Red CARPET See which celebrities and stars truly light up the night Tracee Ellis Ross in Zuhair Murad.
Hailee Steinfeld in Ralph & Russo.
Katy Perry in Marchesa.
Emma Stone in Chanel.
Corset from asos.com.
The Bling Ring Forget sequins and run-of-themill crystals; the new way to command attention is with statement multi-dimensional embellishments. If you dare to wear, take a page from Rita’s book and mix different-sized stones for an eye-popping effect.
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Pom Klementieff in Chanel.
he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
Rita Ora in Alexandre Vauthier.
Poppy Delevingne in Marchesa.
To Runway Shanina Shaik in Givenchy.
Dree Hemingway in Erdem.
Kiernan Shipka in Christian Dior.
Leslie Mann in Jenny Packham.
Skirt, $59.90, from Mango.
Vitamin Chic
Dua Lipa in Alessandra Rich.
A strong show of orange dresses is turning up the heat on the red carpet. Starlets in the know are showcasing the zesty colour in refreshing ways, in a myriad of textures. Zoe, Leslie and Hailey have all chosen to texturise their looks with a flurry of fringe, feathers and ruffles, while Kiernan and Dua have added shots of white for a sleek finish.
Zoe Saldana in Pucci.
Hailey Baldwin in Jonathan Simkhai.
JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Red Carpet
Period Drama
Nicole Trunfio in Zuhair Murad.
Time travel back to the age of petticoats and puffy sleeves with these celebrities, who are reinventing Victorian fashion for a modern age. Channel a regal elegance with leg-of-mutton sleeves like Alexa, or go boyish like Evan Rachel with a tailcoat and a high-necked shirt. Clearly, Jane Austen fever is alive and well!
Rooney Mara in Givenchy.
Alexa Chung in Loewe.
Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton.
Dakota Johnson in Gucci. Self Portrait top, $580, from Club 21.
Evan Rachel Wood in Altuzarra.
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Jean Campbell in Alexander McQueen.
Full House Live out your royal fantasies with the biggest skirts of the season. Choosing to walk the red carpet in a poufy frock worthy of a fashion princess, celebs like Taraji, Kristen and Olivia are pulling out all the stops with their blowout ballgowns. After all, you either go big or go home!
Olivia Culpo in Zuhair Murad.
Kristen Bell in Zuhair Murad.
Liu Yifei in Christian Dior.
House of Holland skirt, $495, from farfetch.com. Taraji P. Henson in Reem Acra.
COMPILED BY: AARON KOK / PHOTOS: TPG NEWS, SPLASHNEWS
Janelle Monáe in Elie Saab.
JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Style Setter
Lily Collins
Objects of her affection
Starring in upcoming film To The Bone, Lily Collins oozes both Old Hollywood glamour and feminine flair
Wear a sheer bustier over a white tee for a sultry day look. Bustier, $40, from asos.com.
Sheer lace will add some sexiness to a high-neck dress.
A high slit keeps a metallic dress from overwhelming you.
Throw on an embellished skirt for a megawatt finish. No. 21 skirt, $2,230, from Club 21.
Keep your arm party modern with an architectural cuff. Cuff, $35, from sheshops.com.
Lancôme ambassador Lily shines in an embroidered tulle dress.
Ikat prints lend an unexpected twist to a gown.
A belted peplum dress helps to define your waist.
A black base helps your floral top to really pop. Top, $49.90, from Topshop.
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COMPILED BY: AARON KOK / PHOTOS: TPG NEWS
Fresh florals are perfect for staying chic in the heat. Dress, $135, from asos.com.
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SHINING BRIGHT Watch the stars glow in bling-tastic gowns and bursts of orange LILY COLLINS The fashionforward starlet schools us in the art of Old Hollywood glamour THREE’S A CROWD Celebs who stayed friends, even after dating the same man! ON THE COVER HOT MAMA Supermodel mum Miranda Kerr on how she looks so gorgeous STEALING BEAUTY These unconventional models are redefining beauty standards
BEAUTY 31 32 34
40 42 48
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SWEET PASTELS that look
almost good enough to eat! IN THE BUFF Nude cosmetics to help you nail the no-makeup look ON THE COVER RECLAIM YOUR YOUTH with the newest antiageing skincare and treatments ON THE COVER SUPER PEELS to help revitalise your complexion
he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
WIN!
A Dewy Glow Booster Facial from Bellezza Aesthetics, worth $268
FASHION 63 64 66
SMILE, YOU’RE GORGEOUS!
How to perfect your pearly whites ON THE COVER SHE BANGS Look fresh instantly with a fringe haircut that suits your face YOUNG AT HEART We give three ladies a youthful makeover EAT AND BE MERRY The best
protein-rich foods to help you look younger BEAUTY AT WORK The Weekly's tips on looking fab on the job
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QUEEN OF BOHEMIA Jazz up your boho look with hardware COVER GIRL Show off your style with a chic mobile phone case ON THE COVER RHAPSODY IN BLUE Rock these edgy denim looks with ease ON THE COVER IT’S IN YOUR JEANS We've got your denim and jeans inspo right here
INSPIRE 81
THE F WORD How to banish fat talk from your conversations
pg 143 84
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FAMILY OF SURVIVORS One woman's struggle to beat cancer together with her son CHARITY CRUSADERS Female volunteers making a difference YOUTHBOOSTING WORK OUTS to add to your routine
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124 ON THE COVER DINE LIGHT with
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WINNING NUMBERS for eating, resting and working out 96 HOW TO UPSKILL Boost your career prospects with a timely skills upgrade 98 ON THE COVER SIZZLE IN BED with sex therapist-approved tips 102 POWER PILLS? Doctors dish on whether supplements for kids are a good idea 105 ON THE COVER GET YOUR ZZZ'S How to solve your sleep woes and get quality slumber 112 ON THE COVER SWEET DREAMS Create your ideal sleep sanctuary right in your bedroom 92
INDULGE
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these delicious but low-calorie family dinners LUMBERJACK CAKE Learn to make this apple-and-date dessert TERRIFIC TRIFLES These layered treats are bound to impress at any gathering SAVOURY TARTS for your next fancy family meal LOVELY LAOS Why Luang Prabang should be your next family holiday destination
EVERY ISSUE 16 18 82 116 122 142 144 145 146
Cover Style Let’s Talk Love Your Life Heart Of The Home Passionate About Food Horoscopes Stockists Shopping Share A Secret
COOKCARDS TO COLLECT: Tropical Mango Treats
16-PAGE SPECIAL
Forever Young Easy, effective ways to ageproof your face, hair and body Pg 34
118 BREATHE EASY at home by
purifying your air indoors JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Barbara Koh Lisa Twang Janice Pidduck ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sean Tan SENIOR BEAUTY WRITER Arissa Ha SENIOR FEATURES WRITER Natalya Molok FASHION STYLIST/WRITER Aaron Kok CONTENT WRITER Elizabeth Liew DIGITAL WRITER Atika Lim ASSISTANT EDITOR
FASHION DIRECTOR
Ivy Choong Christina Lim Xu Mei Yan
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNER DESIGNER
Chan Siew Boon Ivy Goh DIGITAL IMAGING ARTISTS Angela Chan, Grace Tay SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Chia Yoon Nyen HEAD OF DIGITAL IMAGING
SENIOR DIGITAL IMAGING ARTIST
GROUP EDITOR
Tara Barker
HEAD OF CONSUMER MAGAZINES AND PUBLISHING SERVICES
Sue Tjong
Chelsea Lam SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Kevin Sim ACCOUNT MANAGER Rachel Lee SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Natalina Chan ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Gwendolyn Ho
KEY ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR
HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WOMEN’S NETWORK
Angela Lok
Lin Shao Mei Imelda Koh Vivien Lim, Grace Poh, Wong Jia Min
DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND CIRCULATION MARKETING MANAGER MARKETING EXECUTIVES
HEAD, PRODUCT & PARTNERSHIPS – WOMEN’S NETWORK
Eileen Chia
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Tristan Tey CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Shireen Ho
Hesta Foong Li Danlin PUBLISHING SERVICES CO-ORDINATOR Vivian Lee HEAD OF PUBLISHING SERVICES
SENIOR PUBLISHING SERVICES EXECUTIVE
Cynthia Ong Wendy Wong ADMIN SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Joreen Tan SYSTEMS SUPPORT MANAGER Joey Chow OFFICE MANAGER
EXECUTIVE, EDITORIAL SUPPORT
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H O L D I N G S
Loh Yew Seng
Maureen Wee Caroline Ngui PUBLISHING SERVICES DIRECTOR Leong Tscheng Yee DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING Foong Seong Khong VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Irene Lee MANAGING DIRECTOR
GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Singapore Women’s Weekly is published monthly by SPHM Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings. 317 Outram Road, #03-01A/B Concorde Shopping Centre, Singapore 169075, Telephone (65) 6671 7940; Fax (65) 6227 7002; Email:
[email protected]. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd. Distributed by Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. The Singapore Women’s Weekly shall not, without written consent of the publisher, be given, lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade; or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. We welcome features from contributors but no responsibility is accepted for lost material. The publisher retains all rights and total ownership of reader contributions, once published. All prices are approximate and are in Singapore dollars unless otherwise stated. Circulation hotline: 6388 3838. COPYRIGHT of SPHM MICA (P) 027/09/2016 ISSN 0219-0974
Cover Style COMPILED BY: AARON KOK / MAIN PHOTO: © PIERRE TOUSSAINT/ HEADPRESS / PHOTO: TPG NEWS
Fleur du Mal dress, $1,015, from net-aporter.com.
SUBSCRIPTION SPECIAL
SUN
GODDESS Channel Miranda Kerr’s sun-kissed glow with a slinky dress
Pay homage to Old Hollywood with a metallic cleavagebearing gown.
Get 12 issues of Ring, $160, from Monica Vinader.
The Weekly for only
$50.40 Plus, 15 lucky subscribers will receive a Philips VisaPure Anti-Blemish SC5278/13 Cleansing Device, worth $289!
Shoes, $650, from Stuart Weitzman.
Rings from Swarovski.
Necklace, $2,550, from Pomellato.
WIN! THE COVER LOOK Get Miranda Kerr’s naturally gorgeous look with makeup from Elizabeth Arden. We are giving away five Elizabeth Arden hampers, worth $313 each, consisting of the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Makeup SPF 15 PA++ in Vanilla Shell, Eye Shadow Trio, Beautiful Color Bold Liquid Lipstick in Daring Beige, Beautiful Color Bold Defining Liquid Eye Liner, Statement Brow Defining Gel and Lasting Impression Mascara.
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he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
Let’s Talk
DEFYING CONVENTION… (from far left) Model Ashley Graham takes a bold stance in an industry that desires skinny; Winnie Harlow breaks down barriers and inspires others who have vitiligo; and Jillian Mercado, who has muscular dystrophy, has starred in campaigns for brands like Diesel.
REDEFINING BEAUTY has vitiligo, a chronic condition that depigmentises portions of her skin. She reveals that, as a child, she was called names like “cow and zebra”. But Tyra Banks, ANTM’s host, said, “Her [Winnie’s] beauty is undeniable and her skin breaks down barriers of what is considered beautiful.” We all have different views of what beauty is, and we’re here not to tell you what is beautiful, but to help you look and feel your best. That’s why each issue is filled with advice and tips to guide you. In “Colour Me Beautiful”, page 53, we show three women new ways to rev up their look. The change is quite remarkable but what struck us most, was that the beauty in their images came out of a renewed sense of confidence. Mission accomplished!
Editor-in-Chief Barbara Koh
Click on www.womensweekly.com.sg Want to find out the latest hair trends, the best weight-loss foods, or the coolest places to take the kids this weekend? Simply click on The Weekly’s website for well-researched posts and entertaining reads, providing you with up-to-the-minute beauty and health updates, home decor inspiration and expert advice on career, parenting and relationships. And the food… we’ve got delicious, tested recipes for every meal of the day which are easy and quick to put together. We guarantee you’ll love them!
Join us now at DOWNLOAD: THE WEEKLY from http://bit.do/SWWdigi • FOLLOW US: ON FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/thesingaporewomensweekly
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PHOTOS: NICKY LOH / NATALYA MOLOK /ARISSA HA
Confidence breeds beauty – it’s a quote by cosmetics pioneer Estée Lauder that I couldn’t agree more with. And when you see the bold, norm-challenging women who are changing perceptions of what we deem as beautiful in “Reinventing Beauty”, page 26, you’ll know what we mean. Model Ashley Graham’s put the curvy back on to magazine covers and runways, and with her plus-sized 38D bust and 32-inch waist, isn’t letting convention control what she can and can’t do. Then there’s the gorgeous model Winnie Harlow, who was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). Winnie
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A er nisto nif n These girlfriends are so close they both had spells dating Counting Crows frontman, Adam Duritz, in the early 90s.
Besties who date together, stay together? That certainly seems to be the case for Taylor and Ellie, who were both linked to Calvin Harris.
Best friends Cameron and Kate have supported each other through everything, even breakups with the same guy.
Long before Carina and Tony became the power couple of Hong Kong cinema, he dated Margie, who remains friendly with both.
TEXT: NATALYA MOLOK / PHOTOS: TPG NEWS/123RF.COM
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Love is hard to find when you’re famous, so it’s no wonder some celebrity friends end up dating the same people
Gwyn and Drew have been friends for decades, so it’s no surprise that they both have the same taste in men.
Hu
SHARING
Nikki and Ian are going to be parents soon. Will his ex, Nina, become their kid’s godmother, seeing how close this threesome are?
me
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We’re not sure if they’re still buddies as Selena has broken every girl code in the book by hooking up with her friend Bella’s ex.
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Princess Price Tags
GUY TALK
Game of HUNKS
Iain Glen “Jorah Mormont”
HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones returns to the small screen on July 17, so we break down which hunks you should root for according to your personality!
You may be obsessed with Duchess Catherine’s style, but dressing like a princess doesn’t come cheap, of course…
... LIVE FOR ROMANCE
IF YOU… Nikolaj CosterWaldau “Jaime Lannister”
5,000 During the Royal Tour to Canada, the duchess wore a two-tiered dress by Alexander McQueen. She paired it with Russell and Bromley red pumps and a Miu Miu clutch.
Joe Dempsie “Gendry”
Alfie Allen “Theon Greyjoy”
US$
... PREFER THE UNDERDOG
Peter Dinklage “Tyrion Lannister”
... FORGIVE EASILY
... LIKE BAD BOYS
US$
3,320 The regal royal stepped out in this gorgeous Erdem silk gown at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala Dinner in London.
... VALUE AMBITION US$
2,500 Kit Harington “Jon Snow”
We’re green with envy at this Dolce & Gabbana number that she wore to a visit to the University of British Columbia.
Aidan Gillen “Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish”
... ATTRACT DRAMA
... ARE AN INTROVERT
DEMI MOORE, 54
MADONNA, 58
SARAH JESSICA PARKER, 51
SANDRA OH, 45
A HANDY GUIDE TO AGEING
These stars may know how to keep their faces young, but they seem to have forgotten about their hands!
But she isn't afraid to recycle looks
Face age:
Hand age:
Face age:
40
55 50
Hand age:
Face age:
75 40
Hand age:
Face age:
Hand age:
55 40
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Kate is a connoisseur of fashion repeats. The princess loves this L.K. Bennett blue poppy print dress so much, she has worn it multiple times.
JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Celebrity
MUM.
MODEL. MUSE. As a devoted mother, supermodel and businesswoman, former Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr is proving she’s so much more than just a pretty face
M
iranda Kerr is a force of nature. Whether it’s attending a UNICEF ball in Hong Kong, rocking the red carpet in the latest designer dress, or strutting the catwalk at the latest runway shows, the Australian supermodel brings an extraordinary level of enthusiasm and positive energy to every aspect of her life. This includes raising her six-year-old son, Flynn, from her former marriage to actor Orlando Bloom. “I’m a proud mother and my son is my priority,” Miranda reveals. “Being a mum fills my heart with so much joy – my son is my world. I want to be very present in his life and enjoy all the time we spend together, because whenever I’m away for work I miss him so badly. “I try to make Flynn understand that his mum needs to work, and when I come back home we do everything together – we read, we play, do drawings, and go to the park. Nothing is more beautiful and satisfying to me than watching my son grow up.”
My son is my priority... Being a mum fills my heart with so much joy
JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Celebrity And work she certainly does. Besides runway shows, the 34-year-old former Victoria’s Secret model (she was the first Australian to be an Angel in 2007) maintains a frenetic schedule as she jets around the world as a brand ambassador for her own Kora Organics bio beauty line, as well as for Clear Haircare, Royal Albert and Reebok. She’s also been a muse for Swarovski’s jewellery campaigns and launched several collections with the Austrian brand. The savvy businesswoman has also collaborated with Japanese handbag line Samantha Thavasa, and more recently, launched a denim collection with designer jeans label, Mother. It’s the perfect fit, as Miranda has an affinity with jeans and countless street style pictures to attest to it. Her 12-piece Miranda + Mother capsule collection for the indie-spirited LA label is more than a denim passion project. Part of the sales goes to benefit The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation in Sydney. Miranda shares, “Being involved in this creative process is something that I enjoy, and the fact that it’s for a great cause was the icing on the cake.” On the romance front, things couldn’t be better. Miranda is newly married to billionaire Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel, 27. She has been open about how they were committed to saving themselves or abstaining from sex before they wed, saying Evan “is very traditional”. Her new husband is also active in the life of her son Flynn and is friends with her ex, Orlando, an arrangement she characterises as that of a “modern family”.
SHE’S GOT
TEXT: JANE TAYLOR, FAMOUS, ADDITIONAL REPORTING: LISA TWANG AND AARON KOK / PHOTOS: PIERRE TOUSSAINT/ HEADPRESS; TPG NEWS
LIVING HEALTHY With her Australian beach-loving background, and a hot bod that designers love, it’s natural that Miranda is into health and wellness, but in a refreshingly balanced way. “Fitness is part of my daily life and I try to do 45 minutes of exercise per day,” she says. “I’m a pretty relaxed person but I need my yoga and Pilates to keep my energy up. It helps clear my head and stay calm and not feel the stress around me. “In the morning I like to rub coconut oil over my body before taking a shower. Then I’ll do a half hour of yoga, before I take my son to school. I also like to go for walks with Flynn, who is very active and constantly running around anyway. He loves being out in the nature with me.” Miranda also believes in eating healthily, but isn’t opposed to indulging herself once in a while. “My personal rule is 80 per cent healthy, 20 per cent food that I like. When I’m working, I like to prepare for myself large salads with vegetables, fruit, and wild salmon. And I also like to drink a lot of tea, which I carry in a thermos with me. “But I’m not super strict. When I’m invited to dinner with friends, I like to enjoy myself and not worry about what I’m eating. Sometimes at home, I’ll allow myself to indulge in things like potato chips and dark chocolate but otherwise I stick to healthy foods and lots of fresh vegetables.” Another beauty secret the model swears by is noni juice. “I’ve been drinking it practically every day since I was 12. It’s a fruit that comes from Tahiti and it gives you a lot of energy and also has therapeutic properties. I believe in it so much that I made it one of the key ingredients, together with aloe vera juice, in Kora Organics.”
THE LOOK A street style pro in her own right, Miranda can make the simplest outfit look undeniably cool. When she’s not on the red carpet, she’s usually in a pair of well-fitted jeans that flatters and flaunts her figure. Mirror her style by opting for a pair of classic jeans, and dress it up with a touch of luxe.
A black bag is the perfect carryall partner to a minimalist outfit.
ROLE MODEL Miranda is well aware that many young women look to her as a role model. She has written two books, Treasure Yourself and Empower Yourself, which are self-help guides for women. “I have always tried to inspire other women to live healthier lives and encourage women to be their best selves. I try to be a good example and if possible help women to improve their lives and embrace themselves. Women should be true to who they are, rather than trying to be someone else.” The Aussie counts herself as blessed for being able to enjoy the success she has today. “I remember doing a big fashion shoot celebrating my 18th birthday and feeling that everything in my world was so exciting. I saw modelling as a great way to meet people and discover other cultures, and I still feel that way about it. My philosophy is to live in the moment, and enjoy each day.” W
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A bright pair of heels helps lift your look.
Aquazzura pumps, $490, from Pedder On Scotts.
Work a denimon-denim look by sticking to similar blue tones.
Topshop Unique top, $269, from Topshop.
Sunglasses, $700, from Jimmy Choo.
Dress up your jeans with a loose-fitted top, and team with a pair of nononsense sunglasses.
Bag, $3,100, from Chloé.
Modern Romance
Adrian Camilleri February – July 2003
Miranda recently tied the knot with Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel in May in an intimate ceremony in Southern California and she’s said to be “ecstatic”. After a few relationships that haven’t worked out, we wish her and Evan the best!
Jeans, $139, from Levi’s.
Miranda’s relationship with Australian finance broker Adrian Camilleri did not end well: He was accused of fraud and found guilty on five counts of fraudulent behaviour. The two were known to go on lavish trips, including one to New York, which supposedly kick-started the model’s career.
Jay Lyon 2003 – 2007
This model-turned-musician dated Miranda for four years. She also starred in a music video for Jay’s band Tamarama, in which he was lead singer. They had an on-and-off relationship but finally called it quits when Jay went on an MTV reality show.
Orlando Bloom 2007 – 2013 Perhaps her most famous relationship was her romance with Hollywood heartthrob Orlando Bloom. They married in 2010, and Miranda gave birth to their son, Flynn Christopher Bloom, in 2011. The couple divorced two years later.
Evan Spiegel Recently Married Last May They share a seven-year age gap, but Miranda says they don’t have an issue with it. “He’s 27, but he acts like he’s 50. He’s not out partying,” she revealed in an interview. The two met at a dinner party in New York for Louis Vuitton in 2014, and Miranda says they took their time to get to know each other. Evan popped the question last July, and the two said their vows on May 27 in a private ceremony.
Inform
REINVENTING Amid a sea of generic faces, the most striking models on the catwalks and red carpets these days are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be beautiful BY NATALYA MOLOK
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Winnie Harlow Far from becoming a recluse because of her unusual skin, Winnie walks on runways worldwide
he modelling industry is notorious for pushing out slim and leggy teenage waifs season after season. Most of the time, these girls gracing the catwalks of London, Paris and Milan, as well as the fashion pages of magazines seem to be cut from the same cloth. But more and more, consumers are demanding a more accurate depiction of women – whether they’re petite and athletic, or busty and voluptuous. Fuelling this revolution are a wave of new models with unconventional proportions and appearances, that have garnered mainstream acceptance.
T
As a young girl who was teased and called ‘cow’ and ‘zebra’ because of the white patches on her skin, Winnie did not have an easy childhood. She has vitiligo, an incurable skin pigmentation disease that causes colourless patches to develop on a person’s body. But now, this former social pariah has two million followers on Instagram and is the face of Spanish fashion label Desigual. “I think the industry is opening up, but still needs to accept various forms of beauty as a standard, as opposed to an occurrence now and then,” she explains. “I want to see different faces on the covers of magazines, as the stars of movies, featured on billboards... It’s time we open the market up and embrace people from all walks of life.”
Ashley Graham With a 38D bust and a 32-inch waist, Ashley is large and in-charge The stunning Ashley Graham has taken the world by storm with her boundary-breaking Sports Illustrated issue. “Now is the time: People want to know about curvy women. We are in the middle of a great conversation, and we still have years before we hit the peak,” she has said of her modelling career. Despite being the first plus-size model to grace the front of SI’s coveted swimsuit issue, she’s faced backlash after backlash for her larger frame. Even her stunning Vogue cover has faced criticism, with many fans expressing dismay over reports that the photo was manipulated to make Ashley look smaller. The classy body-positive activist has taken all the negativity in her stride. “There are too many people thinking they can look at a girl my size and say that we are unhealthy,” Ashley says. “You can’t. Only my doctor can.” The 29-year-old has appeared in everything from a music video for dance-rock band DNCE to MTV’s Made as a modelling coach, all the while preaching a message of self-love, health, and inclusivity. “I refuse to let others dictate how I live my life and what my body should look like for their own comfort,” she declares. “And neither should you.”
JULY MAY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Inform
Madeline Stuart Fun, fashionable clothes, girl-next-door charm and one glamorous catwalk – this girl can do anything At just 18 years old, Madeline has accomplished what some people can only dream of. Born with Down syndrome, the sassy Australian hasn’t let the condition hold her back from a burgeoning modelling career. She’s walked at New York Fashion Week twice, and is continuing to make her presence felt on and off the runway. The Brisbane-based model, who is on a mission to change society’s perception of people with disabilities, has also launched her own fashion label 21 Reasons Why, inspired by her passion to “find reasons to better ourselves and be more inclusive”.
Jillian Mercado Used to getting turned away from fashion shows, Jillian now stars in them
Nadia Rahmat Social media star? Up-and-coming model? Disruptor? Meet the girl who’s made it all possible It started with an Instagram photo Nadia posted in 2014, auditioning to model in Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2015 ad campaign for Marc by Marc Jacobs. The 26-year-old Singaporean succeeded in her quest, beating out some 50,000 other hopefuls in her ascension to fashion’s top table. Her unconventional beauty and striking looks have set her apart in the fashion world, and she is now being represented by Upfront Models Singapore and London’s Nevs Model Agency. Still, some detractors have called Nadia “so ugly” and have even compared her to a “ghost”. Rather than be shaken, Nadia remains positive. “All I hope is for people to see beyond their preconceived notions, and that there’s more to being human than the mere colour of your skin or how you look like on the outside,” she muses.
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Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a teen, Jillian studied fashion marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York at a time when disabled models were scarce. When she decided to pursue modelling as a career, her search for a mentor with a physical disability came up empty. “I didn’t think it was a possibility,” she says of the career she’d imagined. “Not because I didn’t think I was worthy of it, but because I didn’t see anyone else like me out there.” But an open casting call for Diesel changed all that and today, Jillian is signed to IMG Models, the powerhouse agency that represents top supermodels like Gisele Bündchen and Kate Moss.
Liu Wen
PHOTOS: TPG NEWS / THE STRAITS TIMES
Outfit by outfit, this Chinese supermodel has pushed Asian beauty into the spotlight It’s undeniable that Liu Wen is a master of poise and composure on the catwalk. It’s no wonder, then, that she became the first Chinese supermodel to walk the runway for Victoria’s Secret in 2009. Wen is also the first international spokesperson of Asian descent for cosmetics giant, Estée Lauder. While she says she doesn’t consider herself a beauty, especially in the context of what’s perceived as beautiful by traditional Chinese standards, she’s also proud that the prevalence of Asian models in the industry has promoted an understanding that beauty can come in different forms. W
Beauty Hey, Sugar! Pack in the sweetness (but not the pounds) with pastel makeup that’s almost good enough to eat
NYX Professional Makeup Faux Whites Liner in 01 Vanilla and 02 Mint, $16 each.
