Home / Life Magazine Issue 8 by Lottie Lifestyle

HOME / LIFE LOTTIE LIFESTYLE / ISSUE 8

BE INSPIRED

C E L E B R AT E

G E T T O K N OW

Step inside the Black and White home of a Belgian expat with a passion for interiors

Make the most of the beautiful Deepavali festival at home

The Founder of The Reoutfitter, changing how we shop one wardrobe at a time

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 the 1990’s I worked in Investment Banking. I had a boss who liked to use every taxi ride to counsel me, offering pearls of wisdom as we snaked our way through London streets to and from client meetings. He would talk of Greek philosophy and try and impart to me his learnings in life. By and large I found it quite tiresome and dull (I was a twenty something not particularly interested in the Greeks, except if we were talking about a weekend in Mykonos) but one piece of advice has always stayed with me it was his key to happiness in life. As he saw it, you needed three things. 1. You needed to be healthy and the people you loved most in the world also needed to be healthy. 2. In the morning when you woke up you needed to really look forward to going to work and 3. At the end of your day at work, you needed to really look forward to going home. Simple. Nothing more, nothing less. Get these three things sorted and a happy life could be yours. I have often reflected on this advice and largely see that it is true. It is hard to feel happy if you are unwell or someone close to you is unwell. You need to have a happy purpose in your day but it’s important to love your home life too. Having endured these past two years I would like to add another crucial element to one’s happiness in life - the ability to see the people you love. I know I speak for many of us when I say it has been the most challenging aspect of living abroad during Covid. So it is with such immense relief that the borders between Singapore and the rest of the world are finally now opening. Yes, we still have to wear masks and the two person socialising rule is well past it’s use-by date, but with the opening of borders I barely care about the daily restrictions that still exist. As long as we can get on a plane and see the people we love, I’m OK. To celebrate the border openings, travel writer Dee Thompson has put together an inspiring list of far flung destinations for you to salivate over. And whilst initial travel will be firmly around seeing family and friends, it hopefully won’t be long before we are taking trips to simply enjoy the world again in all it’s diversity. On this theme, beauty contributor, Vicky Mansour, has created a jet set beauty edit that will have you arriving fresh faced and fabulous (let’s not scare our family after two years apart!) and our fashion edit makes the most of the humble but much loved jeans - for both warmer and colder climes. As the beginnning of November commences, we have Deepavali, the festival of lights, to celebrate. This happy occasion should be embraced and enjoyed alongside our South Asian friends. One of the joys of living 1

in Singapore is access to celebrate different religious and cultural festivals

and Diwali is a lovely festival to celebrate. At it’s heart is the story of light overcoming the darkness, of good over evil. The festival lasts for several days but the big celebration with family falls on the darkest day - this year 4th November - traditional diya oil lamps are lit to banish the dark, families gather and enjoy a feast and a sense of hope for the new year prevails. This uplifting belief of light over darkness really struck a chord with me - we may have been enduring some dark days, but light is finding it’s way through and will triumph. Hope is on the horizon and as we slowly emerge from our Covid slumber, we should take every opportunity to enjoy what we have right on our doorstep. Little India is a wonderfully vibrant bustling area of Singapore that is a joy to visit. Go to see the lights hanging over Serangoon Road, buy some traditional sweets and come away with a reminder that we live in a great, multicultural city that has plenty to offer. Despite the ongoing restrictions, new F&B establishments continue to open in Singapore and I was thrilled to visit Terra Madre located in Loewen Gardens this past month. It reminds me of an Australian style cafe - its menu is inventive and makes the most of its fresh organic produce - taking familiar favourites and elevating them to truly delicious dishes. Tucked up in the quiet part of the Dempsey area, it is the perfect spot for getting together with a friend for a coffee, brunch, lunch or dinner away from the hub-bub that encircles many of the Dempsey eateries. Elsewhere in this issue you will find a profile on Sera Murphy better known as The Reoutfitter, who is championing the reuse and rewear of fashion; journalist Naomi Healy spoke with Suzy Annetta about her path to owning architectural publication, Design Anthology; and in our Ask a Doctor segment we chat with Dr June Tan Sheren about menopause. I hope you enjoy this issue.

Lottie

Table of Content

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

P. 11

Sera Murphy, The Reoutfitter

A S K A D O C T O R : M E N O PA U S E

P. 25

with Dr. June Tan Sheren

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

P. 29

Rewriting the Script

INTERIORS AND HOMES

P. 33

Life in Black and White

OUT AND ABOUT IN SINGAPORE

P. 58

Terra Madre

E N T E R TA I N I N G

P. 72

Diwali

T R AV E L

P. 86

5 Amazing Hotel Escapes

CONTENT ROUND UP

What we are reading, listening to and watching

P. 94

“When Belgian style meets a Colonial Black and White the results are impressive” L I F E I N B L A C K A N D W H I T E H O M E T O U R , PA G E 3 3 4

Contributors

N A O M I H E A LY

Feature; Rewriting the Script Naomi Healy is a freelance writer and editor, now based in Singapore after many years in Hong Kong. Having made the jump from a long career in corporate communications she now writes about what she loves: design, fashion and lifestyle.

VICKY MANSOUR

Beauty Contributor Vicky has 15 years extensive experience in the PR & Marketing world of Health and Beauty. Having worked with leading gloval brands such as REN, Laura Mercier, RMK and Molton Brown, beauty is her passion.

D R . J U N E TA N S H E R E N

Ask a Doctor : Menopause Dr June Tan Sheren, is many women’s go-to for female healthcare. She has been caring for the international community in Singapore for over 12 years, she is a mother and board trustee at Caring for Cambodia charity and part of the fabulous team at Osler Health International – you know who to go to!

Contributors

M I R A N DA KOZ A N

Homewares Contributor Miranda is an interior designer passionate about homes and lifestyle. An Australian transplant in Singapore, she finds hidden beauty wherever she goes. She shares that inspiration through her design studio, Interior Couturier.

JOSEPHINE BYRNES

Entertaining: Let the Light In Josephine is a cross discipline creative, devoted to the transformative benefits of beauty in all its domestic and atmospheric forms.

DEE THOMPSON

Travel: 5 Amazing Hotel Escapes Dee is a British born marketing manager, living in Singapore, who turned her obsession with travel, culture and people into the travel blog weavingmyway.com. She has a unique talent to find out what’s hot, happening, how to get under the skin and most importantly where to get a good meal in any place she lands.

S H O P L O T T I E L I F E S T Y L E / Immserse yourself in original, authentic design at Shop Lottie

Lifestyle with a thoughtfully curated selection of furniture, textiles, homewares and lifestyle products from international brands including Maison de Vacances, Dinosaur Designs, Honore Deco and Ester & Erik. With a focus on enduring style, quality and exceptional craftsmanship, each object has been carefully chosen to represent the best in homewares and lifestyle.

w w w. s h o p l o t t i e l i f e s t y l e . c o m | I G : @ l o t t i e i s l o v i n g

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

Lifestyle

T H E G I F T O F G I V I N G / The past year has seen us all lean on each other in ways that we haven’t had

to previously. Friends have truly become family and as we near the end of the year, what better way to let your closest most lovely friends know how much you appreciate them than with a small gift - a thank you for always being there, and whilst a shared moment can not be beat, a little gift is also lovely addition too.

