Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2017 i Singapore Women's Weekly

Pet Shop Girls You must have seen them by now: Little critters nestled in shop windows and emblazoned on bags, floor-sweeping dresses and shoes. That’s right, fashion has become obsessed with the animal kingdom and these A-listers love furry or feathered faces. Special shout-out to Margot Robbie, your tiger dress ‘roar-cks’! Pink Ladies Take on this season’s new colour obsession with fifty shades of pink. It’s just what you need to switch a dull wardrobe out of sleep mode, and add a healthy dose of feminine zing. Nicole Kidman shines in a peptide pink-meets-purple concoction, while Zoe Saldana adds a two-tone ruffled twist. Take The Plunge The hottest game in Hollywood right now? Playing ‘how low can you go’ with a navel-deep neckline. It’s the perfect statement for fancy formal…

My top 5 picks for the new season Denim Deluxe Pink roses on rugged denim offers a mix of naughty and nice Mustard Must-Have Add to black for a colour kick. In Full Bloom It’s feminine but I love that I can wear this with white sneakers. Coral Corale It’s so refreshing I’m tempted to experiment with an orange lippie. On Point This stylish colour-blocked pump is perfect if you re feeling fickle. My headline is a reminder to self. Because so often, I default to black. And I’m not only talking about my wardrobe. It’s also a reflection of how I sometimes veer on this side of safe, choosing to do the same old when there are new things to explore and take up – if I were only…

Victoria & David Beckham With an estimated net worth of US$350 million, it will come as no surprise that David and Victoria Beckham choose to live lavishly when they’re not touring the world for their many business endeavours. The couple are now eyeing Britain’s most expensive estate: The Abbotswood Estate in the Cotswolds. This sprawling stone mansion certainly isn’t short on space, with ten bedrooms, six baths and five living rooms. Barack & Michelle Obama What do an ex-US President and his wife need most after living in the White House for eight years? A heap of vacation homes! Barack and Michelle Obama certainly aren’t short of homes, but our favourite is their Hawaii mansion, the Plantation Estate at Paradise Point. The 6,000-sq ft home features a lagoon-style pool, several…

Mollie King A member of UK girl group, The Saturdays, Mollie was linked to the Prince in April 2012, although she later denied their relationship. Cressida Bonas Cressida dated the Prince for two years before parting ways in 2014, reportedly due to her dislike of all the public scrutiny she had to endure. Chelsy Davy The South African stunner was reportedly reluctant to be a royal wife, which led to their split after seven years of dating. Florence Brudenell-Bruce Florence, a swimwear and lingerie model, was the Prince’s first serious girlfriend following his split from Chelsy in 2011.…

Make A Splash The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, $69 (250 ml), is more than just a toner. It’s infused with real rose petals, rose oil, angelica leaf extract and rose fruit extract to boost skin’s hydration levels within six hours. Formulated with the Moisture Magnet AQ ingredient, the ORBIS Aqua Force Moisture, $30 (50 g), strengthens skin’s ability to retain moisture while creating a reservoir of water within skin to relieve dryness. Eliminating ingredients that are unnecessary for the skin and keeping only the essentials, the Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extrême Emulsion, $69.90 (50 ml), only contains seven ingredients and is a simple and effective moisturiser suitable for sensitive skin. Burst any one of the highly concentrated capsules within the ETUDE HOUSE Tension Up Renewing Capsule, $49.90 (35…

Forget about heavy foundations or concealers - this year, it’s all about letting healthy, glowy skin shine through. A clear and bright complexion has always been the ideal standard amongst many Asian women, but exposure to harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants can often cause our skin to develop spots and blemishes. Understanding the desire for radiant, even-toned skin, LANEIGE has introduced a range of intensive moisturising and skin-brightening products to help women achieve dewy, luminous skin. A survey of 1,200 Asian women conducted by the Human Body Effect Research Team revealed that the ideal complexion is bright skin without red or yellow undertones. The findings also revealed skin tone is the chief concern for women aged 20 to 35, most desire to have brighter and more even skin tone.…

