exquisite magazine march issue

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DESIRABLESWATCHES

Happy Sport Medium Automatic

www.chopard.com

DESIRABLESWATCHES

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DESIRABLESCOGNAC

First Glimpse of Bentley SUV

It will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV on the market, setting it apart from any other SUV, true to the brand hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive at Bentley Motors, commenting at a press conference in London, said: “It will create a completely new segment in the SUV market.”

The SUV forms part of Bentley’s £800 million investment in new model and facilities development in the next three years. The company anticipates a minimum annual sales volume of 3000 SUVs. www.bentley.com

Bentley Motors recently released the fi rst picture of the Bentley SUV, due to hit roads in 2016

BENTLEY

DESIRABLESCARS

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DESIRABLESCOGNACDESIRABLESPHONES

MOBIADO UNVEILS THE PROFESSIONAL

3 X COLLECTION - CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

OF MOBIADO

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DESIRABLESCOGNACDESIRABLESCARS

Phantom Drophead Waterspeed Collection

ROLLS-ROYCE

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On the morning of 1 September 1937, at the height of the battle between the United States and Great Britain to be the fastest nation on water, British speed record pioneer Sir Malcolm Campbell headed out onto the calm blue waters of Lake Maggiore on the Swiss-Italian frontier. Pointing the nose of his Bluebird K3 hydroplane boat south, powered by Rolls-Royce’s R-engine, he established a new water-speed record of 126.32mph. The following day he went one better, piloting his craft to 129.5mph, emphatically breaking the United States’ five-year stranglehold on the world water-speed record. Campbell’s momentous achievement captured the world’s attention and reaffirmed Rolls-Royce R-engines’ record-breaking superiority after triumphs on land and in the air.

Celebrating this incredible act of British ‘Derring-Do’, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke department has created the Waterspeed Collection, 35 specially designed Phantom Drophead Coupés. Ample power is supplied by a 6.75-litre, naturally aspirated, V12 engine. Developing 453bhp / 338kW and 720Nm / 531lb ft of torque at 3500rpm, delivery is smooth and abundant. Furthermore, with 75 per cent of engine power available at just 1000rpm, progress from a standstill is effortless and remains so throughout the rev range. The powerful V12 will accelerate Phantom Drophead Coupé to 60mph in under six seconds and on to a limited top speed of 149 mph / 240 km/h. It stops in equally impressive fashion, using 374mm / 14.7in ventilated disc brakes at the front and 370mm / 14.5in at the rear.

www.rolls-royce.com

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We recently celebrated Chinese New Year. At the round table as the yu sheng was being tossed, and drinks held aloft, we wished each other an abundance of prosperity and gold. We wished each other good luck in winning the Special Chinese New Year toto of $6 million in prize money.

Lots of money is nice. But deep down inside we all wished for good health and happiness for ourselves. These two simple things beat all the wealth in the world hands down. With the world in a state of ugliness, hate and revenge, good health and happiness cannot be taken for granted. We also cannot take for granted safety and security.

Let’s hope the Year of the Goat is a special time for all of us, in more ways than just gold and monetary rewards.

The Colour of Gold

PUBLISHEREren [email protected]

EDITORCarol [email protected]

WRITERSCarissa ChengLim Hui LingYip Min-TingCeleste ChengWong Yen SanSusanna PingYvonne Yu

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSAnitha RekuRemus KwokJ. Song

VIDEOGRAPHERLim Jing Ri

PHOTOGRAPHERLim Wei XiangHongray Photography

MAKE-UP ARTISTMichelle Gait

ADVERTISING & MARKETINGElice Kwok (Sales Director)[email protected] Tan(Sales Manager)[email protected]

ENQUIRIES [email protected] Editorial matters, please direct your enquiries [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERNeeta Sachdev

PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BYEuPlus Pte Ltd44 Kallang Place#05-05 Four Star BuildingSingapore 339172Tel: 6295 1660Fax: 6295 [email protected]

CAROL KRAALEditor

Send all letters to theeditorial department [email protected] (P) 001/09/2013ISSN: 1793-5604

All rights reserved. Opinions and advertisements produced in the publication are solely those of the contributors and advertisers. EuPlus Pte Ltd is not liable for any mistake, error, omission and misprint.

Exquisite Life and Exquisite Food & Wine are high-end lifestyle magazines with a circulation of 20,000 which is distributed to landed properties in Singapore.The bi-monthly publication has topics which include food, education, spas, personalities, travel, home décor and special features. Full page photography and graphics create an aesthetic and professional outlook.

Contests with prizes enhance our relationship with readers while giving advertisers the chance to gather statistics and important data.

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CONTENTSFEATURE42 A CHAT WITH MS AUDREY WONG DIRECTOR, NUTRITIONIST & SKIN CARE SPECIALIST AT NATURAL PHARMA

06 EDITOR’S NOTE

PERSONALITY46 A CHAT WITH MS TANYA VLAEVA DIRECTOR OF VIVA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & BALLET

48 A CHAT WITH MR DANIEL ZHANG MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TRANSZ COFFEE

STYLE14 HUBLOT BIG BANG UNICO BRACELET

16 ULYSSE NARDIN MARINE CHRONOMETER MANUFACTURE LADIES

18 ROGER DUBUIS LIGHTS UP THE WORLD’S WRISTS

20 HUGO BOSS WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES SPRING SUMMER 2015

22 MAX MARA “FLORAL BLOOM” SUNGLASSES FOR SPRING SUMMER 2015

24 MONTEGRAPPA DC COMICS HEROES & VILLAINS

26 CHOPARD LOVE AS A TALISMAN

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CONTENTS

STYLE28 POH SENG NEW CERCA TROVA COLLECTIONS

30 JDMIS UNLEASH CREATIVITY THROUGH THE JEWELLERY ARTS

34 BMW THE NEW M6 COUPE

36 FIAT THE NEW 500

38 GUCCI NEW HAVANA EYEWEAR FOR SPRING SUMMER 2015

40 LLADRÓ SWITCH ON

51 NAPAPIJRI SPRING SUMMER 2015 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S COLLECTIONS

52 DOLCE & GABBANA WOMENSWEAR SPRING SUMMER 2015

54 DOLCE & GABBANA MEN’S SPRING SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION

56 DOLCE & GABBANA CRUISE 2015 COLLECTION

58 ADIDAS STELLASPORT A BRAND NEW ADIDAS SPORTS RANGE AIMED AT A YOUNGER AUDIENCE

60 REFRESH YOUR STYLE

62 LEATHER CARE

EVENTS64 SINGAPORE YACHT SHOW 2015 WORLD CLASS YACHTS, INNOVATION AND ACTIVITIES GALORE

66 SINGAPORE COCKTAIL WEEK

WELLNESS72 VICE3 BECAUSE YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH

74 CLARITI – HEARING CARE PROFESSIONALS EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF HEARING

76 SIZING UP PORES

80 ADULT ACNE

82 UPDATE YOUR LOOK


Exq March 2015.pdf 1 27/1/15 4:06 PM

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TRAVEL88 ABOUT OCEANIA CRUISES

90 BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

94 THE COUNTRYSIDE IS GREAT

98 PLANET J KICKS-OFF 2015 WITH THE MASCOT DEBUT & EXCITING CHARACTERS

100 PORTUGUESE HERITAGE IN GOA

102 A LOVELY TRIP TO MADEIRA

106 FITNESS FOR FRIENDS AT BOUTIQUE KOH SAMUI VILLAS SAMUJANA

108 IT’S SO SINGAPORE!

CONTENTS

HOME114 BLEND YOUR WAY WITH STYLE

116 COLOUR MY KITCHEN

118 BATHROOM MAKEOVER

120 A HOUSEPLANT MANIFESTO

122 FURNITURE HYGIENE EXPERTS

124 RENEW, RELAX AND RECHARGE WITH FOUR STAR’S DETENSE MATTRESS

FOOD & WINE128 COFFEE CULTURE

132 JAPANESE WHISKY

134 ALL-AMERICAN DINING WITH OVEREASY

136 PAUL BAKERY

138 ALKAFF MANSION RISTORANTE

140 AXIS BAR AND LOUNGE


Head Office: 133 New Bridge Road #03-09/10 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413 Tel: 6534 1188 l Fax: 6534 0325 l Email: [email protected]

Branch Office: 1 Park Road, #02-06 People’s Park Complex Singapore 059108 Tel: 6221 1188 l Fax: 6438 9938 l Email: [email protected]: www.cstravel.com.sg

CUSTOMER CARE HOTLINE:

+65 6534 1188+65 6221 1188

at your service, always!

13/14/15 Days ITALY / SWITZERLAND / FRANCE / HOLLAND / ENGLAND

• CS EXCLUSIVE: Free up to Top of Europe “Jungfraujoch”• Free Entrance to Colosseum• Free Holland Glass Canal Cruise Ride• Free up to Eiff el Tower 2nd Level *• Free Paris Seine River Cruise Ticket• Free Entrance to Keukenhof*• Upgrade to Italy Meal with Wine

Guaranteed Departure Date: MAR 20,25 APR 10,27,30 MAY 2,16,29,30 JUN 5

3

10/12 Days LOVING EUROPE (Switzerland / Holland / Germany / France / England)

• Free Holland Glass Canal Cruise Ride• Free up to Eiff el Tower 2nd Level *• Ice Wine Tasting + Black Forest Cake• Free Entrance to Keukenhof*Guaranteed Departure Date: MAR 22,26 APR 15,22

MAY 7,22 JUN 1,5,10,17

11 Days SPECTACULAR MIDNIGHT SUN IN THE ARTIC

CIRCLE

• North Cape at The Top of Europe ~ Europe

northernmost point of the world accessible by road.

• Spectacular view of the Midnight Sun**

• You will get to the infamous King Crab and a chance to

taste it!• Whale Watching Activities

• TROMSØ ~ The Capital of Northern Norway

• Rock Carvings in Alta

• Andenes ~ the most northern settlement of the island

of Andøya

• Oslo Special Departure Date:

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JUL 01, 06, 08, 13, 15, 20,22

EXCLUSIVE TOUR ONLY IN CS TRAVEL

NEWPACKAGE

www.facebook.com/cstravel.com.sg

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BIG BANG UNICO BraceletHUBLOT

Celebrating a decade of Hublot’s iconic BIG BANG - a stylish, sporty chronograph with a case design that celebrates Hublot’s ethos: The Art of Fusion. The concept resulted in an iconic watch whose aesthetic and technical innovations made watchmaking history. The iconic Big Bang is now available with an interchangeable metal bracelet.

In 2013, the original BIG BANG was modified to house the proprietary UNICO movement, a column wheel chronograph with double clutch visible on the dial side - unique in the industry.

Its design changed. The screws, push-buttons, crown, indices, numerals and counters underwent both a technical and aesthetic redesign. Playing on the themes of interchangeability and adaptability, the BIG BANG UNICO was also equipped with a new, unique “One click” bracelet attachment system allowing the bracelet to be switched extremely quickly and easily while guaranteeing optimal security.

Available in 4 versions – Titanium, Titanium Ceramic, King Gold and King Gold Ceramic, the new bracelet features the ingenious interchangeable system and a triple deployant buckle. The Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer of Hublot in South East Asia.

Retail prices range from S$35,000 - $73,600.

www.hublot.com

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Marine Chronometer Manufacture Ladies

Step out like a lady with the new Marine Chronometer Manufacture for women. A stunning timepiece comprised of feminine features and state-of-the-art technology, it is a force to be reckoned with. Delicate in appearance, with its mother-of-pearl dial, pastel Roman numerals and fluted bezel adorned with diamonds, it is also vigorous in function. The pastel Roman

numerals are also available in blue.

Powered by the groundbreaking Ulysse Nardin 118 calibre, known for its DIAMonSIL escapement and silicon balance spring, and bearing all the hallmarks of the finest marine

instruments, the ladies’ Marine Chronometer Manufacture offers women a wristwatch that is equal part jewellery, equal part extraordinary. The Hour Glass is the exclusive distributor of

Ulysse Nardin in Singapore.

The Marine Chronometer Manufacture Ladies retail price is S$24,500

www.ulysse-nardin.com

ULYSSE NARDIN

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Roger Dubuis lights up the world’s wrists

www.rogerdubuis.com

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DESIRABLESWATCHES

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Women’s Sunglasses Spring Summer 2015

Boss celebrates the contemporary, sophisticated woman and features a playful contrast between classic and elegance with geometrical shapes.

A refined micro-texture on the acetate in delicate pastel hues, such as aqua, nude and dove, adds an unexpected twist to these styles.

Available in stores from April 2015 onwards.

www.hugoboss.com

HUGO BOSS

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For more information, please contact A.T. CROSS (Asia Paci�c) Singapore Branch at 6665 1206

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“Floral Bloom” sunglasses for Spring Summer 2015

For Spring Summer 2015 Max Mara presents the new special edition sunglasses enhanced with the micro-floral prints inspired by the ready-to-wear collection

presented during the SS 2015 Fashion Show.

The Seventies-inspired design of these squared oversized acetate sunglasses is reinterpreted with the modern and sophisticated touch of coral and dark brown

floral patterns, reflecting the feminine inspiration of the collection.

The new sunglasses are available in white/rose with matt white metal temples and brown shaded lenses, or in dark brown/white with matt brown metal temples and

brown shaded lenses.

The new Max Mara sunglasses (style MM CLASSY III) is available at Max Mara boutiques and high end opticians worldwide. The Max Mara collection of

sunglasses and optical frames is produced and distributed by the Safilo Group.

www.maxmara.com

MAX MARA

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DESIRABLESEYEWEAR

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Best in class

air purifier

range

Model: 203 Model: 403 Model: 650E

Experience fresh air...indoorEverybody knows how refreshing it is to breath in clean, fresh air when they are on

holiday. What if you can be doing so at home or in your office?

There’s a reason places like Hokkaido, Japan or Christ Church, New

Zealand have populations with a lifespan that exceeds the world average

– studies all over the world attest to the fact that clean fresh air prolongs

life expectancy – plus, it makes life much more pleasant to live.

• Blueair Air Purifier Systems. Global brand of air purifier systems

that’s designed to deliver the air found in the great outdoors to your

indoor home or office environment.

• Design. Sleek and stylish, Blueair air purifiers fit your lifestyle and

décor.

• Energyefficient.By meeting the strict energy efficiency guidelines set

bytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandtheDepartmentof

Energy,BlueairairpurifiershaveearnedtheEnergyStar.

• Independently certified. Don’t take our word for just how great

Blueair air purifiers perform.

• Whisper-silentoperation.Ingeniousdesignminimizesnoisefortruly

whisper-silentoperation.

• HEPASilent technology. Blueair’s patented HEPASilent™ filtration

technology combines advanced filter media and an encapsulated

ion particle charging chamber to achieve far better results than either

mechanical or electrostatic technology alone.

• Environmentally aware. Blueair products offer exceptional

performance without polluting the environment.

To find a Blueair that’s the right fit for your home or office, visit any Audio House (Liang Court & Bendemeer Luzene), Best Denki outlets, Gain City Outlets, Mega Discount Store (Leisure Park & United Square) & Parisilk (Holland V & Katong East Gate), or contact: Massmark Intl Pte Ltd. 629 Aljunied Road #06-18, Cititech Industrial Building Singapore 389838 Tel: 6747 1102 www.massmark.com.sg

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MONTEGRAPPA DC Comics Heroes & Villains

Phenomenally successful, Montegrappa’s Batman pen collection has inspired a range of writing instruments sure to delight any comic book fan with a love for objects related to favourite characters. Called “DC Comics Heroes & Villains” – the new series commences with four pens for four characters in each category. All will be offered as fountain, rollerball and ballpoint pens. Chosen for the first quartet of heroes are Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern.

The nemeses of Batman comprise the first four villains: The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman and The Riddler. Every pen boasts an evocative design, in each hero’s or villain’s signature colour scheme.

A family business but a global brand the company has been creating fine writing instruments for more than century in the picturesque and historic town of Bassano del Grappa in north-eastern Italy from which they take their name. And whether it be their rich colours, reminiscent of the old master painters or the elaborate ornamentation that echoes the county’s Baroque palaces, Montegrappa is steeped in its Italian heritage.

As well as its limited editions, freely inspired by great moments of history and the most ancient passions of mankind, Montegrappa produces a regular range, for those who want to indulge in a daily luxury.

Fountain pens retail for about S$625

www.montegrappa.com

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DESIRABLESPENS

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The House of Chopard introduces a new Haute Joaillerie collection named For You and composed of talisman jewellery adorned with precious stones intended to bring good luck.

www.chopard.com

For You

Love as a talisman

CHOPARD

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DESIRABLESJEWELLERY

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Unleash creativity through the jewellery artsProfessionals, home-makers and creative individuals the world over are turning to creative pursuits that both fulfi l their desire for expression and provide avenues for profi t and success. One area particularly suitable to fashion-conscious, independent individuals is the jewellery arts

Jewellery bridges the gap between art and commerce in a way few other outlets can: placing value on creative expression and uniqueness while using quality, preciousmaterials that have their own intrinsic value in an

established and vibrant market. Creative jewellery artisans, unlike painters, sculptors, and other artists can almost effortlessly move from skilled craftsperson to independent business person. Those that keep abreast of the fashion trends and translate these in to precious expressions for their customers see successes ranging from profitable side-lines to fully fledged jewellery brands.

WHO CAN BECOME A JEWELLERY ARTISAN?

The first step for any aspiring jewellery artist is to develop the eye for detail and the technical skills needed to produce outstanding jewellery creations. Traditionally, this process required many years

of apprenticeship and painstaking, laborious work building dexterity and skill with a wide range of complicated and expensive specialized tools. While traditional techniques are still appreciated and used

in jewellery, today’s designers have a wider palette of materials and techniques to work with, including new technologies that enable creative expression faster than ever before. The modern jewellery designer

can mix traditional metalsmithing techniques with space-age materials to produce anything from fine jewellery pieces to contemporary fashion jewellery designs. With such a wide range of skills and materials to

work with, anyone can find their niche in this creative field.

HOW DO DESIGNERS SELECT THE BEST VALUE MATERIALS?

When thinking of jewellery, most of us first imagine the gemstones that capture the attention of the room with their brilliance and life. 21st Century jewellery artists have a wider selection of spectacular gem materials to select from than ever before. Designers can source fine natural materials from every corner of the world with minimum

effort but must be careful to understand common trade practices and pitfalls to ensure they choose wisely. For those that are constrained by budget, gem science has progressed to the point where lab-grown, cultured gems provide affordable means to create stunning jewellery. Even those designers opting for non-gem materials can find exceptionally well manufactured components from world renowned brands that raise their jewellery above mere costume pieces. Regardless of the materials they choose to use, the modern designer must be an informed and shrewd buyer to ensure they choose the best materials for their, or their customers budget.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF A GREAT JEWELLERY DESIGN?

Looking beyond the gems, it is the precious metals that bring a jewel to life, determining the style of the piece and telling a story about the wearer. The most successful jewellery artisans draw inspiration from fashion trends while incorporating influences from different cultures and time periods to develop exceptional, unique designs that stand out amongst the competition of mass-produced jewellery. Savvy

consumers look for these distinctive design elements in their jewellery purchases and once found, follow their designers

jewellery lines in future purchases.

DESIGN?

el to life, er.nme

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JEWELLERYTECHNOLOGY

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WHEN DOES A JEWELLERY ARTIST BECOME A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR?

A brief glance at the jewellery industry shows at least as much activity by independent designers as there is amongst the established brands. These budding designers may begin small, attending events in bazaars or setting up small blog shops, but may grow into full fledged designer brands with successful online and brick and mortar businesses.

Many creative individuals start their journey by identifying their passion – be it to meticulously create masterpieces from raw materials or explore and combine prefabricated components to produce new and exciting variations. Next, they refine the technical and creative skills while they kit out their wardrobe and those of friends and family. These experiences and reference allow them to learn more about their target market and begin to develop a brand, business and marketing strategy

to delight their customers. It is a fun, fascinating journey that requires little more that a creative streak and

desire to succeed.

While the design is key to capturing the attention of jewellery buyers, it is the quality of the metals used and the excellence in craftsmanship that reinforce the relationship between designer and client. Bespoke designers set themselves apart from the volumes of low quality costume jewellery on the market by choosing better quality materials and fashioning them using professional, lasting techniques to produce beautiful jewellery that is comfortable and durable. Designers choose to work with fine silver or modern silver alloys incorporating rare earth minerals to minimize tarnishing, others select gold alloys that avoid nickel or other metals that cause allergic reactions. What becomes clear to consumers as they experience jewellery from different vendors is that the mark of a true professional goes well beyond design, affecting the materials, workmanship and overall quality.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR JEWELLERY ARTISAN?

