Did you become more ‘prosperous’? Why are you so skinny? You should eat more! These are just some of the more common questions that pop up during Chinese New Year gatherings. While our relatives may be genuinely concerned about how we are leading our lives, they may not understand that these questions put many of us in a difficult position.

Year after year, I get questions about whether I am eating enough or if I have worms in my tummy because I am so skinny. The truth is, I have a very healthy appetite. In fact, my friends can attest that I have a voracious appetite but I just don’t put on weight as easily.

So, how do I deal with such awkward situations?

Putting on Your A-Game Look

Start by having confidence in yourself. Personally, I find that dressing well and putting your best foot forward gives me that extra boost of confidence. To dress well, pick out clothes in colours that suit your skin tone. Know what your best and worst features are and choose clothes that flatter your body shape. For me, I try to pick clothes with ruffles or details that give me more ‘volume’. It works because I realized I don’t get questions about my weight as often as before!

Sounds easier said than done?

Here’s some useful advice from Lunch Actually’s image consultant Celeste Bo:

THOSE Questions That You Get When You Are Single

What about other questions like:

When are you getting married? Are you attached? When are you having children?

I for one, always have to brace myself for questions related to procreation every Chinese New Year.

These questions are harder to answer in my opinion. But, I have come to realize that being honest instead of evasive or negative makes a difference. Just let your relatives know that you are actively looking for a partner, trying your best to start a family and give them a wide smile. More often than not, they’ll let it pass.

Here’re some other tips that you can pick up from Lunch Actually’s Senior Dating Consultant Andrea Tan:

Finding Love This New Year

Now that you have enough ammunition to counter all the awkward questions that you’ll face this Chinese New Year, perhaps it’s about time to sit down and think about how you can truly find love this new year?

Many of my friends who are single lament about the lack of opportunities to meet new people. How do you expand your social circle to meet more people? Do you know what you want in a partner?

Gather some tips from Lunch Actually’s Senior Dating Consultant, Joy Tay:

I’m sure most of us need no introduction to Lunch Actually, which offers personal, discreet and secure dating service to working professionals like you and I. What’s great about their service is that a screening process is conducted for each and every individual, and the dating consultants go the extra mile to understand more about your lifestyle, interests and character to find a high quality match for you. Psychological, intellectual and physical factors are taken into consideration too.

More importantly, rest assured that your personal information including photographs and contact details are kept confidential as only your first name will be disclosed to the other party. Everything is arranged for you on the backend by their dating consultants based on your availability and preferences. Once a match is found, all you have to do is turn up at the restaurant!

Interested in a complimentary consultation with Lunch Actually?

Click HERE to find out more!

When I first graduated from university, I could never find suits that fit my petite frame. I was such a loyal fan of Singapore label ioRA because I could easily find work suits in my size – XS.

Fast forward to today and you’ll realise so much has changed. ioRA has undergone a massive facelift. Think minimalist silhouettes and affordable yet chic designs for the busy urbanite. It also has a sister brand LALU, a casual wear line where denim, cotton and knitwear take centerstage.  Surprise, surprise, their prices are also more pocket-friendly now. Many items are competitively priced at 2 for S$29 or S$39!

I was spoilt for choice when I visited their pop-up store at Wisma recently.  It’s their largest store in Singapore to date and spans over 1200sqm. ioRA has also collaborated with Hush Puppies and Chomel to put together an exclusive selection of apparels and accessories that appeal to both ladies and men.

Let me show you some of my favourite picks from both ioRA and LALU!

ioRA

I wore this minimalist dress with asymmetrical hemline on my birthday last month and it drew so many compliments from friends and strangers alike.

Believe it or not, I wore this set for a  hike at Kawah Domas in Bandung. I hadn’t planned to hike that day but I was enticed by the gorgeous pictures that I saw online and decided to go ahead regardless. As you can tell, ioRA’s clothes survived the hike thanks to their excellent workmanship!

LALU

This athleisure netted jacket had me head over heels in love.

This bow tweed dress that I wore for cafe hopping in Bandung is such a timeless yet sophisticated piece. Last I heard, it was flying off the rack like hotcakes!

