Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 i Singapore Women's Weekly

Sherry Leung Digital Designer, Video Lab All I want for Christmas is... “baking equipment and utensils. I took up a baking course a few months ago and it was so fun. I really enjoy baking, so I hope I can bake more for my family and get creative in the kitchen.” The holiday gift that made me laugh was… “a crystal trophy. I once attended a Christmas party and I got the best-dressed award. The theme was ‘Fashion Extremist’ so I wore a red-and-green outfit with black lace leggings and yellow sandals. My yellow earrings, pink necklace, purple scarf and green hairband gave me the winning points.” Sean Tham Content Specialist, Fashion & Lifestyle, Digital Trending Desk All I want for Christmas is... “to be a crazy, rich Asian. That…

FACT: Gemma Chan’s character, Astrid Leong, gets one of the best lines in Crazy Rich Asians. There was a collective shout of feminist empowerment at a preview when Astrid confronts her husband’s infidelity head on and lands her zinger – “It’s not my job to make you feel like a man. I can’t make you something you’re not”. Beautiful, poised and a graceful picture of quiet strength, Gemma was reportedly being eyed up for the lead role of Rachel Chu, but she preferred to take on the more intriguing part of a society lady trapped in an unraveling marriage. “Astrid was my favorite character when I read the books. Yes, she’s undeniably glamorous. She’s an enigma, but she’s someone who, as well as being incredibly stylish and all of the…

Tan Kheng Hua 55, FLY Entertainment Artiste From her breakthrough role on television as Margaret Phua in Phua Chu Kang to her scene-stealing turn on the big screen in Hollywood’s breakout hit of the year, Crazy Rich Asians, Tan Kheng Hua has always captivated audiences with her warmth, talent and exuberant personality. As Kerry Chu, the mother of Chinese-American heroine Rachel (played by Constance Wu), Kheng shone in a role that was tailor-made for her as she, too, is a fiercely protective mother-of-one in real life. “My daughter, Shi-An, always brings out the best in me. And I’m very flawed. But Shi-An and a handful of other people, they make me feel happy with myself,” says the actress-director, who was able to channel that love into her on-screen persona.…

OFFICE PARTY Soften a tailored suit by donning a pair of floral satin flats. Shoes, $309, from Ted Baker. BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS A pair of white mules will add a casual twist to your midi dress. See by Chloé shoes, $395, from Robinsons. DINNER & DRINKS Jeans and a fancy shoe make for an effortless cocktail-hour combo. Tabitha Simmons shoes, $785, from NET-A-PORTER. HOUSE GATHERING Stay comfy in a loose knit, floaty skirt and funky sneakers. Shoes, $139, from Aldo.…

While it’s always the thought that counts in the giving or receiving, it’s even more exciting when you get a present that you can find plenty of use for in your life. So before you rush out to buy another slogan mug or flimsy photo frame, consider the super-useful line of homeware that Brother has to offer you. Given that each piece is designed with an approach that puts its user first, your loved ones will appreciate your gift for its durability, practicality and life-changing capabilities. We won’t be surprised if you end up buying one more set to keep for yourself! PERFECT YOUR PRINTS Whether you’re getting your documents ready for a big presentation or you just want a copy of your photos for the family photo album, the…

Merry & Bright To make sequins suitable for daywear, Jade advises dressing it down. “Go with something more utilitarian and you won’t even have to change as you go from day to night.” Shift Focus Transform your look with the help of statement jewellery and a cocktail bag. Lip Service Jade advises changing up your makeup to transition from boardroom to bar seamlessly. “A bold lipstick is the quickest way to take a look from basic to fabulous”, she says. “A bright red is my go-to.” The Christmas rush is something we all have to deal with year after year. The flurry of having to go from the office to the mall (for those last-minute Christmas gifts), and then to a party with friends means finding clothes that are equal…

