Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2019 i Singapore Women's Weekly

Lin Shao Mei Director, Marketing & Circulation Which famous woman do you admire and why? “I think Singapore entrepreneur Elim Chew is inspiring. She started out in the fashion retail industry with cult brand 77th Street but even though she’s had her ups and downs she has managed to brave the turbulent waters and adapt her business model into successful companies like I’m Kim Korean BBQ restaurant and Fast Fast app, which is disrupting the courier service industry.” Vee Chin Photographer Which famous woman do you admire and why? “Naomi Watanabe. She’s a Japanese comedienne who’s famous for her over-the-top fashion choices and her killer impression of Beyoncé. She’s inspiring because even though she’s a plus-sized girl she’s still super sexy and she carries herself with confidence. She’s also very…

January 2011: Liv met Henry for the first time on New Year’s Day at a party. “Henry piqued my curiosity because he is tall and handsome, yet seemed really fun and down to earth,” reveals Liv who made the first move and chatted him up. March 2011: An earthquake struck Tohoku, Japan, leaving a travelling Liv stranded. Henry came to the rescue and whisked his lady out of the city to safety. “The demonstration of character proved that he is a man of his word; that he is serious about our relationship and cares about me,” she reveals. They had just started dating at that time. January 2016: Four years passed in a happy daze for the couple before Henry got down on one knee and proposed to Liv with…

The beauty world is buzzing about facial workouts. Interest piqued after a US study found that following a consistent daily facial exercise programme improved the facial appearance of middle-aged women. Facial massage workouts not only improve the penetration of products but are also therapeutic, it relaxes muscles around the eyes, which encourages tension lines to fade, and helps improve micro circulation for healthier functioning skin. Take your ring finger and try these moves: 1 Pressure points Gently press down to stimulate energy pathways responsible for muscle tone and lifting the skin. 2 Lift and energise A motion around the orbit of the eye reduces eye stress and strains. 3 Tighten and de-puff Small under-eye circular motions followed by a long sweeping motion encourages circulation. 4 Soften lines Tracing a cross…

With all that’s happening in the new season - Bold colour! Bright florals! More bling! – it pays to pull back sometimes. Do that by investing in a pair of neutral sneakers, like this pair. We’ve got our eyes (and credit cards) set on this pair of sneakers from Weekend Max Mara. Between the versatility of the eggshell hue and the frayed edges that add a certain sense of lived-in charm, you’re looking at a pair of sneakers that don’t just look better with age, they’ll go places with you too.…

Opposites Attract Give a directional twist to your lived-in cargo jacket by styling it with a flirty lace skirt. Neutral Ground Make use of your cargo dress as the perfect canvas for statement accessories. ‘When you prioritise your comfort and find clothes that work for your lifestyle, it gives you an unspoken sense of confidence.’ Strong Suit The relaxed suit makes a comeback this season, bringing with it plenty of ease and versatility. The Short Story Approach summer dressing with a modern flavour by layering a lightweight jacket over your shorts. Perfect To A Tee A graphic T-shirt feels like the perfect counterpoint to the dressiness of a ruffled skirt. Where most social media influencers never progress beyond your smartphone, Nicole Wong has found a way to turn her talent…

Want to shave some minutes off your next 5k race? Go on a long, slow run, then pick up pace at the end. This will become routine and you’ll be able to finish stronger. Another helper: New Balance’s new Zante Pursuit. It’s super lightweight, has a plush midsole cushioning and a Hypoknit Upper for a snug fit, giving you the needed stretch and support in a run. At $179. 35% That’s how much more you’ll tend to eat when served with a double portion, says a recent study. This is a clever way to get yourself and the kids eating healthier. Serve up a large portion of healthy food before serving a smaller portion of the less healthy stuff.…