“Many creative individuals start their journey by identifying their passion – be it to meticulously create masterpieces from raw

materials or explore and combine prefabricated components

to produce new and exciting variations.”

ato

thd

Many inexperienced jewellery artists overlook the assembly techniques used to combine their uniquely crafted centrepiece with other design elements to create necklaces, bracelets or other popular jewellery pieces. Jewellery collectors who know how to identify value and quality look beyond the highlight elements of the jewellery to see how the artists has combined these with the ‘findings’, common jewellery elements used to complete a piece of jewellery. Proper selection of earring backs, posts, clasps and other less conspicuous elements can both ensure a high quality finished design, and accentuate the artists custom creations. Today, fashion jewellery artists are taking increasing care with their components and techniques in order to further stand apart from more typical high street jewellery.

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WHERE CAN YOU START ON THE PATH TO CREATIVITY AND INDEPENDENCE?

The region’s Jewellery industry is becoming more accessible and creative opportunities in Jewellery more exciting. Singapore’s Jewellery Design and Management International School has been fostering the jewellery industry, including the growing ranks of creative artisans who are driving many modern fashion trends. JDMIS is the only professional education institution in the region that specializes solely in the jewellery arts and is well known for its interdisciplinary diploma programs and customized corporate training for the biggest players in the jewellery industry. It also offers expert, short skills certifications in jewellery design, gemmology, traditional and modern jewellery fabrication, jewellery trends, business and retail operations. Each of its intensive skills courses are ‘modular’: ideal for existing jewellers and budding artisan entrepreneurs who want fast-paced access to the skills they need for success in the jewellery field, but in combination, leading to a recognised diploma qualification in the jewellery field.

Tanja Sadow, the Dean and founder of JDMIS and President of the Guild of Jewellery Professionals and Artisans has been involved in educating and directing the jewellery industry since the early 80’s. She has trained over 15,000 students in 11 countries. Tanja and her international team of professional instructors, together with proprietary easy-to-learn techniques and a convenient location, have attracted students from all over the world who have gone on to become award-winning designers and successful entrepreneurs.

For more information about the school and its courses, visit www.jdmis.edu.sg or visit the school’s comprehensive facilities in the centre of Singapore’s arts and heritage district.

www.jdmis.edu.sg

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JEWELLERYTECHNOLOGY


Viva School of Music & Ballet60 Paya Lebar Road #01-16Paya Lebar Square MallTel: 6702 3768Email: [email protected]

It is never too late to engage in music

Music is one of the most amazing ways to

experience the world

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DESIRABLESCOGNACDESIRABLESCARS

Th e New M6 Coupe

The new BMW M6 Coupe allows BMW M GmbH to restate its leadership in the high-performance luxury segment. The outgoing models had already set new benchmarks with the flawless balance of power, efficiency, agility, comfort and luxury that is typical of M models. And now the new BMW M6 Coupe, as well as the new BMW M6 Convertible and new BMW M6 Gran Coupe are poised to write a fresh chapter in this success story, fuelled by an even more finely honed, well-resolved overall concept.

The new BMW M6 Coupe, new BMW M6 Convertible and new BMW M6 Gran Coupe announce their high-performance credentials before they even turn a wheel thanks to their athletic and dynamic appearance. A front end with new, standard-fitted LED headlights makes their intentions immediately clear – the M-specific double-bar kidney grille and eye-catching front apron with large air intakes see to that. The powerfully sculpted front wings with hallmark M gills (including integrated side indicators), the side skirts and the exclusive forged 19-inch M light-alloy wheels (BMW M6 Gran Coupe exclusive forged 20-inch M light-alloy wheels) only add to this impression.

www.bmw.com

BMW

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The New 500Includes the new Cult and Twinair 105hp versions

The new FIAT 500 enjoys important new style, comfort and technological enhancements for. A key new feature is the segment-first seven-inch TFT digital instrument display, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli, which seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology without disrupting the trademark aesthetics of the cabin.

Standard on 500S and Cult models (and optional on Lounge versions), the layout and execution of the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer will be familiar to anyone who has driven the current FIAT 500, but the centre of the display - which contains a digital image of the car - can be configured to show various trip computer readouts, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc.

Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the new 0.9 TwinAir engine delivers 105hp at 5,500rpm and 107lb ft (145Nm) of torque at 2,000rpm in Sport mode (98hp and 89lb ft (120Nm) in ‘eco’ mode) which translates into 0 to 62mph time of just 10 seconds and a top speed of 117mph. Despite its lively performance, it is still capable of 67.3 mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle and its CO2 emissions are just 99g/km. FIAT 500 models fitted with the TwinAir 105hp engine are also equipped with rear disc brakes as standard.

www.fiat.com

FIAT

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Gucci presents its new sunglasses and optical frames for women and men. These new frames fascinate with their retro style, underlined by the beautiful spotted Havana colours on bold shapes, recalling an elegant 60s feeling.

The bi-colour styles created exclusively combinations between the bold Havana upper front and the slim transparent lower part. These sunglasses have a tone-on-tone or shaded lenses, or innovative infrared lenses, protecting the eyes from the effects of heat with a stylish faceted mirror effect.

The beautifully spotted Havana sunglasses and optical frames, in the distinctive yellow colour, as well as in blue, red and brown, merge a vintage taste with a contemporary and subtle Gucci twist.

The eyewear will be available in store from April 2015 onwards.

www.gucci.com

New Havana Eyewear

for Spring Summer

2015

GUCCI

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DESIRABLESEYEWEAR

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DESIRABLESPORCELAIN

If there is a warm, bright and evocative glow able to compete with natural light, then that is surely light filtered through porcelain. Lladró, the world leader in the design and elaboration of art porcelain, is presenting its new issues for spring at Maison et Objet, with a strong focus on lighting, and a special spotlight on its new Winter Palace

chandeliers.

Lladró is further reinforcing the functional aspect of its creations with a wide-ranging catalogue of lamps that is consolidating the brand’s reputation within the lighting sector around the world.

In its High Porcelain collection, the haute couture of porcelain, Lladró is presenting the new sculpture Assyrian archer, a limited edition of 250 pieces that causes an impression with its size, a single human figure standing almost one meter tall. Artistically speaking, it is worth underscoring the wealth of color from ancient Mesopotamia, the new range of orange, red and blue enamels applied to the porcelain combined with the already rich palette of Lladró colors.

In addition, the new issues for Spring 2015 range from the ever-popular and fondly-loved Lladró Classic — iconic pieces that speak to us of new romanticism, like Swinging, Finesse and Giggles with mom — to its New Classics — sculptural pieces made in gres or white matte porcelain, like Sitting bather and My loving angel, as well as figurines in brighter colors from the Lladró palette, like African bond and Salsa.

Lladró presents its new issues at Maison et Objet Paris, focusing on its lighting collections and the new Winter Palace chandeliers. Th e Spanish brand’s handmade porcelain at its most romantic invites us to rediscover the sensations of natural light

SWITCH ON TO LLADRÓ

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www.lladro.com

LLADRÓ LIGHTING

Winter Palace Chandeliers

Romanticism is in the air at Maison et Objet 2015. A snow-covered winter landscape, the magic of fairytales, the sophistication of classic hanging lamps. The Winter Palace chandelier seems to be taken directly from a palace of the Russian tsars.

Lladró is exhibiting this new chandelier created by its team of in-house designers. Besides lithophanes and porcelain teardrops, this ceiling lamp also includes hundreds of porcelain beads. Available in three versions (6, 12 and 30 lights) and in white and in white and gold finishes, Winter Palace is a more sophisticated version of the Belle de Nuit chandeliers which the brand presented at recent editions of the fair.

On the other hand, the wide-ranging collection of Belle de Nuit lamps will also be on show in Paris, with its ceiling, standing, tabletop and wall models. The most striking aspects of the collection are the application of Lladró’s original palette of colors and the warm glow, further enhanced in some models through the use of porcelain lithophane shades. And, as always, behind the delicate relief work is the consummate skill of the brand’s artists, infusing the lithophanes with a magical light.

Like all Lladró porcelains, the new introductions for 2015 to be presented in Paris have the magical quality of being able to transport us to our most cherished memories, evoking forever that special moment, person, or experience which is as unique as each one of us. And similarly to all of the brand’s creations, each one of these new pieces has been made entirely by hand in Valencia (Spain), in the biggest little atelier in the world, the kind of place its founders – Juan, José and Vicente Lladró – dreamed of when they started firing their first porcelains back in 1953. A factory of dreams in porcelain where around one thousand people work to create pieces that are exported to over 120 countries on the five continents.

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The Gift of NatureNatural Pharma harnesses natural elements to produce high quality and eff ective wellness, nutrition and beauty products

BY CAROL KRAAL

Healthy living is the foundation of leading a fulfilling life. This is the core value of Norwegian wellness establishment, Natural Pharma as it aims to help us in this quest by using the right health supplements,

skincare and food. Every product they create is a personal recommendation that encompasses holistic wellbeing from nutrition to beauty to skincare to holistic heathcare.

One of their vast arrays of popular products is the 30days slimming concept from Norway which focuses on the size of a person’s waistline and size loss as opposed to pure weight loss. The patented formula combines 100 percent natural herbal extracts and minerals to target slimming from the viewpoint of reducing inflammation, supporting internal detoxification, the digestive system and the immune system.

Natural Pharma is the beginning of your journey to good physical and skin health because life is not just about breathing, it’s about flourishing.

More information is available on these websites naturalpharma.com.sgwww.audreychristian.com

Skin health and Dui products:

http://naturalpharma.com.sg/?route=product/allproducts www.duiclinique.com www.audreychristian.com

30days products:

www.30dayswaistline.comhttp://30days.naturalpharma.com.sg/about-30days/

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COVERFEATURE

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A CHAT WITH

AUDREY WONGDirector, Nutritionist & Skin Care Specialist at Natural Pharma

NATURAL PHARMA IS THE ENTITY OF TWO ESTABLISHED NORWEGIAN WELLNESS COMPANIES. WHAT IS YOUR CORE PHILOSOPHY?

I believe in being open and truthful in what I represent.

MANKIND HAS BEEN USING SKINCARE AND HEALTH PRODUCTS SOURCED FROM NATURE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME. HOW MUCH RESEARCH GOES INTO DEVELOPING YOUR PRODUCTS USING NATURAL INGREDIENTS?

Today natural ingredients are extracted and concentrated in their wholeness as much as possible and they can therefore deliver a stronger impact on skin and health than they could before. Biotechnology has also helped deliver ingredients like enzymes and antioxidants from natural food sources for our health and skin benefits.

As technology has made it easier to take advantage of what nature offers, we spare no effort in ensuring that our products contain the most useful natural ingredients for each product’s intended purpose.

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“I advocate the use of herbs regularly both as internal

consumption and external use for the maintenance of health.”

WHAT GOES INTO A PERSON VIA FOOD AND NUTRITION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS SMEARING ON LOTIONS AND OILS ON THE EXTERIOR. HOW HAS YOUR PASSION AND EXPERTISE IN NUTRITION HELP CREATE EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS FOR LOOKING GOOD AND STAYING HEALTHY?

Hippocrates said “let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food” and I think this is so true.

I advocate the use of herbs regularly both as internal consumption and external use for the maintenance of health. Our skin mirrors the state of our health. For example, when a person has a lot of pimples, it means that there is plenty of congestion in the body and the toxins are being evacuated through the skin. A clean and healthy colon is key to a healthy and clean looking skin.

Another example is when we are tired and do not have enough rest. This shows up as dark eye rings around our eyes and eye bags under our eyes. Our face will also sag. I have thus translated this passion and belief into natural skin care product ranges: Dui Professional Skin Care and a retail line, Audrey Christian Cosmeceutical Skin Care.

In the Dui Professional range, herbs and thermal water are used. In Audrey Christian products, ingredients from fruits, beans and flowers are used.

In addition to the above, I have also invented a treatment machine which uses low voltage to improve the skin’s integrity and to enhance the body’s natural mechanisms.

What it does includes improvement in the appearance of aging skin – which means you get a facelift without surgery. It resolves acne related issues by removing inflammation so that therapists do not have to squeeze out the pus in pimples. The treatment is relaxing and comfortable, and it helps with scar reduction of all kinds from acne or from surgery and even stretch marks. Finally, it helps in reducing pigmentation by normalising the pigment production in the cells.

ONE OF YOUR FAMOUSLY POPULAR PRODUCTS IS THE 30DAYS WAISTLINE RANGE. WHAT ARE SOME OF ITS NATURAL INGREDIENTS AND WHAT IS THIS PRODUCT DESIGNED TO DO?

The patented 30days range has 3 products; 30days Waistline and 30days Hips, Buttocks & Thighs and 30days Anti-Cellulite lotion. More specifically 30days products help to reduce inflammation in the body as low grade inflammation is responsible for obesity. The cause of this low grade inflammation can be due to the Firmicutis bacteria that are shown to be more rampant in obese persons than non-obese persons.

Clinical studies demonstrated that the patented 30days Waistline product had significant effects in reducing the abdominal and waistline circumference of testers within just 30 days. The 30days Hips, Buttocks & Thighs products were shown in clinical tests to reduce the circumferences of the hips, buttocks & thighs as well as improvement of the cellulite condition in the thighs of the test participants. It is a patented health supplement that effectively boosts energy levels, supports the immune system and kidneys, and aids in the detoxification of the liver and colon, resulting in reduction of the accumulation of abdominal fat and thus the reduction of your waistline or hips, buttocks & thighs.

The products are made with natural ingredients – different herbs like artichoke and dandelion that help to support the liver and enhances fat metabolism as well as beta glucan 1.3,1.6. which supports the immune support and fighting the bad bacteria.

I would say that to look good is to stay healthy and 30days products can certainly help you along the way to healthier living and to looking good.

BOTH MEN AND WOMEN CRAVE BEAUTIFUL, YOUTHFUL, HEALTHY SKIN. WHICH OF YOUR PRODUCTS PROTECTS, NOURISHES AND PROMOTES SKIN HEALTH, AND WHAT NATURAL ELEMENTS DOES IT CONTAIN?

All of our products from the cleanser to the lotion help protect, nourish and promote skin health. They are high in natural ingredients and thus high in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are key to keeping young inside and out.

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A good healthy cleansing regime is as important to maintaining a youthful and healthy looking skin as using protective creams like Day and Night cream to keep the skin supple and smooth. I would like to mention that not enough attention is given to the cleansing regime. Most think about what to put on the face to cover-up marks or blemishes or to brighten up the skin with make-up and foundations.

Dui Cleansing Serum is about cleansing the skin on the surface of grime and make-up and at the same time lightening and brightening the skin as well as enhancing and protecting the skin’s natural protective hydrolipidic film on the skin. When this hydrolipidic layer is disturbed, the skin will get irritated and dehydrated. Problems like white heads, black heads and milia can arise due to this disturbance, not mentioning lines and wrinkles.

Our Dui Cleansing Serum employs a patented gel system that incorporates both water and oil so that the skin feels non-oily nor dehydrated after application of the cleanser. The skin feels just right. It is soothing as well and thus is suitable for all skin types and even the bums of babies. The sesame and almond oils are cleansing as well as nourishing with anti-bacterial properties. Therefore it is suitable even for acne prone skins and for babies with diaper rashes. The deep tissue cleansing property of the cleanser comes from the cleansing herb horse chestnut that enhances blood flow, empowering the skin’s own natural cleansing mechanism hence reducing stagnation or congestion in the skin that are responsible for making the skin look dull and pores clogged with talc and oxidation.

THERE ARE SO MANY WELLNESS COMPANIES AND PRODUCTS OUT THERE IN THE MARKET. HOW DOES NATURAL PHARMA STAY ONE OF THE LEADING PLAYERS AND A SOURCE OF HIGH-QUALITY, TRUSTED PRODUCTS?

The health supplements from Med-eq are the leading products in Scandinavia, and there are several patents and/or studies published in journals on the products. Other health supplements may not have patents and/or published journal studies done on them. For our skin care, we are proud to provide high-quality, natural skin care products and position ourselves as such. We believe that consistency in our products gives us the edge as a trusted skin care brand.

YOU’RE A FANTASTIC ROLE MODEL FOR NATURAL PHARMA AND YOUR PRODUCTS BECAUSE YOU LOOK SO YOUTHFUL AND ENERGETIC EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE FIVE CHILDREN AND A CLUSTER OF GRANDCHILDREN. WHAT IS YOUR DAILY WELLNESS REGIMEN THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?

Thank you very much for your kind compliments. I do my best and I have been lucky to stay in good health.

I basically practise what I preach and also allow myself to indulge by eating 80 percent wholesome and healthy foods and 20 percent indulgent foods.

Also my daily regime includes Skin care-Dui and Audrey Christian cleansing of my skin twice a day with a soft cleanser that cleans grime and make up, followed by Dui Cleanisng Tonic-made from thermal water and herbs; Moisturising Gel (hydrating gel) Push UP 5 to 10 Age Defying Eye Gel, Push Up 5 to 10 Age Defying Face Cream. If I need to, I use V.Factor (Dui) to relax my facial expressions that causes lines and wrinkles. My health supplements include Omega 3 with Co-Q10, vitamin C 3000 to 8000 mg-depending on my needs; Vitamin D, antioxidants with grape seed extract, cherry extract. Skingain for the skin, hair and nails, which keeps my skin supple and hydrated (inside and outside); Hairgain for hair regrowth; 30days Waistline or Hips, Buttocks & Thighs with or without inbuilt colon cleanser; Oxytarm enzymes for effective digestion and to reduce inflammation in the body.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AFTER A HARD DAY AT WORK?

If I have the opportunity I will play with my grandchildren. There is nothing more relaxing than playing with a 2 year-old. Small children like 5 or 6 year-olds have the best laughter, and they help make me forget any worries or stress that I might have at the moment.

Playing golf is also my passion. When the weather and time permit I love to walk along the golf course for a few hours. Walking and swinging with the golf clubs have been shown to add 8 years to golfers’ lives versus non-golfers in Sweden.

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Hundreds of studies have been done about the positive effects of music and dance on the development of children and even adults. In a nutshell, music and dance help aid in the development of perception,

memory, language skills, vocabulary and verbal skills.

Music and dance lessons can help children and adults improve social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and make new friends.

Th e Joy of Music and Dance

Viva School of Music & Ballet nurtures your passion and capabilities that last a lifetime

If you are shy, enrolling in music and dance can encourage you to reach out to others your age and help to reduce anxiety about new people or places. It can also help to alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience.

Most of all passion and fun in music and dance make life more enjoyable and Viva School of Music & Ballet will nurture these foundations in you through their enjoyable and effective lessons.

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What are the main reasons that people want to learn music and dance?

We believe that learning music and dance enriches the heart, develops the mind and refines the soul. Our fast paced lifestyle is very dynamic and people need a creative outlet. Through music and dance, people bring their emotional level up and enrich their inner life. Hundreds of studies have been done about the positive effects of music on the development of children and adults. In a nutshell, music helps aid in the development of perception, memory, language skills, vocabulary and verbal skills.

Why music and ballet?

We want to build on the interconnectedness between the musical and the ballet forms by combining performances and by introducing kinaesthetic into the musical vocabulary. If you stop and listen carefully, you will see that everything in the universe has a rhythm and its own music – from your heartbeat, to nature, to technology and the movement of the earth. Ballet generally develops a sense of movement, promotes self-discipline, improves motion control, balance and coordinates the mind and body.

Do only children benefit from music and ballet lessons?

Of course not. Starting piano lessons for adults is an amazing way to relieve stress and express your emotions. With music you can show your feelings in a different and special way. Playing the piano, for instance, will give you something to share with your children and family.

How do you enrich the student’s experience at Viva?

We offer our students many performance opportunities, and that helps them build their confidence by going on the stage and performing in front of people. They get to express themselves in a different way than at home or at work. We also introduce them to many different music subjects like harmony, counterpoint, composition, analysis, orchestration, chamber music and others.

Is your teaching approach tailored to your student’s needs?

We at Viva School of Music & Ballet believe that every child is musical and that they should have the opportunity to develop in music to whatever level they aspire. Through their experience

A Chat with Tanya Vlaeva,Director of Viva School of Music & Ballet

and expertise the school’s teachers know that children learn differently and therefore use a variety of pedagogical methods from the traditional to the contemporary to ensure that no child is left behind in their musical education and dance development.

How are your methods different from others in the field?

Our teachers make learning interesting and fun by being sensitive towards the students’ needs, and by presenting the material according to the student’s level, pace and receptiveness. Also, our teachers have taught on four continents, and this cross cultural experience is valued and encouraged.

How does Viva achieve a complete and holistic art education solution?

