Home / Life Magazine Issue 7 by Lottie Lifestyle

HOME / LIFE LOTTIE LIFESTYLE / ISSUE 7

MAKE A DECISION

SWIMSUITS

MEDITERRANEAN LIVING

We have you covered with a useful guide for how to tackle big decisions

From bust support to bottom coverage, dive into our essential swimsuit edit

Bring a little sunshine into your life with this gorgeous home tour

S T R A I T S C L A N / Somewhere to belong.

w w w. s t r a i t s c l a n . c o m / I G : @ s t r a i t s c l a n

WELCOME

Letter from the editor

In recent weeks, or certainly since the last issue of this magazine, my motivation and spark has dimmed. When I look back at the opening letter of the last issue, I detect an enthusiasm and joy that just doesn’t seem to be with me at the moment. That’s OK. Of course I would love to feel positive and motivated all the time (the lack of motivation is certainly not great for work) but I am human and the ebb and flow of emotions are entirely normal. I use these temporary lulls in life to stop and think about why I am feeling the way I do - from the big picture (Covid) to the smallest of influences (maybe I need to go and put some mascara on?) - everything plays a part, and I like to try and tease out what is going on so that I can do my best to shift it - not everything is within my control, but lots of things are (I once posted on IG a quote that said “I’m nicer when I like my outfit” perhaps I need to amend this to say “I get more done when I wear mascara”). And whilst this global pandemic is having a big influence, it is also true that in the long journey of life there are naturally times when we find ourselves at points of reflection and decision. And while our brains are trying to figure out some hefty life decisions, it seems that creativity, inspiration and motivation take a back seat. So it isn’t surprising that over the past year more of us have been struggling with motivation or joy while we tackle some fundamental life decisions - if you are an expat it is almost certainly ‘how much longer should I live away?’ And whilst I believe a lick of mascara can solve many an issue, I’m pretty sure it’s not going to touch the sides of a decision this big. So for this latest issue I turned to my friend and Psychologist, Helen Barker, for some tips and strategies to help with finding a path through big decision making. With some easy to follow worksheets, it’s a good place to start in unravelling the tangle of thoughts and feelings that might be swirling around at the moment. While big decisions may be pending for some of us, others have already taken the plunge. In recent months many friends and acquaintances have left Singapore in search of the next chapter and I was interested to unearth their stories. I was particularly moved by the tale of Emily Armstrong, who has written a beautiful article about a recent move away from Singapore. It is open and honest and left me feeling quite teary - which probably says something about my own feelings on moving and the challenges that arise 1

in being part of a dual-nationality family.

Our ‘Ask a Doctor’ segment this month focuses on the important issue of medical checkups. If you follow me on instagram you will know that I recently went for my own full medical. It was well overdue and as boring (and at times uncomfortable...mammogram anyone?) as it was, I felt utterly relieved to have finally got it done. And I was glad I did, because an abnormal PAP ended up needing further investigation (I can report that all is well on that front) but it reminded me yet again how we really shouldn’t gamble with our health and the sooner you know something is amiss, the better. As the long summer school holidays roll around again, we have the Med on our minds. Clearly we will not be getting there this year, but in lieu of overseas summer-soaked holidays sipping rosé and living the good life, we have brought to you a feeling of the Med in our gorgeous home tour of former Singaporean expat, Heidi Carter, who transformed her Sydney home into a Med inspired abode. And following this theme, we have a delicious Mediterranean inspired dinner / lunch menu and a tablescape that evokes all the feelings of summers in Europe. Lastly, I am also pleased to include in this latest magazine a swimsuit edit that I hope you will find useful. Swimsuit shopping is loathed by many of us and is not helped by a general feeling that the swimsuits we desire, don’t exist. So after a quick survey, my task was clear and I have done my best to find for you a short list of swimsuits to see you through this summer and beyond. Before I go, I wanted to say thank you, as always, for your readership and support. If I have been a bit lacklustre recently I am sure you will understand. If you love this issue, pass it on! Tell your friends far and wide and share the love on social media. Every little bit helps and I appreciate it all! Much love,

Lottie

Table of Content

FA S H I O N

P. 9

Bright and Breezy FIND ME THE PERFECT: SWIMSUIT

P. 11

Swimsuit Survey and Edit F E AT U R E A R T I C L E

P. 31

A Moving Tale H O M E WA R E S

P. 23

Riviera Chic ASK A DOCTOR

P. 27

with Dr. Neil Forrest F E AT U R E A R T I C L E

P. 37

A Practical Guide to Making Big Decisions INTERIORS AND HOMES

P. 39

A New Beginning F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

P. 61

Summer Days and Mediterranean Menu F E AT U R E A R T I C L E

P. 87

Making a Move: Singapore to Bali I N C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

P. 91

Christian Barker CONTENT ROUND UP

What we are reading, listening to and watching 3

P. 93

“The kitchen is a beautiful combination of practicality and whimsy.” A N E W B E G I N N I N G H O M E T O U R , PA G E 3 9 4

Contributors

FAY R E E S

Fashion and Beauty Fay is a retail and fashion consultant, avid beauty tester and founder of her own start up which combines all three.

ANGIE MA

Food and Entertaining: Mediterranean Menu Angie is part brand strategist, part food curator of secret dining happenings and part food geek. She is the founder and chef of Once Upon A Secret Supper, a secret dining society in HK, Melbourne and Singapore that hold creative pop-up dinners for the foodie community.

D R . N E I L F O R R E S T, M B C h B ( L e e d s , U K ) , M R C G P ( U K )

Health and Wellness: Ask a Doctor Dr Neil Forrest is a UK trained GP based at Osler Health International. Dr Neil has been caring for teens (and parents of teens!) in Singapore for over 5 years, and is known for his down-to-earth, kind approach. He practices from the Star Vista clinic.

H E L E N B A R K E R M A , M S c , C . P S YC H O L

Feature: A Practical Guide to Big Decisions Helen is a Psychologist and Coach who works with clients to help them grow their self awareness, overcome challenges and create change. She provides Executive Coaching, Personal & Transition Coaching and Psychotherapy in person at Core Collective Singapore and online.

E M I LY A R M S T R O N G

Homewares and Feature Article: A Moving Tale 5

Emily Armstrong is an Australian born, England based brand, content strategist & lifestyle contributor. She recently spent 2.5 happy expat years in Singapore and is a mother to four wild & wonderful children. She is always dreaming of destinations, celebrations & house renovations.

Contributors

JOSEPHINE BYRNES

Styling Assistant: Summer Days Josephine is a cross discipline creative, devoted to the transformative benefits of beauty in all its domestic and atmospheric forms.

CLARE BARKER WELLS

Photographer: A New Beginning Clare is an award-winning, internationally published lifestyle photographer based in Sydney.

We are thrilled to have the following partners supporting Home / Life magazine D AYAWAY

www.dayaway.sg

H A N K I E PA N K I E

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O S L E R H E A LT H I N T E R N AT I O N A L

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T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Lifestyle

S U M M E R T I M E / and the livin’ is easy. Bring a summertime feel to the coming months with light and

breezy homewares and fashion. Think woven lampshades and a prettily scalloped tray, striped cotton canvas espadrilles and beautiful entertaining with radiccio plates, bamboo cutlery and a gorgeous cookbook organised by seasons - as beautiful to read as it is to cook from.

1. 3.

4. 7. 9.

5. 6. 8.

C OOK BEAUTIF U L, Anthea Calderone, eyeswoon.com

BA MBO O C U T LE RY S E T, Sabre shoplottielifestyle.com

SCALLOP TRAY, serenaandlily.com

E S PA DR I LLE S , Zimmerman lace up, wardrobeicons.com

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S U N G LA S S E S , Izipipi #C Green, smallable.com

WAFFLE TOW EL S, Timika Beige pink, smallable.com

WA LL S C O N C E , ‘ Flynn’, serenaandlily.com

RAD ICCIO START ER PL AT E, Green hankiepankietables.com

T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Lifestyle

L AL L A B EAC H BAG I N ‘ P O U DR E ’ , shoplottielifestyle.com

T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Fashion

B R I G H T A N D B R E E Z Y / With sunny days on our mind, we are turning to floaty dresses in relaxed

silhouettes that can take us from day to night. Pair with a woven bag and slip on a pair of sandals for an effortless look.

L E SI R E N USE PO SITANO ‘FRIDA RUFFL E D RESS, matches.com

H EIDI KLEIN ‘SAVAN NAH BAY RA F F IA TOTE’, m atch es. co m

SY LV I A TO L E DA NO C U FF, sy lv i ato leda n o. co m

A NCIENT GREEK SA NDA LS ‘DESM OS’, netaporter.c om

T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Fashion

MAT T E AU ‘ASYM M E TRIC ’ MAX I DRE SS, m atch es. co m

INÈS BRESSA ND ‘A KA M A E’ N. 1 4 , ines-bressand. shop

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Find me the perfect... SWIMSUIT

Swimsuit shopping for most women is up there with activities like dentist visits, waxing appointments and attending your toddlers lengthy pre-school concert - necessary but given a choice, you’d really rather not. I have never been able to figure out who the designers are that work at swimsuit brands. I can only assume for the most part that they are 20 somethings with pert boobs, flat stomachs, slender thighs, hairless bits and a desire to show both sections of their torso and the better part of their bottom simultaneously. In other words, they are not me. How I would love to take over the designing of swimsuits and actually listen to the large segment of women who simply want to feel good when they pull on a swimsuit. If you are reading this and thinking “nope, not me! I love buying swimsuits - and there is nothing better than a skimpy one piece, or better still, tiny bikini, that shows all that I’ve got” then I am truly happy for you. But as my quick (very scientific) survey shows, this point of view (at least among my readers) is in the minority. It didn’t take many responses to see a theme emerge - what you told me loud and clear was that you wanted one piece swimsuits in block colours or perhaps nautical stripes, with good coverage for your behind, support for your boobs and a little something to help flatten the tummy. I hear you. I am you (except for the boob part - I have no boobs - zero support required in my case). In pulling together my swimsuit edit, I have taken into account your feedback. There are no bikinis, there are no slashes, mesh, metallic fabrics or bells and whistles - because whilst a couple of people were looking for these features, the vast majority were not. And let me say, this edit has taken time! I feel like I have visited almost every swimsuit brand website, and whenever one of my kids or husband have come to talk to me, they have found me endlessly scrolling women in swimsuits in the name of research. “I”m working!!” I feel like exclaiming (even though no one is asking)... “this is me earning a living!!” - oh wait, no it’s not, I don’t get paid for this. OK scratch that last bit. It’s me helping out my lovely readers.

