Cookery - Sous Vide Machine

A sous vide machine is a kitchen appliance that is used to cook food in a precisely controlled water bath. The term "sous vide" is French for "under vacuum," and the cooking process involves sealing food in a vacuum-sealed bag and immersing it in a water bath that is maintained at a precisely controlled temperature.

The use of a sous vide machine allows for consistent and precise cooking results, as the temperature of the water bath is carefully maintained and the food is cooked evenly and gently. This method of cooking is particularly well-suited to delicate or complex dishes, and can produce results that are not possible with traditional cooking methods.

Sous vide machines can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including meats, vegetables, fruits, and even eggs. Some of the benefits of cooking with a sous vide machine include improved texture and flavor, as well as the ability to cook food to a perfect degree of doneness without the risk of overcooking.

Sous vide machines are available in a range of sizes and styles, from compact, handheld models that are ideal for home use to large, commercial-grade units that are designed for use in restaurants and other food service environments.

As of 2021, here are the top 3 sous vide machines, based on popularity and customer reviews:

1. Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker: This compact and user-friendly sous vide machine is a popular choice among home cooks. It is easy to set up and use, and features precise temperature control and a powerful circulator that ensures even heating and cooking.

2. Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps: This sleek and stylish sous vide machine is designed to be small and compact, making it a great option for those with limited kitchen space. It is also powerful, with a powerful heating element that can bring a pot of water up to temperature in just a few minutes.

3. Instant Pot Accu SV800 Sous Vide Immersion Circulator: This sous vide machine is made by the popular manufacturer of multi-cookers and is designed to be used in conjunction with Instant Pot's line of pressure cookers. It is an affordable and convenient option for those who already own an Instant Pot and are looking to add sous vide cooking to their repertoire.

These are just a few of the many sous vide machines available on the market. It is important to consider factors such as price, size, and features when choosing the right sous vide machine for your needs.

Here are some estimated prices for the top 3 sous vide machines as of 2021:

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker: Prices start at around $149 for the Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker.

Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps: The Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps starts at around $199.

Instant Pot Accu SV800 Sous Vide Immersion Circulator: The Instant Pot Accu SV800 Sous Vide Immersion Circulator starts at around $99.

Popular Smartwatches

There are several popular smartwatches that are widely used and well-received by consumers. Here are some of the most popular brands:

1. Apple Watch
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch
3. Fitbit
4. Garmin
5. Fossil

These smartwatches offer a range of features, including fitness tracking, mobile payments, message and call notifications, and more. They are designed to be stylish and functional, making them a popular choice for tech-savvy consumers.

The concept of smartwatches has been around for many decades, but the first commercially available smartwatch was the Pebble, which was released in 2013. This was followed by the release of several other smartwatches, including the Samsung Galaxy Gear, the Apple Watch, and the Fitbit Blaze.

These early smartwatches were relatively basic, with features that focused mainly on fitness tracking and message notifications. However, over time, smartwatches have evolved to offer a wider range of features, including mobile payments, voice assistants, and more.

Smartwatches continue to evolve and advance, with new models and features being introduced regularly. Here are some of the latest developments in the smartwatch market:

1. Health and Fitness Tracking: Smartwatches are becoming increasingly sophisticated when it comes to tracking health and fitness metrics, with more advanced sensors, such as ECG and blood oxygen monitors, being added to newer models.

2. Increased Battery Life: One of the biggest challenges with early smartwatches was their limited battery life. However, recent advancements in battery technology have led to longer-lasting batteries, making it possible to use smartwatches for extended periods without needing to recharge.

3. 5G Connectivity: Some newer smartwatches now offer 5G connectivity, which can provide faster and more reliable data transmission and make it possible to use the watch for more data-intensive activities, such as streaming music or videos.

4. Customizable Watch Faces: Smartwatches are now more customizable than ever, with a wider range of watch faces and bands available to match different personal styles.

5. Integration with Virtual Assistants: Many smartwatches now offer integration with virtual assistants, such as Siri and Google Assistant, making it easier to interact with the watch and access information hands-free.