In our rush to get ready, we can sometimes neglect to take care of our skin - but as modern women, it’s important to have a proper skincare regime. We face stress and environmental aggressors daily, which can lead to dry and prematurely ageing skin, and problems such as wrinkles, laxity, and dullness. Combat these with MUJI’s Aging Care Series. Its highly customisable range of products minimises unnecessary fuss to bring you fresh, translucent skin. After all, a beauty routine that’s tailored for you is one you will enjoy, and be happy to keep up! Formulated with 10 botanical ingredients and 5 moisturising ingredients, the Aging Care Series specifically tackles dry or ageing skin to restore suppleness and radiance to your face. Natural botanical extracts like pomegranate, rose and camomile…

BALAYAGE Meaning “to paint” in French, this technique gives a coveted sun-kissed look. “Highlights are applied on selected sections by hand and brush for a most natural blend and texture,” says Hairloom’s stylist Bosco Eng. OMBRE If you want the look of a slimmer or more oval-shaped face, get an ombre. “It means ‘shaded’ or ‘shading’, and features dark roots that gradually get lighter from mid-shaft to the ends,” says John. “To get this ombre effect, opt for lighter hues from cheek down to create movement and elongate the face.” COLOUR MELTING Basically an updated ombre, “colour melting is a technique that blends highlights with a base colour to reduce harsh lines [between the colours]”, says Salon Vim’s Director John Tham.“Multiple shades are used to create the ‘melted’ effect which…

1 If silver steel isn’t your colour, go for gold, with rose gold or yellow gold options. 2 Bring your arm party with you! Thanks to its uncluttered dial, you can have more fun layering on bracelets and statement cuffs. 3 Want something extra special? Every watch in the 60th anniversary collection is numbered, ensuring no two watches are the same. 4 Borrowing your man’s watch is a perennial trick street style stars use, and the brown leather strap adds a subtle masculinity to your dress-down days. 5 Thanks to the timepiece’s water-resistant capabilities up to 30 metres, you don’t have to worry about getting it a little wet (but try not to!). 6 You’ll feel like a celebrity when you learn that Longines’ ambassador Kate Winslet had a hand…

Take A Deep Breath When you feel on the spot and your mind is blank, do not hold your breath, says psychologist and fear specialist Anthony Gunn. “Simply using deep breathing puts more blood back to the logical thinking parts of the brain,” he says. “If you’re feeling nervous, take a deep breath before you say anything at all.” Don’t Fake It “The ‘fake it till you make it’ mentality sets people up for failure,” says Anthony. “If you have to be cool, calm and confident, but feel extremely anxious, you will go to pieces.” Rehearse a tricky social situation by filming yourself on video: Get used to the feeling of anxiousness that arises, as it will drop soon afterwards. Prove Negative Thoughts Wrong The average person talks to themselves…

DR PATRICIA YUEN from Patricia Yuen Dermatology Medical & Cosmetic Skincare answers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about fat-freezing. Q: Are there any risks or possible side effects involved with Cryo-Lipolysis treatments? “Cryo-Lipolysis has virtually no side effects and is safe. There may be some redness or a slight tenderness of the treated area a few days after the treatment. There will also be no permanent nerve damage, though sometimes you can experience a slight numbness immediately after the treatment. However, this should resolve within a few days.” Q: What's the main difference between freezing fat away and simply losing weight naturally? “Losing weight by exercising and eating healthily can help to a certain extent, depending on one’s age and the area of concern. However, there are some areas…