The Swimsuit Survey R E S U LT S

I N G E N E R A L , D O YO U W E A R A B I K I N I O R O N E P I E C E ?

BIKINI

ONE PIECE

D O YO U W E A R A R A S H V E S T ?

A LWAY S

SOMETIMES

O N LY O N OCCASION

NEVER

I found this result interesting. As someone who had a malignant melanoma in my early 20’s I often wear a rash vest as I really try and limit the sun on my skin

The Swimsuit Survey R E S U LT S

W H AT F E AT U R E S A R E YO U L O O K I N G F O R I N A S W I M S U I T ?

BOTTOM COVERAGE

BUST SUPPORT

A STYLE THAT LETS ME TAN

TUMMY CONTROL

H OW D O YO U WA N T A S W I M S U I T T O M A K E YO U F E E L ?

SEXY T R E N DY

C O M FO R TA B L E

SKIMPY BOTTOM COVERAGE

The Swimsuit Survey R E S U LT S

W H AT A R E YO U R FAV O U R I T E S W I M S U I T D E TA I L S ?

PAT T E R N E D FA B R I C

PLUNGING NECKLINE

EMBELLISHMENTS

BLOCK NEUTRAL COLOURS

SLASHES, MESH, CUT OUTS

P L E AT S AT TUMMY

MINIMAL TO NO D E TA I L S

CLASSIC PAT T E R N NAUTICAL STRIPES

SHINY M E TA L L I C FA B R I C

ECO F R I E N D LY

The Great All-Rounder SWIMSUIT EDIT

A little bit of everything that you might need in a swimsuit. Classic cuts and supportive fabrics in wearable block colours.

EDITOR’S FAVE

T his pa ge clockwise: SIR, Hendry Panelled One Piece / ERES , Hopla / A N JA PA R I S , L’Irrésistible / S I R , Claude One Shoulder / A N JA PA R IS , Le Voluptueux / BOND I B ORN, Emmanuelle in Slate

Bust Support SWIMSUIT EDIT

For when you want some support for your bust without sacrificing a stylish silhouette

T his pa ge clockwise: SEAFOL LY Seaside Soiree DD One Piece / BAKU Sirocco D-E ring front one piece / BAK U , Rococco E-F One Piece / B OND I B ORN Waverley One

Piece up to E cup

A Little Tummy Control SWIMSUIT EDIT

CLASSIC CUT

Flatten the tummy with these stylish designs

T his pa g e top to bottom : ERES, Asia / SU M M ERSALT, The Sidestroke/ J C R E W, Ruched femme one piece Main ima g e: JCRE W, Ruched one shoulder in stripe

Best of the Rest SWIMSUIT EDIT

A pretty floral pattern, a zip here, a detail there, these swimsuits have just the right amount of design interest T hi s pa g e l eft cl o ckwi se: J C R E W, Tie Shoulder in Liberty Eloise / MA RYS I A ,

Palm Springs Maillot / H E I DI KL EI N , Racer back in nautical stripe / S U M ME R S A LT, Long torso ruched sidestroke / S U M ME R S A LT, Wide strap Oasis LONG TORSO

Brand Round Up SWIMSUITS

Depending on the brand’s country of origin, different design considerations seem to be made. AUSTRALIAN BRANDS

tend to have lots of designs that are specifically for

larger busts - including mastectomy options. They also seem to have good bottom coverage and a slightly lower cut on the leg as standard. Models on the websites vary but there is a general mix of body shapes with some realistic depictions of everyday women. There is a mix of stripes, floral pattern and block colours with a wide variety of styles. (Tip: If you have big boobs I would start with the Aussie brands first). U.S BRANDS

have the best realistic use of models on their websites. There

are plenty of options to see the swimsuits on different body shapes, sizes and skin colour, which is great. In general, bigger busts and good bottom coverage seems to also be standard and I found more options for longer torso versions of designs as well. Colours can tend towards bright and bold but I didn’t see as many patterns. FRENCH BRANDS

it is probably no surprise that the French brands exude a

sense of class with classic shapes and more subdued colour palettes. There were also a lot more plunging necklines and skimpy higher-cut bottoms and on general, more bikini choices and less one pieces. The swimsuits are almost exclusively shown on very slim, tanned women with almost no variation in body type shown. I also could not find designs for specific requirements, like a larger bust.

Where to Shop ANJA

PA R I S

Stylish eco-friendly

(FR)

JCREW (US)

A good range of one piece

swimwear in a good range of block

swimsuits from this well-known retailer.

colours (few if any patterns). They use

On trend nautical stripes and some

Oeko Text Standard 100 fabrics and have

patterned options to choose from too.

pricing transparency. M A RYS I A ( U S )

Loved by Fashion Editors

Lots of one piece options

and celebrities alike, Marysia has a decent

with a large variety for bigger busts.

range of one piece swimwear in a neutral

Block colours, minimal details. Also a fair

colour palette of mainly black and white.

selection with floral patterns etc.

Their scalloped edge swimwear has

BAKU (AUS)

become their signature design statement. BONDI BORN (AUS)

Pared-back, sleek

silouhettes in a limited palette of olive,

S E A F O L LY

navy and black. They are also majority

Australian swimwear brand with a large

female owned and are committed to ethics

range of one piece options in nautical

and sustainability. They are certified as a

stripes and block colours.

B Corporation (which is a big deal)

bigger busts and tummy control.

ERES (FR)

Much-loved French swimwear

JETS

SIR THE LABEL (AUS)

(AUS)

Iconic

Options for

Fashion brand

and lingerie brand with a shop located

that has recently expanded to include

in Singapore. Their swimsuits are made

swimwear.

with their signature fabric Peau Douce,

one piece swimsuits in a limited colour

a soft Lycra that is stretchy, resistant,

palette (think black and white).

Pared-back, minimal detail

shaping and comfortable. This is a brand with huge brand-loyalty. Their designs

S U M M E R S A LT ( U S )

A large range of one

are sleek and minimal in detail and

piece swimsuits to suit a variety of figures.

come in a range of beautiful colours. I

Great use of realistic models. Swimsuits

particularly love their “almost black”.

in bold block colours, patterns, with small design details. Long torso options also

HEIDI KLEIN (UK)

A small range of one

offered.

piece swimwear in subtle patterns with some block colour options. * For a full list of the brands that I researched for this article, head to the last page of the mag for a full list of where to shop. 14

T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Beauty

B AC K T O B A S I C S / As we slid into another lockdown and I pared back my beauty routine, I realised that

there isn’t so much difference between lockdown beauty and travel beauty. In both cases, we streamline our routines. Yes, in a lockdown there may be more opportunity to enjoy a lazy evening bubble bath or stare for minutes (hours) at our pores in a magnifying mirror but since there is less need to be ‘on’ to face the outside world, apart from those luxuries (if looking at enlarged pores can be perceived to be a luxury), it’s back to basics. Good cleansing, toning, moisturising and sunscreen. Plus a decent pop of lip-colour, maybe a couple of coats of a winning mascara, a dash of fragrance and you’re good to go.

2. 1.

4. 5.

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H E L I O C A R E 360 WAT E R GE L SP F5 0’ ,

B L AC K C H E R RY L I P BALM T I N T E D ,

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5 .

VA N D E RO H E N O. 1 P E R FUM E O I L

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T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Beauty

HOURG LA SS

MANASI 7

Vanish Blush Stic k in ‘Dusty Rose’

A l l O ver C o lo ur i n ‘ G a z a n i a ’ manasi7.com

beautylish.com

Rosy cheeked

A round up of some of our favourite blushers to give you that beautiful rosy glow this summer.

TATA HA RPER SKINC ARE

T R I S H M C E VOY

Volum iz ing Lip an d Ch eek Tint in ‘Ver y Popul ar ’

B ea uty Bo o s ter Lip a nd C h eek co l o ur in ‘Ros e’

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trishmcevoy.com

NAR S B l u sh i n ‘ O rg a s m ’

narscosmetics.com MA NA SI 7 A ll Over Colour in ‘Bisque’ manasi7.com

T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Homewares

R I V I E R A C H I C / We’re channelling ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ in a retro riviera tribute. Because if we can’t

make it poolside in Positano this summer, this is how we do Mediterranean chic at home. Start with nautical stripes, in a classic red, white & navy colour way. Layer in texture with fun fringing, some rattan or bamboo, choose scalloped, wavy edges, hand painted ceramics and artwork on point. Add a touch of pink to make the boys wink, and you’ll be sailing away, from the comfort of home, dreaming of next summer!

9. 4.