We provide a comprehensive programme of ballet, music performance, and music theory education that promotes the highest levels of professional development while challenging students to achieve their greatest potential. From the absolute beginner, to the professional musician, looking to refine his skills, we can meet you at your level. There are many talented children in Singapore, and some of them may choose a professional path.

What is your advice for someone who is an absolute beginner?

Listen to lots of piano music. Go to ballet performances. Playing an instrument isn’t just about hitting the right notes, it’s about expression. It’s a tool to express emotion, thought and longing. If you play it that way, even imperfectly, you’ll sound better than the best player in the world who plays correctly but with no feeling. Also, it is never too late to adventure in any art.

Viva School of Music & Ballet60 Paya Lebar RoadPaya Lebar Square Mall #01-16Tel: 6702 3768Email: [email protected]

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Look around Singapore and you’ll see hundreds of businesses dealing in information technology or employment agencies. TransZ Coffee Pte Ltd founder Mr Daniel Zhang took a risk and chose a completely different path, delving into a business that encompasses coffee trading – ranging from coffee beans to coffee equipment and ingredients.

TransZ Coffee slowly became a passion for Mr Zhang as he describes coffee as something “so simple yet at the same time so essential”.

Before the business started Mr Zhang scoured the market for nearly two decades, studying and exploring the products and services in a coffee enterprise. After gaining the relevant experience, and honing in on targeted audiences and market values, Mr Zhang created his own venture, and TransZ Coffee Pte Ltd was born.

Today TransZ Coffee not only offers quality consumer coffee products but also deals in coffee equipment, servicing solutions and training solutions for coffee personnel such as baristas. TransZ has another office in China and employs distributors in Myanmar, Brunei, Thailand and Malaysia to carry their products. TransZ Coffee Pte Ltd has grown to become “your one-stop coffee solution”.

As Mr Zhang says: “Adventure in life is good; consistency in coffee even better”.

COFFEE IS PASSION

TransZ Coff ee Pte Ltd embraces the world of coff ee with expertise and passion, and has grown the business into a one-stop coff ee solution BY CAROL KRAAL

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A Chat with Daniel Zhang,Managing Director of TransZ Coffee

Equipment Solutions

While the idea of moka pot espresso commercially is a romantic one, we prefer to be practical. Finding practical equipment solutions for our partners is one of the things we do best. Paired with the experience and exposure of our consultants, we are able to recommend suitable, practical and cost efficient equipment solutions for your projects.

Our company believes in quality. The range of equipment we’ve brought in meet the exact standards that we require for the most efficient and premium quality production during your operations, optimising your operation hours to its highest potential.

Servicing Solutions

Since 2006, our company has taken pride in being able to provide any and every solution to your technical needs, from reconditioning old machines to fixing machine faults. Our resourceful and experienced technicians will evaluate your needs and create a solution accordingly, making sure that each and every one of your needs are met; every problem is solved and customized to you specifically. Our access to spare parts and the invaluable knowledge of our senior technicians means that we are able to resolve last minute breakdowns with our 24/7 hotline. Upon arrival, our technicians then make the call, depending on the situation, to either troubleshoot on site or to bring the machine to our workshop for repairs.

We also recognise that downtime of a machine during operation hours could cost you, which is why our warehouse is well stocked with a good supply of standby machines to tide you through the inevitable time out.

It is the promise of our company and the dedication of our technicians that have brought our company to where it stands today.

YOUR PHILOSOPHY AT TRANSZ COFFEE IS TOTAL SOLUTIONS INVOLVING BEVERAGE, EQUIPMENT, SERVICING AND TRAINING. HOW HAS THIS PLACED YOU IN THE COFFEE SECTOR OF BUSINESS?

TransZ Coffee was established in 2006 with the goal of providing technical support for our clients whenever they needed it. Since then and to this day, we continue to grow in our beliefs. We take pride in what we’ve achieved and we’re always looking for ways to make your experience with us a complete one.

At TransZ Coffee, there’s a philosophy and a driving force behind everything that we do. We believe that coffee is more than a beverage, a commodity or a product. We believe it is a true social lubricant; a shared experience that keeps people together. It is a medium for us to share our memories.

We are excited to present our range of products, equipment and certified trainers to you, and hope that when we create a partnership we can formulate a way to cater to your every want and need.

WHAT ARE YOUR KEY PRODUCTS FOR THE CONSUMER?

We provide a wide range of machines, coffee and other complementary products that cater to both the commercial and domestic markets. Whether you are a Director for an international chain of hotels, or just a typical home maker, you will find a product that suits your requirements.

Our devotion to offering an unrivaled spectrum of products has brought us to the forefront of the trade. Our beverage solutions start from premium gourmet coffee beans for aficionados in any environment, as well an impeccable range of syrups to enhance your hot or iced beverages. Furthermore, an array of capsule and soluble coffees is available for both inroom amenities and domestics sectors.

Some of our international brands include Caffe Cagliari (coffee), Douwe Egberts (coffee), DaVinci Gourmet (syrups), La Pavoni (coffee machine), Franke (coffee machine) and Cafetto (cleaning tablets). Our house brands are Caffe Daniella (gourmet coffee beans), Daniella (instant coffee mix), and Dandelion (coffee machine).

Caffe Cagliari – Italy – coffee beans:

We are the appointed distributor by Caffe Cagliari for South East Asia rights. To date we are already distributing coffee beans to countries such as Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei and Thailand.

Caffe Daniella – Singapore – coffee beans: (NEW-2015)

Accumulating years of experience in the coffee industry has enabled us to have a good understanding of our consumer needs. In January 2015 we launched our own specially crafted set of Coffee Beans Blend under the TransZ umbrella as part of our business to grow within our product ranges - the Caffe Danialla Coffee Bean - Black and Gold Blends.

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THE COFFEE CULTURE IS ALWAYS CHANGING BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A GROWING DEMAND NOT ONLY LOCALLY BUT REGIONALLY. HOW DO YOU ADAPT TO THESE CHANGING AND DEVELOPING NEEDS?

TransZ Coffee’s greatest resource, without a doubt, is our people. It’s the people closest to us that matter; that’s why we bring in experienced, bright and talented individuals into our team to help the cause, and why we care so much about our partners. With these constant and close relationships and networks we are armed with the latest updates and changes locally and regionally so we are able to adapt to these changes and so develop to the market’s needs and demands.

YOU ALSO TRAIN BARISTAS, AS GOOD ONES ARE HARD TO FIND. WHAT IS THE TRAINING SCHEME LIKE AND CAN ANYONE TAKE A COURSE?

Yes, we offer Training Solutions for baristas. What’s a good machine without a good barista?We understand how difficult it is to find experienced baristas, and how training up new ones can be a challenge to any employer, which is what motivated us to design our specialized barista course.

Our training course is designed to bring out the best in your staff; to fully utilise the potential in them that will ultimately mean a wonderful experience for your customers. With certification from SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe), our head trainer and his associates ensure that your staff achieve their fullest potential by the end of their training.

Recommended attendees must be least age 16 and above.

Beginners attend the basic understanding of coffee to Basic Barista training, before moving on to our Advance Barista Level. At this stage you should have already attained a level of display in crafting Latte Art and producing the right standard of coffee beverages.

Each module is catered to a specific need. Our course, with both theory and practical sections, covers every aspect of coffee preparation and is structured as an engaging set of modules that will pique the interest of your new professional barista.

WHAT ARE TRANSZ COFFEE’S OBJECTIVES FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

We are constantly expanding our business networks locally as well as overseas, particular in the China market. We see potential for growth in China.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE BREW?

My favourite coffee brew is simply the brew! I believe making coffee is a passion filled with love, respect and commitment. Love for your craft, respect for your equipment, and commitment to the process. Be sincere in your mindset when crafting your brews.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AFTER A HARD DAY AT WORK?

Enjoying a cuppa is one of the most relaxing moments for me!

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PERSONALITYFEATURE


Influenced by the easy-chic, dynamic character of the NAPAPIJRI modern traveller, the new Spring Summer 2015 Women’s wear narrates a mixture of stories and inspirations which results in an accomplished, multifunctional wardrobe that is rich in colours and alluring patterns, fresh juxtaposi-tions and fashionable details, combining style, heritage and innovation in a widely appealing feminine image.

The Men’s wear draws inspiration from the concept of “Out On The Open Road”, where the protagonist lives a nomadic existence as he moves from natural landscapes to the hot spots of America’s vibrant metropolis, conveying a sense of freedom and versatility.

The international fashion retailer with Italian origins marks its debut in Southeast Asia with the opening of its first boutique in Singapore at the Capitol Piazza on 20 March 2015.

www.napapijri.com

Spring Summer 2015 Men’s and Women’s Collections

NAPAPIJRI

DESIRABLESSTYLE

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The collection is inspired by the heritage of the Spanish culture on Sicily’s history. The Sacred Heart is the main symbol of the collection and it is found embroidered or printed on most of the pieces. The choice of the carnation was made not only because it is a flower that recalls the Spanish tradition, but also as homage to Mr Dolce’s mother, as it was her favourite flower.

The new Dolce&Gabbana woman this season is strong, seductive and passionate like the explosion of love that is compared to the eruption of a volcano – Sicily’s Etna. Mr Dolce and Mr Gabbana’s challenge was to convey the Spanish influence in a non-conventional and literal way. They achieved this through the use of very simple shapes matched with very rich details and embroideries. The result is a collection full of joy, love and sexiness. The woman of today is sexy because she is conscious of who she is and she is not afraid to wear a mini skirt and embroidered denim pants worn with transparent tops or bullfighter’s jackets.

www.dolcegabbana.com

Womenswear Spring Summer 2015

DOLCE&GABBANA

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Men’s Spring Summer 2015 Collection

DOLCE&GABBANA

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The collection continues the journey in rediscovering Sicily’s rich history, and the idea that tailoring can be reinvented.

This season, the main source of inspiration for Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana is the Spanish domination of the island and, specifically, how the Spanish influenced the local popular culture, infusing it with typical Spanish traditions such as folklore and a joy of life which could be felt at local town fairs, etc.

As usual, these elements are not interpreted in a literal sense; for example, the decorations one can see on the traditional toreador’s clothes (usually made of golden thread) becomes black.

Evolution and experimentation are key, which translates to new tailoring techniques, such as the use of fabrics in an unconventional way and in the proportions of the clothes – jackets become longer, vests have a new shape and pants are slimmer. The primary colour is red, which for Dolce&Gabbana embodies passion, love, and Sicily. Other colours include white, grey, black, light blue – colours of the toreador’s jacket.


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Inspired by Spanish culture in Sicilian history the collection features iconic Dolce&Gabbana prints like polka dots. Design elements include Black & White dots & stripes, splashes of colour and romantic floral hues.


Cruise 2015 collection

DOLCE&GABBANA

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“Spanish culture in Sicilian history”

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A brand new Adidas sports range aimed at a younger audience

ADIDAS STELLASPORT

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DESIRABLESSPORTSWEAR

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Under the creative direction of Stella McCartney, the The Spring Summer StellaSport range combines sports and style with bold branding, explosive colours and fresh prints; redefining sportswear with a brand new approach for the age group.

Designed for the action girl, adidas StellaSport comprises apparel, footwear and accessories featuring sports performance technologies that can be worn from the gym to the city streets. The range includes everything from kit bag essentials to standout statement silhouettes.

Expect to see colour-blocking in sporty tanks, bras and tights, designed with the fast drying climaliteTM fabric ensuring ultimate comfort and everyday wearability; punctuated with modern signature prints and statement silhouettes like the onesie.

www.adidas.com

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STYLE

Simple tips to update and refresh your look

BY WONG YEN SAN

All of us have a tendency to stick to a look that we like best for ourselves. So we haul clothes and makeup that fit into that style. It works but only for some time. The same style taken through the years would inevitably look dated after a while.

Reed-straight long hair for example looks great on us when we were younger but it may not look that good when we’re in our forties or fifties. Maintenance is another issue. We might have had more time getting ready when we were younger but now time could be a luxury for those of us who are married with little ones.

Refreshing our look every once in a while is necessary to keep us looking great at any age. And this needs no major overhaul of your wardrobe and makeup essentials. Only small changes are needed to refresh your look and style. Let’s look at the little tweaks we can make to our makeup and hair routines to look fabulous.

Refresh your style

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STYLE

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PUMP UP THE HAIR VOLUME

Our hair can get dry, oily or listless. Too much product residue on the hair or hair that starts to thin are some of the hair problems we face as we get older. Use a gentle shampoo, preferably an organic one to reduce the amount of chemical exposure to your scalp. And alternate between a clarifying and moisturising shampoo to minimise oil buildup especially if you have oily hair.

To build volume to your hair, use a round brush and brush the hair in the opposite direction. Some hairstylists use this to pump up the volume and thickness of their clients’ hair during styling. When you blow-dry your hair, try this and see if your hair looks more voluminous.

CONDITION YOUR LOCKS

Split ends and dry locks are not healthy conditions you’d want for your hair. You might have conditioned your hair after the shower but these dry ends still show up. Book regular hair treatments at the hair salon for some extra care to your tresses. Or try a hot oil conditioning at home using organic essential oils. Taking care of your hair over the long term will make it look luscious and silky at any age.

your features look less severe. Also, consider using a lip tint or gloss instead of carefully drawing your lips with a pencil; makeup doesn’t have to be perfect to be nice.

CURL YOUR LASHES

It may be a chore to do so but curling your lashes can make your eyes look bigger and sharper. Curl your lashes and then apply mascara (waterproof) and voila, see how your eyes suddenly come alive. A definite age-defying booster, I must say.

LESS IS MORE

Lesser makeup can make your skin show up better, never mind if it’s not perfect. Thick makeup on the other hand would cause your wrinkles and lines to be highlighted, adding on the numbers to your age. Also, opt for a cream foundation rather than a compact one for a silkier finish to your countenance.

Go without foundation during the weekends; try dabbing concealer with a brush to strategic spots on the face and blend it out, and leave the face bare for a clean, natural look. Or if you’re uncomfortable, pat on some loose powder sparingly after applying the concealer.

CHOOSE WELL-TAILORED AND WELL-CUT CLOTHING

Get some essentials tailor-made to the style you like or try to select well-made, structured clothing. They can make a difference to your overall appearance, causing you to look smarter. You can still possess loose and unstructured clothing of course for a varying well-rounded wardrobe.

ACCESSORISE TO SUCCESS

Accessories can make or break an outfit. But if done correctly, they can add style to your ensemble. A simple black dress will glam up instantly with a pearl choker and a power suit will look even more chic with a tailored suitcase or structured hand bag.

CUT IT SHORT

Short bangs can make someone look considerably younger. Having bangs also draws attention to your eyes and accessories, such as glasses, uplifting your look instantly whereas longer fringe has the tendency to make someone look older. Bangs can also frame a long or square face, making it look smaller. If you’ve not tried bangs before, consider one now; you will not regret it.

COLOUR ME

Hair colour can do a lot of wonders. It can mask graying hair. A lighter hue on black hair can make a stern-faced person look softer and gentler. And colouring can also make someone look younger and more modern. Consider choosing a colour that is only one or two shades lighter than your hair colour. Asians with a blond bob just don’t cut it; unless you’re in Cosplay costume. Going for colours that are many shades lighter than your original hair colour also tends to add on to the years rather than subtract from it.

Colouring your hair and then highlighting it with streaks also help to modernise the haircut, making you look chic and; thus younger too. Generally brown rather than ash and neon red colours are more suited for they enhance our skin colour. Ash for instance can make someone look washed out more. But still, there’re some who prefer the ash tones for an instant lift to their appearance.

THICKEN YOUR EYEBROWS

A makeup artist jokingly shared that if you want to guess someone’s age, you just need to look at her brows. Indeed, I agree. Our mothers and grandmothers tend to overpluck their brows. If you have an overzealous beautician, you might also end up with barely-there brows. Not a good thing. Reed-thin brows may be the rage in the 1940s and 50s but not so now. Brows today are thicker, like Korean-thick. So, take a cue from the Korean superstars (the women I mean) and grow out your brows. If not, take out your brow kit and work on them.

BLEND OUT THE MAKEUP

Instead of drawing a severe line below your lids (a favourite among many in the 80s) blend and smudge out the line with a brush. The modern way to wear this is with soft edges. This also goes for lip pencils. Blending out your makeup will make

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APPARELLEATHER

Take care of your shoes and bags to give them a longer life. BY WONG YEN SAN

Leather care

APPARELLEATHER

When we splurge on shoes and bags, we want them to last. Not for a year or two but for years. If you have taken good care of your LVs and Hermes, you may still tote them around after a

good many years. And considering the amount we have spent, we’d definitely want to do that. Some of us may be on the continuous lookout for newer styles and neglect the well-worn bags we used to parade in. Trends may indeed pass but an evergreen design will last a long time. Who knows, you may swap bags with your friends from time to time.

And if you’re a bag horse or another Carrie Bradshaw, then your closet must already be packed to the seams. You only have one pair of feet and one set of shoulders. There is no way you can wear everything you own. There will be some more loved items than others. For the lesser worn items, they may seldom see the light of the day but what will happen when the next season comes. Indeed, bags can form mildew if not properly cared and stored for, and shoes can crack if they are conditioned for a long time. Some tender loving care will ensure that all your bags and shoes get freshened up and ready the next time you wear them.

CLEAN AND PROTECT

Bags should be cleaned every now and then, more so when you’ve been toting them regularly. Bag exteriors could be cleaned with non alcoholic wipes or a liquid soap and water mixture. If using the soap mixture, use a soft or micro fibre cloth to prevent scratches on the bags. The inside of the bags could also be cleaned with a small vacuum hose or washed with soap and water if there are stains.

In addition, you may also spray the interior with a mixture of water and white vinegar to kill bacteria. To protect your bags, you may spray them with a repellent such as Apple Guard Stain and Rain Repellent. Give your bags a full spray to protect them against water and possible staining.

Clean shoes with a soft bristled brush you can buy easily from shoe shops or boutiques. Brush off dirt and dust from your shoes if you wear them frequently. To clean the leather, use a damp cloth with soap and water and lightly rub it on the shoes, taking care not to put too much water and lather onto the leather. Wipe it off with another damp cloth. Leave it to dry. Be careful though not to place any leather items in direct sunlight.

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MOISTURISE WITH CONDITIONING

A little conditioning goes a long way to ensuring that the leather on your bags and shoes stay soft and supple. Want to avoid those cracks on the crevices? Moisturise them. Purchase leather conditioners for bags and shoes and aim to do this every few months, more if the usage is regular. Use a soft cloth and with some leather conditioner, rub gently on the leather in circular motion. The leather may darken temporarily but it will resume its original colour once it’s dry.

STRENGTHEN THEIR MAKE

There are ways to strengthen the condition of your shoes so as to lengthen their life span. Bring your shoes to a cobbler to affix new heel caps to protect your shoes. Quality ones are anti-slip and would make your shoes easier to walk in. Some also ask for rubber soles to be added to prevent the bottom from scraping out; a little effort you make that will last your shoes quite a while.

WEAR THEM WELL

Because they are on our feet, our shoes always get the brunt of force and weight. Our shoes protect our feet from the harsh elements but do we wear them well? To keep your shoes working longer, try to rotate them. It’s best not to wear them every day but alternate them to give them a good air-out and rest.

Also, when we’re caught in a rain, wipe the water off with a tissue or cloth and lay them on the side to air-dry or use a shoe dryer if it’s soaked wet. Also, we’re used to pinching our shoes when we want to get our feet in them; use a shoe horn instead. This would help you to ease your feet easily and not harm the leather in any way.

KEEP IN STORE

The way we store our shoes and bags is also crucial to ensuring their life span and shelf condition. We normally store our shoes in the shoe cabinet; when you do so, just make sure that it’s not a sardine-packed one but leave ample space between the shoes. Make sure that the shoe cabinet is away from the sunlight glare.

Also, some shoes may need to be stored in dust bags, which are provided with during their purchase. Another way to store shoes, especially men’s shoes, is through shoe trees. Get a couple for your expensive shoes and keep the interior puffed up to maintain their shape. Otherwise, you can always consider stuffing shoes with old newspapers.

Similarly for bags, store them in the felt bags provided or use a cotton bag if you have one. Store them upright. For bags that are soft and malleable, you might like to add tissue paper or old cotton tee shirts inside to keep them puffed up to retain their shape the next time you use them.

GET THE PROS

If your bags or shoes suffer a major mishap such as broken handles, you might consider bringing it to the shoe and bag repair shop to get it fixed rather than attempting to rectify the problem yourself. Rest assured that there are services available that can repair your bags. Before stepping out to get another new bag, look up companies such as www.mybagspa.com.sg and www.ohthatshop.com. Sometimes, it is the professional touch that could only revive that precious bag of yours.