These are just a few examples of the latest developments in smartwatches. As technology continues to advance, it's likely that smartwatches will continue to evolve and become even more sophisticated and functional in the years to come.

Own a smartwatch? Share your review in the comments section below.

Popular headphone sets to buy as gifts

Here are some popular headphones that make great gifts:

1. Apple AirPods Pro: These wireless earbuds offer excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4: These over-ear headphones offer industry-leading noise cancellation and excellent sound quality.

3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II: These over-ear headphones are known for their exceptional noise cancellation and comfortable fit.

4. Sennheiser Momentum Wireless: These over-ear headphones offer high-quality sound and a stylish design.

5. Beats Solo Pro: These on-ear headphones have a sleek design and powerful bass response, making them popular for casual listening.

6. Jabra Elite 75t: These compact wireless earbuds offer great sound quality and a comfortable fit for on-the-go listening.

7. JBL Free X: These wireless earbuds are water-resistant and have a long battery life, making them a great choice for active listeners.

8. Marshall Mid Wireless: These on-ear headphones have a retro design and deliver powerful sound, making them a popular choice for music lovers.

9. Skullcandy Indy Fuel: These wireless earbuds are designed for sport and fitness, offering a secure fit and sweat resistance.

10. Anker Soundcore Life Q20: These over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality and 40-hour battery life at an affordable price.

These are some of the most popular headphones that make great gifts for any occasion. Consider the recipient's preferences and needs when choosing a pair of headphones to ensure that they will love and use them.

Gift Ideas for Tech Savvy women

Here are some gadgets that tech-savvy women may enjoy:

1. Smartphone: A new smartphone with the latest features, such as a high-resolution camera and long battery life, is always a popular choice.

2. Smartwatch: A smartwatch is a convenient and stylish way to stay connected and track fitness goals.

3. Headphones: A pair of high-quality headphones with noise-cancelling technology and wireless connectivity is ideal for on-the-go listening. Check this out >> Popular headphone sets for gifts.

4. Portable charger: A compact and powerful portable charger is essential for staying connected when on the go.

5. Fitness tracker: A fitness tracker can help track steps, monitor sleep, and motivate users to stay active.

6. Wireless earbuds: Wireless earbuds offer convenient and discreet listening for music, calls, and more.

7. Tablet: A tablet with a large screen and fast processor is great for reading, streaming, and browsing the web.

8. Bluetooth speaker: A portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for listening to music and podcasts at home or on the go.

9. Home security system: A smart home security system with features like remote monitoring and video surveillance is a practical and convenient gift.

10. Virtual assistant: A smart speaker with a virtual assistant, like Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, can control smart home devices and provide helpful information.

11. E-reader: An e-reader, such as Kindle or Nook, is a great choice for avid readers who want to have their books in a lightweight and portable format.

12. Gaming console: For the gamer in your life, a gaming console, such as a PlayStation or Xbox, offers endless hours of entertainment.

These are just a few examples of gadgets that tech-savvy women may enjoy. Consider the recipient's interests and needs when choosing a gift to ensure that she will love and use it.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Women

Here are 12 Valentine's Day gift ideas for women:

1. Jewelry: A beautiful piece of jewelry, such as a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, is a timeless and romantic gift.

2. Flowers and chocolates: A bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates are classic gifts that never go out of style.

3. Spa day: Give the gift of relaxation with a spa day package, including a massage, facial, and pedicure.

4. Perfume: A new fragrance is a personal and luxurious gift that will make her feel pampered and special.

5. Fashion accessories: Consider a new handbag, scarf, or pair of shoes to add a touch of style to her wardrobe.

6. Cooking or baking classes: For the foodie in your life, a cooking or baking class is a fun and interactive gift.

7. Personalized stationery: A set of personalized note cards or a monogrammed journal is a thoughtful and practical gift.

8. Books: Give the gift of knowledge and entertainment with a hardcover book or set of books on a topic of interest.

9. Art: A piece of original art or a limited-edition print is a unique and meaningful gift.

10.Fitness equipment: Give the gift of good health with a new gym membership, exercise equipment, or a personal training session.