3. 2.

4. 5.

HAN D MAD E LA NT ERN, thegreyhouseonline.com

S A LA D S E RV E R S M A LAC H I T E , shoplottielifestyle.com

C LEANSING OI L , shoplottielifestyle.com

LA LLA P O U C H , shoplottielifestyle.com

LETTERPRE SSED NOT E C ARD S, byfable.com

LAC E DI S H , shoplottielifestyle.com

G IN GHAM NAPK I N PERL E, shoplottielifestyle.com

C A K E S E RV E R S , shoplottielifestyle.com

PAN DAIA GOLD B RAC EL ET, smallable.com

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

Lifestyle

‘ G AT HERI NG ’ BY K R I ST E N C A I S S I E , smallable.com

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

Fashion

H E R E O R T H E R E / With travel finally back on the agenda, jeans are bound to be a must have item in

the coming months. And even if you are staying in Singapore, we are about to enter the monsoon season when temperatures will drop just enough to make wearing jeans a possibility.

ULLA JOH NSON DENISA BLOUSE, farfetch.c om

OPI ‘M Y VA M PIR E IS BUF F ’ POLISH , unitednailsupply.sg

MILLER 13”

F RA M E LE SLOUCH H IGH -RISE

R AT TAN K E L A K AI

TA PERED JEA NS, m atches.c om

BAG li n g w u. s g

ISA BEL M A RA NT JUDIO STUDDED LEATH ER SA NDA LS, m atches.c om

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

Fashion

SW I L D E N S D J ELA O RGAN I C C OT TO N T-SHI RT, s m a lla ble.com

BELLEROSE DOSER WOOL A ND M OH A IR JUM PER, sm allable.c om

C L A R E V M OY E N M E SSE N GE R BAG, c la rev. co m

ELISE TSIKIS RA SH IM I GOLD BRACELET, sm allable.c om

F RA M E LE SLOUCH H IGH -RISE TA PERED JEA NS, m atches.c om

I SABE L M A RANT BRYC E SN E AK E R S, matches.com

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

The Reoutfitter

Reuse. Rewear. Reoutfit.

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y, C H A R L I E C A M E R O N

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

The Reoutfitter

Sera Murphy, owner and founder of The Reoutfitter is one of those people that you meet and instantly like. She is effervescent, utterly gorgeous and totally disarming - surely the perfect combination for a fashion stylist whose job is to visit the homes of others and help them with the very intimate process of dressing. What we wear and how we feel about what we look like is very personal territory for most women - it is wrapped up in our perception of our selves, changing and ageing bodies and the desire to look and feel good in what we wear. So you want to be opening your closest (and let’s face it - your inner self) to someone who will treat you with care and understanding. Growing up I thought hiring a fashion stylist was something that only the rich and famous indulged in for special events - red carpets, television appearances and the like - it wasn’t for mere mortals like me who buy a random assortment of clothes of varying quality. But that’s exactly where a fashion stylist will really add value. Sera’s skill is in looking at what you own, understanding what kind of life you lead and helping you to find what is working in your current wardrobe and recommending pieces that you might need to fill in the gaps. Her philosophy on fashion and shopping is centered around the belief that the fewer times you buy new the better. For the sake of the environment, altering and mending what we already own is an important first step and the next is the option to buy second hand. In addition to fashion advice, The Reoutfitter is a marketplace for beautiful second hand clothes that often come from the wardrobes of Sera’s clients - the idea that someone else’s fashion mistake might be your fashion windfall is very appealing. And when needs arise, buying new is a sensible last option. To help her clients make the best possible decisions, Sera offers a personal shopping option and in doing so, ensures that whatever new pieces are bought fit perfectly with her client’s newly organised wardrobe.

“

I was born in Seattle to Korean parents. Before our latest move to Singapore, I was living in Hong Kong with my husband and two small children and before that in New York, working as a fashion buyer for Banana Republic.

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

The Reoutfitter

W HAT ARE TH E M O S T C O M M ON C HAL L ENG E S T H AT YO U R CL I E N T S FACE WH E N I T CO M E S TO D R E S S I N G

/ Definitely the heat and lack of seasons. Every client I have has some sort of “winter” wardrobe, which always lives in a different closet or space than the everyday pieces. But during Covid, with no one travelling, it can start to take up a lot of mental space. When you open your closet doors and see your favorite leather jacket but no place to wear it, it can feel really defeating. Even a small interaction like that can make dressing feel like a chore or not as fun as it could be. I N SINGAP ORE?

HOW DOES YOU R P HILO S OP HY O N S U S TAI N A B I L I T Y M A R RY

/ Sustainability can mean so many different things to different people. Because of this, I curate a selection of pieces to each individual client. The pieces I choose are meant for the client to wear for 2 years. Ideally 5 years, but I think 2-3 is the bare minimum! This selection is curated only after I’ve done a full look at what they already own, because there’s so much that already exists that can be reworn. As the saying goes, “the most sustainable article of clothing is the one you already own.” W ITH YOUR WO R K AS A FAS HION S T YLIS T ?

W HAT ARE TH E K E Y C HANGES W E C AN AL L M A K E TO E N S U R E W E ARE MOVING TOWAR DS MOR E S U S TA I N A B L E FA S H I O N

/ The first step is to really evaluate what you wear, why, how and when. If you think you need more, I encourage secondhand where possible, or investing in better pieces that will last you longer and transcend any short lived trends. CHOIC ES?

W HAT ARE YOUR T HO U GHT S O N T HE ROL E O F I N S TAG R A M I N FLUENCERS WHO S E J OB IS TO ENC OU R AG E A N D PRO M OT E

/ I struggle with the role of Instagram as it is such a great platform for business and for staying connected to people, and yet, I despise what it has done in promoting a disposable and excessive consumption lifestyle. I do wish more influencers would take more photos of themselves in the same outfits, or show themselves being a little more “real” or unfiltered. I worry a lot about the impact of this on the younger generation, who are now using TikTok to show off things like “SheinHauls,” with little understanding of the damage that this content can cause environmentally - not to mention psychologically. BUYING FAST FAS HIO N?

“

My goal isn’t to completely eliminate shopping, but instead to find the right items for you. Because of how fast life moves, we often buy into trends that don’t work for us or our lifestyle. I believe in wearing and re-wearing, over and over again.

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

The Reoutfitter

WH AT

ARE

THE

A F F O R DA B L E

A LT E R N AT I V E S

/ The best alternative to fast fashion is secondhand. When you purchase secondhand, you’re extending the life of a garment as opposed to triggering a buying office to go ahead and make more. If you can’t get it secondhand, there are lots of smaller local brands in Singapore that make small batch clothing, produced ethically. FA S T FA S H I O N ?