The layering trend is all the rage right now and I had to jump on the bandwagon with this layered camisole top (it’s a one piece!). I paired with the comfiest denim jeans that feels next to nothing.

Twinning with Karen in the same outfit

If you haven’t started shopping for Chinese New Year, pop by ioRA’s pop-up store at Wisma this weekend and be rewarded with a voucher giveaway! I am certain you wouldn’t be disappointed.

**Voucher Giveaway (7-8 Jan 2017)**

To usher in the new year, ioRA and LALU are giving away S$5 worth of shopping vouchers with every S$30 spent at the pop-up store located at Isetan Wisma level 1 this weekend from 5th to 6th January!

This promotion is held exclusively at iORA Isetan Wisma Atria #01-00 (435 Orchard Road Singapore 238877).

Happy shopping!

Did you know that as much as I enjoy cafe-hopping, I was never a fan of coffee until The Pourover Bar came into the picture and changed my perception of coffee forever?

I’m not saying this simply because the founders Raphael and Karen are my friends. The Pourover Bar is known for its comprehensive selection of single origin Ninety Plus specialty coffee beans championed by roasters, retailers and baristas internationally. Little wonder why this specialty coffee bar has garnered a loyal following of regulars  since it was established in March 2016. It was also voted as one of the top 10 best new cafes by Daniel Food Diary recently.

Here comes the earth-shattering news!

The Pourover Bar is no longer at Petain Road and is currently in the midst of relocating to an exciting spot in Hougang Central (The Midtown@Hougang)! To serve you better, it will be partnering Foxhole Cafe, a new cafe led by the same founders and myself. What’s different, you may ask? The Pourover Bar will continue to serve excellent coffee brewed to perfection while the new partnership with Foxhole Cafe aims to tantalize your tastebuds further by bringing delectable yet instagrammable food to the table.

Craving for a taste of Melbourne coffee during meal times? Now, you can have a cuppa as well as breakfast, lunch or dinner all under one roof!

What type of food would we be serving? Allow us to keep you in suspense for now. We promise that more details will be unveiled before the end of this year!

Meanwhile, you may wish to follow The Pourover Bar and Foxhole Cafe on our social media accounts for the latest updates:

Facebook

The Pourover Bar

Foxhole Cafe

Instagram

@thepouroverbar

@foxholecafesg

Thank you for your patience and support!

One of the things that I worry about whenever I travel overseas for an extended period of time is my mail. Who’s going to check my mailbox? What if I forget to pay my insurance or credit card bills? Truth be told, this has happened to me more than once this year as I was overseas most of the time.

Don’t even get me started on the late payment charges. Call me old-school but while I am aware that I can always opt for GIRO, I like to check my bills before making payment. I mean, haven’t you spotted mistakes in your bills? I know I have.

Fortunately, ScanMail by Singapore Post takes care of my mail for me now! With ScanMail, I can view all my bills and letters at a glance via the SAM app. An easy touch of a button is all you need to convert snail mail to digital mail.

Here’s an example of a bank statement I received this month.

Some other benefits that you’ll stand to gain from using ScanMail are:

1) Never miss out letters/bills again!

Erm, but don’t service providers offer digital mail service now as well? Sure, they do, but you’ll have to approach each service provider individually and make sure that you check your e-mail on a timely basis without missing out on any mails. That’s no mean feat especially when I constantly have an avalanche of emails waiting for me in my inbox.

ScanMail offers a single point of access for all your mails. Now, all I need to do is open up my SAM app and I’ll see every bill and letter that requires my attention. I’ll never miss another bill payment again!

2) Store all your mails digitally for up to 7 years!

Here’s another perk. Your ScanMail can be stored up to 7 years so you can trace all your letters and bills without having to file any hardcopies. Going paperless gives you easy access to everything you need right at your fingertips!

3) Pay bills directly through SAM’s Integrated payment platform

Pay your bills immediately using your phone, tablet or laptop through the integrated payment platform which is equipped with bank-grade security and encryption technology.