Make the conscious choice to expose yourself to those unexpected things that give you goose bumps. Go on a weekend hike – choose one that will lead you to a high peak to see a view you have never seen before. Attend art events; visit a gallery to observe art, go to a museum, listen to live music, attend a dance performance or a theatre play. Spend more time in nature; walk, go camping or have a picnic. Travel to scenic destinations. Observe the altruistic behavior of others: Watch those who give up their seat for others on public transport; see the wonder in a young child as they explore their environment; or listen to stories of those who press on against all odds. Watch an awe-inducing movie or read…

LOVE YOUR LOWER BODY LUNGE Lunges are a great way to tone your thighs and booty, and the most effective way is to go into a deep lunge, placing your hands on your hips – hold in this position, then slowly lower a couple of centimetres or so, then push back up. Aim to do this 10 times on one leg then change to the other. ‘Keep your upper body straight and always engage your core’ BOOTY AND AB TONER This exercise not only lifts your booty and tones your abs, it also tests your balance (so you may want to place one hand by a wall or chair for support). Make sure the knee is slightly bent on your standing leg, then extend one arm behind you and bend…

CHRISTMAS IN SPACE You can always count on the brand’s annual holiday collection to bring the cute factor. This year’s range is inspired by space travel, hence the abundance of pretty charms representing the celestial, including the stars and the moon. Add them to the PANDORA Reflexions mesh bracelet for an effect that is both polished and whimsical. Another collectible to look out for is the Santa In Space Charm ($89), depicting the jolly icon in an adorable space ship. A TRADITIONAL NOEL A classic celebration tends to evoke nostalgic vibes, and who doesn’t love that? Evergreen symbols of the season, such as pine trees, teddy bears, steam trains and a Happy Reindeer Charm ($99) in a charming rose gold hue, will certainly put anyone in a feel-good mood. All…

SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW FULL M MAGAZINE Decor Tip A stunning red tree will lend energy and sophistication to a room with dark accents.…

# 111SKIN available at Robinsons Orchard 3.1 PHILLIP LIM #01-16 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6304 1456 A ACCESSORIZE #B2-12/13 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 4402 ALDO #B2-20 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 1198 ALICE + OLIVIA #03-17 ION Orchard Tel: 6238 7911 APM MONACO #01-43A Raffles City Shopping Centre Tel: 6358 3895 APRILSKIN available at selected Guardian stores AQUIS available at Sephora ASOS asos.com B BALLY Level 1 Takashimaya D.S. Tel: 6735 4029 BATISTE available at Guardian and Watsons stores BECCA available at Sephora BIANCA MAVRICK biancamavrick.com BIMBA Y LOLA #01-04 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6235 1218 BOTTEGA VENETA #B1-99 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6688 7228 C CARRIE K. #02-02 National Design Centre Tel: 9061 2880 CHARLES & KEITH #B1-18/19 Wisma Atria Tel: 6238 3312…

Stuck for time but still want to serve up a mouth-watering meal? If you’re like us and have no idea where to turn after a long day at the office, then rejoice! You hold in your hands the key to whipping up meals that are not just tasty, but also nutritious, plus are a feast for the eyes as much as the soul. And all this without having to slave in the kitchen for hours on end. Yes, most of the recipes you’ll find in this cookbook take less than 30 minutes to go from stovetop to table top – perfect for eating in and as a family even on busy weeknights. To make your culinary conquests easier, we’ve also thrown our Domestic Diva award winners into the mix to…

Peanut butter is a delicious spread that both kids and adults enjoy. Thanks to the SKIPPY® Squeeze Pouch, you can easily take your favourite nutty spread with you wherever you go. Now available in these convenient portion sizes, these handy pouches are great for family outings and picnics, and convenient for kids to carry to school in their lunchbox. Spread on bread, crackers or a banana, a mouthful of this yummy peanut butter will give them that burst of energy they need for the day. Made from roasted peanuts, this smooth and scrumptious cholesterol-free peanut butter is packed with protein and goes on everything (sweet or savoury) – from sandwiches to entrées and baked desserts. Drizzle over pancakes or granola, add a dollop in your smoothie, or use as a…

