Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i Singapore Women's Weekly

Chan Siew Boon Head of Digital Imaging Best things about CNY? “1) Going back to my hometown: Ipoh, Malaysia. 2) Eating a lot of traditional local delicacies. 3) Rest and relaxation, because it’s a public holiday.” What does Chinese New Year mean to you? “Family gatherings. There’s nothing better than spending well-deserved quality time with my loved ones.” Eileen Chia Head of Product & Partnerships – Women’s Network Best things about CNY? “1) Catching up with family and extended family members. 2) Dressing up my boys in matchy-matchy auspicious outfits (much to their dismay). 3) Two words: Pineapple tarts!” What do you hope relatives will not ask you this year? “If we are going to try for a girl, or kid number four (we already have three boys!)” Kenneth Ong…

Oscar Swag Bag With goodies packed into bursting gift bags, the Academy Awards attendees never leave home empty-handed, even when they miss out on a gold statue. From the outrageous to the simply luxurious, here’s a compilation of the best ones. Barking Besties Don’t pick a bone with these famous faces! Not only were they born in the Year of the Dog, they are also big-time puppy lovers. It’s little wonder celebs like Mariah Carey and J.Lo are so drawn to their furry friends: Those born in the Year of the Dog are said to be loyal and have a strong sense of responsibility, much like their canine companions. Fifty Shades Frenzy Once, a typical Valentine’s Day would consist of a fancy dinner and a bouquet of roses, but women…

“He really upped his game when he asked me to be his wife” Teh May Wan 35, Model-Host & Professional Baker It’s the little quirks that make people lovable. No one knows this better than May Wan’s husband Audric Haryadi, who was enamoured by a wrinkle under the model’s eye when he first saw a snapshot of her laughing. Eight years of wedded bliss and two adorable daughters later, the affable May still likes to joke that her significant other picked his bride out of a photo line-up. HOW WE MET: “I got an offer for a modelling job in Jakarta in 2005. Some other models were approached too, and when they compiled everyone’s composite cards, the client asked his friend – my husband – to help him choose the…

Transformation doesn’t always require a major overhaul: For a new look without having to undergo dramatic change, these beauty tweaks and makeover tips will make you feel like a new woman. MICHELLE ANG, 31 A former cabin crew member, Michelle is all about good skincare. In addition to her daily beauty regime, she also does facial gua sha to detox and reduce water retention. This sales and marketing executive likes wearing her makeup light, sticking to just eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, bb cream, blusher and tinted lip balm. When she’s not meeting clients, Michelle prefers to let her skin rest by foregoing makeup entirely. “This also means that I can wake up slightly later in the morning as I need less prep time!” she quips. THE ONE-TWEAK TRANSFORMATION: A STATEMENT LIP…

1 Double Up On The Defence UV rays from the sun are notorious for wreaking havoc on skin and causing premature ageing, but they can also damage your hair cuticles, leaving them dry and weathered. Meanwhile, airborne pollution can also cause hair to become brittle and dull-looking. Protect your precious hair from these environmental stressors with products specially formulated with SPF or anti-pollution in mind. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Purify & Protect Hair Sealer Spray, $18.90 (150 ml), forms a lightweight screen to protect hair against dust and pollution for up to 72 hours. Phyto Phytoplage Protective Sun Veil, $52.90 (125 ml), shields hair with a UV filter while nourishing it. 2 Head For Regular Trims For hair to grow well and stay healthy-looking, it’s vital to visit your hairdresser every…

THE PRINTED DRESS Level up your prints by wearing them with a pair of printed sandals. THE TRENCH You can’t go wrong when sporting a classic trench-and-jeans combo. THE CIGARETTE PANTS Rather than your boring white shirt, colour-block with a boxy jacket. THE COMFY KNIT Update your cashmere with slouchy silk pants. THE PINSTRIPE PANTS Get creative and pair stripey trousers with a back-to-front jacket. THE SKINNY JEANS Wear them with Jane Birkinapproved separates. THE POLO TEE Dress up a sporty polo with statement pants. THE CULOTTES Wear them to work with a statement blouse: Matching jacket optional.…