4) Get extra digital storage for personal items such as receipts etc.

ScanMail offers secure digital storage to sort other personal stuff such as receipts and documents. You can even customise your folders accordingly. Yup, time to throw out those dusty files on your bookshelves!

5) Settle your parents’ bills on their behalf

Being the filial daughter or son that you and I probably are, you may wish to settle your parents’ bill payments on their behalf even when you’re away. With ScanMail, you can easily link up your account with that of your parents’ to receive their bills digitally. How convenient!

Now, here’s the million dollar question. How much does it cost?

There are three options depending on the number of bills and letters that you wish to keep track of every month. Personally, I find that the Lite plan (up to 10 mail per month) is sufficient for me.And you know what the best part is? There is currently a limited time offer at just S$19.90!

Click here to find out more details!

Thanks to ScanMail, I can finally travel with peace of mind as I now have easy access to all my bills and letters at the touch of a button!

Singapore may be a little red dot, but you’ll be surprised that beyond the usual tourist attractions, there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered! That is the reason why Park Regis Singapore recently developed #sginsiders,  a walking guide covering lifestyle spots in the Clarke Quay and Chinatown enclaves. These spots are within 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel and guests are able to go on a self-guided trail to explore the surroundings from a local perspective.

1. Fun & Adventure: Battlebox at Fort Canning

It was an eye-opening experience to say the least, and one of the most interesting attractions I visited was Battlebox at Fort Canning. It used to be a WWII British underground command centre and it was here that the British decided to surrender Singapore to the Japanese. History buffs would be pleased to know that Battlebox is now a museum. If you’re interested in how Malaya and Singapore fell into the hands of the Japanese in WWII as well as how an underground command centre functioned during a war, this is the place for you.

 If shooting 60km up into the skies at 200km/h is your idea of fun, pop by G-Max Reverse Bungy for some adrenalin pumping action and catch a splendid view of the Singapore River while you’re at it! You could also play some board games at Settler’s Cafe or visit the weekend flea market at China Square Central (great for those of you who prefer tamer activites!).

2. Arts/Lifestyle: Matter Prints

For comfortable clothes that tell a story, Matter Prints at Pagoda Street will not disappoint. Matter Prints is a socially driven brand that champions alternative production models for textile artisans around the world. By supporting Matter Prints, you’ll make a difference to society. Doesn’t that sound meaningful? Happy shopping!

For other cultural activities, be sure to visit Chinatown, Peranakan Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum too.

3.  Nightlife: Hive by Wala Wala

I have always been a fan of Wala Wala for their fabulous live music. Hive is the sister outlet of Wala Wala at Holland Village, so if you’re staying at Park Regis, you can stroll over for a drink and get your live band fix in just 15 minutes! They open till 1am from Mondays to Saturdays and till midnight on Sundays.

Fancy a little club hopping? Be sure to check out the other cool nightspots such as 28 Hong Kong Street (named best bar in Asia!) and Timbre @Substation, all within walking distance from Park Regis Hotel.

Park Regis Hotel #sginsiders Weekend Package

In conjunction with the launch of the #sginsiders guide, Park Regis Hotel has introduced a new weekend package for local staycation lovers and travellers!

Available from S$199++, the package includes:

• Complimentary room upgrade
• Specially concocted Regis Insiders Mocktail for two
• Buffet breakfast for two
• Wi-Fi internet access
• Late checkout until 2pm
• Complimentary two hours bicycle rental for up to two pax

Located in the heart of the Central Business District, Park Regis Singapore is a stone’s throw from Clarke Quay MRT and is popular among both business and leisure travellers alike. I loved the cozy open-concept room that came complete with a koala bear, true to the hotel’s Australian heritage.

I have another piece of good news. From October to December 2016, guests can also look forward to complimentary yoga sessions!

I don’t know about you, but that’s definitely the perfect way for me to start the day.

For more details about Park Regis Singapore and the #sginsiders guide, do check out their website here.

I rely heavily on my DSLR camera most of the time but whenever my arms need a break, I never fail to turn to Casio. I already own the Casio Exilim EX-ZR3600 and TR70, but I’m excited to announce that a new camera model has since been released and it’s none other than the Casio EX-ZR5000!