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EVENTS

Now in its fifth year and held at the award-winning ONE°15 Marina Club, Sentosa Cove from 23-26 April 2015, the Singapore Yacht Show is an exclusive event that epitomises luxury lifestyle, bringing together

world-class yachts, glamorous parties, high-end entertaining, and an enviable range of prestige products and brands.

Both Luxaviation and MTU have confirmed their return to this year’s Yacht Show as sponsors. As leaders in their respective sectors, each company represents the excellence that the Show continually strives to present to visitors.

Having become a valued partner to the Show in 2014, following the opening of its offices in Singapore and the introduction of its services in Asia, private jet operator Luxaviation will be returning once again with exclusive offers to bring special guests and VIPs to Singapore for the Show.

APYC SETS SAIL FOR WORLD CLASS

MTU will once again be a major support to the event, as title sponsor of The Captains’ Lounge – Powered by MTU and co-sponsor of the Asia Pacific Yachting Conference, both located in the ONE°15 Marina Club adjacent to the Show.

Themed “Towards World Class”, the two-day Conference will address the issues, challenges and opportunities of a dynamic region that is making waves on the world stage.

Co-chaired by Martin Redmayne (The Superyacht Group) and Tim Coventry (special advisor to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Korea), industry and business leaders will take to the stage at the APYC to share their journeys to achieving world-class performance in their respective fields.

To be hosted at the ONE°15 Marina Club’s Iconic Tower, which has floor-to-ceiling views across the Show, this year the Captains’ Lounge – powered by MTU will include a number of innovative features. With complementary food and beverages available to invited crew and industry professionals, there will be extended opening hours to allow for greater educational and networking opportunities, all made possible by the hospitality of MTU.

World class yachts, innovation and activities galore

SINGAPORE YACHT SHOW MOBILE APP

New in 2015, the Singapore Yacht Show is introducing a bespoke mobile app to maximise visitors’ access to key information before, during and after the Show.

The app is specifically designed to give exhibitors greater visibility to visitors, with yacht listings, maps, access to registration, the ability to request appointments with exhibitors, useful information for visitors, as well as a schedule of events during the Show.The Singapore Yacht Show app will be available for Android and Apple and is due to be released in March 2015 – more information to follow in the upcoming weeks.

LUCANNA LUXURIA AUCTION

Adding value to the visitor experience at the Show and for the first time this year, Lucanna - Singapore’s first boutique auction house – will be hosting its ‘Fine Arts & Exquisite Luxuria Auction’ in conjunction with the Singapore Yacht Show. The auction will take place on 25 April from 4pm to 6pm.

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A preview of the auction lots will be held on 24 April from 10am to 8pm and 25 April from 10am to 4pm. Auction experts will be on hand to guide visitors through the lots and offer professional advice.

Lucanna specialises in unique Asian and Western fine art, antiquities, jewellery and gemstones, watches and collectables. The auction is expected to be a huge draw for collectors from around the region hoping to invest in the exciting lots brought to the Show.

LOUNGES AND DISPLAYS

This year’s event will be all about immersive experiences for visitors – whether for boating, yachting or luxury items – alongside the usual activities such as car displays and fashion shows. For a fun, productive and educational experience at the Show, there will be a greater variety of lounges and information points to accommodate all visitors and their interests.

From educational displays and informative booths to invitation-only private lounges, the full range of needs have been considered and will give visitors plenty of reasons to come back for more than one day at the Show.

EXHIBITORS

Back again for another year with must-see exhibits are Grand Banks, Gulf Craft, Heesen, Lü rssen, Ocean Quality Systems and Westport Yachts.

This year’s new exhibits include superyacht builders Amels, Benetti, Mangusta, Mondo Marine, Nobiskrug, Silver Yachts, Spirit Yachts, Van Diemen, Van Dutch, Amels, Bentti, as well as multihull builders Alibi Catamarans.

Brokerage and services companies on display at the Show will include Aquacraft Asia, Lodestone Yachts and Marvellous Luxury (with co-exhibitor Ocean Independence).

Dassault Falcon Jet will also be taking part in the show this year, alongside the range of luxury brands to complement the yachting and boating lifestyle.

The Show will also be welcoming Fraser Yachts, who will be presenting a 34m M/Y Azul A, built by Dutch shipyard Moonen, and a 69m M/Y Saluzi presented by Monaco-based Yachtzoo.

Photographs courtesy of Yachts XL Michael Denker, SuperYachtTimes

TICKETING

Visitors are advised to register their interest via the Singapore Yacht Show website. Tickets will be available for purchase at S$48 for a single day entry and S$148 for a multi-day entry pass.

Singapore Yacht Show 201523-26 April 2015ONE°15 Marina Club, Sentosa Cove www.singaporeyachtshow.com

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DRINKSEVENTS

Singapore Cocktail Week For the fi rst time, an eight-day showcase of all things cocktail will take place in Singapore in an exciting festival celebrating the local cocktail scene and highlighting the city’s growing pool of bartending talents

Singapore Cocktail Week 2015 (#SGCocktailWeek) will take place from 7 to 14 March, partnered by William Grant & Sons, and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s Kickstart Fund, a S$5 million incentive

scheme designed to support untested yet innovative lifestyle events and concepts with tourism potential.

Festival-goers can look forward to the following highlights:

• The return of the Singapore Bar Awards (SGBA) for the second year

• Cocktail workshops

• Cocktail tours

• Pop-up bars

• 10 of the world’s best bartenders guest-bartending here in Singapore

• A selection of signature cocktails at only $14++ from participating bars

Organised by events company Curated Events, #SGCocktailWeek seeks to establish Singapore as the leading cocktail destination in Asia and beyond, as well as promote local cocktail bars as a must-visit on a tourist’s itinerary.

OVERVIEW OF EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Cocktail enthusiasts have the opportunity to partake in this week-long celebration of local cocktail culture through a diverse line-up of events during #SGCocktailWeek.

The Singapore Bar Awards (SGBA), established in 2014 by industry veteran Tron Young, returns for the second year as an affiliated event of #SGCocktailWeek. The winners will be selected through a tally of votes from 100 Singapore-based bartenders, spirits importers, journalists and influencers, with the results to be announced on 8 March 2015. Categories include Best Male Bartender, Best Female Bartender, Best Bar, and the new categories of Best Bar Food and Best Service Crew, amongst others.

DRINKSEVENTS

B.B.King, The Powder Room

Knut Randhem, Ku Dé Ta

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Cocktail enthusiasts can also sign up for cocktail workshops, which will be hosted and conducted by participating bars. With sessions for trade and for the public, these workshops provide insights into the craft of cocktail-making.

Led by industry experts, cocktail tours will bring one into the world of spirit-forward cocktails. Fashioned like a bar-crawl, each tour will have pit stops at different bars where guests enjoy a cocktail at each stop.

A variety of pop-up bars will also be appearing throughout the festival, with details and locations to be disclosed closer to the festival.

Currently, close to 30 top cocktail bars in Singapore have been handpicked to participate in this inaugural drinks festival. Each participating bar will be showcasing a selection of #SGCocktailWeek signature cocktails at the special price of S$14++ from 7 to 14 March 2015 for guests who purchase entry wristbands.

Participating bars include 28 HongKong Street, Anti:dote, Bar Stories, Ding Dong, Elixir Bar, FOC, Jekyll & Hyde, Jigger & Pony, Horse’s Mouth, Hopscotch, House of Dandy, L’Aiglon, La Maison du Whisky, Long Bar, Manhattan, Manor, Mars Bar, Nutmeg & Clove, Operation Dagger, Potato Head Folk, Sugarhall, Tess Bar & Kitchen, The Cufflink Club, The Library, The Refinery, The Secret Mermaid, The Spiffy Dapper and Tippling Club.

#SGCocktailWeek, in conjunction with presenting partner William Grant & Sons, will also bring to Singapore 10 of the world’s best bartenders who will be guest bartending at selected participating bars from 7 to 14 March 2015.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Festival-goers can purchase tickets (a set of eight wristbands, one for each day of the Week) online at www.singaporecocktailweek.com.sg. The first 500 to purchase the wristband sets online will enjoy an early bird price at only $28 per pax (standard price is $38); while a bundle deal entitles early birds to get one free set with every five purchased. Wristband sets will also be available for purchase at participating bars from 16 February 2015. Prices exclude ticketing/processing fee for online purchases.

The wristbands entitle festival-goers to enjoy a 10% discount on cocktail tours and workshops, the special price of $14++ for a signature cocktail on the #SGCocktailWeek menu at all participating bars, and complimentary cocktails at events such as pop-ups.

Photographs courtesy of Singapore Cocktail Week

www.singaporecocktailweek.com.sg

More information at: http://facebook.com/SGCocktailWeek, Twitter and Instagram @SGCocktailWeek. For ticketing details visit http://curatedevents.eventclique.com

Mr Rougan, Mars Bar Mr Bean, Jekyll & Hyde

Paul Bradley, The Library

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Urban Decay recently launched Vice3. Satisfy your eyeshadow cravings with 20 velvety, NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN shades—from an amazing soft black and a stunning burgundy to a rich, smoky red-black. Even MORE covetable than our previous Vice palettes, the mesmerizing, jewel-inlaid case includes a huge

mirror and a double-ended brush. The perfect finishing touch? A gorgeous matching bag.

From developing 20 all-new shades to brainstorming design concepts. Vice3 comes with a beautiful, functional component even sleeker than our previous Vice palettes. It’s the perfect go-to palette you’ll want to use all the time! Every shade has a metallic finish that echoes the iced-out metallic look of the palette itself.

They arranged the shades in columns: neutrals on the left, jewel tones in the middle and smoky shades on the right. Pair up the vertically color-coordinated quads or go wild and mix them up. The extra slim case features hypnotic new artwork in an abstract stripe design. They topped it off with a bright, neon-green jewelled “Vice” icon to match the highly metallised green base. Use the coordinating bag to keep your Vice3 palette protected, or as a place to store your UD brushes and other essentials.

Each Eyeshadow in Vice3 features their Pigment Infusion SystemTM, the proprietary blend of ingredients that gives every shade its velvety texture, rich colour, serious staying power and blendability.

VICE3BECAUSE YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH

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If you require a hearing aid, there is no greater feeling than the sense of security that comes with knowing the device is going to deliver seamless sound quality across various listening environments.

At Clariti Hearing Professionals, you’ll be impressed with the latest Phonak release, the Audéo V, which employs a new chip technology that offers twice the processing power to provide a quality listening experience in quiet and noisy locations alike. With easy operation – including phone use features that require minimal interaction – and up to 30 percent less battery consumption, Audéo V brings more quality of life and freedom to hearing aid users.

INTELLIGENCE THAT AUTOMATICALLY ADAPTS TO THE LISTENING ENVIRONMENT

Sound changes constantly and varies not only in volume and type, for example, music, voices or wind blowing, but also in the mix and predominance. This makes the task a hearing aid has to perform very complex as users want to hear it all, but still have the ability to focus and pick out what is important for them. Rarely can sound be categorised or allocated to a specific situation.

This is where the new AutoSense Operating System excels. The “central brain” of the Phonak Audéo V product line captures and analyses incoming sounds and can then draw on over 200 settings to find the exact match for the particular listening environment - no manual interaction required.This means that Audéo V users will benefit from the best possible listening experience for the respective environment they are in.

A PORTFOLIO OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

The Phonak Audéo V family of hearing aids is complemented by the Phonak Wireless Communication Portfolio, which enhances the user experience through interaction across various communication technologies:

• Phonak ComPilot Air II is a small and stylish clip-on streamer that offers excellent stereo sound quality while connecting Phonak hearing aids via Bluetooth to a variety of audio sources: cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, laptops and computers. The built-in remote control functionality provides easy control of volume or program settings of Phonak hearing aids.

• The Phonak RemoteControl App turns any smartphone into an advanced remote control for Phonak Venture hearing aids. In combination with Phonak ComPilot Air II or ComPilot II, the app enables direct selection of hearing programs, audio sources or a listening direction, as well as individual left or right volume control.

The wireless Phonak Audéo V family of hearing aids comes in four different performance-level models. In addition, the redesigned housings are reinforced with high-tech composite materials for extra durability, and battery consumption has been reduced by up to 30 percent.

WHERE TO GET PHONAK HEARING AIDS?

Phonak quality aids are available at Clariti – Hearing Care Professionals. They are our preferred partners because of their quality service and many years of experience prescribing intelligent hearing aids.

It is always important to get hearing aids from professionals who understand your hearing needs. Discuss your needs with the professionals at Clariti to select the most suitable performance model for you. Having won the “Outstand Dispensing Skills Award”, Clariti has won many accolades in prescribing and programming hearing aids.

Call them for a FREE hearing test and consultation at 6733 1011.

For more information on products, please visit www.phonak.com For more information on Clariti’s services, please visit www.claritihearing.com

PHONAK – LIFE IS ON

We are sensitive to the needs of everyone who depends on our knowledge, ideas and care. And by creatively challenging the limits of technology, we develop innovations that help people hear, understand and experience more of life’s rich soundscapes.

Interact freely. Communicate with confidence. Live without limit. Life is on.

Clariti – Hearing Care Professionals176 Orchard Road, #03-14 Centrepoint Tel : 6733 1011 www.claritihearing.com

Experience the Power of Hearing Clariti Hearing Care Professionals offer the Phonak Audéo V, the next generation of Phonak hearing aids, which delivers excellent speech and sound comprehension, no matter in which listening environment

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Sizing up pores

Take care of your skin to reduce the size of your poresBY WONG YEN SAN

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If pore size is the first thing you notice when you look into the mirror (even after putting on a new lip shade) you had better get them fixed. Unfortunately, just like scars, pore size is not something you can remove or get rid of completely. Most of it is attributed to what you

already have, via genetics. The other thing you can’t possibly reverse is ageing. Both factors are major pore culprits; they set to make your already large pores even more noticeable. However, what can play a part to minimise your pores are your skincare habits and lifestyle.

You don’t see your pores as dilated on the rest of your body as your face. Look at your arms, some of us barely see them. This is because pore size is the largest in parts of the face such as the nose and forehead. Pores are actually hair follicle openings that comprise your skin’s natural oils. These are good in that they keep our skin moisturised but when the sebaceous glands get hyped up, excess oil is produced, trapping the skin’s dirt, forming a clogged pore. Now, what these clogged pores do is that they stretch the skin, enlarging the pores on your skin. And when you don’t take care of them, it is like a vicious effect; further causing damage to your skin by enlarging them and before you know it, they stay at that size indefinitely.

Although we very much like to inherit only good genes from our family, unfortunately, it comes in a package. Thus, if your folks have larger than life pores, be prepared to put in more work. In addition, those born with oilier skin tend to get bigger pores everywhere else; they are susceptible to breakouts and more pore damage than the dryer skins. The other contributor to pore size is your age. We lose collagen as we grow older, causing the skin’s underlying structure to weaken; this would contribute to skin that becomes less taut in time. With less elasticity, pore size gets larger and more noticeable. Though these may seem like the end times, get a grip of your circumstances and take stock of what you have done to reduce those irritating pores. As mentioned, lifestyle habits play a big part in shrinking the impressions of those pores. Before we go further, ditch the magnifying mirror in your hand.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Keep your skin clean to get rid of impurities. If you have makeup, wash it off with the right skincare products. Use a cream and gel cleanser to double cleanse or an all-in-one cleanser. Whatever you use, make sure that the grime gets off your face before you turn in for the night. And if you do work out in the gym, consider washing your face before and after workout; some of us keep the makeup on as a canvas even while sweating it out at the treadmill. It’s not such a good idea to do that actually; make up and sweat can work to clog pores, causing more skin problems in the long run.

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EXFOLIATE

It’s not a surprise that some of us skip this part. When we pick up skincare products after entering the workforce, we’re introduced to makeup and then makeup removing products to effectively cleanse our skin. We rarely see the need to exfoliate. In fact, some of us may not know to do it even now; even when we do, we may also find it a hassle to exfoliate. Life is more than a multi-step skincare routine. Unfortunately, it is not. If you want to live it with a clear skin, that is. Exfoliation is an important step in skincare because it helps to remove dead skin cells and sebum that are bound to be on your skin. If you don’t remove them, they will linger and trap more dirt and sebum, causing your pores to be clogged and an impending breakout to occur, especially if you use a lot of products on your skin. Oily skins need exfoliating more than dryer skin types, say twice or thrice a week. Choose a gentler scrub or exfoliating cream to do so if you scrub frequently. Opt for scrubs with alpha hydroxyl acids or fruit enzymes; these work to keep the skin clear and help to reduce the incidence of breakouts. When you scrub, always wet the skin first. Pour a 20-cent product onto palm and with your finger tips, rub your skin with circular motions.

FIGHT AGEING

One primary culprit is the sun. Its rays damage our skin by depleting the collagen and cell production thus making our skin less taut over time. This means bigger pores than they already are. Embrace a fairer tone and eschew getting your skin darkened. If you like the sun and outdoor activities, put on a lot of sunscreen. This is a must if we want our skin to stay clear from pigmentation spots in time to come.

MAKEUP DOES THE TRICK

Makeup can does wonders although they cannot eliminate skin problems. Primers must be one of the best inventions of all time, I think. These not only give the skin a smooth canvas for your makeup but they also help to keep your makeup stayed on for much longer; an indispensable tool for those oiler skin types whose makeup tends to run by noon and for those who need to be out and about for appointments throughout the day. Apply the primer on your cleansed face, then your usual powder or foundation.

PROFESSIONAL HELP

If you want a treat now and then, you can always pop by your skin doctor or aesthetician for a round of IPL or intense pulse light. This and other treatments such as microdemabrasion and fraxel light laser treatment can help to treat many skin problems such as evening out shallow scars and pigmentation. These in turn would give your skin a lift with the collagen that is boosted from within, shrinking your pores at the same time.

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One thing we thought we’ve gained from growing older is a pimple-free face. Pimples on a youthful face? Perfectly passable. Pimples on lined skin? Not pretty. Some people get them more than others; some lesser. Others get

rarely a visit except on certain hormonal days a month whereas the rest don’t seem to get them at all. Whether you get them more or you get them less, adult acne is a problem that is plaguing many women and men and can affect their body image and social interactions with others. It is similar to what the teenagers are experiencing; and what we’d gone through in the past.

Our skin surface comprises of sebaceous glands that work to lubricate the skin and hair from drying. It does this by secreting sebum, an oily substance. When excess sebum is produced, it mixes with dead skin cells (which is why it’s important to scrub your face off dead skin cells regularly) to form a plugged follicle or clogged pore, which turns into a whitehead or blackhead; when the walls of the pore break down, pimples are formed.

Reports have shown that women more than men are susceptible to adult acne. And many cases of adult acne are caused by hormonal changes that occur in women; these changes can range from premenstrual syndrome or pregnancy to stress caused by lifestyle factors. And the stress does not have to be major event triggers like discovering you have a life-threatening illness but simple daily stress like working late or missing the time to pick up your kids.

When a person faces stressful situations, his stress hormone –cortisol – rakes up and in turn causes more oil to secrete through his pores, causing acne. And unlike acne you supposedly had during your adolescence, adult acne creeps up at different facial points like the jaw line and chin much more often. Though it’s not as overt as one on your nose pimples on these areas are equally unsightly but fortunately, we’ve amassed enough makeup tricks over the years to conceal them. What are some other causes of acne that we should also take note of?

CELLPHONE CULPABLE

If you and your cellphone are inseparable mates, then it could have travelled to many places with you and been used in many creative circumstances. Whether interior or exterior locations like inside a musky bag or on top of a toilet cistern or floor pavement for example, your cellphone has weathered them all. Considering its travel-worthiness, how often do you keep it clean? We may clean our makeup brushes weekly but we may not have thought of cleaning our cellphone, something that we use on our skin umpteen times a day. The bacteria accumulated on the cellphone’s skin may be transported to your skin when you listen to a call; hence it might be prudent to regularly use a wipe to disinfect your cellphone once in a while. Unless you use an ear piece of course.

ADULT ACNEWe thought we’ve conquered those angry red cysts.

BY WONG YEN SAN

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COSMETICS, SKINCARE AND HAIR PRODUCTS

Some ingredients in skincare, cosmetics and hair products are known to aggravate your acne. These products may contain comedogenic ingredients such as lanolin or isopropyl myristate, which are known to make your acne-prone face worse. Go for products that are non-comedogenic; these are generally safer for the skin and potentially less pore clogging. Having said that, it is a trial process as skin’s tolerance levels are different; hence try out over a 2-week period to test out new products to see if they’re really suited for your skin in the long run.