YO U ’V E B E E N WO R K I N G I N T H E FA S H I O N I N D U S T RY F O R M O R E T H A N 1 3 Y E A R S , WH AT CH A N G E S H AV E YOU

/ When I first started in the industry there were 4 distinct clothing seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Every season meant a new collection was being produced. Over the course of time, it changed to monthly “drops,” ensuring there was new product to see in stores every month. Now, it’s changed to multiple drops a month if not weeks, and it’s completely mind blowing to me. There are so many ways you can showcase older season products, like doing a full visual merchandising switch, or other marketing tricks. Do we really need to have new product produced weekly? Do we give so little thought to what we purchase? The good news is that the pandemic really made a lot of retailers rethink this strategy, as well as the discounting strategies we’re used to seeing. I hope that the consumer follows suit and doesn’t show a demand for an excessive amount of product. S E E N I N T H AT T I M E ?

/ By the time my clients and I go shopping, we have a clear cut list of items they are missing and need. I ensure that whatever we buy fits into their lifestyle and dressing habits. For example, some of my clients really prefer to have a seperate work vs weekend wardrobe. I make sure this is well balanced. Other clients love being able to have more versatile pieces, and for those I make sure that the new piece is something they’ll be able to wear whether they’re working, being a mom, or having fun on the weekends. H OW D O YO U S H O P WI T H YO U R CL I E N T S ?

Follow @thereoutfitter on Instagram for daily inspiration

The Reoutfitters’ favourite basics T H AT YO U W I L L WEAR FOR YEARS TO C OME

1. / Is it weird to call out underwear? Honestly, no. No one can have a great wardrobe without having the most basic piece. I’ve been wearing and recommending this brand of underwear for over 15 years. My pairs last about 8-10 years, depending on how well I take care of them in the wash. 100% worth every single penny! Hanky Panky U NDERW E A R . H A N K Y PA N K Y CL A S S I C T H O N G

CLASSIC WH IT E T S HIRT. AMER IC AN VINTAG E

/ These are so soft and comfortable, I actually wear mine to sleep in AND with my fancier bottoms for that off-duty vibe. American Vintage V OR SC OOP NEC K

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

The Reoutfitter

To servic book the s tyling es of T he R Sera Mur phy, eoutfi clic t sera@ k here or e ter, t h e re o m utfitte ail r.com

/Veja sources all their leather sustainably and I love the sleek look of these.Veja S N E A K E R S . V E JA E S PL A R LOW

4. JEANS.

MOTHER

DE NIM

DAZZL ER

/ A good investment pair of denim will last you years and so many wears so buying new is a good choice. Mother Denim H USTLER ANKL E FR AY

5. /The best investment piece you can wear over and over is a gold necklace, anything 14k or up. I try not to recommend anything gold-plated or vermeil to my clients, because ultimately it will always tarnish or rust with no way to fix it. I love this one because it adds just enough color to mix with any outfit, while not clashing. Plus, it’ll last forever! Chrisaphe GO L D N E CK L ACE . T H E T R I G O N O G O L D N E CK L ACE

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

Beauty

J E T S E T B E A U T Y / The sun is shining and the thought of impending travel is the hot topic of conversation.

This gives us all a great opportunity to start looking forward, living brighter days and the pièce de résistance, planning those long needed trips to visit family and friends a far. Finally it is time to dust off those suitcases and start thinking about how we survive those long haul flights again. Our in-flight beauty bag needs to be on its A-game this year. So here it is. A small selection of First Class worthy products - I think we have all waited long enough, don’t you?

2. 4. 3.

6. 8.

1 .

THE AUSSIE FLYER JET L AG FAC E M ASK , Lanolips,

amazon.com 2.

P OT ROUGE FOR L I PS AND C HEEK S, Bobbi Brown

strawberrynet.com 3.

GE L BASED CLEANSER, Eve Lom sephora.sg

MASCARA, Charlotte Tilbury sephora.sg

E Y E LA S H C U R LE R , Kevin Aucoin lookfantastic.com.sg

V E T Y V E R H A N D S A N I T I S E R , Byredo escentials.com

G I N Z I N G R E F R E S H I N G E Y E C R E A M, Origins, origins.

com.sg 8.

H A N D C R E A M , Björk & Berries, ulotravel.co

21 BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR, VICKY MANSOUR

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

Beauty

I NF L I G HT ‘ I AM A PL AST IC BAG ’ T R AV E L BAG , Anya Hindmarch matches.com

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

Homewares

G R O U N D I N G / After being cooped up at home, getting back to nature has been a lifesaver to restore and

recharge. This shift has been reflected in a yearning for a natural colour palette in our homes, moving away from cool grey towards earthier tones. We’re mixing natural timber shelves with earthy green, embracing the patina of raw brass and layering texture and curvaceous neutrals. Don’t forget an invigorating scent to really bring the outside in!

10.

8. 9.

4. 6.

amazon.com

BRA SS OIL BURNER ,

MA L AC H I T E VA S E ,

shoplottielifestyle.com

7 .

SPECK LED PLA NT POT ,

OA K B O O KS H E L F ,

originals.com

LED BRONZED BRA SS TA BLE LA MP,

CA N D L E H O L D E R ,

smallable.com

9 .

STORAG E UNIT,

ES S E N T I A L O I L ,

RO S E U N I AC K E AT HO M E ,

aesop.com

10. ATLA S RUG ,

aesop.com shoplottielifestyle.com finnishdesignshop.com

finnishdesignshop.com

originals.com.sg

H O M E WA R E S C O N T R I B U T O R , M I R A N D A K O Z A N

T H ITSH M I SOM NO TN H TW H EW ’ REE’ RLEO L VO IN VG ING

Homewares Homewares

T hi s pa g e : C US HI ON S M a i s o n d e Va ca nces in N atu rel, K a k i a nd B l a nc a l l s h o p l o tt iel ifes ty l e.com

I N T E R I O R C O U T U R I E R /Interior Couturier is a boutique interior design firm based in Singapore.

Led by Miranda Kozan, we create elegant and refined interiors tailored to our clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Shaping each home to be a true reflection of its inhabitants, we discover what makes them unique and turn ideas into reality. Live your ‘everyday’ in a relaxed and beautiful way.

w w w. i n t e r i o r c o u t u r i e r. c o m | I G : @ i n t e r i o r c o u t u r i e r

Ask a Doctor M E N O PA U S E

D R . J U N E TA N S H E R E N O S L E R H E A LT H I N T E R N AT I O N A L

What is it? Menopause is a natural, normal event. It is the final menstrual period and usually confirmed when a woman has not had a period for consecutive 12 months. Menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs, resulting in lower levels of oestrogen and other hormones. Low levels of oestrogen can affect different systems in the body, such as your bones, heart, brain, skin, genital area and urinary system. When does it start? It occurs on average at age 51 years of age, but can occur anytime between 45 and 55. The term premenopause or perimenopause refers to the phase of life that precedes menopause. If you are over the age of 45 and have the usual symptoms of menopause, you do not usually need any tests to diagnose

ASK A DOCTOR

Q&A with Dr June Tan Sheren Osler Health International

menopause. If you are younger than 45 and have symptoms, it is advisable to see your doctor for a check. Early menopause may run in the family but sometimes an underlying medical condition may be the cause. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of menopause may include changed menstrual periods, hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, mood disturbances, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Symptoms can begin during the perimenopausal years. Each woman’s experience is different. Not all these changes are hormone-related, and most are expected to resolve after menopause. We have a menopause Factsheet here which can explain more. What do you find mostly with your patients in Singapore? Most patients report changes in menstrual pattern – they might find cycles getting shorter or longer, or periods getting lighter or heavier. Menstrual changes are very common but it’s important to be aware that they are not always due to menopause. I ask my patients many questions about the changes they’ve observed and often will perform a gynaecological examination. If there are any red flags, it is necessary to exclude other causes of menstrual changes. Uterine fibroids for example, are common in this age group and can cause excessively heavy menses.