Guerlain Météorites Birthday Candle Pearls, $89.
TEXT AND STYLING: ARISSA HA / PHOTO: NYEN
BECCA First Light Priming Filter Instant Complexion Refresh, $58 (30 ml).
Chanel Le Vernis in 560 Coquillage, $39 (13 ml).
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It’s The Balm These multi-purpose beauty heroes seal in moisture while promoting skin healing
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This month’s
BEAUTY NEWS
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3 From top: •The innisfree Cica Balm, $35 (40 ml), is made with 90 per cent natural ingredients, including the key ingredient Centella Asiatica 4X, which works by strengthening skin barrier function and boosting skin resilience. •The Suu Balm, $19.90 (75 ml), relieves dry, itchy skin, especially for those suffering from eczema. Its main ingredients, menthol and ceramides, simultaneously cool skin down, repair damaged skin and lock in moisture for stronger and healthier skin.
Get Naked
•Formulated with pawpaw and calendula, The Gentle Label Organic Healing Balm, $22 (25 ml), can be used to treat a variety of skin ailments ranging from scalds, cuts, sores, insect bites and dryness. Besides promoting healing, the Organic Healing Balm can also be used to tame flyaway hair, soothe chapped lips and nourish dry cuticles.
1. Turn up the heat with the new Urban Decay Naked Heat, $83. This new iteration of the Naked eye shadow palette has 12 new shades in warm browns, brick reds and burgundy to create stunning eye looks. 2. Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks, $31, are known for their vivid colours and comfortable matte finish, and they’ve added some nude shades to the collection – perfect for those who love the mylips-but-better (MLBB) look. 3. The NARS Angel Pride Cheek Palette, $110, comes with four blush shades, a highlighter and a bronzer to give you the freedom of creating an ethereal glow or chiselled cheekbones.
Enhance your beauty sleep by slathering on these hydrating sleeping masks
FOR DRY SKIN
TRY: Garnier Light Complete Yoghurt Sleeping Mask, $19.90 (50 ml). With brightening ingredients like vitamin C, lemon essence and soy yoghurt probiotic extract, this sleeping mask exfoliates and brightens skin. Antioxidants neutralise free-radicals and protect skin against pollutants.
TRY: Biotherm Aquasource Everplump Night, $75 (75 ml). Tap on the power of nocturnal microalgae to replenish skin while you sleep. This gel mask forms a cooling layer to hydrate skin – best for warm, humid nights.
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FOR BRIGHTER SKIN
FOR FATIGUED SKIN
TRY:LANEIGE Eye Sleeping Mask, $46 (25 ml). The telltale signs of fatigue are most apparent around the eye area, but you can fake a good night’s rest with the new LANEIGE Eye Sleeping Mask. This lightweight mask comes with a ceramic ball applicator to boost circulation, hence reducing puffiness when you wake up.
FOR NIGHT OWLS
Coffee For Your Skin Need additional pick-me-up after a long night? The Origins GinZing™ SPF 35 PA+++ Hydrating Prettifying Finisher, $63 (50 ml), contains caffeine, guava and panax ginseng to energise skin and keep it looking plump and hydrated throughout the day.
TEXT: ARISSA HA / PHOTO: SHOWBIT
SLEEPING TIGHT
Fay
•Developed to treat skin after aesthetic procedures like laser treatments, dermal injections and acid peels, the Teoxane Deep Repair Balm, $65 (30 ml), is ideal for repairing and soothing damaged skin.
Anti-Ageing Special
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he last few years have seen a huge improvement in the technology of aesthetic procedures, and also their popularity. Dr Siew Tuck Wah from Radium Aesthetics shares, “I see more of an increase in numbers asking for injectables now – reflecting an increased acceptance of injections for facial enhancement and rejuvenation.” Dr YZ Tan of Mizu Aesthetics chimes in, stating that “[It is] definitely much more acceptable now that people realise that aesthetic procedures are safe when done by a licensed and experienced doctor.” No longer do people shy away from minimally-invasive procedures like injectables and laser treatments to maintain a youthful visage. Here are the newest in aesthetic procedures that can help delay the signs of ageing.
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Fillers, botox, lasers and the latest high-tech skincare products… here’s your anti-ageing guide on how to fend of wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin
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BY ARISSA HA
THREAD LIFTS The thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure, where threads with barbs are inserted under the skin and pulled to give the face a more lifted appearance. According to Dr Y Z Tan of Mizu Aesthetics, threads are versatile in their application. “Threads can be inserted along the cheeks to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds, or along the jawline to lift the jowls to create a V-shaped face,” comments Dr Tan. “They can also be used on the nose, for a higher nose bridge.” The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes, including the time required for numbing. An average of three to 10
threads may be used for each side of the face. Results are immediate, and usually last between nine and 12 months. The threads used are usually made from polydioxanone (PDO) or poly L-lactic acid (PLLA), the same type of threads used in surgery that will dissolve and be absorbed by the body over time. Unlike traditional facelifts which involve surgery and a longer downtime, thread lifts can be done during lunch hours, and you can go about your day as usual. However, it’s not advisable for those who have undergone thread lifting to do laser or ultrasound treatments which involve heat. A consultation with an experienced
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V For Visage
Lift saggy jowls for a firmer, V-shaped jawline
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1. The Yakson House Lifting Program Pack, $40 (5 pieces), is a two-piece mask which contains skin tightening ingredients to firm and hydrate skin. 2. The Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Total V Contouring Serum, $114 (50 ml), contains potent plant extracts to combat facial fats and puffiness for more contoured facial features. 3. Acting like a corset for your face while you sleep, the LANEIGE Time Freeze Firming Sleeping Mask, $53 (60 ml), lets you wake up to a firmer visage. 4. The Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream, $154 (50 ml), envelops the face and neck to visibly firm and tighten skin.
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doctor is necessary, in order to be advised on the number and types of threads used for your specific concerns.
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WHAT IT TARGETS: Sagging jowls, frown lines, nasolabial lines and flat nose bridge. HOW MUCH: From $2,500.
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DERMAL FILLERS Like thread lifts, dermal fillers can be used on different parts of the face to achieve desired results. Common dermal filler brands include Belotero, Restylane and Juvederm, and they all feature the main ingredient hyaluronic acid. Dr WS Heng from IDS Clinic shares: “Depending on the concern as well as budget of the patients, we can personalise the treatments individually. Hyaluronic acid fillers in various viscosities and gel hardness allow us to contour, volumise, and enhance certain bony projections of our face. Biostimulatory fillers like poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) and polycaprolactone (Ellanse) allow longer-lasting effects as it stimulates collagen production overtime.” Numbing cream will be applied topically on the areas of concern and the injections usually take less than an hour, excluding the time needed for numbing. Some might experience bruising and swelling, but it is safe to go about daily activities with the exception of sauna visits, hot yoga and any highimpact sports.
Perhaps one of the most popular noninvasive aesthetic treatments, botulinum toxin A (more commonly referred to as Botox) can be injected into the face to lessen the appearance of deep wrinkles and relax the mandibular muscles so the jaws appear less prominent. Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are brands approved for use in Singapore. There aren’t any real differences between the brands, except for the presence of complexing proteins in Botox and Dysport. As complex proteins are foreign to the body, it is believed that introducing them to the body frequently might cause the development of antibodies, which may affect the efficacy of the treatment over time. “[They can be used to] reverse signs of ageing or to improve proportions of shape of the face,” shares Dr Karen Soh from Prive Clinic. “Results are quite dependent not only on quality of the product, but also the skills and
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Erase the signs of ageing with these wrinklereducing formulas
1. Containing a day cream and night cream in a dualcanister bottle, the La Prairie Line Interception Power Duo, $570, works in tandem to stimulate collagen production and remove fine lines. 2. The Avène Eluage Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate, $71.30 (15 ml), targets expression lines around the mouth, nose and forehead for younger-looking visage. 3. Formulated with 10.5 per cent vitamin C, the Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Serum, $98 (50 ml), improves skin texture and radiance without irritating sensitive skin. 4. The Guerlain Abielle Royale Honey Smile Lift, $95 (15 ml), stimulates skin repair and plumps the lips.
BOTULINUM TOXIN A
WHAT IT TARGETS: Sunken areas on the cheeks and under-eye area, loss of volume on lips, flat nose bridge. HOW MUCH: Between $850 to $2,000.
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judgement of the doctor.” The needles used to inject the botulinum toxin A are extremely fine, which makes the treatment almost pain-free, with just a pin-prick sensation when it is administered. As with other injections, some bruising and swelling might occur. WHAT IT TARGETS: Frown lines, prominent jaw muscles and wrinkles. HOW MUCH: Between $200 to $500.
LASER TREATMENTS Lasers are beams of focused energy that travel at specific wavelengths, and there are different types which focus on specific skin concerns like pigmentation, redness, acne and pimples, or even tattoo removal. The more common laser treatments include Q-switched laser (1064 nm), which can be used to lighten unwanted brown spots, and also pigments from tattoos. One of the newest laser treatments include a turntable laser system called Excel V – it operates on two wavelengths (532 and 1064 nm), and has three modes to treat superficial pigmentation spots
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Stop the ravages of time with these anti-ageing serums and creams 1. Formulated with potent anti-ageing ingredients, the CLAIR Skin Solutions Royal Age Defying Serum, $78 (30 ml), firms sagging skin and smoothes out wrinkles. 2. Skin damaged by UV rays, environmental pollution and ageing can benefit from the IDS Rejuvenating Complex, $245 (30 ml), a lightweight cream which boosts collagen and elastin production. 3. Containing snake venom, the Estetica VItalift A+ Miracle Lift Serum, $280 (30 ml), stimulates the effects of botulinum toxin A to smooth deep wrinkles. 4. The Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, $170 (50 ml), targets 10 clinical signs of skin ageing for more youthful-looking complexion. 5. The signature gel texture of the Astalift Jelly Aquarysta, $148 (40 g), contains a mix of collagen that absorbs quickly into skin.
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The first signs of ageing usually appear around the delicate eye area – delay the onset of fine lines, dullness and dark eye circles with these eye creams
Eyes On Me 4
1. The Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate, $98 (15 ml), is a lightweight pre-treatment for the eye which boosts skin resilience to stave off dark circles and wrinkles. 2. The Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Eye Cream, $70 (15 ml), contains plant extracts which hydrate the delicate eye area, while reducing fine lines and puffiness. 3. Indulge in a luxurious massage for the eye area with the Sulwhasoo Time Treasure Renovating Eye Serum, $348 (20 ml) – the 24K gold plated massager improves circulation, while the eye serum improves firmness and dullness. 4. Use the applicator that comes with the La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $310 (15 ml), to boost microcirculation and reduce the appearance of dark eye circles.
and rosacea, deeper spots and veins, as well as stimulate collagen synthesis. If your concern is vascular lesions, which appear as red spots or threads on the skin, ProYellow Laser (577 nm) would be ideal. Traditional yellow lasers contain both green (532 nm) and yellow (577 nm) light, but it is thought that the green (532 nm) wavelength leaves Asian skin more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. The ProYellow Laser reaches into skin to treat visible blood vessels, pigmentation, rosacea and post-acne redness. Aside from treating redness on the skin, ProLaser Yellow also has a different mode to tackle pigmentation, promote skin rejuvenation and eliminate pimplecausing bacteria.
pain during the treatment, and some dull ache on the bones like the jawline. There is virtually no down-time, and results will take around two months to become visible. WHAT IT TARGETS: Skin laxity, loss of firmness and unwanted fats on the face. HOW MUCH: From $800
SKINBOOSTERS Like dermal fillers, Skinboosters also use hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate skin and maintain skin hydration levels. “Skinboosters treatment uses a specialised filler from Restylane to improve texture, restore hydration and improve fine lines,” comments Dr Siew Tuck Wah from Radium Aesthetics. He
WHAT IT TARGETS: Pigmentation, uneven skin tone, redness and acne. HOW MUCH: From $400 2
ULTRASOUND Both High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Ulthera utilise ultrasound technology to induce skin tightening and lifting. Theses ultrasound waves target skin at depths of 1.5 mm, 3 mm and 4.5 mm to lighten superficial pigmentation, stimulate collagen production, melt facial fats and tighten skin. Located at the depth of 4.5 mm, the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) stimulates skin tightening and helps it appear lifted when ultrasound is administered. Numbing cream or injections are used for the area receiving the treatment. Patients may experience some prickly
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Shine Bright
uses an injection device which has five micro-needles, making the process quicker and more precise. The nozzle of the injection device lifts the skin via a vacuum, and injects the stabilised hyaluronic acid filler under the skin. However, some doctors may choose to inject Skinboosters directly with a syringe, depending on the condition of your skin. The Skinboosters treatment was developed by Restylane specifically to improve fine lines, skin elasticity and hydration levels. It is always prudent to check if the clinic you are visiting utilises Restylane Skinboosters instead of a filler from a different brand, which might not yield the results you are looking for. As Skinboosters are usually injected
Rid dullness, dark patches and age spots with a brightening serum
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1. Elizabeth Arden Whitening Melanin Control Night Capsules with Advanced MI Concentrate, $151 (50 capsules), reduces the appearance of dark spots for a more even skin tone. 2. Albion Intensive Spots, $197 (4 g), is a concentrated serum which targets dark pigmentation. 3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, $91 (30 ml), improves dull skin to give it an overall glow and radiance. 4. SK-II GenOptics Spot Essence, $274 (50 ml), breaks down melanin for a litfrom-within glow. 5. Derma-Rx Intensive Lightener, $199 (30 ml), is a brightening serum which suppresses melanin production.
DID THEY HAVE WORK DONE?
Kim Go-Eun “Kim Go-Eun most likely had cheek fillers done to soften her facial features. It’s quite possible that botulinum toxin injections were also used to define her jaw line so as to achieve her V-shape visage. She might also have skin tightening done.” – Dr Karen Soh, Prive Clinic
Angelababy “Her jawline, chin and lips are the most contrasting features in before-and-after photos. These can be achieved through a series of botulinum toxin injections for jaw slimming, and filler injections to augment the appearance of the chin and jawline to improve the visual proportions with the lips.” – Dr WS Heng, IDS Clinic
Fan Bingbing “If you compare Fan Bingbing’s old photos, you can see that her face is more chiselled with higher cheekbones - she is likely to have had fillers to the chin to make it more Vshaped, and to the cheeks to plump it up. Her nose is higher now - she’s likely to have had a nose job of rhinoplasty. Her much better, glowing skin should be the result of Skinboosters and lasers.”
Song Ji-Hyo “Song Ji-Hyo is likely to have buccal fat removed so that her cheeks appear more chiselled. These results can also be replicated with HIFU. Her jawline also appears softer, which may be achieved through the use of botulinum toxin A on the masseter muscles.”
– Dr Siew Tuck Wah, Radium Aesthetics
– Dr YZ Tan, Mizu Aesthetics
all over the face, it is common to have pin-prick marks and swelling especially over sensitive areas like the under-eye. These would usually go away in a couple of hours, but it’s advisable to schedule the treatment in the evening for skin to recover overnight.
The CACI Luxury Non Surgical Face Lift also uses Capacitive Radio Frequency technology, which penetrates the skin deeply to strengthen skin tissue and promote collagen synthesis, for firmer-looking skin. Lines, wrinkles and drooping skin are visibly improved.
WHAT IT TARGETS: Dry, dull and ageing skin in need of a boost. HOW MUCH: From $800.
WHAT IT TARGETS: Sagging facial muscles and wrinkles. HOW MUCH: From $270. W
CACI (COMPUTER AIDED COSMETOLOGY INSTRUMENT) 1 The CACI Luxury Non Surgical Face Lift from SWUK Aesthetics uses a combination of micro-current and radio frequency to tone and firm skin. Microcurrent stimulation mimics the body’s own bio electrical field and is usually not felt, except for a slight tingling sensation during the treatment. It tones muscles, increases blood circulation, and promotes collagen and elastin production. The treatment is performed using conducting wands, to stimulate all 32 facial muscles on the face to achieve muscle relaxation for frown lines, and muscle contraction for sagging skin.
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Extend skincare from your face to the neck and décolletage, so skin looks youthful on the neck and chest as well 1. Formulated with powerful lifting ingredients, the Clinique Sculptwear Lift and Contour Serum for Face and Neck, $105 (50 ml), targets three different zones simultaneously – it firms and sculpts cheeks, contours the jawline and reduces wrinkles and fine lines on the neck. 2. The Strivectin NIA Tech Neck, $69 (30 ml), comes with a roller applicator to smooth out lines on the neck, especially useful if you spend long hours tilting your head downwards to look at your phone and laptop screens. 3. The Estée Lauder New Dimension Tighten + Tone Neck/Chest Treatment, $170 (50 ml), comes with its own massage tool to boost skin elasticity and collagen synthesis for a firmer, and more lifted décolletage.
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Anti-Ageing Special
STAR APPEAL Bid adieu to dullness, pigmentation and fine lines with at-home peels that promise fresher, brighter skin BY ARISSA HA
S
ay the word ‘peel’ and some of us might imagine harsh chemicals burning our face off, but that’s far from the truth. In fact, facial peels only loosen the dead skin cells from the topmost layer of skin, revealing brighter skin and allowing active skincare ingredients that follow in your skincare regimen to penetrate into it for better results.
Peels commonly contain acids like glycolic, lactic, mandelic or salicylic acid. Compared to chemical peels administered by a trained doctor, at-home peels are generally gentler as they are less concentrated – but that’s not to say they are less efficacious. When used frequently (about once every two weeks), at-home peels can diminish pigmentation, fine lines and the appearance of large pores. For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Renewal Toner, $38 (150 ml). Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin renewing abilities, the mandelic acid in this toner eliminates acne-causing bacteria for clearer and brighter skin.
Allies of Skin Bright Future Overnight Facial, $159 (50 ml). Those with sensitive skin will love this hydrating, hypoallergenic chemical peel – in fact, it’s the first of its kind. It’s gentle enough to be used for two to three consecutive days, to ramp up the glow without drying skin out or causing irritation.
Philosophy The Microdelivery Overnight AntiAging Peel, $109 (60 ml and 60 g). The first step of this two-step peel contains glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid to exfoliate skin, while the soothing gel that follows contains anti-irritants to comfort and rejuvenate skin.
Arcona The Solution Pads, $70 (45 pads). Busy women will be thankful for how easy these peeling pads are – just swipe them gently on skin and let the glycolic acid complex work its magic. Skin resurfacing is enhanced while you sleep, with powerful antioxidants working to repair sun damage accumulated during the day.
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The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel, $34.90 (145 ml). If you’re still not sold on the idea of chemical exfoliation, the gentle liquid peel doesn’t contain any acids. Plant extracts like edelweiss, sea holly and criste marine lift dead skin cells, and renew your complexion for cleaner and healthier skin.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Intensive Peel, $84 (50 ml). Containing lactic acid, salicylic acid and Mucor Miehei extract, the Facial Radiance Intensive Peel re-surfaces skin to improve skin dullness and smoothness with regular use.
MODEL PHOTO: FLORIAN SOMMET /TRUNK ARCHIVE /SNAPPER MEDIA
TIPS: • Use a peel at night, as it causes skin to be photosensitive. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen the next day! • If your skin is prone to redness, use a peel with the lowest concentration. It’s also recommended that you do a patch test first before using it on your face, in cause it causes a reaction. • Salicylic acid is great for acne-prone skin as it rids pores of impurities, including acne-causing bacteria.
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beautiful smile doesn’t just project a friendly image, it can make you look more youthful too. But the older you get, the more your face changes, which can affect your smile. If you’re looking to slow down or even reverse the effects of ageing, your dentist may be able to help fix problems like an uneven gum line or discoloured teeth. Here are eight common dental problems that can be easily resolved in the chair:
PROBLEM: Age-Related Discolouration, Gaps or Overcrowding SOLUTION: VENEERS As you get older your tooth enamel may become thinner, leaving the yellowish dentine (the living tissue inside each tooth) more visible and resistant to whitening treatments. “Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of tooth-coloured plastic resin or porcelain designed to cover the front side of teeth to improve overall appearance,” says Dr Valerie Tey from the National Dental Centre of Singapore (NDCS). For some people, their dental arch (the natural curve of your teeth) is narrow, leaving their side teeth less visible when they smile. Veneers can thus be used to create a wider smile. Porcelain veneers can last up to 25 years, provided you maintain regular dental care. You can also get veneers made from composite material that may be more affordable but won’t be as sturdy. Cost: From $650 per tooth.
PROBLEM: Tooth Loss, Gappy Smile SOLUTION: IMPLANTS OR DENTURES
smile making you
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Over the years your teeth sustain a lot of wear and tear. Replacing broken teeth not only brightens your smile and improves your ability to chew, it can also help fill out your cheeks so they appear more youthful. Implants are now the gold standard for tooth replacement for both cosmetic and mechanical reasons. Dental implants involve surgically embedding a titanium screw into the jawbone to support one or more porcelain crowns. They’re a more permanent alternative to dentures. Dentures are still a good option if you have many missing teeth and new technology means they can be custom-made. “Bone volume and quality, tooth and jaw relationship and general health assessments are needed before recommendations can be made,” says Dr Tey. Cost: Price varies depending on the
complexity and number of teeth replaced, but expect to pay from $4,000 for an implant and overlying crown and from $160 for dentures.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTOS: PAUL SUESSE/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU, 123RF.COM / *PRICES ARE CORRECT AT PRESS TIME AND ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION
PROBLEM: Stained Teeth SOLUTION: WHITENING TREATMENTS Food, coffee, red wine and nicotine can stain your teeth and make you look older than you really are. If your teeth are discoloured by surface stains, DIY whitening treatments can help but you’re better off seeing your dentist, who will prescribe a tailored whitening treatment without damaging your teeth or gums. The latest in-chair treatments can make your teeth eight shades whiter in 45 minutes. Cost: From $900 for in-chair whitening or from $500 for a take-home kit.
PROBLEM: Cracked Or Damaged Teeth, Large Fillings SOLUTION: DENTAL CROWNS A crown is designed to fit over a cracked or damaged tooth in the same way a prosthetic tooth is fitted over an implant. Often made of porcelain or ceramic material, dental crowns are custom-made, colour matched and designed to last. You may be fitted with a temporary tooth while your permanent crown is built but waiting times are usually shorter if it’s made using 3D on-site. Crowns are a good way to strengthen cracked teeth and replace large fillings, even if a tooth is significantly damaged. Cost: From $500 per tooth, depending on the type of crown used.
PROBLEM: Cracked or Broken Teeth SOLUTION: FILLING REPLACEMENTS If you have a mouthful of old silver (amalgam) fillings, chances are you’ve had them a long time. Because they expand and contract over the long term, these fillings will cause microcracks in your teeth, making them prone to breakage. The results may not show until 10 to 15 years when a tooth breaks unexpectedly. Your dentist can increase the life of your teeth by entirely replacing silver fillings with a bonded, more stable material the same colour as your natural teeth. Cost: From $55 for a composite restoration or from $190 for ceramic inlays and onlays.
PROBLEM: Thin Lips, Fine Lines SOLUTION: ANTI-AGEING COSMETIC TREATMENTS Once your teeth are in good shape, anti-ageing treatments from a cosmetic dentist can help
WHITEN AT HOME You can try to lighten teeth with these DIY treatments: The new Listerine Healthy White, from $5.50 (250 ml), claims to improve your teeth’s natural whiteness in just two weeks. It is formulated to help kill oral bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel. The iWhite Instant Whitening Kit, $49.90, contains 10 wearable trays filled with whitening gel designed to remove stains and polish your teeth.
reverse other visible signs of ageing. Botox and dermal fillers can provide a more youthful frame for your smile and take years off your face. You’re more likely to get the result you’re looking for if you have these treatments done by a cosmetic dentist or aesthetic doctor, who is an expert in the shape and function of all facial structures. Botox is a muscle relaxant that can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, while fillers can restore your lips to a more youthful shape. This method of smile makeover works best from the inside out, so you should have any dental issues remedied first. Your teeth not only make you look good and help you chew properly, they also provide a scaffold for the soft tissue of your face. Missing teeth can cause your cheeks to sag, and no amount of injectable product will help until the gaps are fixed. Cost: From $300 for botox, depending on the area treated and volumes used.
PROBLEM: Crooked Teeth, Overcrowding SOLUTION: ORTHODONTICS
SHOULD I TRY WHITENING? Not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. For many people it poses no serious risk if done correctly. But if you choose the wrong treatment or it is applied incorrectly, then some damage can occur. “The most frequent side effects include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and ulceration. Sore throat and headaches have also been reported,” says Dr Tey. Plus, crowns and fillings will not change colour, so you could end up with multi-coloured teeth. If you have concerns about tooth colour, Dr Tey suggests visiting your dentist for a proper evaluation first. Your dentist will check your suitability for whitening by looking at things like enamel thickness, receding gums, existing sensitivity, tooth decay, restorations such as fillings, and any other oral diseases.
As you get older, changes to the shape of your face and mouth can lead to overcrowding and other abnormalities in your smile. Braces may be the answer, but visible, metal braces are not your only option. Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. The clear aligners are effective, comfortable and virtually invisible. They’re also custom-fitted and removable, so they’re more hygienic than steel braces that can cause difficulties with brushing and flossing. “However, suitability for Invisalign depends on the complexity of your case,” notes Dr Tey. Cost: Varies depending on complexity of your treatment but expect to pay from $4,500 for Invisalign and from $3,900 for metal braces.