HANDS OFF

If you haven’t outgrown this habit, then now is the time to really do so. That could be an important reminder that your acne is here to stay even after so long. Imagine the amount of bacteria on your hands. Yes, even though you’ve washed them thoroughly and cleaned them, but you may not be aware what you’ve unconsciously touched, so take it as a rule-of-thumb: hands off your face and resist the urge to smooth out that bump on your face periodically; it’s not safe and it’s not a pretty sight if you’re caught doing it.

GENTLE SKINCARE

The least complicated and the fewer the ingredients, the better. The less chemicals there are in your skincare, the less chances of aggravating your face condition. Go for gentle cleansers like Cetaphil or QV cleanser to clean your face without scraping off excess oil. And opt for scrubs with gentle beads to minimise the harshness and abrasiveness on your skin.

SALICYLIC ACID & BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Known ingredients to care for acne-prone skin, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are available in many products over the counter. Moisturisers and cleansers and pimple creams are some skincare products that contain these ingredients in respective formulations. Regularly apply and use on your skin to prevent the pores from clogging and to treat your acne. These products come in different formulations; hence choose one that is appropriate for your skin type as opposed to one more suited for younger skin.

BIRTH CONTROL FOR CONTROLLING ZITS

If you’re on birth control, you’d have seen your skin cleared our quite nicely. That’s because birth control pills help to stabilise your hormones and prevent the oil glands from secreting more oil than necessary. So, it’s a single dose with double usage. However, depending on the pill, you may experience some side effects like hair thinning over the long term.

WORK OUT MORE

Working out helps to push blood circulation, which helps to reduce inflammations. Besides, exercise can make you healthier, keeping many cardiovascular diseases at bay. So, aim to do some exercise every day. But do it after you washed all makeup off your face to prevent pores from clogging. And wear breathable clothes like cotton as opposed to spandex that can trap sweat and bacteria.

SWEAT LESS

On a daily basis, remind yourself not to get worked up over little things. In this way, you control your stress level and reduce your hormones’ flare-up; thereby reducing the incidence of another pimple breakout. And get enough ZZZs from 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to armour yourself for another stressful day in the office.

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UPDATE YOUR LOOKWe tend to stick to the tried and tested formulae when it comes to makeup and dressing. BY WONG YEN SAN

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What looked fashionable in your 20s looks stale by today’s standards. Of course, not unless it’s retro. But even so, retro-inspired fashion looks are also not lifted wholesale from their heyday but given

a fresh new take today. However, many women, have fallen victim to carrying the tried and tested fashion formulae of what worked yesterday to the present. It’s not hard to spot this on the streets.

In fact, wearing the same makeup or skincare right down to the same brand for years is not uncommon among many women. Perhaps we find ourselves looking our youthful best then and see nothing wrong in emulating the same look years down the road. Or maybe it’s safe and convenient because experimenting with different looks needs time and money and our focus may not be so much on us but our family and career now. Besides, since it’s proven the pants worked for us then, it should work for us now. This could turn out to be one of the more prominent mistakes we make in our lifetime; prominent because the mistake is for all to see, every single day. Let’s take a look at some mistakes women make.

THIN EYEBROWS

The “hardly there” eyebrows may be a glam thing during our mothers’ or grandmothers’ days. The stars during the 1930s definitely made a statement with their lined brows but today they just looked plain nasty. Most beauticians are more attuned to the trends and veer clear of overplucking up there although sometimes they may need gentle prodding lest they forget and go overboard. Though thicker brows are favoured but if yours are exceptionally bushy, then by all means, trim them, but with a light hand. And for the rest of us who have permanently zapped our brows away when young, what we could do is to invest in a brow kit of angled brush, brow powder, and spoolie. Lightly draw soft, feathery strokes with your angled brush and then brush with the spoolie for more natural, thicker brows.

HEAVY FOUNDATION & CONCEALER

Heavy foundation on mature skin would cause the wrinkles to be more prominent. It is because the powder would seep into the lines, magnifying the effect even further. Plus, age spots and pigmentation may slowly surface at this point. Piling your skin with heavy foundation and concealer to cover up these imperfections would actually spotlight these skin problems even further. Use a light liquid foundation instead and to cover imperfections, use a cream concealer with a concealer brush and lightly pat it on until the concealer diffuses. A light hand is absolutely necessary here. Less is definitely more.

EYE LINER BELOW

Drawing the eye liner pencil below the eyes could accentuate your droopy eyes. The trend of drawing your waterline or outer eye below with an eye pencil may be the rage but this could draw attention to your age. Instead, draw them on the upper lash line or for a light makeup look, just draw a line one third to the outer edge and smudge it. Have fun and go with colours other than black like blue or gold to complement the rest of your makeup.

FROSTED EYESHADOW

There is a fine balance here. Frosted eyeshadow creates a glittering effect more suited for getai events than for normal daily wear. But seriously, frosty eyeshadow cause attention to be focused on your eyes, and if your eyes are less than taut, it will show. Not something we want to illuminate, isn’t it? Hence, go for more matte colours like warm greys and browns. If you have the same problem like me, that is grey eyeshadow tend to make my eyes look like I’ve suffered from a lack of sleep (or dark eyebags) then opt for other matte colours like matte olive greens or blues. Just make sure that you go easy when applying them to avoid looking like a walking rainbow.

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VAMPIRE LIPS

Now if you have thick lips and would like to accentuate them, you should avoid wearing siren red lipstick. Particularly if thin lines and less than white teeth accompany those swollen lips. Not a pretty sight? Red, of all colours, draws attention and although we must admit it looks absolutely stunning on our favourite celebrities on TV, it is a colour we may have to sidestep no matter how much we love it. Go for a more natural colour like light pink; instead of a lipstick, try a lip gloss or lip stain to give your lips a much more natural pout.

PETER PAN BLOUSES

The trend may have come back at one point, replete with blip necklaces and all, but we can make a choice can’t we? Peter pan blouses make a lady look well...cute. And cute is not something that will go well with women in their 30s or 40s. We want to look good but cute does not cut it. So despite them being the rage, make a choice not to invest in one but go for more timeless and elegant pieces instead.

PASTEL SHADES AND CUTESY PRINTS

Sounds very Japanese? Pastel hues and cutesy prints like those with flowers and heart motifs are so sweet, isn’t it? If you must wear them, try not to wear them together or opt for those with just a hint of prints instead of the entire blouse or dress that is filled with them. Better still, go for darker colours like black or navy if possible.

OVERLY PADDED BLAZERS

The power suit with thick padded shoulders may send the right corporate message at the board room then but today, those padded jackets make you look downright dated. Boxy-cut and long blazers just do not make you look smarter or sharper. Instead opt for cropped jackets or jackets with better form and cut to your body. Best if you leave the heavy padded shoulders out of the picture. Also, instead of the usual boring black and navy, try mixing it up with colours and different materials. Also opt for those with special detailing such as embroidery or rustic gems to add some femininity and interest to your outfit.

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MARCH 2015

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TRAVELCRUISES

Oceania Cruises offers unrivaled cuisine, elegant accommodations and exceptional personalised service, all for an extraordinary value. Known for its unique and destination-rich itineraries that appeal to

the seasoned traveler, Oceania Cruises calls on more than 330 ports across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Americas aboard five award-winning mid-size ships: the 684-guest Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, and the 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera.

POINTS OF DISTINTION

• Mid-size, elegant ships catering to just 684 or 1250 guests

• Finest cuisine at sea, served in a variety of distinctive open- seating restaurants, at no additional charge

• Gourmet culinary programme crafted by world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pepin

• Spectacular port-intensive open-seating restaurants, at no additional charge

• Country club casual ambiance; tuxedos and gowns are never required

• The Culinary Center – the only hands on cooking school at sea. Available onboard Marina and Riveria

• Acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub

• Extraordinary high staff-to-guest ratio ensures exemplary personalized service

• Youngest fleet in premium-class cruising with 85 percent of accommodation featuring private verandas

TRAVELCRUISES

About Oceania Cruises

SAIL IN STYLE

The moment you come onboard one of our stylish mid-size ships, you feel instantly welcomed by our casually elegant atmosphere, inviting spaces and dedicated staff. We design out unique onboard experience specifically for the discriminating Oceania Cruises guests, creating a sophisticated ambience that also allows you to relax and be yourself. Whether you are lounging in the library, attending an enriching culinary demonstration or sipping a cocktail poolside, your comfort is out utmost priority and out staff enthusiastically attends to your every wish.

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Citystate Cruises11 Keppel Road

#09-01 ABI PlazaSingapore 089057

Cruise line: 6222 9222 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.citystatecruises.com

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TRAVELAUSTRALIATRAVELAUSTRALIA

BEST OF BOTH WORLDSSydney is both a cosmopolitan city and natural wonder

BY WONG YEN SAN

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One of Australia’s most populous and cosmopolitan cities, Sydney is a hotbed of adventures for both city dwellers and nature lovers. Its majestic parks and mountains, wide

expanse of never-ending beaches, and trove of cultural performances, massive shopping malls, and sparkling night spots are perfect for those wanting to revel in nature’s wonders and yet a dose of urban comfort at the same time. Sydney is great to visit during any season though Spring and Autumn are more popular with tourists. Winter is also manageable with temperatures rarely below 10°C, comfortable weather if you wish to bring your young children and elderly along.


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Let’s take a look at some of these favourite destinations:

BLUE MOUNTAINS

Katoomba

The gateway to the region, Katoomba is a town that features nature, culture, and the arts. Tourists can find beautiful cottages and many quaint cafes and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll on foot. Katoomba was first known when a coal mine was discovered in the region since 1879. Since then, it has swiftly become a hotspot for its breathtaking scenery and landscape.

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is a rock formation that represents three sisters that were turned into stone according to legend. Located at the Echo Point katoomba, it is one of the most beautiful and spectacular landmarks in the Blue Mountains. It is needless to say, the must-see destination when you’re at the Blue Mountains.

Standing at an impressive height of about 900 metres, The Three Sisters is a majestic view to behold. Set against the dynamic sea waves, The Three Sisters stand impressive and fortified, bringing the legend to life. The story briefly retold was of these three sisters who lived in the Katoomba tribe who fell in love with three men from another tribe. As tribal laws forbade them to be together, the three men from the native tribe used force to capture the sisters leading to further bloodshed. Apparently a witch doctor, in an attempt to protect

TRAVELAUSTRALIA

the sisters, turned the sisters to stone but before he can turn them back, he was himself killed.

Scenic railway

How about a “top of the valley” experience? If yes, then take the Scenic railway, a thrilling 52-degree incline ride making it the steepest railway ride in the world. Sitting in red carriages with glass roofs to facilitate breathtaking views, the Scenic Railway will descend 310 metres then emerges into the rainforest at the Jamison Valley. Views of the rainforest and Valley are simply breathtaking and spectacular. You can also customise your own experience by choosing the seat position to sit in. Alternate your position up to 20 degrees or sit in more a laid back position, depending on your comfort level. Regardless of what position you choose, you will be guaranteed a thrilling ride.

FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK

While en route to the Blue Mountains, consider dropping off at a wildlife park to get up close and personal with Australia’s darling animals. Animal lovers are set for an exciting time for Featherdale Wildlife Park houses one of Australia’s largest private collections of Australian native animals and birds. Want to pat the nestling Koala on your arm? Be surrounded by kangaroos? Say hello to the Tasmanian Devil? You’ll not be disappointed. Featherdale Wildlife Park conducts tours for tourists and visitors wishing to learn more about these animals.


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the many cultural performances available, marvelling at the architecture alone is suffice to soothe that cultural calling.

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

The iconic landmark of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge is for both the distant sight-seer and the gung-ho trekker. The Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge and it stands 134 metres above the harbour. Opened since 1932, the Harbour Bridge’s longstanding history can be learnt at the Pylon Lookout, where it houses displays on the history. The famous BridgeClimb is for those plucky travellers hoping for some nerve-wrecking yet thrill- of- a- lifetime excitement. A couple of different climbs are available for those wishing to make the ascent. Regardless of which you choose, you’d be guaranteed a view of the Sydney’s cityscape that you will not forget.

MANLY BEACH

Australia is also well-known for its many luscious, sandy beaches, a must-visit stop to revel in its sun-soaked, laid-back culture. A short ferry ride from Sydney’s Circular Quay will get you to Manly Beach. The relaxed outdoor vibe of suburb Manly is perfect for a little leisurely wandering on your own, with no map in hand. Explore the local cafes and sights and just enjoy the sea breeze at the beach. For the sporty, you may also hop onto a kayak or dip into the sea for a snorkelling session to get a drip of the Australian sea.

The Wildlife Park is also equipped with amenities such as cafe, picnic spots, and souvenir shop.

SYDNEY FISH MARKET

Want to see where the seafood you’re eating comes from? Visit the fish market. The Sydney Fish Market has become one of the most visited tourist attractions from all over the world. Featuring six wet fish retailers which offer one of the biggest varieties of fresh seafood produce, the Sydney Fish Market is a working fish market and one that also features numerous restaurants, cafes, gourmet deli, fishing supplies, and gift shop among others. On top of these, the Sydney Fish Market houses the Sydney Seafood School that provides cooking classes for residents. The Market is also open for tours and early bookings are preferred to guarantee a slot.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Another tourist landmark that graced many holiday photos; the Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most prominent and recognisable architecture. The architecture design is notable: the white roof sails peaking under the silhouette of the Harbour Bridge is an amazing sight. Its engineering is equally superb. Hear it from the guides from the many tours conducted. You will also visit a performance venue. Even if you don’t soak in


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TRAVELBRITAIN

THE COUNTRYSIDE IS GREATFrom rugged highlands to breezy coastlines to

picturesque farm country, Britain's countryside off ers wonderful moments BY SUSANNA PING

VisitBritain recently annouced a three-year campaign ambition to deliver additional visitor spend of £70 million in three years. With this drive, you can take advantage of the many events, themes and activities in

store in Britains idyllic countryside. Regions featured in the first year include the Scottish Highlands, Lake District and Cornwall.

The North York Moors, the Scottish Highlands and the Pembrokeshire Coast will soon be competing with the likes of the Bavarian Alps and the Grand Canyon in a new campaign from VisitBritain to grow international visits and spend to Britain’s countryside. The campaign will position Britain’s countryside as a place to enjoy modern culture, top quality food and world-class accommodation in a beautiful landscape, with the story told by third party enthusiasts.

VisitBritain recently launched the three-year ‘Countryside is GREAT’ campaign designed to grow international visits and spend across the country to an invited industry audience, showing how everyone can get involved. VisitBritain’s ambition is to have generated extra visitor spend of £70 million which would see the creation of 1,296 new jobs by 2018.

Britain’s ‘natural beauty’ has been overlooked compared to other international destinations. Britain is currently ranked an overall 20th out of 50 countries for being ‘rich in natural beauty’ in the 2014 Anholt-Gfk Nation Brand Index. In a separate bespoke wave of the study commissioned by VisitBritain, our natural beauty was consistently positioned behind the likes of America, Australia and Canada. However, in the last four years VisitBritain’s GREAT campaign has taken significant strides in boosting perceptions in some of the UK’s key tourism markets. Britain’s highest 2014 ranking for ‘natural beauty’ - fifth place - came from India, followed by ninth place from China and twelfth from Australia. The largest improvement was from Brazil, moving up ten places to 29th in a year.

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The Countryside is GREAT campaign aims to build on this interest and show potential visitors what is on offer, where to find great experiences and most importantly, how to get there. VisitBritain will feature bespoke, curated countryside itineraries, experiences, services and packages on ‘The Countryside Collection’ campaign website (http://countryside.visitbritain.com/en) and across print media. VisitBritain brand ambassadors will also share their own chronicled countryside experiences, from zip-lining in Wales to champagne cruising on a Scottish loch, or sampling local produce in an award-winning gastro pub after a coastal walk.

The regions featuring in the first year of the campaign are the Scottish Highlands, Peak District, Cotswolds, Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, North Wales, Warwickshire, Lake District and Yorkshire. VisitBritain research shows that the proportion of holidaying tourists likely to take part in countryside-related activities is currently highest amongst those visiting the South West, Wales and Scotland and Yorkshire.

The first year of ‘Countryside is GREAT’ will focus on visitors from the USA and Germany. A 2013 multi-country study commissioned by VisitBritain shows that beautiful natural landscapes are a very strong motivator for Americans and Germans when choosing holiday destinations – the most important out of 40 attributes for German respondents and the second most important for Americans. However, while Britain is the third most popular international travel destination for Americans (after neighbouring Canada and Mexico), 85 percent of Americans are only visiting cities. In the 2014 Nation Brand Index the US ranked Britain 20th for natural beauty and Germany 19th, highlighting the need for improved perceptions.

Keld, Swaledale, Yorkshire, England

Ben Nevis, Scotland


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From exploring historic sites to encountering wildlife and following themed trails, Britain’s countryside is one big adventure playground filled with fun for the whole family. Here are ten of the highlights.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE AT LONGLEAT SAFARI & ADVENTURE PARK, WILTSHIRE, WEST ENGLAND

Did you know that Longleat, just 80 minutes by train from London, was the first safari park outside Africa? One of Britain’s top animal attractions for more than 40 years, this country estate is home to more than 100 species – from monkeys to meerkats, lions to lorikeets and wildebeest to warthogs. Take a Jungle Cruise past the Gorilla Colony, witness the fastest animal on land in the drive-through Cheetah Kingdom, and feed the giraffes in the African Village. Visitors can also brush up on British history at Longleat House (www.longleat.co.uk).

FEED THE RED KITES AT BWLCH NANT YR ARIAN FOREST VISITOR CENTRE, CEREDIGION, WEST WALES

Help conserve the national bird of Wales, the red kite, by joining a daily feeding session at the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre in Ceredigion. Three hours by train from Birmingham, this expanse of woodland also features gentle walking trails. Kite-feeding sessions are free (www.forestry.gov.uk/bwlchnantyrarian). Nearby, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales offers great value, with entry to ten attractions with one ticket (www.showcaves.co.uk).

STEP BACK IN TIME AT HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT, NORTHUMBERLAND, NORTH-EAST ENGLAND

Situated in one of Britain’s most historic locations – Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site – Housesteads Roman Fort is just over two hours’ drive from Edinburgh. In this dramatic hilltop setting with panoramic views, visitors can explore the remains of the centurions’ barracks – including the oldest toilets in Britain. The recently reopened museum houses a collection of Roman artefacts and uses 3-D models, film and illustrations to bring the past to life (www.english-heritage.org.uk).

TEST YOUR AGILITY AT ISURVIVE, CHESHIRE, NORTH-WEST ENGLAND

Kids and adults alike will love the scramble nets, rope swings, tunnels and climbing frames on the Confidence Course at iSurvive in the Chester Lakes, a one-hour drive from Manchester. Take the fresh-air fitness challenge: jump ditches and overcome obstacles on this one-kilometre route through the woods. Suitable for children from seven years old (www.i-survive.co.uk).

EXPLORE SHERWOOD FOREST ON TWO WHEELS, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, CENTRAL ENGLAND

Three hours from London by train is Sherwood Forest Country Park, the largest area of woodland in the east Midlands. Hire bikes at the visitor centre and choose from the two family routes through this historic forest park, once the domain of the mythical Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Its 3,300 acres are also home to Robin Hood’s hideout and adventure playgrounds (www.sherwoodpinescycles.co.uk, www.forestry.gov.uk).

Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

10 GREAT FAMILY ADVENTURES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE


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HUG A HEDGEHOG IN POWYS, WALES

Good Day Out organises a range of fun, educational activities that raise money for local causes such as wildlife sanctuaries and rescue centres. Spend a morning at Howey Hedgehog Sanctuary, a 90-minute drive from Cardiff, where you will clean, feed, bathe – and even exercise – orphaned hoglets (hedgehog babies). Hedgehog Helper Mornings take place on dates throughout spring (www.gooddayout.co.uk).

DESIGN YOUR OWN TOURIST TRAIL, BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

What better way to travel than at your own pace? Pick up a Bunk Camper in Belfast, pack in the family and set off to explore the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland. Stop where you choose and wake up to stunning views. Bunk Campers come fully equipped with gas hobs, sinks, dining area, cooking utensils, beds, heating and electricity and showers/toilets in some vehicles (www.bunkcampers.com).

DISCOVER THE DINOSAUR CAPITAL OF BRITAIN, THE ISLE OF WIGHT, OFF THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

A short ferry ride from Portsmouth, just 90 minutes from London by train, will bring you to the Isle of Wight, the best place in Europe to follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs that once ruled the Earth. Named by London’s eminent Natural History Museum as Britain’s ‘Dinosaur Capital’, this island offers opportunities for visitors to try hunting for fossils along its sandy beaches themselves, or to join an organised tour led by an expert who will identify any discoveries (www.islandbreaks.co.uk/attractions/dinosaurs).