Fixing or growing your mindset can be both good and bad – our expert weighs the pros and cons here: THE FIXED MINDSET While a growing body of evidence suggests a growth mindset helps us lead more rewarding and successful lives, a fixed mindset serves a purpose, too. “It’s safe, familiar and grounded. People have opinions of the way the world operates and that is a safe bubble. They don’t have to change what they believe and how they feel,” explains mindset coach Muffy Churches. But a fixed mindset can be restrictive. People don’t want to move out of their safety zone so close themselves off to new experiences. “They restrict themselves from growing and changing,” says Muffy. “It can also put them into a world where they judge others.…

CHARRED CAPSICUM & EGG PASTA SALAD Prep & Cook 20 mins | Serves 4-6 350 g wholemeal spiral pasta 3 medium red capsicums 3 medium zucchinis, sliced thinly on the diagonal 1 cup parsley leaves 3 anchovies 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 60 g wild rocket leaves 4 soft boiled eggs, quartered 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until al dente; drain and place in a large bowl. 2. Meanwhile, put the capsicums over a barbecue or griddle pan; cook until the skin has blistered and blackened. While they are cooking, add the zucchini sliced and grill on both sides. Transfer to a plate. Remove capsicums from the grill when blackened all over and transfer…

ROASTED TOMATO & QUINOA SALAD Prep 20 mins | Cook 25 mins | Serves 4 6 tomatoes, halved ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 8 shallots, peeled, halved ¼ cup lemon juice 2 tsps Dijon mustard 1 cup white quinoa 1 cup frozen broad beans, blanched, podded 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, blanched 400 g heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 425 g can tuna in oil, drained, flaked 1. Preheat oven to 200 C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. 2. In a bowl, toss tomato, 2 tbsps oil and eschalots. Season. Transfer to oven tray. Bake 20 to 25 mins until beginning to collapse. 3. To make dressing, in a jug, whisk remaining oil with lemon juice and mustard. Season and set aside. 4. Meanwhile, cook quinoa following packet instructions.…

● PACK A PUNCH Embrace contrasting patterns or intricate floral motifs on cushions and rugs to create an exciting look. Play around with ornate vases and glass lamp for the added touch of eclecticism. ● GO GRAPHIC Further enliven the room with a statement-making painting. It’s good if the painting reflects the different colours in the room for a sense of congruence. ● BE BRAVE, BE BOLD Pick one or two bright-hued statement furniture to take center stage before adding in other smaller pieces of bold colours. WORDS TO INSPIRE Motivate yourself at home with pretty artwork that doubles as inspiring mantras. Display tip: Look at the quote and depending on what it means to you, hang it on the wall alongside personal photographs to tell a deeper story. For…

STOP Going to bed hungry START Timing your evening meal so that you finish eating at least two hours before bedtime. It is important not to be hungry at bedtime, but having a full stomach can also make it difficult to sleep. A light snack at bedtime can improve sleep. STOP Watching TV in bed START Removing all distractions like television, computer, radio or phone. This will make a big difference to your sleep quality. Also cover any clocks to avoid clock-watching before you drop off to sleep or if you wake up in the middle of the night. STOP Going to bed at different times START Trying to go to bed at the same time each night. Your body clock works best if there is a regular sleep routine.…

Women are empathetic. We have the ability to be soft yet strong. We are resourceful. We are nurturers. We are mothers. And we are the future. This month, as part of International Women’s Day on March 8, we celebrate the power we possess with an issue that highlights awesome, inspiring women, including the game changers in “The Force Is With Us”, page 22. Heatwave Shoes CEO Elizabeth Tan (below) says, “Women are so dynamic because we accept the multiple roles we have to play – friend, daughter, wife and mother – so it’s innate that we want to care for others. I see this as a strength.” NMP Anthea Ong agrees, “To be a woman is to feel vulnerability, yet feel deep strength.” It’s also why we have the vibrant…