PROBLEM: Lopsided Gums SOLUTION: LASER TREATMENTS Your gums change as you get older but years of brushing twice a day can lead to toothbrush abrasion, leaving your gum line higher on one side of your mouth and throwing your smile off balance. While fixing this may once have meant invasive surgery, new laser technology provides a safe, suturefree solution to gum reshaping. “Laser healing is fast and allows patients to return to work the same day should they wish to,” says Dr Ronnie Yap, cosmetic dentist and director at Orchard Scotts Dental. Your dentist may also use laser therapy to perfect gum contours to fitting veneers. Cost: From $350 per tooth. W JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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GET GLOWING
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ANTI-AGEING SPECIAL
WRINKLE ERASER D
RQ·WOHWZULQNOHVDQGÀQHOLQHV reveal your age – it’s vital to give your skin comprehensive protection against the effects of ageing so you can look younger, for longer. Repair and reconstruct tired skin from within with a regenerative product such as the Royal Age Defying Serum by CLAIR® Skin Solutions: This ultra-light serum is formulated with an innovative blend of Argireline – a type of peptide also found in botulinum toxin (Botox) injections – and absorbs quickly into your dermis to perk up drooping skin and smoothen wrinkles. Other potent ingredients OLNHK\GURO\]HGVR\ÀEUHRDWVDQG palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, work together to boost collagen synthesis, increase hydration levels and improve skin structure for less visible lines. Massage a thin layer of this comfortable serum into your skin for QRWLFHDEO\K\GUDWHGÀUPHUDQG rejuvenated skin in as little as 14 days. At $78 (30 ml).
DEFY YOUR AGE
Hydro Firming Serum With a blend of hyaluronic acid, oats, and botanical extracts, this lightweight serum deeply hydrates dry skin and combats premature ageing. At $72 (30 ml).
Ultra-Light Sunblock SPF 50 PA++++ Defend against harmful UV ray with this luxurious broad spectrum sunblock, which hydrates deeply and sits comfortably on skin. At $56 (30 ml).
ANTI-AGEING SPECIAL
BESPOKE BEAUTY
M
uch like DNA, no two individuals’ skins are absolutely alike. That’s why Juvena from Switzerland has developed a highly customisable skincare range to address your skin’s needs. The Skinsation range features the Global Anti-Age Cream Fluid as the base solution, with four additional concentrates GHVLJQHGWRWDUJHWVSHFLÀFVNLQFRQFHUQV7KHEDVHVROXWLRQGHIHQGVDJDLQVW ageing by improving skin laxity and strengthening skin structure, and can be enhanced with the Daily Shield Concentrate which provides comprehensive protection from environmental stressors, UVA, and infrared. For dull skin, the Deep Moisture Concentrate imbues your skin with intense hydration for long-lasting youthful radiance. The Regenerating Oil Concentrate is ideal for dry skin: The vitamin A in this concentrate penetrates deep within the skin to stimulate regeneration, and restore skin to its optimal state. And if your skin QHHGVÀUPLQJWKH,PPHGLDWH/LIWLQJ&RQFHQWUDWHÀOOVRXWZULQNOHVUHOD[HV features, and contours the visage for a noticeable lift. Whatever your skin concerns are, simply mix and match to get the ultimate bespoke treatment solution for your skin. At $408.
ENHANCE YOUR REGIMEN
Skin Nova SC Serum This serum contains the most effective version of the proprietary SkinNova SC Technology to strengthen skin, soothe irritation, while diminishing uneven skin tone. At $365 (30 ml).
ANTI-AGEING SPECIAL
FIRM UP FROM WITHIN
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)RUPRUH&$&,VNLQDQGERG\WUHDWPHQWVYLVLW6:8.$HVWKHWLFVDW &OD\PRUH&RQQHFW7HO :HEVLWH www.swukaesthetics.com.sg
Anti-Ageing Special
ONE-SNIP WONDER Fringes aren’t just bang on trend – they’re an easy way to instantly take 10 years of your face From disguising forehead lines and crow’s feet to lifting your cheekbones, the fringe is easily the new facelift (no knives required). Plus, they’re inexpensive and can help frame and soften your features. Here are four flattering, youthful ways to work a fringe:
Got an ovalshaped face? You’re in luck – every fringe style will suit you!
Song Hye-Kyo
Penélope Cruz
SIDESWEPT LIFT
BLUNT AND BOLD
LIGHT AND FEATHERY
BARDOT BANGS
Best suited for round faces, this style creates height and definition to enhance your cheekbones. It also has a face-lengthening (hence, slimming!) effect and blends in well with the rest of your hair, so it’s the safest option if you’re not committed to making the cut. Check with your hairdresser which side will best complement your features.
This look is perfect for someone with a longer face or thin locks as it gives the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Brow-level bangs also help accentuate your eyes! However, those with a round face shape may want to avoid this heavy-set style as it tends to weigh down your look.
Also known as “see-through bangs”, this wispy cut is a great way to ease into the trend. It can soften angular features, elongate round faces and more, making it versatile and suit virtually all face shapes. Whether you wear it middle-parted, sideswept or simply straight down, make sure it ends at or below the brow so it’s easier to style.
Inspired by the iconic Brigitte Bardot, a middle-parted curtain fringe like Penélope’s is ideal if you have a square-shaped face. Besides helping to soften harsh corners, it also works to elongate the face by drawing attention to and accentuating the jawline, cheekbones and eyes.
TIP: Start blow-drying from the roots,
and aim the dryer towards the side of the parting.
TIP: Using a vent brush, blow-dry straight out then press it against your forehead until cool. For thinner hair, you can consider using a hair roller for that curled-in look.
TIP: Run your fingers through it while
blow-drying, as this helps it set more naturally.
TIP: Blow-dry one side at a time,
starting from the roots and then flicking hair away from the face from the mid-lengths until the ends. This helps your bangs sit perfectly.
YOUR FAB FRINGE TOOLKIT Tip: Avoid using products that weigh your fringe down and make it look flat, greasy or clumpy. Blow-dry with the help of a round brush like the ghd Natural Bristle Radial Brush Size 3, $50, for a perfectly beveled finish.
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Your fringe tends to get most oily throughout the day, so spritz HASK Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo, $19.90 (184 g), onto your roots to instantly refresh your ’do.
Before combing, lightly tease underneath your fringe with the Denman Tail Comb, $29.90, to add lift and prevent strands from sticking together.
The Philips DryCare Essential Energy Efficient Hairdryer BHD029/03, $65, has better temperature control to protect your hair from overheating.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTOS: TPG NEWS
Jessica Biel
Mindy Kaling
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Lasting lift it for a goddess No reason to frown – this lift-boosting cream aims to reverse the effects of ageing on your visage
W
hen it comes to ageing gracefully, Japanese women have it perfected to an art form. Get the ageless appearance of a Goddess with Megami no Lifty Lifty by RBP, a lifting cream that makes anti-ageing skincare a veritable breeze. Wildly popular in Japan, this cream is formulated with a potent blend of peptides, botanical stem cells, and minerals to give your face a visible lift. A godsend for sagging skin, it combats lines and furrows around the eyes, nose, and jaws. Find out how you can combat these signs of ageing with these simple steps:
Bright Eyes The skin around our eyes are especially thin and delicate, and crow’s feet are usually amongst the first signs of ageing to appear. Reverse these effects with Megami no Lifty Lifty: Simply apply a rice-grain sized drop to your fingers, and gently massage upwards and outwards five times on each side. Make sure to focus on the corner of your eyes, as well as under your eyes, to combat fine lines.
Jaw-Dropping Do not neglect the skin around your neck and jaw – maintain a V-shaped jawline, and help your face look slimmer at any age with this product. Pat a pea-sized amount on each side of your neck and face, and gently massage upwards, to enjoy an immediate tightening effect.
Over And Under One of the key benefits of this firming cream is that it can be used before and after makeup. Enhance the lifting effects by applying a miniscule amount of this cream on your temples, and around your jawline, for a midday boost. The handy packaging of this cream is slim enough to fit into small purses, so you can look good anytime, anywhere.
Say Cheese Some people have more prominent smile lines than others, and contrary to its name, it’s not usually something we would smile about. Eliminate them by massaging the lifting cream in an outwards motion away from your nose. This cream does not leave your skin feeling uncomfortably tight, so you can apply this before makeup for results that will last throughout the day. Frequent use will help you maintain a youthful and fresh visage.
After
Megami no Lifty Lifty is priced at $24 and is available at Tokyu Hands: • #01-36/37, Westgate • #B1-07, Orchard Central • #02-306/359/361/362/371/373/374, Suntec City
Before
The Cream That’s Selling Every Six Seconds Here’s what you need to know about the brand that started the snail cream trend. Have you heard of It’s Skin? A clinical skin solution brand from Korea, It’s Skin is the first Korean brand to introduce snail creams. Made with snail mucin, a mucus protein secreted by snails that contains amazing regeneration properties, it’s a super effective anti-ageing ingredient. It’s Skin is known for its Prestige D’escargot range that contains 21 percent snail mucin – the amount needed for optimal results. All products are formulated to solve various skin concerns – from anti-ageing to dehydration – and have passed clinical skin safety tests. Here are their best-sellers.
1Prestige Crème D’escargot
2
1
Suitable for all skin types, the Prestige Crème D’escargot is a multi-functioning 5-in-1 face cream. The snail mucin extract is rich in chondroitin, which reduces signs of stress and skin troubles. Not only that, the fermented pseudoalteromonas and campsis grandiflora extracts hydrate the skin to make it more supple and healthier-looking. It also helps to maintain a more youthful appearance, with ingredients like arbutin and adenosine to smooth out wrinkles and rough skin, and brighten your overall complexion. Prestige Crème D’escargot (60ml), $79.90
2 Prestige Yeux Ginseng D’escargot
There’s a good reason why this is the best-selling eye cream at Lotte Duty Free Shop in Korea. The ginseng promotes better blood circulation, while the niacinamide lightens dark circles with its natural brightening properties. And thanks to the regenerative abilities of snail mucin and adenosine, it also helps reduce wrinkles and revitalise the skin around the eyes. Prestige Yeux Ginseng D’escargot (15ml), $79 for 2 4
AWARD-WINNING 7 3
5
6
3. Serum + Eye Serum: Prestige Serum D’escargot (40ml + 15ml), $69 4. Toner + Lotion: Prestige D’escargot Tonique & Lotion (140ml), $56 each 5. BB Cream: Prestige Crème BB D’escargot (50ml), $38 6. Eye Mask: Prestige Eye Masque (5pcs), $26 7. Mask: Prestige Masque (5pcs), $39
It’s Skin is at #01-102/103 Bugis Junction, #01-16 Tampines 1 and #01-64 Nex.
The Prestige Crème D’escargot was awarded the Monde Selection grand gold award for three consecutive years, from 2014 to 2016, making it the first Korean cosmetic brand to achieve that. The Monde Selection is a prestigious European quality assurance body that is acknowledged by the Belgium government.
Anti-Ageing Special
Colour me beautiful
Freshen your look by injecting colours into your wardrobe. We gave three ladies a hair, makeup and closet update to refresh their style Fresh Updates
I tend to go for quality pieces that won’t go out of style
Bright prints help make an outfit look fresher. Sneakers are a fashion staple that will look good on everyone. High-waisted midi-length skirts help create the illusion of longer legs.
A.P.C. bag, $600, from Kapok.
PRINT PARADE Step up your off-duty look by mixing classic stripes with a colourful pattern. T-shirt from H&M. Jacket, $900, from Joseph. Skirt, $330, from Diane von Furstenberg. Shoes from Ash Shoes. Necklace, $79, from COS. Andrew Gn skirt, $722, from matchesfashion.com.
MARCHING ORDERS Give your midi skirt a utilitarian treatment for an easy edge.
Ivy Choong
Top, $325, from Tory Burch. Skirt, $1,080, from Joseph. Necklace, $235, from Bimba Y Lola. Shoes, $53.90, from Charles & Keith.
Earrings, $29.90, from Mango.
40s, Senior Art Director
BEFORE
Ivy’s role as a senior art director often means she has to balance form and function, and she takes the same approach when it comes to fashion. “I look for pieces with interesting details, such as an embroidered collar or a basic tee with a flared hem, but they still have to feel comfortable,” comments Ivy. “Cut is also very important to me, as some clothing tends to look heavy on me due to my petite frame.”
Shoes, $109, from Aldo.
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Anti-Ageing Special FRESH COAT A softly-tailored duster coat will help you look taller and boost style points. Top, $360, from Sandro. Coat, $259, from COS. Jeans, $49.90, from Uniqlo. Earrings from H&M. Shoes, $53.90, from Charles & Keith.
I like clothes that make me feel confident
Fresh Updates Throwing on a denim jacket makes you look instantly younger. A quirky statement necklace helps an otherwise plain outfit look more fun. Adding loose curls to hair can voluminise flatlooking hair and help the face look slimmer.
Sunglasses, $14.90, from H&M.
Top, $69.90, from Zara.
DENIM DOSE Throw on a denim jacket to add texture and colour to your outfit. Shirt, $670, from Sandro. Jacket, $119, from H&M. Skirt, $129, from COS. Shoes, $330; and necklace, $330, both from Tory Burch.
Jacket, $452, from Maje.
Lynn Lim 41, Freelance Designer
BEFORE
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As a mother of a two-year-old girl, Lynn is often spotted in comfortable clothing, and sneakers that allow her the freedom of movement. “I like a balance of comfort and style, and I’m also prone to phases in fashion. If I’m into polka dots, I’ll obsess over them and start buying everything in polka dots,” quips Lynn.
he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
Shoes, $189, from Michael Michael Kors.
WRAP IT UP A wrap top with dramatic sleeves gives you a slimmer waist without skimping on flair!
I love loose-fitting clothes as they are more comfortable
Johanna Ortiz top, $1,204, from neta-porter.com. Skirt, $99.90, from H&M. Earrings, $115, from Bimba Y Lola. Shoes, $53.90, from Charles & Keith.
GET ZESTY A fruity print is an easy way to incorporate some fun into your outfit.
TEXT: ARISSA HA / FASHION DIRECTION: JANICE PIDDUCK / FASHION STYLING: AARON KOK / PHOTOGRAPHY: NICKY LOH / PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: YANN CLOITRE / HAIR: CHANTEL SIEW USING KELVIN MURPHY / BLOW + BAR / MAKEUP & NAILS: KEITH BRYANT LEE AND ALYSSA TOH USING DIOR.
Shirt, $66.90, from Topshop. Dress, $119, from H&M. Earrings, $249, from Tory Burch. Shoes, $69.90, from H&M.
Fresh Updates Wearing a vivid lip colour brightens up the complexion and helps you look instantly put together. A wrap top creates the illusion of a smaller waistline. Layering a white shirt underneath a printed dress can help it look more work-appropriate.
Bag, $99.90, from Mango.
Top, $79.90, from Topshop.
Earrings from Dolce & Gabbana.
Koh Weilin 35, Account Manager
BEFORE
Comfort ranks high for this working professional when it comes to both fashion and beauty. “I hardly wear liquid foundation, and I love loose-fitting clothing as it’s more comfortable,” comments Weilin. The self-confessed beauty junkie loves indulging in skincare though. “I love shopping at Sephora and drugstores, and I frequently use sheet masks and sunblock to hydrate and protect my skin.”
Malone Souliers shoes, $750, from Pedder On Scotts.
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Beauty Report
How to
WOW at work Need to make a good impression at the oice? Take your nine-to-five to new heights with our tricks of the trade BY NATALYA MOLOK
Y
ou may not feel like the most dazzling person in the office – perhaps you’ve been feeling a little tired and are struggling to focus. But if total career domination is on your to-do list, help is on the way – just follow these key pointers that will bring out your inner girl boss!
HAVE A GOOD MINDSET Do you ever wake up, remember all the work you have to do, and feel like you just want to hide under the covers and not come out? That feeling can be overwhelming, but having a “me” moment in the morning to set your intention for the day can help with work stress. It will shift your whole mindset.
VISUALISE SUCCESS Successful women don’t wait for an opportunity to present itself: They create it. One of the ways to do this is to harness the power of positive thinking. If you believe you can rise to the top, then you will. It’s as simple as that. Boost your confidence the night before a big presentation with Astalift’s reformulated Bright Lotion for beautiful, translucent skin, so you can focus more on wowing your colleagues and less on what you look like. At $64 (130 ml).
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he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
DON’T TRY TO BALANCE IT ALL Instead of trying to excel in every area of your career and giving it all your equal energy, try to stay focused on one thing and constantly improve that facet of your work life. If you have to meet with a lot of clients, then you already know that looking professional and wellgroomed counts for a lot. Keep those fine lines at bay with the Astalift White Perfect UV Clear Solution SPF 50+ PA++++, a multi-functional beauty essence and makeup base, which offers advanced UV protection against the sun’s damaging rays. At $72 (30 g).
FLAWLESS ALL DAY
UV reaction after
DRESSING THE PART Basic doesn’t have to be boring when it comes to workwear. Fashion stylist/writer Aaron Kok shares how to style up your wardrobe for the office so you always look sharp.
SCHEDULE TIME FOR INSPIRATION On-demand creativity doesn’t come easy, and it can be tough to find inspiration when you are stuck in a cubicle all day long. The solution? Make time for non-work related activities to get those creative juices flowing. For some people, that may mean binge-watching a few episodes of your favourite television or Netflix show. Whatever it may be, try to make time for inspiration, because you never know when you’ll get that next big idea that could give your career a major boost.
The Button Up “Keep it ladylike and lush. When it comes to shirts, it’s all about the pussy bow.” Shirt, $244, from Michael Kors.
The Wrap Dress “Get a wave of attention by giving a simple dress all the trimmings with asymmetrical details.” Dress, $119, from Topshop.
STAY FLEXIBLE Fighting fires at work can keep you running on all cylinders, but the remedy to that could be as simple as moving regularly by taking a yoga class. The Astalift White Shield Drink has similar revitalising properties to exercise, with its high concentration of vitamin C and Nano Astaxanthin. Each bottle contains essential ingredients, designed to make you glow from the inside out. At $60 for 10 bottles (50 ml).
The Statement Bag “A strong and solid bag in a bright pattern stands out against a neutralhued power suit.” Bag, $3,350, from Prada.
BOND WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS Being on both the giving and receiving end of trust from the people around you could be instrumental in your progression. As busy as you are trying to climb the corporate ladder, it’s best to remember that success is often a shared endeavour. Try to make the moments you have with your co-workers count, whether it’s over coffee, during lunch or through a company outing. When you really get to know people, you can often work better with them. W
The Standout Skirt The Quirky Hardware “Add interest with jewellery and accessories in mixed materials.” Earrings, $15.90, from Mango.
“For the best way to elongate your frame, do the split with this season’s must-have cargo skirt.” Skirt, $69.90, from Zara.
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MAIN PHOTO: BRENDAN ZHANG
UV reaction before
Most of you probably put on sunscreen in the morning. But we’d be willing to bet that way less of you remember to apply it several more times throughout the day. Wouldn’t it be convenient if a product could tell you when to SPF up? Well, not only is ASTALIFT White Perfect UV Clear Solution SPF 50+ PA++++ an all-in-one makeup base and beauty essence, it also lets you know when you’re exposed to harmful UV rays thanks to its UV Sensor Cap that changes colour from white to purple. This nifty product offers advanced UV protection, with bursting UV Action Capsules that release skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C. It’s perfect for our weather here too, with its lightweight texture and sweat-resistant formula.
Nutrition
EAT yourself younger
Get a more youthful appearance fast by powering up your diet with protein
P
rotein is about more than building muscle than staving off hunger. Our skin, hair, teeth, nails, brain cells and bones are all proteinbased. If we don’t consume enough, our skin can’t produce the collagen to keep it supple and we can end up weak, tired and with thinning hair. So it’s no wonder the health and beauty industry is embracing this anti-ageing saviour. And consuming lots of protein doesn’t have to mean a diet packed with meat. Protein is found in a surprising number of foods, which are rich in anti-ageing nutrients.
Recipe: Peel 4 ripe bananas and slice into thin rounds. Place on a lined baking tray and freeze. Meanwhile, combine ¼ cup of chopped, roasted almonds with 2 tsps of maple syrup and a pinch of salt and set aside. Pulse the frozen banana with ½ cup almond milk, 2 tbsps of maple syrup, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract in a food processor until it resembles soft ice-cream. Sprinkle with the almond mixture and serve. (Makes 570 ml)
Almond Milk Cow’s milk is a great source of protein but for dairy-free followers, such as Gwyneth Platrow, almond milk is a good anti-ageing choice. As well as containing protein, calcium and vitamin E, almond milk boosts the skin’s moisture, says nutritionist Karen Fischer, author of Younger Skin In 28 Days. SUPERCHARGE IT In Gwyneth’s banana ice-cream recipe, from her book It’s All Good, she cuts out the refined sugar – which can break down skin’s collagen and elastin – and instead sweetens it with antioxidant-rich maple syrup.
Adzuki Beans Celebrity nutritionist Elizabeth PeytonJones, author of Eat Yourself Young, raves about these beans. “As well as being an almost complete source of protein (containing many of the essential amino acids), the flavonoids in their skin have been shown to be even better at repairing damaged DNA than vitamin C,” she says. SUPERCHARGE IT “For our bodies to effectively use protein to create collagen, we should also consume plenty of vitamin C, manganese, copper and zinc,” says Elizabeth. Find them in her adzuki bean salad, which contains all of the nutrients, plus iodine-rich seaweed, to help regulate your hormones.
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Garden Peas One of our most overlooked superfoods, the humble garden pea is a nutrition powerhouse, and a great source of protein. Rich in vitamin K, which can help build strong bones, as well as vitamins A and C, peas are surprisingly higher in minerals than some of their fancier cousins, such as snow peas. SUPERCHARGE IT The menthol in a mint garnish can boost your digestion and energy. You could also add some asparagus – either as part of a salad or risotto. A mild diuretic, it’s thought to help detoxify the body, and is also believed to be a natural aphrodisiac.
Tofu Vegetarian gourmet chef Natasha Corrett, co-founder of
honestlyhealthyfood.com, recommends limiting our meat intake and getting more of our protein from vegetarian sources such as tofu, which contains iron, calcium and magnesium. SUPERCHARGE IT Try serving your tofu with gluten-free noodles, such as buckwheat or soba noodles. Buckwheat is a complete source of vegetable protein, containing all the essential amino acids, and a great source of magnesium.
Red Quinoa As well as providing the essential amino acids, quinoa boasts a range of other nutrients, including iron, magnesium and folate. But the red variety packs even more of a healthy punch. “It’s lower in carbohydrates and has a lower GI than white quinoa. Plus, it owes its rich colour
to anthocyanins, powerful memoryboosting antioxidants,” says Karen.
Macadamia Nuts Want to know the secret to youthful skin? Ask a dermatologist. While all nuts are a great source of protein, Dr Stefanie Williams, author of Future Proof Your Skin, recommends macadamias. “Macadamia nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can quell oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory reactions. This is great news for longevity, and also slows down our biological clock and the process of skin ageing,” she says. SUPERCHARGE IT Try some toasted macadamias for your breakfast or in a salad. To toast them, spread on a baking tray and place in a 180 C oven for 12 to 15 mins.
TEXT: CLAIRE FOX/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / PHOTOS: 123RF.COM, ROB SHAW/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Kamut An ancient grain hailing from Egypt, kamut is making a comeback. With up to 40 per cent more protein than regular wheat, it’s also high in magnesium, which is thought to slow age-related memory loss, as well as give us strong bones, and selenium, which is essential to brain function. Try buying it as a flour, and use it to make your own nutrientpacked bread. SUPERCHARGE IT In her book Supergrains, nutritionist Chrissy Freer combines kamut pasta with antioxidant-rich pumpkin – great for fighting wrinkles – and calciumrich ricotta.
skin and improves calcium absorption in the gut, keeping bones strong,” says Elizabeth. SUPERCHARGE IT It’s most potent when eaten raw, so crush it onto toasted bread with skin-boosting tomatoes.
Greek Yoghurt “I feel better and have more energy when I include a good source of lean protein in every meal,” says Jessica Alba in her book The Honest Life. “It sustains me so I’m not tempted to just snack idly on foods I don’t need.” Her top tip? Lowfat Greek yoghurt. “It’s higher in protein than regular yoghurt. I like to sweeten it with a little fruit or honey.” SUPERCHARGE IT Serve it with a few dark berries or cherries, which are high in antioxidants, and sprinkle with a few sunflower seeds – they contain lignin phytoestrogens to prevent collagen breakdown and boost the skin’s lipid barrier, which protects the skin from moisture loss.
complete source of protein, they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to greater brain volume in women. SUPERCHARGE IT Stir hemp seeds into your cereal with a few teff seeds. Dubbed ‘the new quinoa’, they contain protein, calcium and iron.
Sun-dried Tomatoes A surprising source of protein, they also contain lycopene – a super anti-ager. “Lycopene provides a mild sunscreen effect for your skin,” says Karen. “It can also help to remove toxins and carcinogens and enhance liver detoxification.” SUPERCHARGE IT Mix into a salad with some amaranth grain. Gluten-and wheatfree, it boosts the amino acid lysine, which is missing or negligible in most other grains, and is packed with minerals, such as iron, magnesium and vitamin E. W
Recipe: Bring 1 L
Squid A favourite of nutrition expert and chef, Dale Pinnock, squid is a complete source of lean protein. It also contains essential fats, vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus for strong bones and teeth, copper to help manufacture collagen, and vitamin B12 for an age-defying energy boost. SUPERCHARGE IT In his book The Medicinal Chef, Dale creates a bonebuilding squid recipe by serving it with calcium-boosting kale and magnesiumpacked cashew nuts.
of water to boil with 1 chicken, 1 tbsp of sea salt and 3 cm of peeled and crushed ginger. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 mins. Remove chicken from the pan, and remove the bones and skin. Return chicken meat to pan with 1 leek, sliced lengthways. Simmer for another 10 mins, until cooked through. Season with black pepper and serve. (Serves 4)
Crab High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s also a good source of zinc – great for skin and hair health. SUPERCHARGE IT Cucumbers contain silica – a compound which aids the production of collagen and elastin in the skin – so add a cucumber salad. You can also make your own dill mayonnaise. Dill’s volatile oils can help fight ageing free radicals.
Garlic This little bulb is an anti-ageing giant – and a surprising protein source. “It stimulates our endocrine system, increasing vitality, stamina, concentration and libido. It also boosts
Collagen Soup This traditional Japanese recipe is all the rage in anti-ageing beauty foods. The bones and tissues of animals and fish contain collagen, which the Japanese extract into soups. SUPERCHARGE IT In her collagen soup recipe from her book Sushi Slim, chef Makiko Sano adds ginger, which can boost circulation to the skin and reduce inflammation, and antioxidant-rich leeks.
Hemp Seeds Hemp seeds can help keep the brain in tip-top condition. As well as being a JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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ant gorgeous skin with a natural, healthy glow? Take your beauty routine to the next level with the Philips VisaPure Anti-Blemish SC5278/13 cleansing device. It uses dual motion technology to clean skin gently but deeply, and is 10 times more effective than cleansing using just your hands. Used with your favourite cleanser, the brush vibrates and rotates across skin to remove dirt and impurities like dead skin cells and makeup residue. This leaves you with smooth, crystal-clear skin, without having to step into a salon!