What’s different about this model is its super wide angle lens (19mm) which is just perfect for capturing expansive landscape scenery, even when taking wefies or selfies! If you used to have difficulties fitting in the background without cutting yourself or your friends out, you’ll never have to worry about this issue again.

Besides the wide angle lens, I’ll be highlighting some of my favourite features of this camera that will cater to all your photography needs. None of these photos/videos are edited so you can be assured that what you see is truly what you get.

Travel

I love the time lapse function on this camera. Thanks to this amazing feature, I managed to capture the beautiful transition between sunset and nightfall in its full glory from Nobu restaurant at the Petronas Tower during my recent media trip to KL. I basically just left the camera on the table and let it work its magic while I indulged in Nobu’s delectable Japanese fusion dishes. The reflection from the glass window was greatly reduced thanks to the bright F2.7 moulded glass lens of the camera, which not only reduces surface reflection but corrects optical aberration too in order to produce sharper images with higher resolution.

The wide angle lens also gave me the flexibility to shoot at a closer proximity to my subject. Case in point: I could easily fit the two magnificent Petronas towers into one frame!

You can also instantly create and share eye-catching travel highlights with the camera’s Highlight Movie and Highlight Photo functions. Here’re some highlights from my recent media trip to KL:

Food

If you’re a foodie and enjoy taking photos of food, you’re in for a treat. Check out the blurred background function of this camera (don’t the otak otak fish & chips from Wonder Mama in KL look so tantalizing?), which literally makes your food come alive even in low light conditions.

Blurred Background

Low-light conditions at Nobu Restaurant@KL

Selfie

Casio’s selfie function doesn’t need any introduction. Besides the makeup mode, the camera comes with different selfie art modes to help you to achieve the selfie of your dreams.

My favourite selfie art scene is Elegant, as it gives the illusion that light is streaming in through the windows.

There is a total of five selfie art scenes that you can choose from, depending on what tickles your fancy.

These are the other four scenes:

Thanks to the EX-ZR5000’s inverted processing feature, you’ll never have to manually flip your selfies again. It is automatically inverted from left to right to process the image as it appears on screen.

Like it’s predecessor, it is also equipped with the Motion Shutter detector, which means you can easily activate the shutter by just waving your hand in front of the camera!

Product Shots

I take product shots for advertorials all the time and I absolutely adore the camera’s various art modes for close-up shots. Just let your creative juices flow and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the images produced.

My personal favourite has got to be the miniature scene as the bokeh is beyond stunning. Doesn’t this shot look like it was taken with a DSLR?

Here’s another perk for Instagram addicts who are aiming for a more cohesive feed. You can easily do so with the ZR5000 without any post editing!

Check out these other scenes:

Saturation

Toy Camera

Soft Focus

Light Tone

Don’t you agree that Casio EX-ZR5000 is the most versatile camera around? Plus, it is so compact and handy, I can take it with me everywhere!

The Casio EXILIM EX-ZR5000 is now available at the Casio Concept Store in Tampines and licensed retailers. It retails at S$629 and comes in White, Green and Pink. There is also a limited edition model that comes in Black which retails at S$699.

I have been married to a rock climber who also happens to be a military man (click here to read my post on Being a Military Wife) for 8 years now.  We are probably the most unlikely couple around, simply because I don’t climb at all and most rock climbers tend to marry rock climbers.

Why did I, a non-climber, choose to marry a rock climber?

Here are some reasons why.

1) It made me move out of my comfort zone and grow as a person

I am risk averse by nature. I was never an adrenaline junkie and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would try hiking, paragliding or even be close to nature, for that matter.

After dating (and subsequently marrying) a rock climber and following him on a couple of outdoor climbing trips to overseas destinations that I would previously deem as God-forsaken, I managed to step out of my comfort zone, develop a greater sense of adventure and discover a side of me that I never knew existed.

I even belayed him on our trip to Spain. Well, I ended up flying off the cliff into the forest at one point and sustaining a huge bruise as part of the experience but nevertheless, it was fun. I also did paragliding during our trip to New Zealand.