6. 5.

PU G L I A N B L U E STR I P E LARGE SE RV I N G DI SH,

EA RT H S M A L L PAP E R M ÂCHÉ VASE ,

ZA N Z I BA R B L U E LO N G CUSHI ON ,

S E T O F FO U R ST R I P E D LI N E N N AP KI N S ,

S I G N AT U R E S C A L LO P L AM P SHADE I N RAFFI A WITH RED TRIM

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matchesfashion.com

pennymorrison.com matchesfashion.com

MAG IQUE A PPLE, A RT PRINT ,

7 .

BA MBOO SA LA D SERVERS ,

shoplottielifestyle.com

RA NDER CERA MIC STOOL,

oka.com

9 .

BLUE POM G LA SSES,

matildagoad.com H O M E WA R E S C O N T R I B U T O R , E M I LY A R M S T R O N G

stylodeco.com

tart-home.com

T H I S M O N T H W E ’ R E L OV I N G

Homewares

B U SI NESS & PL EASU R E BE AC H U MBR E LLA N AV Y ST R I P E ’ , latzio.com

D AYAWAY / Have you ever dreamed of spending the day at your favorite hotel...relaxing in the spa,

lounging by the pool or perhaps enjoying high tea in a private suite with friends...without having to book an overnight stay? Now you can! DayAway provides exclusive access to hotel experiences by the day without a room reservation. Whether you’re looking for luxurious daycation packages for yourself, or new ways to connect and celebrate with friends, DayAway has curated the perfect daytime escapes for you. Visit our website at www.DayAway.sg to book a DayAway today

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Ask a Doctor H E A LT H S C R E E N I N G S DR. NEIL FORREST

Do you really need all those tests in your Annual Health Screening? Annual health screenings are one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. Getting to spend more time with someone allows me to find out more about their life, work, family and hopes for the future. It helps me to get to know my patients better and in turn, makes me more effective as a doctor to them. But why do we do medical screening in the first place? When should you start? How frequently should you do it? What tests should you do? The answer is: there’s no simple screening that suits everyone at a given age. The screening tests I recommend for a patient do depend on their age but also their lifestyle, family genetics, gender, medical history and of course, budget. The truth is that on a population level, there are actually very few screening tests that are ‘worth’ doing for everyone as, thankfully, most tests results are normal for most people. However, people’s ideas around whether a test is worthwhile for them and their family may differ from that of a government health system, and I enjoy discussing the pros and cons of the various tests with my patients. What we end up with is a health check that is tailored to the individual rather than an off the shelf package. Below is an overview of the kinds of tests we should be thinking about in each decade of life.

20 - 30 yrs Most people in this age group need relatively little in the way of formal medical screening. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are rare in this group but I check blood pressure and blood sugar as these are easy to do and it is best to pick up early warning signs. Women should start cervical screening (PAP) smear in their 20’s (I recommend from age 25) and physical checks for skin cancer and for men, testicular cancer are also relevant. Sexual health screening is often required in this age group. 30 - 40 yrs In addition to the checks noted above, I would consider checking cholesterol levels and thyroid function in this age group, depending on family history and other factors. Breast examination in women is important as well as the skin and testicular checks noted previously. 40 - 50 yrs This is when your medical screenings really should be done on a regular basis. In addition to the blood glucose and cholesterol levels, a more complete blood panel screening liver and kidney function is often performed. In most women some form of breast imaging, in addition to physical examination would be relevant. Although colorectal cancer and heart disease are rare in this age group, we may be able to detect early warning signs, so I usually undertake some additional cardiovascular screening (scans, treadmill tests) and recommend a first colonoscopy around age 45. In certain men I may also start screening for prostate cancer

ASK A DOCTOR

Insight from Dr. Neil Forrest

from the late 40s. Many people in this age group ask about running hormone tests – generally I do these to investigate someone’s symptoms rather than as a general screening test. 50 years onwards Beyond 50 years old, I run regular blood tests with a complete screening panel. Colonoscopy and scans to assess risk for heart attack and stroke are done at least every five years. A bone scan to screen for osteoporosis is often recommended. Regular mammogram screening for women and prostate tests for men are also undertaken. Also to note… Cervical cancer - PAP smear tests should now include testing for HPV, the virus responsible for causing cervical cancer (for which there is also a vaccine!) If HPV testing is done then the PAP test only needs to be taken every 5 years, and this is normally done up to age 70.

Finally... In some cases, patients don’t have the time, budget or inclination do all the recommended tests on a given visit, so I help them prioritise what is most important and plan for the future. There are some tests like colonoscopy that are more readily available or cost effective in Singapore than in Europe or the USA, so many patients with future plans to relocate will take advantage of this opportunity. At Osler, the process will always involve a discussion with a doctor first. This way we can ensure a personalised approach, giving you the tests you need, when you need them. Then you can relax knowing that you are doing all you can to maintain your health and wellbeing, and forget about all this until next year!

Skin cancer - skin cancer is an ongoing risk at all ages, especially in countries with high levels of UV like Singapore. As well as an annual check with the doctor, it’s important to check your own skin for any changes on a regular basis. Mental health - whilst this guide focuses on physical health screening, it’s important to discuss mental health and mood during your annual check-up, and I find that these consultations offer a good opportunity for people who may be hesitant to come to the doctor for mental health reasons. I often see people who have been booked for an annual physical by their partner, who is actually worried about their mental, rather than physical wellbeing.

Dr Neil Forrest is a UK trained GP based at Osler Health International. Dr Neil has been caring for families in Singapore for over 5 years, and is known for his down-toearth and measured approach. He practises from Osler’s Star Vista clinic (very close to Holland Village). www.osler-health.com

O S L E R H E A LT H I N T E R N AT I O N A L A GP medical clinic offering personalised healthcare for

the whole family. Osler Health delivers on medical integrity, where you and your family can always trust the advice given. Established by doctors who wanted to inject humanity into medical services in Singapore. Trained and experienced from across the world, they believe in a service that has kindness as opposed to profit at its heart. This means providing personalised Health Screenings where patients get the tests and investigations they need. No more. No less.

w w w. o s l e r - h e a l t h . c o m | I G : @ o s l e r h e a l t h s g

A Moving Tale S T O R Y B Y : E M I LY A R M S T R O N G

London, July 2020. Here we are, again. This time, arriving in England from two and a half years spent living in Singapore. This time, as a family of six, with our ‘Singapore special’ rescue dog arriving shortly after us. Our fifth international move, smack bang in the middle of a heatwave we can’t enjoy as we’re quarantined during a global pandemic. My friends often say I don’t do things by halves but I think we all realise that my abundant life has big moments that aren’t all of my creation. Change seems to happen with frequency and there are many surprises too (like baby number four). I’m a firm believer in ‘go big or go home’, it’s usually a yes from me and looking back, I think I’ve been somewhat addicted to change and the fresh starts, new horizons and perceived romance of it all. My English husband and I have boomeranged back and forth between my homeland, Australia and the

UK a handful of times, which has been so wonderful for us both, but it’s now becoming quite the handful. It feels brave and thrilling to embrace change but now I’m firmly on the other side of 40, with four children ranging from pre-teen to toddler, I think it’s probably high time to settle down. But ‘settling down’ doesn’t have quite the same exciting ring to it as ‘moving abroad’, and definitely not the ring a ding ding of ‘moving home’. Home is where the heart is, they say. I couldn’t agree more, however what happens when our notion of home is well, complicated? It’s one thing for a couple from the same country to embark on an expat adventure. The final destination is always a collective, comforting home. When your partner is from another part of the world, it’s always about compromise. At some point, you make a mutual decision about where you’ll settle, and this affects not only you and the family you’ve created, but your original loved ones too.

A M O V I N G TA L E

Story by Emily Armstrong

Singapore was our first true expat destination. It was so exciting. I had longed to experience somewhere other than our home countries, to have an authentic cultural experience and while I’m the first to admit Singapore is not quite the non-English speaking adventure I had naively hoped for, it was new and neutral territory. My father was a diplomat for many years and I grew up hearing of my parents and sisters adventures all over the world - from Cairo, Beirut to Malta, Rome and Kuala Lumpur. When my mother found out she was pregnant with me, while living in Rome with my father and two older sisters, they decided not to take the next posting in India, and to move home to Australia. Ironically, I lived in a total of two houses in the same city until I left home, and so although the least travelled of my family, I’ve certainly made up for it now. Due to my parents tall tales of travel, I had always held a romantic view of expat life and imagined a lot of Club Tropicana fun in the tropics. And it certainly delivered. We had a fantastic experience, met lifelong friends, connected deeply with old friends and it proved to be a pleasing half way home between our own families. One day my husband called me while on business abroad to say he was being offered a global role with the company, a promotion, a move. I remember exactly where I was when I took the call. I was in bed, recovering from dengue fever, five months pregnant with our surprise fourth child. At first I thought he meant New York, which was a once hotly held dream. Then my mind raced to Paris where I knew the previous global head was based and this made my heart surge. When I realised it would be London I was both relieved and disappointed, but mostly in shock and so very conflicted. We knew Singapore wasn’t going to be forever and we hoped to raise our children in Australia or England long term but hadn’t decided which and just not yet! I knew once we made the next move, it may be our final move. Yes, it was a brilliant opportunity. Yes, we always went where the work was. Yes, it would be wonderful for us all to be back in England. And especially for our children to be nearer their other grandparents. But I was so devastated in that moment. It was going home for Tom. It was like going home for me too, as I’d