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15 Lucky Readers who subscribe to The Weekly will receive a Philips VisaPure Anti-Blemish SC5278/13 cleansing device, worth $289!
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BE UPDATED! Get the latest news on beauty, fashion, health and food at
thesingaporewomensweekly
thesingaporewomensweekly
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Fashion BOHEMIAN REVOLUTION Modern-day bohemes are back with a reimagined vision that blends prairie girl and glam rock. Think soft, floaty tiers finished with plenty of hardware Maiyet dress, $1,389, from farfetch.com.
Katerina Makriyianni earrings, $194, from net-aporter.com.
Pair a tee with fringed earrings for a subtle boho touch.
Roberto Cavalli
Alexander McQueen
COMPILED BY: AARON KOK / PHOTOS: SHOWBIT
Top, $429, from Sandro.
Erdem
Studded mules are a cool way to add a pop of colour.
Shoes, $1,490, from 3.1 Phillip Lim.
Bag, $1,390, from Furla.
Skirt, $119, from Zara.
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This month’s
FASHION NEWS
iPhone 7 “rose” case, $70, from Kate Spade New York.
1800-HAPPINESS! Life’s too short to be carrying a boring phone case around, especially when there’s a plethora of options that explode with quirk, colour and personality! Whether it’s got eye-catching details, an odd shape or is wrapped in an unexpected fabric, your phone case is now an extension of your persona. Eschew the boring rectangle cases, and pick from one of the shapely designs available. Whether it’s a rose to symbolise love or a rainbow to remind you to always look forward, your phone case is more than just an accessory.
EXTRA CHARM! Make it wholly yours with your initials spelt in phone charms. Charm, $70, from chaos.club.
iPhone 7 “rainbow” case, $85, from Stella McCartney.
Polo Club
THE SPARKLY TOP Team with a midi skirt for a Friday night.
BOTTEGA VENETA
White Out On top of being durable and matching with nearly everything, white sneakers are perennially cool no matter your age!
b old Ta
The G
Sneakers, $139, from Adidas Originals.
Top, $630, from 3.1 Phillip Lim.
umsole
The G
THE STRIPED TOP Throw this together with a pair of culottes before brunch. Marco de Vincenzo top, $720, from net-a-porter.com.
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WEAR WITH: A pleated skirt and some gold earrings.
WEAR WITH: Wide-legged pants and a cropped jacket. Sneakers, $314, from axelarigato. com.
The P
latform
WEAR WITH: A midi-length floral dress. Sneakers, $820, from Alexander McQueen.
COMPILED BY: AARON KOK / PHOTOS: SHOWBIT
Polo shirts get a luxe update this season with intricate details and unexpected fabrics, making them the perfect top to wear in the warm days ahead.
Whether you want to read about the latest celebrity news, need beauty and style advice, or tips on parenting and eating well, we’ve got all you need 24/7
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he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
Fashion
In need of a denim update? Here are seven new ways to take fashion’s trustiest fabric to the next level FASHION DIRECTION BY JANICE PIDDUCK
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Do It In Denim Stay on trend with updated details like a tuxedo collar or exaggerated cuffs. Area New York top (worn underneath), $780, from Surrender. Jacquemus top, $720, from net-a-porter.com. Skirt, $460, from Sandro. Boots, $1,600, from Christian Dior. Jacket (on couch), stylist’s own.
Fashion
Join The Fray
Unhemmed skinny jeans dress down a statement shirt (or any dressy top for that matter). Jacquemus top, $710, from neta-porter.com. Jeans, $390, from Sandro. Boots, $1,090, from Bally.
Good Jeans Bonus: High-waisted Jane Birkin-esque flares suit all body confidence levels. Top, $340, from Sandro. Natasha Zinko jeans, $1,700, from yoox. com. Coat, $11,990; and shoes, $990, both from Bally.
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Fashion
Patch It Up Patchwork denim plus a turtleneck equals an instant style upgrade.
Top, $1,690, from Bally. Dress, $590, from Maje. Belt, $49.90, from Topshop.
Twist And Slouch Dress down your look with a relaxed denim jacket worn casually off the shoulder. Shirt, $1,400, from Saint Laurent. Skirt, $1,200, from MSGM. Jacket, $1,750, from Balenciaga. DSTM choker, $370, from Surrender. Boots, $1,600; and rings, both from Christian Dior.
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Fashion
Frill Seeker Ground flouncy frills by adding a denim corset. Shirt, $69.90, from Zara. Bodice, $35.90, from Stradivarius. Jacquemus skirt, $980, from net-a-porter.com.
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PHOTOS: BRENDAN ZHANG / STYLING: SHAUN CHEN / HAIR: ASH LOI/ATELIER, USING SEBASTIAN / MAKEUP: KEITH BRYANT LEE/FAC3INC, USING CHANEL / MODEL: YANG JY/AVE MODELS / LOCATION: THE 1925 BREWING CO.
Make The Cut Retire your traditional boot-cuts and experiment with raw hems and new silhouettes and shapes. Blazer, $690, from Sandro. R13 jeans, $1,170, from Surrender. Skeda rings, from $38, from TANGS at Tang Plaza. Boots, $550, from Sandro.
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Denim hit list
Fashion Know-how
The
Alessandra Ambrosio
From figureflattering jeans to the stand-out pieces, this is The Weekly’s definitive list of the best denims to have and to hold 74
Jeans, $79, from American Eagle Outfitters.
Hey, Girlfriend! Forget the boyfriend jeans: It’s all about girlfriend jeans now. You still get the same comfort from your old boyfriend jeans, but overall, a pair of girlfriend cut jeans will fit better. Its legs are slimmer, and it flatters your hips so you can look amazing from both front and back.
he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
TIBI
SONIA RYKIEL
SAINT LAURENT
KENZO
THAKOON
3.1 PHILLIP LIM
Style Your Size Be it cropped, cuffed or languidly cut, there’s a pair of jeans for every shape this season BOYISH
PEAR-SHAPED
HOURGLASS
For boyish figures, rely on a pair of tapered jeans to help you create some shape. Non-stretch fabrics that come in light washes are also ideal for you.
A pair of straightcut jeans in a mid-to-dark wash should be your best bet. When trying jeans on, look for a pair that skims over your thighs and calves.
Flatter your curves in a pair that’s highwaisted, and keep to a solid tone with no wash. Jeans with a flared shape will also look good on you.
Jeans, $89.90, from Topshop.
Jeans, $89.90, from Zara.
Jeans, $169, from In Good Company.
TALL
APPLE-
PETITE
To avoid looking Create the illusion SHAPED like you’re towering of a leggier you Eschew skinny over everyone, jeans and try on a with a pair of skinny throw on a pair of pair of wide-legged jeans. Cropped at jeans and cuffing the ankle, this jeans jeans. They’re them up. Plus, length work well super on-trend now, those cuffs will add and they’ll balance with a pair of heels a dose of cool too! out your silhouette or some flat mules. Jeans, $79, from Jeans, $59.90, nicely. American Eagle Outfitters.
Jeans, $189, from In Good Company.
from Mango.
JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Fashion Know-how BLUES CLUES Team Weekly dishes on their denim secrets
Natalya Molok
SENIOR FEATURES WRITER
Dream Jeans They may not have their own standalone stores here yet, but that’s not stopping these denim brands from taking over our wardrobes AG JEANS
FRENCH CONNECTION
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Adriano Goldschmied’s cult label is the place to go for premium street denim, thanks to the jeans’ ability to retain their shape no matter how often they’re worn.
Known for their cheeky slogans, French Connection cuts a mean pair of jeans that will sculpt your body like a dream, without costing you an arm and a leg!
Don’t be afraid of the price tag that comes with a pair of their jeans, because you’ll come to realise that they are a stylish investment thanks to their longevity and lasting powers.
Available at Bread & Butter.
Available at Robinsons The Heeren.
Available at Club Monaco.
THE DENIM DIARY Reaching out to her 16,000-strong band of followers with her signature brand of effortlessly cool style, Melissa Tee (@meltttt) reveals the pieces that are on her shopping list.
“I count a pair of flared jeans as one of my most-loved fashion tricks to making my legs look longer!” Jeans, $258, from Michael Michael Kors.
Arissa Ha Jeans, $149, from Levi’s.
SENIOR BEAUTY WRITER
“I’m always looking for a pair that’s got a bit of stretch and push-up capabilities: It helps make my bum look perkier.”
“Throwing an oversized denim jacket over a polished ensemble just breathes new life to any outfit.”
Jeans, $89.90, from Mango.
Jacket, $69.90, from Zara.
Atika Lim DIGITAL WRITER
Isa Arfen top, $784, from neta-porter. com.
“I love it when designers take denim and interpret it into unexpected forms.”
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TRF jeans, $69.90, from Zara.
“The d jeans l k i my uniform. I have about six pairs that I rotate regularly.”
“Because of my busy schedule, I rely on a pair of girlfriend jeans, which I will cuff up and match with a pair of pumps.” Iris & Ink jeans, $154, from theoutnet.com.
Stellar Separates Denim isn’t just reserved for jeans, as evidenced by these true-blue standouts 03
01
01 Jacket, $158, from Marks & Spencer. 02 Sam Edelman shoes, $190, from Pedder On Scotts. 03 Top, $45.90, from Zara. 04 J.W. Anderson earrings from Club 21. 05 Bag, $590, from 3.1 Phillip Lim. 06 Paper London pants, $560, from Robinsons.
THE BLOUSE A voluminous top calls for something as show-stopping and modern as a pair of wide-legged pants. 02
06
05 04
03
01
05
04 06
01 Shirt, $76.90, from Topshop. 02 Malone Souliers x Roksanda flats, $611, from net-aporter.com. 03 Pants, $550, from Joseph. 04 Scarf, $115, from Tory Burch. 05 Jacket, $1,350, from Marni. 06 Earrings, $33.90, from Topshop.
THE JACKET Streamline your silhouette with a nononsense belted jacket and pointed flats.
02
THE SKIRT
02
05
A ruffled midi-length skirt is this season’s classier cousin to the boring denim mini.
01 Bag, $1,200, from Coach. 02 J.W. Anderson skirt, $892, from Club 21. 03 Top, $44.90, from Zara. 04 Bracelet from Kate Spade. 05 Isabel Marant necklace, $160, from net-a-porter.com. 06 Shoes, $180, from Pedder Red.
03
01 04
06
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Fashion Know-how
Four Ways To Fab Channel these classic style icons with just one pair of flared jeans SPORTY
BOHEMIAN
FARRAH FAWCETT
Jeans, $350, from Frame Denim.
Embody Farrah’s ’70s style with classic, sporty pieces.
MARILYN MONROE Stay sweet in the heat with a lightweight top and dusty colours.
01
01
02 02 03 Bejeweled mules work for both day and night.
For that extra pop of colour, layer a T-shirt over your polo.
05
05 04
03
04
01 Top, $330, from Frame Denim. 02 T-shirt, $19.90, from Zara. 03 By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Sun Glow in “Sun Nude 2”, $150. 04 Bracelet, $260, from Monica Vinader. 05 Sneakers, $129, from Nike.
01 See by Chloé top, $210, from Robinsons. 02 Sunglasses. $99, from Le Specs. 03 Burberry Kisses in “English Rose No.17”, $63. 04 Shoes, $1,510, from Miu Miu. 05 Bag, $860, from Furla.
CLASSIC
URBAN
JEAN SEBERG
BROOKE SHIELDS
Nothing says classic quite like a striped top and bright red lips.
A textured red top and flat shoes will be your new fave off-duty look.
02 01 01 03 02
04
05
03
Give your look some texture with a pair of printed loafers.
01 Bag, $410, from Rebecca Minkoff. 02 Top, $49.90, from Topshop. 03 Earrings, $200, from aureliebidermann.com. 04 Moonshot Lip Feat in “The Red”, $29. 05 Sam Edelman shoes, $189, from Pedder On Scotts.
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04
A sc al cuff will help h l to modernise your outfit.
05
01 Top, $580, from Joseph. 02 J.W. Anderson bag, $1,620, from Club 21. 03 Shoes, $1,059, from Marni. 04 Bracelet, $22.90, from Lovisa. 05 Marc Jacobs O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara in “Blacquer”, $39.
POCKET HEROES Never underestimate the butt-improving powers of a well-designed jeans pocket
Piece By Piece Patchwork denim pieces are hot right now, as they add just the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming you Kimono, $690, from Maje.
Sacai dress from Club 21 Forum.
FLAT BUM To give that extra perk to your derriere, choose a pair of jeans with a pocket flap. A deep-set yoke can also accentuate your butt.
Jacket, $820, from Frame Denim.
Soludos espadrilles, $99, from Robinsons.
SYJP Steve J and Yoni P jeans, $448, from net-a-porter.com.
NARROW BUM Avoid narrow pockets and look for wide-sized ones instead. They’ll make your bum look more balanced, plus you get more pocket space. Win!
WIDE BUM To slim down the aSlim down the appearance of your behind by choosing mid-sized pockets and a narrow yoke.
COMPILED BY: AARON KOK / PHOTOS: 20TH CENTURY FOX, CLUB 21, EVERETT, NYEN, SHOWBIT, TPG NEWS, 123RF.COM
Maje
ACCESSORY TO CHIC Whether it’s a scarf, an embroidered bag or a charm bracelet, jazz up your denim shirt with this season’s most directional accessories
CASUAL FRIDAYS
PICNIC PARTY
BRUNCH DATE
White mules and a silk scarf instantly elevate a denim button-down.
A directional shirt calls for equally eye-catching accessories.
Play it pretty with a charm bracelet and pointy flats.
•J.Crew shirt, $130, from jcrew. com.•Scarf, $11.20, from American Eagle Outfitters. •Shoes, $45, from asos.com.
•Forte Couture shirt, $660, from farfetch.com.•Bag, $537, from Marc Jacobs.•Shoes from Bimba Y Lola.
•A.P.C. shirt, $250, from kapok.•Sophia Webster shoes, $450, from On Pedder.•Bracelet, $22.90, from H&M.
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Calling all stylish mothers and mums-to-be Join BAZAAR ’s Junior League and get updated on the latest events and promotions for your little ones. Receive exclusive invitations to our
BAZAAR Junior events created just for you. Send in your details to http://bit.do/hbsjunior
Visit harpersbazaar.com.sg or join BAZAAR Junior on Facebook at bazaarjuniorsg
Inspire STOP THE FAT TALK Banish your damaging talk about weight, body shape and size, so you can learn to love yourself
Change The Conversation “When you hear yourself or someone saying ‘I feel fat today’, say ‘I love your smile’ or ‘You’re great at bringing people together,’” says Christine Morgan, chief executive of the Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / PHOTO: 500PX/CLICK PHOTOS
Recognise Your Triggers What starts fat talk for you – is it listening to a friend berate herself or hearing a loved one being critical about your body? Tell people how fat talk makes you feel. Remember there are many body shapes and sizes, and no one shape or size is better.
Celebrate Your Body Appreciate the many things your body does. Don’t compare it to others, and when you finding yourself saying something negative about your body, turn it into a positive. Instead of saying “I’ve got fat thighs”, think, “I have powerful legs that take me where I need to go.”
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Love Your Life
How To Be A Better Listener
3 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER FOOD CHOICES
Being a good listener takes more than simply staying quiet while another person speaks. Here’s some expert advice:
Give these sciencebacked tricks a try…
1 Offer your full attention Stopping what you are doing lets the speaker know you are really paying attention to what she’s saying. If you’re busy, suggest another time when you know you’ll be able to focus on your friend. Empathise Consider the other person’s needs and vulnerabilities rather than your own. Listen without judgements, avoid giving unsolicited advice and don’t bring the focus back to you.
2
DINE IN WELL-LIT RESTAURANTS You’re more likely to order healthy meals containing fewer calories if the room has bright lighting because well-lit spaces can help you feel more alert.
Show you understand Validate what they are saying and feeling by making statements such as, ‘It makes sense that you feel this way’. You don’t need to agree with what the speaker is saying, but responding can help her feel better understood.
13%
3
That’s how much your risk of stroke-related deaths drops by if you eat chilli regularly. It has capsaicin that boosts blood flow and helps prevent obesity.
Feel Better Instantly
Beat The Bloat Suffering from water retention? Healing Touch’s SlimLipo-Laser treatment targets both fat cells and excess water weight, and eliminates them from your body as waste. For appointments, call 6715 1515, or visit www. healingtouchspa.com.
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Relaxation is vital to your health and well-being, but many people find it difficult to overcome stress and anxiety. Taking a walk among nature for one hour may help to soothe over-excited nerves and restore perspective. We know that being active can help alleviate depression and new research shows doing some exercise outdoors can make you feel better. Walk in a garden or on the beach, and enjoy the sunshine.
AVOID SNACKING WHEN YOU’RE DOWN When you’re in a bad mood or feeling stressed, you’re more likely to look for a fast way to feel better (explaining why you’ll head for that bag of chips). Try to distract yourself by painting your nails or going on Facebook.
TEXT: BAUERSYNIDICATION.COM.AU, ADDITIONAL REPORTING: NATALYA MOLOK / PHOTOS: 123RF.COM
BUY FOOD WELL IN ADVANCE Shopping for what you want to eat long before you plan to consume it encourages you to choose lower-calorie foods. That’s because when you’re making food-related decisions for the future, you’re less tempted by those instantgratification treats.
Get he Finder Kids magazine at any Kinokuniya outlet for $4.95 or download a FREE digital copy via Apple iTunes, Google Play or www.magzter.com
Enjoy The Finder Kids, an invaluable resource full of expert advice, cool activities, best buys and much more!
www.thefinder.com.sg @thefinderkids
@thefindersingapore
Real Life
“First I had cancer, then my son was diagnosed with the
disease too” But brave mum says they are a ‘family of survivors’
C
hristina Skaros and her younger son Samuel have an unbreakable bond – they have both beaten cancer, inspiring and supporting each other through the toughest fight of their lives. “I was just recovering from a gruelling year-long battle with breast cancer when Samuel became sick,” Christina shares. “When doctors diagnosed him with leukemia, it was the beginning of a living nightmare.” Christina, Samuel, now seven, and his older brother Kristopher, nine, were playing in the garden in their Sydney home on a cool day four years ago, but even while he was all bundled up, Samuel was shivering. Christina checked his temperature and couldn’t believe it when the thermometer read 40 C. “He was red-hot and nothing would bring his temperature down,” she says. Minutes later, he was unconscious on the floor. “It was terrifying,” she recalls. “I can’t describe what it’s like to see your three-year-old little boy lifeless before you.” Paramedics rushed him to the hospital, where the distraught mother ran through the worst-case scenarios in her head. “My biggest fear was meningitis,” she says. Over the next week, doctors ran tests and eventually Samuel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia – the most common childhood cancer.
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Thankfully, Christina Skaros and Samuel are both in remission.
TEXT: JULIA JENSEN / PHOTOS: KRISTINA SOLJO/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Left: Their shared illness has made mother and son closer than ever. Below: Samuel and his brother Kristopher are able to lead normal, healthy lives as brothers.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” Christina, 47, says. “I was having treatment for breast cancer, and now here was my baby boy facing the same battle I’d just endured. It was heartbreaking.” A year before, Christina was delivered her cancer diagnosis after finding a lump in her right breast. “I was only 42 – it came as a bit of a shock,” she recalls. “I was devastated.” She had surgery to remove the lump and started a gruelling course of chemotherapy, but doctors warned that her life was still under threat. “They told me there was a high chance my ovaries could be affected by this type of breast cancer, too,” she says. “As a mother, I couldn’t afford the risk. All that mattered to me was being with my kids, so it was an easy choice to fight.” She endured treatments that made her sick and extremely weak. “Thankfully, I responded well and the doctors were thrilled with my progress,” she recalls, happy to be in remission. At a time when her own health should have been paramount, Christina did everything she could to help Samuel on the road to recovery. “He was so brave throughout the whole ordeal, even when he was being poked and prodded,” she says. “But it was awful to see him weakened by chemo the same way I was. He couldn’t even get out of bed.” With Samuel so small, Christina made the heart-wrenching decision not to tell him exactly
Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe both of us are still here
what was wrong with him. “He was so tiny and I didn’t want him to be scared,” she explains. “When he was in hospital, he thought he was being treated for a broken leg.” For months, Christina camped out by Samuel’s bedside. This had a devastating effect on Kristopher, who was only five at the time. “One day at the hospital he completely rejected me,” Christina reveals sadly, tearing up at the memory of his devastating words. “When I asked him what was wrong, he said, ‘Mummy, you don’t love me anymore.’” Christina and her boys were offered the chance to attend a family retreat, hosted by cancer charity Camp Quality, something that helped not only Samuel, but the whole family. “It was great because it wasn’t just for Samuel, it was about Kristopher as well,” she explains. “We went horseback riding and played other outdoor games with other children in the same situation. It was amazing to spend time together as a family.” Thankfully, Samuel fought the blood cancer with all his might and now, four years on, he’s in remission, too, and closer than ever to his mum and brother. Eager to help other families suffering the devastating effects of cancer, Christina now gives back to Camp Quality, since she credits them with helping her through their most challenging times. Last year, she hosted a Dine at Mine fundraising dinner for Camp Quality, and made a traditional Filipino feast in her home for guests. It raised AUD$900 ($933), a figure she intends to match. Christina is hopeful for seven-year-old Samuel’s future and hers, now that they have regained their health. “Not so long ago he was so sick he couldn’t walk and I had to push him around in a pram,” she says. “Now he’s running around in our backyard. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe we’re both still here.” W JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Women Share
Every day
WONDER women Meet three Singaporeans who are making our home a kinder city – and prove there is profound joy and purpose in giving BY ELIZABETH LIEW
Make A Difference: If you’re looking for a dog, adopt. If you don’t have time to own a dog, you can always foster one for a few days or weeks.
W
hen she’s not lecturing part time at LASALLE College of the Arts, this canine lover spends her time rehabilitating rescue dogs and running marathons to raise funds and awareness for these animals. In March, she ran across Hong Kong’s Lantau Island in the Translantau 50 km marathon, in rugged terrain, to raise money for Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD). Her passion for dog rescue and welfare began in 2011, when she successfully fostered and rehabilitated a rescued Shetland Sheepdog. “I was appalled at how she had been neglected and abused as a breeding dog when she came to me in a malnourished and diseased state. I toilet-trained her, taught her to walk on a leash and socialised
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her with my dog, and finally managed to rehome her,” Marie shares. “That same year, I visited a dog shelter in Pasir Ris Farmway and was shocked to learn about the huge number of rescue dogs residing there.” That aroused in Marie the desire to start volunteering. “I began by cleaning kennels and walking the rescue dogs. A year later, I took a course on dog behaviour and training as I wanted to do more to educate others (on dog abuse and abandonment).” Besides advocating for more responsible dog
MARIE CHOO, 40
Dog behaviorist and trainer at The Dog Alchemist; founder of D.O.G.S. (Dogs Owners Guidance Support)
“I rehabilitate rescue dogs and help them find forever homes”
ownership, Marie focuses on rehabilitating homeless dogs. She set up The Dog Alchemist, a service where she helps owners train and have a better relationship with their animals. “I help [the dogs] overcome their fears and issues and make them sociable and ready for adoption. If we can rehome more rescue dogs, we can free up space in shelters to help more dogs.” Passionately, she adds, “I never imagined myself to be a dog trainer and behaviourist, but seeing a fearful dog transform into a happy, normal dog is a priceless feeling. It’s what keeps me going.”
or Roshini, working on social causes came quite naturally. She’s volunteered with various organisations, including Room To Read and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, but her soft spot is for the residents at RCHD where she is now a member of the management committee. “When I first started volunteering with people with disabilities, I didn’t know how to be helpful. How do I talk to them, or comfort them? Thankfully, there have always been other volunteers and staff on hand to patiently guide me along,” Roshini reveals. “And I’m always surprised by how energised I feel at the end of every meeting or outing, even when we’ve been dealing with tough issues. I’ve made a lot of new friends, but I’ve also learned so much from those I volunteer with (both the volunteers and the people we support),” she remarks. “Another underrated fact is how much fun it can be – I often volunteer with my family and it is a great bonding activity.” “Often when I am chatting with the residents at RCHD, I am struck by their great sense of humour and intelligence,”
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MARIE CHOO, ASHLOGUE, SHAUN TAY, SINGAPORE RED CROSS, DANIELLE HONG, KLB YOUTH (MIZAN AND FIRDAUS)
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ROSHINI PRAKASH-NAIR, 37
Make A Difference: Try something the whole family can do together, such as taking part in a walk or run that raises awareness for a disease.
Management Committee member at Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD); Council Member at National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre
“I help ensure the best quality care for people with disabilities”
n 2014, Danielle and two fellow Sociology graduates were introduced to a group of teenagers who lived in Lengkok Bahru, a housing estate of one-room rental flats. It was an area, according to Danielle, “with a notorious reputation as a druggie haven full of juvenile delinquents”. To engage the youths positively, they formed Kopitiam Lengkok Bahru, and designed a photography and arts project in a bid to help the youths learn new skills to boost their confidence. “Being outsiders, it was challenging trying to engage the youths. We had to be purposeful and straightforward with them,” Danielle adds, “And we didn’t want to make a transient impact. We kept our day jobs, but for close to 10 months,
she says. “Once, a resident with multiple severe disabilities asked me for my date of birth. Within seconds of telling him, he accurately pointed out that I was born on a Thursday!” “We all have blindspots created by our social and educational circles.” Roshini notes. “Volunteering allows me to meet people whose life experiences have been different from mine. We break down barriers, overcome stereotypes and build a stronger bond as members of the same community.”
I DANIELLE HONG, 29
Co-founder of Kopitiam Lengkok Bahru
Make A Difference: Start small. The best way to volunteer is to find something you’re already doing, and find a way to use that to make a difference in someone else’s life.