EXPERIENCE UNSPOILT NATURAL BEAUTY, ARGYLL FOREST PARK, WESTERN SCOTLAND

Book a short break with Forest Holidays in Argyll, just 45 minutes’ drive from Glasgow, and you’ll be on the doorstep of 720 square miles of lochs, mountains and forests. In the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, its new timber and glass cabins (most with outdoor hot tubs) offer breathtaking views of Loch Long and the Arrochar Alps. Family-friendly activities include mountain biking, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, gorge walking and Forest Ranger-led walks (www.forestholidays.co.uk).

TAKE TO THE TREETOPS IN THE RAINFOREST CANOPY, CORNWALL, SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND

In our most southerly county, four hours by train from London, is one of Britain’s top attractions. The Eden Project’s two huge adjoining domes house thousands of plant species. The world’s largest rainforest in captivity features steamy jungles and waterfalls and a fully accessible Rainforest Aerial Walkway, with amazing views across the Rainforest Biome (www.edenproject.com).

Photographs courtesy of VisitBritain. Credits: Ben Nevis and Loch Linnhe, Scotland by Joe Cornish; World Bog Snorkelling in Powys, Wales by Andy Sewell

Cycling in the Sherwood Forest

World Bog Snorkelling, Powys, Wales

Lion at Longleat


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Planet J Kicks-off 2015 with the Mascot Debut & Exciting Characters

Th e world’s fi rst Live-Action-Role-Play Th eme Park Launches Key Story Figures

Planet J, the world’s first player-centric ‘Live-Action-Role-Play’ theme park, welcomes the new year with the launch of its mascot and key characters. Opening at Sands Cotai Central in Macau this year, the much-

awaited theme park is set against the fantasy backdrop of the Magic Stone Kingdom. Inspired by childhood imagination, Planet J creates an adventure land that engages its players in both vision and senses.

Who wouldn’t harbour the desire to be the swashbuckling hero and be face-to-face with the world’s great challenges? With this in mind, Planet J has designed the fantasy place to bring our dreams alive! Set in the western world of the middle age, adventurers to the Magic Stone Kingdom will have the experience of becoming a character in the story and engage 360 degrees within the exciting narrative. Central to the theme

park experience for its visitors is Magic Stone Bobo, guardian of the Kingdom and mascot of Planet J. The lovable blue ‘flame-shaped’ Magic Stone Bobo is the friendly guide to adventurers of the Kingdom. Other key characters includes the kind-hearted Princess Belle, who demonstrates her faith and love in wars and battles, and the dashing Odin- the Acting Chief Royal Wizard- who has the task of setting right the chaos in the Kingdom. With help from adventurers of Planet J, their missions are to save the kingdom from imminent doom.

Redefining the genre of RPG (Role-playing Games), the experience at Planet J combines technology with creativity, bringing the platform of virtual adventure into physical reality. Planet J is where you can act out the actions, propel the story and pursue the goal of saving the Magic Stone Kingdom by interacting with its characters, whether on screen or in ‘reality.’

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KEY PLANET J CHARACTERS

Magic Stone Bobo

Mascot of the Magic Stone Kingdom, Magic Stone Bobo is cheery, generous and expressive; even when it shows you a frown he is still totally lovable. Magic Stone Bobo helps adventurers on using their strength and tactics, as well as manipulating weapons.

Princess Belle

The beautiful and elegant Princess Belle belongs to the Royal Family, but she is down-to-earth and kind-hearted. A role model to all, she spends much time with her people, from story-telling to children to rescuing the injured in wars.

Odin, Acting Chief Royal Wizard

Odin, the Acting Chief Royal Wizard of the Magic Stone Kingdom, is the young and talented magician who always dresses to perfection in a strict and tidy manner. Odi has to rid of the Evil Magic Stone Creatures, and from time to time, he needs help from adventurers to achieve the goal.

State-of-the-art Mobile Technology Connects Adventurers with Magic Stone Kingdom Planet J, the first theme park in Macau will transform visitors- be they parents or children- into full-fledged adventurers. It is a first-of-its-kind family entertainment that combines all-round physical activities and mental challenges. Behind the creativity of Planet J is a stellar team of professionals from the entertainment industry in Hong Kong and Macau who are well experienced in game and character designs. This staggering pool of home-grown talent, who are recognised internationally in the field, demonstrates the quality and innovation behind Planet J.

Central to the adventurers’ participation of Planet J is the ‘Magic Scroll.’ This personalised mobile gear connects adventurers with Magic Stone Bobo, the story’s NPCs (Non-Player Characters) and over 200 whimsical games. It assigns specific paths for the adventurers, taking them to different games, and locations. With this set-up, every player at Planet J will have their unique adventure story and challenges. The ‘Magic Scroll is also equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) function. With the technology, the location of magic scroll holders can be tracked to ensure the players’ safety at the park. Additionally, it helps to avoid the over-crowding of players at specific games areas by diverting them to other routes.

www.planetj.com

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PORTUGUESE HERITAGE IN GOALook beyond the beaches of this Portuguese colony and you'll discover rich culture and traditions COMPILED BY SUSANNA PING

TRAVELINDIA

Goa nestles on the west coast of India and is one of the most fascinating states in India. Formerly a Portuguese colony, you can enjoy the palm lined beaches of golden sand; lush green countryside, and a rich

mosaic of cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples, forts and monuments and a unique cultural fabric of east and west.

With its tropical climate, Goa is wonderful during all seasons. Goa’s cities are impressively individual. The capital, Panjim (Panaji), for many, hast the edge over many cities in the country.Replete with colonial architecture, the city is known for its vibrancy that attains its pinnacle in the annual Goa Carnival festival.

PORTUGUESE GOA REVISITED AT ALILA DIWA GOA

The boutique resort takes you beyond the beaches on a new heritage journey

Cocooned along the coast of the beautiful Gonsua Beach in Majorda, between a sea of green paddies and blue waters, Alila Diwa Goa is an ideal base for you to get an insight into the real Goa. For the winter season, the boutique resort has launched a new ‘Alila Experience’ that will take you on an intimate tour through Goa’s ancient heritage, religion and architecture.

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The adventure starts with a train journey departing from Margao Railway Station to Chandor, the ancient capital of Goa. In the village of Chandor, you can explore the Braganç a House that was built in the 17th century. A chance to relive its colonial history through the structure of the house, ancient artifacts, furniture and family stories, discovering the tales of Kings, Princes, Dukes and Rakes.

The next stop on the trail is Quepem to visit the Palacio do Deao, a 213-year-old mansion built by a Portuguese nobleman. Its unusual style blends elements of Hindu and Portuguese architecture. You are then driven to one of the oldest places of worship in Goa, Mount Chandreshwar, home to the 2000-year-old Shiva temple. The mountain is also known as one of the state's most spectacular viewpoints, with panoramic views of South Goa, perfect for watching the sunset before returning to the resort.

Alila Diwa Goa offers a collection of Alila Experiences drawing on the culture, history, creative and culinary aspects that South Goa has to offer. Discover local villages on foot or bike, explore the local food markets and take on a cooking class at the acclaimed Spice Studio, meet and learn the art of breadmaking from the local ‘Podher’, ride an elephant, visit a 200 year old spice plantation or trek to Goa's highest waterfalls.

The Experience of ‘Revisiting Goa’s Portuguese Past’ is available at just S$119.00 (US$89) per couple.

Rooms at Alila Diwa Goa start from S$305++ (US$228++) per night based on two sharing and including breakfast. Rates are subject to availability upon reservations, terms and conditions apply.

www.alilahotels.com/diwagoa

Photographs courtesy of Icredible India, and Alila Hotels

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A LOVELY TRIP TO

MADEIRATh is hilly island in Portugal gives you a chance to test your leg muscles

BY SUSANNA PING

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Madeira nestles on the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal and Africa. It is an ideal holiday destination, as you are both challenged and relaxed by dramatic landscapes of mountains and sea views. Madeira’s

terrain is hilly with no flat land in sight. Neither are there any sandy beaches for basking in the lovely Portuguese sunshine. For lovely beaches and seaside fun pack your towels and swimsuits and take a short trip to neighbouring island Porto Santo.

The island is a popular European tourist destination, and ships often call to port in the capital of Funchal on cruises between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, or on cruises from the Mediterranean to northern Europe. About 90,000 of the 250,000 people on Madeira live in Funchal, the capital City. If you arrive in Funchal via cruise ship, you will dock near the centre of the capital city. Since some ships embark or disembark from transatlantic voyages in Funchal, you might be able to spend more time on Madeira as part of a pre- or post-cruise extension.

HILLY WONDERS

Madeira is rich in natural beauty with its deep cliffs and lush, steep valleys that inspire thousands of memorable photographs. At 58 kilometres long and 23 kilometres wide, the island is not very large, but because it is so mountainous, traversing the landscapes is at a slow pace so take advantage of the leisurely time.

Bicycles, trekking and 4WD are some of the best ways to travel which allow you to see some of the backcountry and precipitous valleys on the island. Many of the roads are narrow and difficult to navigate, but worthwile for the views they give you. If you're trekking you’ll cover irrigation ditches, called levadas, along which are hundreds of kilometres of walking trails, ad various levels of difficulty. To make up for their hilly terrain, the Madeirans use terraces and bridges to compensate for the flat land.


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The island lies on the Gulf Stream, which makes the climate a mild, sub-tropical one. Both the water and air temperature averages between 16 to 23oC all year round. However, due to the mountain currents, the temperature can vary significantly from one side of the island to the other. Funchal and the rest of the southern coast are usually warmer and drier than the northern side of Madeira. Each season features similar temperatures but offers different sights and sounds.

THE BEACHES OF PORTO SANTO

The Madeira Promotion Bureau recently launched a digital campaign promoting not only new direct flights to Porto Santo Island, but also the sunny island being included in the Europe’s Leading Island Destination in the 2013 World Travel Awards.

Porto Santo is nicknamed the “Golden Island” because of the island’s 8 kilometre long Atlantic beach with warm waters. It was voted the best “sand dune beach” in the competition “7 Maravilhas – Praias de Portugal” (“7 Wonders – Beaches of Portugal”). Porto Santo’s mild and sunny climate makes for good beach-going all year long.

THINGS TO BUY

There's a lot to buy in Madeira. Specialties include its fortified sweet wine called Madeira (known as port if produced on mainland Portugal) and you can go for tasting sessions at beautiful vineyards. Wicker and embroidery are also good buys as many locals excel in these handicrafts. Stay away from the tourist traps and head for the cottacge industries and small family run artisans.

TRAVELPORTUGAL

THE IBTAM (INSTITUTE FOR EMBROIDERY, TAPESTRY, HANDICRAFTS OF MADEIRA MUSEUM)

The Núcleo Museológico do IBTAM - the museum centre of the Madeiran Institute for embroidery, tapestry and handicrafts - offers a wonderful insight into the artistry and economy of three areas of handiwork still practised today in Madeira: embroidery, tapestry, and handicraft work - especially wickerwork. The centrepiece of the museum is the collection of valuable 19th and early 20th century embroidered cloths and decorative pieces, and the collection is reminiscent of the decor that was practised in the homes of fine Madeiran families when the romanticism style was very much in fashion.

The craft of embroidering these magnificent cloths is a detailed and elaborate affair and the IBTAM institute shows you its fascinating history and methods. You can learn about the different types of stitches and creative patterns used in Madeira embroidery.


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FRESH SEAFOOD

When in Madeira try Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine. Dishes offer generous helpings, and are varied, fresh and inexpensive if you stay away from tourist traps. Get locals to suggest their favourite eating places.

As the island is in close contact with the sea, you will find excellent seafood dishes and all kinds of fresh fish and shellfish at most eateries. These include well-known Espada (black scabbard fish), Espada com banana frita (black scabbard fish with fried banana), tuna fish, bacalhau (salted codfish), gaiado seco (similar to codfish) and pota. Espada and pota are gastronomic specialties typical of Câmara de Lobos municipality. Codfish is a regional specialty not to be missed and can be found in any restaurant all over the island.

You must also try the typical regional dishes, such as tuna steak with fried corn, and the special bread cake known as bolo do caco. Typical local starters include fish and bread soup (açorda) and the rustic Portuguese cabbage soup (caldo verde). One of the great Madeiran specialities is skewered beef cooked on an open grill (espetada). In the winter try the lamb stew with fresh vegetables and potatoes (estufada de carneiro).

Fruits are a dream come true. Tropical fruits such as mango, banana, avocado, custard apple and passion fruit offer exotic flavours to round off a delicious meal. Eat as is or in puddings, mousses and ice creams.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll love the island’s rich variety of cakes and pastries. The most typical sweets are the Madeiran honey cake (Bolo-de-Mel) and the smaller honey cakes known as broas de mel, flavoured with various spices and made from sugar cane honey. Of course you have to enjoy a sip of Madeira for dessert as well.

Photographs courtesy of Madeira Island Tourism


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FITNESS FOR FRIENDS AT BOUTIQUE

KOH SAMUI VILLAS SAMUJANA

Luxury Villa Estate invites groups to embark upon a unique, interactive journey to strike the perfect balance between achieving fi tness goals and relaxation

TRAVELTHAILAND

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With detox January coming to a close, Koh Samui’s boutique luxury villa estate, Samujana, recently began its 3-month ‘Fitness for Friends’ programme, to

help groups keep active, inspired and reconnected throughout 2015. Minutes away from Koh Samui airport, Samujana was founded on the understanding of the need for true privacy, discretion and peace. Specifically designed to host groups and families, the luxurious and expansive Samujana Villas are fully equipped to provide first class fitness regimes in a secluded, natural and calming setting.

At Samujana, time is the ultimate luxury, giving guests a true sanctuary for the body mind and soul. Specific villas feature private gyms and workout areas that contend with the worldwide fitness brands, large lap pools, floodlit tennis and basketball court and a full range of in-villa spa treatments available, enabling guests to keep healthy and energized at their own pace. Dedicated villa staff are on hand and tailored health and fitness sessions are available just a simple phone call away. From meditation, yoga and in-house Muay Thai training classes, to group workouts and floodlit tennis games, there’s something to keep everyone motivated and on track with their fitness goals.

For those training for The Midnight Run or Samui Triathlon, villa staff can provide tailored running routes of Koh Samui. At the end of the day, friends can relax in their villa and enjoy a movie in their private cinema, indulge in delicious wholesome cuisine cooked by private chefs, or take advantage of Samujana’s partnerships with some of the leading detox centres on the island with a number of bespoke therapies. Samujana offers a refined personal experience – a place and state of mind for those who seek an enriching health and wellness escape.

ABOUT SAMUJANA

Just ten minutes drive from Koh Samui airport, Samujana is the most soughtafter location on the island. Perched on a hillside overlooking a coral cove with private beach access, the all-pool award-winning villa estate is the perfect location on Koh Samui for training the mind, body and soul.

Samujana currently features 25 beautiful villas boasting panoramic sea and island views as well as private, direct access to a picturesque quiet beach. All of the stunning villas offer between three to eight luxurious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, complemented by over-sized living and dining areas, state-of-the-art kitchens and private infinity edge pools.

www.samujana.com

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IT’S SO SINGAPORE!TOUCHES OF STYLE, LUXURY & TECHNOLOGY

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Dip in the golden-tiled infi nity pool, don the beautifully-embroidered designer bathrobes and order room service with iPads. Indulge in the

luxurious French ambience as Chanel’s maestro Karl Lagerfeld adds his magic touches to this new hotel in the heart of Singapore

BY ALAN LI

With towering skyscrapers filling the shores of Marina Bay, Singapore’s Central Business District takes itself quite seriously, but not until the Sofitel So Singapore settled in with its grand opening

last year. With a chic blend of culture and cuisine, art and architecture, it looks set to change the face of the Singapore hospitality scene.

A colonial gem with regal balconies flanked by antiquated columns, this hotel is a reincarnation of the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore (TAS) Building built in 1927 and now a protected heritage site. The transformation conjured a unique residential fusion of classic and modern with the So Heritage Wing making up of larger rooms and suites, while the newer So Hip Wing comprising of smaller studios. Both wings are connected by a light-filled atrium situated in the centre of the lobby.

Enter the revolving door and you will be welcomed by the Urban Forest–scented aroma, followed by warm smiles from pleasant staff dressed in Chanel outfit. Near the check-in counter, you can immerse in a good literary hideaway as you settle in La Bibliotek, a library space furbished with a collection of the highly-celebrated fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite reads.

Across the lobby, the Xperience Restaurant with its laidback yet sophisticated gastro-bar dining concept, allures with a mélange of patterned fabrics and open kitchen unfolding a 20-feet rose-gold Molteni oven, is set to surprise diners with an interactive culinary journey for the senses.

Furthermore, you can’t miss the traces of Karl Lagerfeld’s stylish touches in the hotel with masterfully-created commissioned objects like lovely fluffy bathrobes complete with a red embroidered Lion Seal emblem, which he drew inspiration from our history’s own mythical lion. It is featured on the BooKube, an exclusive art piece bookend which also bears a quote from the creator beautifully positioned in La Bibliotek, and even on door knobs in the So Heritage Wing!

PAMPER THE GEEK IN YOU THE STYLISH WAY

Being a heritage site, the space constraint did not seem to restrict So in anyway as they cleverly made use of its limits space. The ceilings that measured three metres high make even the smallest of the 134 rooms with 25 sqm feel spacious.

Designed by Singapore’s only French Design Group, MIAJA Design Group, the exquisitely-designed rooms are dressed to impress. Inspired by 19th century French decadence, every room is splashed with hues inspired by the city of Paris and

its picturesque apartments. Decorated with dense carpet and heavy fabrics keep things quiet from the hustle and bustle outside the windows, and above each bed are bespoke light boxes inspired by French cupolas that allow you to drift into a magnificent sleep. You can also walk to the Parisian-style balconies in the suites with a glass of wine or a cup of aromatic kopi. a traditional name for coffee in Singapore, to enjoy the peace and breeze of the city-centre when night falls.

If you are an Apple fan, you would be thrilled as iPhones are served as room phones, and iPads by the bedside served as master controls for curtains, lightings and the air-conditioner. You can even order room service, locate attractions, and play music with just a couple of swipes on your finger.

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For those who wish to learn the ropes of making your own cup of Singapore-styled “cappuccino”, do so by flipping the So’s design recipe exquisitely detailed with golden orchids, the national flower of Singapore, intermixed with golden bees, the symbol of the Napoleonic empire, all in the Singaporean-history coffee table book.

When you enter the bathroom, you will be immediately surrounded by the scents of Urban Forest, a perfume specially selected from Grasse in France as their crème de corps and mini eau de toilettes are all infused with this unique fragrance that suits both men and women alike.

XPERIENCE IT

Step into the Xperience restaurant, and a grand custom-built matt black and rose gold 20-foot Molteni oven at its centre stage will probably occupy your entire visual senses. Described as an “experiential and interactive culinary journey of the senses”, the ambient LED lighting and the fresh and funky designs like a plush “bed-table” positioned at the heart of the restaurant can surely wow guests seeking for a dining experience with a difference.

Helmed by Anne-Cecile Degenne, a French chef who built a strong reputation for herself on the international stage, the popular local cuisine is reborn into fine dining like chipotle chilli crab tacos and a lobster and scallop laksa risotto, categorised on the menu by flavour and texture, while leaving the course size to diners’ individual cravings. Keeping up to the current dining trend of sharing portions, dishes at Xperience are available in three sizes: Extra-small or XS for tasting, Extra-medium or XM for a personal size and extra-large or XL for sharing, giving individuals with different appetites a convenient way to dine without food wastage or an overkill.

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For those seeking a little tipple after a hearty meal, the diverse choice of cocktails and 35 varieties of wines by the glass offered by Xperience Bar, allow you to select drinks based on your moods or create your own unique cocktails. If not, proceed for a little workout at the fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and accompanying sauna that lets you get your heart rate up after Degenne’s indulgences.

Don’t fancy an early night? Head to the roof! Decorated with a wall of plants, a fountain, comfy seating, and a sleek black bar, it is exactly where nice nights should be spent. You can capture the most stunning view by lounging by the glistening golden-tiled infinity pool and the chic open air terrace, as this roof top bar brings out a dazzling buzz to the after hours scene in the Singapore’s Central Business District!

Sofitel So Singapore successfully created a fusion of West-meets- East through adding sassy sophistication with sprinkles of French Flair to the heart of Singapore. It not only gives modern travellers an opportunity to embrace the cosmopolitan vibe of Singapore, but also provides a fashionable and luxurious staycation venue for young urbanites seeking a romantic getaway.

Sofitel So Singapore 35 Robinson RoadTel: 6701 6800www.sofitel.com

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With experience and innovation in quality kitchen equipment for almost 100 years, Oster has been manufacturing blenders since 1946. The brand is a market leader in the US for blenders, known for

their durability and motor robustness.