Get cover girl Liv Lo’s flawless look with Lancôme. We are giving away five Lancôme hampers, worth $167 each, comprising the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, which gives 24-hour wear and comfort with a lovely matte finish; the ultra-hydrating L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in 264 Peut-Etre; and the ultra-black Grandiôse Waterproof Mascara with rose cell extract to keep lashes supple. Available from leading department stores and Sephora stores. TO TAKE PART, VISIT www.womensweekly.com.sg Alternatively, scan this QR Code to participate in this promotion. Promotion valid from February 15 to March 15, 2019. Enter code: Lancôme#0319 to increase your chances of winning. Winners will be notified via email by end of March 2019. Promotion is open to all residents of Singapore, other than employees and their families of SPH Magazines…

Purple was considered the colour of royalty, a mix of the most expensive pigments that only the rich could afford, but fast forward to today, these violet hues are the mark of the adventurous – just think of the first person you know who has worn purple makeup. Perhaps taking a cue from the impression this colour stirs, some of the most innovative and exciting beauty products now come in vivid purples. Here are our favourites. When the first beautyblender was introduced, it was a game-changer for beauty junkies. Their newest colour, the beautyblender Electric Violet Swirl, $32, is an ode to the beauty who lights up the room. Anyone who wears makeup can attest to the cleansing powers of the shu uemura Blanc Chroma Lightening & Polishing Cleansing Oil,…

Years of grins, giggles and guffaws cause tiny creases to form at the outer corner of the eyes. We’re all for embracing these smile lines, but that doesn’t mean neglecting the delicate eye area altogether. A two-pronged approach is the best way to address unwanted fine lines. And that’s something to smile about. PART ONE: Quench Smile lines emerge over time as a result of repeated facial muscle contractions. They’re a souvenir of life well lived – and we love them for that. Advancing fine lines around the eyes are the ones worth taking a stand against. They emerge due to dehydration and decreased production of collagen and elastin. “The skin around the eyes is much thinner, so wrinkles develop more rapidly in this area,” explains Dr Michelle Hunt, a…

Describe your design inspo? “My designs are centered mainly on my love for black, and studs. The studs I choose are softer in shape, and exude a more glamorous feel. All my bags are pieced together using these studs, and I do not use any sewing methods. A lot of my designs are inspired by a personal need or experience. For example, the Caelen mini crossbody bag is inspired by the idea of packing lighter.” You are one of the few brands who are bucking animal hide for vegan leather. What were the reasons behind this? “I didn’t start off endorsing vegan leather at first. It was when my family welcomed five rabbits into our home that got me thinking of vegan leather. The final decision came when I was…

THE HARDY BACKPACK Make your backpack work hard for you by picking one in a tougher material such as leather, nylon or canvas. THE CLASSIC FLAP Timelessness never looked as good as an evergreen flap bag hanging off your shoulder. THE XXL STRAW BAG Whether you re headed to the beach or to brunch, you’ll have all your essentials kept safely in your new oversized straw bag. THE STRUCTURED BUCKET You’ve loved the drawstring bucket bag, now meet its grownup cousin, which boasts a hardier build and shape. THE TEXTURED SADDLE Saddle bags are loved for their spaciousness, and this season, they come in eye-catching textures. THE TRAPEZE TOP-HANDLE Look business-ready with one of these top-handle bags that are guaranteed to turn heads at the office. THE MODERN BELT BAG…

1 GARLIC It’s the allicin in garlic that can help to fight those pesky viruses. Add a couple of cloves a day to your food to support your natural defences. 2 OLIVE LEAF Research reveals that antibacterial olive leaf can bolster immunity, and fight cold and flu viruses. Try it as a supplement. 3 MANUKA HONEY A great little immunity booster bursting with energising enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Eat a spoonful a day straight, or stir it into yoghurt or drinks like smoothies. 4 ASTRAGALUS Many herbalists say it’s worth taking this immunity-enhancing herb. 5 TEA – BLACK OR GREEN It’s an immunity must-drink. One study revealed that those who drank five cups of tea a day had more interferons (proteins produced as part of…