Hot flashes and night sweats are also frequently reported. Many women ask if they are feeling hot just because of our weather here in Singapore, while others report drenching night sweats despite turning the air-conditioning to the max. Many do not realize that the glass of wine at dinner is likely to worsen hot flashes at night. The severity of symptoms is variable and tends to fluctuate as well. Sleep disturbances can result from menopausal hot flashes but are also frequently unrelated. Insomnia, memory disturbances, mood changes and reduced libido may occur separately or co-exist. Again, these symptoms may or may not be entirely due to menopause; oftentimes there are several factors coming together. Vaginal dryness is very common and normal; however any persistent irritation, painful intercourse, or frequent urinary symptoms should be evaluated by your doctor. Weight gain, or difficulty losing weight, is another frequent complaint from women in or nearing menopause. The slightly uncomfortable truth is that this mid-life weight gain is mostly related to aging and lifestyle rather than menopause. Menopause though may contribute to changes in body composition and where fat is stored, with a decrease in lean body mass. If there is abnormal weight gain, it is useful to do a thyroid function test to exclude underlying thyroid abnormalities.

What kind of treatments exist? It is easy to be confused by all the information we get from the internet and what we hear from others! One of the most common questions I get is: does menopause need to be treated if it is a natural process? My answer is indeed it is normal and natural and no treatment is needed if a woman going through menopause does not have troubling symptoms. However, if there are unusual, troublesome or debilitating symptoms, symptoms that affect your well-being, it is important to see your doctor for a proper evaluation. There are effective treatments for some symptoms ranging from herbal, natural remedies to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Vaginal dryness can be effectively managed by vaginal moisturisers or estrogen creams and pessaries, known as local estrogen treatment. The decision on which treatment is best for you should be made in consultation with your doctor, as some treatments may not be suitable depending on a woman’s medical and family history. Treatment that is individualized ensures the most effective and safest outcome. It has been shown in major studies that the most important strategy in managing menopause is adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet. This not only helps to alleviate symptoms, it also achieves good physical and mental health, cardiovascular health and bone health.

•

Good nutrition should include adequate calcium, iron and B12 in the diet.

•

Frequent exercise reduces cancer and cardiovascular risks and helps prevent osteoporosis.

•

Reducing alcohol intake not only reduces symptoms, it also lowers cancer and osteoporosis risks.

•

Smoking increases the risk of every major health problem.

•

Achieving good quality sleep can be challenging, and an important first step is ensuring a good sleep routine.

•

Mental wellbeing is an essential aspect to be aware of and continually work on.

This is an excellent time for women to review their health records and ask their doctors if they are up to date with routine health screening like cervical smears, mammograms, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes checks, and osteoporosis screening. Keeping well and staying well, both physically and mentally, goes a long way in successfully managing menopause. If you are unsure if you are in perimenopause/ menopause or whether you should start taking HRT (and what type of HRT?), please come and talk to a trusted GP. I always say to women, the key is to manage your menopause journey.

Dr June Tan Sheren is a family doctor who is known for her care and support of women through the menopause. Dr June can demystify menopause and explain the data based on scientific fact. Dr June is based at Osler Health Raffles Hotel Arcade clinic. www.osler-health.com Ph: 6332 2727

ASK A DOCTOR

Q&A with Dr June Tan Sheren Osler Health International

Fact Sheets Would you like to know more? Click on either of the fact sheets below for further reading.

Menopause

HRT

“

It’s important that every woman follows her own menopause journey. What works for your friend may not work for you. This time of a woman’s life has long been overlooked, but now there is a real focus on ensuring women enter this stage with confidence. There are a lot of interventions available, depending upon individual needs. 28

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.

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

REWRITING THE SCRIPT How this Australian expat is navigating a mid-chapter career change

I N T E R V I E W B Y : N A O M I H E A LY

For a storyteller whose methods are a modern multimedia mix, publisher Suzy Annetta’s own tale is more of a classic page-turner. In 2014 from her Hong Kong base, Annetta launched Asia’s only independently published design and urban living magazine, Design Anthology, focusing on high-end projects across the continent, or by Asian designers internationally. A European version launched in 2018, produced out of London, and an Australian and New Zealand one followed in late 2019 from Annetta’s home town of Melbourne. Today it’s sold in print in 30 countries worldwide to a readership any niche publication would envy, and alongside its global digital platform, is now considered an established authority on design and architecture in this region. Of course there were plot twists along the way.

Design Anthology was an abrupt career change for Annetta, who had been practicing as an interior designer at leading firms in Hong Kong, and Tokyo before that. Which in part explains why the magazine is held in such high regard by those in the industry. “The architects and designers whose work we’ve published will often say that they really appreciate and like how we’ve shown their work,” says Annetta. “They feel like we’ve captured their vision. I understand what goes into an interior and architecture project. I feel like it’s innate, and I hope that comes across in the pages.” The career change was prompted by what Annetta describes as a mid-life crisis of sorts. Having no luck falling pregnant with her business partner and now ex-husband Phil Annetta, she quit her full-time job to start freelancing; believing with

F E AT U R E

Rewriting the Script

more time and flexibility she could focus on fertility treatments. “But the work just became this beast of a thing,” says Annetta. “It actually ended up being so much more stressful than working for somebody else. I had thought for a really long time that I wanted my own studio, that working for myself was what I wanted to do. And then when I got there, and it wasn’t making me happy, I sort of had this meltdown.” Soon after, when casually discussing the dearth of good quality magazines in Hong Kong, she was reminded by a friend of the popularity of the design-focussed blog Annetta had been writing as a creative outlet for years, and was prompted to consider making the leap from blogging to making the kind of magazine she would like to read. “It turned out to be so much better and so much more exciting and fulfilling than I could have ever anticipated,” says Annetta. “I spent about six months sort of researching and going out and meeting people in Hong Kong to try to figure out if it was viable or not. We poured all our savings in so it kind of became this all or nothing situation. We launched in early 2014, and then Phil and I actually separated a year after that. So it was a very stressful

time. I look back now and I do not know how I managed to do what I did.” But manage she did. And then some. Partly, Annetta admits, due to luck and lots of trial and error; and heeding the often unsolicited advice of her “unofficial” mentor. Also thanks to a constant evolution of the business that has seen it go from strength to strength at a time when other print publications have been shuttering in alarming numbers. To bolster income, the company last year introduced three new revenue streams, adding to its already profitable custom publishing arm, Fifth Black Media, managed by her business partner. It also invested in its online output: its traffic increasing ten-fold since Covid began.