In this December issue, it’s fitting to celebrate breakout movie of the year Crazy Rich Asians, which has gone on to be the top-grossing rom-com in the past decade. Besides being a landmark movie for Asian representation, it has so much more meaning for us as it shines the spotlight on our little island, as well as showcases our amazing actors. So, we knew we had to close the year with a special tribute to its stars. Read about how beautiful cover star Gemma Chan, just like many Asians, argued with her parents with regards to her acting career, page 18; and don’t miss our very own Tan Kheng Hua, Janice Koh, Amy Cheng, Koh Chieng Mun and Selena Tan as they talk about their crazy year in “The Joy…

They look nothing alike physically, but Margot channelled her inner ice queen when it came to playing Tonya Harding for the film I, Tonya. She was so convincing, her portrayal earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards earlier this year. Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? When Bohemian Rhapsody cast Rami Malek in the titular role, no one thought he looked like the Queen frontman. But the film has critics raving ahead of its release this month and Rami is said to be stunning as Freddie Mercury. We’re cheating a bit by using an animated film as a point of reference, but Hua Mulan was a legendary historical figure in real life too and newcomer Liu Yifei will be portraying the heroine in Disney’s…

Indulge in a ritual of pleasure with each spritz of JOY by Dior, an eau de parfum that has been described by its creator as “an olfactory interpretation of light”. Brought to life by perfumer Francois Demachy, this is “a fragrance that you don’t explain, you simply feel”.…

You may be ready for the dinners and parties this holiday season, but your skin may not agree with you. What now? Instead of reaching out for the best concealer in your makeup arsenal in a bid to hide your flaws, we suggest you dive deeper to target the root of your skin concerns. REDNESS A number of factors can contribute to skin redness – rosacea, inflammation, allergy, the weather, and even stress. Although a splash of chilly water can help calm skin by constricting the blood vessels, sometimes you need a bit more than that. Soothing products can help repair damaged skin, or boost resilience. DEHYDRATION The biggest culprit for fatigued skin, dehydration causes a number of problems, inluding skin losing its natural glow, enhanced lines, flakiness – even…

What motivated you to start Rentadella? “Believe it or not, I’ve always wanted to have a business in sustainable fashion since I was a little girl!” Why should women use a rental service like Rentadella? “To me, it’s a no brainer. Why spend tons of money on a dress you’d wear only once? By renting, you save money and get to wear a new dress each time. We bring in new dresses each season, so you get to keep up with the latest fashion trends without emptying your wallets. We are very hands-on with our recommendations. People book styling consultations with us because we care and we want you to leave our store feeling confident and ready.” We noticed that you stock a huge range of sizes. Is this deliberate?…

Into The Blue Add drama with plunging necklines and thigh-high splits. HELLO YELLOW Create interest with multiple textures in the same shade. CODE RED Go to great lengths with a midi dress styled over pants. FOLLOW SUIT Cinch a slouchy cocktail suit with a waist bag. GO WITH THE FLOW A polo neck knit adds sophistication to a floaty sheer skirt. BLOCK PARTY Bedazzled jewellery adds the luxe factor to clashing Crayola-inspired colours. THROW SHAPE Give a nod to the ’80s with strong shoulders and bold jewellery.…

As you begin making your shopping lists and sorting out your dinner parties, it’s also time to consider the important people in your life, and focus on finding them gifts they will love. Whether you’re buying something that you know your sister will treasure, or need a last-minute present for a friend’s party, Pandora’s new Christmas range has all the options. Drawing inspiration from the traditional icons of the festive season, Pandora’s charms are rendered with familiar yuletide icons. This includes adorable prancing reindeers, teddy bears in Santa costumes and even the North Pole Express loaded with wrapped presents. For something more ethereal, look to Pandora’s Christmas In Space collection, which takes the idea of a white Christmas to galactic heights. Think shimmering star motifs, which when set against a…

Passionate, fun, sporty and hardworking – Patsy Ong-Hahl loves a good laugh as much as the other person, but is dead serious when it comes to work. She has a global beauty and wellness company to show for it. The keynote to her success has been her ability to remain positive even when faced with failure. “There are good days and bad days. To me, good days give happiness, but bad days give experience,” she says. SWITCH ON, SWITCH OFF Patsy looks for balance in everything – even within work. “I am passionate to a fault (some might say). It is a good balance that I am also very analytical – I am very numbers and data driven,” she explains. “I love to work but love to spend time with…