Our brain is like a muscle – the more we stretch and use it, the stronger it becomes and the better it performs. “Our brain has the ability to change – we can always upgrade it,” says Dr Jenny Brockis, a medical practitioner and author of Future Brain. “When you service the engine of a car it drives so much better, and your brain is exactly the same.” Here, Dr Brockis reveals some simple ways we can boost our brain efficiency to tackle our daily tasks. FAT IS ACTUALLY GOOD FOR YOU The brain is 60 per cent fat and needs healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids to keep its cell membranes flexible. Studies show that a lack of omega-3s means poorer memory and problem-solving skills. Eating poor quality fats, such…

› GET THE RIGHT RATIO Use a 1:2 ratio of one cup of rice to two cups of water. A half cup of uncooked rice per person is about right; this generally applies to cooking Jasmine long grain rice. › ADD A LITTLE SALT Like pasta, adding a little salt (about ½ tsp to 1 tsp for every cup of rice) to the water when cooking helps your rice come out more aromatic, flavourful, and not bland. › LET IT SIT When the rice is done cooking, do not fluff it or immediately remove it to serve; let it sit in the steaming pot, covered, for about 10 minutes, before you fluff it with a fork. › CHOOSE PREMIUM GRAINS A perfect bowl of rice needs to be cooked from…

Decking your home in different decor materials and textures makes it look more sophisticated and modern, but when it comes to cleaning it can be a real hassle. This is why you need a multifunctional vacuum cleaner which can handle both hard and soft surfaces. Here’s how Philips’ newest cleaner can help you save time and energy: Effortless Maintenance The bagless Philips PowerPro Duo has a one-step empty dust bucket, so cleaning and maintaining it is simple and hassle-free. Captured In One Go It is equipped with a TriActiveTurbo nozzle to capture all the dust and fluff in one go. No need to vacuum the surface over and over again for a thorough cleaning. Cleans Any Surface From your floors with hard surfaces like tiles or parquet to soft surfaces…

Vibrant Red Representing the element of fire, red is the colour of passion. Best used in the kitchen and dining area, brighter reds can enhance the sense of smell and heighten appetites. Shelly Chan, marketing manager of Nippon Paint Singapore, suggests using red in the bedroom too as it’s a stimulating colour for romance and heart rates. But since it’s such an ‘exciting’ shade, it’s best to use crimson hues as accents rather than as a base colour. Cheerful Orange Don’t shy away from this bright, energetic colour that’s associated with laughter and celebration. When used in the dining room, orange can encourage appetite and warmth, while in the living room, it can inspire conversation, says Shelley. Likewise, Jeremy recommends using lighter hues or orange in activity-packed areas, such as…

COOK OUT Petit Chef cooking lessons let children explore the Maldives through their palate, taking them on an epic culinary journey through the archipelago. GET WET Get acquainted with Maldivian marine life through the resort’s coral propagation programme. Unique to Club Med Kani, the activity aims to add to your child’s experience of the island’s natural landscape. FROM ABOVE Nothing beats a bird’s eye view of the Indian Ocean. It may cost a bit more, but watch as your young ones squeal with delight as they see islands stretch out beneath them. AFTER DARK If your child is a thrill-seeker, jump in on a night dive with him, where you’ll see phosphorescence creatures and glow-in-the-dark coral sparkling in the water.…

BEAUTY ALGENIST available at Sephora, BECCA available at Sephora, BENEFIT COSMETICS available at Sephora, BOBBI BROWN #B2-45 ION Orchard, BSKIN available online at sg.bskin.com, BURBERRY Tangs at Tangs Plaza, Sephora ION, CHANEL BHG Bugis, Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and Tampines), Metro Paragon, #B1-134 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Robinsons (The Centrepoint and Raffles City Shopping Centre), Takashimaya D.S., Tel: 6735 1339, Tangs (Orchard and VivoCity), CLARINS Robinsons Orchard; Tangs (Orchard and Vivocity), Isetan (Scotts and Serangoon), Metro Paragon, Takashimaya D.S., CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE TANGS at Tangs Plaza, D’SKIN #02-133/135 Heartland Mall, DERMA-RX 302 Orchard Road #16-01 Tong Building, DIOR BHG Bugis, Ion Beaute Boutique at #01-05/06 Ion Orchard, Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and Tampines), Metro Paragon, Robinsons (The Centrepoint and Raffles City Shopping Centre), Takashimaya D.S. and Tangs…