INHALE IT IN Dab lavender essential oil on your pulse and inhale in times of stress to help soothe the nerves. Try Botanical Perfume Duo, $39.90, from Candlesoflight.com. GET YOUR ZZZ’S Getting an ample night’s rest is optimal for mental health. When plagued by a problem, the sagely advice of “sleep on it” works as well. Back sleepers can try the ErgoDream 3D Ergonomic Eye Mask, $19.90, from Eyemask.sg. DARK CHOCOLATES Snacking on a piece or two of dark chocolate could keep anxiety at bay as they are rich in flavonols that help to boost brain function. Try 60 per cent Dark Chocolates, $10.80, from Awfully Chocolate.…

Despite living in a world that s increasingly filling with synthetic substances, our body is an expert at detoxing itself. Alongside organs like the liver, kidneys and spleen, which work to filter toxins, our cells have their own sophisticated cleaning system. Japanese cellular biologist, Dr Yoshinori Ohsumi, has studied how damaged molecules and deposits in the cells are quickly killed off and recycled by invisible ‘cleansing troops’. In the science world, it’s a phenomenon called ‘autophagy’, from the Greek ‘auto’ (self) and ‘phagein’ (eating) meaning ‘self-eating’. Dr Ohsumi’s research not only won him the 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine, it spurred on the debate among health experts about how many toxins are stored in the body, to what extent we can expel them, and whether there’s anything we can do…

She will forever be remembered as the effervescent Rosie Phua of Singapore’s longest running Phua Chu Kang. But Irene Ang has moved bounds in life since then. Having been a part of the industry for over 20 years now, as an actor, director and producer, Irene is also a motivational speaker, an ambassador for various social campaigns involving women and children, and a successful business woman. But, in Irene’s mind, she’s just getting started. Here’s how she keeps her learning process ongoing. CONSTANT LEARNING “I am a very curious person by nature; when I was still actively acting, when it’s not my scene, instead of sitting idle, I’d go up to the cameraman or the lighting technician and ask them many questions: ‘Why did you do it this way, what…

• ORIGIN Shojin ryori is a traditional vegetarian cuisine that originated from the Buddhist temples in Japan. • PHILOSOPHY Translated as “food of devotion”, it incorporates the Zen training of achieving a mental state of peace and tranquility in order to create simple recipes with careful cooking processes at home. • INGREDIENTS The main essence of shojin cooking is to use ingredients by the seasons, to extract the best flavours and optimum nutrition. All ingredients used are pure, like whole vegetables or ones obtained from plant sources. • PREPARATION Like in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the way a shojin meal is prepared is associated with the five main elements in nature: Wood (spring), fire (summer), earth (late summer), metal (autumn) and water (winter). Through the process of cooking and eating a…

The lure of that smartphone or laptop can be hard to resist but the bright screen light from devices can cause increased alertness – not the best way to get the body ready for sleep. What’s the magic time period? Limit your evening use of electronic devices to one hour, say researchers, who found that any more than this and people report feeling less sleepy. It seems that the natural evening rise in melatonin (a hormone that makes us ready for sleep) is not affected by one hour of bright screen light, but it is after one and a half hours. Asia Sleep Centre’s Dr Kenny Pang shares that “melatonin levels in the blood start to rise by about 8 to 10 pm and peaks by 1 to 2 am”.…

MATTRESS 1 Memory foam mattresses are popular because of how it hugs the contours of your body as you sleep. The several layers of foam within also helps to resist sagging of the mattress, saving you the convenience of having to flip it frequently. With the different layers of foam, memory foam mattress also absorbs movement and responds to your weight allowing even support of your body. 2 Spring mattresses are made with metal springs covered by foam and padding within the mattresses. The number of coils and their distribution determine the amount of support. Also, better ventilation from the space between the springs helps to prevent the accumulation of body heat, allowing for a better night’s rest. 3 Latex mattresses are now made with either the all-natural product derived…