THINK FUN The name says it all – Think Fun is the range for those who subscribe to a free-spirited, more-is-more approach to accessorising. Think bold colours, geometric patterns and whimsical prints. For those who prefer things a little more understated though, there are also monochromatic models within the line, such as Pinksparkles, which features pretty Swarovski crystals around the dial. DEEP WONDER Glamazons – or anyone looking for more evening-appropriate options – will find plenty of choices in the Deep Wonder collection. Expect rich and unexpected materials, such as straps made of Alcantara – a suede-like fabric often used to upholster seats in high-end cars. The Poudreuse is a sleek champagne-gold number that comes outfitted with a stainless steel bracelet, while the crystal-embellished Irisette will be a hit with…

You can customise the flavour of the fruit mix by substituting other dried fruit. To make the substitutions, ensure the substitute is the same weight as the fruit you are replacing. In place of brandy, you could also use a 50:50 mixture of rum and amaretto. To turn the fruit mix into a gift, pack in sterilised jars and label with date. To store your Christmas pudding, make sure to cool pudding to room temperature first, then wrap in plastic wrap and seal tightly in a freezer bag (or place in an airtight container). Store in the fridge for up to two months or freeze for up to 12 months. To get it ready, thaw frozen boiled pudding in fridge for three days. Remove from the fridge 12 hours before…

• Use fresh ingredients Always use fresh juices when you’re mixing high quality spirits – and the same goes with everything else. Seasonal garnishes include fresh lime for caipiroska or a slice of cucumber for gin and tonic. • Shake it like you mean it! It sounds obvious, but thorough shaking makes sure ingredients are incorporated together correctly. • Measure everything Keeping to specific amounts is crucial in ensuring your drink isn’t too sweet or too strong. Even at home, measuring can balance everything. • Choose clear ice Ice is a huge deal – there is nothing worse than a cube melting before you’ve even had a chance to enjoy your drink! The clearer the ice the better, plus always refill cubes for a longer-lasting, refreshing drink.…

A BREAKFAST STAPLE Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s a thing of Hollywood movies. And the name that’s almost synonymous with it: SKIPPY. You guessed it right: It’s peanut butter, the go-to spread for sandwiches. Now, with every 1-kg bottle of SKIPPY’s peanut butter, you receive an environmentally friendly water bottle from Lock&Lock. Make sure to stock up for the holidays – makes for no-brainer breakfasts and anytime snacks. At $11.95, from leading supermarkets. THE BETTER FIZZ Living in Singapore means dealing with the year-round summer weather that makes us all hot and bothered even after a short walk outside. Nothing’s more comforting than a cold and refreshing drink at such times and Yeo’s has got just the beverage for you. Juscool is made with real fruit juice…

Enhance the flavours of your food by choosing tasty oils that are also good for your health, such as coconut oil. Known for being heart-friendly and its brain-boosting benefits, this flavourful cholesterol-free oil is fast gaining in popularity. Chee Seng Oil Factory, which is renowned for its award-winning Chee Seng 100 per cent Pure White Sesame Oil, also offers its products under Double Pagoda and Golden Ox. With Double Pagoda, the company actually celebrates its roots in coconut oil production as the factory was founded to extract coconut oil during World War II, when other sources of edible oil were scarce. Now, as part of its specialty range of oils, Double Pagoda also offers coconut oil. Drawn from fresh coconuts using patented cold extraction methods, Double Pagoda’s delicious coconut oils…

1. PINT-SIZED PRINCE: Kyden Lim Probably one of the luckiest kids in Singapore, little Kyden can thank his billionaire grandfather Peter Lim and his generous mum, Kim, for throwing him rockstar birthday parties that cost a bomb. 2. BABY BALLER: Emme Anthony Emme, the daughter of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, has a miniature couture wardrobe that includes Chanel jewellery and bags. It’s said that even her baby rattle was covered in diamonds. 3. DIMINUTIVE DIVA: Suri Cruise When she’s not grabbing juice from Starbucks or indulging in mani-pedis with her mum Katie Holmes, Suri can be found burning up dad Tom Cruise’s credit card in the shops. Just look at that delicious fur coat! 4. QUEEN OF EVERY DAY: Harper Beckham Besides being part of a ridiculously good-looking family,…