“I empower marginalised youth and help build up their self-esteem”
we headed down regularly to meet them, conduct lessons or just hang out, which helped build their trust in us.” The project phase was ultimately a success and culminated in two public photography exhibitions. While the team is in the midst of planning another, Danielle keeps in close contact with the youths via text messaging and social media, a channel she uses to continue to mentor them. There was a huge sacrifice of time and energy, but Danielle strongly believes the rewards of volunteering far outweigh the costs. “It helps you grow in empathy, expands your world view and re-adjusts your priorities. What you do as a volunteer can positively impact the way you think about work and life”. W JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Fitness
You move, YOU LOSE Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or older, it’s never too late to get fit and enjoy the youthboosting benefits of exercise
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ow is the time to take control of your fitness. Whether you are juggling your career and family, or enjoying having more time on your hands, you’ll reap huge benefits from focusing on your own well-being. After all, by incorporating various types of exercise into your life, you can lose weight, build muscle, improve bone density and skin tone, and rebalance your hormones and energy, which all will help slow down the ageing process and create a fitter, more energetic you. “By exercising, you can trick your body into behaving younger,” says beauty expert Tracey McAlpine from Fighting Fifty. “There’s an exciting correlation between exercising and slowing the ageing process at a cellular level. When we exercise, our brains naturally release human growth hormone (HGH), which normally decreases with age. But by exercising we can stimulate its production, helping us to look and feel younger. “Aerobic exercise has also been shown to lengthen the life of telomeres, the end ‘caps’ to your DNA,” says Tracey. “When they shorten, your cells age faster. By lengthening them and keeping cells healthy, they perform better.” While you can’t stop the clock, research shows that you can slow its ticking. Just one hour a day of exercise for 12 weeks can give you the cardiovascular and metabolic capabilities of women 16 years younger. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got eight anti-ageing ways to move your body.
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Practise Yoga For Flexibility Pictures of advanced yogis with their legs behind their heads can be intimidating but in reality, yoga is one of the most ageless forms of exercise you can do to keep your body supple and energetic. Yoga’s stress-busting moves help reduce inflammation in the body, while moving through a range of poses will increase blood flow and oxygen to muscles, say researchers. Over time, this will ease those nagging stiff spots that have accumulated over the years. More specifically, all yoga classes include postures to open up the hips (the pigeon pose), middle back and hamstring stretches (downward dog), and spinal twists to flush out toxins from your abdominal organs.
Dance For Bone Health – And Big Smiles! Like all aerobic exercise, dancing helps strengthen your heart and bones as well as reducing blood pressure. It’s also a really enjoyable way of doing some body-weight resistance training, which strengthens and defines muscles. The repetitive movements, such as jumping or stamping your feet, force the muscle fibres in your legs to break down, and then, as you recover, adapt and come back stronger. Because it’s such a fun and sociable form of exercise, it’s likely to reduce stress too. A recent survey showed that 95 per cent of dancers agreed it helped them relax. Zumba, Latin dance and BodyJam, a fusion of the latest dance styles, are all great ways of getting involved via group classes.
Perk Up With Weights Picking up a dumbbell can help reduce muscle loss and metabolic sluggishness that occurs naturally. Building or maintaining muscle helps you burn through more calories, so while your metabolism does slow down as you age, having more muscle helps prevent middle-age spread from developing. Lunges are brilliant for building your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles. Holding weights, stand straight and take a big step forward. Imagine your feet are on train tracks rather than a tightrope. Bend your back knee until it brushes the floor, then return back to starting position. Repeat 10 times on each side, building up to two to three sets. Another great anti-ageing resistance exercise you can try is chest presses. These build muscle around your breasts, which can help support them and keep them looking perky. Lie on a bench on your back, holding a dumbbell in each hand, with elbows bent so the weights are by your shoulders. Push the dumbbells up until they meet at the top, then bring them down again.
Run For Heart Health “There’s evidence to show that running is the perfect high-impact exercise, whatever your age,” says Tracey. “The health benefits of running increase because it can improve muscle strength and bone density, coordination and a sense of well-being. Contrary to popular belief, it’s been proven that running doesn’t cause arthritis and
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Fitness
may in fact help to prevent it by increasing the fluid in the knee joints.” Before you grab your trainers and take off, however, consider starting off slowly first. Research shows that light and moderate jogging is more beneficial for you than strenuous jogging in the long-term.
Do High-Intensity For Muscle Growth As long as you’re not overly stressed, keeping the intensity high during your workout will be to your advantage. Adults who participate in high-intensity resistance training and cardiorespiratory exercise can increase their strength and lean muscle mass, helping them to maintain youthful levels of energy, says the American Council on Exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is where you alternate between short bursts of intense activity and slower recovery periods. “It helps to boost your body’s natural production of human growth hormone, and it’s been found that short bursts of energy, followed by a short period of rest, builds endurance and stamina,” says Tracey.
Swim For Weight Loss While swimming can feel like a gentle pursuit, it may be better for fitness and weight control for women than walking, cycling or jogging. Researchers from the University of Western Australia found that, compared with walking, swimming improved body weight, body fat distribution and insulin in the short-term, and body weight and lipid measures in the longer-term. Swimming is also a non-impact exercise, which makes it easier for people of all shapes and sizes to work out regularly with far lower risk of injury. Over the long-term, this can result in greater weight loss.
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All sensible cardiovascular exercise enhances immune function and improves heart health. But intense exercise can also put our bodies under a lot of stress. So, on days when you’re feeling uptight, try a walk or yoga class, rather than adding to your stress by engaging in a high-intensity run. “Unlike fast running, walking doesn’t create huge amounts of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol,” says nutritionist Keris Marsden. “A 90-minute walk can boost your levels of the good-mood chemical serotonin by 100 per cent,” she reports.
Try Tai Chi For Cell Renewal This ancient, slow, low-impact martial art has long been used for treating stress and anxiety. More recently, however, a study has found it helps slow down the ageing process. It found that adults who practised tai chi for a few hours a week had more of a certain type of cell associated with renewal and staying healthy, than those who did brisk walking or no exercise at all. W
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / PHOTOS: 500PX/CLICKPHOTO, 123RF.COM
Walk For Stress Reduction
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Is Only Water Lost During Slimming Treatments? Sort out the facts from fiction when it comes to fat and water weight loss
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ou’re just bloated with water; you’ll be ok after a week.” Does this phrase sound familiar? We’re used to thinking that weight loss methods, such as those from slimming centres, only target water weight, but that’s only half the truth. Excess weight comprises both water retention and fat, and you need to lose both in order to successfully battle the bulge and achieve your ideal figure.
Water vs Fat Water retention is a major reason for weight-loss frustration, and can make you feel like you’re getting nowhere despite all your hard work. “Dehydration, dieting, changes in our menstrual cycle and consuming too much salt, sugar and alcohol can all lead to water retention,” says Kate Khwa, Beauty & Wellness Director at Healing Touch. ”If your meals are high in carbohydrates and salt, you can easily gain 1-2 kg of water weight. To shed weight effectively, surplus water must be lost.” Fat from excess calories is stored inside our fat cells, which expand when we gain weight, explains Kate. ”When we ‘lose’ weight, our fat cells do not disappear, but shrink. To have a leaner figure, your fat cells must first become smaller. Fat is stored in our cells in the form of macromolecules called triglycerides, which are broken down into usable energy by a process called lipolysis. When stimulated, fat cells release their contents (triglycerides) into the bloodstream as free fatty acids. They are then transported through our body to be used as energy.”
What is lost during a slimming treatment? Healing Touch’s SlimLipo-Laser uses a high-tech Diode laser to target specific fat cells, causing them to release water and free fatty acids. This makes the cells shrink significantly, resulting in instant inch loss, says Kate. With all the released water and toxins ‘floating’ in your body, a manual lymphatic drainage massage is then used to flush them out. The low-level Diode laser used is completely safe and pain-free. You may feel a pleasantly warm sensation as the laser light works to ‘melt’ your fats, as the SlimLipo-Laser painlessly perforates the walls of your fat cells, to release trapped water and triglycerides.
Normally, it takes at least 20 minutes of exercise to tap into the energy released from the fat cells – but SlimLipo-Laser shortens that process. In fact, it offers a cumulative effect, as every activity you engage in for the rest of the day continues to help eliminate it. Winner of the Best Body Contouring Treatment – Abdomen/ Tummy for The Weekly’s Spa Awards 2017, SlimLipo-Laser allows you to see visible results in just one session. Visit www. healingtouchspa.com/slimming-promotion for details.
Will I regain the weight I've lost? There is always a tendency for anyone to regain the weight that was lost, if the underlying causes of weight gain remain unchanged, says Kate. ”Healing Touch understands that successful weight loss also involves eating sensibly and making simple lifestyle changes. If you find losing weight a challenge, Healing Touch offers a holistic weight loss program with help from their Slim Coaches, who can support and guide you in your lifestyle management.” Your personal Slim Coach will spend time with you one-on-one, assisting you in designing a healthy diet (which is different from starving your body), and incorporating your favourite foods and exercises that suit your preferences. This makes the weight loss process more fun and enjoyable! Your Slim Coach will also help you ‘reset’ your body through a seven-day detoxification program that will boost your metabolism, and encourage your body to absorb nutrients more efficiently – and maybe even lose a dress size (or two!) along the way.
Why Healing Touch is different At Healing Touch, all prices are transparent and fixed, without hidden fees or hard-selling practices. There is even a money-back guarantee of $40.70 (for a minimum 5 cm loss overall*) for your first trial session. Each full session costs $315 for 90 mins, and packages are available from $551 to $2,400, offering discounts of up to 50% from listed prices. * The guaranteed 5cm reduction is based on total measurement of three spots on the waist. This offer is only granted to customers who are not in their healthy weight range, according to Health Promotion Board guidelines. Customers who fall in this category but are unable to achieve the minimum 5cm reduction after the treatment will receive a full waiver of the treatment price.
For more information, visit www.healingtouchspa.com, or call 6715 1515. Healing Touch Spa is located at:t"0SDIJE$PVOUSZ$MVCt"MFYJT $POEP t6QQFS5IPNTPO3PBEt5IPNTPO3PBEt /BHBSBUIBS#VJMEJOHt$1'5BNQJOFT#VJMEJOHt5BOHMJO4IPQQJOH$FOUSF t)PUFM3FOEF[WPVT(BMMFSZ
Well-being
The magic in
numbers Is there such a thing as the perfect number of minutes you should nap or the healthiest number of cofees you should have? Seems there is!
7640 10 The maximum beats per minute your heart should take when it’s at rest
Women with higher BPM had a 26 per cent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with resting heart rates below 62 – and that’s regardless of other risk factors like your smoking status. If yours is consistently higher, start doing more exercise, because resting heart rate is one measure of how fit you are. If you’re concerned, talk to your GP.
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Chew each mouthful of food this many times As well as increasing how many nutrients you absorb from your food, you’ll consume 12 per cent fewer calories during the meal and feel more satisfied afterwards, compared to when you chew each mouthful just 15 times. Chewing your food for longer helps to boost levels of two hormones that play a role in appetite regulation – CCK and ghrelin.
The percentage of body weight to lose to fight hot flushes during menopause
It can reduce the number of flushes you experience by 63 per cent, according to a US study. The reason? Experts say it could be the fact that losing weight reduces body fat, which functions as an insulator and interferes with heat loss. Plus, the weight loss may also alter hormones that influence hot flushes.
45 minutes to nap for a memory boost Take a 45 mins snooze immediately after you’ve learnt something new or need to remember something, and your ability to retrieve information from your memory will be five times better. It’s just the right amount of time to allow a particular brain activity called ‘sleep spindles’ to kick in. This activity plays an important role in memory consolidation, say European researchers.
you should drink in a day
Thanks to the bioactive compounds in the coffee, it reduces insulin resistance and inflammation
You’ll be less likely to die prematurely from a range of diseases, including type 2 diabetes and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, say US researchers. And the effect kicks in regardless of whether it’s caffeinated or decaffeinated. It’s thanks to the bioactive compounds in the coffee, not the caffeine, which reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, two things that contribute to disease.
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Well-being
of fruit and vegetables you should eat each day Eat that amount and you’ll lower your risk of death at any point in time by as much as 42 per cent, depending on how fruit and vegetable-rich your diet currently is – or isn’t. But rather than increasing your fruit intake, include more vegetables instead. They have the strongest protective effect, according to the research, with each daily portion reducing risk of death by 16 per cent compared to just four per cent for a piece of fruit.
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The number of days it takes for a new, healthy habit to stick It takes two months for a new behaviour you’re trying to adopt – like always eating fruit with lunch or going for a run before dinner – to become automatic. The trick to making it stick? Doing it every single one of those 66 days in the same situation. That’s how it’ll become an automatic reaction (like doing a few sit-ups) in response to a situational cue (like when the ads come one television), say UK researchers.
If you go for a 5 km run, twice a week, your shoes will last for about 18 months and will then need to be replaced
25
2
minutes of brisk walking you should do every day
800 The number of kilometres a pair of running shoes will last for
Experts agree that sitting for long periods is bad for your health, but swapping two hours of sitting with standing is enough to improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, Australian researchers have found. A standing desk, where you can alternate between sitting and standing, is ideal but if that’s not an option, try taking regular short breaks away from your desk. W
So if you go for a 5 km run, twice a week, your shoes will last for about 18 months and will then need to be replaced – even if they seem in good shape. Regardless of a lack of visible wear and tear, studies show that the cushioning and shock-absorbing qualities of running shoes are significantly reduced after 800 km. Keep running in them and your risk of injury rises.
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TEXT AND PHOTO: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Doing that adds seven years to your life and, once you reach 50s, halves your risk of having a fatal heart attack, says German researchers. And the health benefits kick in quickly – when the scientists tracked the key markers of ageing in the blood of study participants, these showed changes in the body that help to repair DNA within just six months.
How many hours to replace sitting at work with standing
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Career Advice
Time to UPSKILL? It’s never too late to learn on the job: Here’s how one brave woman mastered new skills for a successful mid-career switch
astering new skills is not optional in today’s cutthroat business environment. In a fast-moving, competitive world, being able to learn a new competency is one of the keys to success. Continual self-improvement is often necessary for getting and staying ahead at work. But how do you start to upskill when you have a full-time job to contend with? Or what if you actually happen to love your current job?
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Quest for Self-improvement Imagine this: You’re a high-flying corporate aficionado with a covetable job at a Fortune 500 company. But after a few good years making good money, you subsequently decide to leave the comforts of your stable executive position to become, of all things, a yoga instructor. This was the scenario Audrey Ling Seah, 28, found herself in. With a role in Public Relations and Marketing for British luxury fashion house, Burberry, Audrey had a job that elicited praise and envy. But one yoga class, a few years into her flourishing career, set her on a path less travelled. She acquired a new set of skills that would see her say goodbye to power suits and pointed-toe pumps, and hello to form-fitting tank tops and compression leggings.
TEXT: NATALYA MOLOK / PHOTO: KRISTINA SOLJO/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Taking A Leap of Faith The decision to go rogue wasn’t easy for Audrey. “It was pretty scary,” she confesses. “For the first time in my life, I didn’t know which direction to head towards, but I knew I didn’t want to do the safe thing.” As a child she was taught about the importance of a good education and a stable career, but she also believed the perfect storm of passion and practice could lead to ultimate success. And that was what she found in yoga. “It wasn’t a case of ‘Oh I’m unhappy with my job, I’ve got to figure out what I want to get out of the next phase of my career’. I didn’t leave because I didn’t like it; I’ve always been
How To: Refresh Your Skills Lifelong learning is a term many young and mid-career professionals are instinctively wary of, but acquiring deep skills is all the rage now. Even the government is advocating reinvention with SkillsFuture, a national movement that aims to enable all Singaporeans to develop their full potential. Here’s how it can help you:
FOR EARLY CAREER FOLKS The SkillsFuture Study Awards give Singapore citizens aged 25 and above $5,000 to defray your out-of-pocket course expenses. FOR MID-CAREER FOLKS Those above 40 can look forward to the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy, which subsidises up to 90 percent for supported courses and/ or at least 90 per cent of the programme cost for MOEsubsidised courses.
into movement and dancing since I was young, and I actually trained in contemporary dance. An injury stopped me from pursuing that professionally, but then I found yoga.” A love for the physicality and spirituality of the discipline led her to embark on a journey to New York, to undergo specific training to teach yoga to the masses. “I actually took my teacher’s training when I was still at Burberry,” she explains. “I used up most of my annual leave to train under (US yoga guru) Tara Stiles at her Strala studio, and got my certification after over 200 hours of intensive study.” Upon returning to Singapore, Audrey taught part-time classes at a number of yoga studios while still holding on to her full-time job, before leaving to open The Moving Practice, which focuses on private yoga instruction.
A Plan for Lifelong Learning “Of course it takes time and practice to get really good at anything – much more than a few weeks or months of training,” Audrey says of her pursuit of new skills. “And these courses often don’t come cheap, but think of them as an investment in yourself. To reach your own potential, you have to take a few risks that you hope will pay off in the end. It’s almost like a process where you have to break yourself, in order to make yourself.” With Audrey’s mid-career reinvention, she definitely felt a change in the way people responded to her new job. “Even if it was unintentional, I had friends who came up to me and said ‘What are you doing with your life?’ and ‘Are you doing the right thing?’” she reveals. Still, Audrey has no regrets about taking the leap and moving out of her comfort zone. “I’m a big proponent of adapting and growing through life. I just want to keep learning because as much as I’m a teacher, I’m also a student,” she says. “There’s a lot of joy in learning and you can never reach a point where you can say ‘I’m done with learning’.” W
FOR LONG-TERM CAREER FOLKS The SkillsFuture Fellowship gives each Singapore citizen with significant work experience in particular industries or job functions $10,000 to reach new heights of mastery.
How To: Improve Your Employability Figures from the Ministry of Manpower in 2016 show that unemployment in Singapore rose to 3 per cent in the second quarter of the year, from 2.7 per cent in the previous quarter. For the first time in a long time, job seekers exceed job vacancies. But take heart: The government is helping people adapt to changing job demands and grow their skills through programmes by Workforce Singapore, which provides training grants and employment assistance. Visit www.wsg.com.sg to find out more.
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Relationships
What
SEX
therapists wish you knew
You can give your sex life and bedroom confidence a lift no matter how long you’ve been married, as the experts reveal
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rom staying in the moment to clearing the air, there are many things you can do to maintain a satisfying sex life, or to help you rekindle a lackluster love life, after marriage. Clinical sexologist at Eros Coaching, Dr Martha Tara Lee, says, “Some couples may go through a season of low sex drive, because they are going through
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life changes like a new baby, moving house, or changing jobs. This is normal, but do seek professional help if this goes on for six months or longer.” There’s no need to be embarassed if your sex life needs a boost: Plenty of married couples go through temporary dry spells. Here, leading sex therapists share their ideas on how to give your sexual relationship a helping hand.
Give your body enough rest
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“Here in Singapore, the biggest cause of low sex drives is exhaustion. All my clients say they are tired and not getting enough sleep, and that they are not in the mood for sex. “When I ask them what they think they should do, they invariably feel that they need to push themselves harder,
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Don’t worry about what you think your body looks like
“So many people worry about the ageing of their body, or they worry about their weight or size or shape and they forget that their body is a source of great pleasure. One minute you are having sex and having a lovely time and then your mind takes over and you think ‘What if he touches my cellulite’ or ‘What if he notices this or that bit of my body?’ “Remain totally in the moment and experience the physical sensations during sex, rather than judging and being a spectator. Have a conversation in your head along the lines of ‘It feels really great when he touches me there, I really like that part of his body, he looks hot from this angle, I love the way he smells right now…’ “Focusing on the senses puts you in the here and now. And remember that anyone who loves you is not running a judgement conversation in their head about cellulite or your belly – they are thinking about how good it feels to be with you.” – Tanya Koens, sex therapist
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Be realistic and aim for the 20:60:20 ratio
be more determined, and fight for their relationship. Some of them even feel like they need to buy things like sex toys to help speed things up. “But what they actually need is more rest. We need be more gentle to ourselves, and take care of our bodies. It is so important to guard our time and say no to some things, so we can have time to ourselves.” – Dr Martha Tara Lee
“If your sexual experience is very good 20 per cent of the time and good for 40 to 60 per cent, you’re doing well. Don’t worry about the remaining 20 per cent because you can’t expect a perfect performance every time. “Not every sexual experience will be mind-blowing. You don’t need to orgasm every time either. Instead, try to think about the other benefits of sex, such as it making you feel closer and more connected to your spouse. “And don’t think that everyone around you is having lots of sex. They aren’t!” – Jocelyn Klug, sexologist and relationship therapist
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Remember that sex starts well before the sexual act starts
“Sex can start with a simple conversation, but it goes beyond that. It begins with incidental intimacy – the little things people think are sexual. People think sex starts with kissing or
touching, but it starts with what you’ve been doing for each other for the past 24 hours, the past few days, week or month. “Small things matter – a kiss, a hug, holding hands while you’re watching television, rubbing your spouse’s shoulders. Those small acts build up to mean something bigger. “So, think about what small things you’ve done lately that would encourage your husband to want to have sex with you.” – Dr Christopher Fox, sex therapist
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Try something new, one thing at a time
“Sex can be boring when you have it the same way all the time. Most people who do this are in a habit, and not wanting to rock the boat because they’re nervous or are not comfortable with exploring different things. If you find you’re caught in a rut or routine, you can talk about it gently and say ‘Sweetheart, I find that when we have sex we always seem to do it in the same way, how about we try doing this?’ “Don’t try to do too many new things at the same time; just try one new thing first. Sometimes we get a little impatient, and go on this big quest to shake things up. “Maybe you can make a bucket list of things you’ve always wanted to try. Pick something that will challenge you a little bit. Try stroking your husband in a different way; that in itself can be new and exciting.” – Dr Martha Tara Lee
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Be responsible for your own sexual pleasure
“Both people in a relationship are responsible for their own sexual pleasure. Sometimes one of you can think it’s the other person’s responsibility to initiate sex or to give pleasure, perhaps because of the myth that nice girls don’t initiate sex. “Take responsibility for initiating and creating your own pleasure and find your sexual voice to say what you like and want. And remember, if you wait for the spontaneous desire for sex that you may have had in the beginning of the relationship, you might be waiting until the cows come home!” – Jocelyn Klug JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Clear the air
“Try and resolve arguments quickly, because anger and resentment can kill passion. If your husband is hurt about something you did or didn’t do, acknowledge it and say ‘Yes, you’re right. I did that.’ It stops the argument quickly, because you validate your spouse by recognising that they are upset at that moment. “And if you are the angry one, look out for when your husband makes a repair attempt – he may make a joke or a comment about something routine. It will be something seemingly small, but it is an attempt to connect. But if you’re angry and roll your eyes and block the repair attempt, that will affect sex. Your spouse will think, if you’ve just been rolling your eyes at me, I won’t want to have sex with you; I won’t feel that generous.” – Tanya Koens
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Communicate confidently
“A lot of people don’t speak up in the bedroom because they’re afraid of losing that magical moment, or of hurting their spouse emotionally by saying the wrong thing, as if speaking
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will break the spell. When we’re naked, we can feel really vulnerable. “Ask how your husband likes to be touched, how to make sex better, and what you can do for him. And when he gives you feedback, be mentally prepared not to take it personally. Some people take any feedback like it is criticism, and that is why their spouse is afraid to speak up. But you can say, “Don’t worry, you’re not going to hurt my feelings, I really want to know. I just want this session to be about you.” “It may be easier to just keep quiet, but set an intention to break that habit. Say your husband’s name. Encourage him if he’s on the right track. When you like something, try asking: “Can I have more of that?” Start a conversation, and be lighthearted about it. Sex is meant to be fun; it’s amazing, wonderful, and sacred. And it doesn’t have to be perfect.” – Dr Martha Tara Lee
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Play the three-minute game
“For three minutes at a time, each take turns to ask what you’d like from your spouse in terms of touching and intimacy. It makes you
braver about saying what you want and like, and that makes sex more satisfying for both of you. Perhaps you’d like your husband to stroke your hair, rub your back, or do something more sensual. People don’t ask for the kind of touch they don’t want, so it also lets you know what your husband wants, and your husband finds out what kind of sexual touch you enjoy.” – Tanya Koens
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Make sure you have time for sex
“Trying to have sex at night is possibly the worst time because our bodies want to wind down. Decide on a time together when you can have sex without feeling tired and rushed, so you can prepare yourselves and get into the mood. “I suggest that if neither of you have anything happening on Friday evening or Saturday morning, what about you spend time together? You can both get in the right frame of mind and look forward to that time. And plan sex for times when you know the children aren’t going to be around, visitors aren’t likely to knock on the door and you don’t have to rush off to work.” – Dr Christopher Fox W
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Smart Parenting
Do
children need SUPPLEMENTS? Are kids just the latest target in the lucrative vitamin marketplace, or is there a genuine need for supplements for them?
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octors are often asked if children need dietary supplements. The answer is that some children need supplements in certain circumstances. “Generally speaking, healthy children do not need dietary supplements if they are taking a wide range of food items every day,” says Professor Quak Seng Hock, Head & Senior Consultant of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Hepatology at National University Hospital. “These should include adequate intake of good quality protein, unrefined carbohydrates and an adequate supply of long chain polyunsaturated fats, fresh vegetables and fruits. Kids with a limited intake of these nutrients, such as picky eaters or those who have a restricted intake in certain food groups, dietary supplement would be necessary. For example, vitamin B12 and iron are recommended among children who are strict vegetarians.”
he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
As a parent, it is important to know what supplements to give your child, in which combinations and when, says Professor Kerryn Phelps, who is also a GP. “Supplements will never replace a healthy, balanced diet of fresh whole foods in a child with no problems with their digestion. That presumes that children are eating healthy diets with all the essential nutrients they need and they are able to digest and absorb those nutrients. Of course, that is not always the case.” There are many medical conditions where specific dietary supplements are recommended, and should be guided by patients’ doctors, adds Prof Quak. “Some children do have problems with digestion because of diseases of their gut. Others have food allergies or intolerances (such as gluten or lactose) and their diets may need to exclude a lot of nutrients,” says Prof Phelps. “Children with chronic medical conditions will have higher nutrient needs than their diets can
X Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential for the development of bones and teeth, and all the sun-safe messages to parents over the years have worsened this deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is particularly a problem in children who are breast-fed for a longer period of time. Children with dark complexions will also be at higher risk.
X Iron Iron deficiency is remarkably common in children and adolescents. Signs include tiredness, behavioural problems, repeated infections, loss of appetite and slow growth. It may be a sign of undiagnosed coeliac disease. Please do not assume that your child has iron deficiency if he or she appears pale and tired. Include a food source of iron and supplement only with medical advice. A blood test is needed to confirm iron deficiency before supplementing a child’s diet.
SAFE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS t Before giving supplements, ensure your child first has a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet – less processed foods, fast foods and sugary soft drinks. t When purchasing supplements, buy high-quality supplements and be cautious about buying them online. t Check with a health professional about types of supplements, doses and any possible drug interactions. t Read the label and follow the directions. Always check the recommended doses, and do not add different formulations without first checking with your health professional. t Don’t give adult vitamins to children, as the formulation may not be suitable for them.