HE SAYS “Since I work in a regular desk job, it's a challenge to keep things interesting when it comes to workwear. I tend to favour deeper colours, but I’ve also wanted to try incorporating more prints into my daily outfits.” SHE SAYS “That pocket square is the perfect accessory to top off the whole look. Jon doesn’t own a single pocket square, so I’ll be sure to get him some so he can personalise his outfits more.”– Assistant Editor Lisa Twang STYLE EXTRA HE SAYS “Because of my job, I have to go from shooting in the heat to a meeting with potential clients. Usually I meet them in a T-shirt and shorts, but I want to see how I can spruce up my look while staying comfortable…

DUMPLINGS Commonly known as “jiao zi” in China, dumplings signify “bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new” and should be eaten on the first day of the new year. Tip: If you have no time to make dumplings from scratch, you can buy ready-to-eat versions from the supermarket that are easy to cook and taste just as good. NOODLES In traditional Chinese culture, noodles represent longevity. Tip: Make sure not to cut the noodles after cooking, as they are meant to bring blessings of a longer, healthier life. FISH The last word in the CNY greeting, “Nian Nian You Yu”, represents wealth and is also the homonym for fish. Hence, eating fish brings good tidings of prosperity. Tip: It is important to buy fresh fish from the…

CAULIFLOWER PIZZA Prep 50 mins | Cook 20 mins | Serves 4-6 1 head cauliflower, in florets ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese 1 egg, lightly whisked 1 tbsp, white chia seeds 1 tsp Italian dried herbs 1 tbsp olive oil 1 chicken breast fillets 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto 1 bunch asparagus, sliced & blanched 100 g bocconcini cheese, torn ¼ cup walnuts, chopped Grated zest of ½ lemon Mint, micro herbs, to serve 1. Preheat oven to hot, 200 C. Line an oven tray and a 25-cm round pizza tray with baking paper. 2. Process cauliflower until it resembles rice. Transfer to oven tray and bake for 15 mins. Cool. 3. Place cauliflower in a colander double-lined with clean muslin. Enclose in a ball and squeeze out excess…

From refrigerator to countertop, a well-organised kitchen is the first step to better overall health. Begin with these 10 easy changes that will make living a healthier lifestyle so much easier to achieve. TO AVOID FOOD POISONING 1 Stick a “wash your hands” sign on the fridge. Seeing a written reminder makes you much more likely to wash your hands at important moments when you’re preparing a meal, which can help to prevent food poisoning. But the drying process is just as important to prevent lingering bacteria transferring to other surfaces, so dry your hands thoroughly using a paper towel. 2 Fill a drawer with clean tea towels. This makes it easier to reach for a clean, dry one, which matters because damp tea towels are a breeding ground for…

Wow, there’s so much in store as February springs upon us. With the Lunar New Year falling mid-month, The Weekly is here to get you ready and feeling fab in less time, and with less stress. We’ve got easy, stylish home-organising startegies (page 120) to get your space all ready for guests. And do you really need that dress hanging in your closet for the past three years? Fashion stylist Aaron Kok tells you what to dump (or donate), keep, or invest in to look chic this year (page 66). I like what self-care educator Eleanor Brownn says, “Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships and bad habits – anything that does not support your better self.” How true! Make this your best year yet by…

Purple Reign Embrace the Pantone Colour of the Year on your face with these gorgeous ultra-violet hues MASCULINE SCENTS Clueless on how to pick a fragrance for your man? We help you make sense of it FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH If you could bottle up youth, this is probably what it would look like…

THE TREND Space-Age Aim for the stars with a watch that mirrors the night sky. THE TREND Purple Reign Pick a rich plum colour in various textures for a luxe look. THE TREND Gentlemen’s Club Settle for nothing less than a classic dress watch to match your suit. THE TREND Cruise Control Red, navy and white stripes imbue a linen jacket with nautical vibes.…