Objects of her affection Elevate your outfit with coloured crystals. Embellishments add texture to a simple black skirt. Embellished butterflies make a quirky statement. Printed bags are a great way to incorporate prints into your outfit. Make your button-down less boring by opting for one with cute motifs.…

E-MAIL of the month From Shanice Pek “I have a friend who posted on Facebook about the prizes and freebies she won from The Weekly. Curious to check out the magazine, I bought my first copy, and was pleasantly surprised to find many informative articles that kept me entertained for days. I’ll be taking part in all your attractive giveaways and hopefully, be able to post some of my own wins on Facebook in time!” POST of the month Adeline Tan Huixiu shares her plans for Easter with us on The Weekly’s Facebook page “I’m organising a playdate with my kids and friends’ children at my house, to make Easter eggs and handicrafts. There will be chocolates and candies I’ll pack in goodies bags, and I’ll order pizza and prepare…

KIM KARDASHIAN 1. Five cartons of prune juice a day for digestion 2. On-call butler for errands 3. At least 20 packs of fat-free natural Greek yoghurt 4. Swiss chocolate, broken up into bite sizes and wrapped individually BEYONCÉ 1. 20 pots of sugar-free cinnamon applesauce 2. Vanilla scent for Blue Ivy 3. A set of scales in every room 4. Manicure services available within five minutes of demand MARIAH CAREY 1. Two dozen white roses 2. Bottles of vitamin water to bathe her dogs in 3. 100 white doves and 20 white kittens 4. Warm fried chicken…

When she decided to take on Australian novelist Liane Moriarty’s book, Reese Witherspoon also knew she wanted to rope in her good friend Nicole Kidman as co-producer. She also asked for Nicole’s help in securing the rights to fellow Aussie Liane’s book. Big Little Lies is told from the perspective of three mothers: Jane (Shailene Woodley), a newcomer to the town of Monterey who moved there to provide a better life for her son; Madeline (Reese), a take-charge, part-time worker, full-time mum who befriends Jane on the first day of school; and Celeste (Nicole), a devoted mother with a secret personal life. The story is shared in flashback after a local murder puts the community’s passive aggressive disputes under police scrutiny. Nicole says, “There are great roles here (for women).…

Angelina Jolie is the muse of Guerlain’s new fragrance Mon Guerlain, $208 (100 ml). This floral-musk fragrance exudes elegance, femininity and strength, perfectly embodying the actress and humanitarian’s personality. Based on the Rose d’Onano, which gives off a unique zesty scent for a few weeks in May every year, the Sisley Izia EDP, $180 (50 ml), opens with a citrusy top note leading to a floral heart and ends with a feminine musky scent. The new Dior J’adore in Joy, $194 (100 ml), fragrance centres itself on an imaginary flower – the Fleur de Sel consists of Jasmine Sambac, Neroli and Tuberose. Madagascan ylang ylang is added to the mix to create a floral-fruity-salty accord.…

WHITE DEW ORIGINAL AMPOULE ESSENCE  This concentrated formula is clinically proven to improve skin brightness. You’ll see an increase in translucency as the appearance of dark spots diminishes. Its rich texture is effectively absorbed into the skin to brighten the complexion, while panthenol and beta-glucan deliver soothing effects. WHITE DEW TONE-UP CREAM  Red or yellow undertones can often make skin look irritated or tired. That’s when you reach for the Tone-Up Cream to soothe dullness, wick away inflammation and infuse skin with essential moisture. This day moisuriser comes in a white emulsion texture which absorbs comfortably into the skin to provide rich hydration. Apply it with the White Dew Tone-Up Puff for even and complete coverage.…

