Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2019 i Singapore Women's Weekly

I believe in miracles. And for all skeptics out there, you’ll believe in them too once you’ve read celebrity Melody Chen’s roller-coaster journey to having her twins. In “I was scared when I first saw my babies because they looked dead” (these are exact words Melody used), page 64, she reveals the highs and lows of her and husband Randall Tan’s attempts to having children. And when they finally did conceive, it was the start of yet another tumultuous ride. What Melody endured and how she’s come out of it will show you the mettle she is made of (and the twins are the cutest!). Another inspiration is cover girl Felicia Chin. You can’t help but want to root for this star with a heart of gold. Not many may…

Get cover girl Felicia Chin’s flawless face with YSL Beauté. We are giving away five sets of YSL Beauté makeup sets, worth $280 each, comprising the long-lasting All Hours Foundation B20 that keeps shine at bay; The Shock Mascara for clump-free volume; Touche Éclat Shimmer Stick to highlight your cheekbones; and give lips a treat with the creamy, vibrant Rouge Volupte Shine #12 lipstick. YSL Beauté is available at Ion Orchard, Raffles City, Vivocity, Takashimaya SC, TANGS at Tang Plaza, BHG Bugis and Metro Paragon. TO TAKE PART, VISIT www.womensweekly.com.sg Or, you can take part in this giveaway simply by scanning this QR Code. Promotion valid from June 22 to July 22, 2019. Enter code: YSL#0719 to increase your chances of winning. Winners will be notified via email…

Internet searches can also show how big data plays a role in improving health, says former Google data analyst Seth Stephens-Davidowitz. “Researchers at Columbia University and at Microsoft as well have found that you can frequently diagnose someone with pancreatic cancer based on the symptoms they search online,” he says. Microsoft tracked data from tens of thousands of anonymous users of Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, and coded those given a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. They then looked at the group’s searches for various health symptoms and found subtle patterns. If someone searched for “indigestion” followed by “abdominal pain”, that was a risk factor for getting a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer within a short time. But if someone searched “indigestion” or “abdominal pain” alone, that wasn’t a risk factor for the…

Everyone has their “down days” – whether it’s the stress and fatigue showing up on your skin, or Aunt Flo paying a visit – it doesn’t mean you should look as lousy as you feel. Restore glow, mask redness and hide blemishes with these tricks to help you feel skin-confident. Prime Time Action It’s been said many times before that applying a foundation primer will help smooth out large pores, hydrate dry patches and help prepare your skin so that it’s in the best condition for foundation to go on. If you’re still skeptical about the purpose of a primer, we highly recommend trying one out to compare the difference between the way your complexion looks after a few hours when there is a primer applied and if you went…

Lasers are one of the most effective ways to deal with skin issues – Dr Chua Cheng Yu of Veritas Clinic discuss the types which can help Q: I'm confused with the many types of lasers. What are the broad categories and what skin concerns do they target? A: “Lasers are focused beams of light of a particular wavelength, and each wavelength or setting is usually very good at targeting a particular skin component.A longer wavelength laser, for example, may be used to penetrate into the deeper layers of skin.Besides wavelengths, the different durations of light pulses also provide a range of benefits. There are lasers that can target discolouration like brown marks, redness or unwanted blood vessels or scars, and there are those that can target collagen for skin…

Work It Out The next time you shop for new work outfits, invest a bit more in a well-tailored blazer and watch how the perfect fit can automatically increase your confidence tenfold. Pieces like silk shirts, wrap skirts and cargo pants lend a sense of romance that helps feminise your look, and a lightweight coat can always pull double-duty as a dress. The Bare Necessities When it’s styled properly, these minimalist pieces can make maximal impact. Look for pieces that flatter your figure, like an asymmetric skirt that gives you mile-long legs or a top that barely skims your curves. Modern Romance Think of modern-day romance as less “damsel in distress”, and more “strong female character”. Whether it comes in the form of a go-everywhere dress, a flouncy skirt or…