Lil Miquela @lilmiquela Followers: 1.4 million The brainchild of a tech company Brud, Miquela Sousa (or more affectionately known to her fans as Lil Miquela) is instantly recognisable, thanks to her freckles and her Chun-Li hair. She’s often spotted in threads from Chanel and has done an Instagram takeover for Prada for fashion week, while also using her platform to speak out on social issues. As for her next step? Lil Miquela wants to branch into makeup tutorial videos. Noonoouri @noonoouri Followers: 127 k Don’t be fooled by her gigantic doll-like eyes and porcelain complexion, because Noonoouri is known to pull off some seriously fierce looks straight from the runway. She’s also worked on projects with brands such as KKW Beauty, Dior and Gucci, and is well-loved by fashion insiders and…

What do you get when you mix the Great Women Of Our Time Awards, made possible by main presenter Lancôme and presenter PANDORA, with a beautiful room filled with successful women and a whole lot of fun and festivity? A party to remember! For the past 13 years, The Singapore Women’s Weekly has been boldly celebrating the achievements of remarkable women. The initiative celebrates the unsung “sheroes” among us, who are doing incredible things that need to be acknowledged. By highlighting their actions, we hope to inspire a generation of other women to follow in their footsteps because as The Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Koh, said at the awards event on October 5, “Empowered women empower women”. This year’s nominees were a formidable mix of trailblazers, entrepreneurs and creative powerhouses. The…

The ocean has always served as a source of inspiration and awe for poets and artists, and this season, it has caught the imagination of jewellery brands. Dive into pieces that come in oceanic colours, such as marine-blue crystals or seafoam sapphires resembling seaweed, and in a myriad styles including brooches and earrings. Either way, you’re bound for a chic new look.…

Christmas is one of our most beloved holidays of the year, and this year’s celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) are extra special because Mickey Mouse is celebrating his 90th birthday! From November 15, 2018 to January 1, 2019, HKDL invites you to be a part of this double celebration with an amazing line-up of festivities, so get ready to party! A Very Disney Christmas Get into the swing of things at “Mickey and Friends’ Christmastime Ball” where your favourite characters take the stage in their special Christmas outfits, complete with energetic dancers and quartet singers. Don’t miss the opportunity to say hello to Duffy’s new friend – Cookie! Take pictures with your favourite Disney friends at the brand-new “Fantasy Gardens Wintertime Market”. See The Lights Come evening, welcome the…

1 START WITH A STATEMENT CLUTCH These clutches will be your best friend, daytime or at night. The trick to making them work? Ruthlessly editing the makeup you’re bringing. DON’T FORGET… 1. A statement clutch will attract attention to your fingernails, so stop by your manicurist for a pre-party fixer. 2. Find solid box bags, as they are easier to carry. Clutches with detachable straps are also a handy alternative. 3. Bring only what you need: Credit card, keys, phone and a mini lippie. 2 SPRUCE UP IN A MIDI DRESS The midi dress is a super-flattering dress length, and has the magical ability to flatter most body shapes for a variety of occasions. Try one (or all) of these three midi dress trends for your next party! TREND: EMBROIDERY…

Remember the last time you felt a sense of awe? Perhaps you were staring up into the night sky, being moved by music, or standing on a mountain top taking in the wonders of nature during your holiday. While the source of what arouses these jaw-dropping, breathtaking and heart-swelling displays of awe in each of us is different, it’s indisputably a powerful emotion which allows us to be in the presence of something vast that transcends the mundane reality of life. Michelle ‘Lani’ Shiota, associate professor of psychology at Arizona State University, and one of the few researchers to study awe in a lab, says, “Awe is an emotional response that we experience when we encounter something that challenges or stretches our understanding of the world, and as a result…