CANDY RED Energetic, feminine and vivacious, a bright shade of candy red will be a rich addition to your mundane work attire. PERFECT PAIRINGS RUNWAY INSPO Rather than take the expectedly romantic route, try clean lines and sporty silhouettes. IT’S IN THE DETAILS If a head-to-toe look in red isn’t your cup of tea, anchor your outfit with a chic piece in the fiery shade, and complement it with touches of crimson in your accessories. Dusty shades like maize can also help to play down a cherry-red hue. BEAUTY TIP A classic swish of red on your nails gives you that va-va-voom finish. GREENERY Evoking the feeling of walking through a grassy field, it’s no wonder this lush colour was picked as Pantone’s Colour of the Year. PERFECT PAIRINGS RUNWAY…

1 WEAR RED It’s a colour with the power to temporarily boost energy levels, so your reactions will be faster and stronger the moment you see red. Experts say it’s due to the colour’s natural associations with things like danger and emergencies. 2 TOP UP YOUR VITAMIN C Try to consume 110 mg a day (RDA is 60 mg) and after a month and a half, you’ll feel like you’ve got more energy. This is because vitamin C activates a number of enzymes that boost levels of energy-related neurochemicals in the brain. To get that amount of vitamin C, eat two kiwifruit, one cup of red capsicum or two oranges. 3 PULL YOUR SHOULDERS BACK Your posture determines how energised you feel. A slouch drains energy levels while walking with…

My son Calder has autism. When he was lost, he wouldn’t cry, but would walk on and on. He wouldn’t seek help because he can’t talk well, and lacks the motivation to talk. He isn’t good at answering questions, either. Once we let him wear a watch to school; he came home without the watch and couldn’t tell us where it was, or what had happened to it. He cannot answer “why” questions, so we never really know the reasons for his meltdowns, or why he’s trying to blink away tears. Calder was diagnosed with autism shortly after his third birthday. Because he was my first child, I didn’t think much of him not talking and not responding to our calls. I thought he was being “cool” or “bochap” (indifferent).…

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE MERINGUE CAKE Prep 20 mins • Cook 1 hour • Serves 10 to 12 200 g dark chocolate, chopped • 150 g butter, chopped • 1 tbsp instant coffee powder • 6 eggs, separated • /3 cup caster sugar • 1½ cups almond meal •¼ cup raspberry jam • Melted dark chocolate, to drizzle MERINGUE • 3 egg whites •½ cup caster sugar • 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice 1 Preheat oven to 160 C. Lightly grease and line base and side of a deep 22 cm round pan. 2 In a small saucepan, combine chocolate, butter and coffee powder. Stir over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. 3 In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat yolks and sugar together, until thick and creamy. Add chocolate…

Leafy Green & Petal Pink Get in on the botanical trend with this divine combination that evokes the freshness of nature and blooms in springtime. Green and pink is a surefire way to introduce an organic element with a modern twist into your living spaces. Navy Blue & Smoky Grey Create a calm, serene oasis at home with a mix of rich blues and sophisticated greys. This classic colour duo is easy on the eyes, making it perfect for areas of relaxation like the living room and bedroom. Think lots of lovely soft furnishings, unique textures and pieces that combine style and function. Deep Pink & Sunny Yellow Amp up the energy and mood of your home with pops of this bright and cheery…

Felicia Tan tells us why her husband Jeff is the greatest: “Jeff and I have been married for two and a half years. We have a two-year-old daughter and he takes great care of her, changing her diapers and cooking for her on weekends. Best of all, he treats me like a queen by doing most of the housework so I can rest. I really appreciate all his efforts!” Our Hot Husband of the Month wins a Couples Massage (90 minutes) from Pürovel Spa & Sport, worth $419. Would you like to participate in E-Mail, Post or Hot Husband of the Month? Write to sww@sph.com.sg or visit www.facebook.com/thesingaporewomensweekly, and you may win a prize. By participating in the Your Say section, you hereby grant us permission to use or reproduce…