11. Experiences: Give the gift of memories with a concert or theater tickets, a cooking or wine tasting class, or a weekend getaway.

12. Tech gadgets: Consider a new tablet, e-reader, or smartwatch for the tech-savvy woman in your life. Check out >> Gift ideas for tech-savvy women.

These are just a few ideas for Valentine's Day gifts for women. Choose a gift that speaks to the recipient's interests and personality, and show your love and appreciation for her on this special day.

Check out this post if you are looking for gift ideas for men instead.

Looking for a place to celebrate Valentine's Day? Check this out >> Top restaurants in Singapore for Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Men

Here are 12 Valentine's Day gift ideas for men:

1. Tech gadgets: Consider a new smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch for the tech-savvy man in your life.

2. Leather goods: A leather wallet, passport cover, or messenger bag are practical and stylish gifts for men.

3. Grooming kits: Help the man in your life look his best with a grooming kit that includes a razor, shaving cream, and aftershave.

4. Sports gear: For the sports-loving man, consider a new golf club, tennis racket, or basketball.

5. Personalized jewelry: A customized bracelet, watch, or pair of cufflinks is a sentimental and meaningful gift.

6. Books: Give the gift of knowledge and entertainment with a hardcover book or set of books on a topic of interest. If he is interested in personal finance, some of the top personal finance / investment books might be an option. 

7. Whiskey or wine accessories: For the man who enjoys a drink, consider a whiskey decanter, wine aerator, or set of whiskey glasses.

8. Headphones or speakers: Give the gift of high-quality sound with a new pair of headphones or a portable Bluetooth speaker. Check this out >> Popular headphone sets for gifts.

9. Cooking gear: For the man who loves to cook, consider a new kitchen appliance, such as a sous vide machine, or a set of knives.

10. Outdoor gear: Help the man in your life enjoy the great outdoors with a new camping or hiking gear.

11. Fitness equipment: Give the gift of good health with a new gym membership, exercise equipment, or a personal training session.

12. Experiences: Give the gift of memories with a concert or sports event tickets, a cooking or wine tasting class, or a weekend getaway.

These are just a few ideas for Valentine's Day gifts for men. Choose a gift that speaks to the recipient's interests and personality, and show your love and appreciation for him on this special day.

Check out this post if you are looking for gift ideas for women instead. 

Credit Bureau and Credit Reports in Singapore

A credit bureau in Singapore is an organization that maintains and provides credit information on individuals and businesses to lenders and other financial institutions. The credit information includes credit history, payment behavior, and outstanding debts, among others.

The main credit bureau in Singapore is the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS), which was established in 2002 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CBS collects and maintains credit information on individuals and businesses, and provides credit reports to financial institutions to help them make informed credit decisions.

Credit reports from CBS can also be obtained by individuals and businesses, who can use them to understand their credit standing, identify errors in their credit information, and make informed decisions about their finances.

In addition to CBS, there are other credit bureaus in Singapore that provide credit information and credit reports, such as Experian and Equifax. These credit bureaus operate under the regulations and guidelines set by the MAS.

Getting a credit report from Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps to obtain a credit report from CBS:

1. Visit the CBS website: You can access the CBS website at www.creditbureau.com.sg.

2. Request a credit report: On the CBS website, you can request a credit report by clicking on the "Individual Credit Report" or "Business Credit Report" link.

3. Fill out the online form: You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, identification number, and contact details. For business credit reports, you will need to provide the business name, UEN number, and contact details.

4. Verify your identity: CBS may verify your identity through an electronic authentication process or by requesting additional information from you.

5. Pay the fee: CBS charges a fee for credit reports, which can be paid online using a credit or debit card. 

6. Receive your credit report: CBS will generate your credit report and make it available for you to download and review.

Alternatively, if one were to apply for a new credit facility with a bank, the CBS will typically have a free report available for you to check (30 days within application).

It is important to regularly check your credit report to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. If you find any errors in your credit report, you can dispute the information with CBS.