X Probiotics Probiotics (acidophilus, bifidobacteria) should be given whenever a child is prescribed an antibiotic. They are also useful in helping gut recovery after a bout of diarrhoea. A word of caution about “gummy” vitamins and chocolate-coated supplements. They can easily be mistaken for sweets and while most contain relatively low doses of vitamins and minerals, it would be easy to overdose if your child eats more than the recommended dose. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and iron are particular concerns because they can be toxic in excess. W
Supplements will never replace a healthy, balanced diet of fresh whole foods. – Prof Kerryn Phelps
COMMON SUPPLEMENTS X Multivitamin If your child refuses many different types of food, if their diet consists of a lot of fast food, if they have had recurrent illnesses or take medications, or they are at risk of multiple nutritional deficiencies (for example, vegans), then they may benefit from taking a multivitamin supplement.
X Fish Oil (Omega-3) Omega-3 essential fatty acids are mostly found in seafood. They are essential “healthy fats”, particularly for your child’s brain development. Some children refuse to eat fish or other sources of Omega-3, such as flaxseed oil.
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TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU, ADDITIONAL REPORTING: LISA TWANG / PHOTOS: 123RF.COM
provide. Some pharmaceuticals will reduce the absorption of essential nutrients.” Prof Quak says that the most important consideration is that the supplement should not cause harm. “An overdose of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful to the body. When a child is not consuming a certain food item, it is always better to consider alternative food sources, rather than use supplements. To give an example, a child with lactose intolerance would not be taking milk, and thus he may have inadequate calcium intake. Instead of rushing to give him a calcium supplement, do consider letting the child consume other calcium-rich source foods, including low-lactose milk.” Many parents give their children food supplements, which may not be necessary. “It’s more important to inculcate the correct eating habits when they are young: Avoiding processed foods as far as possible, having an adequate intake of fruits and fibre daily, and eating a wide variety of foods daily,” says Prof Quak. “Natural foods have different colours, and it is advisable to consume as many coloured foods as possible every day, and not be confined to eating green and white foods alone. Kids should eat foods in a rainbow of colours if possible.” Children on a vegetarian diet are at risk of a number of deficiencies, particularly protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron and zinc. Thus, parents need to be very well informed about the nutritional content of foods. The decision about whether a supplement will benefit a child is not just about making up for a presumed dietary deficiency. Supplements are also prescribed in the same way as pharmaceutical medicine for the treatment of specific conditions, such as attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder, where supplements may be used in preference to consuming medication.
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What Parents Say My son, who is nine, has gained more confidence in learning maths through Brainy Arkies. He loves the questbased storyline, adorable characters and excellent graphics, and has lots of fun exercising his creativity while picking up mathematical concepts. The parent’s report helps us monitor his progress, and I like that the storyline is age-appropriate. – Regine Toh, 41
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Sleep Special
The ultimate
sleep guide W Get A Better Night’s Rest WëSimple Snooze Solutions WëYour Sleep Sanctuary
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Sleep Special
Your body without sleep Sleep is vital for good mood, weight loss and looking healthy. So what happens when you don’t get enough?
ou thought not getting enough sleep only really depleted your energy, and maybe put you in a bit of a bad mood. In fact, a flurry of recent studies have found sleep deprivation can affect you in a whole host of ways. Here are six of the latest things to watch out for.
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Weight. “Try and spot the eating patterns you fall into when you’re tired, so you’ll know how to beat them. If, for example, you know you reach for sugar at 3 pm, have a healthy snack at 2.30 pm instead. Also, address your reasoning. Yes, you’re tired and need a pick-me-up – but does it have to come from food? Could you get a boost from a walk around the block instead?”
Your Appetite Goes Haywire
It Interferes With Your Skin
You’ve probably noticed that if you’re tired, you get the munchies, and two new studies have explained why. First, a team at the University of Chicago found that insufficient sleep raises levels of a molecule called 2-AG in the body that stimulates appetite. On top of that, the second study found that when you’re sleep deprived parts of your brain that control food choices behave differently. Activity in areas that help you make good decisions is blunted, while areas that give a feeling of reward from food ramp up their activity. Defeat The Damage: “Forewarned is
“Our study is the first to conclusively demonstrate that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerated ageing,” says Dr Elma Baron from University Hospitals Case Medical Center in the US. In fact, she found that the skin of poor sleepers not only had more signs of ageing, their skin also didn’t recover as quickly from damage from UV light and lost moisture faster than normal. Skincare company Estée Lauder (which funded Dr Elma’s research) explains that the skin performs a purification process at night called catabolism which helps with skin repair. If your sleep pattern disrupts this process, it doesn’t happen as effectively.
forearmed,” says Kate Swann, psychologist and author of Do You Really Want To Lose
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Defeat The Damage: Be extra vigilant with your SPF, but also try to increase your consumption of antioxidant-rich foods like pomegranate, garlic and green tea – they have all been shown to protect against UV damage from within.
You’re More Likely To Fight With Your Husband Even just one night of poor sleep can lead to arguments between loved ones – and these rows are likely to be fiercer than normal, say researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. They found that tiredness impairs your ability to gauge emotions, making it more likely someone will take offence for no reason. Defeat The Damage: Try not to argue when you’re tired. But if an argument does start, relationship psychologist John Aiken suggests you avoid phrases that start with ‘you always’ or ‘you never’, as these often cause rows to blow up and spiral. “It can also be tempting to slip into personal attacks, for example, ‘you’re lazy’ or ‘you’re selfish’, but don’t. Keep focusing only on what you can do to resolve the situation, and remain calm even in the midst of arguments.”
It Changes How You Look The more tired you are, the more it shows on your face. Dr Tina Sundelin from Sweden’s Stockholm University found that fatigued people looked paler, had more pronounced wrinkles and the corners of their mouth drooped down. This might even influence how well others treat you. “Studies on health perception suggest people might want to avoid interaction with those who don’t look healthy,” she says. Defeat The Damage: Increase your fruit and vegetable intake by at least two portions a day. According to research from Scotland’s University of St Andrews, doing so gives your skin a noticeably healthier glow in just six weeks – and it’s believed higher doses may get even faster results.
Your Brain Gets Cluttered It’s recently been discovered that during sleep your brain gets a detox. As you doze, brain cells shrink in size by about 60 per cent, creating space between them through which the body can detox harmful products like beta-amyloid, a substance linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The less you sleep, the less time the brain has to ‘cleanse’ – studies at John Hopkins Bloomberg
School of Public Health in the US recently found that short sleep duration was linked to a greater level of betaamyloid build-up in the brain. Defeat The Damage: “The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, low in saturated fat and moderate in alcohol, correlates with reduced betaamyloid build-up in the brain,” says Professor Ralph Martins from Edith Cowan University. “But the best medicine to reduce betaamyloid levels in the brain is exercise.” So even if you’re tired, try and get out for a brisk walk.
NEW WAYS TO SLEEP BETTER Obviously the best way to tackle all of these issues is to try and get more sleep – and science can help you! Here are four new ideas to try out…
You Worry More Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have discovered that when we’re tired, the part of our brain that amplifies worry and anxiety is more active. Doctors behind the trial say people with anxiety disorders who don’t sleep well should be having sleep therapy as part of their treatment. Defeat The Damage: “To stop worry
SIT BY THE WINDOW AT WORK: People who get more natural daylight throughout their day – even through glass – sleep better at night, say researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago.
taking over, create a worry period,” says psychologist Amrit Grewal. “This is a set period of time in the day to tackle your worries. When worries occur, simply tell your brain you’ll address them at this time and let them pass. Put concrete plans in action to remedy the situation.”
DO NOTHING: British sleep specialist Dr Guy Meadows’ approach to poor sleep is revolutionary – using techniques like mindfulness, he teaches people how to do nothing to get to sleep! “It’s what good sleepers already do – and what you did before insomnia took hold,” he says.
WHICH SLEEPING POSITION IS BEST FOR YOUR HEALTH? From neck pain to snoring and heartburn, our sleep posture affects our health. Here are the pros and cons of the most common sleep positions: Foetal position
On your side
On your front
DON’T SMOKE: Yes, there’s another reason to quit. New research has found smoking interferes with the production of proteins that control your body clock. Quitting can help normalise your sleep patterns.
PROS: The foetal position provides a sense of security – it reminds us of childhood and being young and carefree. So it can help shrug off stress. Studies found people who favour the foetal position – mostly women – tend to have a tough exterior, but can be shy underneath. CONS: Often when we are curled up we clench our hands and that creates pressure on our carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition affecting the hands and fingers, and is caused by compression of a major nerve in the hand and wrist. So if you like to sleep like a baby, be sure to keep your hands loose.
PROS: If you have heartburn or reflux, sleeping on your left eases symptoms. Side sleeping may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as it efficiently clears our brain of metabolic waste products that build up while we’re awake. CONS: Your legs collapse on to each other, dragging down the hips and putting pressure on the lower back. “Sleep with your knees slightly bent and with a pillow inbetween so your legs are evenly positioned,” says chiropractor Dr Andrew Lawrence. A study in Turkey also found sleeping on the left side was associated with nightmares, although researchers don’t know exactly why.
PROS: Researchers agree this is the worst position of the bunch, but not if you like vivid dreams! Front sleepers have the most exciting and racy dreams, say researchers from Hong Kong’s Shue Yan University. The frontal position with your arms raised to the side is also good for digestion, as the internal organs are in the best spot. CONS: Sleeping face down creates tension around the base of the skull, leading to headaches and stiffness in the neck area. People who sleep on their stomachs were found to be less self-confident,as facial contact with the pillow was predictive of negative emotions.
PLACEBO SLEEP: Don’t focus on how much sleep you missed, instead focus on the time you did sleep and tell your brain that you got enough to feel okay. When researchers at Colorado College in the US did this in a trial, people immediately performed better on tests of memory and information processing.
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Sleep Special
Sleep easy
1
Stick to the same bedtime each night
Your body clock will help you feel sleepy at bedtime if there is a regular sleep routine. By ignoring your sleep signals and staying up late anyway, you may miss the window of opportunity for sleep. Going to bed too early can also disturb your sleep. In the hour before going to bed, it is important to have a relaxing sleep routine. This may include a warm bath, reading quietly or enjoying a warm milk drink.
Don’t go to bed hungry It is important to not be hungry at bedtime, but having a stomach that’s too full can also make it difficult to sleep. Time your evening meal so that you finish eating at least
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two hours before bedtime. Some people find that having a light snack at bedtime improves their sleep. Dietitian Kellie Bilinski says eating three decent meals, supplemented with healthy snacks and enough water throughout the day to keep you well hydrated during the night, can help you in your quest for sweet slumber. “Ideally, your evening meal won’t be overly huge and you’ll eat it two or three hours before bed,” she says. Some people sleep more easily after a small pre-bed snack. “Heavy, fatty or spicy meals can interfere with sleep, but foods such as bananas, porridge
There’s a lot you can do to improve sleep. Although many of these tips may seem like common sense, if you have trouble sleeping, these five good habits will help you get quality slumber
or cheese make good evening snacks because they contain tryptophan, a natural sleep aid,” Kellie adds.
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Say no to stimulants
Caffeine should be avoided for at least four hours before going to bed – this includes coffee, tea, cola and chocolate. Nicotine is a stimulant, so smoking also makes it difficult to sleep. Alcohol might help you to get to sleep, but will lead to a restless sleep and can exacerbate problems like snoring and sleep apnoea. Avoid any stimulating activities in the hour before bed – these include exercise, computer games, television and important discussions that will make it hard for you to quieten your mind. Kellie says it’s best to avoid anything
containing caffeine from about mid-afternoon. “Be aware of ‘hidden’ caffeine in chocolate, soft drinks and even decaf coffee,” she advises. “Also, certain medications, including some painkillers, may contain caffeine, so check the labels and if you think they may be keeping you awake, speak to your doctor about finding possible alternatives.” Sleep physician Dr Maree Barnes says smoking, drinking alcohol, watching TV and sitting in front of a computer screen are also stimulants that can keep you awake. “The light from screens is of similar frequency to sunlight, and will send your body the message that it’s daylight so it will switch off your sleep hormones,” Dr Barnes explains.
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Exercise later (but not too late)
Research shows that regular exercise helps you sleep better. Most experts advise against vigorous exercise in the three hours before bedtime, but there is some evidence that moderate exercise in the early evening can help with insomnia. Sacrificing an hour of slumber to make that early morning gym class might inadvertently be sabotaging your weight-loss efforts too, says Dr Carmel Harrington, sleep therapist and author of The Sleep Diet. “The approach to weight loss is like a three-legged table: Eating less, exercising more and making sure you get enough sleep,” Dr Harrington says. “If just one of these is missing, your metabolic health may suffer and you’ll have trouble losing excess weight. So before you start your next diet, take two to three weeks to get your sleep under control first.”
5
Get up if you have to
Having a regular bedtime is good for you, but if you’re spending too much time waiting to
Your Daily Dose
The amount of sleep you need depends on your age Newborns (0 - 3 months):
14 – 17 hours Infants (4 - 11 months): fall asleep it’s best to get up, says sleep scientist Dr Delwyn Bartlett. “If you’ve been in bed for 15 minutes or so and can’t sleep, get up and do something boring in dim light,” says Dr Bartlett. “Go back to bed again when you’re less awake.” Sit quietly in a dimly lit room and read something light. Do not watch television, use a computer or mobile phone, eat, drink or do household chores. When you feel sleepy again, go back to bed. This helps your mind link your bed with sleep, and not with being agitated and unable to sleep. A recent study found that having children sleep in your bed rather than getting up to them in the night may give you about 24 minutes more snooze time, but your sleep quality won’t be as good. Dr Bartlett says it can sometimes be easier to let your child sleep with you in certain circumstances but if it becomes a habit, it’s better to provide comfort, then take them back to their own bed.
12 – 15 hours Toddlers (1 – 2 years):
11 – 14 hours Preschoolers (3 – 5 years):
10 – 13 hours Children (6 – 13 years):
9 – 11 hours
Teenagers (14 – 17 years):
8 – 10 hours
Younger Adults (18 – 25 years):
7 – 9 hours
Adults (26 – 64 years):
7 – 9 hours
Older Adults (65+ years):
7 – 8 hours
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Sleep Special
What’s keeping you awake? If you struggle with getting a good night’s rest, you may have a sleeping disorder
leep deprivation affects many of your body’s essential functions and hormone balances. The obvious effects of short-term sleep deprivation are sleepiness, poor memory, lack of concentration and irritability. But there are also hidden consequences, with poor sleep linked to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and metabolic syndrome disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Here are some highly treatable sleep-related disorders that can affect your snooze time.
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Snoring A person who snores can disturb their partner’s sleep as well as their own. Many regular snorers also suffer from sleep apnoea.
Sleep Apnoea This can cause you to stop breathing freely for a few seconds or longer, over and over while you sleep. It is caused by a narrow, floppy throat. Most people who have sleep apnoea also snore. Each time it happens, you wake briefly without even knowing, which disrupts sleep and causes excessive tiredness during the day. There are treatments that work.
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These include weight loss, cutting down on alcohol, using dental devices and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy – a small quiet air pump that delivers a gentle pressure to a mask placed over your nose.
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome DSPS is a disorder where you can’t sleep until very late at night. This can be as late as 4 am. In the morning, you will want to sleep in for longer, perhaps until early afternoon. If you have to wake up earlier than this, you will feel groggy, but as the day goes on you will get more energy. On the weekend, many people with DSPS will sleep late into the afternoon. DSPS has been linked to body clock issues. A sleep specialist can help.
Narcolepsy About one in 2,000 people suffers from narcolepsy – a disorder that involves poor control of sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy experience periods of extreme daytime sleepiness, and uncontrollable bouts of sleep that can strike at any time. It can lead to disrupted sleep at night and may cause hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up. Drug therapies can work very well for sufferers.
SLEEP DISRUPTORS Identifying conditions or other issues that could be disturbing your sleep will help you solve the problem
MEDICINES: Some over-the-counter medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants, may affect sleep. Consult your doctor for assistance. ALLERGIC RHINITIS: This occurs when allergens like dustmites or pet dander are breathed in, irritating the nasal passage and causing a runny nose or sneezing. ASTHMA: People with asthma often suffer from night-time coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Those who do should discuss their symptoms with their doctor.
DEPRESSION: People with depression may suffer from a range of insomnia symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness. Speak to your GP if you think you may have depression.
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME: RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, prompting you to move them. Have your iron levels tested, as it may signal iron deficiency. TEETH GRINDING: It is quite common for people to grind their teeth while they sleep. Ask your dentist about a dental guard to protect your teeth.
Dreams decoded What are your dreams trying to tell you? Find out how to make sense of their messages espite dreams being a nearuniversal phenomenon, we still know very little about what they are and why they occur. However, many people believe that dreams are our way of making sense of our world. “We dream during light sleep and go into a temporary paralysis, so we don’t act out. The body does this in a
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deliberate way, so dreaming definitely serves a purpose in our lives,” explains Professor Harriet Hiscock from the Sleep Health Foundation. That purpose is to keep our minds in order, believes dream interpreter Katrena Friel. “The dreams that we remember are the way our unconscious mind talks to us – in symbols.” Because
our dreams are personal, you are the best person to interpret what yours mean. “Keep a journal next to the bed,” suggests Katrena. “When you wake up, write down each element of the dream in as much detail as possible.” You can then begin to work out the different meanings of each element and begin to explore the message your dream is sending you.
Running Late
Death
“Dreaming about running late, perhaps for a significant event or exam, is highlighting your anxiety around not feeling prepared or organised enough to achieve your goals,” says Rose Inserra, author of Dreams. “Do you feel you’re missing out on opportunities? What’s within your reach that you miss out on?” Now’s the time to redefine your goals to a more realistic measure. “On the positive side, your dream is showing you that you are a late bloomer – you will reach your goals at your own pace,” she says.
Dreaming about death is very common and actually has nothing to do with dying. “It usually means the symbolic ending of something, whether that’s a job or a relationship,” says Katrena. Dreaming that you killed someone can offer clues to what you’re trying to ‘kill off’ – such as bad habits, relationships or patterns. Consider what the person who dies means to you.
Being Unprepared For An Exam
Being Naked In Public Being naked symbolises one’s inner truth, says Natalie Benhayon, who teaches people how to interpret their dreams. “When you dream about being naked in public, notice what your reaction is, as this says a lot about how comfortable you are to present the real you to the world.” It may also hint at your feeling of being on display – perhaps in a new job or a new relationship. If you felt positive about being naked, then it demonstrates a strong self-image.
Turning up for an exam ill-prepared usually represented an unresolved anxiety, says Natalie. “It might be either when you have put pressure on yourself, or when you haven’t truly been prepared for life’s challenges and know you’re not quite ready to deal with what’s coming.” This could be a wake-up call to get yourself more organised for the future. It may also be a sign that you’re about to face a challenge that you don’t feel qualified to handle.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / PHOTOS: 123RF.COM
Falling
Being Chased Being chased is the most common universal dream, according to Rose. “We tend to have the chase dream when we’re feeling under pressure or overwhelmed. Ask yourself what you are running away from in your waking life,” she says. Chase dreams are often recurring and will continue to haunt you until you make changes. “Who or what does the chase represent? Being chased by an animal is about not trusting your instincts, shadows commonly represent fears, while people you know will have a personal meaning to you,” she explains.
Dreaming about falling is very common when you’re feeling a lack of control over a situation in your life. “It’s an indication of insecurities, instabilities and anxieties,” Katrena explains. Consider other symbols within the dream to determine what it is that is making you feel out of control. Who were you with when falling, and what do they represent to you? This dream is a sign you want to take back control of a particular situation.
Being Pregnant Dreaming you’re having a baby represents the potential for a new beginning, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be expanding your family. “Being pregnant in a dream shows the potential for a new start. This is not always guaranteed to be a positive message, as you can be starting something new that will lead you astray,” cautions Natalie. Consider how you felt about being pregnant and your family’s and friends’ reaction if you’re looking for answers.
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Sleep Special
Light And Sound
Get your
Choose bedside lamps or dimmer switches. Bright overhead lights, LED lights on electronic equipment and ambient light from outdoors can wreak havoc with the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep well. Make your room as dark as possible after lights out, which may mean investing in some heavier window coverings. To minimise noise try using earplugs, white noise generators or a fan.
BEST SLEEP A good night’s rest is essential for your health – here’s how to create a sleep sanctuary in your bedroom
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t’s no secret that Singaporeans don’t clock enough sleep. A recent study by SingHealth Polyclinics found that four in 10 people get less than the daily recommended seven hours of shuteye. Turning your bedroom into a calming, restful haven can go a long way towards helping you get peaceful and uninterrupted nightly slumber, which translates to better productivity in the day. And it’s not just psychological either – your bedroom environment can actually affect how your body produces the hormones that help you sleep. Sleep therapist Dr Carmel Harrington explains how making a few simple changes, such as bedding or lighting, can transform your bedroom to ensure you get plenty of good quality kip.
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Change Your Sheets Three out of four people agree that their overall sleep quality improves when they get to sleep on sheets with a clean, fresh scent at least a couple of nights a week. It’s probably because it improves how comfortable the bed feels to sleep in. For the biggest benefit, wash your sheets in hot water that’s at least 60 C to kill any dust mites that might have gathered – any lower and only 6.5 per cent of mites get killed.
Be Cool Mattress Overhaul Latex or memory foam mattresses are comfortable but if you often feel hot in bed, these mattresses can retain heat. Overlays with cotton wadding can minimise overheating. Most mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee, but consider replacing every seven years or so.
The ideal temperature for the bedroom is 18 to 19 C, so set your air-conditioner accordingly or open a window for a cooling breeze. Cooler rooms can help encourage melatonin production and even prevent insomnia!
Ditch The Disorder When you walk into your bedroom you should feel instantly at ease. A messy room can cause anxiety so it’s worth investing time and effort to make your bedroom less chaotic and more peaceful. Start by removing clutter and finding somewhere else to store anything that doesn’t belong in the bedroom, especially computers, phones and televisions.
Between The Sheets Picking the perfect bedding ultimately comes down to personal preference, but here are some tips to help you narrow down your choice: • Don’t get lost in thread count. The quality of dye, weave and yarn matters more than a supremely high thread count, so always feel the fabric first to know how comfortable it feels on your skin before buying. • Consider fit. To avoid having to wrestle with your bedsheet, make sure to choose one that fits snugly on your mattress. If you’re getting a mattress topper, opt for a deeper sheet to accommodate the extra height. • Layer, layer, layer. From ultra-soft throws to velvety duvets, pile on the layers to create the dreamiest, most comfortable bed setting. • Know your bedlinen fabrics. Cotton blends, such as cotton-polyester, cotton-rayon and cottonbamboo, are the most common due to their lower price point and high durability. Others prefer high-quality cotton such as Egyptian, pima and sateen as they’re breathable, resilient and easy to maintain. For the allergy-prone, consider hypoallergenic silk sheets which are luxurious and cool to the touch. Environmentally-friendly natural linen is also a great choice as they get softer with each wash and are very breathable.
Sleep Special LIE ON IT You spend a third of your life in bed and the wrong type of mattress can cause back and joint pain, as well as damage your spine in the long run. So it’s worth doing some research; and always try before you buy!
POCKET SPRING Simmons Beautyrest Summer Dream mattress, from $9,989, from Robinsons.
PILLOW TALK It’s time to toss that lumpy, flat pillow! Get one that matches your sleep posture for optimal head and neck support
MEMORY FOAM Contour mattress, from $3,699, from Tempur.
MEMORY FOAM BEST FOR: Back and side sleepers BEST FOR: Achy joints and most sleeping positions
BEST FOR: Combination sleepers and durability
Developed by NASA, memory foam responds to your weight and shape to evenly support your body, align your spine and relieve painful pressure points. It’s also dense and absorbs movement, so you’re also less likely to be disturbed by your partner’s tossing and turning.
These generally offer greater support as they contain a higher spring count than innerspring mattresses. Each individuallywrapped spring works independently to adapt to your body shape and posture, while keeping you cool at night.
Very durable and less likely to harbour allergens such as dust mites or mould. Memory foam pillows conform to your shape, and offer good support in general.
TRY: Original pillow, from $249, from Tempur.
INNERSPRING LATEX LATEX BEST FOR: Side sleepers and those with allergies, and neck, shoulder and back problems
Happily Ever After mattress, price upon request, from King Koil. Posturematic mattress, from $12,250 (inclusive of Posturematic adjustable base), from Sealy.
These pillows are durable, hypoallergenic and firm to better support the contours of your head – but add a natural fibre pillow liner if you tend to overheat or sweat a lot.
TRY: Reflex latex standard BEST FOR: Bounce and stability
Made from natural rubber, these are anti-allergenic and mould resistant. They’re also buoyant yet firm, providing a good level of orthopedic support for your back and spine.
These feature interconnected metal springs covered by foam and padding. Quality and price varies and may be determined by the number, shape, arrangement and thickness of springs.
FEATHER & DOWN BEST FOR: Tummy sleepers and those with smaller frames
TAKE THESE TECH TO BED & CATCH MORE ZZZs
Stuffed with goose or duck down and feathers, these are the softest pillow type, are very long-lasting and can be easily moulded for comfort. However, they might trigger allergies.
TRY: Snowdown Premier soft pillow, $109, from Robinsons.
POLYESTER Tune out unwanted sounds with the Dropnoise Marpac Dohm DS White, from $160, which plays white noise to create a calm setting to ease you into better sleep.
The lightweight Philip Stein classic sleep bracelet, $700, harnesses natural frequencies from the environment to give you deeper, more restful sleep.
Breathe better as you sleep with the Muji Aroma Diffuser, $89, which produces a fragrance and a fine mist to combat dryness in airconditioned rooms.
Track the quality of your sleep with the advanced and ultraslim Fitbit Alta HR, $248, which also gives you personalised tips to improve your sleep and overall health.
Set the perfect mood for sleeping with the portable Philips Hue Go, $109, that offers seven different ambient light effects such as warm white light.
BEST FOR: Those on a budget and allergy sufferers Filled with synthetic material or microfibres, these are more value-for-money and come in a variety of heights. However, they tend to flatten out quicker and might need to be replaced more often.
TRY: ARENPRIS pillow, $29.90, from IKEA.
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TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTOS: LIVING4MEDIA
pillow, $149, from King Koil.