TOM CRUISE “I suspect he’s had Botox injections to his forehead and crow’s feet areas,” says cosmetic surgeon Sultan Hassan, FRCS of Elite Surgical. LI BINGBING “Her eyebrows have definitely changed in position. She may have had a facelift,” says Dr Marco from Dr Marco Faria Correa Plastic Surgery. SANDRA BULLOCK “She either has great genes, or has had volume replacement in her cheeks and lips,” says Katherine Millar-Shannon, cosmetics nurse practitioner at Duquessa Clinic & Spa. AARON KWOK “He’s had surgery to correct drooping upper eyelids,” says Dr Leo Kah Woon from Dr Leo Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.…

Helen (1998) Corinne entered the music world aged 15 with an all-female rock band, Helen. While it disbanded soon after, it caught the attention of a major recording label. Put Your Records On (2005) Corinne burst out into the spotlight with her second single from her debut album, “Put Your Records On”. She earned three Grammy nominations in 2007, and sang live at the Grammys that year with John Legend and John Mayer. Young and Foolish (2005) After a few years of releasing her own music, Corinne’s breakthrough came through her collaboration with Craig David’s mentor, English singer Mark Hill. Their song, “Young and Foolish”, saw her create a name for herself in the industry. The Sea (2010) Two years after the death of her husband, Jason Rae, Corinne released…

a ARCH ENEMIES Strong and well-groomed brows continue to reign this season with an emphasis on enhancing your own natural brow shape, rather than a strong, overpowered look. b BRAIDS For those with ultra-long hair, it’s time to have some fun with braids, and we’re talking loads of them. Brands like Preen and Emporio Armani featured models with multiple braids to keep flyaway hair at a minimum. Perfect as a casual ’do, or if you need to keep hair out of the way at the gym. c COLOUR ME BRIGHT Go colourful or go home – we’re seeing vivid bright lids take centrestage, while the rest of the face is pared down. For a dose of fun, match your nails with your eye makeup. d DOTS AND DASHES Can’t quite…

Attaining bright and clear skin has never been easier – just add these simple steps to your usual routine and wake up to a radiant and rejuvenated complexion. Take half a teaspoon of ORBIS’s Koubijin Night Time Pack, and gently massage into moisturised skin in an outwards circular movement. The oil-free formula absorbs comfortably into the skin, so there’s no cloying residue. There’s no need to rinse off. Leave it on overnight and let the effective ingredients do their work to nourish your skin through the night. And don’t forget the neck area! Often neglected, the thinner skin on your neck can show age earlier. Take care of it by applying a half-teaspoon amount all over your neck, in an upwards motion. Repeat these steps once or twice a week.…

RED Wearing red lipstick is like superheroes putting on their suits – it should make you feel confident and ready to take on the world. Red lipsticks with blue undertones have the amazing ability to make teeth look whiter, but if you have warmer skin, complement it with a warmer red. FUCHSIA It takes someone bold and confident to pull off a vivid pink tone like fuchsia, but it’s also a difficult shade to master. Go easy on the eyes and brush on a complementary cheek colour to balance out the look. NUDE Nude lipsticks often vary for each individual, but selecting a shade that’s about two shades darker than your skin tone is often the safest bet. Make sure it complements your skin’s undertone, too. PINK Nothing says ‘girly’…

On her design debut “I started Perk by Kate in 2012 as a multi-label lingerie retailer, and my best-selling style was the unpadded bralette. As my customers wanted padded bralettes, I decided to design them instead.” On the biggest lingerie myth “It’d be that underwired bras help prevent sagging. That’s still an unproven theory. In fact, many of our customers have ditched underwired bras for padded bralettes, and they love the comfort!” On finding the perfect bra “Fit is all that matters. I find many ladies are fixated on a certain size, instead of going for the right fit. Different brands fit differently, so don’t allow a number or alphabet to deter you from trying other sizes.” On dressing for your shape “For women with pear-shaped bodies, longline bralettes help…