For the weight conscious More a weight-loss companion than a weighing scale, Body+ Body Composition WiFi scale by Nokia measures the person’s weight, muscle and fat mass, hydration levels and bone mass. At $169, from Lazada. For the yoga buff Wheel yoga is gaining a lot of popularity of late. The EVO Yoga Wheel will not just get the yoga fiend stretching into the perfect pose, it looks spunky enough to be part of the living room decor. About $45, from Amazon. For the compulsive gobbler Fact: Eating too fast is as bad as eating too much – it leads to indigestion and weight gain. The HAPIFork tracks the time taken to finish a meal – in the number of fork servings per minute and reminds the eater with gentle…

We love manicures. But we do not love the baggage they bring. Your manicure is a commitment that lasts up to four weeks. Although this may not sound like a long time, bold nail colours and elaborate nail art are not suitable for every profession and occasion. Also, after you’ve finally nailed that manicure appointment, the last thing you want to do during the year-end festivities is worry about the state of your manicure. EFFORTLESS AND VERSATILE Adhesive press-on nail tips are your best alternative to salon manicures. Press-ons are not just for little girls who aren’t allowed manicures. Rather, they’re an easy way for you to test out designs, helping you to save time and money. And they are the perfect option for those with manicure-commitment issues. Dashing Diva’s…

The idea for Jump Eat Cry started in 2015 – a time when maternity wear available online was not only frumpy, it was also impractical and expensive. Word got around about the homegrown brand's comfortable, stylish and practical collection, and in no time at all, Jump Eat Cry was selling its creations to trendy mums-to-be all over Singapore. Its 80,000-plus customers loved how the clothes made them feel – confident, beautiful, and excited to get dressed every morning. MATERNITY AND NURSING WEAR YOU’LL LOVE Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. Jump Eat Cry knows that you deserve to look and feel your best, which is why its collections are fashionably modern, fun, and designed from fabrics that are light, breathable, crease-free and stretchy – think rayon, cotton…

TURKEY WALDORF CUPS Prep 20 mins | Cook 15 mins | Serves 8 4 sheets of filo pastry 200 g cooked roast turkey, finely chopped 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup chopped parsley 1/3 cup chopped walnuts 1 celery stalk, trimmed, chopped leaves reserved 2 tsps wholegrain mustard Grated zest 1 lemon, 1 tbsp juice 1/4 cup sliced red grapes 1. Preheat oven to moderately slow, 160 C. Lightly grease a 24-hole mini muffin pan. 2. Place one sheet of filo on a clean surface. Spray with oil. Place another sheet on top. Repeat, twice more. 3. Cut 24 x 6-cm squares from pastry stack. Press each into recesses to line. Bake 10 to 12 mins until light golden and crisp. 4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine turkey, mayonnaise, parsley, nuts,…

UGLY SWEATER COOKIES Prep + Setting 20 mins | Cook 20 mins | Makes 12 125 g butter ½ cup caster sugar 1 egg yolk 2 cups plain flour, sifted 3 tsps ginger, grated 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ¼ cup golden syrup, warmed 2 x 330 g pkts royal icing Red gel food colouring Mint leaf lollies and marshmallows, for decorating 1. Line tray and set aside. Preheat oven to 180 C. 2. Beat butter with caster sugar until creamy. Beat in egg yolk. 3. Fold in combined 2 cups plain flour, ginger and bicarbonate of soda with warm golden syrup. 4. Roll out to 0.5-cm thick. Cut shapes using a 10-cm jumper cookie cutter. Place on lined tray. 5. Bake at 180 C, 12 to 15 mins. Cool.…

1. Lining a round cake pan Cut lengths of brown and baking paper to line the side of the cake pan, overlapping ends slightly. Make a 2-cm fold, snip paper up to the fold (Step 1A). Trace the base of the pan onto paper; cut out paper slightly inside the marked circle. Position in pan. Lightly grease the pan to hold the paper in place. Position the paper around side of the pan, with the snipped fold at the bottom (Step 1B). The multiple layers of paper will insulate the cake and prevent it from burning during the long cooking time. 2. Preparing the cake mixture Place basic fruit mix in a large bowl. Stir in the melted butter and lightly beaten eggs. Sift the flour and baking soda over…