F E AT U R E

Rewriting the Script

Of the new revenue streams – books, an online store, and a sponsored podcast series – it’s the podcasts, The Design Dialogues, that are gaining the most traction. Though initially reluctant, Annetta says the conversations seemed relevant, and it was the right time to do it when people weren’t able to get out and have these chats in person. True to form, she has attracted some of the biggest names in the business. Late last year Design Anthology also partnered with Design Singapore Council on an ongoing exhibition and events series: at the same time future-proofing itself by registering a company entity here, for when, or if, Hong Kong becomes too difficult in which to conduct business. Annetta used the time to scope out Singapore while here. “Singapore makes sense to me as a base,” says Annetta. At least in terms of bureaucracy, and language. “Plus I feel like there’s more vision.” She thinks the lifestyle would also suit. “There’s definitely a different mood in Singapore. I always felt like when I was there, I was seeing people enjoying their lives.” Though like most of us, she isn’t going anywhere for the moment, currently residing in Melbourne, after landing there last Christmas. “I’ve always been fascinated by this idea of living in two cities,” says Annetta. “The idea that I would get down here, set up a base, and then travel back and forth. And I think having been here for the last ten months has only confirmed that. I’ve been so lucky. Australia is great. But Asia feels like home.” It seems this success story is far from reaching an end. No doubt a sequel will ensue.

Images provided courtesy of Design Anthology

Naomi Healy is a freelance writer and editor, now based in Singapore after many years in Hong Kong. Having made the jump from a long career in corporate communications she now writes about what she loves: design, fashion and lifestyle.

B Y FA B L E / By Fable was born out of a love for beautiful stationery, a passion for print and a

background in minimalist design. Our collection of prints and stationery are all lovingly made or printed by hand and are the perfect gift for the big occasions or for those wanting to add a little style into your homes or offices.

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LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE WO R D S A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y : C H A R L I E C A M E R O N

INTERIORS AND HOME

A New Beginning

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

Nestled amongst the tropical greenery in Singapore lies a beautiful Colonial Black and White that is home to a family of six. Having lived all over the world from Paris, Amsterdam, New York, London and Geneva, the occupants have embraced life in Singapore but stayed true to their Belgian sensibilities by creating a home that is both timeless and contemporary. With more than 15 moves under their belts, this globetrotting family has kept a sense of calm and familiarity to their homes through the unmistakeable thread of Belgian design. The interiors are laidback and refined and use scale, proportion and repetition to achieve a look that feels effortless and full without the need for over decorating. Belgian interiors typically lean towards minimalism and simplicity yet they exude a warmth sometimes lacking with other minimal styles. There is a focus on neutral colour palettes, natural textures and an appreciation for original architectural features. This pared back approach to decorating has been applied to this Singaporean Colonial home with stunning results. Spaces feel uncluttered and simple with the emphasis on minimal, often oversized, furniture. Decoration has been kept to a minimum and as a result, the beautiful Colonial architecture has a chance to shine. Having renovated properties in Europe, including a Swiss farmhouse in Geneva before moving to Singapore, the tenant, Greet van Hove is experienced in project

managing and designing spaces. Upon renting this home, changes were required. Undaunted by the task, the interiors were reconfigured to create a new kitchen, bathrooms and a laundry that would fit into the main house and suit the family’s needs. The downstairs area was converted from an open underhouse area into a stylish living room. Greet sourced the materials required, from the subway tiles to the marble and lighting, finding suppliers and tradesmen in Singapore that would help to realise her vision for the property. Original exterior doors were repurposed to become the doors for a storage cupboard in the dining room - a clever touch that makes it seem like the cupboard was always there. Outside a pool pavilion was designed to face the main house with it’s central pillar lining up with the original homes portico, providing a beautiful symmetry to the outdoor space. Now that all but one of the children of this family have grown up and moved back to Europe, Greet’s focus is on promoting Belgian design with the renovation of a Belgian Maison de Maître house which will become, in part, a showcase of Belgian design and craftsmanship.

48 37

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

KEEP IT SIMPLE

In typical Belgian style, the timber floors have been left bare, providing a lovely natural richness to the upstairs spaces. Multiple sofas line the living room, all covered in white Belgian linen slip covers. One of the sofas is an impressive 6 metres long.

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

ALL WHITE

The simple monochrome furniture allows the intricate architectural details of the upstairs space to really shine. Scatter cushions in the same white linen are clustered in groups of 3 and spaced evenly down the length of the sofa, using repetition to great effect.

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

A FA M I LY H O M E

This home has seen four children grow up, three of whom are now adults living in the Los Angeles and London. They may no longer live in the home, but their presence is felt in the downstairs open dining and kitchen. Simple Ikea shelves line the walls with happy family photos casually displayed. A pillar in the kitchen has been used to scriblle the heights of a growing brood and their friends over the years.

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

INTERIORS AND HOME

Life in Black and White

BELGIAN STYLE

A sensibility that showcases a mix of natural materials from an antique Louis XV Corbeille bergère chair reupholstered in natural linen, to a farmhouse style vintage console table down to the small coffee tray and ceramics handmade in Belgium. This mix of materials creates a lovely warmth.

A L I V I N G S PA C E

The downstairs living space has been designed with a restrained but stylish approach. Pairs of designer chairs face an oversized Minotti L-shaped sofa. Clustered in the middle are a series of B&B Italia ‘Fat-fat’ tables. Resting in the corner of the room is an extraordinary sculpture - two spheres handsculpted from a single Cedar tree trunk by a Portugese artisan.

B L AC K A N D W H I T E

The exposed beam ceilings in the downstairs area have been painted a glossy black along with a wall at the end of the space giving the room a moodier, grown up feel. The owners used built in Ikea kitchen cabinets in black to provide a stylish storage solution that looks far more expensive than it is. Touches of warmth are injected into the room with the use of materials - the walnut leather Fritz Hansen PK22 chairs, the Eames LCW calfskin chairs and the timber sculptures.

B A C K T O N AT U R E

This beautiful home makes the most of Singapore’s year round warmth. The owners installed a 20 metre pool and wide deck that connects the original house with the outdoor entertaining pavilion. A pair of Fermob Luxembourg armchairs and footstools face the tennis court. A sleek row of sunloungers by Belgian design house Tribù line the deck.

Shop the Look STYLE IDEAS

3. 1. 1. 2. 4.

11.

10.

1. AJ floor lamp, Grafunkt.com / 2. LCW Calfskin chair, Vitra / 3. Cylindrical candle holders, Dutz / 4. Black standing lamp, Lumina / 5. Handblown pebble vases, Kate Hume / 6. Binca sofa, LF Selection / 7. Saarinen Side Table, Knoll / 8. PK22 chairs, Fritz Hansen / 9. Fat-Fat tables B&B Italia / 10. Costanzina table lamp, Luce Plan / 11. Kivi tealight candleholders, Iittala

TERRA MADRE Just outside the bustling city at Dempsey Hill lies Terra Madre, a contemporary Australian style restaurant and store with a focus on organic, natural ingredients.