PEA, LEEK & PROSCIUTTO FAUX RISOTTO Prep & Cook 25 mins | Serves 4 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 medium (350 g) leek, white part, sliced thinly 3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly 3 cups chicken stock 1 cup pouring cream 1¼ cups couscous (see tip) 1 cup baby frozen peas 2 tsps finely grated lemon rind ½ cup finely grated Parmesan, plus extra to serve 60 g baby spinach 8 slices thinly sliced prosciutto 1. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Cook leek and garlic, stirring, for 5 mins or until the leek is soft. 2. Add the stock and cream; bring to the boil. Add the couscous; cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 mins. 3. Stir in the peas, cook for a…

Handle With Care Change up your cabinet and drawer handles to create a kitchen look that is modern and sleek or chic with character, be spoilt for choice with the variety of options: D-pulls: A great fit for modern, flat-front cabinets – you can buy this streamlined, pared-back style in just about any metal tone and finish. The main styles are curved tubes and rectangular bars. Drop handles: This traditional, decorative style of hardware is the perfect match for timber joinery with profiled doors and ornate mouldings. Cup handles: Best for pull-out drawers, the soft half dome shape suits both country-style and modern kitchens, depending on whether you opt for an omate shell design or slim curved disc. Knobs: There’s something to suit every aesthetic, from matte shapes and metal…

PIG (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947) The stars are aligned for you this month. Thus, you’ll be able to execute personal plans with great ease and dexterity. You’ll also gain a significant positive boost of good fortune in your wealth, relationships and career as long as you remain determined in maintaining them. Also, do remember to be thankful to anyone who offers their help to you. RAT (2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948) You might experience some dearth in your wealth luck – remember to tighten your pockets and avoid dabbling in big investments. Prioritise your work tasks efficiently to deal with certain drawbacks that could leave you with more tight deadlines. Adopt a healthier lifestyle and eat well to boost your immunity and avoid falling sick…

Britney Spears & Jason Alexander The pop songstress married her childhood friend who was a complete unknown in entertainment circles in 2004. The union lasted 55 hours. Angelina Jolie & Billy Bob Thornton This wacky couple exchanged vows in a Vegas ceremony in 2000 after only a few weeks of dating. They divorced in 2002. Demi Moore & Bruce Willis Demi and Bruce tied the knot in Vegas back in 1987. The couple had three children but eventually called off the marriage in October 2000. Sophie Turner & Joe Jonas Jophie surprised everyone when they uploaded a video of their nuptials earlier this year, complete with Elvis impersonator and all. Carol Chu & Andy Lau The Hong Kong actor kept his marriage to former Malaysian beauty queen, Carol Chu, very…

‘Giving is from the heart with no strings attached’ Felicia Chin has come a long way. “When I was 18, right before I joined Star Search,I auditioned for a commercial and it was filmed right here in this area, in one of the houses at Emerald Hill,” she gushes.“I remember finishing early because I was just an extra,so I didn’t have many scenes to shoot,and walking down this road feeling really happy that I made $50 for a two-hour job. Fast forward 17 years and I’m back here doing a cover shoot! I’ve come pretty far,haven’t I?” Indeed she has. Just one year after that initial commercial, the young ingénue was crowned champion at Star Search 2003 at the tender age of 19. She followed up that win by starring…

Drew Barrymore While Drew is known for being a rom-com queen after starring in films like Never Been Kissed and Blended, she took her brand of comedy to the small screen when she starred in Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet. The show featured some of the best acting we’ve seen from Drew but the streaming platform has since axed the series. Julia Roberts In her 30-year career in Hollywood, Julia has never before had a television role… until now. While some might say that she’s a little late to the TV party, the Oscar-winner decided she wanted to wait for the right project and it finally came around in the form of Amazon Prime’s Homecoming. “I just went with the good story, that it was ultimately going to be put on…

In Singapore, a recent example of big data at work is Changi General Hospital’s (CGH) analysis into patient waiting times at the emergency department. Dr Chow Wai Ling and her team combed through three years’ worth of data in a bid to improve the hospital’s operations. Their research approach looked to answer a number of questions: Who were the patients coming to the emergency department and what were their numbers? On which days of the week and at what times of the day were they coming in? And, were they acute cases? After analysing usage patterns, the team proposed a redistribution of manpower to better match the arrival patterns of patients. The emergency department then rejigged its roster for doctors, and saw astonishing results. Average median times for patients with…