Dog (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946) Things can be quite unpredictable this month, so do not overpromise at work and beware of others setting up traps that will affect you negatively. There are many hurdles to cross, be prepared for the worst. Money luck is very low, do not invest. Personal relationships will be tense, take things easy and be patient with each other. Pig (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947) Luck is on your side, so you can expect things at work to flow smoothly. There are also benefactors who will point you in the right direction. Remember to stay humble and grateful at all times. Direct wealth looks good but investment luck is very unstable. Be prudent and do not be greedy with your investments.…

Like most people, I look forward to pay day. For me, it means more than just having money to pay the bills – it means I get to buy a brand new bag! I have spent so much time, effort and cash on the newest must-buys of the season, that my loved ones call me the “bag sheep of the family”! But ever since what happened last year, I have become the “black sheep”… My leather goods obsession started with my first full-time job. Thinking I had to look the part of a professional, I bought myself a cross-body bag from a high-end Italian brand. My co-workers complimented me on my taste and thought I must have had a huge collection; I did not deny that I was “stylish” and…

Slashing calories does not mean compromising on taste. For a healthier indulgence, choose Naturel’s trans-fat free Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats and rich in antioxidants. Besides salad dressings and marinades, extra virgin olive oil holds its own as an indispensable ingredient in many recipes. Smooth and sweet with a fruity flavour, this full-bodied olive oil is cold-pressed from single source origin Spanish olives and can add an edge to your cooking. Whip up spaghetti aglio e olio or pan-fry steaks. Roast broccoli and capsicum or simply drizzle on top of soup. You can even use it in your bakes as a substitute for butter. With Naturel’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the possibilities are endless! Naturel also introduced a flavoured olive oil range recently. Available in…

You would be surprised how creative you can be when there is a snazzy appliance to assist you.With La Germania’s 90-cm free-standing cooker, style and function go hand in hand. Make your kitchen the focal point of your home with a statement piece that not only does an outstanding job, but adds a colourful punch to your surroundings as you concoct your culinary creations. From La Germania’s Prima series, this cutting-edge cooker is manufactured in Italy and meticulously engineered to withstand the constant grind of an Asian kitchen. Its powerful gas burners are well positioned to accommodate simultaneous cooking processes while its ignition system lets you singlehandedly light and adjust burners. To save time, prepare multiple dishes at one go in the extra-large 142-litre electric oven.The twin fans ensure even…

Instead of reaching for a can of fizzy soda or sweetened sports drink after your workout, hydrate yourself with UFC Refresh Coconut Water, which is refreshingly delicious and 100 per cent natural. Harvested from young coconut plantations in Thailand’s “coconut belt” areas, this aromatic beverage is perfect after a sweltering day out in the sun or a sweaty session at the gym. This hydrating drink is the healthier choice for replenishing your body’s liquids and essential nutrients as it does not contain any added sugars, additives, colours or artificial flavours. Besides quenching your thirst, did you know that UFC Refresh Coconut Water can be used to make a tasty but healthier soup base for your steamboat feast? Infuse subtle flavour and add even more refreshing goodness into your meal as…

SALMON CROQUETTES Prep 30 mins + chilling | Cook 20 mins | Makes 16 60 g butter, chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 cup plain flour ¾ cup milk 300 g hot smoked salmon, flaked 2 tbsps finely chopped dill, plus whole sprigs to serve Finely grated zest 1 lemon, 2 tbsps juice, wedges, to serve 2 eggs, whisked 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs Aioli, to serve In a medium saucepan, melt butter on high. Saute onion 1 min until tender. Stir in half flour and cook 1 min. Remove from heat. Gradually add milk, whisking until well combined. Return to heat and cook, whisking, until mixture boils and thickens. Simmer 1 min. Cool. Cover sauce surface with plastic wrap and chill 20 mins. › Mix salmon, dill, zest and…