lived in and loved the UK for most of my 20s and a lot of my 30s. But I felt (and still feel) guilty, and unpatriotic about the feelings of home that England conjures, almost as much as Australia does. And the timing was terrible. I had had enough surprises. I burst into tears. My mother was staying at the time and so I had to tell my beautiful, supportive, ageing mother what the call was about. She had lost my father earlier in the year, on top of other heartbreaking family illness, and the guilt I felt for even considering the move that would make us so much further apart, was paralysing. Of course, Tom reassured me we didn’t need to take the offer and he could look for other jobs in Singapore and Australia. Little did we know our next move would be during a global pandemic and that the choice of destination would become less and less relevant and holding on to a job and ensuring our immediate family remained together were the things that really mattered. We went ahead a couple of days later with a planned house move within Singapore to a lovely colonial Black & White (the condo life never felt like me) and kept our leaving Singapore plans mostly secret as the job wasn’t finalised. The actual move didn’t happen for another nine months, and we had the most wonderful expat experience surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle, in a home that really felt like home, and welcomed our baby girl about a month before the first Covid lockdown. I loved our Singapore life and I didn’t want to leave. There was still so much to explore, so many places in Asia to visit. It felt our time had been cut short. And the guilt about our impending move, further away from my home family, lingered. There is often an uneasy guilt associated with expat life, an unspoken burden, a heaviness we hide and almost forget until the time we are really needed. The pandemic has brought it front and centre. I used to boast I had my passport in my back pocket and so whatever happened, I could be home in 24 hours or less. Thankfully that was proven, when I needed to get home, fast, for family from Singapore. But now, moving further away and leaving family responsibility and missing out on family time, not knowing when I’d return, especially given the current travel restrictions, was really tough.

“

Hi, yes we are new, yes new to England, I’m Australian though my husband is English and I have lived here before, for many years, but in London. We arrived this time from Singapore...” Deep breaths, big smiles.

Our first six months back in England were a blur of somewhat ridiculous challenges and endless admin. There were 10 Airbnb moves while we competed with the hordes of Londoners also wishing to relocate to Oxfordshire post lockdown, while trying to keep upbeat for the children starting at a new school. Enduring so much change against the backdrop of everyday setbacks that the pandemic presented with a baby along for the ride proved one of the hardest periods of my life. Moving between these temporary homes, though humorous at times, was honestly a nightmare. Especially with our very anxious Singapore rescue dog, who vomited amongst the many suitcases on every car trip beyond two miles. We were the travelling hobos. We can only now talk about the ‘tale of two chickens’ and laugh. The first Airbnb stay had free range chickens, how lovely. We were so careful for a week to keep our dog away from them, then someone left the door open and the temptation was too much for our hungry street dog. The next Airbnb was crammed full of antiques. Our heady hound ran to greet the children and broke a Scottish cockerel ornament the owner proved was worth almost £1,000. This was almost too much for poor Tom, deeply frustrated he couldn’t secure a home for his brood, and then served this bill via a porcelain chicken! We are not rushing into having hens at home. 33

I marvelled at the resilience of our children and drew energy from them. I would collect them from school and explain we were moving again as the house/s hadn’t settled yet, and they would squeal with delight at the idea of a new house, garden, village to explore. We certainly got to know the countryside! Luckily I had a couple of old friends at the school our three older children were going to. Seeing a friendly, familiar face above the sea of masks at drop off was life affirming. I so wanted to make the effort to meet other parents too, but it’s exhausting doing it yet again, this time in socially distanced, maskwearing mode. Meeting new people was all about the school community and was rather like speed dating. There were too few coffee mornings between the lockdowns. I began to realise how weary I was from always being the new person. ‘Hi, yes we are new, yes new to England, I’m Australian though my husband is English and I have lived here before, for many years, but in London. We arrived this time from Singapore...’ Deep breaths, big smiles. So big the wrinkles are deeper above the mask, all with a baby permanently attached to my hip. We finally settled on a house and moved in just before Christmas, unpacking our boxes that had been in storage for five months and unpacking our children’s special belongings felt like the best

A M O V I N G TA L E

Story by Emily Armstrong

Christmas. Which was wonderful given we couldn’t be with Toms parents, so cruelly bizarre. Then it was back to stricter lockdown and home schooling for the remainder of the winter months. A very trying time, but at least we were in our own home at last. Now it’s finally spring, things are opening up, the children are back in school and are genuinely feeling settled which means everything. It’s going to take me a little longer but that’s okay.

I had, that black comedy is real, that teamwork really does make the dream work, and that life goes on - the seasons change, the children grow, and to quote their current favourite song ‘the world’s been spinning since the beginning and everything will be alright’. And the very best bit? As a family, we are all closer than ever before and in the end, that’s all I ever wanted.

The energy for this last international move hasn’t had quite the same bounce as it once had, and I can’t put all the blame on my baby’s lack of sleep. I’m older but I’m also wiser. The humour I hold dear and the kindness of strangers who are becoming friends is so beautiful and so appreciated. As is the support of family and friends near and far. I must be patient. I have lots of wonderful friends - here, there and everywhere but I do long for a gang, the kind of community my friends and family that have never left their base since having children, have. Will we move again internationally? I doubt it now (but don’t tell my mum in Australia). I think I’m done with big moves. It feels good to stop, renew and build friendships for the whole family while planning for the future with a little more certainty. I love it here and it’s a great base from which to travel (when we can easily again) and ensure our children feel connected to our families in Australia and Norway. And I keep my Aussie dream alive by searching for beach houses we can’t afford every other night. I also wonder, if we were offered the chance to be based out of New York, for example, would the temptation be there? Would those ‘sliding doors’ & ‘what if ’ feelings lure me to take a chance on it? The idea of a house in Brooklyn and summers in the Hamptons? I think if we had the chance again, I wouldn’t dream with quite the same rose tinted glasses. And as our family grows, it’s less about us and our wanderlust and more about our children. This dreamer may actually, finally be morphing into a realist. So what has this last big move taught me? Tons of perspective, a feeling of inner strength I didn’t know

Emily Armstrong is an Australian born, England based brand, content strategist & lifestyle contributor. Instagram @emilyflorence_ 34

U L O / Ulo was created to bring you a feeling of ‘home’ wherever you are. Introducing artwork by

Ulo, a curated collection of hand-drawn pen and ink ‘doodles’ by UK fine artist, Mavis Nwokobia, of places that we have loved, lived and travelled to. A perfect gift and joyful addition to any home. Bespoke and personalised commisions available upon request.

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F E AT U R E

Pracitcal Decision Making Guide

A Practical Guide for Making Big Decisions W R I T T E N B Y : H E L E N B A R K E R , M A , M S c , C . P S YC H O L

We’ve all been there – going round in circles, trying to decide what we should do. We leave it, we come back to it, we talk to friends, we talk to strangers, we argue with our partners and we write lists of pros and cons. Making big decisions can be anxiety provoking, tiring and generally just a bit hard!

process but given not everyone has a professional on hand to help them through big decisions, I have created for you some simplified practical exercises (see link at end of article) that you can try on your own, in the hope that this might help you to illuminate the issue and decide what to do.

Interestingly, we are literally built to make decisions and we make them all day everyday in all kinds of ways - which task should I tackle next? should I send that email? is it time for coffee yet? Decision making is part of almost everything that we do. So why then, given we are these awesome decisionmaking powerhouses, do some decisions stop us in our tracks?

These exercises are a good start for unravelling the knotty, big problems of life – relationships, children, moving countries or changing jobs.

In my work I am often approached by people who are caught in indecision and feeling stuck. I have been there too - and it doesn’t feel good. There are many individual reasons why this can happen, but over the years I’ve learnt that there are two things that most of us have in common when we feel ‘stuck’ - we haven’t precisely worked out what is important, and we are unaware of something that holds us back. It’s not that we lack the skill to make decisions, it’s that there are bits of ‘us’ of our values and our programming that have been triggered in these decisions that we haven’t fully understood. My job is to help illuminate these – get them out into the light where they can be seen, considered and factored in or factored out. There is both art and science to this 37

The link at the end of the article contains three worksheets with the exercises that you can print out and complete. Big decisions rarely impact just yourself, so if the decision you are trying to make involves more than one person, it is a great idea for them to complete the exercises as well so that you can take into account where everyone is at. So what can you expect from the exercises? WORKSHEET 1. DEFINING WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY

Often when we are stuck in decisions, it’s because we haven’t fully clarified what really brings us fulfillment, sparks joy, meets our individual needs and generally makes us feel good about life. In my experience we are woefully imprecise in our individualized understanding of this. So the first step is to really focus in on this aspect. This exercise is great to help get clearer on what the ingredients to joy and fulfillment are for you.

F E AT U R E

Practical Decision Making Guide

When you’ve completed it, consider the following question: If I decide to do x, does this take me towards or away from the things that spark joy and bring fulfillment to me? Notice what comes up. WORKSHEET 2. DEFINING WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

Now you have a sense of some of the things that bring you fulfillment and joy, the next step is to consider what you believe in - what’s important to you. When making big decisions we may be dimly aware that there are some ‘values’ in play, but the problem can be that they are pulling us in different directions. For example, if you are deciding to move country is it to be close to family? Or perhaps wealth creation and financial security is important? Being somewhere that feels safe? Which of these values is more important? They all are! Hmmm – really? This exercise helps to provide clarity on what’s really important to you in different areas of your life. When you’ve completed it, consider the following questions: Which values does this decision relate most closely to? If I decide to do x, how does this nourish / grow / promote the expression of these values in my life? What are my ‘non-negotiables’ – are there values that I want to look back on my life and see that I always did my best to live these, no matter what? Is one of these at play here? What does this tell me? Notice what comes up. WORKSHEET 3. GETTING PRECISE

One of the big issues in complex decisions is we often go round them in our heads without much precision, hoping the answer will magically come. Sometimes it does, mostly it doesn’t. We’re strange, us humans. We put spectacular effort into solving issues of minute importance to our overall lives (getting the font right on a presentation to your boss, deciding what to post on social media…) and just magically hope that things like whether to change career, find a new partner or move to a new place will work themselves out. For those with a rational mindset who like to ensure they’ve got the detail covered, a Decision Matrix can help to clarify this. It’s an adaptable little tool that’s equally as useful for deciding which brand of coffee machine through to which country to move to and if you love a spreadsheet, its perfect!