# 111SKIN available at Robinsons Orchard 3INA #B2-67 ION Orchard Tel: 6634 3190 A ALBERTA FERRETTI albertaferretti.com ALBION Takashimaya Department Store; Metro Centrepoint; Robinsons Raffles City ALEXANDER WANG Level 2 Takashimaya Department Store ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS available at Sephora APM MONACO #02-08 Paragon Tel: 6235 3835 ARMANI BEAUTY TANGS at Tang Plaza ASOS asos.com ASTALIFT #03-30 Wisma Atria, #01-20 JEM, #01-70 NEX B BALLY Level 1 Takashimaya Department Store Tel: 6735 4029 BEAUTYBLENDER available at Sephora BERSHKA #B3-06/07 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 8708 BIMBA Y LOLA #B1-04 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 3305 BOTANIST available at Sephora BOTTEGA VENETA #01-04 ION Orchard Tel: 6238 0020 BURBERRY #01-06 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 9326 C CELINE #01-28/29 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6736 0511 CHANEL BHG Bugis, Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and…

HEART-HEALTHY EATING Every day, 16 people die from cardiovascular disease in Singapore. Help reduce your risk by consuming foods that are good for you, like the New Moon Organic SupeRice, a mixture of organic black rice, red cargo rice, brown and white rice. This unique mix is low in saturated fat and trans fat, and contains vitamin B1, which helps boost the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The grains are also gluten-, pesticide- and chemical fertiliser-free. At $11.50, from selected FairPrice supermarkets. FLASH THOSE PEARLY WHITES A beautiful set of teeth is a great confidence booster. Ensure yours are pearly white with Darlie All Shiny White Supreme Whitening Toothpaste. It is the first whitening toothpaste that comes with 3X Stain Dissolving Power to rid stubborn stains and even out discolouration. Furthermore,…

The Secret’s Out Some famous twosomes are so good at hiding their relationships, we’ve almost forgotten they’re together, but these not-so-secret secret couples can really stop hiding now We guess they didn’t cast him as a super-secret spy for nothing. Daniel kept marriage of eight years to Rachel Weisz pretty hush-hush and the pair rarely say anything about each other in public. A handsome twosome whom we’ve rarely seen out together, it’s easy to forget that Eva and Ryan are married to each other and have two daughters. Did you know that the two-time Oscar-nominated actress is married to an Italian aristocrat? We didn’t either! The private couple have been dating since 2012 and tied the knot in 2017. They have a baby girl together. T-Swift always seems like she’s…

You’ve probably been applying makeup the same way, over and over again, and while we’re advocates of sticking to what works, it doesn’t hurt to switch things up a little. What works a few years ago on you may not sit as well now. As we age, our skin tone and texture change. Add to this the fact that new trends and makeup products emerge on a daily basis, it makes an update all the more necessary. Here’s how you can put your best face forward. 1 THE PERFECT RED The colour red has been associated with power, passion and seduction – but really, it’s about empowerment and feeling confident while wearing it. Plus, finding the right lipstick can do wonders for your complexion or even the brightness of your…

#1 KEEP IT LIGHT To avoid foundations settling into lines, apply a primer to even out skin texture and use one with a lightweight formula. #2 SHINE DIVERSION Apply highlighter on the cheek bones to distract from fine lines. Pick highlighters with shimmer instead of glitter as they tend to settle into lines. #3 POWDER PERFECTION Mature skin tends to be drier and applying powder might end up emphasising lines even more. Apply sparingly and only on the areas that need them. #4 SHADOW PLAY Blend out your eye shadow and steer clear of glitter or shimmery shades as they end up emphasising fine lines. #5 CHEEKY DETAILS Some wrinkles and fine lines can make you look fatigued, a little cheek colour on the apple of your cheeks can do…

Q: What’s the difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peels? Which is right for me? A: “Microdermabrasion is a common cosmetic procedure where medium such as diamond tips or salt crystals are used to physically exfoliate the skin. Chemical peels make use of the chemical properties of acids like AHAs, BHAs and trichloroacetic acid to slough off the top layer of the skin. Both aim to help treat acne, uneven skin pigmentation, improve skin dullness, as well as minimise the appearance of fine lines. The right procedure for you depends on your current skin condition as well as the skin concern that you would like to address. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist before deciding which procedure is more suitable for you.” Q: I’m in my 30s and I see…