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

OUT AND ABOUT IN SINGAPORE

Terra Madre

n the quiet leafy enclave of Loewen Gardens, Terra Madre, a new natural food restaurant and organic store, has opened its doors. Set back from the road in one of the iconic buildings of the area (this one the former British army barracks hospital), the outdoor terrace benefits from the cool tranquility only really attained under the lofty ceilings of this kind of beautiful historic architecture. Perfect at any time of day but particularly lovely for breakfast or lunch when alfresco dining requires somewhere breezy and covered. With a focus on sustainability, traceability and quality produce, Terra Madre’s aim is to showcase the best of natural organic produce in a creative and thoroughly delicious way. The extensive menu, overseen by Culinary Director Gayatri Singh, has a contemporary Australian feel (think Bayleaf in Byron Bay). The fare is perhaps not unusual in itself, but the quality of the ingredients, attention to detail, and exceptionally warm and professional service, are truly note-worthy. Breakfast options start with organic house granola with poached pear, strawberries, blueberries and coconut milk or the ever popular smashed avocado with vine leaf verde, spinach, lime, chilli and poached eggs on multigrain sourdough bread. Alongside your ricotta hotcakes with smoked pecan crumble, an experienced barista will serve up delicious organic coffee - or perhaps a superfood smoothie or slow pressed juice will take your fancy.

OUT AND ABOUT IN SINGAPORE

Terra Madre

S W E E T T R E AT

Made in-house, Terra Madre’s cake selection makes it the perfect mid morning coffee spot for catching up with a lovely friend or just escaping the grind that is parenting / working from home for some peace and quiet on the terrace.

OUT AND ABOUT IN SINGAPORE

Terra Madre

OUT AND ABOUT IN SINGAPORE

Terra Madre

C O N T E M P O R A RY B R A S S E R I E

Bathed in a warm golden glow, the interiors of Terra Madre evoke a contemporary brasserie feel. Copper terrazo tiles, rattan backed chairs, marble tables and bistro globe sconces create an atmospheric dining room perfect for an evening out. 65

As the sun sets over the palm trees and the warm glow of the bistro globe lights flicker on, thoughts turn to dinner. Split into small and large plates, why not start with a Middle East-inspired charred eggplant, whipped feta, pine nut and pickled chilli sauce dish, or perhaps kingfish crudo with smoky tomato granita, jalapeno and watermelon radish. For something more substantial, the grilled Tasmanian lamb rack or spiced charred cauliflower are both great choices. Plenty of options exist for vegans and vegetarians and there is a kids menu too. Terre Madre also welcomes dogs at the outside seating.

OUT AND ABOUT IN SINGAPORE

Terra Madre

Adjoining the restaurant, the Terra Madre store has a good selection of organic goods and staff are on hand to help you with tips, guides and recipes featuring their products.

TERRA MADRE

71 Loewen Road, 01-02 Singapore 248847 Phone: 6250 2052 Open everyday 8:00am - 10:00pm @terramadresg

bundu

B U N D U T E X T I L E S / Ethically crafted hand loomed cotton kaftans made with care from

India. Bundu continues a family legacy of promoting local handloom techniques and supporting the communities that practice this beautiful craft. Slow fashion, limited editions and sustainable. Available in Singapore exclusively at Shop Lottie Lifestyle.

w w w. s h o p l o t t i e l i f e s t y l e . c o m / @ l o t t i e i s l o v i n g

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

Summer Days

Let the light in Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner. It is a wonderful celebration that at it’s heart is the story of light over dark - the victory of good over evil - and I couldn’t think of a more apt sentiment to celebrate given the past year

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHARLIE CAMERON STYLING: CHARLIE CAMERON & JOSEPHINE BYRNES 73

E N T E R TA I N I N G

Diwali

a little note... Until I lived in Hong Kong, I had never celebrated Diwali (to be fair I had never celebrated Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn festival or any of the other Asian celebrations either). Living in Asia provides access to understand and celebrate so many different cultural and religious festivals. I’m sure this opportunity also exists in our home countries, but perhaps when we are living firmly on our own soil, we are less intrigued - more settled and set in our ways and only celebrate the occasions that we grew up with. I wanted to include Diwali in this issue but my goodness I was nervous to because attempting to showcase another culture’s most important festival felt like a minefield. Before I embarked, I messaged an Indian friend - “I am going to do Diwali for the magazine...is there anything I need to know? Anything I need to avoid?” She responded by saying she was excited to see how I would interpret it and only had one piece of advice “don’t use too much black!” Hmm, OK, not much to go on. I was hoping for some specific guidance! It wasn’t to be. I did some reading on Diwali and came across a wonderful article from an Indian journalist who expressed his love for the festival and his wish that everyone regardless of race or faith, celebrate this joyful time and embrace the central idea of light overcoming the darkness. This uplifting belief really struck a chord, especially given the past 20 months. We have been enduring some dark days, but light is finding its way through and will prevail. My interpretation of a Diwali tablescape is a modern, contemporary take that incorporates beautiful floral garlands suspended over the table and draped down its centre. Marigold blooms are scattered amongst the garlands and diyas with twinkling lights are dotted amongst the flowers. It may be far from traditional, but it certainly feels joyful - and it smelt amazing too! I encourage you to celebrate Diwali this year. Head to Little India, buy some beautifully fragrant garlands, cook some delicious Indian food, light the candles, get some sparklers for the kids and gather your family. These moments are here for us all and there is so much to love in living in Singapore. Sometimes we need to remember to make the most of it.

FLORAL GARLANDS

In Indian culture, floral garlands are used to worshop the gods, hung over doorways to welcome guests, presented to people as a sign of honour and blessing and used at auspicious occasions to create a beautiful smelling and visually stunning decoration. Despite their short-lived lifespan, garlands remain a medium to express sentiments of purity, honour, goodwill, love, and beauty.

D I YA S

Diyas are little clay oil lamps that are filled with oil and a cotton wick for burning. Candle light is an important part of the Diwali festival and represent enlightenment, knowledge or wisdom. For our diyas we used little tea lights in place of the oil. You can buy diyas of various sizes and designs in Little India.

MARIGOLDS

The bright saffron colour of the marigold flower is considered auspicious, and holds spiritual significance. During Diwali, garlands of marigolds are used to adorn the doors and windows of homes as well as for offerings to Hindu gods.

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

Set the Table

E N T E R TA I N I N G

Diwali

Shop the Look S T Y L E I D E A S F O R A C O N T E M P O R A R Y D I WA L I

1. 5. 4.

