) which is a feature YZ appreciates because he likes to fill up his big water bottle with cold water before he leaves home for work.

Another plus point is that the piped-in installation ensures a continuous supply of water to your dispenser without the need for manual refilling at all, completely hassle-free!


Maintenance is a piece of cake too, just remember to replace the 3M water filter cartridge every 6 months - There's only one cartridge to replace! The cartridges can be purchased directly from its distributor, Jestac or your nearest Selffix store for $120 per cartridge! Very reasonable, me thinks. You can also pre-order the cartridge from any Home-Fix store and collect 2-3 days later.


Now is the best time to get the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser for all your upcoming house parties and celebrations for Christmas and Chinese New year - At a special promotional price too!!

Special Promotion!

Due to popular demand, 3M authorized distributor Jestac is extending their year-end promotion for the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser (U.P. $1,888) till end February 2016:

$1,488 + 1 free replacement filter cartridge (worth $120) + free standard installation 

First 20 to order and quote [Yina3M] will also enjoy additional $50 off!
Offer ends 28 Feb 2017. 

Order here and enjoy $570 in savings! >> https://goo.gl/forms/WxzZXUZ5XXPUo3vr2 <<

To view the actual 3M dispenser and try a cup of 3M filtered water, you can visit Jestac’s showroom in Tai Seng at:

Jestac Pte Ltd
2 Kim Chuan Drive 
CSI Distribution Centre 
#02-06 Singapore 537080

Mon - Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 8.30am to 12.30pm

Tel: 6288 8290
WhatsApp: 8722 1727
Email: sales@jestac.com.sg

*The 3M dispenser is also retailing at all Selffix stores, and selected Home-Fix and Best Denki stores. For the full list of retail outlets, click here.

Ionto & Genesis X Skin Facial Masks: My DIY facial treatment at home!

So it's been super busy lately and I can't remember the last time I had a facial done... Really. Could have been some time last year, maybe? I personally do love facials and how pampering they are, but when work and other commitments get in the way, opportunities to take a couple hours off just to get a facial done are so hard to come by!

I'm sure a lot of women face the same struggles as I do when you've got so much to handle on your plate. We all want to look beautiful, but our fast-paced lifestyle don't always allow for the luxuries of facial therapy!

I have a little secret to share: Here's how I've been taking care of my skin at home, with Ionto and Genesis X Skin Facial Masks!

Yes, this interesting-looking device has been a total godsend that has allowed me to experience the benefits of transformative skin care techniques used in facial spas, now in the comfort of my own home and at my own convenience! Yup, it's truly Beauty meets Convenience!

Introducing Ionto and Genesis X Skin Facial Masks: my easy-to-use duo for youthful and healthy skin!

Let me explain a bit more about Ionto!

[ Ionto and Iontophoresis ]

This small and handy hand-held device works via a process known as Iontophoresis. 

As our skin acts as a natural barrier against external substances, it limits the level of absorption of our skin care products. With Ionto, the process of iontophoresis is used to boost the penetration of skin care ingredients deep beyond the epidermis. 

Iontophoresis uses micro-current to deliver skincare ingredients deeper into the skin layers through the repulsive effects between the skin care ingredients and Ionto. It effectively overcomes skin impedance, allowing skin care products to be fully absorbed, producing more efficient and effective results!

This means that even when you use advanced facial masks like Genesis X Skin’s Masks that contain high concentrations of Growth Factors and Peptides, you're not getting the most out of them without a device like Ionto, that helps to boost absorption and skin care efficacy.

Thus, the combination of Ionto and Genesis X Skin Facial Masks is the best way to provide effective skincare results, and allow you to experience facial therapy care, anywhere, anytime!

There are a few different Genesis X Skin’s Masks available, and I chose to go for Blossom, which is anti-aging, lifting and soothing! Blossom refreshes and rejuvenates skin cells for a youthful, revitalised skin, sounds perfect for me :)

[ Genesis X Skin’s Masks ]

Formulated in the laboratories in Korea, Genesis X Skin’s Masks masks are state-of-the-art skin science designed by professional scientist. Each mask range is specially formulated to target specific skin areas and symptoms, to deliver the best result for your skin needs. The powerful bioactive ingredients in Genesis X Skin’s Masks softens and minimises the appearance of skin aging.