1. WRIGHT LE CHAPELAIN The London-based label reinvents closet staples – think reworked shirts and deconstructed blazers – and menswear-inspired fabrics for the working set. 2. GANNI Hailing from Copenhagen, this is the label that has all the It-girls hooked. As a family-owned label, their pieces feel contemporary and urban, without losing their effortlessly cool vibe. Visit ganni.com 3. LEIGH MILLER Having chalked up more than a decade’s worth of experience working in the industry, Leigh Miller struck out in 2014 to launch her own line of jewellery to a thrilling response, thanks to her organic forms, hand-finished work and nature-inspired designs. 4. STAUD Romantic, wearable and sensual, Staud is a brand that comes from the sunny boulevards of Los Angeles. Founded by Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto, its collections…

1 sprays Weather don -proofing ’t just repel rainwater: They protect your shoes from dirt too. 2 boots Stuff your with shoe trees to help them retain their shape. 3 sachet Pop a small of silica gel into your shoes to combat the humidity. 4 cleaning Regular for your bags will prolong their life cycle. 5 their Keep dust them bags in when not in use, to protect the leather from the elements. 6 Moisturise leather your bags every few months to keep them supple.…

Stylish New You We help you achieve your fashion resolutions with practical and affordable buys you will not regret. Be Inspired Local celebrities share what they are up to in 2018, and how they plan to deal with the challenges ahead. You’ll learn useful tips to inspire your own life goals! Back-To-School Success Ease the young ones back into the new school year with our expert tips and parenting advice. Fresh Decor Ideas Looking for new ways to spruce up the home? We compile the best ones here for your next reno project. Creative Food Hacks Learn fun new ways to use pantry staples you never thought possible, in our easy-to-follow videos! Royal Updates Like everyone else, we’re really excited for this year’s Royal Family wedding – catch the latest…

Creativity is the art of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality – but it’s also about finding unique solutions to problems. Thinking in an original way is imperative for high-level health and wellness, as it can make life’s challenges more manageable, bring order to chaos and help us gain control over our lives. Many of us don’t see ourselves as ‘creative types’, simply because we weren’t naturally good at art, music or writing growing up. But the reality is, creativity is a developable, trainable skill and it has many positive life benefits. And Singaporeans’ interest in art is growing: 78 per cent of us acknowledge that arts and culture help to foster a sense of belonging, community and identity, as well as inspire creativity and innovation. This was a…

A new year marks the time for new beginnings and new fortunes. That is why we all love to wish each other well with yu sheng, a celebratory custom known as the Prosperity Toss. As we mutually mix up a salad comprising raw fish and shredded vegetables, we also shower blessings upon each other for the new lunar year. Ironically, while fish is the star of yu sheng, Singaporeans do not eat sufficient fish on a regular basis. In fact, compared to neighbouring countries Southeast Asia, we rank among the lowest consumers of fish in Asia Pacific, according to Euromonitor International. The Chinese also like to wish each other “nian nian you yu”, which means abundance year after year. Why not kick off the new year with a healthy start,…

Chicken Floss Cake Hot on the heels of their popular castella cakes featuring various local flavours, Ah Mah Homemade Cake has released a special Chicken Floss flavour. At $15, available only till February 28 from all Ah Mah Homemade Cake outlets. Tsum Fun Attention Tsum Tsum fans: The cute little characters from Disney are now jumping onto MAGNOLIA drink packages. Plus, redeem collectible tote bags with every purchase of two packs, from major supermarkets and convenience stores. Rendang Party Whether as a fast snack or a side dish to accompany rice, Yeo’s new Chicken Rendang with Potatoes makes for a real satisfying meal. At $3.60, from major supermarkets.…

A ALDO SHOES #03-10 Paragon Tel: 6736 3382 ALICE + OLIVIA #03-17 ION Orchard Tel: 6238 7911 ANNA SUI BHG Bugis APRILSKIN available at selected Guardian stores B BALLY Level 1 Takashimaya Department Store Tel: 6735 4029 BECCA available at Sephora BE COLOR available at www.glamoursalonsystem.com.sg BENJAMIN BARKER #B1-30 11 Capitol Piazza Tel: 6384 6755 BIBLIOTEK available at bibliotek.co BOCONCEPT #04-01/02/03 Paragon Orchard Tel: 6736 0777 BORN IN COLOUR available at www.bornincolour.com.sg BOSS #B2-222 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6634 6297 BOURJOIS available at Watsons BROWHAUS #03-18 ION Orchard, #05-10 Paragon, #04-08A Plaza Singapura BURBERRY BEAUTY Tangs at Tangs Plaza BURBERRY #01-32/33 Paragon Tel: 6887 5608 C CASIO G-FACTORY #B3-65B ION Orchard Tel: 6509 8582 CASTLERY #01-03A Delta House, 2 Alexandra Road Tel: 6744 5333 CHANEL BHG Bugis,…