FASHION FATIGUES Put a stylish spin on utilitarian cargos with these star pieces. Casual Fridays Glam up a cargo jacket with statement accessories. Lunch Meeting Ruffles and strappy sandals can help soften the rugged look of a cargo skirt. BFF Gathering Nail your off-duty look with a pair of distressed jeans and a ladylike bag. WALK THE LINE Go big or go home with graphic stripes in eye-popping hues! Gallery Opening A bold midi-dress can be pared down with simple yet quirky accessories. Brunch With Your In-Laws Opt for striped accessories for a subtler take on the trend. Night At The Ballet Graphic blocks of complementary colours can help break up your look without fighting for attention. PEDAL TO THE METAL A slick of molten metallics goes a long way…

“I bought this bracelet just after I quit my day job to pursue being an influencer full time. It says be the change on it, which was a timely reminder for me to take that leap of faith into the unknown in order to chase true dreams.” “I designed my own engagement ring because I wanted something unique and one-of-a-kind. I modelled the diamond on a snowflake, and combined it with a rose gold setting because that's my favourite metal.” “I was hunting for a particular pair of JimmyChoos. I scoured store in every London, Europe and New York, before locating it in the store room of an outlet store after three months!” THE TASTEMAKER Nellie Lim, 27, Social Content Creator Influencer, street style star, strategist. Call…

What if we told you that you can painlessly reduce stubborn excess fat with no downtime, no needles, no surgery and no medication? It may sound too good to be true, but Cryo-Lipolysis by Zimmer Z Lipo promises just that. It’s ideal for both men and women who are at or near their ideal body weight, but who have stubborn fat that does not respond to regular exercise and a balanced diet. How does it work? It’s said that the fat-freezing procedure formally called Cryo-Lipolysis was first discovered after doctors noticed how children who ate a lot of ice pops experienced fat degradation in their cheeks. The theory behind Cryo-Lipolysis is that fat is more temperature-sensitive than your skin, and goes through the cell death process faster. The procedure uses…

‘We hope to save the world one piece of clothing at a time!’ When Eliza quit her job as a graphic designer in an advertising firm five years ago, she had become weary of promoting products she didn’t believe in. Together with Wuen and another co-founder, Kelly Hotta-Moung, they set up Touch The Toes (TTT), a multi-label store along Haji Lane retailing sustainable fashion and yoga items. “TTT was born out of an exhilarating 30-day yoga fund-raising challenge, where our teacher inspired us towards ‘seva’, or service for the betterment of society,” says Wuen, “Coupled with a personal green outlook on life, our little vanity project took off!” “We aim to make sustainable products fun, quirky, informative and more accessible at the same time,” Eliza says. “Living an eco-conscious lifestyle…

It’s not called the goggle box for nothing; TV is typically thought of as a killer of kids’ imagination and intellect. Sure it’s no substitute for school learning, but there’s no need to ban it altogether. “Some people are absolutely religious about having zero TV for their kids, and they don’t even have a TV set in their house,” says Clarinda Choh, the principal of The Keys Academy, who also has a 13-year-old son. “I feel we don’t need to be so hardcore about saying no to TV. Education can be greatly supported by TV, if it’s curated sensibly. There are some great programmes out there now.” Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Director of Children’s at BBC Worldwide, says when selecting programmes for kids to watch, “there should always be some form of…

Macarons did not have any filling originally. It was Pierre Desfontaines, grandson of the famed Ladurée family, who came up with the idea of sandwiching two macaron cookies together and filling it with ganache. It originated from Italy. The first macaron was introduced by the chefs of Italian noblewoman, Catherine De Medici in the late 16th century. It is pronounced as “Mah-ka-rohn” and is commonly mistaken for a macaroon – a coconut confection with an elaborate swirl on top and normally dipped in chocolate. It’s gluten-free when made in its original recipe. It involves almond flour, egg, sugar, air and, save for additional flavourings, very little else. Locally, you can find exotic flavours like durian, lychee rose and yuzu. It is the best-selling sweet in France. Even though its origin…