THE MAKEUP SPONGE: Run the beautyblender Electric Violet, $32, under water and it will expand in size, making it the perfect bouncy sponge for an air-brushed complexion that doesn’t look heavy on skin. THE SILICON BLENDER: The Sephora Collection Silicone Make Up Sponge, $15, is made of silicon which means it’s more hygienic and less wasteful since it doesn’t absorb the foundation. THE HEAVYWEIGHT: The dome shaped Cover FX Custom Blending Brush, $62, is a really dense brush that buffs foundation on without leaving streaks. THE FLUFFY MONSTER: Use the Dior Backstage N14 Powder Brush, $104, to dust on either loose or pressed powder, setting it to last throughout the day. THE SLANTED KABUKI: The Shiseido Makeup Hasu Fude Foundation Brush, $55, is a redesign of its Perfect Foundation Brush,…

it’s claimed that success doesn’t happen by accident,but by the choices we make as a result of our daily habits.“As humans we’re inherently hopeful and therefore predisposed to strive to do and be better,and every year we tend to set goals from a place of optimism – that these are achievable if we want them enough,” says Dr Lilian Nejad, a clinic psychologist at Omnipsych. And one of the best ways to achieve these goals and keep them at the forefront of our minds is to structure daily habits around them.“Breaking your goal into smaller, more specific,simple habits and repeating them consistently over time generates a ‘habit loop’, which means they automatically become part of your day and naturally much easier to attain,”adds Dr Nejad. According to neuroscience studies,our brains…

ah, the serenity. There you are, the sand between your toes and the wind in your hair but when the vacation ends, it doesn’t take long for the pressures of work and daily life to take over. That’s why we’ve put together a toolkit of handy stress-busting habits so you can weave a little serenity into your life every day for the rest of the year – even during the busiest of schedules. Create Buffers Like a cup filled to the brim with anxieties, we carry the pressures and concerns of one sphere into another, ending up overwrought and overwhelmed. You may arrive home frazzled after being stuck in traffic or with lingering work challenges bouncing around your brain so you’re only half listening to your loved ones or, if…

Picture this:You’ve had a long week and all you want is a little TLC. As you drive through the tree-lined streets of Eastern Singapore, you look forward to spending some“me time”with your family members in tow. You walk through the glass doors of a shopping mall and you’re instantly greeted by an inviting atmosphere, exciting dining options and activities galore for all ages.Where are you? Bedok Point, of course, where from the moment you enter to the moment you leave, you and your loved ones can rest easy knowing that everyone will be catered to. For The Hungry Papa • FORK TALK Mealtimes should be a joy and Saizeriya prides itself on offering value-for-money and quality food that will leave you and your wallet happy as a clam. Whether you…

Harissa Chicken & Roast Pumpkin Prep 15 mins | Cook 40 mins + chilling | Serves 4 2 tbsps olive oil 1 tbsp harissa paste 750 g chicken thigh fillets 750 g Japanese pumpkin, sliced into wedges 2 tbsps pure maple syrup 400 g frozen broad beans, blanched, pods removed 1 garlic clove, crushed ½ cup Greek yoghurt Mint leaves, to serve 1. In a small bowl, combine half oil and harissa. Arrange chicken in a shallow dish and brush all over with harissa mixture. Chill at least 15 mins. 2. Preheat oven to 180 C. Arrange pumpkin in a baking dish. Drizzle with maple syrup and half the remaining oil. Season and toss to coat. Bake 35 to 40 mins. 3. Preheat a chargrill plate on high. Cook chicken…

A AIGNER: available at Takashimaya Level 2 A’KIN: available at Guardian ALCHE{ME}: alcheme.one ALLIES OF SKIN: alliesofskin.com ARMANI EXCHANGE: #B1-03 ION Orchard Tel: 6304 1369 ASOS: asos.com ASTALIFT: #03-30 Wisma Atria, #01-20 JEM, #01-70 NEX AVEDA: available at TANGS at Tang Plaza B BALLY: Level 1 Takashimaya Department Store Tel: 6735 4029 BEAUTYBLENDER: available at Sephora BIMBA Y LOLA: #01-04 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6235 1218 BORA AKSU: #B2-107 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6688 7243 BOSCH: 11 Bishan Street 21 #04-01, BOSCH Building Tel: 6258 5511 BOTTEGA VENETA: #01-04 ION Orchard Tel: 6238 0020 BRANDT: available at all authorised retailers C CALVIN KLEIN WATCHES: #B1-14 ION Orchard Tel: 6634 1513 CELINE: #01-28/29 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6736 0511 CHARLES & KEITH: #B1-18/19 Wisma Atria Tel: 6238 3312 CHLOE:…