FAYE WONG AND NICHOLAS TSE These Hong Kong pop stars got back together in 2014, a whopping 11 years after going their separate ways, proving that true love never dies. JENNY SLATE AND CHRIS EVANS Jenny and Captain America himself are giving love another try! The stars, who previously broke up a year ago, have started seeing each other again after a short break. ADAM LEVINE AND BEHATI PRINSLOO It took dating someone else for the Maroon 5 frontman to realise Victoria’s Secret model Behati Prinsloo was the one. After a brief breakup, he promptly proposed to the blonde bombshell. SELENA GOMEZ AND JUSTIN BIEBER Things are looking up for Selena and Justin. The pair went separate ways more than five years ago but recently reunited, to the delight of…

1 She’s a bona fide bikini babe Famous for donning a bikini for scenes in Mandarin dramas The Champion (2004) and Marry Me (2013), there’s no doubt that Jesseca dares to bare. To look perfect in her bikini scenes for Marry Me, Jesseca lost 7 kg – but the weight loss came at a price. She frequently felt cold and weak on set, and said her bust size also decreased. 2 You can rent her apartment If you need a place for the night in Langkawi, Jesseca recently listed an apartment on Airbnb. Her sister helps manage the property and guests. “So far, we’ve had a few tourists book the place – but none of my fans have yet,” she said with a laugh. 3 She once considered gaslighting her…

BLUNT BOB “It’s all about the blunt, short- to medium-length cut”, Yumi says. This one-length style helps bulk up fine, wispy tresses, and can suit various face shapes. “A longer version (below chin) is ideal for those with broader faces, while the shorter version (above chin) will suit those with slenderer face shapes,” Monica says. CURTAIN BANGS “This wispy, face-framing centre-parted fringe perfectly complements Asian face shapes that tend to be broader,” Monica says. Whether worn short to your eyebrows or longer to your cheekbones, it’s relatively low-maintenance. NATURAL WAVES “Nowadays the trend is toward more natural-looking waves that can be easily achieved with a hair iron,” Yumi says. Monica agrees: “Gone are the well-defined curls like ceramic perms – instead, go for soft curls that impart body, texture and…

Fresh Delivery Score a style trifecta with the mixed mediums of floral prints with actual fresh flowers and gold botanical-inspired jewellery pieces. Swipe White Channel the innocent allure of fresh lilies with a crisp white shirt. Tip: Bold sleeves win extra style points! Birds Of Paradise Add texture with nature prints and delicate embroidery. Print Recognition  key mixing multiple patterns one outfit? Make sure there is one common colour that runs through all the pieces. Roses Are Red Stand out and make a statement in scarlet. La Bohème Allude to your inner wild child with a ’70s-inspired wrap dress, plus flower crown. That ’70s Show Channel the best of the disco era with pops of paisley-print flowers.…

Sewing Kit For those annoying moments when a button pops out, or when you need to repair a small tear. Lint Roller Especially useful for those dark wool jackets that tend to attract dust. De-Piller Save your knits from all those nasty fuzz balls. Handheld Steamer For a quick fix to iron out those annoying clothing creases. Suit Bags Keeps your precious pieces protected from unsightly fabric snags. Unpicker Particularly nifty at opening up those jacket pockets.…

We’ve all gone looking for happiness at some point and found it, only to feel it drift away again. In the hamster wheel of the modern age, we often want more possessions than we have, which creates a cycle of discontent. “Our attempts to live well are today governed by a logic of expansion, in which happiness is the frequency, rather than the intensity, of pleasant moments. Those who only look for the best can waste their entire lives trying to find it,” says social psychologist Daniel Gilbert. He believes a radically simplified life is the best way to be happy in a multi-option society. Here’s how to make your life easier, so you can rediscover your priorities and what truly makes you happy. Be Content With What You Have…