BEST FOR: Back sleepers and allergy sufferers
Heart Of The Home
Into The Deep
Pretty Planters
Instill a sense of calm in your dining area with dark, inky blues and pops of crisp white accents
Hanging multiple pendant lights helps visually define your space!
Mozambique plant pots, from $90, from Elements Concept.
STUNSIG pot stand, $7.90, from IKEA.
Rarer vase concrete planter by Kuin Studio, $58, from Naiise.
RO flower vase no 3 (indigo blue), $198, from Stylodeco.
Normann Copenhagen Form chair, $449, from Danish Design.
Cambridge 2-tier server with plates, $84.95, from Crate & Barrel.
Stack Hack! Dirt Busters
Ecovacs Deebot M88, $629, and Philips SmartPro Compact Robot Vacuum Cleaner (FC8776/01), $799.
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Too busy to sweep and mop but hate the sight of stray hairs and dust balls around the house? Consider getting a robotic vacuum cleaner (or robovac) and let it roam daily, weekly or when the occasion calls. The latest models don’t just detect and sweep up dirt, they’re smart enough to adapt to any room, recharge themselves and slim enough to clean under furniture.
Unlabelled boxes, tins and packets of half-eaten food or groceries can make finding what you need difficult. Keep your fridge and kitchen cabinets clutter-free by storing ingredients, snacks and even leftovers in stackable, see-through containers.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTO: WILL HORNER, 123RF.COM
Your dining space is where family and friends gather over delicious food and hearty conversation, so it’s important to create a cosy and relaxing environment. A blue and white palette never fails to conjure tranquility. For a more striking look, team moody blue hues with white accents, then highlight the drama with modern metallics or wood finishings. Here are more tips: Oversized artwork with a moody vibe will set the tone for the whole space. Pegboard is a particularly trendy material at the moment and the subtle pattern adds visual interest to the room. Leather, wood, copper and inky blues are a match made in style heaven. Add warmth and textural detail to any dining space with a chunky knit rug. A deep blue one here makes the space feel extra cosy.
Create a stunning display of lively greens and beautiful blooms!
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Explore new concepts and ideas DW08-, VÁDJVKLSVWRUH ZKLFKRSHQV-XO\DW 3OD]D6LQJDSXUD(QMR\ JUHDWRSHQLQJVSHFLDOV and promotions as well as a taste of Japan at Café&Meal MUJI!
MUJI IS ALSO LOCATED AT 313@SOMERSET, BUGIS JUNCTION, CAG TERMINAL 2, ION ORCHARD, JEM, MARINA SQUARE, PARAGON, RAFFLES CITY, TAMPINES 1 AND VIVOCITY.
Home Ideas
CLEAR
AIR
the
Is your home making you sick? Here’s how to breathe purer air indoors
It’s not just the haze you should be worried about. If you want fresh, healthy air at home, you first need to consider what you’re bringing in through the front door. “Indoor air can be between eight and 100 times more toxic than outdoor air, with things such as cleaning products, air fresheners and synthetic candles adding to the toxic load,” explains herbalist Danielle Shirley. Detox and improve your home air quality with these seven easy strategies:
1
Let Some Fresh Air In
Good ventilation is one of the most effective ways to purify the air at home. “It allows the chemicals from things like furniture, mattresses, paint and varnishes to air out, and helps in reducing mould growth and flushing out airborne bacteria and viruses,” says Danielle. The only caveat is if you live in a hightraffic area, such as next to a busy road. In this case, it may be worth installing a whole-house air filtration system, to remove pollutants and introduce clean air into your home.
2
Swap To Essential Oils
Go for 100 per cent pure and organic essential oils rather than ‘fragrant oils’ as this can be a blanket term for artificial ingredients. “You only need two or three drops; try lemon, eucalyptus or spearmint to cleanse the air,” says natural therapist Sheena Cartwright. You can buy oils and diffusers from Young Living (www.youngliving.com.sg).
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3
Use Bamboo Charcoal Bags
Bamboo charcoal is a natural substance that has millions of tiny, porous holes that act like a sponge, absorbing odours and purifying the air of allergens and pollutants. It also absorbs excess moisture to prevent the build-up of mould and mildew. You can purchase different-sized bags online (try www.mosonatural.com) and use them anywhere from the bathroom or laundry to inside closets or in the fridge.
4
Swap To Natural Candles
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTOS: MÖLLER, CECILIA / LIVING4MEDIA, 123RF.COM
Choosing 100 per cent pure beeswax and soy candles is a healthier alternative to regular paraffin wax candles, as they are chemical-free and produce minimal smoke and soot. Opt for natural fibre wicks, and if you’re buying fragranced candles, check they contain pure essential oils. Find organic beeswax and soy candles at Sally’s Room (www.sallysroom-sg.com), BsaB (www.bsab.com.sg) and Artisan’s Garden (www.artisansgardensg.com).
5
Try A Negative Ioniser
Air ionisers release thousands of negative ions into the air, where they can help filter out pollutants like dust particles, pollen and mould spores. Inhaling negative ions is also thought to have a range of health benefits, from assisting with allergies, hayfever and sinus congestion to heightened alertness and concentration, better sleep and reduced severity of colds and flus. You can find negative ionisers at leading electronic retailers like Harvey Norman and Nutrimax Organic stores.
6
Get Some House Plants
As well as pumping fresh oxygen into the air, house plants can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are pollutants from household products like fabric softener. “They’re brilliant at purifying air and I see them as the lungs, kidneys and liver of the home,” says Danielle. “Some good ones are the jade plant, areca palm, rubber plant and the snake plant, the latter being particularly good in the bedroom as it releases oxygen at night.” Visit florists like Far East Flora or buy from www.noahgardencentre.com.sg.
7
Switch On A Himalayan Salt Lamp
The electrical equipment in your home generates positive ions, which can make you feel tired and stressed. In contrast, natural environments like forests and beaches create negative ions – charged particles in the air which boost mood and energy levels. “Himalayan salt lamps produce negative ions, which help neutralise the electrical devices in your home,” says Sheena. “It’s like reproducing the effects of nature indoors.” She advises having a salt lamp in every room, and keeping them switched on so that the water they attract can evaporate, which produces negative ions. You can buy salt lamps from Secret Crystals Singapore at Bugis Cube or online at www.saltlamp.com.sg. W
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Passionate About Food
Choc full of goodness July 7 is World Chocolate Day! But before you indulge and bite into a bar, brush up on some of these facts first
3 New Kitchen Tools
Cocoa Vs Cacao Cocoa is processed cacao roasted at high temperatures, while cacao is made via the process of cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans which preserves all the antioxidants.
Milk, Dark or White? Dark chocolate contains the highest cacao content, while milk chocolate contains about 20 per cent less cacao in general because of milk solids added. White chocolate, on the other hand, is a chocolate derivative which does not contain any cacao at all.
Choose Your Per Cent The higher the percentage is, the more bitter the chocolate will be, so it’s all a matter of individual preference and liking. But a good number to start with is 75 per cent, which is not too bitter for most people.
Aphrodisiac of the Aztecs Chocolate contains tryptophan – a building block of serotonin that triggers sexual arousal – and phenylethylamine which helps elevate your mood by producing the neurotransmitter dopamine. It’s no wonder the ancient Aztecs used it as an aphrodisiac!
CHEF’S TIP: If you have leftover vanilla pods, use them to flavour olive oil. Simply scrape the pods into a small jug of olive oil, leave to infuse for a few days, then drizzle over strawberries or a goat’s cheese salad – so delicious!
Summertime Love If you’re looking for a charming place to dine in for that special occasion, the beautiful Lewin Terrace, set amidst the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park, is the perfect spot. They serve up Japanese-French fusion fare, and their new Summer Menus, from $128++, will delight your palate with exquisite dishes like Turbot, Goat Cheese Abalone, Miyazaki Beef and Summer Truffle. Lewin Terrace is at 21 Lewin Terrace, Tel: 6333 9905.
Pantry Essential A bottle of quality olive oil is now a must-have pantry staple with more modern recipes calling for its use.You can’t go wrong with Naturel’s range of single-source origin, made-in-Spain olive oils, which has been accorded the Best Selling Olive Oil brand in Singapore* and is a winner in The Weekly’s Domestic Diva Awards 2017. It is also endorsed as a “Healthier Choice” by the Health Promotion Board of Singapore. Available from major supermarkets and hypermarts. Visit www.facebook.com/Naturel.Living *Based on Nielsen Singapore ScanTrack value sales for the Olive Oil segment in the Edible Oil category MAT Feb 17.
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Mix Master Baking can be tedious, but with the super-versatile Bosch OptiMUM Kitchen Machine MUM9GX5S21 handling all your blending and mixing needs, you’ll enjoy the process! At $2,099, from leading department stores.
Perfect Sear To cook a slab of steak nicely, you need even heat distribution from the pan. The WMF Speed Profi heats up fast and gives you even cooking so every dish comes out perfect! From $199, from selected WMF Concept Stores.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: SEAN TAN / PHOTOS: JOHN PAUL URIZAR / BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU, 123RF.COM
Wonder Cooker When cooking weeknight meals seems impossible, turn to the Philips Viva Collection All-in-one Cooker HD2137/72 – this powerful multi-cooker can help you whip up almost anything. At $399, from leading department stores.
Cook Smart
650 calories
Swap fresh spinach for 1/2 cup thawed, well-drained frozen spinach 124
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Low-calorie FAMILY DINNERS These healthy recipes are so delicious, you won’t even miss the carbs!
Ricotta & Spinach Gnocchi with Arrabbiata Sauce Prep 20 mins / Cook 20 mins / Serves 4 100 g baby spinach leaves, blanched, well-drained 350 g firm ricotta ¾ cup grated parmesan ½ cup coconut flour 1 egg, lightly whisked 30 g butter 2 tbsps olive oil ARRABBIATA SAUCE 1 tbsp olive oil 3 rashers rindless bacon, diced 1 onion, chopped, plus extra sliced, to serve 2 garlic cloves, crushed, plus extra sliced, to serve 2 tsps oregano leaves, plus extra, to serve 1 tsp chilli flakes 2 x 400 g cans cherry tomatoes 2 tsps balsamic vinegar
1. Using clean hands, squeeze out excess moisture from spinach and finely chop. Transfer to a large bowl with ricotta, parmesan, flour and egg. Season and mix well. 2. Shape level tbsps of mixture into balls and flatten slightly. Place on lined tray and cover with plastic wrap. Chill until required. 3. ARRABBIATA SAUCE Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat oil on medium. Saute bacon, onion and garlic 2 to 3 mins, until softened. Add oregano and chilli, cook 1 min. Stir in tomatoes and simmer 4 to 5 mins until thickened slightly. Stir in balsamic vinegar and season to taste. 4. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat combined butter and oil on high. Working in 2 batches, fry gnocchi 1 to 2 mins each side until golden. Drain on paper towel. 5. Divide gnocchi and sauce among 4 serving plates. Scatter with extra oregano and garlic.
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Cook Smart Poke Salmon Bowls
493 calories
Prep 15 mins / Cook 10 mins / Serves 4 2 tbsps soy sauce 2 tbsps rice wine vinegar 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 2 tsps sesame oil 1 tsp honey 1 garlic clove, crushed 400 g salmon fillets, cubed 4 cups shredded wong bok, or Chinese cabbage 1 avocado, seeded, sliced 1 mango, seeded, thinly sliced ½ cup frozen shelled edamame (soybeans) 1 sheet nori 1 tsp sesame seeds, roughly crushed Pickled pink ginger, to serve
1. In a medium jug, combine soy, vinegar, olive oil, half sesame oil, honey and garlic. Season with black pepper. Pour 1 tbsp over salmon in a shallow dish, reserve remainder for dressing. 2. Divide wong bok, avocado, mango and edamame among four bowls. 3. Using scissors, cut nori into 5-cm triangles and brush lightly with remaining sesame oil. Heat a large frying pan on high. Toast nori 1 to 2 mins each side, until crisp. Remove from pan and sprinkle with seeds. 4. Using same pan, sear salmon 2 mins, turning on all sides, until lightly golden. 5. Divide salmon among bowls. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Top with nori chips and pickled ginger to serve.
613
calories
Fish is cooked if the flesh flakes easily when tested with a fork Baked Fish & Pumpkin with Capsicum Aioli Prep 15 mins / Cook 25 mins / Serves 4 400 g butternut pumpkin, 1-cm slices 1 bunch green onions, trimmed, halved lengthways 2 tbsps olive oil 750 g (4 fillets) firm white fish fillets, skin and bones removed 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed CAPSICUM AIOLI 1 /3 cup char-grilled capsicum, drained 1 /3 cup egg mayonnaise 1 /3 cup chopped mint leaves 2 tsps harissa paste 1 garlic clove, crushed
1. Preheat oven to hot 200 C. Line a roasting dish with baking paper. 2. Arrange sliced pumpkin and green onions in dish. Drizzle 1 tbsp oil and season. Bake 15 mins. 3. Brush fish pieces with 1 tbsp oil. Season and place on top of vegetables in the roasting dish. Toss asparagus in leftover oil and add to dish. Bake a further 8 to 10 mins, until fish is just cooked through. 4. CAPSICUM AIOLI Meanwhile, in a small food processor, combine all the ingredients and blend together until smooth. 5. Serve the baked fish fillets, pumkin and green onions drizzled with the capsicum aioli.
Garlic Prawns Daikon Noodle Stir-Fry Prep 20 mins / Cook 15 mins / Serves 4 2 tbsps vegetable oil 750 g green prawns, peeled, deveined 5 garlic cloves, crushed 4-cm piece ginger, peeled, grated 1 long red chilli, finely chopped ½ cup chicken stock 2 tbsps light soy sauce 1 tbsp dry sherry 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar ½ tsp sesame oil
2 tsps arrowroot 2 carrots, peeled, julienne 4 green onions, 4-cm lengths, green tips reserved 200 g sugar snap peas, trimmed 750 g daikon, peeled
1. In a wok or a large frying pan, heat half oil on high. Stir-fry prawns 2 to 3 mins until colour has completely changed. Add garlic, ginger and chilli, stir-fry 1 min. Remove from wok. 2. In a small jug, combine stock, soy, sherry, vinegar and sesame oil. Whisk
in arrowroot until smooth. 3. In same wok, heat remaining oil on high. Stir-fry carrots and onions, 1 min. Add sugar snap peas and stirfry 30 secs. 4. Return prawns to wok with stock mixture and bring to simmer. 5. Using spiralizer or mandoline, cut daikon into thin noodles. Add to wok and toss well. Simmer 2 to 3 mins until sauce thickens and noodles are tender crisp. Serve with shredded green onion tips. W
358 calories
If you don’t have a spiralizer use a julienne peeler or mandoline JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Cook Smart Grilled Broccolini, Steak & Pears Prep 20 mins + Marinating / Cook 20 mins / Serves 4 1 /3 cup olive oil 2 tbsps lemon juice 2 tbsps chopped parsley 1 tbsp chopped oregano leaves 1 garlic clove, crushed 750 g Porterhouse steaks 1 /3 cup walnuts 1 tbsp honey 1 radicchio, trimmed, 8 wedges 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed 1 firm pear, 1-cm wedges
1. In a jug, whisk half oil, juice, herbs and garlic. Pour half over steaks in a shallow dish, turning to coat. Marinate 10 mins. 2. Meanwhile, in a frying pan, toast walnuts 1 to 2 mins. Add honey and cook 1 to 2 mins, stirring, until golden brown. Spread walnuts over a lined tray and cool. 3. Heat a large char-grill pan or barbecue grill on high. Season steaks and cook 3 mins each side on medium. Rest, loosely covered with foil, 5 mins.
685 calories Toss with rocket leaves to make a warm salad
4. While steaks are resting, drizzle radicchio, broccolini and pear with remaining oil. Season well. Grill broccolini and pear, 1 min each side, until light grill marks appear. Grill radicchio 30 seconds each side to wilt slightly. 5. Slice steaks if liked, and serve with combined radicchio, broccolini, pear and walnuts. Drizzle with remaining herb marinade.
542 calories
Accompany with a leafy salad or steamed vegetables
PHOTOS: ROB SHAW/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Chicken Caprese Tart Prep 30 mins / Cook 1 hour 5 mins / Serves 6 ¾ cup white quinoa 1½ cups chicken stock 1 cup almond meal ½ cup grated parmesan 5 eggs 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken ½ cup thickened cream 2 tbsps chopped basil leaves, plus extra whole, to serve 2 Roma tomatoes, 1-cm slices
200 g bocconcini, drained Balsamic vinegar, to serve
1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180 C. Lightly grease and line a 23-cm springform pan with baking paper. 2. Place quinoa and stock in a medium saucepan and bring to boil on high. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered 12 to 14 mins, until the liquid is completely absorbed and seeds are tender. Drain well. 3. In a food processor, combine cooked quinoa, almond meal, grated parmesan
and 1 egg. Season. Process until mixture binds together. 4. Press mixture evenly over base and sides of pan. Bake 15 to 20 mins until base is dry to touch and edges begin to colour. 5. Spread chicken over base of quinoa crust. In a large jug, whisk remaining eggs with cream and basil. Season. Pour into dish. Top with an even layer of tomato slices and torn bocconcini. 6. Bake 45 to 50 mins until set in centre. Scatter with extra basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic to serve.
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✂
Cut out and keep
Make Magic With Mango MANGO COCONUT ICE BLOCKS
MANGO RUM CAKE
MANGO BERRY TART
MANGO KULFI
Make Magic With Mango MANGO RUM CAKE
MANGO COCONUT ICE BLOCKS
Prep 15 mins • Cook 1 hour 10 mins • Serves 6
Prep 10 mins + Freezing • Makes 4
1 Preheat oven to moderate, 180 C. Lightly grease 20 cm round spring-form pan with baking paper. 2 Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. 3 Fold in flour, milk and rum, alternately. Fold mango through. Spoon into pan, smoothing top. Bake 1 hour 10 mins, covering with foil for final 20 mins, until cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool in pan 5 mins. Transfer to a wire rack. 4 PASSIONFRUIT RUM GLAZE Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in sugar and water. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil 3 to 4 mins, without stirring, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and carefully stir in rum and passionfruit (syrup will bubble). 5 Using a thin metal skewer, poke holes in top of hot cake. Gradually pour hot syrup over the top. Set aside 1 hour. Serve cake topped with sliced mango, passionfruit pulp and whipped cream.
1 cup vanilla ice-cream, softened •½ tsp coconut essence •1 mango, peeled, seeded, chopped •1 tbsp lemon juice •1 tbsp glucose syrup (see tip)
TIP: Glucose syrup is available in the baking section. Buy ice block moulds from your supermarket, or use paper cups and Paddle Pop sticks.
1 In a large jug, combine ice-cream and essence, mixing well. 2 In a blender, puree mango, lemon juice and glucose syrup until smooth. 3 Arrange four ½-cup ice block moulds (see tip) on an angle, firmly wedged in a large dish. Pour 1 tbsp mango mixture into base of each mould. Freeze 1 hour or until set. Top with 1 tbsp icecream mixture. Freeze 1 hour or until set. 4 Repeat until filled, inserting wooden Paddle Pop sticks halfway through and arranging moulds in an upright position for the final layer. Freeze 3 hours or overnight. Unmould ice blocks to serve.
JULY 2017
JULY 2017
MANGO KULFI
MANGO BERRY TART
Prep 15 mins • Serves 8
Prep 30 mins + Chilling • Cook 30 mins • Serves 8
1
/3 cup hot milk •3 strands saffron (see tip) •2 cups mango puree (see tip) •395 g can sweetened condensed milk •1½ cups thickened cream •½ cup icing sugar •Chopped pistachios, to serve
TIP: Saffron is available from your supermarket or fruit seller – you only need a few strands to infuse colour and flavour. For the puree, use two large fresh mangoes or two 425 g cans drained mango.
1 In a small jug, combine milk and saffron. Set aside 5 mins. 2 In a medium bowl, combine saffron milk, mango puree and condensed milk. 3 In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream and icing sugar together until soft peaks form. Fold mango mixture through. 4 Divide mango mixture between eight ½-cup freezer-safe serving glasses. Freeze 3 hours or until set. 5 Remove from freezer 5 mins before serving. Sprinkle kulfis with chopped pistachios to serve.
JULY 2017
2 cups plain flour •2 tbsps caster sugar •125 g butter, chopped •¼ cup water •1 egg yolk •1 tbsp lemon juice •1 cup raspberry jam •3 mangoes, peeled, thinly sliced FILLING •2 cups milk •½ tsp vanilla bean paste •4 egg yolks •½ cup caster sugar •2 tbsps corn flour •1 tbsp plain flour
1 Preheat oven to hot, 200 C. Lightly grease a 23 cm round loose-bottom flan pan. 2 Sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add water, egg yolk and juice, and mix to dough. Knead gently on lightly floured surface. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 30 mins. 3 FILLING Combine milk and vanilla bean paste, and boil in pan. Beat egg yolks and sugar together until thick and pale. Beat in flours. Whisk in milk mixture. Return to saucepan. Cook on medium, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Simmer, stirring, 3 mins. Cover with plastic wrap and cool. 4 Roll out pastry between 2 sheets baking paper until 3 mm thick. Ease into pan. Trim edges. Chill 20 mins. Reduce oven to moderate, 180 C. Bake blind 15 mins. Remove filling and bake a further 10 to 15 mins. Allow to cool. 5 Spread jam. Pour in filling. Serve with mango.
JULY 2017
PHOTOS: ROB SHAW/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
125 g butter, softened •¾ cup caster sugar •2 eggs •1 tsp vanilla extract •2 cups self-raising flour, sifted • 1/3 cup milk • 1/3 cup rum •1 mango, peeled, finely chopped, plus extra sliced, to serve PASSIONFRUIT RUM GLAZE •40 g butter, softened •½ cup caster sugar •2 tbsps water •1 tbsp dark rum •Pulp 2 passionfruit, plus extra, to serve •Whipped cream, to serve
Bake of the month
LUMBERJACK CAKE This old-fashioned apple and date cake, topped with chewy caramelised coconut, is perfect for afternoon tea
PHOTO: JOHN PAUL URIZAR/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Prep & Cook 1 hour 45 mins / Serves 12 2 large (400 g) apples, peeled, cored, chopped 1 cup (150 g) finely chopped, seeded dried dates 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water 125 g butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup (220 g) caster sugar 1 egg 1½ cups (225 g) plain flour COCONUT TOPPING 60 g butter, chopped
½ cup (110 g) firmly packed brown sugar 1 /3 cup (80 ml) milk 1 /3 cup (50 ml) shredded coconut
1. Preheat oven to 180 C (160 C fanforced). Grease a deep 22-cm square cake pan; line base and sides with baking paper. 2. Place apple, dates and bicarbonate of soda in a large bowl, stir in the water. Stand for 10 mins. 3. Meanwhile, beat butter, extract and sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. 4. Add the egg. Beat until just combined. Add butter mixture to the apple mixture;
T IP:
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then stir to combine. Stir in sifted flour. 5. Pour the cake mixture into the pan; smooth top. Bake for about 50 mins, or until a skewer inserted into cake comes out clean. 6. COCONUT TOPPING Meanwhile, stir all ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. 7. Remove cake from oven; carefully spread warm coconut topping evenly over cake. Bake for a further 20 mins or until the topping is browned. Stand for 5 mins. Turn, top-side up, onto a wire rack to cool. Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave.
Food Ideas
10
ways with
TRIFLES
With colourful layers of store-bought ingredients, these sweet treats are a fun take on the traditional dessert – and look sophisticated too JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
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Food Ideas Eton Mess Trifle Prep 15 mins / Serves 4 4 sponge finger biscuits (savoiardi), chopped •170 ml can passionfruit pulp in syrup •2 tbsps strawberry dessert topping • 2/3 cup double-thick vanilla custard •4 mini pavlova nests, crushed •¾ cup thickened cream, whipped •1 green kiwifruit, halved, sliced
1. Divide the sponge finger biscuits between 4 x 1-cup straight-sided jars or glasses. Drizzle evenly with half of passionfruit. Top with half the crushed meringue, then the cream. 2. Serve topped with remaining meringue, kiwifruit and remaining passionfruit syrup.
Chocolate Doughnut & Cookie Trifle Prep 15 mins / Serves 4 ¼ cup chocolate hazelnut spread, melted •¼ cup crushed peanuts •8 mini doughnuts •¾ cup thickened cream, whipped •¼ cup smooth peanut butter, warmed slightly •2 choc chip cookies, crushed, plus 2 extra, halved •4 scoops vanilla ice-cream •2 tbsps dark choc bits
1. Place chocolate spread in a shallow bowl. Place nuts on a flat plate. Dip rims of 4 x 1-cup straight-sided jars or glasses in chocolate spread, then nuts, to lightly coat. Divide doughnuts among prepared glasses. Drizzle with any remaining chocolate spread. 2. Fold whipped cream and peanut butter together. Dollop half the cream mixture over doughnuts. Top with crushed cookies, then remaining cream mixture. Serve the trifle topped with ice-cream, an extra cookie half and choc bits.
Peach Melba Trifle Prep 15 mins + 2 hours to chill / Serves 4 ½ x 85 g packet raspberry-flavoured jelly crystals • 2/3 cup frozen raspberries, thawed •2 cups chopped bought plain sponge cake •1 cup double-thick vanilla custard •¾ cup thickened cream, whipped •1 large peach, halved, each half cut into 4 wedges •Mint leaves, to serve •Icing sugar, to dust
1. Prepare jelly following packet directions. Pour evenly into 4 x 1-cup straight-sided jars or glasses. Add 1 tbsp of raspberries to each. Chill for 2 hours or until set. 2. Arrange sponge cake over jelly in jars. Pour custard over sponge, then dollop with cream. Serve topped with peach wedges, remaining raspberries and mint leaves. Dust with icing sugar.
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Orange Poppy Seed Trifle Prep 15 mins / Serves 4 1½ cups (200 g) crumbled vanilla pound cake •1 tbsp poppy seeds •1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice •1 cup extra-light sour cream •1 tbsp icing sugar, sifted •1 orange, zest finely grated, segmented •1/3 cup blueberries
1. Combine cake, poppy seeds and juice in a bowl. Spoon half the mixture between 4 x 1-cup straight-sided glasses or jars. 2. Whisk sour cream, icing sugar and zest in a bowl until combined. Spread half the sour cream over cake mixture in jars; level surfaces. Repeat layers, using the remaining cake mixture and remaining sour cream mixture. Serve topped with orange segments and blueberries.