1.  Growth Factors

Growth Factors are what we call “coding cells” that act as signalling molecules between cells, stimulating cellular proliferation and differentiation. They are proteins that promote cell growth and can stimulate cell division in many different cells or just a particular cell-type.

2.  Biomimetic Peptides

Peptides provide excellent anti-oxidative effect and are bioactive ingredients that enhance efficacy. Each masks has different formulated peptides to target the specific area and symptoms of our skin.

[ How to use Ionto and Genesis X Skin's Masks ]

After cleansing your face, just simply apply Genesis X Skin's mask on your face, just like you would for any regular facial mask!

And here comes the interesting part: Using Ionto to give yourself a relaxing massage for the best skincare absorption!

With the facial mask on, use Ionto to gently massage your cheeks from inside out, gliding from the chin area up towards your ears. 

It's an interesting sensation because you can feel Ionto vibrating as you glide it on your face: This micro-vibration therapy actually increases blood circulation and decreases fluid retention. Ionto vibrates at 166Hz (10,000 vibrations per minute), deeply massaging your skin aiding in lymphatic drainage that increases the skin metabolism rate.

Using Ionto to massage along fine lines and wrinkles will boost skin resilience and lessen the appearance of saggy skin too! It is safe and gentle enough to be used on sensitive areas around the eyes where fine lines and wrinkles are more prone to form.

Of course, prolonged use of Ionto together with Genesis X Skin’s Masks will not only help you attain the skin tone and complexion you desire but it can also tighten, firm and lift saggy skin! I especially like to concentrate on massaging along my laugh lines to help reduce them.

After gently massaging your face with Ionto for about 5-10 minutes, you can then remove the facial mask and continue using Ionto on your face until the residual skincare products have been thoroughly absorbed into your skin!

I actually surprisingly really enjoy using Ionto because I do feel the immediate effects of Ionto and Genesis X Skin Facial Masks, my skin feels more supple and revitalised for sure!

It's really very convenient and easy-to-use, and offers great results at the fraction of a price as compared to doing facial therapy!

With Ionto and Genesis X Skin Facial Masks  your skin can now fully absorb beneficial nutrients as Ionto enhances the penetration of skin care ingredients deep beneath the skin.

Ionto and Genesis X Skin Facial Masks can be purchased from Genesis X Skin's online shop and website!

Ionto (Single Product): $128
Blossom/Radiance/Perfection Masks: $60 - 6 sheets/box

If you purchase the bundled package of Product Ionto + any Mask Box together, it will cost $180 instead so you save a bit more!

Happy to share that Genesis X is offering a 10% discount off any of the bundled products especially for my readers. Quote “YinaXGenesis” to enjoy the 10% off!! :) I really think these products are a godsend especially for all the busy women out there, you gotta give them a try!

Wanna be a media star? My experience at MDIS School of Media and Communications

What was your childhood dream?

I've had lofty dreams once upon a time.. I wanted to be an animal doctor, I wanted to be an air stewardess, I wanted to be a writer or I wanted to be a pop star!

Well.. The dream of being a vet died rather early when I realised just how many years of education I needed to be a vet. I just absolutely hated school and further thinking about how being a vet might mean I have to cut up little animals made me reconsider, hahaha! Thus, I relinquished the idea of being a vet, even briefly toying with that of being a zoo keeper (well I really wanted to work with animals!) before I finally decided that it wasn't gonna happen.

Surprisingly though, many years down the road, I discovered an interest for art and design in my secondary school days, which is how I ended up as an illustrator/designer for two years, before TheVelvetDolls happened!

Reflecting back on my school days, I'm actually very thankful to have picked a course (digital media design) that I was actually interested in, even though I didn't stay on in the design industry eventually, I felt that having a strong passion for what I was learning really helped me through my school years, and also honed my aesthetic sense, which is still related to what I'm doing now! Can't imagine myself ever studying science or engineering or anything of the sort!! I really feel that choosing the right path in education is so important.

One of my regrets though, is not having a university degree. I stopped my education as a diploma-holder, and if I were to turn the clock a few years back, I might have considered going on to get a degree, which I unfortunately decided against, back then!