I never knew I could do these things.

Personally, I think dating and marrying a rock climber taught me to embrace different experiences, to push boundaries, not be bounded by societal norms and more importantly, to always challenge myself and live life to the fullest.

Life is short. Live it.

2) I began appreciating the simple pleasures of life and became happier

Most rock-climbers are very down-to-earth. They don’t need to dine at fancy restaurants or stay at fancy hotels.  Despite my seemingly “princessy” demeanour and appearance, I actually began to enjoy being at one with nature, appreciating the simple pleasures of life beyond just material pursuits and going back to basics. While I do appreciate the finer things in life, I realized I don’t need them to be happy.

It made me understand that materialism is the source of a lot of unhappiness, as it forces us to compare our possessions and achievements with that of others. I’ve seen how this relentless pursuit for materialism has destroyed relationships and marriages. Divorce procedures are definitely a pain and it is hard to find a good divorce lawyer in Singapore.

I am glad to have broken out of that cycle.

3) You’ll never be the target of pickpockets or crimes

Because of how grounded rock climbers are and the nature of the sport, they usually hang out in singlets and 3/4 trousers or berms. They may not be the best dressed people around, and even less so when they are covered in chalk and sweat right after a satisfying climbing session.

But that’s great because they won’t be natural targets for pickpockets or crime syndicates thanks to the way they look.

Oh not forgetting those muscular biceps probably act as a deterrence too.

4) He’s usually thrifty

A typical rock climber will probably never ever throw out that old singlet from a rock climbing competition 10 years ago. It could be for sentimental reasons but as long as it still serves its purpose, he’s going to wear it again and again.

They don’t need to shop much and most of their moolah goes to items that will improve their performance on the rock wall, such as climbing gear and shoes.

What this means is, as a couple, you’ll probably be able to save more money together or travel to lovely places which are less-trodden such as Rodellar (Spain), which unexpectedly, is still one of my favourite destinations today.

Of course, it’s still nice to channel some funds to meaningful activities that would help the retail economy.

5) He is your real-life Spiderman

One of the perks of having a rock climber hubby is that he is able to climb effortlessly to greater heights (literally), just to take the perfect OOTD shot for you or capture that magnificent sunset atop a cliff.

Locked out of your room because you forgot your keys and you live on the 8th floor? Don’t worry, your very own Spiderman can climb up buildings in a flash to save his damsel in distress.

Disclaimer: I would only recommend this if you really can’t get hold of a locksmith.

Staycations in Singapore are perhaps the best alternative to traveling overseas. JW and I are addicted to staycations and we are always on the lookout for unique experiences. While we certainly appreciate well-established luxury 4-5 star hotels, there are times when we prefer to take the path less travelled.

Today, I will be sharing some staycation ideas that will invoke a sense of nostalgia by transporting you back to Singapore in the old days and are equally instagram-worthy too.

1. Kam Leng Hotel

I have always been intrigued by old Singapore architecture and shophouses. Conserved buildings are rare in Singapore, much less conserved buildings that serve as hotels. Kam Leng Hotel was established in 1927 (I bet some of your grandparents weren’t even born yet!) and was apparently a hot favourite among tourists then.

It reopened in 2002 as a heritage budget hotel (prices can be as low as $90 and below). Although it has been refurbished, the interior still reflects an old-world charm reminiscent of the 1920s. Thanks to the no-frills amenities (with the exception of a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning), the entire back-to-basics experience is pretty authentic too. I felt like I was instantly transported back to the 1920s as I walked along the dimly lit corridors, complete with peeling walls and vintage paintings.

It is not exactly the best place to go if you intend to live it up, but the rooms are neat and clean. If you love vintage decor or photography and don’t mind roughing it out just a little, you would love it!

2. Petain Road

 There are some noteworthy shophouses that you can book via Airbnb. We booked a retro themed apartment in this gorgeous 4-storey shophouse along Petain Road recently.

Every room has a different theme, but you know me, retro rocks my boat any day.