LAST STEP. WORKING OUT WHETHER YOUR ‘STUFF’ IS GETTING IN THE WAY

We all have it – non-conscious programming – beliefs, fears, rules, narratives about life and ourselves that we have picked up along the way, often but not always, from our upbringing. Take a moment to reflect on this. What emotion is triggered in this decision for you? When we’re stuck we often come from a place of fear. Do we believe that we ‘must not make a mistake’, or maybe we are stymied by a feeling that ‘its indulgent to follow your dreams’. Are there narratives about money, or change, or love that are buried within us that are triggered here? There are all sorts of ways that our mind can get in the way of our decision making, but they all make sense when we take the time to understand. This is where talking to a professional can be helpful, as on our own, making sense of our minds can be a difficult thing to do. In my work the bit of programming I most see where people can’t move forward is a fear of making the wrong decision, a belief that there is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and ‘I should be sure I’m getting it right before I do it’. Well the news on that one is easy - there are no perfect people, no perfect decisions and no perfect outcomes. Very very rarely with life’s bigger problems is there a right and an wrong. Just different versions of reality. A new chapter of the story. Choose your own adventure – remember those? So what story do you want to create? And what is the best that could happen here? Dare to believe it will turn out well. There is always love and forgiveness and fun and joy in the small funnys of being alive. As long as your decision has room for these, then you’re probably on the right track. Download your Decision Making worksheets here

Helen is a Psychologist and Coach who works with clients to help them grow their self awareness, overcome challenges and create change. She provides Executive Coaching, Personal & Transition Coaching and Psychotherapy in person at Core Collective Singapore and online. For more information check out theilluminatedmind.com. 38

A NEW BEGINNING

WO R D S : C H A R L I E C A M E R O N P H O T O G R A P H Y : C L A R E B A R K E R W E L L S

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

As far as timing goes, buying your dream home in Sydney the month you discover you are moving to Singapore, is not ideal. After an initial few years as expats in Hong Kong and Singapore, this Australian family moved back to Sydney thinking their time as expats in Asia had come to an end. It was not to be. After a few happy years settling down to Australian life, they were called once more to return to Singapore - just as they had purchased a new family home (it has to be said, the expat life is rarely one of perfect timings!) Fast forward a few years, and with their latest Singapore stint coming to an end, a move back to Sydney and the home they had purchased those years before, was back on the cards. So without delay, and whilst still residing in Singapore, the owners started the process of transforming their Sydney home into a Mediterranean inspired water front abode that the family could call home. Structural changes were made to open up rooms and reconfigure the layout. Gone was the traditional interior details and in its place, a pared back fresh sensibility was applied. With a clear vision in mind, they sourced fabrics and finishes that would bring to life an interior style reminiscent of a contemporary Mediterranean home. Stone floors, billowy linen drapes, wall sconces and pops of gelato colours abound.

48 43

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

A POP OF SUNSHINE

The kitchen is a beautiful combination of practicality and whimsy. The built in sofa covered in yellow fabric finished with a navy and white trim provides a relaxed spot for family to hang out. The ruffled skirt of the seating marries beautifully with the wall sconce in adding a touch of tradition. Stone floors, curved rattan details on the cupboard doors and a beautiful tessellated Tunisian tiled splash back complete the look. 48

I T ’ S A L L I N T H E D E TA I L S

Beautiful details can be found in each room of this home - from the pom pom linen tea towel to a stack of straw hats ready for heading outside to the sunshine, it is a home that feels lived in and loved. A yellow striped deck chair just outside the kitchen door connects with the pop of yellow inside.

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

A C A L M I N G PA L E T T E

The master bedroom, ensuite and dressing room ooze laid back vibes with a calming neutral palette and materiality taking centre stage in the form of Moroccan clay tiles, rattan and soft crumpled linen.

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

Shop the Look STYLE IDEAS

6. 4. 5.

1. Jute ‘river’ rug, Armadillo & Co / 2. Lemon vase, The Golden Web Shop / 3. Dining chair in rattan, Tine K / 4. Rimini blue jug vase Far Fetch / 5. Dili cotton voile curtains, Smallable / 6. Small coral candelabra, Jungle Emporium / 7. Yellow stripe cushion, Lucy Montgomery/ 8. Royere III wall sconce, Eporta 58

T H E J U N G L E E M P O R I U M / The Jungle Emporium is a tropical inspired lifestyle boutique offering

a colourful selection of furniture and homewares, jewellery and resort wear as well as rare vintage pieces, that have been collected through many years of travelling around the globe. The collection is carefully curated by Juliane Bailey, who is constantly searching for beautiful objects, handmade by artisans and small family-owned manufacturers in South East Asia and beyond. Each piece has its own story to tell.

w w w. j u n g l e - e m p o r i u m . c o m | I G : @ t h e j u n g l e e m p o r i u m

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

Summer Days

dappled light, the smell of fresh potted herbs, the soft texture of a linen napkin, a touch of vintage. Close your eyes and transport yourself to Europe this summer with a beautiful lunch with friends.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHARLIE CAMERON STYLING: CHARLIE CAMERON & JOSEPHINE BYRNES 62

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

Summer Days

POTTED HERBS

Use potted herbs in terracotta pots to add a fragrant and atmospheric greenery element to your table. Potted herbs are cheap to buy, will last well beyond your lunch and they make a great statement. You can find a great selection at Far East on Thomson Road. Most nurseries also sell terracotta pots. Sometimes you need to do some digging to find the size you want.

TA B L E S E T T I N G

Layer vintage linens for a touch of European nostalgia. These linens were sourced on trips abroad but you can find great vintage table linens on Etsy. Add a rattan charger plate, handmade ceramic dinner plate and handpainted side plate. Vintage stonewashed Italian cutlery and French linen napkins complete the look.

M I X A N D M AT C H

Vintage inspired glassware add to the mix and match look. These glass tumblers come in a set of 6 in 3 different vintage inspired designs. The grid pattern of the napkins provide a nice contrast to the feminity of the tablecloths.

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

Set the Table

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

Summer Days

Shop the Look STYLE IDEAS FOR SUMMER DINING

4. 3. 2.

6. 7.

1. Little Bird Blue Starter Plate Hankie Pankie / 2. Vintage wine glass, Lottie Lifestyle / 3. Linen napkins in navy grid Lottie Lifestyle / 4. Set of 6 vintage glasses Lottie Lifestyle / 5. Rattan charger plate Lottie Lifestyle / 6. Stonewashed vintage cutlery set, Lottie Lifestyle 7. Handmade ceramic dinner plates set of 4, Lottie Lifestyle

Where to Find S H O P P I N G F O R V I N TA G E I T E M S

One of my favourite past times when we visit France is to head out to the various brocantes - either the permanent ones, or my favourite, the ones that pop up in each of the towns dotted around the countryside. In Australia or UK we call them car-boot sales, the difference here being that the French version involves the chance of unearthing some real vintage gems, the sun is always shining and the smell of the local boulangerie wafts on the air while you browse. I don’t speak French so my brocante outings are always with husband on hand to do the obligatory negotiating which goes something like this - me: “can you ask how much for these dirty random brown bottles?” husband: “really?? these..?” (look of incredulity) me: “yes, they’re amazing!” husband: with much relunctance “combien pour les bouteilles?” stallholder: “bof...beaucoup des euros” me: “what did he say? Perfect!! We’ll take all of them!” It has to be said, bargaining is not my strong point. After a fair amount of scrabbling around and picking over random items, I always come away with some little

vintage finds that I adore. The vintage blue embroided fabric that I used in the tablescape shoot was one such find. It has been hand embroided and would have originally been made as a small curtain to be hung over a rod. For me it makes the perfect layer to the table. In lieu of mornings in France meandering through the brocante, you can find some great vintage items on Etsy. And if we are looking for upsides, at least there is no negotiating in French. Here are some Etsy shops to check out while you sip coffee and munch on a croissant: TresorsDuMidi BrocanteArt ManonandRose SimonesFrenchVintage LaBourgognedeNath AFrenchTable LaPellerineVintage

Mediterranean menu full of fresh flavours from our favourite holiday destinations

MENU: ANGIE MA PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING: CHARLIE CAMERON

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu

Ahhh the Mediterranean….lazy days spent dipping into the emerald, salty sea waters, feasting on freshly caught seafood (appropriately called ‘fruits de mer’ by the French or ‘fruitti di mare’ by the Italians aka fruits of the sea) and washing it all down with cold, crisp wine. Sadly a summer holiday in the Mediterranean is an impossible reality for the majority of us due to travel bans, 21 day mandatory hotel quarantine and the uncertainty of knowing if we can get back home... so I’ve created a simple and delicious Mediterranean menu inspired of my some of my favourite places to eat and holiday including Crete, Mallorca, Sicily, Lisbon and Ischia.