Oster MyBlend is an example of being a pioneer in the market, and their creative design personalises the concept of blenders into items that consumers crave to own.

Available in four striking colours, the simple, striking features of MyBlend work together with optimum function and performance to rave reviews from experienced consumers.

MUST-HAVE APPLIANCE

MyBlend is not only good to look at, and adds a touch of class to any kitchen, it also consists of quality components for reliability, speed and durability:

• Bottles are made of true BPA free material – Tritan• The advantage of using Tritan is that it is BPA-free• Its transparent bottles give you greater vision and control• You can put in ice and boiling water without fear of warping• It has a powerful and proven robust motor

Blend Your Way with StyleThe Oster MyBlend quality all-in-one blender and sports bottle add versatility and health to your lifestyle

VERSATILE AND FUSS-FREE

The Oster MyBlend is fantastic for its speedy, fuss-free use. Simply pop on the travel cup and the stainless steel blades will go to work, making you a healthy drink that’s packed with nutrients and natural ingredients. Snap on the travel lid and you’re good to go and out the door.

Make a breakfast smoothie, create healthy fruit and vegetable juices for your kids, as well as milkshakes and coffee blends. Use it to make fresh, homemade soups, and salad dressings. When it’s party time try your hand and making mixologist standard cocktails.

OVERVIEW

• Crush ice with 250 watts of power• Power, style and performance• Perfect for the on-the-go consumer, the smoothie drinker, and the health enthusiast• Blend right into the BPA-free Tritan 600ml dishwasher safe sport bottle• Quick and convenient one touch blending action• Pulverize ice and frozen fruit with stainless steel blade

Make the Oster MyBlend a part of your healthy, fun-filled lifestyle.

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Solely Distributed by:Massmark Intl Pte Ltd629 Aljunied Road, #06-18 Cititech Industrial Building Tel: 6747 1102www.massmark.com.sg

Fill

Go

Blend

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Ways to splash some colour to the place you cookBY WONG YEN SAN

Colour my kitchen

Colours affect our moods, causing us to uplift with joy or to reminisce with melancholy. Bright colours such as red are known to stimulate our senses, drawing our attention and making us more alert. And hues such as

green and blue have calming, restorative effects; thus, hospitals and homes are planted with verdant landscapes to bring about therapeutic healing in a holistic way.

In our homes, colours can also be made to enhance our living. You can paint a house with different colours or to have one base colour and then accentuated with spots of different others. Be careful of colour overload especially of strong colours. Gone are the days where the kitchen is painted in staid white and beige. Today’s kitchens can be decorated in as many ways and in much vibrancy with colours.

Having colour in the kitchen helps in many ways. For one, pastel pleasant hues will enhance the mood of the person preparing the meal as well as the ones consuming it. It might also spur creativity and inspiration in the cook in whipping out new, palatable dishes. Let’s look at some of the ways we can add colours to infuse our moods positively.

DRAW OUT A THEME

Colours are great in adding energy to the room but we may go overboard with it. This is because especially when more than one party is involved in the decision making of revamping the kitchen. You might prefer certain hues and your other half,

totally different shades from yours. Who is to decide? And how many colours should you inject? If you are a colour person, then you’d be spoilt for choice when deciding on the colours for this kitchen project.

Perhaps it is useful to decide on the theme for the kitchen. Look at the house. What theme is it in? Modern? Country? Whatever you decide for the kitchen must blend with the rest of the house interior unless you’re planning to re-haul everything, starting from the kitchen. With a theme in mind, you would be able to narrow down to the colours that go with the theme. Black and grey go more with contemporary chic than an English-styled country house, don’t you think?

PLANT THE FOCAL POINT

Designers, whether graphic or interior, would have you ascertain the focal point of your kitchen. Is it the island space? Or the dining space in front? Do you want to make a statement with the backsplash? Decide on the point in the space where you want to emphasis? Then plan the colours and style the area according to it. If the focal point gets the most vivid shade, then do not add on to the confusion by highlighting other spots in the kitchen with brighter colours. This might distract and confuse the user or guests who step in for the first time. This mismatch might disrupt the harmony you have when using the kitchen whether preparing food or dining for example.

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COLOUR THE FURNITURE

The cabinets are one prominent attention getter. You can’t get enough of cabinet space. It is so precious in the kitchen of a cook. There is always space for more cooking pans and utensils and cooking supplies. Occupying a big part of the kitchen, the cabinets are a great way to lift the ambience of the space. Painting them in a cheery colour will instantly evoke vibrancy in the kitchen space. The other way is to have colourful counter tops; go for chevron designs, mottled or mosaic styles, or choose a sea-blue solid surface. Another tip is to buy dining

STYLISH APPLIANCES

If you opt to keep the walls and cabinets clean, you can consider jazzing up the colour temperature with some statement appliances. Fridges are big appliances that immediately draws attention. And appliances on the counter top do the same. Opt for a mixture of different appliance in bold hues to add some colour. Kenwood’s kMix Aqua Kitchen Machine comes in a variety of chic shades from neon yellow to deep crimson to complement your style.

table and chairs in the colours you want; these would surely spruce up the kitchen a great deal. Add a patterned table runner and sew some seat covers in refreshing hues, and you are off to a good start.

COLOUR HIDDEN AREAS

Colouring hidden spots such as the interior of a glass kitchen cabinet is understated and yet stylish. Usually home owners would paint the exterior of the cabinet; by attempting to colour the interior of these cabinets, you add a twist to the kitchen decor. Opt for fresh shades like blue and green for a light-hearted difference.

WALL COVERING WITH A DIFFERENCE

Traditional kitchens are usually walled with ceramic white tiles but kitchens today have so many wall covering choices. Wall paper and tiles of gloss and matte finishes as well as designs are enough to convince you to upgrade your kitchen. If not, paint the kitchen or do some wall art for a creative difference. Alternatively, consider hanging some artwork whether it is motivational posters or themed pictures.

BACKSPLASH

Make a statement with your backsplash colour, pattern, and material. Opt for tiled patterned backsplash or a turquoise glass one that suit your taste. Getting a unique design will help to differentiate your kitchen space from the conventional others.

FLOOR THEM UP

The colour and texture of your flooring work to complement your entire kitchen. Keep them cool and matte with grey if you already have a colourful space up there. If not, go crazy with the shades: red, blue, or orange. You don’t have to colour the entire floor in the same colour though; choose random tiles in bold colour with the rest in a slightly muted or sedated hue.

PERSONALISE WITH KNICK KNACKS

Hang a row of vintage spice containers on the wall rack and display colourful pots of plants on the counter top to add some personality to your very own space. These add not just hints of colours but also loads of character at the same time.

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BathroommakeoverTidy up your little nook for some luxurious me-time. BY WONG YEN SAN

The bathroom is one place where you can be truly yourself. It’s the place where you can let down your guard and totally relax. If you’ve modelled your bathroom to be like the one of a five-star hotel, then all

the more you’d enjoy your bathroom time. Even a utilitarian bathroom, works for it ensures its function – everything is in its place; you are able to locate what you need, it’s basic but clean. If you have not paid attention to the upkeep of your bathroom, it would not be in the best condition. And that could mean a mouldy shower curtain, grime on your wall and floor tiles, and insects settling in pretty comfortably everywhere; pipes and yes, inside the cabinets where you store all your expensive toiletries.

Oftentimes, it is more than cleaning. A cluttered bathroom makes it difficult to store, much less find things; and all the more if it’s a communal one for a big family. Thus, on top of regular cleaning and maintenance, organising the bathroom clutter is one of the critical steps in ensuring a happy and private sanctuary for family members. Just make sure that others get their share of the space as well. Making this a reality is actually quite easy:

GET AMPLE STORAGE

Get a custom cabinet fitted in or ensure there’s enough storage for your bathroom supplies. Find space for it, be it under the sink or standalone rack against the wall. A mobile rack on rollers also works as long as there is a spot for it. Hanging fabric storage from the wall and even ceiling could be an option as long as the bathroom is spacious enough. But make sure it’s there for a purpose else it would end up as clutter and another problem for you. And when storing, try to store only supplies that are being used at the moment and keep unopened bottles in alternative storage outside the bathroom. It could be one of the shelves at the kitchen cabinet, or a fabric storage box underneath the bed. Doing this would ensure that the bathroom storage space stays current and that you are tempted less to open up a fresh bottle even before finishing your current one.

SPRING CLEAN

Very often, we keep products that are past their expiry with us. We might have moved on to a new brand or bottle but still keep the old product in our storage. We do that perhaps because we want to make sure that the new products do not give us an allergic reaction especially if it’s the first time we are using them. And hence, we keep them our old ones as spare in case we react badly to the new products. Along the way, we forgot about the old bottle we stashed there. This often happens when we have a tendency to frequently change products or when we’re trying out new skincare. Do a spring clean of your cabinet storage to toss out products past their expiry and those you have no use for anymore. That’s a start to ensuring less clutter and that your bathroom supplies stay current. The other way to make sure we don’t apply expired products on our face would be to note their expiry dates, often stated on the packaging which we normally throw away once we open them up. Buy small labels and write the date down and stick it to the bottle end or front, whichever way.

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CLEAR IS THE WAY

Storing your supplies in transparent or clear bottles or containers ensures you won’t ever run out of them. Shower gels or hand washes in opaque bottles make it so much more difficult to keep track. Of course, you can always fiddle with it and you would know it’s running low. However, if you keep your gels and shampoos in clear bottles, you could tell quite immediately it’s about time to replenish them. And this also applies to your cotton buds and pads. That could save you quite a lot of trouble and inconvenience.

CLUTTER ORGANISERS

Drawer inserts like those we have to organise our utensils are perfect for the bathroom as well. Trays with dividers and baskets are all clutter organisers that not only help to keep your clutter in check but also enable you convenience. Now, you are able to locate your hair pins and razor blades. When storing things, the organising rule applies: group similar things together either by function or category. So your hair products all go in one tray or basket, and so do your oral hygiene products like floss, unopened tooth brushes and toothpaste.

INDIVIDUALISE SECTIONSIf it’s a shared bathroom, get individual containers or drawers in different colours or types for family members. If space is a constraint, then prepare baskets or totes with compartments to store your items where you can tow to the bathroom. Even if you don’t share the bathroom, to keep the clutter away, consider chugging totes of different purposes whenever you have a need. Say, if you’re thinking of having a mini spa session where you like a scrub down, then tote your supplies of loofah, body scrubs, and body butter. You don’t use them every day hence it would be a good thing to find alternative storage while keeping other daily necessities closer on hand – that is, inside the bathroom.

CLEAN REGULARLY

You can organise your way to the moon but if the bathroom is in a sorry, dingy state then it defeats your purpose of a sanctuary in the making. Slot in your weekly bathroom cleaning session. Some things like shower curtains can be washed every month or so. Regularly cleaning the bathroom is a must. To optimise cleaning, you may like to do small spurts of cleaning as and when necessary, say for example after a shower session. To prevent mildew from forming in the tiles, you may like to immediately disinfect it after a shower or a few showers. In order to do that, you would need your tote or caddy of cleaning supplies stowed in the bathroom. Sometimes, it need not be elaborate; a small spray of disinfectant made of vinegar and water and a soft brush or cloth would do the work.

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Our concept of home evolves as years pass. As children, it is expressed through blanket forts and play tents. As teenagers, it could be band posters, arts-and-crafts creations and scattered stacks of

homework. Transitioning to adult life, there is the need for pragmatism and sensibility in the midst of our home. Living and working in the city in this modern era may be stifling and stressful; we often need a breath of fresh air. So here’s an eco-friendly, prudent idea: house plants.

Winston Churchill once said: “We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.” Having houseplants in the nooks and crannies of our homes can be transformative, both for our health and psyche. It has aesthetic value, and most importantly, health value. Studies published in the Journal of American Society of Horticultural Science have proven the benefits of indoor plants for home dwellers. It is found that numerous plants have the capabilities to purify the air and filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Indeed, house plants are saviours that keep pollutants in your home at bay. Let’s take a look at the list of six house plants that can freshen up your abode.

A Houseplant Manifesto

ALOE (ALOE VERA)

Indisputably, the aloe plant is a great natural wonder. This sun-loving, succulent plant is easy to grow and care for, yet it is brimming with nutritional, medicinal benefits. Different parts of the aloe plant are unique for different purposes, having both internal and external applications. For a start, its dewy gel can be used for a clear skin-guaranteed cleansing as well as healing cuts and burns. For those of us who wish to trim our body, consuming aloe vera helps to improve digestion and detoxify our system. This would then lighten our toxic load, thus lending us more energy and vitality. Aloe plant is ideal perching by your kitchen window, soaking the sun up luxuriously.

BY DIYANA MOHD

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SPIDER PLANT

Undemanding and resilient – the spider plant is definitely a keeper. The survivor of the fittest, it is exceptionally hardy even in less-than-ideal light conditions, including artificial light. When growing in perfect conditions, the spider plant is a true darling, boasting its lush foliage and delightful white rosettes. Be a loving spider plant owner, and you will see its true beauty regardless its low-maintenance veneer. To boot, the spider plant combats benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in making your leather shoes and printing those books in your library.

SNAKE PLANT

Also under the moniker ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’, the snake plant is the sturdiest of them all. It can withstand the harshness of bright sunlight as well as perpetual darkness. The sure-fire way for its demise is to overwater or never water at all. But that’s too mean for a plant that is best-suited to help filter out formaldehyde – common in home-cleaning and personal care products. Not only that, the snake plant is a home-pleaser. Placed in a grouping, the snake plant can offer a striking display that impresses both you and your guests. Place it on the bathroom floor or on any table tops. It grows well and merciful to beginning house plant owners.

GOLDEN PATHOS VINE

The golden pathos vine may sound intriguing, and that’s because they can grow to a behemoth scale in their natural, native habitats. In homes, the golden pathos vine can be subdued in size, remarkably resilient as well, and incredibly easy to cultivate and nurture. Multiplying easily from each cutting, these plants can propagate fast. This is why they are wonderful hanging plants – their brightly mottled yellow and green leaf-tresses cascading from a basket in sheer natural marvel. When appearing unruly, they can be managed, simply by a pair of snipping scissors. Additionally, the golden pathos vine is powerful in tackling formaldehyde. Consider strategically placing the golden pathos vine somewhere exhaust-prone, such as a compartment facing the streets or car park, or your garage.

AZALEA

A gorgeous flowering shrub that is simply to die for. And in its beauty is its strength to battle formaldehyde coming from your plywood floors, furniture or bric-a-brac. The azalea shrub loves shade and a cool spot with ample sun. Though, like any beauty queen, it is picky: the azalea shrub needs to grow in soil that is acidic and well-drained. Find this perfect location, and the azalea shrub will do justice in purifying the air indoors, in addition to gracing charm in your home.

PEACE LILY

A long-time favourite among house plant owners and enthusiasts, the peace lily is here to make peace with toxic gases, by cleaning them. According to research conducted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration in keeping house plants to abate indoor air pollution, the peace lily is highly lauded for breaking down and neutralizing the three most common VOCs – formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. A real crowd pleaser and a stunner, the peace lily purifies air and lends romantic allure to homes with its occasional white bloom. Shade and weekly watering is all the peace lily need to continue being your plant eye-candy and peacemaker. Responsive, it droops when water is needed. So remember to quench the peace lily’s thirst! Its dainty white blooms will make a statement in your home, and its purifying capabilities are a godsend.

Let’s be thankful for such great natural gifts. By getting a house plant, you are making your home more welcoming and pleasant. Let the blooming beauties and verdant greens take your breath away, allowing you to inhale fresh, purified air.

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Just as how faded or mismatched clothes can make or break your outfit, unclean furniture can ruin the whole feel of your home.

Good upholstery upkeep can further accentuate and complement your interior decoration.

When it comes to furniture maintenance, most of us settle for convenient traditional DIY methods such as steam cleaners, dusting brushes or bottles of upholstery foam sprays. But other times, we hardly clean at all; therefore are not fully aware of the effect it has on our furniture. As a result your furniture may look worn-out and grimy.

UPHOLSTERY CARE

If only maintaining all forms of household elements are as easy as wiping off excess dust, on your marbled floors. The sheer notion of us mere domestic mortals preserving fabric upholstery, quaint leather sofas and that precious carpet only leads us to one question. How?

Thankfully for us, there are professional services provided by Furniture Hygiene Experts(FHE) that will do just that. FHE

uses a premier German cleaning system that leaves no chemical residue on your furniture. Only using top-quality products such Scotchgard Protector, furniture treated are restored to its former glory.

When it comes to protecting your investments, Scotchgard protector naturally is the to-go tool that is necessary in maintaining your furniture. Raved by both professionals and home users alike, Scotchgard provides top-notch care and does wonders repelling water and dirt. Fellow Scotchgard devotee Alicia concurs, “I had forgotten how well this product works. If something gets spilled, the liquid beads up and you simply wipe it away. It is incredible how well it protects fabric surfaces.”

Good upholstery upkeep

can further accentuate and

complement your interior decoration.

An attempt to clean a sofa may require a lot more time than expected, due to the prolonged drying time required. There is a tendency for the watery cleaning product used to seep in the furniture’s stuffing, while cleaning. Unfortunately, once watery products soak the stuffing underneath the fabric, the possibility of mildew cultivating is high. For the furniture to completely dry, drying time may extend to a few days. FHE however, have found a solution that promises minimal drying time. Give it an hour or two; and you will be lounging on your favourite coach in no time.

The aftermath of a sanitising combat will draw questions regarding the possible ‘side-effects’. While some may have the assumption that the usage of heavy-duty products may alter the quality of the prized furniture, it is not always the case. The key is to use the right product for the right kind of fabric material. Ultimately, the appropriate products and the treatment process will not affect the colour or the fabric texture of your furniture.

Furniture Hygiene Experts

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44 Kallang PlaceSingapore 339172Tel: 6296 3456Websitewww.fh-experts.comEmail: [email protected]

ORGANISMS IN MATTRESSES

And we thought mobile phones and computer keyboards were major hosts for mold and bacteria. Newly upholstered furniture attracts dust mites; particles and bacteria, which can lead to poor air quality in the room. Upholstery cleaning is more than just updating the look of your furniture. It helps improve the air circulation, which can otherwise lead to adverse effects on your family.

Don’t just stop at furniture, but sanitize other bacteria-laden products as well Among the professional services that FHE provides is Mattress Cleaning. Using powerful frequency waves along with a powerful HEPA* vacuum, FHE eliminates existing harmful organisms that may reside on your mattress. The same concept applies to FHE’s professional carpet cleaning method. Coffee stains, odour, dirt and bugs are removed with the use of FHE’s innovative technology. FHE’s sanitisation system cleans both carpets and mattresses hygienically without the use of chemicals.

Scotchgard provides top-notch care and does wonders repelling water and dirt.

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”

OTHER SERVICES

In addition to professional upholstery, mattress and carpet cleaning services, FHE provides Leather Care Cleaning is crucial for the purpose of removing dirt and oils (which over time, may break down the leathers protective coating). Treating it will help to maintain the moisture balance in leather. This is important for keeping the leather supple making it less likely to absorb spillages.

It is recommended that professional cleaning be done on a regular basis, and not wait for it to get visibly dirty. The dirtier furniture becomes, the harder it is to restore it to its original glory. With proper maintenance, attention and care, the shelf life of your household products will last a lifetime. Perhaps, it’s time to bookmark the Furniture Hygiene Experts.

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Scientifically proven to be the secret to a better sleep, Professor Chris Idzikowski conducted a series of tests on anti-static capabilities, which are used in our Detense Mattress and the results were remarkable. Those sleeping on it moved significantly lesser than the others and enjoyed a deeper and more stationary sleep.

The mattress provides a “Sleep Undisturbed” Design which means that the mattress will remain still even when your partner moves, it Reduces Static Stress from the body which can cause the body to feel tense when not properly discharged, as well as the Naturalign Pocketed Spring Technology that helps maintain the alignment of the body while relieving the spine of stress and tension.

Feel even better and relaxed with the New Detense Mattress’s AdaptCool Technology with a cool and comfortable night’s sleep. The innovative Technology changes with your body temperature, when the body is feeling warm; it accelerates the evaporation of sweat, cooling the body instantaneously.

An achievement for Four Star this year was receiving the Singapore Quality Brand Awards.

For more information please visit: www.fourstar.com.sg

Renew, Relax and Recharge with Four Star’s Detense Mattress

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• Furniture Hygiene Experts Commitments

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Our team of professionally trained & experienced Service Consultants are the ultimate solution to your indoor hygiene cleaning practice.