Fearless, fun, free – these are three words that best describe me when it comes to makeup and skincare. Fearless in trying on the most innovative products; having fun while experimenting with makeup; and doing all these for free! Until it almost cost me the love of my family… Three years ago, I went on a trip to Seoul, and came back a changed woman. No, I did not undergo plastic surgery, but I did opt for the second best thing – skincare and cosmetic retail therapy. South Korea was already known for its numerous beauty stores,but I was taken aback by how generous they were with freebies. With my hubby Weng* and daughter Sam* in tow, I went trawling the stores and in just three days,managed to grab enough…

THE NEW FACE OF BEAUTY Gucci's recently-released line of lipsticks came with an ad that left model Dani Miller’s gapped teeth and snaggletooth completely unretouched. It’s refreshing to see a luxury brand like Gucci embracing their models’ uniqueness, and it seems like Dani is stoked too, as shown in her Instagram caption saying, “There is space for everyone to be themselves!” THE MODELS WITH A DIFFERENCE They may not fit into the cookie-cutter mould of what a model should look like, but that’s not going to stop them from thriving. Meet Winnie Harlow and Sara Geurts, who are champions of loving your skin. Winnie, who has vitiligo, has stated, “I don’t feel like I’m suffering [from vitiligo]. I am conquering.” Meanwhile, Sara has a rare skin disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,…

A United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador, Emma has donated millions of her own money to support the anti-sexual harassment campaign, UK Justice and Equality Fund. She also spearheaded the UN’s HeForShe campaign. In 2006, Angelina created the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in an effort to aid humanitarian causes around the world. She was also appointed Special Convoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2012. One of China’s most successful actresses, Vicki has put her time and money into charitable causes. She has donated to China Youth Foundation’s Hope Project, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and to the China Red Cross as well. The renowned lawyer founded the Clooney Foundation For Justice in 2013. She has previously said that she was committed to using her fame to raise awareness about…

What You “C” Is What You Get Is vitamin C really the miracle ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing? The Sunday Riley C.E.O. GLOW, $56 (15 ml), combines THD ascorbate with turmeric and ultra-nourishing oils to brighten and hydrate skin. The This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum, $65 (30 ml), replenishes lost moisture with hyaluronic acid and charges the skin with vitamin C to protect it against free radical damage during the day. Containing vitamin C extracted from Murunga Plum, which is 100 times more concentrated than oranges, the Dior Capture Youth Glow Booster Age-Delay Illuminating Serum, $152 (30 ml), brightens and protects skin with its lightweight, non-sticky texture. With a formulation containing vitamin C at a 15 per cent concentration, the Vichy Vitamin C Freshshot LIFTACTIV, $52 (10 ml),…

Marie Amiand of Lu Ming Tang The French skincare line was created and cultivated in China by French native Marie Amiand,who was diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning after long-term exposure to city pollution in Shanghai and Hong Kong where she was based.A doctor who treated her recommended that she drink Chinese tea,and she learnt that longjing – a tea produced in the tea valley near the former imperial city of Hangzhou – is very concentrated in polyphenol,one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. Working with the Hangzhou’s national research centre on tea along with a leading Japanese lab,they came up with the Bio-Remedy Trio-Complex, which powers all of Lu Ming Tang’s products.This complex contains EGCG polyphenol,an antioxidant reputed to be 10,000 times more active than vitamin,which helps to detox…