I've always thought I'd have liked to try Mass Communications as my major, and I was really interested when I was invited down to check out MDIS School of Media and Communications, and given a chance to take part in one of their student productions to fulfil my other childhood dream.. Becoming a pop star!!!


The MDIS School of Media and Communications is the pioneer in the mass communications programme field in Singapore. It is also the first institution in Singapore to offer mass communications programmes from an American university- Oklahoma City University (OCU). 

Here's a little more information about MDIS School of Media and Communication.

Did you know that the OCU mass communications degree programme is fully taught by OCU faculty in Singapore? 

What I think is really great about MDIS School of Media and Communications is that the programmes are industry-focused, relevant and of high quality. MDIS has its very own fully-equipped TV and Radio studios as well as Audio and Video edit suites and is one of the few Private Institutions to have such facilities for practical training!  

I feel that that is very important so that students can have the opportunity to practice what they learn within their academic curriculum, and also be trained to master essential skills such as handling radio and television equipment, content producing, directing, scripting and video editing. In mastering these techniques, they are exposed to a wide range of roles including television and radio presenting.

To gain more experience, students can also join the Media and Communications Club. Students are groomed to be radio DJs and they will run their radio show in the campus every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during lunch time. Students will also make full use of the TV studio to produce videos, doing editing of the videos and publish the videos on the YouTube channel called AEE Channel Raw.

MDIS School of Media and Communications also covers all main areas of mass communications studies ie advertising, public relations, journalism and broadcasting, hence giving our graduates wider career options.

Did you know, MDIS School of Media and Communications offers Singapore's 1st American Mass Communications Degree Programme back in 1992?

No better way to experience what the students learn and go through at MDIS School of Media and Communications - TV & Radio Station (fully equipped with studio facilities to help students learn in and out of the classroom with practical hands-on experience!), than to actually take part in one of their student productions!

Jessica and I had the really cool job of performing in a live band, and recording a music video 100% filmed and produced by the students of MDIS School of Media and Communications! I've always wanted to record my own music video as a singer, so this was a very fun and interesting experience for me.

I was extremely impressed with the students. They were very professional and experienced in the entire set-up and filming process, and I felt like the students really knew what they were doing! All the filming work and post-production work was handled by the students, who did a really admirable job!

It's not my first time in a recording studio, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the facilities at MDIS School of Media and Communications! There was a huge recording studio with a wide-array of professional equipment for students to use and learn. In my opinion, hands-on experience and practical learning is one of the most important aspects of any school, and I can see that MDIS School of Media and Communications is very adept in that area!

In order to have synergy with the rest of the band members, Jess and I went down to MDIS on a couple of occasions to meet these lovely folks to rehearse and practice together as a band. I love jamming, so I totally enjoyed the sessions! Heh. It's always awesome to make music together with other talented musicians!! Usually, it's just Jess and I belting our lungs out at KTV, so you can imagine how much fun we had with our very own live band.


READY, CAMERA, ACTION!

The entire filming process was handled just as well as any professional team, and it was a fun-filled afternoon with the crew and the band!! Though it did take us some time to warm up to the camera.. I still feel rather self-conscious on video! Thanks to the lovely crew who did their best to help us relax and bring our best across to the camera!

I'm always intrigued by seeing myself on a screen. But I secretly like it!

Unfortunately though, I tend to make lots of silly facial expressions when I'm singing! Hahaha cannot maintain.

We recorded a few takes of our song before we called it a day! It was really enjoyable and exciting for us! :)

Group photo of the student team, great job on the MV y'all!! I feel proud to know that this is a full student production, cos I think they did a marvelous job! The students at MDIS School of Media and Communications are always involved in events and campaigns such as the MV that we filmed (in fact, they have a dedicated YouTube channel called AEE Channel Raw with some really good stuff!) to contribute in their future career, which is awesome! I wish I had such opportunities to experience all these back when I was in school!

Of course, without further ado, you get to watch the MV made by the students of MDIS School of Media and Communications - Media Hub too!! There's definitely a lot of room for improvement when it comes to Jess's and my performance, as seeing how we are both inexperienced at this, but the production team really put together a great video! Thank you guys!!

Find out more about MDIS School of Media and Communications on their website!