Dress from Acne Studios

The rooms are very spacious and extremely photogenic. We definitely had a very comfortable stay here. Oh and did I mention that every room is equipped with Netflix?

You can stay in and cook if you want to, or better still, pop over to the Punggol Nasi Lemak stall or the famous Lavender Wanton Noodles stall around the corner to satiate your hunger pangs. For the best coffee in Singapore, I would highly recommend The Pourover Bar at 3 Petain Road. They share the same premises as Ollella, a cafe that serves up delicious chouquettes.

3. Hotel 1929

Hotel 1929 is another heritage hotel where the old and new coexist in harmony. Located right in the heart of Tiong Bahru along Keong Siak Road, there are 32 individually designed rooms in 5 room categories. Tiong Bahru is one of my favourite districts in Singapore as there are many lovely cafes housed within conserved heritage buildings. For those of you who would love to make a trip down memory lane, you might want to consider staying here.

Image Credit: Hotel 1929

4. New Majestic Hotel

New Majestic Hotel is probably one of the more luxurious heritage hotels in Singapore. Located in bustling Chinatown, it has a strong focus on design, local culture and the Arts. Think colonial furniture from Singapore in the 1920s – 1960s, restored vintage Compton fans and a mix of designer and vintage furniture in every room. In my opinion, this is the epitome of heritage chic.

Image credit: New Majestic Hotel

5. The Scarlet Singapore

Known as Singapore’s first luxury boutique hotel, The Scarlet Singapore is housed within an original 1924 Art Deco Building along vibrant Club Street, where you’ll find specialty shops, cafes, wine bars, art galleries and antique shops. Every room is dressed in jewellery-inspired colours and evoke passion, splendour and opulence. Prefer something even more luxurious? Book one of their 5 individually themed suites!

Image credit: The Scarlet

I hope this post comes in useful, especially if you’re planning a staycation soon and wish to experience a different side of Singapore! Meanwhile, have a great weekend ahead!

*All images belong to the author, unless otherwise stated*

Are you a coffee drinker? Do you love your spicy or dark food? Or do you melt at your favourite celebrity’s dazzling smile?

Most of us have dietary habits that cause our teeth to darken or turn yellow, but isn’t it so difficult to resist that caffeine boost for the day or that delicious dish in front of us? And we have all seen the benefits and charm of a beautiful smile – imagine if you were watching a drama and  getting shocked when the leads flashed not-so-pearly-white teeth!

While we all wish to have a set of attractive white teeth, the cost usually puts us back and make us reconsider if we really need it. While there are more affordable options like home-based teeth whitening, they seem too much of a hassle and don’t really seem to work. But, that is not the case anymore!

Introducing iWhite, a Belgium-based purveyor of teeth whitening solutions under its parent company Sylphar NV. Buoyed by the scientific breakthrough that is the triple action whitening complex, iWhite’s solutions promise amazing results all in the comfort of your own home. Sounds amazing? It is!

iWhite’s triumvirate of teeth whitening solutions — iWhite Instant Whitening Kit; iWhite Instant Whitening Toothpaste; and iWhite Instant Whitening Mouthwash — can effectively reverse effects of teeth stain caused by coffee, drinking or even smoking. Its instant, triple action whitening technology is buoyed by three active ingredients: phthalimidoperoxycaproicacid (PAP); bioactive crystals; and bioavailable calcium deposits.

With iWhite’s teeth whitening solutions, you can achieve an enviable set of white teeth and strengthen your enamel at the same time.

It is also Hydrogen Peroxide free! A common ingredient in many teeth whitening solutions then, hydrogen peroxide is known to cause gum irritation, teeth sensitivity and in more serious cases, throat soreness. But iWhite’s range of products were among the first teeth whitening solutions in the market that do not contain hydrogen peroxide.

Importantly, not only do you see visible results, it is also 100% safe, convenient, and affordable. Available now at all Guardian and Watsons stores, start your journey to pearly whites today!

iWhite Instant Whitening Kit $49.90

iWhite Instant Whitening Mouthwash $10

iWhite Instant Whitening Toothpaste $9.90