1. Taper candles in Grey Green, Coral, Misty Rose, Dark Peach and Peach Lottie Lifestyle/ 2. Handmade ceramic dinner plates set of 4, Lottie Lifestyle / 3. Knife and fork set in golden Lottie Lifestyle / 4. Blush gingham napkins, set of 6 Lottie Lifestyle / 5. Vintage water glasses set of 6, Lottie Lifestyle / 6. ‘Clive’ small vase, Country Road 7. Candle holder in matt gold, Lottie Lifestyle

Where to Find SHOPPING IN LITTLE INDIA

Singapore has a large Indian diaspora and whilst there are many Indian neighbourhoods within Singapore, Little India is one of the most well loved hubs for accessing all things Indian. I have always loved visiting Little India - the fragrant smell of fresh jasmine garlands, the whiff of spices, the dusty dark cramped shops and narrow walkways. It always seems to be bristling with energy. Start on the corner of Serangoon Road and Buffalo Road. There are plenty of little streets to wander down and discover, but Buffalo Road is where you will find flower carts selling fresh flower garlands. The garlands are sold either as a 1 foot length or an 8 foot length called a ‘ball’ (basically because the length of the garland is wrapped into a ball). For our decorations we bought a variety of garlands in the 8 foot ball length. Just two or three will suffice and once you hang them, you can always trim them as we did and then lay the remaining garland on the table as a centrepiece decoration. You can also buy a bag of loose fresh blooms such as marigolds from the flower carts. These are sold per 100g and the stall holder

will roughly guess this with a handful or two. Each 8 ft flower ball cost $10 and loose fresh flowers were $1 per 100g. Half way down Buffalo Road, next to one of the flower carts, you will find a supermarket that has large boxes of diyas out the front. There are plastic bowls for you to gather your diyas before heading inside to pay. There are a variety of sizes for the diyas but they are all the plain clay versions. If you have little kids, you could let them paint them in their own colours before lighting them. Once you have your flowers and diyas head back the way you came towards Serangoon Road and cross at the lights. On the other side of Serangoon Road you will find Campbell Lane. It is a pedestrian street that runs next to Little India Arcade (which has all but closed down). Down this street you will find artificial floral garlands and lots of little trinkets in the stores. Jusst next to the entrance of Campbell Lane on Serangoon Road is Moghul Sweet Shop. It isn’t much to look at, but I have it on good authority that this is the best place in the area to buy sweets with queues sometimes snaking their way down Serangoon Road.

My Diwali P E R S O N A L R E F L E C T I O N S O N T H E F E S T I VA L O F L I G H T

Richa Tiwari @urbanmantra1 Growing up, Diwali was easily my favorite time of year. As a little girl, I remember my mother cooking up delights in the kitchen, the joyous celebrations, and the prayers for good health and prosperity. I loved playing with sparklers and lighting up every corner of our home with diyas (oil lamps). So it was only natural that I wanted my own children to have an appreciation for this colorful “Festival of Lights” and feel connected to their roots. Diwali holds both religious, cultural, and social importance in the South Asian community. Within our own home, I have taken joy in bringing to life the different aspects of the festival for my children. The significance of Diwali stems from a rich story that depicts the victory of good over evil and teaches how to live life purposefully. I share this with my children through books and verbal storytelling (stories my mother told me). I also involve my boys in the Diwali preparations. This means “spring cleaning” the home, as is traditionally done leading up to the day, and decorating the home with lights and rangoli. A visit to Little India is always magical during this time of year for its shimmering display of lights and the Diwali bazaar. On the evening of Diwali, we always hold a special prayer. And of course, what is a celebration without ample food and the company of near and dear! Unfortunately, while this year’s celebrations will be muted, I have refused to let that dampen our spirits. There is still a quiet sense of excitement because Diwali and the days leading up to it are special nonetheless.

Usha Joyrama @ushajoy Deepavali/ Diwali is my favourite time of year. When I was growing up in Kuala Lumpur, the season was filled with new clothes, copious amount of sweets and food, and the hosting of an ‘open house’ - where friends and family would visit and partake in celebrations with us, all day and into the evening. It was festive and oh so joyous. It will be a much quieter celebration this year, not just in Singapore, but for our families in Australia and Malaysia. We won’t see that revolving door of guests, but we will still have those colourful outfits, and feast on murukku, sweets, thosai and idly - just like we would in a better year. We will string fairy lights alongside traditional oil lamps, and the sparklers will be out in full force. Because to find the light in the darkness and the joy in challenging times are what this festival is truly about.

Kavita Dasgupta @ferozadesigns Diwali is my favourite time of the year - a time to get together with family and friends to feast and celebrate. I have so many memories from my childhood of the build up to Diwali. The house would be deep cleaned and I would go with my Mother to the Diwali markets to buy little clay diyas and flowers to decorate the house. We soaked the diyas in water and then rolled wicks from cotton balls. On Diwali night the diyas were filled with oil and

E N T E R TA I N I N G

My Diwali

placed inside and outside the house and all the way up the drive. We would make rangoli patterns with coloured powder and flower petals at the front door to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The month leading up to Diwali day is filled with lavish dinners with friends and family and ‘teen patti’ - a simple three card gambling game that everyone can take part in young and old. We visit each other and take turns hosting - typically carrying mithai (mixed Indian sweets) and nuts as gifts. On Diwali day we wear new clothes, prepare a fabulous meal and in the evening after a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi it’s time for firecrackers (every childs favourite part of Diwali aside from the mithai). These days Diwali is a little different, diyas have been replaced with tea lights, the fireworks have been scaled back and Diwali markets have become more commercial. But it still remains a very special time to get together with loved ones and bring in a new year.

Kritika and Divya @turningtables.sg Diwali is that time of year when we bring out our festive best, whether it is traditional clothes, great food, beautiful home décor or fancy tableware. In Indian mythology, Diwali marks the victory of good over evil, celebrated by lighting oil lamps, traditionally called ‘diyas’. Over time and across geographies, the festival has evolved in ways to include different rituals practiced by people, but it remains the same in essence. For us, Diwali is about festivity, cheer, sparkles and laughter. It brings back many happy memories of time spent with friends and family, lots of ‘mithai’ (sweets), customary ‘taash’ (card) parties and (even) the spring cleans. Today, it is also a time for us to reflect on the year gone by and to look ahead into the next, in optimism. This year’s Diwali is even more special as it is the first since the launch of Turning Tables, our tablescape rental business. And we’re thrilled we were able to put together a table-setting for

this most special festival. The tablescape blends simple, modern chic with centuries-old tradition, characteristic of what Diwali has come to mean for most of us.

Rakhee Shah @maishaconcepts My fondest memories of Diwali are spending it with my entire family in our childhood home in Kenya, surrounded by my cousins and grandparents, all dressed up, the smell homemade food being cooked and Indian sweets being served, and lots of fireworks - it really was a HUGE celebration! 25 years later things have changed. Living far away from home for the last 12 years (Hong Kong and now Singapore), celebrating Diwali is now with friends who have become family. As a mother of two, I try to keep traditions alive with my two daughters. The build up to Diwali is super exciting in our house. The decorations come out, the lanterns get lit every evening, many trips to the flower markets, we experiment on traditional Indian sweets that my grandma used to make and we make it a fun family affair. We plan out our wardrobes and, with 3 girls in the house, it is exceptionally fun doing a mini fashion show trying out the various outfits for the parties to come. I love hosting, so most of the time for many days running we invite our good friends over for a big Indian feast. So menus are decided well in advance, and I love decorating the table and making it festive. Every meal ends with many games of cards and lots of fierce competition. Sometimes it also ends with a little dancing! Another yearly tradition I do with my daughters is Rangoli. Its always ends up being messy in a few days but it brings so much joy doing it together and doing different designs every year. Diwali to me is all about togetherness, bringing light and hope into the year ahead and celebrating with the people I love. 85