The beauty of Mediterranean food is that it is super fresh, full of flavour, delicious and easy to prepare for a mini dinner party at home. I recommend starting the meal with a few glasses of Rosé Aperol spritz, pan con tomate and sesame baked fetta. Then move on to the tangy, refreshing Sicilian orange salad, homemade smokey Peri Peri sauce with grilled Prawns and chorizo and patatas bravas. For the sweet finish, the oh so easy it feels naughty, no churn espresso gelato can be made the day ahead or even a few days earlier - no icecream machine required. If you close your eyes and drink a few more glasses of Rose Aperol Spritz you could almost imagine you are in a little seaside village in Greece, Spain, France or Italy with friends...almost but not quite. One can only dream…

Enjoy and bon appétit!

Angie Ma x

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu

ROSÉ APEROL SPRITZ

A crisp, citrusy, refreshing Aperol spritz is my favourite summer drink when in Italy whilst practicing the art of idling the hours away. Rosé is my other favourite quintessential summer drink. There’s something about a beautiful summer’s day that just makes me crave for the sound of a cork popping from a chilled bottle of rosé wine. The classic Aperol spritz is an easy yet delicious ratio of 3:2:1 sparkling wine, Aperol and soda water. For something a bit more special, try using sparkling rosé instead which gives the drink a lovely rosy, summery glow. If you don’t have sparkling Rose, you could just use rose wine and add an extra splash of soda water.

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 1 very large goblet sized drink) 3oz or 180ml Very cold sparkling Rosé wine 2oz or 120ml Aperol A few splashes of soda water to top off Thinly sliced orange and lemon for garnish Squeeze of orange juice A few rosemary sprigs

METHOD

Fill half a large glass with ice, sprig of rosemary, one slice of lemon and one slice of orange. Allow the ice to chill the glass. Pour in the Aperol. Carefully pour in the very cold sparkling rosé wine. Top up with a splash of soda water and stir carefully. Add in more if you like it less strong. Add a squeeze of orange juice and top with more ice so it is super chilled.

For a large pitcher to share, fill half with ice and a few slices of lemon and orange. Pure in 500ml of Aperol, 750ml Sparkling Rosé and 250m Soda water and stir to mix. Add juice of half an orange. Serve in glasses filled with extra ice, orange/lemon and rosemary garnish.

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu S E S A M E C R U S T E D B A K E D F E TA W I T H H O N E Y A N D F I G S

I’ve been lucky to have visited a few of the Greek Islands, but my favourite is probably Crete for the beautiful mountains, beaches, hilltop villages and of course the food. Crete is known to be the island for foodies. In a small taverna, I found heaven when I bit into the sensational fried sesame encrusted saganaki cheese with local honey. The combination of the nutty, crunchy sesame seeds with saltiness of cheese and sweetness of the honey is just sensational. This version is slightly healthier as it is oven baked and using feta which is easier to come by in Singapore. Serves 4-6 people INGREDIENTS

1 block of quality feta cheese 200g 1 egg beaten 1 tbsp flour 1 tbsp of sesame seeds Drizzle of olive oil Zest of half a lemon and a squeeze of lemon juice 2 tbsp honey to drizzle A few sprigs thyme Figs to serve

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220C. Put the flour, egg and sesame seeds in three separate shallow bowls. Coat the fetta cheese in flour all over, dredge in egg and lastly sesame seeds ensuring all sides are covered. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on a piece of baking paper and sprinkle on some thyme and more olive oil. Bake on high for about 15-20 mins until sesame seeds look golden brown and crunchy and the cheese is oozing out a bit. Drizzle with honey, lemon zest, squeeze of lemon juice and serve immediately with fresh figs and crusty slices of bread.

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu PA N C O N T O M AT

This is my all time favourite rustic small bite to start a meal which originates from the Catalan region of Spain. In Spain you eat pan con tomate for breakfast, as a snack or tapas...so basically anytime. You just can’t beat the simplicity and taste of the sweet ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fruity extra virgin olive oil on crusty bread. The more rustic way to prepare the tomatoes is to just rub the tomato directly on the bread but I like to grate it to ensure an even texture and to remove some of the watery tomato juice so the bread stays crusty. Serves 4-6 people INGREDIENTS

4 large ripe and super sweet plum tomatoes or the best quality ripe vine tomatoes depending on the size approx 12-16 Half a loaf of sourdough bread 1 garlic clove with skin removed and cut on thick side so flat on one side Chives chopped finely for garnish A few pinches of salt Extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180C. Cut tomatoes in half and use the large holes of the grater to grate the tomato into a bowl. With the leftover bits and skin, chop very finely like purée and add to the rest of the grated tomato. Use a sieve over a bowl and pour in the grated/purrée tomatoes so that the tomato water seeps through. Leave for 10-20 mins and set aside. You can prepare this earlier in the day and just keep it in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving. Slice bread ½ inch thick and toast on the oven wire rack until golden brown. Or use a toaster. Remove and rub garlic clove over the bread, then drizzle with olive oil. Spread on the drained tomato pureé and an extra drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of chives and a pinch of salt and eat immediately with a cold glass of spritz or wine.

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu G R I L L E D P R AW N S W I T H H O M E M A D E S M O K E Y P E R I P E R I S A U C E

Fresh grilled prawns are the ultimate Mediterranean seaside dish. But when you combine fresh prawns with a homemade smoky, spicy Peri Peri Sauce, it’s a tingling lip smacking sensation. Peri Peri is a spicy, full of flavour, chill sauce from Portugal with African roots that you can slather on anything. Charring the red pepper, garlic and onion gives the sauce it’s smoky aroma. I make the Peri Peri sauce the day before so there’s less prep on the day and it can keep in the fridge for 2 weeks. The recipe makes about a large mason jar which you can use as a marinate or serve with chicken, steak etc. I usually double the recipe for other meals, freeze half or gift a jar to a friend. Serves 4-6 people

INGREDIENTS

Half kilo of large quality tiger prawns Olive oil Homemade Peri-Peri Sauce ¼ cup of birds eye chillies , cut the green tops off but keep the seeds in 2 bay leaves 6-8 garlic cloves with skin on Juice and zest of 1 lemon ½ tbsp oregano 1 red bell pepper 1 red onion quartered

In a pan put the garlic cloves with skin on and onion over medium-high heat until charred and black and then turn until all sides charred. Cool and remove the skin off the garlic. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and like a paste. Cook the sauce in a saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling and then lower heat and simmer for 20 mins. When cool, put the sauce in an airtight jar. Wash the prawns in cold salted water. To clean and devein them, use kitchen scissors to snip off the legs and antennae. Then using the scissors, find the gap between the shell of the head and body and snip down the middle of the back following the line to the tail. Get a toothpick and carefully lift up the gunk ensuring all is removed. Wash again and pat dry with a paper towel.

1-2 ripe plum tomatoes ½ tsp ground black pepper ½ tsp of smoked paprika ½ tsp salt ½ tsp sugar 2 tbsp olive oil 3-4 tbsp of red wine vinegar

Marinate the prawns with half a cup of the Peri Peri sauce for at least an hour or overnight for a deeper flavour. Before cooking, bring to room temperature, brush with cooking oil and either BBQ on high or on a cast iron griddle pan which gets super hot compared to a normal frying pan. Resist the urge to move the prawns to ensure a good sear on one side for 3-4 mins depending how big your prawns are. You know it is ready to flip when the tail starts to turn orange and flesh on the sides are starting to look opaque. Flip and cook for another 3-4 mins.

METHOD

For Peri Peri sauce, lightly char the whole red pepper over an open flame for 8-10 mins or grill on highest temperature. Turn it around ensuring the skin becomes charred and black all over. Remove and immediately put in a bowl and cover with a plate for 10 minutes so that the steam loosens the skin. Cool and rub and rinse off the skin under water.

Cut one prawn the whole way through to check flesh has turned opaque white so you know it is cooked. Serve immediately with wedges of lemon and a small bowl of extra Peri Peri sauce. Eat with fingers, sucking the juices of the Peri Peri sauce from the shell and give your guests plenty of paper napkins.

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

Spring Onion Pancakes

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu PATATA S B R AVA S W I T H C H O R I Z O

This is the simplest and most classic Spanish tapas dish. The crispy fried potatoes with the spicy tomato sauce is a winning combination. Bravas actually means fierce or fiery as the tomato sauce should have a spicy, chilli kick to it. My version is slightly healthier as it is oven baked whilst still making the potatoes crisp and crunchy. This version also has some roasted richly spiced chorizo for extra intensity. Oops, I guess the chorizo sausage is not so healthy. Serves 4-6 people

INGREDIENTS

500g of potatoes washed, skin left on and cut into small thumb size chunks. 150g of chorizo slices into chunks 2-3 tbsp of olive oil for roasting Small handful of parsley chopped A few tbsps of store bought aioli or quality mayonnaise For the bravas spicy sauce 2 tbsp olive oil

Boil water in a large pot and parboil the potato chunks which will take about 5-10 mins depending how big your chunks are until the fork just pokes through and still a little tough. Do NOT overcook. Drain immediately in a metal colander and shake the chunks a bit so that edges become a bit soft and roughed up. These bits will absorb the olive oil and crisp up. Cool completely. You could prepare this earlier in the day and set aside. Put the potatoes in a well oiled oven tray and mix up the potatoes ensuring all sides of the potatoes have been oiled up. Roast on high for 10 mins and then add in sliced chorizo and mix well.