Cherry Crumble Trifle Prep 15 mins / Serves 4 2 cups pitted cherries, plus 8 extra with stems attached •1 tbsp icing sugar •1 tbsp lemon juice •1 tbsp water •6 ginger snap biscuits, crushed •6 coconut macaroons, crumbled •1 cup Greek-style vanilla yoghurt •2 tbsps flaked natural almonds
1. Combine cherries, icing sugar, juice and water in a bowl. Using the back of spoon, lightly crush cherries. 2. Place biscuit and macaroon in a bowl; stir to combine. Divide half the crumb mixture between 4 x 1-cup straight-sided glasses or jars. Spoon over half the cherry mixture, then half the yoghurt. Repeat layers. Top with extra cherries. Serve sprinkled with almonds.
Lemon Meringue Trifle Prep 10 mins / Serves 4 6 mini shortcrust pastry cases, processed •200 g cream cheese, at room temperature • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk •1 cup lemon curd •4 bought meringue swirls •2 tsps finely grated lemon zest
1. Divide three-quarters of pastry crumbs between 4 x 1-cup straight-sided jars or glasses. Whisk cream cheese and condesnsed milk in a bowl until smooth. 2. Spoon half the cream cheese mixture into the prepared jars; level surfaces. Top with half the lemon curd and remaining crumbs. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture and remaining curd. Top each with a meringue swirl. Serve sprinkled with zest.
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Food Ideas Banoffee Trifle Prep 10 mins / Serves 4
Prep 15 mins / Serves 4 190 g packet (12) shortbread biscuits, coarsely crushed •180 g strawberries, finely chopped, plus 4 extra, sliced •2 tbsps icing sugar, sifted •2 tsps lemon juice •1 tsp thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs, to serve •11/3 cups thickened cream •1 tsp vanilla essence •Icing sugar, to dust
1. Divide crushed biscuit between 4 x 1-cup straight-sided jars or glasses. Combine berries, 1 tbsp of icing sugar, the juice and thyme in a bowl; spoon over biscuit crumbs. 2. Using an electric mixer, beat cream, remaining icing sugar and essence in a bowl until soft peaks form. Dollop over strawberry mixture in jars. Top with extra strawberries. Garnish with extra thyme. Dust with icing sugar.
Hummingbird Trifle Prep 15 mins / Serves 4 6 Anzac biscuits, crushed, plus 1 extra, sliced •2 carrots, finely grated •220 g can pineapple pieces in natural juice, drained •½ cup moist coconut flakes •½ tsp ground mixed spice •200 g cream cheese, at room temperature •½ cup icing sugar, sifted •½ cup thickened cream, whipped •2 tbsps coconut flakes, tossed
1. Divide biscuit crumbs between 4 x 1-cup straightsided jars or glasses. Combine carrot, three-quarters of the pineapple pieces, the coconut and spice in a bowl. Divide between jars; press down with back of a teaspoon. 2. Whisk cream cheese, icing sugar, zest and juice in a bowl until smooth. Fold through cream. Spoon over carrot mixture in jars; level surfaces. Top with remaining pineapple. Serve decorated with extra biscuit and coconut flakes.
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2 slices bought banana bread, chopped •6 butternut snap biscuits, crushed •1 cup dulce de leche, whisked •1 large banana, thinly sliced •¾ cup thickened cream, whipped •20 g milk chocolate, grated
1. Combine banana bread and crushed biscuits in a bowl. Divide between 4 x 1- cup straightsided jars or glasses. Spoon ¼ cup of caramel over banana bread mixture in each jar. 2. Top with half the banana slices. Top with a dollop of cream and remaining banana slices. Serve sprinkled with chocolate.
Almond, Brownie & Raspberry Trifle Prep 10 mins / Serves 4 200 g packet (8) readymade brownies, chopped •1 cup chocolate custard •¼ cup mini marshmallows, plus ¼ cup extra •2 tbsps chopped raspberry lollies, plus 2 tbsps extra •2 tbsps finely chopped blanched almonds, plus 2 tbsps extra •4 scoops chocolate ice-cream
1. Divide half the chopped brownies between 4 x 1-cup straight-sided jars or glasses. Pour 1½ tbsps of custard into each, then top with marshmallows, lollies and almonds. Repeat with another layer using remaining chopped brownies and remaining custard. Top with ice-cream. 2. Serve the trifles sprinkled with extra marshmallows, extra lollies and extra almonds. W
TIPS & TRICKS z TOP TIP For equal layers, spread and press down ingredients after each addition with the back of a spoon. z MAKE AHEAD Trifles can be made up to 4 hours ahead. Get the kids in the kitchen to help make them – they’ll love being involved. z MIX IT UP Use your creativity and taste buds to mix and match store-bought cakes, biscuits, lollies and cream to make your own signature trifles.
PHOTOS: RODNEY MACUJA/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Easy Baking
TART it up!
Try one of these delicious pastries for brunch this weekend
Caramelised Fig & Goat’s Cheese Tart Prep 25 mins + Chilling / Cook 1 hour 15 mins / Serves 6 5 eggs 300 ml tub thickened cream 1 tbsp chopped chives, plus extra to serve 150 g soft goat’s cheese 6 fresh figs 2 tbsps balsamic glaze 4 thin slices prosciutto Rocket leaves and extra virgin olive oil, to serve SOUR CREAM PASTRY 1½ cups plain flour 150 g cold butter, finely chopped ¼ cup sour cream
1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180 C. Grease a 22-cm round flan pan with removable base. Line an oven tray. 2. SOUR CREAM PASTRY In a food processor, pulse flour and butter together until fine crumbs form. Add sour cream and pulse until a ball forms. Form into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 20 mins. 3. Roll pastry between two sheets baking paper to 3 mm thick. Ease into the pan. Chill 30 mins. Trim. Bake blind 15 mins. Remove filling, bake 10 mins. 4. Whisk eggs, cream and chives together. Season. Pour into pastry case. Dot with goat’s cheese. Bake 25 to 30 mins until just set (centre will have a slight wobble). Cool completely in pan. 5. Meanwhile, drizzle figs with balsamic glaze and season. Roast 20 mins until sticky and beginning to soften. Cool. 6. Pile figs on tart with torn prosciutto. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with extra chives and
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Be careful not to over handle the pastry, or it will shrink on baking
Easy Baking
Roast Beetroot Tart With Cheesy Pastry Prep 30 mins + Chilling / Cook 30 mins / Serves 4-6 2 bunches baby beetroot, trimmed, halved 2 tbsps olive oil 1½ cups frozen peas 1 avocado, chopped ¼ cup chopped mint leaves 1½ tbsps lemon juice 1 garlic clove, crushed 50 g feta cheese, 1 tbsp oil reserved Toasted walnuts, to serve CHEESY SHORTCRUST PASTRY 125 g cold butter, finely chopped 1½ cups plain flour ½ cup grated tasty cheese ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese 1 egg yolk 2 tsps iced water
1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180 C. Line an oven tray with foil. 2. In a medium bowl, toss beetroot in half oil and season. Tip onto oven tray. Enclose foil to make a parcel. Roast 30 mins until tender. Cool. 3. CHEESY SHORTCRUST PASTRY In a food processor, pulse butter and flour together to form fine crumbs. Add cheeses, yolk and cold water to form a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 30 mins. 4. Roll out pastry between two sheets baking paper until large enough to line a 12 x 37 cm tart pan. Ease into pan. Chill 15 mins. Trim edges. Bake blind 15 mins. Remove filling and bake 15 mins until golden brown. Let cool. 5. Place peas in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Set aside 1 min then drain. In a food processor, pulse ¼ cup peas with avocado, mint, lemon juice, remaining oil and garlic, until smooth. 6. Spread puree over base of cooled tart shell. Top with beetroot and remaining peas. Spoon over feta and reserved oil. Scatter with walnuts. Serve in slices. Season and accompany with salad.
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Instead of eggs, use chia seeds mixed with water
Roast Fennel & Salmon Chia Tarts
PHOTOS: PABLO MARTIN/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
Prep 25 mins + Chilling / Cook 1 hour / Serves 4 2 tbsps chia seeds cup water 1½ cups buckwheat flour 75 g cold butter, chopped 2 baby fennel bulbs, 1-cm slices, fronds reserved 4 Roma or plum tomatoes, quartered 2 tbsps olive oil 200 g salmon fillets, skinless, boneless Lemon wedges, to serve LEMON HERB CREAM 250 g tub cottage cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice 1 eschalot, finely diced 2 tsps finely grated lemon zest 2 tsps chopped dill
1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180 C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Lightly grease 4 x 12 cm fluted flan pans with removable bases. 2. In a small bowl, combine chia and water. Set aside 10 mins. 3. In a food processor, pulse flour and butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add chia gel and pulse to form a ball. Shape into a disc and wrap in plastic. Chill 30 mins. 4. Toss fennel and tomatoes in half oil. Spread over tray. Season, roast 20 mins.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Add salmon. Drizzle with remaining oil and season. Roast 6 to 8 mins until salmon is cooked. Cut pastry into quarters. Ease into pans. Chill 15 mins. Trim edges and place on an oven tray. Bake blind 15 mins. Remove filling and bake 15 mins until golden brown and cooked through. LEMON HERB CREAM In a bowl, whisk cottage cheese to remove lumps. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Season and chill. Dollop lemon herb cream into each tart case. Top with the sliced fennel, quartered tomatoes and flake over salmon. Garnish with fennel fronds and lemon wedges. W
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Escapes
LAOS Always thought Luang Prabang was for adults? We show how you can enjoy a memorable family adventure in the UNESCO heritage site BY LISA TWANG
W
hile most welltravelled locals would have holidayed in Thailand and Vietnam, the landlocked country of Laos often remains a mystery. “What’s there to do in Laos?” my curious friends would ask when I mentioned I would be visiting. Truth is, the landlocked Southeast Asian nation offers plenty of opportunities for family adventures. In the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, known as the Crown Jewel of Laos, is a UNESCO heritage site filled with ancient Buddhist architecture and stunning scenery. While Luang Prabang remains a popular destination for backpackers since tourism picked up in the 2000s, you certainly don’t have to rough it out during your stay. It takes just under four hours to fly there, with a stopover in capital city Vientiane, and a 15-minute drive from the airport to The Grand
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Luang Prabang, which is managed by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Once the site of the Xiengkeo Palace of Lao nationalist hero and Prime Minister Prince Phetsarath, the sprawling 59,000-sq m estate at The Grand Luang Prabang is truly fit for royalty. It combines French architecture, a remnant of Lao’s colonial history, with Laotian motifs. It’s the only hotel in town offering a view of the majestic Mekong River, which guests can enjoy from their rooms, or at mealtimes at the resort’s Xiengkeo Restaurant. Having a bowl of fer (the Laotian version of the Vietnamese pho noodles) for breakfast, while watching the sunrise over the tranquil Mekong River, was one of the simple pleasures I looked forward to every morning during my stay.
FAMILY FUN Entertain the little ones at these child-friendly destinations in Luang Prabang
GETTING THERE
PHOTOS: BANYAN TREE HOTELS & RESORTS, SAFFRON COFFEE, TAMARIND RESTAURANT & COOKING SCHOOL, OCK POP TOK LIVING CRAFTS CENTRE, LISA TWANG
SilkAir offers flights to Luang Prabang three times a week, with a stopover in the capital city, Vientiane. Visit www.silkair.com.
Contrary to what many may think, Luang Prabang is an ideal family holiday destination, as it’s a peaceful place that offers a welcome respite for city dwellers. Shops and even bars tend to wind down after 10 pm, since locals like to sleep and rise early. Jose Luis Barrera, General Manager of The Grand Luang Prabang, says, “We have many guests who come to visit with their children, and we’re excited to introduce more kids’ activities at our hotel for them.” These include a Little Chef cooking class, trips to an organic farm, tree planting, Lao language lessons and arts and crafts lessons in T-shirt painting and Lao card-making. Visiting the UNESCO heritage sites around town with the kids in tow is easy, thanks to a free shuttle bus service. There are over 30 Buddhist temples to admire, such as Wat Xieng Thong, with its stupas, gilded roofs, and a Tree of Life glass mosaic picturing local folktales.
Kuang Si Falls Don’t miss visiting this beautiful waterfall, which has wonderfully clear waters for a day of swimming. Take a picnic there, and have a splashing good time with the little ones.
Learning The Culture For a taste of local culture, we woke before dawn to participate in the traditional Laotian alms-giving ceremony for Buddhist monks. Joining fellow tourists and locals, we stooped by a side street and offered gifts of sticky rice and snacks to the monks. If rising early isn’t on the agenda for you and your family, there’s a wide array of food on offer too. Choose from budget-friendly local Laotian dishes at night markets and street stalls, to fancier fare with fusion and French cuisine. By the time I left Luang Prabang, I was convinced that in Laos lies a whole new world waiting to be explored. It’s certainly off the beaten path, but with enough creature comforts and child-friendly activities to keep the whole family occupied. If you’ve ever wondered what’s in Laos, don’t wait too long to discover its rustic charm, foodie delights and breathtaking sights. W
Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre This social enterprise offers classes in weaving, natural dyes and making batik art, so the kids can participate and take home their works of art.
Mount Phou Si For a spectacular 360-degree view of Luang Prabang, visit this sacred mountain at sunrise or sunset. The climb is an easy one for little feet, with rest stops along the way.
WIN! 3D/2N STAY IN LUANG PRABANG The Grand Luang Prabang offers the Family Fun Package from US$235 ($325) a night, which includes accommodation in the Mekong Suite for two adults and two children under 12, daily breakfast, complimentary airport shuttle service, bicycle rental and a half-day family zip-lining activity. For bookings, visit www.grandluangprabang.com. We’re giving away a 3D/2N stay for two at the Executive Mekong Room at The Grand Luang Prabang, worth US$320 (S$443)! Visit www.womensweekly.com.sg.
Tamarind Restaurant & Cooking School Learn the basics of Lao cuisine at this popular restaurant, which uses fresh local ingredients to introduce guests to the joys of Lao food.
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Horoscopes
ROOSTER YEAR OF BIRTH: 2005•1993 •1981•1969•1957•1945
Good For Others
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE STARS? IT’S A GOOD MONTH FOR:
You are very lucky this month, and all obstacles will clear up easily. Act fast and fulfill your promises promptly, and you will see good results. Investments are doing well, but be careful when handling cash in public. Relationship luck is at its peak, so treasure your moments with loved ones.
Horses like Emma Watson. The Beauty and the Beast star and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador became the first person to win the Best Actor MTV Movie Award in the first ceremony that didn’t separate nominees based on gender.
DOG YEAR OF BIRTH: 2006•1994 •1982•1970•1958•1946 It’s an emotionally stressful month, so set time aside to recuperate. Be meticulous at work, and focus upon completing your work at all times. Avoid new investments, and keep an eye on your expenditure. Don’t pick on your partner, and be more tolerant towards each other.
PIG YEAR OF BIRTH: 2007•1995 •1983•1971•1959•1947 It’s time to showcase your talents and shine! There will be ready assistance waiting to make you a star this month. Stay humble and show your appreciation. Wealth luck is superb, but do not overstrain your health. There is a new chapter in your love life, and things will work out well.
RAT YEAR OF BIRTH: 2008•1996 •1984•1972•1960•1948 Be vigilant at work and try to steer clear of the political games of others; protect yourself from any possible malicious characters. Money luck is not too strong, so play it safe in your investments. Relationships can be rather tense, so plan some activities together to ease the tension.
OX YEAR OF BIRTH: 2009•1997 •1985•1973•1961•1949 A wild storm will hit this month, so stand strong and just focus on getting your work done. Do not be swayed by any threats ahead, and solve all problems the best you can. Wealth luck is not good, so avoid investments. Love-wise, try to be gentle towards each other as much as possible.
IT’S A BAD MONTH FOR: Dragons like Claire Holt. Right before the first year anniversary of her marriage to Matt Kaplan, the two decided to file for divorce. The Originals star wed her husband, who’s her longtime love, in a secret ceremony in April last year.
FOR ALL SIGNS How can you get more benefactors in your life? First, be a benefactor to those around you! Help anyone you know, from the cleaner in your office to the young man on the street. Do it sincerely, and you’ll get people to help you in many areas of your life.
TIGER YEAR OF BIRTH: 2010•1998 •1986•1974•1962•1950 There are slight bumps on the road, but you’ll be fine overall. You are in a creative mood, so allow those ideas to flow. Your investment luck is fine, and wealth will be smooth. It’s time to deepen your connection with your partner, so set up some romantic activities for bonding sessions.
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RABBIT YEAR OF BIRTH: 2011•1999 •1987•1975•1963•1951 Your luck is going down, so be diligent and protect your turf at all times. Stay alert and focus on completing your work. Beware of legal issues. Watch your expenditure closely, as investment luck is bad. Learn to build more trust towards your loved ones by fulfilling your promises.
DRAGON YEAR OF BIRTH: 2000•1988 •1976•1964•1952•1940 Think twice before you act upon anything. Your decision making is at its weakest, so try consulting your peers or superiors before executing any major decisions. Wealth luck is very unstable, so do not invest or gamble. When dealing with your loved ones, try to keep an open mind.
SNAKE YEAR OF BIRTH: 2001•1989 •1977•1965•1953•1941 There are many malicious characters lurking at work. Stay vigilant and be flexible; you may need to change your old ways of thinking, and try to look at things from a fresh perspective. Wealth luck is very low. Love luck is not too stable, so watch what you say to your partner.
HORSE YEAR OF BIRTH: 2002•1990 •1978•1966•1954•1942 In general, this month will be fine for you: Work will be smooth and it will be a good time to strengthen your ties with colleagues and working partners. Wealth luck is good. You will gain lots of attention from the opposite sex; for those who are single, it is a good time to start a relationship.
GOAT YEAR OF BIRTH: 2003•1991 •1979•1967•1955•1943 Your fairness and objectivity will be tested this month. Being biased will only create more problems in the future, so evaluate the situation properly before making any decisions. Wealth luck is stable, and relationship luck is good; plan some outdoor activities to create a closer bond.
MONKEY Auspicious Dates 2nd, 4th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 26th
Inauspicious Dates 3rd, 13th, 15th, 25th, 27th
YEAR OF BIRTH: 2004•1992 •1980•1968•1956•1944 There are many potential mistakes and challenges this month. Follow the rules and processes at work, and you will not go wrong. Keep clear blackand-white records of all discussions. Do not invest in new ventures. Take things easy with your loved ones, and plan short breaks for personal rest.
WRITTEN BY MASTER CHUAN, EMAIL:
[email protected], WEBSITE: WWW.CHUANONLINE.COM / PHOTOS: TPG NEWS
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he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
Sephora; #01-16 Bugis Junction; #01-13 Vivocity; #B1-32 Takashimaya S.C, YAKSON #05-12A Wheelock Place, YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTE ION Orchard #B2-34
FASHION & LIFESTYLE 3.1 PHILLIP LIM #02-05 Hilton Hotel Tel: 6304 1350, ADIDAS 77 Robinson Rd, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN #01-01/02 Scotts Square Tel: 6443 9092, ALDO #B2-20 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 1198, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS #01375/376/377), Suntec City (West Wing) Tel: 6336 8302, ASOS available at asos.com, BIMBA Y LOLA #01-04 Mandarin Gallery Tel: 6235 1218, BOTTEGA VENETA #1-04A ION Orchard, Tel: 6238 0020, CLUB 21 FORUM Forum The Shopping Mall #01-07/06/09 Tel: 6304 1459, CHARLES & KEITH #02-46/47/48/49 313@Somerset Tel: 6509 5040, CHRISTIAN DIOR #01-22 to #02-12/13 ION Orchard Tel: 65098828, COACH #02-19 Wisma Atria Tel: 6733 7533, COS #03-23 ION Orchard Tel: 6238 8933, CRATE & BARREL Orchardgateway@ emerald B2 Tel: 6634 8488, DANISH DESIGN #06-03 Century Warehouse, 100E Pasir Panjang Road Tel: 6270 8483, DOLCE & GABBANA #0121 ION Orchard Tel: 6304 1366, DROPNOISE available at www.noisyneighboursingapore.com/ store, ECOVACS available at www.banleong.com/ sg, ELEMENTS CONCEPT available at The Attaby Collective, 420 Joo Chiat Road Tel: 8151 5762, FITBIT available at authorised retailers, FURLA ION Orchard #03-01 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 8662, H& M Orchard Building Tel: 6235 1459, IKEA 60 Tampines North Drive 2 Tel: 6786 6868, IN GOOD COMPANY #B1-06, ION Orchard Tel: 6509 4786, J.CREW available at jcrew.com, JOSEPH #01-19/21
Capitol Piazza Tel: 6384 5811, KAPOK National Design Centre Tel: 6339 7987, KATE SPADE #03-27 ION Orchard Tel: 6636 9109, KING KOIL available at Metro Singapore, LEVI’S #348-349 Suntec City Tel: 6337 1501, LOVISA #B1-55 to 60 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre Tel: 6733 6354, MAJÉ #B2-109 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6688 7124, MANGO ION Orchard #B2-16 Tel: 6734 7156, MARC JACOBS #01-03A The Paragon, Tel: 6836 8315, MARKS & SPENCER #01-01 Wheelock Place Tel: 6733 8122, MARNI #01-06 The Paragon Tel: 6304 1348, MICHAEL KORS #B2-21/22 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Tel: 6723 7252, MONICA VINADER #B1-09 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 6568, MIU MIU #01-9 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 8987, MUJI #B4-16 ION Orchard Tel: 6509 9321, NAIISE #B1-08 The Cathay, Tel: 6252 7701, NIKE #B2-39 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6735 4885, PEDDER ON SCOTTS Scotts Square Level 2 Tel: 6244 2883, PEDDER RED #03-04 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6735 5735, PHILIP STEIN #B1-10 ION Orchard Tel: 6634 7407, REBECCA MINKOFF #01-25 to 27 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6835 7354, RED VALENTINO #03-15 Ngee Ann City Tel: 6268 6124, ROBINSONS Robinsons The Heeren Tel: 6735 8838, SANDRO ION Orchard Tel: 6636 5972, SEALY available at Sealy Premier Gallery (Takashimaya) and Sealy Sleep Palace (Tanglin Place), SIMMONS 260 Orchard Road, Level 5 Robinsons The Heeren Tel: 6836 5884, SNOWDOWN 260 Orchard Road, Level 5 Robinsons The Heeren Tel: 6836 5884, STYLODECO available at www.stylodeco.com, TEMPUR available at leading departmental stores, TOPSHOP #B2-01 ION Orchard, Tel: 6509 8602, TORY BURCH #02-28 Wisma Atria Tel: 6733 2980, UNIQLO #01-0104/23-25 Orchard Central, ZARA 313 Somerset Tel: 6834 4814
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JULY 2017 | he Singapore Women’s Weekly
145
Share A Secret
“I paid my best friend to seduce my husband”
I
146
he Singapore Women’s Weekly | JULY 2017
he regretting marrying a girl who was not his ideal wife? I knew that he would shut me out if I decided to pursue him on this (I questioned him about this many times, but he would just brush off my concerns), so in my desperation, I hatched a devious plan… I contacted Serena*, a long-lost college friend, to seduce Henry, on the pretext of helping us with unpacking and housework (we were still settling into our new flat) while she was in-between jobs. Serena was perfect for the ‘job’. She had the ‘good girl’ looks and character that I knew Henry favoured. It took little while for me to convince her – she was my best friend in college, after all. After I had spilled my heart out to her, she agreed to my scheme. I explained that I would pay her to help Henry and I in fixing up our home, but more importantly, to get close to Henry and “test” him. It was certainly deceitful, but I decided to stake my gamble – after all, I trusted my own judgment of my husband! Over the last few weeks, the three of us have been at home, busy doing up the house. Serena has been playing her part, trying her best to chat to Henry about books and about her lonely, single life. And so far, aside from some harmless teasing, Henry has not done anything suspicious – in fact, he has even told me that he finds Serena a little lazy, intrusive, clingy and hence, irritating! Meanwhile, Serena has reassured me by saying that Henry is too mousey, too dependent on me and also, too in love with me to look her – or any other woman’s – way. At this point in time, I feel vindicated, yet also tremendously foolish and guilty for doubting and worse, trying to entrap my husband. Time to hatch a new plan: How to confess to doing this without getting Henry angry! W *Names changed to protect privacy.
Got a secret you can’t tell anyone? Share it with us – anonymity guaranteed. he sender of each published story receives $100. Send your letter to SWW/ Share A Secret, #03-01A/B Concorde Shopping Centre, S169075. You can also email your story to
[email protected]. Include your address, NRIC and telephone numbers so we can contact you about your fee.
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’ve always thought myself a good judge of character. I’ve always been the trusting type, the kind who wholeheartedly believed in people whom I discerned to be good and honest. That is why when I met my dearest Henry*, he was to become my first and last boyfriend – I am now married to him. Little did I know, I would become so paranoid over my husband, that I actually paid someone to try and lead him astray! I met Henry at – of all places – a friend’s book club. He looked pleasant; a little nerdy and shy, but when it came to discussing about literature, he impressed everyone with his eloquence and passion, including me. It took two months after we first met before we went on our first date – I made the first move to ask him out, after having carefully observed him and ‘analysed’ his character. Henry was a mummy’s boy, a diligent worker, and an introvert who liked nothing more than staying at home to cook, clean and watch old movies. I, on the other hand, was the complete opposite – I was outspoken, a rebel and liked shopping till I dropped. Yet, I thought of him as ideal husband material, so after a three-year-long courtship, I took the plunge and proposed. But before I asked Henry to marry me, I made sure to confirm that even though I was his first girlfriend, I was indeed the kind of girl he wanted to marry. To my delight, he said ‘yes’ to my proposal immediately – apparently, opposites do attract! It only took a few months of marriage before I started noticing changes in the way Henry acted, and how he felt about me as a ‘wife’. He took an interest in my shopping, and suggested what I should buy and wear. On a few occasions, he mentioned that he liked me to keep long, black hair instead of my usual short, coloured crop. Over dinner one day, he even said that he preferred it if I spoke without the use of profanities, and drank less alcohol! At first, I found it amusing to finally see my husband offering an opinion on me as a person, rather than on a novel. But then I started noticing that all his female friends were all of a certain type – the kind that I was not. And on our days out, his eyes would rove, and he would point out and compliment women who appeared demure. After that, it was only a matter of time before a mix of insecurity, jealousy and paranoia set in. Did Henry love me for who I was, or was
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