Get Creative With… … Kayamila kayas, which come in four exciting flavours: Original, Sea-Salt Caramel, Vanilla Pandan and Calamansi Citrus. At $3.50 each, from leading supermarkets. Kaya Ice-Cream Anyone? It might sound strange, but try using kaya (chill it in the fridge first) as a flavouring for home-made ice-cream. An easy way is to use vanilla ice-cream as base, then fold the kaya into it for a fragrant icy treat. Shake It Off Try this: Blend two scoops of vanilla ice-cream with ¼ cup of kaya for a unique shake! Creative Bakes Whether you’re baking cheese cake or a chocolate fondant cake, try mixing kaya into your recipes – you never know what interesting and delicious creations will come out of it! Better Batter Making your own waffles or pancakes…

Prep 2 hours plus chilling / Cook 1¼ hours / Serves 16 3 cups caster sugar 2¼ cups water 375 g butter, chopped 300 g milk chocolate, chopped, plus 100 g extra, melted 1½ tbsps instant coffee 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs, lightly beaten 2¼ cups self-raising flour ¾ cup plain flour ¹/ ³ cup cocoa ¹/ ³ cup thickened cream 200 g dark chocolate, finely chopped 1 bendy drinking straw 250 g mini Easter eggs, various 8 Ferrero Rochers, unwrapped 2 long bamboo skewers 1 small party lolly bag MOUSSE 300 g white chocolate, chopped 1½ cups thickened cream 2 tsps powdered gelatin 4 eggs, separated 1. Preheat oven to slow, 150 C. Grease and line base and sides of three 20 cm springform round cake pans. 2.…

Amara Singapore 2D1N stay for two at a Club Room in Amara Singapore, worth $941.60! We have three to give away. Nestled in the CBD and near Tanjong Pagar MRT, Amara Singapore’s location is superbly convenient. It’s close to Chinatown and the Tanjong Pagar Conservation District, with shopping mall 100 AM right next door if you’re in need of some retail therapy. With 392 rooms, a resort-themed swimming pool and a chic collection of restaurants like Element, Element on Tras Street and Silk Road, it’s the perfect spot to relax and dine well. Guests booking Club Rooms and Suites will enjoy exclusive extras at the Club Lounge, such as personalised butler service, complimentary American Breakfast from a personal chef and complimentary afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Each stay includes: •…

ROOSTER YEAR OF BIRTH: 2005 • 1993 • 1981 • 1969 • 1957 • 1945 Your luck is improving, and many problems will be resolved. Focus on fulfilling what you’ve promised, and you’ll sail through the month easily. Wealth luck is good, so make some small investments. There will be many passionate encounters with the opposite sex, so remember to stay faithful. DOG YEAR OF BIRTH: 2006 • 1994 • 1982 • 1970 • 1958 • 1946 There are many malicious characters around you this month, so watch your back. Lay low and stay clear of other people’s conflicts. Wealth luck is very low, so don’t be greedy or demanding towards your returns. Emotions are very volatile; stay calm and resolve your love issues amicably. PIG YEAR OF BIRTH: 2007…

Jacob* and I met in the second year at university; we were introduced through a mutual friend at another friend’s birthday party and it was love at first sight. I found him handsome, articulate, charming, intelligent and thoughtful – everything I yearned for in a boyfriend. In addition, he treated my family wonderfully, and was always respectful and considerate towards my parents. In my mind, I knew that Jacob was the one I was going to marry… there was no doubt about it. Even my parents had already regarded him as their future son-in-law, and I would regularly chat with my mother about our future wedding plans. However, they were all merely my plans, as I soon found out. Two years into our relationship, I found that whenever I mentioned…