Naomi Anneliese is living her dream: She runs her own calligraphy business Nehohmee, which offers calligraphy workshops as well as art supplies. It started when she left her corporate role in a business development company, to pursue a truly meaningful hobby. Now in her 20s, Naomi creates stunning calligraphy creations for brands like Sulwhasoo, LANEIGE and Tangs. “Calligraphy allows you to express your thoughts and feelings with the stroke of a brush,” says Naomi. “I took up calligraphy to have a creative outlet to express myself, and it’s amazing how a lifelong skill like calligraphy has given me the opportunity to meet new people from different walks of life.” Naomi looks forward to passing on the joys of calligraphy to others through her workshops. “One of my most memorable students…

KUEH BELANDA ‘In the old days, we would store kueh belanda in a cream-crackers rectangle tin and seal with Scotch tape. It takes a lot of patience and endurance to roll the kueh belanda when the pancake is still hot.’ – Chef Philip Chia Coconut Egg Roll Makes 75 rolls 4 eggs 300 g castor sugar 350 ml coconut milk 300 g plain (all-purpose) flour 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs with castor sugar and gradually add coconut milk. 2. Once sugar dissolves, add flour into mixing bowl, a little at a time, mixing well with each addition. 3. Grease kueh belanda mould. Heat mould on both sides over charcoal grill. 4. Using a ladle, pour batter over heated…

SWEET-CHILLI JAM NOODLES Prep 15 mins / Cook 1 Hour 40 mins / Serves 4 3 red capsicums, seeded and chopped 6 long red chillies, seeded and chopped 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1 lemongrass stalk, chopped 1 tsp shrimp paste 1 tomato, chopped 1¼ cups caster sugar ¾ cup red-wine vinegar 2 x 250 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced 440 g fresh ee fu noodles 1 bunch choy sum, chopped Shredded green onions, to serve 1. Mix capsicums, chillies, garlic and lemongrass in a food processor until finely chopped. 2. In a saucepan, gently toast shrimp paste 1 min, stirring until fragrant. 3. Add capsicum mixture, tomato, sugar and vinegar. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Simmer 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and jam-like. 4. In a…

Want your home to look spick and span? An untidy living space can increase your stress and anxiety, so take some time this month to reorganise and clear the clutter that’s accumulated over the past year, and freshen up your home to receive guests. Follow our handy storage guide with helpful tips to get you started: Shelving Units Shelving units maximise upright space, come in vertical and horizontal designs, and can sit against the wall or act as a freestanding room divider. Consider the space available, the size of the items to be stored and the style that best suits your décor, then have fun artfully arranging objects. TOP TIP: Haven’t used something in a year? Throw it out or donate it. It’s more important to have meaningful items than…

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SKIN Combat brown spots and uneven skin tone with the Placentor Vegetal Corrective Cream. Apply it under the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles, or discolouration on other parts of your face. With a new formula for reinforced efficiency, it contains liquorice extract to target skin pigmentation, and plant placenta to encourage skin regeneration. At $69.90 (30 ml), from Guardian. GO BEYOND LANGUAGE Interested to learn a new language? Berlitz offers a range of language courses, including Korean, Japanese, French, Italian and more. Short courses are available for those who are interested to learn language basics. Visit Ngee Ann City Tower B #16-01 for a free demo lesson and level placement, or contact 6733 7472 or study@berlitz.com. SKIN BALANCER The gentle and refreshing Aromatica Tea…

“Ben*, put away your toys! Sara*, stop Instagramming and start cleaning up your room! And dear, can you stop wearing your torn shorts and socks, and throw them away? Some have holes so big that you’re flashing the neighbours when you walk the dog.” Two years ago, this would have been part of a typical day in the Chong* household, where I am a one-woman organising-managing-cleaning company, helping my three family members sort out their affairs. I like cleaning, and I like to think I do a good job. That was until I made a mess of their lives! I really dislike untidiness. Like a laser-sighted drone, I would hover around at home, and when I spotted areas that looked unkempt, I would zoom in and start a clean-up operation.…