1 small red onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 400g tin of chopped plum tomatoes 1 birds eye chilli , chopped finely with seeds 4 tbsp tomato paste 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Roast on high for another 10-20 mins depending how big your chunks are. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy. To serve, dish out the crispy potatoes and chorizo and pour over a generous amount of bravas sauce, a dollop of aioli or quality mayonnaise and scattering of chopped parsley.

2 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp of caster sugar Salt and pepper

METHOD

For the bravas sauce add 2 tbsp of olive oil and sauteé chopped onion for about 5-7 mins until soft and then add garlic and sauteé until soft. Add in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, vinegar, paprika, chilli, sugar and salt and pepper to taste and cook on medium heat until bubbling. Then reduce to a simmer and cook on low for 15 mins until there is no more tomato water and thicker. You can prepare this earlier or the day before and just heat up before serving. For the potatoes, preheat the oven to hot 220C.

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu

S I C I L I A N O R A N G E S A L A D W I T H P I S TA C H I O S A N D O L I V E S

I studied and lived in Florence in my younger days and am somewhat obsessed with Italian regional food. Sicily has perhaps the most interesting regional food culture and mix of flavours as it has been influenced by Greeks, Arabs, Normans, North Africa and Jews. The island’s favourite dishes take full advantage of the wonderful seafood and vegetables and fruits that tend to grow with a Jack and the Beanstalk magic quality with the most intense colours and flavours due to the rich volcanic soil and intense sunny days. This refreshing, sweet, citrusy orange salad with salty olives is thought to have originated in Sicily after the Arab invasions and is served as an appetizer before the meal starts to help cool you down after a hot summer’s day. It’s the perfect summer salad to cope with the neverending hot sweaty days in Singapore. Serves 4-6 people You could prepare all the elements and keep in the fridge until ready to assemble. INGREDIENTS

2-3 ripe sweet oranges (you would usually use Sicialian blood oranges which is a hybrid of pomelo and tangerine but they are impossible to find in Singapore) 1 grapefruit ½ small red onion sliced finely Small handful of parsley chopped A few shavings of fennel using the mandolin (optional) 8 pitted olives chopped ¼ cup of pistachios chopped Dressing Juice of half a lemon 2 tbsp of honey 1 tbsp of olive oil Pinch salt

METHOD

Using a small jar, combine the dressing ingredients and shake vigorously. Taste and add more honey, salt or lemon juice if needed. Set aside. Using a serrated bread knife cut the top and bottom of the orange and grapefruit so it can sit flat on the chopping board. Carefully cut off the peel , trying not to cut off the fruity flesh. Now carefully cut off any remaining white pith which is bitter. Slice into thin 1/3 inch thick slices. Set aside. Shave the fennel and red onion thinly with a mandolin and set aside. Chop the olives finely and chop the pistachios finely and set aside. Layer the orange and grapefruit slices on a salad bowl or large plate and intersperse with red onion, fennel. Scatter the chopped olives, pistachios, and parsley on top. Finish with a drizzle of lemon, honey dressing. 84

F O O D A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Mediterranean Menu

NO-CHURN ESPRESSO ICE-CREAM

No summer night in the Mediterranean is complete without a scoop of luscious, creamy gelato and a stroll along the water. My husband and kids have a rule which is that they must eat gelato every day whilst we are on holiday in the Mediterranean, so we are always on a mission to find and compare which gelateria is the best in town. This cheat’s no-churn ice cream is super creamy and so ridiculously simple. It takes less than 10 mins to make and only uses 4 ingredients and an electric mixer rather than an expensive, bulky ice cream machine . All that is required is to whip up the heavy cream until soft peaks, fold in the condensed milk and then add your flavour. The espresso and coffee liqueur makes it unashamedly for adults. The coffee liqueur adds to the intense coffee flavour and as alcohol freezes at a low temperature, it keeps the ice cream from becoming icy. Makes about 5-6 cups or 10-12 scoop servings

INGREDIENTS

1 standard can of 14oz (approx 390g) condensed milk 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream 4 tbsp of strong instant espresso powder dissolved in 4 tbsp of boiling water. Cooled (if you can’t find this, boil down 1 cup of strong freshly brewed espresso until at least ⅓ of liquid) ⅓ cup of coffee liqueur (ie. Kahlua)

METHOD

Whip cream until soft peaks. Fold in condensed milk carefully until combined. Fold in half the espresso liquid and all the coffee liqueur. If you like a stronger coffee flavour add the remaining espresso liquid. Put in a container with a lid and freeze for at least 6 hours. It keeps for one month! Ridiculously easy right?

Making A Move : Singapore to Bali O N E FA M I LY ’ S S T O R Y O F A M O V E D U R I N G C O V I D

Whilst many families are moving away from Singapore this summer to return home, one family left Singapore earlier this year and took the chance to change their lives, not with a move back to a home country, but with a sense of adventure with a move to Bali. Here is their story.

What led you to make your recent move from Singapore? What was behind the decision?

We had been thinking about leaving Singapore for about 4 years so there was no spontaneity in our move. We nearly moved to Denmark, Switzerland and England. Up until January 2020, we were fixed and getting ready to move to Bristol, UK to be closer to our families in France and England and to make it “on time” for me to return to England before Brexit kicks in (I am French and my husband is British). Moving to Bali was plan B although the idea of sending the children to the Green School in Bali had been on our mind for some time. The pandemic happened, we couldn’t see ourselves staying any longer in Singapore and thought this was it, we needed to make it happen. The boys had a

space at the Green School, my husband could work from home and remotely (thanks Covid) and although closing my business in Singapore and starting all over again in Bali was rather scary, we went for it. So in December 2020, we hop on a plane to Indonesia. It was not a spontaneous move! Essentially, we grew tired of living in a busy city with little access to the countryside. We love the outdoors and craved a more sustainable lifestyle (and own a place where we would live). We felt that Singapore no longer provided what we were looking for. Was it an easy decision to make? It was a long process and I had been the one for quite some time to put a break on our intention to move. I had a job that

F E AT U R E A R T I C L E

Making A Move

totally fulfilled me and I was not ready to give it up yet (and I was -and still am- also very scared of what would come next professionally). Yes, there were so many discussions back and forth. A lot of lists of pros and cons scribbled on the whiteboard. I think our parents stopped believing us whenever we told them we were leaving Singapore. Somehow, moving to Bali and what it could provide us and especially our boys, given the strange times we live in, felt right and a lot less scary.

feelings. He is a boy who loves his routines. He questioned whether the teacher would be nice and if he would make friends there. So it took some convincing with him and a lot of reassurance. We explained everything, from what it meant to get on a plane (during Covid), how we would spend a “holiday” locked in a hotel room and what we could do in Bali.

How did your kids cope with the news of a move? Elliot, our oldest (aged 10 and a bit) seemed okay about it. We talked a lot about the move once we had more certainty about it. We always told him Singapore wasn’t going to be forever (although we ended up living there for more than 8 years). Of course, he was sad about leaving his friends but he makes friends easily. And more importantly, I think (hope) that since we felt good about sending him to the Green School, he may had felt reassured.

How has the move been? What has it been like to move during this time of lockdowns and Covid tests? How is Covid being approached by Indonesia? Ah, the move! We flew 2 days before the Indonesian border closed on 1st January and were greeted with a last minute 5 day quarantine in a hotel in Jakarta before our final 10 day quarantine in Bali (in a villa this time). Let’s say that there was far too much iPad time and wine o’clock came a little earlier than usual. The PCR was a disaster with Heath. He never cried and kicked us as hard as when they tested him before we left. All eyes were on us when we came out of the room at the clinic. We were also booked in for another PCR in Jakarta, this time in a large room where we were tested in front of everyone. As soon as he saw what was going to happen, it was clear that it wasn’t going to happen to him. So we ended up asking them to test him only in the mouth. I think that depending where you get tested, the nurse would accommodate if they see a rather distressed child.

As for Heath, our youngest (almost 5), He had mixed

The way people behaved in Bali was a shock to us when we arrived. It took some time to accommodate. We were used to the compliant way of handling the situation in

Singapore. Bali is a mixed bag of those wearing their mask and being cautious and those who are less or not at all. We definitely over sanitized our hands and didn’t mingle much at first. We still don’t attend large gatherings and are very much careful always wearing masks and social distancing. Pretty much everywhere we go is outdoors. But the difference with Singapore, is that there are no limit to the number of people attending a gathering and all the shops and restaurants who survived last year are all open. The situation isn’t too bad now and many people are vaccinated so it feels safer. But we are still careful. On the other hand, our children now freak out when we tell them that it is okay to walk in a forest in the middle of nowhere without their mask on. We have programmed our children to fear germs and contact and that in itself isn’t healthy I think. What have been your biggest challenges to overcome with the move? Moving is fun. Tiring and demanding but fun. We still have an anchor in Singapore and since Bali is so close, it doesn’t feel like we moved somewhere very different. One of the biggest challenges is I think to adapt to how things are done in Indonesia. It isn’t Singapore and not everything is so straight forward. I have just incorporated my business and that in itself was an “interesting” process. When most legal entities speak Bahasa Indonesian and you don’t, things get a little more complicated. But people are kind and generous and willing to help. Another challenge has been to make sure everyone is happy. We had some ups and downs once the honeymoon phase was over and we realised that it was it. What was the hardest I think was to move to Bali from Singapore and not get a break in Europe before to “reset”. I haven’t seen my family in France in two years which is a long time. In an ideal scenario, we would have gone to France and England, “reset” with our families and move to Bali and start afresh. There was none of that.