SIZE MATTERS Get your hands on this season’s handbag hero: The top-handle bag. Perfect for storing all your knick-knacks! Kimhekim shirt, $499; and pants, $499, both from Society A. Chloé bag, $2,410, from Pedder On Scotts. Bodysuit, stylist's own. BUSINESS LUNCH Wear with: A midi dress and classic accessories WORK PRESENTATION Wear with: A safari jacket and metallic accents WEEKEND PLAY DATE Wear with: Casual separates and dressed-up jewellery DINNER AND DRINKS Wear with: A flirty camisole and bright glints of gold TO THE POINT Comfy days await when you slip into a chic pair of pointed-toe kitten heels. Plus, they look good on women regardless of age! Dress, $249, from H&M. Shoes, $49.90, from Charles & Keith. BRUNCH HOUR Wear with: A fun printed skirt and statement accessories WEEKEND…

It’s 11 am on a weekday and Melody Chen is exhausted.The former ONE FM deejay has just tucked her twins into bed for a nap.She has some alone time to herself before their eat-play-sleep routine begins again. At 22 months, the #Mezzaran duo – as Melody and actor-husband Randall Tan call them – are definitely a handful but their loving mum and dad wouldn’t have it any other way. “They are our little miracles. It’s been a huge learning curve for us when they came into our lives.I don’t know how it feels with children of different ages but I think it may be slightly easier.Having twins is like having two different characters vie for your attention and affection at the same time,”says the new mum. A MOTHER’S WISH Melody,…

As Singapore’s first IFBB Pro to compete at the upcoming Women’s Physique in USA, Joan shares that with a busy schedule every day, she tends to multitask a lot just to maximise time. “Sometimes, the multitasking becomes too often and too much, and when that happens I start to get stressed out,” says Joan. The competitive bodybuilder who recently launched her book The Skinny Sumo Wrestler, shares that to deal with stress she reminds herself to be mindful of her state of stress, to be aware of it before it gets overwhelming. On how she copes with stress, the fitness and nutrition expert shares that daily exercise is the most effective way for her. “I train with weights daily and that helps to calibrate my mind when I get a…

ROAST BACON-WRAPPED PESTO CHICKEN Prep & Cook 35 mins | Serves 4 2 tbsps bottled pesto 4 thick slices ciabatta 8 thin slices streaky bacon 4 x 200 g chicken breast fillets, trimmed 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 500 g cherry truss tomatoes 60 g rocket leaves Balsamic vinegar, to serve 1. Preheat oven to 220 C. Oil a large shallow oven tray. 2. Spread the pesto over each slice of ciabatta; place on the tray. Wrap two slices of bacon around each chicken breast; place on top of ciabatta. 3. Drizzle with half the oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 15 mins. 4. Add tomatoes to tray and drizzle with remaining oil. Roast for a further 10 mins, or until chicken is cooked through,…

COFFEE INTUITION Good news for those who dread cleaning their coffee machine especially when rushing for their cuppa. The Bosch VeroBarista TIS65621RW has a AutoMilk Clean function which activates a fully-automatic steam cleaning after every beverage. Its OneTouch DoubleCup function can also dispense two cups at the same time. At $2,188. RECIPE MAVERICK Have access to thousands of recipes at your fingertips with the Thermomix Cook-Key. Compatible with the all-in-one kitchen Thermomix appliances, the device connects the appliances wirelessly with the Cookidoo, Thermomix Online Recipe Platform. Plus, synchronise your favourite recipes directly to your Thermomix for cooking instructions on its display. At $198, includes a 6-month subscription of Cookidoo. POWER MIXER Perfect for everyday family meals, KitchenAid's The 100 Year Limited Edition Queen of Hearts Stand Mixer features a unique…

BETTER BODY WELLNESS Lifespa’s award-winning 60 mins Eastern Meridian Point Massage helps to refresh and soothe your body. It helps to release blockages, detoxify and strengthen the meridian points to improve blood circulation for better wellness. Try it now at $48 (UP $260). Bring a friend to enjoy FREE (15 mins) Red Light Therapy for the both of you. Promotion is valid from July 1 till August 31, 2019. Call LifeSpa PremierTWO outlet at 6337 6339 or Whatsapp 9171 3143 with the quote “CongratsSWW19”. Terms and conditions apply. GREY HAIR NO MORE If you’ve always dreamt about reversing your grey hairs, now you’re able to do so. The world’s first Black Reverse Formulation for asian hair, MARO17 BLACK+ Collagen Shot is able to reverse greying hair by re-pigmenting the hair…