MEET THE OFF-DUTY SUIT Breathe easy, because the quintessential pantsuit gets refreshed with a looser, more forgiving fit. Don’t be fooled though… these suits still pack a power punch. HIT REBOOT The ankle boot returns, so power up your work look with one of these chic stompers. GET STONED The newest trend to enthrall accessory designers? Rock pendants. MACRO TREND BOILER SUITS Why spend hours in front of the mirror trying to find something to wear when you can throw on a boiler suit and head out? Bonus points for comfort as well. COLOUR-BLOCK PARTY Never miss a step with one of these super-stylin’ colour combinations. Elevate your camel sweater with joy-inducing pops of bubblegum pink and marigold. Put an artsy twist to your utilitarian jacket with a swishy skirt…

ENJOY A MASSAGE Now there’s a real well-being double whammy! Not only will a massage help to soothe your stressed and tired skin (all those lovely oils prevent flaking and dryness), it’ll also increase your immunity. Studies show that a not-too-mild, not-too-vigorous massage can help reduce stress and increase white blood cells, so it might be worth investing in regular treatments throughout the year. Which type? Some of our favourites are: Aromatherapy massage Gorgeously soothing, this massage uses oils specifically tailored to you and your health concerns. Tui Na This is a form of massage performed by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. It aims to release blocked energy and restore vitality using several massage techniques – gliding, rocking and kneading, for example. Swedish massage With a focus on relaxing muscles…

‘Choose one thing that you think will make the biggest difference to your life right now and work on that first’ Are you someone who sees things as either black or white? Perhaps you believe you are who you are and things can rarely be changed. You prefer the tried and tested rather than the unknown – familiarity trumps uncertainty every time. If this is you, you have what psychologists call a fixed mindset. Or do you believe that different experiences and challenges teach you newer skills and there is always room to improve? If you fail, so what? You will still grow in some way. If you fall into this category, you have the growth mindset. “A fixed mindset is when people believe their basic qualities, their intelligence, their…

Authentic Heritage Now you can prepare laksa, nasi lemak and chicken rice at home without stress using ready-made sauces by Old Chang Kee. Made in collaboration with Miss Tam Chiak, these house-made sauces are perfect to complement your homemade dishes or as dipping sauces. From $5.80, from select Old Chang Kee and Curry Times outlets. Visit www.oldchangkee.com Pure Essence Well-loved by Hong Kong celebrities, the popular Wang Chao Chicken Essence has launched here! This 100 per cent natural pure dripped chicken essence utilises state-of-the-art production so each drop of chicken essence is entirely rid of hormones, fat and cholesterol, while still remaining flavourful. At $85 (box of 10 sachets), from wangchao.com.sg Fruity & Healthy Fruit juices provide you with vitamins but they are also high in sugar. Now you can…

Pig (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947) This is a very lucky month for you and many things will flow smoothly according to your wishes. Get things done quickly and don’t delay; try your very best to grab any opportunities you encounter. Money luck is strong, so you can try out some new investments. Health is improving quickly and you may meet a new potential love partner. Ox (2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949) There are some improvements in your luck, but there are still some malicious characters trying to make things difficult for you at work. Stay focused and be diligent in managing your budget, or else you risk burning a big hole in your pocket by the end of the month. There will be some verbal…

I absolutely love to cook. Nothing brings me more joy than whipping up meals for family and friends. From shopping for the freshest ingredients to prepping dishes in the kitchen, to plating and setting the table – I thoroughly enjoy every part of the cooking experience. There is only one problem… I cannot cook for nuts! My parents are known for their skills in the kitchen; I, however, am known for having none of my family’s wizardry with the wok. No matter what I do, my dishes would come out lacking in flavour, or taste a little “off”. My curries were sometimes bland, other times, tongue-burningly spicy. On most occasions, my bakes would either collapse or come out burnt. I was so awful that my hubby Patrick* and my daughter…