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Sunday Brunch at Lawry’sRelax over the weekend with the luxury of revelling in delicious mains such as King Salmon and Shrimp Croissant and US Kurobuta Baby Back Rib Burger complemented with a starter, appetizer and choice of desserts such as the Wine & Raisin Chocolate Cake. End your meal with a cup of freshly brewed Gourmet Coffee or Gryphon Artisan Tea.

Lawry’s 4-Course Sunday Brunch Menu is available from 11.30am - 4pm from $78++ onwards.

333A Orchard Road #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Singapore 238897Tel: 6836 3333 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.lawrys.com.sg

MARCH 2015

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The best quality coffee is produced at high altitudes of about 3000 feet. The altitude produces luxurious complex flavours in the coffee cherries which contain the beans. The fruit must be hand-picked from trees

which can bear flowers, green fruit, and ripe cherries all at the same time.

The outer pulp and parchment of the coffee cherry are removed to reveal two beans, which are then cleaned, dried, graded and hand-inspected. The beans range in color from pale green to dark yellow when raw. They are exported in their raw state for roasting, blending and grinding at their final destination. Most commercial companies use primarily robusta and arabica in their blends.

TYPES OF ROAST

American (regular) roast - The beans are medium-roasted, resulting in a moderate brew, not too light or too heavy in flavour.

French roast and dark French roast - Heavily-roasted beans with a deep chocolate brown which produce a stronger coffee.Italian roast - Glossy, brown-black, strongly flavoured, used for espresso.

European roast - Two-thirds heavy-roast beans blended with one-third regular-roast.

TYPES OF BREW

Cappuccino

is a coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam. A cappuccino differs from a caffè latte in that it is prepared with much less steamed or textured milk than the caffè latte with the total of espresso and milk/foam making up between approximately 150 and 180 millilitres (5 and 6 US fluid ounces). A cappuccino usually exceeds the height of the cup, making the foam visible above the side of the cup. A cappuccino is traditionally served in a porcelain cup, which has far better heat retention characteristics than glass or paper. The foam on top of the cappuccino acts as an insulator and helps retain the heat of the liquid, allowing it to stay hotter longer.

COFFEE CULTUREHundreds of people love coff ee and need at least one cup a day for their daily boost

BY SUSANNA PING

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Espresso is a concentrated beverage brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water — about 86 to 95 °C — under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Espresso often has a thicker consistency than coffee brewed by other methods, a higher concentration of suspended and dissolved solids, and crema (meaning cream, but being a reference to the foam with a creamy texture that forms as a result of the pressure). As a result of the pressurized brewing process the flavours and chemicals in a typical cup of coffee are very concentrated. Espresso is the base for other drinks, such as a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, mocha, or americano. Espresso has more caffeine per unit volume than most beverages, but the usual serving size is smaller—a typical 60 mL of espresso has 80 to 150 mg of caffeine, little less than the 95 to 200 mg of a standard 240 mL cup of drip-brewed coffee.

Flat white is an espresso coffee with a similar proportion of coffee to milk as a caffè latte and a cappuccino, the main difference being the texture of the milk and the number of espresso shots.

The drink originated in Australia and New Zealand in the late 1970s as alternative to the frothier cappuccino. It has since spread to the UK, where it first began to be served by independent cafes in London like Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, and Speak Easy, where owners and staff are from New Zealand, bring the style of coffee into the UK before being adopted by chains Costa and Starbucks. It is rarely found in continental Europe or the United States.

Macchiato

Macchiato, meaning ‘stained’, is an Espresso with a dash of foamed milk. At first sight it resembles a small Cappuccino but even if the ingredients are the same as those used for Cappuccino a Macchiato has a much stronger and aromatic taste.The milk is foamed directly into the espresso cup, which is then put under the coffee outlet. The espresso is then drawn into the cup. Cocoa is then sprinkled over the drink (optional). Often the process is reversed and milk foam is floated on top of extracted coffee.

Long Black

To make the perfect long black, fill a cappuccino cup with 2/3 of hot water and run a ‘doppio’ into the cup. This will guarantee the coffee has a full and rounded flavour.

Latte

Served in a glass, a caffé latte is an espresso with steamed milk added. Pour the steamed milk carefully to ensure a 1cm head of foam.

EXQUISITE | 129


WONDERFUL THINGS WITH COFFEE

RECIPES

Croissants

Makes a dozen

1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 3 tbsp warm water 1 tsp white sugar 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2/3 cup warm milk 2 tbsp grapeseed oil 2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled 1 egg 1 tbsp water

Combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Allow to stand until creamy and frothy.

Measure flour into a mixing bowl. Dissolve 2 teaspoons sugar and salt in warm milk. Blend into flour along with yeast and oil. Mix well; knead until smooth. Cover, and let rise until over triple in volume. Deflate gently, and let rise again until doubled. Deflate and chill 20 minutes.

Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily. Pat dough into a 14 x 8 inch rectangle. Smear butter over top two thirds, leaving 1/4 inch margin all around. Fold unbuttered third over middle third, and buttered top third down over that. Turn 90 degrees, so that folds are to left and right. Roll out to a 14 x 6 inch rectangle. Fold in three again. Sprinkle lightly with flour, and put dough in a plastic bag. Refrigerate 2 hours. Unwrap, sprinkle with flour, and deflate gently. Roll to a 14 x 6 inch rectangle, and fold again. Turn 90 degrees, and repeat. Wrap, and chill 2 hours.

To shape, roll dough out to a 20 x 5 inch rectangle. Cut in half crosswise, and chill half while shaping the other half. Roll out to a 15 x 5 inch rectangle. Cut into three 5 x 5 inch squares. Cut each square in half diagonally. Roll each triangle lightly to elongate the point, and make it 7 inches long. Grab the other 2 points, and stretch them out slightly as you roll it up. Place on a baking sheet, curving slightly. Let shaped croissants rise until puffy and light. In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Glaze croissants with egg wash.

Bake in a preheated 245 degrees C oven for 12 to 15 minutes.

Banana and Honey muffins

Makes about 12

2 cups self-raising flour1 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp bicarbonate of sodaPinch salt1/2 cup brown sugar75g butter, melted1/2 cup milk2 tbsp honey1 tsp vanilla essence2 eggs2 bananas, mashed

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a muffin pan with butter or line with paper cases. In a large bowl (dry ingredients), sift in flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt.

Stir in sugar. In a separate bowl (wet ingredients), combine well the melted butter, milk, honey, vanilla, eggs and mashed banana. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine gently. Do not over mix.

Spoon mixture into muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through when tested with a skewer.

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DRINKCOFFEE


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Fantastic results at Zachys Asia New Year auction

Japanese Whisky

Rare Japanese whisky took centre-stage at Zachys Asia’s New Year Auction recently in Hong Kong. The Japanese whisky section was 100 percent sold and achieved a spectacular total of over US$337,072 against a pre-sale estimate of $210,516. The sale

realized a grand total of over $2.67 million offering a stunning array of exceptional Scottish and Japanese whiskies alongside Bordeaux and Burgundy gems.

Bidding was spirited in the saleroom for rare Japanese whisky and resulted in remarkable prices well above pre-sale estimates. Rare bottles from Hanyu Ichiro’s “Playing Card” series were eagerly sought after. Each bottle of the series has a different card face and contains whiskies from casks distilled as early as 1985 and as late as 2000.

The top lot was a Suit of Diamonds of 13 bottles from Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Card series that realised $41,097 (Estimate: $34,000-55,000, Lot 652). Two bottles featuring the extremely rare Black & White Joker and the Colour Joker, the two final cards of the series released in 2014, commanded a strong price of $15,016 (Estimate: $8,000-12,000, Lot 653), well exceeded pre-sale expectations.

www.zachyasia.com

132 | EXQUISITE

DRINKAUCTION

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KIM JOO GUAN TRADITIONAL BBQ SLICED PORK GOURMET QUALITY. HANDMADE.

Flagship Store: 257 South Bridge Road Singapore 058806. Tel: 6225 5257

Outlets: Changi Airport Terminal 3, Check-In Counter Level (Near Skytrain). Tel: 6441 2800

www.kimjooguan.com

OUR PROMISE100% Australian Grain Fed Fresh Pork

100% Free from Artificial Colours

Premium Shoulder Cut

No Added Preservatives

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All-American Dining with OverEasy

Th is lively modern diner concept blurs the line between drinking and dining. BY YVONNE YU

Mac & Cheeks Breakfast in Bed

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REVIEWS

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OverEasy, located on the water-front at One Fullerton, is the brainchild of The Lo & Behold Group (owners of rooftop bar

Loof, Extra Virgin Pizza and The White Rabbit), and no effort is spared on its unique concept to provide a genuine experience of the American diner.

DESIGN

The interior exudes a contemporary style with the dining area featuring a row of classic red sofa booths. The bar dominates the centre space and at the opposite end, nestles the DJ booth and some lounge seating.

The exterior, which extends the full length of the restaurant, has bar tables. On the waterfront deck, there are com-fortable sofas, chairs and dining tables for you to chill out, and enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views over the Marina Bay skyline. There is also a smoking zone at the end of the deck.

FOOD CONCEPTS

The food at OverEasy is based around the quintessential American diner and prepared with quality ingredients by a team of experienced chefs under the leadership of head chef Teow Wei Kiat. One of OverEasy’s highlights is the Western All Day Breakfast. But this time, they have come up with a new menu of elevated diner cuisine and unique Amer-ican-inspired cocktail drinks. This menu reinforces the place as an all-American dining experience

MOUTH WATERING MAINS

The all new Truffle Burger is a premium version of the American staple with homemade truffle mayonnaise. Burger patties consist of perfectly grilled wagyu minced beef sandwiched between soft toasted brioche buns, providing an ideal meat to fat ratio. Another recommended main is the Mac & Cheeks – a revamp of the concept’s all-time favourite Good Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, this is a must. This dish features Australian beef cheeks that are steeped in herb brine for about five hours and then braised overnight before being served with macaroni and gruyere cheese sauce.

SNACKS

For lighter cravings try the Santa Fe Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, with roasted corn, kidney beans, pasta and crispy tortilla strips in a flavourful chicken broth. An-other option is the Grilled Three Cheese Sandwich – the ultimate pick-me-up with melted parmesan, cheddar and gruyere cheese layered between toasted buttery brioches.

DRINKS

OverEasy has a wide selection of drinks ranging from cocktails to wines to milkshakes and sodas. The cocktail menu includes both classic and quirky inventions such as the Breakfast in Bed – the ultimate wake up call with high rye bourbon, Advocaat, maple syrup and lemon juice topped off with a waffle; and the Cherry Coke Classico – a crafty mix of specially imported Coke from Mexico, Cana Brava Rum, Amaretto di Saschira and Licor 43.

The wines here are value for the money. There is a vast selection of champagne, and red and white wine for you to choose from. Other alcoholic drinks include beer, house pour spirits and shots. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic there are milkshakes, sodas, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Happy hour promotions at OverEasy run from 5pm to 8pm on Mondays to Fridays with a “one-for-one” on all house pours, beers and house wines.

OverEasy ensures you a fun filled dining experience. It is indeed a hotspot to chill with your friends or loved ones.

OverEasy 1 Fullerton Road#01-06 One FullertonTel: 9129 8484www.overeasy.com.sg

Truffl e Burger

Santa Fe Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Milkshake

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PAUL BAKERYTh e popular French boulangerie and patisserie off ers a new Seasonal Menu

The fresh fragrant aroma hits my nose and the wide display of magnificent golden brown baguettes never fails to capture my attention whenever I walk past any of PAUL’s outlets. This Bakery has been the talk of the

town since its opening. It is famous for its bread and desserts and you will definitely be amazed by the ingredients used in their tasty creations. PAUL has been introducing new dishes regularly and this time, it refreshes its breakfast and main dine-in menu with a delicious repertoire of 26 new dishes, desserts and beverages. There are three new main courses, freshly made upon order.

FRENCH CLASSICS

Confit de canard ($28.90) is a classic dish of the Perigord region of France and one of PAUL’s famous dishes. It is a slow roast herb-marinated duck leg accompanied by roasted vegetables and seasonal cranberry sauce that pairs beautifully with the rich flavour of the meat. During the cooking process, the meat is rubbed with herbs and preserved in its own fat for a day before roasting for hours till the fat on the skin melts.

Another French delight is the Longe de thon ($29.90), a seasoned loin of tuna grilled to moist perfection. The meat is pink and tender, and topped with white sesame seeds. It is served with tangy roasted seasonal vegetables and seasonal cranberry sauce.

NEW RUSTIC FLAVOURS

A touch on PAUL’s classic favourites is its tartines, a French-style open-faced sandwich with generous toppings on it. Meat lovers will enjoy the newly added Tartine boeuf ($19.90). The medium sirloin steak grilled to juicy perfection is served in open sandwich style on freshly baked bread and herb cream cheese, coupled with caramelised onions and balsamic glaze. There are also other choices such as Tartine fromages (with camembert and feta cheese crumbles - $19.90), Tartine poulet (sauteed chicken with melted cheddar cheese - $18.90) and Tartine d’avocat (prawn and egg mayonnaise paired with fresh avocado - $19.90).

For smaller eaters, there are fresh salads available. One recommended salad dish is the Salade de la Mer ($20.90). It is very much catered to seafood lovers with its succulent sauteed prawns, mussels and octopus accompanied by avocado, tangy grapefruit and slices of red radish. Other new additions include Salade carpaccio de saumon (grilled zucchini with balsamic glaze, and smoked salmon -$19.90) and Salade mozzarella (a meatless option with generous servings of mini mozzarella balls - $20.90).

CLASSIC FRENCH SWEETS

Don’t forget to end your meal with these newly added sweet treats. Try the Éclair Paris-Brest ($7.50), a famous French dessert with hazelnut cream and caramelised hazelnuts. This chunky serving is ideal for sharing, while the rich hazelnut cream is bound to satisfy you. If you want a sweeter choice, opt for the Gaufre avec glace ($13.90), a towering Waffle with Vanilla bean Ice-cream. The waffle is buttery, and comes with fresh berries and soft creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled over with a rich homemade chocolate sauce.

PAUL 391 Orchard RoadNgee Ann City #03-16/16A/17Tel: 6836 1914www.paul-singapore.com

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REVIEWS

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Labrador SeafoodA u t h e n t i c S e a f o o d & B B Q

No. 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540Tel: (65) 6273 2779Fax: (65) 6273 2737

Email: [email protected]://www.labradorseafood.com

Our Operating Hours: 11:00am to 12:30am. Every day.

GREAT GOURMETTantalize Your Tastebuds with

away from the city

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Alkaff Mansion RistoranteRediscover creative Sardinian cuisine amidst elegant surroundings

Built in 1918, Alkaff Mansion was originally a weekend retreat bungalow owned by the Yemeni Alkaff family of spice traders. The LHN Culinary Concepts took over this charming bungalow and transformed it into one of

the most beautiful and romantic Italian restaurant bars around. Nestled atop Mount Washington (Telok Blangah Hill) and away from the city, Alkaff Mansion is surrounded by lush greenery that will give you a whole new dining experience amidst the elegant European-style setting and exquisite architecture.

Newly appointed executive chef Simone Depalmas has introduced a few sumptuous additions to the menu. A native of Sardinia, Italy, chef Depalmas believes in making his sauces from scratch and his dishes use ingredients specially imported from his hometown.

APPETISING STARTERS

Begin your meal with the fresh octopus carpaccio ($24) - silvers of lightly steamed Sardinian octopus sit atop a bed of frisee salad, San Marzano cherry tomatoes, orange wedges and dressed in a light drizzle of balsamic reduction. It is fresh, tangy and well balanced. There is also the pan seared hokkaido scallops ($28), perfectly seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is served with creamy cauliflower puree and luxurious Avruga caviar. For a touch of variety, opt for the seafood platter ($68) for two with its five different item servings – plump tiger prawns, tuna tartare, sea bass carpaccio, octopus salad and lobster chunks in a zesty citrus dressing.

HEARTY MAINS

Satisfy your meat cravings with the oven baked lamb rack ($45) cooked to an ideal medium pink and served with velvety smooth celeriac mash, caramelised pearl onions and a piquant homemade prune sauce. Don’t miss the slow cooked Sardinian style suckling pig ($46). The pork is slow roasted for several hours at 70oC to achieve the perfect tenderness and the last few minutes at high temperature for the crisp skin resulting in fork tender, moist flesh. The chef carefully selects only Spanish pigs that weigh between 4 to 5 kilogrammes to ensure an optimal amount of fat needed for this aromatic dish. The dish is cleverly paired with homemade mixed berry compote that adds balance to the dish.

Another highlight is the oven baked sea bass in salt (600g/$48, 700g/$56, 800g/$64) cooked and served flambed by chef Depalmas himself. The fish is fresh, soft in texture and moist. It is encased in salt, rolled out gueridon style and flambed tableside before the salt is cracked open and the fish skilfully deboned. A light sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper, drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, and it’s ready to serve.

TIME FOR DESSERT

Complete your Italian dining experience with the signature Alkaff mansion tiramisu ($14). This dessert is made with coffee liqueur soaked sponge fingers (savoiardi) that sit between velvety layers of mascarpone cheese and topped with a generous dusting of cocoa powder.

A modern twist on another Italian dessert introduces a thin mint layer in addition to the traditional vanilla with the fresh mint vanilla panna cotta ($14). This dessert is a soft pudding that jiggles with the slightest touch. The creamy, smooth texture of the panna cotta coated with fresh mint is a refreshing delight. It is complimented with a mixed berry sauce topped with a few berries.

Alkaff Mansion’s idyllic location and exquisite setting are ideal for hosting any event with its well-equipped function rooms and amenities, and friendly service. And of course its authentic Italian food at the Ristorante.

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante10 Telok Blangah GreenHours: RistoranteLunch: Monday-Friday, 11.30am – 3.00pm (last order at 2.15pm) Dinner: Monday-Sunday, 6.00pm – 11.00pm (last order at 10.15pm)Bar 1918Monday to Saturday: 11.30am – 3.00pmMonday to Sunday: 6.00pm till lateTel: 6510 3068www.alkaff.com.sg

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REVIEWS

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MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SINGAPORE SG50 Singapore Food Trail Aft ernoon Tea

In celebration of the nation’s golden jubilee, Axis Bar and Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore presents 12 exclusive locally-themed afternoon tea menus for every month, inspired by Singapore’s rich history of culinary

flavours.

Relish in an extravagant five-course afternoon tea set of sweet and savoury delights, kick starting from January’s Hokkien specialties of milk tea with ginger foam, kueh pie tee and chef’s special kong bah bao; a Hakka-oriented February of braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens pie and mochi; Teochew soya braised duck puff with peanuts and teochew ‘or nee’ swiss roll for the month of March; and dig into delightful Cantonese salted egg crab in mini pita pockets and baked stewed beef brisket pies in April.

May brings an exciting medley of coconut flavours, such as the beef rendang ball with coconut crumbs and nasi lemak maki roll with ‘hae bee hiam’; while June puts the spotlight on the local citrus fruit with the ice jelly with calamansi sphere and calamansi cream cupcake; reminisce about the glorious past of Singapore alongside the sweet pandan aroma of soft pandan chiffon cake with coconut cream and kaya butter sandwich amongst many other noteworthy canapes in July. The king of fruits is certainly not forgotten in August with the exquisite durian custard puff or french toast with durian and butter.

September pays tribute to Singapore’s Indian cuisine with the Indian fish curry triangle puff and murtabak chicken wrap; October swings by the simple yet satisfying Indian rojak with sweet potato tamarind sauce and fried roti john with chicken. The month of November highlights the nation’s diverse cultures with the fish moolie turnover and putu mayam with grated coconut and red sugar, whereas December concludes with the much loved chicken curry with roti prata topped off with a tantalising teh tarik creme brulee.

Afternoon Tea at Axis Bar and Lounge Tel: 6885 3500Email [email protected]

Price: S$42 per person, $80 per stand for two guests or $60 per person with one glass of Ruinart Champagne. All prices quoted are subject to 10 percent service charge and 7 percent government taxes.

Hours for Afternoon Tea: daily from 3pm to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and with an additional seating from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

AXIS BAR AND LOUNGE

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REVIEWS

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TEKA SINGAPORE PTE LTD 83, Clemenceau Avenue, #01-33/34, UE Square, Singapore 239920

Tel: 6734 2415 Fax: 6734 6881 After-Sales Service: 6235 2265 www.teka.com

Weekdays: 9:00am - 7:00pm Saturdays: 10:00am - 7:00pm Closed: Sundays / Public Holidays

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DESIRABLESWATCHESDESIRABLESWATCHES

This chronograph skilfully combines the fashionable colours of rose and trendy dark blue to create a timeless statement. The elegant look is completed by the lavishly designed, two-layered dial with a cross design in blue and the crocodile-embossed leather strap. A must-have for the modern gentleman.

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