Now that the initial move is under your belt, how are you settling in? What do you miss the most about Singapore? We love it! We have been moving villa a couple of times in 5 months but are about to settle in August in our home. We’ve just bought an eco house made of cob, bamboo and alang alang in a community near the house. It is a big jump from what we were used to in Singapore but we thought, why not! The house is for us to finish and furnish so it is quite an interesting and challenging project to work on. And it is in the jungle so that will take some effort to get used to. We recently had a spitting cobra in our bathroom in Ubud which traumatised me! It was in Ubud

F E AT U R E A R T I C L E

Making A Move

so it shows that you don’t need to go to the jungle to see wildlife.There isn’t much we miss about Singapore to be honest other than our Sunday family long bicycle ride to breakfast and working with my favourite clients. I miss my friends of course but we always knew there would be a time to say goodbye. Perhaps the one big thing we miss is access to very good and straightforward healthcare.

the boys would have access to a lot of outdoors and greenery once in Bali made us stay somewhat sane during the pandemic. The quality of the food here is like nothing we had in Singapore. The ingredients are so fresh, mostly all grown on the island. We have access to wonderful and inventive vegan and vegetarian food without breaking the bank so I think we eat better here than we did in Singapore. We also love being in a new country, learning about the culture and customs. The Balinese culture is so interesting and complicated in its system, every day is an occasion to learn something new. We feel that the boys can only benefit from it. I am trying to learn bahasa Indonesian which is a nice little challenge as well as trying to expand what I do professionally to make the business more online focused.

What are you loving about the move? What have you gained by making this move? Our weekends are busy, we surf every week, go for walks, we even climbed a volcano. Everything is so green with so many trees. It is beautiful! The drive to school goes through rice fields and jungle and it is such a nice sight to start the day. We really suffered in 2020, like many other people, being stuck at home. I think to know that

Elodie Bellegarde is a food stylist, photographer and cookbook author. www.elodiebellegarde.com / IG @ elodbelle

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

Christian Barker

Photo credit: Yian Huang

There are some people that just somehow come your way, you are not entirely sure how you stumbled across them - did you seek them out? or was it a lucky coincidence that you discovered their existence? It’s not always clear and this is the case for me with Christian Barker - editor, journalist and general fashionable man about town. Sometimes I feel like I live in an entirely female world (husband and son aside). My work has me focused on the female perspective and my colleagues and friends are all women. So when I approached Christian to be part of this issue, I was delighted he said yes. Aside from being an experienced and talented writer with a wonderful turn of phrase (head to his IG account for a snapshot of his wit) he is a male of the species and I thought it might make for a lovely addition to this female focused mag to hear his thoughts on Singapore, work, living away and what joy looks like.

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

Christian Barker

My first job was unpacking inventory and putting

Living away from Australia has meant being distant

boards together at a skate shop. I was about 13 and

from family and many of my closest friends. That was

hung around there so often, the owner eventually said,

tolerable, when we could fly back two or three times a

“Hey, why don’t you make yourself useful — and earn

year and people could come visit us here, but it’s been

a few bucks.” It was a canny move. Every dollar I made

challenging since COVID travel restrictions came into

there, I spent there.

effect. It’s particularly tough that my children haven’t

When I left school I grew my hair long, did a year of university, followed my heart to London, spent an

been able to see their grandparents for more than a year. Nevertheless, we’re fortunate to live in a country that’s handled this crisis far better than most.

unhealthy amount of time in nightclubs, tended bar, waited tables, saw Paris for the first time, smoked copious cigarettes, ran up a ridiculous credit card debt, and then, when the good people at Visa would no longer tolerate my shenanigans, beat a path home to Sydney. The great thing about Singapore is it’s safe, clean and efficient. Sometimes a little too safe, clean and efficient, but I’d prefer that to the opposite. The occasional vacation somewhere dangerous, dirty and chaotic will do me just fine, thanks. We moved to Singapore because we’d had it with the cold and grey of Britain. Samuel Johnson famously said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Uh, beg to differ, sir. After nearly four years there, I was tired of nine-month winters, waking up in the dark, coming home in the dark, people being grumpy all the time. Myself included. The opportunity to move somewhere perpetually

warm, where a smart new apartment could

be had for the price of our Notting Hill attic garret and a serve of superb chicken rice purchased for less than a Tesco sandwich - yes, that rather appealed. So did being closer to Australia.

Photo credit: Scott A. Woodward

“

There is so much joy to be had in a good book, a strong drink, a comfortable chair, a dog sitting quietly at your side.”

When I first arrived in Singapore the country

As an editor… I’m conscious of ‘colourful’ but

was smaller, physically - all that land around Marina

highly successful publisher Felix Dennis’s words:

Bay didn’t exist. This place has grown and changed

“The reader is king. Never forget it. Worship no

a lot since the integrated resorts were built and the

other idol. If you look after the reader, the reader

Grand Prix arrived. Singapore is much more of a

will look after you. Do not be a smart aleck or treat

global city today than it was 15 years ago.

your readers as a commodity. Put yourself in your reader’s shoes. Give them what they want and what

Being a parent teaches you to be far less self-

they need.” I think it helps to be your target reader.

centred. The world no longer revolves around

I’m sure I could make a pretty decent go of editing

you. It never did, of course. But when parenthood

a publication about golf or motherhood, but I’m not

hits, we go from being the star of our little movie to

a golfer or a mum. Someone who authentically lives

a supporting actor.

the life would probably do a better job.

If I hadn’t become a journalist I would have

The thing about men’s fashion is… often, the

loved to be a barrister. That’s something I aspired

less fashionable you try to look, the more stylish

to when I was younger, however I didn’t quite get

you’ll be.

the marks to study law. Close, but no cigar - nor wig and robes. When it comes to travel money is like lubricant. It just makes the wheels turn more smoothly. The principle applies to life in general, really.

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

Christian Barker

Christian’s Singapore Favourites

S I P. . . MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental: outstanding cocktails and the warmest service in town SEE... The National Gallery for its wonderful collection of Asian contemporary art E AT. . . Culina at Dempsey for dine-in or as a source for great homecooking ingredients DO... Walk the Green Corridor, it’s lovely — literally, a breath of fresh air S TAY. . .

Photo credit: Munster

We recently did a staycay at Raffles and it was as excellent as its reputation suggests S H O P. . . Marina Bay Sands, there’s almost everything you could want in one spot

During his two-decade career as an editor and journalist, Christian has covered style, culture, business and luxury for publications including Robb Report, the FT’s How To Spend It, Forbes, Esquire, Tatler, CNBC, Travel + Leisure, SCMP and GQ , among others. He was also notably the founding editor-inchief of classic menswear bible, The Rake magazine, and cofounder of the digital publication, Billionaire (www.bllnr.com). An enthusiastic consumer of fine whiskies, sashimi and obscure disco music (ideally in unison), Christian was born and raised in Australia, but has lived in Singapore for over 15 years with his wife and two daughters. IG @christianbbarker / Twitter @cbbarker

Content Roundup W H AT W E A R E R E A D I N G , L I S T E N I N G T O A N D WAT C H I N G BY: LOUISE ROBINSON

BOOKS

L E AV E T H E WO R L D B E H I N D B Y R U M A A N A L A M / A middle-class family leaves their home in

New York for a get-away in the Hamptons. We are lulled into a sense of security as we observe this wonderfully familiar family (we are even party to the exact contents of their shopping trolley, which contains everything it should) enjoying the kind of holiday many of us will relate to. However, unusual things start to happen; at first aggravating, then more disconcerting, until a sense of deep unease starts to grow. Alam’s ability to subtly build tension in this competlling dystopian novel is masterful and makes it impossible to put down.

A C T S O F D E S P E R AT I O N B Y M E G A N N O L A N / Nolan’s debut novel is an exploration

of an obsessive, toxic relationship between our female narrator and her cold, often cruel, partner. With uncensored access to her internal monologue, we discover her motivations, desires and weaknesses. Although not always easy to read, this book is ultimately rather captivating.

PODCASTS

N I C E W H I T E PA R E N T S

/ From the makers of Serial and the New York Times comes this five-part series about the American public school system and the way it is shaped by groups of influential, wealthy white parents. Largely focusing on a school in Brooklyn, Chana Joffe-Walt identifies a pattern which has been playing out for decades: idealistic, pro-intergration parents with a dream of diverse schooling for their children falter at the point in which their principles butt up against their own self-interest. There is so much to unpick in the whole system and the society it serves, and Joffe does a really thorough job of getting to the heart of some of the seemingly unsolvable issues.

T V A N D M OV I E S

M A R E O F E A S T T OW N / I have almost finished

this much-lauded limited crime dramaseries staring Kate Winslet. Having received so much praise when it aired in the U.S. I was intrigued (and somewhat nervous) to see if the hype lived up to reality. For me, it did. Winslet is fantastic as the troubled and tough Mare, a detective invetigating a homicide in a small town near Philadelphia. The storyline has multiple layers and enough intrigue to keep you guessing.

RICH ROLL PODCAST: NEUROSCIENTIST M AT T H E W WA L K E R O N W H Y S L E E P I S YO U R S U P E R P OW E R / Whether you’re fast

asleep the moment your head hits the pillow, or suffer endless nights of tossing and turning, there is plenty of interest in this episode of the Rich Roll podcast. Matthew Walker has devoted his professional life to studying sleep, and offers fascinating insights into the key role it plays in our physical and mental health. Bad sleepers take heart: there are many tips to be gleaned from his knowledge of what factors impede truly restorative slumber and you will come away with a new resolve to prioritise this much misunderstood part of our lives. A must listen!

Louise is originally from the UK but has called Singapore home for the last nine years. When she’s not teaching she’s likely to be found with her head in a book or plugged into a podcast.

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