5 AMAZING

HOTEL

WE CAN FINALLY ESCAPE T

WO R D S : D E E T H O M P S O N

What a relief that we finally have been shown some light at the end of the covid tunnel. Much like the hope that the first flush of spring brings after a long hard winter, the news that we can now escape and return to Singapore without quarantine is just magical. So in this month’s issue we’re sharing some beautiful unique stays to inspire you to leave hibernation and start enjoying a little slice of the world again. Let’s put aside the minefield of forms and covid tests for a moment and focus on devouring a gelato even if it’s snowing, sipping on a mulled wine till it warms your soul, forest bathing whilst the pine needles crunch underfoot, or just enjoying the cool fresh crisp winter air whilst wearing your favourite sweater. All that’s left to ask is, could you save a space in your suitcase for me if you’re visiting any of the following please…

T R AV E L

5 Amazing Hotel Escapes

Images courtesy of LeFay

B E AV E R B R O O K , S U R R E Y, E N G L A N D

Once the home to Winston Churchill’s friend Lord Beaverbrook, this stunning country hotel is nestled in the serene Surrey Hills, and a convenient short hop to London. Get ready for food cooked from kitchen gardens, a world class golf course, relaxing spa and exquisite food, it’s just the break the doctor ordered. The Garden House restaurant comes with my own personal recommendation and I hear they have an ice rink planned for this winter. www.beaverbrook.co.uk

Images courtesy of Beaverbrook 88

T R AV E L

5 Amazing Hotel Escapes B E L M O N D L A R E S I D E N C I A , S PA I N

Find tranquillity in the mountainside of Mallorca at this award-winning spa. Sitting in lush gardens among olive and citrus groves on the edge of the artists’ village of Deià, it’s the perfect place to unwind. With indoor and outdoor pools, sculpture classes and even donkey trails, carving out time for yourself is beckoning. www.belmond.com

Images courtesy of Belmond

L E FAY R E S O R T & S PA L A G O D I G A R D A , I TA LY

Enjoy views over Lake Garda from every suite in this restorative getaway nestled in 11 hectares of parkland rich in olive trees and woodland. The resort is the first in southern Europe to win the Green Globe certification for its environmental efforts and design. So whilst you enjoy the luxury spa your mind can rest easy about your break being carbon neutral. www.lefayresorts.com

Images courtesy of LeFay 90

T R AV E L

5 Amazing Hotel Escapes F O G O I S L A N D I N N , C A N A DA

Escaping to an island where they have seven seasons sounds mighty appealing after only experiencing hot or hot and wet for the past 2 years. A place where the local community are ready to take you on a host of experiences from pottery, nature hikes, whale watching, bird watching and stargazing to name a few. Plus money from every stay goes back to rebuild and invest in the local community. www.fogoislandinn.ca

Images courtesy of Fogo Island Inn

Image credit Alex Fradkin

HOTEL OTTILIA, DENMARK

If you fancy a city break this cool Danish designed hotel with industrial vibes in the city centre is the perfect botlhole to explore Copenhagen. Conveniently stationed next door to the thermal baths for a spot of relaxing after a day pacing the pavements and galleries. www.brocher-hotels.com

Images courtesy of Hotel Ottilia 92

T R AV E L

5 Amazing Hotel Escapes

Great Reads F O R W H I L E YO U A R E AWAY

The Lost Apothecary Sarah Penner A female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them—setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course. Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman. Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.

The Silk House Kayte Nunn Weaving. Healing. Haunting. The spellbinding story of a mysterious boarding school sheltering a centuries-old secret by the bestselling author of The Botanist’s Daughter.

How the Penguins Saved Veronica Hazel Prior A curmudgeonly but charming old woman, her estranged grandson, and a colony of penguins proves it’s never too late to be the person you want to be in this rich, heartwarming story from the acclaimed author of Ellie and the Harpmaker.

Little Secrets Jennifer Hillier Overwhelmed by tragedy, a woman desperately tries to save her marriage in award-winning author Jennifer Hillier’s Little Secrets, a riveting novel of psychological suspense.

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

BOOKS

S E AT I N G A R R A N G E M E N T S B Y M A G G I E S H I P S T E A D / Maggie Shipstead’s

debut novel, published in 2012, is exactly the kind of book I seek in these covid times. A welldo-do East Coast family fathers in the Hamptons for a wedding, and over the course of the alcohol-soaked weekend the trusted social code unravels alarmingly as long-supressed passions are indulged, and disfunctional relationships are laid bare. A cast of flawed characters and moments of dark humour will keep you turning the pages.

S O R R OW A N D B L I S S B Y M E G M A S O N / This beautifully-written novel explores

the difficult subject of mental health, from the viewpoint of the protagonist Martha. From the age of seventeen she has suffered with an undiagnosed (and deliberately unnamed by Mason) mental disorder. Deeply moving, at times frustrating, peppered with sharp wit and populated by appealing characters, this book is a no-holds-barred glimpse into the struggles faced by so many.

T H E WA L L B Y J O H N L A N C H E S T E R / A book for our times. Depicting a dystopian

future ‘The Wall’ reveals a UK secluded from the rest of the world by an enormous wall. Each person must serve 2 years as a Guard patrolling the The Wall to protect the country from ‘the Others’ who try to get in via boat. All sounding scarily similar to the vernacular used by certain global leaders? If your patch of The Wall is attacked and any ‘Others’ get in, then the Guards responsible for this failure are themselves put in a boat and pushed out to sea. A tersely written, accessible novel which poses sharp political and moral questions. One reviewer described it as ‘1984 for our times’. Shortisted for the Booker Prize 2019 and the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction 2020.

CONTENT ROUNDUP

What we are reading and listening to

PODCASTS

S U S P E C T ( WO N D E R Y / C A M P S I D E ) / In a podcast landscape flooded with true crime offerings, Suspect stands out as being one of the best so far this year. Matthew Shear and Eric Benson investigate the murder of Arpana Jinaga in her apartment on the night of a Halloween party. Succinct and engaging, it first tackles the events of the night and the people involved, before moving on to the ins and outs of the legal trials endured by the accused. A binge-worthy listen.

BAD BLOOD THE FINAL CHAPTER

/ Bad Blood the Final Chapter examines the criminal trial of entrepreneur and CEO of disgraced Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes. Hosted by John Carreyrou the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist who first exposed Holmes in 2015. This podcast explores the rise and fall of Holmes and analyzes larger questions about Silicon Valley’s business culture that the Theranos scandal raised.

“Bad Blood: The Final Chapter” begins with an in-depth look at three of the trial’s biggest plot twists: Holmes’s pregnancy, her unusual and risky defense strategy; and the destruction of Theranos’s laboratory database. “I’ve closely covered the Theranos saga for the past seven years dating back to when Elizabeth Holmes was hailed as the next Steve Jobs,” said host John Carreyrou. “Now with this podcast, I’m thrilled to put the entire story into context as Holmes finally faces justice for the fraud she allegedly perpetrated.”

O V E R M Y D E A D B O D Y ( WO N D E R Y ) / A small town cop known as “GI Joe” is gunned down in a swamp in the summer of 2015 and quickly becomes a martyr in the national media. But when a dogged investigator and his team set out to get justice, they uncover unsettling secrets about Joe, the local police department, and the village of Fox Lake.

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